The Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate (AEP) is pleased to share THE GREAT NEWS that His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, Exarch of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the Holy Eparchial Synod have approved the recommendation of the AEP National Council to establish a yearly “Archon Sunday” on the Sunday closest to the feast of St. Andrew, November 30th. It was a longstanding concept of the National Council, but was recently formally introduced by the superlative Regional Commanders of the Boston Metropolis Archons Jim Speros and Costa Sideridis at a recent National Council meeting. On that Sunday, an Archiepiscopal Encyclical will be circulated to all churches in the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America.

Also, at the recommendation of the AEP, the Holy Eparchial Synod endorsed the creation of a Sunday School curriculum on the role and importance of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. This Archon Initiative was spear-headed by Archon Nicholas J. Tranto, who chairs the Archon Youth Activities Engagement Committee, known as the Sprouts Youth Committee, assisted by Archons Nick Terezis and Ted Argeroplos, who were indispensable in this initiative. Archon Tranto stated: “The Holy Eparchial Synod’s wise and praiseworthy decision is the culmination of countless hours of exhaustive labor by a group of extremely knowledgeable and dedicated people who are devoted to our beloved Holy Mother Church of Constantinople. I am confident, as is everyone who helped bring us to this moment, that the beneficial effects of this curriculum will be seen in the Archdiocese of America, and in the Orthodox Church worldwide, for generations to come.”

The actual curriculum was created by two professional educators, who between them have over 50 years of teaching experience: Dr. Helen Nixon, who holds a doctorate in education (EdD) and Catherine Tsatalis who has an MA in Elementary Education. These educators are the respective Catechism School Directors of Ss. Constantine and Helen of Washington, DC and the Annunciation Church of Dayton, OH and over the past three years have contributed hundreds of hours pro bono to establish an age-specific and grade-specific curriculum from pre-K to High School housed on a state-of-the art digital platform. The curriculum was personally approved and edited by His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, himself a full professor at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki prior to his election as Archbishop of America. We are deeply grateful to Archon Michael G. Psaros who personally contributed $100,000 to cover the costs of this landmark AEP initiative. Archon Psaros noted “This program will be transformative for the profile of the Ecumenical Patriarch and Ecumenical Patriarchate in America. We will educate a new generation who will know who is the Ecumenical Patriarch, as easily as Roman Catholic youth identify the Pope. If we just accomplish that, we win.”

“Archon Sunday” and the AEP Ecumenical Patriarchate Catechism School Education Initiative were approved at the regular meeting of the Holy Eparchial Synod, which convened on September 13, 2024 at the Theological School of the Holy Cross in Boston. His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America presided over the meeting. https://www.goarch.org/-/communique-of-the-holy-eparchial-synod-september-13-2024

Dr. Limberakis remarked: “I am deeply thankful to Almighty God that the Holy Eparchial Synod has approved these AEP proposals. Archon Sunday will provide a tremendous opportunity to familiarize the Greek Orthodox faithful, and especially our youth, with the multifaceted work of the Archons to support and defend the Ecumenical Patriarchate and protect the future of faith. The Sunday School curriculum will familiarize the children of the Archdiocese with the global ministry of His All-Holiness, and the crucial importance of the Ecumenical Patriarchate for the unity and the future of our Holy Orthodox Faith.” It is anticipated that the curriculum will be translated and available globally.

Our Holy Mother Church of Constantinople, which the Archons are dedicated to supporting, defending, and aiding in its worldwide salvific mission, was founded by Saint Andrew, the “first-called” of the Holy Apostles of our Lord, God and Savior Jesus Christ, and brother of Saint Peter.