Inaugural West Coast Archon Lenten Retreat at Saint Anthony
With the blessings of His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, Exarch of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, and the blessings and presence of His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco, the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate (AEP) hosted the John Halecky Jr. 21st Annual National Archon Lenten Retreat on the West Coast for the first time on Friday, March 28 and Saturday, March 29, 2025 at St. Anthony Greek Orthodox Church in Pasadena, California.
At the Inaugural West Coast Lenten Retreat, His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos provided outstanding pastoral guidance. Reverent Father Stavros Akrotirianakis provided wisdom and insight in his capacity as the Retreat Master, as he will also at the East Coast Retreat. Father Stavros spoke on the topic, “Renewing Our Call to Be Disciples: Understanding Who We Are Called to Be and Recommitting Ourselves to Our Sacred Charge.” His deeply spiritual and enlightening presentation won considerable acclaim from attendees.
The West Coast Retreat was the result of excellent planning and execution on the part of the local committee headed by Southern California Regional Commanders Archon Hon. Steven and Stacia Counelis; Archon Theodore and Jeri Konopisos; and Archon Gerry and Jeannie Ranglas. Reverend Father Peter Stratos, Proistamenos of Saint Anthony gave generously of his time in serving as Retreat Pastor.
The John Halecky Jr. National Archon Lenten Retreat on both the West Coast and East Coast is under the chairmanship of Archon Hieromnimon Peter J. Skeadas and co-chair Archon Ostiarios Michael G. Psaros. It offers Archons an opportunity to turbocharge their Orthodox Christian Faith and strengthen their devotion to our Lord and Savior, so that they may serve the needs of the Great Church of Christ with the “shield of faith,” the “helmet of salvation” and the “sword of the Spirit” as they continue their indefatigable efforts to seek religious freedom for the Holy and Great Mother Church of Constantinople.
