Archon Isidoros Garifalakis Named Archon Regional Commandant for the Pacific Northwest – Archon News Article
With the blessing of His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America and in consultation with His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco, Dr. Anthony J. Limberakis, National Commander of the Order of Saint Andrew the Apostle, Archon Isidoros Garifalakis as Regional Commander for Order in the Pacific Northwest.
His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros declared: “This is an excellent appointment. Archon Isidoros Garifalakis is a true disciple of the best teacher: our Lord Jesus Christ. He has proven over the years that he practices our faith with a sincere heart and sincere intention. May he receive grace upon grace through the sacred intercession of Theotokos while continuing to love and serve our holy Mother Church of Constantinople. “
Dr. Limberakis remarked, “A few important anecdotes reveal the excellent character of Archon Garifalakis. Some time ago he was asked to supply the steel for the rebuilding of the Annunciation Cathedral in San Francisco. He did so at his own expense and declined to reimburse. Archon Isidoros and his beloved wife Maria also traveled to Evia, Greece, where Archon Isidoros was born, this summer and spent several weeks helping in the catastrophic fires that struck Greece, and Evia in particular. These were true deeds of φιλανθρωπία and actions of Archon Isidorus’ devotion to our Holy Church. I am honored to be able to appoint him regional commander. I am also very proud that Archon Isidoros and Maria have committed to become FOUNDERS of the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew Foundation. “
“I have been honored to serve the Order and our Mother Church as Archon of the Ecumenical Patriarchate for the past 17 years,” remarked Archon Garifalakis. “I accept this new responsibility as regional commander with gratitude and deep commitment to the advancement of the mission of the order. My goal is to explore new opportunities for the archons in the Pacific Northwest while mobilizing and raising awareness of our efforts as defenders of the faith. “
Archon Garifalakis, a parishioner of Holy Trinity Cathedral in Portland, Oregon, was installed as Archon on October 10, 2004, and conferred the office of Depoutatos.
Archon Garifalakis is the principal owner of Omega Industries, headquartered in Vancouver, Washington, where he operates the largest provider of mainline railroad crossings in the United States. His company also makes excavator parts and a variety of steel products at its four plants in the United States. He is a member of the Metropolis Council for the Metropolis of San Francisco, where he chairs the Fundraising and Development Committee. He and his family are generous supporters of their Portland parish, Saint John the Forerunner Monastery in Goldendale, WA, and the Saint Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center in Dunlap, CA. Archon Garifalakis is currently a member of the Council of the Archdiocese, a position he has held for several years. He and Maria are also fulfilled members of Leadership 100.
According to the statutes of the Order of Saint Andrew the Apostle, Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the National Commander of the Order should appoint regional commanders for a period of one year after the election of the National Council officials. Each regional commander acts as the representative of the National Council in the region in order to realize the purposes, goals and principles of the order.
An Archon of the Ecumenical Patriarchate is honored by His All Holy Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew for his outstanding service to the Church and is a well known, respected and respected leader of the Orthodox Christian community.
The Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew Foundation: The Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate established a foundation for the Holy See of Saint Andrew. FOUNDERS of the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew Foundation have committed to secure the financial basis of the Holy Mother Church, the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, by pledging 100,000 US dollars over a period of 10 years.