Archon James G. Lakerdas, Esq. Appointed Regional Commander For The Metropolis Of Chicago, Joining Archon Siatis; Archons Pablecas And Manos Assume Emeritus Status

With the blessings of His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America and in consultation with His Eminence Metropolitan Nathanael of Chicago, Dr. Anthony J. Limberakis, National Commander of the Archons of theEcumenical Patriarchate, has appointed Archon James G. Lakerdas, Esq. Regional Commander for the Metropolis of Chicago, joining Regional Commander Pericles C. (Perry) Siatis, Esq.

Archon Lakerdas succeeds Archons Gus (Kosmas) Pablecas and John G. Manos, who recently informed Dr. Anthony J. Limberakis, National Commander of the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, of their intention to step down as Regional Commanders. In recognition of their long and remarkable record of service, Dr. Limberakis invited both Archons Pablecas and Manos to assume Emeritus status, and they accepted.

The National Commander noted that as Regional Commander for the Metropolis of Chicago, Archons Pablecas and Manos “infused energy and dynamism into the Archons of Chicago in support of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the religious freedom initiatives of the Archons nationwide and worldwide. In fact, they set the bar for Regional Commanders, and have been the role models for what a Regional Commander should be.”

Dr. Limberakis added: “It is a great blessing for the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate to have the opportunity to add Archon James G. Lakerdas to our able group of Regional Commanders. An experienced and accomplished attorney, Archon Lakerdas has also been a devoted son of our Holy Mother Church of Constantinople for five decades now, serving his home parish and numerous Hellenic charitable organizations in numerouscapacities. I am looking forward to the energy and vision he will bring to our Archon activities in the Metropolis of Chicago.”

“I feel honored and blessed,” said Archon Lakerdas. “It is our duty to support and protect our beloved Ecumenical Patriarchate, as well as to instill in all of the Orthodox faithful the basics of Orthodoxy and awareness of the pivotal role His All-Holiness the Ecumenical Patriarch plays in the Church. I am looking forward to making a positive contribution to these efforts as a Regional Commander for the Metropolis of Chicago.”

Archon James G. Lakerdas and his beloved wife Athena are FOUNDERS of the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew Foundation. He was instrumental in the decision of Assumption Greek Orthodox Church in Chicago to become the only FOUNDER parish in the Metropolis of Chicago. For decades, Archon James has served on the Parish Council of Assumption parish, as well as serving as Executive Secretary, Vice-President, and as President for four terms. Archon Lakerdas is also deeply involved in a number of other charitable organizations, including the Pan Ikarian Brotherhood, a philanthropic organization that offers assistance to the Island of Ikaria in Greece. Archon Lakerdas is a Board member of the Saint Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine in St. Augustine, Florida and a member of the Executive Board of the National Hellenic Invitation Basketball Tournament (NHIBT). He also serves as the President of the Parish Council at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Schiller Park, Illinois.

James G. Lakerdas, Esq. was invested as an Archon on October 9, 2022 and conferred with the offikion Asingritis.

According to the Bylaws of the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the Order’s National Commander is to appoint Regional Commanders to serve for a period of one year. Each Regional Commander serves as the representative of the National Council in the region in order to carry out the purposes, objectives and principles of the Archons and promote the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew Foundation.

An Archon of the Ecumenical Patriarchate is an honoree by His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew for his outstanding service to the Church, and a well-known, distinguished, and well-respected leader of the Orthodox Christian community.