The Archons!

The head of a Gamma Epsilon Chapter is the Grand Archon. The second highest officer is the Vice Grand Archon. In that sense, the other officers and all members are Archons.

As such, we are in good company...

Archons, [är'konz] Gr.,=leaders

In ancient Athens and other Greek cities, officers of state. Originally in Athens there were three archons: the archon eponymos (so called because the year was named after him), who was the chief officer of the state; the archon basileus, who was primarily connected with sacred rites; and the archon polemarchos (the polemarch, or military commander), who : theoretically, at least : had military leadership. Six more archons, the thesmothetae (thesmothetes), were later added; they were junior officers, generally in charge of the courts. (source: 1Up Info Encyclopedia)

At present, an Archon is an honoree by His All Holiness, the Ecumenical Patriarch, for his outstanding service to the Church, and a well-known distinguished, and well-respected leader of the Greek Orthodox Community (at large).

It is by the grace of God that the Archon has been able to offer his good works and deeds of faith. Further, it is the sworn oath of the Archon to defend and promote the Greek Orthodox faith and tradition. His special concern and interest is to serve as a bulwark to protect and promote the Holy Patriarchate and its mission. He is also concerned with the human race's inalienable rights wherever and whenever they are violated - and the well-being and general welfare of the Church.

This honor, extended by the Church, carries with it great responsibilities, deep commitments, and sincere dedication.

Consequently, it is of utmost importance that this honor of obligation be bestowed upon individuals of proven Orthodox Christian character, who conform faithfully to the teachings of Christ, and the doctrines, canons, worship, discipline, and encyclicals of the Church.

Furthermore, the honoree should have demonstrated to a greater than average degree his commitment toward the stewardship of time, talent, and treasure, for the betterment of the Church; Parish-Diocese; Archdiocese; and the community as a whole, and must truly be deserving of the proclamation.

(NB: The aforementioned is very much similar to the GE/GLE Heirarchy)


Compiled from the Email of:
Bro. Leonard Kirk Galanza
Office of the President
Email Address:mailto:lkirkgalanza@yahoo.com
Website: http://www.op.gov.ph