Report: Archons Strip Abp. Elpidophoros of Power to Appoint National Commander

BOSTON — According to a report from the National Herald, the Ecumenical Patriarch will appoint the National Commander of the Order of St. Andrew the Archons, replacing the Archbishop of America’s longstanding authority to select the organization’s leader, under amendments unanimously approved at an October 17 meeting in Manhattan.

The revised bylaws state that the change follows the direction of Patr. Bartholomew. After the appointment of current National Commander Anthony J. Limberakis, his successors will serve four-year terms, with the possibility of an additional term at the Ecumenical Patriarch’s discretion.

The amendments also reduce the administrative role of local metropolitans in selecting new Archons. A committee will screen candidates and consult with the metropolitans, but the latter will have no administrative review or authority. The committee will recommend candidates to the National Council, after which the final list will be submitted to the Ecumenical Patriarch for approval.

The changes come amid reported tensions between Abp. Elpidophoros and senior Order officials. Disagreements reportedly surfaced during an October 15 meeting concerning the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew Foundation, including a heated exchange between the Archbishop and Grand Protopresbyter Alexander Karloutsos.

The Foundation's financial resources have reportedly reached $40 million, raising questions about the future control of its funds and the relationship between the Order's leadership and the Archdiocese. Abp. Elpidophoros, Karloutsos, and Limberakis had not publicly commented on the amendments at the time of the original report.

Previously, the UOJ reported that the Archons would host a webinar featuring a feminist author.