At the Annual Archon Weekend at the New York Hilton Midtown in New York City, which was held from October 17 to 20, 2024, Archon leaders deliberated in various meetings on key issues facing the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.

On Thursday, October 17, the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew Foundation (EPBF) Board of Trustees met at a breakfast meeting. After an invocation from His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, His Eminence offered opening remarks. “This is an exciting time of the year for the Order of Saint Andrew,” His Eminence said, “and for the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew Foundation. The bestowal of the Athenagoras Human Rights Award on Yulia Navalnaya this weekend, and the Investiture of the new class of Archons of the Throne are particularly inspiring. And later tonight, we shall enjoy a marvelous performance and dinner for the benefit of the Foundation, honoring the late, great Maria Callas.”

His Eminence also stated that “the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew Foundation is becoming our institution, par excellence, in provision for a bright future of the Phanar, because the Foundation will be a perpetual resource for the First Throne of Orthodoxy.” He added: “I am so very proud of this Board of Trustees and all who have made the commitment to see this dream take shape.…The work of the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew Foundation will be seen by the coming generations as truly transformative.”

The Board then heard an independent auditors’ report from Archon Carl R. Hollister of the Audit Committee. Archon Hollister reminded the Board that Forvis, the audit, tax and consulting firm that the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew Foundation has engaged, had recently merged with Mazars. Archon Hollister pointed out that the merger had significantly enhanced Forvis Mazars’ global reach and capabilities. He later remarked that this would significantly help facilitate donations to the EPBF from other countries, making it truly a global organization, in line with the vision articulated at the First Global Summit of Archons, which was held in Athens in May 2024. “We chose correctly,” said Archon Hollister, “when we vetted the auditors and chose Forvis Mazars.”

Archon Hollister added that Richard Cole, CPA of Forvis Mazars, who was present for the discussion of the report, had been “exceptionally accommodating” through “numerous consultations,” and that he had a “great relationship” with the EPBF. Archon Hollister also discussed weaknesses that needed to be addressed, including the Foundation’s need to add more staff to deal with the volume of work. He noted that the Foundation finished 2022 with over $17 million, and 2023 with over $20 million. “Transparency and accountability,” said Dr. Anthony J. Limberakis, Chair of the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew Foundation, “are the pillars of our organization.”

Foundation Treasurer Archon Chris E. Tsamutalis, CPA, and Archon Andreas D. Comodromos, CPA, Assistant Treasurer, then presented the Treasurers’ Report. In great detail, they outlined the financial situation of the EPBF, noting that the Foundation’s total assets currently total over $26 million, up $3 million from 2023.

Aphrodite Skeadas of the Communications Committee then offered a report, stating that the latest issue of “The Founder,” the publication of the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew Foundation, contained articles that were “beautiful, informative, clear, and show Foundation’s goals and missions.” She expressed gratitude to Father Alex Karloutsos, spiritual adviser of the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, and Dr. Limberakis for their direction, and noted that the excellence of the EPBF’s publications was due to the skills and hard work of Archon John Mindala, with aid from Tsesme Consulting.

Archon Markos Lagos presented a report from the New Members Committee. He noted that the celebrated Teatro Grattacielo Opera Company would on Thursday evening present “An Evening with Maria Callas” for the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew Foundation. This event was for FOUNDERS of the EPBF, as well as in order to attract new members. Dr. Limberakis commended Archon Lagos for the tremendous commitment he demonstrated in being present at the meeting despite the hurricanes that are ravaging Florida.

After discussions on several other pressing issues, including cybersecurity, the meeting adjourned after a closing blessing from Archbishop Elpidophoros.

As His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros stated in his opening remarks, “I commend all of you for your devotion and your fidelity to the Throne of Saint Andrew and the amazing generosity of your resources and your time. Yours is a precious offering that will stand for the ages.” The EPBF Board of Trustees meeting was a vivid illustration of the Foundation’s dedication to providing for and protecting the future of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.