Foundation News Archons Joseph J. Kokolakis, Esq. and Markos K. Lagos to Chair New Members Committee of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew Foundation
With the blessings of His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, Dr. Anthony J. Limberakis, Chair of the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew Foundation (EPBF) and National Commander of the Order of St. Andrew, has appointed Archons Joseph J. Kokolakis, Esq. and Markos K. Lagos as Chairs of the New Members Committee of the EPBF. Archons Kokolakis and Lagos are both FOUNDERS ($100,000 donors) of the EPBF.
A watershed initiative of the Order of Saint Andrew the Apostle, the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew Foundation was established to grant economic independence to the Ecumenical Patriarchate so that it may fulfill its apostolic mission in perpetuity. The New Members Committee will enable it to continue and expand its sacred mission.
“It is an immense honor that I make these appointments,” said Dr. Limberakis. “Archons Kokolakis and Lagos are exemplary Greek Orthodox Christians, energetic servants of our Church and our Omogeneia, and tireless warriors for our holy Mother Church of Constantinople. They have both won respect and renown for all that they have done to strengthen and defend our Orthodox Faith.”
Archon Kokolakis stated: “I am deeply honored to accept this position as co-Chair of the New Members Committee of the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew Foundation. The Ecumenical Patriarchate is the heart of our Church and the living expression of the unity of our people, and it is facing unprecedented external, and even internal, threats. As Orthodox Christians, and as Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, we have a duty to defend and protect our Mother Church and do everything possible to further its sacred mission. It is my honor to serve His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew in this capacity.”
“The Ecumenical Patriarchate is the holy center of our faith,” noted Archon Lagos. “The paternal, pastoral and prophetic voice of His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew has been the conscience of the world for three decades. Our commitment to sustaining our faith and supporting our Mother Church is the most important example we can convey to our children and grandchildren, as they are the future of Greek Orthodoxy. I am grateful for this opportunity to help preserve and defend the Ecumenical Patriarchate.”
Archon Joseph and Anna Kokolakis
Archon Joseph J. Kokolakis, Esq. Is a FOUNDER of the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew Foundation and a member of Leadership 100. He Chairs the Order of Saint Andrew “Patriarchal Properties and Legal Issues” Engagement Committee, organized the inaugural “Blue Jean Ball” in support of the Atlanta Metropolis Diakonia Center, and managed the construction of the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Clearwater, Florida after it was destroyed by fire. Archon Kokolakis currently serves as President of Kokolakis Contracting, Inc., a public works General Contractor with offices in New York and Florida. He is a graduate of Emory University School of Law, as well as a licensed General, Plumbing, Roofing, and Waterproofing Contractor. Archon Kokolakis and his wife Anna have three children. Joseph J. Kokolakis was invested as an Archon on October 31, 2020, and conferred with the offikion Depoutatos.
Archon Markos and Sevasti Lagos
Archon Markos K. Lagos is also a FOUNDER of the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew Foundation, as well as a member of the Board of Trustees of the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew Foundation and the Executive Board of Leadership 100. Archon Lagos has served the Tampa Bay community in many capacities, including various leadership positions at the local parish, Metropolis, and national levels. He has devoted his efforts to aiding, among many others, Hellenic College and Holy Cross, Hellenic Hearts, Paradise for Kids, Children’s Light Foundation, Project Mexico, Urban League, Lighthouse for the Blind, the Morton Plant Mease Hospital Foundation, and WNB. Archon Lagos attended Youngstown State University, and concurrently studied Business Management at the General Motors Institute (GMI). He is President of ML Financial Inc. and a Manager of Thorn Equity Fund, LLC. Archon Lagos and his wife Sevasti have three children and four grandchildren. Markos K. Lagos was invested as Archon in 2014 and conferred with the offikion Maestor.
