Historically significant, the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate are embarking on a journey to Athens this week to take part in the Fourth International Conference of the Archons for Religious Freedom. This momentous event, set to take place from May 26-28, 2024, will focus on crucial topics such as human rights, democracy, and religious freedom. Renowned speakers from around the world, including former US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Secretary General of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe Dr. Despina Hadjivassiliou-Tsovilis, and the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Vilnius, Gintaras Grušas, will be featured at the conference. Archbishop Grušas also serves as the President of the Council of the Bishops’ Conferences of Europe (CCEE).
The agenda of the conference will delve into pressing issues such as the treatment of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the growing trend of authoritarianism, its impact on religious communities, and the role of religion in global geopolitics.
Leading the conference as co-chairs are Archon Athanasios Martinos, President of the Brotherhood of Pammakaristos of the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Europe, and Archon Dr. Antonios Lyberakis, National Commander of the Archons of America. Post-conference, Mr. Martinos and Dr. Lyberakis will spearhead the inaugural International Archons Conference, where they will outline strategic plans to safeguard the Ecumenical Patriarchate and establish a platform for coordinating Archon activities across the USA, Canada, Europe, and Australia.
The Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate are a dedicated group of influential leaders committed to upholding religious freedom for all and ensuring the enduring legacy of the Ecumenical Patriarchate—the historic spiritual hub for over 300 million Orthodox Christians worldwide.
Translated by: Konstantios Menyktas