Program Mission
The Pilgrimage of Discovery is a transformational program dedicated to sending Orthodox Christian young adults to Constantinople each year to learn about Orthodoxy, our Patriarchate, the history of the Church, the challenges facing the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the experience of the remaining Orthodox people living in Asia Minor and other important priorities. This rewarding experience helps participants better connect to their religious tradition and understand the relevance of the Ecumenical Patriarchate as they prepare to lead the Orthodox Church in the future. This immersive journey creates a lasting impact on identity, faith, family, community and culture and helps secure the continuity of the Orthodox Church from a grassroots level.
POD Committees
General Chairs:
Archon Hon. Jeffery G. Chrones* & Hellena Chrones*
Archon Perry Siatis
Preparation Committee:
Metropolis of Chicago Regional Commander Archon John G. Manos (Chair)*
Archon Hon. Jeffery G. Chrones* & Hellena Chrones*
Dr. Elizabeth Prodromou
Archon Dr. John Fotopoulos*
Archon Dr. Alexandros Kyrou
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Selection Committee:
Archon Dr. John Fotopoulos* (Chair) & Dr. Eleni Makris
Pres. Anna Kallis
Archon Dr. Alexandros Kyrou & Dr. Elizabeth Prodromou
Metropolis of Pittsburgh Regional Commander Archon Nick Terezis
Metropolis of San Francisco Regional Commander Archon Hon. Steve Counelis
Metropolis of Pittsburgh Regional Commander Archon Nick Tranto
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Legal/Security Committee:
Joan Berg, Esq.*
Marketing Committee:
Tina Manikas *(Chair)
Archon Perry Siatis, Esq.
Hellena Chrones
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Logistics Committee:
Archon Hon. Jeffery G. Chrones* & Hellena Chrones*
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POD Alumni Leadership Network Committee:
Archon Perry Siatis, Esq.*
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Development Committee:
Metropolis of Pittsburgh Regional Commander Archon Nick Tranto (Chair)
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* denotes Founding Member
A 7-Day Journey Awarded Annually
The Pilgrimage of Discover is a life-changing journey and curated experience to Constantinople (Istanbul) to visit the Ecumenical Patriarchate and religious sites, meet His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, as well as make local connections.
A Program Made Possible by the Archons
The Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in the United States, the Order of Saint Andrew, is an organization of honorees committed to Protecting the Future of Faith. Their primary mission is to promote and defend the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople. The spiritual, educational and philanthropic initiatives of the Archons in America are focused on the general well-being of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and its institutions, as well as on related religious, educational and philanthropic institutions in the United States. Those selected to serve as Archons by his All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, have demonstrated a commitment greater than average toward the stewardship of time, talent and treasure for the betterment of the Church, Parish, Diocese/Metropolis, Archdiocese and the community as a whole.
