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Members of the Order of St. Andrew have the five following aims:

1. To support the Ecumenical Patriarch ate of Constan-tinople and its philanthropic institutions.

2. To assist the Ecumenical Patriarch ate in furthering the Ecumenical leadership of the Mother Church of Constantinople.

3. To uphold and defend the historical status of the Ecumenical Patriarch ate.

4. To contribute to the support and maintenance of philanthropic and educational institutions in the United States.

5. To inculcate and educate the faithful of the Holy Orthodox Church and the friends of Orthodoxy everywhere with deeper insight into the historical role of the Ecumenical Patriarch ate in the development of both eastern and western Church relations.

There are approximately 35 archons in the Pittsburgh Diocese, and three have been appointed from Columbus. Thomas Leontis received his appointment in 1978 and is the Regional Commander for the Pittsburgh Diocese. Tom Chase received his appointment in March, 1986, and George Brown was appointed an Archon in February, 1987.


ARCHONS


L. to R.: George Brown, Thomas Leontis, and Tom Chase


 

 

CHANTER

In the days before the choir accompanied the service, there was always a chanter to sing the responses. The role of the chanter today is still important, and a service could not be complete without one. Next to the priest, probably the best known face in the community is that of the chanter, Nick Vatsures.


Born in Delaware, Ohio, Mr. Vatsures has been the chanter for over 60 years. His family returned to Yeraki, Greece, when he was four years old where he completed his schooling. He returned to Ohio at 20 years of age. His talent began to show when he was very young, and he often went to church by himself in the village.

Over the years he has learned by heart all the troparia for each day of the year. Nick started chanting for Annunciation in 1925 during the years of Fr. Georgiades. He has seen generations come and go and has chanted the accompaniment for the baptism, then the wedding, and finally the funeral for the same individuals.

When the Liturgy is over, he circulates among the congregation every Sunday during coffee hour. He shakes everyone's hand and gives a cheerful greeting.

Now 86 years old, he is still available for every wedding, baptism, Sunday, or mid-week service.

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