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Archon Theofanis V. (Fanis) Economidis, a former NASA engineer who helped develop the Space Shuttle before becoming one of the most influential lay defenders of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and Greek Orthodox life in the American West, fell asleep in the Lord on November 29 at 89.

For more than three decades, Economidis was a central figure in the web that links the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople with parishes, philanthropists and public institutions across the western United States. He served as a Regional Commander and member of the National Council of the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, Vice President of the Metropolis of San Francisco Council, and managing director and board leader of Saint Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center in California’s Sierra foothills.

Fanis was preceded in death by his wife, Cynthia (Efstathia), in 2014. He is survived by their daughter, Roberta (Hariklia), who cared lovingly for him, especially throughout his recent health challenges.

“Our brother in Christ, Archon Theofanis Economidis, embodied that quiet greatness which never seeks its own reward,” His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America said, reflecting on the news of Theofanis Economidis’s passing. 

“With hope in the Resurrection, we give thanks for a layman who served without calculation — for love of his community, his fellow citizens, his ancestral land, and above all his Church and the Ecumenical Patriarchate. May his memory be eternal.”

“For more than 35 years, Fanis served as a distinguished leader in the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco … He was a cherished friend, trusted colleague, and valued mentor,” His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco said, noting that those who worked with him “had tremendous respect and admiration for his dedicated service, strength, intelligence, integrity, and deep faith.”

Read the message from Metropolitan Gerasimos.

Dr. Anthony J. Limberakis, National Commander of the Archons, called him “an Archon for all to emulate,” praising his “unparalleled” diakonia to both the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the Metropolis of San Francisco.

Read the message from Dr. Anthony J. Limberakis.

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