LOMBARD, IL – [Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago]
The 2025 Clergy-Laity Assembly of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago, held on November 5-6 in Rolling Meadows, Illinois, adjourned with a series of forward-looking decisions to strengthen the Church’s people, ministries, and presence at a time when interest in Orthodox Christianity is steadily growing throughout the Midwest, as noted in a press release by the Metropolis.
Delegates approved a two-year operating budget that allocates $700,000 over two years to support the St. Iakovos Retreat Center, and endorsed the establishment of new Metropolis Offices in the City of Chicago, a historic milestone in the life of the Metropolis. Currently based in Lombard, Metropolis has been located outside of Chicago for the past seven years.
“When the clergy and laity come together in prayerful discernment, the Church reveals her authentic voice. This was evident in the dialogue and decisions of our Assembly. As we conclude our work in 2025 and look to the year ahead, the actions taken here fill us with greater grace and courage to carry forward the sacred work God has entrusted to us”, said His Eminence Metropolitan Nathanael.
Attendees heard keynote addresses from Dr. Demetrios S. Katos, President of Hellenic College Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology, who spoke on the seminary’s vital role in forming the next generation of clergy, and Thom S. Rainer, Founder and CEO of Church Answers, who offered insights on how faith communities can grow, lead, and remain vibrant in a changing world.
Later, Metropolitan Nathanael moderated a thought-provoking panel discussion exploring the various methods the Church can harness to bring Christ’s ministry to a contemporary society. A consistent theme in all discussions was the growing surge of interest in Orthodox Christianity among faith seekers. Within the last 2-3 years, the Metropolis of Chicago has experienced record-setting levels of baptisms and chrismations bringing new members to the Church.
“We are profoundly grateful for the collaborative spirit that filled this Assembly and deeply humbled by the trust placed in us. The energy and engagement brought by the delegates were truly palpable. The thoughtful dialogue and meaningful decisions made reflect our shared desire to strengthen the Church so that it may continue to welcome and transform all people across the Midwest”, said George Lattas, Chairman of the Clergy-Laity Assembly and First Vice President of the Metropolis Council.
The Assembly elected the following members to the Metropolis Council, Audit Committee, and Archdiocesan Council for the coming term:
Metropolis Council: Helen Alexander (Sts. Peter and Paul, Glenview, Illinois), Dean Avdalas (Sts. Demetrios, Chicago, Illinois), Fr. Chris Avramopoulos (Sts Constantine & Helen, Palos Hills, Illinois), Fr. Panagiotis Boznos (St. Athanasios, Aurora, Illinois), Peter Coules (St. Nicholas, Oak Lawn, Illinois), Fr. Panteleimon Dalianis (Sts. Constantine & Helen, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin), Dr. Alexandria Kalina (St. Mary, Minneapolis, Minnesota), Panagiotis Kostoulas (Assumption, Town & Country, Missouri), George Lattas (Sts. Constantine & Helen, Palos Hills, Illinois), Fr. Sotirios Malamis (Ascension of Our Lord, Lincolnshire, Illinois), Pres. Evangelia March, Ph.D. (Holy Transfiguration, Mason City, Iowa), Fr. Chris Mihalopoulos (St. Nectarios, Palatine, Illinois), Fr. Doug Papulis (St. Nicholas, St. Louis, Missouri), Mr. Paul Rentzelos (St. George, Chicago, Illinois), Fr. Stamati Sfikas (Annunciation Cathedral, Chicago, Illinois), Dean G. Tortorelis, M.D. (St. Mary, Minneapolis, Minnesota)
In addition to the elected members, His Eminence will appoint eight additional members to the Metropolis Council.
Audit Committee: Gus Harris (Assumption, Town & Country, Missouri), Marc Kotsonas (St. Andrew, Chicago, Illinois).
Archdiocesan Council: Mr. Dean Avdalas (St. Demetrios, Chicago, Illinois), Mr. Owen Field (St. George, Chicago, Illinois), Fr. Dimitri Tobias (St. John the Baptist, Des Plaines, Illinois).
Finally, His Eminence Metropolitan Nathanael announced two key leadership appointments: Fr. Dionysios Anagnostopoulos as Chancellor and Fr. Panagiotis Boznos as Vicar General of the Metropolis of Chicago.
