LOMBARD, IL – The 2023 Clergy-Laity Assembly, the biennial meeting of the faithful of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago, was held as an affirmation of the vibrancy of the life of the Orthodox Church in the Midwest. Most notably, His Eminence Metropolitan Nathanael of Chicago shared his 5-year vision of growth through the cultivation of existing and new relationships.

The Metropolis of Chicago’s operating budget, including a more transparent budgeting method, was discussed and approved. Moreover, delegates approved a proposed amendment to Article 12, Section 2 of the Uniform Metropolis Regulations (UPR) concerning staggered terms for Metropolis Council members. Finally, delegates voted a new slate of representatives to fill seats on the Metropolis Council, the Metropolis Audit Committee, and the Archdiocesan Council.

Encouraged by the course being taken by the Metropolis of Chicago, two anonymous donors pledged matching gifts of $50,000 each, totaling $100,000, to the newly-created Metropolis of Chicago Vision Fund. The Vision Fund is designed to support and grow ministries and programs associated with the new vision of the Metropolis of Chicago. Additionally, the Philoptochos of the Metropolis of Chicago gifted a donation of $25,000 to the St. Iakovos Retreat Center.

“We believe that the spirit of unity and sense of purpose we saw at the Clergy-Laity Assembly is the result of the trust that has been earned by our Holy Metropolis in recent years,” said George Lattas, Chairman of the Clergy-Laity Assembly and Second Vice President of the Metropolis Council. “All we can offer is a humble pledge to recommit ourselves to our obligations and find new ways to better serve the faithful of the Metropolis.”

Delegates and observers participated in five breakout sessions (Developing Clergy Leaders, Supporting Parishes, Expanding Philanthropy and Outreach, Increasing Engagement, and Fueling Growth) to offer insights and brainstorm ideas to help actualize His Eminence Metropolitan Nathanael’s vision. Results were discussed with delegates at the Clergy-Laity Assembly and will be used by the Metropolis of Chicago to track growth during the next five years.

“Having listened attentively to the flock over the last five years, we now have an articulation of what we stand for and what we want as a faith community – one that hundreds have shaped and refined,” His Eminence Metropolitan Nathanael said. “With our future course set, we must now continue the difficult but essential work of serving all of Christ’s children – the faithful already active in the life of the Church, as well as those still seeking greater purpose, meaning, and belonging in their lives.”

In his homily Metropolitan Nathanael of Chicago among other things said:

“I’ve spent a great deal of time reflecting on why we are here. When I say a ‘great deal of time’ I literally mean months and years. And when I say ‘we’ I mean –  ‘we’ as the members of the Metropolis of Chicago, ‘we’ as Orthodox Christians, and ‘we’ the Body of Christ.

“Practically speaking, we’re here to discuss issues and topics important to the life of our Metropolis: proposals to reshape our financial structure; ways to better support our ministries; the search for our Metropolis Center; the larger question of growing the Church here in the heart of the Midwest; and so on.

“But, above and beyond the agenda items for this Assembly, we are here because we want a better future for all people, we want a vision that brings out the best in us, leading to growth and vitality for the Church. I look forward to all the coming discussions – the sublime and the mundane alike – and I pray that our dialogue be meaningful, and our choices be well-considered. But in a sense, the Lord has already begun to answer that prayer today: by the amazing set of people that He has brought together from near and far to conduct our business. For, I tell you truly, I have deep confidence and faith in who is in the room here today.”

In another instance he said: “Who are you? You are leaders in your parishes, to be sure. But more than that, by being here today you demonstrate that you are willing to sacrifice for what you believe in. You are my co-workers in Christ who challenge me daily to match your spirit of self-dedication and, wherever I can, to exceed it. You are the kind of ‘whos’ I want to be surrounded by regularly.”