On Friday, April 20th, a Hierarchal Divine Liturgy will be celebrated at the chapel of Zoodohos Peghe (Life Giving Fountain) of the Saint Iakovos Retreat Center.
With the blessing of His Eminence Metropolitan Iakovos of Chicago (who will be in prayerful attendance), His Grace Bishop Demetrios of Mokissos will celebrate a Hierarchical Divine Liturgy. All clergy and faithful of the Metropolis of Chicago are invited to attend.
Orthos will begin at 9:00 am., followed by the celebration of the Divine Liturgy. A BBQ luncheon will be offered following Divine Services.
Driving Directions
From the South:
Take 94 North to Rte. 142/Burlington Rd (2nd exit North of Hwy 50)
Go West on 142/Burlington Rd approx 5 miles to Stop Sign at Rte. 45
Go North on Rte 45 approx 1 mile to 9th Street (on left)
Go West on 9th Street approximately 1 mile to 224th Ave (“T” intersection)
At the “T” intersection take a slight jog left (about 10 yards) to the entrance into the SIRC.
From the North:
Take 94 South to Rte. 142/Burlington Rd
Go West on 142/Burlington Rd approx 5 miles to Stop Sign at Rte. 45
Go North on Rte 45 approx 1 mile to 9th Street (on left)
Go West on 9th Street approximately 1 mile to 224th Ave (“T” intersection)
At the “T” intersection take a slight jog left (about 10 yards) to the entrance into the SIRC.
PLEASE DO NOT ENTER THE PROPERTY VIA ANY OTHER ROUTE.
AS A COURTESY TO OUR NEIGHBOORS WE HAVE BEEN ASKED TO REFRAIN FROM ENTERING THE PROPERTY VIA 224TH STREET.
Since the Metropolitans Dinner last fall, when seven $100K donors were honored, two more have stepped forward with a $100K gift towards the building of the Residence Hall. Harold Anagnos of the Ascension of our Lord parish in Lincolnshire, IL relates:
“Our Greek Orthodox community is in dire need of programs and facilities that will bring our people together across our Metropolis. The programs and opportunities to meet will explode once we have our own permanent facilities to go away for a day or a week and focus our time in true Orthodox fellowship and expand our spiritual awareness. It is another way to bring us closer to The Lord and to each other as a community. These relationships will last a lifetime.”
The second such $100K donor is the extraordinary AHEPA Chapter #78 in Merrillville, IN. Named AHEPA Chapter of the Year and recognized on the floor of the House of Representatives. In addition to financial assistance the members dedicate many volunteer hours. Year-round these Ahepans focus on volunteering and worked with food pantries, soup kitchens, women’s shelters, youth organizations and veterans’ services. Organizations they have partnered with, to name only a few are, Salvation Army, St. Jude House, Meals on Wheels the American Red Cross, Veterans Life Changing Services, Boys & Girls Club, and Rebuilding, South Lake County rehabbing homes for needy seniors and disabled. Nick Gianikos, the vice president in charge of philanthropy states:
“We hope that this donation will encourage others to join with us to accelerate the construction of the Metropolis Retreat Center for our Greek Orthodox Faith, our Hellenic Heritage and especially a wonderful facility for our youth. AXIOS”
In addition to these new $100K donors, the Novak Foundation which has already given the Retreat Center $130,000 has voted to give the Residence Hall project another $70,000 bringing their total commitment to $200,000. The Novak Foundation, founded by the Gus Novak (of Blessed Memory) of the SS. Constantine and Helen Parish in Merriville, IN continues to donate to worthy ministries.
The Board of Directors of the Retreat Center hopes to attract 35 $100K donors, one for each of the rooms. The donors will be given naming honors for the room. At present, 9 donors have stepped forward. These two new donors join the previous seven – an anonymous donor, the SS. Peter and Paul Foundation - Glenview, Arlene Siavelis, Dr. Jeff and Stella Winternheimer, Arthur Labros, the Novak Foundation and the Spell Family Foundation – Minneapolis.
The Retreat Center continues to serve many groups at present, hosting many activities. A wonderful addition will be realized very soon this summer… fifteen Proskynetaria will be placed throughout the wooded paths for the faithful to visit, and offer their prayers.
If you are interested in donating to the Retreat Center, please contact the Metropolis of Chicago at 312-337-4130 or Nick Kasemeotes, Development at 507-358-6521,nick@metropolisretreat.org Learn more about the Retreat Center atwww.metropolisretreat.org.
Photos from some recent events hosted at the St. Iakovos Retreat Center have been posted in the Youth Event Photo Gallery. Take a moment and view this beautiful facility.