Metropolis News

Back to all news

Metropolis of Chicago to realign its administrative offices to better support parishes and meet the ongoing needs, opportunities, and challenges of the Church in the Midwest

LOMBARD, IL, March 5, 2023 – The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago today announced the findings of an independent review of its administrative processes. The review will help refocus its operations toward a far-sighted vision of growth and to support its parishes in a sustainable, meaningful way. 

The review also will enable the Metropolis of Chicago to balance the needs of day-to-day operational management and progress toward and fulfillment of long-term strategic goals. 

“We have come a long way over the last five years. With God’s grace, and through the tireless work of so many clergy and lay leaders, the Metropolis of Chicago now rests on a foundation of stability,” said His Eminence Metropolitan Nathanael. “Now, we must devote our energy and focus more intentionally toward growth of the Church in the Midwest: spiritual growth of Orthodox Christians; growth of our ministries and programs; and growth of the number of believers. Throughout our work, we intend to partner closely with our parishes and collaborate on how they may benefit, directly and indirectly, from actions of the Metropolis of Chicago.” 

Over the next five years, the Metropolis of Chicago intends to better shape and manage workplace culture; expand and redefine job roles; better realize economies of scale; institute performance measures, and streamline and elevate development and fundraising, among other actions.

Actions to be implemented immediately, include: the identification of a Metropolis Director of Operations; refining current job roles and conducting searches for new jobs roles over time; and implementation of policies and processes to further professionalize the administrative office. 

“Having joyfully celebrated the centennial of our Holy Archdiocese in 2022, and, as 2023 marks the 100-year anniversary since the enthronement of the first Bishop of Chicago, there is no better time for us to renew our commitment to Christ and to each other. The steps we take today will not be easy to fulfill, but they are essential to make good on our commitment as Orthodox Christians to share God’s love unconditionally with all people,” said His Eminence.  

An executive summary of the internal review can be viewed HERE.

——-

About the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago 

Tracing its roots back to 1923, the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago is the diocese of Greek Orthodox faithful in Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, northern Indiana, and southeastern Missouri, consisting of 58 parishes and two monastic communities. The Metropolis is one of nine regions in the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America and is presided over by His Eminence Metropolitan Nathanael. The general offices of the Metropolis are temporarily located in Lombard, Illinois. For more information and to get involved, visit our website, volunteer for a Strategic Planning Team, and sign up to receive Metropolis news

For further information, contact the Metropolis of Chicago at: contactus@chicago.goarch.org or 312-736-2280.

###