GREEK ORTHODOX METROPOLITAN IAKOVOS OF CHICAGO VISITED KANSASVILLE RETREAT CENTER
BISHOP DEMETRIOS OF MOKISSOS OFFICIATES FEAST DAY LITURGY FOR RETREAT CENTER’S CHAPEL OF THE LIFE-GIVING SPRING
KANSASVILLE, WI: Metropolitan Iakovos of Chicago, spiritual leader of all Greek Orthodox parishioners within Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa and Minnesota as well as large portions of Missouri and Indiana, visited the St. Iakovos Retreat Center in Kansasville on Friday, April 21. The yearly visit of the Metropolitan to this part of Wisconsin was for the official opening of the St Iakovos Retreat Center with the service of the Feast Day of the St. Iakovos Retreat Center Chapel; the Chapel of the Life-giving Spring (Ζωοδόχος Πηγή).
The day began with Hierarchical Divine Liturgy officiated by Bishop Demetrios of Mokissos, Chancellor of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago. Following this service, a lunch hosted by the St. Iakovos Retreat Center Board took place.
Metropolitan Iakovos of Chicago has served as the spiritual leader of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago since May of 1979. Under his leadership the Metropolis has increased its efforts to assist the homeless and those in need, as witnessed in the labors of the Metropolis Philanthropy Committee. He has founded new Youth programs, established various local dialogues with other faith communities and continues to work with area religious leaders in promoting justice and truth in our society.
The establishment of the St. Iakovos Retreat Center, which serves as the site of the Summer FANARI Youth Camp amongst other activities, is an accomplishment of the Metropolitan’s years of organizing and fundraising. The St. Iakovos Retreat Center is a 137-acre facility featuring the 11-acre Friendship Lake with over 50 acres of pinewood forest. The St. Iakovos Retreat Center is a unique facility offering a peaceful setting for overnight retreats and camps, as well as a beautiful enviornment for celebrations such as weddings and family reunions.
Eastern Orthodox Christians are the second largest Christian faith tradition worldwide. The Metropolis of Chicago oversees all Greek Orthodox Parishes within Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin, and Minnesota, as well as large portions of Missouri and Indiana. You can find more information on His Eminence Metropolitan Iakovos and the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago on our website: www.chicago.goarch.org.
