On Sunday, January 25, 2026, the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago shared the following statement concerning Assumption Greek Orthodox Church of Homer Glen, Illinois:

The Metropolis of Chicago, in collaboration with the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, has initiated a joint administrative review and assessment of the financial practices of Assumption Greek Orthodox Church in Homer Glen, Illinois. This action follows information responsibly and conscientiously brought to the attention of the Archdiocese and Metropolis by members of the parish community.

This review is being conducted under the direct pastoral oversight of His Eminence Metropolitan Nathanael and is undertaken out of genuine pastoral concern for the life, unity, and future of the parish. It reflects the Church’s abiding commitment to transparency, accountability, and the faithful stewardship of the sacred trust entrusted to her care.

Following the completion of this review, the Metropolis and the Archdiocese will carefully consider the findings and determine appropriate next steps. These may include administrative and governance reforms, corrective measures, and compliance with applicable legal and reporting obligations. The goal of this effort is to strengthen trust, restore confidence, and ensure the long-term well-being of the parish community

In the meantime, parish life will continue normally, with interim leadership in place while the review proceeds.

In order to support the parish during this period and to ensure the orderly continuation of parish life, the following measures have been instituted:

An interim Parish Council has been appointed by His Eminence Metropolitan Nathanael. This council is composed of select members of the Assumption parish, together with experienced lay leaders from sister parishes within the Metropolis of Chicago who will assisttemporarily during this period. Divine Services, sacraments, and pastoral care will continue without interruption during this time.

Fr. Soterios Dimitriou has been placed on administrative leave. The faithful are respectfully asked to keep him in their prayers during this time. This administrative step is temporary in nature and does not represent a conclusion of the review. In his absence, Fr. Chris Avramopoulos, Southside Regional Vicar, has been appointed to serve as interim administrative parish priest. Clergy of the Metropolis will assist in providing for the sacramental and pastoral needs of the community. We ask all to respect the integrity of this process and the dignity of every person involved.

The appointment of an interim Parish Council and the administrative leave of Fr. Soterios Dimitriou are temporary administrative measures and are not determinative of, nor should they be construed as, findings of wrongdoing.

His Eminence Metropolitan Nathanael offered the following statement:

“As Metropolitan, I bear a sacred pastoral responsibility for the life and well-being of this parish, as I do for all the parishes of our Holy Metropolis. When concerns are raised, the Church is called to respond not with fear or division, but with humility, prayer, and a sincere desire to seek the truth. While all the facts are not yet fully known, we remain firmly committed to a careful and honest review, to following the truth wherever it may lead, and to restoring trust, so that our stewardship may faithfully reflect the Gospel we proclaim.”

The Metropolis of Chicago humbly asks the faithful to approach this period with sobriety, discretion, and Christian sensitivity, avoiding rumors and speculation, and speaking with care and Christian Love. The prayers, patience, and trust of the Assumption parish community—and of the faithful throughout the Metropolis—are sincerely requested as this process continues. We entrust this process to Christ, praying for peace, unity, and healing for all involved.