LOMBARD, IL, January 30, 2025 – With continued faith in God’s plan and deep gratitude to its clergy, laity, parishes, and Philoptochos chapters, the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago announced today that it exceeded its $1 Million fundraising goal in 2024 through gifts of $1,167,405.
Totals of $393,755 were raised for the Annual Vision Campaign, the fund devoted to meeting parish needs and revitalizing parish life; $563,147 for the St. Iakovos Retreat Center (SIRC); and $210,503 in general gifts to the Metropolis. The average gift to the Annual Vision Campaign was $456.
“We see the generosity we have received as a sign of God’s continued grace and resolve to work harder and do better so that our communities become and remain centered by the work of our parishes. While there is much more we want to do as a Metropolis in service to its parishes, we are overjoyed that, the more people learn about our 5-year vision, the more they embrace it,” said His Eminence Metropolitan Nathanael.
All gifts received will fund parish initiatives related to the 5-year vision as well as special Metropolis and parish projects, Metropolis operations, and the St. Iakovos Retreat Center. Additionally, 10 percent of Annual Vision Campaign monies will be reinvested into Metropolis philanthropy ministries and the Mustard Seed Fund.
“As the faithful increasingly support the Metropolis, their stake in a flourishing Church deepens. As the Metropolis continues to serve its parishes, our collective goodwill permeates the communities we are called to serve—this is what it means to act as the Body of Christ. I look forward to the vibrant future we are steadily creating together as servants of God,” said Metropolitan Nathanael.
Click HERE for a summary of 2024 initiatives developed to benefit clergy, parishes, and ministries.
About the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago
Tracing its roots back to the early 1920s, the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago is the bishopric of Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, northern Indiana, and central Missouri, consisting of 58 parishes and two monastic communities. The Metropolis is one of nine eparchies in the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America and is presided over by His Eminence Metropolitan Nathanael of Chicago. The general offices of the Metropolis are temporarily located in Lombard, Illinois. For more information and to get involved, visit our Metropolis website and/or sign up to receive Metropolis news. For further information, contact the Metropolis of Chicago at: contactus@chicagometropolis.org or 312-736-2280.