LOMBARD, IL, February 27, 2026 – With deep gratitude, the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago is pleased to announce that it has received significant philanthropic support from the Hellenic Foundation. In total, the Metropolis and its affiliated organizations were awarded $477,080, representing 60% of the Hellenic Foundation’s total 2025 Grant Program lasting from October 2025 to December 2026.
“We are profoundly grateful to the Hellenic Foundation for their steadfast commitment to the spiritual and cultural vitality of our Holy Metropolis,” said His Eminence Metropolitan Nathanael. “These resources allow us to extend Christ’s ministry more fully to reach families, youth, educators, and the vulnerable and deliver a greater impact.”
Under direct Metropolis-wide support totaling $143,050, the Hellenic Foundation approved seven grant awards to fund central Metropolis ministries and programs:
- Lighthouse: $75,000
- Project HOPE: $20,000
- Family Synaxis: $15,000
- Young Adult League (YAL Conference): $15,000
- St. Iakovos Retreat Center – Bright Friday: $9,400
- Greek Education Seminar: $5,000
- Annual Religious Education Conference: $3,650
Under indirect support to parishes and affiliates totaling $334,030, the Hellenic Foundation’s generosity empowers local faith and cultural communities across the Midwest:
- Parish Programs: $177,124 awarded to 17 individual parish-based programs.
- Education: $125,451 awarded to 13 church day schools and Greek schools.
- Philoptochos: $31,455 awarded to the Metropolis Philoptochos and various local chapters.
“The Hellenic Foundation is more than a benefactor; they are a discerning partner that truly understands the heartbeat of the community. This collaboration ensures that we remain a Church that not only recognizes the opportunities and challenges of our faithful but actively meets them where they are with support and grace,” Metropolitan Nathanael said.
