Leadership

The Metropolis Council is the advisory and consultative body to the Metropolitan on issues concerning the life and growth of the Metropolis, its ministries, institutions and financial condition. The Council is comprised of the Metropolitan, the Chancellor, eight (8) Clergy of the Metropolis and eight (8) Laity elected by the Metropolis Clergy-Laity Assembly, and eight (8) appointees by the Metropolitan.

His Eminence Metropolitan Nathanael

Metropolitan of Chicago
His Eminence Metropolitan Nathanael of Chicago is the second metropolitan to preside over the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago, consisting of 58 parishes and two monastic communities in Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin as well as…
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His Grace Bishop Timothy of Hexamilion

Chancellor
His Grace Bishop-elect Timothy (Bakakos) of Hexamilion, son of the late Demosthenes and late Antonia Bakakos, was born in Chicago, Illinois in October of 1952, and is the second of four sons. Along with his siblings, His Grace was raised and spent his childhood…
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Dean Avdalas

First Vice President 

Dean Avdalas was born and raised in Sacramento, California. He obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Communications and Political Science from the University of California, Davis. Prior to moving to Chicago, he was a small business owner, managed various real estate investments and was involved with numerous political campaigns and organizations. In 2006, he moved to Chicago to pursue a new career opportunity as an analyst for one the most profitable community banks in the country at that time. Most importantly, that is where he met his wife, Marina. Dean became involved with real estate and business lending which ultimately shaped his career. In 2014, he accepted a new challenge and was hired as a business lender at Byline Bank, a publicly traded Chicago-based bank specializing in business banking.

During his years at Annunciation in Sacramento, Dean served on the Parish Council, coached youth basketball, supported various church and cultural organizations and served as an altar boy for fourteen years. In addition to Greek American organizations, Dean was an active member of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity at UC Davis, Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Sacramento and represented Sacramento County as a Delegate at the 2004 National Presidential Convention.  In Chicagoland, Dean is a board member for SomerCor, one of the largest SBA lenders in the Midwest. He’s a proud member of the Hellenic American Leadership Council (HALC), AHEPA, a past board member of Neo Kyma Messinias and a strong supporter of various philanthropic organizations.  He lives in Glenview, Illinois with his wife Marina and their three children: Ambri, Gia and Teddy. They are members of Saints Peter & Paul.

George Lattas

George Lattas

Second Vice President 

George Lattas is an experienced transactional attorney who represents clients on all facets of their business legal needs. His experience with firms such as Deloitte and GE, and his JD/MBA provide a depth to his experience that makes him a formidable advocate for his clients. George represents his clients on purchase/sale agreements for every kind of commercial property, title examination and closing; loan documentation, negotiation, and review; retail, office and industrial leasing; corporate law; and loss mitigation. George also has extensive expertise in forming new business organizations, drafting shareholder/operating agreements, negotiating share/unit purchase and sale agreements, and advising on land use matters.

George has been named a Rising Star by Superlawyers in 2016-2021, a “Top 100 Attorney”, and Outstanding Young Alumnus by the DePaul University College of Law. He teaches various collegiate courses, serves as the President of the DePaul University College of Law Alumni Engagement Board, a member of the DePaul University College of Law Dean’s Advisory Council, and director of the Hellenic Bar Association. George is a life-long steward of Sts. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church where he serves on the Executive Committee of the Parish Council and a proud alum of the Koraes School. George lives in Clarendon Hills with is wife Tina and daughters Colette and Vickie.

Juliana Arsoniadis

Secretary

Juliana Arsoniadis was born and raised in the St. Sophia community and currently sits on the Metropolis of Chicago Philoptochos board as a member since 2019. Her primary focus on the Philoptochos board is focused on technology and innovation within the organization to not only further collaboration within other ministries of the Metropolis, but to increase awareness through the use of social media and digital platforms. Outside of her involvement in the Metropolis Philoptochos, Juliana has severed on the St. Sophia Parish Council for two terms and the St. Sophia Chapter Philoptochos for three terms. Professionally, Juliana is the Director of Implementation for Medline Industries where she has been employed for 14 years and has directly managed the onboarding of over $2.6B in new sales for Medline as an organization. Her current role boasts a background in project management, supply chain management and operations sales solutions which are executed through leveraging the capabilities and skillsets the 28 project managers under her supervision. Juliana graduated from the University of Illinois with a BS in Finance in 2007 and DePaul University with an MBA in Operations Management and Brand and Product Management in 2015.

Effie Panos

Co-Treasurer

Effie Panos is a life-long member of Saints Constantine and Helen, Palos Hills and a graduate of Koraes Elementary School.   She is a current member of their Parish Council and also the Treasurer for the St. Helen’s Philoptochos.  Previously she had served as President and Treasurer for the Koraes Parent Teacher Association.  Professionally, she is the Vice President of Not for Profit for Quatrro Business Support Services specializing in outsourced Accounting, Human Resource and IT services for organizations around the world.  In the 7 years that she has been there, Effie helped grow the Not for Profit vertical by 320%. Effie is an accomplished leader and business operations specialist with a strong portfolio of contributions for over 30 years.  She has led for profit and not for profit organizations to organizational improvement, profitability and efficiency through well-orchestrated enhancements of internal processes, procedures and applications. A proven self-starter and team player, she brings a blend of management and extensive not for profit accounting experience, with an outstanding record of expanding responsibility and achievement. A motivated problem solver, she utilizes intuitive and analytical strategies to outperform for her clients.  Effie holds a BS in Accounting from the University of Illinois.  Effie and her husband Paul reside in Orland Park and have two grown children; Nicole and Arris.

Tom Sikoral

Co-Treasurer

Tom is currently the Vice President/Senior Director of Commercial Real Estate at U.S. Bank – a seasoned leader and accomplished asset management professional who creates a highly productive team of over 200 employees and delivers winning strategies to achieve cost effectiveness and growth.

With over 27 years of management experience, Tom has a broad scope of industry knowledge in the management of all aspects of leasing activities including contract negotiations, financial analysis, budget control, customer satisfaction and employee development.

Tom and his family are very active members of the Greek American community.  He currently is the Treasurer and Assistant Athletic Director for Holy Taxiarhai & Saint Haralamabos Greek Orthodox Church in Niles, Illinois.

Anne Marie Adams

Anne Marie Adams, Ph.D

As Assistant Director and adjunct faculty member of Northwestern University’s Master of Science in Communication (MSC) program, Anne Marie oversees academic and financial operations, graduate student advising, and manages the development and implementation of graduate degree programs. She develops program curriculum and co-curricular programming, teaches graduate courses and executive education seminars, and conducts research through empirical and applied analysis.

Expanding her academic impact beyond the university, Anne Marie offers workshops, consulting, and coaching, with a focus on women’s issues related to equity, access, and voice. She is interested in the ways women make meaning of their lived experiences at the intersection of their religious and spiritual identity construction. Her most current research examines the history of Greek Orthodox women in cultural and institutional contexts within the church and its ministries.

Anne Marie is a steward of Saints Peter and Paul Greek Orthodox Church in Glenview, Illinois. She serves as the Vice President of her parish council and is the Secretary of the Executive Committee of the Metropolis Council. She has served on the steering committee of Lighthouse Summer Camp and was one of the camp’s speakers in 2021. Anne Marie lives in Northbrook with her husband Evan, and three children, Evelyn, Trifon, and John.

Fr. Tilemahos Alikakos

Fr. Tilemahos Alikakos serves as the parish priest of Saint Spyridon in Palos Heights, IL. He has also served as a missionary at the Orthodox Metropolis of Hong Kong and Southeast Asia, as the associate pastor of the Assumption Greek Orthodox Church in Chicago, and as the parish priest of the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Sioux City, Iowa. Fr. Tilemahos graduated Loyola University Chicago majoring in Mathematics and Statistics before earning his Master of Divinity at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology. Along with his parish ministry, Fr. Tilemahos has served as the OCF advisor at the University of Chicago, as the advisor to the Midwest Hellenic Dance Festival and as a member of the Greek Education Committee. Fr. Tilemahos lives in Orland Park with Presvytera Georgia and their four children, Konstantine, Demetra, Marina, and Katerina.

Fr. Stephen Bithos

Fr. Stephen Bithos has served in the Metropolis of Chicago as a parish priest since 1983. For the past 28 years he has been the priest at All Saints Church in Joliet, Illinois. At All Saints he was instrumental in raising the funds to completely transform the interior of the church from its non traditional art to the present Byzantine iconography that graces the interior walls of the church. Fr. Stephen has served on the Metropolis Council since 2018. He also has consistently been a member of the Fanari Camp Steering committee throughout his years of ministry. He is presently the Clergy Syndesmos interim president. He has been married for the past 37 years to Presvytera Pearlann and has two daughters Angie and Katie (John) and one granddaughter Cecilia.

Dr. George K. Bovis

George K Bovis, MD is a neurosurgeon practicing in Chicago for the last 21 years. He completed his college and medical school education at Northwestern University, his neurosurgery training at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, and his fellowship training in cerebrovascular and skull base at the Mayfield Clinic in Cincinnati, Ohio. Dr Bovis presently serves as the Vice Chairman of Neurosurgery at AMITA Health, the Medical Director of the Illinois Gamma Knife Center and AMITA Neuroscience Institute, and Assistant Professor of Neurosurgery at Rush University Medical School. He is the author of 57 peer reviewed journal articles, book chapters, and academic presentations. Dr Bovis is a very active member of the Greek American community both regionally and nationally. He was elected to the Greek Orthodox Metropolis Council of Chicago, sits on the Board of the National Hellenic Museum and serves as a medical advisor at the Hippocratic Cancer Research Foundation and the Greek American Rehabilitation Centre. Finally, both he and his wife Raffaella are Founding Members of the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew Foundation.

Stephanie Dremonas

Stephanie Dremonas is a second-generation owner of the 17-store local grocery chain Pete’s Market and the real estate development company JD Real Estate.  She has served her family-owned and operated business for over a decade, and during her tenure has effectively doubled the company.  Bringing a female touch to a male dominated industry, Stephanie utilized both hard and soft skills to morph Pete’s from a mom and pop shop to a sustainable enterprise, now equipped for future growth and development.  While Stephanie holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration (Double Major in Finance and Real Estate) from Marquette University, most of her relevant schooling came from being self-taught on the job, working and learning every department from the bottom up.  She is affectionately referred to as “Junior” at the company, because she has adopted the relentless work ethic of her immigrant father and founder.  Stephanie is best known for being in “vest mode” pretty much always, which includes her sneakers, black pants, Pete’s vest with a pen clipped on the zipper, and, of course, her winning attitude.

Stephanie is the middle child of 5 siblings in a Greek household, so she’s a natural mediator, and is also the mother of 1.5 year-old Stella, so, is now also a multi-tasker.

Owen Field

Owen Field is a retired attorney. He attended the Baptist church near the Indiana farm where he was raised, and was active in its local, regional, and state youth organizations. Owen attended Butler University (B.A.), Miami (Ohio) University (M.A.), and DePaul University (J.D.). During his career with the State of Illinois, he served as an Assistant Attorney General representing public welfare agencies in complex state and federal litigation, General Counsel of the Department of Mental Health and Development Disabilities, and General Counsel of the Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HCFS), focusing in both agencies on the Medicaid program. He drafted state and federal statutes and worked to develop model managed healthcare contracts and an innovative partnership with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. He has taught film appreciation classes through the Chicago City Colleges for the past eleven years. Owen was chrismated in 1998. He served as president and vice president of the Parish Council at Saint Basil (Chicago) and on the interim Parish Council at Holy Trinity (Schiller Park). He is currently vice president of the Parish Council at Saint George (Chicago), having previously served as recording secretary. Owen and his spouse of 39 years, Myra Karegianes, are co-chairs of the Stewardship Committee at Saint George. They also are on the Metropolis’ Strengthen Stewardship Now & Forever team. Owen and Myra have two daughters and three granddaughters.

Dr. Alexandria Kalina

Dr. Alexandria Kalina is a Greek-American, born in Lowell, MA and raised in NYC and in Massachusetts. She graduated from Harvard College and Baylor College of Medicine, and after marrying, she completed a residency in Pediatrics at the Mayo Clinic. Dr. Alexandria and her husband moved to Scottsdale, AZ where she worked as a faculty physician at two pediatric residency programs in Phoenix. In 2004, Dn. Paul was ordained to the diaconate, and shortly thereafter they moved to Minneapolis to help care for his ailing parents. She is currently a pediatrician in private practice, and also an Associate Adjunct Professor of Pediatrics at the U of MN Medical School. They have been members of St. Mary’s Greek Orthodox Church for 17 years. Dr. Alexandria has been intimately involved in the Greek Orthodox Church in multiple states, attending Sunday School, singing in choir, and participating in GOYA, OCF and YAL (serving as president of each) as a youth. As an adult, she taught high school Church School for 35 years, has been GOYA advisor, Philoptochos Board member, and is currently Co-Chair of their Stewardship Committee. She also helped to start the Koinonia program and she led a women’s book group at St. Mary’s. Finally, Dr. Alexandria is on the Strengthen Stewardship Now Task Force for the Chicago Metropolis. Dr. Alexandria and her husband have three children; their eldest is a physician and graduate of Holy Cross with an MTS, their second child is an MBA student at Rice University and their youngest is a second year seminarian at Holy Cross.

Fr. Chrysanthos Kerkeres

Fr. Chrysanthos Kerkeres is the parish priest of Saint George Greek Orthodox church in the Lincoln Park neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois, and has served in that capacity since February 1, 2014. In addition to his parish responsibilities, Fr. Chrysanthos serves as a member of the Board of Directors of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago Fanari Camp. He is the spiritual advisor to the Orthodox Christian Fellowship program of DePaul University, the spiritual advisor to the Hellenic American Veterans of the Metropolis of Chicago, the spiritual advisor to the Hellenic American Police Association, and a Chaplain for both the Chicago and Park Ridge Police Departments. Fr. Chrysanthos also sits on the Metropolis of Chicago Spiritual Court, serves as the Vice President of the Hellenic College and Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology Alumni Association, as the Vice President of the Orthodox Christian Clergy Association of Chicago, serves on the Metropolis of Chicago Greek Education Committee, and is the Coordinator of the Archons of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago. Fr. Chrysanthos is married to Vasiliki Kerkeres and they live in Park Ridge, Illinois.

Dr. Efrosine (Lori) Kotsonis Chiampas

Efrosine (Lori) Kotsonis Chiampas is serving her second term on the Metropolis Council. She has served on the Metropolis Council Executive, Develpoment and Communications Committees and is currently a member Development and Philanthropy Committees as well as the Women Leadership Initiative Ad Hoc Committee. Lori has her Doctorate degree in Pharmacy and is Clinical Pharmacist who has worked at Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago for the last twenty years. She has held several leadership roles at the hospital including, Director of Pharmacy Operations, Hematology/Oncology Manager, and for the last twelve years has served as Medication Safety Officer where she has been integral in implementation of Computerized Physician Order Entry, Smart Pump Implementation and numerous other safety initiatives. Lori’s expertise is Safety and Quality, and specifically Medication Safety, and she is a contributor in McGraw Hill’s 2015 edition of Pediatric Patient Safety and Quality Improvement. She is a member of the American Pharmacist Hospital Association and Hellenic American Leadership Council. Lori attended Loyola University of Chicago for her undergraduate studies, and obtained her Bachelors of Science in Pharmacy as well as her Doctorate in Pharmacy from Midwestern University – Chicago. Lori is married to Dr. George Chiampas, has two children, Katia (17) and Athan (14) and currently resides in Wilmette, Illinois. Lori grew up at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Chicago, Illinois where she and her family continue to be stewards and active parishioners.

Fr. Sotirios Malamis

Fr. Sotirios Malamis has been the Proistamenos at the Ascension of Our Lord Greek Orthodox Church in Lincolnshire, IL since September 1, 2014. In that capacity, he provided leadership and spiritual guidance during a $9 million, 21-month construction project culminating in the opening of a new church and community center on June 5, 2019. Concurrently, he has been teaching Byzantine Music area students for several years. He attended DePaul University where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology. Fr. Sotirios then graduated with distinction in 2001 from Holy Cross School of Theology with a Master of Divinity. He continued his theological studies at the University of Athens in the field of Pastoral Theology and Religious Education. Along with serving on the Metropolis Council, he is currently serving on the Archdiocesan Council as well. Fr. Sotirios and Presvytera Stefanie have three children, Maria, Nikolas, and Aimilianos.

Fr. Chris Mihalopoulos

Father Chris was raised in Palos Hills, Illinois and attended St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church and Assumption Greek Orthodox Church of Olympia Fields now Homer Glen. He graduated from Amos Alonzo Stagg High School and received a degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago with a double major in psychology. Father Chris’ love was to always work with children and to serve the Church. He began his studies at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology thanks in part to his spiritual father and other priestly mentors who guided and helped him follow in our Lord’s footsteps. Father Chris graduated our Holy Cross Seminary in 2013 and married the love of his life, Presvytera Toni (Poteres) Mihalopoulos on October 6, 2013. He began his ministry as the lay assistant of Saint Nectarios Greek Orthodox Church in August 2013. Father Chris was ordained to the Holy Diaconate on Sunday, March 16 2014- 2nd Sunday of Great Lent- Sunday of Saint Gregory Palamas. He was then transferred to the community of Saint Demetrios of Chicago on June 1st, 2014. Father Chris was ordained to the Holy Priesthood on Sunday, September 26th, 2014. He and Presvytera Toni have three children, Luke, Theodore (Theo) and Apostolos Nektarios.

Fr. Douglas Papulis

Fr. Douglas Papulis has served in the Metropolis of Chicago since 1986. Kimissis in Racine, Wisconsin was home for 11 years and then in 1997 he moved to serve St. Nicholas in St. Louis, Missouri. He has been appointed as Vicar of the Missouri/Southern Illinois parishes. Fr. Doug graduated from Hellenic College and Holy Cross School of Theology in 1983. He is married to Presvytera Christina (Dedes) and has three sons and three grandsons.

Rachael G. Pontikes

Rachael G. Pontikes serves as a member of the Metropolis Council. Rachael is a partner at Reed Smith LLP representing compounding pharmacies, hospital systems, and other health care companies in disputes with various federal and state government agencies in administrative hearings and in court. Rachael also serves as health care regulatory counsel, as well as leading the health care aspects of corporate transactions. Rachael received her J.D. from the University of Chicago Law School and her B.A. in Philosophy and Italian Studies from Wesleyan University, Middletown, Conn., where she was elected Phi Beta Kappa. Rachael is married to Bob Keenan, and they have a seven year old daughter (Zoe Nora). Rachael her family are stewards of St. George Greek Orthodox Church, Chicago, Illinois.

Paul Rentzelos

Paul is a Chicago native who was baptized at Holy Trinity and attended St. Demetrios-Chicago as an adolescent and St. Haralambos-Niles as a teen and young adult.  Paul has been a steward at St. George-Chicago since 2008 and has served as the Parish Council president since 2018.  Having received a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Technology with an emphasis in Construction Management from Illinois State University in 1995, Paul joined Leopardo Companies, one of the nation’s largest commercial builders, as a construction project manager. Serving clients such as The Metropolitan Bank Group, Miglin-Beitler Management, The Hilton Hotels, Chicago Public Schools, Kinko’s, and City of Chicago, Paul has extensive experience in all aspects of the building design and construction process.  Today, as the Vice-President of Information Systems and Technology for Leopardo Paul leads the digital transformation, business alignment, strategic planning, implementation, and security of all IT systems.

Fr. Timothy Sas

Fr. Timothy A. Sas is parish priest of Twelve Holy Apostles Greek Orthodox Church of Duluth, Minnesota where he resides with his family. Additionally, he serves as Vicar to Metropolitan Nathanael for the Greek Orthodox Churches of Minnesota and as member of the Metropolis Council. Fr. Timothy completed his theological degree at St. Andrew’s Seminary in Winnipeg, Canada, in addition to undergraduate studies at the University of Manitoba and a master’s degree at St. Mary’s University of Minnesota. Fr. Timothy also works as organizational development consultant for churches and small and medium-sized nonprofit organizations.

Mary Scott

Mary Scott is a purpose-driven and creative problem solver with nearly 20 years of experience in higher education administration at her alma mater, the University of Notre Dame. She is known for taking on nebulous projects and big ideas — providing needed structure, creating processes, and implementing technology to build a strong foundation for future growth. She is recognized for being a connector with strength in idea development, strategic planning, relationship building, and communication technology. Mary has held a variety of roles across the University that have included creating new educational programs, leading cross-university efforts, and financial planning & analysis for the $1 billion unrestricted operating budget. Currently, she is responsible for the design, development, and delivery of learning and strategic engagement programming for the Notre Dame alumni community through an open access, digital platform, ThinkND. She works with faculty and other stakeholders across the University to create educational content (videos, podcasts, articles) on a variety of topics. Prior to joining the Notre Dame administration, Mary was a consultant for Protiviti (formerly Andersen) in Chicago. As a student at the University, she earned my bachelor’s in business administration while studying finance and computer applications (information technology consulting). Throughout her life, Mary has served in many servant leadership roles, including through parish council, the St. Andrew Endowment and Renovation Fund, Choir, and youth and family ministries. She was also on the planning committee for His All Holiness Patriarch Bartholemew’s visit to the Metropolis in October, 2021.

Yanni Sianis

Yanni Sianis is the Chief of Staff of Calamos Investments, a diversified global investment firm, which he joined in 2010. Yanni earned a B.A. from Boston University, an M.A. in Industrial Psychology from National Louis University and an AMP from the University of Chicago, Booth School of Business. Yanni serves on the Metropolitan Council, is a Board Director of the American Hellenic Institute, a Distinguished Advisor of the National Hellenic Museum and a member of Leadership 100. Yanni currently resides in Chicago, Illinois.

Aristides Smith

Aristides Smith is President and CEO of Next Generation Logistics, Inc. (NGL) located in Inverness, IL USA. Since 1988, (NGL) has been specializing in supply chain consulting, managed logistics services and transportation software development. Additionally, NGL is a Certified Microsoft Application Development Partner. Before NGL, Ari was Executive Vice President of Operations for Staley Continental Foodservice a $ 2.5 Billion food manufacturer and distributor, where he headed up operations for multiple divisions. He was also part of the UPS team as Manager of Industrial Engineering for several years and served overseas during the company’s expansion into Germany training new employees in UPS delivery techniques. Ari holds an MBA in Operations Management and a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics & Computer Sciences and lives in Palatine IL with his wife Susan and his daughter Sarah. Ari is a member of St. Sophia Church in Elgin, IL and served on the Parish Councils of St. Nectarios Church and currently St. Sophia Church. The major role on both was to serve as the IT Committee Chair. Currently, Ari is also an active member of the Metropolis Strategic Planning IT Committee and has earned a Certificate of Completion in Strategic Leadership and Transformative Action from the Fletcher School at Tufts University.

Fr. Dimitri Tobias

Fr. Dimitri Tobias is a Member of the IT/Operations Committee of the Metropolis Council. He is a priest of the Metropolis of Chicago for 7 years, serving the community of SS. Peter & Paul in Glenview, IL as an Associate Pastor; and the communities Holy Trinity in Sioux City, IA; and St. Basil in Chicago, IL as a Proistamenos. Prior to this, he has served in the Department of Internet Ministries for the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese, the Department of Registry for the Metropolis of Chicago, and the Pastoral Lay Assistant of St. Nectarios in Palatine, IL. He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Religious Studies from Hellenic College and a Master’s Degree in Divinity from Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology.

Legal Advisors

Joan Tolios Berg, Esq.

Joan Tolios Berg is a partner with Schoenberg Finkel Newman & Rosenberg LLC, where she is the Transaction Department Chair. Her practice is focused upon commercial real estate, lending and corporate matters. She and her family are stewards of Holy Apostles Greek Orthodox Church in Westchester, Illinois, where she remains active with the choir. Joan is a member of the peer-reviewed network, Leading Lawyers, and is actively involved with the boards of directors of other philanthropic organizations.

Georgia Loukas Demeros, Esq.

Georgia Loukas Demeros is Chair of the Legal Committee and a legal advisor to the Metropolis Council. She is a partner at the law firm of Thompson Coburn LLP. Georgia advises multigenerational families on wealth transfer and business succession planning and serves as personal general counsel to closely held businesses, business leaders and other individuals. She is the First Vice-President of the Hellenic Bar Association, a founding member of Hellenic American Leadership Council (HALC) and serves as a board member for other nonprofit organizations. Georgia holds a BBA in Accounting from Loyola University of Chicago, a JD and LLM in Taxation from Chicago-Kent College of Law and is a certified public accountant. Georgia and her family are stewards at Holy Taxiarhai and Saint Haralambos Greek Orthodox Church and St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church.

Harry J. Secaras, Esq.

Harry J. Secaras serves as legal counsel to the Metropolis and the Metropolis Council. He is a Shareholder of the law firm Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, P.C. concentrating in traditional labor and employment law. Mr. Secaras has more than 30 years’ experience advising, counseling and representing employers in collective bargaining, arbitration and personnel matters and in claims brought before federal and state agencies and in federal and state courts. He is a Fellow of the College of Labor and Employment Lawyers and has been recognized as an Illinois Super Lawyer for more than 10 years. He is a Past President of the Hellenic Bar Association of Illinois and has served on the Board of Directors of the Hellenic Bar Association Foundation. He has served on the Parish Councils of the Three Hierarchs Church in Champaign, Illinois and the St. Nectarios Greek Orthodox Church is Palatine, Illinois. He holds BA, MBA and JD degrees from the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana where he was a founding member of the Eastern Orthodox Christian Fellowship. He, his wife Maria, and their three children reside in Wilmette, Illinois and are stewards of St. Andrew’s Greek Orthodox Church in Chicago.

Audit Committee

Gus Harris

Gus Harris is a Resident Auditor (RA) for the Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) managing an office of 30 personnel responsible for auditing a major defense company located in St. Louis, MO. Gus’ professional goals include taking on new tasks that will help him grow personally/professionally in mentoring/managing people and inspiring others to take on new challenges to help become better auditors/leaders. Gus is a licensed CPA in MO and has over 33 years of experience performing contract audits in accordance with Generally Accepted Government Auditing Standards (GAGAS). Gus was also the Treasurer for the Assumption Greek Orthodox Church in Town and Country, MO and has experience in preparing church fin statements and payroll taxes, W2s and 941s using QBs Pro. Gus’ 33 years at DCAA include holding various roles such as Auditor, Technical Specialist – Fin Capability/Pensions, Supervisory Auditor, Sr Financial Liaison Advisor, Special Assistant and RA. Gus’ achievements/experiences including auditing companies from mom and pops to Fortune 500s such as Boeing, GD, KBR, McDermott Int, Magellan Health, Cerberus Inv, Ball Aerospace, Enron, Afghan National Trust Fund, etc. saving taxpayer dollars/supporting the warfighter. Gus has a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Missouri – St. Louis and he also attended the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki for the Greek language. In his spare time Gus enjoys reading the lives of the saints, play golf and swimming.

Marc Kotsonas

Marc Kotsonas is Partner at Mahoney and leads the firm’s Not-for-Profit Group. His primary emphasis is managing audits of real estate and not-for-profit organizations. He has over 15 years of experience working with clients in the low income, multi-family real estate, and not-for-profit industries. Marc is the editor of Mahoney’s monthly not-for-profit e-newsletter which covers trends and issues facing the industry. He has written articles published on the AICPA Insights Blog and in the Minneapolis Star Tribune. Marc has also volunteered for the AICPA’s Not-for-Profit Resource Group. Marc graduated from Western Michigan University with a Bachelor of Business of Administration degree with a major in Accountancy and Spanish and with a minor in General Business.

Archdiocesan Council

Fr. Tilemahos Alikakos

Fr. Tilemahos Alikakos serves as the parish priest of Saint Spyridon in Palos Heights, IL. He has also served as a missionary at the Orthodox Metropolis of Hong Kong and Southeast Asia, as the associate pastor of the Assumption Greek Orthodox Church in Chicago, and as the parish priest of the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Sioux City, Iowa. Fr. Tilemahos graduated Loyola University Chicago majoring in Mathematics and Statistics before earning his Master of Divinity at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology. Along with his parish ministry, Fr. Tilemahos has served as the OCF advisor at the University of Chicago, as the advisor to the Midwest Hellenic Dance Festival and as a member of the Greek Education Committee. Fr. Tilemahos lives in Orland Park with Presvytera Georgia and their four children, Konstantine, Demetra, Marina, and Katerina.

Harold V. Anagnos

Harold V. Anagnos is serving as chair of Development and member of the Strategic Plan Committees. He is an Archon of the Patriarchate and fulfilled member of Leadership 100. He is a founder, past President, Vice-president and Treasurer of Ascension Orthodox Church in Lincolnshire IL. Has also served at the Parish Council of St. John in Des Plaines IL. He is a graduate and faculty of Northwestern University with Bachelor, MBA and EMBA degrees. Has taught non-profit leadership and entrepreneurship at undergraduate level. Has is recognized as an expert and entrepreneur in the global field of opto-electronics. Products like LEDs, Lasers and LCDs were designed, produced and marketed by Lumex Opto-Components Inc. the Palatine based organization that was founded and operated by Mr. Anagnos.

Thomas (Athanasios) Kanelos

Thomas (Athanasios) Kanelos lives in Niles, Illinois with his wife Maryann and their daughters Maria and Amalia. He has been a steward of Holy Taxiarhai & St. Haralambos Greek Orthodox Church since 1987 and a parish council member since 1994.

Metropolis Junior Board

Formed in June 2019, the Metropolis of Chicago Junior board is composed of 24 young adult leaders from throughout the Metropolis. Originally conceived by His Eminence Metropolitan Nathanael, the Board’s primary charge is to recommend, develop, and implement policies and programs to encourage greater participation among young adults in the life of the Church, including among lapsed or unengaged Orthodox Christians.

Beyond advising His Eminence, the Junior Board also interacts with the Metropolis Council to help shape Metropolis policy and programs to meet the needs and concerns of youth and young adults.

View Junior Board Member Bios