On October 8, 2021, the Metropolis of Chicago Archons held a Religious Freedom Presentation during the Metropolis of Chicago Clergy Laity Assembly in St. Louis. Nearly 400 participants attended the assembly after all the attendees provided a 48-hour negative COVID test.
Regional Commanders Gus M. Pablecas and John G. Manos, accompanied by Archons John Balourdos, Stilianos Efstratiadis, John Fotopoulos, John Galanis, Alex Gianaras, John Hilaris, Tom Kanelos, Lou Laros, Johnny Mangouras, Perry Siatis, and Bill Vranas, delivered an engaging 45-minute PowerPoint presentation on the key issues facing our Patriarchate. They also highlighted the positive ministries of the Green Patriarch that His All Holiness Bartholomew has accomplished even under the difficult restrictions that have been placed upon the Patriarchate. His Eminence Metropolitan Nathanael concluded the presentation with a rallying request for the lay community to support the Archons, noting that it is everyone’s duty to support the Patriarchate.
The presentation also included a Q&A session. Attendees who asked questions received a hat embroidered with the Archon logo, while coffee cups with the Archon logo were given to one person at each table whose birthday was the closest to November 30, the feast day of St. Andrew. All items distributed included the Archons.org URL for people to visit for more information. In addition, publications provided by the Archon National Council office were disseminated to the attendees, including information about the newly formed Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew Foundation.
The Metropolis of Chicago Archons continually strive to raise awareness among the faithful about the issues related to religious freedom and to convey the mission of the Archons as one united family under the direction of the National Council.
As part of the CLA, the Metropolis Archons held a local productive business meeting with His Eminence Metropolitan National to discuss the 2022 calendar and for the arrival of His All Holiness at Norte Dame, Indiana.
In 2022, the Metropolis of Chicago Archons plan on continuing to hold religious freedom presentations at parishes withing the Metropolis, meet with young adult groups and Fanari camp attendees, and hold symposiums at local colleges and universities to promote the mission of the Order of St. Andrew the Apostle.
The Metropolis of Chicago Archons would like to publicly extend its sincere thanks for the continued support of our Metropolitan Nathanael of Chicago, the Metropolis of Chicago Council, Archon National Commander Dr. Anthony J. Limberakis, the Archon National Council, Archon John Mindala and Christa Pourou from the Archon National office, Amalia Deligiannis, our talented local Archon Assistant, and to all the Archons who work tirelessly for our Holy and Great Mother Church. Your continued love, support and guidance is invaluable!
