For Immediate Release
For More Information:
Chris Varones
312-213-3887
chris.varones@aesopgroup.com
Metropolis of Chicago forms special committee to research and develop risk management guidelines for parishes
ELK GROVE VILLAGE, IL, March 11, 2019 – Preserving the safety and security of 58 parishes, two monastic communities and Metropolis institutions is the charge of a special committee formed by His Eminence Metropolitan Nathanael, the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago announced today.
Co-leading the Metropolis Risk Management Committee is Steve Georgas, Deputy Chief of the Chicago Police Department and Adjunct Professor for the University of Southern Mississippi’s National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security, and Dr. George Chiampas, Medical Director of Community and Event Preparedness and Assistant Professor of Department of Emergency Medicine at Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University and Northwestern Medicine.
Already convened, the committee currently is evaluating existing policies and procedures and conducting a risk inventory of the Metropolis.
“In forming this committee, the Metropolis believes that preparedness is the most effective form of prevention for emergencies that could arise, even if improbable,” His Eminence Metropolitan Nathanael said. “We are blessed to receive the expertise, selflessness and wisdom of Steve Georges and Dr. George Chiampas, two members of the Metropolis who demonstrate what it means to be Christ-centered servant-leaders.”
After its evaluation, the committee will deliver key recommendations to parishes based on best practices based on research from several sources, including the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The committee anticipates completing its work in the next several months followed by rollout of training and educational programs for parish leaders and parishioners throughout the Metropolis.
Specifically, parish leaders will receive the tools and training to mitigate and better prepare for a range of emergency scenarios including first aid response for minor injuries emergency response to adverse health events preparation for inclement weather events and orderly building evacuation among others.
“This effort is about distilling the highest level of best practices down to the level of our churches in a highly practical and scalable way. The committee looks forward to working closely with Metropolis and parish leaders to continue to do God’s work throughout our communities,” Georgas said.
“Our churches must remain sanctuaries where clergy and laypeople continue to minister, heal and unify–work that our communities and society need. In that spirit we see our mandate as directly and indirectly supporting the collective purpose of our churches,” Dr. Chiampas said.
About the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago
Tracing its roots back to 1923, the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago is the diocese of Greek Orthodox faithful in Illinois. Iowa, Minnesota,. Wisconsin as well as northern Indiana and southeastern Missouri consisting of 58 parishes and two monastic communities. The Metropolis is one of nine regions in the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America and is presided over by His Eminence Metropolitan Nathanael. The general offices of the Metropolis are temporarily located in Elk Grove Village, Illinois. For more information, visit www.chicago.goarch.org. To sign up for news from the Metropolis, visit: https://chicago.goarch.org/signup.
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