To the Clergy, Monastics, and Faithful of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago,
“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18). With shock and awe, we have seen the devastating tornadoes and severe storms that affected communities throughout our sacred Metropolis, particularly in northwest Indiana, northern Illinois, and southeastern Wisconsin. Homes, businesses, schools, and houses of worship have suffered damage, and many families now face the challenging task of recovery and rebuilding.
As members of the Body of Christ, we are called to bear one another’s burdens and to respond with compassion during such humanitarian crises. We offer our prayers for all who have suffered loss, injury, displacement, or hardship, and we ask the Lord to strengthen those laboring in rescue, recovery, and relief efforts.
Accordingly, I invite all parishes of the Holy Metropolis of Chicago to include the following special petitions during the Great Litany of the Divine Liturgy on Sunday, June 14, 2026, immediately following the petition, “For this city, for every city, and for the faithful who dwell therein, lets us pray to the Lord.”
For those who have lost their lives as a result of the devastating tornadoes and severe storms throughout our region; that the Lord our God may grant them rest among the righteous and comfort to those who mourn, let us pray to the Lord.
For those who have suffered injury, loss, displacement, or hardship as a result of these storms; that the Lord our God may grant them healing, consolation, strength, and His peace from above, let us pray to the Lord.
For all who labor in rescue, relief, and recovery efforts, and for the restoration of the affected communities; that the Lord may guide their work, strengthen those who rebuild, and grant hope and peace to all who have been afflicted, let us pray to the Lord.
Moreover, at the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, I ask every parish of our Holy Metropolis to take up a special collection. Funds collected should be sent to the Holy Metropolis of Chicago and clearly designated: “Project HOPE: June 2026 Tornado Relief.” The Metropolis will distribute aid in coordination with local relief agencies, including our local parishes.
Beloved faithful, let us unite our prayers with generous acts of mercy, thereby becoming instruments of God’s love and compassion for those who are suffering. May our merciful Lord grant healing to the afflicted, comfort to the grieving, protection to those who serve others, and restoration to all affected communities.
With paternal love in Christ,
† Metropolitan Nathanael of Chicago
