Though the current times have separated us from family, frends and neighbors, we remain united to each other as members of the Body of Christ. As Orthodox Christians, there are few greater truths present in our faith. In this spirit, the Metropolis of Chicago will share with the faithful sermonettes, prayers, reflection or stories from the clergy members and others of the Metropolis on a daily basis.
We hope you visit this webpage every day and share the pastoral messages with your family, friends and neighbors. The Metropolis asks the faithful for their continued prayers for our first responders, doctors, nurses, and for the people under their care.
Metropolitan Nathanael’s Videos By Date
“Metropolitan Nathanael’s COVID-19 Parish Relief Fund Update & More”
His Eminence Metropolitan Nathanael discusses the COVID-19 Parish Relief Fund, timing for distributions to parishes in need, the significance of the recent grant awarded by The Renaissance Fund, and what the pandemic represents for the Metropolis and its faithful.
“Lemonade from Lemons: Church Learning From COVID-19”
Professors Elizabeth Prodromou and Alexandros Kyrou join Metropolitan Nathanael with reflections on being the church in a time of pandemic.
“Sermon on the Feast Day of Ascension by Metropolitan Nathanael”
His Eminence Metropolitan Nathanael delivers a sermon on the Feast of the Ascension of our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ on Thursday, May 28, 2020 at the Ascension Greek Orthodox Church in Chicago, IL.
“Where Do We Stand on War? Teachings From Our Orthodox Faith”
Metropolitan Nathanael and the Rev. Dr. Perry Hamalis discuss violence, war, and military service as presented in the newly-published text, For the Life of the World: Toward a Social Ethos of the Orthodox Church.
“The Myrrh-bearing Women: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow: Discussion with Metropolitan Nathanael”
Metropolitan Nathanael and a panel of professional Orthodox Christians discuss the Myrrh-bearing Women and their impact on the special ministry of women in the Church for the past two millennia.
“Sunday of Thomas – Professing Jesus as Lord and God: Discussion with Katherine Calli Kelly”
Metropolitan Nathanael joins Katherine Calli Kelly for a conversation on the Sunday of Thomas. The theme of the discussion is “Professing Jesus as Lord and God.”
“Earth Day 2020: Discussion with Professor Helen Theodoropoulos”
Metropolitan Nathanael and Professor Helen Theodoropoulos discuss the environment and God’s creation on Earth Day 2020.
“Our Identity Has Been Established by Christ Through His Sacrifice, Not By Professional Titles”
Metropolitan Nathanael reminds us that as Greek Orthodox Christians, our identity has been established by Christ through His Sacrifice, not by professional titles.
“Celebrate Pascha With Us”
Metropolitan Nathanael and his mother, Irini celebrated Pascha with the Metropolis on Facebook Live on Easter Sunday.
“Preparing for the Bridegroom: Discussion with Rev. Dr. Perry Hamalis”
Metropolitan Nathanael and Rev. Dr. Perry Hamalis discuss the importance of the service of the Bridegroom.
“Navigating the COVID-19 Crisis and Its Implications on Our Metropolis”
Metropolitan Nathanael moderates a discussion with health care, public health and law enforcement from professionals on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. Featuring professionals from Northwestern University Healthcare System, Howard Brown Health, and the Chicago Police Department.
“Passion and the Resurrection of Christ: Discussion with Dr. John Fotopoulos”
Metropolitan Nathanael and Dr. John Fotopoulos open Holy Week with a discussion on the Passion and the Resurrection of Christ.
“The Importance of the Science-Religion Dialogue: Discussion with Dr. Gayle Woloschak”
Metropolitan Nathanael is joined by Dr. Gayle Woloschak to discuss why it is important for the Orthodox Church to engage and converse with science.
“Passing Time vs Filling Time”
Metropolitan Nathanael invites us to think of the ways we can fill our time, rather than pass the time as we adapt to our new normal staying at home.
“Repentance and the Legacy of Saint Mary of Egypt: Discussion with Dr. Alexis Torrance”
Metropolitan Nathanael is joined by Dr. Alexis Torrance to discuss repentance and the legacy of Saint Mary of Egypt. The Orthodox Church commemorates St. Mary of Egypt on the fifth Sunday of Lent.
“PSA: Stay Home. Save Lives. (Greek Version Only)”
Metropolitan Nathanael of Chicago and Dr. George Chiampas, ER Doctor at Northwestern University, have an important message regarding the safety measures needed to care for our elderly and communities to stop the spread of coronavirus.
“Finding Calm During Anxious Times: Discussion with Dr. Anderson”
Conversation between Metropolitan Nathanael and Dr. Randa Anderson on coping with stress and anxiety during this time of social distancing.
“Ascending the Ladder: Discussion with Fr. John Chryssavgis”
Fr. John Chryssavgis joins Metropolitan Nathanael to discuss St. John Climacus and his great spiritual work, The Ladder of Divine Ascent, which the Orthodox Church commemorates on the Fourth Sunday of Lent.
“Cultivating Relationships at Home”
Metropolitan Nathanael encourages couples and families to cultivate relationships within the home during this unique opportunity of togetherness.
“Coping with Coronavirus: Discussion with Metropolitan Nathanael”
Metropolitan Nathanael, Father Doug Papulis, and Father Michael Arbanas discuss the Church’s leadership during the coronavirus pandemic, the road to recovery, and more on Facebook live.
“Conveying My Love and Prayers”
Video of Metropolitan Nathanael conveying his love and prayers to the faithful and clergy of the Metropolis during this challenging time.
Pastoral Messages By Date
“From Life to Life”
+Fr. Constantine Aliferakis, St. George Greek Orthodox – Schererville, IN
“Seeing the Divine Liturgy with New Eyes”
+Fr. Michael Condos, Three Hierarchs – Champaign, IL
“The Power of the Gospel – St. Sophia of Thrace”
+Fr. Dimitri Burikas, Ss. Constantine and Helen Cathedral – Merrillville, IN
“Sorrow and Joy”
+Fr. David Bissias, Saint Demetrios – Hammond, IN
“Trust Over Fear”
+Fr. Jim Greanias, St. Iakovos – Valparaiso, IN
“Living “In-Between” Times”
+Fr. Nicholas Georgiou, Holy Apostles – Westchester, IL
“With Christ We Are One”
Rev. Fr. Sotirios Malamis, Ascension of Our Lord – Lincolnshire, IL
“Our Love Can Change the World!”
+Fr. Chrysanthos Kerkeres, St. George – Chicago, IL
“The Way, the Truth, and the Life”
+Fr. Dimitri Tobias, St. Basil – Chicago, IL
“Ascension of Our Lord – Are We Celebrating Jesus Leaving Us Behind?”
+Fr. Basil Hickman, St. George – Des Moines, IA
“The Apodosis of Pascha”
+Fr. Perry Kallis, St. George – St. Paul, MN
“Now Is My Soul Troubled”
+Fr. Panayiotis Hasiakos, St. Demetrios – Chicago, IL
“Distance Does Not Exist”
+Fr. Panagiotis Boznos, St. Athanasios – Aurora, IL
“Blind Man Healing & Pandemic”
+Fr. Ciprian Sas, Annunciation – Milwaukee, WI
“Myrrhbearer Mary of Cleopas & the Family of Jesus”
+Fr. Richard Demetrius Andrews, Saints Peter & Paul – Glenview, IL
“It’s St. Dunstan Day!”
+Fr. Dustin Lyon, St. George – DeKalb, IL
“The Joy of Togetherness”
+Fr. Timothy Sas, Twelve Holy Apostles Church – Duluth, MN
“For We Cannot But Speak the Things That We Have Seen and Heard”
+Fr. Dean Botsis, Holy Taxiarhai and St. Haralambos – Niles, IL
“My Sheep Hear My Voice, and I Know Them, and They Follow Me; And I Give Them Eternal Life.”
+Fr. Chris Mihalopoulos, St. Nectarios – Palatine, IL
“Called to Give Witness”
+Fr. Simeon Johnson, Saint Andrews – Chicago, IL
“The Samaritan Woman and God’s Therapeutic Judgment”
Fr. Anastasios Theodoropoulos, All Saints – Peoria, IL
“Make It Personal”
+Fr. George Lamberis, Holy Taxiarhai and St. Haralambos – Niles, IL
“St. Pachomius the Great, Fasting on Wednesday and Friday”
+Fr. John Ketchum, Kimissis Tis Theotokou – Racine, WI
“How Long O Lord?”
+Fr. Achilles Karathanos, Sts.Constantine and Helen – Swansea, IL
“Being a Disciple of Christ and Evangelizing the World”
+Fr. Nicholas J. Greanias, Annunciation – Kankakee, IL
“With Jesus Christ At Our Side We Will Win”
+Fr. Leo Gavrilos, St. Spyridon – Sheboygan, WI
“Reflecting the Light of Christ”
+Fr. Athanasios Papagiannis, Sts. Constantine and Helen – Rockford, IL
“Sunday of the Paralytic”
+Fr. George Pyle, St. Anthony – Spring Field, IL
“Did God Send the Coronavirus?”
+Fr. Cosmas Halekakis, Saint Demetrios – Libertyville, IL
“Blessed are the Merciful, for They Shall Obtain Mercy (Matthew 5:7)”
+Fr. George Konstantopoulos, St. Andrews – South Bend, IN
“Light and Joy of Pascha”
+Fr. Demetrios Kounavis, Holy Cross – Justice, IL
“When Change Is Forced Upon Us”
+Fr. Andrew Georganas, St. Demetrios – Elmhurst, IL
“Why is the Church Important?”
+Fr. Sotirios Dimitriou, Assumption – Homer Glen, IL
“Trust in the Lord”
+Fr. Apostolos N. Georgiafentis, St. Demetrios – Chicago, IL
“Speak, Lord, for Your Servant is Listening”
+Fr. Joseph Strzelecki, Assumption Church – Town & Country, MO
“St. Boris and YouTube”
+Fr. Luke Melackrinos, Holy Trinity – Sioux City, IA
“Let Your Hearts Be on High, for the Lord Is Risen!”
Rev. Fr. Michael Monos, St. Luke the Evangelist – Columbia, MO
“The Appearances of Christ”
+Fr. Loukas Gikas, St. John Chrysostomos Monastery – Pleasant Prairie, WI
“Christ Is Risen!”
+Fr. Rev. Dr. Peter J. Spiro, Assumption – Chicago, IL
“The Resurrection Revealed”
+Fr. Mark Muñoz, Holy Anargyroi – Rochester, MN
“Light of Christ”
+Fr. Peter Sarolas, St. George – Chicago, IL
“What Does Harry Caray Have to Do With Renewal (Bright) Week?”
+Fr. Jason Houck, St. Mary’s – Minneapolis, MN
“Understanding Habakkuk with the Hymns of the Orthodox Church”
+Fr. David Eynon, Annunciation – Decatur, IL
“We Are Sent!”
+Fr. Panteleimon Dalianis, Sts. Constantine & Helen – Milwaukee, WI
“The Good News”
+Fr. Michael Constantinides, St. George – Rock Island, IL
+Fr. Peter Andronache, St. John the Baptist – Cedar Rapids, IA
“Perseverance”
+Fr. Steven Bithos, St. Nicholas – Oak Lawn, IL
“Beautiful and Bright”
+Fr. Tilemahos Alikakos, Saint Spyridon – Palos Heights, IL
“Holy Saturday: Holy Silence”
+Fr. Athanasios Minetos, St. John the Baptist – Des Plaines, IL
“The Love of Christ”
+Fr. Stamati Sfikas, Annunciation Cathedral – Chicago, IL
“Finding the Light in Times of Darkness”
Very Rev. Fr. Christodoulos Margellos, Assumption – Madison, WI
“Holy Wednesday: Evening of the Mystical Supper”
+Fr. Doug Papulis, St. Nicholas – St. Louis, MO
“Overcoming Fear As the Sinful Woman Did”
+Fr. John Kalomas, St. Andrew – Chicago, IL
“His Resurrection”
+Fr. Andrew Karamitos, Saint Sophia – Elgin, IL
“Trust in the Lord as Your “New Normal””
V. Rev. Fr. Tom De Medeiros, Saints Constantine and Helen Church
“Lazarus’ Death and Resurrection: A Reflection”
+Fr. Thomas Alatzakis, Assumption – East Moline, IL
“At the Threshold of Holy Week”
+Fr. Constantine Aliferakis, St. Georoge – Schererville, IN
“St. Paul’s Proclamation to the Athenians”
+Fr. Michael Condos, Three Hierarchs
“Patient Endurance is the Best Fast”
+Fr. Dimitri Burikas, Ss. Constantine and Helen – Merrillville, IN
“Tuesday of the 6th Week”
+Fr. David Bissias, Saint Demetrios – Hammond, IN
“The Formulas of Faith: Belief Plus Trust”
+Fr. Jim Greanias, St. Iakovos
“Navigating the Lenten Desert”
+Fr. Nicholas Georgiou, Holy Apostles
“Confessing Christ Amidst Affliction”
+Fr. Sotirios P. Malamis, Ascension of Our Lord
“Authenticity During a Crisis”
+Fr. Chrysanthos Kerkeres, St. George – Chicago, IL
“A Helper and Protector, He Has Become My Salvation”
+Fr. Dimitri Tobias, St. Basil
“Commemorating St. Mary of Egypt – On April Fools’ Day?!”
+Fr. Basil Hickman, St. George
“St. Innocent: Entering a New Nation with a Sound Plan and Courage”
+Fr. Perry Kallis, St. Paul
“Ladders and Great Lent”
+Fr. Panayiotis Hasiakos, St. Demetrios Chicago
“I Believe, Help My Unbelief”
+Fr. Panagiotis Boznos
“Taking the Lead of the Theotokos”
+Fr. Ciprian Sas
“Theotokos, Pray for Us!”
+Fr. Richard Andrews, Saints Peter & Paul
“Imitating Christ”
+Fr. Dustin Lyon, St. George
“Annunciation of the Theotokos”
+Fr. Timothy Sas, Twelve Holy Apostles
“God Is With Us”
+Fr. Dean Botsis, St. Haralambos
“Monday After the Veneration of the Holy Cross”
+Fr. Chris Mihalopoulos, St. Nectarios
“Sunday of the Holy Cross: We are people under the protection of the Cross”
+ Fr. Symeon Johnson, St. Andrew
Prayers
“Our Lord Jesus Christ not only works in ways that are beyond reason, He also works through each of us,” wrote His Eminence Metropolitan Nathanael.
