Our vision begins and is grounded in Christ. Through Christ, we are given the ability, language, and desire to share unconditional love with our family, friends, and neighbors. Relationships in Christ become the ties that bind in life, ones that directly and indirectly stabilize and strengthen our communities. The Metropolis of Chicago’s 5-Year Vision enables us to build relationships with Christ, the Church, our community, and the vulnerable in need of help and love.

The Vision: Core Priorities

Clergy

• Metropolis “Higher Calling” Program helps clergy to grow spiritually and professionally.

• Priest engagement in continuing education and formation opportunities.

• Annually, clergy embark on spiritual retreats, igniting renewed joy and ministry enthusiasm.

Parishes

• Essential resources and parish best-practice guidelines to do God’s work.

• Parishes are working closely with each other, for unity of the Metropolis.

• Opportunities and encouragement for sharing of success stories.

• “Mustard Seed” micro-grants – individual parish designed programs to respond to local challenges.

• The “Strengthen Stewardship Now & Forever” Program – guidance for parishes on inspiring generosity

Philanthropy

• Burning desire to share God’s love with others.

• Support to the most vulnerable members of society through our parishes and ministries.

• Partnerships with major nonprofit organizations and government agencies.

• Increase our services to feed and shelter those in need.

Engagement

• Over 50K youth, young adults, parishioners, and new families are engaged in church and ministry initiatives.

• Renewed spirit of philanthropy has sparks a deeper relationship with Christ.

• Warm and welcoming invitations to His Church.

• Nurturing one another has inspires countless faith seekers to commit to Jesus Christ.

• The Metropolis is a vital part of the catechetical journey of faith seekers.

• Growth of Adults embracing the Orthodox faith and joining our parishes is increasing.

Growth

• Greater engagement and more people joining our faith.

• Fueling growth of the Church in dynamic ways.

• Annual Vision Campaign to build year upon year, and cover our operating budget.

• Archdiocesan National Ministries program funds received are earmarked to support our parishes.

• Goal to eliminate parish debt $15M so we are no longer “slave to lender” (Prov. 22:7).

• Debt reduction frees up funds to invest in programs & ministries that will grow the Church and transform lives.

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