The Pilgrimage of Discovery Alumni Leadership Network conducted its second annual retreat in Chicago, Illinois the weekend of April 17-19, 2026. Funded by the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and by charitable contributions from generous donors across the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, the Pilgrimage of Discovery (POD) is a religious and educational journey through Constantinople awarded to Orthodox Christian young adults across America.
The Alumni Leadership Network (ALN) is a committee within the Pilgrimage of Discovery that focuses on developing the young adult ambassadors after they return from the pilgrimage through further education, networking, real leadership opportunities, mentoring and leadership training and programming. Through the ALN, alumni receive further education about the Church, the Ecumenical Patriarchate, and Archon key issues, and spread the word to communities across the country. This year’s retreat included a mixer with local POD committee members and Archons at Orso’s restaurant, a full day of meetings held at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral, Chicago, as well as discussion with parishioners at the Cathedral following Divine Liturgy. Many alumni stayed and marched behind the Evzones and alongside local Archons at the Greek Independence Day Parade, a celebration of heritage, faith and community.
Archon Dr. James Schooley (Columbus, Ohio), ALN Committee Chair, who oversaw the retreat stated, “The Pilgrimage of Discovery truly is a transformative experience as our young adults have the unique opportunity to travel back to Constantinople where it all began, immerse themselves in the community, appreciate what has become of Halki Seminary, Hagia Sophia and other churches and holy sites in the area, worship in the Patriarchal Cathedral of St. George at the Phanar and venerate the relics therein, AND enjoy a private audience with His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew! The Alumni Leadership Network empowers these young adults to share their life-changing experience with others, educating communities and raising awareness to help support the Ecumenical Patriarchate and ensure its future.”
Many of the program’s 37 pilgrims thus far traveled from across the country to attend the weekend retreat and discuss what this meaningful connection to the Mother Church meant to them and ways they can use their time, talent, and treasure to support the program, future pilgrims and the Church as a whole. The alumni focused on deepening their bonds of fellowship, brainstorming sessions related to current and future education and service initiatives, and charting the path forward for the program, with another 18 young adults recently selected to embark on this journey in the fourth cohort. They also discussed a location for next year’s annual retreat, which will take place around Boston, Massachusetts.
The following POD alumni participated in the weekend’s events: Eliana Davis ’24, Marina Dimas ’24, Eva-Marie Kailas ’24, Cally Kobza ’23, Peter Kokkinias ’24, Deanna Kolas ’23, Sophia Kyrou ’24, Johnny Leara ’25, Sophia Looney ’24, Heather Marcella ’25, Anastasia Maragos ’25, Demetri Maroutsos ’23, Christen Massouras ’23, Joanna Nikolakakos ’25, Stathi Pakes ’25, Lenie Tsakonas ’25, and George Valcarcel ’23.
Reflecting on the weekend, Anastasia Maragos ’25 stated, “Reuniting with the past three Pilgrimage of Discovery cohorts was a blessing, not only to enjoy fellowship with one another, but reflect on what we’ve learned from visiting Constantinople and how this experience has shaped us personally and spiritually. Coming out of our retreat, we concluded that education will be a key mission of our Alumni Leadership Network, helping to share our experiences abroad with those at home, taking the guiding light of His All Holiness and the Rum Greek community with us wherever we go.”
In addition to Archon Schooley, numerous local POD Committee members were present during the weekend including POD Committee Co-Chairs, Archon Hon. Jeffery and Hellena Chrones and Metropolis of Chicago Regional Commander & POD Co-Chair, Archon Perry Siatis, Esq., and Metropolis of Chicago Regional Commander Archon James Lakerdas, Esq. as well as Archon Dr. John Fotopoulos.
The alumni were thrilled to meet with Annunciation Cathedral Dean, Fr. Nephon Tsimalis, Archimandrite and former Director of the Patriarchal Court at the Ecumenical Patriarchate who highlighted the weekend by offering alumni a unique perspective and special Q&A session about the Mother Church and the spiritual heart of Orthodox Christianity.
“The Alumni Leadership Network retreat was a powerful reminder of what’s possible when young adults are given the space to lead,” said Lenie Tsakonas ‘25. “Through thoughtful brainstorming, actionable planning, and a meaningful conversation with Fr. Nephon, we saw real momentum for the future of the ALN. It’s a clear example that young adults aren’t just participating in the life of the Church, we’re helping lead and shape what comes next.”
The ALN’s growing annual retreat reflects the vision at the core of the Pilgrimage of Discovery, that the journey to Constantinople is not a singular moment, but the beginning of a lifelong commitment to the Orthodox faith, leadership, and service. As the Alumni Leadership Network community expands with each new cohort of pilgrims, such gatherings ensure that the transformative experience of the Pilgrimage lives on, nationally and across generations.
The alumni wish to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and many other generous donors, whose unwavering support has made the Pilgrimage of Discovery and Alumni Leadership Network possible. Christos Anesti!
For more information and to support the Pilgrimage of Discovery and Alumni Leadership Network, follow on social media or visit pilgrimageofdiscovery.org.
