Acting with the blessings of His Eminence Metropolitan Iakovos, a group of Greek Orthodox Clergy and parishioners have undertaken a vigorous campaign to enact a Religious Freedom resolution in support of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in the Illinois state senate. The resolution has been introduced as SR 70.

Almost 6 years ago the Illinois House of Representatives adopted such a resolution, but the senate failed to address the matter. This year’s effort is intended to complete the project in that state.

Leading the effort is His Grace Bishop Demetrios of Mokissos, the Chancellor of the Metropolis of Chicago, and an active group of Greek Orthodox lay leaders who have organized themselves as the Friends of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople. Included in this group are Frank and Katena Lagouros, John and Maria Ackerman, George Manias and Emanuel Manias. Coordinating the effort on behalf of the Order of St. Andrew the Apostle is Archon Regional Commander Harold Peponis.

Among many expressions of support, the group has received not only an endorsement from the Executive Committee of the Council of Religious Leaders of the Metropolis of Chicago but also a personal endorsement from His Eminence Cardinal Francis George, the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Chicago.

To date, 16 senators have agreed to co-sponsor the resolution.