On Sunday, March 6, 2016, the Archons of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago and members of the Order of Saint Andrew the Apostle hosted the second of a series of regional symposia on the challenges facing the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople.

This event, featuring Archon Regional Commanders Gus Pablecas and John Manos, was held at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Elmhurst, IL, following Sunday services at the parish. With the support in attendance of nine additional Archons of the Metropolis of Chicago and Fathers Andrew Georganas and Father Peter Malamis, the presentation was made before a gathering of over 250 parishioners.

The event centered around religious freedom in Turkey and the “5 Core Issues” facing the Ecumenical Patriarchate.

The Archons have gained support for religious freedom for the Ecumenical Patriarchate through legislative resolutions in several states covered by the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago: Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin, and Missouri. With progress towards passage in the remaining states of Minnesota and Indiana under way, the Archons have decided to turn their attention to these educational symposia as part of an new effort to increase awareness of the plight of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.