On Tuesday, December 2, 2025, Archons of the Metropolis of Chicago joined by their spouses and Pilgrimage of Discovery (POD) alumni ambassadors, gathered at the National Hellenic Museum in downtown Chicago for their fourth annual Christmas celebration, an evening filled with fellowship, reflection, and Christmas cheer.

Regional Commander John G. Manos opened the event with a prayer, welcomed the guests, and thanked the National Hellenic Museum for their continued support for the Archons. He reviewed recent Archon activities, including participation in Archon Sunday and the St. Andrew’s Vespers Services in Chicago and stressed the importance of local Archons to support both the National and local programs. He also noted the involvement of National Archon officers in the historic visit of Pope Leo XIV to the Phanar and the pilgrimage to Nicaea.

National Secretary and Regional Commander Gus M. Pablecas and Regional Commander Perry C. Siatis, Esq., then shared highlights from this extraordinary pilgrimage to Constantinople. Archon Siatis spoke about the excitement of his first visit to the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the special feeling in meeting His All-Holiness Patriarch Bartholomew, all this coupled with the visit of Pope Leo XIV and the visit to the historic sites as “amazing.”

Before offering his reflections, National Secretary Pablecas conveyed warm greetings from the Archon National Commander, Dr. Anthony J. Limberakis, extending the National Commander’s heartfelt best wishes to all in attendance.

During his remarks, Pablecas spoke movingly about the Orthodox spiritual feeling in the atmosphere of Constantinople, noting that “you can feel that Christianity is alive and well in Constantinople.” He described how “Christianity was truly in the air, felt in the stone pathways and in the very ground we walked upon.” As the Archons departed the Ecumenical Patriarchate, Christians in the surrounding streets greeted them, further affirming the living presence of the Faith.

As Archon Pablecas spoke to the audience, he also reminded to those present that “you don’t need a badge to defend and promote our Holy and Great Mother Church,” emphasizing that each Christian, Archon or not, has a responsibility to uphold and support the Ecumenical Patriarchate through their witness and faith. He concluded by saying, “I thank you for not only being Archons, but for being true Christians as well.”

The evening also honored Pilgrimage of Discovery alumni from the Metropolis of Chicago who were present for the celebration. Archon Dr. John Fotopoulos, a member of the preparation and selection committees, and Hon. Jeffery Chrones, POD co-chair, spoke about the continuing significance of the program before inviting the 2025 POD Ambassador, Anastasia Maragos, to share her moving reflections on her transformative experience.

The Archons extend their gratitude to the entire board and staff of the National Hellenic Museum for graciously hosting this year’s Christmas gathering.