The Archons in the Metropolis of Chicago continually strive to raise awareness among the faithful about the issues related to religious freedom and to convey the mission of the Archons as one united family under the direction of the Archon National Council. In that vein, area Archons participated in the Metropolis of Chicago Clergy-Laity Assembly, held at the Meridian Banquet & Conference Center from November 4-6 in Rolling Meadows, Illinois.

During the event, the Archons in Chicago held a meet and greet for fellow Archons on Tuesday, November 4, which coincided with internal ministry and group meetings that took place prior to the Clergy-Laity Assembly. The event was graciously hosted by Archon National Secretary Gus M. Pablecas, Archon Regional Commanders John G. Manos and Perry C. Siatis, along with Archon James Lakerdas, Esq. His Eminence Metropolitan Nathanael of Chicago and Archon liaison to the Metropolis, Father Chrysanthos Kerkeres, also attended the event.

On Wednesday, November 5, Pilgrimage of Discovery ambassador Cally Kobza gave a presentation titled “Growing in Our Faith: Pilgrimage of Discovery” to Clergy-Laity participants where she discussed her experience during the POD, a seven-day, all-expense paid, religious and cultural annual summer journey to Constantinople awarded to Orthodox Christian young adults across America, aimed at connecting them with their ancestral religious roots. Following her presentation, the Archons presented a five-minute video depicting the mission of the Pilgrimage Of Discovery through images and testimonials of young adult participants.

During the CLA, the Archons also hosted a vendor table to distribute materials, answer questions, and raise awareness about the issues facing the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the Pilgrimage of Discovery initiative. POD participants were also available to answer questions.

Metropolitan Nathanael also presented the Metropolis of Chicago Gold Cross, the “Servant Leadership Award,” the highest distinction conferred by the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago. This honor recognizes laypersons who exemplify true servant leadership, dedicating their God-given talents in service to the Church and making exceptional contributions to the life and ministries of the Metropolis. Among this year’s recipients were Archon National Secretary and Regional Commander Gus M. Pablecas and Archon Regional Commander John G. Manos. Archon Regional Commander Perry C. Siatis is a past recipient of the prestigious Gold Cross. Axioi!