On Sunday, September 22, 2024, the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Palatine, Illinois, within the Metropolis of Chicago, held two presentations at St. Nectarios Greek Orthodox Church.

Newly appointed by the Archon National Commander Dr. Anthony J. Limberakis as the third Regional Commander in the Metropolis of Chicago, Archon Regional Commander Perry C. Siatis, Esq., with assistance from Archon National Secretary & Regional Commander Gus M. Pablecas and Archon Regional Commander John G. Manos, gave a religious freedom presentation to the High School Sunday School students. Archon Regional Commander Siatis focused on His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, the Archbishop of Constantinople; the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Constantinople; and the issues and persecution facing our Holy and Great Mother Church.

Additionally, a presentation to the entire St. Nectarios community was provided immediately after Liturgy in the community center. Regional Commander Siatis, with assistance from the National Secretary/Regional Commander Pablecas and Regional Commander Manos, discussed the role of the Archons and their mission. In addition, 2024 Pilgrimage of Discovery participant Peter Kokkinias of St. Nectarios Greek Orthodox Church passionately spoke to the community about his personal and life-changing experience in traveling to Constantinople to meet His All-Holiness, visiting the religious sites, and having the awesome opportunity to chant at the Patriarchate, all as part of the Archon’s Pilgrimage of Discovery program, which would not have been possible without the vision, leadership, and financial support of the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in America.

Kokkinias was one of sixteen pilgrims that collectively represented every Metropolis and the Archdiocesan District selected for this year’s Pilgrimage of Discovery program, a week-long journey to Constantinople to connect young adults (ages 23-30) to their ancestral religious roots. The journey included guided tours of holy sites and a private audience with His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.