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During its 2025 Clergy-Laity Assembly, the Metropolis of Chicago issued two important updates regarding its new Metropolis Center, Chancellor, and Vicar General.
The announcement of a new Metropolis Center is as follows:
“Following an affirmative vote by delegates of the 2025 Clergy-Laity Assembly, the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago is returning to the City of Chicago.
Subject to the approval of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America (GOA), the Metropolis of Chicago will be located at 1290 North Clybourn Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60610.
Proceeds from the sale of the Burton Place property in February 2022 – previously approved by delegates of the 2019 Clergy-Laity Assembly and the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America – will be used to secure the new Metropolis Center.
‘With abiding faith in God’s plan, and after months of prayer, discernment, and study, we are overjoyed that the Metropolis of Chicago will once again have its home in the City of Chicago,’ said His Eminence Metropolitan Nathanael. ‘It is a profound blessing to be among the people we are called to serve and love as Orthodox Christians. Even before we settle into the new space, we already see opportunities for partnership and outreach that will allow us to extend Christ’s ministry throughout the city. Our hearts are full of gratitude as we witness God’s divine plan unfolding before us.’
The property is a 6,400-square-foot contemporary office building featuring 12 offices, a conference room, four restrooms, a roof deck, elevator access, and on-site and nearby parking.
Located within a 10-mile radius of six Metropolis parishes and within an hour’s drive from 17 others, the new Metropolis Center is well positioned to serve the faithful of the greater Chicago area. The site is readily accessible by public transportation. It is approximately a 40-minute drive from O’Hare International Airport and a 35-minute drive from Midway International Airport, offering convenient access for visitors from across the Metropolis and beyond.
‘Given its growth potential, accessible location, existing amenities, and opportunities for community collaboration, we are pleased with this outcome for our Holy Metropolis,’ said Nick T. Boosalis, Chairman of the Real Estate Committee. ‘It turned out that this property and all it offers were well worth the careful, steady selection process all along.’
Move-in is expected in the new year, following approval of the GOA, with an open house to be announced in early 2026.”
The announcement of the latter appointments is as follows:
“Fr. Dionysios will assume his new role in the new year, at which time Fr. Panagiotis will begin his service as Vicar General. Until a successor is appointed, Fr. Dionysios will continue to serve the community of St. Demetrios in Elmhurst, Illinois. Fr. Panagiotis will likewise continue his ministry as parish priest of St. Athanasios in Aurora, Illinois.
‘I am humbled and privileged to support my clergy brothers as Chancellor and intend to serve them with the same love, devotion, and humility they show to their flocks,’ said Fr. Dionysios. ‘With God’s grace, I look forward to building on the strong foundation laid by His Grace Bishop Timothy and working shoulder-to-shoulder with Fr. Panagiotis to achieve His Eminence’s vision for a Christ-centered, parish-focused Metropolis.’
As Chancellor, Fr. Dionysios Anagnostopoulos will oversee the spiritual formation and administrative affairs of the clergy serving the Metropolis’ 58 parishes and two monastic communities. He also will work closely with Metropolitan Nathanael to manage the day-to-day operations of the Metropolis, oversee administrative and financial matters, and act as the Metropolitan’s principal deputy in ecclesiastical governance, ensuring the harmonious operation of parish life across the six-state Metropolis.
‘It is a sacred honor to step into the role of Vicar General,’ said Fr. Panagiotis. ‘I am eager to continue supporting His Eminence, the Chancellor, and our entire Metropolis family by contributing to the infrastructure that empowers our parishes to serve Christ more authentically and collaborate more deeply with one another. Established just this year, the vicariate system holds immense promise and I’m thrilled to help it flourish as we embrace the true unity of Christ’s body.
As Vicar General, Fr. Panagiotis Boznos will coordinate the Metropolis’ nine Vicars under the guidance of the Chancellor and ensure compliance with Metropolis and Archdiocesan policies and regulations. ‘In the spirit of the Apostle Paul’s exhortation in Galatians to ‘serve one another humbly in love,’ I am profoundly grateful for the dedicated service of Frs. Dionysios and Panagiotis in supporting the Metropolis of Chicago over this year,’ said His Eminence Metropolitan Nathanael. ‘Fr. Dionysios, with his deep pastoral wisdom and earnestness of faith, will excel as Chancellor, nurturing the spiritual vitality of our clergy by advancing our shared mission, vision, and values. Fr. Panagiotis, known for his management acumen and ability to translate strategy to reality, will serve admirably as Vicar General, assisting in cultivating greater unity among our parishes. I have full confidence that, together, they will help foster the transformative power of the Gospel among all they touch through their work in our Holy Metropolis.’
Following His Grace Bishop Timothy’s departure from the Chancellor’s Office, Frs. Dionysios and Panagiotis stepped forward, providing exemplary commitment and tireless support to the Chancellor’s Office while also serving as spiritual fathers in their own parishes. Their selfless service ensured the seamless continuation of administrative and spiritual oversight, embodying the Christ-centered leadership that strengthens our community.”
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