The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago Clergy Syndesmos expresses its deep mourning and sense of loss at the falling asleep in the Lord of our Father and Shepherd Metropolitan Iakovos. As clergymen, we remember with awe his 38 years of service as Hierarch of the Metropolis of Chicago foremost characterized by his dedicated, exemplary, and prayerful celebration of the Mystical Services of the Church. We recall his frequent counsel to make the Divine Services of the Church the focal point of our ministries, always followed according to good canonical order. Gathered around the Holy Altar in his prayerful presence, we shared in similar experience to the Disciples, who gathered around Our Lord Jesus Christ.

As shepherd, he called us by name, and as his sheep we followed him because he knew us and he was known by us (John 10). Each Clergyman of our Holy Metropolis held His Eminence in the highest esteem as a mentor and model in his ministry. Those who had the great blessing to join the ranks of the clergy through the laying on of his hands are particularly grateful for his prayers and guidance. As clergy, we all have been truly honored to serve the Church under his spiritual guidance.

His Eminence proved a good shepherd to the clergy and to all the faithful of our Orthodox Church. Metropolitan Iakovos exemplified service to the Lord in all things. By overseeing and inspiring the many philanthropic works and outreach, in addition to his efforts in Youth and Family programs, the continuation of our Orthodox education, and the promotion of Hellenism. His dream for future generations came true with the completion of the St. Iakovos Retreat Center.
While we grieve the loss of Metropolitan Iakovos we do “not grieve like those who have no hope” (1 Thess 4:13). Our hope lies in the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, which His Eminence preached so fervently to all in his spiritual care. May the Lord our God grant him rest in a place of light, a place of repose, in a place of refreshment, where there is no pain, sorrow, and suffering, but life everlasting.

May his Memory Be Eternal, and may the Lord God remember his Archpriesthood in His Kingdom.

In His Service,

Rev. Fr. John Ketchum,
President of the Chicago
Clergy Syndesmos