Emphasizing administrative transparency and boldness of faith, the Metropolis of Chicago releases inaugural edition of its “Annual Impact Report” for 2020
LOMBARD, IL, March 23, 2021 – The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago today released its first-ever Annual Impact Report summarizing key actions and developments taken in 2020. The purpose of the report is to provide data and information related to the financial performance, ministry building, and community outreach of the Metropolis on an annual basis. The report is issued the day before the third anniversary of His Eminence Metropolitan Nathanael’s Enthronement as spiritual leader of the Metropolis of Chicago.
The report differs from a traditional annual report in that it also includes the findings of a 10-year audit of the Metropolis’ sacramental registry data, which was commissioned to allow the Metropolis to better understand prevailing trends in the sacramental life of the faithful across all 58 parishes. The registry audit will be conducted on an annual basis and the Metropolis intends to work with parishes to address the findings on a local level.
“In naming the report, our choice of wording was deliberate. We want our faithful to have a better understanding of the impact we are making as a community, both on a local parish and regional Metropolis level. We also want to celebrate the individual members of our faith community who are impacting their parishes and their communities in inspiring and meaningful ways. We are proud of what we’ve been able to achieve and are confident that, with the strength of faith present across our dynamic Metropolis, we will be able to accomplish even more in the years to come” said Vicki Karl, Executive Director.
Among other data and information, the 2020 Metropolis of Chicago Annual Impact Report includes:
-
A financial overview of Metropolis revenues and expenses from 2015-2020
-
A summary of the 10-year audit of sacramental registry data
-
An overview of the Metropolis’ success in raising more than $250,000 for the COVID-19 Parish Relief Fund
-
Recipients of the 2020 Servant Leadership Award
-
A detailed breakdown of philanthropic aid and community support provided by the Metropolis and its parishes in 2020
-
The creation of three new Metropolis of Chicago ministries — Project HOPE, the Myrrhbearing Women, and the Lighthouse Camp for high school seniors
-
Programs and actions resulting from the Metropolis’ participation in the FAITH Endowment’s Strategic Leadership and Transformative Action Program
“This report represents the Metropolis of Chicago’s commitment to transparency and our accountability to our clergy and laity. Our collective work in 2020 is grounded on our faith in Jesus Christ. I offer glory and thanksgiving to God for His many blessings, and I express my sincere gratitude to the countless women and men across our six-state Metropolis who helped us reach new heights as a faith community,” His Eminence Metropolitan Nathanael said. “I encourage our stewards and friends to read the Annual Impact Report and to prayerfully consider how they can help us have greater transformative impact on the world in 2021,” His Eminence said.
About the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago
Tracing its roots back to 1923, the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago is the diocese of Greek Orthodox faithful in Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, northern Indiana, and southeastern Missouri, consisting of 58 parishes and two monastic communities. The Metropolis is one of nine regions in the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America and is presided over by His Eminence Metropolitan Nathanael. The general offices of the Metropolis are temporarily located in Lombard, Illinois. For more information and to get involved, visit our website, join a Strategic Planning Team, and sign up to receive Metropolis news.
For More Information:
Chris Varones
312-213-3887
###
