With the growing concern regarding Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19), below are parish resources, preventative information, communication updates and important links. To learn more about the outbreak of the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) and its symptoms, prevention & treatment, testing, and more, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Latest Video Messages
Wednesday, July 8, 2020
“Metropolitan Nathanael’s COVID-19 Parish Relief Fund Update & More”
His Eminence Metropolitan Nathanael discusses the COVID-19 Parish Relief Fund, timing for distributions to parishes in need, the significance of the recent grant awarded by The Renaissance Fund, and what the pandemic represents for the Metropolis and its faithful.
Reuniting Our People With Their Parish Homes
COVID-19 Safety Guidance to Parishes
August 20, 2021 Dear Rev. Fathers and Parish Council Presidents, As you are probably aware, some local municipalities have again begun instituting mask mandates to varying degrees. In an effort to protect our faithful, the Metropolis of Chicago strongly recommends...
New Directives and Special Rubrics for Celebrating the Sacraments of Baptism, Chrismation and Marriage
On June 10, 2020 the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago made the following statement: As the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago continues to reunite the faithful with their parish homes, it is taking steps to ensure that this reunion is grounded on the sacramental...
Joint Statement Regarding Holy Trinity’s Bankruptcy Proceedings
On Monday, June 8, Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church of Chicago and the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago made the following statement: With great joy, we announce the beginning of a new day for Holy Trinity. With the bank’s agreement to release the claims against...
The Sacrament of Marriage: Revised Directives and Liturgical Rubrics
THE SACRAMENT OF MARRIAGE REVISED DIRECTIVES AND LITURGICAL RUBRICS MAY 2021 We are grateful for the ability to return to many of our practices prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. The following directives and rubrics contemplate the fully vaccinated status of both clergy...
The Divine Liturgy: Revised Guidelines
THE DIVINE LITURGY – REVISED GUIDELINES MAY 2021 We are grateful for the ability to return to many of our practices prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. The following directives and rubrics contemplate the fully vaccinated status of both clergy and laity. Individuals are...
The Sacraments of Baptism and Chrismation: Revised Directives and Liturgical Rubrics
THE SACRAMENTS OF BAPTISM AND CHRISMATION REVISED DIRECTIVES AND LITURGICAL RUBRICS MAY 2021 We are grateful for the ability to return to many of our practices prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. The following directives and rubrics contemplate the fully vaccinated...
Protocol for Non-Liturgical Programs in Education Ministries
August 21, 2020 Introduction Whenever possible, the use of distance learning platforms should be used for Education Ministries. However, recognizing the benefits of in-person learning, especially for children, the Metropolis of Chicago offers this protocol to its...
Protocol for the Distribution of Antidoron and Artoklasia: Update to the June 3, 2020 Directive
Now that people are more accustomed to social distancing and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), the following protocol is offered to parishes to help reintroduce the distribution of antidoron and artoklasia. For parishes that offer Holy Communion at the...
The Divine Liturgy: Special Directives and Liturgical Rubrics
June 3, 2020 The Divine Liturgy The Divine Liturgy has been celebrated during the COVID19 pandemic throughout our Holy Metropolis. We have gained much experience during the last few months; the lessons learned will help us continue to establish and refine our...
Revision of the May 20, 2020 Guidelines
June 2, 2020 Dear Reverend Fathers and Parish Council Presidents, Further to last evening’s meeting, His Eminence Metropolitan Nathanael has directed the revision of the May 20, 2020 Directive regarding the ability for attendance at services by parishioners. The last...
Update and Summary of Levels of Participation
May 30, 2020 Dear Reverend Fathers and Parish Council Presidents, Several members of the clergy have contacted the Metropolis regarding Governor Pritzker’s Executive Order No. 38, issued last evening, removing restrictions on the free exercise of religion. As you may...
Statement Regarding Sacraments of Confession and Holy Unction
On Saturday, May 31, 2020 the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago made the following statement: As the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago continues to reunite the faithful with their parish homes, it is taking steps to ensure that this reunion is grounded on the...
Reuniting Our People With Their Parish Homes
On Tuesday, May 20, 2020, the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago made the following statement: Following its May 11 statement, the Metropolis of Chicago has issued guidance that would permit a greater number of parishioners to attend liturgical services provided...
Metropolis Takes Actions to Respond to COVID-19
Metropolis of Chicago takes series of actions to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and provide humanitarian and parish relief Lombard, IL, May 13, 2020 – The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago announced today a series of actions it has taken regarding the operations...
Statement Regarding Liturgical Services and the Sacramental Life of the Church
On Monday, May 11, 2020, the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago made the following statement: In concert with the decision of our Holy Eparchial Synod, and consistent with COVID-19 guidelines issued by state and local public officials, the Greek Orthodox Metropolis...
A Partnership to Help Those Who Lost Their Jobs Due to COVID-19
The Metropolis of Chicago is partnering with Medix, a national workforce solutions firm, to help displaced workers belonging to the Metropolis find work during the pandemic. See the announcement below for more details, including how to apply. In the coming weeks, look...
Priests at North Side Greek Orthodox Church Deal With 4 Funerals, Virtual Ministering as 18 People Linked to Parish Struck by COVID-19
When a parishioner of St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Lakeview received permission to be at the side of his parent who was seriously ill after contracting COVID-19, the Rev. Chrysanthos Kerkeres was able to say a prayer over the phone. The son donned full...
Metropolis of Chicago Launches COVID-19 Parish Relief Fund
Metropolis of Chicago launches COVID-19 Parish Relief Fund Lombard, IL, April 2, 2020 – The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago announced today the creation of a COVID-19 Parish Relief Fund to support parishes under significant financial distress as a result of the...
Important Public Health Links by State
Illinois Department of Public Health: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Indiana State Department of Health: 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Iowa Department of Public Health: Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Minnesota Department of Health: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services: COVID-19 Outbreak
Assistance Programs
Community Care Program for Seniors
The Hellenic Foundation, which has served the Greek American senior community for decades, has bilingual staff members who are able to answer general questions about the Community Care Program. For more information, please call 773-631-5222 Monday-Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. or visit www.hellenicfoundation.org/community-care-program
If you or a loved one is a senior in need of in-home caregiving services, please consider whether you qualify for free services through the Community Care Program established by the Illinois Department on Aging. These in-home care services are provided by the Hellenic Foundation. To learn more about the program or to apply for benefits, call the Senior Help Line at the Department on Aging at 1-800-252-8966 or visit www2.illinois.govaging.