Ascension Co-Hosts 2023 Clergy-Laity Assembly

Under the guidance and spiritual leadership of Fr. Sotiri, Ascension co-hosted the 2023 Metropolis Clergy-Laity Assembly (CLA) and Philoptochos Convention in 2023 with St. Nectarios at the Meridian Banquet Center in Rolling Meadows. Suzanne Saric, Parish Communications Specialist, served as a co-chair of the event.  More than 350 faithful clergy and laity leaders, representing 58 Parishes from across our six-state Metropolis, gathered in fellowship with His Eminence Metropolitan Nathanael at meetings to discuss the Metropolis' five-year vision. Centered in Christ, the vision focuses on five pillars and aims to provide a comprehensive approach to fueling growth and engaging our faithful to participate in good works. His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America was also present and bestowed his blessings on the participants.

At the conclusion of the Assembly, more than 100 parishioners from throughout the Midwest traveled to St. Nectarios and packed hundreds of bags filled with non-perishable meals through the Project Hope program. As a result, Ascension was able to deliver 200 of those bags of food weighing nearly 4,000 pounds to our local partner, Midwest Veterans Closet in North Chicago this past week. The donation will provide 5,000 meals for our local brothers and sisters in need. Glory to God!

The theme of the CLA — “…God who began a good work in you will surely complete it…” (Philippians 1:6) — was interwoven throughout the entire Assembly, and will continue to provide spiritual encouragement for the future as the Metropolis of Chicago carries out its vision.

Learn more by visiting the Metropolis of Chicago website HERE.