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40th Metropolis Assembly Reaches Forward

His Eminence Metropolitan Savas convened the Metropolis Clergy-Laity Assembly from Sept. 23-25 at St. Haralambos GOC in Canton, OH. During the invocation, delegates heard the passage from Philippians 3:8-19 which served as the Assembly’s theme. Following regular reports, delegates heard greetings from Archbishop Elpidophoros as conveyed by his representative, Bishop Athenagoras of Nazianzos. His Eminence then offered his keynote address.

On Friday, informative presentations were offered by Rev. Dr. George Parsenios, Fr. Jon Boukis, and William Pananis and break-out sessions were held by Fr. Boukis, Fr. John Touloumes, and Fr. Theodore Petrides. In addition to committee reports, the Assembly heard a presentation on the progress of the New Metropolis Center project. It voted – unanimously – to approve construction of the Center, the formation of an Operational Endowment, the request for the deed to the Ellsworth Ave. office and its eventual sale (after moving to the new office) and securing a construction loan (as needed). A successful Regional Archon Lunch was held with His Eminence and His Grace present.

On Saturday, delegates were treated to speeches of our 2021 National Oratorical Festival Finalists – Evan Jordanides and Stavros Spanakis. His Grace, Director of Religious Education for the Archdiocese, expressed his admiration for the talent of the participants from our Metropolis.  The Assembly approved the proposed structure for a Metropolis Camp Endowment, which will begin with just over $160,000 in principal. It also approved the proposed 2022 Budget presented by the Finance Committee and elected eight to the 2022-2024 Metropolis council: Archon Harry Athanasiou, Dr. George Bellios, Michelle Kotsagrelos, Archon Dr. Nicholas Loutsion, Archon Steve Poulos, Harry Ruska, Archon Steve Sellas, and Archon Philip Yamalis. The Assembly also elected two lay people to the 2022-2024 Archdiocesan Council: Archon Michael Kusturiss, Jr. and Archon Peter Clyde Papadakos. 

Following reports from Y2AM, Camping, Family, and administrative ministries, the Assembly then approved resolutions of appreciation for the Ecumenical Patriarch’s 30th anniversary; the Archdiocesan Centennial; the Ministry of Metropolitan Maximos and for the founding of the Metropolitan Maximos Youth Endowment by the Hages Family & His Eminence; of prayer for those affected by COVID19 and the various wildfires in the U.S. and Greece; for the long-time ministries of Pres. Eileen Sedor and Rhea Ballas; and the Clergy-Laity Assembly Committee and Hosts.  The Assembly concluded with information about two initiatives offered in Memory of Metropolitan Maximos: the Metropolitan Maximos Endowment for Youth & Young Adult Ministries (which has received $120,000 in donations to date) and the Metropolitan Maximos Memory Book (contributions of fewer than 1,000 words, with 300+ dpi photos, can be sent to [email protected]).

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