BURR RIDGE, IL [DOM] – The 62nd Diocesan Assembly of Chicago and the Midwest was in full swing on Tuesday, October 3. After the Moleben [Prayer Service] at the Beginning of a Council, the first plenary was opened by Diocesan Chancellor, Archpriest Paul Jannakos, who focused on the ongoing initiatives to support and strengthen parishes. Fr. Paul also highlighted programs for clergy, such as continuing education and counseling. Following Fr. Paul’s report, Diocesan Treasurer Robert Koncel offered his report, followed by the auditors’ report.
The various departments of the diocese also offered their reports, including the Departments of Communications, Clergy Wives, Liturgical Music, and Continuing Education. Moreover, a report was heard from our diocesan Holy Resurrection Monastery in Niangua, MO. Reports were then presented by the Deans of each of the Diocese’s six deaneries.
In addition to its regular business, this year’s assembly also welcomed a guest speaker, Priest Daniel Greeson, Rector of St. Anne Church in Knoxville, TN. Father delivered two talks on St. John Chrysostom and Holy Scripture, as well as St. John Chrysostom and the Priesthood.
After a brief lunch break, Archpriest John Dresko of the Orthodox Church Capital Improvement Fund, gave a well-received presentation, followed by a question and answer session. Elections were held for clergy and laity positions on both the Metropolitan Council and the Diocesan Council. Finally, Mr. Koncel announced to the Archbishop and the Assembly his retirement after three decades of service as the Diocesan Treasurer, effective at the end of this year. His heartfelt farewell speech was met with equally heartfelt gratitude by the Assembly, who expressed this through an extended standing ovation.
The day concluded with Daily Vespers served by Priest Anthony Saunders, along with gatherings for Clergy Wives and the St Andrew of Crete Music Ministry.
