Assumption Greek Orthodox Church of Chicago, Illinois has become the latest parish in the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America to undertake the sacred, all-important mission of promoting and defending the Ecumenical Patriarchate by donating $100,000 to become a FOUNDER of the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew Foundation (EPBF). Assumption is the first parish of the Metropolis of Chicago to become a FOUNDER.

Demonstrating its fervent devotion to our Lord Jesus Christ, His All-Holy Mother, and our beloved Ecumenical Patriarchate, the parish voted unanimously to make this extraordinary and generous gesture of sacrificial love.

Other parishes are expected to follow the lead of Assumption Church in the near future.

Dr. Anthony J. Limberakis, National Commander of the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and Chair of the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew Foundation, stated: “Assumption parish in Chicago has become the latest in a growing number of parishes around the Archdiocese that have sacrificially demonstrated the immense devotion that the Orthodox faithful in America have for our Holy Mother Church of Constantinople. We offer our immense gratitude to the entire parish, along with Rev. Father Apostolos N. Georgiafentis, Proistamenos; Archons James Lakerdas and Dr. Peter J. Panton, who are both themselves EPBF FOUNDERS; and Parish Council President Thomas Demos and the Parish General Assembly, which voted unanimously to become a FOUNDER! We hope that this will be the first of many churches in the Metropolis to become FOUNDERS.”

On behalf of Father Apostolos, Archon Lakerdas, Parish Council President Demos, and the entire Panagia-Chicago family, Archon Dr. Panton said: “Jim Lakerdas and I attended the 2024 Archon assembly in Athens. We heard – and were inspired by – Dr. Limberakis’ remarks as he enumerated the multiple Archon and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew Foundation initiatives. As our National Commander spoke, Jim whispered to me: ‘We are going to add Panagia’s name to the list of Churches that have become EPBF Founders!’”

Archon Dr. Panton added: “The Assumption Greek Orthodox Church of Chicago is celebrating her 100th anniversary this fall. While we have primary responsibility to our local church, our Parish Council and General Assembly considered it equally important to support our Mother Church in Constantinople. We look forward to presenting the initial installment of our EPBF gift on October 12, during our Centennial Celebration. While we may be the first parish in the Metropolis of Chicago to make this step, we pray that others will join us.”

The Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew Foundation, a watershed initiative of the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, is dedicated to achieving economic independence for the Ecumenical Patriarchate, so that it may fulfill its apostolic mission in perpetuity. FOUNDERS of the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew Foundation have committed to ensuring the financial foundation of the Holy Mother Church, the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, by giving $100,000 over ten years.