The Metropolis of Chicago itself traces its explicit roots to 1923, when Rev. Philaretos Johannides became the city’s first Greek Orthodox bishop. Nearly twenty years later, Chicago became the "2nd Diocesan District" of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of North & South America. That district would continue to coordinate the ecclesial growth of this major immigrant, industrial, and rail center on the southwestern shores of Lake Michigan. A number of distinguished bishops served the diocesan community, including Meletios, Ezekiel and the late Timotheos of Rodostolon. Each brought unique talents to Chicago's Greek Orthodox and larger communities. This Episcopal ministry excelled with the singular dedication of Chicago's Metropolitan Iakovos, who ministered for thirty eight years. A studied and accomplished liturgist, Athens-born Metropolitan Iakovos made a profound imprint upon the character of the Midwest’s Greek Orthodox communities. On March 17, 2018, a new chapter in the life and history of the Metropolis of Chicago was inaugurated with the ordination of its next Archbishop, Metropolitan Nathanael of Chicago at the Archdiocesan Cathedral of the Holy Trinity. A dedicated and energetic servant of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, the faithful of the Metropolis are poised to enter into a new period of growth under the guidance of her new Metropolitan. The majority of Metropolis parishes are concentrated in the Chicago metropolitan area, where immigrants arrived as early as the 19th century. Hence the older parishes are to be found primarily in the older Midwestern industrialized cities, while newer congregations have followed demographic patterns, locating in suburban and even rural/missionary contexts. Within recent decades, Metropolis churches have been built integrating traditional Byzantine forms; earlier structures, in contrast, often were acquired from other faith groups.
Parishes
Illinois
Aurora – St. Athanasios Church Champaign – Three Hierarchs Church Chicago – Assumption Church Chicago – Annunciation Cathedral Chicago – Assumption Church Chicago – Holy Trinity Church Chicago – St. Andrew Church Chicago – St. Basil Church Chicago – St. Demetrios Church Chicago – St. George Church Chicago – St. Nicholas Albanian Church DeKalb – St. George Church Decatur – Annunciation Church Des Plaines – St. John the Baptist Church East Moline – Assumption Church Elgin – St. Sophia Church Elmhurst – St. Demetrios Church Glenview – SS. Peter and Paul Church Joliet – All Saints Church Justice – Holy Cross Church Kankakee – Annunciation Church Libertyville – St. Demetrios Church Lincolnshire – Ascension of Our Lord Church Niles – Holy Taxiarchai-St. Haralambos Oak Lawn – Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Homer Glen – Assumption Greek Orthodox Church Palatine – St. Nectarios Church Palos Heights – St. Spyridon Church Palos Hills – SS. Constantine & Helen Church Peoria – All Saints Greek Orthodox Church Rock Island – St. George Church Rockford – SS. Constantine & Helen Church Springfield – St. Anthony Church Swansea – SS. Constantine & Helen Church Westchester – Holy Apostles Greek Orthodox Church
Cedar Rapids – St. John the Baptist Church Des Moines – St. George Church Dubuque – St. Elias the Prophet Church Mason City – Holy Transfiguration Church Sioux City – Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church Waterloo – St. Demetrios Church
Minnesota
Duluth – Twelve Holy Apostles Church Minneapolis – St. Mary's Greek Orthodox Church Rochester – SS. Anargyroi Church St. Paul – St. George Church
