Metropolitan Nathanael’s Encyclical on the devastating storms affecting the Midwest

To the Clergy, Monastics, and Faithful of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago,

“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18). With shock and awe, we have seen the devastating tornadoes and severe storms that affected communities throughout our sacred Metropolis, particularly in northwest Indiana, northern Illinois, and southeastern Wisconsin. Homes, businesses, schools, and houses of worship have suffered damage, and many families now face the challenging task of recovery and rebuilding.

As members of the Body of Christ, we are called to bear one another’s burdens and to respond with compassion during such humanitarian crises. We offer our prayers for all who have suffered loss, injury, displacement, or hardship, and we ask the Lord to strengthen those laboring in rescue, recovery, and relief efforts.

Accordingly, I invite all parishes of the Holy Metropolis of Chicago to include the following special petitions during the Great Litany of the Divine Liturgy on Sunday, June 14, 2026, immediately following the petition, “For this city, for every city, and for the faithful who dwell therein, lets us pray to the Lord.”

For those who…