Beloved in the Lord,

It is with great sadness that news of the falling asleep in the Lord of His Eminence Metropolitan Iakovos of Chicago has been announced by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. He reposed on Friday, June 2, 2017 following a brief illness.

The passing of Metropolitan Iakovos marks the end of an era in our Archdiocese. He was a devoted servant of the Lord who gave his entire life for his ministry. I first met him when I was a young student at Hellenic College Holy Cross where he was serving as President. Even in those early years, he was an influential leader and a man who loved, respected and worked for the Greek Orthodox Church in America, its traditions and culture, as well as the Mother Church of our Ecumenical Patriarchate.

As a lasting tribute to his legacy, we must move forward with the same faith and inspiration that Metropolitan Iakovos demonstrated throughout his distinguished service for the benefit of future generations of Greek Orthodox Christians. The clergy and faithful of the Metropolis of San Francisco extend our deepest condolences to the Metropolis of Chicago and all those who mourn his passing.

I ask that all our parishes offer a Trisagion for the eternal rest of His Eminence Metropolitan Iakovos, that he may be welcomed into the Lord’s Heavenly Kingdom wearing a crown of everlasting righteousness.

Once the details for the services are finalized, I will prepare to travel and pay personal tribute to Metropolitan Iakovos and join in prayer as he journeys into eternal life.

May his memory be eternal!

With Love in Christ,
+ G E R A S I M O S
Metropolitan of San Francisco