His Eminence Metropolitan Alexios will be traveling to each of our Metropolis Conferences during the month of March to meet with clergy, parish leaders, and parishioners. He and His Metropolis co-workers will share updates on our Metropolis ministries, including our Strategic Plan. Those present will be invited to engage in dialogue following presentations, ask questions, and exchange updates and resources to support our parishes and Metropolis ministries.
 
His Eminence invites all interested parishioners to begin planning now to attend the scheduled meeting closest to their parish. Click for schedule listing dates and host cities for you to choose and “save the date.” Clergy and Parish Councils in surrounding parishes to each host city are asked to be represented at a minimum by its Priest, and Parish Council President and Treasurer. Parishioners in each host city area who are involved with our Strategic Plan are encouraged to attend so they can be recognized and assist as needed.
 
Our planning efforts will involve each host parish to reserve its community meeting hall now and make plans to set it up as it would for a General Parish Assembly, including audiovisual/microphone support. Scheduled meetings will begin at 6:00 p.m. and conclude by 9:00 p.m.
 
To ensure ease in scheduling these meetings, only light refreshments need to be offered (like coffee, soft drinks, water, fruit, etc.). The number attending will be a function of how many parishes are within one to two hours driving distance to each host city. Each host parish is asked to network with its surrounding parishes to promote its meeting and ensure all parishes are represented. Likewise, from its local follow-up efforts, the host parish will have an idea of the number of seats needed and plan accordingly.
 
Our goal is for His Eminence to offer encouragement and assist our parishes. He is looking forward to sharing His vision and goals for the coming year. The meeting format will promote two-way communication to ensure parishes offer updates on ministries underway so that we can benefit from each other. His Eminence wants to communicate the progress of our Strategic Plan. We have Strategic Plan volunteers working in every area of our Metropolis and we invite them to join us.
 
A formal letter will be forthcoming from Metropolitan Alexios to our Clergy and Parish Councils to ensure maximum attendance. Clergy, His Eminence also will share additional information at our upcoming Clergy Retreat at the Diakonia Retreat Center, scheduled for February 14-16, 2017, so that you can share with your parishioners and encourage their support and presence.
 
For further information, please contact Fr. George Tsahakis, chancellor@atlmetropolis.org. Likewise if a host city’s meeting date falls on an evening with a lenten service, Fr. George will advise on schedule adjustments to assist your planning. Remember, SAVE THE DATE today!

1/11/17