In the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago the Right Reverend Timothy Bakakos, Chancellor of the Metropolis of Chicago, was ordained to the Episcopacy on Saturday, December 5 at the Cathedral of Saints Constantine and Helen in Merrillville, Indiana.
His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America presided at the service alongside Metropolitan Alexios of Atlanta, Metropolitan Nathanael of Chicago, Metropolitan Ilia of Philomelion, and Bishop Sebastian of Zelon.
The celebration was livestreamed, in compliance with restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic, and will be made available through social media channels.
In his Homily, Archbishop Elpidophoros stated, “As a Bishop of the Church of God, you are called to inspire the Faithful to seek after the experience of the one, true God. Your life is to be an open book to the clergy and laity alike, where they may read the narrative of your virtues that will spur them on in their spiritual life: through the Sacraments, through prayer, through the whole liturgy of the Church, and through their deep yearning for transfiguration in Christ.
During his official address, Bishop Timothy thanked everyone involved in his ordination, including the Hierarchs of the Holy Eparchial Synod of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America and the volunteers who assisted in the ordination festivities: “Realizing the pandemic that our country and world have faced these past many months, I am thankful for the prayers of those members of the Eparchial Synod who are able to be here in person today.”
His Grace also expressed his commitment to Christ and the faithful of the Metropolis of Chicago: “Our purpose as Church leaders, is to bring our faithful closer to Christ, assisting them in small, successive steps toward salvation. With God’s blessing, that is and will continue to be my mission.”
Metropolitan Nathanael stated: “I am grateful to His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and the Holy and Sacred Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate for electing Bishop Timothy to the high office of the Episcopacy. Having him at my right hand, I join my brother Hierarchs in proclaiming him Axios!”
His Grace Bishop Timothy will continue to serve as Chancellor of the Metropolis with the added responsibility of assisting Metropolitan Nathanael with his Archpastoral ministry.