Chicago, IL - On Sunday, December 13th His Eminence Metropolitan Christopher companioned by Deacon Damjan Bozic joined His Eminence Metropolitan Iakovos and His Grace Bishop Demetrios at the 29th Annual Christmas Open House at the Greek Orthodox Metropolis residence located on Chicago’s Gold Coast. This event is offered every year by His Eminence Metropolitan Iakovos, the Metropolis Council and the Metropolis Philoptochos Board.

Every year the open house welcomes people from all over the Metropolis to greet one another in the joyous spirit of the new born Christ, to pay their respects to His Eminence and His Grace. Each year, Clergy from the various parishes of the Metropolis organize groups to participate in the Open House. All of them spoke with His Eminence and posed for photos. Youth groups from area parishes delighted the crowds with the performance of traditional Christmas songs in Greek and English. One group dressed in Charles Dickens era costumes. Different groups of chanters and members of the Byzantine Music School inspired His Eminence and the assembled guests.

Besides His Eminence Metropolitan Christopher, Right Reverend Bishop Peter of Russian Orthodox Church arrived to express his Christmas greetings to Metropolitan Iakovos and Bishop Demetrios. As every year, the ladies of Philoptochos spent many hours transforming the Metropolis house into a stunning Christmas display.