RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Metropolitan Iakovos has been called to eternal life by the wisdom of God at the age of 89; and
WHEREAS, The Chicago City Council has been informed of his passing by Alderman Edward M. Burke; and
WHEREAS, Metropolitan Iakovos was the leader of the Greek Orthodox Church in Chicago; and
WHEREAS, Metropolitan Iakovos was born Michael Garmatis in Athens, Greece in 1928; and
WHEREAS, As a young clergyman, Metropolitan Iakovos earned a doctorate from Boston University and taught at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology; and
WHEREAS, Lauded as an "unforgettable hierarch," Metropolitan Iakovos was elected to serve as Bishop in 1979; and
WHEREAS, During his 38-year tenure, Metropolitan Iakovos assisted the homeless, founded youth programs and strengthened the Church's commitment to social justice; and
WHEREAS, Metropolitan Iakovos distinguished himself through his deep piety, ecclesiastical ethos and the special love he had for the sacred services of the Orthodox liturgical tradition; and
WHEREAS, The holiness, sacrifice and dedication of Metropolitan Iakovos serve as an example to all; and
WHEREAS, To his beloved family, Metropolitan Iakovos imparts a legacy of faithfulness, service and dignity; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and the members of the Chicago City Council, assembled this twenty-eighth day of June, 2017, do hereby commemorate Metropolitan Iakovos for his grace-filled life and do hereby express our condolences to his family; and