GraceUnboundThe Sacred Activism of an Orthodox Bishop BY BISHOP DEMETRIOS C. KANTZAVELOS The first step of any great journey can be the riskiest one of all. It is 1992, and the nation is reeling from the AIDS pandemic. When Fr. Demetri, a newly ordained Chicago-born priest, visits Bob—a man dying from complications due to AIDS, abandoned by his own parish priest out of fear—his life takes an unexpected turn. That single act of compassion sparks a deeper calling to social activism, setting him on a path he never anticipated. Yet nothing prepared the hard-nosed priest for a face-to-face encounter with a convicted murderer years later. Andrew, who is scheduled to be executed in less than three weeks, maintains his innocence regarding the grisly crime. But when the governor of the state—the inmate’s last hope—refuses to show mercy, the priest must again face the true cost of his calling.In this gripping true story of faith, justice, and redemption, one priest's mission to save a single life becomes a fight to transform an entire system. Sunday, May 18, 2025ChicagoBook Launch ~ Hosted by the Balourdos Families ~ I’d love for you to join me for what promises to be an unforgettable afternoon as we celebrate the official release of my book in the heart of Chicago! This special event will include a live reading, a Q&A session where we’ll explore themes of faith, justice, and redemption, and plenty of time to connect with fellow readers. Enjoy meaningful conversation, refreshments, and the chance to purchase a personalized, autographed copy of the book. I can’t wait to see you there! ◈LOCATION: Labriola Ristorante, "The Parlor Room"◈ADDRESS: 535 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60611◈DATE: Sunday, May 18, 2025◈TIME: 3-5PM At 4:00 PM, I will offer a brief presentation and read selected excerpts from Grace Unbound. I look forward to sharing this special moment with you.