CHICAGO, IL [DOM] – The past year proved to be another active period for Diocese of the Midwest. During this time the diocese had the honor of hosting several major events, honoring distinguished clergy and laity, and experiencing life in the diocese expand.
The Diocese of the Midwest played a central role in hosting various events this past year, including the Orthodox Church in America’s four-day Canon Law Conference at St. Peter and St. Paul Church, Burr Ridge, IL. The Diocese also held it’s annual Clergy Convocation in the spring, and conducted the 63rd Diocesan Assembly at St. Nicholas Church, Mogador, OH, in the fall. The Diocese held a large gathering in honor of the 20th anniversary of the return of the Tikhvin Icon of the Mother of God at Holy Trinity Cathedral, Chicago, IL. This event welcomed His Beatitude Metropolitan Tikhon, along with other hierarchs from the OCA. This past year also became historic with the relics of St. John Kochurov, the builder of Holy Trinity Cathedral, being transferred to the holy Cathedral. These relics are now permanently at the Cathedral and the only place in North America where they can be venerated.
His Eminence Archbishop Daniel of Chicago and the Midwest took on various travels making 24 pastoral weekend visits throughout the year. Archbishop also lead a delegation to Tikhvin, Russia in honor of the anniversary of the Tikhvin Icon. His Eminence held a retreat over the summer bringing the seminarians together for several days of prayer and fellowship. Reconciliation Services in Kansas City, MO also was opened and bless by the Archbishop. A personal milestone was also observed with the 70th birthday of Archbishop Daniel.
The diocese experienced some major announcements this past year. Archpriest Herman Kincaid became the first full time Chancellor of the diocese, while long time Diocesan Treasurer, Robert Koncel, retired from the position after more than 30 years of service, which saw the assignment of Subdeacon Dimitri Pletz to the position. The diocese also approved and began to implement a strategic plan, which includes new departments and bringing life to various dormant ministries. Sadly 2024 also saw one of the historic cathedral of the diocese damaged by fire. St. Theodosius Cathedral, Cleveland, OH suffered significant damage when the roof caught fire during a restoration project. Many communities came together to support St. Theodosius Cathedral’s clergy and faithful.
Several communities also celebrated special commemorations and anniversaries. Archangel Michael Church in Broadview Heights, OH celebrated the 100th anniversary. St. Luke Church, Palos Heights, IL enjoyed its 40th anniversary. Other highlights also include Archpriest Andrew Morbey and Archpriest John Zdinak, being awarded the miter for his many years of service. Archpriest John Steffaro was honored for 55 years of service to the Church and Archpriest Nicholas Wyslutsky, Rector and Dean of Cleveland was honored for 30 years of priestly service.
The various ministries of the diocese were also busy offering their skills to enrich one another for the benefit of the communities. The St. Andrew of Crete Music Ministry had a full and successful musical workshop in Dayton, OH. The Clergy Wives group held several retreats offering support and prayer to one another. The Diocese also conducted the 10th Small Parish Forum, gathering strong participation from within and beyond the diocese. Children’s camps continued to offer sessions throughout the year, both in the summer and winter. These efforts provided educational, spiritual, and fun opportunities for the youth of the diocese to engage with their faith. The DOM also offered scholarships to the children of the diocese to attend these camps through the Archbishop Job Memorial Fund.
In the past year, the diocese also experienced the loss of His Grace Bishop Matthias, Archpriest Moses Berry, and Archpriest Alexis Fedec. This past year the diocese also marked the fifteenth anniversary of the passing of Archbishop Job (Osacky). May their memory be eternal!
Much good has come from the past year inspiring the hopes of those in this diocese, while also creating challenges for our continued effort. May God continue to bless and strengthen our hierarch, Archbishop Daniel, our clergy and faithful in the upcoming year, assisting us in keeping our eyes on our home – the Heavenly Kingdom.
