CHICAGO, IL [DOM] – Another year has been completed with much activity within the 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 held its annual Clergy Convocation in the spring, and conducted the 64th Diocesan Assembly at the All American Council this past summer. The diocese also had a special commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the repose of St. Tikhon of Moscow and Enlightener of North America. This was marked by a joint celebration with the Mid-American Diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad, and other local clergy. The diocese also welcomed His Eminence Archbishop Alexei of Sitka and Alaska, as well as His Grace Bishop Peter of Caffa, Vicar of the Exarchate of Spain and Portugal. 2025 also marked the 10th anniversary of episcopal consecration of Archbishop Daniel. Many years!
His Eminence Archbishop Daniel of Chicago and the Midwest took on various travels making 19 pastoral weekend visits to diocesan parishes throughout the year. Archbishop also attended the Canonization of St. Olga in Alaska and the consecration of the new Bishop of the Diocese of the West. His Eminence also made pilgrimage to Bari, Italy to venerate St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, and also made pilgrimage to Fort Ross for the 100th anniversary of that historic pilgrimage. During that trip, the Archbishop also prayed before the relics of St. John of Shanghai and San Francisco. A retreat was also held over the summer bringing the seminarians together for several days of prayer and fellowship. Additionally, trips were made to each seminary in the fall and spring to spend time with the students and their family.
In 2025 the diocese continued developing their strategic plan, which includes new departments and bringing life to various dormant and underdeveloped ministries. The department directors met twice as a group to continue to build their ministries. The diocese also continues to focus on vocations seeing an increase in seminarians. The diocese has also responded to this increase by offering more financial support from the operating budget, and also from the annual “Support Our Seminarians” campaign. During the past year, three seminarians were ordained to the priesthood, and one to the diaconate.
St. Paul Church in Dayton, OH observed its 40th anniversary. Other highlights also include Archpriest Andrew Harrison and Archpriest John Adamcio being awarded the miter for their many years of service. Archpriest Herman Kinciad, Chancellor, was also award the Jeweled Cross. Many years!
The various ministries of the diocese were also busy offering their skills to enrich one another for the benefit of the diocesan communities. The St. Andrew of Crete Music Ministry had a full and successful musical workshop in Dayton, OH, while the St. Macrina program held their 12th retreat. The Clergy Wives group held several online retreats offering support and prayer to one another, as well as a brunch with the Archbishop. 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. The first liturgical training program was held for Deacons and Subdeacons in mid November, which reached it’s max compacity within just a few weeks of the programs announcement.
In the past year, the diocese also experienced the loss of one clergyman, Deacon Mark Sauskojus. May his 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.
