CHICAGO, IL [DOM] – Services for the Hieromartyr John of Chicago were held at the temple that he built during his missionary labors while in America on Sunday, October 30 and Monday, October 31. Services were lead by His Grace Bishop Daniel of Chicago and the Diocese of the Midwest, and brought clergy and faithful from throughout the Chicagoland.
The annual observance, which the Orthodox Church in America celebrates every October 31, is in commemoration of the martyrdom of the holy missionary priest to America, St. John Kochurov. Having spent over a decade in America, and having erected a temple in Chicago, he is greatly loved and honored as an American saint.
During the month of October, Holy Trinity Cathedral dedicated a number of services and events which honor their beloved pastor including the St. John of Chicago Lecture Series, which was held on Saturday, October 29. This year’s speaker was His Grace Bishop Daniel of Chicago, who spoke on the canonical process of being recognized as a saint by the Orthodox Church.
On October 30, the eve of the feast of St. John of Chicago, local parishes from all over the Chicago Deanery joined Bishop Daniel and the cathedral community for this celebration. Serving with His Grace were Archpriest Paul Jannakos, Priest Alexander Koranda, Archpriest Herman Kincaid, Archpriest Tarasiy Maxim, Priest Nikolai Lochmatow and deacons Thomas Keith and Paul Garklavs. The choir was under the direction of Olga Garklavs. Fr. Paul Jannakos offered a few words reflecting on the life of St. John after the First Hour.
On Monday, October 31, Bishop Daniel presided over the services for the local saint and was joined by Priest Alexander Koranda, Archpriest Tarasiy Maxim, Priest Nikolai Lochmatow, Priest Anthony Saunders and deacons Thomas Keith and Paul Garklavs.
During the homily, His Grace highlighted the importance of the celebration being held, along with St. John’s holy witness to the gospel both during his time on earth, and after his martyrdom. The full sermon can be viewed here:
Following divine services, a festive reception was held in the hall.
