BURR RIDGE, IL [DOM] – On Wednesday, October 4, a Hierarchal Divine Liturgy was celebrated at St. Peter and St. Paul Church, Burr Ridge, IL, which brought to a close our 62nd Diocesan Assembly. His Eminence, Archbishop Daniel of Chicago and the Midwest, led the clergy and the faithful in prayer at this divine service.
Serving with the Archbishop was the Diocesan Chancellor, Archpriest Paul Jannakos, as well as Archpriest Alexander Kuchta, Archpriest Andrew Clements, Archpriest Paul Wesche, Archpriest Dusan Koprivica, Archpriest Timothy Sawchak, Priest Daniel Greeson, Priest Joseph Whittaker, and Deacon Sampson Nash. The choir was masterfully directed by Priest Gregory Ealy, and a stirring homily was offered by our guest speaker, Fr Daniel.
At the end of the Divine Liturgy, the Archbishop announced an archpastoral decree proclaiming the Mother of God of Tikhvin, venerated in Her Chicago-Tikhvin Icon, as the Sovereign Lady, Queen, and Protectress of the Diocese of the Midwest. 2024 will mark the the 20th anniversary of the original Tikhvin Icon’s return to Russia, after a providential half century of residence in our Diocese. An exact replica of the wonderworking Icon, blessed over the original, was gifted to our Diocese by Bishop Mstislav of Tikhvin in 2016. This has been enshrined at Holy Trinity Cathedral since then as the “Chicago-Tikhvin Icon of the Mother of God.”
Moreover, a Diocesan Gramota was presented to Mr. Robert Graban, a long-term laborer for the diocese, recognizing him on the conclusion of his active service on both the Metropolitan and Diocesan Councils. A light meal and fellowship time for all present was held in the parish hall at the conclusion of the festivities.
