CHICAGO, IL [DOM] – With the blessing of His Eminence Archbishop Daniel of Chicago and the Midwest, the Diocese of the Midwest is pleased to announce the commemorative celebration of the return of the Tikhvin Icon of the Mother of God on June 25 and June 26. 2024 marks the 20th anniversary of the return of the wonderworking icon from Chicago, IL to Tikhvin, Russia.
The celebration will take place at the historic Holy Trinity Cathedral, Chicago, IL where the icon was protected during her time in America. On Holy Spirit Monday, June 24, the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy will be celebrated by Archbishop Daniel and visiting clergy at 9:30a. Later that evening their will be an outdoor viewing of the movie, “The Return of the Icon”, which is a film that documented the icons last days in Chicago, and her triumphant return to Russia. This will take place in the newly renovated courtyard of the Cathedral.
On Tuesday, June 25, hierarchs, clergy, and faithful will gather for the All Night Vigil at 6:00 p.m. Responses will be sung by the Chicago Deanery Male Choir under the direction of Reader Philip Sokolov.
The feast of the Tikhvin Icon, Wednesday, June 26, the Hierarchical Liturgy will begin at 9:30 a.m. The liturgy will be served by hierarchs and clergy from throughout the country. Responses will be sung by the St. Romanos Choir under the direction of Reader Peter Jermihov, who directed the choir 20 years ago for her last Liturgy in Chicago. At the conclusion of the Liturgy, a Cross Procession will be held with the Chicago Tikhvin Mother of God from Holy Trinity Cathedral to St. George Cathedral. This .08-mile procession will take pilgrims to the Cathedral on Wood Street where a Molieben will be held in the Cathedral and then a festive meal in the grand hall of the parish.
“This is a very exciting and significant event,” said Priest Alexander Koranda, Dean of Holy Trinity Cathedral. “This icon which started from the blessed hand of the Apostle Luke has appeared and been venerated throughout the various parts of the world. Our Holy Mother, through this icon came to America, Chicago specifically, and sanctified us with her holy presence for over five decades. This celebration is not only a historical commemoration, but also a spiritual one as many of us remember praying before that icon, and still feel the support of the Theokotos’ prayers. This celebration is a way to honor her and gives thanks.”
In addition to the special commemoration, the Diocese of the Midwest will also be hosting “Chicago 2024 – An International Orthodox Youth Encounter”, where youth will be attending and participating in various events.
The Archbishop has been encouraging his clergy and faithful throughout the diocese to attend the upcoming celebration, “we see how the Mother of God brings us all together, not just in the city of Chicago, or even the Diocese, but in this celebration she will be bring her children from all over the world together to join in prayer glorifying her Son”.
A resource page has been created by the Diocese of the Midwest with more information and with updates as they become available. That page can be accessed here.
