CHICAGO, IL [DOM] – The Diocese of the Midwest continues to prepare for the upcoming commemoration of the 20th anniversary of the return of the Tikhvin Icon of the Mother of God to Tikhvin, Russia, on June 25 and June 26. In a recent letter to the clergy of the diocese, His Eminence Archbishop Daniel of Chicago and the Midwest called on them to assist in arranging for pilgrimages to participate in the celebration, and, most especially, to encourage and make possible the participation of our parish youth and young adults.
The letter can be read in full here:
“Dear Fathers,
I am grateful to all of you who were able to be present at last week’s Diocesan Clergy Convocation held in Darien, IL. As you recall, “Save the Date” cards were once again distributed. The dates to mark on your calendars include our next Diocesan Assembly, October 7–9, at Saint Nicholas Church in Mogadore, OH, and next year’s Clergy Convocation, May 12–14 (12–15 for Junior Clergy) at the Carmelite Spiritual Center in Darien, IL.
I wish to express my gratitude to Deacon Vitaly Permiakov for his informative and engaging lectures at last week’s gathering. I have heard only positive and supportive comments concerning his presentations, and I am sure that they will be helpful to all who were present. Indeed, this is exactly what the purpose of our clergy annual convocations is: to help us grow spiritually and pastorally in order to promote the work of the Church and the preaching of the Gospel in the Midwest. I am confident that all of you see this as an important part of our ministry and life together.
Again, I would like to remind you of the upcoming celebration of the Twentieth Anniversary of the Return of the Tikhvin Icon to Russia. Twenty years ago, clergy and faithful from throughout the Diocese gathered to venerate the Icon for one last time before it returned to the Monastery of the Dormition in Tikhvin. We will commemorate this event next month, June 25-26, with liturgical services that will include Vigil on Tuesday evening and Divine Liturgy on Wednesday morning, concelebrated by His Beatitude Metropolitan Tikhon and invited Hierarchs. With the Chicago-Tikhvin Icon having been proclaimed the patronal Icon of our God-protected Diocese, I call upon you all, our beloved clergy, to share the news of this special celebration with your parishes, to assist in arranging for pilgrimages to participate in the celebration, and, most especially, to encourage and make possible the participation of our parish youth and young adults. Our young people will participate in a special way in the procession taking place on Thursday morning.
This link [20th Anniversary of the Tikhvin Icon – Diocese of the Midwest (domoca.org)] provides general information about the event and this link [20th Anniversary Clergy RSVP (google.com)] includes clergy reservations forms for Liturgy—all are invited to serve— and RSVPs for the festal banquet to which all participants are invited. If you have any questions about the celebration, kindly contact Priest Alexander Koranda, Dean of Holy Trinity Cathedral. Asking the prayers of the Most Holy Theotokos of Tikhvin for you, your families, and all those you serve.”
