CHICAGO, IL [DOM] – On Wednesday, March 30, His Grace Bishop Daniel of Santa Rosa, Administrator to the Diocese of the Midwest, arrived in Chicago for a two-day visit to pray with His Eminence Archbishop Paul and to continue giving his assistance to the diocese.
After landing in Chicago Wednesday morning, Bishop Daniel was taken to the Chancery and was given a tour of the diocesan facilities. After a brief discussion with members of the Chancery staff, His Grace left for the hospital to visit Archbishop Paul. The two hierarchs spent some time together in discussion and prayer.
That evening, Bishop Daniel was present at the Diocesan Cathedral, Holy Trinity Cathedral, for the Liturgy of Presanctified Gifts. The service was led by Priest Alexander Koranda, Cathedral Dean, and the Cathedral Protodeacon Thomas Keith, and Deacon Paul Garklavs. At the conclusion of the service, His Grace offered a few words on Great Lent and the current struggles in the world, and in the diocese:
“This God protected diocese, here in this community, you don’t have your father present with you physically this year. His Eminence Archbishop Paul, as you know is hospitalized, and I know that you are praying for him, and I know in my heart that he is praying for you as well. But you don’t have him with you and so there is a great loss there. He suffers and you suffer with him in his absence.”
Shortly after, Fr. Alexander welcomed Bishop Daniel on behalf of Archbishop Paul and presented him with flowers thanking him for his prayers for Archbishop Paul, and for his care of the diocese during this difficult time.
The following day, March 31, Bishop Daniel made a pilgrimage with Archpriest Paul Jannakos, Chancellor, and Priest Alexander Koranda, to St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Monastery to venerate the relics of St. Mardarije. Priest Nikolaj Kostur, Secretary to the Serbian Midwestern American Diocese, welcomed the delegation and shared the history of the monastery and the diocese. During their visit, the delegation was able to offer prayers for Archbishop Paul and the faithful of the diocese.
That afternoon, His Grace arrived at New Gracanica Serbian Orthodox Monastery where His Grace Bishop Longin of New Gracanica-Midwestern America received Bishop Daniel and his delegation. His Grace Bishop Mitrofan of Canada was also visiting. After a warm conversation, the hierarchs and clergy gathered for lunch.
The day concluded with the service of Holy Unction at the cathedral. His Grace had an opportunity to meet some of the local clergy and offered a prayer at the end of the service for Archbishop Paul.
