CHICAGO, IL [DOM] – His Eminence Archbishop Daniel of Chicago and the Diocese of the Midwest has announced the establishment of the St. John of Chicago Pastoral Institute, a new educational ministry of the Diocese of the Midwest of the Orthodox Church in America dedicated to diaconal formation, catechetical education, and lifelong Orthodox Christian learning. Through its programs, the Institute will support the ongoing development of clergy, catechists, and lay faithful throughout the Diocese of the Midwest.
The Institute succeeds and expands upon the educational work previously carried out through the St. Macrina Orthodox Institute, providing a unified diocesan structure for pastoral education and faith formation. Archbishop Daniel also expressed his gratitude for the faithful work of Archpriest Elijah Mueller who had served as the head of the St. Macrina Orthodox Institute.
“The St. John of Chicago Pastoral Institute represents an important step in strengthening Orthodox Christian formation within our diocese,” Archbishop Daniel said in announcing the new initiative. “Through sound theological education, practical pastoral training, and opportunities for lifelong learning, the Institute will help equip faithful servants of Christ for ministry in the Church and witness in the world.”
The Institute will initially offer two primary educational tracks:
- Diaconal Training Track – A program of theological and pastoral formation for men preparing to serve the Church in the Holy Diaconate.
- Catechist Training Track – A structured course of study for individuals called to teach and transmit the Orthodox Faith within parish communities.
And will be working on developing a third educational track:
- Adult Enrichment Courses – Continuing education opportunities for clergy and laity seeking deeper study in Orthodox theology, Holy Scripture, Church history, liturgical life, spirituality, and related disciplines. These courses will also provide parish clergy with a trusted resource for directing parishioners who desire further formation in the faith.
Priest Daniel Greeson has been appointed as the founding Director of the St. John of Chicago Pastoral Institute. In this role, Fr. Daniel will oversee the Institute’s educational programs and work closely with the clergy of the Diocese of the Midwest to provide accessible, faithful, and academically rigorous formation opportunities.
Students currently enrolled through the St. Macrina Orthodox Institute will continue their studies without interruption and will be supported through the completion of their educational requirements. The previously announced conference in July has been canceled.
Applications are now being accepted for both the Diaconal Training Track and the Catechist Training Track for the 2026–2027 academic year. Prospective students interested in beginning studies in August 2026 are encouraged to contact Fr. Daniel Greeson at institute@domoca.org for additional information and admissions materials.
ARCHPASTORAL MESSSAGE OF
HIS EMINENCE, ARCHBISHOP DANIEL
ON THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE
ST JOHN OF CHICAGO PASTORAL INSTITUTE
