CHICAGO, IL [DOM] – The great feast of the Ascension of the Lord was celebrated on Thursday, June 2 at the Diocesan Cathedral, Holy Trinity Cathedral, Chicago, IL. This holy day also marked the 40th day of repose of His Eminence Archbishop Paul.
His Grace Bishop Daniel of Santa Rosa, Locum Tenens of the Diocese of the Midwest presided at the services held on this important day in the diocese. Local parishes from the Chicago Deanery also joined the celebration including, St. George Cathedral, Chicago, St. Luke Church, Palos Heights, Christ the Savior Church, Chicago, St. Makarios Mission, Chicago.
Concelebrating with His Grace was Archpriest Paul Jannakos, Chancellor, Priest Alexander Koranda, Cathedral Dean, Hieromonk Alexis (Lisenko), Archpriest Tarasiy Maxim, Priest Jonathan Lincoln, Priest Philip Maikkula, Priest Nikolai Lochmatow, Protodeacon Thomas Keith, Deacon Paul Garklavs, and Deacon Stephen Hansen. The choir was directed by Reader Philp Sokolov.
During the Little Entrance, Fr. Alexis was presented with the Jeweled Cross, which was awarded to him by the Holy Synod for his many years of service. The feast of Ascension marked the 43rd anniversary of his priestly ordination. Following the gospel reading, Fr. Jonathan offered the homily on the feast. The Litany for the Departed was taken during the Divine Liturgy in remembrance of Archbishop Paul’s 40th day.
At the conclusion of the service, Bishop Daniel offered a reflection on the feast and Archbishop Paul. Referring to the reading from the Acts of the Apostles, “there is a part in this morning’s reading from the Acts where the apostles are standing around. They have been given a commission to go and preach the gospel to the whole world, baptizing people in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. I believe Archbishop Paul would be saying the same thing; ‘why are you standing here?’ His Eminence was very missionary minded, and although we mourn his loss, we also continue the work of the Church which is to spread the gospel. We continue to remember him and show our love for him by doing this work.”
Following Prayers of Thanksgiving, a festive meal was held in the parish hall.
