CHICAGO, IL [DOM] – Meetings were held this weekend in preparation for the upcoming international youth event, Chicago 2024: An International Orthodox Youth Encounter. His Eminence Archbishop Daniel of Chicago and the Midwest met with Priest Kirill Zawatski, coordinator, and Priest Alexander Koranda, Cathedral Dean.
This summer from June 21-28 nearly 100 young adults from around the world will gather at Holy Trinity Cathedral, Chicago, IL, and at St Xavier University to participate in the international gathering. The meeting reviewed the various details and plans of the week. The Archbishop also emphasized the importance of the communities of the diocese to find ways to get involved with this program whether through sending participants, or donations to support the youth traveling from abroad.
Hosted by His Archbishop Daniel of Chicago and the Midwest, and organized through a partnership with Suprasl, A World Fellowship of Orthodox Youth, the aim of Chicago 2024 is to bring together young adults from Orthodox churches worldwide to experience the unity and universality of the One Holy Church, and to encourage each other in their faith in our Lord Jesus Christ and their membership in the Orthodox Church.
The seven-day event will explore the theme, “Orthodoxy Unleashed: Faith in Action” through workshops, lectures, film, music and practical activities. A multi-track format will offer a variety of workshops in several areas including Orthodoxy and culture; the Life of St Maria of Paris and the Social Service ministry in the Orthodox Church; Liturgical and Folk Music; and others. His Eminence Archbishop Daniel will offer the key-note speech on the life and work of Saint Olga of Alaska.
The highlight of the event will be an urban pilgrimage through the streets of Chicago from Holy Trinity Cathedral to St. George Cathedral with the Tikhvin icon of the Mother of God. The pilgrimage will be part of the celebrations connected with the 20th anniversary of the return of the historic icon to Tikhvin, Russia in 2004. All Orthodox faithful are welcome and encouraged to participate in the pilgrimage on Wednesday, June 26.
The heart of Chicago 2024 will be worship and prayer. Each day will begin and end with morning prayers and clergy will be available each evening for confession, and each morning a brief homily will be offered on the scripture of the day. Taking place over the feast of Holy Pentecost, the participants will have the unique opportunity of participating in the Divine Liturgy for the feast at Holy Trinity Cathedral. To apply to participate in Chicago 2024 click www.suprasl.org/chicago2024. Further information about Suprasl and other events this summer is available at www.suprasl.org, and our on Facebook and Instagram pages.
