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A three-day celebration took place in Chicago, IL from September 30 through October 2, celebrating the feast of the Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos, and the enthronement of the twelfth hierarch of Chicago and the Diocese of the Midwest, His Grace Bishop Daniel. The important occasion was led by the Primate of the Orthodox Church in America, His Beatitude Metropolitan Tikhon, Archbishop of Washington, Metropolitan of All America and Canada.
On Friday evening, September 30, hierarchs, clergy and faithful entered the historic Diocesan Cathedral, Holy Trinity Cathedral, Chicago, IL, to keep vigil for the Feast of the Mother of God. Priest Alexander Koranda, Cathedral Dean, began the vigil with Deacon Peter Ilchuk and Protodeacon Alexander Kichakov (ROCOR). Bishop Daniel led the prayers of Litiya. His Beatitude Metropolitan Tikhon presided over the Matins service with concelebrating hierarchs Bishop Daniel and His Grace Bishop Andrei of Cleveland. The hierarchs were joined by Diocesan Chancellor, Archpriest Paul Jannkos and the Deans of the Diocesan Deaneries.
At the conclusion of vigil the hierarchs and guests were welcomed by Father Paul and Father Alexander. A standing reception was held in the Rectory building next-door to the cathedral.
The following day, the feast of the Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos, October 1, Divine Liturgy was celebrated by Metropolitan Tikhon, Bishop Longin of New Gracanica-Midwest America, Archbishop Nathaniel of the Romanian Episcopate, Archbishop Michael of New York and New York and New Jersey, Archbishop Alexander of Dallas, the South, and the Bulgarian Diocese, Bishop Daniel, and Bishop Andrei. The Deans of two of the Seminaries were present representing their institutions, Archpriest Chad Hatfield, of St. Vladimir Orthodox Theological Seminary, and Archpriest John Parker of St. Tikhon Orthodox Theological Seminary. Clergy from all over the diocese and the local area also joined them in prayer. The choir was led by Reader Philip Sokolov and singers from around the diocese.
His Beatitude offered the homily.
At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, Metropolitan Tikhon gave the enthronement exhortation to the Bishop of Chicago who then ascended the cathedra in the center of the cathedral blessing those gathered for the occasion. His Grace offer a reflection on his enthronement and his commitment to be a servant to Christ and His children.
Bishop Daniel blessed and greeted each individual who was present as they were dismissed. Participants then attend the sold-out banquet at Wildfire in downtown Chicago. Toasts were offered and letters of congratulations were read by various dignitaries. Click here for His Beatitude’s remarks at the banquet. The Resurrectional Vigil was prayerfully held at the cathedral that same evening.
On Sunday, October 2, His Beatitude Metropolitan presided over the Divine Liturgy. His Beatitude concelebrated with Bishop Daniel, and was joined by Priest Alexander Koranda, Archpriest Chad Hatfield, Archpriest John Zdinak, Archpriest John Parker, Archpriest Alexy Karlghut, Archpriest Andrew Bartek, Priest Jan Cizmark, Deacon Peter Ilchuk, Deacon John Weiss, Protodeacon Thomas Keith, Deacon Paul Garklavs, Deacon Joseph Whittaker. The choir was led by Reader Philip Sokolov.
Following Divine Liturgy, a festive meal was held in the parish hall.
View a photo gallery on the OCA website. Additional photos can be found on the website of the Diocese of the Midwest.
