Chicago, February 25, 2025
Photo: domoca.org
Representatives of the Orthodox Church in America’s Diocese of Chicago and the Midwest and the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia’s Diocese of Chicago and Mid-America came together on Saturday, February 22, to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the repose of St. Tikhon, the Patriarch of Moscow who once served as a missionary in America.
In order to festively celebrate the anniversary before Great Lent, it was transferred to the feast of the uncovering of his relics (St. Tikhon reposed on the feast of the Annunciation).
The services were led by His Eminence Archbishop Daniel of Chicago (OCA), joined by clergy from both dioceses, at the OCA’s Holy Trinity Cathedral, which was consecrated by St. Tikhon himself, the OCA diocese reports.
At the end of the Divine Liturgy, Abp. Daniel offered a homily on St. Tikhon’s missionary labors in North America.
His Eminence emphasized St. Tikhon’s extraordinary dedication to reaching Orthodox faithful across the continent, from Alaska (where he paddled in kayaks along the coast) to remote places like Callahan, Colorado, noting that “nothing would stop him, nothing would impede him from visiting his faithful throughout North America.” He particularly highlighted his role in consecrating Chicago’s Holy Trinity Cathedral and numerous other churches across America.
Photo: domoca.org
Abp. Daniel also focused on St. Tikhon’s broader vision for Orthodox unity in America and his impact on countless lives, including collaboration with other saints like Raphael of Brooklyn and John Kochurov of Chicago. His Eminence quoted St. Tikhon’s powerful words about spreading the Orthodox faith: “The light of Orthodoxy was not lit to shine only on a small number of men. The Orthodox Church is universal.”
The Archbishop concluded his homily with a call to further St. Tikhon’s hopes for Church unity in North America, asking the faithful to “seek his Heavenly intercession” to “keep the Church in Russia in tranquility, and the Church in North America in peace” while gathering “her scattered children into one flock.”
Following the service, an afternoon program was held with songs performed by the Virgin Mary Protection Cathedral Choir and a festive meal.
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