Chicago, November 5, 2025
Abp. Daniel (left), Bp. Peter (right). Photo: domoca.org
Hierarchs from the Orthodox Church in America and the Russian Orthodox Church concelebrated the feast of Hieromartyr John (Kochurov) of Chicago at the historic cathedral where the saint served over a century ago. The October 30-31 celebrations also drew clergy from multiple Orthodox jurisdictions including the Antiochian Orthodox Church, the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia, and the Bulgarian Orthodox Church.
The festal celebrations began Thursday evening with an All Night Vigil at Holy Trinity Cathedral, the church St. John himself commissioned and built in 1903. His Eminence Archbishop Daniel of Chicago and the Midwest presided over the service alongside His Grace Bishop Peter of Kafa, vicar of the Russian Church’s Patriarchal Exarch of Western Europe, reports the Diocese of the Midwest.
Photo: domoca.org
The hierarchs were concelebrated by a host of clergy from the OCA, ROCOR, and the Antiochian Archdiocese. The service was sung by the Chicago Deanery Male Choir.
The Divine Liturgy on the feast day itself brought together an even larger assembly of clergy. Abp. Daniel and Bp. Peter were again joined by a host of clergy from the OCA and the Bulgarian Orthodox Church. The service was sung by the cathedral choir.
Abp. Daniel reflected on the saint’s life following the Liturgy. Bp. Peter emphasized that he was deeply moved by the experience and the witness of the saints in Chicago. A festive meal followed the prayers of thanksgiving.
Photo: domoca.org
St. John Kochurov commissioned the construction of the cathedral in 1899. St. Tikhon of Moscow consecrated the completed church in 1903, and it was designated a cathedral in 1922. Following his return to Russia, St. John became the first clergyman martyred after the Bolshevik Revolution began. He was glorified as St. John of Chicago and Tsarskoe Selo in December 1994. A portion of his relics was transferred to the cathedral in 2024 and is now enshrined for veneration.
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