Registration now open for Chicago Deanery summer camp July 4-7 - 05/16/12

EAST TROY, WI [MW Diocese Communications] -- Registration for the Chicago Deanery's annual summer camp, to be held at Edwards YMCA Camp here July 4-7, 2012, is now open.

Diocesan Clergy Convocation attracts largest attendance ever! - 05/16/12

DARIEN, IL [MW Diocese Communications] -- Over 80 priests and deacons from throughout the Diocese of the Midwest gathered at Aylesford Carmelite Retreat Center here Monday through Wednesday, May 7 - 9, 2012, for their annual Clergy Convocation.

Archimandrite Alexander [Golitzin] consecrated Bishop of Toledo and the Bulgarian diocese - 05/07/12

ROSSFORD, OH [OCA.org]: Archimandrite Alexander [Golitzin] was consecrated Bishop of Toledo and the Bulgarian Diocese during a Hierarchical Divine Liturgy here at Saint George Orthodox Cathedral on Saturday, May 5, 2012.

*Addition* - The faithful of SS. Cyril and Methodius Church, Milwaukee, hosted a "farewell" social for Bishop Alexander [Golitzin] on 29 April, the Sunday before his consecration. Photo gallery here.

Bishop Matthias to participate in episcopal consecration of Archimandrite Alexander [Golitzin] - 05/04/12

TOLEDO, OH [MW Diocese Communications] -- His Grace, Bishop Matthias, will be among the members of the Holy Synod of Bishops who will concelebrate with His Beatitude, Metropolitan Jonah at the consecration of Archimandrite Alexander [Golitzin] to the episcopacy at Saint George Cathedral here Saturday, May 5, 2012.

St. Vladimir's Seminary Chicago area alumni enjoy post-Pascha reunion - 05/01/12

WHEATON, IL [MW Diocese Communications] -- Over 35 alumni, friends, and prospective seminarians gathered at Saint Joseph Church here April 20, 2012, for a Bright Friday dinner sponsored by the the Saint Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary Alumni Association.

Chicago area choirs to present concert of Paschal music May 20 - 04/25/12

BURR RIDGE, IL [MW Diocese Communications] -- A concert of liturgical music, "The Music of Pascha of the Orthodox Church," will be presented at Saints Peter and Paul Church, 6980 County Line Rd., Burr Ridge, IL on Sunday, May 20, 2012 at 2:00 p.m.  

May 20 Detroit dinner-dance to benefit retired clergy, widows - 04/25/12

DETROIT, MI [COCC] -- The Council of Orthodox Christian Churches of Metropolitan Detroit [COCC] will sponsor its annual "Spring Fling" dinner-dance to benefit retired Orthodox priests and priests' widows on Sunday, May 20, 2012 at the banquet center of the Antiochian Orthodox Basilica of Saint Mary, 18100 Merriman Rd., Livonia, MI.  Printable flyer here.

Noted international author, lecturer Jim Forest to speak in Oberlin-Lorain, OH area May 4-5 - 04/25/12

OBERLIN, OH [MW Diocese Communications] -- Jim Forest, author of "Praying with Icons" and numerous other widely read Orthodox Christian books, will be the guest of the Oberlin College Orthodox Christian Fellowship and Saints Peter and Paul Church, Lorain, OH, Friday and Saturday, May 4-5, 2012.

St. Theodosius Cathedral site of annual Paschal concert - 04/19/12

CLEVELAND, OH [MW Diocese Communications] -- "The Angel Cried," a concert of the hymns of Pascha, will be presented at Saint Theodosius Cathedral, 733 Starkweather Ave., Cleveland, OH on Sunday, April 29, 2012 at 3:00 p.m.  Printable flyer here.

Children's Book Launch Party at Holy Trinity Cathedral - 04/19/12

CHICAGO, IL [Holy Trinity Cathedral] -- A launch party to introduce the children's book, "Josiah and Julia Go to Church; A Young Child's Guide to Church Etiquettte," will be held at Holy Trinity Cathedral's social hall at 1121 N. Leavitt Street, Chicago, on Saturday, April 21, 2012 at 10:30 a.m.

Pascha 2012 - Archpastoral Message - 04/09/12

Dearly Beloved Clergy and Faithful of the Diocese of the Midwest!

Christ Is Risen!

IOCC Pan-Orthodox Grand Banquet - 04/09/12

When:  Thursday, May 10, 2012
Where:  Rosewood Restaurant & Banquets, Rosemont, IL
Keynote Speaker:  Rada K. Tierney, IOCC Communications Manager

A printable flyer with full details is available here.

IOCC, in the spirit of Christ’s love, offers emergency relief and development programs to those in need worldwide, without discrimination, and strengthens the capacity of the Orthodox Church to so respond.

Bishop Matthias opens Holy Week at Chicago's Holy Trinity Cathedral - 04/08/12

CHICAGO, IL [MW Diocese Communications] -- Clergy and faithful from throughout the Chicago Deanery filled Holy Trinity Cathedral here on the evening of Palm Sunday, April 8, 2012, as His Grace, Bishop Matthias presided at the celebration of Bridegroom Matins. 

Interview with Bishop Matthias available on Assembly web site - 04/06/12

CHICAGO, IL [MW Diocese Communications] -- In recent months, the web site of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of North and Central America has made available a series of video interviews with various US hierarchs.

St. Tikhon's Seminary Choir, Dean, visit Ohio parishes - 04/03/12

LORAIN, OH [MW Diocese Communications] -- The choir of Saint Tikhon's Seminary, South Canaan, PA, sang at Saints Peter and Paul Church here on Saturday, March 17, 2012, in conjunction with a lenten retreat at which the seminary's Dean, Archpriest Alexander Atty, spoke.  The invitation to visit the parish had been extended by Archpriest Basil Stoyka, rector.

Bishop Matthias ordains two diocesan seminarians at St. Vladimir's Seminary - 04/02/12

CRESTWOOD, NY [MW Diocese Communications] -- His Grace, Bishop Matthias made his second visit to Saint Vladimir's Seminary here as Bishop of Chicago and the Midwest during the fifth weekend of Great Lent 2012.

Applications for 2012 Parish Development Grants are now being accepted - 03/29/12

CHICAGO, IL [MW Diocese Communications] -- For the fifth consecutive year, the Diocese of the Midwest is accepting applications for Parish Development Grants.

Pan-Orthodox Akathistos Services to be held in Chicago Tuesday, April 3 - 03/24/12

CHICAGO, IL [MW Diocese Communications] -- The Orthodox Christian Clergy Association of Greater Chicago will host the celebration of the Akathistos Hymn to the Mother of God in two locations on Tuesday, April 3, 2012.

Pastoral Visit: Ash Grove & Springfield, MO - 03/22/12

His Grace MATTHIAS, Bishop of Chicago and the Midwest Diocese (OCA), made Pastoral Visits to Theotokos "Unexpected Joy" Orthodox Church in Ash Grove, MO and St. Thomas the Apostle Orthodox Church in Springfield, MO, March 16-18, 2012. 

New OCA chancellor to deliver fourth annual lecture at historic Minneapolis cathedral - 03/22/12

MINNEAPOLIS, MN  [MW Diocese Communications] -- The 2012 Annual Saint Alexis (Toth) Lecture will take place at the historic Saint Mary's Cathedral in northeast Minneapolis on Sunday, May 6, 2012 at 7:15 p.m.

Chicago-area alumni, friends of St. Vladimir's Seminary invited to Bright Friday gathering - 03/15/12

WHEATON, IL [MW Diocese Communications/SVOTS] -- Alumni and friends of Saint Vladimir's Seminary, Crestwood, NY, are invited to attend a fellowship dinner at Saint Joseph Church, 412 Crescent Street, Wheaton, IL on Bright Friday, April 20, at 7:00 p.m.

Detroit site of "urban mission" retreat June 20-24, 2012 - 03/13/12

DETROIT, MI [MW Diocese Communications] -- Saint Raphael of Brooklyn Church here, a parish of the Orthodox Church in America's Romanian Episcopate, will host a hands-on urban missionary retreat June 20-24, 2012.

Archimandrite Meletios to deliver lecture in Chicago April 28 - 03/11/12

CHICAGO, IL [MW Diocese Communications] -- Archimandrite Meletios Webber, Abbot of the Orthodox Church in America's Monastery of Saint John of San Francisco, Manton, CA, will deliver a lecture at Saint Andrew Greek Orthodox Church, 5649 North Sheridan Rd., Chicago, on Saturday, April 28, at 3:00 p.m.

Cleveland site of April 29 dinner to benefit Hogar Rafael Ayau - 03/09/12

CLEVELAND, OH [MW Diocese Communications] -- His Grace, Bishop Matthias of Chicago and the Midwest and the Friends of the Hogar Rafael Ayau invite the public to the "Walk With Angels Dinner" for the benefit of the orphanage on Sunday, April 29, 2012.

2013 Project Mexico Diocesan Mission Trip - 03/07/12

Please click more info for contact information about this mission trip!

Bp. Matthias visits St. Andrew's in Ohio - 03/07/12

Sunday, March 4, 2012 His Grace, Bishop Matthias was in Cleveland, OH to celebrate the Sunday of Orthodoxy.

In Memoriam: Matushka Ruth Kuchta - 03/04/12

JOLIET, IL [MW Diocese Communications] -- Matushka Ruth Kuchta, wife of Archpriest John Elias Kuchta, retired rector of Saint Nicholas Church here, fell asleep in the Lord after a lengthy illness on the morning of Sunday, March 4, 2012.

Eastern Orthodox members trying to grow in Jacksonville (Il) - 03/02/12

For Karen Woods of Jacksonville, attending Divine Liturgy, the primary worship service in the Eastern Orthodox Christian tradition, has meant making a 90-minute trek one way to Quincy’s St. Raphael of Brooklyn Mission Church each Sunday.

Woods, a convert to Orthodoxy along with her husband, Martin, and son, Andrew, 18, is hoping to generate interest in the faith in her community of about 20,000, 35 miles west of Springfield. 

Fr. Thomas Hopko to speak in Chicago area - 02/28/12

CHICAGO, IL [MW Diocese Communications] -- Protopresbyter Thomas Hopko, Dean Emeritus of Saint Vladimir's Seminary, Crestwood, NY, will speak at Saint John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church, 2350 East Dempster St., Des Plaines, IL on Friday, March 23, 2012.

Diaconal Vocations Classes in four Diocesan Locations - 02/27/12

The Diocesan Diaconal Vocations classes are now running in four locations: Chicago, IL; Green Bay, WI; Cincinnati, OH and Detroit, MI area (Livonia).

Bishop Matthias meets with college students, young adults in Wheaton, Illinois - 02/25/12

WHEATON, IL [MW Diocese Communications] -- Students from Wheaton College, the College of DuPage, and neighboring schools and working young adults welcomed His Grace, Bishop Matthias to Saint Joseph Church here on Friday, February 24, 2012.

"The Church Belongs to Everyone" -- An interview with Fr. Moses Berry - 02/24/12

ASH GROVE, MO [MW Diocese Communications] -- Father Moses Berry, a priest of the Diocese of the Midwest who ministers at the Theotokos "Unexpected Joy" Orthodox Church here, shares his unique story in an interview posted recently on the Orthodox Church in America's web site, titled "The Church Belongs to Everyone."

St. Vladimir’s Seminary Implements Fully Paid Tuition Plan - 02/21/12

[SVOTS Communications, Yonkers, NY]  “It is now possible for students to come to our seminary with their tuition fully funded,” announced Archpriest John Behr, dean of St. Vladimir’s Seminary, Yonkers, NY, as he unfolded a new plan designed to help theological graduate students cover the cost of their education.  

In Memoriam: Matushka Jeanne M. Homik - 02/15/12

PERRYSBURG, OH [MW Diocese Communications] -- Matushka Jeanne M. [Timm] Homik, 78, wife of the late Protodeacon Peter Homik, fell asleep in the Lord at the Otterbein Care Center here on Sunday, February 12, 2012.

Episcopal Assembly issues "Record of Protest" - 02/14/12

February 2, 2012 the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of North and Central America, issued a "Record of Protest Against the Infringement of Religious Liberty by the Department of Health and Human Services".  You can read the full text here.

Chicago's Trinity "O" Club To Host Blini Luncheon - 02/13/12

CHICAGO, IL [Trinity "O" Club] -- Blini, blintz, blinchiki, blins.  There are many ways to say it, but only one day to enjoy them at Holy Trinity "O" Club's annual Blini Luncheon.

First phase of Minneapolis’ St. Mary Cathedral interior restoration nears completion - 02/13/12

MINNEAPOLIS, MN [MW Diocese Communications] -- For the first time since 1982, the faithful of Saint Mary Cathedral here have undertaken a major renovation of their historic temple.

Bishop Matthias visits Columbus' Saint Nicholas Church - 02/11/12

COLUMBUS, OH [MW Diocese Communications] -- For the first time since his consecration as Bishop of Chicago and the Midwest, His Grace, Bishop Matthias visited Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker Church here February 4-5, 2012.  He was welcomed to the parish by its rector, Archpriest Miroljub Ruzic, and the faithful of the community.

Annual Pan-Orthodox Celebration of Books opens March 11, 2012 - 02/09/12

WESTCHESTER, IL [MW Diocese Communications] -- Over the years, the annual "Celebration of Books" sponsored by the Metropolis of Chicago at Holy Apostles Greek Orthodox Church here has become a much anticipated lenten event for Chicago-area faithful.

Community blood drive at the Diocesan Chancery - 02/08/12

On Saturday, February 4, the faithful of Christ the Savior Parish hosted a community blood drive at the Diocesan Chancery.   This was the second blood drive held at the Diocesan Headquarters. We have plans for this to be an annual community event.

Diocesan catechist, diaconal vocations program to begin in Chicago February 25 - 02/06/12

CHICAGO, IL [MW Diocese Communications] -- "Spirituality" will be the focus of the first in a new cycle of courses in Chicago in the Diocese of the Midwest's Catechist and Diaconal Vocations Program.

Bp. Matthias visits St. Innocent Orthodox Church - 02/06/12

Bp. Matthias visits St. Innocent Orthodox Church, Olmstead Falls, OH January 29, 2012.  Photos can be viewed here.

+Bp. Matthias visits St. Makarios Mission - 02/06/12

His Grace, Bishop Matthias answers "Why Am I Still Here?" - 01/27/12

OCA’s “Wonder” Blog theme for the month is “Why Am I Still Here?”  Our beloved Bishop Matthias answers, “Because of the Words of Eternal Life”.

Minutes of December 2, 2011 Diocesan Council meeting posted - 01/26/12

CHICAGO, IL [MW Diocese Communications] - The minutes of the December 2, 2011 meeting of the Midwest Diocesan Council have been reviewed and approved by His Grace, Bishop Matthias.  The minutes, in PDF format, may be accessed here.

OCLife-Chicago announces plans to establish first Orthodox-sponsored maternity home in the Midwest - 01/26/12

CHICAGO, IL [MW Diocese Communications] -- Plans are moving forward toward the establishment of an Orthodox-sponsored maternity home -- the first in the Midwest -- in the Chicago area.

Blessing of the Great Waters of the Kaw & MO Rivers - 01/25/12

Sunday, January 22, 2012, Fr. Timothy Sawchak, Rector of Holy Trinity Orthodox Church (Overland Park, KC) and Dean was interviewed by NBC Action News at the Blessing of the Great Waters of the Kaw and MO Rivers.

Bishop Matthias joins hierarchs, faithful at DC March for Life - 01/24/12

WASHINGTON, DC [MW Diocese Communications] -- Bishop Matthias joined Metropolitan Jonah and Bishops Tikhon of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania, Melchisedek of Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania, and Michael of New York and New Jersey in the US capital on Monday, January 23, 2012, for the 39th annual March for Life.

Lima's St. Stephen Mission welcomes Bishop Matthias - 01/20/12

Bishop Matthias visits St. Nicholas Church, Joliet, IL, installs new pastor - 01/20/12

JOLIET, IL [MW Diocese Communications] -- His Grace, Bishop Matthias, made his first archpastoral visit to Saint Nicholas Church here on Saturday and Sunday, December 17-18, 2011.

Diocesan Seminarians have their own page! - 01/19/12

Those men who have heard the call to ministry from our Diocese now have a dedicated page where you can read about them and pray for them and their families.  View it here!

DVD FEATURES BISHOP MATTHIAS WITH CHILDREN OF GUATEMALA'S HOGAR RAFAEL - 01/04/12

LAKEWOOD, OH -- As a New Year special, the Friends of the Hogar Rafael are offering a free 25 minute DVD titled “A Home Forever,” with the purchase of the CD, “Hymns of the Hogar.”