Antiochian Orthodox Faithful Unite in Chicago for Historic 57th Archdiocese Convention

Photo: antiochian.org

CHICAGO — From July 21–27, thousands of clergy, laity, and faithful of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America gathered at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare for the 57th biennial Archdiocese Convention. Hosted by St. George Church of Cicero, Illinois, the convention brought together His Eminence Metropolitan Saba, Archdiocesan bishops, and more than 1,900 participants for a spiritually rich week of worship, leadership meetings, ministry updates, and vibrant community events.

Below is a list of highlights from the convention. More information can be found at the archdiocesan website here.

Monday, July 21 – Opening Blessings and Fellowship

The convention opened with the blessing of the chapel and evening Vespers in the presence of the weeping icon of Our Lady of Cicero. Faithful were reminded that the light of Christ should continue to shine in their communities. The day concluded with Antiochian Game Night, setting a joyful tone for the week ahead.

Tuesday, July 22 – Clergy and Wives Meetings, Tribute to Roger David

Clergy and clergy wives met for fellowship and vision-sharing. Roger David, outgoing chairman of The Order of St. Ignatius, was honored for a decade of service, receiving the Gold Medal of St. Raphael. Sayidna Saba inducted Odie Fakhouri as a Metropolitan Member of The Order.

Wednesday, July 23 – Youth Engagement, Ministry Highlights, and Bible Bowl Victory

The Archdiocese’s youth shined in departmental activities, including the Bible Bowl, where the host parish of St. George in Cicero narrowly edged out the Diocese of the East. Antiochian Women presented a major endowment fund gift and raised additional funds for Project Mexico and Orthodox orphan care.

Thursday, July 24 – Strategic Planning, Pilgrimage Reflections, and Festive Vespers

His Eminence outlined a two-year vision for the Archdiocese. Highlights included a clean audit report and a moving video recap of the seminarians’ pilgrimage to the Middle East. Great Vespers for St. Anna concluded the day, followed by the “My Kind of Town” Chicago dinner event.

Friday, July 25 – General Assembly, Book Signing, and Paraklesis for the Suffering Church

Sayidna Saba signed copies of his autobiography, "A Life Testimony," and presided over day two of the General Assembly. Departmental updates included new educational initiatives and upcoming performances, including a 2026 concert at Carnegie Hall. The day ended with a Paraklesis service and 23 inductions into The Order of St. Ignatius of Antioch.

Photo: antiochian.org

Saturday, July 26 – Oratorical Festival and Grand Banquet Highlight Young Voices and Historic Milestones

Seven youth finalists delivered inspiring reflections on the Theotokos during the Oratorical Festival. Sophia Griffith of Raleigh, N.C., was named the winner. The evening Grand Banquet celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Archdiocese’s reunification and the 120th anniversary of The WORD Magazine founded by St. Raphael of Brooklyn. Metropolitan Saba and Fr. Fouad Saba emphasized unity and resilience amid global and domestic challenges.

Sunday, July 27 – Convention Closes with Divine Liturgy and Diaconal Ordination

On the final day of the convention, Met. Saba, joined by Bishops John and Anthony, celebrated Orthros and the Hierarchal Divine Liturgy, during which Subdeacon Steven (Moses) Bynum was ordained to the holy diaconate. His Eminence preached on spiritual blindness and the need for inner healing, drawing from the Gospel of Matthew. A Trisagion service followed for the martyrs of recent church attacks in Damascus and Gaza.

Previously, UOJ reported that Met. Saba delivered a homily on martyrdom following the terrorist attack on St. Elias Church in Damascus in June.

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