Faithful Gather in Chicago to Honor St. John the Hieromartyr at Historic Cathedral He Founded

Abp. Daniel and Bsp. Peter. Photo: domoca.org

CHICAGO — Clergy and faithful from around the world gathered in Chicago on Oct. 30–31, 2025, to celebrate the feast of the Hieromartyr St. John of Chicago at the Orthodox Church in America's (OCA) Holy Trinity Cathedral, the very temple the saint founded and built in 1903.

As shared by the Diocese of the Midwest, the celebration began Thursday evening with an All-Night Vigil led by His Eminence Abp. Daniel of Chicago and the Midwest, joined by His Grace Bsp. Peter of Kafa, Vicar of the Patriarchal Exarch of Western Europe. The service was held in the historic cathedral designed by renowned architect Louis Sullivan at the request of Fr. John Kochurov, later canonized as St. John of Chicago.

Abp. Daniel pictured during the Feast of St. John of Chicago. Photo: domoca.org

The Divine Liturgy on Friday brought together hierarchs, clergy, and faithful from multiple Orthodox jurisdictions. The Cathedral Choir, under the direction of Reader Vladimir Lymar, offered the responses in prayerful harmony.

At the conclusion of the service, Abp. Daniel reflected on the saint’s missionary zeal and pastoral care in America, while Bsp. Peter shared his gratitude for participating in the commemoration of one of Orthodoxy’s great modern witnesses.

Following the Liturgy and prayers of thanksgiving, the community gathered for a festive meal in the parish hall.

St. John Kochurov. Photo: domoca.org

Fr. John Kochurov, who served in Chicago for over a decade, was martyred in 1917 at the onset of the Bolshevik Revolution, becoming the first priest to give his life for the faith in that era. He was glorified as St. John of Chicago and Tsarskoye Selo in 1994. In 2024, a portion of his relics was transferred to Holy Trinity Cathedral, where they are now enshrined for veneration.

Previously, UOJ reported that Met. Tikhon presided at the first feast of St. Olga of Alaska in Washington, D.C.

Read also