Midwest Diocese Announces 2026 Parish Development Forum in Chicago

Photo: orthodox-world.org

CHICAGO, IL — The Diocese of the Midwest of the Orthodox Church in America has announced that the 2026 Parish Development Forum will be held July 9–11 at St. Luke’s Orthodox Church, a suburb of Chicago. The forum will begin at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 9, and conclude before noon on Saturday, July 11.

The gathering brings together clergy and laity to discuss the challenges facing Orthodox parishes today and to share practical strategies for parish leadership and growth. Organizers say the event also aims to foster collaboration and lasting relationships among participants from multiple jurisdictions.

This year’s theme, “St. Tikhon’s Vision for the Church in America: An Experiment for Parish Life,” reflects the missionary legacy of St. Tikhon of Moscow, who served in North America beginning in 1898. Speakers will include historian Scott Kenworthy and theologian Alexander Rentel of St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary. Registration will open online in mid-May and will be limited to 80 participants.

Previously, the UOJ reported that the Orthodox Church saw rapid parish growth across Western Europe.

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