Chicago Parish Transfers from OCA to Bulgarian Patriarchate
Chicago's St. John of Rila has reopened following renovations and its transfer from the Orthodox Church to America to the Patriarchate of Bulgaria.
CHICAGO — St. John of Rila Bulgarian Orthodox Church has reopened its doors after a prolonged closure, reports Orthodox Christianity.
On October 19, coinciding with the feast day of St. John of Rila the Wonderworker, a Hierarchical Divine Liturgy celebrated the parish’s revival and the installation of its new priest, Fr. Kiril Kirilov. The service was led by His Grace Bishop Kliment of Levski, head of the Bulgarian Diocese of the USA, Canada, and Australia.
Founded in 1996 under the Orthodox Church in America’s Bulgarian Diocese, the parish officially joined the Bulgarian Patriarchate’s diocese in July 2025. Extensive renovations prepared the church for its reopening and transition.
Dozens of the faithful braved rainy weather to attend the historic event, reflecting strong community support.
Fr. Kiril, who arrived with his wife, Presbytera Gyurgyia, completed theological studies at Sofia Theological Seminary later in life. He previously served in Bulgarian churches and monasteries, including St. Nicholas in Petrich and St. George Monastery in Hadzhidimovo.
The priest aims to transform the church into a vibrant hub for prayer, education, and preservation of Bulgarian spiritual traditions, with special outreach to youth and children.
“Let us believe and never abandon our faith,” Fr. Kiril urged the faithful.
Recently, the UOJ reported that Pat. Daniel of Bulgaria met with Pat. Bartholomew of Constantinople in Greece.
