Abp. Daniel Visits Illinois Parish for Feast of St. Nicholas
Abp. Daniel marked the feast of St. Nicholas with an archpastoral visit to St. Nicholas of Myra Church in McHenry, celebrating the Divine Liturgy and joining parishioners—especially children—for a festive, joy-filled gathering.
MCHENRY, IL — On Friday, December 19, the feast day of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, His Eminence Abp. Daniel of Chicago and the Diocese of the Midwest made an archpastoral visit to St. Nicholas of Myra Orthodox Church in McHenry, Illinois.
Abp. Daniel presided at the Divine Liturgy, concelebrated by mitered Archpriest Volodymyr Kovalchuk, rector of the parish; mitered Archpriest Yaroslav Murgan; Fr. Alexander Koranda; Fr. Nikolai Lochmatow; Dn. Paul Garklavs; and Dn. Timothy Heinbokel. Clergy and faithful gathered to mark the parish’s patronal feast in a spirit of prayer and thanksgiving.
Following the service, parishioners hosted a festive meal in the parish hall. As part of the celebration, the Church School organized a drawing competition, and children sang traditional carols honoring St. Nicholas. Abp. Daniel greeted the young parishioners personally and distributed gifts, underscoring the feast’s emphasis on charity, joy, and care for children within the life of the Church.
Previously, the UOJ reported on Abp. Daniel's statement following a shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis.