Faithful Gather for First Patronal Feast at OCA's Shrine of St. Panteleimon

SUMMIT ARGO, IL — Clergy and faithful from across the Chicago area gathered July 26–27, 2026, at the newly designated Diocesan Shrine of St. Panteleimon in Summit Argo, Illinois, to celebrate the patronal feast of the Holy Great Martyr and Unmercenary Healer Panteleimon.

The celebration began with Festal Great Vespers on July 26, led by Fr. Esteban Vázquez, diocesan vice chancellor and shrine administrator. The following morning, Fr. Alexander Koranda, dean of Holy Trinity Cathedral in Chicago, presided over the Festal Divine Liturgy, concelebrating with Fr. John Kennerk. Several other clergy from throughout the Orthodox Church in America's (OCA) Diocese of the Midwest also participated in the services, which drew worshippers from across the region.

Welcoming those in attendance, Fr. Esteban noted that the annual feast has now become "a truly diocesan celebration," highlighting the participation of clergy and faithful from throughout Chicagoland. He also reflected on the shrine's historical ties to Holy Trinity Cathedral, the mother parish from which St. Panteleimon Church was established in 1938.

Preaching on St. Paul's words that "the word of God is not chained" (2 Timothy 2:9), Fr. Esteban said the witness of the martyrs demonstrates that the Gospel cannot be silenced by persecution or death. He pointed to St. Panteleimon's life as an enduring example of faithfulness, hope, and sacrificial love in the face of suffering.

Earlier this year, Abp. Daniel designated the historic church as a diocesan shrine following the dissolution of its parish community. The shrine now serves as a place of pilgrimage and prayer, preserving more than 80 years of Orthodox Christian witness while welcoming faithful from throughout the Diocese of the Midwest and beyond for worship and personal devotion.

Previously, the UOJ reported that the Diocese of the Midwest recently welcomed current and incoming seminarians for its fourth annual seminarian retreat.