Serbian Patriarch visits Russian Holy Virgin Protection Cathedral in Des Plaines, Chicago

On Saturday, February 26th, on the eve of Meatfare Sunday, His Holiness, Irinej, Serbian Patriarch, accompanied by Bishop Longin of Nova Gracanica-Midwestern America visited the Holy Virgin Protection Cathedral, the seat of the Chicago and Mid-American Diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia (ROCOR) in Des Plaines, the suburb of Chicago.  

He was greeted in festive fashion by Archbishop Alypy of Chicago and Mid-America and Bishop Peter of Cleveland, the administrator of the Chicago and Mid-American Diocese.

In honor of the visit of our Patriarch the doxology was served. The vigil service was served by Bishop Peter with the concelebration of presbyters and deacons of the Russian and Serbian Orthodox Church. His Holiness prayed at the vigil service at which the children's choir of the parish school also sang. At the end of vespers, the children went up to receive a blessing from the Patriarch and were given small commemorative icons of the Mother of God.

At the conclusion of matins, there was an abundant table of love prepared by the host of the cathedral at which there was the opportunity for brotherly interaction.