Sunday of Orthodoxy in Libertyville, Illinois

The first Sunday of the Great Fast is called the Sunday of Orthodoxy. On this day, in commemoration of the victory of Orthodoxy over heresies, the holy Church, as a loving Mother, invites her faithful children to venerate and honor in piety the holy icons of the Savior, the Mother of God and the Saints. Once every year, on the Sunday of Orthodoxy, the Orthodox people in America emerge from their ethnic islands to celebrate the triumph of the Orthodox Faith over the iconoclastic heresy.

The 2009 Pan Orthodox Vespers was held at St. Demetrious Greek Orthodox Church in Libertyville, Illinois. Six bishops served assisted by fifty-four priests, and eight deacons. Bishops in attendance where: Most Rev. Archbishop Iakovos (Greek Orthodox Church), Most. Rev. Metropolitan Christopher (Serbian Orthodox Church), Rt. Rev. Bishop Longin (Serbian Orthodox Church), Rt. Rev. Bishop Job (American Orthodox Church), Rt. Rev. Bishop Peter (Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia) and Rt. Rev. Bishop Daniel (Ukrainian Orthodox Church).

The sermon was given by His Grace Bishop Peter of Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia.

Following the services, a Lenten reception was served at parish hall. The Procession of the Icons is conducted as part of a Pan-Orthodox Vespers service on the evening of the Sunday of Orthodoxy. On this night Orthodox Christians of the various jurisdictions in America come together for worship and in a united affirmation of the Truth of the Orthodox Faith. It is beautiful to see the Pan Orthodox community come together as one for this wonderful vesper service. The Pan Orthodox choir was led by the choir director of Ms. Gordana Trbuhovich.

Source: http://www.serborth.org/03092009.html