As we mark the 65th Anniversary of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Eparchy of St. Nicholas in Chicago, we are blessed to share the Eparсhial Icon of the Mother of God with our parishes as a visible sign of thanksgiving, unity, and prayer.

We kindly ask that each parish receiving the Icon provide a place of honor for its veneration during its stay. The Icon may be solemnly received at the beginning of a Divine Liturgy, Vespers, or another appropriate liturgical service, according to local pastoral practice.

During the Icon’s presence, we strongly encourage the faithful to gather for communal prayer. The Akathist to the Mother of God (attached) or a Moleben to the Mother of God may be served during the parish’s scheduled services or as a special evening prayer. Either devotion may be used, according to pastoral need and local custom.

A schedule for the reception and visitation of the Anniversary Icon will be sent shortly with further details.

Please ensure that the Icon is handled with care and reverence at all times, and that arrangements are made for its timely and safe transfer to the next parish.

We thank you sincerely for your cooperation and for your pastoral care of the faithful during this jubilee year. May the Mother of God, through her holy Icon, intercede for our clergy, our parishes, and our entire eparchy.

Message of Bishop Benedict on the Celebration of the Eparchial Jubilee