The upcoming celebration of the canonization and translation of the relics of Saint Mardarije of Libertyville and All-America, the first Serbian Orthodox Bishop of America and Canada, scheduled for July 14-16 at Saint Sava Monastery in Libertyville, is expected to be a Pan-Orthodox event reflecting our unity in Faith and common witness in this country, the Diocese of New Gracanica and Midwestern America announced today.
Leading the liturgical celebrations will be His Holiness Patriarch Irinej, 44th successor of Saint Sava on the holy primatial Throne of the Serbian Orthodox Church, who will be accompanied by several metropolitans and bishops of the Serbian Church, including all of the five active hierarchs of North and South America.
The Diocesen Chancellory announces with joy that the Patriarchates and Churches comprising the Holy Orthodox Church from throughout the World will be represented at the sacred canonization festivities as follows:
⁃ The Most Holy Patriarchate of Antioch: His Grace Bishop Anthony of Toledo and the Midwest.
⁃ The Most Holy Patriarchate of Moscow and All Russia: His Eminence Archbishop Nikodim of Northern Donetsk and Starobel’skii (Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate), His Eminence Archbishop Peter of Chicago and Mid-America (ROCOR) and Bishop Theodosy of Seattle (ROCOR).
⁃ The Most Holy Patriarchate of Georgia: His Eminence Metropolitan Antonii of Vani and Baghdati, and His Eminence Metropolitan Sava of America.
⁃ The Most Holy Patriarchate of Romania: His Eminence Metropolitan Nicolae of the Americas.
⁃ The Orthodox Church in America: His Beatitude Metropolitan Tikhon of Washington and His Grace Bishop Paul of Chicago and the Midwest.
In addition to the above delegations, other Orthodox jurisdictions have been invited to send their honorable representatives and confirmation of their participation is pending.
“We are delighted to welcome His Holiness Patriarch Irinej and our most eminent brother bishops from all the Orthodox jurisdictions to this liturgical gathering because their presence reflects not only Saint Mardarije’s historical mission – but perhaps more importantly, his current witness as a Saint and intercessor for all of us in America,” said His Grace Bishop Longin, diocesan host hierarch, on the historic gathering.
For more information about the upcoming Canonization and Translation of Relics of Saint Mardarije, please visit www.stsavamonastery.com or ask your parish priest.
All Orthodox Christian faithful and pilgrims are welcome to this historic event.
