The first feast of the Church Year is the Nativity of the Theotokos. This year for the feast His Eminence Archbishop Peter officiated at the Divine Services at the Diocesan Cathedral of the Protection of the Mother of God in Des Plaines, IL. Vladyka led the Vigil on the eve of the feast and officiated at the Divine Liturgy on the day of the feast itself. The following clergymen served the Divine Liturgy with Archbishop Peter:

Archpriest Gregory Joyce, Secretary of the Diocese Archpriest Tarasiy Maximtsev, Cleric of the Diocesan Cathedral

Priest Leonty Naidzions, Cleric of the Diocesan Cathedral

Protodeacon Alexander Kichakov, Cleric of the Diocesan Cathedral

Deacon Nikolai Lochmatow, Cleric of the Diocesan Cathedral

Deacon Alexander Tichonow, Cleric of the Diocesan Cathedral

Deacon Christopher Watley, Cleric of the St. John of Shanghai & San Francisco Mission in Portage, WI

Archpriest Andre Papkov, continuing his recovery from a stroke in September of 2019, participated in parts of the Vigil and partook of Holy Communion in the altar.

Following the great entrance His Eminence ordained Deacon Christopher Watley a priest for service at the St. John of Shanghai & San Francisco Mission in Portage, WI.

Following the Divine Liturgy Vladyka congratulated the gathered clergy and faithful, and asked their prayers for the newly ordained Priest Christopher, his family, and the mission in which he will execute his ministry.