Resolution of the Great Lenten Clergy Retreat of the Southern Deaneries, Diocese of Chicago and Mid-America

We, the clergy of the southern deaneries of the Diocese of Chicago and MidAmerica, gathered with our venerable hierarch, the Most Reverend Archbishop Peter, at Saint Jonah of Manchuria Orthodox Church in Spring, Texas on April 810 for our annual Great Lenten retreat.

We join in the sentiments expressed by our brethren in the northern deaneries earlier this month. “Behold, how good and pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” (Psalm 132:1). We are especially grateful for the convicting yet inspiring words of Archpriest Joseph Huneycutt. His reflections on the challenges and consolations of mission parishes greatly edified and encouraged the gathered clergy. We also note that on Monday, October 7/20, 2025, the Church will commemorate the centenary of the repose of Saint Jonah of Manchuria, the patron of this community. Archbishop Peter invites all to join him here in celebrating this event.

Our retreat concluded with the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts, at which Archbishop Peter tonsured John King as a Reader. We ask the faithful to fervently pray that we all may continue, in “oneness of mind, brotherly love and piety,” to “walk worthily of God, who hath called us unto His kingdom and glory.” (1 Thessalonians 2:12).