His Eminence Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern American & New York, First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia, led the one-year anniversary commemoration for Archbishop Peter of Chicago & Mid-America at the Holy Virgin Protection Cathedral in Des Plaines, Illinois, November 7-8, 2025.

On the eve of the feast of St. Demetrius the Metropolitan prayed in the altar and anointed the gathered faithful and clergymen following the polyeleos. On the day of St. Demetrius, His Eminence was greeted by fifty priests and deacons who had gathered from throughout the vast confines of the Mid-American Diocese to mark the one-year anniversary of the repose of their Abba, Archbishop Peter. The vast majority of the clergymen participating in the Divine Liturgy had been ordained by Archbishop Peter himself. The hierarchal choir of the cathedral sang beautifully under the direction of Dr. Michael Gill. The cathedral was full to overflowing with gathered faithful, also from throughout the diocese. Most partook of Holy Communion this day from three chalices. Following the dismissal of the Divine Liturgy a pannykhida was held for Archbishop Peter.

Joining Metropolitan Nicholas for the Divine Liturgy this day, in addition to the priests and deacons noted above, were:

Metropolitan Longin, Archbishop of New Gracanica-Midwestern America (Serbian Orthodox Church)

Archbishop Daniel of Chicago and the Mid-West (OCA)

Following the Divine Services Metropolitan Nicholas thanked his fellow archpastors for their participation in the day’s services, but also for their unwavering support of the faithful of the cathedral and the diocese in the wake of Archbishop Peter’s repose. His Eminence also thanked the gathered clergy and faithful, noting that surely Archbishop Peter would have been very pleased with such a gathering indeed.

After the kissing of the cross a memorial meal was held in the cathedral hall. Every seat was occupied for the meal, again testifying, as did the huge turnout for the Divine Services, the love that so many had, and still have, for Archbishop Peter. At the meal, Nun Maria from the St. Lazarus Girls School in the Holy Land read a letter of condolence from Archimandrite Roman, Chief of the Russian Ecclesiastical Mission in the Holy Land. The monastic priest that had held that position before Fr. Roman was… Archbishop Peter. Mother Maria went on to discuss the difficult life of the Orthodox Christians in the Holy Land, and specifically the challenges her all-girls school faces at present. Her entire talk can be found on the Mid-American Diocesan YOUTUBE CHANNEL (https://www.youtube.com/@dcmamediaoffice5460). Those who would like to make a donation to support the Mission in the Holy Land can visit THIS LINK (https://www.synod.com/rem.html).