Dear brothers and sisters, beloved Orthodox Christians, and fellow Bulgarians,

With great joy, excitement, and gratitude to God, we announce that on October 19, 2025 – the day when we honor the memory of St. John (Ivan) of Rila the Wonderworker, the church “Sv. Ivan Rilski” in Chicago will reopen its doors, now under the canonical jurisdiction of our beloved Bulgarian Orthodox Church!

This long-awaited and historic event marks a new chapter in the spiritual life of the Bulgarian community in Chicago. The renewal of the church is not only a sacred act, but also a testimony of faith, dedication, collective effort, and unity. We believe this moment represents a turning point for our community – a sign that when we stand together, we can build a house for God and leave a spiritual legacy for our children.

Program for the Solemn Reopening:

• October 18 (Saturday)
  5:00 PM – Hierarchical Vespers Service
• October 19 (Sunday) – Feast of St. John of Rila the Wonderworker
  8:30 AM – Orthros
  9:00 AM – Church Blessing and Hierarchical Divine Liturgy with the installation of parish priest Fr. Kiril Kirilov at the Bulgarian Orthodox Church “Sv. Ivan Rilski”
  12:00 PM – Festive luncheon on the occasion of the reopening and parish feast

We invite you to share in the joy and grace of this blessed day.

With prayer and gratitude,
Sv. Ivan Rilski Bulgarian Orthodox Church – Chicago

Location

Sv. Ivan Rilski Bulgarian Orthodox Church
5944 W Cullom Ave, Chicago, IL 60634
View on Google Maps

With great joy and faith in their hearts, the Bulgarian Orthodox community in Chicago welcomes its new spiritual leader – Father Kiril. His arrival is a historic event that marks a true new beginning – he is the first priest to serve at Sv. Ivan Rilski Church under the jurisdiction of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church.

Father Kiril, who arrives together with his wife, presbytera Gyurgyia, is an example of deep and conscious devotion to God. Having chosen the path of theological education in his mature years, he graduated from the Sofia Theological Seminary and dedicated himself entirely to priestly ministry. He comes to us on the recommendation of His Grace Bishop Klement of Levkiya and with the blessing of His Eminence Metropolitan Joseph.

His journey has taken him through many holy places in Bulgaria, where he has left a mark of love and pastoral care. He has served in churches and monasteries such as St. Nicholas in Petrich and the St. George Monastery in Hadzhidimovo. These years have given him invaluable spiritual experience and a deep understanding of the needs of the faithful, and he treasures the memory of his ordination and the time he spent in service.

Father Kiril comes with an inspiring mission: to open wide the doors of the church to everyone – especially to young people and children, who are the future of our faith. His vision is to make Sv. Ivan Rilski Church a vibrant heart of the Bulgarian community – a place of prayer, education, and preservation of our spiritual roots and traditions.

“Let us believe and never abandon our faith, as we walk together on the path of the Lord.”

His message to all of us is inspired by the words of our heavenly patron, Sv. Ivan Rilski, and calls each of us to return to faith, guided by his sacred legacy.

Welcome, Father Kiril! May God bless your ministry and your service among us! 🙏