News - USA, Chicago, Consulate General of the Republic of Bulgaria

On October 19, the day of St. John (Ivan) of Rila the Wonderworker, the Bulgarian community in Chicago had a double reason for celebration. After a long hiatus, the activity of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church “St. Ivan Rilski,” which is now under the jurisdiction of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church, was officially resumed.

This historic event was marked by a solemn Hierarchical Divine Liturgy celebrated by His Grace Bishop Kliment of Levkiya, who also installed the new parish priest, Father Kiril Kirilov.

Dozens of Bulgarians from Chicago and the surrounding area came to share this sacred moment despite the rainy weather. Among those present was Consul Boyko Hadjiyski from the Consulate General of the Republic of Bulgaria in Chicago.

The community’s efforts to preserve and revive the church stand as a living testimony to the enduring faith, identity, and unity of Bulgarians overseas — a source of well-deserved pride and gratitude to all who made this revival possible.