Walking the Lenten Journey Together: 2025 Lenten Services in the Southern Chicago Deanery
As Orthodox Christians, we are blessed to embark on the sacred journey of Great Lent, a time of prayer, fasting, repentance, and renewal. During this season, we must remove worldly distractions and refocus our hearts on Christ.
One of the most powerful ways to strengthen our faith this season is by attending the Lenten Vespers Services and the Presanctified Liturgies. These services allow us to unite in worship, hear spiritually uplifting homilies, and prepare our souls for the glorious celebration of Holy Pascha.
Southern Chicago Deanery Lenten Services Schedule
This year, the Southern Chicago Deanery of the New Gracanica Midwestern Diocese will host a series of Sunday evening Vespers services and a special Presanctified Liturgy on Friday, April 11. Each service will feature a homily by a local clergyman, offering reflections to encourage and inspire us during this Lenten journey.
📅 2025 Lenten Services Schedule
🕯️ Cheese Fare Sunday, March 2 – Forgiveness Vespers
📍 St. Sava Church, Merrillville, 6 P.M.
💬 Homilist: Fr. Dr. Mile Subotic
🕯️ Sunday of Orthodoxy, March 9 – Pan-Orthodox Vespers
📍 Sts. Peter and Paul Macedonian Orthodox Church, Crown Point, 6 P.M.
🕯️ Sunday of St. Gregory Palamas, March 16 – Lenten Vespers
📍 St. George, East Chicago, 6 P.M.
💬 Homilist: Fr. Aleksandar Novakovic
🕯️ Sunday of the Veneration of the Life-Giving Cross, March 23 – Lenten Vespers
📍 St. Elijah, Merrillville, 6 P.M.
💬 Homilist: Fr. Vladimir Lange
🕯️ Sunday of St. John Climacus, March 30 – Lenten Vespers
📍 St. Archangel Michael, Lansing, 6 P.M.
💬 Homilist: Fr. Marko Matic
🕯️ Sunday of St. Mary of Egypt, April 6 – Lenten Vespers
📍 Sts. Peter and Paul, South Bend, 6 P.M.
💬 Homilist: Fr. Aleksandar Savic
🕯️ Friday, April 11 – Presanctified Liturgy
📍 St. George, Schererville, 6 P.M.
💬 Homilist: Fr. Milorad Jancic
🕯️ Palm Sunday, April 13 – Lenten Vespers
📍 St. Simeon, South Chicago, 6 P.M.
💬 Homilist: Fr. Radovan Jakovljevic
The Importance of Attending Lenten Services
It is easy to focus only on the personal aspects of Lent, such as fasting and prayer. While these are essential, we must remember that Lent is also a time for communal worship—a season to gather as the Body of Christ, lifting one another up in prayer and encouragement.
By attending these services, we:
✔️ Immerse ourselves in the beauty of Orthodox Lenten hymns and prayers
✔️ Receive spiritual nourishment from the wisdom of our clergy
✔️ Find strength and encouragement in the presence of our fellow faithful
✔️ Prepare our hearts for the Resurrection of Christ
Great Lent is not intended to be a solitary struggle. It is a journey we undertake together as the Church, supporting one another. The Lenten Vespers and Presanctified Liturgies offer us the spiritual tools to repent, grow, and draw closer to God.
Join Us on This Lenten Journey
As we enter this season of repentance and renewal, we invite all the faithful in the Southern Chicago Deanery to attend these beautiful services. Please make time in your schedule to attend, pray, and be spiritually uplifted.
Let us walk this journey together, preparing our hearts for the joy of Holy Pascha!
📌 Mark your calendars and invite your family and friends!
