Welcome to the parish website of the Holy Virgin Protection Cathedral, a Russian Orthodox church located in Des Plaines, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. Our church is a prominent place of worship for all the Russian Orthodox who live in Chicago and has as its goal the preservation of the spiritual traditions and the treasure of church services of ancient Russian Orthodoxy.  We are glad you are visiting our site and would like to invite you to acquaint yourself with our church and parish by exploring other pages. We hope to see you in person in our church where you will be able to enjoy the iconographic art and paintings, to hear the splendid singing of our choir and to share in the joy of our Divine Services.

ARCHBISHOP ALYPY RETURNS FROM HOSPITAL

On Friday, July 23, Vladika Alypy was taken to the hospital where it was ascertained that he suffered second degree burns on his legs.  He was discharged soon afterwards and is now recuperating at home.  We humbly ask your prayers for a speedy recovery for our archpastor.

PASTORAL SCHOOL GRADUATION

On Sunday, June 20th at the Holy Virgin Protection Catheral in Des Plaines, at the end of the Divine Liturgy, there was a graduation ceremony for this year's graduates of the diocesan Pastoral School.
 
This year, 3 individuals came to Chicago to undergo exams and defend their theses.  Deacon Kevin Kalish, Subdeacon Nicholas Ganson and Subdeacon Victor Klimenko received their diplomas.
 
The Pastoral school is a graduate level program in theology which is conducted mostly online.  In addition to the extensive readings and completing a  thesis, enrolled students are also required to spend a summer at the Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville in the summer music program.  The school is in existence for the past 6 years and has been administered by Fr. Martin Swanson from St. Basil church in St. Louis.