Saint Panteleimon Orthodox Church

Did the scent of incense ever lead you to unexpected places? Here at Saint Panteleimon Orthodox Church, it’s not just the fragrance that captivates. Nestled in the Village of Summit, this church, established in 1938, holds within its walls over 85 years of Orthodox Christian heritage. Saint Panteleimon wasn’t always its home. The congregation first gathered in 1937, drawn together by Father Theodore Turchenko’s outreach. They were workers, mainly Slavs, from the Argo Corn Products plant and their families. Their first services were held at the First Congregational Church. Later, they moved to the Elgin Administration Building before finally finding their permanent refuge here. This building itself has a past, having once been home to the Argo Church of the Nazarene. Imagine the transformations it has witnessed. The church’s namesake, Saint Panteleimon, was a physician known for his healing touch. He dedicated his life to serving the sick and poor, much like the spirit of this very church. Today, Saint Panteleimon Orthodox Church stands as a testament to enduring faith, a beacon in the heart of Summit, Illinois. Its story, woven from the lives of hardworking families, echoes within these walls, inviting you to experience the warmth of its embrace.