Archangel Michael Eastern Orthodox Church

Did you ever hear of a church that moved from the bustling city to the quiet suburbs? Archangel Michael Eastern Orthodox Church did just that. This church wasn’t always in Niles. Its story began in 1914 in Chicago. Carpatho-Russian immigrants founded the original church on Campbell Avenue. The city air vibrated with their hopes and dreams. Archangel Michael Eastern Orthodox Church became a center for their community, a place where their faith could flourish. Fast forward to 1960. The parish decided to relocate. They sought a place of peace, away from the city’s clamor. Five acres of land in Niles became their new home. The new Archangel Michael Eastern Orthodox Church was dedicated in 1966. The church is no longer limited to one ethnic background. Nearly 100 families fill the pews, some traveling from as far as Crystal Lake and Naperville. The Saint Michael’s Choir and the Plain Chant Group lead the responses during the Sunday Divine Liturgy. The church school educates children from pre-school through high school. Adult religious education classes also meet regularly. The youth group, a chapter of the National American Carpatho-Russian Youth, welcomes all ages. They learn about faith in a fun and encouraging atmosphere. Archangel Michael Eastern Orthodox Church isn’t just a building. It’s a testament to the enduring power of faith. It is a story of a community’s journey, from the heart of the city to the tranquility of the suburbs.