Faithful have worshiped here for over a century. Saint Michael’s Orthodox Carpatho-Russian Church has a rich history. It welcomes all to its services.
Saint Michael’s Orthodox Carpatho-Russian Church began in 1914. Carpatho-Russian immigrants organized the parish. The original church was on Campbell Avenue in Chicago. In 1960, the parish decided to move. They purchased five acres in Niles. The new church was dedicated in 1966.
Initially, some people wanted to learn more about Saint Michael’s. Someone sought information on its early status. Was it Greek Catholic or Orthodox? What was its connection to St. Mary’s Greek Catholic Church? Which parishes did its founders attend?
Today, Saint Michael’s Orthodox Carpatho-Russian Church has almost 100 families. Parishioners come from Crystal Lake and Naperville. The church welcomes people of all ethnic backgrounds.
Saint Michael’s offers programs for all ages. There is a Church School for children. It serves pre-school through high school students. Adult religious education is also available. Classes meet on most Sunday mornings. These classes take a break during the summer. Adult Religious Education starts at 9:15 am. Church School begins after children receive Holy Communion.
The Saint Michael’s Choir sings during the Sunday Divine Liturgy. A Plain Chant Group also performs. New voices are always welcome to join.
Saint Michael’s Orthodox Carpatho-Russian Church also has a youth group. It is a chapter of the National American Carpatho-Russian Youth. This ACRY group is open to all ages. A Youth Ministry explores how to apply Orthodox faith. They learn team skills in a fun environment.
Saint Michael’s is part of the American Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Diocese. The Diocese is under the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople.
The old Saint Michael’s building had a Rusyn dome. Someone remembered seeing it in the 80s. It was on Fullerton Avenue. They were saddened to see it become a Baptist church. The church had gutted the sanctuary. They installed a choir and white-washed the interior. The person was pleased the iconostasis was moved to the new Saint Michael’s.
Today, the old building is Orthodox again. St. Andrew’s Romanian Orthodox uses it. They are an Old Calendarist group. They are associated with the Greek “Synod in Resistance.” They have outgrown the building. They are seeking to move.
Saint Michael’s services are entirely in English. After the Sunday Divine Liturgy, there is a fellowship. People can get to know each other. Guests are always welcome.
As you leave Saint Michael’s Orthodox Carpatho-Russian Church remember its welcoming spirit. It has served its community for over a century. It continues to be a place of faith for many.