Saints Constantine & Helen Romanian Orthodox Cathedral

Twenty years ago, a beacon of faith took root in Chicago. The Saints Constantine & Helen Romanian Orthodox Cathedral celebrated its 20th anniversary in May 2023. The cathedral, located at 5406 N. Newland Ave., commemorated two decades of serving the Romanian Orthodox community. The festivities spanned three days, filled with religious services, special guests, and heartfelt celebrations. The weekend commenced with a Te Deum service led by Metropolitan Nicolae of the Americas, joined by Archbishop Peter of Chicago and the Mid-East, and Chancellor Timothy of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago. The following day, Vespers was officiated by Metropolitan Nicolae, alongside Bishop Ioan Casian of Canada and several other distinguished clergy members. Among them were Archimandrite Melchisedec Velnic, Abbot of Putna Monastery in Romania, and the priests of Saints Constantine & Helen Romanian Orthodox Cathedral itself. A unique highlight was the presence of a fragment of the relics of Saint Jacob of Putna, brought from Romania for the faithful to venerate. On Sunday, the Divine Liturgy was celebrated, with Metropolitan Nicolae delivering a sermon on the healing of the blind man and the significance of Saints Constantine and Helen. He connected the blind man’s gradual healing to the journey of faith, emphasizing the transformative power of encountering God. He drew parallels to the experiences of St. Paul and St. Constantine the Great, underscoring the role of divine encounters in shaping their understanding of the world. During the liturgy, Alexandru Lazăr, a graduate of Orthodox Theology, was ordained a deacon. Following the service, Metropolitan Nicolae spoke on the contributions of Saints Constantine and Helen to Christianity. Archimandrite Melchisedec Velnic also addressed the congregation, speaking about prayer and the life of Saint Jacob of Putna. The celebration continued with the bestowal of the Metropolitan Order of the “Holy Emperors Constantine and Helen” to several individuals who have supported the cathedral. A fraternal meal and a performance by the Sunday School children brought the joyous occasion to a close. The Saints Constantine & Helen Romanian Orthodox Cathedral, a cornerstone of the Romanian community in Chicago, stands as a testament to two decades of faith, service, and celebration.