Chicago, IL – January 18, 2026
On the Sunday before Theophany, His Grace Bishop Serafim visited the Holy Resurrection Serbian Orthodox Cathedral to celebrate the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy. His Grace was concelebrated by the Cathedral brotherhood, with a large number of the faithful gathering to mark this significant day leading up to the Great Feast of the Baptism of the Lord.
The service was enhanced by the SSS Branko Radichevich Cathedral Choir, which sang the liturgical responses beautifully, adding to the prayerful atmosphere of the day.
The Archpastoral Message During his sermon, His Grace Bishop Serafim offered spiritual instruction on the day’s Gospel lesson. He focused on the theme of readiness, exhorting the faithful to heed the call of the Holy Forerunner to “prepare the way of the Lord.” His Grace reminded those present that the Christian life is an ongoing journey of clearing the spiritual path to welcome God into our hearts.
The full sermon and service can be viewed here.
Liturgical Significance The Sunday before Theophany (Krstovdan) serves as the Church’s final preparation for the revelation of the Holy Trinity at the Jordan River. The readings focus on the ministry of St. John the Baptist, emphasizing repentance and the purification of the soul in anticipation of Christ’s public ministry.