The great and saving Feast of the Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ (Božić) was prayerfully and joyfully celebrated at the Cathedral in Chicago with a Hierarchical Divine Liturgy presided over by Metropolitan Longin. Faithful from the Cathedral community and the wider diocesan area gathered in large numbers to glorify God for the mystery of the Incarnation and the birth of Christ in Bethlehem.

The liturgical celebration unfolded in an atmosphere of reverence, beauty, and deep spiritual joy, as the Church proclaimed the good news of salvation—“God is with us.” In his pastoral greeting, His Eminence reflected on the humility and love revealed in the Nativity of Christ, calling the faithful to live this joy through faith, peace, and love toward one another.

Serving alongside His Eminence were the Cathedral clergy: V. Rev. Darko Spasojevic, PhD, Cathedral Dean; V. Rev. Stavrophor Dobrivoje Milunovic; and Rev. Nikolaj Kostur. Joining them were guest clergy V. Rev. Luka Novakovićof New Jersey, Rev. Miloš Balaban of Banja Luka, and Protodeacon Milovan Gogić. Also assisting was Subdeacon Zoran Stojaković, who devotedly drove and cared for His Eminence throughout the visit.

Together, the clergy united the faithful in prayer and thanksgiving during this solemn and uplifting celebration of the Feast. The liturgical responses, prayerfully offered by the Cathedral Choir, enriched the service and echoed the angelic hymn: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”

At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, His Eminence Metropolitan Longin and Cathedral Dean, V. Rev. Darko Spasojevic, addressed the faithful with heartfelt Nativity greetings, offering blessings and words of encouragement for continued unity, faith, and spiritual growth throughout the Diocese.

May the light of Christ’s Nativity illumine the hearts of all the faithful and bring peace and joy to the world.

Hristos se rodi!
Vaistinu se rodi! ☦️