With great blessings, joy, and pride, we announce the official welcome and formal visit of Their Royal Highnesses Prince Philip and Princess Danica Karađorđević to the Holy Resurrection Serbian Orthodox Cathedral in Chicago on Sunday, June 21, 2026.
This historic visit stands as a profound testament to the unbreakable bonds sharing the Serbian Royal Family, the Serbian Orthodox Church, and the Serbian diaspora in the United States.
Schedule of the Visit and Vidovdan Program
The celebratory day will begin with the Eucharistic gathering and communal prayer:
- 9:30 AM – Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, celebrated by His Eminence Archbishop of New Gračanica-Chicago and Metropolitan of Midwestern America Longin, concelebrated by the clergy of the Cathedral.
- Following the Liturgy – A banquet will be held on the Cathedral premises, followed by the traditional Vidovdan Program. Given that the visit takes place on the eve of Vidovdan, one of the most significant Serbian holidays, the program will be dedicated to preserving Serbian identity, culture, historical memory, and spirituality among the younger generations in the diaspora.
Supporting the Youth: The “Serbian Camp” Project and Visit to St. Sava Academy
A special emphasis of this year’s royal visit is placed on education, youth, and the preservation of the Serbian language. Prince Philip and Princess Danica are actively promoting the “Serbian Camp” project. Starting in 2027, this initiative will bring together children from the diaspora, Serbia, Republika Srpska, Montenegro, and Croatia, with the goal of fostering fellowship, learning, and preserving traditions.
As part of these efforts and to promote this vital initiative, the Royal Guests will visit the Cathedral’s 2026 Summer Day Camp, for which registration is officially open.
The host of this camp is St. Sava Academy, the only Serbian Orthodox parochial elementary school in this part of America, which has stood as a pillar of education for the Serbian community in Chicago for more than two decades. Today, the school is successfully attended by over 200 students. St. Sava Academy beautifully combines the official American school curriculum with intensive studies of the Serbian language, history, culture, and Orthodox faith, raising generations of successful, bilingual young people who are proud of their heritage.
Invitation to the Faithful
We cordially invite all parishioners, members of the Serbian community from Chicago and the surrounding areas, and all people of goodwill to grace this festive day with their presence, welcome the Royal Couple, and together celebrate this historic day of unity and tradition for our Diocese.
Welcome!
