CHICAGO, IL [Holy Trinity Cathedral] – On July 28 & 29, 2018 His Grace, Bishop PAUL and Holy Trinity Cathedral had the honor of welcoming the Primate of the Autonomous Orthodox Church of Finland, His Eminence, Archbishop Leo of Helsinki, and Archpriest Rauno Pietarinen, who worshipped with the cathedral community at the Saturday evening Vigil and Sunday morning Divine Liturgy.

At the conclusion of the Liturgy, Archbishop LEO shared his joy at having spent the previous few days with Orthodox clergy and faithful gathered at the 19^th All American Council of the Orthodox Church in America in St. Louis, MO.  He extended his gratitude to the parish of Holy Trinity Cathedral for its hospitality.  While presenting icons to His Grace, Bishop PAUL, and to Priest Alexander Koranda, he shared the historic importance of the icons in Finland.  A drawing of St. John Kochurov by parishioner Arlene Tilghman was presented to Archbishop LEO.  Father Rauno also shared his gratitude with those assembled for Coffee Hour and recalled his fond memories of studying at St. Vladimir’s Seminary in New York and the support he received during his time there. 

We are blessed to have hosted them and pray for their safe journey home to Finland.