Orthodox Churches in Illinois

Orthodox Christianity in Illinois

Illinois has 22 Orthodox Christian parishes and missions in this directory, present in 17 cities and towns. That is roughly 3.5% of the 627 listed parishes in the United States, which places Illinois at number 8 among every state by parish count. 12 of the listings publish a phone number and 19 link to a parish website, so you can confirm Divine Liturgy times before you visit.

Among the 21 parishes in Illinois that publish a founding year, the earliest is Holy Trinity Cathedral in Chicago, Illinois (1892), and the most recent community to be established is St. Nicholas of Myra Church in McHenry, Illinois (2023) — a span of Orthodox presence still growing through new mission parishes.

Jurisdictions and dioceses in Illinois

Orthodox parishes in Illinois are organised under the following dioceses. The jurisdiction matters in practice: it determines whether a parish keeps the Julian (Old) or Revised Julian calendar, and therefore the civil dates of Nativity, Theophany and the fixed feasts.

• Diocese of the Midwest17
• Romanian Episcopate3
• Bulgarian Diocese2

Cities in Illinois with Orthodox churches

• Chicago · 6
• Aurora · 1
• Bloomington-Normal · 1
• Buckner · 1
• Burr Ridge · 1
• Granite City · 1
• Hanover · 1
• Joliet · 1

Attending a service in Illinois

Visitors are welcome at any Orthodox parish. Services follow the liturgical day rather than a fixed programme, so check the daily Scripture readings, the fasting rule for that date, and the saint commemorated before you go. On Sundays the Divine Liturgy is normally in the morning, preceded by Orthros; on the eve of a great feast most parishes serve Vespers or a Vigil.

Frequently asked about Orthodox churches in Illinois

How many Orthodox churches are there in Illinois?

This directory lists 22 Orthodox Christian parishes and missions in Illinois, spread across 17 cities and towns. That is about 3.5% of the 627 listed parishes in the United States, making Illinois the number 8 state by parish count.

Which cities in Illinois have Orthodox parishes?

The cities with the most Orthodox parishes in Illinois are Chicago, Aurora, Bloomington-Normal, Buckner, Burr Ridge. Every listing includes the street address, phone number where published, and a link to the parish website.

Which Orthodox jurisdictions serve Illinois?

Parishes in Illinois belong to 3 listed dioceses: Diocese of the Midwest (17), Romanian Episcopate (3), Bulgarian Diocese (2). Jurisdiction affects the liturgical calendar a parish follows, so check whether yours keeps the Julian (Old) or Revised Julian calendar before planning feast days.

What is the oldest Orthodox church in Illinois?

Of the parishes in this directory that publish a founding year, the earliest in Illinois is Holy Trinity Cathedral in Chicago, Illinois, founded 1892. The most recently founded is St. Nicholas of Myra Church (2023).

How do I find Divine Liturgy times in Illinois?

Service times change with the liturgical season, so call the parish or open its website from the listing above. Use the daily Orthodox calendar on this site to see the feast, fasting rule and Scripture readings for the day you plan to attend.

Other states

• Alabama
• Alaska
• Arizona
• Arkansas
• California
• Colorado
• Connecticut
• Delaware
• District of Columbia
• Florida
• Georgia
• Idaho

See the full USA Orthodox parish directory or the Canada directory.