On the Sunday dedicated to the Holy Fathers of the First Ecumenical Council, Sunday, June 1, 2014, Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Swansea, IL, was blessed to have the Chancellor of the Holy Metropolis of Chicago, His Grace, Bishop Demetrios of Mokissos celebrate the hierarchical Divine Liturgy.

While initially the date was set to honor our recently celebrated Feast Day of Saints Constantine and Helen, Bishop Demetrios’ visit to our Parish fortuitously coincided with the ceremonial honoring of our Parish Church (Sunday) School and Greek School Programs. Our children, who have been participating in the Sacramental life of our Church, and have been receiving pedagogical instruction throughout the year, were honored to not only to receive their certificate of participation, but to be blessed by the archpastoral hand of our Chancellor. Eis Polla Ety Despota!

It was also fitting that, supplemented by our chanters, our children’s choir, or “Junior Choir” lead the Parish in the singing of the Divine Liturgy. It was truly a grand day. His Grace Bishop Demetrios reminded all present that even though our Church School program will break for the summer months, in no way should our hunger to know God “take a break,” and there is no such thing as a “vacation” from the Divine life of our Holy Mother Church!