ARCHPASTORAL ADDRESS OF THE MOST REVEREND DANIEL to the 65th Diocesan Assembly of the Diocese of Chicago and the Midwest Archangel Michael Church, Broadview Heights, Ohio

ARCHPASTORAL ADDRESS OF THE MOST REVEREND DANIEL

to the 65 th Diocesan Assembly of the Diocese of Chicago and the Midwest

Archangel Michael Church, Broadview Heights, Ohio

October 6, 2026

Beloved Clergy, Faithful, and Monastics of the Diocese of Chicago and the Midwest:

Glory to Jesus Christ!

The Book of the Acts of the Apostles, written by the Holy Apostle and Evangelist Luke, is sometimes referred to as “the Fifth Gospel,” or as “the Gospel of the Church.” This is, of course, because the Book of the Acts of the Apostles continues the story told in the four Gospels.

Some would say that the Gospel of Luke and Acts were written as a two-part work: The Gospel of Luke recounts what Jesus began to do and teach during his earthly ministry. And the Book of Acts describes how Jesus continued his work through the Holy Spirit, the apostles, and the early Church. It carries the saving message of the Gospel outward from Jerusalem to Judea, Samaria, and Rome, showing the gospel spreading to the wider world, to the “ends of the universe.”

In the first chapter, after the words of introduction, we hear of the Risen Lord Jesus ascending into heaven, returning to His Father’s right…