ARCHPASTORAL LETTER OF THE MOST REVEREND DANIEL Archbishop of Chicago and the Midwest to the Reverend Clergy, Monastics, and Faithful of the Diocese of the Midwest at the Beginning of the Ecclesiastical Year 2026

ARCHPASTORAL LETTER OF THE MOST REVEREND DANIEL

Archbishop of Chicago and the Midwest

to the Reverend Clergy, Monastics, and Faithful of the Diocese of the Midwest

at the Beginning of the Ecclesiastical Year 2026

Beloved Clergy, Venerable Monastics, and dearly Beloved Faithful in Christ:

Glory to Jesus Christ!

As we approach the beginning of the new Ecclesiastical Year on September 1, the Holy Church once again invites us to enter the sacred rhythm of her liturgical life. Unlike the passing measures of secular time, the Church’s year is not merely a succession of days and months. It is an unfolding season of grace, in which the saving works of our Lord Jesus Christ are made present to us through prayer, worship, fasting, feasting, repentance, and thanksgiving.

This annual cycle of fasts and feasts is a precious gift. Through it, the Church gathers our scattered lives and directs them toward the Kingdom of God. We celebrate the Nativity of Christ, His Holy Theophany, His life-giving Passion and Resurrection, His glorious Ascension, and the descent of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. We honor the Most Holy Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary, the holy Apostles, Martyrs,…