Parish History

Parish Background

Saint Panteleimon Church was established in 1938 by Orthodox Christians of Slavic backgrounds living in the Summit area, who wished a local parish to facilitate a more regular and active church life.

In 1998, we were blessed by the gift of Relics of St. Panteleimon, given to us by His Beatitude, Metropolitan THEODOSIUS. The relics were installed in an Icon of St. Panteleimon, written by one of our parishioners who is an iconographer. Already two miraculous healings have been attributed to the icon and relics.

Saint Panteleimon has gone through some hard times. But due to the dynamic efforts of our present Pastor VRev Myron Manzuk (who had previously served the Parish from Oct 1996 - Feb 2000) and those of our Past Pastor, Rev. George Gulin, as well as our Lay Leadership and members, Saint Panteleimon is now a vital, growing, blossoming parish.

Our resiliency is a testament to the dedication of our members. Through fund-raisers such as Fundability, Paschal/Cchristmas candy sales, Rummage Sales, Parish/Sisterhood dinners, and other events such as our annual Patronal Lamb Roast (late July), we increase our ability to serve the Parish and the community at large. The scope and success of the projects we undertake, frequently belies the size of our parish. These projects have included the top to bottom renovation and redecoration of the Rectory, which was accomplished "in house" through the labors of our own parishioners. Most recently, in the summer of 2001, our cupola and steeple roof, were coated with a sky-blue colored, water-proof epoxy covering. This was complimented by a brand new 24K gold cross. This beatification project was made possible by the generous donation of an outside benefactor, as well as contributions from our parishioners.

Other efforts such as our monthly non-Sacramental Healing Service, begun under Fr. George, attract both Orthodox and non-Orthodox. It serves as a true charitable Christian ministry to the community, while also serving as means to evangelize the Orthodox Faith in general and our parish in particular. We have also undertaken to have the Parish serve as a collection point for supplies which go to local Pro-Life Women's Centers, which counsel women contemplating abortion.

Saint Panteleimon is a truly Pan-Orthodox parish, consisting of people from a variety of backgrounds: Slavs, Greeks, Western Europeans; converts and "cradles." Our membership covers a wide area of the South Side of Chicago, as well as the South-West and Western Suburbs. Despite being one of the smaller parishes in the Chicago Deanery, Saint Panteleimon is known for its warm, family atmosphere; dedication to parish life and Christian witness; and vital Orthodox worship and teaching.

Come bless the Lord with us and let us exalt His Name together!