Orthoberfest in Chicago, an Orthodox autumn festival held Saturday, October 17, 2026, at Stara crkva Hristovog Vaskrsenja (Old Church of Christ’s Resurrection) on Palmer Square, had a charitable purpose. Organizers hoped to raise an initial $15,000 to continue painting frescoes in the church, part of a project estimated at approximately $100,000. That same day, about 200 people attended an akathist in the park across from the church.
All festival proceeds were designated for the church’s complete fresco painting. The work has been entrusted to Filip Subotić, an academic fresco painter and iconographer (hagiographer) who previously worked there from 2011 to 2014. He is therefore already familiar with the church and its existing artwork.
Subotić graduated in 1999 from Bogoslovski fakultet Svetog Save (St. Sava Faculty of Theology) in Libertyville. He also trained as an academic painter and refined his knowledge of Byzantine painting while working with prominent Greek masters.
Akathist in the Park: A Symbol of Unity
The fundraiser was one part of the gathering. Communal prayer in the park gave the festival a distinct spiritual character. Moving outdoors symbolized a blessing upon nature, the city and the local community. Public prayer also served as an expression of faith and an invitation to spiritual fellowship.
An akathist is a prayer of praise and thanksgiving addressed to Jesus Christ, the Mother of God or a saint. Its Greek name is linked to the Orthodox tradition of standing throughout the prayer. Prayers outside the church also recall early Christian times, when believers gathered to worship outdoors.
The event included a social program featuring local Orthodox producers of food, beer and wine. Their participation brought the familiar character of an autumn festival while giving worshippers an opportunity to socialize beyond regular church activities. Orthoberfest thereby strengthened ties within Chicago’s Orthodox community, while its fundraising efforts supported the continuation of an ambitious artistic project in the church.
Photo: Milan Brašanac
Check out more photos from this event in the gallery below.
