On Friday, August 31, 2018, in Glenview, Illinois, the Very Rev. Thomas A. Baima, Vicar for Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs of the Archdiocese of Chicago, was in attendance at the Annual Vespers for the Care of Creation, representing Cardinal Blase Cupich.
The 4th annual prayer between the Catholic Archdiocese of Chicago and the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago continues a tradition begun by Cardinal Cupich in response to the request of Pope Francis that Catholics throughout the world observe a World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation on September 1st. This date is significant as it is the beginning of the church year in the Orthodox Church, whose spiritual leader, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople has worked closely with Pope Francis and is affectionately called “The Greek Patriarch.”
The first observance took place at Holy Name Cathedral. The Rev Bradley Zamora presided with the Very Rev. John F. Kartje as the preacher. They were joined by the Dean of Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral. The following year, the parishes of Saints Peter and Paul (Greek Orthodox) and Our Lady of Perpetual Help (Catholic) in Glenview assumed responsibility for the annual service.
Each year, there is an educational program following the prayer. The 2018 speaker was Dr. Dawn Nothweir, OSF, Professor of Catholic Theological Ethics at the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago.
