80th Anniversary of St. Sophia Bulgarian Orthodox Church in Chicago Recognized by the State of Illinois and Cook County
01 October 2026 News
The Bulgarian community in the Chicago area marked the 80th anniversary of St. Sophia Bulgarian Orthodox Church in Des Plaines, Illinois, with a series of events held from September 17–24, 2026. Formally incorporated on March 1, 1946, St. Sophia has served for eight decades as a spiritual, cultural, and educational center for generations of Bulgarians in the Chicago area.
At the initiative of the Consulate General of Bulgaria in Chicago, the anniversary received special recognition from state and local institutions. On September 17, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker proclaimed the day “St. Sophia Bulgarian Orthodox Church Day” in the State of Illinois, recognizing the church’s contribution to preserving the Orthodox Christian faith, Bulgarian heritage, national consciousness, and traditions.
The centerpiece of the anniversary celebrations was a charity festival on September 19, which brought together hundreds of members and friends of the Bulgarian community. At the invitation of Consul General Svetoslav Stankov, the official guests included Des Plaines Mayor Andrew Goczkowski and Cook County Commissioner Kevin Morrison. Through donations and volunteer efforts, approximately $25,000 was raised in support of the church.
On September 24, the Cook County Board of Commissioners adopted a special resolution honoring St. Sophia on its 80th anniversary and recognizing its outstanding spiritual, educational, cultural, and community contributions. The resolution was sponsored by Commissioner Kevin Morrison and signed by Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle.
“The 80-year history of St. Sophia is the story of generations of Bulgarians who, through their own efforts, donations, and volunteer service, have preserved their faith, language, and national identity. The recognition by the State of Illinois, Cook County, and the City of Des Plaines is also recognition of the contribution of the entire Bulgarian community to the civic and cultural life of the Chicago area,” Consul General Svetoslav Stankov said.
St. Sophia Bulgarian Sunday School, established in 1975, has also served the community for more than half a century, helping generations of Bulgarian-American children maintain a meaningful connection with the Bulgarian language, Orthodox faith, culture, and traditions.
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