Over 1,000 people recently descended on Lake County for the American Canadian Macedonian Orthodox Diocese Convention.
The 50th annual conference took place over Labor Day weekend at Sts. Peter and Paul Macedonian Orthodox Cathedral in Crown Point.
“We are thrilled to host the 50th anniversary celebration of this Macedonian Convention, an event that brings together a vibrant community to celebrate shared heritage, faith and culture,” said Phil Taillon, South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority president/CEO, in a press release.
Diocese along with clergy and representatives from Macedonian Orthodox Churches across the U.S. and Canada attended the convention. The event included a mass, general meeting of the diocese, a soccer tournament, ethnic dancing and a gala banquet.
“Attendees will have the chance to visit our local shopping destinations and enjoy a diverse array of eateries that showcase the flavors and hospitality of our region,” Taillon said.
The diocese operates 28 churches and two monasteries in the U.S. and Canada. The South Shore is a prime location for the annual convention because Northwest Indiana has the second largest concentration of Macedonians in the Midwest, after Detroit.
“It is an honor and privilege to be able to host the convention’s 50th anniversary here in Indiana,” said Nick Nochevich, convention committee chairman, in a press release. “Fifty years ago, Crown Point was where the idea was born to have this convention.”
