Bradford, Illinois · St John the Baptist Church · Byzantine Catholic Community
Come and see.
Ancient faith, sung prayer, and a new community — rooted here in the heart of Illinois.
Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory forever!
A new community with an ancient heart.
We are a Ruthenian Byzantine Catholic community worshiping in the historic St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. We are fully Catholic, in communion with Rome, and joyfully preserve the prayer, music, and spirituality of the Christian East.
Whether you have prayed the Divine Liturgy your whole life or have never stepped inside an Eastern Catholic church, you are welcome here.
Plan a first visit →
Parish calendar
Gather with us.
Divine Liturgies, feast days, Bible study, and other community gatherings are listed below.
Your first visit
There is a place for you here.
Come as you are
No prior experience is needed. Books are available, and you may simply listen and pray.
Pray with your whole self
Our worship is sung and includes incense, icons, and a deep spiritual tradition.
Stay for the Agape
Every Divine Liturgy is followed by a shared meal. It is the best way to meet the community.
A providential beginning
From one Liturgy, a community took root.
More than 180 people gathered for the first Byzantine Divine Liturgy in Bradford in March 2026. With the generous welcome of the local Catholic community in the Diocese of Peoria and the support of the Eparchy of Parma, worship continues in the treasured church.
We are under the care of Fr. Thomas Loya of Annunciation Byzantine Catholic Parish in Homer Glen, Illinois.
Read the story from the Eparchy →
Our pastoral support
The priests who serve our community.
Our growing community is grateful for the pastoral care, sacramental ministry, and friendship of these priests.
Fr. Thomas Loya
Annunciation Parish · Homer Glen, Illinois
Fr. Tyler Strand
Retired · Eparchy of Passaic
Fr. Joe Weber
St. Anthony the Great Parish · St. Louis, Missouri
Come worship with us
St. John the Baptist Church
218 First StreetBradford, Illinois 61421
Divine Liturgy
Sundays at 10:00 AM
Every Sunday except the final Sunday of each month
Email
info@byzantine.community