At Annunciation Byzantine Catholic Parish in Homer Glen, our vision is simple and sacred: to live in communion with God, one another, and the natural world He created. Inspired by the ancient spirituality of the Byzantine tradition, we care deeply for the land entrusted to us—not as owners, but as stewards.

The church is surrounded by an award-winning native prairie and a carefully restored landscape that reflects the beauty of God’s creation. This living environment grows with the people who tend it. As Scripture reminds us, “The land which the Lord your God looks after… drinks in rain from the heavens” (Deuteronomy 11). We believe caring for this land is part of our worship.

At Annunciation Byzantine Catholic Parish, caring for the environment is a sacred responsibility. Our campus is more than beautiful—it’s built to reflect our faith through sustainability, stewardship, and innovation.

From the beginning, we set out to create a parish that lives in harmony with the land. That vision is being realized through sustainable practices integrated into our design, construction, and daily operations. These aren’t just “green” features—they are expressions of our commitment to protect God’s creation.

We’ve implemented a variety of environmentally responsible technologies, including:

• Green roofs that reduce runoff and improve insulation
• Permeable paving that allows rainwater to soak into the ground naturally
• Rainwater collection systems that power irrigation and water features
• Cleansing biotopes and vegetated swales that naturally filter stormwater
• Photovoltaic solar panels and geothermal systems that reduce energy use
• Restored native habitats that support local ecosystems

Over time, our goal is to rely fully on renewable energy from the sun and wind, while continuing to care for our land with eco-friendly materials and methods. At Annunciation, sustainability isn’t a trend—it’s a way of life that reflects our Byzantine spirituality and reverence for the gifts God has given us.

The prairie, historically a vast, open landscape, will be reimagined across our property as part of a thoughtful, diverse ecosystem. The new prairie will feature native grasses and wildflowers, fostering extensive root systems that enhance soil health. This restoration will help capture rainfall, reduce runoff, and improve water quality. Controlled burns, part of the prairie’s ongoing management, will further ensure the health of the ecosystem.

When visitors arrive at Annunciation, the difference is immediate. The asphalt ends, replaced by a colorful, textured permeable path. Children walk nearby, traveling between neighborhoods thanks to new trails that link the church with the surrounding community.

Father Tom often welcomes visitors personally. When it rains, instead of rushing indoors, he hands you an umbrella with a smile: “The rain is part of the experience.” That’s not just poetry—it’s design. Rainwater is captured by green roofs, gently spilling into water gardens alive with lilies, rushes, and native fish. Overflow is funneled artistically through chains and runnels, feeding underground cisterns that recycle the water for irrigation and fountains.

restored basins that transform urban runoff into healthy habitats. Even our grotto reflects this ethic—fed entirely by rainwater from the church roof, flowing softly over a shimmering mosaic of Christ in the Jordan.