2008 Archived News
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[Archived News] Thursday June 19, 2008
CLERGY BROTHERHOOD OF NORTH AND SOUTH AMERICA
MEET IN NEW YORK CITY
New York City, NY - The Serbian Orthodox Clergy Brotherhood of North and South America convened for the Annual Assembly at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Cathedral in New York City on Monday evening June 9 and Tuesday, June 10, 2008.
Brotherhood President and Dean of St Sava Cathedral, Protopresbyter Djokan Majstorovic welcomed the brothers-in-Christ in attendance. The priests and deacons came from far corners of the United States and included clergy with experience in South America.
Clergy were in attendance from the states of California, Texas, Florida, North Carolina, Ohio, Illinois, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Massachusetts and Maine. The following clergy were in attendance in addition to President Prota Majstorovic:
The clergy in attendance were from the Dioceses of the Midwest Metropolitanate, Eastern America, Western America and New Gracanica.
Abbott Gerasim, Protopresbyter Stavrofor Predrag Micic, Protopresbyter Stavrofor Rastko Trbuhovich, Protopresbyter Stavrofor Toma Stojsich, Protopresbyter Dr. Rodney Torbic, Protopresbyter Aleksandar Vlajkovic, Protopresbyter Ivan Marjanovic, Protonamesnik Zivojin Jakoljevic, Father Ljubisa Brnjos, Father Dragan Zaric, Father Zoran Radovic, Father Srdjan Veselinovich, Father Vladislav, Father Norman Kosanovich, Father Michael Boyle, Father Deacon Damjan Bozic, and Father Deacon Alex Pavichevich.
The business portion of the Brotherhood Assembly was held on Monday evening. Protopresbyter Stavrofor Rastko was elected to preside at the Assembly. Father Srdjan Veselinovich was elected to be Secretary for the Assembly.
President Prota Masjtorovic reported on the work of the Brotherhood during past year. His report included emphasis on efforts made to involve all the clergy in the work of the Brotherhood as stewards and as brothers.
Prota Majstorovic spoke of the Brotherhood's concern for clergy widows, for clergy experiencing difficulty getting the proper United States government approvals necessary to work in the parish and to care for their families. He spoke of the Brotherhood's concern shown to families of clergy departed this life. Requests from clergy seeking financial aid for studies also received attention as did attention shown clergy at the time of ordination and retirement.
Father Deacon Damjan Bozic presented the financial report and calendar report. Deacon Damjan, Protopresbyter Djuro Krosnjar and Father Darko Spasojevic are Editors for the calendar. Comments regarding the 2008 were all very favorable and the Editors commended for their work. Deacon Damjan reviewed the various steps necessary to prepare the calendar for preparation each year.
The Audit report submitted indicated the Brotherhood financial records were in proper order.
The Pension Plan report prepared by Protopresbyter Stavrofor Dragjoljub Malich was distributed. Prota Malich was recognized for the hard work he puts into Brotherhood pension interests.
Father Vladislav Radujkovic, the new second priest at St.Sava's Cathedral in New York was introduced as was Father Deacon Alex Pavichevich, a recent graduate of St.Vladimir's Seminary who will be going to Serbia for additional studies this summer.
Prota Aleksandar Vlajkovich was chosen to chair a committee to produce informational pamphlets of practical value for parish use. The pamphlets will be made readily available to Brotherhood clergy to assist in keeping parishioners and prospective parishioners informed of necessary information steps leading to Orthodox growth.
At the request of Protopresbyter Alexandar Bugarin of Kansas City, the Brotherhood decided to include historical accounts about clergy serving the Serbian Orthodox Church in the geographic areas served by the Brotherhood.
The usefulness of Clergy Messenger, the newsletter of the Brotherhood was recognized. The Clergy Messenger has been prepared and distributed through the efforts of Father Milovan Katanic, Father Mile Subotic and Father Dragoljub Popovich. Father Djokan Majstorovic indicated he would be willing to assume responsibility for printing and distributing the Messenger as once done by Father Popovich as he is no longer available.
On Tuesday, the Brotherhood assembled for the Divine Liturgy and parastos for departed members of the Brotherhood. Abbot Gerasim served with six additional priests and two deacons. Brother priests sang the responses.
The new Chancellor at St. Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary, Very Reverend Dr. Chad Hatfield was the designated speaker for the second day o f the Brotherhood's Assembly. His topic was "Revitalizing Our Priestly Ministry in A Post Christian Culture."
Protopresbyter Hatfield spoke about the new curriculum at St.Vladimir's Seminary and the challenges of educating clergy. Bioethical issues are of primary concern. Technology and temptations are major issues. Chancellor Hatfield spoke about the ministry of presence, of raising the Cross in times of difficulty, of remembering wholeness and quiet, of holiness of life and Christ the Good Shepherd.
Father Hatfield said beat-up wheat carries more protein than perfectly grown wheat. Difficult times can be times of greater nourishment for the soul. People want God in the priests.
The clergy in attendance applauded Chancellor Hatfield for his talk and made extensive comments in addition to asking questions.
In bringing the Assembly to a conclusion, the Brotherhood adopted a new budget and elected new officers for the forthcoming year.
Discussion centered on the application process for clergy seeking financial help to further their studies. Also, a portion of the discussion included concrete steps to be taken to deal with the difficulties clergy face in getting necessary United States government approvals. Members of the Executive Board and Audit Board serving during 2007-2008 were recognized and thanked for their contributions to the Brotherhood.
The Executive Board elected to serve for 2008-2009 includes President: Protopresbyter Djokan Majstorovic,; Vice President Father Dragan Zaric. Treasurer-Father Deacon Damjan Bozic; Secretary-Father Norman Kosanovich; Board Members: Abbot Gerasim, Protopresbyter Stavrofor Rastko Trbuhovich; Protopresbyter Dr. Rodney Torbic, Father Srdjan Veselinovich, Father Ljubisa Brnjos, Father Darko Spasojevic. Audit Board-Protopresbyter Aleksandar Vlajkovic, Father Dragan Petrovich, Father Michael Boyle; Father Deacon Aleksa Pavichevich was asked to assist with the Clergy Brotherhood website.
Brotherhood members in attendance were very well received at St. Sava Cathedral. Brotherhood President Prota Djokan Majstorvic took steps to ensure the Brotherhood experienced fine hospitality in all aspects of the Assembly from overnight accommodations to providing for three meals and meeting facilities.
This was a very serious gathering of the Brotherhood intent on addressing issues facing priests at present and in the future.
Father Rodney Torbic
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[Archived News] Thursday June 19, 2008
MISSION SLAVA CELEBRATED IN WEST VIRGINIA
Fairmont, WV - Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Mission Parish in Fairmont, West Virginia reached a new level of development with the Slava celebration on June 16, 2008. The Mission Chapel was full for this celebration with the honored presence of His Grace Bishop Dr. MITROPHAN.
The Mission was officially received into the Eastern American Diocese on Lazarus Saturday, April 15, 2000 when His Grace blessed the chapel and officiated at the first Hierarchical Divine Liturgy.
Services are held at the Mission twice per month, normally on Saturdays. The Slava is generally celebrated on Pentecost Monday with Vespers, Blessing of the Slava Kolach and Koljivo.
Father Deacon Dragoslav Kosic, Diocesan Secretary, accompanied His Grace this year along with Djakonica Rosandra and daughters Anastasia and Theodora. Honored Kumovi for the Slava were Scott Tennant and Chrystal Ann Griffith.
Chrystal, now a grown teenager, frequently reads the Hours and Epistle when the Divine Liturgy is celebrated. His Grace Bishop Dr. MITROPHAN remembered Chrystal was just a little girl when the chapel was originally blessed. Crystal distributed rose petals when His Grace arrived to begin the first Hierarchical Divine Liturgy more than eight years ago.
Scott Tennant is a regular altar server during the Divine Liturgies celebrated at the Holy Trinity Mission. Scott, Chrystal and young Michael Tennant who also was in attendance were the first three baptisms at the Mission. Mother Ann Tennant had reason to feel good at the Slava.
This year for the first time the Slava dinner was held indoors in the newly completed social area adjacent to the chapel. A number of individuals from St. George Church in Carmichaels, Pennsylvania were present to show their support.
St.George Choir Director Sonia Janson came to lead the responses at the Vesper service. St. George Executive Board President Stan Brozik was accompanied by his wife Karen. It was Karen's first visit to the Mission.
Milosh "Serb" Krewasky drove from Carmichaels with Josephine Gresko and was busy taking pictures throughout the service and dinner. Niko and Rose Illich and Maria Djonovich are regularly present at the Mission and always add to the joy of the Slava celebrations.
Last year's Kumovi Gojko and Anka Arbutina presented the traveling Slava icon to Scott Tennant and Chrystal Griffith to keep and honor until next year's Slava.
Sharren Paroda offered greetings in behalf of the Mission and thanked all in attendance for their gracious support. Sharren, her husband Dr. Charles Paroda and Mike Danko are the three remaining original adult members of the Mission.
New to the Slava celebration this year were Attorney Katica Trjkovski and college student Stevan Kosanovich. Katica moved to Fairmont from Detroit and Stephen is from Weirton, West Virginia. Local area residents Dennis Elliot and his wife Sandy also enjoyed the Slava as Dennis continues to pursue his interest in Orthodoxy.
Wayne Kirby, owner of Fairmont Graphics, the building in which the Mission is located, attended the dinner with his helper Roger. Wayne and Roger completed the extensive remodeling of the chapel last year and have brought the social area near to completion.
Mike Danko is always grateful for the services held at the Mission and was particularly inspired this year by the Slava celebration..
His Grace Bishop Dr. MITROPHAN spoke eloquently at the dinner about the Holy Spirit descending upon the Apostles and empowering them to speak boldly about the Lord Jesus Christ.. His Grace's message about the unifying power of the Holy Spirit in our lives was of great interest to everyone present.
God has blessed the Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Mission Parish from the very beginning. Each Slava celebration is an expression of thanksgiving to God and to everyone having a part in the creation and continued existence of the Mission.
Father Rodney Torbic
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[Archived News] Monday June 16, 2008
PENTECOST SUNDAY – DUHOVI ДУХОВИ
Youngstown, Ohio – Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Church celebrated its Krsna Slava beginning with the Divine Liturgy. His Grace Bishop Dr. Mitrophan was assisted by parish priest V. Rev. S. Janko Rajlich, Father Deacon Milan Medakovich, and Father Deacon Dragoslav Kosic. During the Pentecostal service, parishioners kneeled and weaved wreaths and made crosses from grass spread throughout the church as three prayers were read. The green grass symbolizes Spring and new life which represents the Apostles after being enlightened by the Holy Spirit. A procession was led around the church. The blessing of the Slavski Kolac and traditional banquet took place in the Holy Trinity Serbian Memorial Hall across the street from the church. Responses were sung by the Holy Trinity Choir under the direction of Mrs. Olga Tatalovich.
His Grace spoke of the significance of Pentecost and compared the Apostles before they received the Holy Spirit to a seed without soil, water, and other nourishment, unable to germinate and grow. After receiving the Holy Spirit they gained the strength, knowledge, and courage to spread the word of our Lord Jesus Christ - Christianity.
Serving as Kumovi were Mrs. Mary Shirilla and her son, Mr. George Shirilla. Mary was grateful and spoke of her love toward God, her church, family, and friends. Also honored during the banquet were graduating College and High School students. Charlie Tepsic, Brittany Danilov, John Lyras, and Derek Cosic were presented with a blessed Holy Bible (high school) or Icon of their Patron Saint (college) by Father John and Church board president Mr. George Mirich. High school graduates were also presented with gifts from the Parents Association by Church-School Superintendent Mrs. Lori Moncilovich and by the Circle of Serbian Sisters by First Vice President Christina Tepsick. Father John reminded the students to always remember their church as they either pursue a career or continue their education. Master of ceremonies was First Vice President Mr. Nick Mitovich. The Kolo Sestara prepared the delicious food for the banquet. Friends from the Midland and Hermitage parishes were also in attendance.
Mile Andjelkovich
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[Archived News] Friday June 13, 2008
HOLY ASCENSION SERBIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH IN YOUNGWOOD, PA CELEBRATES 96TH SLAVA
Youngwood, PA - With much love and great joy, the church family of Holy Ascension Serbian Orthodox Church celebrated its 96th Krsna Slava on June 8, 2008. His Grace, Dr. Mitrophan, assisted by parish priest Rev. Miladin Blagojevic, celebrated the Divine Liturgy, he blessing of the slavski kolac and koljivo, and the Slava Litija. Many visiting family and friends participated in the celebration by singing with the choir and assisting with the banquet held after the services.
A delicious roast lamb buffet dinner was served by the hardworking ladies of the Kolo Sestara Vavedenije and their loyal helpers. Visiting clergy included V. Rev Dragoljub Malic, V. Rev. Dr. Rodney Torbic, and Rev. Dejan and Popadija Marija Obradovic. Executive Board President Angie Babich welcomed and thanked everyone in the packed social hall, and Mistress of Ceremonies Bernadette Barron introduced Kum Alex Morvosh. “It’s an easy job and a great pleasure to introduce a person as kind, giving, and respectful as Alex,” she said.
Known to many as “Alex of all trades” because he works at everything the Church undertakes, Alex especially serves as tutor and head chef at the Church fish fries. He also holds the record of having served as the youngest Executive Board President in Holy Ascension’s 96-year history. Alex thanked God for the gifts of his wife, Nancy, his mother, Emma, his three children, and his five grandchildren who were all in attendance.
His Grace, Bishop Dr. Mitrophan spoke about the Slava celebration in the greater context of our Orthodox Faith and Church history. “The people at the first Slava here celebrated three things: the Resurrection of Lord Jesus, the Ascension of Lord Jesus, and the Holy Fathers of the First Ecumenical Council. We do exactly the same today, and in fact, we celebrate these same three things at each and every Divine Liturgy,” he said. He also emphasized that the Holy Fathers did not change the world through politics or philosophy. Instead, they focused on changing the hearts, spirits, and souls of people through teaching, and then by fulfilling what they taught, and then by teaching what they fulfilled. His Grace concluded, “The Slava we celebrate today teaches us the meaning of our lives which is Jesus Christ and eternal life.”
Rev. Blagojevic commented on what a joyful moment in time it was for Holy Ascension’s founders when they celebrated the first Slava in 1912, and he honored all the priests who have faithfully served the parish since its inception. He discussed the meaning of “Samo sloga Serbina spasava” (in English, “Only unity will save the Serbs”) and the respect people must have for one another to achieve unity. “By supporting and attending church, we ensure the words of Jesus, ‘I am with you and no one will be against you.’ So keep the Faith and stay dedicated to our Church,” he said. To conclude the celebration, Rev. Blagojevic said, “To be a Kum is to be honored, so God bless you, Alex.” He then presented him with a beautiful golden icon of Christ.
Melony Musgrove
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[Archived News] Wednesday June 4, 2008
STS. CONSTANTINE AND HELEN CHURCH SLAVA IN BELGRADE
Belgrade, Serbia - Their Graces bishops: Mitrophan of Eastern America, Irinej of Australia and New Zealand and Atanasije of Hvosno officiated at the Holy Hierarchical Divine Liturgy at the Sts. Constantine and Helen Serbian Orthodox Church in Vozdovac, Belgrade on the feastday and Church Slava, Tuesday June 3, 2008. They were assisted V. Rev. Stavrophor Velimiri Petakovic of San Deigo, V. Rev. Stavrophor Miodrag Peric from Sidney, Australia, Protonamesnik Miodrag Popovic and Protonamesnik Branko Topalovic and Fr. Predrag Prodic.
Bishop Mitrophan, in his homily, reminded the many faithful gathered for this spiritual celebration of the unavoidable place that these two holy saints, St. Constantine and his mother, St. Helen, have in Christian history and of their lives, filled with divine providence and wondrous events.
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[Archived News] Wednesday, June 4 2008
DEACON ALEKSA PAVICHEVICH GRADUATES
The Class of 2008 celebrated their commencement Saturday, May 17 at St Vladimir’s Seminary. There were twenty-nine students graduating in five academic programs and for the first time, the ceremony included the awarding of hoods to the graduates. I am happy to announce that Fr. Dn. Aleksa Pavichevich graduated cum laude with a Master of Divinity degree (MDiv) on this very special day.
Since entering the seminary Fr. Aleksa has had a variety of community service experiences to include; hospital visits to the sick and dying, resident advisor for married students in assigned housing, web support and IT (information technology) for St. Vladimir's Seminary, and over the past year his church assignment has been to serve as Deacon at the Serbian Orthodox Cathedral of Saint Sava's in New York under the direction of Father Djokan Majstorovic.
Fr. Aleksa, Emily and Sophia will be staying in Belgrade this summer, returning to New York in the fall where Emily will continue to teach special education in the Bronx.
It is by the grace of God, the blessing of His Grace Bishop Mitrophan, the guidance and encouragement of his uncle, Very Rev Father Dennis Pavichevich, love and support from family and friends at St. Stevan of Dechani that Fr. Aleksa was able to achieve this goal.
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[Archived News] Tuesday June 3, 2008
ST GEORGE CHURCH OUTDOOR PROGRAM AND PICNIC, CARMICHAELS, PA
Carmichaels, PA - The St. George Serbian Orthodox Church in Carmichaels, Pennsylvania held the Annual Outdoor Religious Program and Picnic on Sunday, June 1, 2008. The day began with Midnight Office, Matins and First Hour. Reading of the Third and Sixth Hours preceded the Divine Liturgy.
Guest clergy at the Divine Liturgy were Reverend Father Zoran Milinkovic visiting from Novi Sad and Father Deacon Dragoslav Kosic, Diocesan Secretary.The St. George Choir sang the responses under the direction of Sonia Janson.
Parish Executive Board President Stanko Brozik welcomed the attendees at the picnic grounds and expressed appreciation to the St.George Kolo and all helping with the picnic.
Mr. Paul Adams, a member of the St.George Serbian Orthodox Church in Midland, Pennsylvania, recently returned with his wife Carol from a pilgrimage visiting Serbian churches and monasteries.
Mr. Adams accompanied Father Milinkovic to St.George Church in Carmichaels and was the first speaker at the program. Mr. Adams described in vivid detail his journey to Dubrovnik where he visited the church of Father Slavko Zorica.. Mr. Adams also went to other religious sites including the Monastery of St.Basil of Ostrog. He was able to venerate the relics of St. Basil of Ostrog and also the relics of nearby St. Stanko.
Among the highlights of the Adams' trip was being able to visit the monastery where the hand of St. John the Baptist is kept.. Visiting the churches and monasteries and venerating the relics made a lasting impression on Mr. Adams and he communicated the impact in his remarks.
Mr. Adams is a retired iron worker and uses his woodworking skills in advancing the Orthodox Faith. He regularly mounts icons as gifts and in the past has applied his skills at St. Nikodim Chapel and Monastery Marcha.
Very Reverend Father Slavko Zorica and Father Milinkovic accompanied Mr. and Mrs. Adams on various parts of their pilgrimage.
The second speaker for the afternoon was Reverend Father Dimitre Dimitrov of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Orthodox Church in Masontown, Pennsylvania. Father Dimitrov spoke at length about Christian love and the different ways it is manifested in daily life.
Father Rodney Torbic was the third speaker and spoke on the theme of "Choosing Orthodoxy."
Following the program at the picnic grounds, an Akathist to the Mother of God was served at the large Cross in the St. George Cemetery.
The afternoon and evening featured music by orchestra Radost. Throughout the day, attendees enjoyed lamb prepared under the watchful direction of Milosh "Serb" Krewasky and other Serbian foods prepared by the St. George Kolo.
St. George Church is blessed to have a beautiful church and grounds which are very well suited for the Divine services and an atmosphere of peace and relaxation. Thanks to God, the participating guest clergy, dedicated parishioners and friends for this wonderful day.
Father Rodney Torbic
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[Archived News] Tuesday May 27, 2008
HOLY HIERARCHICAL DIVINE LITURGY IN BIJELJINA
Their Graces: Bishop Vasilije of Zvornik-Tuzla, Bishop Mitrophan of Eastern America, Bishop Longin of the New Gracanica Diocese of America and Canada and Vicar Bishop Antonije of Moravica served the Holy Hierarchical Divine Liturgy on the occasion of the Slava of St. Vasilije of Ostrog Monastery.
Bishop Mitrophan delivered the homily in which he stated that St. Vasilije is our spiritual beacon which shines before the Throne of the All Mighty Lord. His Grace, the bishop, then spoke of the greatest of all joys for mankind which we see in the Resurrection of Christ.
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[Archived News] Saturday May 24, 2008
JOHNSTOWN PARISH CELEBRATES SLAVA
Johnstown, Pa - The St. Nicholas Serbian Orthodox Church in Johnstown, Pennsylvania celebrated the parish Slava with Divine Liturgy on May 18, 2008 and continued the celebration with Procession around the Church –Litija and Blessing of the Koljivo and Kolach. Divine Liturgy was served by Father Dejan Obradovic and responses were sung by St. Nicholas Choir directed by Suzette Gardehour.
Following the Divine Liturgy, the parish family served a delicious meal in celebration of our Krsna Slava. Richard Uzelac, Executive Board President, welcomed the attendees at the dinner. All organizations of the church took part in the preparation and serving of the meal. Our Kumovi for this great day were Mr. & Mrs. Charles and Olga Bulich. Both completed their duties very well. Honored on this day were the graduates of the parish.
Many good friends of the parish attended the dinner: Father Miladin Blagojevic from Holy Ascension Serbian Orthodox Church in Youngwood, PA and popadija Branka Blagojevic,V. Rev. Nicholas Smisko of the Carpatho Russian Orthodox Church who gave us wonderful speech at the hall, and V. Rev. Franck Miloro parish priest at Christ the Savior Carpatho Russian Orthodox Church in Johnstown, together with many other guests. As the short program came to a close, president Richard Uzelac and Father Dejan Obradovic invited everyone to stay and share the company and friendship of each other.
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[Archived News] Saturday May 17, 2008
ST GEORGE CHURCH SLAVA – CARMICHAELS, PA
Carmichaels, Pa - The St.George Serbian Orthodox Church in Carmichaels, Pennsylvania celebrated the parish Slava with Vespers on May 5, Midnight Office, Matins and Divine Liturgy on May 6 and continued the celebration on May 10 with Divine Liturgy, Procession, Blessing of the Kolach and Koljivo, dinner and program.
Guest clergy serving at the Divine Liturgy included Father Mladen Blagojevic from Holy Ascension Serbian Orthodox Church in Youngwood, Pennsylvania and Father Dimitre Dimtrov from Nativity of Virgin Mary Orthodox Church in Masontown, Pennsylvania. Responses were by St. George Choir directed by Sonia Janson. Honored Kumovi were Philip and Christina Sivak. Father Blagojevic gave the sermon.
Stan Brozik, Executive Board President, welcomed the attendees at the dinner. Remarks were offered by Choir and Kolo President Sonia Janson, Executive Board Vice-President Mildred Bezjak, and Father Blagojevic and Father Dimitrov. An icon of St.George was presented to Philip and Christiana Sivak and they were greatly honored to serve as Kumovi for this Slava.
Executive Board Financial Secretary Andrea Janson read the life of St. George at the dinner and Dr. Ivko Dimitric shared thoughts about the Slava in behalf of himself and his brother Dr. Radoslav Dimitric. Dr. Dimitric emphasized the need for prayers and assistance for the suffering Serbian
People in Kosovo.
During its formative period in the early 1950's, the St. George Church in Carmichaels was first served by the Serbian Orthodox priest at Holy Ascension Serbian Orthodox Church in Youngwood and the close relationship between the two parishes continues. The Nativity of Virgin Mary Orthodox Church in Masontown is the closest neighboring Orthodox parish to St. George Church.
St. George the Great Martyr has blessed and protected the parish for more than half a century and continues to be a intercessor before our Lord Jesus Christ. The Slava celebration was an opportunity to express the joy of the Resurrection, the joy of the existence of the St. George Church and appreciation to God for the manifold blessings each day for more than half a century in this parish.
Father Rodney Torbic
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[Archived News] Monday May 5, 2008
PARISH IN HERMITAGE CELEBRATES CHURCH SLAVA
Hermitage, Pa – The St. George Serbian Orthodox Church in Hermitage, Pa celebrated their Church Slava on Sunday May 4, 2008. His Grace Bishop Mitrophan of Eastern America officiated at the Holy Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, assisted by parish priest Protonamesnik Rev. Milovan Katanic and Diocesan Secretary Deacon Dragoslav Kosic.
In his words to the faithful Bishop Mitrophan told of how St. Seraphim of Sarov used to greet everyone with the words “Christ is risen, my joy”. Very often, the bishop pointed out, we only coldly greet each other with the Paschal greeting or the Nativity greeting, words we hear over and over in our churches. Yet, the beauty of our faith is in our greeting one another with our entire beings, in our joy of the feast. The bishop spoke in depth about the Apostle St. Thomas as this was Thomas Sunday. The doubt that the apostle Thomas had, the bishop mentioned, is not to be confused with anything atheistic. Rather, his doubt is his little faith which His Grace even compared to our doubts when we don't agree with a certain teaching our church holds, when we disagree with the words of the bishop, or the priest or even Holy Scripture.
Cross bearer, fans, banners, flags, the Slava kolach and icon led the bishop, priest and deacon out of the church for the Slava Litiya after the prayer before the ambon, while the cutting of the Slava kolach with this year's kum, Mr. Milos Miodrag, was officiated by His Grace in the church hall. Remarks were made at the slava banquet by the church board president, the kum, the parish priest and His Grace Bishop Mitrophan. Special guest speaker was D. Hunter Haynes of the Orthodox Christian Advocacy Institute who gave a moving presentation about the sufferings of Christians, particularly the Orthodox, throughout the world who are, as he pointed out, the most persecuted peoples in the world today.
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[Archived News] Monday May 5, 2008
SERBIAN SOLDIERS ATTEND PASCHAL LITURGY
Columbus, OH - The most glorious and joyous day in the history of mankind – the day of the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, was for the parishioners of St. Stephen of Dechani in Columbus even more joyous with the presence of a group of soldiers from Serbia who attended their church.
These soldiers are currently in Columbus, Ohio where they are taking part in the recently established program of cooperation between the Army of the Republic of Serbia and the Ohio National Guard, which is also the host of these Serbian soldiers.
At the constant insistance of these soldiers to their authorities at the army base, they expressed their desire to go to the local Serbian Church on the occasion of the great feast of Pascha. Due to their resposibilities at the army base they were unable to be present at the Divine Liturgy but arrived as most of the parishioners had already left. Those few parishioners that were still at the church when the soldiers arrived engaged in joyous conversation with the soldiers, the main topic and interst being Kosovo and the need to endure in the rightoues and God pleasing defense of the Serbian Kosovo and Metohija, as well as the necessity for us a people to remain loyal to the Kosovo covenant. Tears of joy were at times mixed with those of sadness because of the injustices which have been dealt to the much suffering Serbian poeple by the mighty of this world.
All of our hope is in the Resurrected Lord Jesus Christ for just as our Lord endured the worst possible sufferings, insults and even death, on the third day He resurrected in His glory. Our hope is that the Serbian people, after countless pains and persecutions, will await the final establishing of God's justice on earth, in spite of all opposing efforts of the powers of this world.
Fr. Isak Kisin
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[Archived News] Friday May 2, 2008
TWENTY FIRST WASHINGTON DEANERY MEETING
New York City, NY - The Twenty- First Annual Washington Deanery Christian Education Meeting was held at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Cathedral in New York City on Bright Wednesday, April 30, 2008.
His Grace Bishop Dr. MITROPHAN designated Reverend Father Zoran Radovic of St.George Serbian Orthodox Church, Elizabeth, New Jersey to be the feastured speaker.
His Grace officiated at the Paschal Hierarchical Divine Liturgy with attending clergy serving and singing responses.
Following the Divine Liturgy, Cathedral Dean Protopresbyter Djkokan Majstorovic expressed his pleasure in having His Grace and Brothers in Christ present for the meeting.
Protopresbyer Stavrofor Srboljub Jockovich gave welcoming remarks emphasizing Christian education in the Deanery.
Father Radovic's well-prepared presentation stimulated discussion particularly regarding contemporary issues facing parents and children. Challenges regarding use of the internet, television and reading practices drew considerable attention.
Parish reports reviewing Christian education in each parish were presented by attending clergy including clergy mentioned and Protopresbyter Stavrofor Toma Stojsich, Protopresbyter Aleksandar Vlajkovic, Protopresbyter Ivan Marjanovic, and Reverend Father Aleksa Micich. Protopresbyter
Stavrofor Pregrad Micich, Protopresbyter Dr.Rodney Torbic, Father Vladislav Radujkovic and Father Deacon Alex Pavichevich also participated in the meeting.
The Washington Deanery consists of the Pennsylvania parishes in Steelton, Lebanon and Philadelphia; the New Jersey parishes in Paterson and Elizabeth; the New York City parish and parishes in Boston, Massachusetts; Portland, Maine and Washington D.C.
His Grace Bishop Dr. MITROPHAN schedules and actively participates in the Deanery meetings for the Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Washington and St. Petersburg Deaneries every year. His Grace's consistent scheduling of the meetings and His participation is the strongest evidence of the importance of Christian education in the Diocese.
Deanery meetings have been held annually since 1987 in the Eastern American Diocese. Clergy and teachers in each Deanery are always invited to attend and participate.
The meetings provide an opportunity to learn from the speaker and for participants to share and learn from each other.
Father Rodney Torbic
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[Archived News] Thursday May, 1, 2008
BRIGHT TUESDAY LITURGY AT ST. PETKA CHURCH IN ORLANDO
Orlando, FL - A beautiful and joyous Paschal liturgy was served on Bright Tuesday at the St. Petka Serbian Orthodox Church in Orlando, Florida. The parish priest Fr. Ljubisa Brnjos was joined by Fr. Milovan Katanic of St. George in Hermitage at the holy altar. Also attending was V. Rev. Lazar Kostur of St. Elijah Serbian Orthodox Church in Merrillville, Indiana (Midwest Diocese). Prota Lazar joined the chanters. A brunch was prepared by Popadija for the guests who were joined by the parishioners for fellowship.
Afterwards Fr. Ljubisa gave the clergy and guests a tour of their small candle shop. This candle making technique Fr. Ljubisa brought with him from his native Diocese of Zahum and Hercegovina. The candles are made of 100% beeswax and come in a variety of sizes. For more information about the candles please contact Fr. Ljubisa 407-831-SERB.
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[Archived News] Thursday May 1, 2008
PASCHA AT ST. BASIL PARISH IN GREENSBORO, NC
Greensboro, NC - The Paschal celebration, led by parish priest Fr. Dragan Zaric, began on a raining early morning at 4am at the St. Basil Serbian Church in Greensboro. The rains stopped as the procession started with the congregation joyously singing the Resurrection hymns. Many parishioners the service together with Russian Orthodox.
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[Archived News] Thursday April 24, 2008
HOLY UNCTION SERVICE AT PITTSBURGH CATHEDRAL
Pittsburgh, Pa - His Grace Bishop Dr.MITROPHAN officiated at the Holy Unction service on Great and Holy Wednesday at Holy Trinity Cathedral in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Serving with His Grace were Protopresbyter Stevo Rocknage, Protopresbyter Dr.Rodney Torbic, Protopresbyter Vladimir Demshuk, host priest Protonamesnik Rajko Kosic, Father Dejan Obradovic and Father Deacon Dragoslav Kosic. Holy Trinity Cathedral Choir sang the responses. Holy Trinity Kolo provided resfreshments afterwards. Faithful Serbian Orthodox Christians come from throughout the Greater Pittsburgh and Southwestern Pennsylvania area each year for Holy Unction on Great and Holy Wednesday.
Protopresbyter Vladimir Demshuk was the homilist. Proto Vladimir spoke with clarity and conviction about the meaning of Holy Week.
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[Archived News] Wednesday April 23, 2008
PICTORAL OF BISHOP MITRPOHAN'S ARCHPASTORAL VISIT TO ST. BASIL OF OSTROG CHURCH IN GREENSBORO, NC FOR LAZARUS SATURDAY
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[Archived News] Tuesday April 22, 2008
Hosanna in the Highest!
OBSERVANCE OF LAZARUS SATURDAY
St. Nicholas Serbian Eastern Orthodox Church
Oberlin-Steelton, Pa - We know from Scripture readings that the people of Jerusalem eagerly awaited the arrival of one special person, Jesus Christ, and when He entered the city, He was greeted with much singing, joy, and reverence. Palms and other branches and even clothes were strewn in His path. Notably, children were a large part of this excitement as they sang, “Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the Name of the Lord!” Indeed, that same spiritual lift is still experienced today in Orthodox Christian churches around the world as they observe Lazarus Saturday and Palm Sunday. We are prepared to endure the sorrow of Holy Week because, unlike the people of Christ’s time, we know we will then experience His joyful resurrection.
At St. Nicholas Serbian Orthodox Church in Oberlin-Steelton, there was great anticipation on the eve of Lazarus Saturday as the Great Lent was brought to a formal close. It is also on this special occasion that our children reach the age when they learn, in more concrete ways, the meaning of repentance and the joyful sorrow of our Lenten journey with Christ to Jerusalem Under the supportive guidance of their Sunday School teacher, Andrea Gunther, four students had been preparing to receive the Sacrament of Holy Confession for the first time. The students, Kaitlin Christ, Stefan Gligorevic, Maxim Reznitchenko and Hannah Ruby, now had a final orientation with the Very Reverend Stavrofor Srboljub Jockovich before meeting individually with him to make their first confession. In many ways, these young stewards of St. Nicholas Church have been getting ready for this weekend since they were toddlers. Their families and Sunday School teachers, especially pre-school teacher Maria Bower and kindergarten/first grade teacher, Jevgenija Radanovic, supported them as they grew in our faith and expanded their understanding of Christ’s teachings.
Both Stefan and Maxim are altar servers while Kaitlin and Hannah regularly attend Liturgy and participant in Sunday School activities. Kaitlin’s and Hannah’s great-grandparents – the late Joe and Maria Jajich and the late Marko and Alma Stanovich respectively – and their extended families are long-time members of the St. Nicholas Church while the families of Stefan and Maxim joined us in more recent years. We are blessed to have all of them in our church community.
The prospects of a special Lazarus Saturday were evident as soon as the sun rose and we experienced the first real promise of Spring’s warm renewal of the earth. Then, at the Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, we celebrated Christ’s bold promise of the heavenly kingdom when He raised his friend, Lazarus, from the tomb. In place of the Thrice-Holy Hymn, we sang the special baptismal hymn, “As many as have been baptized into Christ, have put on Christ!” remembering this Liturgy as one in which Christians historically were baptized. Along with many of their Sunday School friends, Kaitlin, Stefan, Maxim and Hannah received the sacrament of Holy Communion from Fr. Srboljub.
With Fr. Srboljub and con-celebrant Fr. Dan Ressitar of Christ the Savior Orthodox Church in Harrisburg leading the way, eight altar servers, the Sunday School teachers and students, stewards of the Church and their extended families and friends made the traditional procession around the church. The excitement was palpable as they sang, “Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” and rang the bells tied to the pussy willow and palm branches --all emblematic of the crowds that greeted Christ upon His triumphal entry into Jerusalem and of His victory over death. At the conclusion of the Liturgy, everyone moved to the Church social hall where the Mothers’ Club hosted a fellowship time.
At the Palm Sunday liturgy, the four Sunday School children who had made their first confessions received Holy Communion along with the rest of the St. Nicholas faithful. In recognition of this important step in the life of an Orthodox Christian, Fr. Srboljub presented Kristin, Stefan, Maxim and Hannah with an icon of Christ, the Good Shepherd on behalf of the St. Nicholas Church Mothers’ Club, our energetic and long-time supporters of the Sunday School. Following the Palm Sunday liturgy, Fr. Srboljub blessed the branches and they were distributed to the faithful.
The children, their families and kumovi and all the stewards of St. Nicholas Church now move forward to the inevitable sorrow of Christ’s Passion and the resounding glory of His resurrection. Through the Great Lent we have grown in His Spirit and by His Grace and are now ready to follow Him to His promised Kingdom.
Reporter
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[Archived News] Monday April 21, 2008
LENTEN VESPERS FOR CLEVELAND DEANERY
END IN HERMITAGE
Hermitage, Pa - The Lenten Vespers which began at St. George Church in Lorain on Forgiveness Sunday came to an end on Palm Sunday, on the eve of Passion Week, at St. George Serbian Church in Hermitage, Pa.
Serving at the holy altar were six priests and one deacon. Protonamesnik Rev. Zivojin Jakovljevic delivered an inspiring homily on the power of God's word in Scripture, in the lives of the Saints and, more importantly, in the words we exchange among one another and how those enpowering words can bring hope, faith and even healing.
Following the service a lenten dinner was served in the church hall. Proceeds from the dinner benefitted the suffering Serbian people of Kosovo. A brief video was presented during the dinner from the Humanitarian Organization Divac and parishioners from the different communities were informed about the wonderful things this organization was doing and they were called to action.
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[Archived News] Monday April 21, 2008
PALM SUNDAY IN CARMICHAELS, PA
Carmichaels, Pa - Each year on the Feast of Jesus Christ's Entry into Jerusalem, Palm Sunday, at the St.George Serbian Orthodox Church in Carmichaels, Pennsylvania, at the conclusion of the Feastal Divine Liturgy, a procession is made around the church three times. The photos show Altar servers Dr.Ivko Dimitric and Aaron Carson, flag bearers Philip Sivak and Harry Richard Porter. The St.George Choir is obervaable in the photos as directed by Sonia Janson, Executive Board President, is part of the procession. Photos are by Parish Nurse Practioner Mitzie Hunchuck. A similar procession was made on Lazarus Saturday. Throughout the procession, the St.George Choir sang the Troparion of the Feast.
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[Archived News] Wednesday April 16, 2008
LENTEN RETREAT TO ARIZONA MONASTERIES
With the blessing of His Grace, Bishop Mitrophan, Popadija Tatiana Katanic, (wife of Protonamesnik Rev. Milovan Katanic, Hermitage,) organized a lenten pilgrimage to the Serbian and Greek monasteries in Arizona. A group of nine women from all over the country met to make the pilgrimage to the St. Paisius Serbian Orthodox Women's Monastery in Safford, AZ and to St. Anthony's Greek Orthodox Monastery in Florence, AZ, over the weekend of April 11-13.
At St. Paisius' they were warmly welcomed by Abbess Mother Mihaila and the sisterhood, who went out of their way to make the visitors feel right at home. They were able to participate in the Divine Services and also spend some true quality time with Mother Mihaila, who gave them wonderful, strengthening advice. The monastery has been in Safford for seven years and the sisterhood is now close to completing their main church. Donations are currently being accepted for the various adornment needs for the sanctuary. You can contact them through their website for more information.
On their way back to the airport, the group stopped by St. Anthony's for a brief tour, Vespers, followed by Trapeza, and then Compline. “The grounds are beautifully maintained and truly spiritually edifying,” said Popadija Tatiana. “Our group was also blessed to have seen and receive a blessing from Elder Ephraim, the famous Athonite elder who started that (and 16 other) Greek men's and women's monasteries around the United States within the last twelve years.”
All the women taking part in the pilgrimage agreed with Popadija Tatiana who said, “This was an excellent opportunity to take time out of our hectic schedules, especially during Great Lent, to appreciate the monastic lifestyle and participate in the prescribed services which most parishes are incapable of holding. It was even more special that we were able to celebrate St. Mary of Egypt Sunday in the desert.” They hope this to be only the first of a series of planned pilgrimages to holy sites all over the world.
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[Archived News] Tuesday April 15, 2008
LENTEN VESPERS HOSTED BY JOHNSTOWN PARISH
Johnstown, Pa - The St. Nicholas Serbian Orthodox Church in Johnstown, Pennsylvania hosted the Deanery Lenten Vespers on Sunday, April 13, 2008.
Host priest Fr. Dejan Obradovic, Father Vladimir Damshcuk from Clariton and Father Miladin Blagojevic from Yungwood, officiated. The St. Nicholas Choir of Johnstown sang the responses under the direction of Suzette Gardenhour. Fr. Vladimir Demshuk gave a very nice sermon.
Following Vespers, the faithful went to the church hall for a dinner prepared by the Kolo Sisters of St. Nicholas Church. Executive Board President Richard Uzelac warmly welcomed all in attendance and expressed appreciation for everyone coming. He thanked Fr. Vladimir Demshuk for his beautiful homily that he delivered in the church and the choir who sang the responses as well as the Sisters who prepared a wonderful dinner.
All funds collected at the dinner will be donated by the parish for the benefit of the suffering Serbian People in Kosovo.
Thanks be to God for this blessed evening.
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[Archived News] Monday April 14, 2008
LENTEN VESPERS IN CARMICHAELS
Carmichaels, Pa - The St.George Serbian Orthodox Church in Carmichaels, Pennsylvania hosted the Deanery Lenten Vespers on Sunday, April 13, 2008. His Grace Bishop Dr.MITOPHAN came for the Vespers. Clergy serving included Protopresbyter Stavrofor Dragoljub Malich, Dean Protopresbyter Steven Stepan, Protopresbyter Rade Merick,
Protopresbyter Dr.Rodney Torbic, Protonamesnik Rajko Kosic, Reverend Father Milan Pajic and Father Deacon Dragoslav Kosic. The responses were sung by Tsar Lazar Male Choir under the direction of Mark Doncic. Proto Malich gave a very strong sermon on the sickness of the current culture which is too tolerating and too accepting of a downward spiral in moral standard and activities. Proto Malich called on Orthodox Christians to be strong in maintaining the Orthodox Christian life which is distinctively different from the immorality which is currently becoming pervasive. The St. George Church was completely full.
Following the Vespers, all present went to the church hall for a dinner prepared by the St George Kolo. Executive Board President Stan Brozik warmly welcomed all in attendance and expressed appreciation for everyone coming. St.George Choir and Kolo President Sonia Janson thanked the Tsar Lazar Choir for coming and acknowledge the the choir’s presence was a very big help. Father Rodney Torbic thanked His Grace, the visiting clergy and faithful for coming. The St. George Kolo was recognized for the hard work in preparing for the visitors. His Grace Bishop Dr. MITROPHAN said this was perhaps the largest amount of people at the St.George Church since the consecration.
All funds collected during the service and at the dinner were being donated by the parish for the benefit of the suffering Serbian People in Kosovo.
Faithful from Pennsylvania parishes in Aliquippa, Midland, Monroeville and Pittsburgh attended as well as faithful from the parish in Steubenville, Ohio. Two buses came, one from Midland and one from Monroeville. Church school students from Monroeville came as a special field trip. Thanks be to God for this blessed evening
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[Archived News] Saturday April 12, 2008
CLERGY CONFESSION HELD FOR DIOCESAN CLERGY
Diocesan Headquarters - On Wednesday April 9, 2008, clergy confession was held for the Cleveland, Pittsburgh, and Washington Deaneries at the St. Nikodim Chapel in Mars, Pennsylvania, the site of the Diocesan Headquarters. Protopresbyter Stavrofor Dr. Mateja Matejic served as Confessor.
His Grace Bishop Dr.MITROPHAN officiated at the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy. Serving with His Grace were the Episcopal Deputy Very Reverend Stavrofor Dr. Nedeljko Grgurevich and Deans: Protopresbyter Stavrofor Janko Raljich, Protopresbyter Stavrofor Srboljub Jockovich and Protopresbyter Stavrofor Stevan Stepanov. Father Deacon Milan Medakovich also served.
His Grace delivered an extensive and well developed homily on the topic of Holy Confession. Clergy were in attendance from Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Maine and the Washington D.C. area. In addition to His Grace, twenty-eight priests, two deacons and one nun were present for the Hierarchical Liturgy of Presanctified Gifts.
His Grace Bishop Dr. MITROPHAN hosted the clergy in attendance with a Lenten dinner. At the dinner His Grace spoke of the great and immediate need for assistance from parishes to help suffering the Serbian People in Kosovo and Metohija.
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[Archived News] Friday April 11, 2008
CLERGY CONFESSION FOR ST. PETERSBURG DEANERY
Orlando, Fl- The Second St. Petersburg Deanery Christian Education Meeting was held on Friday, April 4, 2008 at St. Petka Serbian Orthodox Church in Orlando, Florida.
The St. Petersburg Deanery includes parishes in Atlanta, Georgia; Greensboro and Charlotte, North Carolina; Jacksonville, Orlando, St. Petersburg and North Miami, Florida.
Scheduled in conjunction with clergy confession for the Deanery,
the meeting followed the Hierarchical Liturgy of Presanctified Gifts. His Grace Bishop Dr. MITROPHAN officiated at the Liturgy with participating clergy.
Dean Protopresbyter Stephen Zaremba and host priest Father Ljubisa Brnjos welcomed the additional attending clergy which included: Protopresbyter Stavrofor Miloje Raicevich, Protopresbyter Svetozar Veselinovich, Father Dragan Zaric, Father Sasa Turkic, and Father Stanislav Kravljaca.
Reports were presented on the Christian education efforts in each
parish and the Winter Camp recently held was also discussed. His Grace Bishop Dr. MITROPHAN presided at the meeting and recognized the improvement in Christian education in the Deanery. Protopresbyter Dr.Rodney Torbic participated in the Christian education meeting and served earlier in the day as the Confessor
The St. Petka parish provided an excellent hospitable setting for
the meeting.
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[Archived News] Monday April 7, 2008
FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT VESPERS IN CLEVELAND PARISH
Cleveland, OH - The Lenten Vespers on the fourth Sunday of Lent, dedicated to St. John Climacus, are traditionally hosted by the St. Sava Cathedral in Cleveland Ohio for all churches in the Cleveland Deanery of the Diocese of Eastern America. This year, however, Great Vespers were served on the occasion of the eve of the great Feast of the Annunciation. Nine priests and one deacon served the Vespers while retired priest V. Rev. Stavrophor Vasilije Sokolovic sang at the chantor's stand.
Fr. Milovan Katanic of St. George in Hermitage, in his homily, spoke of the great gift of repentance the Church gives us during these days of the Great Fast. All proceeds from the dinner which followed the service benefitted our suffering Serbian people in Kosovo and Metohija.
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[Archived News] Friday, April 4, 2008
BISHOP MITROPHAN SERVES
HIERARHICAL LITURGY IN JOHNSTOWN
Johnstown, Pa- On the Sunday of the Veneration of Holy Cross, on March 30th 2008 believers and parishioners of St. Nicholas Serbian Orthodox Church in Johnstown, PA had a beautiful experience participating at the Hierarchal Divine Liturgy officiated by His Grace Dr. Mitrophan Bishop of Eastern American with parish priest Father Dejan Obradovic and Diocesan deacon Dragoslav Kosic.
A great number of parishioners were honored with the bishop's visit to our colony. Bishop Mitrophan delivered the homily about the meaning of the Cross and the sufferings as Orthodox Christians. His Grace also spoke about the suffering Serbian people in Kosovo and Metohija who with their lives confess their faith as Orthodox Christians who need our spiritual and material help and support.
Following the liturgy His Grace and Deacon Dragoslav Kosic were welcomed at the parish house of Father Dejan Obradovic.
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[Archived News] Tuesday April 1, 2008
LENTEN VESPERS IN MIDLAND
Midland, Pa - His Grace Bishop Dr. MITROPHAN accompanied by Father Dragoslav Kosic travelled to St. George Church in Midland,Pennsylvania for Deanery Vespers for the Third Sunday of Great Lent, the Sunday of the Holy Cross. Dean Proto Stavrofor Stevan Stepanov, Proto Stavrofor Rade Merick, Protopresbyter Rodney Torbic, Protonamesnik Rajko Kosic,and host priest Father Milan Pajic also participated. Father Torbic gave the homily.
The large number of people in attendance were from the Midland parish and parishes in Steubenville,Ohio and Pennsylvania parishes-Aliquippa,Carmichaels, Monroeville and Pittsburgh.
At the dinner, the President of the parish Executive Board and Father Pajic warmly welcomed the attendees. His Grace Bishop MITROPHAN addressed the attendees and told of a recent martyr for Christ, illustrating that Orthodox Christians continue to face threats of violence in parts of the world.
Appreciation was expressed to Father Pajic and the Midland parish for the warm and abundant show of hospitality.
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[Archived News] Monday March 24, 2008
SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT VESPERS HOSTED
BY AKRON PARISH
Akron, Oh - The St. Archangel Michael Serbian Orthodox Church in Akron hosted the Cleveland Deanery Vespers on Sunday, March 23, 2008. Guest homilist was Protojerej-Stavrofor Dragan Filipovic from Canton, Ohio who spoke in both languages about the importance of fasting as a time for change. "If we are entering the third week of the fast and feel that nothing has changed in our lives, we're not going to church more, not praying more, not thinking and doing all we can do to help those in need, then this fast is meaningless," Fr. Dragan said.
Dinner followed in the social hall. Host priest Protonamesnik Fr. Dragomir Tuba welcomed the clergy and all those in attendance and called upon all of the faithful gathered to, in light of the lenten season and particualary the words that Fr. Dragan had offered in church about charity, consider our suffering brothers and sisters in Kosovo who find themselves today in a very grave situation. Donations were collected for our suffering people in Kosovo.
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[Archived News] Tuesday March 18, 2008
BOSTON PARISH HOSTS SUNDAY OF ORTHODOXY
Boston, Ma - The St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church in Boston hosted the Vespers service on the Sunday of Orthodoxy, March 16, 2008 . Many clergy from various jurisdictions attended the service. V. Rev. Thomas Fitzgerald, Dean of Holy Cross School of Theology delivered the sermon. About three hundred faithfull participated in service. A reception dinner was held in the parish hall.
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[Archived News] Monday March 17, 2008
SERBIAN CHURCH IN HERMITAGE HOSTS ANNUAL SUNDAY OF ORTHODOXY CELEBRATION
Hermitage, Pa - The Pan Orthodox Clergy Association of Mercer and Lawrence Counties in Northwest Pennsylvania held their annual Sunday of Orthodoxy Vespers at the St. George Serbian Orthodox Church in Hermitage. Eight Orthodox clergy took part in the annual celebration. Fr. Andrew Gall of the Ukrainian Church delivered the homily. This small Pan Orthodox clergy association is made up mostly by the clergy of the Shenango Valley, a total of six parishes and combines with neighboring Lawrence County for annual events such as this.
The association is planning a Lenten Retreat this coming Saturday, to be led by Fr. Thomas Hopko. The Orthodox parishes also join in covering the costs of a billboard that announces Christ's Resurrection and brings awareness to the Orthodox presence in the community.
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[Archived News] Monday March 10, 2008
PITTSBURGH DEANERY BEGINS LENT TOGETHER
McKeesport, Pa - Seven priests and one deacon gathered at St.Sava Serbian Orthodox Church in McKeesport, Pennsylvania with faithful from the Pittsburgh Deanery for Forgiveness Vespers on Sunday, March 9, 2008. The service was scheduled by Dean Very Reverend Stavrofor Stevan Stepanov with the Archpastoral Blessing of His Grace Bishop Dr.MITROPHAN. Clergy serving included Proto Stepanov, host priest-Very Reverend Stevo Rocknage, Very Reverend Dr. Rodney Torbic, Protonamesnik Rajko Kosic, Reverend Father Dejan Obradovic, Reverend Father Milan Pajic, Reverend Father Mladen Blagojevic and Father Deacon Dragoslav Kosic.Seminary graduate Christopher Rocknage participated.
Responses were by the St.Sava Choir. The Pittsburgh Deanery is comprised of Pennsylvania parishes in Aliquippa, Carmichaels, Clairton, Johnstown, McKeesport, Monroeville, Midland, Pittsburgh and Youngwood. The parish in Steubenville, Ohio and mission parish in Fairmont, West Virginia complete the Deanery. Proto Stepanov set the tone for beginning of Great Lent with the sermon. At the conclusion of Vespers all attendees participated in the Rite of Forgiveness. The St.Sava parish provided a refreshing meal afterwards.
Father Rodney Torbic
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[Archived News] Monday March 3, 2008
DIOCESAN ASSEMBLY HELD IN MONROEVILLE
Monroeville, Pa - With the blessings of His Grace Bishop Dr. Mitrophan the diocese of Eastern America held their annual assembly on Friday, February 29 and Saturday, March 1, 2008 at St. Nicholas Serbian Orthodox Church in Monroeville, PA. Despite wintry weather the assembly was very well attended by clergy and delegates from throughout the diocese.
The official business of the assembly took place on Friday evening after the service of the Invocation of the Holy Spirit and continued Saturday morning. Besides discussing diocesan issues and future plans, the assembly also dedicated time to the current crisis in Kosovo. A motion was made and passed by the assembly to donate $100,000 from diocesan funds to the suffering people of Kosovo.
The Holy Hierarchical Divine Liturgy was served on the following morning, Soul Saturday. After a light continental breakfast the work of the assembly continued with guest speaker Very Reverend Archimandrite Polycarpos Rameas, priest at Holy Dormition Greek Orthodox Church of Oakmont, Pennsylvania.
The last items of the assembly were discussed after the lecture which included, among other things, the election of the Diocesan Council. After some discussion of the needs of the mission parishes in the South it was decided to hold next year’s assembly at St. Simeon the Myrrhflowing in North Miami, Florida.
Protonamesnik Milovan Katanic
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[Archived News] Wednesday February 27, 2008
SERBS PROTEST KOSOVO INDEPENDENCE IN CLEVELAND
Cleveland, Oh - Two days after Cleveland Serbs came together in protest of the illegal declaration of Kosovo independence in downtown Cleveland they rallied once again on Tuesday, February 26, 2008. This time they met at the Wolstein Center at Cleveland State University, the stage for the Clinton/Obama Democratic Debate.
Three buses from the Serbian church in Cleveland and one bus from the church in Akron escorted Serbs to the Wolstein where, despite the cold and snowy weather, hundreds of Serbs gathered in protest. The demonstrations were peaceful and orderly.
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[Archived News] Monday February 25, 2008
"KOSOVO IS SERBIA" DEMONSTRATIONS HELD SUNDAY, FEB. 24
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WASHINGTON, DC - Around 1,000 people gathered at our nation's capital to protest the illegitimate actions the United States took in recognizing the illegal succession of Kosovo from Serbia. Serbs were joined by Greeks, Cypriots, Russians and others who stretched out their prayers and support.
A moleban was served by His Grace, Bishop Mitrophan in front of the White House, followed by a formal demonstation on the White House lawn, with numerous speakers proclaiming the truth for all to hear.
The protest was peaceful and prayerful.
Donors made it possible for Serbs from the Pittsburgh, Aliquippa, Monroeville and Hermitage parishes to travel by bus, free of charge. Special thanks goes to Mim Bizic for coordinating the bussing and soliciting the donations.
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[Archived News] Saturday February 2, 2008
ST SAVA'S DAY CELEBRATION 2008
Columbus, Oh - Friends and family joined together in celebration of Saint Sava at St Stevan of Dechani Serbian Orthodox Church. Dr Predrag Matejic began the day's activities by presenting on the life and times of St Sava, while sharing prints from his collection at the Hillander Research Library at The Ohio State University.
Under the direction of our church school teachers Kathy Maragos, Antonia Bojanin and Fiona Medich, our children sang songs, played the piano, recited poetry and read stories in honor of St Sava.
David Kos, Zoran Grozdic, Fr. Isak Kisin and Rev. Mateja Matejic said kind words of appreciation and inspiration to all present.
Our Kumovi for today’s event were Zoran and Gordana Grozdic along with their children Bojan and Tanya. The kolac was passed on to Marko and Zora Stankovic who will be Kumovi for next years celebration.
Our special thanks to the Circle of Serbian Sister’s for their tireless work in making today special for everyone….Deborah Mamula, Lisa Popovich, Dee Grubich, Lisa Hodkinson, Vida Bowen, Melaina Grubich. Honorary mention to Tom Bowen and Sam Manula for their endless hours of help.
Click here for more photographs.
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[Archived News] Monday, January 28, 2008
ST SAVA DAY IN MIDLAND PA
Midland, PA - The St. George Serbian Orthodox Church-School congregation celebrated St. Sava on Sunday January 27, 2008. Fr. Milan Pajic, parish priest blessed the Koljivo and Kolach before the dismissal of Divine Liturgy. A program and luncheon were held immediately following Divine Liturgy. Fr Milan & Popadija Jelena provided lunch for all in attendance. The program consisted of a play depicting the young life of St. Sava. Complete with costumes, set and props, the children acted out the early years of St. Sava's life. It was truly a treat to see our youngsters act with such love and enthusiasm. At the commencement of the play, the children recited their deklamcijas in Serbian. Church School Superintendent Ted Zeljak thanked all who contributed in any way to make the day a huge success.
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[Archived News] Tuesday January 29, 2008
Good Shepherd, St. Sava, Let Us Praise Him!
OBSERVANCE OF THE SLAVA OF ST. SAVA
St. Nicholas Serbian Eastern Orthodox Church
Steelton,Pa - Is there any event in the Serbian Orthodox Church that can transport adults to their childhood more quickly and more profoundly than the observance of St. Sava’s Day? You may have forgotten long ago the words of the Serbian deklamacija you had to memorize – whether it was 4 short lines when you were 4 years old or 4 long verses when you were 8 years old – but you have never forgotten the uplifting restrains of the Hymn to St. Sava that echoed in your head and your heart long after the program was over.
What a special blessing for Serbs everywhere when St. Sava’s Day is on a Sunday as it was this year. At St. Nicholas Serbian Eastern Orthodox Church in Oberlin-Steelton, Pennsylvania, there was a special excitement that started even before the Divine Liturgy as children and their families came early with plans to stay late. The flowers in front of the holy icon of St. Sava were offered to all of the St. Nicholas Church School children by the Mothers’ Club with loving wishes for a Srecna Krsna Slava and God’s blessings. The Mothers’ Club has been tireless and generous in their support of the Church School and the entire Church community is deeply grateful.
Our dear spiritual father, the Very Reverend Stavrofor Srboljub Jockovic, celebrated the Liturgy with the SSS Marinkovich Choir singing the responses. You could tell who the “old-timers” were because they were anticipating the Choir’s singing the opening verse of Uskliknimo S Ljubavlju while Fr. Srboljub received communion, and they sang along – some of them remembering all the verses while others hummed along with just as much satisfaction. Singing the Hymn to St. Sava is another one of the clear occasions when we know we share our Serbian heritage as Orthodox Christian stewards, bound to Christ by our ties to His blessed shepherd, St. Sava.
As is the practice at St. Nicholas Church, Sunday School students are the Slava Kumovi, an honor shared this year by Christian Gunther and Jordan Nikolic on behalf of all of the children and youth. They turned the kolach with Fr. Srboljub, Nicholas Govelovich (tonsured reader and Sunday School Superintendent) and Jevgenija Radanovic (Assistance Sunday School Superintendent and teacher). Regrettably the Kuma, Alana Tepsich, was unable to join in because of illness. When Fr. Srboljub exclaimed “Christ is among us,” many people responded, “He is and always shall be!” It was another sign of the faith and unity of the St. Nicholas Church families.
In his brief homily, Fr. Srboljub reminded us the Gospel reading for the day is the one used for the Holy Hierarchs. It is the reading from John 10:9-16 about Christ as the Good Shepherd. He underscored the example St. Sava offered as a shepherd of the Serbian people. St. Sava gave his life to Christ and worked tirelessly to bring the people of Serbia to Orthodox Christianity. By his inspired wisdom, leadership, patience and humility, the Serbian Orthodox Church was established and St. Sava was our first archbishop. In his bulletin message, Fr. Srboljub called us too to be shepherds for each other, tending to each other, making certain none of us loses the way, and together, following the Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ.
Following the Liturgy and picture-taking of the Sunday school students and their teachers with Fr. Srboljub, we moved to the Church Social Hall for lunch and the St. Sava program. Thank you to Sylvia Sevenack and her kitchen team for another delicious lunch, including everybody’s favorite, “mac ‘n cheese” as a side-dish that clearly got the attention of the children who had been eyeing the dessert tables. Even the babas and djedos were asking for “seconds!” By the time we got to dessert, the Sunday School students had changed into their costumes and the program was about to begin.
In his introductory remarks, Nicholas Govelovich sadly but proudly announced the program was being dedicated to the memory of Zarko Mrkona who spent all of his 81 years as an active participant in every facet of church life, including his service as the official greeter at Sunday services. Zarko fell asleep in the Lord on Thursday and will be missed by all of us who pray for his eternal memory
The St. Sava Youth Choir and all of the Sunday School students assembled on the stage and sang Usklilkimno S Ljubavlju and “America the Beautiful” under the most capable direction of Nina Radanovic. Each verse of the Hymn to St. Sava was first sung in English by the very talented Anney Mierski and then the entire student body sang in Serbian…or what passes for Serbian for 3 year-olds. Many family members sitting in the audience unabashedly sang along. This was just the beginning, however, and the next special treat was a play recounting St. Sava’s birth as Prince Rastko, his journey to Mt. Athos, the family’s appeal for his return, and his decision to take the monastic vows. The play was adapted by Sunday School teacher Lenny Tepsich for use by the St. Nicholas Church School from a manuscript available on-line through the St. Sava Monastery.
All the Sunday School students participated in some way in the play with featured roles taken by Nathan Mierski (Stefan Nemanja), Guiliana Carricato (Ana Nemanja), Philip Werner (Prince Rastko), and Marina Radanovic (Commander of the Army). Kyranna Radanovic, Aleksandra Nikolic, Jelena Lojpur, and Andrea Matovich served as narrators. They were all Oscar-worthy performances – even the kindergarten student who fell asleep and couldn’t return to the stage for the final scene. Our Church community is blessed to have such a truly dedicated Sunday School faculty that includes, in addition to Nick Govelovich, Jevgenija Radanovic and Lenny Tepsich, Maria Bowers, Andrea Gunther, Luke Jacobs, Paula Werner, Nikki Lewis, and Emily Fithian.
Next up on the stage was the St. Sava Junior Choir, led again by Nina Radanovic who has helped these young singers learn to sing three-part harmony in English and Serbian! Their singing is inspiring, especially when they sang the most beautiful Troparion to St. Sava in Tone 8:
O guide of Orthodoxy and blessed teacher of virtues,
Purifier and enlightener of thy homeland,
Beauty of monastics,
Most wise Father, Holy Sava,
By thy teaching thou didst enlighten thy people,
O flute of the spirit, pray to Christ for our souls.
When the Junior Choir left the stage, the audience was encouraged to take a quick break and come back for yet another special treat – and surely it was. The St. Nicholas Junior Tamburizans, as presently constituted, performed for the first time in public. The group includes three generations of players in the case of the Radanovic family, two generations of the Werner and Mierski families, and other talented representatives of our youth and the more mature members of our church family. They come together each Thursday evening for lessons and practice with the patient and talented Mark Kresho. They played several of the old favorites including Tamo Daleko and had the audience singing along in relaxed pleasure.
Those of us who have participated in the St. Sava observance for more decades than we care to acknowledge are always ready to remember our time at the Slava Liturgy and on the stage. We remember our parents, grandparents and great-grandparents helping us to memorize our “parts” and then cheering for us with boundless energy and laughter. Surely some of the folks attending today’s celebration remembered some years back when Alex Govelovich was Slava Kum. Today he carried his infant son, Lincoln Alexander, around from table to table visiting with family and friends. We are heartened to expect to see that little boy in the altar and on the stage in a few years. It is a way we continue to keep faith with our past and with our future and especially with our dear St. Sava.
Uskilkinimo s’ljubavlju, Svetitelju Savi!
Dr. Beverly Yanich
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[Archived News] Tuesday January 29, 2008
ST. SAVA REMEMBERED
IN FAIRMONT, WEST VIRGINIA PARISH
Fairmont, WV - Each year during the time of Theophany, parishioners from Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Mission in Fairmont, West Virginia go to the nearby Monongahela River for the annual blessing of the river.
This year Sharren Paroda, Michael Danko, Niko Ilich, and Katica Trjkovski made the short trip down Morgantown Avenue following the Divine Liturgy on January 26. Inquirer Dennis Eliot came for this firt time experience. Rose Ilich took the photos.Niko and Rose Ilich in a previous year attended the river blessing under the auspices of the St.George Church in Carmichaels, Pa. This was the first year the Great Blessing of the Waters was performed in the newly renovated Mission Chapel. Sharren Paroda prepared a Kolach in honor of St. Sava and during the Divine Liturgy the Kolach was blessed.
Niko Illich and Maria Djonovich did readings of Uskliknimo/Hymn to St.Sava at the luncheon following the Liturgy. April 15, 2008 will mark the Eight Anniversary of the first Hierarchical Divine Liturgy at the Mission and official acceptance of the Mission into the Eastern American Diocese by His Grace Bishop Dr. MITROPHAN.
Father Rodney Torbic
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[Archived News] Tuesday January 29, 2008
ST SAVA CELEBRATION IN CARMICHAELS PARISH
Carmichaels, Pa - Following the Divine Liturgy, a dinner was held in the church hall. Greetings and remarks were given by Executive Board President Stan Brozik, Choir and Kolo President and Parish Treasurer Sonia Janson and Executive Board Vice President Mildred Bezjak. Dr. Ivko Dimitric spoke from a personal perspective about St.Sava.
Readings in honor of St. Sava were done by Linda Chambers,J.D., Dr. Rade Dimitric, Executive Board Secretary and Parish Nurse Practioner Mitzie Hunchuck, Executive Board Financial Secretary and Assistant Choir Director Andrea Janson, Altar server and Audit Board Chairman Aaron Carson, Choir member Djelosh Milosevich and Audit Board member Linda Porter.
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[Archived News] Thursday, January 17, 2008
EASTERN DIOCESE
CLERGY SEMINAR ON STEWARDSHIP
Pittsburgh, Pa - His Grace Bishop Dr.MITROPHAN scheduled the semi-annual Diocesan clergy seminar for January 16 and 17 at Holy Trinity Cathedral in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Protonamesnik Rajko Kosic was host priest.
Following Vespers on Wednesday evening, His Grace met briefly with the clergy in attendance to discuss issues of Diocesan interest.
The Hierarchical Divine Liturgy was served on Thursday morning. In addition to His Grace and Diocese Secretary Father Deacon Dragoslav Kosic, Protopresbyter Stavrofor Rade Merick Protopresbyter Stevo Rocknage, Protopresbyer Rodney Torbic and Reverend Father Sasa Turkic served.
The seminar focused on the theme of stewardship. Featured speakers included Protopresbyter Stavrofor Srboljub Jockovich, Protopresbyter Stavrofor Rastko Trbuhovich and Protopresbyter Stevo Rocknage.
The three speakers represent the parishes in Steelton and Mckeesport, Pennsylvania and Lackawanna, New York. All three parishes are well advanced in using stewardship as a way of increasing the Christian commitment and participation of parishioners.
Twenty two parish priests participated in addition to His Grace and Deacon Dragoslav. Priests traveled long distances. Priests from the District of Columbia and states of Pennsylvania, Ohio, New York, New Jersey, Georgia and Florida.
Diocesan Deans Protopresbyter Stavrofor Stevan Stepanov, Protopresbyter Stavrofor Srboljub Jockovich and Protopresbyter Stephen Zaremba represented the Pittsburgh, Washington and St.Petersburg Deaneries.
Protopresbyter Djokan Majstorovic, Dean of St.Sava Cathedral in New York City was in attendance. In addition of being Cathedral Dean, Proto Majstorovic serves as the President of the Serbian Orthodox Clergy Brotherhood of North and South America.
The presentations on stewardship inspired a number of questions and generated further interest in stewardship being developed in Diocesan parishes.
His Grace Bishop Dr. MITROPHAN schedules the clergy seminars on a regular basis each year. They serve as a form of continuing education and enable Diocesan clergy to review and discuss topics directly related to parish life.
His Grace thanked the speakers and participating clergy for their contributions and participation in the seminar. His Grace thanked host priest Father Rajko Kosic and the Holy Trinity Cathedral Kolo for the gracious hospitality.
KSS Federation President Millie Radovick, and Holy Trinity Kolo President Joanne Maravich members of their respective families and Dolores Belich worked to ensure the seminar participants had a good visit to the Cathedral on Wednesday evening and Thursday.
V. Rev. Rodney Torbic
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[Archived News] Wednesday January 16, 2008
CHRISTMAS IN GREENSBORO, NC
Whever our Lord gives,
He truly gives and richly He gives
To us and our small parish, here in the far away America, gave us so much that we are still, and constantly surprised by our luck. Actually, God didn’t give us, but He blessed us… and literally He did that. ( In Serbian, the word bless-blessing is compressed of two words, one meaning treasure, and the other gift.). Without our merit, He Gifted us such a Treasure, the most beautiful church. We all know that without this kind of help, we would have needed years and years to erect our own church, and for sure we wouldn’t have had the courage to undertake building such a big temple. Definitely, that would have been much smaller and humble temple… but “what’s impossible for men, is possible for God”. When we don’t have “heart” and courage, He gives us His Own.
Look, we have planned to move into our new church, for the feast of our kolo of Serbian sisterhood, Nativity of the Most Holy Theotocos, give deserving thanks to the Greek Church in Greensboro on their most wonderful hospitality, and than move into our “place under the sun”. But the One who gifted it to us, didn’t want it that way, so He used already customary delays of the developers for that part of the process, and so here is the proof that nothing is accidental, but only the providence of God. Many set dates came and went by when we thought that we will move into our temple, but it didn’t happen… But, it had to come the Christmas Eve and the day of the Birth of our Lord God, for us to hold our very first service, exactly than !!!!
Our temple is now bare, but the very capable hands clothed it in a creative iconostasys erected in only an hour or two, the icons were hung, the candles shared their light and warmth with us, and the concrete floor received the most beautiful, precious, hand-made carpet, the carpet of the straw. Everything was like in Those days, the days of the Birth of the Bridegroom, so much so that our parishioners, in awe, stood around the edge of the space covered by straw, just like those shepherds who admired the Newborn from a little distance. Since there were, I am sure, more than 200 people, our Father Dragan had to call the present to move toward the middle of the church, so that everyone could enter, therefore also to step onto the straw. The service was truly festive, with the light of candles (they still have not connected us to the electrical pole)…but we have our own Pillar and Stone, as we have the living ties with the Living God. Our small choir gave it its best, now somewhat lost in this large space and acoustics (now, mistakes are not to be hidden), but God enriched us here as well by the beautiful voice of our Russian girl Nadia, so we could, under her leadership, respond to the priest’s prayers.
When the time came for us to walk around the church 3 times, we were outside welcomed by yet another gift from God! Here in North Carolina, we don’t have very cold and tough winters, but we do know what is snow, and freezing temperatures, freezing rain, and frost… but we had none of that this Christmas Eve and Day. Outside, sunshine, light breeze and around 70 F degrees awaited us, just so that we’ll realize what God had planned for that day. In the middle of the small plane, bonfire was already burning, and than, lead by fr. Dragan, boys with ‘badnjaci’, others with flags and three big guys who were carrying huge branches of ‘badnjak’, than we all approached. Everything was done according to our tradition, with songs and joy of children and the adults, and according to the given ‘signs’ of the Almighty as well. Just like always, our high-sister Jovanka already had everything prepared for some refreshments, and some Serbian-domestic specialties – from the bottle! There we spend some nice time, as it is deserving from one God thankful parish.
Tomorrow morning at 4 am, again we gathered together at the same holy place. I | | |
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