Johnstown, PA - A special day in the list of St. Nicholas Serbian Orthodox Church was observed on the Transfer of the Relics of St. Nicholas, Sunday, May 22, 2016. Established in May of 1906, the church observed its 110^th anniversary.

The day began with a large crowd of parishioners, many partaking in Holy Communion, filling the church for Divine Liturgy, and celebrating the blessing of the Slavski kolach and koljivo. The Rev. Dragan Zaric is pastor.

A banquet followed in the church hall, where a delicious meal of pork roast, mashed potatoes, gravy, roast lamb, mixed vegetable medley and a tossed salad was topped off with a cream puff desert (coconut, vanilla or chocolate).

A crowd of about 90 attended the slava banquet, including a large group from Christ the Saviour Carpatho-Russian Cathedral in Johnstown. Church president Christopher McAllister served as master of ceremonies. Svetozar Gjurich and Nancy Gula served as honored guests, representing the church congregation. Father Zaric blessed the food and the guests.

The following members were honored as 2016 graduates:

Katie Marie Freidhoff, daughter of Linda (Uzelac) and Anthony Freidhoff, graduate of Conemaugh Valley High School, accepted to Duquesne University School of pharmacy.

Gabriella Garcia, daughter of Emily (Medich) and Carlos Garcia, graduate of Richland High School, accepted to Duquesne University, school of music.

Ashley McAllister, daughter of Carole (Davich) and Tom McAllister of Seward (PA) and recent graduate of Indiana University of Pennsylvania, with a Master’s degree in Sports Medicine.

Ashley, Katie (her sister Sarah), Emily and Carlos are active members of St. Nicholas Choir, where Christopher serves as assistant director. Suzette Gardenhour is choir director.

The graduates were presented with icons and other gifts.

Christ is risen! Indeed He is risen! Mnogaja ljeta!

Article by Danica Buncich Wess