CLERGY CONFESSION AT DIOCESAN HEADQUARTERS
Mars, PA - The annual clergy confession, which traditionally occurs during the forty-day lenten period, took place on Wednesday, April 13, 2005 at the St. Nikodim of Serbia Diocesan Chapel in Mars, Pennsylvania. Some 25 clergy and 2 deacons from the Pittsburgh, Cleveland and Washington Deaneries attended. Diocesan bishop, Bishop Dr. Mitrophan, officiated at the Presanctified Liturgy, assisted by V. Rev. Stavrofor Nedeljko Grgurevic, V. Rev. Stavrofor Janko Rajlic, V. Rev. Stavrofor Stevan Stepanov and V. Rev. Stavrofor Srboljub Jockovic. Also serving were Rev. Deacons Fr. Dragoslav Kosic and Fr. Milan Medakovic. V. Rev. Mateja Matejic served as clergy confessor.
Following the liturgy Bishop Mitrophan offered an inspiring homily on the very Holy Mystery of Confession as not only a necessary means of our reconcilation with God but also with our neighbors. The bishop spoke on the great need of confessing our sins, which are not to be treated as our own personal secrets, but as "time bombs inside of us ready to explode, affecting those around us."
A lenten luncheon for the clergy was served following the service. Afterwards, the bishop once again addressed his clergy, thanking those who travelled long distances to be in attendance on this day. During this time the clergy used the oppurtunity with His Grace to discuss and make plans for various upcoming events such as the summer children's camp and the Clergy Seminar, which will take place in September.