MONASTERY MARCHA CELEBRATES SLAVA
Richfield, OH – On a beautiful, sunny and very hot, summer day the sisterhood of Monastery Marcha in Richfield, Ohio, festively celebrated their patron Saint, St. Archangel Gabriel. The holy Hieararchical Divine Liturgy was served on Saturday, July 23, 2005 with His Grace Bishop Mitrophan of Eastern America officiating. The bishop was assisted by six area clergymen: V. Rev. Zvonimir Kotorcevich, V. Rev. Dragan Filipovic, V. Rev. Rodney Torbic, Rev. Dragomir Tuba, Rev. Zivojin Jakovljevic and Rev. Milorad Orlic. Also in attendance were V. Rev. Stavrofor Fr. Janko Rajlich, V. Rev. Stavrofor Vasilije Sokolovich, V. Rev. Milan Zobenica, Rev. Milovan Katanic and Rev. Deacon Milan Medakovich.
In his homily, His Grace spoke about the Archangel Gabriel who bore the good news of the coming of the Saviour but also, according to ancient church tradition, of the announcement of His glorious Resurrection to the Myrrhbearing women. In addition, the bishop touched on guardian angels that vigilantly watch over us, weeping when we sin and rejoicing at our virtues; who lead us through this life just as they had led all those who came to the monastery for the Slava. It was the bishop’s prayer that they continue to lead them and all of our faithful to this holy place in many years to come.
Visiting the abbess of the monastery, Mother Ana, was Mother Evpraksija of the Monastery of the Nativity of the Mother of God in New Carlisle, Indiana.
As the morning’s liturgy came to an end, His Grace, the bishop, together with the banner-bearers and the priests led the people outside for the Litija. Afterwards, he officiated at the cutting of the Slavski Kolach inside the church. Kumovi for this year’s Monastery Slava were Mr. and Mrs. Tom and Svetlana Baier of St. George Serbian Church in Canton, Ohio.
A sumptuous banquet followed the liturgy under the tent provided by the monastery undertaker, Don Faulhaber. Mother Ana, together with the sisters, would like to thank everyone for attending this year’s slava and for their continued support of the monastery. Special thanks to Dragan and Snezana Tomic of Puff’s catering for providing the food for the Slava.