MONASTERY MARCHA HOLDS ANNUAL BENEFIT IN LACKAWANNA
Lackawanna, NY – Upon his recent return from the Spring Session of the Assembly of Bishops of the Serbian Orthodox Church in Belgrade, Serbia His Grace Bishop Mitrophan of Eastern America visited the Serbian Church of St. Stephen in Lackawanna, New York for the feast of Pentecost on Sunday, June 19, 2005.
The great church feast of Pentecost happened to coincide this year with an annual tradition in the Lackawanna parish. Namely, the 7th Annual Monastery Marcha Benefit Dinner, which this parish hosts every year in early to mid June, was held on Pentecost Sunday.
Assisting His Grace at the Holy Hierarchical Divine was host priest V. Rev. Rastko Trbuhovich and Diocesan Deacon Fr. Dragoslav Kosic. Also in attendance were Mother Ana, abbess of Monastery Marcha, Sister Barbara and long time supporter of the monastery Mr. Nikola Borota. This annual fundraising event is organized in cooperation with the local SNF Lodge #248.
At this year’s dinner an approximate $3,000 was raised for the monastery. Since the construction of the new monastery church in 2001 our Monastery March in Richfield, Ohio has seen many visitors from not only neighboring Serbian parishes but other Orthodox as well. Just last week Mother Ana and the sisters were happy to have Fr. Andrew Harmon of St. Matthew Antiochian Orthodox Church in N. Royalton, Ohio who came with a large group of children and adults to the monastery. As always, the visit began with an Akathist to the Mother of God. Following the service there were different activities offered for the children such as painting icons and helping make candles. Snacks were offered to the children and Mother Ana gave a brief talk.
Visitors are always welcomed most graciously at this monastery however, as Sister Barbara said regarding this last visit, “It is always such a blessing to have the children sing in the church.” But, she added, the highlight for all children is “ringing the bells.”