2006 Archived News

[Archived News] Thursday, December 28, 2006

BISHOP MITROPHAN ATTENDS
TWO WINTER RETREATS IN EASTERN DIOCESE

The Winter Retreat held at Shadeland, in conjunction with the Midwestern Metropolitanate, officially opened Wednesday evening with registration and Vespers. Thursday was the first full day of activities which included talks, arts and crafts, church singing and a slide show of Serbian monasteries. Rev. Aleksa Micich, Rev. Radovan Jakovljevic, Rev. Dragomir Tuba, Rev. Milovan Katanic and Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Radanovic were some of the speakers on Thursday. Also attending the winter retreat from the Midwestern diocese are Deacon Damjan Bozic and Deacon Ivan Gasic.

On Thursday His Grace Bishop Mitrophan attended and took part at the third annual Winter Camp organized by the St. Petersburg Deanery and held in St. Petersburg, Florida. His Grace, the bishop, is expected to take part at the Winter Retreat in Shadeland on Friday. The retreat at Shadeland will conclude with the Divine Liturgy, beginning at 8:00 am, on Saturday morning.

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[ARCHIVED NEWS] Wednesday, December 20, 2006

BISHOP Dr. MITROPHAN VISITED PARISH IN JOHNSTOWN, PA

Johnstown, Pa – On Sunday, December 17, 2006 His Grace Bishop Mitrophan of Eastern America, visited the St. Nicholas Church in Johnstown, Pa., where he officiated at the Holy Hierarchical Divine Liturgy. He was assisted by newly appointed parish priest, Father Dejan Obradovic and diocesan secretary Fr. Deacon Dragoslav Kosic. This was the day that His Grace Bishop Mitrophan officially welcomed Father Dejan to our church and into our diocese. He wished him many, many years of service to God and to the St. Nicholas parish. He said he hoped Fr. Dejan would serve as his predecessors, the late + V. Rev. Radisa Puric, who was well known and respected not only in our church and diocese but also in the community and in Serbia, and the V. Rev. Nedeljko Grgurevich who has served, and continues to serve our diocese as the Episcopal Deputy, an accomplished author who is also known and respected throughout many areas. His Grace indicated that combined they served the parish of St. Nicholas in Johnstown for a total of 51 years adding that hopefully Fr. Dejan will be able to serve this parish for that many years as well.

It was a special day for the parish as the Sunday school children had prepared themselves to receive confession on this day. It was an honor to receive Holy Communion from His Grace, Bishop Mitrophan. A “posno” luncheon was prepared for the children and they were once again delighted to have His Grace bless their food and drink before the luncheon.

The newly appointed parish priest, Fr. Dejan Obradovic, was born in 1971 in Kragujevac, Serbia. He finished Seminary school in Prizren, Kosovo -Serbia in 1991 and his theological studies at the Theological Faculty in Libertyville, IL in 1997. He married the former Marija Domanovic in Kragujevac on November 1, 1998. He was ordained by Bishop Sava of blessed memory, in 1998, in Kragujevac and appointed as parish priest in “Vinogradi” – Kragujevac on January 1, 1999. On January 1, 2000 he was appointed as parish priest in Niagara Falls, Ontario, by Bishop Georgije. He came to St. Nicholas in Johnstown, PA., on November 1, 2006. He and Popadija Marija have been welcomed into the parish family of St. Nicholas, where it is also hoped that they will be 51 years if not more. As His Grace wished Fr. Dejan many years, the same wish came from Fr. Dejan to the bishop, echoed by the church choir and the parish: Mnogaja ljeta to His Grace Bishop Mitrophan and Fr. Dejan and Popadija Marija. Ziveli!

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[ARCHIVED NEWS] Monday, December 18, 2006

PITTSBURGH DEANERY HOLDS
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION MEETING


Midland, Pa - On Saturday, December 16th, St. George Parish in Midland hosted the Christian Education Meeting for the Pittsburgh Deanery. Designated speaker was Rev. Father Zivojin Jakovljevic of St. Sava Cathedral in Cleveland, OH.

The meeting began with the Lords Prayer and Blessing of His Grace Bishop Mitrophan of Eastern America. The host Priest, Rev. Fr. Milan Pajic welcomed His Grace and all attendees, with the wishes that the meeting be fruitful.  The Dean of the Pittsburgh Deanery, V. Rev. Stavrofor Stevan Stepanov, greeted all participants and introduced Rev. Dejan Obradovic, the new priest of the St. Nicholas parish in Johnstown, Pa. V. Rev. Rodney Torbic, the Christian Education Coordinator, introduced the speaker, Fr. Zivojin Jakovljevic.

In his talk Fr. Zivojin spoke on education in general, as caring for the child in whole; from the Slavonic word Vospitanije, which indicates not only supplying the child with knowledge (education) but their complete upbringing. He based his talk on the teachings of St. John Chrysostom and St. Seraphim of Sarov who spoke extensively on that which is most important in life. A discussion followed.

Afterwards, the parish reports were presented during which different experiences were exchanged which representatives were encouraged to use in their respective parishes.
In addition to this, various good examples were considered as useful in applying to the summer camp in Shadeland. The busy schedules of some parishes such as Aliquippa, McKeesport and Steubenville, did not prevent either the priest or the teachers from these parish from attending the meeting on Saturday. With eleven priests, thirteen teachers and one deacon this was the best attended Christian Education meeting thus far.

A luncheon was served in the parish hall and Fr Rodney commended everyone for attending the meeting and expressed his gratitude to Fr. Milan, the host priest and the parishioners of St. George Church for their warm hospitality.

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[ARCHIVED NEWS] Monday, December 11, 2006

FR. VLADIMIR DEMSHUK IS ELEVATED TO PROTOJEREJ

Clairton, Pa – On Sunday, December 10, 2006 His Grace Bishop Mitrophan of Eastern America visited the Church of the Nativity of the Mother of God in Clairton, Pa where His Grace officiated at the Holy Hierarchical Divine Liturgy. Assisting the bishop was parish priest Rev. Vladimir Demshuk and diocesan secretary Fr. Deacon Dragoslav Kosic.  In the homily, delivered by Fr. Vladimir, he spoke on the day’s epistle reading and the Apostle Paul’s message for us all to use our timely wisely as the “days are evil.”

To Fr. Vladimir’s surprise His Grace Bishop Mitrophan, during his visit, elevated him to the rank of protojerej. The bishop thanked Fr. Vladimir for all of his work in this parish, where he had been six years, noting that his elevation is only a small gift that is given by men but the true reward we should only await from God.

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[ARCHIVED NEWS] Monday, December 4, 2006

CHURCH SCHOOL EDUCATION MEETING HELD IN HERMITAGE

Hermitage, PA – His Grace Bishop Mitrophan of Eastern America gave his blessings and took part in the 20th Annual Christian Education Meeting for the Cleveland Deanery. The meeting was held at St. George Serbian Orthodox Church in Hermitage, Pa on Saturday, December 2, 2006. The meeting began with a presentation given by speaker and host priest Fr. Milovan Katanic. In his talk, titled Christian Education and Children’s Literature, he took a look at the role literature can play in the faith of a child, highlighting some of the Christian themes found in the popular children’s books of C. S. Lewis The Chronicles of Narnia and spoke of Lewis’ intention in writing these stories. Additionally, Fr. Milovan pointed out some books geared toward children which have openly anti-Christian messages, books that our children should avoid and adults should be made aware of.

Following the presentation the clergy and educators submitted their annual reports and spoke of the work of the Church School in their respective communities.

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[ARCHIVED NEWS] Friday, December 1, 2006

MONASTERY MARCHA WELCOMES NEW MONASTICS

Richfield, Ohio - In November the St. Archangel Gabriel Monastery, Monastery Marcha, received two new monastics on loan from the Diocese of Ras and Prizren. Hieromonk Fr. Vasiljie and Hierodeacon Ignatije are from Monastery Sopocani.

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[ARCHIVED NEWS] Friday, December 1, 2006

SЕRB FEST A GREAT SUCCESS

St. Petersburg, FL - The St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church held its third annual Serb Fest on November 3-5, 2006.

This year’s Serb Fest was especially festive as our parish hosted the Ensamble of Serbian Folk Dancing Miroslav “Bata” Marcetic from Toronto, Canada. With over 400 people in attendence, these wonderful, talented and enthusiastic dancers opened Serb Fest with a performance in the Palladium Theater in St. Petersburg, which also featured the Paprida dancers from the St. George Greek Orthodox Church in New Port Richey, FL, as well as our very own Serbian Pearl dance group from our St. Sava parish.

The members of the Ensamble of Serbian Folk Dancing Miroslav “Bata” Marcetic enthralled those present with their live music, led by music director Mica Petrovic, beautiful costumes, singing and dancing.

After the performance a large crowd gathered in the church hall for an evening of great food, beverages, dance and song.

Serb Fest continued on Saturday with a large variety of activities for children, who especially liked the walk the moon. There was a pie eating contest, won by Andjelko Krsmanovic & Selena Despotovic, and a pogacha bake-off, won by Kaja Djukic. We tried to set a record for the Guiness Book of World Records for the World’s Largest Kolo Dance, but we fell a little short of the number of dancers needed.

Once again Serbian dancers provided the main entertainment: Our Serbian Pearl dance group started the day of dancing with a wonderful performance of the small and middle groups. Later that afternoon, we were treated to a performance of the Serbian Crown dance group from the St. Petka Serbian Orthodox Church in Orlando, FL.

The evening performance was opened up by the senior group of Serbian Pearl. Once again the highlight of the evening was an encore performance of the Ensamble of Serbian Folk Dancing Miroslav “Bata” Marcetic before an overflowing crowd in the parish hall. The festivites continued into the night with song, dance and fellowship.

On Sunday, Pr. Stephen celebrated the Divine Liturgy with responses sung by our St. Sava Choir, after which Serb Fest concluded after another day of fun, food, music and an encore performance by the small and medium groups of Serbian Pearl.

We would like to thank all of our dancers, cooks, bakers, workers and donors who put in a lot of time and effort to make this year’s Serb Fest celebration a memorable one.

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[ARCHIVED NEWS] Tuesday, November 28, 2006

NEW SCHOOL BUILDING CONSECRATED

St. Petersburg, FL - On Sunday, October 15, 2006, His Grace Dr. Mitrophan, Bishop of the Diocese of Eastern America, with the assistance of Protojejrej Stavrophor Milan Stojanovic and Protojerej Stephen Zaremba, celebrated the the Divine Liturgy in the St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church in St. Petersburg, FL. Immediately following the Divine Liturgy, Bishop Mitrophan consecrated the new multipurpose building, an old house bought in June 2005 to be used for Sunday School, Serbian School, a parish bookstore, meetings and other purposes.

After the rite of consecration, Bishop Mitrophan, Prota Milan and Prota Stephen and a large number of parishioners enjoyed a wonderful luncheon prepared by the Circle of Serbian Sisters St. Petka.

Church Board President Scott Raspopovich thanked the following persons for their help in making this project a success: Mike Babich- who donated all payments for site clearing and grading of the property; Jelena Loncarski- for her donation of $1500.00 towards the landscaping of our grounds; Alex Petrovich- for his $2000.00 donation when we needed it to complete the current work; George Milanovich- for his donation of time and material of our air conditioning unit; Stojan Lukic- for his donation of time and material for the remodeling of our restroom; West Coast Lodge 208- for their donation of $2000.00 from the proceeds of the S.N.F. midwinter golf tournament; Mladen Miljanic- for his donation of all electrical wiring; Dalibor Zolotic- for his donation of all marble window sills; Zeljko Jankovic- for his donation of all communication and cable wiring; Milenko Despotovich- for his donation of all cabinets and countertops; Dr. Mike Bojkovic- for his donation of two air conditioning units for our church hall; Zarko Perucica- for his donation of all the drywall.

Special thanks to Zeljko Sljivic who served as chairman of this project.

The following persons were thanked for the time, skills and labor they invested in the project: Branislav Drazic; Dragan Stanisic; Vojo Pavlovic; Milan Rakovic; Milorad Jovanovic; Dusan Sljivic; Zarko Zdralo; Nedeljko Jankovic; Stevo Karac; Mirko Obradovic; Zdravko Kordic; Brano Skopljak; Milenko Bozic; Slavko Skopljak; Marinko Bozic; Milisav Pavlovic; Marko Kacajeic; Branko Rakovic; Cedo Radovanovic; Thom Chenoweth; Vitomir Andric; Mike Weiss; Zoran Lazic and Scott Raspopovich.
If anyone who worked on this project is not named, the omission is not intentional. We ask that any omissions be pointed and that we may correct them.

This building is an important step in building the future of our parish, especially the children. Everyone’s time, work and donations are still needed to finish an additional classroom, to fence the property in and for landscaping. Of course there is still a mortgage on the property which we need to pay off as soon as we can.

We congratulate Prota Stephen, the Executive Board, teachers, children and all the parishioners of St. Sava for this tremendous accomplishment.

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[ARCHIVED NEWS] Sunday, November 26, 2006

PARISH IN SOUTH AMERICA CELEBRATED TWENTIETH ANNIVERSARY

Brazil, South America - The Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Church in Brazil, under the omophorion of His Grace Bishop Mitrophan of Eastern America, celebrated their twentieth anniversary in October. The celebration took place October 25-72, 22006 with a special theological seminar organized on the occasion the parish’s jubilee. Special guest and speaker was Fr. Gerasim, Abbot of St. Herman of Alaska Serbian Orthodox Monastery in Platina, California.

This parish was founded by Archbishop Gabriel of the Polish Orthodox Church in 1986. They have been in the in the Diocese of Eastern America of the Serbian Orthodox Church since February 2002.

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[ARCHIVED NEWS] Wednesday, November 22, 2006

COLUMBUS PARISH CELEBRATES CHURCH SLAVA

Columbus, OH - The celebration of the feast of the Church dedicated to St.Stevan of Dechani in Columbus OH, began on Saturday, November 18th with the Vespers Service, which was attended by His Grace Bishop Dr. Mitrofan and Rev.Deacon Dragoslav Kosic.On the following day, November 19th, the day of the feast, the The Holy Hierarchical Divine Liturgy was served. The holy Hierarchical Divine Liturgy was officiated by diocesan hierarch Bishop Dr. +Mitrofan. The parish priest, Fr. Isak Kisin, assisted His Grace as well as diocesan deacon, Fr. Deacon Dragoslav Kosic. The church was filled with the honorable faithful who attended the morning's Liturgy, the Ritual of the Slava Kolac was performed in the church following the service.

Gathered in the church hall, the faithful were moved by the inspirational words of Bishop Mitrophan.Rev.Isak Kisin, the executive board president, Mr. David Kos and «Kuma» Kathy Maragos also addressed the faithful. The formal luncheon was prepared by the hard working Kolo Sestara, while the roasted meats were prepared by the "St. George Fellowship".

The honored kumovi were Paul and Kathy Maragos with their children Sophia and Sonja.

Rev. Isak Kisin

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[ARCHIVED NEWS] Wednesday, November 15, 2006

CHARLOTTE PARISH CELEBRATES SLAVA

Charlotte, NC - The celebration of the feast of the chapel dedicated to St. Arsenije of Srem in Charlotte, North Carolina began on Thursday with Vespers while on the following day, on the day of the feast, the Divine Liturgy was served.  

His Grace Bishop Mitrophan of Eastern America arrived on Friday with his deacon, Fr. Dragoslav Kosic.  Vespers were served at the Greensboro parish. On Saturday, November 11, Matins with Hours were served after which the welcome of the Bishop Mitrophan followed. His Grace, the bishop, officiated at the Holy Hierarchical Divine Liturgy. Beside the deacon, assisting His Grace were: Protopriest Fr. Stavros Delber from the Greek Orthodox Church “St. Nektarios” in Charlotte, Fr. Mark Mancuso from Columbia, SC (Russian Orthodox Church of the New Martyr Princess St. Elizabeth), Fr. Sasa Turkic from the Serbian Orthodox Church “St. Apostles Peter and Paul” in Atlanta and Fr. Dragan Lj. Zaric, who, during the liturgical celebration, was elevated by the bishop to protonamesnik.  Reader Vladan Gluvacevic with his wife Natasha and family were the hosts, kumovi, from the feasts.

After the cutting of the Slava Kolac and a group picture, a spiritual-cultural program followed.  Around eighty guests participated in a rich lunch, auction and popular musical entertainment.  That day, over $5,000 was collected which went towards the church mortgage.

Svetozar Postic

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[ARCHIVED NEWS] Wednesday, November 15, 2006

ORTHODOX STUDENTS HOLD RETREAT AT UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA

Charlottesville, NC - On Saturday evening November 11 and Sunday November 12, 2006, Father Aleksa Micich visited the Orthodox Christian Fellowship chapters of the various colleges  in the States of Virginia and Delaware that were meeting in Charlottesville, VA.  The retreat was hosted by the OCF chapter at the University of Virginia.  Twenty one Orthodox Christian students participated, where they heard presentations from Father Aleksa Micich of St. Luke Serbian Orthodox Church of Metro Washington DC and Father John Manuel from St. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Cathedral of Richmond, VA.  Father John spoke to the students about relationships of all kinds Saturday afternoon and Father Aleksa spoke in the evening on
the theme of vocations.  The students were very interested in both topics and posed very thoughtful questions.  Saturday night's session lasted until 11:30PM, when Father Aleksa ended the question and answer session after his presentation in anticipation of Sunday morning Divine Liturgy.

Divine Liturgy was served at St. Nicholas Ukrainian Orthodox Mission in Charlottesville and was well attended by students and regular parishioners.  Host priest, Father Robert Holet offered a sermon that was in-line with the presentations that the students heard the evening prior, thereby further feeding the flock. After Liturgy, Father Aleksa presided over the Slava service and cutting of the Slavski Kolac for the University of Virginia chapter, in honor of their patron saints, Sts. Kosmas and Damian, with Father Robert assisting, and the students offering responses. We look forward to meeting with other chapters of OCF throughout the region, as Father Aleksa is the newly appointed chairman of Standing Committee on College Student Ministry of the Serbian Orthodox Church in the United States and Canada.  

Father Aleksa Micich

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[ARCHIVED NEWS] Monday, October 30, 2006

TWENTIETH ANNIVERSARY
OF THE ST. SAVA THEOLOGICAL SCHOOL IN LIBERTYVILLE

Lansing, IL - The St. Sava School of Theology in Libertyville, Illinois held their twentieth anniversary celebration on Saturday, October 28, 2006 at St. Archangel Michael Serbian Orthodox Church in Lansing, Illinois. The day began with the Holy Hierarchical Divine Liturgy. Serving were His Eminence Metropolitan Christopher of the Midwestern Metropolitanate, His Grace Bishop Mitrophan of Eastern America and His Grace Bishop Maxim of Western America. Also attending was His Eminence Iakovos of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago. Thirteen priests assisted the hierarchs at the liturgical celebration, seven of which are St. Sava graduates. Additionally, five deacons served, four of which are St. Sava graduates and Protodeacon Stanimir Spasovic, professor of Canon Law and History of the Serbian Church. Also in attendance were a number of clergy, graduates of this school. The student choir sang the responses at the liturgy under the direction of V. Rev. Milos Vesin professor of Serbian Chant at the theological school.

Following the Divine Liturgy a festive academia was held in the hall. The host priest, Fr. Milos Vesin, emceed the program. Greetings and congratulatory remarks were offered, among others, by His Eminence Metropolitan Christopher, the dean of the school, Bishop Dr. Mitrophan, professor of New Testament, V. Rev. Dr. Nedeljko Grgurevic, professor of liturgics and Metropolitan Iakovos. The program also included selections sung by the student choir. The keynote speaker was Protodeacon Dr. Stanimir Spasovic who, in his address, gave a detailed look at the significant work of Serbian composer Stevan St. Mokranjac, whose 150th anniversary since his birth our Serbian church is commemorating this year. Dr. Spasovic paid particular attention to his great contribution to Serbian chant.

From the inception of this school in 1986 75 students have graduated, from that number 55 are serving the Serbian Orthodox Church, 50 of whom are ordained priests or deacons and the remainder have not been ordained but are continuing their post graduate studies and are in some service to their church.

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[ARCHIVED NEWS] Thursday, October 26 2006

THE SECOND ANNUAL
BENEFACTORS DINNER IN CHARLOTTE

Charlotte, NC – On Sunday, October 15, 2006 the second annual Benefactors Dinner of the St. Symeon the Myrrh-Gusher Missionary parish of Charlotte was held at “Il Nido” Italian restaurant. The gathering of the small group of faithful of our small mission parish began that morning with the Holy Hierarchical Divine Liturgy officiated by His Grace Bishop Mitrophan of Eastern America who, in his homily, stressed the significance of the constant strengthening and confessing of our salvific Orthodox faith, which God revealed to simple fishermen who later became His disciples and later apostles – Christian missionaries.

At 6:00 pm that evening a small Italian restaurant was reserved for our Benefactors Dinner. Some forty faithful of our parish as well as friends of our church gathered at the restaurant. The goal of the gathering was to be surrounded in prayer around our Bishop so that we might witness to our heterodox friends of our Orthodox faith, history and Serbian culture.

The program was emceed by Reader Vladan Gluvacevic. In the cultural-musical part of the evening we watched a video prepared by V. Gluvacevic on the architecture of Monastery Hilandar and listened to Bach’s composition for flute performed by Dimitrije Mogilensko, which was listened cautiously by the faithful.

A larger variety of items were available at this year’s auction. Artist Teofana Zaric donated a fresco done on canvas entitled “Christ” which was purchased by Gordana Djuranovic for $700. The painting “Bouquet” was painted by artist Vukica Mijatovic and was purchased for $300 by Stephen Flaherti, president of the parish council of the St. Nectarios Greek Orthodox Church in Charlotte. Decorated Russian eggs and a stamp collection donated by Gordana Djuranovic and Bojana Srtamovic were purchased for a total of $715.

Thank God and to all those who attended that evening’s Benefactor’s Dinner as $10,315 was raised and the mortgage on the church property was decreased to only $45,000.

Organizational Committee

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[ARCHIVED NEWS] Friday, October 20 2006

HOLY RESURRECTION SERBIAN CHURCH
CELEBRATES 100 YEARS


Steubenville, OH – The weekend of Saturday 29 through October 1, 2006 marked the 100th anniversary of the Serbian Orthodox Church of the Holy Resurrection in Steubenville, Ohio. The long weekend began on Friday with a stroll down memory lane at the Serbian-American Cultural Center where many artifacts and photos were available from the long history of the Serbian people of this parish. A large map of the former Yugoslavia gave parishioners a visual of the different areas that their ancestors originated from.

On Saturday the parish Men’s Club prepared a reception at the Serbian Picnic grounds which was followed by Vespers later that afternoon at the Serbian Visoki Dechani Church. His Eminence Metropolitan of the Midwestern Metropolitanate attended the evening Vespers service served by former pastor V. Rev. Stavrophor Dr. Nedeljko Grgurevich. Singing responses were the Petar Krstich Choir and, from the cantors’ stand, former pastor Protopresbyter-Stavrophor Vasilije Sokolovic, parish native son Protopresbyter Stevo Rocknage and Pittsburgh’s Fr. Rajko Kosic. Dinner and a rich cultural program followed which, among other things, included performances from the choir and the Holy Resurrection Tamburitzans as well the first showing a DVD showcasing the history of the parish.

On Sunday the Holy Hierarchical Divine Liturgy and church slava celebration marked the highpoint of the weekend. Presiding was His Eminence Metropolitan Christopher and His Grace Bishop Dr. Mitrophan. Concelebrating were former pastors Protopresbyter-Stavrophor Dr. Nedeljko Grgurevich and Protopresbyter-Stavrophor Vasilije Sokolovic, native son Protopresbyter Stevo Rocknage, Carmichael Pennsylvania’s Protopresbyter Dr. Rodney Torbic, Lorain’s Fr. Milorad Orlic, host pastor Prota Rade Merick and Deacon Dragoslav Kosic.

During the Liturgy His Grace Bishop Dr. Mitrophan surprised and humbled Holy Resurrection’s pastor Fr. Rade Merick by granting him the right to wear the pectoral cross, the highest honor given to a married priest in the Serbian Orthodox Church. An inspiring homily was given by His Grace Bishop Dr. Mitrophan. Near the end of the Liturgy the triple church slava Litija procession with the reading of four gospels and the blessing the church’s four walls took place to the pealing of the church’s original 1906 bell from the old church in Mingo Junction, with prayers for all departed members and clergy, and the cutting of the slavski kolac.

The grand banquet followed the liturgy at the Cultural Center. The centennial weekend was a wonderful parish reunion as many former parishioners traveled from all over the country to attend. It allowed parishioners to meet old friends, to reminisce, and to enjoy warm fellowship. Finally, it served as a worthy entry into the parish’s second century of service to God and His people.

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[ARCHIVED NEWS] Tuesday, October 17, 2006

NEW TRANSLATION RELEASED

From the Diocesan Office – Recently the Serbian translation of the book The Romanian Patericon II by Hieromonk Joanikije Balan has been released from the printers. This translation to the Serbian language was completed by His Grace Bishop Mitrophan of Eastern America. In the first volume of this patericon, also translated by Bishop Mitrophan, the period from the fourteenth to the nineteenth century is covered, while this newly released second volume contains the venerable fathers from the second half of the nineteenth to the later half of the twentieth century.

This is the ninth translation of His Grace Bishop Mitrophan from the Romanian. In his desire that the reading public, more specifically the theological students of the Serbian Orthodox Church, become more aware of the lives and works of the Romanian Orthodox Church His Grace, the bishop, has already begun the translation of another volume by Fr. Dumitru Staniloe “The Evangelical Image of Jesus Christ”.

Besides his translations, His Grace has also published a number of works including, “The teaching of the holy Apostle Paul on the Church” (in Serbian and English); “The Mystery of Christ in the Epistles of the holy Apostle Paul to the Ephesians, Philippians and Colossians” and his newest work “Introduction to the Holy Bible - New Testament”. Additionally he has also published a large number of articles in various periodicals.

The above mentioned works, along with the translations can be purchased in our diocesan bookstore. The newly released second edition to the Romanian Patericon will be made available the beginning of December.

Deacon Dragoslav Kosic
Diocesan Secretary

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[ARCHIVED NEWS] Thursday, October 12, 2006

STEELTON MOTHERS CLUB CELEBRATES FIFTY YEARS


Steelton, PA - The Mothers Club of St. Nicholas Serbian Orthodox Church celebrated the 50th anniversary and Krsna Slava of this organization the Dormition of the Mother of God on September 10, 2006. His Grace Bishop Mitrophan of Eastern America celebrated the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, assisted by the host priest, V. Rev. Stavrophor Srboljub Jockovich and Fr. Deacon Dragoslav Kosic.

The Kolac and wheat were blessed after the ambo prayer .The charter members of the Mothers Club Mildered Petrovih, Olga Klipa and Mara Sunajko turned the Kolach with the Bishop. The Mothers Club granted the Gramata, the highest award granted by the Bishop, for the very hard work of this organization for the benefit of our Holy Church and our youth. The other recipient of the Gramata was Sam Radanovic for his hard work in church and helping all church organizations.

After the Liturgy the banquet was held in the social hall, the Choir Marinkovich sang the Oce nas before the meal and perform several songs, also St. Nicholas Church Junior Tamburitzan and Youth Choir “St. Sava” perform a couple of numbers. During the dinner our own orchestra “Sviraj” play as well. The president of the Mothers Club, Terry Govelovich, thanked His Grace and all members and people who helped for the banquet and for all who participated in the program.

The Mothers Club Cookbook is available at $12 they are a great gift and are a bargain. Mothers’ Club Aprons will be on sale for $10.00. Call Terry Govelovich at (717) 561-1590.

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[ARCHIVED NEWS] Tuesday, October 10, 2006

BISHOP MITROPHAN ATTENDS CHURCH SLAVA
AT RUSSIAN CHURCH


Cleveland, OH – On Sunday, October 8, 2006, the feast of St. Sergius of Radonezh, His Eminence Metropolitan Laurus, first hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad, officiated at the Divine Liturgy at St. Sergius Russian Orthodox Cathedral in Cleveland, Ohio, together with His Grace Bishop Mitrophan of Eastern America and His Grace Bishop Peter of Cleveland, Administrator of the Diocese of Chicago and Detroit (ROCOR) and numerous other clergymen of the Church Abroad and of the Serbian Church.

During the luncheon offered by the parish sisterhood, Bishop Peter thanked His Eminence Metropolitan Laurus and Bishop Mitrophan, stressing the fraternal bonds which always existed between the Russian Church Abroad and the Serbian Orthodox Church.

Source: www.rocor.org

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[ARCHIVED NEWS] Monday, October 9, 2006

WONDERWORKING ICON VISITS MONASTERY MARCHA

Monastery Marcha - Fr. Ilia Marzev, the dean of St. Sergius Russian Orthodox Church (ROCOR) in Cleveland made a special visit to Monastery Marcha on Monday, October 9, 2006 bringing with him the Wonderworking Kursk-Root Icon of the Mother of God. An akathist was served at the monastery with many faithful from the neighboring parishes in attendance.

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[ARCHIVED NEWS] Monday, October 9, 2006

75TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT IN CLEVELAND

Cleveland, OH -
The evening’s program began with a mass chorus of the Our Father then the American, Canadian and Serbian National Anthems were sung. Followed by Tebe Pojem by Stevan Stojanovic Mokranjac. This selection was sung in honor of the 150th Anniversary of the birth of Serbian composor Mokranjac. This year the all Serbs celebrate 150 years of Mokranjac and Nikola Tesla, inventor.

Our Master of Ceremonies was Ms. Jovana Batkovic who introduced our participating choirs including: the St. Nicholas Serbian Cathedral Choir of Hamilton, with directress Mira Stojsavljevic and president George Pejic, the Dr. Laza Kostic choir of Midland, PA, the Kosovo Men’s Choir of Northeastern Ohio, and the St. Theodosius Russian Cathedral choir of Cleveland. SSS Njegos choir president, Mrs. Biljana Batkovic welcomed the guests at the concert and spoke briefly on the history of the SSS Njegos choir.

Because this is a milestone year, many presentations were given this weekend. Honored were our past music directors, past presidents, our Kumovi (sponsors) and many who have helped our choir over the years.

Special recognition was given to our current assistant conductors including: Joan Jakovich, Suzanne Zec, Emilija Tulevski, Amanda Vlainic, Mira Damljanovic, Lindsay Zobenica, and Loretta Knezevic. full text

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[ARCHIVED NEWS] Friday, September 29, 2006

BENEFACTORS DINNER HELD IN JACKSONVILLE

Jacksonville, FL – His Grace Bishop Mitrophan of Eastern America visited St. King Milutin parish in Jacksonville, Florida from September 23-24, 2006. One of the reasons for the visit was the Benefactors Dinner organized to held raise funds to pay the mortgage of on their recently purchased property. The evening Vesper service, as well as the dinner following held in the church hall, were well attended. Church board president, Stanko Precanica and parish priest Fr. Stanislav Kravljaca welcomed all the guests. Additionally, the church board president from the neighboring Orlando parish, Jovan Dragosavac, and parish priest Fr. Ljubisa Brnjos, who had at one time been administrator of this parish, also greeted the guests.

The crown of the evening’s affair was the address given by His Grace Bishop Mitrophan. A substantial amount was collected that evening which will go towards the mortgage for which we remain grateful to all those that donated and once again proved their love towards their holy Church. The Holy Hierarchical Divine Liturgy was officiated the following day by His Grace Bishop Mitrophan.

Fr. Stanislav Kravljaca

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[ARCHIVED NEWS] Thursday, September 28, 2006

PRESIDENT OF SERBIA BORIS TADIC VISITS BOSTON PARISH

Boston, MA - The first annual Serbian festival in New England was held on Saturday, September 23, 2006 hosted by the St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church in Cambridge, MA. The goal of the festival was to present to our American friends and neighbors the Serbian culture and tradition through folklore, music, art and the traditional Serbian foods. This was the first festival of this kind in New England. The highlight of the celebration was a visit by President of Serbian Boris Tadic together with the Ambassador Ivan Vujacic from Washington D.C. This visit came after President Tadic’s participation at the General Assembly of the UN and a lecture at Harvard Universtiy on Friday evening.

Upon his arrival President Tadic first visited the church where he was greeted by young girls dressed in traditional costumes that offered him bread and salt, welcoming him. President Tadic and Ambassador Vujacic were interested in the details of the church, which was purchased just ten months ago from the Roman Catholic Church. Fr. Aleksandar and Milica Pogorzelski, Church Board president, gave the esteemed guests a tour of the church and answered their questions.

Afterward, the guests went through the exhibit of icons and frescoes in the parish hall, the work of the students of the Academy of the Serbian Orthodox Church for Iconography and Conservation from Belgrade. The icons are replicas of the frescoes that had been destroyed during the Pogrom in Kosovo in 2003.

President Tadic was led by his hosts to the tent area where he was welcomed with thunderous applause from the parishioners of St. Sava, together with their American friends. Fr. Aleksandar began with a prayer and afterwards, on behalf of the Church Board and all of his parishioners, greeted their prominent guests and called on the president to formally open the festival.

In his address, President Tadic said, among other things: “It is a great pleasure for me to open a Serbian festival in America. This is the first time it has happened to me. Yesterday I had the opportunity to talk with our students, following the presentation that the president of Croatia and I had at the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard. I would like for my stay in Massachusetts and in America in general to be such to improve your life here, and in some way, to live better.

“You know very well that today we are met with very difficult challenges. However, this does not mean, despite all of our difficulties, that we should cease organizing festivals and celebrating. It is of great importance that we do everything in our power to preserve our community and respect our customs...

“On the other hand, I would like to reiterate that which I said to our students at Harvard yesterday, which is that Serbia today is a land of great opportunity. Despite all of our many hardships I want to believe that Serbia is a land of great opportunity.”

At the end of his address President Tadic proclaimed the festival to be opened. Afterwards, he spent some time with his countrymen that live here, far from their homeland. The Serbian atmosphere was all the more present through the music of the brass band Zlatne Uste from New York. Before departing President Tadic requested they play Tamo Daleko one more time, which they did happily.

Finally the prominent guests bid farewell to their gracious hosts and continued their travels, going to Wentworth Institute of Technology where they were greeted by Dr. Zorica Pantic, the President of this esteemed institution, and in the evening they returned to Serbia.

To the delight of all the parishioners the festival lasted until late in the evening. It was nice to see such a large number of our youth and the children for whom there were special activities. It was noticed how our young Serbian boys and girls proudly wore their Serbian sajkace (hats) which were brought from Serbia for this occasion. The folklore group Gracanica performed in the evening. This was the first festival and it is our desire and hope that each one in the future, with God’s help, be better and more successful.

Protojerej Aleksandar Vlajkovic
www.stsavaboston.org

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[ARCHIVED NEWS] Wednesday, September 27 2006

CONGRATULATIONS TO DEACON DRAGOSLAV AND HIS FAMILY

Pittsburgh, PA - We send our congratulations to the Diocesan Secretary, Deacon Dragoslav Kosic and his wife Rosanda and daughter Anastasija on their newest addition:

TEODORA KOSIC
19 inches; 5 lb 11 oz
Born on September 21, 2006 at 8:49 am.

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[ARCHIVED NEWS] Wednesday, September 20, 2006

FIRST MEETING FOR ORTHODOX STUDENTS

Cleveland, OH - The greater Cleveland Orthodox Christian Fellowship is underway. Milan and Mira Damljanovic are the program coordinators for 4 universities in Cleveland: Cleveland State University, Case Western Reserve University, John Carroll and Baldwin Wallace.

Our first meeting featured guest speaker Fr. Peter Gillquist of Califonia. There were over 40 people in attendance. There was a great mix of Orthodox students; Antiochian, Greek, Lebanese, Serbian, Russian and others. This is a great way for our Orthodox college students to meet each other and network. The local OCF board includes our own Mayor Georgine Welo and Mr. Alex Machaskee. There are many local supporters from various Orthodox parishes, there are 26 Orthodox churches in greater Cleveland.

If you know of any Orthodox students attending these universities please forward their contact infomation to Mira1@bigfoot.com.

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[ARCHIVED NEWS] Monday, September 11, 2006

ST. NIKODIM, ARCHBISHOP OF SERBIA
DIOCESAN CHAPEL CELEBRATION


Mars, PA – On Saturday, September 9, 2006 the St. Nikodim Chapel of the Diocese of Eastern America held its annual Slava celebration. His Grace Bishop Dr. Mitrophan of Eastern America officiated at the Holy Hierarchal Divine Liturgy, assisted by V. Rev. Nedeljko Grgurevic, V.Rev. Dragoljub Malich, V. Rev. Michael Dahulich, V. Rev. Stevan Stepanov, V.Rev. Stevo Rocknage, , V. Rev. Rodney Torbic and Rev. Dejan Obradovic.  Also serving was the Bishop's deacon, Rev. Deacon Dragoslav Kosic and Rev. Deacon Zeljko Jurisic.  The clergy sang the responses.         

In his homily, His Grace spoke of the Serbian Orthodox tradition from the time of St.Sava of building and beautifying churches and monasteries. His Grace said the St.Nikodim Chapel existed for the beautification of the souls of the faithful coming to the Chapel. Citing the Gospel reading at the Divine Liturgy, His Grace emphasized the words of the Lord Jesus Christ to: "Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven."(Mt.5:16)

A highlight of the celebration was the blessing of new frescoes and icons adorning the St.Nikodim Chapel. Also, the icononastasis was expanded and completed. His Grace recognized the work of iconographers Miloje Milinkovic and Paul Adams was also recognized for the work he did on the iconastasis.
 
The Ritual of the Cutting of the Slava Cake followed the liturgy with honored Slava kuma Mrs. Smilja Sally Stone.  A luncheon followed the service, during which His Grace thanked everyone for attending, especially their guest Fr. Michael Dahulich, Ph.D,,  Dean of St. Tikhon’s Seminary in South Canaan, Pennsylvania. In his address Fr. Michael mentioned the strong tie between this seminary and the Serbian people as St. Bishop Nicholai Velimirovic had at one time served as dean of this theological institution. In fact, it was at the St. Tikhon Monastery that the holy bishop passed away in the Lord. Fr. Michael welcomed and encouraged His Grace to visit the Seminary as there are a number of Serbian students presently at the Seminary that would greatly benefit from his visit.
 

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[ARCHIVED NEWS] Wednesday, September 6, 2006

100TH ANNIVERSARY AND CONSECRATION

Kansas City, KS - His Grace Bishop Mitrophan of Eastern America joined His Eminence Metropolitan Christopher of the Midwestern Metropolitanate for the Centennial Celebration of the St. George Serbian Orthodox Church in Kansas City from September 1-3, 2006.

This was a milestone in the history of this Serbian parish as it also marked the consecration of their new church in Lenexa, Kansas. Host clergy Fr. Aleksandar Bugarin was joined by visiting clergy in this celebration which began on Friday evening with the Vigil service. Eight priests and one protodeacon served. The following day began with the consecration of the church which was followed by the Holy Hierarchical Divine Liturgy. Serving at the Holy Altar were His Eminence Metropolitan Christopher, His Grace Bishop Mitorphan, assisted by thirteen priests and one protodeacon. Kumovi for the consecration of the new church were Peter and Donna Bajich.

During this most momentous occasion the host priest, Fr. Aleksandar was elevated to the rank of PROTOJEREJ.

Afterwards a luncheon was served, during which there was a perfomance put on by the children, along with folklore and singing. The formal banquet took place that evening at the Doubletree Hotel.

The Holy Hierarchical Divine Liturgy was served the following day with the hierarchs officiating, assisted by five priests and one protodeacon.

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[ARCHIVED NEWS] Monday, August 28, 2006

KOLO FEDERATION CELEBRATES SLAVA IN AKRON

Akron, OH – The Federation (Savez) of Serbian Sisters of the Diocese of Eastern America celebrated the Slava of the Federation on Monday, August 28, 2006, the Feast of the Dormition of the Holy Mother of God. His Grace Bishop Mitrophan of Eastern America officiated at the Holy Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, assisted by V. Rev. Peter Burlakov (ROCOR), V. Rev. Dragoljub Malic (Spiritual Advisor of the Federation), V. Rev. Zvonimir Kotorcevic, host priest Protonamesnik Fr. Dragomir Tuba and Fr. Milovan Katanic.

In the church hall the Slava luncheon began with the Cutting of the Slava Kolach. His Grace, the bishop, in congratulating the Sisters on the occasion of their Slava mentioned how many parishes and church organizations move their slava celebrations to the closest weekend and praised the Federation for their lasting tradition of celebrating their Slava each year on the day of the feast.

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[ARCHIVED NEWS] Wednesday, August 16, 2006

2006 HEALTHCARE DAY HELD AT
ST. GEORGE IN CARMICHAELS


Carmichaels, PA - The St.George Serbian Orthodox Church in Carmicaels, Pennsylvania held the annual Healthcare Day in conjunction with the commemoration of St.Panteliemon the Great Healer.

During the Divine Liturgy on August 13 prayers were offered for living and departed healthcare workers associated with the parish. St.Panteleimon has been taken as the Slava for the Parish Nurse's Office and a Kolach and Koljivo were blessed.

Prior to the annual dinner and program, a Fayette Emergency Medical Services Ambulance was blessed. Mr.Rick Adobato, Director of Fayette EMS has consistently been supportive of and cooperative with the efforts of the St.George Church in recognizing and expressing appreciation for the important work of emergency medical personnel and individuals employed in the field of healthcare.

Aaron Trincia and Jimmy Shashura were the emergency medical staff of the ambulance at the time of  the blessing. Mr.Trincia and Mr.Shashura  were told directly of the importance of their work and the appreciation of the St.George Church for their services.

Millicent Mitzie Hunchuck, Parish Nurse Practioner, greeted the parishioners and friends of the parish in attendance for the dinner and program. Nurse Practioner Hunchuck staffs one of two Serbian Orthodox Parish Nurse's office in the Diocese. The first Parish Nurse's Office in the Diocese is part of Holy Resurrection Serbian Orthodox Church in Steubenville, Ohio. Nurse Practioner Hunchuck  is available throughout the year for the benefit of parishioners at the St.George Church.

Parish Executive Board President Stan Brozik greeted the attendees and spoke of the importance of Healthcare Day in the parish. Sonia Janson, St.George Choir and Circle of Serbian Sisters President emphasized the importance and value of praying to St.Panteleimon.

Orthodonist Dr.Dan Pyevich, President of the Serbian National Federation, made a surprise visit to St.George Church to attend the Divine Liturgy. As a healthcare professional, it was fitting for Dr.Pyevich to be in attendance at the blessing of the ambulance, the dinner and the program.
 
Dr.Pyevich spoke of the prayers offered at the St.George Church for the benefit of the Serb National Federation and of an enjoyable visit previously for a St.George picnic. He spoke of his familiarity with Executive Board President Brozik, Mr. Brozik having participated in SNF activities for many years.
 
Djelosh Jerry Milosevich, Aaron Carson, George Ben Gapen, Maria Djonovich, Mildred Bezjak, Linda Porter and Dr.Anatoli Peredera read of the lives of saints relevant to the Healthcare Day.  Readings included the lives of St.Panteleimon(July 27/August 9), St.Luke(October 18/31) and the three sets of Sts. Cosmas and Damian.(July 1/14, October 17/30, November 1/14).
 
Father Dimitre Dimitrov of Nativity of Blessed Virgin Mary Orthodox Church in Masontown, Matuska Dimitrova and son Kyril, came to St.George Church for the blessing of the ambulance, the dinner and program. Father Dimitre joined in the blessing of the ambulance, the blessing of the dinner and greeted the attendees in behalf of the Nativity of Blessed Virgin Mary Orthodox Church.
 
Greetings were received for Healthcare Day from Ashley Newton, Project Coordinator and Manager, on behalf of The EMMES Corporation, a data and statistical research firm for biomedical and clinical research, located in Rockville, Maryland; Larisa Demshuk, MSW Clinical Social Worker, Cedars-Sinai Outpatient Cancer Center at the Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute; Fayette EMS paramedic Tom Kornick and Forbes Hospital Ambulance Dispatcher and speech therapist graduate student and Scott Newton, RN, BSN, CCRN, EMT-P Supervisor, Critical Care Transport Team,University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore, Maryland. Luann Yancich, RN working in a major hospital in Houston, Texas expressed her hopes that Healthcare Day was a success.
 
The development of a healthcare library at the St.George Church has been enhanced by a recent contribution in memory of Sally Bosnic Honsaker.
 
Parishioners of the St.George Church with a history of work in healthcare in addition to Mitzie Hunchuck include Paulette  Radock, Christiana Sivak, Norma Hickman, Pearl Zivkovich, Linda Porter, Mildred Bezjak, and Mildred Zorman. Dr. Louis Yanchich, Dr.John Yanchich and Luann
Yancich are two brothers and a sister, all involved in healthcare maintaining a connection to the St.George Church.

Jennifer Kornick and husband Tom Kornick were married in the St.George Church during Healthcare Week two years ago. The Kornicks have been consistent supporters of the Healthcare Day. Dorothy Bozick, Kathryn Sage and recently departed Dolores Zivkovich logged many hours of volunteer services at Brownsville Hospital.
 
With the Archpastoral Blessings of Diocesan Bishop, His Grace Bishop Dr.MITROPHAN, each year since 1999 in conjunction with the commemoration of St.Panteleimon, the St.George Church has paused to express appreciation for the men and women working in the field emergency medical services and healthcare generally. Throughout the year, medical services are needed by parishioners and at times on an emergency basis. We need to regularly thank these men and work for their hard and dedicated work and for the development of skills that can be life saving. "And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, returned, and with a loud voice glorified God, and fell down on his face at His feet, giving Him thanks."(Lk.17:15-16)         

Father Rodney Torbic
Parish Priest 

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[ARCHIVED NEWS] Friday, August 11, 2006

19th TRIENNIAL SABOR HELD IN DETROIT, MICHIGAN

Detroit, MI – Read more about the 19th Triennial Sabor held in Detroit on the website of the Serbian Orthodox Church in America and Canada.

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[ARCHIVED NEWS] Friday, August 11, 2006

CLERGY BROTHERHOOD OF US AND CANADA MEET IN DETROIT, MICHIGAN

Detroit, MI – On Tuesday, August 9, 2006 the Clergy Brotherhood of the Serbian Orthodox Church in the United States and Canada held their annual meeting at the Cathedral of the Holy Prince Lazar the Great Martyr in Detroit, Michigan.

The day’s events began early in the morning with the morning Matins service which was followed by a breakfast. Joining the clergy were His Eminence Metropolitan Christopher and the newly enthroned Bishop Maxim of Western America. His Eminence opened the morning session welcoming special guest His Eminence Metropolitan Isaiah of the Greek Metropolis of Denver. Metropolitan Isaiah began the first part of the annual clergy gathering with a lecture on the theme taken from St. Paul’s words “Consider your call brethren…” (I Cor. 1:26). Many aspects from the everyday life of the clergy were addressed which in the end brought forth a lively discussion.

Following the luncheon the clergy gathered once again for the second part of the day’s agenda, the annual meeting. Metropolitan Christopher opened the meeting with his words of welcome to attending hierarchs and clergy. Joining the bishops for the afternoon session was Bishop Mitrophan of Eastern America. The meeting was run by assembly President V. Rev. Nedeljko Lunich and was conducted in brotherly love. The clergy touched on many issues and the discussion carried them until the late afternoon hours when the meeting was closed and the hierarchs and clergy proceeded to the church for Vespers.

The following day the 19th Triennial Church Assembly-Sabor of the Serbian Orthodox Church in the US and Canada officially began.

[For the Eastern Diocesan Website, Rev. Milovan Katanic.]

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[ARCHIVED NEWS] Monday, August 7, 2006

DIOCESAN DAYS WEEKEND AT SHADELAND

Shadeland, PA - With the arrival of His Grace Bishop Mitrophan of Eastern America at Shadeland on Saturday, August 5, 2006 the third annual Diocesan Days for the Diocese of Eastern America officially began.

The first day began with lectures presented to both children and adults. Camp director, Fr. Zivojin Javkovljevic filled in for slated speaker Milena Bizic. Following this presentation V. Rev. Stevo Rocknage also spoke, giving a very energetic talk on spirituality to the children.

V. Rev. Stavrofor Mateja Matejic gave a detailed and thought provoking lecture on Orthodoxy and Serbian culture and history. This was followed by a talk given by Fr. Aleksa Micich.

Rev. Zoran Radovic served the Vespers service later that afternoon. He was assisted by Rev. Deacon Milan Medakovic. The choir Serb Wings from Steelton, PA sang the responses. Following the dinner the Serb Wings choir began the evening's program with a mini concert which was enjoyed by all. The campers treated all those in attendance with a fabulous play dealing with the Battle of Kosovo.

Sunday’s schedule of events began with the morning’s Holy Hierarchical Divine Liturgy. Joining Bishop Mitrophan was His Grace Bishop Longin of the New Gracanica Diocese. Assisting the two hierarchs at the liturgical celebration were seventeen diocesan clergy and two deacons. Also serving was Hierodeacon Fr. Seraphim of the New Gracanica Diocese. There other diocesan clergy were present at the liturgy but did not serve. The Serb Wings choir piously sang the responses. At certain parts in the liturgy they were joined by the St. Sava campers who, under the Serb Wings choir director Nina Radanovic, filled the church with their young, talented voices.

Following the liturgy the hierarchs led the campers and all the faithful to the newest addition to the Shadeland complex, the new cabins, which were blessed by Bishop Longin. After lunch the campers put on their traditional program showcasing their many musical talents in playing traditional Serbian instruments as well as singing and dancing. At the beginning of the program

Bishop Mitrophan addressed all those in attendance reminding them of the holy gospel that was heard at the morning’s liturgy in which Christ fed the five thousand with five loaves and two fish. The bishop pointed out that this miracle Christ performs every day and at every hour when He gives us His air to breathe and His water to drink and all the many blessings we receive somewhat unnoticeably. In this same way the bishop pointed out that everything we have in Shadeland is our gift from God. He thanked all those who helped in running the camp season, from the Sisters, the priests, camp director Fr. Zivojin Jakovljevic, the counselors and most especially all the many campers gathered there that hot afternoon saying that without them all of this would be empty.

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[ARCHIVED NEWS] Thursday, August 3, 2006

BISHOP MITROPHAN VISITS SHADELAND CAMP
FOR THE FEAST OF ST. ELIJAH THE PROPHET

Shadeland, PA - On Wednesday, August 2, 2006, on the feast of the Holy Prophet Elijah, His Grace Bishop Mitrophan of Eastern America attended the Divine Liturgy at Shadeland Camp. Serving the Divine Liturgy were the clergy assigned for the third week of camp, Fr. Milovan Katanic and Fr. Isak Kisin. Also serving was Fr. Deacon Dragoslav Kosic. The children sang the responses at the liturgy.

Following the service His Grace, the bishop, visited with the children. There were sixty eight campers the thrid week of camp.

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[ARCHIVED NEWS] Monday, July 31, 2006

MONASTERY MARCHA CELEBRATES SLAVA
 
Richfield, OH – On Saturday, July 29, 2006 the Monastery of the Holy Archangel Gabriel, Monastery Marcha in Richfield, Ohio festively celebrated their Slava. His Grace Bishop Mitrophan of Eastern America officiated at the Holy Hierachical Divine Liturgy, assisted by a number of diocesan clergy.

Savo and Marsha Cugalj of the St. Stephen the First Martyr parish in Lackawanna were kumovi. Savo is the Vice President of the Diocesan Council. 

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[ARCHIVED NEWS] Thursday, Julyl 27, 2006

NEW CHURCH AND PROPERTY IN NORTH CAROLINA
 
Kernersville, NC – His Grace Bishop Mitrophan of Eastern America visited the parish of St. Vasilije of Ostrog in Kernersville, North Carolina on Wednesday, July 26, 2006. The purpose of the bishop’s brief visit to this parish was to view the new property and the proposed plans for the church building.

Parish priest Fr. Dragan Zaric and parishioners were recently approached by developers interested in purchasing their current property. Having made an offer on the church property an agreement was finally made for the St. Vasilje parish to move from their current location to another location, also owned by the aforementioned developers, and according to the agreement, the developers would, in addition, build them a church.

During his brief stay Bishop Mitrophan viewed the new property and the church plans for which he gave his archpastoral blessings. Construction on the church is slated for this fall. 

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[ARCHIVED NEWS] Friday, July 24, 2006

CAMP FULL FIRST WEEK

Shadeland, PA - The Diocesan Camp of St. Sava in Shadeland, Pa began with a full plate. A total of 72 children signed up for the first week. Three priests were assigned that week - Fr.Djokan Majstorovic, Fr. Rodney Torbic and Fr. Aleksandar Vlajkovic. Eight counselors were on hand to work with the kids while ten volunteers stayed to help in the kitchen and around the camp.

As usual, His Grace Bishop Mitrophan of Eastern America made his weekly visit to the campers. His visit on the first week was early in the morning. He attended morning prayers with the children, breakfast and stayed for the religious classes where His Grace was on hand to answer the campers questions.

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[ARCHIVED NEWS] Friday, July 21, 2006

ATLANTA PARISH CELEBRATES CHURCH SLAVA

Atlanta, GA - The Serbian Orthodox Church of Sts. Peter and Paul in Atlanta, Georgia celebrated their Church Slava on Sunday, July 16, 2006. His Grace Bishop Mitrophan of Eastern America officiated at the Holy Hierarchical Divine Liturgy. Assiting His Grace were Fr. Milovan Katanic, the former priest of this parish, and the host clergy Fr. Sasa Turkic.

The kumovi and hosts of this year's Slava celebration were parishioners

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[ARCHIVED NEWS] Friday, July 7, 2006

FRESCOE EXHIBIT AT ST. SAVA CHURCH IN BOSTON

Boston, MA - With the blessings of His Grace Bishop Mitrophan of Eastern America an exhibit of frescoes and replica-frescoes from the Serbian monasteries of Kosovo and Methohija was held at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church in Boston, MA.  

It was yet another traditional frescoe exhibit of the students of the Serbian Orthodox Church Academy for the Arts and Preservation of Professor Goran Janicijevic. Thanks to the efforts of parish priest V. Rev. Aleksandar Vlajkovic and the Boston parishioners, this exhibit was made possible for the first time in Boston, after being in Belgrade and Munich.

The exhibit was formally opened on Friday, June 30, 2006 as Fr. Aleksandar Vlajkovic welcomed the guests from Serbia. Afterwards, Professor Goran Janicijevic spoke of the Academy of the Serbian Orthodox Church, of the exhibit dedicated to Kosovo and Metohija as well as the efforts of the students and professors of the Academy in the field of iconography, renovation and preservation of frescoes. Finally, Mrs. Silvana Hadzi Djokic spoke of the work in renovating the destroyed and damaged churches and monasteries in Kosovo and Metohija and the efforts taken by both the Serbian Church and State. As the representative of the Ministry of Culture of the Government of the Serbian Republic Mrs. Hadzi Djokic answered many questions after her lecture. Following the lecture the Boston parishioners were able to view the exhibit and speak with the professors about contemporary Serbian iconography.

The dean of the Academy, Protojerej-Stavrophor Radomir Popovic served Vespers on Saturday evening. On Sunday Fr. Radomir and Fr. Zeljko Djuric con-celebrated with Fr. Aleksandar at the Divine Liturgy. A parastos for all Serbian soldiers since the Kosovo Battle was served following liturgy. Fr. Zeljko Djuric spoke of the necessity of knowing the theological significance of the Kosovo Testament and cited the Gospel text that was directly connnected with it.

Following the service Fr. Radomir gave a lecture in the church hall on the history of the Serbian Orthodox Church with special mention of the Battle of Kosovo and the period of Turkish rule on Serbian lands. Fr. Radomir spoke of the martyrdom of Prince Lazar and the Serbian nation all of which he tied with the Christ's suffering and His resurrection. At the end of the lecture, Fr. Radomir mentioned that the answer of contemporary Christians to the challenges of this day must be evangelical since Christ is the same yesterday, today and unto all the ages of ages.

The representatives of the Academy are grateful to their hosts Fr. Aleksandar Vlajkovic, his Protinica Vera and the entire Boston parish for their Christian welcome and hospitality.

The frescoe exhibit is moving to New York where it will formally open on the Feast of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist, Friday, July 7, 2006 and last until Sunday, July 9th.

Ivica Cairovic

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[ARCHIVED NEWS] Friday, July 7, 2006

CONGRATULATIONS TO FR. DRAGOMIR AND FAMILY

Congratulations to Fr. Dragomir, Popadija Kristina Tuba and their family on the newest addition to their family:

LAZAR TUBA
9 lbs; 20 1/2 inches
Born: Thursday, July 6, 2006

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[ARCHIVED NEWS] Wednesday, July 5, 2006

NEW FRESCOES AT DIOCESAN CHAPEL

Mars, PA - Work on the frescoes at the St. Nikodim Diocesan Chapel are in progress. Iconographer Miloje Milinkovic has completed three frescoes over the weekend: the Theotokos "wider than the heavens", St. Sava and St. Nikodim. Miloje is assited by Milos Markovic, seminarian from St. Sava School in Libertyville.

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[ARCHIVED NEWS] Tuesday, July 4, 2006

WASHINGTON DEANERY CLERGY DISCUSS CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

Elizabeth, NJ - Priests of the Washington Deanery met at St.George Serbian Orthodox Church in Elizabeth, New Jersey on June 24, 2006. The meeting was scheduled and attended by His Grace Bishop Dr.MITROPHAN, Diocesan Bishop. The Divine Liturgy was celebrated before the meeting.

Dean Protopresbyter Stavrofor Srboljub Jockovich and host priest Father Zoran Radovic graciously welcomed the Deanery priests in attendance.

Protonamesnik Ivan Marjanovic from the Synaxis of Serbian Saints Mission Parish was designated by His Grace Bishop Dr.MITROPHAN to be the speaker on Christian Education.

Following discussion of Father Marjanovic's presentation, reports from the following parishes were reviewed: Synaxis of Serbian Saints-Portland, Maine; St.Sava-Boston; St.Sava-New York City; St.John the Baptist-Paterson, New Jersey; St.George-Elizabeth, New Jersey; St.Nicholas-Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; St.Nicholas-Steelton, Pennsylvania; St.Luke-Washington D.C.

Washington Deanery priests in attendance in addition to those mentioned
were: Protopresbyter Djokan Majstorovic, Protopresbyter Toma Stojsich, Protopresbyter Sinisa Jocic, and Reverend Father Aleksa Micich.

Protopresbyter Stavrofor Predrag Micic, a Dean of the New Gracanica Metropolitanate also was an active participant.

Protonica Jockovich, Popadija Marjanovic, and Popadija Radovic were present as were parishioners from the parish in Elizabeth. Popadija Slavojka Micich and Popadija Savka Micich also came to the St.George Church.

Christian Education is very important in the Eastern American Diocese.

Meetings are scheduled by His Grace Bishop Dr.MITROPHAN on a regular basis in the various Deaneries of the Diocese to improve and strengthen existing efforts.

Father Rodney Torbic

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[ARCHIVED NEWS] Monday, July 3, 2006

FIRST ST. PETERSBURGH DEANERY MEETING ON CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

Jacksonville, FL - His Grace Bishop Dr.MITROPHAN scheduled the First Annual Deanery Meeting on Christian Education for the St.Petersburg Deanery to be held on Saturday July 1 at St.King Milutin Mission Parish, Jacksonville, Florida.

The day began with the very well attended Divine Liturgy. Following the lunch in the church hall, host priest Father Stanislav Kravljaca warmly welcomed the attendees.

Protopresbyter Stephen Zaremba, Dean of the St.Petersburg Deanery was assigned by His Grace as the designated speaker on Christian Education for this first Deanery Meeting.

The St.Petersburg Deanery consists of parishes in Jacksonville, St.Petersburg, Orlando and North Miami, Florida; Atlanta, Georgia; and Greensboro and Charlotte, North Carolina.

Reports were received from each of the parishes on the plans and programs for Christian Education.

Priests in attendance in addition to Proto Zaremba and Father Kravljaca, included Father Dragan Zaric, Father Ljubisa Brnjos, and Father Sasa Turkic. Protnica Zaremba, Popadija Brnjos and Popadija Kravljaca attended.

Teachers and interested individuals present at the meeting were very attentive.

His Grace Bishop Dr.MITROPHAN made the long journey from the Diocesan Center in Mars, Pennsylvania demonstrating by His presence and participation the importance of Christian Education in the St.Petersburg Deanery and throughout the Diocese.

Father Rodney Torbic

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[ARCHIVED NEWS] Monday, July 3, 2006

HELPERS AT MONASTERY MARCHA

Richfield, OH - Mother Ana and Sister Barbara at Monastery March in Richfield, Ohio were grateful to receive both visitors and helpers on Saturday, July 1, 2006. Everyone gathered in the holy church in the morning for the Divine Liturgy served by Fr. Milovan Katanic and Fr. Drazen Tupanjanin. A small, pious group of faithful attended the Divine Liturgy where they partook of the Holy Gifts.

Following the service a small group of hard working parishioners from the Holy Trinity Orthodox Church (OCA) in Cleveland came to work on small projects around the monastery including painting and light carpentry around the house. The group included children from the Sunday School. They have plans on coming back to the monastery to do more work.

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[ARCHIVED NEWS] Saturday, June 10, 2006

FROM CHILDREN IN STEELTON TO THE CHILDREN OF KOSOVO

Steelton, PA - Congratulations to the Church School students for exceeding their goal! The Church School raised funds during the Lenten Season to assist other children needing assistance in Kosovo. The total amount raised was $1633.59!!! WOW!!!

The students raised this money through money jars placed in the Church School classrooms and a luncheon at the church. Mr. Luke Jacob’s class collected the largest amount of money in their jar. Congratulations for a job well done!

The original goal of the students was $500. This goal was immediately met and raised to $1000 when the students prepared and served a luncheon to the parishioners. The students made over $700 at this event.The students did an excellent job from preschool to high school. Our high school students prepared the meal, whilethe preschoolers greeted everyone at the door to take their free-will offering. They were the perfect door greeters!Our grade school students assisted with preparation, setting the tables, preparing the dinner and serving the meal toour parishioners. They are certainly ready for the catering business! In addition, our St. Sava Youth Choir sang The Lord’s Prayer with Father Srboljub’s blessing of the meal. Their angelic voices added so much to the atmosphere of the event. If you have not yet heardthem sing during the year, you have missed a great group that will soon be the future of our church!Thank you to all of our students, families and parishioners for supporting this worthy cause to help these desperately needy children of Kosovo.

V. Rev. Stavrofor Srboljub Jockovich
Church School Students
Church School Teachers

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[ARCHIVED NEWS] Friday, June 2, 2006

75th CHORAL FESTIVAL HELD IN DETROIT

Detroit, MI - The 75th Annual Choir Festival was held last weekend, May 26-28, 2006 in Detroit, Michigan, home of the S.S.F. headquarters and library. Of the twenty-eight choirs in attendance ten were from parishes of the Eastern Diocese: Canton, Cleveland, Steubenville, Aliquippa, Atlanta, Midland, Johnstown, Monroeville, Pittsburgh and Tzar Lazar.

Special recognition was given to the S.S.S. Njegos Cleveland choir as well as their choir director Milan Damljanovic.

For full article click here.

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[ARCHIVED NEWS] Monday, May 8, 2006

HERMITAGE PARISH CELEBRATES SLAVA

Hermitage, PA – On Sunday, May 7, 2006 the St. George the Great Martyr Serbian Orthodox Church in Hermitage, PA celebrated their Patron Saint, their Church Slava. Divine Liturgy was celebrated by the parish priest Fr. Milovan Katanic who was assisted by Fr. Deacon Milan Medakovic of the St. Sava Cathedral in Cleveland, Ohio. The Slava procession, Litija, followed the liturgy after which the parishioners enjoyed the Slava luncheon which officially began with the Cutting of the Slava Kolach. Kumovi were Milovan and Kata Ivanovic.

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[ARCHIVED NEWS] Friday, May 5, 2006

SCOBA AT ST. SAVA CATHEDRAL IN NEW YORK

New York, NY – On Tuesday, May 2, 2006 the St. Sava Cathedral in New York was honored to host the annual SCOBA Meeting, the gathering of the hierarchs of all canonical Orthodox Churches in America.

Attending this event were: Greek Orthodox Archbishop Dimitrios, Serbian Orthodox Metropolitan Christopher, Romanian Orthodox Archbishop Nicolae, Ukrainian Orthodox Archbishop Anthony, Bulgarian Metropolitan Joseph, Antiochian Orthodox Bishop Basil (filling in for Metropolitan Philip), representative of the Orthodox Church of America (OCA) V. Rev. David Brum and the general secretary of SCOBA Bishop Dimitrios Xantos.

Besides the regular business, the hierarchs were briefed on the theme, lecturers and coordinators of the upcoming conference of all Orthodox Bishops in America, scheduled for October 3-6, 2006 in Chicago, IL.

The hierarchs touched on a number of topics ranging from missionary work, Pan-Orthodox activities and con-celebrations. Another topic discussed was the plight of the suffering Serbian people in Kosovo and Metohija to which His Eminence Archbishop Dimitrios mentioned the recent visit of the official delegation of the Serbian Orthodox Church to the United States and their visit with members of SCOBA during their stay here.

The host of this gathering, His Eminence Metropolitan Christopher of Midwestern America welcomed all the hierarchs and thanked the dean of the St. Sava Cathedral V. Rev. Djokan Majstorovic and Rev. Zivko Velimirovic as well as the Church Board for their warm welcome.

A tasty luncheon with Serbian specialties was served by the Serbian Sisters following the meeting. At the end Fr. Djokan thanked all the hierarchs for this great honor that was bestowed upon the St. Sava church in New York which is temporarily being renovated. Afterwards, he led the hierarchs to the church where he gave them a brief history of the church and the Serbian community in New York.

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[ARCHIVED NEWS] Monday, May 1, 2006

STUDENT CHOIR IN CLEVELAND

Cleveland, OH – On Thursday, April 27, 2006 the St. Sava School of Theology Student Choir performed at St. Sava Cathedral in Parma. They performed sacred church music in the church which was followed by a dinner in the main hall sponsored by the Kolo Sisters.

V. Rev. Milos Vesin, the director of the choir and Professor of Serbian Chant, announced the program. There were sixteen students all together which were housed by the parishioners. Host clergy, Rev. Zivojin Jakovljevic announced the group and gave background information and introduced and welcomed special guest His Grace Bishop of Eastern America Dr. Mitrophan. Other clergy in attendance were Rev. Milan Zobenica, Protojerej-Stavrophor Vasiljie Sokolovic, V. Rev. Janko Rajlic, Rev. Dragomir Tuba and Fr. Peter Burlokov from St. Sergius Russian Church of Cleveland. Also attending were Mother Ana and Sister Barbara from Monastery Marcha.

The dinner was well attended with some 100 parishioners present at both the concert and dinner. The president of the Church-School congregation Dr. Branimir Simic Glavaski spoke as well as His Grace, the bishop. Over $7,000 was collected by the generous attendees of the dinner.

The following morning the group had coffee and refreshments at Fr. Zivojin’s house and spoke of their many experiences at Libertyville. The faithful of St. Sava in Parma are hopeful that this talented group of young seminarians, future priests.

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[ARCHIVED NEWS] Monday, May 1, 2006

ST. SAVA SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY STUDENT CHOIR VISITS MONASTERY MARCHA

Richfield, OH - The St. Sava School of Theology Student Choir during their recent visit to the parishes of the Eastern American Diocese visited Monastery Marcha on Friday, April, 28, 2006, Bright Friday. The choir, led by V. Rev. Milos Vesin, Professor of Serbian chant at the school and director of the student choir, sang in the church and spent some time talking with Mother Ana and Sister Barbara before they continued their trip to Pennsylvania.

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[ARCHIVED NEWS] Monday, May 1, 2006

CHILDREN FROM AKRON PARISH VISIT MONASTERY

Richfield, OH - Bright week ended on a very high note at Monastery Marcha as they were visited by the children of St. Archangel Michael parish from Akron, Ohio. The visit began with the Akathist to the Resurrection, followed by activities for the children including painting flowers, collecting flowers to decorate the icons and other arts and crafts. The hightlight of the day was their conversation with Mother Ana.

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[ARCHIVED NEWS] Wednesday, April 26, 2006

PASCHA CELEBRATIONS COVERED BY LOCAL NEWSPAPER

Diocesan Office - Pascha, referred to as the feast of Feasts in the Orthodox Church, was festively celebrated throughout our Eastern American Diocese.

His Grace Bishop of Eastern America Dr. Mitrophan officiated at the Resurrection Matins at St. Elijah Serbian Orthodox Church in Aliquippa while on Sunday morning His Grace, the bishop, officiated at the Holy Hierarchical Divine Liturgy at St. George Serbian Orthodox Church in Midland, PA.

The sisterhood at Monastery Marcha was very blessed this year to have the Serb Wings Choir from Steelton, PA visiting them. The choir sang at the Resurrection Matins, at the Divine Liturgy and the Vespers Sunday afternoon.

In the Boston church of St. Sava this was the most festive Pascha celebration to date. There were services everyday during Great and Holy Week. On Pascha some 600 parishioners attended the service at their 500 seat capacity church. 350 stayed for the luncheon following.

VIEW THE SLIDESHOW BELOW.

In the case of one of our parishes, the St. Nicholas Serbian Orthodox Church in Steelton, the local newspaper, the Patriot-News, covered their celebration.

Click here for the full story.

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[ARCHIVED NEWS] Saturday, April 22 2006

READING OF TWELVE PASSION GOSPELS IN NEW YORK

Lackawanna, NY - On April 19, 2006, Great and Holy Thursday, His Grace Bishop of Eastern America Dr. Mitrophan officiated at the Matins service with the Reading of the 12 Passion Gospels at St. Stephen the Protomartyr Serbian Orthodox Church in Lackawanna, New York. Assisting His Grace, the bishop, was host clergy V. Rev. Rastko Trbuhovich.

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[ARCHIVED NEWS] Wednesday, April 19, 2006

BISHOP MITROPHAN AT MONASTERY MARCHA
ON PALM SUNDAY

Richfield, OH – His Grace Bishop of Eastern America Dr. Mitrophan officiated at the Holy Hierarchical Divine Liturgy on Sunday, April 16, 2006, Palm Sunday, at Monastery Marcha.

During this past Lenten season the sisterhood of the Holy Archangel Gabriel has been grateful to V. Rev. Zvonko Kotorcevic who has served the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts on Fridays while Rev. Zivojin Jakovljevic served on Wednesdays. Additionally, Rev. Drazen Tupanjanin served liturgies on the Saturdays of Lent. They are also grateful to Fr. Dragomir Tuba who served Vespers on the eve of the Annunciation, to Fr. Theodore Jurewicz (ROCOR) for serving Vespers on Sunday evenings, Fr. Milorad Orlic who served Vespers occasionally and also the Canon of St. Andrew the Crete as well as V. Rev. Rodney Torbic who heard confessions.

While Fr. Zvonko Kotorcevic serves regularly on Sundays at the monastery the sisterhood were joyous in welcoming His Grace, the bishop, for the great Feast of the Triumphant Entry of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ into Jerusalem.

Glory be to God for all things!

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[ARCHIVED NEWS] Sunday, April 16, 2006

PALM SUNDAY LENTEN VESPERS
AT ST. GEORGE IN HERMITAGE

Hermitage, PA – The Lenten Vespers, served each Sunday evening during the Great Fast, came to an official close last night, the Sunday evening of Palm Sunday. His Grace Bishop of Eastern America, Dr. +Mitrophan joined the clergy of the Cleveland Deanery for the service at St. George Serbian Orthodox Church in Hermitage, PA. A total of thirteen priests and two deacons took part in the Vespers service which included, besides the Deanery clergy, priests from the neighboring New Gracanica Diocese as well as the local Pan Orthodox clergy.

The evening’s homilist, Rev. Dragomir Tuba of St. Archangel Michael Serbian Orthodox Church in Akron, Ohio, spoke of the feast of our Lord’s Triumphant Entry into Jerusalem and of the events the church will be commemorating on the days of Passion Week, which are before us.

During the Lenten meal which followed the service a collection was made benefiting the St. Sava School of Theology in Libertyville, Illinois.

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[ARCHIVED NEWS] Wednesday, April 12, 2006

STS. PETER AND PAUL CHURCH
HOSTS DEANERY MEETING


Atlanta, GA - His Grace Bishop Dr.MITROPHAN, Diocesan Bishop, travelled to Saints Peter and Paul Serbian Orthodox Church in Atlanta, Georgia on April 12, 2006, the day of Holy Confession for priests of the St.Petersburg Deanery. His Grace celebrated the Holy Hierarchical Liturgy of Presanctified Gifts on April 12, 2006 and and met afterwards with clergy of the Deanery.

The St.Petersburg Deanery consists of the parish in Atlanta, the North Carolina parishes in Greensboro and Charlotte and the Florida parishes in St.Petersburg, Orlando, Jacksonville, and North Miami.

Priests of the Deanery include Dean Protopresbyter Stephen Zaremba, Protopresbyter Svetozar Veselinovich, Reverend Father Dragan Zarich, Reverend Father Ljubisa Brnjos, Reverend Father Sasha Turkic and Reverend Father Stanislav Kravljaca.

Protopresbyters Zaremba and Torbic served with His Grace with Protopresbyter Veselinovich, Fathers Zaric, Brnjos, Turkic and Kravljaca singing the responses during the Liturgy.
Protopresbyter Torbic was the confessor.

The St.Petersburg Deanery is one of four Deaneries of the Diocese located in the United States. A fifth Deanery is located in South America.

Host priest Father Sasha Turkic and the parishioners of Saints Peter and Paul Church in Atlanta were very hospitable and attentive. A well-prepared lenten dinner was served.

His Grace Bishop Dr.MITROPHAN emphasized the importance of baptizing young Serbian children that they may grow from infancy in the Holy Serbian Orthodox Church

Father Turkic gave a sermon at the conclusion of the Liturgy and felt the parish was honored as being the host.

Father Rodney Torbic

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[ARCHIVED NEWS] Monday, April 8, 2006

PRESENTATION GIVEN BY DR. PREDRAG MATEJIC
AT ST. STEPHEN IN COLUMBUS

Columbus, OH – On Sunday April 9, 2006 Dr. Predrag Matejic, of the Hilandar Reseach Library at the Ohio State University in Columbus, gave a presentation to the parishioners of St. Stephen of Dechani Serbian Church after the Divine Liturgy.

In the presentation, titled “Serbian Kings and Princes: A Heritage of Sainthood”, Dr. Matejic spoke of the holy Nemanjic dynasty, of their endowments of the holy monasteries that they built and the catastrophic state they are in presently. He stressed the fact that those holy sites, the holy monasteries, suffered more destruction and turmoil during the so-called “peaceful mission” than throughout the centuries of their existence.

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[ARCHIVED NEWS] Thursday, April 6, 2006

CLERGY CONFESSION HELD AT DIOCESE

Diocesan Headquarters, Mars, PA - On Wednesday, April 5, 2006 clergy and monastics from the Pittsburgh, Cleveland and Washington deaneries assembled at the Diocesan headquarters in Mars, PA for the Holy Mystery of Confession. Confessions were heard by V. Rev. Stavrophor Dr. Mateja Matejic and began promptly at 8 am.

At 10am the Holy Hierarchical Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts began with His Grace Bishop of Eastern America Dr. +Mitrophan officiated. He was assisted by the Episcopal Deputy V. Rev. Stavrophor Nedeljko Grgurevic, V. Rev. Stavrophor Janko Rajlic, V. Rev. Stavrophor Stevan Stepanov and V. Rev. Stavrophor Srboljub Jockovic. Also serving was the Rev. Deacon Dragoslav Kosic.

His Grace gave an inspiring and significant homily to the clergy on the essence of the holy forty days of the fasts, pointing out that whenever change is spoken of, as is the case with the lenten season, it must start from within. Thereby, the bishop reminded the clergy not only of their responsibility of preaching the faith but, more importantly, of the importance of their own struggles and podvigs for their salvation.

Following the service a meal was served after which the Bishop took the opportunity to discuss some issues with the gathered clergy.

Clergy Confession for the St. Petersburg Deanery will take place on Wednesday, April 12, 2006 at Sts. Peter and Paul Serbian Orthodox Church in Atlanta, Georgia

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[ARCHIVED NEWS] Monday, April 3, 2006

CHOIR CONCERT BENEFITS MONASTERY MARCHA

Carmichaels, PA - The Serb Wings Choir from St.Nicholas Serbian Orthodox Church in Steelton, Pennsylvania came to St.George Serbian Orthodox Church in Carmichaels to sing for Vespers on Saturday April 1 and at the Divine Liturgy on Sunday April 2, 2006. Following the Divine Liturgy and dinner prepared by the Circle of Serbian Sisters, Serb Wings sang a selection of church songs proper for the time of Great Lent. Nina Radanovich directs Serb Wings.

Additional members include Milan Radanovich, Christopher and Evgenia Radonovich, Jane Svitchan and Kate Nation. This is the second time Serb Wings came to St.George Church, having made the long journey a few years ago. Executive Board President Stan Brozik welcomed the singers. Dr.Ivko Dimitric, Executive Board Vice President spoke of the power and influence church music has in making us better people. Sonia Janson, Choir and Kolo President, thank Serb Wings for coming again and asked the choir to return in the future to sing for a Sunday evening Lenten Vespers.

Members of Serb Wings are active Serbian Orthodox Christian witnessing to Jesus Christ in their travels. They are busy young people taking the Church seriously and making the Church an important part of their lives. Funds raised by Serb Wings go to benefit Monastery Marcha in Richfield, Ohio, the women's monastery of the Eastern America Diocese of the Serbian Orthodox Church.

V. Rev. Rodney Torbic

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[ARCHIVED NEWS] Monday, March 20, 2006

FIRST ORDINATION IN FLORIDA

St. Petersburg, FL - For the first time in the history of the Serbian Orthodox Church in America, an ordination to the Holy Priesthood was held in a parish in Florida.

On Sunday, March 19, 2006, the St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church in St. Petersburg, FL , His Grace Dr. Mitrophan, with the assistance of Prota Miloje Raicevic, Prota Stephen Zaremba and Fr. Ljubisa Brnjos, ordained Deacon Stanislav Kravljaca to the Holy Priesthood. Fr. Stanislav is a graduate of the St. Sava School of Theology in Libertyville, IL and will be appointed the first parish priest of the St. King Milutin parish in Jacksonville, FL.

Before the beginning of the Divine Liturgy, Bishop Mitrophan tonsured Selimir Vagic, a first year student at the St. Sava School of Theology, reader.

After the Divine Liturgy, on the occasion of the first slava of the Serbian School of St. nikolai of Serbia at St. Sava parish in St. Petersburg, St Bishop Mitrophan cut the slavski kolac. The hosts (domacini) were Sandra Rakovic and Neven Jovanovic.

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[ARCHIVED NEWS] Monday, March 20, 2006

BISHOP MITROPHAN VISITS ERIE MISSION

Shadeland, PA – His Grace Bishop of Eastern America Dr. +Mitrophan visited the mission parish of Erie and officiated at the Holy Hierarchical Divine Liturgy on the feast of St. Nicholai of Zicha and Ohrid, Saturday, March 18, 2006.

Assisting His Grace were V. Rev. Rastko Trbuhovich, V. Rev. Rodney Torbic, Rev. Milovan Katanic, Fr. Deacon Milan Medakovic and Diocesan Secretary Fr. Deacon Dragoslav Kosic. Parishioners from the Hermitage and Lackawanna parishes attended the liturgy. Following the service a lenten luncheon was served.

This small mission parish, dedicated to St. Nicholai of Zicha, was established in September 2004. They meet on a regular monthly basis for services. Liturgies are served one Saturday a month while a Readers Service is served monthly on Sundays. Although His Grace has visited the mission in the past this was the first time he celebrated the Divine Liturgy to the great joy of the parishioners.

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[ARCHIVED NEWS] Monday, March 20, 2006

AKRON HOSTS DEANERY VESPERS

Akron, OH - The St. Archangel Michael Serbian Orthodox Church in Akron, Ohio hosted the Lenten Vespers for the Cleveland Deanery on the second Sunday of Lent, the Sunday of St. Gregory Palamas.

Nine priests served at the Vespers. The clergy from the Cleveland Deanery were joined by priests: V. Rev. Peter Burlakov and Fr. Ilia Marzev of St. Sergius Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russian. Also in attendance was V. Rev. Stavrofor Vasilije Sokolovic.

Three deacons took part in the evening Vespers. Rev. Milovan Katanic of St. George Serbian Church in Hermitage, PA was the homilist. Following the service a lenten meal was served in the church hall.

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[ARCHIVED NEWS] Monday, March 13, 2006

SUNDAY OF ORTHODOXY
CELEBRATION IN COLUMBUS, OHIO


Columbus, OH - The Sunday of Orthodoxy celebration in Columbus, Ohio included a Pan-Orthodox Divine Liturgy. The procession of icons followed the Liturgy. Rev. Isak Kisin, of St. Stephen of Dechani Serbian Orthodox Church in Columbus took part in the pan-Orthodox event.

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[ARCHIVED NEWS] Monday, March 13, 2006

SUNDAY OF ORTHODOXY
IN GREATER WASHINGTON, DC

[Great Lent] His Eminence Metropolitan +Herman, first Hierarch of the Orthodox Church in America, officiated at the Pan-Orthodox Vespers for the Sunday of Orthodoxy at Sts. Peter and Paul Antiochian Orthodox Cathedral in Potomac, Maryland.

Two of our clergy took part: V. Rev. Stavrofor Nedeljko Grgurevich and Fr. Aleksa Micich.

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[ARCHIVED NEWS] Monday, March 6, 2006

NEWLY APPOINTED PRIEST
IN ELIZABETH, NEW JERSEY

Elizabeth, NJ - On Sunday, March 5, 2005, the Sunday of Cheesefare, His Grace Bishop of Eastern America Dr. Mitrophan officiated at the Holy Hierarchical Divine Liturgy at St. George Serbian Orthodox Church in Elizabeth, New Jersey. Assisting His Grace were Fr. Zivko Velimirovic and Fr. Zoran Radovic.

On this occasion His Grace APPOINTED Fr. Zoran Radovic as the new parish priest in Elizabeth, New Jersey. Fr. Zoran had previously been the parish priest in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Fr. Zivko Velimirovic received the assignment as second priest at the St. Sava Cathedral in New York City.

The Carica Milica Kolo Sestara prepared a luncheon after the liturgy welcoming Fr. Zoran and his family to the community.

Dragutin Stoicovici

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[ARCHIVED NEWS] Monday, March 6, 2006

DEANERY LENTEN VESPERS BEGIN

[Great Lent] On the eve of Great Lent the annual tradition of the Lenten Vespers in the Eastern Diocese began with the Sunday of Forgiveness. His Grace Bishop of Eastern America Dr. Mitrophan joined the Pittsburgh Deanery this year for the Vesper Service at the St. Sava Church in McKeesport, PA. Seven priests and two deacons served at the Vespers. In his homily V. Rev. Adam Yontich of St. Nicholas Church in Johnstown spoke about the Lenten journey and preparing for it as one would for an extended trip. He focused on the importance of humility.

Rev. Zivojin Jakovljevic of the St. Sava Cathedral in Cleveland was the homilist for the Cleveland Deanery Vespers held at St. George in Lorain, OH. In his homily he used a recent inspirational experience to illustrate God’s abundant love for all of us. The local Orthodox clergy Lorain joined the Serbian clergy at the Holy Altar for the service. There was a total of seven priests in attendance. Mother Ana of Monastery Marcha also attended and, as is the practice, a collection was made benefiting the monastery.

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[ARCHIVED NEWS] Monday, February 27, 2006

CHARLOTTE PARISH CELEBRATES CHURCH SLAVA

Charlotte, NC - On Sunday, February 26, 2006 the Serbian Orthodox Mission of St. Symeon the Myrrh-Gusher in Charlotte celebrated their Church Slava with the Divine Liturgy and a Slava program. This event was made all the more formal with the presence of His Grace Bishop Dr. Mitrophan of Eastern America together with the diocesan secretary Fr. Deacon Dragoslav Kosic. On the occasion of the arrival of our hierarch our children welcomed him with flowers and with their smiles they brought much warmth to the cold February morning.

The members of our church choir enriched the morning’s Holy Hierarchical Divine Liturgy with their voices. It is of great note to mention that His Grace ordained Vladan Gluvacevic to the order to Reader. Also, for the first time in our parish, on the occasion of the Church Slava, a Litija was performed as is the custom for such an occasion.

The Ritual of the Slava Kolach was performed following the liturgy. The kolach was prepared by the Slava Kumovi: Vlada and Sladjana Novakovic and their children. During the luncheon the children entertained the gathered faithful with a program which consisted of stories of the covenant of St. Symeon as well as recitations of the life of this great ruler and monastic and of St. Sava, which was especially prepared for this occasion by Zorica Djukic. The choir also took part in the program making this a truly spiritual celebration.

Zorica Djukic 

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[ARCHIVED NEWS] Monday, February 27, 2006

ASSEMBLY OF THE DIOCESE OF EASTERN AMERICA

Midland, PA – The St. George Serbian Orthodox Church in Midland, PA was host to the Annual Diocesan Assembly held on February 24-25, 2006. This two-day event officially began with the Invocation of the Holy Spirit officiated by diocesan hierarch Bishop Dr. Mitrophan. Afterwards the meeting began in the church hall with a total of eighty participants taking part in this year’s work of the assembly which included, among other things, reports from the various diocesan bodies.

In his annual report the bishop mentioned some of the accomplishments in the previous year which included the Orlando parish’s drive to build a church, the renovation of the church in Patterson, NJ and the successful fundraising activities in the North Miami parish, to name a few. However, certainly the greatest accomplishment in the past year was the purchase of a church in the Boston parish. The bishop also addressed some of the challenges facing the diocese, the desire to make the stewardship program a reality in all diocesan parishes and the abolishment of bingo as of December 31, 2006 in all the parishes of the diocese.

The Holy Hierarchical Divine Liturgy began at 8a on the following day. The meeting convened after the morning’s service with a talk given by V. Rev. Stephen Zaremba on the meaning of the church. A lively discussion including both clergy and laity followed.

A range of issues were addressed under miscellaneous including the upcoming 3rd Annual Diocesan Days, the Oratorical Festival which is to take place at the Triennial Sabor in Detroit as well as the announcement of the 100th anniversaries to be celebrated in the diocesan parishes of Steubenville, OH and Johnstown, PA.

The annual meeting was conducted in peace and harmony. The Midland parish, with parish priest Fr. Milan Pajic at the head, were wonderful hosts. The location for the 2007 Assembly is the St. Sava Church in Boston, MA.

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[ARCHIVED NEWS] Monday, February 27, 2006

BISHOP ARTEMIJE IN CLEVELAND AND PITTSBURGH

ERPKIM News Service – During his most recent US visit His Grace Bishop Artemije of Ras and Prizren visited the Serbian communities in Cleveland and Pittsburgh.

In Cleveland he attended, as he did in February 2004, the St. Sava Ball organized by the Serbian Club “Vuk Karadzic”, an auxiliary organization of St. Sava Church-School Congregation. This manifestation was an opportunity for Bishop Artemije to meet with the Cleveland Serbs, many of whom he knows very well and they were excited to learn more of the position and state of the Serbs in Kosovo and Methohija.

His Grace the bishop used the opportunity, in front of such a large gathering of Serbs to talk about not only the state of Serbs in Kosovo and Methohija, but also of St. Sava, reminding them of the way of St. Sava which has been followed by Serbs for centuries and pointing out that it is the only outlet for all of our sufferings and temptations.

The old Serbian community of the greater Pittsburgh area joyously welcomed His Grace. A large number of faithful attended the Holy Hierarchical Divine Liturgy at St. Nicholas Church in Monroeville proving once again that the only institution Serbs can anchor themselves on in the Diaspora and preserve their national and spiritual identity is their Serbian church.

Bishop Artemije spoke in his homily about St. Sava on the occasion of the celebration of St. Sava which the parish was celebrating on that day. He also spoke about the negotiations which are to define the future status of Kosovo and Metohija, indicating the principles which we should follow in securing Kosovo and Methohija, in preserving our holy sites and thereby keeping it an integral part of Serbia

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[ARCHIVED NEWS] Monday, January 30, 2006

ST. SAVA CELEBRATION IN PORTLAND, MAINE

Biddeford, MA – The Portland parish joyously and festively celebrated the feast of St. Sava on Saturday, January 28, 2006.

The celebration began with the Divine Liturgy celebrated by host priest Fr. Ivan Marjanovic and concelebrants: V. Rev. Aleksandar Vlajkovic from the Boston parish, Fr. Basil Arabatzis from Saco, MA Greek parish and Fr. John Teage of the Antiochian parish. V. Rev. Aleksandar preached at the Divine Liturgy on the greatest and significance of St. Sava with the Serbian people in which he pointed out that St. Sava, by his example, teaches us how we should be and what should be striving for in our lives. The St. Sava Program followed the cutting of the Slava Kolach in which twelve children took part. The audience paid close attention as the children recited their poems in Serbian taking particular notice of Jovana Kakuca and Anastasija Filipovic who played the violin. After the program the children were given small gifts and everyone proceeded to the church hall for a luncheon. Dusko Bakarac together with his family were honored kumovi of the day’s celebration and they gave a portion of the Slava Kolach to Sinisa Fillipovic who accepted to be the kum for next year’s celebration.

This was another January feast celebrated prayerfully at the mission parish in Portland, Maine.

Fr. Ivan Marjanovic
Parish Priest

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[ARCHIVED NEWS] Monday, January 30, 2006

ST SAVA CELEBRATION IN BOSTON

Boston, MA - This year St. Sava was festively celebrated in the Boston parish. It was significant in that, unlike previous years, it was celebration in our newly purchased church in Cambridge.

On the eve of the feast Great Vespers was served while a Divine Liturgy was served on the day of the feast of St. Sava, January 27. On Sunday, January 29 the children of the Boston parish celebrated the feast by preparing the annual St. Sava Day Program. Besides the local priest, Prota Aleksandar Vlajkovic, Fr. Ivan Marjanovic from the neighboring Portland parish, served at the Divine Liturgy. Trajanka Milojevic and her family were this year’s kumovi.

Thirty children took part in the St. Sava Program which featured, besides the recitals, some children showcasing their musical talents by playing instruments. The faithful were also treated to the sounds of the gusla of Mladen Spajic. The program ended with a medley of Serbian kolos performed by our children’s folklore group. The faithful were moved by this ending which the children prepared especially for the St. Sava Day Program with a new choreography.

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[ARCHIVED NEWS] Monday, January 30, 2006

ST SAVA CELEBRATION IN NEW YORK PARISH

New York, NY – St. Sava, the patron saint of Serbia, of children and schools, but also of the Serbian Cathedral in Manhattan was festively celebrated on Sunday, January 29, 2006. The festivities began with the Holy Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, officiated by His Grace Bishop Dr. Mitrophan of Eastern America, assisted by the local clergy Protonamesnik Fr. Djokan Majstorovic and Deacon Stanislav Kravljaca from Portland, Maine.

Among the faithful attending the Divine Liturgy were also our diplomatic representatives, Vladimir Zutic from the Consul of Serbia-Montenegro, Ambassodar to Bosnia-Hercegovina (UN Mission) Dr. Milos Prica as well as our Greek and American friends. During the Divine Liturgy His Grace Bishop Mitrophan elevated Fr. Djokan to the rank of PROTOJEREJ.

His Grace spoke of Fr. Djokan, whom he has known for close to thirty years, and whose work in the church he carefully been watching not to mention the progress the New York parish has made over the years he has been a priest there. The bishop also mentioned that this award and elevation is not only to his credit but goes to the credit of his family and all the parishioners who meet prayerfully at the church and assist in the mission of the Church, especially its mission in New York.

Being surprised at the elevation Prota Djokan thanked the Bishop saying, “Your Grace I thank you for your support and the recognition of which I am not worthy; I thank my family and my greater, parish family with whom I share this joy and honor. With this recognition I receive a new responsibility and I pledge to, together with my flock, justify the credit and honor I’ve been given by my Church and Bishop.”

Following the Liturgy His Grace gave a moving homily after which he blessed the Slava Zito and cut the Slava Kolach which was prepared by the honored kumovi Vidoje Bozic and family. Milivoje Zivanovic accepted the kumstvo for the following year. The St. Sava recital and program followed in the church hall.

In light of the recent tragedy in Montenegro Prota Djokan reminded the faithful of the call from His Holiness Patriarch Pavle for a collection to assist the mourning families. That day over $3,000 was collected for the families of the train crash in Montenegro that claimed some 200 lives.

During the banquet His Grace called upon all Serbs of New York to congregate around their St. Sava church in New York for the “St. Sava orientation,” His Grace stated, “and the way of St. Sava is the only true path for Serbs.” As a wise archpastor who has been carefully watching the progress in the New York parish he knows of the need for another priest to assist Prota Djokan and for this reason, to everyone’s delight, he announced that as of March 1, 2006 a second priest will be appointed to the parish.

Church School teacher and Professor Ljiljana Knezevic, in her welcome address during the program, spoke of St. Sava as the best Serbian child that a Serbian mother had. “St. Sava was never an old man. He is an ever-young child, energetic and cloudless sight, youthful innocence and a child-life faith…”

Music and dancing followed to the late hours of the night. With the blessings of the spirit of St. Sava this national and spiritual feast day celebration brought a large number of Serbs of New York to their St. Sava Church and all was holy and honorable and acceptable to the gracious God.

Zorka Milich, Ph. D

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[ARCHIVED NEWS] Monday, January 30, 2006

ST SAVA DAY CELEBRATION
AT ST. SAVA CATHEDRAL IN PARMA

Parma, Ohio - The annual St. Sava Day celebration held on Sunday Jan 29 began at 10am with Divine Liturgy. Concelebrating Liturgy were parish priest Rev. Fr. Zivojin Jakovljevic, V. Rev. Vasilije B. Sokolovic and deacon Milan Medakovic. The S.S.S. Njegos choir sang responses under the direction of Mr. Milan Damljanovic. Immediately following Divine Liturgy the Slavski Kolac, (special bread to be broken by all in attendance) prepared by Mrs. Joan Jakovich, and zito (prepared wheat to be shared by all, prepared by Ms. Zorica Nesic, were blessed. Also, two new crowns to be used for future weddings were blessed which were donated to the Cathedral by the day’s Honored Kumovi, V. Rev. and Mrs. Sokolovic and a new incense censor donated by an anonymous donor.

The glorious day continued into the main hall where a festive banquet prepared by the KSS women’s group, with president Mrs. Jelka Majstorevic, was awaiting all attendees. The program began with a prayer where the youth choir sang, under the direction of Mr. Milan Damljanovic.

It was a day for our children! All of the children, approximately 80, were seated together in the center of the hall. After lunch, the children quickly prepared themselves and came to the center stage where they opened the program with the American and Serbian national anthems followed by the St. Sava Hymn.

Then, the children one by one, gave recitations on the life of St. Sava. Ms. Loreen Solomon, emcee, welcomed the honored guests and thanked the parents, grandparents, and children for their great efforts and time dedicated to our Cathedral.

All of our teachers received special gifts and recognitions. Folklore dance groups performed under the direction of choreographers Milly Patijarevich, Marija Ivanovic, and Kristen Mate. Sunday school teachers were given special thanks including Millie Vovos, Dorothy Winovich, Wayne Vlainic, Zora Lytkowski (Sunday school principal), Laureen Solomon, Tatyana Knezevic and Svetlana Stepka.
Serbian language and history teachers Snezana Mrsic, Mira Lazic, and Dobrana Komnenic, and Ana Stankovic (Serbian school principal).

Enjoyed by all were a few special performances including four children who played several beautiful Serbian songs on violins and piano with voice. The preschool-2nd graders performed the Noah’s ark song. Also, one little boy sang a special song „baka“ which was dedicated to his grandmother. Finally, the Serbian school children gave a poetic description of the life of St. Sava.

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[ARCHIVED NEWS] Monday, January 23, 2006

ST. STEPHEN CHURCH CELEBRATES ST. SAVA

Lackawanna, NY - The parish of St. Stephen the Protomartyr in Lackawanna, New York, celebrated the Feast of St. Sava the Enlightener of the Serbian people on Sunday, January 22, 2006. As is the tradition in this parish their Church Slava, St. Stephen (January 9th), and the St. Sava Celebration were combined into one celebration.

His Grace Bishop Mitrophan of Eastern America officiated at the Holy Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, assisted by parish priest Protojerej-Stavrofor Rastko Trbuhovic. Also joining in the celebration was deacon of the St. Nicholas Cathedral in Washington, DC (OCA), Protodeacon Blagoje Siljegovic, a native of this parish.

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[ARCHIVED NEWS] Tuesday, January 17, 2006

ORLANDO SERBS PREPARE FOR
BUILDING OF NEW CHURCH


Orlando, Florida - On Saturday, November 26, 2005 the St. Petka Serbian Orthodox Church in Orlando, Florida organized a Benefactor’s Dinner to benefit the building of the new church in Orlando. The dinner was held at the Greek Orthodox Church of Orlando. After the dinner and a short welcome by the host priest Fr. Ljubisa Brnjos a slide show was presented to the attendees featuring Serbian churches and monasteries, together with traditional Serbian images from our heritage. Also, included in the slide show was the projected look of the future Serbian Orthodox Church in Orlando.

His Grace Bishop Mitrophan of Eastern America addressed all those in attendance and reminded them of the significance of building a church. The president of the church board also addressed the crowd and the fruits of their words were immediately seen as in a relatively short period of time over $30,000 was raised for the building of the new church which is adequate for the first phase in the building project.

The parishioners of St. Petka together with Fr. Ljubisa and his family are to credit for this success. We look forward to reading more of the progress of the new church in Orlando.

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[ARCHIVED NEWS] Tuesday, January 3, 2006

FORMAL OPENING OF CHURCH IN BOSTON-CAMBRIDGE

Boston, MA – On Sunday, January 1, 2006 on Serbian Father’s Day the recently purchased church in Cambridge, Massachusetts, dedicated to St. Sava, was formally opened. His Grace Bishop of Eastern America Dr. Mitrophan celebrated the Holy Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, assisted by four priests and a deacon. Besides the fact that many parishioners were absent due to the weather and winter vacation, the church was filled with 500 faithful who came to take part in the celebration. During the Divine Liturgy Bishop Mitrophan ordained Stanislav Kravljaca, a theological graduate of St. Sava School of Theology in Libertyville, living in Portland, Maine.

The Boston Serbs have anticipated this day for a long time. The mission parish in Boston was founded back in 1972 by Bishop Sava (Vukovic) of blessed memory. It was registered by the state as a church in 1975 only to become inactive in 1978 due to a small number of faithful and no clergy to meet the needs. Bishop Mitrophan revived this parish in 1992 and the new chapter in the history of this parish began.

The large number of colleges in Boston brings many young Serbs to the area for post graduate studies. The unfortunate wars in the former Yugoslavia during the nineties forced many Serbian families to flee, many of which found a home in the territory of the Boston parish which includes five New England states.

In 1995 the parish succeeds in purchasing their first property, a commercial building in the city of Wakefield which becomes the center of the spiritual and cultural life of the Orthodox Serbs for the next ten years. Because of the small space at the Wakefield property a campaign for finding new property is launched. Last year an adequate church was located with fellowship facilities. The negotiations commenced with the Roman Catholic church and lasted for some months only to conclude on the day of St. Archangel Michael, November 21, 2005 and the property officially belonged to the St. Sava parish.

The church was built in 1928 in the Gothic style with a stone façade. The church hall has a capacity of 400 while the church can facilitate 700. Besides the church there is a large yard as well as adequate parking.

Clergy from New York and Portland, together with parishioners from the Portland parish, took part in the celebration of the opening of the church. Following the Divine Liturgy the banquet was held in the church hall. Fr. Aleksandar Vlajkovic, the parish priest, greeted the guests, followed by Milica Pogorzelsky, the Chairman of the Grand Opening Celebrations and Suzana Vorkapic, President of the Kola Sestara.

In his speech, Bishop Mitrophan congratulated the parishioners on their great success and praised them for their great deed. For his contribution in the purchase of this beautiful church Bishop Mitrophan elevated the parish priest to the rank of protopresbyter. Also, per His Grace’s recommendation to the Holy Hierarchical Synod of the Serbian Orthodox Church, he awarded Milica and Donald Pogorzelski with the Order of St. Sava in the first degree.

This was only the first celebration in the St. Sava Church in Cambridge. After the installation of the new iconostasis and some more work on the interior of the church, the consecration of the church will take place, probably at the end of the year. This day will certainly be remembered by many for years to come. May all things be to the glory of God and St. Sava!

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[ARCHIVED NEWS] Monday, January 2, 2006

THIRD ANNUAL WINTER CAMP

St. Petersburg, FL - With the blessing of his Grace Bishop Mitrophan, the third annual winder camp of the St. Petersburg Deanery was held in N. Miami, FL December 27-30, 2005.

This year, as in the previous two years, Bishop Mitrophan found the time in his busy schedule to spend time with the youth of the St. Petersburg Deanery.

Bishop Mitrophan arrived in St. Petersburg on December 24 and celebrated the Divine Liturgy in St. Petersburg on December 25. During the Liturgy, his Grace awarded protnamesnik Stephen Zaremba, parish priest of the St. Sava parish in St. Petersburg and dean of the St. Petersburg Deanery, with the rank of protojerej (archpriest).

On Tuesday, December 27, his Grace then travelled with prota Stephen and the campers from the St. Sava parish to N. Miami, where they were joined by campers from N. Miami, Orlando, Jacksonville, N. Carolina and two vacationing children from Canada, 43 in all, where they were warmly greeted by Prota Svetozar Veselinovic, host priest, and the ladies of the Circle of Serbian Sisters.

The theme of the camp was the Divine Liturgy, emphasizing Evharistija (the Eucharist). On day one, after morning prayers and breakfast, Fr. Dragan Zaric, who serves two mission parishes in N Carolina, spoke to the campers about the Divine Liturgy, what it is and the central role it has in our christian lives. Podadija Natasa Brnjos, wife of Fr. Ljibisa Brnjos, parish priest in Orlando, FL, worked with the younger campers teaching them to sing responses at the divine services.

On day two, Fr. Ljubisa spoke about the Eucharist, beginning with a demonstration on how the priest performs the proskomidia, and then explaining the consectation of the gifts and the significance of the bloodless sacrifice. After this the vestments worn by the priests and bishop were shown and explained to the campers.

The campers spent their nights in cabins rented at the Oleta River State Park, a rural oasis in a major metropolitan area not far from the St. Simeon church. The campers spent their free time in the parish game room and at the park and had a field trip to the Miami Zoo.

After the Divine Liturgy on the feast of the Deacon Avakum, Iguman Pajsije and Prophet Daniel, at which a large number of campers received the Holy Mysteries of Christ, and one last wonderful meal, everyone said their good-bye's and headed for home.

We would like to thank His Grace Bishop Mitrophan for his support and guidance, Prota Svetozar, the Church Board of the St. Simeon Serbian Orthodox Church and the wonder ladies of Circle of Serbian Sisters for their warm hospitality. May God grant them many years of progress and prosperity.

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CONTACT INFO:

 

Diocese of Eastern America

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E-mail: diocese@easterndiocese.org 

 

Office & Residence: 

(914) 633-9000 - (914) 633-9009