St. Elijah Serbian Orthodox Church in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, was recently honored to host an important Diocesan Meetings of the Eastern American Diocese of the Serbian Orthodox Church, presided over by His Grace Bishop Irinej of Washington-New York and Eastern America. 

On Friday evening, December 12, 2025, the Diocesan Administrative Board meet with the Shadeland Committee, consisting of members of the Federation of Circles of Serbian Sister of the EasternAmerican Diocese, and its new ancillary organization, "Rooted in Shadeland". During this productive gathering, the past 2025 Camp Season was reviewed in great detail, and a way forward was set for the forthcoming 2026 Camp Season.  Addressing key pastoral, administrative, and spiritual matters as the diocese faithfully concluded the year. 

The following day, on Saturday, December 13, 2025, the Diocesan Council met in full assemblage, largely in person and some online. Many diverse aspects in the life of the Eastern American Diocese were discussed in substantial detail, carefully paying attention to always render decisions for the good estate of Christ’s Holy Church. Such gatherings reflect the deeply Orthodox understanding of conciliarity, in which the Church lives, discerns, and moves forward together. Our Lord Himself assures us of His presence in these moments of shared responsibility: “For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them” (Matthew 18:20).

The administrative work was liturgically crowned by a Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, celebrated at St. Elijah Church by His Grace Bishop Irinej, together with Protopresbyter-Stavrophor Rodney Torbic, Presbyter Srebrenko Vidakovic, and the host parish priest, Presbyter George Popovich.

Despite a severe winter snowstorm that closed roads and canceled many public events throughout the region, the faithful of St. Elijah Church gathered in large numbers. Their presence was a powerful testimony of commitment and love for the Church. A special witness was offered by the St. Elijah Choir, under the capable direction of George Milosh, whose 40 members arrived despite the conditions, filling the temple with prayerful and unified hymnody.

During the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, His Grace Bishop Irinej offered a profound and pastoral homily based on the Gospel account of Christ healing the woman on the Sabbath (Luke 13:10–17). Reflecting on this passage, His Grace spoke about the danger of hypocrisy and the necessity of genuine faith, reminding the faithful that those who criticized Christ were willing to loosen and feed their animals on the Sabbath, yet were scandalized by the healing of a suffering woman. Through this contrast, Christ reveals the true purpose of God’s commandments - not condemnation, but healing and restoration.

At the heart of the Gospel, His Grace emphasized Christ’s essential question: Was the Sabbath made for man, or was man made for the Sabbath? The Bishop affirmed clearly that the Sabbath was made for man, given by God for humanity’s healing, freedom, and salvation. The Law, he explained, is fulfilled not through rigid legalism, but through mercy, compassion and love, which reveal the true spirit of God’s will.

Continuing his reflection, His Grace drew a parallel to God’s words to Job, when the Lord revealed the vastness and mystery of creation - the heavens, the stars, and the order of the cosmos. Just as Job was reminded that he did not possess full knowledge of all divine mysteries, so too are we called to approach God with humility, not presuming that we fully understand His ways. In this spirit, the Sabbath invites humanity to enter into God’s rest and to enjoy all that He has created (Genesis 1:31), not in a worldly manner, but spiritually and eucharistically.

His Grace further explained that for Christians all the characteristics of the Old Testament Sabbath are fulfilled and transferred to the New Sabbath, which is Sunday, the Lord’s Day, or the Day of the Resurrection. This is not a rejection of the Sabbath, but its fulfillment in Christ, who sanctifies time through His Resurrection.

At the center of the Lord’s Day stands the Divine Liturgy. His Grace explained that the word Liturgy (Λειτουργία) means a common service, or shared action. While it is indeed a form of “work,” it is not human labor, but God’s work in and through His people, accomplished through the Holy Eucharist. On this day, the faithful are not simply refraining from work, but are actively participating together in the saving action of God.

Concluding his homily, His Grace emphasized that the New Sabbath is a day of Eucharistic joy and resurrectional rejoicing, when the faithful are invited to celebrate and give thanks together with the Triumphant Church, united in Christ across heaven and earth. The Lord’s Day, he said, is meant to be lived as a day of joy, thanksgiving, and communion - dedicated entirely to God and shared in love with one another. His Grace concluded by offering his archpastoral greetings and blessings to the faithful of St. Elijah Parish, encouraging them to live daily in the joy of the Resurrection through faith, unity and love.

“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity” (Psalm 133:1).

In Christ,

Fr. George Popovich

Parish Priest at St. Elijah Serbian Orthodox Church in Aliquippa, PA