On Friday, March 13, 2026, the Reverend and Venerable clergy and monastics of the Eastern American Diocese of the Serbian Orthodox gathered at the Holy Archangel Michael Church in Akron, Ohio, around their hierarch and father in Christ, His Grace Bishop Irinej of Washington-New York and Eastern America, for Great Lenten clergy confessions.

The morning began with Great Lenten Hours, the Typical Pslams and culminating in the receiving of the Holy Eucharist at the Liturgy of Presanctified Gifts, celebrated by Protosyngellos Nektarije (Tesanovic), assisted by Protodeacon Zeljko Jurisic, with His Grace presiding chorostasis in the Episcopal Throne.

Confessions were heard by the highly respected senior clergy of the Diocese, Protopresbyters-Stavrophores Rade Merick, Episcopal Deputy, and Rodney Torbic, long-time Director of Christian Education.

The chanting was wondrously rendered by the many and talented members of the clergy and students of theology, in a manner suitable to the gladsome and tranquil nature of Great and Holy Lent, gathered under the sublime new frescoes gracing the church’s interior, creating the perfect intersection of heaven on earth. Liturgically celebrated in subdued lighting, with purple vestments evoking the “joyful sorrow” of Great Lent, according to the teachings of Alexander Schmemann, known as the “Father of Liturgical Theology.”

In all, this radiant liturgical manifestation offered the perfect setting for an encounter with the Divine for all who had gathered as a Diocesan family, both consecrated and elected representatives, members of the First Triennial Assembly of the Eastern American Diocese that was held from March 13-14, 2026, in Akron, Ohio.

Protopresbyter Milan Pajic, Parish Priest and Dean of the Cleveland Deanery, together with the Circle of Serbian Sisters and other diligent members of the Holy Archangel Michael parish family were the perfect hosts for this resplendent Lenten gathering of the Eastern American Diocese of our Holy Serbian Orthodox Church.

Truly, praise God for all and in all! For this is the very essence of our lives!