THE STORM THAT BECAME A BLESSING: CELEBRATING THE PATRONAL FEAST - SLAVA - OF ST. ELIJAH PARISH IN ALIQUIPPA

On Sunday, August 2, 2026, there could have been no more fitting setting for the celebration of the patronal feast of St. Elijah Serbian Orthodox Church in Aliquippa than a day marked by rain, thunder, lightning and storm clouds. While many might have viewed the weather as an inconvenience, His Grace Bishop Irinej of Washington-New York and Eastern America reminded the faithful that it was, in fact, a blessing from God.

Drawing from the life of the Holy Prophet Elijah the Tishbite, the bishop recalled the Old Testament account in which the prophet fervently prayed for rain after three years and six months of drought. That long-awaited rain became the visible sign of God’s mercy upon His people. In the same way, the rain that fell upon our parish on its Slava was received not as an obstacle, but as a heavenly blessing upon the faithful gathered to honor their patron saint.

Despite the heavy rain and storm, the faithful arrived early, eagerly awaiting the arrival of their beloved bishop. The Hierarchical Divine Liturgy began at 9:30 AM, with His Grace Bishop Irinej being welcomed by this year’s Slava Kuma, Miss Angelina Kodić, together with the faithful of the parish.

Serving with His Grace were parish priest, Presbyter George Popovich, together with two highly respected priests of the Diocese,  Protopresbyters-Stavrophores Rodney Torbić and Rade Merick, Diocesan Episcopal Deputy. Assisting at the Holy Altar were Deacons Daniel August and Michael Kosanovich.

The Divine Liturgy began with one of the most joyful moments in the life of every parish, the Hierotesia into the first rank of priesthood - the rank of a Reader.

With the blessing of Bishop Irinej, two exemplary young altar servers, Jovan Kodić and Luka Cvetković Lazić, were ordained Readers before the entire congregation and officially attached to St. Elijah Serbian Orthodox Church.

Their ordination was much more than a liturgical rite - it was a living testimony that the Church is alive and flourishing. These two young men have faithfully served for years as altar boys, regularly attend the Divine Liturgy, participate in Holy Communion and Confession, faithfully attend Church School, and continually assist their parish priest at the Holy Altar. Their dedication stands as an example to the younger generation and serves as a reminder that the future of the Church is built by forming faithful young people who love Christ and His Church.

Indeed, their setting apart as Readers became one of the greatest blessings of this year’s Slava - a seed planted today that, with God’s help, will bear fruit for generations to come.

Throughout the Divine Liturgy, the faithful were lifted in prayer by the beautiful responses of the St. Elijah Parish Choir, under the direction of George Milosh, whose reverent singing added extraordinary beauty to the worship. The choir’s heartfelt chanting transformed the service into a truly heavenly experience.

As Bishop Irinej remarked during his homily, “It is always easy and beautiful to serve in Aliquippa,” praising the faithful, readers, altar servers and especially the choir, whose unique expertise is a lasting testimony to the love and dedication of the late Protopresbyter-Stavrophor Stevan Stepanov.

Although the weather outside remained stormy, the church itself was filled with peace, warmth, and the unmistakable presence of God’s grace.

In his homily, Bishop Irinej reflected upon the remarkable providence revealed even in the Scripture readings selected during the Hierotesia. According to the standing tradition of the Church, the Epistle readings for the newly-tonsured Readers were selected ad hoc during the service itself, and His Grace beautifully explained how the Holy Spirit, through the life of the Church, revealed passages calling the faithful to spiritual growth, repentance, and perseverance.

Connecting these readings with the feast of St. Elijah, Bishop Irinej reminded everyone that faith must remain firmly fixed upon Christ.

Using the Gospel account of Christ summoning the Apostle Peter to walk upon the water, the bishop offered a powerful lesson. As long as Peter kept his eyes fixed upon Christ, he walked safely upon the waves. The moment he turned his attention to the wind and the storm around him, fear entered his heart, and he began to sink.

“So it is with us,” the bishop explained. “When our eyes remain fixed upon Christ, no storm can overcome us. But when we become distracted by fear and worldly concerns, we begin to lose our footing.”

He also spoke movingly about the life of the Holy Prophet Elijah, recalling the ancient tradition that from his earliest days he was surrounded by angels, who fed him with fiery nourishment as a sign of the burning zeal with which he would later serve God. Throughout his life, Elijah became the great prophet of unwavering faith, fearless courage, and complete obedience to the will of God.

The entire Divine Liturgy was marked by profound peace and reverence. Despite the thunder outside, the many who were present experienced the quiet strength that only the presence of the Holy Spirit can bring.

At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, before the dismissal, Bishop Irinej blessed and cut the traditional Slava Kolach, together with this year’s Kuma, Miss Angelina Kodić, asking God’s continued blessing upon the parish and all its faithful.

Following the venerable Serbian tradition, the bishop then invited a new Kum or Kuma for next year’s celebration. With joy and gratitude, Ms. Dawn Kosanovich accepted this sacred responsibility, continuing the beautiful chain of faithful stewardship that has sustained St. Elijah Parish for generations.

Following the Divine Liturgy, the faithful gathered in the beautifully decorated parish hall for the traditional Slava luncheon, lovingly prepared by the hardworking volunteers of St. Elijah Parish. Every detail reflected countless hours of preparation, generosity, and Christian love.

The celebration began with the blessing of the meal offered by Bishop Irinej, after which the program was masterfully led by Mr. Adam Loverich serving as Master of Ceremonies.

The first speaker was the president of the Church Board, Mr. Milan Mickey Markel, who spoke about the exciting work currently taking place within the parish. He highlighted the rebuilding of the church steps and other ongoing improvements, reminding everyone that caring for God’s house today is an investment in future generations.

The gathering was then honored by Mayor Dwan Walker of Aliquippa, who warmly greeted everyone with the words “Srećna Slava!” in Serbian. He praised the Serbian community as an important part of the city’s history and recognized its lasting contribution to the life of Aliquippa.

This year’s Kuma, Miss Angelina Kodić, then shared heartfelt reflections about growing up in St. Elijah Church. Speaking with deep emotion, she expressed gratitude to her parents, clergy, and the entire parish family for shaping her faith and her life. As a sign of appreciation, the Mother’s Club presented her with a beautiful gift and warmly congratulated her.

Addressing the faithful, the parish priest, Fr. George Popovich, welcomed everyone and expressed his sincere gratitude for the privilege of serving such a devoted parish family.

Reflecting on Bishop Irinej’s homily, Fr. George returned to the image of the rain that accompanied the feast day.

“Just as today’s rain will soak into the earth and eventually produce abundant fruit,” he said, “every sacrifice we make for Christ and His Church will also bear fruit.”

He reminded the faithful that while the parish is presently rebuilding its church steps and continuing important construction projects, an even greater rebuilding is taking place- the rebuilding of the spiritual life of the parish.

The newly ordained Readers, Jovan and Luka, stand as living proof that the Church continues to grow. They are the seed planted today that will become the future leaders and servants of tomorrow.

Fr. George also expressed heartfelt gratitude to Bishop Irinej, describing him as one of the hardest-working bishops in the Serbian Orthodox Church - a shepherd who tirelessly travels throughout the Diocese, strengthening parish communities and serving as an inspiring example to younger generations of clergy.

In his speech, beloved Bishop Irinej, in light of the 250th Anniversary of American Independence, reflected upon the remarkable story of Serbian immigration to America and the tremendous contribution Serbian immigrants have made to this country. He spoke about distinguished Serbian Americans, including George Fisher, St. Sebastian Dabovich and Nikola Tesla and numerous others, reminding everyone that today’s faithful continue the legacy begun by those who first built Orthodox churches throughout America.

He also spoke warmly about St. Sava Shadeland Camp, where he spends time each week teaching children and young people about the saints depicted in the monastery’s magnificent new frescoes, rendered by Fr. George and participants in the first Iconographic Camp held at Shadeland. He shared the beautiful account of the miraculous discovery of the grave of St. Ana, mother of St. Basil of Ostrog, through the intercession of St. Basil himself, and how her image now adorns the monastery walls as one of its newest saints.

Congratulating Kuma Angelina Kodić, the newly-ordained Readers, and the entire parish family, Bishop Irinej concluded with words that deeply touched everyone present. Whenever he speaks about Serbian immigration or the Serbian Orthodox Church in America, he said, he often closes his eyes and sees the faces of the faithful from parishes like St. Elijah in Aliquippa - the descendants of those courageous immigrants who built churches, preserved the Orthodox faith, and entrusted it to future generations. Even while traveling throughout the Diocese, he carries these faithful people in his prayers.

The celebration concluded with the prayer after the meal, followed by joyful fellowship among parishioners, guests, and friends.

Adding to the festive atmosphere was the wonderful performance of the Društvo Tamburica Band, whose beautiful traditional Serbian "Old Town” - starogradska music filled the parish hall with warmth, joy, and nostalgia, providing the perfect conclusion to another unforgettable Slava celebration.

As the rain continued to fall outside, it became ever more apparent that the storm had not diminished the feast - it had enriched it. What began beneath dark clouds concluded beneath the bright light of God’s grace.

Like the rain for which the Holy Prophet Elijah once prayed, this year’s storm reminded all who were present that God’s blessings often come in unexpected ways. Strengthened by the prayers of our heavenly protector and inspired by the witness of a growing new generation of faithful servants, St. Elijah Serbian Orthodox Church in Aliquippa looks to the future with hope, gratitude, and unwavering faith in Christ.

May the prayers of the Holy Prophet Elijah continue to protect our parish and all its faithful for many blessed years to come.

Presbyter George Popovich