On Sunday, June 20th, the day our Holy Orthodox Church celebrates and commemorates Pentecost, the Descent of the Holy Spirit on Apostles, the Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Cathedral in Pittsburgh celebrated its Feast Day - Slava.

Holy and Divine Hierarchical Liturgy was officiated by His Grace Bishop Irinej of Eastern America. His Grace was joined in concelebration by the Very Rev. Fr. George Veselinovic, Cathedral Dean, together with Rev. Hieromonk Nektarije Tesanovic from the St. George parish in Lorain Ohio, Very Rev. Protodeacon Milos Zdralic, and cathedral deacon David Manko. Also blessing the faithful with their attendance were the sisters from the Holy Nativity of the Theotokos Monastery in Saxonburg PA.

During His homily, Our Father and Hierarch Bishop Irinej spoke about the Feast which commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles on the day of Pentecost. He also reminded the faithful that this great feast day also celebrates the establishment of the Church through the preaching of the Apostles and the baptism of the thousands who on that day believed in the Gospel message of salvation through Jesus Christ. The Feast is also a culmination of the revelation of the Holy Trinity. His Grace congratulated Fr. George and the Holy Trinity parish on their 50th anniversary of the consecration of the new church following its move from the Southside.

At the conclusion of Divine Liturgy, the faithful participated in the festal procession around the church for Pentecost, and the service of blessing of the Festal Bread - Slavski kolach and Wheat - Koljivo. Mr. and Mrs. Dragan and Mirjana Budesa, benefactors of the parish, served as honorable Hosts - Kumovi. “Christ is in our midst! He is and forever shall be!" was proclaimed by the many faithful gathered - a record attendance for Slava. Accepting the honor for next year’s Slava were Dr. Nenad and Dr. Milena Janicijevic.

Dedicated members of the church men’s club “Nikola Tesla”, St. Petka Kolo, cathedral choir, Sunday School board, and Holy Trinity parishioners worked together with love to prepare and serve the traditional Serbian Slava meal. The beautiful meal was served in traditional Serbian style at the St. Sava Picnic grounds for all the guests.

Following the beautiful tradition at Holy Trinity Cathedral, the high school graduates were acknowledged and honored. This year’s graduates were Maksim Djokic, Michael Topich, and Stevan Winowich; last year’s graduate, Nina Topich, was also recognized and honored. Each graduate was then presented with gifts by His Grace Bishop Irinej, honoring their accomplishments. Advanced degree graduates were also recognized, receiving gifts from the Holy Trinity Sunday School board. It truly was a special and beautiful day for the whole parish.

Fr. George thanked His Grace for blessing and honoring the Holy Trinity Cathedral parish and the faithful with His presence, and he also thanked the parishioners, beautifiers, and supporters of the Holy Trinity parish for their work over the past year. He then encouraged those present that this first year is only the beautiful beginning of much more work to come - all in the oneness and unity for the Glory of God and His Holy Church.