On Sunday, September 10, 2023, on the final day of the Serb National Federation 24^th Quadrennial Convention, His Grace Bishop Irinej of Eastern America celebrated the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy in the Church of the Holy Great-Martyr George in Midland, Pennsylvania.

His Grace was joined in concelebration by Protopresbyter-Stavrophor Rade Merick, Episcopal Deputy of the Eastern American Diocese, Protopresbyter-Stavrophor Nedeljko Lunich, retired priest of the Diocese of New Grachanica and Midwestern America, Protopresbyter Dejan Barac host priest, Protopresbyter Milan Pajic of Holy Archangel Michael Serbian Orthodox Church in Akron, and Deacons Nebojsa Varagic, Daniel August and Mark Matijevich. His Grace was assisted by Readers John Buffalini and Luka Pajic. Liturgical responses were beautifully rendered by the Dr. Laza Kostich Choir of the Church of the Holy Great-Martyr George,

During the Divine Liturgy, which was attended by many guests from the entire North American Continent, Bishop Irinej ordained Deacon Nebojsa Varagic, to the rank of Presbyter.

After the three-fold procession around the Holy Table and the reading of the prayers of the ordination to the rank of Presbyter, the faithful loudly and joyfully exclaimed: AXIOS! DOSTOJAN! and WORTHY! – confirming the entry of Father Nebojsa into the Holy Priesthood.

On behalf of Fr. Nebojsa’s home parish, the parish of the Holy Archangel Michael in Akron, Ohio, Protopresbyter Milan Pajic congratulated the newly ordained priest and his family and gifted him a beautiful set of vestments.