Boston Deanery celebration of Liturgy of Pre-Sanctified Gifts in Paterson

On Wednesday, March 27, 2024, the Conception of St. John the Baptist parish and its church-school congregation hosted the evening celebration of the Liturgy of Presanctified Gifts for the Boston Deanery of the Eastern American Diocese of the Serbian Orthodox Church.

His Grace Bishop Irinej of Eastern America was the celebrant, joined in concelebration by Protopresbyters-Stavophores Zoran Radovic of Elizabeth, NJ, Djokan Majstorovic, host priest of Paterson, NJ, and Aleksandar Micich of Elizabeth, NJ, together with Deacon Darko Tripkovic, Diocesan Financial Secretary and Deacon Vladimir Srbljak of Paterson, NJ. Assisting in the altar was Mihailo Vlajkovic of St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary.

Protopresbyter Aleksandar Vlajkovic, Dean of the Boston Deanery and the Boston Cathedral, and Mihail Golic, also of St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary, rendered melodious and tranquil responses to the service, aptly reflecting, per Fr Alexander Schmemann, the “bright sadness” of Great Lent.

The informative and thought-provoking homily was offered by Fr Aleksa Micich, who addressed current ethical, theological and societal issues paired with contemporary statistics, placing particular emphasis on the youth.

The Paterson parish, known for its generous Abrahamic hospitality, proved this evening was no exception. Albeit it a true Lenten meal, it served to sate the body, following the offering of liturgical nourishment. For in Orthodoxy, we are to maintain careful balance between soul and body. This, especially on our Great Lenten journey to Pascha.