Aliquippa, PA — Over Memorial Day Weekend, May 23-25, 2025, St. Elijah Serbian Orthodox Church in Aliquippa was deeply honored to host the 83rd Annual Serbian Singing Federation (SSF) Festival. This truly magnificent gathering brought together choirs, clergy, and faithful from across North America, in one of the largest gatherings in recent years, for a powerful celebration of our Orthodox faith and Serbian sacred and secular music.

At the heart of the festival was the full three-day participation of His Grace Bishop Irinej of Washington-New York and Eastern America, whose paternal presence was a profound blessing to all. His Grace presided over the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy on Sunday and, prayerfully and joyfully, attended each of the weekend’s major events—offering wisdom, encouragement, and fatherly love to participants and guests alike. His words, prayers, and joyful presence elevated the entire gathering and reminded us all of the sacred purpose behind our music and unity.

His Grace’s presence was not merely ceremonial—it was a living witness of episcopal care, and a reminder of the deep spiritual connection that binds our faithful together through the beauty of Orthodox worship and Serbian tradition. For the parish of St. Elijah and the Serbian Singing Federation, it was a true honor to receive our archpastor and to celebrate under his blessing.

We were also joined by Mayor Dwan B. Walker of Aliquippa, whose gracious welcome spoke of the shared values of community, unity, and cultural dignity. His words reaffirmed the deep ties between the Orthodox Christian community and the wider life of the city.

Great Vespers for the Feast of Sts. Cyril and Metodios, Apostles to the Slavs we celebrated on Friday evening.  Visiting clergy concelebrated with the host priest for the Divine Liturgy the following day, with His Grace presiding from the Throne. While the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy was celebrated on Sunday morning with the Guest Choir Josif Marinkovich of Steelton, PA, responding.

The following choirs participated and shared the beautiful resonance of their complementary voices in unity and faith, durijng concerts held on Friday evening and Saturday and Sunday afternoon:

• St. Elijah Serbian Orthodox Church Choir – Aliquippa, PA (Host Choir)
• SSS Josif Marinkovich – Steelton, PA (Honored Guest Choir)
• Byzantine Choir – Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Pittsburgh
• Combined Choirs of Carica Milica & Tsar Lazar – Greater Pittsburgh Area
• SSS St. George – Lenexa, KS
• St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Choir – Mississauga, ON
• SSS Stevan Sijacki – Milwaukee, WI
• St. Nicholas Serbian Orthodox Cathedral Choir – Hamilton, ON
• SSS Lira – Potomac, MD
• SSS Gracanica – Windsor, ON
• SSS Ravanica – Detroit, MI
• Stevan Stojanovic Mokranjac Choir – Chicago, IL
• Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Cathedral Choir – Pittsburgh, PA
• Tsar Lazar Men’s Choir – Greater Pittsburgh Area
• St. Nicholas Serbian Orthodox Church Choir – Monroeville, PA
• Petar Krstich Serbian Choir – Steubenville, OH
• Carica Milica Women’s Choir – Greater Pittsburgh Area
• St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church Choir – McKeesport, PA

More than a musical showcase, this year’s SSF Festival was a living icon of Orthodox unity and cultural heritage. Each voice, each harmony, each hymn resounded with not only centuries of sacred tradition, but also more recent compositions of Serbian-American composers, affirming the strength and beauty of our shared Orthodox faith and Serbian heritage.

May the Serbian Singing Federation continue to preserve and inspire, and may the sacred bond between song and soul echo for generations to come.

In Christ,

Fr. George Popovich, Parish Priest

St. Elijah Serbian Orthodox Church, Aliquippa, PA