On Pentecost Sunday, June 8, 2025, the Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Church (Laird Ave.) in Youngstown, Ohio, joyously celebrated Pentecost,- Duhovi, their Patronal Feast - Slava.  His Grace Bishop Irinej of Washington-New York and Eastern America served the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy and was assisted by parish priest, Presbyter-Economos Bosko Stojanovic, Protopresbyter Dragan Goronjic (Akron), Episcopal Dean of the Cleveland Deanery, Deacon Dan August (Aliquippa), and Deacon Mihailo Pancoe (Akron).  Presbyter-Economos Vedran Grabic (Hermitage) joined at the end of the service for the Slava celebration and banquet.  Also, assisting was Reader John Buffalini, Diocesan Treasurer (Aliquippa).  Singing responses were Reader Maksim Damljanovic and Mira Damljanovic along with members of the Holy Trinity Choir. 

 

Church School students greeted His Grace with flowers as he entered the church, which was decorated with greenery and grass, representing the new life given to the church by gthe Holy Spirit on the 50th day after the Resurrection - as the Bishop later explained during his homily, following the Gospel reading.  During the service His Grace elevated Father Bosko, Presbyter-Economos, to rank of Protopresbyter, Congratulations  Prota Bosko, Axios! Dostojan! He is Worthy!  

 

Towards the end of the service, the Pentecostal kneeling prayers were read while the faithful in attendance wove wreaths and crosses with the green grass spread throughout the church.  At the conclusion of the service, the Festal Bread - Slavski Kolac and Wheat - Koljivo were blessed by HIs Grace during theSlava service.  Serving as Sponsor - Kumovi were Velibor and Lauren Drobnjak.  Accepting the honor of Kumovi for 2026 were Denise Evanovich with daughter Erin Danchise and family. 

 

A festive banquet took place in the church hall afterwards with a meal prepared by the C ircle of Serbian Sisters - Kolo Srpskih Sestara.  The Holy Trinity parish was honored and grateful to have His Grace Bishop Irinej with them on this day and for keeping the parish in his prayers.  His Grace, who was visibly delighted with the superb maintenance of the entire church state, reminded everyone of the significance of this particular church being consecrated by Bishop and now, Saint Mardarije of Libertyville,  as well as the Holy Bishop Nicholai Velimirovich, who also served in the church.  The parish prayerfully anticipates a grand celebration of the church's 100th Anniversary in 2029!  The Holy Trinity parish would like to thank all guest clergy, readers, chanters and guests from St. Demetrius in Akron, Holy Trinity in Austintown, St. George in Hermitage, and St. Sava in Cleveland for attending and adding tremendously to the joy of this Slava celebration.   

 

Miodrag Andjelkovich