CLERGY CONFESSION HELD AT DIOCESE
Diocesan Headquarters, Mars, PA - On Wednesday, April 5, 2006 clergy and monastics from the Pittsburgh, Cleveland and Washington deaneries assembled at the Diocesan headquarters in Mars, PA for the Holy Mystery of Confession. Confessions were heard by V. Rev. Stavrophor Dr. Mateja Matejic and began promptly at 8 am.
At 10am the Holy Hierarchical Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts began with His Grace Bishop of Eastern America Dr. +Mitrophan officiated. He was assisted by the Episcopal Deputy V. Rev. Stavrophor Nedeljko Grgurevic, V. Rev. Stavrophor Janko Rajlic, V. Rev. Stavrophor Stevan Stepanov and V. Rev. Stavrophor Srboljub Jockovic. Also serving was the Rev. Deacon Dragoslav Kosic.
His Grace gave an inspiring and significant homily to the clergy on the essence of the holy forty days of the fasts, pointing out that whenever change is spoken of, as is the case with the lenten season, it must start from within. Thereby, the bishop reminded the clergy not only of their responsibility of preaching the faith but, more importantly, of the importance of their own struggles and podvigs for their salvation.
Following the service a meal was served after which the Bishop took the opportunity to discuss some issues with the gathered clergy.
Clergy Confession for the St. Petersburg Deanery will take place on Wednesday, April 12, 2006 at Sts. Peter and Paul Serbian Orthodox Church in Atlanta, Georgia