DEANERY LENTEN VESPERS BEGIN
[Great Lent] On the eve of Great Lent the annual tradition of the Lenten Vespers in the Eastern Diocese began with the Sunday of Forgiveness. His Grace Bishop of Eastern America Dr. Mitrophan joined the Pittsburgh Deanery this year for the Vesper Service at the St. Sava Church in McKeesport, PA. Seven priests and two deacons served at the Vespers. In his homily V. Rev. Adam Yontich of St. Nicholas Church in Johnstown spoke about the Lenten journey and preparing for it as one would for an extended trip. He focused on the importance of humility.
Rev. Zivojin Jakovljevic of the St. Sava Cathedral in Cleveland was the homilist for the Cleveland Deanery Vespers held at St. George in Lorain, OH. In his homily he used a recent inspirational experience to illustrate God’s abundant love for all of us. The local Orthodox clergy Lorain joined the Serbian clergy at the Holy Altar for the service. There was a total of seven priests in attendance. Mother Ana of Monastery Marcha also attended and, as is the practice, a collection was made benefiting the monastery.