LORAIN PARISH CELEBRATES 75TH/80TH ANNIVERSARIES

The celebration continued on Saturday with Hierarcichal Divine Liturgy served by His Grace, Rt. Rev. Bishop Dr. +Mitrophan with eight priests and a deacon. Among the clergy was Fr. Stephen Tumbas, the current parish priest of St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church in Jackson, CA., and a native of Lorain. Responses were beautifully sung by the KOSOVO Men's Choir, under the directorship of Dr. Stevan Zivic. Prior to Divine Liturgy, His Grace tonsured Mr. Michael Kowalczyk of Elyria, OH. to the rank of Reader, in recognition of his faithful participation in the life of the Lorain parish. During his sermon, His Grace spoke of the importance of the Church in our lives, and encouraged the many faithful present to continue in the ferver of God's House that their fathers had. The Liturgy concluded with a Litija around the church and the blessing of the four sides.

The celebration continued that day with a gala banquet which was held at the beautiful Hall of St. Mark Serbian Orthodox Church (New Grachanica Metropolinate) in Shefflield Village, OH.  The hall was filled with over 250 guests, many of whom traveled considerable distances to the attend the festivities.  During the banquet, on behalf of St. George's parish, Fr. Milorad presented gifts to the oldest male member, Mr. Milivoje Knezevich (age 95) and the oldest female member, Mrs. Mary Govich (age 92).  In recognition of his service to St. George's Parish, His Grace Bishop +Mitrophan awarded Fr. Milorad with the red sash.  The Gala banquet continued with music and dancing into the evening.

The celebration concluded on Sunday with a special blessing for Fr. Milorad - responses to Divine Liturgy were sung by his hometown choir of St. Nicholas Serbian Orthodox Cathedral of Hamilton, ON. under the direction of Protinica Mira Stojsavljevic.  Along with Fr. Milorad the Divine Liturgy was served by Protopresbyter-Stavrophor Stevo Stojsavljevic (Dean of St. Nicholas Cathedral of Hamilton ON.) and Fr. Stephen Tumbas.  Deeply moved by the day, Fr. Milorad thanked all present at the conclusion of Divine Liturgy, and stated unreservedly that if it had not been for the example of Fr. Stevo Stojsavljevic, and the magnificence of the services at the Cathedral, to which the choir contributes so much, he would not have chosen the priestly vocation.  The day concluded with a wonderful luncheon for all.

The double anniversary celebration was truly an joyous experience for all who participated in it.  Many thanks go to the Church board under the able leadership of President Nikola Malobabic, and the Kolo under President Kathy Fritisch and to all members and friends of St. George Parish would made our double anniversay a memorable event.

PORTLAND PARISH RECEIVES FIRST FULL TIME PRIEST

Portland, ME - His Grace Bishop Dr. +Mitrophan officiated at the Divine Liturgy at Synaxis of Serbian Saints in Portland, Maine on Sunday, September 26, 2004.  Assisting His Grace was Protonamesnik Fr. Ivan Marjanovic, whom the bishop presented to the parish following the service and introduced as their new full time priest.  Fr. Ivan arrived in America only a few days prior to the first liturgy, on September 23 with Popadija Biljana and daughter Monica.  Prior to his appointment to the newly established mission in Portand, Fr. Ivan was a priest in the town of Godovik, Serbia in the Diocese of Zicha where he served for 17 years. 

Attending the Divine Liturgy on Sunday was also Protonamesnik Fr. Aleksandar Vlajkovic of St. Sava in Boston, who joined Popadija Biljana and seminarian Stanislav Kravljaca at the pevnica, singing the responses.  Also attending this very special event in the life of this young parish were a number of neighboring Greek families, close friends of our Serbian community.

A luncheon was served in the church hall following Divine Liturgy where His Grace offered his welcoming words to the newly arrived priest,wishing him much success in his new surroundings.  The bishop also used this time to thank the efforts of Fr. Aleksandar Vlajkovic who had served the needs of this faithful community as administrator over the years.  A number of parishioners were also recognized with Episcopal Citations.  Special recognition was given to Milica and Donald Pogorzelski who were recognized as Founders and Benefactors for their many contributions to the parish. 

There were about 150 parishioners attending the affair.  Special guests at the luncheon were local Greek priest Fr. Vasilios Arabatzis and Professor Veselin Kesich and his wife Lidija. 

We welcome Fr. Ivan and his family into our diocese and wish him many, many years! 

FIRST LITURY FOR MISSION IN SHADELAND

Springboro, PA - Parishioners of the newly established mission of Holy Bishop Nikolaj parish gathered together for the celebration of their first liturgy at Shadeland on Saturday, September 25, 2004.  Temporary Administrator of the parish, V. Rev. Rastko Trbuhovich of St. Stephen's in Lackawanna, NY celebrated the Divine Liturgy.  Parishioner Melanie Krneta led the people in singing the responses during the service.  Fr. Rastko addressed the congregration at the liturgy in both Serbian and English languages, as there were also some newly arrived refugee families present, on the theme of our Lord's words, "only one thing is needful", reminding the faithful that if they put Christ and the liturgy first all other things will come in time.  An article written by Luka Krneta appeared in the local newspaper, the Erie Times about the newly establised parish.

FIRST SABOR OF ST. SAVA STUDENTS HELD IN LIBERTYVILLE

Libertyville, IL - The first annual Sabor of St. Sava School of Theology Graduates was held on Thursday and Friday, September 23-24 at St. Sava Monastery in Libertyville, Illinois. The assembly formally opened at 4:00 pm with the registration, which was then followed by the evening Vespers service served by Rev. Aleksandar Novakovic. That evening V. Rev. Miroljub Ruzic, who at one time was professor at this theological school, began the academic section of the planned activities with his lecture entitled: "The Cross as the Center of the Pastoral Service". A lively discussion followed.  Following dinner all attendees enjoyed a few hours of free time where many of the gathered clergy had the chance to catch up with their classmastes, many of whom they hadn't see in years.  Approximately thirty graduates attended, including faculty members: V. Rev. Milos Vesin, V. Rev. Deacon Stanimir Spasovic, Lecturer Predrag Samardzic and Dr. Helen Criticos Theodoropoulos. Only one graduate from our diocese, Fr. Zivko Velimirovic, was able to attend the event. The assembly of St. Sava alumni were also joined by the faithful from the community.

The following day began with the Matins served by Hieromonk Seraphim (Milojkovic), followed by an Akathist served by V. Rev. Miroljub Ruzic and Rev. Mile Subotic at the gravesite of Holy Bishop Nikolaj of Zica and Ohrid. After breakfast the attendees were once again offered a lecture, this time by V. Rev. Rodney Torbic who spoke on the subject of prison ministry. A discussion followed the lecture.  Following lunch the assembly came to a close.

Although many clergy, graduates of this theological institution, weren't able to attend the event due to conflicting schedules in their parishes, the organizers of this event and, in fact, all St. Sava alumni remain hopeful that this event will grow in the years to come, becoming an event that we schedule all of our other personal plans around.

BISHOP OF EASTERN AMERICA ATTENDS SLAVA IN INDIANA

New Carlisle, IN - His Grace Bishop Dr. +Mitrophan joined Fr. Gavrilo, Mother Evpraksija and the sisterhood of the Serbian Orthodox Patriarchal Monastery of the Nativity of the Mother of God in New Carlisle, IN on Monday, September 20, 2004, for the celebration of the Monastery Slava.

His Grace Bishop +Longin of New Gracanica officiated at the Vigil, assisted by Fr. Gavrilo.  There was no room for all the pilgrims who faithfully flock to attend the annual celebration of the monastery Slava.  During the Vigil service many had to be outside.  A meal was prepared for the visiting hierarchs, clergy and pilgrims following the service.

The Holy Hierarchical Divine Liturgy on the day of the feast was served by special guest His Grace Bishop +Peter of Cleveland and Administrator of the Chicago Diocese of the Russian Church Abroad, with the concelebration of Bishop +Longin and Bishop +Mitrophan.  The hierarchs were assisted by Fr. Gavrilo and visiting clergy, V. Rev. Djuro Krosnjar and Rev. Dragan Petrovic. Bishop +Mitrophan offered the homily at the liturgy.

The Ritual of the Slava Cake followed the liturgy which was served by Bishop +Peter.  Although a working day, the church was once again filled to capacity with the pilgrims who flock here out of their great love for this holy Serbian center of spirituality.  Sixty cars and two buses, one from Holy Resurrection parish and the other from St. Symeon the Myrrhflowing parish.  The spiritual children of Fr. Gavrilo from Serbian, Greek and Russian jurisdictions were present at the event.  Certainly a very special moment during the liturgy was the elevation of Fr. Gavrilo to the rank of Archimandrite.  AXIOS!

1924—EIGHTIETH ANNIVERSARY~SLAVA—2004
Festival of the Founding of the
Church of the Nativity of the Theotokos
Clairton, Pennsylvania

Clairton, PA - On a beautiful Sunday morning, 19 September 2004, the Church-School Congregation and Parish of the Church of the Nativity of the Theotokos, Clairton, PA held High Festival in honor of its founding in the year 1924.

At 9:45am, as the bell pealed, His Grace †MITROPHAN, Bishop Dr. of the Eastern American Diocese arrived at the church from Mars, PA. The Executive Church Board President Mr. George Kavic met His Grace at the church entrance with the traditional bread and salt, welcoming His Grace. The Parish Priest of St. Mary's Fr. Vladimir V. Demshuk greeted His Grace with the Holy Cross.

The small church was nearly filled to capacity with faithful parishioners and many friends of the parish as well as people from neighboring Orthodox parishes. Fr. Vladimir and Fr. Deacon Dragoslav Kosic assisted His Grace Bishop Dr. †MITROPHAN who was the chief celebrant of the Liturgy. Readers assisting at the Hierarchical Holy Liturgy were Joseph Lia and Michael Krajac. After the vesting of the Bishop and before the Liturgy, His Grace tonsured Mr. Peter Pevac a Reader, an elder son of St. Mary’s, Clairton, PA who also assisted the Bishop at the Hierarchical Holy Liturgy.

The guest choir, the "Serb Wings" Ensemble from St. Nicholas Serbian Orthodox Church, Steelton (Oberlin), PA, under the direction of Mrs. Nina Radanovic sang the responses in English, Church Slavonic, Greek, and Serbian. His Grace Bishop Dr. †MITROPHAN gave an inspirational sermon after the Gospel for the Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost, based on the Parable About The Talents. Several of the faithful received Holy Communion from the hands of their Bishop that day.

His Grace Bishop Dr. †MITROPHAN celebrated The Rite of the Breaking of the Bread ("Slava") in honor of the patronal feast of the Parish, the Nativity of the Most-holy Theotokos (8/21 September) after "The Prayer Behind the Ambo." The honored "Kumovi" (Sponsors) for the celebration were Mr. George J. Zdrale and Rita his wife.

After veneration of the Holy Cross and blessing from the Bishop with fresh basil and Holy Water, the Eightieth Anniversary~Slava Dinner and Concert, at which over one hundred persons attended, was held at the church hall. Very Rev. Stavrofor Dragoljub Malich, Very Rev. Dr. Rodney Torbic, Very Rev. Lt. Col. Adam Yonitch, and Rev. Hieromonk Iwakeim (Joachim) arrived for the dinner.

The dinner program began with the procession to the head table of Bishop Dr. †MITROPHAN and all the assembled clergy as the guest choir and assembly sang "Ton Despotin." The guest choir and assembly then sang the Lord's Prayer, which preceded the blessing of the tables by His Grace Bishop Dr. †MITROPHAN. The dinner and program took two hours with several speeches and Archpastoral remarks and felicitations by His Grace Bishop Dr. †MITROPHAN and the acknowledging of numerous guests who were in the audience and at the dinner head table.

The whole program was under the direction of the capable Mrs. Stella Kukich and Mr. George J. Zdrale, Co-Chairpersons, and the committees serving under them. All of them worked very hard for two years in preparation for the Eightieth Anniversary~Slava. A one hundred six page Eightieth Anniversary~Slava Commemorative Book was typeset and printed by the computer-savvy Mr. Mark Metikosh, Editor, and Fr. Vladimir V. Demshuk, Contributing editor and given to those present in remembrance of this auspicious occasion.

After the dinner, the Master -of-Ceremonies responsibilities were admirably performed by Rdr. Peter Pevac, a member of the parish.

A special attraction of the program was a beautiful concert presentation by the "Serb Wings" Ensemble of both spiritual hymns and folk songs sung in Church Slavonic, Serbian, and Macedonian after which President George Kavic gave a generous monetary gift to the Ensemble on behalf of the parish in support of Monastery "Marcha."

After the concluding remarks of Fr. Vladimir V. Demshuk, the program ended with the prayer "We thank Thee, O Christ our God…" and blessings of His Grace Bishop Dr. †MITROPHAN.

Many people remained awhile to enjoy fraternal friendship that always prevails at the St. Mary’s Church before departing.

Most Holy Theotokos, Save Us!
Presvjataja Bogorodice, Spasi Nas!

Rev. Vladimir Demshuk
Parish Priest

EASTERN DIOCESE CELEBRATES PATRON SAINT

Diocesan Headquarters -  Once again this year our Diocese of Eastern America celebrated it’s Patron Saint, St. Nikodim of Serbia on Saturday, September 18, 2004.  As always, the celebration was observed cheerfully, beginning formally on the morning with the spiritual celebration of the holy service.

His Grace Bishop Dr. +Mitrophan officiated at the Holy Hierarchal Divine Liturgy, assisted by V. Rev. Stavrofor Dragoljub Malich and Rev. Milan Pajic, the newly appointed priest of St. George in Midland, PA.  Also serving was the Bishop's deacon, Rev. Deacon Dragoslav Kosic.  Other clergy that attended included Lt. Col. V. Rev. Adam Yontich, V. Rev. Rodney Torbic, Rev. Vladimir Demshuk, Rev. Dragomir Tuba, Rev. Radomir Cutilo (St. Sava Cathedral, Milwaukee, WI), Rev. Zivojin Jakovljevic, Rev. Milovan Katanic, Rev. Rajko Kosic and Rev. Milorad Orlic.     

In his homily, His Grace focused his attention on the ever growing number of people distancing themselves from organized religion.  Although the statistics Bishop used referred to the broader Christian church, he mentioned that this trend affects our church as well, pointing out some of the larger cities in our diocese where a multitude of Serbian families live yet the church attendance doesn't reflect that number.  The theme of Bishop's homily captivated both clergy and laity alike, as each are affected by the problem in their own ways. 

The Ritual of the Cutting of the Slava Cake following the liturgy with Slava kumovi Mr. Michael and Mrs. Priscilla Torbic, the parents of V. Rev. Rodney Torbic.  A luncheon followed the service, during which the Master of Ceremonies, Prota Dragoljub Malich, on behalf of His Grace thanked all the clergy and laity for attending, mentioning the importance of this event in the life of our diocese.  Fr. Rodney spoke as well, commenting on the past Slava celebrations he had attended, pointing out how this particular one will certainly be most memorable to him since his parents were given the great honor of serving as kumovi.  Mr. Michael Torbic, followed his son’s comments, expressing his gratitude to His Grace for such a great honor.

Erie, PA -  His Grace Bishop Dr. Mitrophan, V. Rev. Rastko Trbuhovich, Rev. Milovan Katanic and Rev. Deacon Dragoslav Kosic met on Tuesday, September 14, 2004 at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Luka Krneta together with a small group of interested families to discuss the establishment of a new mission parish in Shadeland, PA.

FIRST ANNUAL DIOCESAN DAYS A SUCCESS

Shadeland, PA - Much of the faithful from throughout our diocese who attended the first annual Diocesan Days agreed that it was a great success. Diocesan Bishop, Dr. +Mitrophan was joined by Bishop of New Gracanica, Bishop +Longin, who delivered an inspiring lecture to all campers and adults about the sufferings of the new martyr Bishop Varnava of Hvosno. That evening, following Vespers and dinner, the children huddled around the bonfire, listening to Proto Stevo Rocknage deliver yet another insightful talk aimed especially at our youth.

The following day at the Hierarchal Divine Liturgy nearly all the clergy joined the two hierarchs at the celebration of the Divine Liturgy. Although some clergy were unable to make the long trek, over twenty clergy joined together in prayer that beautiful Sunday morning. Bishop Longin once again addressed both the children and adults, delivering his homily.

All were treated to a wonderfully organized program on the campgrounds following lunch, which ended with all past and present campers and clergy singing the St. Sava hymn.

FR. DANILO ROGICH ELEVATED TO THE RANK OF PROTOPRESBYTER

Shadeland, PA - On Sunday, August 8, 2004 during the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy served in Shadeland Fr. Danilo Rogich of St. Stefan Despot Lazarevic Mission Parish in Clinton,