On the Fourth Sunday after Pentecost, July 6, 2925, His Grace Bishop Irinej of Washington-New York and Eastern America presided over the celebration of the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy at the church of the Conception of St John the Baptist in Paterson New Jersey. Concelebrating with him were Protopresbyter-Stavrophor Djokan Majstorović and Deacon Vladimir Srbljak. Prayerfully present at the Divine Liturgy was His Excellency Dr Vladimir Božović, Consul General of the Republic of Serbia in New York.

The Bishop congratulated all present on this particular celebration, as it marked two important events: the first being the Eve of the Feast of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist; thereafter, that same feast marks the anniversary of the ordination to the Holy Diaconate of Deacon Vladimir Srbljak, this being the fourth.

During his homily, His Grace commenting on the Gospel lesson of Centurion who sought the cure of his servant from Christ (Matt. 8:5-13), emphasizing how this unusual encounter caused our Lord in amazement to declare: “Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith.” The Centurion, a man under discipline, intuitively knew that Jesus could cure his servant with a word, not knowing that he was speaking to Christ The Word!

His boldness displayed by his freedom to approach Christ, proved that true freedom is always coupled with discipline. The same can only be accomplished with faith, which is preserved through order. As such, our God-given freedom, which is a gift in potential, can only be realized through faith and order, as is expressed in our Orthodox worship (cf. I Cor. 14:26ff).

The traditional Agape Meal, served in honor of Deacon Vladimir’s anniversary, was enjoyed by the many faithful that had gathered, following the Divine Liturgy.