ALIQUIPPA, PA – The faithful of St. Elijah Serbian Orthodox Church experienced two days of grace and joy as His Grace Bishop Irinej of Washington-New York and Eastern America visited our parish on August 2 - 3, 2025, to celebrate the 111th anniversary of our founding. This historic occasion was marked by profound liturgical beauty: the baptism of a new child in Christ, and a renewed sense of unity and faith within our community.

Saturday, August 2 - Hierarchical Baptismal Liturgy and Feast of St. Elijah the Prophet

On the feast day of our heavenly patron, His Grace, Bishop Irinej, served the Hierarchical Baptismal Liturgy, joined by clergy from the Pittsburgh and Cleveland Deaneries. During the service, His Grace joyfully received into the Church baby Elijah, the son of our beloved Deacon Daniel and Djakonica Ashley August.

The baptism of little Elijah, on the very day of St. Elijah, was celebrated as a living symbol of renewal and continuity - a reminder that the same faith brought by Serbian immigrants in the early 20th century continues to flourish in new generations.

In his sermon, His Grace, warmly congratulated the parents and addressed the congregation, reflecting on the meaning of the name Elijah. Citing the ancient Latin expression “Nomen est omen”—“the name is a sign” - he explained that Elijah, from the Hebrew words Eli (“my God”) and Yah (a shortened form of Yahweh), proclaims, “My God is the Lord.” His Grace encouraged the faithful to live with this same proclamation in their hearts, so that God may always be with us.

Following the Liturgy, Deacon Daniel and Diakonica Ashley hosted a beautiful luncheon at the Serbian-American Club of Aliquippa, where the parish family and guests shared fellowship in joy and thanksgiving.

Sunday, August 3 - Hierarchical Divine Liturgy and Slava Celebration

On Sunday morning, His Grace, Bishop Irinej was greeted by Mina Cvetković Lazić, representing our Sunday School, who welcomed him in traditional Serbian national costume and presented him with flowers — a touching expression of love from the youngest members of our parish.

The Hierarchical Divine Liturgy that followed was truly heavenly. The angelic voices of St. Elijah’s Choir, under the direction of our beloved conductor George Milosh, filled the church and lifted the hearts of all in attendance in praise of Almighty God.

In his powerful homily, His Grace spoke about the life and prophetic zeal of St. Elijah the Tishbite and emphasized the words of St. Paul to the Corinthians from the Epistle lection of the day, calling the faithful to live in unity, love, and steadfast faith.

The celebration continued with the traditional Slava procession around our church, stopping at the four sides for the reading of the Holy Gospel, proclaiming the Resurrection. At the entrance of the church, His Grace cut the Slava kolach with this year’s Kumovi, Robert and Donna Milanovich, praying for the living and the departed members of St. Elijah’s parish. In that sacred moment, the angelic singing of the choir seemed to unite the “militant Church” on earth with the “triumphant Church” in heaven.

Bishop Irinej then joyfully appointed Angelina Kodić as Kuma for next year’s Slava, in recognition of her beautiful reading of the Epistle.

Following the Divine Liturgy, a festive luncheon was served, bringing together clergy, parishioners, and guests in celebration. The program, led by Mr. Andrew Muha, included words of gratitude from Church Board President Mr. Rodney Torbic, reflections on parish history from KumRobert Milanovich, and a heartfelt appreciation from our parish priest, Rev. Fr. George Popovich.

In his remarks, Bishop Irinej reminded the faithful of a remarkable historical connection: exactly 73 years ago, St. Nicholai Velimirovich on this very day, August 3, 1952, blessed the foundation of St. Elijah Church, weaving his prayers into the very fabric of our parish. Today, those prayers continue to sustain and inspire us.