The Synaxis of Serbian Saints Parish in Portland, Maine, joyfully marked its 25th anniversary with a day of prayer, thanksgiving, and fellowship on Saturday, September 13, 2025. 

The celebration began with the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy at Saint Demetrius Serbian Orthodox Church in Biddeford, served by His Grace Bishop Irinej of Washington–New York and Eastern America. Concelebrating were Protopresbyter-Stavrophor Aleksandar Vlajković of St. Sava Parish in Boston, Protopresbyter John Teague of the Orthodox Church in America Diocese of New England, and Protopresbyter-Stavrophor Ivan Marjanović, the parish priest. The spiritual beauty of the service was further uplifted by the church choir “Desanka Maksimović” from Boston.

During the Divine Liturgy, His Grace Bishop Irinej ordained Reader Pavle Simić to the rank of subdeacon, which brought great joy to the parish community.

Following the Liturgy, parishioners and guests proceeded to the festively prepared parish hall of St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Saco. His Grace, together with all the guests, was warmly welcomed by members of the Grachanitsa Kids folklore group, as well as the many faithful gathered for the occasion. 

In addition to a rich and festive luncheon prepared by the members of the Circle of Serbian Sisters “Emperor Constantine and Empress Helen,” the program included expressions of gratitude and a performance by the folk-dance ensemble Grachanitsa.

The parish expressed its deepest gratitude to its brothers and sisters of the sister church of St. Demetrios in Maine, which graciously hosted the celebration at their beautiful church center.

The history of this parish is rooted in the faith and dedication of the Serbian Orthodox community in southern Maine. In 1999, a group of devoted families, together with Father Aleksandar Vlajković, came together with the vision of establishing a spiritual home for generations to come. With faith and unity, they purchased the church at 35 Adams Street in Biddeford, formerly Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church. Honoring its legacy, they preserved its name and dedicated it anew as a Serbian Orthodox church under the same heavenly protector.

In 2004, Protopresbyter-Stavrophor Ivan Marjanović, together with his family, moved to Maine, where he has served as parish priest to this day.

Over the past 25 years, the Parish of the Assembly of Serbian Saints has been more than a building – it has been the heart of the community: a place of prayer, preservation of culture, and brotherly fellowship.

With gratitude to God, the parish joyfully celebrates 25 years of faith, unity, and community, with hope for many more years of spiritual growth and service.