On May 31^st, 2026, on the Great and Holy Feast of Pentecost, the Descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles, the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Pittsburgh, PA, joyfully and solemnly celebrated its Patronal Feast Day - Slava with a Hierarchical Divine Liturgy and festive gathering of more than 200 faithful.

The celebration began with the arrival of His Grace Bishop Irinej of Washington-New York and Eastern America, who was warmly greeted and welcomed by the clergy and faithful. His Grace was joined in concelebration by Presbyter Nebojsa Varagic, parish priest, Protodeacon David Manko, parish deacon, and Deacon Daniel August. At the beginning of the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, five new catechumens were formally received through the Reception into the Catechumenate. This joyous occasion served as a powerful reminder that the Holy Spirit continues to call men and women into the life of Christ and His Holy Church.

His Grace delivered a poignant and compelling sermon that served as one of the highlights of the day, combining a meaningful message from the Gospel and Epistle readings with the very essence of the Feast of Pentecost.  Following the Prayer Behind the Ambo, the congregation participated in the solemn Kneeling Prayers of Pentecost, marking the first kneeling in the Church since Pascha. These profound prayers invoke the grace of the Holy Spirit upon the faithful and upon all creation, while offering intercessions for both the living and the departed.

Following the Kneeling Prayers of Pentecost, the Rite of the Patronal Feast was observed with the traditional procession around the cathedral. In front of the cathedral, the faithful gathered around their hierarch and were able to witness and partake in the blessing of the Slava gifts of Festal Bread – Kolach, Wheat – Zhito, and Wine.

Upon receiving the final blessing and antidoron, the joyous fellowship continued with a Festal Slava Banquet at the South Hills Country Club. The faithful of the Holy Trinity Cathedral extend their heartfelt gratitude to this year’s Hosts - Kumovi, Marty and Fran West, whose generosity, dedication, and faithful stewardship contributed greatly not only to the success of this year’s celebration, but to all aspects of our parish life. Graduating high school seniors were also recognized during the festivities. May the Holy Spirit guide and strengthen them as they embark upon the next chapter of their lives.

Presbyter Nebojsa Varagic expressed his sincere gratitude, first and foremost, to His Grace Bishop Irinej for blessing the Holy Trinity Cathedral congregation with His Archpastoral blessings and pastoral love. On behalf of the congregation, Presbyter Nebojsa gifted the Slava Kumovi with an icon of Pentecost – The Descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles. Mrs. Lisa Chalmers, a neighbor of the Holy Trinity Cathedral St. George Cemetery, was an honored guest at the Slava Banquet and was gifted an icon of St. George on behalf of the congregation for her kindness, care, and continued support of the St. George Cemetery grounds over the years.At the conclusion of the Slava Banquet, His Grace Bishop Irinej congratulated the Holy Trinity Cathedral congregation on the celebration of their Patronal Feast Day – Slava. His Grace extended the greetings and blessings of His Holiness Kyr Porfirije, Archbishop of Peć, Metropolitan of Belgrade and Karlovci, and Serbian Patriarch.

As the parish family of Holy Trinity Cathedral gathered in worship and fellowship, they gave thanks to God for the many blessings bestowed upon their community. May the grace of the Holy Spirit, who descended upon the Apostles on the Day of Pentecost, continue to renew their hearts, strengthen their faith, and unite them in the love of the Holy Trinity.