On Sunday before the Great Feast of Theophany, January 17, 2021, His Grace Bishop Irinej of Eastern America celebrated the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy in our St. Petka Church in Orlando, Florida. Concelebrating with His Grace were host priest, Protopresbyter Ljubisa Brnjos, and Protodeacon Milos Zdralic.

During his homily, Bishop Irinej focused on this unique Sunday which encompasses two dimensions of Epiphany. As this Sunday follows Christmas, it embraces the manifestation of Christ, born in the flesh; and as it precedes Theophany, it anticipates the revelation of the Trinity with Baptism of the Son of God in the Jordan River and the opening of the heavens, when the voice of the Father was heard, and the Spirit descended in the form of a dove.

Grateful for the impressive turnout of faithful, especially the children, the Bishop could not hide his joy at being able to serve the Holy Liturgy in their midst and to commune so many faithful.

Following the Divine Liturgy, Bishop Irinej visited the church school and had an opportunity to meet with the children and their parents, to talk to them, ask them questions and, as always to his delight, allow the children to ask him questions. The pupils were particularly pleased when the bishop recognized those who participated in a recent video production of the Department of Christian Education and complimented them on their singing. 

Given the expansive outdoor picnic area and expanded hall, a festal agape meal was enjoyed by all.