On Saturday, April 6, 2024, on the eve of the Feast of The Annunciation of the Most Holy Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary, the Eastern American Diocesan Federation of Circles of Serbian Sisters (FCSS) – Savez Kola Srpskih Sestara, met in Columbus, Ohio. It was a beautiful sunny morning and the Sts. Mary and Martha Kolo members of St. Stevan Dechani church warmly welcomed delegates from Cleveland, Aliquippa, Pittsburgh, Akron, Duquesne and Monroeville. His Grace Bishop Irinej, gathered all in the newly renovated church to pray and meditation for a successful meeting. His Grace anointed all with oil from vigil lamp which constantly burns before the miraculous Icon of Our Lady of Sitka, in the Holy Archangel Michael Orthodox Cathedral in Sitka, Alaska, asking for her holy intercessions.

After a delicious breakfast, President Millie Radovick called the meeting to order. Guests for the day included parish priest, Protopresbyter Isak Kisin, Protopresbyter-Stavrophor Stevan Rocknage, Spiritual Advisor to the FCSS, Diocesan Council Vice President Nikola Jokola and Diocesan Council Treasurer John Buffalini.  

Prota Stevo began the day by leading a discussion on the Great Lenten Prayer of St. Ephraim of Syria. He succinctly parsed out the prayer for all to understand its impact on us. It was a great way to strengthen our journey through Great Lent. 

Millie spoke passionately about the role of the Federation – Savez at St. Sava Camp and how wonderful and blessed we’ve been to have such beautiful grounds. The delegates decided to use necessary funds to install a new and larger pool on the Shadeland property. The old pool was installed in 1998 and was also donated by the FCSS.

The growing excitement for our St. Sava Summer Camp was received by all with great joy, especially when it was announced that, on the first day of registration, within a half hour of posting the reservations online, three weeks were already filled, with a expansive waiting list.

His Grace and the representatives of the Diocesan Council explained the need for establishing a Shadeland Stewardship Fund in order to support children from families that will require financial assistance to cover camp tuition fees, as well as support the ongoing expenses required for the upkeep of our magnificent Monastery Estate and the Camp. A formal announcement will be forthcoming.

Many thank you cards were received from widowed clergy wives – Protinice, as the FCSS sent gifts to all of them at Christmas time. This was very touching to all. 

The fall meeting is going to be held at Shadeland. It will be in conjunction with a weekend retreat for women. More details to follow soon, but this is a very exciting event to put on your calendars. 

After all business was conducted, a beautiful lunch was served by the hosts. Thanks to the members of St. Stevan Dechani for a wonderful day.