On Friday, July 26, 2024, the New Marcha Monastery in Richfield, Ohio, celebrated its Patronal Feast Day - Slava - The Synaxis of the Holy Archangel Gabriel. His Grace Bishop Irinej of Eastern America celebrated the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, joined by the clergy of the Cleveland and Pittsburgh Deaneries: Protopresbyters Milan Pajic and Dragoslav Kosic Presbyter-Economos Aleksa Pavichevich and Presbyter Mark Resanovich; assisted by Deacons Daniel August and Michael Pancoe.

Prayerfully joining in the Liturgy were Protopresbyters-Stavrophores Rade Merick, Episcopal Deputy, Alexander Garklavs and Yves Babic of the Orthodox Church in America. Responses were inspiringly rendered by the Monastery singers and guests under the direction of Dr Nikola Resanovich. Readers Maksim Damljanovic and Luka Parojcic assisted in chanting and reading.

During the celebration of the Divine Liturgy, Bishop Irinej spoke of the deep and profound meaning of this liturgical celebration. By honoring the heavenly hosts, God's messengers, particularly the Holy Archangel Gabriel, who by name alone is God's Strength. As the bearer of glad tidings and herald of visions, he presents the message of the Lord in a discernable manner to people, so that they can accept it with a pure heart, stating: "I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God. I was sent to speak to you, and to bring you this good news!" (Luke 1:19).

Those instrumental to the establishment of the monastery were remembered, among them: the founders, Bishop Sava of Shumadija (formerly, Eastern America and Canada), Abbess Mother Evpraksija (Paunovic), Great Benefactress and Abbess Mother Ana (Radetic) and benefactors Nikola Borota and Kosta Papich, together with Archimandrite Simeon (Grozdanovic) and other clergy who served the monastery, as well as the many donors and beautifiers.

Toward the conclusion of the liturgy, the Rite of the Patronal Feast was simply executed due to high heat and humidity. A floral arrangement was placed before the bronze bust of Bishop Sava of Blessed Memory, and the grave of Mother Ana was blessed. At the front of the temple, the cutting of the Festal Bread - Slavski Kolach and the blessing of the Wheat - Koljivo proceeded. The Host - Kum for the Slava were Alexander and Zorka Malich together with their family.

The Agape Meal, traditional Orthodox Christian hospitality, considered a primary virtue, most especially in monastic communities, was offered by Milosh Papich of Barberton’s well known Belgrade Gardens and others, as organized and presented by Sister Anastasia (Gousis), Novice Milunka (Pejoska), together with friends of the Monastery.

In the tranquil, rural setting of the monastery, surrounded by sheep, goats, bees and flora, tents were pitched for the refreshment and enjoyment of all present at the afternoon Agape Meal.

The New Marcha Monastery remains a true oasis of spirituality for all who visit, worship and prayer therein, a true blessing for the Diocese of Eastern America and the Pan-Orthodox Community of Greater Cleveland.