On Sunday, August 4, 2024, the Sixth Sunday after Pentecost, the St. Elijah Church celebrated the parish’s 110th anniversary of its patronal feast, Ilindan – the feast day of St. Elijah the Tishbite, one of the most prominent prophets of the Old Testament.

His Grace, Bishop Irinej was welcomed at the entrance of the Church by the Very Reverend Protopresbyter-Stavrophor Rodney Torbic, Reverend Presbyter Njegoš Perković, Reverend Deacon Daniel August, along with a multitude of faithful filling the Church on this holy day. The Holy Divine Hierarchical Liturgy began at 10:00 AM, officiated by His Grace, while the St. Elijah Choir offered particularly inspired liturgical responses and hymns, prepared еspecially for the parish slava. Through the prayers and the inspired sermon of His Grace, who spoke about the Glorious Prophet Elijah while also giving remarks on the biblical topic, Jesus forgiving and healing the paralyzed man, the faithful were able to experience the Eucharistic union and truly grasp what a faithful community gathered around Christ resembles. For Holy Communion, many children and adults came forward to receive the Most Holy Body and Most Precious Blood of our Lord from His Grace.

Following the Ambon prayer, all those present exited the Church for the Litija (procession) with Gospel readings and blessings of the Church, the parish faithful, and the surrounding community. Prayers were also offered for the blessed repose of all deceased clergy and faithful of the St. Elijah parish, giving honor to those who built this community and devoted their lives to its wellbeing. 

The Litija ended in the Church, where His Grace, led Kuma Kathy Loverich and all the faithful in the blessing of the Slavski Kolach and Koljivo. While the Slavski Kolach was rotated three times, the whole Church surrounded His Grace, laying their hands on each other’s shoulders, signifying unity, while portraying an image of the Kingdom of heaven on earth. Following the blessing, His Grace asked if someone would come forward to take on the responsibility of being the sponsor of the upcoming parish slava celebration in 2025. After a brief story, told by His Grace, Robert Milanovich, a faithful parishioner stepped forward accepting to be the Kum for the 111th Slava.

After the completion of the Divine Liturgy, the faithful found its way to the St. Elijah Center for a festal Slava banquet where they awaited His Grace to joyfully continue the fellowship, the Liturgy after Liturgy. The short program led by the always wonderful, Andrew Muha, was highlighted by greetings from Kuma Kathy, the long-time director of the St. Elijah Choir, president of the Circle of Serbian Sisters “Sveta Petka,” and devoted servant of the parish. 

The St. Elijah Community is always blessed to Welcome His Grace, Bishop Irinej among us and look forward to His next visit. 

Presbyter Njegoš Perković

Temporary Parish Administrator