On December 15, 2024, during the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy at St. Elijah Serbian Orthodox Church in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, His Grace, Bishop Irinej of Washington-New York and Eastern America celebrateded Divine Liturgy with Protopresbyter-Stavrophor Rade Merick, Episcopal Deputy, Protopresbyter-Stavrophor Rodney Torbic, and Presbyter-Economos Mark Resanovich, assisted by Deacons Daniel August and Mark Matejevich.
During the Holy Liturgy, His Grace Bishop Irinej ordained Deacon George Popovich to the Sacred Order of Priest. This momentous occasion marked the beginning of a profound new chapter for the Serbian Orthodox community in Aliquippa and their numerous guests as they witnessed and contributed to the Ordination with their exuberant exclamations of AXIOS! DOSTOJAN! and HE IS WORTHY! Culminating the transformation of a devout servant of Christ into a spiritual leader, tasked with shepherding the faithful.
Immediately preceding his ordination, the soon to be ordained Deacon George delivered deeply moving remarks, addressed in response to the Bishop’s question, “Why have you come and what are you seeking from our hands”. In them, he captured the essence of his spiritual journey and his unwavering commitment to the priesthood. He began by expressing profound gratitude to His Grace for the trust and blessing bestowed upon him and recalled his early sense of spiritual calling during the years of preparation that led him to this pivotal moment. “The priesthood is not simply a title,” he said, “but a sacred responsibility to serve God and His people with humility, devotion, and love.”
Born in Belgrade, Serbia, in 1981, to devout parents, Deacon George shared how his upbringing laid the foundation for his spiritual path. He recounted his experiences as a child, feeling the call of God and discovering his passion for iconography, which deepened his understanding of faith. Guided by the wisdom of mentors, family support, and his firm belief, he pursued graduate theological studies in Belgrade and Paris and dedicated himself to the Church’s mission.
Quoting Saint Gregory the Theologian, Deacon George highlighted the sanctity and responsibility of the priesthood: “A priest must be a servant of all, offering himself as a living sacrifice to God.” These words, he explained, serve as a constant reminder that the priesthood is a life of selflessness and devotion, dedicated to the glory of God and the salvation of souls.
The ordination of Deacon George to the Holy Priesthood was not just a personal milestone but a spiritual renewal for the entire church community. It underscored the timeless bond between clergy and laity, united in their shared faith and dedication to Christ. His words resonated deeply with the congregation, inspiring them to embrace their faith with renewed fervor and to recognize the importance of spiritual leadership in their lives.
Following the Divine Liturgy, a festive luncheon was prepared for numerous parishioners and guests in the cultural center of the Church of St. Elijah. In addition to the clergy and parishioners, the luncheon was also attended by faithful from Dallas,Texas and Chicago, Illinois. The guests were addressed by the president of the church board, Mr. Nick Kosanovich, who thanked parishioners, Circle of Serbian Sisters, Church Board members and others, offering a warm welcome to His Grace, their new parish priest and the people of Aliquippa.
Following the well-received and heartfelt acceptance remarks of the new Priest George and his wife, Popadija Iris, His Grace Bishop Irinej, addressed his congregation and guests, reflected on the historical and spiritual importance and heritage of this parish. He mentioned the first bishop of the Eastern American Diocese, the late Bishop and renown composer, Stefan (Lastavica), who was consecrated bishop in the Church of St. Elijah and is buried in the nearby parish cemetery.
In mentioning the late Protopresbyter-Stavrophor Stevan Stepanov, who also was ordained to the Holy Priesthood in the Church of St. Elijah in 1973, the bishop spoke of the living, indelible mark, which he has left on the parish, most especially in the liturgical beauty of the choir, cantors, and altar servers. His Grace also spoke of the beloved Protinica Ana, who had gifted him with a set of Serbian silver filigree cufflinks that the bishop wore with gratitude and in honor of Prota Stevan. Bishop Irinej then presented the new priest, Presbyter George, with those same cufflinks for him to wear in good health and length of days, as the rightful successor to Prota Stevan, who had honored in like manner Prota Vlastimir Tomic, who came before him and established the St. Elijah Church and Center in Aliquippa, as we know it today.
His Grace thanking many individuals and parish organizations, then wished the new parish priest and new Popadija Iris, many years of service to God and His people, by following in the footsteps of their wonderful Prota Stevan and Protinica Ana.
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