On Tuesday, January 7th, 2025, His Grace Bishop Irinej of Washington-New York and Eastern America celebrated the Festal Hierarchical Divine Liturgy for the Nativity of Christ at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Cathedral in Cleveland, OH.

His Grace was joined by Episcopal Deputy, Protopresbyter-Stavrophor Rade Merick; Parish Priest, Protopresbyter Dragoslav Kosic; and assisted by Deacons Milan Damljanovic and Predrag Lemajic in this joyous celebration of Christ's Birth in the Flesh.

Upon entering the Church, the straw on the floor echoed the simplicity of the manger and reminded the faithful that the birth of Christ was not in grandeur, but in humility. The humble setting of the Nativity, surrounded by straw and animals, is where the "Sun of Righteousness" came into the world to bring salvation to all creation. The faithful are invited to recognize the Divine Light that illuminates the world, shining not in luxurious wealth, but in the poverty of a stable. The call to "let all the earth worship You and chant unto You" invites all to embrace the wonder of the Nativity, recognizing in the simplicity of the manger the profound grace of God’s love upon all of humankind.

Liturgical responses were rendered by the Njegos Choir of Cleveland. Readers Maksim Damljanovic and Luka Parojcic assisted in chanting and reading.

At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, The Nativity Encyclical of the Serbian Orthodox Church was delivered in both Serbian and English. This powerful message calls us to embrace the joy of Christ’s birth, inviting us to open our hearts to Him and to each other. It encourages us to build bridges of peace and understanding, striving to live as worthy heirs of St. Sava, the peacemaker. We are urged to reflect Christ’s love in all our interactions, fostering unity and reconciliation. May His peace dwell within us, uniting us in harmony as we joyfully proclaim: "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will among men!"

The joy of the Nativity continued as the faithful exchanged the traditional Christian greeting, “Christ is born!” And echoing in response, “Indeed, He is born!” The Nativity serves as a reminder of the unshakable hope and joy that Christ brings to every home and to the heart of everyone who receives Him. The celebration was marked by a profound sense of unity, as the faithful gathered together in worship and fellowship, rejoicing in the gift of the Incarnate Savior.

In the warmth of the church, surrounded by the beauty of the liturgy and the fellowship of the community, the faithful departed with hearts full of peace and joy, carrying the message of Christ's birth into the world with renewed faith and love.

Peace of God – Christ is Born!