Bishop Mitrophan Joins Cleveland Deanery Clergy for Forgiveness Vespers
Warren, OH - His Grace Bishop Mitrophan of Eastern America joined the clergy of the Cleveland Deanery, headed by Dean V. Rev. Stavrophor Janko Rajlich, for the Lenten Vespers on the Sunday of Forgiveness, on the eve of Great Lent Sunday, March 6, 2011 at St. Elijah Church in Warren, Ohio. Accompanying the bishop was the Diocesan secretary Milovan Jovanovic.
Protonamesnik Milovan Katanic was the evening's homilist who in his sermon about forgiveness brought to mind that these days of the Great Fast are leading us slowly not only to the Feast of all feasts, the Resurrection of our Lord, but also to that darkest of all days in the history of mankind, the crucifixion of our Lord on Golgotha. It was there, he stated, that the Lord died for His enemies in order to make them His friends, to bring all men to salvation and yet how many Christians make enemies of their friends through disrespecting, insulting or offending them.
Afterward, Fr. Dragan Goronjic of the Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Church in Youngstown and administrator of the St. Elijah parish warmly welcomed His Grace and on behalf of the parish asked for the bishop's forgiveness as we all embark on the holy journey of the Great Fast. Also serving that evening was Protodeacon Milan Medakovic.
A wonderful meal was served in the adjoining church hall where the bishop addressed the people calling on forgiveness, love and respect for one another as a people and members of the Serbian Orthodox Church.