11. January 2019 - 15:21
On Sunday January 6th, 2019, the Sunday of the Holy Fathers and Christmas Eve, His Grace the Right Reverend Irinej, Bishop of Eastern America, presided at the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy in the church of St.George the Great-martyr and Trophy-bearer in Elizabeth.
Protopresbyter-stavrophor Zoran Radovic, parish priest in Elizabeth, together with protodeacons Milos Zdralic and Jovan Anicic, concelebrated with His Grace Bishop Irinej. After the reading of the Holy Gospel, Bishop Irinej gave an inspiring sermon. At the very end of the Divine Liturgy, Bishop Irinej asked the gathered children about Serbian Father’s Day, and then proceeded to invite them to partake in that tradition with him as their Spiritual Father. The children then tied His Grace with a rope, according to the Serbian custom, a task they completed with much joy and cheerfulness. After the tying, Bishop Irinej explained to the children the significance of this beautiful custom. In order to‘’be redeemed’’, Bishop Irinej gave to each child a chocolate-box as a gift.
Fr. Zoran Radovic expressed his sincere gratitude to His Grace Bishop Irinej for joining the Elizabeth, New Jersey parish on the eve of the Feast of the Nativity. His presence brought great joy to all the gathered faithful, most especially to the children.
Source: Eastern American Diocese
