Bishop Irinej officiates in Akron

On the Tenth Sunday after Pentecost, His Grace Bishop Irinej of Eastern America, was pleased to visit the parish of the Holy Great Martyr Demetrius in Akron, to serve the Hierarchical Divine and to preach the Word of God.

His Grace was assisted by the Very Rev. Presbyter Dragan Goronjic, parish priest, and Episcopal Dean of the Cleveland Deanery, and Rev. Presbyter Mark Resanovich, priest from the parish of St. George in North Canton. Liturgical responses were rendered by members of the Njegosh Choir from Cleveland.

Following the Gospel reading, Bishop Irinej preached on the Gospel lesson, noting how this was a turning point in Christ’s mission, wherein He uses tangible images, such as the mustard seed, and parables for the edification of those who are God-seekers. This Gospel lesson reinforces the concepts of trust, which leads us to faith, and faith, which leads us to knowledge, while knowledge leads us to God, Who reveals Himself to us.

After the dismissal, Father Dragan thanked His Grace for visiting and distributed gifts to parishioners for their devoted time and efforts.

As this Liturgy followed the festal concelebration for the Great Feast of the Dormition, the patronal feast of the Federation of the Circles of Serbian Sisters, which was celebrated at the St. Sava Cathedral in Cleveland, the board members of their St. Petka Circle of Serbian Sisters joined in worship at the St. Demetrius Parish.

Following the Divine Liturgy, the faithful gathered in the parish hall to enjoy a well-prepared Agape meal.

On the same day, Bishop Irinej, accompanied by Father Dragan and Deacon Milan Damljanovic, visited the parish of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul in Norton, and met with the board president, Goran Perovic.

Praise God for everything!

Source: Eastern American Diocese