Bishop Irinej visits Florida

Christmas for Serbians is a family holiday, and the three Sundays prior to Christmas are dedicated to celebrating members of the family. The third Sunday before the Christmas is dedicated to children, the second to mothers and the first to fathers.

This year, children, mothers and fathers will be honoured on December 17, December 24 and December 31 respectively.

On these days, family members receive gifts, but the presents they give come in the form of a ransom. Sunday December 31, 2017 was Serbian Father’s Day which we celebrated after Divine Liturgy at St. George church in Clearwater, Florida. The parishioner’s children tied up His Grace Bishop Irinej who was visiting our parish. It was fun to look on as the children tied up His Grace with such determination and glee. Once His Grace was tied up the children where not going to release His Grace until they were given presents. His Grace Bishop Irinej gave all the children Icons and candy canes to the children’s delight.

Then the entire congregation went to the parish home where His Grace Bishop Irinej blessed the home with Holy Oil and Holy water. Afterwards everyone went to the parish hall for a wonderful luncheon prepared by our hard working Kolo Sisters.

Serving with His Grace Bishop Irinej during Divine Liturgy was V. Rev Jovan Todorovich, V. Rev. Milan Stojanovich, Rev. Milioja Raicevic, V. Rev. Dragan Zaric,, Rev. Aleksandar Djurdjevic, Deacon Milos Zdralic with V. Rev. Peter Tutko leading the choir which was made up of not only our church members but visiting choirs members from North Port and parishes up North too.

Source: Eastern American Diocese