Bishop Maxim visits Issaquah parish for Serbian Days 2013

Welcoming His Grace Bishop Maxim and new Parish Priest Protpresbyter Predrag Bojovic, St. Sava Parish of Issaquah, WA celebrated Serbian Days, the annual commemoration of the parish’s consecration, July 27 and 28.

Saturday began with Hierarchical Divine Liturgy officiated by Bishop Maxim at Western Diocese sister parish, Protection of the Most Holy Mother of God (Pokrov) Church, served by Fr. Serafim Gascoigne, along with Fr. Ilija Balach (St. Sava), and Fr. Nikola Todorovic (St. Steven the First Martyr, Portland). After Divine Liturgy, Pokrov parishioners treated attendants to a delicious lunch and instrumental and vocal musical renditions.

During the afternoon, St. Sava hosted a soccer tournament and served freshly barbecued Serbian specialties and baked goods to the crowd that mingled around the 4+-acre grounds while listening to music under the large tent on a beautiful sunny day perfect for all activities. Vespers were served followed by a question and answer session hosted by Bp. Maxim. The rest of the evening included dinner, a program featuring folk dancing by members of the adult group from St. Sava Parish in Vancouver, BC and St. Sava Issaquah’s youngest members of Drina Folklore Group. Live tambura and kolo music continued through the evening.

On Sunday, His Grace was greeted in front of St. Sava by Frs. Ilija, Nikola and Serafim along with servers and parishioners. The choirs of both parishes shared responses throughout the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy. Following liturgy, Bp. Maxim introduced Fr. Predrag and his family  and presented Fr. Ilija with a cross to recognize his years of service to the parish. Lunch followed prepared by the Kolo Srpskih Sestara and experienced barbecue chefs from the parish (as they did all weekend). President Keith Fournier thanked Fr. Ilija for his years of guidance and service to the parish and presented Fr. Ilija and Protinica Carole with a gift from the parish and a ceramic tray remembrance album made by the children. Sunday School children then presented a musical program that also featured recitations. Live tambura and kolo music rounded out the celebration. God blessed the weekend with beautiful weather and joyful volunteers whose advance planning and hard work insured that everyone would enjoy the experience. Glory to God for all things!

Source: Diocese of Western America