Bishop Mitrophan Blesses Cornerstone of New Church in Miami

On Saturday evening, March 16th, His Grace Bishop Dr. Mitrophan was greeted at the airport by St. Simeon Orthodox Church parish priest Protojerej Svetozar Veselinovich, along with Protojerej-stavrophor Lazar Kostur and St. Simeon executive church board president Mr. Predrag Vaskrsic. At the St.Simeon Church hall, the Bishop was welcomed with bread, salt and flowers, followed by a most cordial small reception. This afforded those present the opportunity to pose some questions regarding our Holy Orthodox Faith, which His Grace Bishop Dr. Mitrophan eloquently answered.

On Sunday morning, March 17th, the Sunday of Cheesefast, Hierarchical Divine Liturgy was officiated by his Grace Bishop Dr. Mitrophan, assisted by parish priest Protojerej Svetozar Veselinovich, and guest clergy, retired priests Protojerej-stavrophor Milan Stojanovich, and Protojerej-stavrophor Lazar Kostur, as well as parish priest Protojerej Dragan Zaric from St. George Serbian Orthodox Church in Clearwater, Florida. Altar servers Milos Vujovic and Marko Ilic ably assisted Reader Panayiotis Mesaros in fulfilling all the necessary duties. The St. Simeon Church Choir sang the responses and the church was overfilled with joyfull worshippers. Kuma for the  Consecration was Mrs. Jagoda Sokolovic.

Following the Divine Liturgy, His Grace Bishop Dr. Mitrophan with the clergy officiated the Consecration of the Cornerstone for the new church. Bishop Mitrophan delivered a most inspiring sermon. He extended his sincere congratulations to the parish priest and to all faithful, on this momentous celebration

The Festive Banquet for this occasion was prepared by the dedicated sisters of the Kolo, under the presidency of Protinica Andja Veselinovic. Following the outstanding performance of the wonderful Folklore Group from Clearwater, Florida, congratulatory speeches and presentations of awards, His Grace Bishop Dr. Mitrophan once again extended his best wishes and congratulations, and reiterated his gratitude for the hospitality.

With God's help the church is to be completed within one year.  God grant!

Source: Eastern American Diocese