Celebration of Saint Spiridon the Wonderworker in Trieste

The Patron Saint-day of the church of Saint Spiridon in Trieste was solemly celebrated with the participation of His Eminence Metropolitan Porfirije of Zagreb-Ljubljana and of the competent Bishop Andrej of Austria-Switzerland.

The solemn Vesper service was served by Metropolitan Porfirije with the concelebration of archimandrite Grigorios Miliaris, the principal of the Greek church of Saint Nicholas in Trieste, protopresbyter-stavrophor Toma Cirkovic, the principal of the church of Saint Sava in Koper, Slovenia, protopresbyter Vladimir Melynichuk, priest of the Russian Orthodox Church in Udine, and other Serbian priests.

Many believers from Trieste and surroundings took part in the service. In a spirit of traditionally good relations, the Vesper service was attended by Archbishop of Trieste Mons. Giampaolo Crepaldi accompanied by Church dignitaries Pieremili Salvadeo i Etoro Malnati, mayor of Trueste Roberto Dipiaza and other officials as well as by the Serbian Ambassador.

After the service in the church, there was a traditional reception, organized by the Church-school community in the solemn hall of the Church-school community.

Following the reception, Bishop Andrej and Father Rasko Radovic attended the solemn Christmas mass at the Cathedral church of Saint Martyr Justa presided over by His Eminence Archbishop of Trieste Monsignor Giampaolo Crepaldi,

On the next day, His Eminence Metropolitan Porfirije officiated the Holy Hierarchal Liturgy with the concelebration of Bishop Andrej and protopresbyter-stavrophor Slobodan Milunovic from Munich as well as other priests.

Mixed church choir sang responses and Professor Ana Kaire conducted.

Source: Diocese of Austria-Switzerland (translation – The Information Service of the Serbian Orthodox Church)