Circles of Serbian Sisters of the Eastern American Diocese celebrated Slava

The Federation of Circles of Serbian Sisters of the Eastern American Diocese celebrated their Krsna Slava, the Falling Asleep of the Holy Theotokos, on Saturday, August 29, 2009 at the Most Holy Theotokos Monastery in Shadeland, Pennsylvania. His Grace Bishop Mitrophan of Eastern America attended the Vespers service on Friday evening, after which a dinner was served and members of the Shadeland committtee held their regular meeting afterwards.

The Holy Hierarchical Divine Liturgy was served the following day with His Grace Bishop Mitrophan officiating, assisted by V. Rev. Stavrophor Dragoljub Malich, V. Rev. Stavrophor Stevan Stepanov, V. Rev. Stavrophor Rade Merick, V. Rev. Dr. Rodney Torbic, V. Rev. Dragomir Tuba and Deacon Dragoslav Kosic. V. Rev. Zivojin Jakovljevic sang the responses together with the faithful, many of whom are choir members, including two choir directors from neighboring parishes.The Slava Kolach was blessed prior to the conclusion of the liturgy.

During the Slava luncheon His Grace spoke about the Mother of God and how she forgave those who killed her Son. He also mentioned the weeping icon of the Most Holy Theotokos which visited the Greek Monastery in Saxonburg the prior week and noted that her tears are because of the high rate of abortion in Serbia. Fr. Dragoljub Malich, the spiritual advisor of the Kolo Savez, also spoke at the dinner as well as Fr. Rodney Torbic, who spoke about forgiveness and the using the the Holy Gospel as a basis for assessing our relationships. President of the Kolo Savez, Millie Radovick, welcomed and thanked His Grace, the clergy and all attendees. She introduced all Protinicas and Popadijas in attendance: Protinica Prodanovich, Protinica Stepanov, Protinica Majstorovic, Protinica Tuba, Djakonica Kosic (Popadija Katanic was in attendance the previous evening) and noted how pleased she was to see them with their families. Millie also mentioned the Kolo Presidents in attendance and the KSS Board members. Rudley Mrvos, Diocesan Council Vice-President was present.

His Grace, the bishop, presented Mrs. Olga Dimitrijevic, past president and mother of the current president, with the Episcopal Citation-Gramata and spoke of how both she and her husband, Toma, have always worked at helping their diocese. He also noted how her daughter, Millie Radovick, is not only continuing in her mother's footsteps but her family is very active in their parish.

The Federation had an informational meeting following the dinner. The Kolo Savez plans to continue this tradition of celebrating their Krsna Slava on the beautiful grounds in Shadeland which, in time, should grow and flourish into yet another date on the Diocesan calendar of spiritual events which our Serbian Orthodox faithful can look forward to, in coming together for prayer and fellowship as we all continue, united in our faith and hope and love for God, to work towards the salvation of our souls.

Source: www.easterndiocese.org