Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos – Diocesan Federation Css Slava

A blessed Hierarchical celebration for the Diocesan Federation of the Circles of Serbian Sisters (FCSS) Patronal Feast—Slava, Dormition of the Theotokos, was celebrated on Saturday, August 28th at the St. Sava Cathedral of Parma, Ohio.

Concelebrating at the Divine Liturgy were: His Grace Bishop Irinej, Very Reverend and Reverend Fathers: Rodney Torbic, Dragoslav Kosic, Dragan Goronjic, Hieromonk Nektarije, George Veselinovic, Sasa Nedic, Bojan Banovic, Dragan Vukovic, Mark Resanovic, Rev. Deacon Milan Damljanovic, Subdeacon Predrag Lemajic, altar server Luka Parojcic, Reader Petar Vucenovic and newly tonsured Reader Maksim Damljanovic. Father Rade Merick and Father Milan Pajic were also in attendance.

The President of the local CSS of Saint Sava Cathedral, Stanka Nikolic was the honored Kuma for the occasion and Diocesan FCSS President Mrs. Millie Radovick was also in attendance. Sister Anastasija of New Marcha Monastery was also in attendance. Sisters came from near and far for this special occasion. The service began with the tonsuring of Maksim Damljanovic to Reader, we wish him much success in service to the Lord. The Serbian Singing Society “Njegos” was conducted by Mr. Adam Vlainic, whose singers filled the cathedral with beautiful praises.

Following the service, His Grace Bishop Irinej anointed the faithful with holy myrrh from Hawaii's Myrrh-streaming Iveron Icon.

A Festal banquet was held in the main hall. The food prepared by the Cathedral Circle of Serbian Sisters was delicious as always. Father Dragoslav expressed gratitude to all in attendance and recognized sisters from Monroeville, Aliquippa, Pittsburgh, Carmichaels, Johnstown, Akron, Youngstown as well as local sisters.

Kuma Stanka was also commended for her tireless work in Saint Sava Parish. The Diocesan CSS President, Milica Radovick spoke of the role of CSS and their plans for future development of the Shadeland property. Kuma Stanka offered thanks to all those in attendance and especially to some sisters from her own Kolo (Circle) for always being there for her and supporting her.

Final remarks and closing prayer were offered by His Grace Bishop Irinej, whose sermon earlier in the church, was based on the Gospel account of Mary and Martha. His Grace emphasized the importance of CSS in connection to this encounter of the sisters of Lazarus with Christ in both serving and hearing the Word of God. Later, at the luncheon, he reminded all in attendance about the particular blessing that our Sisters have in taking care of the St. Sava Children’s Camp in Shadeland. This is their obedience and stewardship entrusted to them by the Diocese.

Source: Eastern American Diocese of the SOC