Eastern Diocesan Day 2012

With the blessings of His Grace Bishop Mitrophan the Serbian Orthodox Diocese of Eastern America will celebrate its annual Diocesan Day on Sunday, August 12.

Each year the Eastern Ameican Diocese holds a diocesan reunion which brings together clergy and faithful from all over the Diocese for a day of prayer and fellowship around their bishop and archpastor. Taking place at the Most Holy Mother of God Monastery and St. Sava Camp at Shadeland, Pennsylvannia, the even is a great opportunity to see old friend and make new ones, to enjoy the beauty of God's creation, and to thank Him for it.

The day will begin at 10am with the Holy Hierarchical Divine Liturgy served by His Grace and most of the Diocese's clergy. Responses will be sung by the campers of St. Sava Camp Shadeland and the congregation. The liturgy will take place in the monastery church, which was completed and consecrated at Diocese Day two years ago. The church is a testament to the faith of the Serbian Orthodox people and beautiful addition to the monastery facilities.

A traditional Serbian picnic will follow the liturgy, featuring barbequed lamb and lots of great food from the kitchen thanks to teh efforts of the Diocesan Kolo Sisters. Picnickers may use the spacious shelter or tents provided for the day, or just camp out on the lawn. Please note that this event is for the benefit of our St. Sava Camp Shadeland. Guests are respectfully asked to refrain from bringing coolers, food or drink from outside. We have plenty for everyone!

A program will include a short talk on a spiritual topic of interest and a performance by the St. Sava Camp Folklore Group. Diocese Day is the culmination of Folklore Week at the Camp, and the campers always put on an outstanding performance of Serbian song and dance. It is something not to be missed.

Serbian music for listening and dancing will go on into the evening by the group Dijamante from Cleveland featuring Ranko Stankovich.

Shadeland itself is a wonderful place to spend a summer afternoon. Its 1300 acres of rolling hills include woodlands and fields, hiking trails, a lake for fishing and boating and much more. Of special interest to many will be the new camp facilities and other improvements begin made to the property over the past several years. The most recent improvements have been the completion of a new soccer field and renovation of the storage barn. This investment in Shadeland has made it a year-round destination for church activities, including retreats and conferences. Parishes are welcome to make arrangements to use the facilities for their own groups as well.

To allow as many of the clergy and faithful as possible to participate in Diocesan Day, most parish churches in the diocese will be closed that day. Parishes are encouraged to charter buses or make other transportation arrangements to help as many faithful as possible to attend.

Shadeland is located in northwestern Pennsylvania on PA Route 18, south of Erie and between Conneautville and Albion. It is an eay drive from Northeast Ohio and from the Pittsburgh and Buffalo areas.

Please join His Grace Bishop Dr. Mitrophan and our diocesan family from Eastern Diocesan Day at St. Sava Camp Shadeland August 12th. 

Source: Eastern American Diocese