Eastern Diocese celebrates its Slava

On Saturday, September 8, 2012 His Grace Bishop Dr. Mitrophan of Eastern America officiated at the Holy Hierarchical Divine Liturgy in honor of St. Nikodim, archbishop of Serbia the Slava of the Diocesan chapel at the episcopal residence in Mars, a suburb of Pittsburgh.

Concelebrating with the bishop were V. Rev. Stavrophor Dragoljub Malich, the Episcopal Deputy, V. Rev. Stavrophor Srboljub Jockovich, the dean of the Washington Deanery, V. Rev. Stevan Stepanov, the dean of the Pittsburgh Deanery, V. Rev. Stavrophor Dr. Rodney Torbic, Director of Christian Education, V. Rev. Stavrophor Stevan Rocknage, parish priest in McKeesport and V. Rev. Stavrophor Milan Krstic parish priest in Midland.

At the chanter's stand were V. Rev. Rajko Kosic, parish priest in Pittsburgh and Milovan Jovanovic, theology graduate and diocesan secretary.

The Epistle was read by theology graduate Branislav Gojic, who is currently serving as diocesan clerk.

Following the prayer before the ambon the Slava Kolach was blessed, prepared by the Diocesan Kolo Sestara led by president Millie Radovic.

The children in attendance turned the Slava Kolach who served, per the request of the bishop, as Slava kumovi.

At the end of the service His Grace Bishop Mitrophan awarded V. Rev. Adam Yontich the right to wear the pectoral cross. His Grace mentioned the work of Fr. Adam which included twenty-five years as chaplain and a member of the Serbian delegation during the Dayton Peace Conference not to mention as active parish priest of a number of our parishes.

Even though he is retired he continues, despite his health conditions, to make himself available in the diocese in whatever parish he is needed.

In his archpastoral homily His Grace Bishop Mitrophan stressed the need to come to church and to live an evangelic life, following the example of St. Nikodim and all the Saints of the church.

An agape meal was served afterward. Due to the rainy weather conditions the meal was served indoors and not under the tent which had been set up especially for this day.

After the agape meal His Grace Bishop Mitrophan led the meeting of the Shadeland Committee.

V. Rev. Srboljub Jockovich