The Feast of Pentecost in California

On Pentecost Sunday, June 23rd, Holy Trinity Church of Moraga, California, held its Slava with Divine Liturgy celebrated by His Grace Bishop Maxim with co-celebrants, Father Vasilije Cvijanovic, pastor of Holy Trinity; Father Dusan Bunjevic; Father Slobodan Jovic, St. Michaels of Saratoga; Father Djurica Gordic, St. John the Baptist of San Francisco; Father Zoran Savic, St. George of Oakland; and special guest Father Stamatis Skliris of Athens, Greece.  Father Skliris delivered a very moving  homily, in Serbian, on the importance and meaning of Pentecost Sunday.  The joyous responses were led by the students from the University of California, Berkeley. 

Following the Liturgy the faithful participated in a procession of Icons around the church with the singing of hymns and completing the procession at the elegant fountain dedicated to St. Nikola, where the Slavski Kolach was blessed. 

Attendees then proceeded to the beautifully decorated Cultural Center for the sumptuous meal and fellowship.  In addition all were treated to an exhibit of the art work of Father Stamatis, as introduced by Bishop Maxim.  The work is “a marriage of Byzantine Art with our Postmodern times.”  It is blending Byzantine tradition with the contemporary. 

The Holy Trinity family was especially honored to have hosted Father Stamatis Skliris and Presbytera Marina and look forward to their next visit.

Source: Diocese of Western America