The Feast of the Transfiguration of Our Lord and the Ordination of Jovan Katanic to the Order of Priesthood
The brightness of the Transfiguration of the Lord, illuminating all the universe, was shining on the parish of St. Sava in San Gabriel, California, where a great number of parishioners gathered to celebrate the great feast of the Lord through the Eucharistic assembly, under the leadership of His Grace and Father, Bishop Maxim.
On this sunny morning in front of the church the parishioners with their parish priest Father Predrag Bojović greeted Bishop Maksim, who, blessed the gathered faithful people with the rapture of the tropars of the holy feast. The church with hearts filled with prayer was ready to bring the Eucharistic Gift to the Transfigured Lord by the hands of their bishop. In the liturgical assembly, God showed the pleasant joy of the Eucharistic union through which we walk safely toward salvation and eternal life in the light of our Creator and Savior. Bishop Maxim was assisted by Father Predrag Bojović, diocesan Deacon Vladan Radovanovic and parish Deacon Jovan Katanic. The Holy Liturgy was enchanted by the pleasant and gentle chanting of the choir of the Church of St. Sava. The complete joy of unity was filled with the communion of many children and people of God. This fulfilled the words of Christ, which established the Holy Liturgy.
After the completion of the Holy Liturgy, Bishop Maxim greeted the faithful people and addressed them with a speech in which he taught that Liturgy is the transformation of all of us. Just as the vineyard fruit transforms into the Blood of Christ, we are transforming ourselves into becoming Christ-like. The Reverend Bishop congratulated the newly-ordained priest with the words of St. Grigory Bogoslov that the priesthood service is “art of art and science of science”, adding that the cross of priesthood is not an easy one but is miraculous and blessed.
Father Predrag thanked His Grace on his visit and on his paternal love and also took the opportunity to congratulate Father Jovan on his ordination on behalf of St. Sava parish. By the sharing of the blessed grapes, the faithful received another blessing. A memorial service was held immediately after by Father Predrag for the departed souls of Ivana and Makani who were tragically taken.
Upon leaving the church the celebration continued in the parish hall where a wonderful lunch was prepared by the hands of the parishioners and was enjoyed through love and conversation.
The joy of the holiday has enlightened all the gathered that went home with gratitude to the Lord and to their dear Bishop Maxim. Everyone was thankful for his visit, love and prayers, in the hopes of meeting again soon. The people of Christ of St. Sava Church were in agreement that this was indeed a wonderful day in the beauty of the Church of God, on the enlightening holiday of the Transfiguration.
Source: Western American Diocese
