Funeral Service for Protopresbyter-stavrophor +Dragoljub C. Malich
On Friday, April 23, 2021, His Grace Bishop Irinej of Eastern America presided over the funeral service for Very Reverend Protopresbyter-Stavrophor Dragoljub Malich at St. Nicholas Serbian Orthodox Church in Monroeville. His family, together with many friends and relatives and former parishioners came to give their respect to Fr. Dragoljub who throughout his ministry has touched many lives.
By the blessing of His Grace Bishop Irinej, Very Reverend Protopresbyter-Stavrophor Stevan Rocknage spoke about Fr. Dragoljub. Fr. Stevo emphasized the great love Fr. Dragoljub had towards everyone and singled out a few moments that have touched him in particular. He added that Fr. Dragoljub’s sacrifice and love are also known on the international level and that Fr. Dragoljub did so much to help our Serbs in Kosovo and Metohija.
His Grace, Bishop Irinej, gave the final words on Fr. Dragoljub’s life and spoke very highly about him, and emphasized the fact that the whole Church is at a loss because of his passing. However, he added, that Fr. Dragoljub is now even closer to God and is bathing in the divine love which like a flame warms up the souls immersed in it. Now that he is even closer to God we may count on his prayers.
On Lazarus Saturday, the Very Reverend Protopresbyter Djordje Veselinovic the Dean of Pittsburgh, and Fr. Stefan Djoric, the parish priest of St. Nicholas Church in Monroeville served a memorial service for Fr. Dragoljub within the liturgy and prepared our beloved Fr. Dragoljub for his trip to Libertyville where he will be buried at the New Gracanica Monastery cemetery.
May Fr. Dragoljub’s memory be eternal!
“Blessed is the way in which you walk today O soul, for the place of rest has been prepared for you”
Source: Eastern American Diocese