His Grace Bishop Irinej Visits Boston and Portland Parishes

His Grace Bishop Irinej visited the Boston parish during the weekend of April 16-18, 2021.Arriving on Friday, April 16, 2021, His Grace Bishop Irinej led the faithful of the Boston parish in prayers to the Mother of God during the Akathist service accompanied by the beautiful voices of Protodeacon Milos Zdralic and host priest, the Very Reverend Aleksandar Vlajkovic. The solemn evening was mystically celebrated with responses from the SSF Desanka Maksimovic Choir. After the service, His Grace described the importance of the fourth week of Great Lent and the role of Mother of God, the Theotokos, who is called The Door through which the salvation came to humanity.

In the morning, Bishop Irinej, Protodeacon Milos, Father Aleksandar, and seminarian Nebojsa Varagic celebrated the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy with parishioners from the Synaxis of Serbian Saints in Biddeford, Maine where Fr. Ivan Marjanovic serves as parish priest. In attendance were 40 faithful members, who were delighted to glorify God with His Grace and other guests. Following the services, a traditional Maine seafood lunch was served for all present.

Returning to Boston, His Grace served the Hierarchical Liturgy on Sunday, assisted by Protodeacon Milos, Fr Aleksandar and four altar boys, while responses were sung by the Desanka Maksimovic Choir directed by Milica Vlajkovic. In his sermon, the bishop expressed his joy for being able, after a long time, to be with the faithful in Boston. He spoke about Christ referring to Himself as the Son of man, who came to serve and not to be served. “Through crucifixion God destroyed the only thing He did not create—death. “Today’s Gospel is preparing us for His crucifixion”. His Grace called all present to look up to the Lord, to the Son of Man, so that we may become a perfect image of humility.

After the Divine Liturgy, His Grace Bishop Irinej held a religious class with the children of St. Sava parish. The Bishop was delighted to hear how insightful and educated the children were. He spoke to them about God, icons, and the meanings of the colors in the icons, his vestments, etc. He patiently listened to their questions and offered his answers.

It was a spiritually beneficial visit for both young and old alike. Glory be to God!

For a full video report visit www.stsavaboston.org

Source: Diocese of Eastern America