19. March 2018 - 12:26
His Holiness Irinej, Serbian Patriarch, celebrated the Holy Hierarchal Liturgy at the Saint Mark church in Belgrade on 18 March 2018.
19. March 2018 - 12:22
On Wednesday, March 14th, New Gracanica Monastery was graced with the visit of the miracle-working Kursk Root Icon of the Most Holy Mother of God.
We thank Father Vasyl Kuzmych from Holy Trinity ROC Milwaukee for bringing her to us.
19. March 2018 - 9:41
On March 4th, the first Sunday of Great Lent, the Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Cathedral of Pittsburgh was honored to have the presence of his Grace Bishop Irinej and Deacon Jovan Aničić to celebrate pontifical Divine Liturgy with Prota Rajko Kosić.
The parishioners and all in attendance participated in the Procession of the Icons behind the church school children, in commemoration of the restoration of the use of icons in our churches after a century of persecution, on the first Sunday of Lent in the year 843. Since that time, on this Sunday of the Triumph of Orthodoxy, all Orthodox Christians proclaim our faith and belief in the one, holy, apostolic truly Orthodox Church. Bishop Irinej’s inspirational and educational homily enlightened all, as did his endearing dialogue with the children of the parish.
19. March 2018 - 8:16
All those who participated in this year’s memorable iconography workshop, organized by Sebastian Press of the Western American Diocese from March 12 to 15, were deeply moved by the experience.
Ten students from USA and Canada—beginners and experienced alike—had a rare opportunity to explore the meaning and purpose of the icon with one of the world’s top iconographers. Master iconographer Dr. George Kordis from Greece introduced the student to the theory and practice of the art of icon painting, according to the Byzantine tradition. The main goal of this workshop was for students to acquire, develop, and improve good, practical, and artistic icon-drawing and painting skills while gaining a deeper sense of the art, beauty, and meaning of icons. Dr. Kordis taught the specific skills of the Byzantine approach through in-depth demonstrations and detailed exercises in the art, expression, and language of the icon, from beginning to end with his limited palette technique.
18. March 2018 - 15:01
Commemorated on March 18
Saint Nikolai of Zhicha, “the Serbian Chrysostom,” was born in Lelich in western Serbia on January 4, 1881 (December 23, 1880 O.S.). His parents were Dragomir and Katherine Velimirovich, who lived on a farm where they raised a large family. His pious mother was a major influence on his spiritual development, teaching him by word and especially by example. As a small child, Nikolai often walked three miles to the Chelije Monastery with his mother to attend services there.
Sickly as a child, Nikolai was not physically strong as an adult. He failed his physical requirements when he applied to the military academy, but his excellent academic qualifications allowed him to enter the Saint Sava Seminary in Belgrade, even before he finished preparatory school.
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
How much it must grieve a father or a mother to see his or her child suffering without reason. To undergo pain and confusion — for what? Where is God in our plight — we may often ask ourselves. Where is God in all this pain and confusion?
Today we arrive at the fourth week of Lent. In today’s Gospel reading we heard of a father who was on his last hope. His son was possessed by a certain spirit from childhood, which was causing his son pain and confusion. Not even Jesus’ disciples could cure the boy. He brought his son to Jesus, who upon hearing of the father’s plight became exceedingly upset at the whole crowd and expressed these strong and direct words "Oh you faithless generation, how much longer must I be with you? How much longer must I put up with you." The Child was immediately brought close to Jesus and the spirit convulsed him instantly. As we know the child was eventually healed. But at what price one may ask? The father accepted and confessed his unbelief and beseeched God with tears to make his faith complete? This is the price, the fulfilment of our faith — payed by Christ himself yet we must pray and beseech Him as well.
