Press Release of the Holy Synod of Bishops

The Holy Synod of Bishops, in reviewing the report and conclusions of the formed Commission (chaired by His Grace Bishop Teodosije of Ras-Prizren and members: His Grace Bishop Maxim of Western America, Protopresbyter-stavrophor Dr. Velibor Dzomic (co-ordinator of the Legal committee of the Diocese of Montenego and the Coastlands), Protopresbyter-stavrophor Djuro Krosnjar (priest at St. Vasilije of Ostrog Church in Lake Forest, IL; Diocese of New Gracanica and Midwestern America) and Veroslav Vjurdjevic (financial secretary from Hamilton, Diocese of Canada) in compliance with the Constitution of the Serbian Orthodox Church, in reviewing the material-financial dealings in the Diocese of Canada and a general overview of the life of the Diocese and the pastoral work of His Grace Bishop Georgije of Canada, related to many charges brought against him by the clergy and people, the Holy Synod rendered a decision (on April 20, 2015) in which Bishop of Canada Georgije with that date is temporarily released of his duties of administering the Diocese of Canada until completion of the canonical proceedings, or until the forthcoming meeting of the Holy Assembly of Bishops.

At the same time, in accordance with the articles of the Constitution of the Serbian Orthodox Church the Holy Synod of Bishops requested that His Holiness Patriarch Irinej of Serbia serve as administrator of the Diocese of Canada until the Holy Assembly of Bishops renders a final decision, whereby assiting His Holiness would be His Grace Bishop Teodosije (member of the Holy Synod) and His Grace Bishop Maxim.

From the Office of the Holy Synod of Bishops of the Serbian Orthodox Church

Military flags of the Army of Serbia consecrated at Saint George Church in Oplenac

Military flags of the Army of Serbia were consecrated  at St. George Church in Oplenac on 22 April 2015. The ceremony was officiated by His Grace Bishop Arsenije of Toplica, Vicar Bishop of the Patriarch of Serbia and clergy. The tradition of consecration of Military Flags in Serbian history started with the Karadjordjevic Royal Family. Previous ceremonies were conducted in the presence of HM King Peter I (great grandfather of HRH Crown Prince Alexander) in 1911 and HM King Alexander I (grandfather of HRH Crown Prince Alexander) in 1930.

Mr Predrag Markovic, member of the Crown Council represented His Royal Highness Crown Prince Alexander at the ceremony, to support the reinstalling of this glorious tradition. On behalf of the Army of Serbia there were General Major Vojin Jondic, Brigadier General Jelesije Radivojevic and Colonel Sasa Milutinovic.

The Feast оf оur Lady Queen оf Los Angeles

On the Saturday of Bright Week, April 18 2015, at the St. Steven’s Cathedral in Alhambra, Los Angeles, the Feast of Our Lady Queen of the Angels (Los Angeles) was celebrated for the first time, as we read from the Synaxarion: On this day, the Saturday of Bright Week, we celebrate the Synaxis of our All-holy Lady the Theotokos and Ever-virgin Mary, the Queen of all and Sovereign Lady of the Angels, protectress and unfailing intercessor of our holy diocese of Los Angeles.

The special liturgical service (Akolouthia) for this Feast-day was composed on the Holy Mountain of Athos by Athanasios, Hieromonk of Simonopetra Monastery, Hymnographer of the Holy Great Church of Christ, at the request of His Grace Bishop Maxim of Western America. The Service was translated from Greek language into English by Norman Russell.

Synaxarion for Thomas Sunday

On this Sunday, the second Sunday of Pascha, we celebrate the Antipascha, that is to say the re-dedication of the Resurrection of Christ, and also commemorate the event of the Holy Apostle Thomas' touching the wounds of Christ.

This commemoration is due to the ancient custom of rededicating important events. As a year would pass and the date of such an event would arrive, a commemoration was made so that such great events would not be forgotten. This is why the Israelites celebrated the Passover at Gilgal, to commemorate the passing through the Red Sea. They also commemorated the consecration of the Tabernacle of Witness that was in the wilderness and many other holy events.

Pascha - The Feast of Feasts at Saint Steven's Cathedral in Alhambra

Just a little before midnight on Saturday, April 11, 2015, the Blessed Sabbath, His Grace Bishop Maxim, the clergy, and the Orthodox faithful gathered at the Saint Steven's Cathedral to participate in the Feast of Feasts, Great and Holy PASCHA, the Resurrection of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

As the children of the Youth Chorale chanted the verse "Come Receive the Light", His Grace offered the Paschal Light of Christ to the faithful and after receiving the unwaning light the Easter procession around the Church began as the clergy and faithful sang, "The angels in heaven, O Christ our Saviour, sing of Thy resurrection. Make us on earth also worthy to hymn Thee with a pure heart". After returning to the closed doors at the front of the church, His Grace announced the Resurrection of Christ and the Easter Troparion was sung, "Christ is Risen from the dead, trampling down death by death and upon those in the tombs bestowing life".

CHRIST IS RISEN! INDEED HE IS RISEN!

His Holiness Serbian Patriarch Irinej officiated the Paschal Holy Hierarchal Liturgy at the Saint Sava Memorial Cathedral on Vracar in Belgrade at midnight.

The Paschal service was attended by President of the Republic of Serbia Mr. Tomislav Nikolic. Thousands of believers came to the Cathedral to welcome the Holy Fire, which this year, with the blessing of Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem and Serbian Patriarch Irinej was transferred from the holy city of Jerusalem to the Serbian capital.