Saint Sava Celebration in New York

St. Sava Cathedral of New York City celebrated its temple's patronal feast of St. Sava of Serbia on January 22, 2017.

This was the first St. Sava celebration since the cathedral was severely damaged by fire. The most beautiful aspect of the slava celebration was the general atmosphere of delight which, thanks to the children of the Serbian School and the folklore group “Opancici,” prevailed in the hall of St. Eleutherios Greek Orthodox Church, which was so full that there were not enough seats for everyone.

Truly, wherever there are many troubles and difficulties, God's grace is multiplied, as has been confirmed here in New York at every church service since the fire, including the first Liturgy with His Grace Bishop Irinej and the litija procession in the city itself in October, at Christmas, at Theophany, and at the St. Sava celebration.

In His Grace's words, this was “an absolutely fantastic St. Sava celebration, where all the children are here together.” His Grace extended particular thanks to the Serbian Club, saying that its members “were wonderful hosts who prepared and donated all the food for the day,” and cited this as a magnificent example which should be emulated by all. At the end of the program the youngest folklore group “Opancici” presented the song “Tamo daleko,” remembering with this song our mutual brotherly ties with the Greek people who during the First World War welcomed the greatly suffering Serbian army on the island of Corfu. Now, when the St. Sava parish in New York has no place for its worship, the Greek Church often offers us their church and hall for services and gatherings, confirming the solidarity and unbreakable connection of these two fraternal and co-religionist peoples.

Source: East American Diocese