Two Altars in my Life
22. February 2017 - 13:14
On Meatfare Sunday my father, together with my mother, celebrated over four decades of priestly service to the church. I was asked to say a few words, and the first thing which came to mind were my first memories as a child. My fathers altar at church, and my mothers altar at home. Those memories are so real that I think of it daily, which is why this was the first thought which came to mind when I was asked to speak. There were so many things I could've shared watching my parents all these years, but their service to God and His people becomes obvious in the urge and want of their children and even grandchildren to need to serve.
Parish and Monastery Celebrations of Orthodoxy Sunday
25. February 2017 - 16:25
Grace and Peace to you as we approach, together, the wreath of Great and Holy Lent!
Our Holy Orthodox Church celebrates annually on the First Sunday of Great and Holy Lent, the radiant feast of the Restoration of Holy Icons of March 11th, 843under the aegis of Empress Theodora, together with her young son, Emperor Michael III and the aged Ecumenical Patriarch Methodius, known as the Triumph of Orthodoxy, or Orthodox Sunday. All of you, without exception, are to join in local Pan-Orthodox celebrations as a visible manifestation of our unity in Christ. A sterling example was given in 1952 for us to follow by our Holy Bishop Nicholai in Cleveland, Ohio. His famous sermon given on that day continues to resonate within Orthodoxy in America.
Saints Sebastian and Mardarije Institute - Day one
16. February 2017 - 23:27
Clergy and faithful filled the St. George Serbian Church in San Diego, the host church of the 3rd Annual Sts. Sebastian and Mardarije Orthodox Institute, for the morning Orthos service on Tuesday, February 14, 2017, the feast day of the Holy Martyr Tryhon of Phrygia. Orthros was served by Hieromonk Fr. Platon (Jovic), a visiting monk from the Diocese of Banja Luka.
His Grace Bishop Maxim of the Western American Diocese welcomed all clergy and laity, many of whom were attending from other dioceses. He welcomed His Grace Bishop Irinej of the Eastern American Diocese who also greeted everyone at the beginning of this multi-day event. V. Rev. DobrivojeMilunovic, president of the Clergy Brotherhood of the Serbian Orthodox Church, greeted the Instittue on behalf of the Brotherhood. Finally, Fr. Damascene introduced this year's speaker Rev. Fr. Vasileios Thermos, MD, PhD.rer
Saint Sava Monastery Launches Website
20. February 2017 - 11:35
New official website (www.stsavamonastery.org) for Saint Sava Monastery in Libertyville
As part of the preparations of the Diocese of New Gracanica and Midwestern America for the upcoming celebration of Saint Mardarije of Libertyville this July 14 – 16, 2017, the Diocese is pleased to announce that a new, official website (www.stsavamonastery.org) for Saint Sava Monastery in Libertyville has been launched today. The monastery which was founded and built by Saint Mardarije and houses his holy relics will be the main venue of the upcoming celebration.
First Assembly under Leadership of Bishop Irinej
20. February 2017 - 13:29
Despite snow storms and chaotic travel, clergy and representatives from parishes and their church-school congregations across the Eastern American Diocese came together in Boston February 10-11, 2017 for their first Diocesan Assembly under their recently-enthroned hierarch, Bishop Irinej.
The Assembly was graciously hosted by Cathedral Dean, Protopresbyter-Stavrophor Aleksandar Vlajkovic and the faithful of St. Sava Cathedral in Cambridge. St. Sava's was recently elevated to the dignity of a cathedral by His Grace Bishop Irinej.
