Traditional Pentecost Festivity in Valjevo, Serbia

The city of Valjevo celebrated its patron saint day - Pentecost Monday

His Grace Lavrentije, Bishop of Sabac and Acting Bishop of the Diocese of Valjevo, presided over  the Holy Archierarchal Liturgy in the church of the Resurrection of Christ in Valjevo. He was concelebrated by the clergy and monastics of the dioceses of Valjevo and Sabac whereas the church choir "Hadzi Ruvim" with their conductor Vanja Urošević was chanting responses. After the Holy Liturgy, His Grace Lavrentije officiated memorial service for the repose of soul of the former Bishop of Valjevo Milutin.

After the Liturgy, there was a cross procession through the central city streets heading to the Church of the Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos, where the feast loaf was blessed and broken.

Representatives of the City of Valjevo, public institutions, the Serbian Army, children from kindergartens and numerous citizens of Valjevo participated in the cross procession.

A memorial service was served for the souls of the uprising leader Mateja Nenadovic and all those who had laid down their lives for their faith and fatherhood near the monument to Mateja Nenadović in Karađorđeva Street.

Congratulating the patron saint day, Bishop Lavrentije imparted the blessing of the Holy Spirit for all the present and said: “May God bless you assembled here and all the citizens of the city of Valjevo! May the Lord God never leave this great and afflicted place without His protection! Valjevo has shared the fate of its people, both good and difficult. May God protect you, shield and shelter you all!” - said His Grace Lavrentije to the faithful people of Valjevo, who have been temporarily entrusted to him for his spiritual care.

On behalf of the authorities of the City of Valjevo, Mayor Slobodan Gvozdenović congratulated the patron saint day, wishing that the day of the Descent of the Holy Spirit on the Apostles be celebrated always in good health and that God might protect us in the days to come.

The celebration of the city patron saint day ended with an artistic programme on the plateau in front of the Church of the Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos.

Source: Diocese of Valjevo

(translated into English by Sanja Simic de Graaf)