Annual Fundraiser in Washington D.C.

On Friday, February 9, 2018, the St. Luke Serbian Orthodox Church of Washington D.C. hosted their annual fundraiser in support of the church’s current mortgage and in the hope of one day constructing a Cathedral in the Capital of our nation.

Honored guests for this grand evening were His Grace Bishop Irinej of the Serbian Orthodox Diocese of Eastern America, Their Royal Highnesses Prince Aleksandar and Princess Katherine of Serbia, The Honorable Zeljka Cvijanovic, Prime Minister of Republika Srpska, and the Honorable Professor Dr. Vladimir Marinkovic, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia.

The evening commenced with the Doxology served by Parish Priest Rev. Dr. Vasilije Vranic, Protodeacon Milos Zdralic, and Deacon Dr. Jovan Anicic at St. Luke Serbian Orthodox Church. After the Doxology service, those in attendance proceeded to the hall of Sts. Peter and Paul Antiochian Orthodox Church for the remainder of the evening.

Guests were first welcomed to a reception and photo opportunity with their Royal Highnesses, while music was performed by the Bay Strings Quartet. After the reception, followed the dinner and program for the evening. The program opened with an invocation by His Grace Bishop Irinej and the singing of the Lord’s Prayer and National Anthems by the Liturgical Choir of St. Luke Serbian Orthodox Church. Each of the honored guests provided exhilarating remarks to those in attendance. In between remarks, musical interludes were provided by Olga Radosavljevich Gradojevich, Katherine Gradojevich Manker, and Milica Sekulic. Tatjana Rajic served as Mistress of Ceremonies.

During his remarks, HRH Crown Prince Aleksandar offered a magnificent tour package of the Royal Palaces, in addition to other accommodations in Belgrade, for auction, with all proceeds benefitting the St. Luke church. Moreover, Prime Minister Zeljka Cvijanovic offered a donation of $10,000 to the St. Luke Parish during her remarks on behalf of Republika Srpska. Both were majestic surprises; the entire St. Luke community is grateful to Their Royal Highnesses and Prime Minister Cvijanovic for their splendid generosity.

The evening concluded with traditional Serbian kolo dancing with music by the Kalca Band, the first being Kraljevo Kolo, in honor of Their Royal Highnesses. HRH Crown Prince Aleksandar, HRH Crown Princess Katherine, and His Grace Bishop Irinej led the kolo, with most in attendance participating.

In all, this evening was a huge success. The St. Luke Community would like to thank all of those who attended, with special gratitude to the organizing committee of Drina Rajic, Tatjana Rajic, Rev. Dr. Vasilije Vranic, Popadija Jelena Vranic, Mark Rasevic, Judy Terzic, and Joyce Visnick, in addition all who helped make this evening a success.

Source: Eastern American Diocese