113th Anniversary and Slava celebration of Saint Nicholas Church in Johnstown

St Nicholas Church of Johnstown, Pennsylvania celebrated their 113th Anniversary and Slava on Sunday, May 19, 2019.

The day began with Divine Liturgy served by Father Milan Dragovic with responses being sung by the St. Nicholas Choir and Cantor Danica Wess. The Kumovi; Donna Zimmerman and Family, the entire parish and guests made the Patronal Procession around the church and continued inside with the blessing of the Slavski Kolac.

Father Milan extended blessings and greetings from His Grace Bishop Irinej for our Slava and Anniversary. He congratulated us on being so dedicated in maintaining a very successful parish. Wishing us God’s Grace and many  many more prosperous years. The parish 

responded with thankfulness singing Mnogaja Ljeta to his Grace for his archpastoral blessings.

The celebration continued into the church hall.  President Eli Cvijanovich was Master of Ceremonies for the celebration and opened the program by introducing the Children’s Choir, Bozuri, who joyfully sang “Christ Is Risen”! Following was a wonderful banquet prepared by the Kolo and Men’s Club.  Also sharing in our special day were Protopresbyter  Frank Miloro, retired priest and friend from Christ the Saviour Cathedral in Johnstown and Deacon Father Oleg Aminov from Central City.

Honored during the program were our High School graduates; Abby Bartis, Damien Bartis, Lydia Freidhoff and Ryan Mastovich. Father Milan spoke to them, encouraging them to continue to attend church, no matter where they are and to remember that St. Nicholas will always be their home. Kuma  Donna Zimmerman extended her best wishes and shared that she was humbled to be Kuma for such an important celebration in our church.  Mnogaja Ljeta to our Kumovi and our Graduates!

Source: Eastern American Diocese