On Sunday, November 24, 2019, the Feastday of Saint king Stefan of Decani (+1331), the faithful parishioners of the Serbian Orthodox Parish of St. Archangel Michael in Saratoga, CA, have celebrated their Saint protector and parish Slava, gathered around Bishop Maxim (Vasiljevic) of Western America, who officiated the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy.
The priests from the other Serbian Orthodox parishes of SF Bay Area came in brotherly love to join the host, Archpriest Fr. Slobodan Jovic, in serving the Divine liturgy: Cross-bearing Archpriest Fr. Dusan Bunjevic (retired rector of the Conception of St. John the Baptist Serbian church in San Francisco), Cross-bearing Archpriest Fr. Vasilije Cvijanovic (rector of the Holy Trinity church in Moraga) and Fr. Zoran Savic (rector of the St. George church in Oakland). Joining them were Cross-bearing Archpriest Fr. Lazar Vasiljevic (Bishop’s father), and Episcopal Secretary – Deacon Vladan Radovanovic.
The most venerable character of the divine service was contributed by the church choir directed by maestro Lazo Mihajlovich. Several altar boys from Serbian parishes of Bay Area took part in altar assistance too. The bishop gave a deep and inspiring homily on Sunday Gospel reading – parable of rich man and Lazarus (Lk. 16: 19-31). At the end of Divine Liturgy, the bishop blessed the Slava kolach and wheat offered by this year’s kumovi Ivan and Ekaterina Karaslavov.
Following the Divine Liturgy, the feast day celebration continued with the banquet in the parish hall, hosted by Chris Milosevich. During the banquet, the music program started by performance of Saratoga Children’s choir, followed by “Iskra Etno” Ensemble (led by Gordana Stojanovic-Mihajlovich) who performed many songs in various genres: traditional, ethno-folklore, patriotic, old-town’s, etc. Their wonderful performance made many guests applauding and singing along in delight and joy. A special contribution was given by musicians-instrumentalists Nena Lovre (keyboard/accordion) and Mirko Vojnovic (guitar). The performance ended in an ovation.
Music, dancing and fellowship continued well into the late afternoon hours.
Source: Serbian Orthodox Church
