The twenty-sixth annual Diocesan Day gathering began with the blessing of His Grace Bishop Maxim of Western America on Friday, September 2, 2022. The clergy and laity met at the St. Sava Orthodox Mission in beautiful and historical Jackson, California. A lenten luncheon was promptly served at 1:00 pm at the main hall for all the clergy.

Afterward, a Clergy meeting was held in the KSS Room. The meeting was led by His Grace who called upon each dean to report on the the status of the parish life in their deaneries. Offering oral reports and observations were V. Rev. Protopresbyter-Stavrophor Vasilije Cvijanovic of the San Francisco Deanery, V. Rev. Protopresbyter-Stavrophor Dragomir Tuba of the Phoenix Deanery, V. Rev. Protopresbyter-Stavrophor Bratislav Krsic of the Los Angeles Deanery, Rev. Russell Radoicich of the Butte Deanery and Rev. Marko Bojovic of the Jackson Deanery. One observation offered by a number of the deans was the report of young people approaching and showing an interest in Orthodoxy.  Overall, there was much good new to report from our diocesan parishes.

His Grace used this time to share with his clergy all the events which led up to the joyful news of the recognition by the Serbian Orthodox Church of the autocephaly of the Church in North Macedonia. Reflections were also shared by clergy of the passing of His Eminence Metropolitan Kallistos (Ware). Rev. Panayiotis Tekosis in particular shared his experience with the late metropolitan.

The clergy meeting was a time for the Diocesan clergy to address any concerns or problems they have in their local churches. Additionally, Stevan Davidovich who serves as advisor of the St. Sava Mission and Retreat Center shared with the clergy some notes he had on improving the church camp based on his participation and notes this past season. This year marks the 60th anniversary More than just maintaining the property Stevan is working on a 15 year master plan which would focus on building and improving.

Members of the Diocesan Council held their meeting afterward while the remaining clergy and laity went to their hotels to rest.

Vespers was served at the St. Sava Church on Main Street. Serving were Rev. Zoran Aleksic and Protodeacon Dragan Stojanovich. At the conclusion of the service His Grace noted that this year marks the 15th anniversary of the translation of the relics of St. Sebastian to this St. Sava Church in Jackson founded by him which was appropriately commemorated at the evening’s Vesper service and will continue the following day and culminate on Sunday at the Holy Hierarchical Divine Liturgy His Grace will serve at the St. Sebastian of Jackson Mission in Carson City which just recently received a new parish priest, V. Rev Protopresbyter Norman Kosanovich.

Dinner and fellowship followed at the St. Sava Mission main hall. Clergy slowly made their way to their hotels after a long day of traveling and meetings in preparation for the following day’s Divine Liturgy and annual assembly.

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