Surrounded by the Prayers and Blessings of Saint Petka in San Marcos, California
The Church Slava Celebration in San Marcos
On the feast day of the Venerable Paraskeva, Saint Petka, October 27, 2024, His Grace Bishop Maxim of Western America officiated at the Holy Hierarchical Divine Liturgy in San Marcos, California on the occasion of the celebration their Altar Feast. Concelebrating with His Grace were Protopresbyter stavrophor Rev. Milan Vukovic, retired priest from San Marcos, Protopresbyter stavrophor Rev. Blasko Paraklis, of the Nativity of the Most Holy Theotokos parish in Irvine, the host priest Protopresbyter stavrophor Rev. Milovan Katanic and Hieromonk Fr. Vasilije Gavrilovic, assistant to His Grace.
In his homily His Grace spoke of the calling of the disciples described in the morning’s reading taken from St. Luke’s gospel. He contrasted the nets the disciples were washing, which symbolized their connection to 
the world, how they provided for their families, and the fact that they immediately followed Jesus, leaving those very nets, once He called them. This immediate response denies human logic. After all, the bishop noted, when someone asks us to do something, our initial response is to take some time and think about it. Yet, the righteous, when they approached God, denied human logic, left everything and followed Him. Proof that this is possible are the Holy Apostles and the saints. A beautiful example we have in the life of St. Petka, whom we celebrate today, His Grace noted, so that in pondering on the message of the gospel reading we, simultaneously, celebrate the life of someone who accomplished this in her own life.
Following the prayer before the Ambon there was a procession around the church which concluded with the Cutting of the Slava Kolach with this year’s kumovi: Sava, Cristina, Andrijana and Anastasija Ninkovic.
to see all these children in traditional dress who have come to show their love for God and their Patron Saint, the Protectress of this holy community.” During the Slava banquet in the main church hall the parish priest greeted His Grace, the visiting clergy all parishioners, as well as guests from neighboring parishes, wishing all a blessed feast and Happy Slava celebration. Afterwards, the Slava kum, Sava Ninkovic, in his remarks noted what a great honor it is for him and his family to serve this year as kumovi of this year’s Slava festivities. It was a special joy when, at this solemn gathering, Bishop Maxim awarded the Episcopal Gramata to long time parishioners and very active members of the parish community, Lazo and Fidanka Simovski!
The second part of the program included the church choir who sang two selections: “Pesmu sv. Petki” and “To se Gospod uselio u me”. A poem by Dusko Radovic, “Lepo je sve sto je malo” was recited by Milica Zivcevski, while Ilija Katanic and Julia Radovic recited poems about St. Petka. The program was concluded with lively performances by all three groups – the peewees, juniors and seniors – of the local parish Avala Folklore Ensemble
The day was truly blessed with many faithful in church, in the main hall during the Slava banquet and throughout the day.
May St. Petka continue to bless us all!
