The First Serbian Benevolent Society’s Slava

The small town of Colma, located on the San Francisco Peninsula, is home to the First Serbian Benevolent Society (FSBS). This is the oldest Serbian organization in America, established in 1880 in San Francisco. The main goals of the fraternal organization focus on “philanthropy, cultural outreach, and the management of the Serbian Cemetery.” The Society center consists of a rich library, social hall, and a cemetery where many Serbians, Russians, including Archbishop Theophilus (Pashkovsky) of San Francisco and other Orthodox Christians, are buried. The cemetery is adorned with a chapel dedicated to the Assumption of the Mother of God, consecrated by Archbishop Alexei (Panteleyev) of San Francisco, assisted by Fr Vladimir Sakovich in 1930. The chapel remains a testimony of Orthodox faith to this day as memorial services and Liturgies are celebrated by the local San Franciscan priest of the Western American Diocese, Fr Djurica Gordic, and other clergy.

Since its dedication, the chapel bells call its faithful, especially on the Feast Day of Dormition, to gather and celebrate the Divine Liturgy whilst also remembering the departed that lie there. On Saturday, August 30, Bishop Maxim of Western America, together with priests Protopresbyters Vasilije Cvijanovic, Djurica Gordic, Vidoslav Vujasin, and hieromonk Vasilije (Gavrilovic) celebrated the Liturgy surrounded by members of the First Serbian Benevolent Society and many faithful from different jurisdictions. After the Gospel, Bishop Maxim highlighted the importance of serving each other, as Mother of God served her Son, so too, we need to serve and be of support to all, praying that the Society continues to center on philanthropic deeds.

The liturgy was followed by the cutting of the Slava Kolach on the occasion of the FSBS slava. Kumovi of this year’s gathering were Branislav Perazic, treasurer of FSBS, and Milorad Golubovic, honorary President.

After the rich luncheon, prepared by the members of the FSBS, Bishop Maxim presented gifts to the Society, which included new published books from St. Sebastian Press and various other publishing houses, and an icon of St. Sebastian of Jackson. St. Sebastian was the first priest to be ordained in America and was also present at the consecration of the cemetery in Colma in 1901.

Greeting their Bishop and priests, who were headed for Sacramento for celebration at the Church dedicated to the same Feast of Assumption, members and guests continued their fellowship and festive day dedicated to the Mother of God.