In Portland, Oregon, on Sunday, July 5, 2026, parishioners gathered in the Church dedicated to the Holy Archdeacon Stefan, together with their Bishop and clergy, to celebrate the slava of Circle of Serbian sisters, Saint Anastasija. The Bishop of Western America His Grace Maxim greeted and blessed the parishioners who welcomed him in front of the Church.

This day was blessed with the baptism of baby Anastasija, who was baptized at the beginning of the Liturgy by the hands of His Grace Bishop Maxim.

After the Gospel reading, the Bishop delivered an inspiring sermon. He taught the faithful about the word from the Holy Gospel, and reminded everyone and emphasized that love is the center of life in the church!

The communion of the faithful is a great joy, and so it was wonderful to see such a large number united in the Body and Blood of the Lord, particularly the youngest in the parish, including newly baptized baby Anastasija. Bishop Maxim was assisted by Priest John Suvak, Priest Jovan Katanić and Deacon Darko . After the last prayer, Bishop Maxim invited the gathered people to receive blessing and come to the church hall where the slava bread was cut, prepared by the family of Milena and Sinisa Zelen, this year’s Godparents.

The lunch was prepared with love by the diligent hosts, the sisters at the Church of St. Archdeacon Stephen. It was a joy to host the dear Orthodox brothers and sisters from the parish of Eugene.

At the end, Bishop Maksim greeted everyone with a fatherly greeting.