The feast day observance of the Cathedral’s Patron, Saint Steven the First-crowned/Simon the Monk, was joyfully celebrated on Sunday, October 2, 2022. Following Matins, His Grace, Bishop Maxim celebrated the Divine Liturgy with Cathedral Dean, Fr. Nicholas Ceko, and Deacon Paul Germain who was visiting from San Diego. At the conclusion of the Liturgy, the entire congregation went in procession around the church, pausing first to offer memorial prayers for the departed founders and benefactors, the clergy and faithful of the Cathedral who have reposed in the Lord. The procession concluded with the traditional blessing of the festal bread which was prepared by Duska Cvejic and the wheat prepared by Protinica Sandra Ceko. Everyone then proceeded into the Social hall for a delicious banquet prepared by our Women’s Auxiliary and an entertaining program which featured our Cathedral youth dancers. Cathedral 1st Vice-President Dushan Pavichevich welcomed everyone and introduced the program. Fr. Nick and Executive Board President Kathryn Olaiz shared the podium to introduce and honor the three generations of kumovi for 2022: Maria Pincu, Emilija Popa; Stephen and Milica Preonas; and high school senior Lauren Marco, who represented the youth of the parish for achieving the highest attendance in liturgy and Sunday school.

In his remarks, Fr. Nick also reflected on the lessons we all learn from the saints “so that like them, we can remain faithful to who we are as the Church: people of Faith, Tradition, Culture and Family. Our foundation here is strong, fortified by the many sacrifices of our fore-bearers and the present active and engaged participation of all today makes our mission and our vision clear. Each one of us as the Church must do our best, stand strong, stand courageous, stand up for truth so that these priorities of faith, tradition, culture and family are front and center in our life and society, contrary to those who may believe them to be otherwise or even as some today sadly and mistakenly think ‘dangerous.'” Concluding his remarks he commended everyone, encouraged everyone and blessed everyone for all that lies ahead, stating, “our future is radiant and watching all of you worshiping and working together each Sunday and each feast day tells me that our prospects ahead as a parish are very bright indeed!” Everyone in attendance shared in adding this day to the other blessed Cathedral Patron Feast Day-Slava celebrations of our Cathedral!

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Article & Photos by Saint Steven’s Cathedral, Alhambra, CA