Celebration of the 30th Anniversary of St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church in Issaquah, Washington
This 30th Anniversary was more than a commemoration of years gone by — it was a testament to the faith, perseverance, and unity of the Serbian Orthodox community in Seattle metropolitan area. Founded through the vision and sacrifices of itsmembers, St. Sava Church has become a spiritual home where generations have been baptized and married. Looking ahead, the parish is inspired to continue its mission: nurturing faith and preserving our cultural and national identity in the Pacific Northwest.
The celebration began with the arrival of His Grace Bishop Maxim, who was warmly welcomed by the clergy and faithful. The church was filled with worshippers including parishioners of the sister parish of the Protection of the Most Holy Mother of God in Seattle.
Concelebrating with H. G. Bishop Maxim were priests and deacons from both local and neighboring parishes, creating a profound sense of unity among clergy and faithful: Fr. Dane Popovic from Sacramento, Fr. Ayoub Owais, retired priest from Jordan, local priest Fr. Zoran Aleksic, Deacon Kirill Gritsenko, from Pokrov Parish in Seattle and Deacon Alexei Kojenov(OCA). Also was present Fr. Serafim Gascoigne from the Pokrov Parish.
This Divine Liturgy was attended by the faithful who gathered also to witness the significant spiritual milestone of those called to the new service in the Church.
At the beginning of the Divine Liturgy, in the sacred rite of tonsuring, Bishop Maxim tonsured four readers: Andrew Erskine, Carson Fricke, Sergei Lishchuk and Vladyslav Lishchuk, signifying their commitment to serve the Church trough the public reading of the Scriptures and other liturgical duties.
During Divine Liturgy Subdeacon Darko Hrle was ordained into the diaconate ministry dedicating himself to the holy work of proclaiming the Word of God and serving the congregation in the Liturgical life of the Church. His ordination, surrounded by clergy and laity was a visible sign of the living continuity of the Church.
The Liturgy was deeply moving, filled with prayer, reverence and thanksgiving.
Following the Divine Liturgy, in gratitude for their service, 22 parishioners received Certificates of Appreciation, honoring their years of stewardship and dedication to the life and growth of the parish.
Additionally, His Grace Bishop Maxim bestowed the Medal of St. Sebastian of Jackson on Mike Jankovich and Jeff Jaksich for their extraordinary contributions to the parish and its mission. These recognitions highlighted the deep sense of gratitude within the community for those who have faithfully supported the parish over the decades.
The celebration continued with a banquet attended by more than 250 guests. Beautifully arranged and joyfully received, the banquet provided an opportunity for fellowship, reflection, and thanksgiving.
On behalf of the whole community Fr. Zoran expressed gratitude to all priests who previously served at St. Sava Church and presented Fr. Dane Popovic and Protinica Milica with an icon of the Mother of God as a thanksgiving for their sacrificial service to this community from 1994-2002.
As part of the day’s program, a historical documentary about the Parish was presented. The film chronicled the parish’s beginnings, its founders, early challenges, and buying the Church property. Through archival photos, personal testimonies, and memories of major milestones, the documentary reminded all present of the sacrifices and faith that made this anniversary possible.
This short movie was not only about the past—it was also about the present and the future. It reminded us of one very important thing – that the life of the Church is carried by the living faith of its people, by their prayers, their sacrifices, and their dedication to Christ.
