Centennial Celebration of the St. George Church in Duluth, Minnesota
A century ago, in Duluth, Minnesota, Serbian immigrants looking for work in the steel plants and iron mines in the area, gathered to build and dedicate a Serbian Orthodox Church to St. George the Great Martyr. After a brief time of settlement and visits from various missionary priests to the area, Fr. Vladimir Porobich became the first full-time priest and together they built their Church. In 1923 the Church was consecrated by His Grace Bishop Mardarije, now Saint Mardarije of Libertyville.
A century later, on the weekend of September 15-17, 2023, the Hierarchs, Clergy, and faithful from throughout the USA and Canada, joined in commemorating this historic occasion. The festivities began with the Hierarichal Divine Liturgy officiated by His Grace Bishop Login of the Diocese of New Gracanica-Midwestern America, together with His Grace Bishop Mitrofan of the Diocese of Canada and His Grace Bishop Maxim of the Diocese of Western America, Father Kristijan Petrovich, parish priest and clergy and the faithful from thoughout the continent.
The Centennial celebration festivities included a procession on Friday with the carrying the relics of St. Mardarije down Gary Street and Commonwealth Avenue. His Grace Bishop Longin then gave the welcoming address in the Church of St. George after which a youth program and an evening of music and dancing followed. Saturday began in prayer with the Divine Liturgy followed by a traditional American 
barbecue which was hosted by the Fellowship of St. Simeon followed by the vesper service and memorial service. The evening began with a choir concert after which traditional Serbian food was served and the Jedinstvo Tamburtiza Orchestra of Phoenix provided musical entertainment for everyone to enjoy while visiting with old friends and even making new friends. On Sunday after a beautiful and prayerful Hierarchical Divine Liturgy everyone gathered in fellowship for the grand banquet and more entertainment.
Congratulations to the parishioners of St. George Serbian Orthodox Church on 100 Years of nurturing and growing the Serbian Culture and Orthodox Faith in Duluth, Minnesota. May God grant you many years!
