Church Slava in Salt Lake City, Utah
On the occasion of the celebration of the church slava, His Grace Bishop Maxim of the Western American Diocese presided over the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy at the St. Archangel Michael Church in Salt Lake City, Utah, on Sunday, November 12, 2023. The Divine Liturgy brought together a large group of faithful people who participated in the Divine Liturgy and received Holy Communion. The subsequent ceremony included the ceremonial cutting of the Slava cake, followed by a delightful banquet hosted by this year’s kum, Davor Kovacevic, and his family. In a touching arch pastoral sermon, Bishop Maxim conveyed his fatherly love to the gathered parishioners while explaining the profound meaning of the Gospel story of Christ’s healing of the possessed men in Gadara. Post-Liturgy, a solemn procession encircled the church, paying tribute to the celestial patron, Saint Archangel Michael. The festivities continued in the parish hall with a delicious lunch, where the Salt Lake City parish folklore group “Rastko” heightened the celebratory atmosphere with a captivating performance. Specially curated for the occasion, their dance and program entertained all in attendance, adding a vibrant touch to the joyous event. In concelebration with His Grace Bishop Maxim was Archimandrite Nikifor.