On Sunday, October 11, 2026, we celebrated our Cathedral Patronal Feast Day, Saint Steven-Simon, the Monk.  Hundreds of parishioners and guests gathered for the celebration which began with Matins sung by our Cantors. At the conclusion of Matins, His Eminence, Archbishop Maxim tonsured three new Readers at our Cathedral:  Paisios Ramblaz, Simon Samarzich, and Gabriel Ramblaz.  The tonsured Readers are those specifically trained in chanting and reading the Old Testament prophecies, the Psalms, and the Epistles during the Divine Liturgy and other services, as well as the role of the taper-bearers (altar server leadership).  In addition, Reader Dejan Radovanovich was ordained to the sub-deaconate and at the liturgy to the Holy Diaconate and will now, under Fr. Nick’s guidance and care, serve as our Cathedral Deacon.

Following the liturgy, a festal procession around the temple took place with memorial prayers for the departed bishops, clergy and Cathedral members.  The procession concluded in front of the temple and mosaic icon of Saint Steven where we celebrated the blessing of the festal bread and wheat prepared by Duska Cvejic and Divna Dobrilovic.  The honored kumovi for this year’s Slava were Stephen and Stephanie Rados, Simon Samarzich, Christian Samarzich, and Svetlana Savic.

At the conclusion of the liturgy, everyone enjoyed the delicious festal banquet prepared by our Women’s Auxiliary with desserts prepared by our RCA parents. As the meal was concluding, we surprized Bishop Maxim with as special “torta” cake congratulating him on his 20th Anniversary as Bishop of Los Angeles and the Western American Diocese of the Serbian Orthodox Church.

Our Cathedral executive board President Ian Dempsey was Master of Ceremonies for the banquet.  The program included outstanding performances by our Cathedral folkdance groups under the direction of Andreana Pavichevich.  Special greetings of congratulations were expressed by President Ian Dempsey who, in honor of our 80th Anniversary, called everyone to stand and then take their seats as he read out the decades of parish life and we saw how many were present over the 8 decades our parish was established.  In his remarks, our Cathedral Dean, Fr. Nick, reflected on the 80th Anniversary of the Parish, recalling that by the vision of the early pioneers of our parish and “through their dedication, a place of worship took shape, and with it came a community bound together by friendship, compassion, and a shared commitment to the Gospel. Across generations, families have continued this tradition of generosity and service.”  Concluding his remarks he added: “As we mark this 80th anniversary, we give thanks not only for all that has been accomplished, but also for the promise of what lies ahead. The legacy entrusted to us is more than a collection of memories; it is a living mission. It calls us to welcome others, serve with compassion, deepen our faith, and build a future worthy of the generations who came before us. With gratitude for the past and hope for the future, we celebrate a parish family whose faith continues to inspire, whose love continues to welcome, and whose witness continues to shape generations to come.”

As at other ocassions , our Bishop Maxim took the opportunity of this parish feast day and 80th Anniversary to again recognize some of those members of our parish who have especially served the parish over the years.  This year, those members include:  Trifko Tyrone Polich, Stephen Rados, and Chrstopher Nikchevich who received the Order of Saint Sebastian and Vera Russo, Eugene Bowan, Vido Samarzich, Olga Djukelic, Duska and Marko Cvejic, Divna Dobrilovic and Olivera Lynn who received a Episcopal Gramata of Recognition.

Once more, we extend our heartfelt gratitude and congratulations to everyone who made this day so special and joyful.