Slava Celebration in Saratoga, California
On Sunday, Nov. 24, 2019, the Feastday of Saint king Stefan of Decani (+1331), the faithful parishioners of the Serbian Orthodox parish of St. Archangel Michael in Saratoga, CA, have celebrated their Saint protector and parish Slava, gathered around His Grace Bishop Maxim (Vasiljevic) of Western America, who officiated the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy. The priests from the other Serbian Orthodox parishes of SF Bay Area came in brotherly love to join the host, very rev. archpriest Fr. Slobodan Jovic, in serving the Divine liturgy: very rev. cross-bearing archpriest Fr. Dusan Bunjevic (retired rector of the Conception of St. John the Baptist Serbian church in San Francisco), very rev. cross-bearing archpriest Fr. Vasilije Cvijanovic (rector of the Holy Trinity church in Moraga) and rev. Fr. Zoran Savic (rector of the St. George church in Oakland). Joining them were very rev. cross-bearing archpriest Fr. Lazar Vasiljevic (his Grace’s father), and Episcopal secretary – deacon Vladan Radovanovic.
The most venerable character of the divine service was contributed by the church choir directed by maestro Mr. Lazo Mihajlovich. Several altar boys from Serbian parishes of Bay Area took part in altar assistance too. His Grace gave a deep and inspiring homily on Sunday Gospel reading – parable of rich man and Lazarus (Lk. 16: 19-31). At the end of Divine Liturgy, the bishop blessed the Slava kolach and wheat offered by this year’s kumovi Ivan and Ekaterina Karaslavov.
Following the Divine Liturgy, the feast day celebration continued with the banquet in the parish hall, hosted by Mr. Chris Milosevich. During the banquet, the music program started by performance of Saratoga Children’s choir, followed by “Iskra Etno” Ensemble (led by Mrs. Gordana Stojanovic-Mihajlovich) who performed many songs in various genres: traditional, ethno-folklore, patriotic, old-town’s, etc. Their wonderful performance made many guests applauding and singing along in delight and joy. Especial contribution was given by musicians-instrumentalists Nena Lovre (keyboard/accordion) and Mirko Vojnovic (guitar). The performance ended in an ovation.
Music, dancing and fellowship continued well into the late afternoon hours.
