St. Sava Parish in Phoenix Hosts Diocesan SKSS Slava
On Sunday, December 3, 2017, St. Sava Phoenix Parish, along with their Circle of Serbian Sisters – Kolo, hosted this year’s Western Diocese Kolo Slava – the Entrance of the Mother of God Into the Temple. Several months ago, St. Sava Kolo was asked to host this wonderful annual event and graciously accepted the honor. Children along with faithful Phoenix Serbs eagerly awaited the arrival Sunday morning of His Grace, the Right Reverend Bishop.+Maksim of the Western American Diocese. Bishop Maksim officiated Hierarchical Divine Liturgy assisted by parish priest, Very Reverend Dragomir Tuba, Very Reverend Stavrophor Lazar Vasiljevic, and Deacon Vladan Radovanovic. Liturgical responses were sung by the St. Sava S.S.S. Stevan Hristic Choir.
His Grace gave a beautiful sermon explaining this week’s Gospel story and at the end of Liturgy congratulated the Executive Diocese Kolo and all Kolo Sisters in the Western American Diocese. He mentioned that when non-Orthodox ask what is the role of women in the Serbian Orthodox Church, is it that of serving in the Circle of Sisters – Kolo. During the reception of honored guests in the Cultural Center Library Room hosted by parish priest Fr. Dragomir, Protinica Kristina, and Church Board President Milan Kesic along with his wife Danielle, His Grace met with guest clergy, St. Sava Executive Board Members, Executive Diocese Kolo Board Members, Honored Kuma Dee Price and St. Sava Parishoner Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich.
His Grace cut the Slava Kolac аnd read the Oath of Office for the newly elected Western Diocese Executive Kolo Board. Bishop Maksim showered the joyful children in attendance with his signature “Candy Rain.” Under the direction of Ruza Jaksic, St Sava Kolo President, the delicious luncheon was prepared and enjoyed by a full hall of parishioners, including guests from neighboring Phoenix Church St. Nikola and from Southern California. Honored 2017 Kuma was Dusanka Dee Price of St. Sava Phoenix. St. Sava parish children prepared a short musical and folklore program especially for His Grace. It was a beautiful, festive celebration enjoyed by all in attendance.
