Sebastian Press was established in 2006 by the Serbian Orthodox Diocese of Western America, based on the vision of its, at that time, newly enthroned Bishop Dr. Maxim (Vasiljevic) and named in honor of a first American born Orthodox priest, Fr. Sebastian Dabovich, a great missionary and pioneer of the Orthodox Church in the West, and now a Saint of San Francisco and Jackson. Sebastian Press is one of the prevalent and most dynamic publishers of Christian Orthodox publications on the West Coast and in the USA. It has enriched Christian literature in the English language during the last few years with almost 100 titles in print from many of the best living and classical Orthodox writers, with its valuable translations of the interesting and resourceful works of Serbian, Greek, and other theologians to English. With its capable manager protinica Rada Bojovic, the St. Sebastian Orthodox Press is assisting with the logistics related to many Diocesan and other Pan-Orthodox events in USA.

This year, on November 12, 2017, a flock of faithful gathered at the Saint Steven’s Cathedral in Alhambra to celebrate the protector and inspirer of Sebastian Press’s Ministry, Saint Sebastian of Jackson and San Francisco.

A great blessing to all participants in this celebration was the presence of His Eminence Metropolitan Nikitas of Dardanellia (Ecumenical Patrhiarchate), Director of Patriarch Athenagoras Orthodox Institute in Berkley CA, who presided over the eucharistic synaxis with Bishop Maxim concelebrating and the clergy, and delivered an inspiring liturgical sermon.

Festivities continued inside the Saint Steven’s fellowship hall, first by honoring the veterans and then with the blessing of a beautiful “Slava” Bread and “Žito”. In accordance with the Serbian Slava tradition, Metropolitan Nikitas broke the Slava bread.

After the spiritual feast, a delicious lunch prepared by the Diocesan Circle of Serbian Sisters was served and enjoyed by everyone.

In his concluding address, Metropolitan Nikitas, again, emphasized the importance of Sebastian Press ministry and invited everyone to read as much as possible and to instill the love for reading into the young ones, so they can expand their vocabularies and improve their verbal communication skills in this digital era of ours. You can listen to his presentation here.

With gratitude to Fr. Nicholas Ceko for hosting this celebration at Saint Steven’s Cathedral, we are also grateful for the presence of the local clergy: Fr. Lazar Vasiljevic, Fr. Predrag Bojovic, Deacon Vladan Radovanovic, Deacon Jovan Katanic and all supporters of our ministry.