On Sunday, October 27, 2019, the Sunday of the Holy Fathers of the VII Ecumencial Council and feast day of the Venerable Mother Paraskeva, St. Petka, the Christ-loving faithful of San Marcos, California gathered around their diocesan bishop, His Grace Bishop Maxim of Western America, to celebrate their altar feast, St. Petka. Matins was served by parish clergy Protopresbyter Milovan Katanic and Deacon David John-Williams. The Holy Hierarchical Divine Liturgy was officiated by Bishop Maxim with the aforementioned clergy. Joining them was Episcopal deacon and secretary Deacon Vladan Radovanovic.

Special guests from Serbia, Srbski Pravoslavni Pojci, sang the responses at both Matins and the Divine Liturgy. The Pojci, or chanters, are an acapella group that works to preserve Serbian traditional music. In their repeteroie they nurture songs that are primarily spiritual but also nationalistic, etno and starogradske. The chanters were formed on November 26, 2011, when four friends, colleagues from the Theological Faculty in Belgrade decided to enhance church services with their gift of singing. Later, their efforts and hard work were recognized by His Holiness Serbian Patriarch Irinej who gave his blessing for the continuation of their work in preserving Serbian music.

The ceremonious Slava Litija followed the Prayer before the Ambon as the Cross-bearers, banner-banners, the clergy, Slava kumovi and faithful processed in prayerful jubilation around the church. The litija concluded at the entrance of the church where the bishop blessed the Slava kolach and wheat offered by this year’s kumovi Djordje, Gordana and Lazar Jovanic.

Following church services the day’s celebration continued in the main church hall, beginning with a performance by the Avala Folklore Ensemble. Afterward, Srbski Pravoslavni Pojci performed songs ranging from spiritual to patriotic. Their booming, strong voices rang loud throughout the hall as everyone stood in rhythmic applause, singing along in delight and joy. The performance ended in a standing ovation.

In keeping with tradition handed down to us, this year’s Kum Djordje Jovanic presented a third of the Slava Kolach to Branko Radjenovic who together with his family accepted the role of Slava Kumovi for next year.

Music, dancing and fellowship continued well into the early evening hours.