Today, the faithful gathered at the St. Sava Monastery to celebrate St. Mardarije’s Day, a significant event marked by reverence and joy. The festivities began with a solemn procession starting from the New Gracanica Monastery, culminating at St. Sava Monastery, where the relics of St. Mardarije are kept, underscoring the profound spiritual connection to the saint.
Hierarchical Divine Liturgy
The highlight of the day was the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, served under the pavilion. The liturgy was presided over by His Eminence Archbishop Peter of Chicago & Mid-America of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia (ROCOR), joined by numerous clergy members from various jurisdictions. The service was a beautiful manifestation of Orthodox unity and devotion.
Rev. Nikolaj Kostur of Holy Resurrection Serbian Orthodox Cathedral of Chicago delivered a sermon in both Serbian and English, emphasizing the enduring legacy of St. Mardarije.
Graduation Ceremony
Coinciding with the celebration was the graduation of the senior class of the St. Sava School of Theology. The graduates were honored to receive their diplomas from Archbishop Peter, marking the culmination of their theological studies and the beginning of their journey as future leaders of the Church.
Sasa Lukic and Mihailo Sekula, Bachelor of Divinity, graduated today. We wish them the best in their future endeavors as they embark on their journey to serve the Church and community with dedication and faith.
Special Guests and Presentations
The celebration was graced by special guests, including members of Society Ava, founded in honor of St. Ava Justin of Celije. They made a generous gift to the St. Sava Monastery, presenting a large icon of St. Sava, a cherished addition to the monastery’s collection.
Adding to the cultural richness of the event was the performance by the folklore group Crna Gora, visiting from Montenegro. Their vibrant display of traditional dance and music highlighted the deep cultural ties between the Serbian Orthodox community and Montenegro.
Hospitality and Fellowship
Fr. Petar Sailovich, together with the Circle of Serbian Sisters from the neighboring parishes, organized and served a delightful lunch. They were all wonderful hosts, contributing to the day’s joyful and memorable celebration.
Conclusion
St. Mardarije’s Day at the St. Sava Monastery was a testament to the enduring faith and cultural heritage of the Serbian Orthodox community. The combination of spiritual solemnity, cultural celebration, and academic achievement made this a truly memorable event for all who attended.
