Chicago, IL -
In the presence of many family, friends, parishioners and those who
respected him, brother hierarchs of our local church from America,
Canada and Australia as well as other Orthodox Churches, diplomatic
representatives and devoted clergymen, Metropolitan Christopher of
blessed memory was laid to rest yesterday at St. Sava Monastery in
Libertyville, Illinois.
The
Divine Hierarchical Requiem Liturgy, served beneath the open sky in
front of the Monastery church, was celebrated by the presiding hierarch
of the Orthodox Church in America His Beatitude Jonah, Archbishop of
Washington and Metropolitan of America and Canada, and concelebrated
by His Grace Bp. Georgije of Canada, His Grace Bp. Longin of the New
Gracanica – Midwest Diocese, His Grace Bp. Mitrophan of the Eastern
Diocese, His Grace Bp. Maxim of the Western American Diocese, His Grace
Bp. Irinej of Australia and New Zeland, His Grace Bp. Petar of
Cleveland, Vicar of Midwest Diocese (ROCOR) and His Grace Bp. Mark -
Diocese of Toledo and Midwest (Antiochian Orthodox Church).
Eulogizing
Metropolitan Christopher in a moving sermon, His Grace Bishop Irinej of
Australia and New Zealand, among many words of praise, stated that: “we
have lost a very strong spiritual and administrative leader who helped
foster bilingual church services and schooling, and had a profound
spiritual influence on the lives of many people during his 60 years of
pastoral service to Christ’s holy Church.”
After
the procession to the grave site with the late Metropolitan's earthly
remains, Very Reverend Fr. Nick Ceko, Dean of the St. Steven's
Cathedral in Alhambra, California, bid farewell to the Metropolitan at
his graveside, saying: “that during his long history as priest and then
as hierarch, Metropolitan Christopher had to make many challenging
decisions which were not always popular, but always right and in
accordance with the teaching of the Gospel and the sacred order of the
Orthodox Church.”
After
the burial of the Metropolitan of blessed repose, a memorial luncheon
was offered at the hall of Holy Resurrection Serbian Orthodox Cathedral
in Chicago, Illinois, during which Rev. Fr. Darko Spasojevich,
Cathedral Dean, thanked everybody for their prayers and support and
introduced V. Rev. Fr. Dennis Pavichevich, the Metropolitan’s Deputy
who gave a very moving and compassionate speech, recollecting his
personal memories of Metropolitan Christopher. Many representatives of
different church affiliated organizations addressed the family and the
people present: Mrs. Danijela Randjelovic, President of the St. Sava
Monastery Women’s Auxiliary Organization, Mrs. Yvonne Orlich, 1st Vice
President of the Serbian Singing Federation, Mrs. Biljana Sevic,
President of the Executive Board of the Holy Resurrection Serbian
Orthodox Cathedral, Mr. Constantine Triantafillou, Director of IOCC,
Mr. Dmitar Rakic, a long time friend from St. Archangel Michael
Parish, and Mr. Petar Kovachevich, son of the late Metropolitan
Christopher.
May Metropolitan’s Christopher Memory be eternal!
St. NIKOLAI - Pilgrimage
ST. NIKOLAI of OCHRID
and ZHICHA
PILGRIMAGE
July 18, 2010
St. Sava Serbian
Orthodox Monastery in Libertyville, Illinois
Hierarchical Divine
Liturgy at 9:30 AM
Akathist Service to
St. Nikolai at Noon
Luncheon to follow
SVETINJI U POHODE!
Inter-religious Council of the Ministry of Faith of the Republic of Serbia established
On June 17, 2010 in Belgrade a Inter-religious Council
of the Ministry of Faith of the Republic of Serbia was established, and it
consists of Prof. Dr. Bogoljub Sijakovic, Minister of Faith of the Republic of
Serbia; Bishop Dr. Irinej Bulovic of Backa; Stanislav Hocevar, Archbishop of
Belgrade of the Roman Catholic Church in Serbia; Reis-ul-ulema of the Islamic
Community of Serbia Adem Zilkic and Rabbi Isaac Asiel, chief rabbi of the
Jewish Community in Serbia. The Inter-religious Council is open for further
appointments of members from among the dignitaries of the traditional churches
and religious communities and prominent lay people.
Minister of Faith Bogoljub Sijakovic pointed out the tasks
of the Inter-religious Council: affirmation of religious freedom and religious
culture, publishing communiqués (epistles) on important social issues,
organizing scientific meetings, panels, round tables and advice on current
topics, participation in the preparation of normative solutions, reviewing and
interpreting of the tendency of public life, considering the importance of
religious freedom and religious culture in the European context.
Bishop Irinej of Backa on the beginning emphasized that he
gladly accepted the membership in the body which had not existed before in
Serbia, and which operated within the Ministry of Faith which fulfill its role
in a broad set social dialogue. "Participation in the Council is an
expression of responsibility of all of us and conciliar confrontation with the
problems of today. In the European Union there is a permanent and institutional
dialogue, and in Serbia that need should be fulfilled by the Inter-religious
Council. In our case, the Council differs from the same institutions within the
Governments of the countries in our neighborhood, because its foundation was
not caused by turbulence, but by the permanent need for a dialogue in the
society. This body is not a political body, but has a responsible social
function because it confronts with the problems of the people, the state and
the society. Such cooperation has existed in our region for many years in the
widest possible context. Dialogue is in nature of all Churches and religious
communities, but more important is to have a living dialogue that is felt in
society every day, in the context of answering on all the questions of contemporary
society. Engagement of all of us - not just the members of the Council, but
also associates and friends - should provide the answer to all social
questions."
Monsignor Stanislav Hocevar expressed a joy because he was a
member of the Inter-religious Council, because the inter-religious dialogue is
a fundamental duty of all of us as the Churches and communities played the
important role in the society.
Reis-ul-ulema of the Islamic Community of Serbia Adem Zilkic
pointed out that the faith was life and the faith was hope. To believe meant
look at all segments of life, hence the Churches and the religious communities
should participate in social problems and assist in building a prosperous
society.
Isaac Asiel, chief rabbi of the Jewish Community in Serbia,
emphasized that the builder of peace was the teacher who built peace, and these
are all representatives of the religious traditions. Rabbi also pointed out
that all representatives of the Churches and the religious communities received
a greater responsibility thanks to the establishment of the Inter-religious
Council, hence on his behalf and on behalf of all members of the Council he
thanked Minister Bogoljub Sijakovic, the Ministry of Faith and the Government
of the Republic of Serbia.
2010 Youth Conference
Dear Honorable Clergy, Church Executive Boards, and Brothers
and Sisters in Christ,
With the Blessing of the Episcopal Council of the Serbian
Orthodox Church in North and South America, the Youth Ministry Committee of the
Central Church Council of the United States and Canada is pleased to announce
the Fifth Annual Youth Retreat to be held in Milwaukee, WI from Wednesday,
August 11 through Sunday, August 19,2010. The theme of this year’s retreat is
“The Sanctity of Life.” The retreat is open to high school students. Students
are eligible from the summer prior to 9th grade through the summer following
12th grade.
Completed registration forms are due July 15, 2010.
Yours in Christ,
The Youth Ministry Committee
V. Rev. Steven Rocknage
Rev. Dragan Petrovich
Rev. Russell Radoicich
Christopher Radanovic
Becky Kesic
Brian Hayden
Joyce Yovetich
Zora Lytkowski
Cathedral’s slava celebration
Parishioners and friends of Holy Resurrection Serbian
Orthodox Cathedral in Chicago gathered to celebrate the Cathedral’s annual
Slava on Sunday, April 11th, 2010. The annual Cathedral Slava is traditionally
celebrated on the first Sunday following PASCHA, also called St. Thomas'
Sunday.
The joyous celebration started with the Divine Liturgy
celebrated by our Cathedral Clergy in the presence of His Eminence Metropolitan
CHRISTOPHER of Libertyville-Chicago, with the responses sung by the Cathedral
Choir, the S.S.S. Branko Radichevich.
Following the Divine Liturgy, His Eminence led the rite of
the blessing of the Slava Kolać. Gathered around His Eminence were the
Cathedral Clergy, Executive Board members, representatives of the affiliated
organizations, and the Cathedral Children. At the request of His Eminence, the
children were in the forefront when turning of the festal kolać. After all they
are the future leaders of our Parish. Under director Elizabeth Neskow, the
S.S.S. Branko Radichevich sang beautifully during this ceremony.
A delectable Festal banquet with traditional Serbian Slava
fare was lovingly prepared by our Circle of Serbian sisters, Željko Karanović,
and Milutin Đorđević. The capable and enthusiastic waitstaff was comprised of
members of the youth group. We thank all those that generously donated their
time and talent to ensure the success of our Slava celebration, and especially
to Dušanka Jakšić who did a fantastic job as Chairperson of the event.
Deacon Damjan Božić lent his natural talents and skillfully
served as the Master of Ceremonies for the Slava program. Greeting all of the
parishioners who attended the joyous celebration were Fr. Darko Spasojević,
Cathedral Dean, Biljana Šević, President of the Church Executive Board, Mira
Đorđević, Kolo President, Jelena Stojaković, President of S.S.S. Branko
Radichevich, and Marko Bojović, Principal of the St. Sava Academy. Mrs. Šević
took this opportunity to introduce and acknowledge all the Executive Board
members for their contribution and efforts. In his greeting, His Eminence
Metropolitan CHRISTOPHER recognized that the greater majority of the Cathedral
Executive Board is comprised of women, and took this opportunity to eloquently
speak about the significance of the Serbian woman, her various roles in the
life of the community, and the impact that she has made to the Serbian
community on the North American continent. He alluded many times to the Serbian
woman’s strength, conviction and faith comparing her many times to the myrrh-bearing
women who spread the news of Christ’s Resurrection after coming to His tomb and
finding it empty.
The cultural program was opened by the angelic voices of the
Jr. Brankies singing Hristos Voskrese and Ljudi Likujte, under the direction of
Popadija Jelena Vranić. The SOKO Folklore Group followed and entertained us
with dances from various regions of Serbia. The highlight of the day was the
littlest members of the SOKO group who performed with pride and large smiles.
The glee on their faces was unforgettable, missteps and all.
For generations, Slava has been a special uniting force in
the family, bringing it together to give glory and thanks to God the Creator
and Saviour. This was evident in our Cathedral family faithful in attendance
who were enthused as with a new sense of unity , and there was much rejoicing.
Confirming yet again the beautiful words written by Saint Nikolai Velimirović,
sung earlier by the children, Ljudi likujte, narodi čujte: Hristos voskrse,
radost donese! - People rejoice, all nations listen:
Metropolitan Christopher Heads Paschal Celebration At Chicago Cathedral
The glorious and salvific Resurrection of our Lord, God, and
Savior Jesus Christ was joyously celebrated today at Holy Resurrection Serbian
Orthodox Cathedral in Chicago, Illinois, with a Hierarchical Divine Liturgy
celebrated by His Eminence Metropolitan CHRISTOPHER of Libertyville-Chicago,
with the concelebration of the Cathedral Clergy, while responses to the festive
Liturgy were sung by the Branko Radichevich Choir.
Prior to the Paschal Liturgy, the Matins of the Resurrection
and Procession symbolizing the early morning walk of the myrrh-bearing women to
Christ's empty tomb, was celebrated starting at 11:30 PM on Saturday.
Welcoming the beloved Archpastor to our Holy Cathedral on
occasion of this joyous feast of feasts, Cathedral Dean Fr. Darko Spasojevic
thanked His Eminence for his prayers, blessing and care, and wished the
faithful that the radiance of Christ's Resurrection may shine in their heart,
souls, homes and families.
Blessing the congregated faithful and wishing them a joyous
feast, His Eminence Metropolitan CHRISTOPHER stated, " in light of this
Christ's Resurrection we need to struggle and live faithfully to our Christian
commitment."
The Paschal Encyclical of His Holiness Patriarch IRINEJ on
behalf of all the bishops of the Serbian Orthodox Church was also read at the
Liturgy, after which a holiday banquet was served for parishioners at the Main
Hall.
The Celebration of the Cathedral's Slava will take place
next week on Sunday, April 11, 2010, with one Divine Liturgy at 9:30 AM, and
the Cutting of the Slava Kolach and Festal banquet immediately thereafter.
C H R I S T O P H E R
BY THE GRACE OF GOD
ORTHODOX METROPOLITAN OF LIBERTYVILLE-CHICAGO TO ALL PRIESTS, MONKS, AND ALL
SONS AND DAUGHTERS OF OUR ORTHODOX CHURCH SENDS HIS GREETINGS FROM THE SAINT
SAVA MONASTERY, THE SEE OF OUR HOLY SERBIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH IN NORTH AND SOUTH
AMERICA
CHRIST IS RISEN - INDEED HE IS RISEN!
The celebration of Christian Feasts brings joy to all those who live and act in
accordance with Christ's Gospel. The Apostle Paul instructs us how we should as
Orthodox Christians experience celebrations of Christians Feasts, by making a
comparison between various heavenly bodies: "There is one glory of the
sun, and another glory the moon, and another glory differeth from another star
in glory" (1 Cor. 15:41).
Therefore, our Feast deserves special joy, and yet the most exuberant, the
richest and greatest joy is brought to us by the RESURRECTION OF CHRIST THE
SAVIOR - (Easter) PASCHA!
This great joy is understandable, because Christ through His death became
victorious over death - that greatest enemy of humans. No human has
accomplished that, although many had desired to do so. Only Christ the Savior
accomplished that victory. Thus, all humans rejoice in Christ's victory, for in
His victory they see their own victory over death and their own resurrection.
Pascha, that Feast of feasts,bring along universal joy to all humans, it fills
with joy all human hearts, and thus everyone may repeat that truth: "For
to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain" (Phil. 1:21).
St. John Chrysostom inspired by this great day invites all Christians to this
universal, common joy. "Today the faithful should rejoice with a great
joy, for Christ's Resurrection is general resurrection for all.... Thus, today
one should think and speak about the evangelical love, about concord, about
goodness, about our salvation, which is brought about by Christ's Resurrection.
Let today both rich and poor, cheerful and cheerless, old and young rejoice
together. Let all those who are in discord reconcile today and let them remain
in brotherly love..."
In anticipation of the Feast of feasts, the Resurrection of our Savior, we
appeal to the fullness of our Holy Church to remember and support with your
donations our Monastery of St. Sava in Libertyville, the See of the Serbian
Orthodox Church in North and South America.
CHRIST IS RISEN - INDEED HE IS
RISEN!
Pascha 2010
Your intercessor before the Risen Lord,
+Christopher
METROPOLITAN
OF LIBERTYVILLE-CHICAGO
