The Feastday of the Protection of the Most Holy Mother of God Celebrated at New Gracanica Monastery

The festive gathering began with the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, presided over by His Grace Bishop Serafim (Baltić) of Kostajnica, Vicar to His Eminence Archbishop of New Gračanica and Chicago and Metropolitan of Midwestern America Longin. Concelebrating with him were the abbot of this holy monastery, the Very Reverend Archimandrite Dr. Sergije (Puškar); the Very Reverend Protopresbyter-Stavrophor Miloš Vesin; and a large gathering of clergy and monastics from our Diocese.

A great number of faithful took part in the prayerful gathering, coming together to offer their prayers to the Most Holy Theotokos, the protectress and patroness of this holy monastery. The solemn beauty of the divine services was enhanced by the reverent and harmonious chanting of the bishops and student choirs.

At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, the festal slava kolac was blessed and cut, after which a solemn procession around the church took place. In a spirit of thanksgiving to the Lord and trust in the intercessions of the Most Holy Mother of God, the faithful gathered to celebrate the feast of Her Holy Protection, which for centuries has stood as a symbol of Her unfailing care and love for the…