01112010b

News and Events - January 2010

NEWS AND EVENTS - Monday, January 11, 2010

SECOND ANNUAL EASTERN DIOCESE CLERGY GATHERING

Shadeland, PA - With the Archpastoral Blessings of Diocesan Bishop, His Grace Bishop Dr. MITROPHAN, a number of clergy of the Eastern American Diocese came to St. Sava Camp- Shadeland, the location of the Monastery of the Most Holy Mother of God, for the Second Annual Clergy Gathering.

One priest coming for the first time said this was becoming a tradition and he wanted to be a part of the beginning. The Clergy Gathering offers clergy the opportunity to come to this beautiful holy site with their families for a few days.

The Clergy Gathering is conducted at a relaxed pace with dignity, decorum and prayer. Midnight Office, Matins and First Hour as well as Vespers are scheduled each day.

This year’s gathering began early on the afternoon of December 30, 2009 and continued until January 2, 2010. Many of the clergy and their families departed on January 1, 2010.

His Grace Bishop Dr. MITROPHAN came on the evening of December 31 for Vespers, the evening meal and to be with the attendees. His Grace spoke with the clergy about subjects of mutual interest.

Clergy and their families gathered this year and last year to strengthen their bonds through talking with each other about matters of particular interest and through recreational activities that build friendship and support for each other.

This year the following were in attendance, Father Djokan and Protinica Mirjana Majstorovic and their two children; Father Dragomir and Protinca Kristina Tuba and their five children; Father Rajko and Protinica Vera Kosic and their two children; Father Zivojin and Protinica Georgia Jakovljevic and their two children; Father Milovan and Popadija Tatiana Katanic and their five children; Father Miladin and Popadija Branca Blagojevich and their two children; Father Deacon Dragoslav and Djakonica Rosandra Kosic and their two children; and Dr. Darren and Holly Torbic and their five children.

Father Aleksandar and Protinica Vera Vlajkovich and their six children very much enjoyed the first Clergy Gathering. They were unable to attend this year but Father Aleksandar joined this gathering for a period of time through the internet.

The God-provided beautiful facilities at Shadeland engender the strengthening of professional and personal relationships. The God-provided beautiful facilities at Shadeland encourage thanksgiving to God for the many blessings received.

God-willing the Clergy Gathering will continue in future years with an increased amount of clergy families in attendance. “Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity.”(Ps.133:1)

Father Rodney Torbic