Page 12 - Western Diocese Annual 2023

DIOCESE OF WESTERN AMERICA
Davidovich, who served as advisor of the St. Sava Mission and Retreat Center, shared with the clergy some notes he had on improving the church camp based on his participation and notes this past sea- son. This year marks the 60th anniversary. More than just maintaining the property Stevan is working on a 15 year master plan which would focus on building and improving.
Members of the Diocesan Council held their meeting afterward while the remaining clergy and laity went to their hotels to rest.
Vespers was served at the St. Sava Church on Main Street. Serving were Rev. Zoran Aleksic and Protodeacon Dragan Stojanovich. At the conclusion of the service His Grace noted that this year marks the 15th anniversary of the translation of the relics of St. Sebastian to this St. Sava Church in Jackson founded by him which was appropriately commem- orated at the evening’s Vesper service and will con- tinue the following day and culminate on Sunday at the Holy Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, His Grace will serve at the St. Sebastian of Jackson Mission in Car- son City which just recently received a new parish priest, V. Rev Protopresbyter Norman Kosanovich.
Dinner and fellowship followed at the St. Sava Mission main hall. Clergy slowly made their way to their hotels after a long day of traveling and meet- ings in preparation for the following day’s Divine Liturgy and annual assembly.
Diocesan Days 2022 – Day Two
The second day of the Diocesan Days gathering began with Matins on Saturday morning, served in the historic St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church in Jackson, California. The Holy Hierarchical Divine
Liturgy was officiated by Bishop Maxim of Western America with the concelebration of the diocesan clergy.
In his homily Vladika spoke from the morning’s gospel reading of all the “good things that have been delivered to Me by My Father” (Matt. 11:27). All of these good things, His Grace stated, is knowledge of all things related to, or those which are destined to be in His Kingdom, to be redeemed by Him. In oth- er words, this includes nothing evil, nothing which prevents us from knowing or being in communion with God. And the most important is love, as the Apostle Paul says there are many virtues and quali- ties but love is above all things. Because, it is love that has been revealed through the Son and all things will be covered by God’s love. This is why the Lord says ‘Come to Me, all of your who labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest’. This rest is a lov- ing relationship with Him. The church exists for this very reason, to offer us this love, this good will of the Father and this rest, this relationship with God.
At the conclusion of the liturgy Vladika greeted all clergy and delegates and noted that all delegates, all those who work for the good of their church in their local parishes are ministers in extension, using their talents for the glory of God in His Church.
Following the continental breakfast in the lower level of the parish hall clergy and delegates made their way to the main parish hall for the annual Di- ocesan Assembly. During the assembly the adminis- trative, financial, and other pressing issues related to the Diocese were addressed and discussed.
The banquet followed at the St. Sava Orthodox Mission. Тhe program during the banquet began with children from the St. Sava parish in Jackson beautifully singing the song dedicated to St. Sebas- tian, popular among all children who attend the St.
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