Page 41 - Western Diocese Annual 2023

His Grace Bishop Maxim gave a beautiful sermon about Fr. Slobodan’s life and his serving as a faithful witness and loving servant of our Lord Jesus Christ and how it is the most essential part of the priesthood to lead the faithful to Christ with much love and kind- ness, what Father +Slobodan truthfully did during his 45 years of service in Europe and Northern America.
Concluding the sermon of His Grace, the family of Prota and all in attendance gave Fr. Slobodan the last kiss. The procession started to the place where he was buried, on the Monastery cemetery next to the church in Libertyville.
At the monastery hall of New Gracanica the family prepared a mercy meal in memory of Fr. +Slobodan.
Besides Fr. Vido, the Saratoga parish was represent- ed by Chris Milosovich, Board President, Ted Miljev- ich, and Dragoslav Grbovich, Board members.
Ted Miljevich spoke on behalf of the First Serbian Benevolent Society in San Francisco, California, whose member Fr. +Slobodan was, saying that he was always an active, supportive member of the Society and that he will be missed very much.
Chris Milosovich, on behalf of the board and church school congregation, shared beautiful memo- ries about Father and about the many struggles along the church building process they had and thanked him visibly moved and with tears in eyes for his service in Saratoga and that he feels as if he had lost a brother.
Fr. Jovan Jovic shared his deep sadness and feelings about losing his beloved brother which was very mov- ing and tearful. He concluded the daća meal by thank- ing His Grace Bp. Maxim dearly for his efforts to come all the way from Los Angeles to lead the funeral ser- vice. He thanked all who helped with the Funeral ar- rangements in Indianapolis, Libertyville, and New Gracanica and all who came from near and far, espe- cially from Saratoga, California.
May Fr. +Slobodan rest in peace and be in God’s eternal kingdom.
May His memory be eternal! Vjecnaja pamjat!
2023 DIOCESAN ANNUAL
39