Page 58 - Western Diocese Annual 2023

On Saturday, January 7, 2023 at the Saint Steven’s Serbian Orthodox Cathedral in Alhambra, California, His Grace Bishop Maxim, Hier-
arch of the Diocese of the Serbian Orthodox Church in Western America, together with V. Rev. Nicholas Ceko, Cathedral Dean, Rev. Vladan Radovanovic, Di- ocesan Secretary, and the subdeacons, alter servers, choir singers, and all the faithful of the parish, gath- ered for the Festal Matins and Divine Liturgy to com- memorate the Feast of the Nativity of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
During the Liturgy the beautiful and joyous Christmas Troparion was sung: Thy Nativity, O Christ our God, Has shone to the world the light of knowl- edge; For by it those who worshipped the stars Were taught by a star to adore Thee, the Sun of Righteous- ness, and to know Thee, the Orient from on High, O Lord, glory to Thee!
At the conclusion of the service, His Grace Bishop Maxim extended greetings of peace and joy to all, giv- ing glory to God as we all welcome the birth of the Christ child.
Fr. Nicholas Ceko then read aloud the Festal En- cyclical of His Holiness Patriarch Porfirije, and the As- sembly of the Bishops of the Serbian Orthodox Church.
The faithful then made their way to the social hall for the traditional Christmas luncheon hosted by the Cathedral Dean, Fr. Nicholas and his family.
It was a beautiful and festive day enjoyed by all who came to celebrate the birth of the Christ-child, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
МИР БОЖЈИ – ХРИСТОС СЕ РОДИ! PEACE FROM GOD! CHRIST IS BORN!
DIOCESE OF WESTERN AMERICA
A Joyous
Christmas Celebration
in Alhambra, California
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