In Pictures

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Hierarchical Divine Liturgy at St. Innocent Cathedral,
St.George is the patron Saint of Bishop NIKOLAI's family.

In addition to the name day, the Serbs have a very special variation of this wonderful tradition. With them, the name day is not an individual event, but rather a family affair. The feast is called, in Serbian, Slava (Thanksgiving or Glory-giving) and is kept on the feast day of the patron Saint of the entire family. The special spiritual depth of the Slava can only be understood when one realizes that the family celebrates it on the feast day of the Saint which has been the special patron of that family for centuries - ever since the family became Christian. For generations, the patron Saint's day has been a special uniting force in the family, bringing it together to give glory and thanks to God the Creator and Saviour.

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"As many as have been baptized into Christ, have put on Christ, Alleluia!"

Hieromonk Yakov serves the Slava.

A Cross-wise cut is made in the Kolach and wine is poured into it.

The Kolach is turned while the choir sings "O Holy martyrs, who fought the good fight and have received your crowns, entreat ye the Lord, that He may have mercy on our souls!"

His Grace at the end of the Divine Liturgy

Hieromonk Yakov asks for the blessing from His Grace Bishop NIKOLAI at the beginning of the Slava service.

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The turning of the Kolach

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His Grace tells the faithful about the meaning of the Slava.