His Eminence Metropolitan Longin Visits St. George Church for Divine Liturgy and Slava Celebration

On Sunday, November 3, 2024, St. George Serbian Orthodox Church in Schererville, Indiana, hosted His Eminence Metropolitan Longin, who served the Divine Hierarchical Liturgy. This solemn day coincided with the annual Slava celebration of the Chetnik Circle of Serbian Sisters, which honored their patron saint, the great martyr Demetrius.

The celebration began with the Divine Liturgy at 10:00 a.m., led by His Eminence Metropolitan Longin. He was joined by the parish priest, Fr. Radovan Jakovljevic, protodeacon Milovan Gogic, and subdeacons Zoran Stojakovic and Peter Katic. The church was filled with faithful parishioners who gathered to pray, receive blessings, and witness the reverence of the liturgy, adding a sense of unity and devotion to the service.

After the liturgy, the congregation moved to the Chetnik Memorial Hall, where the festivities continued with the Slava celebration. The church choir offered heartfelt hymns during the memorial service, held in remembrance of the departed members of the Chetnik Circle of Serbian Sisters. This moving tribute set the tone for blessing the Slava bread, a cherished Orthodox tradition symbolizing unity, love, and dedication to God.

A delightful lunch followed, prepared by the hardworking staff of the Chetnik Memorial Hall under the guidance of Mirjana Dragojevic. The hall was filled with warmth and camaraderie as parishioners shared this traditional meal, celebrating their faith and community. Conversations echoed with laughter, and the bonds of fellowship were strengthened as everyone enjoyed the delicious food prepared in honor of Slava.

Following the meal, Mr. Peter Katic formally welcomed His Eminence Metropolitan Longin and extended heartfelt thanks to all attendees. He expressed gratitude for the ongoing support of the Chetnik Circle of Serbian Sisters, a vital organization within the community that upholds Serbian Orthodox traditions and supports church activities.

This year’s Slava celebration was a beautiful testament to the enduring faith, heritage, and community spirit of the Serbian Orthodox faithful in Schererville. His Eminence Metropolitan Longin’s presence made this year’s observance especially memorable, bringing a sense of unity and inspiration to all who attended.