Diocese of Eastern America of the SOC

08/28/2026

ORTHODOX VOICE AT INTERNATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE CONFERENCE IN ZURICH

ZURICH, Switzerland. What changes when the created world is understood not primarily as possession or resource, but as gift?

That question stood at the center of an Orthodox Christian contribution to the 4th Biennial International Transdisciplinary Conference on Environmental Justice, held August 19 to 23, 2026, in Zurich. Under the theme “Hope in Action: Community-Engaged Scholarship and Practice for Integral Ecology, Environmental Justice and Sustainability,” the conference brought together scholars, researchers, practitioners, and community leaders from around the world to examine the relationship between ecological responsibility, justice, and sustainability.

Dr. Srdjan Maksimovic, Coordinator of the Diocesan Education Commission of the Eastern American Diocese, presented a paper titled “The Eucharistic Vision of Creation: Orthodox Christianity, Active Hope, and the Formation of Ecological Responsibility.”

His presentation began with words proclaimed at the heart of the Orthodox Divine Liturgy: “Thine own of Thine own, we offer unto Thee, on behalf of all and for all.”

Maksimovic argued that the Eucharistic vision offers a distinctive understanding of humanity’s relationship with creation. The world is not inert matter, private possession, or an exploitable resource, but gift, communion, and offering. Ecological responsibility, from this perspective, is not an external addition to Christian life. It emerges from the worship, doctrine, and spiritual practice of the Church.

The paper brought Orthodox theology of creation into conversation with integral ecology, environmental ethics, education, and applied sustainability. It considered how worship and ascetic practice can cultivate habits of restraint, gratitude, and responsibility, and how Christian communities can embody those commitments in everyday life.

Participants approached environmental justice from a wide range of disciplines and contexts, including theology, education, human rights, Indigenous communities, sustainable development, agriculture, technology, and community-engaged research. The international and transdisciplinary setting placed the Orthodox theological tradition in conversation with perspectives and experiences from across cultures and continents.

For the Eastern American Diocese, Maksimovic’s participation offered an opportunity to contribute an Orthodox voice to a broader international discussion about the relationship between faith, human responsibility, and the created world.

Creation is not possession to be consumed, but gift to be received and offered. Humanity is not proprietor of creation, but priest within creation. Ecological responsibility is not merely instructed; it is formed through worship, asceticism, education, and communion.

ORTHODOX VOICE AT INTERNATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE CONFERENCE IN ZURICH - Serbian Orthodox Diocese of Eastern America of the Serbian Orthodox Church located in New Rochelle, NY

08/25/2026

Preface to the Serbian edition, forthcoming from the Holy Imperial Lavra of the Monastery of Hilandar.

08/22/2026

July-August 2026 | United Mine Workers Journal |

08/21/2026

49TH ANNUAL CHILDREN’S CAMP AT ST. ELIJAH SERBIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH - Serbian Orthodox Diocese of Eastern America of the Serbian Orthodox Church located in New Rochelle, NY

08/21/2026

English and Serbian text

08/20/2026

English and Serbian text

08/17/2026

LORAIN CIRCLE OF SERBIAN SISTERS CELEBRATES ITS 2026 PATRONAL FEAST

On Sunday, August 9, 2026, the Circle of Serbian Sisters of St. George Serbian Orthodox Church in Lorain, Ohio, prayerfully celebrated its Patronal Feast (Slava), dedicated to the God-Crowned Empress Milica, known in monasticism as the Venerable Mother Evgenija.
The celebration began with the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy officiated by His Grace Bishop Irinej of Washington–New York and Eastern America. Concelebrating with His Grace were the Very Reverend Protopresbyter-Stavrophor John Adamcio and the parish priest, Presbyter Sreten Stanojevic.
The presence of His Grace brought great joy and a special blessing to the parishioners and guests who gathered to participate in the Divine Liturgy and honor the heavenly patroness of the Circle. Through prayer and Holy Communion, the faithful gave thanks to God for His many blessings and for the devoted service of the Serbian Sisters in the life of the Church.
At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, His Grace blessed the festal offerings, and the Slava bread (kolač) was ceremonially broken in honor of the Venerable Mother Evgenija. Special prayers were offered for the health and salvation of all members of the Circle of Serbian Sisters, as well as remembrance of those who have passed into life eternal.
Throughout the history of St. George Parish, the Circle of Serbian Sisters has been a pillar of parish life. Its members have worked tirelessly and contributed tremendously to the growth and well-being of the parish. With great devotion, they have supported the Church, welcomed guests, organized celebrations, assisted those in need, and helped preserve the Orthodox faith and Serbian traditions entrusted to them by previous generations.
Their work is often done quietly and with humility, yet its fruits can be seen throughout the entire parish community. Through their love, sacrifice, generosity, and hospitality, the Sisters continue to set a beautiful example of Christian service. St. George Parish is deeply grateful for everything they have done and continue to do for the glory of God and the good of His Church.
Following the service, the celebration continued in the church hall with a festive brunch lovingly prepared by the Sisters. Parishioners and guests enjoyed a beautiful meal, warm hospitality, and joyful Christian fellowship, bringing this blessed day to a fitting conclusion.

08/17/2026

A JOYFUL FINALE TO SHADELAND CAMP SEASON 2026 –SHADELAND PATRONAL FEAST AND DIOCESAN DAY PICNIC

The fourth and final week of Shadeland Camp 2026 began on August 2, bringing with it the excitement of a special week filled with music, dancing, faith and fellowship. For many campers, this was their second week of camp during the summer, making the week a wonderful opportunity to reunite with friends and counselors, and create even more memories together.
The campers were especially excited to welcome back former Head Counselor Stana, who returned to Shadeland as the music instructor for the week. They were also thrilled to have Mia back as their dance instructor. Under their guidance, the campers worked hard each day learning their songs and dances in preparation for the much-anticipated Saturday program. The musicians practiced late into the evenings, working together to make sure everything was ready for the final performance.
Although the weather was rainy throughout much of the week, the campers' spirits remained high. The rain brought a change to the usual schedule, with the campers visiting Waldameer on Tuesday and heading to Plaza Lanes for bowling on Thursday afternoon. It turned out to be a particularly memorable bowling trip when the campers discovered that they were the only group in the bowling alley. The owner, Ramon, was wonderfully accommodating and played Serbian music for the campers, which soon led to kolo dancing throughout the bowling alley! Ramon was so impressed with the campers’ love of their culture that he came on Saturday to see the program.
In addition to rehearsing, the campers continued with traditions that make Shadeland so special. They prayed together, participated in religious instruction and enjoyed the many familiar camp activities that fill each summer week. Lesson plans for Religious Education classes were prepared by the Dr Srdjan Maksimovic, Diocesan Education Commission Coordinator. In particular, the lesson on AI and Technology from an Orthodox Christian point of view sparked much interest and fascination. The Bishop and clergy were on hand to answer all the questions of inquisitive minds.
Shadeland continues to be a truly special place. There is something powerful about attending church services during the week and hearing 75 children and young adults praying and singing Uskliknimo together. The same spirit can be felt when nearly 100 people gather in the A Building and raise their voices together in the prayers before meals. In these moments, everyone can feel the presence of the Holy Spirit and the loving intercession of St. Sava in this very special place.
On Friday evening, all volunteers, along with His Grace Bishop Irinej and the clergy, were treated to a special sneak peek of Saturday's program. As the campers performed the songs and dances, which they had worked so hard to learn, with a special tribute to America’s 250th Anniversary of Independence. There were very few dry eyes under the pavilion that evening. It was a beautiful preview of what was to come.
Saturday morning brought clergy and faithful from throughout the Diocese to Shadeland for Hierarchical Divine Liturgy and the celebration of the Shadeland Estate Patronal Feast – Slava, the Venerable Mother Angelina of Krushedol. His Grace initiated the tradition of honoring from among the counsellors and/or senior campers, Kumovi – Patrons for the Slava celebration. Co-head counselors Nessa Wright and Luke Torbic were chosen by the camp staff as the first in hopefully a long line of Kumovi to stand for our Slava celebration. Following Liturgy and lunch, the campers gathered under the pavilion dressed in their beautiful narodne nošnje to present the program they had spent the week preparing.
Each group performed wonderfully, and the crowd responded with enthusiastic applause and cheers. The joy and pride on the faces of the campers, instructors, counselors, families and volunteers made it clear just how special this final day of camp was.
If you missed the performance, be sure to visit the Diocese YouTube page to see our talented campers share their music and dances.
All too quickly, the 2026 Shadeland Camp season came to an end. From the first campers arriving in July to the final performance in August, the summer was filled with faith, friendship, laughter, music and memories that will last a lifetime.
Shadeland continues to be a special place—a place where young people grow in their faith, build lifelong friendships, and experience the joy of being part of the Diocesan family. While the 2026 camp season may be over, one thing remains certain: St. Sava Camp will continue to be everyone's favorite summer destination for many years to come!
Until next summer, remember: All Roads Lead to Shadeland!

08/16/2026

ST SAVA CATHEDRAL PARISH ADMINISTRATIVE TRANSFER FINALIZED

On Saturday, August 15, 2026, the words of the Holy Apostle Paul, let us be “eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3), came to fruition at St. Sava Cathedral in Parma, Ohio.

With the blessings of His Grace Bishop Irinej of Washington-New York and Eastern America, the Official Transfer of the St Sava Cathedral Parish Administration between former parish priest, Protopresbyter Dragoslav Kosic, and the present parish priest, Presbyter Dragan Vukovic, was peacefully and successfully completed by Episcopal Deputy, Protopresbyter-Stavrophor Rade Merick, substituting for Episcopal Dean, Protopresbyter Milan Pajic.

Witnessing the transfer, according to ecclesiastical protocol, were two members of the Temporary Board of Trustees of the St. Sava Church-School Congregation, Aleksandar Sretenovic and Nick Visha.

Included in the transfer of duties was the return of protocol books, metrical books archives and seals, as well as parish mailing lists, records of family patronal feasts, home blessings, and the like.

May this transition truly be in fulfillment of the High Priestly Pray of our Lord Jesus Christ: “That they all may be one” (John 17:21), by opening wide the doors of return, to mutual repentance, forgiveness and desired unity among all faithful of the St. Sava Cathedral Parish of Cleveland, Ohio.
У суботу, 15. августа 2026. године, у Саборном храму Светог Саве у Парми, Охајо, оствариле су се речи Светог апостола Павла: „Старајући се да чувате јединство Духа свезом мира“ (Ефесцима 4, 3).

ЗВАНИЧНО ОКОНЧАНА ПРИМОПРЕДАЈА УПРАВЕ ПАРОХИЈЕ САБОРНОГ ХРАМА СВЕТОГ САВЕ

Са благословом Његовог Преосвештенства Епископа вашингтонско-њујоршког и источноамеричког господина Иринеја, званична примопредаја управе парохије Саборног храма Светог Саве између бившег парохијског свештеника, протојереја Драгослава Косића, и садашњег парохијског свештеника, јереја Драгана Вуковића, обављена је мирно и успешно. Примопредајом је руководио архијерејски заменик, протојереј-ставрофор Раде Мирић, који је заменио архијерејског намесника, протојереја Милана Пајића.

У складу са црквеним протоколом, примопредаји су као сведоци присуствовала два члана Привременог повереништва Црквено-школске општине Светог Саве — Александар Сретеновић и Ник Виша.

Примопредаја дужности обухватила је враћање протоколарних и матичних књига, архиве и печата, као и парохијских спискова за слање поште, евиденције породичних крсних слава, освећења домова и друге парохијске документације.

Нека ова примопредаја заиста буде испуњење првосвештеничке молитве Господа нашег Исуса Христа: „Да сви једно буду“ (Јован 17, 21), широм отварајући врата повратку, узајамном покајању, праштању и жељеном јединству свих верника парохије Саборног храма Светог Саве у Кливленду, Охајо.

Serbian Orthodox Diocese of Eastern America of the Serbian Orthodox Church located in New Rochelle, NY

08/06/2026

English and Serbian text