On Saturday 7th July, the feast-day of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist, the Saint Naum of Ohrid Serbian Orthodox parish in Broadmeadow (Newcastle) celebrated both its patronal feast-day (or “slava”) – Saint Naum is commemorated on 3rd July – and the fiftieth anniversary of the foundation of the parish.
His Grace Siluan, ruling Bishop of the Metropolitanate of Australia and New Zealand the Serbian Orthodox Church, presided at Divine Liturgy, concelebrating with the rector of that parish, Priest Dalibor Pavlovic, with our rector Archpriest James Carles, and with Protodeacon Petar Mrakic. Following the reading from the Holy Gospel Vladyka Siluan gave an edifying sermon on the significance of Saint John the Baptist. At the end of Divine Liturgy there was a threefold procession around the church with readings from the Holy Gospel and the blessing of kolachi – special rounded loaves of bread – and of koliva. Many gathered in the parish hall afterwards for a festive meal and a programme of spiritual and cultural items. Father Dalibor gave an interesting lecture on the history of the parish, noting the assistance that the parish had received from the ever-memorable Archpriest John Lupish and other priests of the Russian Orthodox Church over the years. We warmly congratulate Father Dalibor and the Serbian Orthodox people of Newcastle on this jubilee and wish them every blessing from the Lord.
