On Friday, February 13th, 2009 His Grace Bishop Maxim together with the Clergy and Delegates from each Parish in the Western American Diocese gathered for the Annual Diocesan Assembly at the St. Petka Serbian Orthodox Church in San Marcos, California. The day began at 9:00 am with the Invocation of the Holy Spirit. A continental breakfast was served while Clergy and Delegates registered. This year the Keynote address was given by the Fr Paul Tarazi, Professor of Old Testament at St Vladimir's Seminary. Fr. Paul spoke to our Clergy and guests on the topic,"The Church Community in the New Testament". Following the lecture, Fr. Paul answered questions from the audiance. A delicous luncheon was served following the Keynote Address afterwhich the Assembly reconvened. Following Verspers at 5pm three young enthusiatic students, Alexander Berger, Elizabetha Kasic and Jelena Tasic presented their Oratorical Essays for the St. Nikolai of Zicha Oratorical Festival. The student who placed 1st will go on to the National Sabor in August to compete other 1st place winners from other Dicoese.