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Alhambra, CA - His Grace Bishop Maxim celebrated the Holy Liturgy at the Saint Steven's Serbian Orthodox Cathedral with concelebrants: Cathedral Dean, Fr. Nikola Ceko, Fr. Ilija Dajkovic, Fr. Norman Kosanovich, Fr. Jovan Babic, and Deacon Nenad Radakovic on the ocassion the celebration of the Feast of Saint Steven.
Matins began at 9:00 am followed by the Divine Liturgy at 10:00 am. Responses at the Liturgy were led by the children of the Saint Steven's Church School and our Saint Steven's Choir under the direction of Brian Madigan. At the conclusion of the Liturgy parishioners participated in the Festive Procession with the Memorial Prayer for all of the departed members.
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The Slava Service followed the Liturgy in the Cathedral hall. The Saint Steven's Choir sang responses and then began the afternoon festivities with the singing of the National Anthems. Special performances were also iven by the Church School Children. The Grand Banque was prepared by the Saint Steven's Women's Auxiliary and the delicious meal was served by the Church School Children.
At the banquet, Executive Board President Christopher Savic, presented Cathedral Dean, Father Nick, with a gift of a pectoral cross, in honor of his elevation to the rank of Stavrofor. His Grace, Bishop Maxim gave a brief talk on the meaning of the Feast Day and emphasised that we should all follow the example of Saint Steven and all of the Saints. His Grace then presented a special Episcopal Gramata to Cathedral members Steven and Laura Burge for the exemplary example they have set for their children and others and for their generous contribution as Stewards of the Western American Diocese. Through their efforts and generosity, the Diocesan Ionography Studio was established. His Grace, Bishop Maxim also presented Saint Steven's Cathedral with a beautiful hand-painted Icon of Christ, which was written by Snezana Markovic and beautifuly framed by Johnny Savic.
The afternoon events also included a presentation given by Phillip Hain, Executive Director of Los Angeles Autism Speaks. During his remarks, he presented a special recognition plaque to the Saint Steven's Cathedral for being a Gold Sponsor of the Walk Now for Autism 2008. This Walk was held on Lazarus Saturday and attended by many of the parishioners from Saint Steven's Cathedral. Following this special presentation, the annual Father Vlado & Bessie Mrvichin Scholarship Awards were given to three well deserving young supporters of Saint Steven's Cathedral: George Davidovich, Milos Tasic and Daniel Maligo.
The days events ended as they had begun, in a prayer of thanksgiving, led by His Grace, Bishop Maxim.
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