The Serbian diaspora celebrated Easter across the planet by gathering under the arches of Serbian Orthodox Church temples, from Europe to South America. Through liturgical gatherings, joint prayers and festive customs, our people preserved the spirit of faith on all meridians, and churches in centers such as London and Chicago were filled to capacity.

Across Great Britain and Ireland, festive bells rang out in Birmingham, Leicester and Dublin. The central celebration was held at the Church of St Sava in London, with Bishop Nektarije serving the Holy Liturgy. The festive table at the Nikolaj Velimirović Bishop’s House was adorned with more than a thousand painted eggs prepared for numerous believers.

Celebration was held also in Chicago, where Bishop Serafim of Kostajnica led the Easter liturgy in the cathedral church, with the clergy concelebrating. A joint lunch in the church premises after the service united the community further, especially the younger generations born in the diaspora by strengthening their unbreakable ties with the homeland.

The holiday was also strongly celebrated in South America, especially in Argentina, where Easter services were held in all parishes and monasteries. In Chaco province, the liturgy was attended by a significant number of people who are just learning about Orthodoxy and preparing for baptism. According to priest Aleksandar Milović, the growth of interest in Serbian spirituality beyond our people confirms that faith spreads exclusively through love and free choice.

Although miles away from the homeland, the Easter spirit in the diaspora has once again proven that borders do not exist where tradition and identity are preserved. Cathedrals have become meeting places for the past and the future, where the vow of unity of the Serbian people on all continents is renewed by the flame of candles and the sound of bells.

Source: Srpski ugao

Photo: Wikipedia