The Eucharistic gathering was presided over by His Grace Nektarije, Bishop of London and Great Britain and Ireland, concelebrating with the parish priest, Protopresbyter-stavrophor Aleksandar Vujko.
At the conclusion of the service, His Grace addressed the faithful with a reflection on the Gospel reading, the Parable of the Sower. The Bishop reminded those gathered that the human heart becomes good and fruitful soil through patience, perseverance in faith and the keeping of the Word of God, which bears fruit in our everyday lives.
As an example of such fruitful soil, the Bishop spoke of Venerable Mother Paraskeva, whose ascetic life and love for God yielded abundant spiritual fruit, and who continues to bring comfort to many who approach her with faith. Following her example, and that of the other saints, we are called to strive each day to become better, to cultivate the field of our hearts and, through a virtuous life, to grow ever closer to the likeness of Christ, the Bishop emphasised.
Following the Divine Liturgy, the festive gathering continued in celebration of the parish slava. This year’s kumovi (sponsors of the celebration), Andrija and Barbara Lončar, devoted much love and care to the preparations. Mrs Sanja Mrđen has undertaken the honour of serving as kum for the coming year.
Through the efforts of the kumovi and dedicated parishioners, a generous trpeza ljubavi (festive meal shared in Christian fellowship) was prepared for all those present. The gathering unfolded in a spirit of Christian joy, unity and hospitality, bearing witness to the living faith and devotion of this community, which continues to cherish its spiritual heritage and love for the Church while living far from its homeland.
Through the prayers of Venerable Mother Paraskeva, may the Lord grant health, peace and every blessing to the kumovi, the parishioners and all who contributed, through their hard work and love, to this joyful gathering.
