A Parish Moving Forward in Faith
- Writer
- Jan 11
- 2 min read
The faithful of the St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Cathedral have been experiencing the Nativity season with prayer, reverence, and gratitude to the Newborn Christ Child.
Over the past week, our parish celebrated beautiful and well-attended services for Badnje Veče and the Nativity of our Lord. Approximately 200 faithful gathered on Christmas Eve around the traditional badnjak fire, the flames rising into the winter night as we prepared to welcome the birth of Christ. The church was filled with families who joined in the festal joy of the Church.
In these days, we have also gathered in thanksgiving and fellowship as we approach the Serbian New Year observed according to the Julian calendar.
At the center of these celebrations has been our newly assigned parish priest, Fr. Dragan Vuković, and his wife, Popadija Vladanka, who have brought renewed pastoral energy to our community.
A Priest Who Knows His Pastoral Work
Fr. Dragan comes to St. Sava not as someone unfamiliar with demanding transitions, but as a priest who has already shepherded a parish through a period of adjustment with steadiness and care. His service in Charlotte, North Carolina, included guiding parish life through a clergy transition, and that experience is now a blessing to our community.
Bishop Irinej's decision to appoint Fr. Dragan to St. Sava reflects pastoral wisdom, placing an experienced shepherd where experience is needed most. The fruits of this are already visible in the participation at our Nativity services and in the spirit of unity among those who have chosen to worship together.
We are grateful to have Fr. Dragan and Popadija Vladanka serving at our altar and shepherding the parish forward.
An Offer Extended, Then Publicly Disputed
Perhaps the most concerning development of this season has occurred not in the sanctuary, but in the public messaging surrounding those who remain outside.
Bishop Irinej expressed his willingness to meet with representatives of the protesters on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at the Cathedral premises, beginning at 11:00AM. The offer was conveyed a week in advance. No affirmative response was received.
On January 11, 2026, some of these same individuals again appeared outside the church and publicly questioned why Bishop Irinej has not met with them in written blogs of theirs.
The faithful of St. Sava deserve clarity and truthfulness, especially when strong accusations are made. Dialogue cannot be demanded in public while being disregarded in private. Reconciliation cannot be pursued through slogans while invitations are left unanswered.
An Invitation to Return
As we enter this new year, the invitation remains what it has always been: come inside. Put down the signs. Worship with the plenitude of the Church. Receive the Holy Mysteries. Return to the parish family.
The faithful who gathered around the badnjak fire on Christmas Eve are ready to welcome you back. The path forward is not found outside the church gates, but within the prayerful life of the Church.
Hristos se Rodi and Srećna Nova Godina to all the faithful!
Read the full series on the St. Sava Cathedral situation: Orthodox Integrity