Bp. Irinej Celebrates Vidovdan at St. Sava Cathedral in Cleveland

CLEVELAND, OH — The faithful of St. Sava Cathedral in Cleveland, Ohio, gathered on Sunday, June 28, 2026, for the celebration of Vidovdan — the feast of St. Vitus Day — with His Grace Bp. Irinej of Washington–New York and Eastern America presiding at the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy.

Concelebrating with Bp. Irinej were Presbyter Dragan Vuković, dean of the cathedral, and Deacon Milan Damljanović. In his homily, the bishop reflected on the spiritual meaning of Vidovdan, emphasizing that the feast is not only a remembrance of the historic Battle of Kosovo, but a continuing call to faithfulness and commitment to Christ.

Bp. Irinej said that Holy Prince Lazar and the Kosovo martyrs did not choose earthly glory, but instead bore witness to the eternal Kingdom of God. Strengthened by the Body and Blood of Christ, they demonstrated that all earthly things are temporary, while the Kingdom of Christ remains forever.

The bishop connected the witness of the Kosovo martyrs with the experience of every Orthodox Christian at the Divine Liturgy, where believers are called to proclaim: “Let us commit ourselves and one another and our whole life unto Christ our God.”

He explained that this prayer represents the same spiritual choice faced by Holy Prince Lazar — whether to pursue the passing things of this world or to embrace the eternal life offered through Christ.

“Every Divine Liturgy becomes our new Vidovdan,” Bp. Irinej said, reminding the faithful that each approach to the Holy Chalice is a renewed commitment to Christ and His Kingdom.

Following the Liturgy, a memorial service was held for all the martyrs and faithful who gave their lives for the Orthodox faith, the Cross of Christ, and freedom throughout history. Prayers were offered for the repose of the souls of the Kosovo martyrs and all known and unknown witnesses who suffered for the faith.

The celebration also included the presentation of a special blessing connected to the Most Holy Theotokos. Mira Damljanović brought to the cathedral a ribbon blessed during the recent visit of the Belt of the Most Holy Theotokos to Belgrade, Serbia.

Bp. Irinej explained the significance of the relic’s connection to Vidovdan, noting that the Honorable Belt — traditionally believed to have been woven by the Mother of God herself — was entrusted to the care of Holy Prince Lazar before being taken to Mount Athos and preserved at the Monastery of Vatopedi.

The bishop shared accounts of miracles associated with prayers before the holy relic, after which the faithful were able to venerate the blessed ribbon and receive the blessing of the Mother of God.

During the celebration, graduating students from the parish community were also honored with diplomas and certificates recognizing their achievements and dedication. Parish leaders expressed gratitude to the children, youth, and faithful whose service and commitment continue to strengthen the life of the Church.

The feast concluded with a fellowship meal prepared by members of the St. Petka Circle of Serbian Sisters.

The celebration concluded with a reminder of the enduring message of Vidovdan: that Orthodox Christians are called each day to choose Christ and His eternal Kingdom, following the witness of Holy Prince Lazar and the Kosovo martyrs — “The earthly kingdom is for a little while, but the Heavenly Kingdom is forever and ever.”

Previously, the UOJ reported that Abp. Michael of the Orthodox Church in America (OCA) led a pilgrimage across Serbia.