New Marcha Monastery Celebrates Patronal Feast of the Holy Archangel Gabriel

RICHFIELD, OH — The New Marcha Monastery celebrated its patronal feast, the Synaxis of the Holy Archangel Gabriel, on July 26 with a Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, honoring the monastery's spiritual heritage and the faithful who have supported its growth over the years.

Bp. Irinej of Washington-New York and Eastern America presided over the Divine Liturgy, concelebrating with clergy from across the Eastern American Diocese. Monastic singers and guests, directed by Dr. Nikola Resanovich, provided the liturgical responses, while Rdr. John Buffalini assisted in the altar. Additional clergy joined the day's festivities, including the rite of the patronal feast and the festive luncheon that followed the service.

In his homily, Bp. Irinej reflected on the Gospel account of the Feeding of the Five Thousand and the call to unity among believers before sharing material blessings. He also spoke about the ministry of the Holy Archangel Gabriel, describing the archangel as God's messenger who faithfully delivers the Lord's word with purity and strength. During the celebration, prayers were offered in remembrance of the monastery's founders, former abbesses, clergy, benefactors, and donors whose efforts established and sustained the monastic community.

The service concluded with the traditional blessing and cutting of the Slavski Kolach and the blessing of the Koljivo, with Milan and Marija Stanojevic serving as this year's feast sponsors. An outdoor Agape meal, organized by Abbess Mother Paraskeva (Milosavljevic) with the assistance of benefactor Mihajlo Simic and other supporters, brought clergy, monastics, and visitors together in fellowship amid the monastery's peaceful grounds.

Previously, the UOJ reported that Bp. Irinej celebrated Vidovdan at St. Sava Cathedral in Cleveland.