St. Peter Serbian Orthodox Church Marks 75th Anniversary

FRESNO, CA — St. Peter the Apostle Serbian Orthodox Church marked its 75th anniversary and parish feast of Petrovdan (Feast of Sts. Peter and Paul) on July 11–12 with a weekend of worship, fellowship, and recognition of generations of faithful parishioners. Abp. Maxim presided over the celebrations alongside parish clergy, visiting priests, and Dcn. Christopher Menges.

The observances began with a memorial service for departed clergy and parishioners who helped establish and sustain the community, followed by Great Vespers. On Sunday, Abp. Maxim celebrated the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, during which he reflected on the witness of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul. In his homily, he said St. Peter’s confession of Christ and St. Paul’s conversion both demonstrate that authentic faith is rooted in divine revelation rather than human reasoning, calling believers to lives of humility, faithful service, and steadfast witness.

After the Divine Liturgy, the traditional blessing and procession of kolivo honored this year’s kumovi, or godparents, Timothy and Nancy Penny. More than 250 parishioners and guests later attended an anniversary banquet, where Episcopal Gramatas were presented to several longtime parish stewards for their service in areas including choir leadership, parish administration, facilities maintenance, and volunteer work. The parish also awarded $1,500 scholarships to graduating seniors Caleb Alsobrook and Joseph Hart as it looked ahead to serving future generations while giving thanks for 75 years of ministry.

Previously, the UOJ reported that Sts. Peter and Paul Church marked 110 years of Orthodox witness.