St. Sava Church Celebrates 125 Years in Pennsylvania

McKEESPORT, PA — St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church celebrated its 125th anniversary November 6–8, welcoming Bp. Irinej of Eastern America and faithful from the surrounding community for a weekend of worship, fellowship, and commemorative events.

The anniversary weekend opened Friday evening with Great Vespers at 6 p.m., served with Bp. Irinej. The parish had invited the public to attend the celebrations, encouraging visitors to join the historic observance.

The main celebration took place Saturday, November 7, with a Hierarchical Divine Liturgy led by Bp. Irinej. Metr. Savas of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Pittsburgh and clergy representing several Orthodox jurisdictions also attended. A celebratory banquet followed at the Stratigos Banquet Centre in North Huntingdon.

The parish expressed gratitude to everyone who attended the Liturgy and banquet, describing the anniversary as a “magnificent and memorable” celebration spent with family and friends. The three-day observance concluded Sunday with an anniversary picnic following the Divine Liturgy.

Founded in 1901 by Serbian and Russian Orthodox immigrants, St. Sava is the third-oldest Serbian Orthodox church in the United States and the oldest east of the Mississippi River. The parish continues under the leadership of Fr. Stevan Rocknage.

Previously, the UOJ reported that a Costa Rican Orthodox mission celebrated its patronal slava.