A Historic Day at the St. Lazarus Serbian Orthodox Cathedral – Ravanica in Detroit
On Sunday, September 28th, as our Holy Church celebrated the 16th Sunday after Pentecost, a Hierarchical Divine Liturgy was served at the St. Lazarus Serbian Orthodox Cathedral – Ravanica in Detroit. The service was officiated by His Grace Bishop Seraphim of Kostajnica, Vicar to His Eminence Archbishop of New Gracanica–Chicago and Metropolitan of Midwestern America, Longin, together with Cathedral Dean Rev. Fr. Aleksandar Vujkovic and Deacon Joseph Appling.
Bishop Seraphim was warmly and joyfully welcomed by many children and faithful parishioners. The church was filled with prayer and deep reverence. In his sermon after the reading of the Gospel, Bishop Serafim called upon faithful ones to stand firm in their faith, to live according to the Gospel, and to witness Christ in the world through acts of love and mercy.
Following the Divine Liturgy, the Bishop gave a lecture on the topic:
“Facing the Challenges of young adulthood: How to Be in the World, but not of the World?”
The talk was highly engaging and interactive. Attendees posed thoughtful questions, and the Bishop's responses provided deep spiritual insight and encouragement. His words were especially impactful for the young people present, offering them guidance and inspiration to live out their faith courageously amid the many challenges of modern life.
The highlight of this blessed day was the founding of the Young Adult Club — a historic moment for our parish. During the founding meeting, a board was elected, and Saint Bishop Nikolai of Žiča was proclaimed as the patron Saint of the Young Adult Club. It is especially meaningful that this beloved Saint once blessed the very ground on which the Cathedral now stands.
The mission of the Young Adult Club is to give young people a dedicated space and role within the life of the parish — encouraging active participation in the liturgical, spiritual, and social aspects of church life. Through this ministry, the Church continues to grow and flourish in the hearts of new generations, renewed by their love for Christ and His Holy Church.
This Sunday will be remembered as a historic day for the St. Lazarus Serbian Orthodox Cathedral – Ravanica in Detroit — a day when faith was united with youth, and the Church received new strength through its youngest members.