This year we were blessed to have Bishop Maxim join us and to officiate at the Divine Liturgy on “Founders Day.” His Grace was assisted by our parish priest, Fr. Steve Tumbas, Protodeacon Triva Pavlov and Reader Dragan Stojanovich. Popadija Betsy Tumbas ably led the parish choir in prayerful responses. The small church was filled to capacity with about sixty faithful, including most of our regulars and visitors who came to witness the hierarchical service. His Grace also brought two guests with him to join in our celebration—Monk Savvas from monastery Simonopetra on the Holy Mountain and Vladan Radovanovic, a student of theology from Serbia.
His Grace delivered an effective homily based on St. Luke’s gospel story of the rich man who chose to build bigger barns to store his abundant harvests so he could “eat, drink and be merry” for years to come. His Grace reminded all present to increase their treasure as regards God, rather than pursuing insatiable earthly appetites.
At the close of the Divine Liturgy, His Grace led the parastos for Father Sebastian, the Founders and all the departed members of the Saraba family. Everyone then proceeded to the Saraba family grave for the Trisagion prayers.
Two of Milo Radulovich’s daughters were honored guests at the dedication. They gifted the library a copy of the book, "To Strike at a King" — the documentary of Milo’s courageous defense of his family’s honor in the face of defamation during the anti-communist McCarthy era in the early 1950’s.
Following the dedication of the library, His Grace and all the guests were treated to an excellent luncheon prepared under the direction of Dorothy Milosovich with the help of Brian and Maria Popovac, Lana Vukovich and Mary Zellum. Members of the Kolo Sestara, headed by President, Djiakonica Danica Paul, served the meal family-style in the upper hall. His Grace commented that he has not had better bakalar since leaving Bosnia! Everyone appreciated the extra efforts that had been taken to make this luncheon special.
At the conclusion of the luncheon, author Milina Jovanovich presented an overview of her new book "All Roads Lead to Jackson", the latest publication of Sebastian Press, the printing arm of the Western American Diocese.
Milina’s book is essentially a collection of interviews which she collected in the Serbian community. Her goal was to document the contributions of Serbian-Americans to the development of both Amador County and the state of California.
Following her presentation, all those assembled sang “Dostojno Jest” and received a benediction from His Grace. Milina then offered books for sale and signing. Within twenty minutes, all 45 copies available were sold and orders were taken for 25 more.
We in Jackson are grateful for the archpastoral love and care of our Bishop Maxim and look forward to his next visit.
