On Sunday, June 23rd, 2024, when our Holy Orthodox Church celebrates Pentecost, and commemorates the Descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles, the Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Cathedral in Pittsburgh marked its Patronal Feast Day - Slava.

The beautiful day began with the celebration of the Divine Liturgy. Holy Trinity Cathedral Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Nebojsa Varagic, was joined in concelebration by the Very Rev. Fr. Rodney Torbic and Deacon Daniel August. Protopresbyter Fr. Rodney Torbic, who served at Holy Trinity Cathedral as a deacon for eleven years, was honored to give the sermon and share his words of love and wisdom with the faithful present. During the celebration of the Divine Liturgy, Reader John Buffalini assisted in the altar.

At the conclusion of Divine Liturgy, following the Kneeling Prayers of Pentecost, the faithful participated in the festal procession around the church for the Patronal Feast, and the service of blessing of the Slava Gifts, Festal Bread - Slavski kolach and Wheat - Koljivo. Mr. and Mrs. Mark and Eileen Zivkovich, benefactors of the parish, served as honorable Hosts - Kumovi. “Christ is in our midst! He is and forever shall be!" was proclaimed by the many faithful gathered, almost 300 - a record attendance for Slava. Accepting the great honor for next year’s Slava were Mr. and Mrs. George and Maria Stepanovich.

Following the Divine Liturgy and the blessing of the Slava Gifts, the faithful gathered in the Parish Social Room to share a luncheon. Continuing the beautiful tradition at Holy Trinity Cathedral, the high school graduates were acknowledged and honored. This year’s graduates were Sara Topich, Michael Trklja, Ava Trbovich, and Ana Winowich. Each graduate was then presented with gifts by Fr. Nebojsa, honoring their accomplishments. During the Slava Luncheon, college graduates (Mirjana Hutnik and Nina Topich) and graduates with advanced degrees (Grace Dean, Natalie Dean, and Stana Topich) were also recognized. It truly was a special and beautiful day for the entire Holy Trinity Cathedral parish family.

Fr. Nebojsa expressed his sincere gratitude to the clergy, the Kumovi – Hosts, the Executive Board, and all the present faithful for all the work and efforts that were put forth to make this year's Slava celebration magnificent. Following the Slava Luncheon, Fr. Nebojsa again thanked this year's and next year's Kumovi – Hosts, for accepting the great honor in the Serbian tradition. After which, Fr. Nebojsa, on behalf of the Executive Board and the Holy Trinity Cathedral Community, gifted this year’s Hosts with a beautiful icon of Pentecost – the Descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles.