Lenexa, Kansas | On October 26-27, 2024, St. George Serbian Orthodox Church in Lenexa, Kansas, celebrated the 100th anniversary of the Kolo of Serbian Sisters and its Slava in honor of St. Petka the Serb.
The weekend’s events were graced by the presence of His Eminence Metropolitan Longin of Midwestern America and Archbishop of New Gracanica and Chicago. The festivities began with Vespers, served by Parish Priest Fr. Radomir Plavsic alongside Protodeacon Milovan Gogic, who accompanied His Eminence, and Deacon Joseph Henre. A Parastos (memorial service) followed, commemorating all the departed Kolo members of St. George Serbian Orthodox Church.
On the feast day of St. Petka, Metropolitan Longin served a hierarchical Divine Liturgy, joined by Fr. Radomir Plavsic, Fr. Sasa Petrovic, Fr. Djordje Veselinovic, Hieromonk Alexii, Priest Turbo Qualls, Protodeacon Milovan Gogic, and Deacon Joseph Henre. Parishioners were joined by members from sister parishes in Omaha, Des Moines, Kansas City, MO, and Weatherby, MO.
Following the Divine Liturgy, Metropolitan Longin blessed a new Golgotha Cross, gifted by the Kolo in honor of their 100th anniversary. His Eminence then cut the Slava Kolach with Kolo President Patricia Milosevich and Kuma Beverly Sobotka in honor of St. Petka Paraskeva.
In his sermon to the packed church, Metropolitan Longin expressed gratitude, saying:
“It was a great joy to serve liturgy here at St. George to celebrate the 100-year anniversary and Slava of the Kolo and to pray with all of you for all the departed members of the Kolo of the St. George and St. Michael churches. Glory to God, these two kolos are now one.
I greet all of the sisters with the feast of St. Petka Paraskeva from the bottom of my heart and pray to the Theotokos and St. Petka to be with you and watch over you… Saints are godly people, and we can freely say they are without nationality—even though they belonged to a specific country… The more saints in a nation, the closer that nation is to God and the more blessed they are…”
Afterwards, on behalf of St. George’s parish, Fr. Radomir Plavsic presented His Eminence with a new Panagia in honor of his elevation to the rank of Metropolitan and Archbishop. He also congratulated His Eminence on his upcoming namesday of St. Longinus the Centurion.
Before the congregation venerated the Cross and received the antidoron, a group photo of the Kolo members was taken with His Eminence and the clergy. The celebration continued with a festive banquet in the parish hall, where speeches were given by His Eminence, Fr. Radomir, Kolo President Patricia Milosevich, Parish Board President Petar Bajich, Kuma Beverly Sobotka, and Deacon Joseph Henre. A congratulatory letter from Diocesan Kolo President Jane Katicwas read in honor of the Kolo’s 100th anniversary.
The celebration’s joyful atmosphere was further enhanced by Protodeacon Milovan Gogic, who sang several songs, adding to the prayerful and uplifting spirit of the event.
The members of the Kolo devoted much effort to make this centennial anniversary a memorable and worthy celebration. Thanks be to God for their dedication, sacrifices, and contributions of time, talents, and treasure that sustain and enrich the parish community!
