Ognjena Marija Circle of Serbian Sisters from London Celebrates its Patron Saint – the Holy Great Martyr Marina

Article by Fr. Dusko Markovic

The Ognjena Marija Circle of Serbian Sisters at the Saint Sava Church in London prayerfully celebrated its patron saint – the Holy Great Martyr Marina, on Saturday, August 1, 2026.

The celebration began with a Vespers service served by Fr. Marko Dimic and Fr. Georgije Tubonjic from Windsor. Fr. Dusko Markovic and Fr. Milorad Delic joined the parish choir at the chanter’s stand, and their beautiful singing added to the solemn and prayerful atmosphere of the evening.

Following Vespers, the traditional blessing and cutting of the Slava bread took place in the church hall. The act of blessing and and cutting the bread was performed by Fr. Milorad Delic, who on that occasion greeted all those present with inspired words, congratulated the Slava to the worthy members of the Circle of Serbian Sisters, and expressed his gratitude to this year's godmother of the Slava, sister Snezana Celarevic, and our president of the Circle of Serbian Sisters, Nada Brkljac, who really made an effort and prepared everything wonderfully with her sisters for this year's celebration of the Slava of the Holy Great Martyr Marina.

Sister Zora Ivanisevic took over the role of godmother for the coming year, and we also wish that the Lord will grant her health, strength, and blessings in preparing for the next Slava celebration.

The festive gathering continued with a celebratory feast of love, in the spirit of sisterly love and prayerful joy.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Fr. Marko Dimic, Fr. Georgije Tubonjic, and Fr. Milorad Delic from Windsor for joining us and helping make this celebration especially meaningful and joyful for our parish community.

We also sincerely thank Mrs. Raviojla Ajdinovic, president of the Circle of Serbian Sisters at the the Gracanica Church in Windsor, as well as Mrs. Dragica Poljak, president of the Circle of Serbian Sisters at the Saint Petka Church in Lakeshore, who, with their presence, witnessed the sisterly love and unity that connects our Circle of Serbian Sisters throughout the Serbian Orthodox Diocese of Canada, as well as the dear guests from our two sister Churches.

May the Lord, through the prayers of the Holy Great Martyr Marina, bless the efforts of all members of the Ognjena Marija Circle of Serbian Sisters who work diligently for our community, and grant us all the grace to gather in health, joy, and harmony in the coming years, glorifying the name of God and Saint Marina, and preserving the unity of our Church as befits us.