SERBIAN DAYS IN VANCOUVER: WE ARE NOT SCATTERED, BUT SOWN

Source: Tijana Trklja, editorially adapted for publication on the Diocesan website

Thirty-six years of gathering, faith, fellowship, and preserving Serbian heritage at St. Sava Church in Vancouver

For thirty-six years, at the beginning of September, the Serbian community in Vancouver has gathered around St. Sava Church for the traditional Serbian Days. What began as an annual gathering has, over time, become an important part of parish life, a time for the faithful to meet, for different generations to come together, and for the unbroken connection with the heritage of our forebears to be preserved through prayer, fellowship, culture, and tradition.

This year’s Serbian Days began with the celebration of the Divine Liturgy at St. Sava Church. At the heart of every parish community is the common participation in the worship of the Church, and this year’s gathering was therefore, first and foremost, a prayerful meeting of the faithful. The prayers also included the remembrance of all those who, over the preceding decades, had contributed through their work, donations, and sacrifice to the life and building of this church community, and who departed this life in faith in the Resurrection and eternal life. Following the service, fellowship continued in the church grounds and surrounding area. Throughout the day, sporting, cultural, and recreational activities took place, while visitors had the opportunity to enjoy traditional Serbian cuisine and spend time in conversation and fellowship with family, friends, and members of the parish community. Special attention was given to the youngest participants. A variety of activities and games were prepared for the children, while participants of all ages competed in soccer, basketball, bocce, chess, and other sports. The participation of children and adults together gave the gathering a particularly warm and family-oriented atmosphere.

The cultural and artistic program was another important part of Serbian Days. Traditional costumes, Serbian folk dances and songs, as well as performances by the youngest participants, served as a reminder of the importance of preserving the Serbian language, culture, and tradition in Canada. For children and young people, gatherings such as these provide a valuable opportunity to experience their heritage not only through stories, but through direct participation in the life of their community. Book and other cultural stands were also set up as part of Serbian Days, while the preparation and serving of traditional Serbian dishes remained an essential part of the fellowship. The shared table and hospitality further contributed to the spirit of unity and togetherness that characterized the entire day in the church grounds.

Serbian Days in Vancouver also play an important role in introducing the Serbian community to the wider local community. Through this event, the doors of the church grounds are open to neighbours, friends, and fellow citizens, offering them an opportunity to learn about Serbian culture, tradition, and the life of our Orthodox community. Among those attending this year’s gathering were the Honorary Consul of the Republic of Serbia, Mr. Predrag Vladikovic, Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim, and Burnaby Mayor Mike Hurley. Their presence provided an opportunity to meet with representatives of the Serbian community and to learn more about the life and work of St. Sava Church.

The organization and realization of Serbian Days involved the parish priest and rector, Fr. Vuk Milisic, Fr. Marko Radmanovic, members of the Parish Board, church organizations, donors, and numerous volunteers. Through their work and generous commitment, they contributed to ensuring that this year’s gathering once again took place in a spirit of brotherhood, hospitality, and fellowship.

Serbian Days in Vancouver bear witness to the life of a church community that lives out its faith not only within the church, but also through family, language, culture, education, fellowship, and care for its younger generations. At the centre of it all remains the church, around which generations gather and within which the most precious things we have received from our forebears are preserved and passed on. For this reason, Serbian Days are more than simply an event on the annual calendar. They are an opportunity for the community to gather once again and to remind ourselves that living far from our homeland does not mean losing our roots. On the contrary, wherever there is faith, people, a church, family, and community, there is also a place for Serbian life to grow and for our heritage to be passed on with love to new generations.

We are not scattered, but sown.