Solemn Celebration of the Feast of the Holy Great Martyr Demetrius in Windsor

Article by: Fr. Georgije Tubonjic

Translation by: Djuradj Vujcic

On Sunday, November 8, 2026, the Serbian Orthodox Church Community of the Holy Great Martyr Demetrius in Windsor solemnly celebrated their church Slava, gathered in prayer around their archpastor His Eminence Archbishop of Toronto and Metropolitan of Canada Mitrofan.

The celebration began on Saturday, November 7, with a solemn evening service on the eve of the feast of the Holy Great Martyr Demetrius. Vespers were served by Fr. Marko Dimic, parish priest at the Saint Petka Church in Lakeshore, and Dn. Srdjan Miskovic. The service was prayerfully attended by His Eminence Metropolitan Mitrofan, Diocesan Deputy Protopresbyter-Stavrophor Miroljub Todorovic, Fr. Milorad Delic, and the responsible parish priest, Fr. Georgije Tubonjic. In the spirit of prayerful communion, the clergy and the faithful gathered to honour the feast of their heavenly patron with dignity.

On the day of the feast itself, Sunday, November 8, His Eminence Metropolitan Mitrofan presided over the Holy Hierarchical Liturgy in the Holy Great Martyr Demetrius Church. He was concelebrated by Diocesan Deputy Protopresbyter-Stavrophor Miroljub Todorovic, Fr. Milorad Delic, Fr. Marko Dimic, the responsible parish priest Fr. Georgije Tubonjic, and Dn. Srdjan Miskovic.

The Holy Hierarchical Liturgy was attended by a large number of believers, who gathered with their archpastor and clergy to offer prayers to the Lord and celebrate the Holy Great Martyr Demetrius, the heavenly protector of their church and parish community.

After the Holy Liturgy, a solemn procession went around the church, after which the act of blessing and breaking the Slava kolach was performed. This year's godparents for the church Slava were members of the Prvulovic family, who accepted this honourable duty with love and devotion. The godparentship for the following year was taken over by the Krndija family.

A special moment of this year's celebration was the archpastoral address of His Eminence Metropolitan Mitrofan to the gathered faithful. In his homily, the Metropolitan addressed words of spiritual instruction and blessing, greeted the responsible parish priest, Fr. Georgije Tubonjic, and all the parishioners present, and congratulated them on the church's Slava.

On this occasion, His Eminence presented two diocesan certificates of recognition to Mr. Nedjo Spremo and Ms. Bozica Prvulovic, recognizing them for their love, sacrifice, and selfless contribution to the life and work of the Serbian Orthodox community in Windsor.

After the prayer part of the celebration, the gathering continued in the church hall, where a feast and a festive program were prepared for all those present. The program was attended by members of the church choir, students of the Serbian Church School, and members of the folklore group, who contributed to the joy of this festive gathering with their songs, recitations, and folk dances. Their participation was also a beautiful testimony to the importance of preserving the Orthodox faith, the Serbian language, culture, and traditions, especially among the youngest generations of our community.

Finally, the responsible parish priest, Fr. Georgije Tubonjic, on behalf of the Church Administration and the parish community, expressed sincere gratitude to His Eminence Metropolitan Mitrofan for his archpastoral visit and blessing, to the clergy for their prayerful participation, to this year's godparents, to the members of the Circle of Serbian Sisters, as well as to all parishioners and volunteers who, with their effort, work and love, contributed to the dignified celebration of the church Slava.

May the Holy Great Martyr Demetrius, with his holy prayers and intercession before the Lord, continue to guard and protect this holy family and all its parishioners, strengthening them in faith, hope and love. May this festive gathering be an incentive for us to continue to gather around our holy Church in the future, preserving the Orthodox faith, spiritual and folk tradition, harmony and brotherly love.