The Consul General of the Republic of Serbia in New York, Dr. Vladimir Božović, took part as the guest of honor in a three-day celebration marking two major historical anniversaries – the 125th anniversary of the Serb National Federation (SNF), the oldest Serbian organization in North America, and the 250th anniversary of the independence of the United States.
The celebrations brought together hundreds of members of the Serbian community from the United States and Canada, representatives of the Serbian Orthodox Church, the diplomatic corps, the leadership of the Serb National Federation, representatives of the City of Pittsburgh, numerous Serbian organizations, and distinguished guests from public, political, and social life.
Over the course of three days, participants commemorated the milestone of an organization that has, for 125 years, stood as one of the most important pillars of preserving Serbian national, spiritual, and cultural identity in North America, while also celebrating the 250th anniversary of American independence.
The festivities began on Friday with a three-hour cruise along the rivers surrounding Pittsburgh, during which participants enjoyed breathtaking views of the city where the Serb National Federation was founded in 1901. Accompanied by live music, traditional Serbian šljivovica (plum brandy), homemade specialties, and warm fellowship, guests spent an unforgettable evening celebrating the two historic anniversaries in a spirit of unity, pride, and friendship.
The central event took place on Saturday at the Serbian Club, where a ceremonial academy featuring an extensive musical and folk dance program was held. In addition to numerous members of the Serbian community, the event was attended by representatives of the Serbian Orthodox Church, the leadership of the Serb National Federation, representatives of the City of Pittsburgh, members of the diplomatic corps, distinguished guests from public and political life, and representatives of numerous Serbian organizations from the United States and Canada.
Those in attendance were addressed by His Grace the Bishop, Serb National Federation President Brian Pjević, and the Consul General of the Republic of Serbia in New York, Dr. Vladimir Božović.
In his address, the Consul General said:
“Today we are not only celebrating the 125th anniversary of an institution. Today we celebrate a century and a quarter of faith, unity, perseverance, and love for the Serbian name and heritage.”
Reflecting on the history of Serbian immigration to North America, the Consul General emphasized that Serbia’s ancestors brought little in terms of material wealth, but carried with them the greatest spiritual treasures—faith, family, freedom, hard work, and love for their homeland—upon which the Serb National Federation was built.
He particularly stressed that for 125 years the Serb National Federation has safeguarded Serbian identity, language, culture, and the Orthodox faith, noting that its history has been shaped by great figures such as Mihajlo Pupin and Nikola Tesla, who demonstrated through their lives that it is possible to remain devoted to one’s roots while making lasting contributions to all humanity.
The Consul General also stated that Serbs in America are among the strongest bridges of friendship between the Republic of Serbia and the United States, emphasizing that Serbia will continue to stand firmly by its diaspora and work together to preserve the legacy left by previous generations.
On behalf of the Federation’s leadership and membership, Serb National Federation President Brian Pjević expressed special gratitude to Consul General Dr. Vladimir Božović for his continuous and selfless support of the Federation since the very first day of his tenure as Serbia’s Consul General in New York.
Pjević emphasized that the Consul General has, both personally and within the Serb National Federation, a sincere friend, unwavering support, profound respect, and gratitude for the outstanding work of the Consulate General of the Republic of Serbia in New York under Dr. Vladimir Božović’s leadership.
The celebrations continued on Sunday with a Divine Hierarchical Liturgy at St. Nicholas Church in Monroeville, followed by a memorial service for all deceased members of the Serb National Federation, honoring the generations who built and preserved the historic organization for more than a century.
Following the Divine Liturgy, His Grace the Bishop expressed sincere gratitude to Consul General Dr. Vladimir Božović for attending the celebrations and for his continued support of the Serb National Federation and the Serbian Orthodox Church, emphasizing the importance of close cooperation between the institutions of the Republic of Serbia, the Serbian Orthodox Church, and organizations that have preserved the Serbian people’s spiritual, national, and cultural identity abroad for more than a century.
After the religious service, a traditional ceremonial luncheon and a large Serbian community picnic were held in the courtyard of the Holy Trinity Church, bringing together a large number of members of the Serbian community, Serb National Federation members, and guests from several U.S. states and Canada.
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Source: Serbian Times, Foto: Privatna arhiva