Last weekend, the church of Stefan Dečanski celebrated its parish feast day, led by Father Aleksandar Patrović, the father of six children and a man who is much more than a priest to his parishioners.
He is their friend, brother, advisor, comfort, and support in difficult moments, and the dearest guest when they celebrate important moments in life — when they mark their patron saint’s day, baptize their children, or get married!
The church feast of St. Stefan passed just as one could wish — in a full church and with many children running around the churchyard — and two parishioners prepared a special surprise for Father Aca.
Nada Ignjatović and Aleksandar Josipović, founders of the Novak Djokovic Fan Club in Chicago, whose members include Serbs as well as Americans, Mexicans, Ukrainians, Macedonians, and other nationalities, have traveled the world following the best Serbian and world tennis player and watching his matches on almost every continent.
From the last tournament, they returned with Djokovic’s biography, which Novak personally signed and dedicated specifically — to Father Aleksandar!
— For Father Aleksandar, from the heart!, wrote Novak Djokovic in his dedication.
A SURPRISE ON THE CHURCH FEAST DAY: Father Aca with Djokovic’s biography
They waited for the liturgy to finish and for Father Aca to give communion to the faithful so they could surprise him.
— The surprise was very pleasant, because I am a great admirer of Novak Djokovic, who deserves admiration for all the results he has achieved, and even more for the values he promotes as a man, athlete, and Christian, Father Aca told Serbian Times, thanking Nada and Aleksandar for the wonderful gift.
THEY TRAVELED A LONG WAY TO BRING HIM THE GIFT: Nada and Aleksandar with Father Aca
And the two of them also had something to say about him…
— Our beloved priest, Father Aleksandar — Father Aca, as we all call him — is truly loved and respected by the entire Chicago Orthodox community. As a devoted shepherd of faith and a humble servant of God, he guides us not only with words but also by his own example. Together with his wonderful family and six children, he embodies true Christian values: love, sacrifice, unity, and faith. As the priest of our church of St. Stefan Dečanski, he is a constant source of spiritual strength, support, and comfort. His presence reminds us of what it truly means to serve God and the people with an open heart. We are blessed to have him and happy that we were able to present him with this small token of appreciation, said Nada and Aleksandar.
A ROLE MODEL TO HIS PARISHIONERS: Father Aleksandar with his family
And all that remains for us is to wish Father Aca many more feast days celebrated with his parishioners and family.
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