VIDOVDAN IN VALENCIA: Great Serbian holiday marked in Spain, liturgy served!

This Vidovdan was special in many ways, especially for Serbs living in Valencia. History was made in this Spanish city – the citizens of Valencia had the opportunity to attend the first holy liturgy in Serbian in the newly established church dedicated to Saint John the Theologian. The liturgy was led by the elder of the church, Archpriest-Stavrophor Dušan Erdeljan.

This moment gathered Orthodox believers from all parts of the Balearic coast, as well as tourists from the motherland who, as it was heard in the sermon, “by God’s providence” set foot on the soil of Valencia and Andalusia and witnessed this historic moment. This was a solemn occasion for the Circle of Serbian Sisters to celebrate their patron saint’s day – the feast of Saint Prince Lazar, with the cutting of the slava cake and a prayer for the people in the motherland and the diaspora.

In an inspired sermon after the liturgy, Father Dušan addressed the gathered with God-pleasing words that resonated strongly and clearly:

-If the Church survives, the people also survive. If there are no people at the liturgy, there is no worship service.

He spoke about the importance of faith in the diaspora, about the need for mutual support, conciliarity, and belonging to the Church of Christ – which, as he emphasized, selflessly gives to its believers, but in return asks for their faith, presence, and help.

The newly established church in Valencia, though spiritually rich, is physically still in its infancy. Small, simply equipped, but filled with sincere faith, hope, and love. To survive and grow, it needs support. All believers can offer their contributions and donations.

Valencia is the capital of the autonomous province of Valencia. It is located on the sea and is extremely popular among Serbs.