Last evening, the newly renovated and significantly expanded Big Hall at Holy Resurrection Serbian Orthodox Cathedral was joyfully blessed and officially opened to the faithful. The blessing was prayerfully offered by the Cathedral clergy, with liturgical responses beautifully sung by the SSS Branko Radičević Choir, adding solemnity and spiritual depth to the occasion.
Immediately following the blessing, the hall came to life as the Soko folklore group held its first practice in the renewed space—an especially meaningful moment that testified to the hall’s future role as a home for faith, culture, and the formation of children and youth.
Fr. Darko addressed those gathered and expressed heartfelt gratitude to all who contributed to the project through their time, treasure, and talent. He emphasized that the true value of this renovation lies not only in the physical improvement of the space, but in the community coming together to build and enhance the very place in which that same community gathers, grows, and passes on the living narrative of Orthodox faith and Serbian culture. The hall, he noted, is a space in which the community itself is continually being formed and strengthened.
Fr. Darko offered special thanks to Toma Stojakovic, Executive Board President and lead project manager for the Big Hall renovation. Since the beginning of the project on October 15, 2025, Mr. Stojakovic was present nearly every day—often late into the night—guiding the work with dedication and consistency.
In his remarks, Mr. Stojakovic thanked “all those who donated, volunteered, encouraged, prayed, and supported this project in any way. Every contribution mattered, whether seen or unseen.” He emphasized that the Big Hall will now serve as a place where the community gathers, celebrates, and grows together, offering thanksgiving above all to God, who blesses human effort and unites the faithful as one Body in Christ.
On behalf of the parish, gratitude is expressed to the Circle of Serbian Sisters for their longstanding generosity and hands-on support, which have made them significant contributors not only to this renovation, but to many parish efforts over the years.
The renovation included numerous major improvements, among them:
- New tile flooring throughout the hall
- Complete HVAC installation
- Painting of the entire space
- Installation of new doors
- Renovation and significant expansion of both the men’s and women’s bathrooms
- Completion of soffit and drywall work
- Installation of the drop ceiling grid
- Final electrical and finishing work
In the spirit of gratitude and fellowship, a thank-you luncheon is being planned for February to honor all those who supported the project through their generosity and service.
With thanksgiving to God and appreciation for the collective effort of the faithful, the Big Hall now stands renewed and ready to serve as a vibrant gathering place for worship, fellowship, education, and cultural life within the Church community.
