On Friday of the second week of Great Lent, St. John the Baptist Church in Bellwood served as the site of a grand prayerful gathering of the clergy and faithful of the North Chicago Deanery. The central event of the evening was the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts, attended prayerfully by His Eminence Archbishop of New Gracanica-Chicago and Metropolitan of Midwestern America, Gospodin Longin.
Spiritual Preparation and the Holy Mystery of Confession
Prior to the service, in the spirit of Lenten forgiveness and purification, the regular confession of the North Chicago Deanery clergy was conducted. The clergy were confessed by the Very Reverend Archimandrite Leontije (Alavanja), who offered spiritual counsel to his fellow concelebrants as they continue their journey through the ascetic struggle of Great Lent.
Liturgical Celebration and Homily on the Eternal Light
The Holy Liturgy was served by the Very Reverend Protopresbyter Dobrivoje Milunovic, who addressed the gathered faithful with an inspiring homily about God as light and man as a seeker of that light. The theme of his word was deeply connected to the Second Sunday of Lent, dedicated to St. Gregory Palamas, the great 14th-century hesychast and theologian of light.
“The Lord Jesus Christ said of Himself: ‘I am the light of the world; he who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life’ (John 8:12). St. Gregory Palamas cried out his entire life: ‘Lord, enlighten my darkness’,” noted Father Dobrivoje, recalling the liturgical words: “The Light of Christ illumines all.”
The preacher emphasized that man is a being created for eternity, linking theological thought with greats such as Dostoevsky, who wrote that the light of the righteous remains even after death; Njegoš, who sang of man yearning for the “primeval glory” of the Lord; and Tesla, who spoke of humans transforming into light that continues to exist.
Words of Welcome and Hospitality
At the conclusion of the service, the host and parish priest of the Bellwood church, Protopresbyter Dragan Goronjic, addressed those present. With chosen words and sincere joy, he welcomed His Eminence Metropolitan Longin, his brother priests, his parishioners, and all the gathered faithful. Father Dragan expressed special gratitude to Archimandrite Leontije for his efforts in confessing the clergy, as well as to all the guests whose presence magnified this Lenten gathering.
A warm atmosphere and the Christian attentiveness of the host were felt throughout the evening. Father Dragan endeavored, as a true spiritual shepherd and host, to show due respect and brotherly love to everyone, making all present feel truly welcome within this parish community. His care for every detail, both in the temple and later in the church hall, was evident and contributed to the particular dignity of this assembly.
The fellowship continued with a “Table of Love” in the church hall, prepared with great diligence and affection by the hardworking members of the Circle of Serbian Sisters. Their labor and hospitality, reflected in the rich Lenten dinner, allowed this spiritual evening in Bellwood to conclude in the most beautiful spirit of harmony and true Christian joy.
