In a grace-filled and prayerful atmosphere, the Monastery of Rajchica celebrated its patronal feast—the radiant annual commemoration of the holy, glorious, and victorious Great-Martyr George. With spiritual joy and reverent gratitude toward the heavenly protector of the Rajchica monastic community, a festive Vespers service was held on the eve of the feast, presided over with archpastoral dignity and prayerful depth by our beloved Elder, His Grace Bishop Partenij of Antania.
Hymns of love toward the Holy Great-Martyr and of faith in the Risen Christ resounded through the beauty of the monastic church, where a multitude of faithful gathered to share in the joy and thanksgiving and to partake of the spiritual fruits of the feast. At the conclusion of Vespers, the Elder, who is full of love for the saints, offered a fitting homily with pastoral care and fatherly zeal, reminding us of the example of Saint George as a guide toward Christ’s love, unity, and theosis.
На ова духовно торжество присуствуваа и претставници од локалната власт во Дебар, како и видни граѓани од градот, што уште еднаш сведочи за соработката и почитта што ја ужива Манастирот кај народот, без разлика на нивната верска и национална припадност.
This spiritual celebration was also attended by representatives of the local government of Debar, as well as notable citizens of the city, once again bearing witness to the cooperation and respect that the Monastery enjoys among the people, regardless of religious or ethnic affiliation.
Today, in continuation of the festal joy, a Festal Matins and then the Divine Liturgy were celebrated, led by His Grace Bishop Partenij of Antania, together with the clergy of the Bigorski brotherhood. The choir “Metropolitan Cosmas of Prechista” elevated the liturgical celebration even further with their melodious chanting. The presence of a great number of faithful, united in prayer and gratitude toward the Holy Trophy-Bearer, intensified the grace-filled presence of the Saint on his feast. This presence was also spoken of by the Elder in his inspired sermon following the reading of the Holy Gospel.
After the Liturgy, a blessing of water was performed as a sign of grace for all present and for the Monastery itself. Afterwards, as an expression of love for tradition and in gratitude for the feast, an artistic program was held. Members of the cultural and artistic society “Ilinden” from Struga, dressed in traditional Macedonian attire, expressed their joy through performances of folk songs and dances, further enriching the festive atmosphere.
This was a joyful celebration, filled with prayer, thanksgiving, spiritual beauty, and glorification of the Risen Christ—through Whose name Saint George triumphed over evil and death. May we always keep such an example before our eyes, just as the Apostle Paul exhorts us to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises (cf. Hebrews 6:12).
