The cool October air enveloped the Cathedral, yet could not shake the warmth from the festivities surrounding St. Steven's Day. Sunday, October 11, 2009 marked the 63rd celebration in Christ's Communion of the St. Steven's Serbian Orthodox Cathedral, and the excitement was electric. The St. Steven's community was rejuvenated in soul, body and mind as the sumptuous spiritual, physical and mental feast was laid out before them.

Resurrectional Matins began the spiritual portion of the feast, with angelic responses provided by those in attendance. Divine Liturgy followed with an inspiring homily given by the Honored Guest, Fr. Kevin Scherer of the Orthodox Christian Fellowship. After many came forward to receive the Body and Blood of Christ, all joined in a Festal Procession and Slava Service around the Church.

The Women's Auxiliary provided an inspired ministry of their own, with the physical portion of the Slava Feast. A delightful meal ensured that no one went home hungry.

The celebration continued with the mental portion of the feast, as Fr. Kevin enlightened those in attendance with “Connecting Young People to Christ and His Church.” His keynote address highlighted the importance of encouraging our youth and young adults to experience Christ's Church as a safe haven—as a calm harbor against the storm of the secular academic society they will encounter in college. This idea provided the framework of his speech, culminating in three main points upon which all were called to take to heart:

1) Provide a safe place for our young adults and college students to “come home” to. Do not judge them. One doesn't have to approve, but one cannot judge.

2) Expect that young adults will make mistakes…but don't over-react to them. Allow the understanding of your reaction to be influenced by how you want your relationship to be with them in thirty years.

3) Understand that doubt is an integral part of the growing process as an Orthodox Christian. Celebrate that doubt and encourage the young adult to seek out the Truth. There is only one Truth, and that is Jesus Christ.

St. Steven's Day Feast at the Cathedral provided sustenance for Soul, Body and Mind. The soul was fed by the Word of God, and the Body and Blood of Christ; the body by the delectable dinner prepared by the Women's Auxiliary; the mind, by the inspiring insights of Fr. Kevin into the issues facing our young adults in today's secular culture. All who came were satisfied on many levels…because Christ was present in every portion served!