Holy Week and Pascha 2026 was celebrated with a full liturgical cycle including the baptism of 15 catechumens on Holy Saturday, and a very large number in attendance for the festive Paschal banquet and picnic.  

The Paschal festivities began in the early morning on Arpil 12 with the Paschal Matins and Divine Lituirgy followed by he traditional buffet of a variety of delicious dishes prepared and brought by parishioners of the Cathedral.

Later that Sunday at 12:00 Noon, the Agape (vesper service) of Pascha was held with the reading of the Gospel in six languages. 

Following the vesper service all processed to the Hall and Pavillion where a beautiful banquet and barbecue awaited them. Pace Rommel, Executive Board Vice President and Ian Dempsey, President, gave the opening remarks, greeting everyone with “Christ Is Risen” and extended a warm welcome to all. The luncheon was prepared by the Saint Steven’s Women’s Auxiliary and served by the youth and young adults of the parish. For those who preferred a picnic atmosphere, delicious cevapi were served outside all day. The afternoon festivities included an easter egg hunt organized by the parents of the Religious Cultural Association. The children lined up eager to begin finding as many eggs as quickly as they could. After all the excitement of the hunt, everyone enjoyed an afternoon of socializing with family and friends and listening and dancing to the live music provided by Srbija from Phoenix, Arizona.

Thank you to all at Saint Steven’s who dedicated their time and effort so all could enjoy a very festive Pascha Celebration. Christ Is Risen!