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Tuesday, June 28, 6 pm - VIDOVDAN Pan Orthodox Vespers
Commemorating Fallen Serbs
The Serbian Orthodox Church and its faithful commemorated Vidovdan and held memorial services for Holy Prince Lazar and Serb knights who perished in the battle against the invading Ottoman Turk Empire in Kosovo Polje in 1389. The services took place at St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral, Massachusetts Avenue, Washington DC.
The celebrants were His Grace Bishop Mitrofan, Serbian Orthodox Diocese of Eastern America, and Reverend Father AleksaMicich, St. Luke Serbian Orthodox Church in Potomac, MD.and the
St. Luke Serbian Orthodox Church, Choir, Potomac, MD provided the choral music.
Wednesday, June 29
Orientation and Presentation on Vidovdan
Serbian Americans gathered in the Longworth House Office Building of the U.S. Congress for orientation and the events of the day.
The morning started with a presentation “Historic significance of Vidovdan” by Dr. Dusan Korac.
Participants spread out throughout the Hill and met with their Senators and Congresswomen/men and staff to request support for our issues. They also met with the members of the Congressional Serbian Caucus, lawmakers who care about issues related to Serbia and the Serbian people.
Luncheon with Congressional Serbian Caucus
The members of the Congressional Serbian Caucus co-hosted a luncheon and programin the Gold Room at the Rayburn House Office Building
They heard remarks from the keynote speakerRobert Merry, President and Publisher of the Congressional Quarterly, the nation’s most authoritative source for complete information and insightful news on government, politics and public policy,Senator George Voinovich, Congresswoman Melissa (Luburich) Bean, Congressman Dan Burton.
Reception at the Embassy of Serbia and Montenegro
The day finished with a special hosted by the Embassy of Serbia and Montenegro for all the registered participants of the Serbian American Day in Congress.
Thursday, June 30
On Thursday members of the Board continued meetings in Washington with staff members of Congressional committees and with the State Department.
This first annual event was very successful and became an example to the Serbian American constituency of the accessibility to their political representatives and for many of the participants a first experience of this kind.
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