Merrillville, IN - August 2nd, 2009. Parishioners of St. Elijah the Prophet Serbian Orthodox Cathedral celebrated their Church Slava on Sunday in liturgical splendor.

His Grace Bishop Longin of the New Gracanica-Midwestern American Diocese officiated for the first time in this church. A large number of Orthodox faithful, in the overfilled church, approached the Chalice of salvation and so displayed their sincere desire and love for spiritual growth. Bishop Longin expressed his delight and hope that the beauty of unity will bring people's souls closer to one another and will show the future generations of faithful how one is to love and embrace Orthodoxy.

This day's liturgical gathering is a further testimony of the spirit of unity on the American continent which in the coming years will only bring more of the Orthodox faithful together in unity. The church choir, together with the faithful, joyously greeted His Grace Bishop Longin with the church hymn, Many Years. Following the Divine Liturgy and procession around the church Fr. Aleksandar Novakovic thanked Bishop Longin for his spiritual words of guidance and invited all the faithful to the church hall for the festive Slava banquet.