S.S.S. Gračanica was on the road again and this time to Aliquippa, Pennsylvania! St. Elijah Serbian Orthodox Church Choir wonderfully hosted the Serbian Singing Federation 83rd Choral Festival with the theme “Grab Your Passport”. And that we did!
Six singers down (we missed you all), a President who we thought was going to need a hospital, and an 81-year-old bus driver with more health issues than all of us put together was not the way we intended on starting this trip. Right off the get go Anne became the GPS, Rista thought there were Cheetos crumbs all over the floor (Nadia figured out it was dry seat cushion sponge emitted from the seats every time you moved) and Lily stated, “Get a lawyer!” Upon a rather abrupt slamming of the brakes, Anne fell and bruised her ribs rendering her unable to move. Don’t worry, Jeanne managed to catch her later stating “I was a hero.” Vlado came to the rescue to help lift Anne. “I put my body at risk for the choir!” he declared. With no toilet paper, no working toilet, no running water and filth everywhere the back of the bus crew started to do what we Serbs do best – sing! Not what you expected me to say is it?! I would have said open a bottle of slivo and brandy and drink, but the darn bus contract forbid alcohol use. Rista sang “Don’t worry about a thing cause every little thing is gonna be alright.” Do you remember how strict Bert and his bus rules of order were back in the 90’s? I cannot believe I am going to say this, but we all wanted Bert back, rules and all. Vlado and Buddy tested singers’ knowledge with short snippets of songs. Nikola M was head-to-head with Rico and Marija followed closely by Deacon Srdjan, Ivana, Rista and Dana T. This is the first trip we have taken where we sang Copacabana and Rista made note of the lyrics “His name was Rico.” Thanks for coming Rico! We had those who persisted to walk around on the bus even after Anne’s mishap. Lily shouted, “Strap her in!” while Jeanne used her cane to direct people saying “Sit down!” in her teacher voice. Upon running into Fr. Milorad and Marko Đ at the rest stop, we asked Fr. Milorad to say extra prayers although he thought it more important to baptize the driver. Check in at the hotel ran smoothly with Rista adding Accessibility Coordinator to Nadia’s title. Oh yes, I fought hard to get those accessible rooms! This was the first choir trip for Deacon Srdjan, Ivana and Marko Đ. All three of them thoroughly enjoyed themselves and wish they had joined the choir sooner! In fact, Marko Đ asked if we could go away every weekend! Deacon Srdjan and Ivana were overjoyed with the friendly hospitality they encountered, the lively nature of the choral festival events and the beautiful singing of each choir regardless of size. We are thrilled the three of you enjoyed yourselves!
The event began on Friday with a Vespers Service and a Pan-Orthodox Choir Concert featuring the Byzantine Choir of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Pittsburgh and a combined Tsar Lazar and Carica Milica choir. Divine singing! Truly! Afterwards, festivities continued at the hall with two bands, lots of food and drinks.
On Saturday, Divine Liturgy was held for Sts. Cyril and Methodius followed by the concert. Choirs, large and small, sang harmoniously with the popular Pobedna Pesma being sung 3 times! Our performance went well however many people were more focused on our beautiful costumes which we purchased from Serbia. They were the talk of the town! We were pleasantly surprised to see Protinica Katarina, Antonina and Jovan Vranić at the Festival. Lots of tears, hugs and catching up. Protinica sends her greetings to all. Once again, festivities continued at the hall with Kolo dancing, singing by the tambura band and many libations at the bar.
Divine Liturgy on Sunday was moving and spiritually uplifting with honoured guests, S.S.S. Josif Marinkovic, Steelton, PA, singing responses and Deacon Srdjan in the altar. Another amazing concert followed, and we were back on the bus praying for our safe return to Windsor. The return trip was just as exciting with lots of singing of old Serbian songs. We even had our little lyric books to help us remember the words as its been years since we sang some of these oldies! Incessant amounts of laughter coming from Denise, hilarious one liners from Lily, “The bus company needs to buy me a new stool.”, and a microphone that Rista begged be turned off at one point gave us all such joy until our bus was pulled over at the border. Interestingly, one of the border guards was Serbian. “Gde god ideš, nađeš Srbina.” Jeanne stated. And home we went.
The Choral Festival is a way to showcase the hard work of every participating choir. To build friendships and perhaps even marriages. Many of us noticed that most choirs had youth! And I’m not talking the 40- and 50-year-old youths in our choir. I’m talking teens and 20-year-olds! Many of them are in their local choir and dance groups. It was remarkable! We commend the communities, parents and youth who see value in upholding culture and religion in their lives. Fr. Djordje Popovic expressed, “The voice is the greatest instrument in our church so sing, sing, sing. “That’s exactly what we will do and with pride while we sustain our culture, and more importantly our religion through prayer and song. Ko peva, zlo ne misli!
Nadia Moscardelli
S.S.S. Gračanica
Corresponding Secretary (Social Media, Website)
