The Serbian Orthodox Church in Kernersville wanted a home, just like the many Serbian refugees in its congregation. Searching for fellowship, the parishioners held religious services almost anywhere: living rooms, parks, rented buildings and other churches after hours. Finally the congregation stopped wandering when priests blessed the foundation on Ogden School Road and half a year later - the cross to be established on the church dome.
"We finally have a place that we can call our own," said Brian Trifunovic , a Serbian refugee who relocated to High Point. He's the council president of the St. Basil of Ostrog Serbian Orthodox Church, which will be completely finished this summer. The building is the only Byzantine-style church between Pennsylvania and Florida, Trifunovic said. Shaped like a cross, with a cupola and an altar facing east, the church will be reminiscent of those in the Serbs' home country, part of the former Yugoslavia.
"The church in my hometown is 350 years old," Trifunovic said.
Buried below that altar is the Cross blessed by Bishop Mitrofan, head of the Serbian Orthodox Diocese of Eastern America, based in Pittsburgh. He also blessed four granite cornerstones for church entrances at the beginning of the construction.
The Serbian Orthodox mission belongs to the Serbian Orthodox Church, all services are on old style calendar.
How a 300-member church of mostly displaced refugees could afford such a building? It's part of a land swap with a developer for 5.5 acres nearby on N.C. 66. The church bought its property in 2003, before the Heart of the Triad project was announced. That project would include businesses and residences on about 50,000 acres between Greensboro, High Point and Winston-Salem. After that announcement, the church had prime real estate that a developer — which Trifunovic would not name — wanted. After negotiations, the church and the developer settled on swapping the land for another property with a sanctuary, a cemetery and soccer field built by the developer.
For people who had been worshipping wherever they could, this church also represents a permanent community.
The parish belongs to Serbian Orthodox church, old calendar. All services are in Church Slavonic, Serbian and English.
2 comments:
I love the beautiful church in Kernersville and have attend a couple of the services. As an American Serb (grandfather was born in Lika), I do not speak or understand the language. If more of the service and the events included english, I would attend often. I live in King and currently go to a Methodist church because I need GOD in my life and feel complete when attending church on Sunday.
I understand that the church was founded by and started by the numerous refugees but please consider all of the American Serbs (and there are quite a few in the area) who would welcome a place to worship if more English were included in the service, singing and other events held at the church.
I am not complaining, just giving my opinion.
GOD BLESS,
Dena Popovich Hare
I work for a Military Contractor located near Ft. Bragg, NC. (www.reservoir-intl.com)
We provide training for the military. We use linguists to help to provide a stronger sense of realism and cultural awareness for the training. We are currently looking for 4-5 people (2 females and 3 males) who speak Serbian for a military training exercise in Butner, NC. The dates are 9-10 October. If you know anyone who might be interested please have them contact me at 910-423-8400 or they can email me at admin@reservoir-intl.com for more info on payrate, etc.
Thanks,
Julia Stack
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