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V.Rev.Stav. Fr. Stevan Stepanov

St. George Slava, St. Elijah's Serbian Orthodox Church, 2014. You can enlarge photo by clicking on the lower right hand corner of the picture.

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In Memorium,

V. Rev. Fr. Stevan Stepanov

May 25, 1940 - February 24, 2018

'Protojerej-Stavorphor Stevan Stepanov', beloved “Proto/Father Stevan” left us this past February for the next [eternal] life with our Lord. He will forever be loved and missed, and his memory cherished, while he leaves behind a void and a legacy that can never be filled.

Our Grace Bishop Irinej, who officiated at Father's beautiful funeral service, so perfectly recognized and described Father's [God-given] nature as “loving, gentle and humble”. Several of Proto's brothers-in-Christ also most generously and reverently contributed lovely tributes to Proto Stevan. However, and none-the-less, Father's own parish of more than 41 years, his beloved 'St. Elijah Serbian Orthodox Church of Aliquippa, PA.', would be most remiss if it did not convey what he meant to us and what he did for us over the course of those years. With these sentiments, we share and submit the following:

Father Stevan Stepanov was born May 25, 1940, in Gospodjinci (Backa, Voyvodina), and, as such, added a new dimension to the home of his late father Marko Stepanov and mother Evica, nee Dejanovic. At an early age Father manifested a genuine interest and keen desire for entering the priesthood and serving the Church. That deep resolve and determination carried over into his teens. Accordingly, in 1955, Father Stevan enrolled in the St. Sava Seminary in Belgrade, and graduated in 1960. That same year he was admitted to the Theological Faculty in Belgrade. A year later, he also began studies at the Philological Faculty. In addition to pursuing his academics, 'Stevan' also found time to pursue one 'Ana Radosavljevic'. The latter “pursuit” proved very exciting, motivating and stimulating. His ardor prevailed, and on February 17, 1963, classmate Ana became Mrs. Stevan Stepanov. [It can be suggested here that this persevering suitor had won his bride by “Degrees”]. Eventually, their first child, Ivana, was born July 14, 1964 in Belgrade. Son Marko (born later in the U.S.), became an exemption on June 11, 1976, and consequently, also became a 'bicentennial souvenir'.

In conjunction with his service at the Belgrade Theological Faculty (1963), Father was assigned to the Archdiocese of Belgrade. That same year he was ordained into the Diaconate in the Cathedral of Belgrade by Patriarch German. He was then also appointed Professor of Music and Director of the Seminarian Choir in Belgrade. It was the perfect union- Stepanov and music.

In 1965, “Professor” Stepanov received his B.A. in Linguistics and Literature from the University of Belgrade. Shortly thereafter, he joined the Diocese of Backa, and was named Deacon of the Cathedral of Novi Sad by His Grace Bishop Nikanor. There he served as Clerk of the Ecclesiastic Court and Instructor of Religious Studies.

Father Stepanov arrived in America, specifically, Cleveland, Ohio, in 1971, and joined the Eastern American and Canadian Diocese. His Grace Bishop Sava appointed him Deacon and Secretary of the Ecclesiastical Court for the Diocese. In addition, Father continued to expand his musical interests and talents and apply his choral skills. He subsequently directed the Isidor Baich Choir of Akron, Ohio, and the Dr. Laza Kostich Choir of Midland, PA.

A most eventful year for Father Stevan was 1973. He was ordained a priest by Bishop Sava in Aliquippa, PA. That same year he accepted the position as parish priest of St. Elijah Church in Aliquippa as well. Later, at the consecration of the St. Elijah Serbian Center, Father was promoted to the rank of Protonamesnick by His Grace Bishop Sava. During this same time Father Stepanov continued his graduate studies and furthered his professional growth at the University of Pittsburgh. In 1979 he received his Master's Degree in Slavic Languages and Russian Literature. In 1981, Father Stevan was promoted to the rank of Protopresbyter by His Grace Bishop Christopher. These early promotions were testimony to the high regard and esteem in which he was held by both his peers and superiors.

Father Stevan was a dynamic and creative force in and for St. Elijah Church and parish from the time of his arrival in Aliquippa. He shared his first and enduring love -music- so generously, enthusiastically, and of course, spiritually. Evidence of this was seen (and heard) throughout the years with the St. Elijah Junior Choir, K.C.C. Choir, the original Serbian Radio Hour, the Tsar Lazar Male Choir (which he founded in the early 1990s), and the St. Elijah Church Choir, with which he forged a most special bond and relationship. [Regarding 'Tsar Lazar', Father's arrangement of Kiev's TROPARION [“Lord Save Thy People”] remains one of the most beautiful and moving renditions ever sung and/or heard]. Further to St. Elijah's Church Choir, Proto was, of course, also known for directing and singing with the choir, and serving as its advisor, composer, arranger and interpreter in his “spare” time. Proto inspired the choir anew, and in a way that continues to motivate the choir- spiritually and artistically- to this day. For this, St. Elijah Choir is forever grateful and blessed.

Much of Father's love, energy and concern was directed toward and devoted to the children of St. Elijah Parish. The “Altar Boys”, whose ranks were always full, brought him endless pride and joy. One of his most special and important efforts was the children's summer 'day camp' [“St. Elijah Church Camp”] which Father Stevan founded in 1977. This effort yielded innumerable and invaluable results for the children, and consequently, [the future of] the church. The camp was so successful it became a template for other Serbian parishes around the country, and was subsequently recognized and replicated accordingly. In addition, Father's oversight of the 'Sunday School' program and other church-related programs and holiday activities for the children were ongoing and most meaningful as well.

In reflecting upon his 'flock of children', Father once stated: “My renewal is the presence of our children - eyes aglow, and faces eager, innocent and curious! They are my greatest and dearest challenge and concern. We dare not neglect nor disappoint them.”

The Weekly Envelope System, Weekly Bulletin, and revised Liturgical Books were also products of Proto's efforts and attention. His spear-heading of a new “bell sound-system” and air-conditioning system were additional significant, timely and welcome improvements to the church.

One of Father Stevan's most personally gratifying efforts among his many initiatives was the development and building of the Resurrection Chapel at the St. Elijah Cemetery. Built in the late 1980s with and through his inspiration and direction, Father provided the original impetus for the chapel, and was a prime force for both the fund-raising and construction projects and efforts. The St. Elijah Resurrection Chapel stands among the first of its kind to be added to a Serbian cemetery in America. It remains, to-date, a statement and tribute to Father's foresight, planning, determination and vision.

So much of Father Stevan's work was tangible, physical and obvious from the time of his arrival and the beginning of his ministry in Aliquippa, and throughout the course, conduct and discharge of his normal, pastoral obligations. They were/are a matter of record, and, more significantly, were most evident in the performance of his daily and weekly duties. His parish concerns spread across the full spectrum of local and diocesan needs and demands. He not only met those needs and demands successfully, he met them with grace, dignity, confidence and optimism. Father was neither intimidated nor deterred by changes and challenges. Rather, he helped the church meet its challenges, resolve them, and in the process, move forward and prosper. Father was a true “custodian” of our St. Elijah Church. He endorsed that same process and concept and kept it his mission over the course of his tenure.

We would be remiss if we did not especially “thank and commend” Father for recognizing his own enviable talents, and more importantly, for sharing and offering them so willingly and so generously, in terms of his prolific musical talents. It can truly be said that his voice was and remains woven into the very fabric of our St. Elijah Choir, our congregation and indeed our liturgy. As has come to be known, Father's God-given talents forged and established a special relationship between himself and the St. Elijah Choir. For any relationship between two parties to remain healthy and prosper, however, the main catalyst must always be the degree and the quality of the harmony that exists between them. That element, over the years, was present in very generous and evident proportions between the choir and Proto Stevan. Through Proto's efforts, and with his assistance, St. Elijah's church hymns, litanies, troparions and liturgical responses and prayers became the 'hallmarks' of the choir's presence in the choir loft. To this day, this remains the choir's focus and its continuing mission.

Beyond this musical harmony, however, Father Stevan wove and blended other less-tacit and less readily obvious 'harmonies' into the St. Elijah Church family, relationship and identity as well, and we continue to feel and recognize them in our hearts and souls: …..Spiritual Harmony- which brought added meaning and depth to Serbian Orthodoxy and the teachings it embraces; Harmony of Purpose- to support, prepare and strengthen the Church for future challenges; Harmony of Service- to keep the Church strong, solvent and responsive; Social Harmony- to sustain and promote a healthy climate of good fellowship and good will within the church; and, finally, Harmony of Common Concern- for the ultimate well-being, direction and future of the entire St. Elijah Parish.

Transcending all of Father's efforts and accomplishments within the St. Elijah Church, however, were his personal dedication and commitment to the Priesthood. Father accepted the total discipline of his calling, full obedience to his Church, and loyalty to his vows. These were the tenets of his ministry, and the badges of his office.

In keeping with this sentiment, Father once submitted to St. Elijah Parish: “Whatever I have done, proposed or recommended as your parish priest, I have done, first- in accordance with my oath; and secondly- in the best interests of my church and parish. I shall not compromise the vows vested in me, nor betray the trust my calling imposes and commands. This is the only way I can discharge my duties, and in the process retain your confidence, support and respect.”

St. Elijah Parish was TRULY BLESSED, and enjoyed and benefited from a most wonderful, loving and benevolent steward [and stewardship] in Father Stevan Stepanov. He kept our Home in order, our Ship on course, and our Holdings and Operation both solvent and in/under control. Proto Stevan's leadership provided St. Elijah with pride, progress and true spirituality. [We dare suggest that Sveti Ilija himself would be most pleased and proud].

Very importantly, to also give credit (due) to Proto's 'immediate' family (St. Elijah Parish's “first family” for those 41 years), we submit to you his sentiments decreed upon them at the occasion of his 25th Anniversary with St Elijah Church, so many years ago: “I might add at this point my boundless gratitude to my wife Ana and my children, Ivana and Marko..... I was not alone in toiling in the vineyard. My wife was my associate, counselor, advisor, critic and chief supervisor of our domestic operations. Her contributions, efforts and sacrifices released me and allowed me to direct my full attention and effort to the needs of my parish. Her understanding, tolerance and moral support gave me the strength, encouragement and incentive to address the issues, and fulfill my pastoral duties. To Ivana and Marko- from the depths of my heart- I offer my simple “Thank you” for understanding, appreciating and recognizing the significance and demands of my parish responsibilities and obligations. You were my dedicated and devoted cheering section. I hope I never “fumble the ball.””

With heartfelt gratitude, emotion, respect and love, St. Elijah Church Parish of Aliquippa, PA., remembers Father Stevan Stepanov for his spiritual guidance, and for tending to us, his “flock”, with love, care, reverence and vigilance over the course of his time with us.

Father Stevan will forever remain in our hearts and in our prayers.

Vjecnaja Pamjat.

On behalf of St. Elijah Church/Parish, Laurene Maravich.

[Written and compiled by Laurene, with historical text previously

written by [her own beloved father] Lazo Maravich, and with additional

text extracted from St Elijah Church's commemorative event narratives].

VERY REVEREND STEVAN STEPANOV

(May 25th, 1940 – February 24th, , 2018)

“IN MEMORIAM”

VERY REVEREND STEVAN STEPANOV

(May 25th, 1940 – February 24th, , 2018)

“IN MEMORIAM”

V. Rev. Stav. Fr. Stepanov cutting the Bizic Kolach on St. George's Day.

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The Funeral of +Protojerej-Stavrofor Stevan Stepanov from the Serbian Eastern Diocese Website, along with photos:

The Serbian Orthodox Church lost a devoted, faithful, and loving servant in this world with the passing of Protojerej-Stavrofor Stevan Stepanov on February 24, 2018 at his home in Medina, Ohio.

From February 1973 until his retirement in August 2014, +Proto Stevan served the Serbian Orthodox Church as pastor of the parish of the Holy Prophet Elijah in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania.

He returned to his beloved Sveti Ilija a final time for his funeral and burial on February 27-28, 2018.
The funeral proceedings began with visitation in the St. Elijah Church on the afternoon of February 27.

Per his wishes, +Proto Stevan was arrayed in priestly robes that had once belonged to one of his predecessors at the parish, +Protojerej-Stavrofor Vlastimir Tomich of blessed memory.

Hundreds of faithful and friends came throughout the visitation and services to pay their final respects to +Proto Stevan and to offer prayers and support to his devoted wife, Protinica Ana, his daughter Ivana and husband Tony, his son Marko and wife Inna, and his grandsons Alexander, Dimitri, Roman, and Stevan.

At the family’s request, during the visitation a recording of +Proto Stevan singing liturgical songs with his St. Elijah Serbian Church Choir played over the church’s sound system, offering a testament to the distinct and rich musical talents +Proto Stevan shared so freely with so many during his life.