On Saturday, July 15, 2000, His Grace Bishop
Longin of the Serbian Orthodox Metropolitenate
of New Gracanica consecrated "Sveta Gora -
Mount Athos", the first Christian Orthodox funeral
home in Chicago. It was a memorable occasion
for all of us as well as for some two hundred
of our friends who have honored us with their
presence, including numerous local clergy and
V. Rev. Radomir Nikcevic who represented
His Eminence Metropolitan Amphilochios of
the Metropolitenate of Montenegro.
Several hierarchs from other jurisdictions also gave
us their blessing, including His Grace Bishop Job of OCA.
In addition, we were honored by the presence of His
Eminence Metropolitan Christopher of the Mid-Western
Archdiocese at the banquet.

A dignified, traditional funeral, in accordance
with our centuries-old Orthodox tradition, has been
observed by our ancestors since time immemorial.
This respect for their tradition has helped them
preserve their identity through the many trials and
tribulations of history, from wars to occupations,
from godless communism to mindless atheism.
The passing of an individual from time to Eternity
is inseparable from our respect for those ancestors
of ours who have kept their Orthodox Christian faith
through the centuries, often at the cost of their
own lives. The debt to our forefathers and the
responsibility to our children and to our offspring
yet unborn demands that we keep those traditions.
"Sveta Gora - Mount Athos" is a step in that direction.