DETINJCI - CHILDREN’S DAY AND ST. NICHOLAS CELEBRATION IN NAPLES

On Sunday, December 22, the Sunday after St. Nicholas, our parish joyfully celebrated Children’s Day (Detinjci) as an extended St. Nicholas celebration. The Mrdaković, Popović, and Malivuk families shared their slava joy with the entire parish. At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, the žito was blessed, and the kolach was broken, followed by a festive meal of love that brought everyone together in fellowship.

This Sunday also marked the third Sunday before Christmas, and in keeping with our Serbian Orthodox tradition, we celebrated Detinjci by “capturing” the children—tying them up until they redeemed themselves with gifts they could offer. This delightful custom was performed twice in our parish: first, after the Divine Liturgy at the church, and later during church school.

Both times, the children were incredibly generous, sharing pieces of the songs they are preparing for the upcoming feasts. At church school, they also learned about the life of St. Nicholas and crafted beautiful personal cards for their parents. The children showed great creativity as they made plans for the next two Sundays, eagerly preparing to “tie up” their parents in celebration of Materice (Mother’s Day) and Oci (Father’s Day).

Another important activity this Sunday was planting the Christmas wheat (božićna pšenica), a beloved tradition symbolizing growth and renewal in Christ. While the children were busy planting, St. Nicholas made a surprise visit, leaving small gifts in their shoes. The joy and smiles on their faces were unforgettable!

These celebrations remind us of Christ, who came into this world as the most precious child, and the importance of family on our spiritual journey to Bethlehem. We thank God, who is glorified in His saints, for blessing us with St. Nicholas, a shining example of good deeds, boundless love, and faithful teaching.

May the upcoming feasts be fruitful and blessed for all!