On September 16, 2019, with the blessing of Bishop Longin and in the presence of Bishop Irinej, the Association of Serbian Lawyers celebrated St. Joanikije. The cocktail party, which was for this occasion organized at the Sheraton Hotel in Chicago, amongst few dozens of Serbian-American Lawyers was also attended by Congresman and Judge Ted Po, District Judge Laura Ayala Gonzales, Bishop Irinej, and Acting Consul-General Mr. Milan Varadinovic.

After consecrating the celebratory cake, Bishop Irinej recalled the early legislative activity of the Serbian state under the auspices of the Serbian Orthodox Church, beginning with Nomokanon of St. Sava in the early 14th century, after which Bishop Joanikije II (later Patriarch) participated in drafting the laws for the Serbian King Stefan Dušan in the mid-14th century.

In his inspiring speech, Congressman Ted Po recalled the traditional alliance between Serbia and the United States, which dates back to World War I. He particularly referred to the largest ever rescue rescue of the American airman downed and recovered from Serbia during World War II (Pranjani). On this occasion, the new Acting Consul Geeral also addressed the attendees, speeking of the importance of the jurist profession within the consular work for protecting the legality and rights of individuals.