Mission Parish Slava Celebrated in Fairmont

With the Archpastoral Blessing of His Grace Bishop Dr. Mitrophan, services were first held in Fairmont, West Virginia in 1999. The Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Mission was formally established in 2000. The first Hierarchical Divine Liturgy was celebrated on April 15, 2000. Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Mission continues as a part of the Eastern American Diocese under the Episcopacy of His Grace Bishop Irinej. 

The Mission is in the Pittsburgh Deanery of the Eastern American Diocese. Very Reverend Stavrophor Rade Merick is the Dean. Services and classes are held on Wednesday evenings. Divine Liturgy is served on two Saturdays per month. The Mission celebrates the Slava each year during Pentecost week. This year the Mission Slava was on Saturday, June 10, 2017. The Divine Liturgy was held with blessing of the Slava Kolach and Koljivo. Living and departed members of the Mission were remembered in prayer. 

Vanessa Lasobek was the honored Kuma. In addition to Mission parishioners and friends, parishioners from St. George Church in Carmichaels attended. The Slava dinner and program were held following the Divine Liturgy. Mission Board of Trustee Michael Danko welcomed the attendees and expressed his appreciation for all in attendance and helping with the Slava. Vice President Danko presented Vanessa Lasobek with an icon in behalf of the Mission. Vanessa was very grateful in being honored. She is conscientious in supporting the Mission. 

Stan Brozik, President of the Executive Board of St. George Serbian Orthodox Church in Carmichaels, Pennsylvania spoke at the dinner. Mr. Brozik has been a consistent supporter and presence at the Mission Slavas. Parish officers from St. George Church in Carmichaels John and Felecia Williamson, Rich Porter and Lt. Col. Willie Spens also attended to demonstrate their interest and support. The Mission is indebted to Wayne and Joyce Kirby for having provided the space for the Divine services and educational classes since 1999. The Mission is blessed with faithful parishioners, friends and supporters. God has enabled the Mission to continue to serve the original parishioners and attract new faithful. Individuals come to the Mission with Christian interest and seriousness. The Slava is a time to glorify and thank God for the many blessings. May the Mission continue to attract faithful seriously interested in Christ. May God grant that one day not too distant a permanent church location will be established.                  

Father Rodney Torbic

Source: easterndiocese.org