Faithful of the St. George Serbian Orthodox Church in Carmichaels, Pennsylvania gather each year in early May to celebrate the parish Slava. St. George Day is May 6 and the Divine Liturgy is always held.

This year the celebration continued on Sunday May 7 with the Divine Liturgy, blessing of the Slava Kolac’ and Koljivo and festal procession.  Responses were sung by the St. George Choir under the direction of Sonia Janson.

Parish Executive Board Vice President John Williams served as the honored Kum. The Divine Liturgy was very well attended. Following the Slava dinner and program was held in the church hall.

Stan Brozik, Executive Board President served as Master of Ceremonies for the program. Speakers and readers included: Sonia Janson, John Williamson, Attorney Linda Chambers, Andrea Janson, Felecia Williamson, Aaron Carson, Very Rev. Stavrophor Dragoljub Malich, Father Rumens Stoychev, Michael Danko, Stojan Raulic, Djelosh Milosevich, Paulette Radock,  Richard and Linda Porter, Willie Spens, Subdeacon Anthony Miralles and Dr.Richard Romanos Pierce.

Readings were from the writings of St. Nikolai(Velimirovic) and liturgical service verses referencing St. George the Greatmartyr. Inspiring readings relevant to the celebration are standard practice at St. George Church.

Attorney Chambers studied Orthodox iconography and spoke informatively during the program on the topic. Very Reverend Stavrophor Dragoljub Malich spokes about the enduring message of Christ’s Resurrection under communism.

The St. George Serbian Orthodox Church is part of the Pittsburgh Deanery of the Eastern American Diocese. Very Reverend Stavrophor Rade Merick is Diocesan Dean. His Grace Bishop IRINEJ is Diocesan Bishop.

Attendees at the celebration came from parishes in Parma, Ohio, Monroeville and Youngwood, Pennsylvania and Fairmont, West Virginia. Friends of the parish from the local area also were in attendance. The Slava celebration is a time to experience and give thanks to God.  St. George the Greatmartyr is on the minds of parishioners throughout the year as a prayerful intercessor.

This year attendance increased and added joy to the celebration.  The Slava celebration occurred during the Paschal period. Focusing on Christ’s Resurrection was prominent in the Divine Liturgy and throughout the day.

Article by Father Rodney Torbic