The St. George Serbian Orthodox parish in Carmichaels, Pennsylvania is known for the presence of love, peace and hospitality. The 69^th Anniversary celebration of the parish church’s consecration was held on November 5, 2023.

His Grace Bishop Irinej officiated at the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy. Parish priest, Protopresbyter Sasa Nedic, Protopresbyter-Stavropher Dr. Rodney Torbic and Deacon Daniel August concelebrated with His Grace. Reader John Buffalini and Alfred Ellsworth assisted in the altar. The Tsar Lazar Choir under the direction of George Milosh sang soul-nourishing responses. Thomas Wesdock read the Third and Sixth Hours prior to the Divine Liturgy. Dr. Richard Romanas Pearce read the After Communion Prayers of Thanksgiving following the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy.

His Grace Bishop Irinej spoke eloquently about the Rich Man and Lazarus as described in St. Luke’s Gospel. His Grace elaborated on the importance and power of the name given to believers at Holy Baptism. He spoke about wealth being used beneficially in ways pleasing to God and not controlling and possessing the person, and the concept of eternity. His Grace noted the forthcoming Feast of the Dedication of the Church of St. George the Greatmartyr in Lydia, the widespread veneration of St. George and the miracles attributed to St. George.

Father Sasa spoke at the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy. He expressed great appreciation for His Grace coming each year. He was grateful to the visiting clergy, altar servers, and the Tsar Lazar Choir. Father Sasa recognized the presence of a group of parishioners from Holy Trinity Mission in Fairmont, West Virginia. He thanked his beloved parishioners from St. George Church and all visitors coming for the celebration.

A festal dinner was held at Dolfi’s Restaurant in Masontown following the Divine Liturgy. Father Sasa gave a powerful talk about his recent visit to Orahovica Monastery in Slavonia, where he shared a time of soul-touching silence with the monastery’s abbot at a nearby spring that brings renewal to pilgrims. Father Sasa welcomes believers wanting to come during the week to experience the church in silence for benefit to the soul.

Parish Executive Board President Stan Brozik welcomed and expressed gratitude for all in attendance at the dinner. He had members of the Parish Board stand and be recognized.  Tsar Lazar Choir’s contributing presence was acknowledged. St. George Choir Director Sonia Janson was recognized during the dinner.

Presbyter-Economos Branislav Golic, Popadija Dragana and their children came from St. Elijah Church in Aliquippa to attend the dinner. The Diocesan Council was well represented with Father Branislav Golic,  Andrea Janson and John Buffalini attending.

His Grace Bishop Irinej provided enlightening remarks of appreciation for all at the dinner. He encouraged the parish to have their celebration on a Saturday for next year’s 70^th Anniversary to enable greater participation by other area parishes. His Grace commented on the singing of the Tsar Lazar Choir and expressed hopes the choir would sing additional selections at the dinner.

God has blessed the St. George Church abundantly during the 69 years since the parish church was consecrated. This Anniversary celebration was an offering of thanksgiving to God, to St. George the Greatmartyr as well as the founders, benefactors, clergy and parishioners through the years.

                                                                    Father Rodney Torbic