Orthodox Christian roots run deep in the Mon Valley in Southwestern Pennsylvania. Jobs in the mines and mills in the area attracted immigrants from Russia, Europe, and the Middle East early during the last century.

The Orthodox settling in the area built Orthodox churches to nourish their souls and to strengthen them in their daily lives in the journey to God’s Kingdom. St. George Serbian Orthodox Church in Carmichaels is one of the Orthodox Churches in the Mon Valley.

St. George Serbian Orthodox Church serves parishioners in Fayette, Greene and Washington Counties in Pennsylvania and in nearby communities in West Virginia. The St. George Church has endured and thrived through the changes occurring in the area.

Coal mining and industrial plants no longer offer the same amount of job opportunities they once did in the Mon Valley. Parishioners at St. George Church have been steadfast and resolute through the changes in the economy.

Parishioners of St. George Church love their parish community. They are hospitable and loving to visitors. Father Sasa Nedic serves the parish with love and devotion. The parish continues to attract new visitors and members.

Friends of St. George Church living miles away visit during the year to experience the hospitality and demonstrate their support. The St. George Church enjoys a strong relationship with Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Mission in Fairmont, West Virginia.

St. George Church in Carmichaels celebrated the parish Slava on May 3, 2026. Father Sasa Nedic officiated at the Divine Liturgy. The St. George Choir under the direction of Sonia Janson sang the responses.

Andrea Janson, Financial Secretary for the parish was the honored host, the Kuma for the celebration. Andrea is a faithful and significant leader in the parish. She has also held leadership positions on the Diocesan Council of the Eastern American Diocese.

St. George Church is part of the Pittsburgh Deanery of the Diocese. His Grace Bishop IRINEJ is the Diocesan Bishop of Washington, New York and Eastern America. Father Rade Merick is Episcopal Deputy and Father Stevo Rocknage is the area Dean.

The parish Slava on May 3, 2026 was a joyous occasion. The Divine Liturgy was very well attended. Friends of the parish joined the faithful parishioners for the day.

The increased attendance of children added to the joy.

As the Liturgy drew to conclusion, the parishioners circled the Church prayerfully three times and concluded with Father Nedic blessing the Slava Bread and Memorial Wheat.

The Slava dinner was held in the church hall. Attendees included not only faithful from the parish. Holy Trinity Mission parishioners from Fairmont were present as were Orthodox Christians from as far away as Aliquippa.

Thank God for Father Sasa and the faithful parishioners and friends of St. George Church. The future looks bright for the parish. New people are coming to the parish to nourish their souls and to raise their children.

Bob Burdette and Nancy Mitchell have agreed to be honored hosts for the parish Slava in 2027. The investment of hierarchs, clergy and faithful parishioners through the decades of the parish’s existence continue to bear fruit with God’s abundant blessings.

Father Rodney Torbic