Fairmont, WV - His Grace, Bishop Dr. MITROPHAN accepted Holy Trinity Mission in Fairmont, West Virginia into the Eastern Diocese on April 15, 2000. His Grace blessed the existing chapel when serving the first Hierarchical Divine Liturgy.

Services were first held at the Mission in early 1999. They have continued with increased frequency. Currently, Vespers or an Akathist is served each Wednesday evening followed by an adult education class.

An effort is made to serve the Divine Liturgy on two Saturdays per month. During Great Lent and Holy Week, the Mission is included with appropriate services in the schedule.

The Mission’s Board of Trustees consists of Dr. Charles Paroda-President; Michael Danko-Vice-President; Sharon Paroda-Treasurer; and Vesna Prodanovich Meinert-Secretary. Wayne and Joyce Kirby have provided space for the Mission chapel during the period of its existence. In addition to the Board of Trustees, the Mission has benefitted from faithful supporters through the years.

Niko and Rose Illich, Gojko and Anka Arbutina have regularly supported the Mission. Vanessa Lasobek, Stephanie Lewis, Carlos, Edith, and Cameron Godbey, Dennis and Sandy Elliot, and Dr. Leland George are often at the services and/or  classes. Members of Michael Danko’s extended family also have been connected with the Mission. Irene Stingo remains attentive to the Mission.

A significant number of adults and children have become Orthodox Christians at the Mission. Since the Mission was established a number of faithful members, supporters and founders have departed this life. They are regularly remembered in the Divine services.

Members of St. George Serbian Orthodox Church in Carmichaels and Christians in other communities have reached out to help the Mission.

Visitors have come from different areas including Montenegro and Bosnia.

This year the Mission Slava was held on June 25 with the celebration of the Divine Liturgy, blessing of the Slava Kolac’ and Koljivo.At the Slava dinner, members of the Board of Trustees spoke about their hopes and the progress of the Mission.

Stan Brozik, Central Church Council Member and Executive Board President of St. George Serbian Orthodox Church in Carmichaels, Pennsylvania offered remarks at the Slava dinner. St. George Church Board Vice-President John Williamson and Treasurer-Felecia Williamson were in attendance. Alex Zemcov and Susan Lafleur were visiting from New York and also attended.

The Mission continues to be a Serbian Orthodox presence for prayer,  worship and learning in Fairmont, West Virginia. The Mission serves the faithful that attend and warmly welcomes visitors and supporters,

Article by Father  Rodney Torbic