The Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Mission Feast Day - Slava was celebrated in Fairmont, West Virginia on Saturday, June 26, 2021. The celebration occurred on the Leave-taking of Pentecost. Holy Trinity Mission is an integral part of the Eastern American Diocese. His Grace Bishop IRINEJ is the Diocesan Bishop. Protopresbyter Stavrophor Rade Merick is the Episcopal Deputy.
The Mission is in the Pittsburgh Deanery where Very Reverend George Veselinovich serves as Dean. Protonamesnik Father Sasa Nedic is the Mission’s Administrator and Vanessa Lasobek is the President of the Board of Trustees. The Mission was established in the Eastern Diocese by His Grace Bishop Dr. MITROPHAN on April 15, 2000, with the celebration of the first Hierarchical Divine Liturgy. The first services by a Diocesan priest were in 1999. The Mission is the only Serbian Orthodox parish in West Virginia. The Mission chapel is located in a building provided by Wayne and Joyce Kirby since 1999. Mr. Kirby has completed the St. Stephen’s Certificate of Theology Program in the Antiochian House of Studies.
Services have continued with increased frequency during the years. Father Sasa Nedic has an Akathist service each Wednesday evening followed by an educational class. The Divine Liturgy is held on at least two Saturdays per month. Services are held during Holy Week. Several individuals have become Orthodox Christians at the Mission. Many individuals have come to services from distant areas. The Mission benefits from the support of many friends.
The Slava celebration included the attendance of the Mission’s core faithful. Stephanie Lewis served as the Honored Host - Kuma. Father Sasa Nedic officiated at the Divine Liturgy with Protopresbyter Stavrophor Dr. Rodney Torbic concelebrating. Wayne Kirby read the Hours. Popadija Rachel Nedic and Thomas Wesdock came from St. George Serbian Orthodox Church in Carmichaels, Pennsylvania to assist with singing the responses. Living and departed members of the Mission were remembered during the Divine Liturgy and Blessing of the Festal Bread – Slavski Kolach and Wheat - Koljivo. A Memorial service was held for the departed faithful. A festive Slava dinner followed the Divine services. Remarks were offered during the dinner by Father Sasa Nedic, Kuma Stephanie Lewis, Mission President Vanessa Lasobek, St. George Church Board President Stan Brozik, Joyce Kirby, and Rose Ilich. Founding Mission member Michael Danko was recognized.
Father Nedic, faithful parishioners, and friends of the Mission continue to strengthen the Mission’s existence. The Slava was a wonderful opportunity to thank and glorify God and celebrate the Descent of the Holy Spirit. The Mission’s future is promising.
Father Rodney Torbic
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