His Grace, Bishop Irinej, Bishop of Eastern America of the Serbian Orthodox Church came to the Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Mission in Fairmont, West Virginia on Saturday, June 10, 2023, to celebrate the Mission’s Patronal Feast – Slava.

His Grace was accompanied by Father Deacon Daniel August and Reader John Buffalini. His Grace came to officiate at the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy for the Apodosis (Leave-taking) of Pentecost and to participate in the Slava dinner.

Protopresbyter Sasha Nedic, the Mission Administrator, was joyous and grateful at the presence of His Grace and all the faithful and guests coming for the Slava celebration.

The Hierarchical Divine Liturgy was celebrated at the Mission Chapel dedicated to the Holy Trinity. His Grace gave an eloquent and informative sermon about the Feast of Pentecost which serves as the parish’s patronal feast.

Services have been held at the Mission since January 1999.  The Mission became an official part of the Diocese on April 15, 2000. God has blessed the Mission with faithful believers throughout this period.

Sonia Janson, Circle of Serbian Sisters – Kolo and Choir President from St. George Church in Carmichaels, Pennsylvania was the honored Sponsor – Kuma for the celebration. She has been a faithful supporter of the Mission from the very beginning.

Protopresbyter-Stavrophor Rodney Torbic accepted to be the Sponsor – Kum for next year’s Slava. Following the Divine Liturgy, the attendees gathered at Muriel’s Restaurant in Fairmont for the festal dinner.

At the dinner, Trustees President Vanessa Lasobek spoke about the deep faith and dedication of the Mission parishioners. His Grace spoke of the example of the power of the Holy Spirit working through the lives of Apostles to grow the Church. Following the remarks of Kuma Sonja, in gratitude for her love and devotion to both parishes, in Carmichaels and Fairmont, Fr. Sasha presented her with an icon of St. Basil of Ostrog.

Attendees at the Slava came from multiple communities in West Virginia and from the established parishes in Aliquippa and Carmichaels, Pennsylvania. Holy Trinity Mission is blessed with faithful supporters.

The Mission has enjoyed the benefit of having the Chapel on Morgantown Avenue in Fairmont for twenty-four years. Wayne and Joyce Kirby have made the property available out of the goodness of their hearts.

The need for establishing a permanent church location was made clear in His Grace’s message. Reliance on the power of the Holy Spirit is necessary for the location to be established and growth to occur.

Thank God for the abundant blessings bestowed on the Mission through the years. Thank God for the blessings the Mission has been to the many people having worshipped there. Thank God for the prayers that have been and are being offered for all and by all.

Protopresbyter-Stavrophor Rodney Torbic