Holy Trinity Slava in West Virgina
Fairmont, WV - His Grace Bishop Dr. MITROPHAN celebrated the first Hierarchical Divine Liturgy at Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Church in Fairmont, West Virginia on April 15, 2000. The tiny mission parish in Fairmont has continued to grow and become stronger.
The chapel has doubled in physical space and improved in appearance. The average attendance at the twice monthly Divine Liturgies has increased. Several of the initial founders of the parish have departed this life and new members have begun attending.
The Holy Trinity Church is the only Serbian Orthodox Church physically located in West Virginia and the only Orthodox Church in Fairmont. The chapel used for worship is sufficient for current needs and is in a good location. Wayne and Joyce Kirby, owners of the Fairmont Graphics have been gracious in providing the dedicated space for the chapel since the very beginning.
The Slava for Holy Trinity Church is celebrated on Pentecost Monday each year. This year on Monday, June 13, 2011 as in previous years, His Grace Bishop Dr. MITROPHAN came for the Slava celebration. Vespers were served and His Grace officiated at the blessing of the Slava kolach and koljivo. The Slava dinner was held afterwards in the adjoining dining area.
His Grace addressed the faithful at the Slava dinner as did Michael Danko, Vice-President of the Trustees for the mission. With Sharren Paroda doing advance work, Maria Djonovich organized the dinner with the faithful fully participating.
The Holy Trinity Church is very welcoming of visitors. Each person coming for the first time appreciates the warm welcome received. Visitors to the chapel have come from various parts of Pennsylvania as well as other states including Ohio and the Washington D.C. area. This year one of the Slava attendees was from the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania area.
Individuals regularly attending services at the chapel come from the West Virginia areas of Buckhannon, Bridgeport, Clarksburg, Fairmont, and French Creek. The parish website has attracted inquiries from different locations, some far distant. Clergy, church organizations and individuals from the Pittsburgh Deanery parishes in Aliquippa, Carmichaels, Mckeesport, Midland, Monroeville, Pittsburgh and Steubenville have been supportive and shown interest in the mission.
God has been good to the Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Church in Fairmont, West Virginia. The celebration of the Slava each year is a time to thank God for the blessings throughout the year and a time to thank His Grace and the faithful supporters and helpers of the mission.
Father Rodney Torbic