On November 16, 2025, the Serbian Orthodox Church community in Midland, PA joyfully celebrated its Church Slava, honoring St. George the Great Martyr, one of the most beloved saints in Orthodoxy. This year’s celebration was marked by a special blessing, as the parish welcomed His Grace, Bishop Irinej of Washington–New York and Eastern America, who served as honored guest and presiding hierarch.

The celebration began with the Holy Hierarchical Liturgy, during which the faithful gathered in prayer, thanksgiving, and unity. In a moment of great joy for the parish, His tonsured a new reader, Richard Hinkle, formally setting him apart for service in the life of the Church. The community warmly congratulated Richard and prayed for his continued spiritual growth and dedication.

In His sermon after the Holy Gospel His Grace, Bishop Irinej, reflected on the Gospel reading of the Gadarene demoniac — a passage often seen as unusual and unsettling, yet deeply meaningful.

He explained that this event in Christ’s life raises three essential questions for every Christian: “Many people instinctively feel sorry for the swine that perished, he noted, but Bishop Nicholai teaches that no one can be more compassionate than Christ Himself. Jesus’ priority was the healing and restoration of the possessed man — a reminder that divine compassion sometimes challenges our human perspective”.

Christ, the source of perfect purity, confronted the filth of demonic possession. His Grace also explained how, for the Jews, swine were considered unclean, making this encounter even more striking. “Yet through this event, — and later through the vision given to St. Peter — God reveals that nothing He created is inherently unclean”.

A paradox stands at the center of the story: the people saw only a man in Jesus, while the demons immediately recognized Jesus as Christ God. Even in fear, they begged for mercy, showing that Christ’s authority extends over all creation.

He reminded us that the townspeople reacted with fear, asking Jesus to leave. As one preacher said: “Many people would rather live with their demons than allow Christ to free them. God never forces salvation — He respects our free will”.

At the end of the Gospel, the healed man wished to follow Christ, but Jesus sent him home with a mission: to testify to God’s mercy. In the same way, each of us is called to welcome Christ into our lives and to share what He has done for us.

Bishop Irinej concluded with a blessing for our community, praying that we remain united until our final and glorious encounter in God’s kingdom, together with our patron, St. George.

This year’s Kumovi for the Slava—those who hold the honor of participating in the cutting of the Slava bread and sponsoring the celebration—were David and Louise Nichol. The parish expressed deep gratitude for their devotion, generosity, and love toward the church and its people.

Following the Liturgy and cutting of the Slavski kolach, the celebration continued with a festive lunch in the Church Lyceum. Parishioners, guests, and friends of the Church shared a warm meal, fellowship, and joyful conversation, reflecting the spirit of unity and tradition that defines the Orthodox Christian celebration of their Patronal Feast – Slava.

The Church Slava of St. George is more than an event; it is a cherished tradition that strengthens the spiritual life of the parish. This year’s gathering, enriched by the presence of His Grace, Bishop Irinej, and marked by the appointment of a new reader, served as a reminder of the living faith and vibrant community in Midland.

May St. George the Great Martyr continue to intercede for the parish, its clergy, families, and all who carry his name and protection.