The Divine Liturgy has been celebrated at 408 Morgantown Avenue in Fairmont, West Virginia since 1999.  The Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Mission was officially established the following year on April 15, 2000.

This year on June 6, the faithful and friends of  the Mission gathered in the chapel to celebrate the Mission’s Slava. His Grace Bishop Irinej of Washington-New York and Eastern America officiated.

Serving with His Grace at the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy were Mission Administrator Protopresbyter Sasa Nedic, Protopresbyter Stavrophor  Rodney Torbic and Father Deacon Daniel August.

Reader John Buffalini assisted in the Altar. At the beginning of the celebration, His Grace tonsured Wayne Kirby as Reader. His Grace recognized Mr. Kirby’s contributions in preparation for the tonsuring.

Sonia Janson, Andrea Janson, Protinica Rachel Nedic and Milos “Serb” Krewasky came to sing the responses. The small chapel was filled to capacity.

Stan Brozik, President of the Parish Board of St. George Church in Carmichaels, Pennsylvania was the honored Kum. Mr. Brozik was accompanied by his wife Karen. He has always supported the Mission.

Bishop Irinej elaborated on the Gospel reading in His sermon. His Grace spoke with emphasis about the need for believers to love their enemies in accord with Jesus Christ’s teachings.

As the Divine Liturgy was drawing to conclusion, following the Blessing of the Festal Bread and Memorial Wheat. Milos “Serb” Krewasky stepped forward to be the Kum for next year’s Slava celebration.

Milos Krewasky has been a faithful supporter of the Mission since the very beginning. Many others in attendance have come to the Mission through the years to show consistent support.

The Slava dinner was held at Muriel’s Restaurant in Fairmont as has been the practice in recent years. His Grace was warmly greeted at the door with a beautiful bouquet of flowers by young Evelyn Rimes.

Mission Trustee President Vanessa Lasobek expressed her appreciation for all in attendance. She noted the greatly appreciated acts of Wayne and Joyce Kirby providing the space for the chapel through the years.

Father Sasa Nedic expressed his appreciation for His Grace’s attendance at the Mission and the power of His Grace’s sermons. He thanked Deacon Dan August, Reader John Buffalini and all the faithful and friends present.

His Grace presented an icon of St. George the Great-martyr to Stan Brozik in recognition of Mr. Brozik’s honored status as Kum for the celebration. Father Sasa chose the icon especially for this occasion.

Stan Brozik addressed with deep gratitude all in attendance at the dinner. He spoke with reflection from his heart about being present. Mr. Brozik has attended every Slava celebration since the inception of the Mission.

The Slava celebration reflected a gathering of faithful and friends of the Mission. Attendees traveled from far corners of West Virginia and from western Pennsylvania in addition to those living in the greater Fairmont area.

The Mission continues to attract new faithful in addition to retaining and nourishing those that have been attending through the years. Services are held each Wednesday and at least two Saturdays per month.

Adult education classes are held each Wednesday. The Mission is the only Serbian Orthodox Church physically located in West Virginia. Love and great hospitality abound at the Mission.

The Slava celebration was a joyous occasion. The Mission continues to proclaim and spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ with fervor. Thank God for continuing to bless the Mission and for all supporting it.

Father Rodney Torbic