Carmichaels, PA - The Ninth Annual Healthcare Day Seminar was held at St. George Serbian Orthodox Church in Carmichaels, Pennsylvania on August 9, 2016. St. Panteleimon is the Slava, the patronal feast for the Parish Nurse’s Office.

St. George Serbian Orthodox Church is a parish in the Eastern American Diocese. His Grace Bishop Dr. MITROPHAN is the Diocesan Bishop. His Grace has blessed the holding of Healthcare Day through the years.

Beginning in 1999 the parish has taken time each year to recognize and honor healthcare workers and to bless ambulances. Seminars were added in 2007. The theme this year was: “A Christian Ending to Our Lives."

The Divine Liturgy was held with the blessing of the Slava Kolac’ and Koljivo. Living and departed healthcare members from the parish were remembered. Linda Chambers served as the honored Kuma.

Hieromonk Platon(Jovic) from Stuplje Monastery in the Serbian Orthodox Diocese of  Banja Luka served at the Divine Liturgy. Father Platon came with Sister Anastasia from Monastery Marcha in Richfield, Ohio.

Attorney Linda Chambers is consistently the first presenter at these seminars. She spoke this year on the topic: “End of Life Decisions and Documents.” She gave examples from her private and criminal law experiences.

Licensed School Social Worker Deborah Migyanko was the second presenter. Social Worker Migyanko described her daily work with troubled youths in the context of “Helping Youths Go in a Good Direction.” 

Maryland State Trooper Joseph Romanchak drew from his law enforcement profession for the third presentation. Trooper Romanchak gave vivid examples of intense encounters where prayer was a factor.

Parish Nurse Practitioner Millicent Mitzie Hunchuck talked on the theme: “Addressing Emotional and Mental Issues.”  She described home care, hospice care and the common steps of grief.

Father Rodney Torbic was the final speaker. The theme of his talk was: “A Christian Ending to Our Lives.” The theme emanated from the petition in the Divine Liturgy of the Orthodox Church.

A Fayette Emergency Medical Services ambulance was blessed. Ambulance staffers Bill and Nicole were told of the great appreciation for their work and the work of their agency throughout the year.

St. George Church Executive Board President Stan Brozik and Parish Treasurer Felecia Williamson expressed appreciation to the participants and supporters of the seminar. Father Matthew Stagon blessed the noon meal.

St. George Circle of Serbian Sisters President Sonia Janson was recognized for her work and the work of the Sisters in providing the meals for the seminar. As Choir Director Sonia Janson also directed the responses at the Divine Liturgy

The seminar each year brings together nursing and other healthcare professionals, clergy, monastics, social workers, educators, criminal justice professionals and interested individuals to seriously examine important issues.

Director Rick Adabato of Fayette Emergency Medical Services consistently provides an ambulance to be blessed. The seminar concluded with an Akathist to St. Panteleimon, Patron Saint for the Parish Nurse’s Office

Article by Father Rodney Torbic