The St. George Serbian Orthodox Church in Carmichaels, Pennsylvania celebrated the parish’s Sixty-Third Anniversary of the consecration of the church on Sunday, November 5, 2017.

The celebration had additional significance. The Divine Liturgy was the first for the new parish priest, Reverend Father Sasha Nedic. A full church welcomed Father Sasha and Popadija Rachel and Popadija Rachel’s parents.

Living and departed members of the parish were remembered in the Divine Liturgy. The St. George Choir under the direction of Sonia Janson sang the inspiring responses.

The Anniversary dinner and program were held at Dolfi’s Restaurant in nearby Masontown as has been the custom for at least twenty-years. Stan Brozik, Executive Board President served as Master of Ceremonies.

Executive Board members warmly welcomed Father Sasha. They spoke and read from St. Nicholai of Serbia. Vice-President John Williamson, Financial Secretary-Andrea Janson and Treasurer Felicia Williamson were participants.

Sonia Janson spoke in behalf of the Choir and Kolo. Readers included Paulette Radock, Djelosh Milosevich, Mildred Bezak, Milosh Serb Krewasky and Joseph Romanchak. Waynesburg University professor Linda Chambers was a featured speaker.

Attorney Chambers, an attorney with extensive prosecutorial experience spoke on the mass shootings that have plagued this country. Chambers' presentations made clear the vast majority of people are law-abiding and make a difference for good. She spoke about the value of faith in addressing violence.

Recently retired parish priest Father Rodney Torbic expressed his support and welcome for Father Sasha and congratulated the parish. Father Sasha spoke of his optimism in coming to St. George Church and of the goodness of the parishioners.

Board President Brozik gave each person in attendance an opportunity to speak. He then presented a Pectoral Cross to Father Torbic from the Sokolovic and Damjanovic Families.

The Cross belonged to Very Reverend Stavrophor +Vasilije Sokolovic. Father Sokolovic and Protinica Zorine Sokolovic maintained strong ties with St. George Church and dear Kumovi and parishioners after their time in the parish.

President Brozik also presented Father Torbic with citation from the Pennsylvania Legislature initiated by State Representative Pam Snyder. The citation recognized Torbic’s service to the community and retirement.

The Sixty Third Anniversary was a time of gratefulness to God and a move forward with joy, love and certainty. The parish is part of the Eastern American Diocese. His Grace Bishop Irinej is Diocesan Bishop.