With the Archpastoral Blessings His Grace Bishop Irinej, Clergy confessions for the Eastern American Diocese were held on a Deanery basis this year. Dean of the Pittsburgh Deanery Protopresbyter George Veselinovich scheduled Clergy confession at St. George Serbian Orthodox Church in Midland, Pennsylvania for April 9, 2022.

Protopresbyter Dejan Barac served as the host priest for the attending clergy. The Divine Liturgy was scheduled in conjunction with the confessions. Serving clergy included host priest Father Dejan Barac, Dean Father George Veselinovich, Clergy confessor Protopresbyters-Stavrophores Dr. Rodney Torbic and Rajko Kosic, and Protonamesnik Branislav Golic, Presbyters Stefan Djoric and Dragan Vuckovic as well as Deacon Daniel August. Episcopal Deputy Protopresbyter-Stavrophor Rade Merick was in prayerful attendance. The St. George Choir provided the inspiring responses.  Father Rodney gave a homily on the theme “The Holy Priesthood”.

Host priest Father Dejan warmly welcomed and greeted all the brother priests and thanked them for coming. Following the Divine Liturgy, the parish graciously provided a Lenten luncheon for the visiting clergy.

Confession is an important part of the Lenten journey for all believers. Repentance and renewal in Jesus Christ are encouraged during Great Lent. Thank God for Father Dejan and the St. George Church for their willingness to host Clergy Confessions and provide the hospitality for the Deanery clergy.

During Great Lent this year, Deanery Vespers have been scheduled in Johnstown, McKeesport, Monroeville, Carmichaels and Aliquippa. Holy Unction has been scheduled at Holy Trinity Cathedral in Pittsburgh. The Lenten journey is a time of repentance and enrichment of the soul.

God’s Holy Church provides the services necessary to foster repentance. Believers in the Pittsburgh Deanery are fortunate to have the array of services available for personal benefit. Services held in the Pittsburgh Deanery benefit not only the parishes in which they are held but also the wider Greater Pittsburgh area.

The Pittsburgh Deanery is blessed to have healthy and welcoming parishes willing to host believers from different communities. The Lenten services strengthen and solidify the bonds between the parishes.

Father Rodney Torbic