On November 15th and 16th, 2024, the St. George Serbian Orthodox Church, Midland, PA, joyfully celebrated its 75th Anniversary, marking three-quarters of a century as a spiritual home for Orthodox Christians and a cultural pillar of the Serbian American community. This milestone is a testament to the faith, dedication, and perseverance of its parishioners, past and present, who have built a vibrant and enduring legacy.

The history of St. George Serbian Orthodox Church, in Midland, began in 1949, founded by Serbian immigrants determined to preserve their Orthodox faith and cultural heritage in a new homeland. The community’s first services were held in humble surroundings, in nearby Serbian Club but their shared vision led to the construction of the current church building in 1949. Over the decades, St. George has grown, providing a sacred space for worship and a center for Serbian traditions.

Through challenging times—whether due to economic hardships, wars abroad, or the challenges of assimilation—St. George has remained a beacon of faith and hope. The church’s dedication to serving God and its people has endured, fortified by the prayers and sacrifices of its clergy and parishioners.

The two-day celebration began with an evening Vesper service led by the Bishop of Washington-New York and Eastern America, His Grace Irinej, and visiting clergy Protosyngelos Nektarije Tešanović from Lorain, OH, Protopresbyter Milan Pajić from Akron, OH, Deacon Daniel August and Readers John Buffalini and Luka Parojcić. Many people gathered around their spiritual leader. 

In His sermon after the service, he expressed His great spiritual joy to be able to be with the faithful people here in Midland again. Speaking about the importance of this Church and its founding 75 years ago, he reminded the faithful how and why, at the initiative of Bishop Nicholai Velimirovich. this church was named “Lazarica”, after the Church of the same name and very historically significant in Kruševac, Serbia. 

After the evening service, the gathered people had the opportunity to hear the newly founded children's choir for the first time, led by Protinica Danijela Barać. By performing a few spiritual songs, this children's choir showed that this kind of youth is an excellent foundation for the future of this Church. Greeting the children's choir and the founder and conductor Protinica Danijela, Bishop proudly stated that they are ready to show what they have achieved by visiting all churches across America. 

The celebration continued in the recently renovated Church Hall. The Church Board and the parishioners put a lot of effort into making this hall shine with its old splendor and they succeeded! In a celebratory atmosphere, the evening full of surprises and emotions continued, especially when a special guest speaker, Mrs. Dessa Mrvos appeared at the rostrum. She evoked memories of what it was like growing up in Midland, in the bosom of this beautiful Church, with wonderful people, priests and companions. She was rewarded with a huge round of applause for her speech. The President of the Church Board, Mr. Alfred Passa, greeted all the guests and welcomed them. 

The parish priest, Protopresbyter Dejan Barać, then addressed the gathered people, presenting a newly printed beautiful book on the history of the Church. At the end of his address, Fr. Dejan proudly presented the treasure of the Church in Midland, the museum in the church hall, which, according to him, will be a long-term project in which he will try to get closer to the parishioners and guests’ history of Serbia and Christianity as a whole. The exhibition is adorned with a large collection of printed money and coins from Serbia, a beautiful filigree cross from the 19th century, a lot of medals from the history of Serbia and a special part dedicated to early Christianity in the form of a collection of fifteen Roman coins, Emperor Constantine, Constantine I, Lucian, Gratian, Licinius, etc. 

Also, Protinica Danijela surprised everyone with a beautiful exhibition of photographs on canvas of our church, which were recorded with her camera.

The evening ended with music and celebration.

The second day of the celebration began with a Holy Hierarchical Liturgy presided by His Grace Bishop Irinej. Concelebrating with His Grace and parish priest, Protopresbyter Dejan Barać were Protopresbyter-Stavrophor Rodney Torbic, Protosyngelos Nektarije Tešanović, Protopresbyter Milan Pajić, Protopresbyter Saša Nedić, Presbyter-Economos Boško Stojanović, Presbyter-Economos Branislav Golić, Presbyter Stefan Đorić, Deacon Daniel August, Deacon Mark Matijevich and Reader John Buffalini.

At the very beginning of His sermon, His Grace, Bishop Irinej, speaking about this beautiful church, he said:

     “I remember well His late Grace, Bishop Dionisije, who consecrated this church and now I stand in the very place where he stood, as the Archbishop of the Greek Archdiocese, Iakovos, once said: “on sure feet with trembling knees.” 

     It is, indeed, a holy place. It has served the church well for 75 years and God-willing it will continue for many more years and many generations to come, to serve the needs of our holy Serbian Orthodox Church and its Diocese of Eastern America.

     How I rejoice because together with you we have the chance to pray before this resplendent and most unique iconostasion that was designed at the hands of Prince Roman Verhovskoy, one of only three in the entirety of the United States of America. And I rejoice that it is still here, still standing, and it is beautifully upkept. Thank you for all that you do to preserve this church, which is dedicated to the memory of the Holy Great-Martyr and Victory-Bearer, George.”

Further on, His Grace, Bishop Irinej, spoke also about the life of the Holy Great-Martyr George and the influence that this Saint leaves on all the faithful people. Speaking about the life of St. George, he said: 

     “He is a witness not only to the Crucified Lord, but also to the Resurrected Lord, indeed. For Saint George is not dead. He was put to death, yes, but he lives.

     His memory lives. His body is still with us in his sarcophagus, located in one of the most resplendent churches, which was built, destroyed, and rebuilt many times over in Lyda, in today's Palestine, which is wrought by wars. He is there as a witness to Christ, and today we celebrate the anniversary of the rebuilding of the second temple on that place where Saint George was buried.

     If you look in the commemorative books, which will be passed out today, you will see a beautiful photo of the interior of the crypt, the chapel, wherein lies his sarcophagus, a marvelous marble tomb with his icon sculpted on the top of it. That sculpted or icon carved out of marble is miraculous in and of itself because every time you come there, the top of his coffin is filled with myrrh, with oil which exudes from his tomb. People from all over the world come and bring with them bottles and cotton swabs and take the oil with them, and it is never exhausted.”

At the end of the sermon, His Grace greeted the gathered people with the words:

     “May St. George continue to pray for each and every one of you individually and collectively on this great day as we celebrate the renovation and transfer the relics of St. George. May St. George bless this community in Midland, that you grow strong, that you prosper, and that you multiply.

     Last night, we had the exceeding great pleasure to hear, at the program here in the church, a choir of children singing with their angelic voice. It was a treat, indeed, for all of us. You see, the end can never be the end, if you believe in Christ, and you are of the Christian faith.

Pray and your prayers will be answered. A truly happy and blessed and all joyous 75th Anniversary. I pray for each and every one of you and collectively for all of us.

God bless you and keep you well.” 

At the end of the Divine Liturgy, the Slava Kolach was cut. This year's Slava Kum and the celebration host was Mr. Richard Hinkle. 

JoAnn Biscan directed Dr. Laza Kostić Choir, together with the guest male choir Car Lazar. They sang beautifully and embellished this celebration with their voices.

Following the Divine Liturgy, the celebration continued at the Serbian Club in Midland. A delicious lunch was served and all the guests enjoyed it. After lunch, the guest male choir Car Lazar treated us with beautiful compositions from their repertoire.

Although all members of this parish participated in the preparation of the Anniversary, several individuals were awarded with an Episcopal Grammaton for everything that they have done for their Church, and these are: Anka and Kata Vidakovich, Gregory and Janet Mamula, Pete Jr. and Teresa Vuyakovich, Cynthia and Rick Angerett, Daisy Suznevich, Mike Vranes and Paula Esapovich.

The 75th Anniversary Committee has also prepared special surprises for those who received Grammata in the form of a silver coin with an engraving of our church, and icon of Saint George, in memory of this day. Along with the memorial books, all guests received triptychs with the picture of our church and icons from the iconostasis from our church, which were selflessly donated by Mrs. Cyndi Kovacevich in memory of her late husband Jim James Kovacevich.

After the award ceremony all those present were addressed by the Kum of the celebration Mr. Richard Hinkle, the President of the Church Board Mr. Alfred Passa and Prota Dejan Barać.

At the very end, a huge surprise awaited everyone present. On the recommendation of our Bishop, His Grace Irinej, the Holy Synod of Bishops of the Serbian Orthodox Church awarded the Order of St. Sava in the Second Degree, to Mr. Rudley Mrvos, for 25 years, his selfless contribution as Estate Manager of Shadeland, and for everything he has done for the Serbian Orthodox Church, our Diocese and his parish. He was very surprised and thanked everyone with tears of pride.  

It's well deserved! Dostojan! Axios! He is worthy!

With words of gratitude to the Lord and to all those who made this wonderful celebration possible, His Grace closed our two-day celebration.

For 75 years, St. George has been more than a church; it has been a second home for many families. The church’s ministries—ranging from Sunday school and youth groups to charitable outreach—have nurtured generations in faith and service. Cultural events, such as the annual Serbian Festival and the celebration of the church Slava, have strengthened the bonds of community and shared heritage. One parishioner said: “This church has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. It’s where we come together to celebrate, to grieve, and to pray. It connects us to our roots and to each other.”

The 75th Anniversary of St. George Serbian Orthodox Church is a moment to honor its founders, celebrate its present, and envision its future. As the parish gathers to commemorate this milestone, the words of St. Paul resonate: “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).

Mnogaja Ljeta!! God grant them many years!