ST GEORGE CHURCH OUTDOOR PROGRAM AND PICNIC, CARMICHAELS, PA
Carmichaels, PA - The St. George Serbian Orthodox Church in Carmichaels, Pennsylvania held the Annual Outdoor Religious Program and Picnic on Sunday, June 1, 2008. The day began with Midnight Office, Matins and First Hour. Reading of the Third and Sixth Hours preceded the Divine Liturgy.
Guest clergy at the Divine Liturgy were Reverend Father Zoran Milinkovic visiting from Novi Sad and Father Deacon Dragoslav Kosic, Diocesan Secretary.The St. George Choir sang the responses under the direction of Sonia Janson.
Parish Executive Board President Stanko Brozik welcomed the attendees at the picnic grounds and expressed appreciation to the St.George Kolo and all helping with the picnic.
Mr. Paul Adams, a member of the St.George Serbian Orthodox Church in Midland, Pennsylvania, recently returned with his wife Carol from a pilgrimage visiting Serbian churches and monasteries.
Mr. Adams accompanied Father Milinkovic to St.George Church in Carmichaels and was the first speaker at the program. Mr. Adams described in vivid detail his journey to Dubrovnik where he visited the church of Father Slavko Zorica.. Mr. Adams also went to other religious sites including the Monastery of St.Basil of Ostrog. He was able to venerate the relics of St. Basil of Ostrog and also the relics of nearby St. Stanko.
Among the highlights of the Adams' trip was being able to visit the monastery where the hand of St. John the Baptist is kept.. Visiting the churches and monasteries and venerating the relics made a lasting impression on Mr. Adams and he communicated the impact in his remarks.
Mr. Adams is a retired iron worker and uses his woodworking skills in advancing the Orthodox Faith. He regularly mounts icons as gifts and in the past has applied his skills at St. Nikodim Chapel and Monastery Marcha.
Very Reverend Father Slavko Zorica and Father Milinkovic accompanied Mr. and Mrs. Adams on various parts of their pilgrimage.
The second speaker for the afternoon was Reverend Father Dimitre Dimitrov of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Orthodox Church in Masontown, Pennsylvania. Father Dimitrov spoke at length about Christian love and the different ways it is manifested in daily life.
Father Rodney Torbic was the third speaker and spoke on the theme of "Choosing Orthodoxy."
Following the program at the picnic grounds, an Akathist to the Mother of God was served at the large Cross in the St. George Cemetery.
The afternoon and evening featured music by orchestra Radost. Throughout the day, attendees enjoyed lamb prepared under the watchful direction of Milosh "Serb" Krewasky and other Serbian foods prepared by the St. George Kolo.
St. George Church is blessed to have a beautiful church and grounds which are very well suited for the Divine services and an atmosphere of peace and relaxation. Thanks to God, the participating guest clergy, dedicated parishioners and friends for this wonderful day.
Father Rodney Torbic