St. George
Serbian Orthodox Church
Carmichaels, PA
September 11, 2004 - A Look Back and Ahead
by Fr. Rodney Torbic
America became a different country. The world became different on September ll, 200l.
American troops are dying in Iraq. War related news is reported daily. Families and friends
have felt the effects of the terrorists. Families and friends have felt the effects of the
war in Iraq.
The faces and eyes and demeanor of veterans who have been to Iraq tell the difference.
The faces and eyes and demeanor of military men and women readying to depart for Iraq also
speaks of the difference war creates.
Peace has been shattered to a degree in this country. Sensitivity to security has been
heightened. A sense of wariness exists. A sense of concern exists. Security alerts, searches
and surveillance are common in daily life now.
The time for prayer continues. We have prayed for the victims of the terrorist attacks
in 200l. We have prayed for healing and for peace. We have prayed for an end to threats and
for greater security in life.
The time for prayer continues for measured responses, for measured thoughts, for measured
understanding. The time for prayer continues to resolve existing conflicts, to protect the
lives of those defending this land.
The time for prayer continues for those who are innocent victims of war. And while the
terrorist attack of 200l continues to loom in peoples' minds and Iraq continues to dominate
headlines, let us always remember the suffering in Kosovo and to pray for the victims and
persecuted and uprooted there.
The answer to the question on the best way to deal with war is the answer to the question
on the best way to deal with everything in life. Pray first with the greatest of seriousness!
Dealing with terror and terrorists is no easy task. Dealing with criminals and crime is
no easy task. Whether it is terror in the home, in the community or international terror,
peace and law must prevail.
Order is necessary for human life to exist and continue. In these times testing and
revealing fundamental human values, authenticity of faith is necessary.
Those who know God somehow come to terms with war. Believers weep for the tragedies.
Believers pray for peace. Believers know that terrorists must be brought to justice.
Men and women serving in the military and their families require daily support.
They require daily prayers. Men and women serving in the military are called upon to
defend themselves and others. They are called to act in extraordinary ways.
May God be merciful in these remaining days of 2004 and the years to come.