Holy Trinity
Serbian Orthodox Mission
Fairmont, West Virginia
Festal Celebration in Fairmont, West Virginia
June 12, 2006
Kum Niko Ilich and his wife Rose
The Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Mission in Fairmont, West Virginia was officially
established by the Archpastoral Blessing of His Grace Bishop Dr. MITROPHAN in April 2000.
The chapel blessing with the first Hierarchical Divine Liturgy was on April 15, 2000.
Located on Morgantown Avenue in Fairmont, the mission chapel served well for a period of
five years. Last July renovations were begun and continue to double the size of the chapel
and will provide for a larger adjacent social area.
The chapel Slava is celebrated on Pentecost Monday each year. This year, on June 12, 2006,
because of the renovations, the Slava celebration was held at the YWCA in Fairmont.
Mr. Niko Ilich was the honored Kum for the celebration. Mr. Ilich and his wife Rose are
Fairmont, West Virginia residents. Mr. Ilich is a long time member of St. George Serbian
Orthodox Church in Carmichaels. Pennsylvania.
Many years ago, when Protopresbyter Svetozar Veselinovich was the priest at St. George,
Niko and Rose Ilich opened their home for the Divine Liturgy to be held in the area by Father
Veselinovich.
This year, as in years past, Vespers was served with the Blessing of the Kolach and
Kolijvo. Sonia Janson, Choir Director from St. George Church in Carmichaels came to Fairmont
to provide the responses as she has previously.
Michael Danko and Scott Tenant were altar servers. Dr. Anatoli Peredera and Crystal
Griffin did readings during Vespers. Ann Tenant had reason to be happy with the participation
of son Scott and daughter Crystal. Young Michael Tenant observed his brother and sister,
awaiting the day he is old enough to actively participate.
Maria Djonovich, Gojko and Anka Arbutina travelled the distance from Buckannon to be
present on this joyous occasion.
At the Slava dinner, Ann Yaremchuk presented Kum Niko Ilich with a beautiful icon in
recognition and appreciation of his position of honor. Sharren Paroda prepared the Kolach
and Priscilla Torbic prepared the Kolijvo.
The parishioners of Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Mission in Fairmont look forward to
returning to the chapel and the completion of the renovations.
God has been good to the Holy Trinity Mission. The reasons to give thanks to God are
abundant including the existence of many friends and supporters of the mission, near and far.
The Divine Liturgy is normally held twice monthly. At times during the period of
renovation, the Divine Liturgy had to be held monthly. New flooring and new walls and
doubled capacity are features expected when the chapel is complete.
The Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Mission is the only Serbian Orthodox Church physically
located in the state of West Virginia.
