The Orthodox Mission

Chronicle of the Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Mission
Diocesan Bishop - His Grace Bishop Dr. MITROPHAN
Aministrator - Fr. Rodney Torbic
408 Morgantown Avenue
Fairmont, West Virginia 26544

January 13 / January 26, 2008
Apodasis of Theophany
No. 145
Phone 724-966-7428
Phone 304-534-5321
Phone 304-622-3681

Ephesians 5:8-10

For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light, (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), finding out what is acceptable to the Lord.

· Seven people came on January 5 for Divine Liturgy. One communicant.

· Today will be the readings in honor of St. Sava

· Today will be the first blessing of water at the Mission.

· Today we will go to the Monogahela River for the annual blessing.

· Let us remember the men and women in the military and their families.

· Let us remember the sick, the suffering, the imprisoned, those in care homes, hospitals, rehab centers and the staffs and caretakers.

· Let us remember the suffering Serbian People in Kosovo and Metohija.

· Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteers are needed in Harrison County. Support every child's right to a safe and permanent home, Contact Vesna Meinert, Volunteer Coordinator for the Harrison County CASA Program at 623-5749 or by email at casa@citynet.net.

· Spread the joy of Christ in daily life.

· Be faithful to Christ in daily living.

· Make good use of the Bible at home.

· Take time to pray each day at regular times and in the same location.

· Let your home become an extension of the parish church.

From the Desert Fathers

The priest of Nitria asked him how the brethren ought to live. He replied, "With much labour, guarding their consciences towards their neighbour."

Reflections on Prayer

Matthew 17:21 - However this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.

The Lord Jesus Christ established the power of prayer and fasting. He told His disciples of the merits of combining prayer and fasting. Contemporary believers do well to heed the words of the Lord Jesus Christ.

The lessons of the Lord Jesus Christ are lasting. The lessons of the Lord Jesus Christ have existed for more than two thousand years. Individuals interested in doing research will find the value in Christ's lessons.

The best way to experience the power of prayer and fasting is to fast and to pray. Make good use of the days of fasting set forth by the Church. Increase daily prayers particularly on days established for fasting.

The Church provides for many different forms of prayer. The Divine services offer opportunities for collective prayer. Prayer books offer common prayers for the evening, morning, mid-day and at other times.

Prayer books provide prayers for special needs or special occasions. Reading the Holy Bible for personal use can be a form of prayer. The Psalms are known for their prayerful value.

Parents do well to pray and fast when illness strikes a family member. Parents do well setting examples for their children. When children learn prayers at home, they have gained an experience that will be of value throughout life.

A person is only too old to learn to pray when his or her mind no longer functions. If a person's mind works, the person can learn simple prayers of the Church.

The Jesus Prayer, "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner" is a prayer for all occasions and locations. Each person is a sinner. Each person commits acts of omission or commission which require repentance.

The Jesus Prayer is an acknowledgement of personal sinfulness. The Jesus Prayer is a ready tool to use in returning to God and ways pleasing to God. Prayer is a movement towards God.

Prayer is a way for the person to unite with God. Prayer is a way for the individual to yield the self to God. Prayer is a way to turn to God and seek the ways of God.

Prayers of thanksgiving are expressions of gratefulness. A person can look to God in appreciation for blessings, for answers to prayer, for being spared certain circumstances.

Some individuals find value in hardship, in illness, in tragedy. Hardship, illness and tragedy can be motivators for individuals to return to God and remain with God.

Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Mission, Fairmont, West Virginia
January 13 / January 26, 2008

Fr. Rodney Torbic

Back to Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Mission, Fairmont, WV - Home Page