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

March 8 / March 21, 2009
Theodore Saturday
No. 163
Phone 724-966-7428
Phone 304-534-5321
Phone 304-622-3681

Titus 3:5

Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit...

· Seven people came for Divine Liturgy on March 7, 2009. One communicant.

· Believers are expected to fast from meat and daily products until the Paschal Divine Liturgy on April 19. Focus on the condition of the soul and repent.

· All Orthodox believers should prepare for Holy Confession and Communion during Great Lent. Now is the time for repentance and unity with Christ.

· Remember the sick, the suffering, the imprisoned, those in rehab centers, the homebound, the mentally ill , their caretakers and the institution staffs.

· Remember the men and women serving in the military and their families.

· Remember the workers in mines, law-enforcement, corrections, probation and parole and firefighters, all working in dangerous occupations.

· Every believer is a missionary for the Church.

· Read your Bible each day.

· Learn the calendar of the Church and use it to structure your daily life.

· 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 304-623-5749.

Important Dates

March 22 - Vespers, Third Sunday of Great Lent, 5:30 PM at St. George Church, Midland.
March 29 - Vespers, Fourth Sunday of Great Lent, 5:30 PM at Holy Resurrection Church, Steubenville
April 3 - Second Vigil Service, 6:00 PM at St. Elijah Church, Aliquippa.
April 5 - Vespers, Fifth Sunday of Great Lent, 5:30 PM at St. George Church, Carmichaels.
April 11 - Lazarus Saturday
April 12 - Vespers, Palm Sunday, 5:30 PM at Holy Trinity Cathedral, Pittsburgh
April 13 - Great and Holy Monday
April 1 - Great and Holy Tuesday
April 15 - Holy Unction, 7:00 PM at Holy Trinity Cathedral, Pittsburgh.

Psalm 19:1

The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork.

Luke 17:5

And the apostles said to the Lord, 'Increase our faith.'

The Holy Apostles asked the Lord to increase their faith. Men and women on death row can ask the Lord for an increase in faith. Men, women and children in hospital beds and rehab centers can ask the Lord for an increase in faith.

Elderly citizens in nursing and personal care homes and the homebound can ask the Lord for an increase in faith. Individuals of all ages, all ethnic backgrounds and in all nations can ask the Lord for an increase in faith.

The ability to ask for an increase in faith is not limited to the Holy Apostles of centuries ago. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever. (Heb. 13:8) Individuals desiring a better life in Christ must take the initiative to reach out in faith to Christ.

Christ is ever-present. Individuals must be willing to acknowledge and turn to Christ for help. Individuals informed about Christ and advanced in knowledge and religious faith will still commit sins and are required to repent.

Repentance is necessary throughout life. Faith in God is required throughout life. As one grows in Christ, one has a history of Christ's faithfulness to draw on in times when repentance is necessary.

Until one departs this life, sin will occur. Repentance, Confession and Holy Communion are necessary. When a person turns to Christ for an increase in faith, the person takes on the responsibility to live in faithfulness to Christ.

One cannot turn to Jesus as if Jesus were a fireman only to be used in times of emergency. Jesus Christ is to be the goal of each believer each day. Jesus Christ is to be the source of nourishment and joy each day.

Knowing that our faith is limited is important. Knowing that an increase in faith is necessary is important. Being aware of our own lack of knowledge regarding Christ and the Church is a good starting point.

When we know we do not know much, then we can open our hearts and minds for more learning. While our minds function, we can continue to learn. We should continue to learn about Christ. We deny ourselves the fullness of life if we do not seek to learn.

Young children will remember their teachings about Christ when they are much older. Older people will recall lessons of youth even after they think they are long forgotten.

Investing in a child is an investment in God's Kingdom. God loves children and wants them to come to Him.. The Lord Jesus Christ said: "Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven." (Mt. 19:14)

Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Mission, Fairmont, West Virginia
March 8 / March 21, 2009

Fr. Rodney Torbic

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