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

August 29 / September 11, 2009
Beheading of St. John the Baptist
No. 168
Phone 724-966-7428
Phone 304-534-5321
Phone 304-622-3681

Matthew 12:31

Therefore I say to you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven men.

· Ten people came for Divine Liturgy on August 24, 2009. One communicant.

· May God give rest to the soul of +Father Leonidas of the Greek Orthodox Church in Clarksburg.

· May God remember all the victims of the terrorist attacks on the country eight years ago. May God remember the families and the people that have helped the hurting and the victims.

· We are glad to have Dr.Anatoli Peredera visiting in the area today.

· Pray for continued stability and growth of the Mission.

· 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 and all suffering people throughout the world.

· Remember the men and women working in dangerous occupations including those in the mines and criminal justice agencies, the police, correctional officers and parole agents.

· 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.

A Thought from His Grace Bishop Dr. MITROPHAN

For the Holy Fathers and teachers of the Church, as well as for contemporary theologians, the Old Testament finds its meaning only in the person of Jesus Christ. Otherwise, in all of its essence, it cannot be applied to any other person in the history of the race of men.

(Introduction to the New Testament )

The Beheading of St. John the Baptist

Today God's Holy Church commemorates the Beheading of St. John the Baptist. St. John lost his life in a most gruesome way. His violent death continues to be remembered by the Church. His life is always remembered.

Every Tuesday is dedicated to the memory of St. John the Baptist. His birth is remembered in the Church each July. Details of St. John's birth are included in the Gospel of St. Luke. (Lk. 1:5-80) On January 7/20, the Synaxis of St. John is celebrated.

The Lord Jesus Christ spoke of the singular nature of St. John when He said: "Assuredly, I say to you, among those born of women there has not risen one greater than John the Baptist." (Mt. 11:11)

Minds and hearts today throughout the world are affected by the terrorist attack that took place eight years ago. Thousands lost their lives and the world changed dramatically.

Suffering continues for the families and friends of the victims. Suffering continues among the rescue workers and their families that were traumatized. The full impact of the attack can never fully be measured.

The tragedy did bring out the best in many people who pulled together to help each other and to help the suffering. Prayer was needed then. Prayer is needed now. A more humane and just world is necessary.

A world centered in the Holy Gospel is necessary. The beheading of St. John the Baptist and the terrorist attack on America are separated by centuries. They both occurred on the same date. Violence continues to span the centuries.

Believers need to be prepared for such tragedies. Believers need to be strong in faith to recover from tragedies. Believers need to be strong in faith to address and help during tragedies.

Many examples of heroic faith in action were manifested at the time of the terrorist attack and in the days afterward. Time has passed. Believers have the benefit of reflecting on the changes in the world.

Believers have the benefit of looking at the passage of the centuries since the beheading of St. John and the existence of violence in contemporary society. Believers have the benefit of the Holy Gospel to weigh and assess what has transpired.

The Lord Jesus Christ's death on the Cross is a constant reminder of the most far reaching violence. Lasting peace can only be found through Christ the voluntary victim of violence. He died and rose that we may live and always have hope.

The words of St. John the Forerunner still ring true: "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." (Mt. 3:2)

Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Mission, Fairmont, West Virginia
August 29 / September 11, 2009
Beheading of St. John the Baptist.

Fr. Rodney Torbic

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