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 1 / August 14, 2010
Procession of the Honorable Cross
No. 181
Phone 724-966-7428
Phone 304-534-5321
Phone 304-622-3681

I Thessalonians 5:19-22

Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies. Test all things; hold fast to what is good. Abstain from every form of evil.

· Two people came for Divine Liturgy on July 6, 2010

· Twelve people came for Vespers on July 29, 2010. Anna Tenant was received into the Holy Orthodox Church.

· Honor the Dormition Fast until August 28.

· Continue to pray for the Mission.

· Remember the men and women serving in the military each day.

· 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. .

· 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.

· Honor your Slava each year.

· Read your Bible each day.

· Read the Church calendar each day to learn the feasts, fasts and saints of the Church.

Important Dates

August 19 - Feast of Transfiguration.
August 26 - Apodasis of the Transfiguration
August 28 - Dormition of Mother of God-KSS Federation Slava
September 4 - St. Nikodim Chapel Slava at Diocesan Center
September 5 - Leave-taking of Feast of Dormition
September 11 - Beheading of St. John the Baptist.
September 14- - Church New Year
September 19 - Miracle of Archangel Michael
September 21 - Nativity of the Theotokos
eptember 27 - Elevation of the Precious and Life-Giving Cross

If you are Too Busy to Pray...You are Too Busy!

Isaiah 58:4 - If you fast for condemnation and quarrels, and strike a humble man with your fists, why do you fast to Me as you do today, so your voice may be heard in crying?

The attitude with which we fast has importance. The way we treat others and view God during the fast has importance. Humility and a repentant heart are the necessary ingredients of the fast.

Sorrow for sins and the desire for forgiveness and love from God are essential elements of the fast. Recognition of departing from the ways of God and complete interest in following the ways of God have first place in the fast.

Being short-tempered, being impatient with others and being unforgiving of others have no place in the fast. Believers are tested during periods of fasting. Increased prayer sustains the proper spirit of the fast.

Keeping food consumption at the minimum necessary level aids in thoughtfulness about God. Exercising the will to focus on God and to express love and appreciation for God are part of the fast.

Seeking forgiveness from God and the mercy of God require a willingness to depart from sin. The fast is a means to combat sin. If the fight against sin is not a serious and determined fight, the fast is a formality with little or no benefit.

The Church sets forth periods of fasting that approximate half the year or more. Fasting gives order and balance to the year. Believers treating the fasts with honor incorporate the fasts throughout the year as part of their lives.

Each person comes to periods of fasting with a different background and different perspective. The background and perspective will affect the way fast periods are treated.

Everyone interested in honoring the fast periods and making a sincere effort will derive benefits. Fast periods exist in companion with the additional elements comprising the Christian life.

Fasting is not to be viewed alone, but in conjunction with prayer, almsgiving, attending the Divine services of the Church and making an effort to honor God in daily life activities.

A welcoming attitude toward periods of fasting increases the value. Personal sins occur even with the best of efforts. It is necessary to always be on guard. It is necessary to stop periodically and reflect on errors committed and the need for correction with the help of God.

Holy Confession and Holy Communion provide the fresh starts necessary in resuming a life pleasing to God. Holy Confession and Holy Communion are not to be treated lightly, fs but with extensive honor and respect.

Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Mission, Fairmont, West Virginia
August 1 / August 14, 2010

Fr. Rodney Torbic

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