St. George
Serbian Orthodox Church
Carmichaels, PA
Parish Picnic August 3, 2003
The St. George Serbian Orthodox Church in Carmichaels, Pennsylvania held the
Second Outdoor Religious Program of the summer on August 3 at the parish picnic grounds.
Former State Parole Agent of Year and committed Orthodox Christian Mark Opacic read with
a voice of authority from the St. Bishop Nicholai's "Prayers by the Lake". Readings from
St. Bishop Nicholais' writings are a standard part of the Outdoor Programs. Mr. Opacic is
a career law enforcement official who takes Orthodox Christianity seriously
Parish Nurse Practioner Mitzie Hunchuck spoke on the theme "Health and Hope."
Mitzie used dictionary definitions of hope to establish her theme. A United States
Army veteran, Mitzie made the memorable point that just as there are no atheists in
the fox holes when war is taking place, neither are there atheists in hospital emergency
rooms or surgery when faced with serious illness or injury. People reach out to God for
help when faced with a threat to their health and wellness.
Father Rodney Torbic spoke on the topic "Orthodox Christian Hope" drawing upon the
words of St. Peter to "always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason
for the hope that is in you." (I Peter 3:15) The Resurrection of
Jesus Christ and the Old Testament experiences of Abraham and Elijah were central to
the presentation.
The Outdoor Religious Program concluded with an Akathist to Jesus Christ served at
The Cross in St. George Cemetery. St. George Choir Director Sonia Janson and Church
School Coordinator Mildred Bezjak provided the responses.
Healthcare Day August 10, 2003
On Sunday August 10, 2003 in connection with the Feast of St. Panteleimon, the
St. George Church held the Annual Healthcare Day. Begun in 1999 as an occasion to give
thanks to emergency medical care providers and for the blessing of area ambulances,
Healthcare Day in the parish has expanded to express appreciation to all involved in
healthcare services.
Immediately following the Divine Liturgy, parishioners went to the parking lot of
the St.George Church for the blessing of the ambulance provided by Rick Adabato of
Fayette Emergency Medical Services and operated by ParamedicTom Kornick.
The renovated area in the Church hall to be used for the Parish Nurse's Office
was blessed. His Grace Bishop Dr. MITROPHAN gave the Archpastoral Blessing for the
Parish Nurse Program on November 27, 2000.
The office area gives the parish nurse a permanent location with privacy for
the provisions of services and storage of essential equipment. An Orthodox healthcare
library is planned to be located in the office.
Parish Executive Board President Stan Brozik welcomed the attendees to the
Healthcare Day dinner provided by the St. George Circle of Serbian Sisters.
Mr. Brozik complimented the parishioners for the hardwork performed for the recent
parish picnic and informed them of upcoming events affecting the parish.
Parish Nurse Practionioner Mitzi Hunchuck offerred remarks on the parish nurse program,
spiritual and bodily health. She expressed appreciation to Tom Hunter for his contributions
to the completion of the parish nurse office. Mitzie recognized the material contributions
of George Rodavich, the person responsible for renovating the area now used for parish nurse's
office.
Dr. Louis Yancich, recently returned from a week of volunteering at Shadeland
Camp was present for Healthcare Day. Dr.Predrag Gligorovic, Paulette Radock, Jennifer Michelli
and Linda Porter are among St. George Parishioners currently involved in the delivery of
healthcare services. Eric Rose is in training to provide ambulance services.
Healthcare Day Greetings were received and read from Scott Newton, Maryland Operations
Director for Transcare Ambulance Service.
