St. George
Serbian Orthodox Church
Carmichaels, PA
Outdoor Religious Program in Carmichaels
June 4, 2006
by Fr. Rodney Torbic
An Outdoor Religious Program was held at the St. George Serbian Orthodox Church in
Carmichaels, Pennsylvania on June 4, 2006 in conjunction with the parish picnic.
The day began with at 5:30 AM with Midnight Office and Matins with Mildren Belch providing
the responses. Father Deacon Dragoslav Kosic served with Father Rodney at the Divine Liturgy
with the St.George Choir providing the responses under the direction of Sonia Janson.
At the parish picnic pavillion, Executive Board President Stan Brozik graciously welcomed
the attendees to the Outdoor Religious Program and picnic. Dr. Ivko Dimitric, Executive Board
Vice-President spoke at length about the Feast of the Holy Ascension of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Dr. Anatoli Peredera spoke on the topic of "Prayer" including drawing upon the words of
St. Theophan the Recluse. Parish Nurse Practioner Millicent Mitzie Hunchuck spoke about the
wholistic health approach and the team concept used with the Parish Nurse's Office.
Father Rodney Torbic presented a "Reflection on the Mother of God" with stewardship
as the underlying theme.
Milosh "Serb" Krewasky oversaw the lamb preparation and the St. George Kolo staffed the
kitchen and refreshment areas.
The Outdoor Religious Program is an outreach effort to present Orthodox teachings to
the picnic attendees. Many people attending the picnics come from different communities
and do not necessarily have an Orthodox background.
The Outdoor Religious Programs have been a integral part of the parish picnics in
recent years and normally conclude with an Akathist to the Lord Jesus Christ at the Cross
in the parish cemetery.
The Outdoor Religious Programs are a healthy use of the grounds of the parish church
and they emphasize the primary purpose of the grounds being for the glory of God.
God has been good to the St. George Church. It is important to use every opportunity
to proclaim the Holy Gospel for all willing to hear.