Carmichaels church holds second outdoor program
St. George Serbian Orthodox Church in Carmichaels held the second outdoor religious program of the summer recently at the parish picnic grounds. Former state parole agent of the year and committed Orthodox Christian Mark Opacic read from St. Bishop Nicholai’s “Prayers by the Lake.’ These readings are a standard part of the outdoor programs. Parish nurse practitioner Mitzie Hunchuck spoke on the theme “Health and Hope.’ A United States Army veteran, she made the point there are no atheists in fox holes neither are there in hospital emergency rooms or surgery when faced with serious illness or injury.
The Rev. Rodney Torbic spoke about “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.’ The 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.
And, also recently, in connection with the Feast of St. Panteleimon, the 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 church parking lot for the blessing of the ambulance provided by Rick Adabato of the Fayette Emergency Medical Services and operated by paramedic Tom Kornick. The renovated area in the church hall to be used for the parish nurse’s office was blessed. Bishop Dr. Mitrophan gave the archpastoral blessing for the parish nurse program on Nov. 27, 2000. The office area gives the parish nurse a permanent location with privacy for the provisions of service 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 Healthcare Day dinner provided by the St. George Circle of Serbian Sisters. Brozik complimented parishioners for their hardwork for the recent picnic and informed them of upcoming events. Hunchuck offered remarks on the parish nurse program. She expressed appreciation to Tom Hunter for his contributions to the completion of the parish nurse office. She also recognized the material contributions of George Rodavich for renovating the 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.