St. George
Serbian Orthodox Church
Carmichaels, PA
Healthcare Day
August 14, 2005
With the Archpastoral Blessing of Diocesan Bishop Dr. MITROPHAN, in 1999 the St. George
Serbian Orthodox Church in Carmichaels held the first Service of Thanksgiving in appreciation
for work of emergency medical providers. Ambulance services and emergency medical providers
in the area were invited to have ambulances blessed at the conclusion of the service.
This expression of appreciation was scheduled in August in connection with the liturgical
celebration of St. Panteleimon the Healer and Martyr.
Each successive year since 1999, the St.George Church has recognized and expressed
appreciation to emergency medical providers. This time of annual thanksgiving was expanded
to include acknowledgement of the work of all healthcare providers.
The establishment of Parish Nurse Practitioner Office as part of the St. George Church
solidified the importance of healthcare in the parish.
This year on August 14 Healthcare Day was celebrated. Prayer were offered during the
Divine Liturgy for living and departed parishioners engaged in and contributing to healthcare
services.
A dinner and program was held following the Divine Liturgy. Area ambulance services were
invited. Special appreciation goes to Mr. Rick Adobato, Director of Fayette County Emergency
Medical Services, and his employees who each year are represented at St. George Healthcare Day.
Millicent "Mitzie" Hunchuck, Parish Nurse Practioner, spoke at the dinner and joined with
Aaron Carson, Brownsville Hospital Nurse Christina Sivak, Djelosh Jerry Milosevich, and Ruby
Memorial Hospital Nurse Larissa to read the lives of medically related saints from
St. Nicholai's Prologue from Ochrid. The lives of St. Panteleimon, Sts. Cosmas and Damian
and St. Luke were read.
Sonia Janson directed the St. George Choir during the Divine Liturgy. Reader
George Ben Gapen read greetings at the program from Registered Critical Care Nurse
Scott Newton, University of Maryland Medical Center.
Parishioners of the St. George Church are recipients of healthcare services during the
year and take time to express appreciation to the providers each year. Healthcare Day at the
St. George Church is an important part of the Church year and gives focus to the lives of the
saints making a difference in health of believers.