Svetana's Outreach

Sunday 18 September 2005 was a very busy day for me, but it was also an extremely rewarding day. After a trip to Silver Spring MD to serve with Archbishop Antoni, I drove to our picnic facilities at Cathedral Gardens in Elkridge MD. Svetana, a wonderful woman from Russia, organized a picnic for those who are less fortunate than most of us.

Several members of the parish came out to assist Svetana. My main role was to meet our guests and answer questions about the Orthodox Church and the community. Later in the afternoon I also conducted a tour of the chapel and many of them were greatly moved by the history and culture of the Orthodox Church. I also explained some of the differences between the Russian Church and the Greek Church and made it clear that we are just one Church but different cultures.

Joseph presented Jack and Svetanawith an icon of the Saints of Russia. This was a gift from several people in the community, including the nuns. Jack and Svetana were very much touched by this. When I visited their house after service one Saturday, the icon was over the mantle in their living room and it looks like it was always there.

Below are photographs of members of Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox Church and our visitors. Some of the visitors were people who work with Svetana or who know here from elsewhere.

For the record, this page is not an official document of Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox Church nor any other organization. It is strictly my personal recollection of the wonderful day.