1

Coffee Social Today (7/6)

coffee social will follow Divine Liturgy today. All are welcome. The officers will have their quarterly meeting, and the Altar Society will have a brief meeting. This coffee social will also celebrate the 90th Birthday of Mrs. Oriel Swirchack. Many Happy Years!

2

Feast of Sts. Peter and Paul Annual Picnic

our parish of Ss. Peter & Paul will celebrate their patronal feast day on 7/12. Liturgy, however, will be in Central City at 9:00 am. Whereas almost 75% or more of the active parishioners of Ss. Peter & Paul will travel to Central City, almost no-one from Central City will go to Berlin. For logistical reasons, and climate control, the holy day will be in Central City. Also, for the first time in many years, there will be no annual picnic in Berlin. There is not enough help to clean and prepare the parish grounds, to prepare the food, and to host the picnic, and far too little interest in the church services being offered there to sustain this tradition. Instead, parish members are planning a brunch outing following Liturgy on the 27 July. More information will follow as plans are finalized. Last Sunday, for liturgy at Ss. Peter and Paul, the attendance breakdown was as follows: seven individuals from Pine Hill, three from Central City, and 4 out of town patrons. Statistically, we should have 30 able-bodied parishioners worshipping regularly. Last Sunday we realized less than half that number, with four guests making up the difference. Our churches will only last as long as there are people to attend them.

3

Prayers for Christians In Damascus

two weeks ago, two suicide bombers entered the Church of St. Elias in Damascus and detonated explosive devices. The death toll amounts to 22, with 53 injured. The Antiochian Patriarchate is referring to these as the New Martyrs of Dwela'a in Damascus. The act has been condemned by all orthodox jurisdictions, and calls for the government to address this violence are mounting. Please pray for our brothers and sisters in Damascus!

4

Legal Issue Regarding Sts. Peter and Paul Cemetery

this past week, a cease and desist order was sent to an agitator from Brothersvalley Township who was performing unsanctioned maintenance in the cemetery. A copy of the order was sent to the Somerset State Police Barracks. Maintenance of family plots is permitted, but care for the entire cemetery is contracted through the church. If anyone is discovered performing unsanctioned work in the cemetery, you are encouraged to immediately call Fr. Elijah, then the State Police, Somerset Barracks (814) 445-4101. Also, unless you possess a funeral plot easement, legally notarized, there is no burial in any of our parish cemeteries. The local coroner’s association has been notified, and all burials must be properly permitted.