A large chemical spill left much of West Virginia, including the area ministered byChrist the Savior Church, without drinking water for ten days. In all, 300,000 people were affected by the ban on the use of public water for drinking and bathing in the region.

Despite this, however, from January 6-19, 2014, parish life at Christ the Savior Church in Wayne, WV, was in full swing. Led by rector Priest Jonah Campbell, the full cycle of services on the Eve of Nativity and on Nativity itself was punctuated by the annual parish ‘Twelve Dish Dinner,’ in which every available seat was filled.

On Sunday, January 12, several parishioners went on a caroling foray to Holy Cross Monastery in Wayne, where they surprised His Grace George, Bishop of Mayfield, at his doorstep. They then proceeded to the cell of Abbot Seraphim (Voepel) and serenaded him with some of his favorite carols, as well.

Later that evening, the annual parish "Yolka" talent show was attended by many parishioners. Clergy present included Bishop George, Hieromonk Alexander (Frizzell; dean of Holy Cross Monastery), Priest John Dixon (rector of Holy Spirit Antiochian Church in Huntington, WV), and parish rector Priest Jonah Campbell. Many parishioners or their children performed in the talent show.

On January 19, the great feast of the Theophany of our Lord, Divine Liturgy was celebrated and the Blessing of the Waters performed, after which parishioners proceeded by caravan to bless the confluence of the Big Sandy and Ohio Rivers in Ceredo, WV. There was a strong turnout of the faithful at this event, during which prayers were made for the health of West Virginians and those living in Ohio and Kentucky, who may also have been affected by ingesting or coming into contact with dangerous chemicals.

As if to signify that the time for preparing holy water was nigh, the public water use ban was finally lifted on the Eve of Theophany.

Reader Victor Lahnovych
Photo Report by Anton Shelepov