Holy Trinity Temple, 1900
While sis and I cruised the narrow back streets of Wilkeson we came upon this stunning old Orthodox church. We had passed a very old Orthodox cemetery on our way into town and had no idea the church that went along with it was still operational! We were pleasantly surprised to see this building in such fine condition. For more information, check out their website.
Many of the immigrants who settled this town were hardworking miners and quarrymen from Europe. After driving around the neighborhood near the old church, we felt like we'd stepped back in time to a thriving village nestled in the Carpathian Mountains of Central Europe.
I wish we'd had more time to tour the church, but there was no one around to ask. It would have been fun to attend a service in this gorgeous little church. And on a sunny spring day, what a perfect setting for a wedding. Makes me wonder how many couples were married in that building and how many funerals were held there and how many children took their first communion and how many babies were baptized? Sure, the building looks deserted but you just know the energies of all those events just seem to linger and give the building such a warm and noble character. I'm glad we found it.
Thanks for letting me share it with you.
4 comments:
Your post struck a chord with me...here in France we have this big debate about just who is French and what does being French mean...and here you are with this orthodox church, serving what was once an immigrant community which has no doubts about its' american identity. How is it that he U.S. got it so right and France so wrong?
Fly!! Thank you for your thought provoking comment! I don't know why France can't get it. To be an American one needs to put your responsibilities as an American first and work hard to be as successful as you can. Pay your taxes, contribute to society, treat everyone equally and with respect. Learn English, become a productive member of society to best utilize your talents. Everyone who comes here has the opportunity to do that, to be prosperous and free of government oppression. However, with the new entitlement culture, people from other countries come here, do not assimilate, do not learn English, and often do not work, yet expect everything others have sacrificed and worked hard for to be handed over to them!! No other country on the planet is so stupid to give everything away to freeloaders!! Is that the "new American Dream"? God help us, if it is.
We are lucky to still have a few old-fashioned immigrants who bring their rich culture to blend into the melting pot of America. They energize America. They make the best Americans. They are always welcome.
Today is election day. The issues are widespread but the outcome will be judged as a general referendum on the socialization of America. As we move from a society of responsible individuals to an entitlement/socialist culture controlled by a less than benevolent government the success and inspiration of the Wilkeson immigrants will be more and more of a rarity. It won't be long before we'll be scratching our heads, wondering who is really an American? What does being an American mean? France may once again have set the fashion and started the discussion. [Excuse the rambling rant. I just get passionate about this country and only want the best for everyone here -- old, new, and yet to arrive.]
SF, what an on point response to fly's good comment. I hope everyone is doing some serious independant thinking this day and every election day to come. Thanks!
SG!! Thanks for your thoughtful comment, too!! Yes, I also fervently hope people have the courage to examine our country from the historical perspective and vote accordingly. Either individualism will be somewhat preserved or we will be swept closer to its opposite -- slavery. That's harsh, and very "black & white," and I know life today is viewed as a grey area -- but if we don't start looking at this as independent individuals -- that's what our existence will be -- just a grey area. America will truly be changed, but in my opinion NOT for the best. OMG. Another rant. LOL Must be getting ready for my jury duty where I will be given the high privilege of judging another. But more on that in a future post! LOL Thanks SG for contributing to today's impromptu discussion! :D
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