MADERA — Under a clear autumn sky, the clergy and faithful of Saints Mary and Michael Orthodox Parish gathered Saturday morning outside Nativity of the Theotokos Orthodox Church to honor the region’s first responders who serve throughout Clearfield County.
The Fourth Annual First Responder Prayer Service and Luncheon hosted representatives from the Clearfield County Sheriff’s Office, Pennsylvania State Police Troop C (Clearfield), the Irvona Fire Company, the Moshannon Valley Fire Company (serving Madera and Glen Hope), and the Glendale Volunteer Fire Department. Dozens of parishioners and community members attended to offer their gratitude and prayers for those who daily risk their lives to protect others.
Archpriest Alexander Cadman, rector of the parish, led the service of thanksgiving and remembrance. Addressing the first responders gathered, he noted that they are the ones who perform the truly difficult work of helping those in need. “Thank you for allowing us to bless your life-saving work,” he said. “Your hands are the hands of Christ, reaching into the darkest places of human suffering to bring mercy, healing, and hope.”
Following the brief service, which included Scripture readings and petitions for the health and protection of the first responders, Fr. Alexander intoned the solemn song of “Memory Eternal” for more than 120 heroes who lost their lives in the line of duty. Among them were three fallen Central Pennsylvania officers who were killed in a brutal ambush while attempting to serve a warrant last month, as well as Firefighter Jeffrey Scott Buck, Jr., of Lawrence Township Volunteer Fire Company #1. Ten years ago, while responding to a call, he was critically injured when a porch roof collapsed as he exited the burning building, trapping him beneath the debris.
The service concluded with the blessing of emergency vehicles and the singing of hymns by the parish choir.
Inside the church hall, a homemade luncheon followed. Among the volunteers was Christine Ferlitch, the parish’s oldest member, who recently turned 94. “I can’t express how moving it was to see so many people come together to thank the men and women who keep us safe,” she said while helping serve the meal.
The annual event, held on the Saturday closest to National First Responders Day (October 28), has become a beloved local tradition uniting faith, service, and gratitude. “This is our small way of saying that their sacrifices do not go unseen,” Fr. Alexander added. “We pray that God protects them, their families, and all who stand ready to help in times of need.”
Saints Mary and Michael Orthodox Parish includes St. Michael the Archangel Church in Irvona and Nativity of the Theotokos (St. Mary’s) Church in Madera.
For more information, visit www.orthodoxclearfield.org or contact Fr. Alexander Cadman at (814) 862-8694 or fralex@orthodoxclearfield.org.
