A NEW MISSION IN ITALY

“Sing unto the Lord a new song, and His praise in the assembly of the righteous.”

(Psalm 149)

During the sixth week of Pascha, on the day of the glorious Ascension of our
Redeemer Jesus Christ, the small community of Pagliara, in Abruzzo, gathered at the
Orthodox church of our Synod to celebrate the divine events commemorated in these
sacred days. Priest Marco Mannino Giorgi visited the devoted families of the Italian
community in order to celebrate the Vigil on the eve of the feast, and then, on
Thursday, the sacred and divine Liturgy. The pious faithful received communion ofthe Holy Mysteries, and an atmosphere of joy and gladness permeated the entire
community.
The radiant community of Pagliara welcomed with wonder and interest the presence
of the festive Divine Liturgy. The ancient Benedictine church, dedicated in the
Middle Ages to the Mother of God, has been blessed with a name of continuity. Our
reverend Bishop Filaret named the community “Parish of the Protection of the
Mother of God and Ever-Virgin Mary,” whose feast is celebrated on October 1/14,
recalling how the Mother of God remains our foremost intercessor before the Savior,
and how we always stand in need of the help and support of the Theotokos in these
turbulent times. May the sacred Mantle of the Virgin overshadow and protect all
those who desire to unite themselves with this new community.
The missionary efforts of this small group of believers are intensifying, and we hope
and trust in the Lord that the community will soon grow. Anyone who wishes to
become part of the true Orthodox Church may contact us to obtain information about
the priests of the RTOC present in Italy.