Candles and Prayers for Victims - 12/16/12

The Sunday School of St. John the Baptist Orthodox Church in Edwardsville, PA lit 27 candles at the beginning of classes, one  for each victim of the tragedy in Connecticut. The parish remembered them in prayer during Divine Liturgy, and were reminded to consider carefully whom they may add to their prayer list amongst the living - those whom we find difficult, as well as those who suffer from depression and especially those struggling with a multiplicity of forms of mental illness. Fr. Martin Watt, acting rector, encouraged the parish to get to know and visit their neighbors regularly, and to reach out to those in need and remember them in their prayers.

Sunday School teacher Micheal Lukatchik and student Maxim Gingo begin lighting candles.
Ivan Gingo, Ryan Doh, Maxim Gingo and Adam Doh light their candles.
Adam Doh, Maxim Gingo and Kyle Puterbaugh light candles
Ivan Gingo and Vladimir Gingo light candles in remembrance of victims.
The Sunday School remembers the victims.
Kyle Puterbaugh and Maxim Gingo move to the adjoining candle box.
Kyle Puterbaugh and Maxim Gingo light the rest of their candles.
Adam and Ryan Doh light the remaining candles before praying.