About the Moleban Service

As Trenna has already written, St. Barnabas held a moleban service (prayers for the healing of body and soul) for her on Sunday. I know these beautiful prayers were truly uplifting and touching for her, so she asked me to write a little bit about my impressions of the day.

Father Wayne asked that all of her family come and surround her, and anyone who wished to stay for the service could do so as well. I could only feel the presence of a mass of people behind me (the amount of which, I am sure I have never seen for a Moleban), but I know that when Father Wayne asked Trenna to turn around and see how many people were there praying with her, it was then that the inevitable tears began. When all of us sang together, I know that nothing came out of my mouth because the voices behind us were many and powerful--it took my breath away.

Standing there, surrounded by icons of the many saints and martyrs who endured their own ailments with such grace, stood my step-mother with all of her family and church family together asking God to help her to do the same. The thing I love about this service is that it is so encouraging. Every prayer is a constant reminder that she is not alone—that with Christ on one arm, and the Theotokos on the other, she will walk into the surgery and walk out again, covered in the grace and mercy of God.

If you feel inclined to look at or pray these prayers for Trenna, here is a link I found: http://www.orthodox.net/services/moleben.html

Trenna was annointed on Sunday with oil from a lampada from the reliquary of St. John Maximovitch. This is especially significant because, for American Orthodox people, he is one of the influential missionaries that brought our wonderful Faith to us. He is also known for visiting and healing people in times of sickness, including our own parish priest.

Following the service, Trenna tearfully received hugs from pretty much everyone there, as I’m sure that there was not one dry eye present. It was all very supportive and wonderful, and very touching for my step-mom and my dad.

We will continue to keep you updated on the events of this week!

The plan thus far: On Thursday, Trenna will be admitted in the wee morning hours, and her surgery will begin at 7:00 a.m. It should last until around 1:00 p.m., at which point, the surgeon will come out and talk about how it went. There is no knowing how Trenna will be after her surgery—if she will be alert and comfortable enough to receive guests or phone calls. Please feel free to post on this blog, and we will make sure she gets your message. She will have a recovery time of about 4-5 days before she can come home.

We would greatly appreciate it if you could sign up to bring meals for her and my dad. While it is hard for them to accept any help, it is necessary, and also very appreciated J. There is a link in the blog tabs above.

Thank you, everyone, for your love and support! It means more to us than we can say!