Sunday, July 23, 2017-- The faithful of St. Mary Magdalene Orthodox Church guided by Fr. Gabriel Bilas invited local first responders and their families to have their emergency vehicles blessed followed by a fellowship cookout.
In attendance were 15 first responders from the Fenton Fire Department, Fenton Police Department, Livingston Country Sherriff’s Department as well as first responders from the Grand Blanc area. They brought their fire trucks and police vehicles, including police motorcycles, to the annual Blessing of Vehicles at the parish.
In keeping with the ancient customs of the Original Christian Church, vehicles are blessed every year in July, in honor of the feast of the Prophet Elijah, who ascended to heaven on a fiery chariot.
St. Mary Magdalene is humbled by the overwhelming response and love that came from our community heroes. "It is so important for our community to pray for and recognize all of our first responders...the police and fire departments who keep us safe from the vicious acts of the devil. In a society that has slowly begun to vilify our first responders, most especially our local police, we wanted them to know that a majority of our local community loves them, respects them, and will always be praying for their safety, as they continue to protect and serve us." – Fr. Gabriel Bilas