An Ember Day* field trip to St. Nicholas Croatian Catholic Church in Millvale, to tour the sanctuary murals of Maxo Vanka. Painted between 1937 and 1951, the murals tell timeless stories of the immigrant experience, social justice, and the impact of war and industrialization, woven together with biblical stories and Christian iconography.
Ministers, interns, lay worship leaders, parish staff, and their partners are invited to tour the murals at no cost, as a gift from our synod. A reception of light refreshment will be offered to catch up with colleagues crossing paths between tours. Each tour will be led by a knowledgeable docent from the Society to Preserve the Millvale Murals of Maxo Vanka, who will also be available during the receptions for continued conversation.
Ember Days help us to rekindle a passion for the gospel by dedicating periodic days of study and refreshment.
Registration Fee: $0
This Ember Day was underwritten by Portico funds dedicated to the care of ministers.
Tour 1
10 - 11 AM
(Sold Out)
Tour 2
11:45 AM - 12:45 PM
Tour 3
1:30 - 2:30 PM
(Cancelled)
Reception:
11 - 11:45 AM
Make the Most of Your Tour
You may want to bring cash if you wish to purchase merchandise or give a donation to the Society to Preserve the Millvale Murals of Maxo Vanka.
Millvale and nearby Lawrenceville offer many restaurant options; you are encouraged to extend your day with a lunch invitation to colleagues.
Accessibility & Parking
The sanctuary of St. Nicholas, where tours will take place, is wheelchair accessible. Hearing assistance devices are available upon request. Reception and restrooms are located in the fellowship hall, which is only accessible by stairs.
Church parking is limited, but the synod has secured additional parking for our attendees. Please save the closest parking for those who need it most. Download the parking map in advance to review parking options.
* Unfamiliar with the tradition of Ember Days? Philip H. Pfatteicher sheds light on these observances in Journey into the Heart of God: Living the Liturgical Year:
"The turning of the four season of the natural world has been incorporated into the church's calendar. These are the Ember Days, the name derived from the German Quatember, a corruption of quattuor tempore, "the four times." ... Recognizing an increasing estrangement from the agricultural setting of the Church's calendar, [the Church] replaced the Ember Days with prayer for various needs set by regional conferences of Bishops... but eventually replaced by quarterly lectures and examinations in the catechism." (p.67)