On Sunday, December 10, 2017, the Holy Trinity community paid tribute to Mrs Sonja Chowanec & Barbara E. Lacey, Ph.D., who celebrated similar milestone birthdays within the past few months. Both ladies were very moved with the deep respect which they were spoken about, and the genuine outpouring of love which was showered upon them.

Perhaps no two people signify the esprit de corps at Holy Trinity more than Sonja & Barbara. They are, in many respects, our Ministers of Hospitality. They are both excellent cooks, and we have all enjoyed their fare over the years. Sonja has also sung in the choir for over 50 years - still does, in fact, - while Barbara decorates the church with flowers, decorates the tables in the downstairs hall with flowers and seasonal runners, and works together with various host and hostesses for Coffee Hour, an important ministry for any parish. She has also made the maphorions for our Saint Olympia of Constantinople Handmaiden Ministry, along with two quilts for the hall.

The ladies were each presented with a beautiful bouquet of flowers, and a 5 x 7" frame picture of a black and white drawing of the exterior of Holy Trinity Church which was drawn last year by our Zoe Kaputa, in recognition of our Centennial in October, 2016.

Mrs Dorothy (Dot) Sinchuk spoke about what Barbara has meant to her, as well as her impact upon the entire Holy Trinity community. Dot pointed out how she now loves the arts, and quilting, just like her dear friend, Barbara. Referring to Barbara as her mentor, Dot spoke with deep sincerity and passion, and Barbara was clearly moved. The two friends shared a long and warm embrace before returning to their seats.

Having known Sonja for his entire life, Mr Gregory Zlotnick, detailed the impact Sonja has made on Holy Trinity for nearly 60 years. Always the first to volunteer, and prepare much more food than necessary (but no one is complaining), Sonja has the wonderful ability welcome each person who comes into our church, and always sends them home with some of her great food offerings. Greg made sure to mention that he also spoke on behalf of his parents, George, now 93, and his dearly departed mother, +Zenia, a dear friend of Sonja's, who reposed in the Lord in July, 2017.

All enjoyed a wonderful strawberry Birthday Cake that was offered in honor of Barbara & Sonja.

A 4 1/2 x 5" icon card of the Rublev Holy Trinity was produced for this special event, and an icon card was distributed to all those in attendance yesterday. It was a day each of us will always remember.