The Holy Trinity Church celebrated its 110th Anniversary on Sunday, August 16, 2016. The initial seed in establishing this new church occurred on August 16, 1906. The 2026th event was filled with parishioners, families, visitors, and dear friends. The church was filled to capacity with 92 people, including 26 children.

A Hierarchical Divine Liturgy was celebrated by His Grace, Bishop Benedict, Bishop of Hartford & New England. He was assisted by Protodeacon Paul Nimchek, Archpriest David Koles, and host pastor, V. Rev. Marc A. Vranes. Nektary Lukianov and John Barone served as Sub-deacons, and our altar was filled with Holy Trinity altar servers, led by lead servers Alexander Fetzko & David Menezes.

Also in attendance was Archpriest Donat August, a dear friend of Holy Trinity, and whose initial parish assignment was at Holy Trinity in Willimantic, from 1970-1971, after his graduation from Saint Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary in Crestwood, New York. Father Don continues in active parish ministry and has served churches in Hartford, New Haven, and Bristol, Connecticut, for 55 consecutive years.

The Holy Trinity choir, led by Mrs. Juliana Veek, prayed – and not just sang – the responses during Liturgy. Their angelic voices filled our church. For many, this was their first time attending an Orthodox Hierarchical Liturgy. They comprise a large number of new members and catechumens who have joined Holy Trinity since 2021.

During the Divine Liturgy, Mr. Zachary Novosad was tonsured a Reader, a minor order in the Orthodox Church which normally leads to greater service in the church. Zachary is one those aforementioned new members who joined us four years ago. His impact on our altar servers and the many young adults has been immeasurable. In September, Reader Zachary as he is now referred to as, will be joining a new cohort in the Dioceses of New England Diaconal Vocations Program. “Reader Zachary has been in preparation for this moment for quite some time,” Father Marc noted. “He fully understands the importance of developing his inner life, and actively participates in the church’s sacramental life. He is knowledgeable in the teachings and dogmas of the Orthodox Church, and its history as well. Mr. Novosad will continue to add to Holy Trinity and will be an outstanding student in the Diaconal Vocations Program. The entire Holy Trinity extends its warmest congratulation to Reader Zachary. Many Years.”

At the conclusion of Liturgy, Sub-deacon Chester Andrzejewski, M.D, Ph.D, was presented an 11x17 Gramota to he & his wife, Kathleen, for their on-going service to the church. Dr. Chet was ordained as a Sub-Deacon 49 years ago, and has served in the altar for over five decades. It is difficult to comprehend how many young servers have been trained and influenced by Dr. Chet’s guicance. To add to this church celebration, Dr. Chet and Kathy celebrated their Golden 50th Wedding Anniversary which was noted on the Gramota presented to them by Bishop Benedict. Dr. Chet & Kathy were married at Holy Ghost Orthodox Church in Bridgeport, Connecticut, on August 7, 1976.

At the completion of Liturgy, all enjoyed a catered meal in the downstairs hall. During the meal several offered words of congratulations for our community. While the adults spoke, the children were outside the church participating in games and having their faces painted by a local artist.  It must be noted as well, and we give thanks to the 110th Anniversary Committee chaired by Mrs. Veek, and other committee members Mrs. Andrea Dziadul, Mrs. Vera Shelley, Mr. Frank Kaputa. A special thanks to Webmaster Mr. Timothy Fetzko who created a stunning 5x7 icon card of the women saints whose full length images on canvas, cover the east and west walls of our church.
Onward we press to 111 in 2027.