Saturday, April 13, 2024, Vespers was held at the Three Holy Hierarchs Chapel on the University of Connecticut campus in Storrs.

On Sunday, May 7, 2023, the Holy Trinity Church School students, along with their students, assembled Blessing Bags, filled with items that were donated by those from the Holy Trinity Community, and supporters of our community as well.

David Menezes was received into the Orthodox Church through the Sacrament of Holy Chrismation during Divine Liturgy on Sunday, November 5, 2023.

On Sunday, October 1, Reuben and Sera Manning joined the church through the Holy Sacrament of Chrismation

Sunday, July 21, 2019, was a bittersweet day at Holy Trinity in Willimantic, Connecticut. After three years of meritorious service, our community bid a fond but sad farewell to Reader Tikhon (Erik T. Wallace, Ph.D.). In May, 2019, Dr Wallace had finished a three-year teaching Fellow in the Mathematics Department at the University of Connecticut. He has accepted a tenured track position at Harbin University in northern China beginning in September.

The Holy Trinity crew made their long awaited and anticipated return to the Covenant Soup Kitchen

The Holy Trinity community recognized Mr & Mrs Jon (Merci) Matcheson on the occasion of the 40th wedding anniversary on Sunday, July 7, 2019. They were united in Holy Matrimony on July 7, 1979.

On Sunday, October 3, 2021, the Holy Trinity Church community welcomed the return of Very Reverend Donat Augusta to our church for a most significant celebration: the 51st anniversary of his first parish assignment.

Holy Trinity celebrated its Patronal Feast day on the Great Feast of Holy Pentecost on Sunday, June 12, 2022. All the festal variables were sung during Diving Liturgy.

Mr. Michael L.P. LaPorte will be received into the saving Orthodox Faith on Sunday, June 5, 2022, by the grace-filled Sacrament of Holy Chrismation.  Read about his discovery of, and journey to Orthodoxy.

I ask that the hostilities be ceased immediately and that President Putin put an end to the military operations. As Orthodox Christians, we condemn violence and aggression.

The Holy Trinity Church community's Holy Week Schedule concluded with a glorious celebration of our Lord's Resurrection on the night without end, Holy Pascha.

A Lenten church school project that will have our children assemble blessing bags for the homeless. This effort is being spearheaded by Andrea Dziadul. If anyone is inclined to pick up one of the items in bulk, please let Andrea know, so that others can concentrate on other items. A financial gift to assist would be welcome as well. Please support our church school program' its teachers and students.

On the Sunday of our Lord's Entrance into Jerusalem, Ms. Rebecca Berner was brought into the Orthodox Church through the Sacrament of Holy Chrismation

An exiting and memorable morning at Holy Trinity

Fall has arrived in Eastern Connecticut

Mr. Michael L.P. LaPorte was welcomed into the Orthodox Church by way of the Sacrament of Chrismation at Holy Trinity Church on Sunday, June 5, 2022

The Holy Trinity Church community concluded its Holy Week services with the celebration of Holy Pascha on Saturday evening, April 23, 2022.

Dear beloved children in the Lord,

It is with profound pain and sorrow that we see the situation unfolding in Ukraine. The invasion of Russian troops has already caused death and destruction in many areas of the country and, as the battle progresses, the human cost continues to rise. It is heartbreaking to see the images of destroyed buildings, homes, and traffic jams as refugees flee the cities for their safety.

The Holy Trinity Church community paused today to honor our church's children on this Second Sunday of the Lenten season.

Today we entered into the Lenten Season beginning with Forgiveness Vespers.

With sadness, yet with hope in the Resurrection of Christ, the Holy Trinity Church community announces and mourns the repose on February 5, 2021, of Mr +Viktor Ivanovich Sukharev.

Holy Trinity once again participated in the Windham Area Interfaith Ministry Adopt a Family Program, as it has done many times over the years.

Thomas Arkady Lesperance entered into the “newness of life" on Sunday, August 8

Series of highlights from Palm Sunday through Holy Saturday Vespers and Divine Liturgy

On Sunday, Fr Marc blessed two new Ripidias donated by iconographer Dennis Kowaleski

In a year of many difficult challenges, the Holy Trinity community gathered to commemorate the joy brought by Saint Nicholas

A joyous day amidst the ongoing challenges of 2020

On Sunday, June 28, 2020, Holy Trinity will begin Phase I reopening.

This was supposed to be the end of the story; it was in fact, just the beginning

Click on More Information to read the discussion outline and decisions made by the parish body concerning changes and contingency plans in-effect during Fr Marc's upcoming medical treatment

Click link for information about Holy Trinity's Virtual Fellowship initiative

Holy Trinity pays tribute to our members, past and present, who've served faithfully in the United Stated Military

Sarah Jacobson who graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Connecticut on May 11, 2019, was honored by the Holy Trinity Church community the previous Sunday (May 5). Sarah, whose home is in Arlington, Virginia, faithfully and joyfully attended Holy Trinity during her four years as an undergraduate on the Storrs campus. Even during her final two summers when she lived in off-campus housing, Sarah would find a way to get to Divine Liturgy.

It is with sadness, yet with joy in the Resurrection, that Holy Trinity sends its condolences to all those in the Diocese of New England (Orthodox Church in America), and those in the Albanian Archdiocese as well, on the recent death of its Archpastor & Chief Shepherd, His Eminence, Archbishop Nikon (Liolin).

Zoe Kaputa, a 2019 graduate of Glastonbury High School, was honored today by the Holy Trinity Church community prior to her departure for Seattle and the University of Washington.

The church teaches that the life we are all called to is a life that is inseparable from God, and unconquered by death. However, in the normal course of human life, we grow old, our bodies decay and begin to fall away from us, and we die.

Great Lent is the path back home to Paradise. Because of their sins, Adam and Eve were cast out of Paradise, but through repentance and fasting, we find our way home: we take the journey to Pascha, when Christ will trample down death by death and break down the gates that closed us out of Paradise. How glorious! We are invited to prepare for that journey right now, and to take it in just a few weeks — the journey home to God. We should be trembling with anticipation and joy at the prospect!

The community at Holy Trinity celebrated its Holy Week services and Holy Pascha with great solemnity and prayer

To begin Holy Week we celebrated Our Lord's triumphal entry into Jerusalem

The ongoing beautification of Holy Trinity Church continued this weekend when our community received a gift to properly encase our church’s Plaschanitsa

A new set of Priest Vestments were blessed prior to Divine Liturgy on March 17, 2019, and worn for the first time on the First Sunday of Lent.

A new roof at HTOC was installed the week before Christmas. The job began Monday and was finished Thursday.

On completing your clinical pastoral residency program at St. Francis Hospital

The Holy Trinity community gathered for the annual meeting on after Divine Liturgy on Sunday, February 11, 2018.  Click more information to view the related documents.

Saint Nicholas made his annual visit to the children of Holy Trinity on December 9th

On Sunday, November 18, 2018, the Holy Trinity bid farewell to Evelyn Reynolds. Click more info to read the eulogy written by her son, Norman Coppola

Alice Mara Lesperance, the daughter of Mr & Mrs Brian (Danielle) Lesperance, was received into the Orthodox Church through the Sacraments of Holy Baptism & Holy Chrismation.

His Eminence, Archbishop Nikon, celebrated The Blessing of the New Icons on Sunday, October 14, 2018, at the conclusion of Divine Liturgy

One of our sister parishes, Saints Cyril and Methodius Orthodox Church, in Terryville, CT is hosting and open house on Sunday, September 30, from 2:30 - 4:00PM.  If you have ever been curious about visiting an Orthodox church, or would like to see the wondeful variation between different Orthdox churches, please stop by!  Father John Hopko and the parish commiunity would love for you to say 'Hello!'  Click on More Information to download the event flyer.

Throughout October and November Fr Marc will supplement weekly Divine Liturgy with additional instruction.  He will bring to light many topics ranging from activities that occur behind the altar, which few peoplw have the opportunity to witness up close, to broader topics of faith within the Orthdox tradition.  Click More Information to download the tri-fold document that accompanies the instruction

Holy Trinity Volunteers served 93 hot meals today at Covenant Soup Kitchen

The Holy Trinity community honored Barbara and Jim Lacey on the occasion of their 60th wedding anniversary, which they celebrated on August 17

The Holy Trinity community mourns the loss of our matriarch and community pillar

A profound week of worship told in pictures

The Entry of our Lord into Jerusalem was celebrated Sunday, April 1, 2018

The Holy Trinity Church community paid tribute today, March 11, 2018, to the Zlotnick Family for their 60 years of service

The Triumph of Orthodoxy was celebrated, well, triumphantly at Holy Trinity Church

On Sunday, December 10, 2017, the Holy Trinity community paid tribute to Mrs Sonja Chowanec & Barbara E. Lacey

Members of Holy Trinity served 78 meals, December 2nd, at Covenant Soup Kitchen in Willimantic, CT

The Earthtones Vocal Ensemble at the Univ. of Connecticut, directed by Holy Trinity’s Mary Ellen Junda, will be performing Voice of the Vietnam War: Music and Memories, on Saturday, December 2, 2017, at 3:00pm at the von der Mehden Recital Hall.

The Holy Trinity Church Community would like to extend its most sincere gratitude to Very Fathers Sergius Halvorsen and John Bacon who served the Divine Liturgy on October 8 & 15 during the absence of Holy Trinity Rector, Father Marc Vranes, who was rehabilitating after recent total right knee replacement surgery and unable to serve.

The Holy Trinity community celebrated two significant events in November.  First, Richard Keating was Chrismated into the Orthodox Church on November 5.

The Holy Trinity Church community experienced a milestone event on Saturday, September 30, 2017, with the consecration of its new Altar Table

Diana L. Chapdelaine, a faithful member since her her first visit to Holy Trinity in July, 2014, has a physical disability which doesn't touch her heart; it doesn't impact her soul.  Diana, who is well read in the Orthodox faith,  has been at every Divine service at Holy Trinity for the past 26 months, always being the first person to arrive at church. She sings in the choir, and we are most blessed to have her with us.  She remains  a wonderful Christian  example to each of us.

Click More Information to read on about Diana's personal journey.

Holy Trinity is always trying something new to engage our children with respect to religious education.  This week, Dr. Eric T. Wallace, a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Mathematics Department at the University of Connecticut, and a tonsured Reader (Tikhon) in the Orthodox Church, taught a Church School class.

Although the summer, like all of life, is passing quickly, life at Holy Trinity has been quite active the past several month.

Aaron Friar was ordained to the Holy Diaconate on Saturday, June 24, 2017

The Holy Trinity community celebrated the Great Feast of Holy Pentecost several ways this weekend.

Christ is Risen! Indeed, He is Risen!

An intimate view of a profound week in the life of our Church

Members of Holy Trinity emphasized chaitable works this past weekend by serving less fortunate members of the community

To celebrate the First Sunday of Great Lent on the Sunday of Orthodoxy, Richard Keating was welcomed into the ranks of the catechumenate during Divine Liturgy on Sunday, March 5, 2017.

Northeast Regional Retreat taking place March 3rd - 5th at Hellenic College Holy Cross in Brookline, Massachusetts. The theme is "Breathing Underwater: Yearning for Stillness and Communion" with Father Deacon Michael Tishel. The cost is free, with just the request for the participants to bring money for dinner and a night out in Bosto.  Click More Information to download the flyer.

Today we entered into the Lenten journey together by forgiving one another

The Lenten season begins on the Sunday of The Last Judgment

Holy Trinity continues to build on momentum gathered during preparation for the Centennial celebration.  Fr Marc is spearheading an effort to have an entirely new set of icons written by Bulgarian iconographer Cveta Marinova.  Donations are graciously accepted.  Anyone with questions or interested in contributing to the fund may speak directly with Fr Marc, mail donations to the church or use our PayPal site located on the Support Us page.  Click More Information to download the flyer.

The Holy Trinity Annual Assembly took place after Divine Liturgy on Sunday, January 29, 2017. The Parish Council was open and honest, and communicated effectively. Transparency is important to the Council and the community.

The community at Holy Trinity welcomed St Nicholas for his annual visit on Sunday, December 4, 2016. All the children were very excited to participate in this annual program.

At the conclusion of Divine Liturgy the Orthodox Christian Fellowship at the University of Connecticut was recognized

Dr Eric T. Wallace will be making a presentation based on his recently published journal, A Year in the Holy Land, at Holy Trinity Orthodox Church, on Sunday, November 13, 2016, at 1:00 in the afternoon

As 2016 winds down, it's time to begin to reflect back on the past year and some of the activities Holy Trinity continues to be involved in.

Long-time friend of Holy Trinity, Aaron Friar, publishes a diverse blog called "Like Mendicant Monks…Travelogue of a Family of Friars."  He recently posted a transcript of Fr Marc Vranes' closing remarks delivered at the Holy Trinity Centennial Banquet, October 9, 2017.  Click More Information to be directed to the blog entry.

Friends and family of Holy Trinity gathered on October 9th, to celebrate its 100 year anniversary.

Holy Trinity Orthodox Church will celebrate its 100^th Anniversary in Willimantic on Sunday, October 9, 2016. First organized locally in 1916, the small community began meeting in a converted house, then in St. Paul’s Church on Valley Street.

Our parish celebration of the Feast of the Elevation of the Cross was significant for many different reasons

Plans for Holy Trinity's Centennial Celebration have been finalized and our small community works diligently and with love toward making it a memorable occasion.

With church memberships continuing to decline throughout the Orthodox Church, the viability of a bi-vocational priesthood increases daily. More clergymen are working outside the parish in order to provide for themselves financially, than at any other time.

The lazy days of summer are upon us...

A profound and moving week of services culminated with the resurrection of our Lord

To begin Holy Week, we celebrate our Lord's entry into Jerusalem

The Saint Olympia Handmaiden Ministry Program was instituted today, April 10, 2016

Holy Trinity has a number of wonderful ministries.  These ministries offer our parishioners an opportunity to get involved in the life of the church in many ways.

On the 3^rd Sunday of Lent, Mr John Skrobat visited Holy Trinity

On Saturday, April 2nd, volunteers from Holy Trinity prepared and served 85 meals

After Divine Liturgy the Holy Trinity community celebrated the one-year birthday of its youngest member - John Michael Fetzko.

We welcome the beginning of our Lenten journey with Forgiveness Sunday.

Have you ever wondered what people outside of Orthodoxy think of a worship service? How about first impressions? Recently Holy Trinity had the unique opportunity of welcoming a number of students from ECSU to experience Divine Liturgy as part of their coursework on Eastern Religions. Read more to learn about the class and their experience as seen through their eyes. Many thanks to the students for attending and allowing us to post their essays.

On Sunday, January 3, Holy Trinity celebrated the Great Feast of Theophany

For over 50 years, Boy Scouts of America have encouraged respective religious denominations having Scout members to develop programs of Faith achievement to underline the Twelfth Point of the Scout Law (Code of Conduct),  "A Scout is Reverent."

Dr Raouf Mama, an acclaimed story teller and author, visited the Holy Trinity community on Sunday, December 13

Our church was filled with joy on Sunday, November 15, as the Holy Trinity community was honored to celebrate the 68th wedding anniversary of Mr & Mrs George (Zenia) Zlotnick.  Also, in recognition of UCONN OCF Month at Holy Trinity each November, this morning (Nov. 15, 2015) senior Sarah Luft and junior Melanie Sulich made a presentation to the our community detailing their on-campus ministry.

Holy Trinity hosted the Diocese of New England Annual Assembly on October 23 & 24.

Students from the University of Connecticut's Orthodox Christian Fellowship held its Annual Fall Clean-up at Holy Trinity on Sunday, October 18.

Last weekend faithful parishioners - Bob Dolan, Frank Kaputa and Ziv Kaputa - took on much needed electrical repairs and upgrades. A number of improvement activities are planned in preparation for Holy Trinity to Host the Regional Diocesan Assembly this coming October.

Members of the Holy Trinity church community, along with several visitors from a neighboring church in Connecticut, came together to celebrate a surprise 78th birthday of our beloved Mrs Sonja Chowanec today. Sonja was born in New Jersey on September 27, 1937.

The Holy Trinity Church community held its annual Welcome Back College Student Sunday today, September 20, 2015

Reader Stephen Bradford attended the 18th All-American Council on July 20-24, 2015 in Atlanta, Georgia.  Steven attended as the HTOC delegate and summarized his experience for us.  Click more information to read Steven's report.

It was a year ago, July 2014, my mobile phone rang as I was driving to church. I answered, somewhat unusual in itself, but thought it must be a church related call, so I answered, albeit reluctantly.
 
The voice on the other end was of a woman who had mentioned she would be coming to Divine Liturgy that day. I welcomed her, and said our community would look forward to meeting her.

Nearly the entire Holy Trinity Church community came together for a summer picnic on the church grounds today (July 12) after Divine Liturgy

Members of Holy Trinity were, once again, privileged to serve people in-need by spending a few hours working at the Coventry Soup Kitchen in Willimantic, CT.

Our dear brother, +Nicholas Kornilieff, 89, reposed in the Lord on Thursday morning, June 18, at 10:20AM. A life-long resident of Norwich, CT, Nick was a United States Navy Military Veteran.

Motherhood and apple pie are traditional symbols of wholesome American values, and this Sunday the focus was on motherhood.   Mother’s Day was celebrated at Holy Trinity Orthodox Church with great joy by parishioners and friends.

John Michael Fetzko, the infant son of Mr & Mrs Timothy (Katrina) Fetzko, was received into the Orthodox Church on Sunday, May 3, 2015

Sunday, April 19 was certainly an eventful day for our parish. Not only did the community receive a beautiful icon of St Gregory Palamas on behalf of Bessie Liapes but we also welcomed Katrina Fetzko back after an extended absence while recuperating from having her third child - John Michael Fetzko.

Prior to Divine Liturgy on St Thomas Sunday, April 19, 2015, the Holy Trinity community honored Mrs Bessie Liapes for her ongoing support.

Members and friends of Holy Trinity gathered together to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord

Today we celebrated our Lord's triumphant entry into Jerusalem

On Sunday, March 8, Holy Trinity hosted the Connecticut Deanery Mission Vespers

Again this year Holy Trinity observed Scout Sunday among the members who belong to local troops/packs or Nipmuck District BSA. Membership is down this year due to the relocation of two Scout families and the entry of two older Boy Scouts into college.

On March 1, Holy Trinity celebrated the Sunday of Orthodoxy

Several members of Holy Trinity met for an evening of fun and bowling at Spare Time Lanes in Vernon, CT.

Mr & Mrs Timothy (Katrina) Fetzko were feted with a surprise baby shower after Divine Liturgy on Sunday, January 25, 2015. Katrina is due in late March.

The Holy Trinity community welcomed back students from the University of Connecticut Orthodox Christians Fellowship on Sunday, January 25, 2015.

Holy Trinity is pleased to announce the publication of Dr Barbara E. Lacey’s newest book, The Illustrated Imprints of Isaiah Thomas.

Diana Chapdelaine was received into the Orthodox Church through the Sacrament of Holy Chrismation

The quilt work of Barbara E. Lacey now adorns the church hall at Holy Trinity Orthodox Church, Willimantic, Connecticut.
 
Dr Lacey had spent the past several months making two quilts for the area behind what we refer to as the Coffee Hour table. The quilts were brought to the church on the First Sunday of Lent, and hung for all to see. The quilts are quite beautiful, the detail and colors so complementary.

The following Q & A was done with Diana Chapdelaine on December 28, 2014. Diana is currently a catechumen who has been attending Holy Trinity Orthodox Church in Willimantic, Connecticut, for nearly eight months. She has faithfully fulfilled the number one prerequisite for those who desire to enter into the church: she has attended every Divine Service.

Her attendance has been perfect. Diana will be received into the Orthodox Church through the Sacrament of Holy Chrismation during Divine Liturgy on Sunday, January 18, 2015.  Click More Information to learn about Diana's inspirational journey.

Has shone to the world the Light of wisdom!

Devoted Holy Trinity parishioner Mr Timothy Fetzko, who also manages our beautiful web site, has developed a growing photography business which specializes in individual and family portraits over the past eighteen months.  Mr Fetzko graciously agreed to take portraits of any church family or parishioner during three appointed Sundays in November and December.

Saint Nicholas made his annual visit to Holy Trinity after Divine Liturgy on Sunday, December 7, 2014, in order to celebrate his Feast Day. To say he was well received by our church’s young children would be an understatement.

On Saturday, Novermber, 29, members from Holy Trinity served at the Covenant Soup Kitchen

Holy Trinity Orthodox Church has a long history with those who have served in the Armed Forces. Beginning with World War II, and through the Korean War and the Vietnam War, many from Holy Trinity have performed military service, and done so with great honor. Currently, there are four remaining Holy Trinity veterans. Along with a grateful nation, we thank and salute Nick Kornilieff, Helen Sadow, RN, Joseph Hutnik, and George Zlotnick for their service to America.

Cordelia Nina Fox received the Sacraments of Holy Baptism and Chrismationon November 9, 2014

Holy Trinity will host the Diocesan Icon in anticipation of the 2015 New England Diocesan Council

Ms. Sarah Luft, a junior at the University of Connecticut and current President of the Orthodox Christian Fellowship on the UConn campus, gave an inspiring and heart-felt presentation in front of the Holy Trinity community on Sunday, October 5, 2014, in which she spoke of the four months she spent as an exchange student in Cape Town, South Africa.

The Holy Trinity community held its annual Welcome Back College Student Sunday on September 7, 2014

Holy Trinity pre-school children teamed up to create a poster to help celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Windham Area Interfaith Ministry, a Willimantic-based agency which Holy Trinity has supported since 2008. The poster will be displayed at a community picnic WAIM is hosting on Sunday, September 21, from 1-4p.

Five members of Holy Trinity Orthodox Church worked at the Covenant Soup Kitchen in Willimantic, on Saturday, August 2, 2014.  This marks the second time Holy Trinity has worked at the local charity.

Gus Victor Giokas entered into the saving Orthodox faith on Sunday, July 27, 2014

The Holy Trinity Church community bid a fond farewell to Bonnie, Madegan and Maya after Divine Liturgy on Sunday, July 6, 2014

HTOC bid farewell to Vadim Kurochkin, 16, an Orthodox young man who spent the year abroad, studying at Terryville High School. Vadim lived with an American host family since his arrival in August, 2013. He will return to his home in Kyrgyzstan (central Asia) on June 18. Vadim served weekly in the HTOC altar and developed many wonderful friendships with the Holy Trinity family.

The Holy Trinity Church School Program concluded the 2013-2014 year with a festive church picnic on Sunday, June 15, 2014

Fr. Marc Vranes was a featured guest presenter during a a webinar that occured on Thursday June 12 concerning small parish revitalization.  The webinar is great success and was filled to capacity.  A replay is now available free-of-charge on the Diocese of Western Pennsylvania's home website.  Click More Information to view the replay in Windows media player.

The Holy Trinity community bid a fond farewell to Mrs Bonnie Morrison at the conclusion of Divine Liturgy on Sunday, May 25, 2014. Bonnie first joined us for worship over three years ago at the suggestion of a friend who lives in Paris, France.

Mr Patrick James Dolan was received into the Eagle Scout Court of Honor on May 10, 2014, in a moving ceremony which culminated more than seven active years in Scouting for Patrick.

Always an outdoorsman at heart, Patrick touched upon the pivotal year for him in Scouting came as a 14-year-old teen in charge of many peers entrusted to his care and direction. He was honored to be such a position of authority, even if it was a bit daunting for him.

Our journey concludes with the joyous resurrection of our Lord, Jesus Christ

Is upon us and soon we will rejoice in the resurrection of Our Lord

Lent concludes as we follow our Lord into Jerusalem in anticipation of Holy Week

Responses to the 2014 HTOC Parishioner Survey have been compiled and assembled. The results will be reviewed during our next quarterly Parish meeting scheduled for March 23rd. All are welcome to review the report as we wish to share the insights gained through the survey. We ask that parishioners, who are able, review the report prior to March 23 so that we may discuss the results as a group.  Click More Information to download a copy of the report electronically.

Ever since joining Holy Trinity Orthodox Church in 1998, I have perceived George as the respected elder in the church, the head of an extended family that holds him in the highest regard, and the chief preserver of the oral history of the church.

We enterd the second week of Lent on the Sunday of Saint Gregory Palamas

Our church community honored Mr George Zlotnick on the occasion of his 90^th birthday

The First Sunday of Lent, the Sunday of Orthodoxy, was a milestone event in the 98-year history of Holy Trinity Church

Together we enter into the Lenten Season on Forgiveness Sunday with the Rite of Forgiveness

Barbara Lacey, Professor Emeritus of History at the University of St Joseph, West Hartford, CT, offered a presentation on the life of Saint Nicholas, Archbishop of Japan

For the 12th consecutive year, Holy Trinity participated in the annual Souper Bowl of Caring, an ecumenical movement that draws attention to the poor, the hungry, and those in need. As part of our community's involvement, we annually assemble Gift of the Heart Health Kits in cooperation with International Orthodox Christian Charities and Church World Service.

Whenever a natural disaster strikes, health kits are distributed to those whose lives have been impacted by this tragedy. Good hygiene and cleanliness improves a person's self-esteem and respect. Each health kit contains a toothbrush, bar of soap, nail clippers, comb, six band-aids, a hand towel and wash cloth.

Holy Trinity recognized all its members who support and participate in Scouting

In keeping with the theme of the Nativity season, the Holy Trinity children, teens, and young adults performed a play, “The Friendly Beasts”, after Divine Liturgy on Sunday, December 22, 2013. Those who participated acted out the Nativity account as recorded in the Gospels according to St Matthew and St Luke.

The play was directed by Mrs Bonnie Morrison who also made several of the costumes. The Holy Trinity community is grateful for Bonnie’s continual building up of our community.

Friends and members of Holy Trinity live their values by serving those less fortunate at the Covenant Soup Kitchen

To Whom it May Concern,
 
Several weeks ago we lost our dear classmate, roommate and friend ... Colleen Ritzer.  We are all saddened by Colleen's sudden and tragic death, and will forever miss her smile, enthusiasm and friendship.

Please consider donating, in any amount small or large, to the address or website listed in the letter below.  Click More Information to learn how.

As part of his International Education Week requirement, Vadim Kurochkin made a presentation on his home country of Kyrgyzstan.

The Book Club met on Saturday, November 15, 2013 from 9-11 AM in the Church Hall.  Club participants discussed 2 articles presented by Barbara Lacey and Steve Bradford.  Group members noted how today so many social contacts are available to us but many can be impersonal. Yet Christ is the ultimate Word, and should be the focus of any social dialog, especially as we prepare to celebrate his birth in a more and more secularized world. Our ultimate gift to anyone can be our honest witness to Christ Himself, the true focus of the season.

The Windham Area Interfaith Ministry’s Annual Walk for Warmth will take place November 24, 2013, and begin with an Interfaith Thanksgiving Service at 2:15pm at the First Congregational Church, 199 Valley Street, Willimantic. Proceeds benefit WAIM’s Emergency Energy Assistance Program.

The Holy Trinity community welcomed its shepherd, His Eminence, Archbishop NIKON into our midst for his annual Archpastoral visit

Patrick Dolan's Eagle Scout project is complete, and Holy Trinity is the beneficiary of his leadership and creativity

On Sunday, October 20, our parish community will be hosting His Eminence, Archbishop NIKON for his annual Archpastoral visit. Due the recent health concerns, it is actually his first visit with us since September, 2008, when our new iconostas was blessed. 

One of our teen's - Madegan Morrison - gave a presentation about her recent trip to China

A big “thank you” to all the parishioners and friends who contributed the delicious baked goods, and to the many customers who came and found “something for everyone” at the sale. All our baking was truly home made, not store bought, which definitely impressed our visitors. The lovely autumnal decorations provided the setting, while a snack table with cookies, cider, and coffee enticed folks to stay a while and socialize.

The goals we had set were achieved: a spirit of unity joined together everyone who participated in any way, and our expectations in fundraising were exceeded! Great job! Many, many thanks to all!

The book club discussed several articles including “How Are We Saved?” by Fr. Theodore Stylianopoulos, and available on the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese website. It addresses the time-honored question by comparing the views of Evangelicals to those of Orthodox Christians.  In contrast to a single “born again” event in life, the Orthodox believe a combination of faith and works are needed in the quest for salvation.

The Holy Trinity Church School Program for 2013-2014 started Sunday, September 29, with classes meeting again the following Sunday. The schedule is for classes to meet every other Sunday after Divine Liturgy.
 
Church School Director Reader Stephen Bradford is teaching the teens. The content, using the Orthodox Church in America's Hub curriculum, is a study of the Old & New Testament. Christina Carmon leads the younger group of students; she is assisted by Mila Zadrozny, Kristina Fetzko and Bonnie Morrison using the OCA FOCUS study on the Theotokos.
 
The church school teaches and students are planning a Christmas Pageant in December.  All students are welcome to participate in the Church School Program. Join us.

The Bake Sale will take place on Sat., Oct. 26, from 10AM-2PM. Please bring donations of all sorts of baked goods, wrapped and labeled with ingredients and price, to church on Friday evening (Oct. 25) or early Saturday (26th).  On Saturday, purchase items for your family and friends, or to freeze for the holidays. Stay a while and enjoy tea or cider plus cookie with a friend.  Bring a friend!

Sign-up sheet will be available in church on Oct. 13. Or let us know by that time what you plan to bring by writing to Barbara at blacey@usj.edu or to Dot at DHRichard@charter.net.  Click More Information to download the flyer.

The book club offers an opportunity to discuss various aspects of Orthodox tradition and practice with the purpose of growing in our respective Faith journeys. We share articles relating to our beliefs and customs as we try to be faithful followers of Christ. It is open to anyone interested in learning about Orthodoxy and contemporary society. New members are always welcome.

A very special day at Holy Trinity as we celebrated baby Natalia's baptism

Holy Trinity joyfully celebrated the return of its college students for the 2013-2014 semester

A special day at Holy Trinity as one of our most caring and dedicated parishioners was received into the Orthodox Church

Holy Trinity celebrated its Patronal Feast Day with a Festal Divine Liturgy (Great Feast of Holy Pentecost), and a picnic for its church school children who received certificates and a small gift in completion of the recently concluded 2012-2013 Church School Year.

The certificates were presented by V. Rev. Marc Vranes, and the gifts by Reader Steven Bradford, the Director of Religious Education for Holy Trinity, who expressed his gratitude to the teachers and parents who made the commitment to make religious education an important part of their children's spiritual development this year.

The book club offers an opportunity to discuss various aspects of Orthodox tradition and practice with the purpose of growing in our respective Faith journeys. We share articles relating to our beliefs and customs as we try to be faithful followers of Christ. It is open to anyone interested in learning about Orthodoxy and contemporary society. New members are always welcome.

Natalia Zadrozny, born June 26, 2013, entered into the church for the first time on Sunday, July 21. As anyone can imagine, great joy filled our small church that day.
 
Everyone wanted to hold Natalia, and all the younger children, especially her brother, Evan, nearly 3 years old, were very excited to see a young baby.
 
Natalia will be received into the Orthodox Church through the Sacraments of Baptism and Chrismation on Sunday, September 15, 2013, the day of the Feast of the Universal Exaltation of the Cross.

Natalia Catherine Zadrozny was born to Mila & David Zadrozny on Wednesday, June 26, 2013, at 9:45am at Bristol Hospital. The new-born Natalia weighed 6 pounds, 5 ounces, and was 19" in length. Mother and baby are fine. Natalia was born within a few hours after Mila was admitted to the hospital.  Fr Marc Vranes read Prayers on the First Day After a Woman has Given Birth to a Child, and Prayer at the Naming of a Child. Mila is grateful for the prayers of the Holy Trinity community during her pregnancy, and for a safe delivery of her baby.  

Natalia joins her brothers Amadeo, 16, and Evan, who turns three years old on August 17, 2013.

Congratulations and Many Years to the Zadrozny Family!

Very Revered John Bacon, long-time pastor at the Nativity of the Virgin Mary Orthodox Church, Chelsea, MA, visited Holy Trinity on Sunday, June 9, 2013, and served Divine Liturgy on the Sixth Sunday of Pascha along with host pastor V. Rev. Marc Vranes.

Fr. John is the Outreach Coordinator for the Eastern Orthodox Commission on Scouting, and Scout Chaplain for the Orthodox Church in America.  He and Reader Stephen Bradford are strong supporters of New England Orthodox youth who participate in Scouting.  Fr. John was delighted that so many Scouts and Scout leaders, representing both Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts were in attendance this day.

A very special day at Holy Trinity as we celebrated Fr. Marc’s 20^th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood

Gali Tibbon is a renowned photojournalist based in Israel.  Recently she has photographed ancient Christians (Orthodox) in Jerusalem, Eastern Europe and Africa.  This year her still images documenting Ethiopian Christian worship earned her highest honors in the travel category of the Sony World Photography competition.

Her work is captivating and compelling.  Please click More Information to be directed to her website.  Of particular interest are galleries titled: "Lalibela - Jerusalem of Africa", "Grabarka - Forest of Thousands Crosses" and "Echoes of Christian Jerusalem".

This morning (May 19, 2013) after Divine Liturgy, Ms. Madegan Morrison presented a book shelf she constructed for the Holy Trinity Lending Library, which was previously housed in Baronosky Library downstairs. At the beginning of the 2012-2013 academic year, Madegan, 14, a Cadette Girl Scout who will bridge to a Senior Girl Scout on June 10, was challenged with the task of creating a project which uses her skill set and abilities to serve her community, and came up with the idea of the book shelf.

A profoundly moving week of worship culminates with the resurrection of our Lord and God and Savior, Jesus Christ

On Friday we bore witness to the crucifixion, death and entombment of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

Our Lenten journey is complete and very soon we will rejoice in the resurrection of Our Lord, Jesus Christ.

Very Reverend Jonathan Ivanoff led a Parish Growth Ministry Seminar at Holy Trinity Orthodox Church on Saturday, April 20, 2013, attended by 27 participants from parishes throughout Connecticut. Fr Ivanoff has long been considered a leader in the field of church growth ministry, and his three presentations served to enlighten and uplift.

Pastor at Saint John the Theologian Orthodox Church, Long Island, NY, for the past two decades, Fr Jonathan is the Director of Orthodox Natural Church Development. Since 1998, Fr Jonathan has worked with more than 80 parishes in the field of Parish Growth Development.

Holy Trinity Church's Ms Madegan Morrison left on Friday, April 5, 2013, for the Republic of China where she will be studying for two weeks. Madegan, 14, is one of seven students from the Capt. Nathan A. Hale Middle School in Coventry, CT, who has made the historic trip with Educational Tours based in Boston, MA.

A joyous occasion as Katrina was chrismated on the Sunday of Orthodoxy

Was celebrated with the Canon of St. Andrew of Crete and Pre-Sanctified Liturgy

On the Feast Day of St Patrick, Bishop of Armagh, and Enlightener of Ireland (March 17), Holy Trinity parishioner Barbara E. Lacey, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus of History at the University of St Joseph, Hartford, Connecticut, delivered an inspiring presentation on the life of St Patrick.

Holy Trinity held a Community Meal this morning after the celebration of Divine Liturgy. Although 'Maslenitsa', a sort of folk holiday, is typically celebrated on Cheesefare Sunday (March 17), Holy Trinity celebrated Meatfare Sunday (March 10) with a meal of pierogis, kielbasa, and black bread.

Meatfare Sunday signifies the final time before Pascha that meat by-products are eaten by those Orthodox Christians who pariticpate in a strict fast, whereby all meat and eggs products are not consumed.

Pre-Lenten preprations are nearly complete with the arrival of the Sunday of the Last Judgment

We continued our pre-Lenten journey with a familiar parable about love, forgiveness and redemption

Father Marc Asked Reader Stephen Bradford to give a few words on Scouting and its relation to being reverent, as stated in the Scout Law. Stephen spoke about his service as one of the few Eastern Orthodox chaplains in the Northeast United States and how being able to bring people face to face with their own spiritual side is a constant challenge.

Holy Trinity sponsored its annual Souper Bowl of caring and its 1st Tailgate Chili cook-off

Holy Trinity is pleased to announce that we will be hosting an interactive learning experience hosted by V. Rev. Jonathan Ivanoff on Saturday, April 20th from 9:00am - 3:00pm.  Fr. Ivanoff will lead us in discussion on 3-topics relating to parish growth:

1. Understanding the Challenges Facing Christianity and Orthodoxy in the 21st Century
2. Six Common Myths about Church Growth and How to Overcome Them
3. Parish Life Cycle / Ups & Downs of Parish Growth

Please join us for what surely will be an invigorating and educational day.  Seating is limited so RSVP soon!  Click more information to download the flyer and registration form.

Reports from the 2012 Annual Parish Meeting are now available for public viewing.  To open or download a copy electronically, select one of the following links.

Click:  Parishioner Feedback Survey Report
Click:  Pastor's Report
Click:  Website Report
Click:  Sunday School Report
Click:  Fall Harvest Festival Report

On Sunday, January 13th, Reader Stephen Bradford delivered an inspiring and informative presentation on the life of Saint Alexis Toth.

Click link for:  Historical Outline

Holy Trinity thanks Mrs. Angie Bull for her dedication to nurturing and teaching our children.  Her contribution to establishing and maintaining Sunday School for many, many years has not gone unnoticed or unappreciated.

Parishioners from Holy Trinity Orthodox Church delivered gifts and gift certificates to a Willimantic family in-need, in cooperation with the Windham Area Interfaith Ministry's "Adopt a Family" Program, which provides families in crisis an opportunity to joyfully celebrate the holidays through the love of a neighbor.  Special thanks to Dot and Nick Sinchuk who continue to lead this wonderful ministry of mercy.

The Holy Trinity children and youth presented "The Friendly Beasts"

Students and Teachers from Newtown, CT, lost on December 14, were remembered during a solemn memorial

At 9:30 AM on Friday 21, 2012, Reader Stephen Bradford paid tribute to the children and adults who were tragically taken from us one week earlier, by offering prayers and tolling the church bell twenty-six times.

Today Sisters Madegan and Maya Morrison were received into the Orthodox Church...

The Holy Trinity community bid farewell this morning (December 9, 2012) to Chris Adams. Chris will be earning his MSc degree in Actuarial Science from the University of Connecticut in a few weeks. He had previously earned his undergraduate degree from UConn in May, 2011.

Our parish received another gift when Mrs Helen Sadow was able to be with us. Mrs Sadow celebrated her 92nd birthday. Flowers were presented to Helen by her son, Alfred, on behalf of Holy Trinity. Everyone sang Happy Birthday to Helen and enjoyed a cake which was ordered in her honor.

To Holy Trinity after Divine Liturgy this morning (December 2)

Holy Trinity supports the annual Windham Area Interfaith Ministry Walk for Warmth

Mr. Eddie Ryan, a graduate school student at the University of Connecticut, made a presentation on the Apostle Philip on November 11, 2012.

UConn student and Holy Trinity member Solomon Yniguez presented the story of his mission to Turkana, Africa during the summer of 2012.

Holy Trinity held its Harvest Fall Festival on Saturday, October 20, 2012. This is the first time an event of this type has taken place in 20-25 years. It served as a wonderful reminder of decades since passed.

University of Connecticut freshman Michael Dolan, from Holy Trinity Orthodox Church, Willimantic, received a $1,000 scholarship from the Fellowship of Orthodox Churches of Connecticut (FORCC).

Today marked the beginning of a new school year and Sunday School program for the youth of Holy Trinity

Members of Holy Trinity bid farewell to summer as together they enjoyed a beautiful, brisk New England day at Patriot's Park on Coventry Lake.

Holy Trinity held its annual Welcome Back College Student Sunday this morning. What started as an effort to establish a deeper bond between the University of Connecticut Orthodox Christian Fellowship to Holy Trinity back in 2005, has continued to grow over the past seven years.

Our Adult Education Lecture Series continued with a presentation given by Mrs. Evelyn Reynolds on St. Moses of Ethiopia...

Members of Holy Trinity joined together for a summer outside clean-up.  Bushes, hedges and trees were trimmed all around the church perimeter, the grounds were raked and the front beds were edged.  

The Holy Trinity community bid farewell to Dr. Chris Masterjohn, a significant part of our parish since 2008

The perogie assembly line was in full-swing once again as we prepare for the Fall Harvest Festival

Mr. Andrew Boyd, OCA Director of Youth, Young Adult, and Campus Ministry, visited our parish today

Visit a new page dedicated to Holy Trinity's, past and present, spanning its sixty-two years of existence

Today at Holy Trinity Orthodox Church we celebrated the coming of the Holy Spirit

Rachel Geeza, Nikolas Hutnik, and Michael Dolan have been significant members of our parish for many years, and they were honored accordingly for their commitment and service.

Holy Trinity was honored and blessed to greet new friends as well as bid farewell to UConn graduates...

Indeed He is Risen! A night of anticipation ends with the joyful fulfillment of the promise of our Lord...

All preparations are complete.  Tonight we will experience the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ...

Today we celebrated the triumphant Entrance of our Lord into Jerusalem...

On April 1, Rae Heim set out from Boston, MA, in what she hopes will be an historic and epic achievement...

The mood was festive, as it should be for Feast Days, our church was full, and Christian joy was felt throughout our parish community.

Holy Trinity Orthodox Church hosted Lenten Deanery Vespers, and the day was far beyond what our community could have ever expected...

Ms. Victoria Villano presented the life of Greatmartyr Theodore Statelates...

Saint Mary of Magdela is far more than just one of the Myrrhbearing Women the church remembers on the Third Sunday of Pascha; her life is of such great magnitude that it is referred to as the Primacy of Mary. That Mary of Magdala is venerated in the Orthodox, Roman Catholic, Lutheran, several Protestant churches, and even in the Baha’i Faith tradition, speaks of her prominence.

I really like words. In his classic book, On the Priesthood, Saint John Chrysostom in his advice to your priests, said, “words are you weapons, learn how to use them.”

The entire Holy Trinity community extends a warm welcome to all our visitors who have traveled to celebrate our parish’s joy this morning, and also and expressing great gratitude to those from our own community, and to our donors, without whose financial support, this day would not be possible. A heart-felt thanks. May God repay.

Father Marc, the resident pastor at Holy Trinity, recently returned to America after spending three weeks touring Italy from September 3-24, 2018. He shares his reflection and thoughts in his message.

Having recently returned from the 19th All-American Council (July 23-27, 2018) in St. Louis, MO, I submit this Pastoral Reflection to our Holy Trinity community.

Have you ever wondered about the tradition and meaning behind the foods in a Pascha Easter Basket?  Read more to learn about how to prepare a basket as well as a delicious Easter bread recipe from one of our own parishioners.  If you have a favorite recipe you'd like to share, please email the webmaster and we'll gladly post for all to enjoy.

The small church has incredible importance and value, although it may not carry the pomp of churches in Europe and elsewhere. I have one particular small church in mind: ours.

In its services, the Church calls St Basil a "bee of the Church of Christ"

The Diocese of New England held its 60th Diocesan Assembly on October 27-28, 2023. The assembly was held at Holy Transfiguration Church in New Haven, CT. This assembly was crucial and unique in that the clergy and delegates met to review annual reports from various departements as well as decide on the nomination for open position of Bishop of New England.

By the descent of the Holy Spirit, we are made children on the Most High and are brought under his love and guidance. As a result, we are no longer orphans.

On Sunday, September 24, the Holy Trinity community hosted the first TELOS project discussion and workshop.  The TELOS Project helps parishes reimagine young adult ministry in a way that invites young adults to become engaged, energetic, and effective leaders in church communities.

We pray that God will protect you and keep you from evil and all harm. Let us lift up our hearts to the Holy One so that our schools, churches, and communities can be made safe.

At the epicenter of Christ’s resurrection, this explosion of love, is the person of Mary of Magdala, a small fishing town on the shore of the sea of Galilee; today we pause to reflect on Mary’s importance to the Christian faith. Mary has unfairly been the object of confusion, and at times, derision; certainly she has been mischaracterized.

Man lives in constant pursuit of comfort, convenience, yet Lent serves to make us uncomfortable and inconvenienced, so that makes the Lenten season entirely necessary.

“Be still, and know that I am God”, the Psalmist writes (46:10). Let us create the necessary space that will allow God to enter in to.

If our work and intention is to bring glory to God, then we have the opportunity dozens of times each day to actualize God’s holy will for us.

If we are to have a relationship with Christ, and prepare a place for him to lay his head on our hearts, then we must take the spiritual life as something that is necessary.

The Triumph of Orthodoxy does not stand as a victory over others; it stands, instead, front and center, as a Triumph of Truth.

Sin is as old as the devil, and death as old as man. So, how do we overcome what has always stood between man and God? Short answer: awaken the mind.

On Tuesday, March 17, His Beatitude Metropolitan Tikhon released on official statement concerning the COVID-19 outbreak.  Please click on more information to read the statement as well as other resources.  Additionally click:  HTOC Resources for news and information concerning Holy Trinity Church.

God is everywhere; he is as available to us as easily as it is to inhale and exhale breath. We are never alone. He remains more accessible to us than we are aware. This is why, if our thinking remains shallow, and we are unwilling to go to a deeper level of understanding, than nothing will change.

What ultimately makes Joseph, a disciple and student of Christ, such an enduring figure is the courage he displayed came at quite a risk. In order to protect our own self-interests quite often, then we are averse to being risks takers, as there may be a price to pay.

Are you looking for a closer relationship with Our Lord?  Are you searching for a place to worship?  Have you ever thought about visting an Orthodox church?

Please visit our testimonials page to get a glimpse inside the Holy Trinity community, and maybe you'll find the reason you've been searching for.  Stop by and visit!

Our Lord comes to heal and cast out demons, yet the reaction of the assembled crowd in Galilee is one of fear. They feared, in fact, an additional disruption to their lives so much that they were seized with fear, and they asked him to leave.

The Triumph of Orthodoxy is not a victory over people, but is instead, a victory of truth. It affirms the Orthodox dogma of the Incarnation that God took on human flesh and lived among us as the God-Man, and did so in a humble and simple, yet glorified, way.

IOCC, in the spirit of Christ’s love, offers emergency relief and development programs to those in need worldwide, without discrimination, and strengthens the capacity of the Orthodox Church to so respond.

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The seeds of Holy Trinity Orthodox Church were first planted on August 16, 1916. 

Learn more about the ancient Orthodox Christian Church.

We're located at 414 Valley Street, Willimantic, CT 06226. Please come for a visit!

The Holy Trinity Church community welcomes visitors to join us for worship and fellowship.

Holy Trinity Rector, Very Reverend Marc A. Vranes, returned to Holy Trinity on Sunday, October 22, 2017. He had been absent the previous two weeks, home and rehabilitating, as a result of total right knee replacement surgery. Many thoughts go through one’s mind during this post-surgical time. Following are some thoughts shared by Fr Marc to his church community upon his return.

Divine grace is God’s influence which operates in order to regenerate, to sanctify, to inspire Christian virtues, and also to strengthen the inner man to overcome temptations and to endure the trials of daily life.

For the one who had achieved theosis, they knew the only true joy on earth, and the only way to enter into a deeper relationship with God, was to escape from the prison that was their own false self. Theirs was the way of the cross, and a life of self-denial.

Surrendering, totally, to God is the time-tested way to break the cycle of self-destruction. We prepare ourselves to be healed by surrendering. It is only when we offer every shred of our anguish, anxiety, and despair to the One who is source of healing and hope, that is Christ, can we begin to process of healing.

The wounds which Christ invited Thomas to touch nine days after the Crucifixion were different. On the Eighth Day they were clean, full of light, and it would be correct to add, even very beautiful. These are the wounds which Thomas touched and learned that Christ is God. 

In last Sunday’s Gospel (Mark 9:17-31), the disciples were disappointed because they could not cast out a demon from a young man, but Christ did. His disciples asked him privately, “Why could we not cast it out?” The Lord responds, “This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer.”

Most in the West see the cross as humiliation, defeat, and loss; it serves as the instrument of death. The Eastern Church sees the cross as glory, victory, freedom, and ultimately, life. The cross, the church reminds us liturgically, is the Tree of Life.

The Seventh Ecumenical Council reestablished the veneration of icons and in turn rejected the compromise proposal that icons be placed on the same level of sacred vessels. The Church Fathers argued that icons belonged on the same level as The Word of God and Divine Services.

Most often, our lives are lived in the constant pursuit of convenience and comfort; creature comforts we call them. We are continuously distracted by the pursuit of our own ambitions and agenda.

The Centurion, who stood at the Cross of the Lord. According to Church Tradition, Longinus was the soldier who pierced the side of the Crucified Savior with a spear.

Bishop Gorazd of Prague, given name Matěj Pavlík (May 26, 1879 – September 4, 1942), was the hierarch of the revived Orthodox Church in Moravia, the Church of Czechoslovakia, after World War I.

At the end of the Divine Liturgy, we will pray the Kneeling Vespers of Pentecost.

St Simon was one of the twelve Apostles – but perhaps the least well known - and received the Holy Spirit with the others on Pentecost.

Orthodoxy teaches that salvation is bestowed by God as a free gift of Divine grace, which cannot be earned, and by which forgiveness of sins is available to all.

Few will reject the Christ-child; many more reject him as the Incarnate Son of God. Yet it is precisely this dichotomy which needs to be reconciled and repaired in our hearts.

The Lucan account strongly suggests that as Christians, we cannot live apart from God. In order to avail ourselves to God's healing and mercy, we must choose to be in places where God's power is felt and experienced.

Looking back, it can be said with certainty that our Lord never forces anyone into a relationship with him. God always respects the freedom he created each person in.

The spiritual life we are all called to develop stands in opposition to that which our American culture promotes. Our culture has seemingly taken a seismic shift recently, and the fall out is stunning. Orthodoxy is a paradox to American culture.

The Dormition of the Theotokos is a joyful celebration of death. The hymnography of the church speaks not a word of sorrow or sadness.

As weeks pass, the bright light of the Resurrection continues to grow dim. But how has that night without end truly changed us?

If Christ is to be known to others, we must be the ones who convey this message though our own evangelical and missionary efforts. To believe in Christ is simply not enough.

Is the cross in our midst this morning just a piece of wood, or is it something much more personal to us? This is the question each of us needs to think about today, and moving forward through the remainder of Lent.

Love, by definition, is a process of suffering and dying for the sake of another. But the miraculous power of love transforms that suffering and dying to joy and liberation.

Inspired by the Holy Spirit, Simeon was presented Christ and tenderly received him into the arms of his warm embrace, gently holding the eternal incarnate word of God. Having held our Lord, Simeon was then prepared to die.

Jesus Christ comes to us as the poorest of the poor, as the most helpless of all creation, surrounded by animals he himself created. Our minds become fixed on this innocent child, our hearts are moved to compassion, and we lovingly accept this child, the Savior of the world.

Gratitude lies at the heart of the Biblical faith. The entire gospel message is rooted in God’s love and grace towards mankind. Still yet, gratitude has always been the most difficult of all human emotions to express...

There were only a few occasions when his divinity shone forth, most notably his birth, baptism, and transfiguration. On those few exceptions, few saw it and most, even his apostles, did not know what it all meant.  Most often, there was awe, and uncertainty. There was always confusion.

According to tradition, it was Leo who expanded the feast from a commemoration of All Martyrs to a general commemoration of All Saints, whether martyrs or not. This Sunday marks the close of the Paschal season.

“If any man is devout and loves God, let him enjoy this fair and radiant feast ...”

The Resurrection provides eternal joy, the joyful promise of the Kingdom and all that which is truly essential for mankind.

The parable has as its central theme that man should imitate the humility of the tax collector (Publican), and not the pride of the Pharisee.

The Apostle Paul encourages each person to use their gifts “with zeal … with cheerfulness … with simplicity” (Romans 12:6). There is no question that the spirit and loyalty these gifts are carried out is actually more important that the act itself. Women, perhaps more than men, recognized this, and did something about it.

Is there anything more wonderful than to live in expectation of an encounter with someone or an event that transcends time? The excitement this encounter brings can often define the rhythm of our daily life for a very long time, even so that we that we often live in anticipation from one encounter to the next, often filled with great expectation.

Christ begins his public ministry with the clarion call to repent. This is the message on the Sunday After the Theophany. The 'epiphany' (manifestation) each person needs to experience is to be enlighten by the vision of God in all things; to hear God and to behold the cross as the vision as our personal encounter with God.

For communities throughout the world, and perhaps most especially those in Connecticut, the celebration of the Incarnation of Christ in the flesh, will be a bit muted this year. Perhaps more than ever, a quiet Christmas celebration is in order.

We live in a culture that identifies success by large numbers, by tangible growth, something we can see, measure and at times, count. When we look at our pillars – Mission, Mercy, Ministry – in the context of last weekend’s Fall Harvest Festival, then it is quite clear, the weekend was a huge success.

Although Fools for Christ would certainly be described as being the lost ones of this world; wanderers who move about in exile, there are still apsects of their life we would do well to take a second look at, and dare we even say, embrace?

For centuries and for millions of people, it was always the church and the Mother of God which served to illumine, sanctify, and in general, given proper meaning to their lives. Mary was always at the center.

The only thing which can save us is a return to God. The church gives us the new liturgical year for this. If we believe, convert our hearts, and ask for God’s grace, he will be present in our lives.

The Young Rich Man asks what he must do to inherit eternal life? He is encouraged to sell what he has and give it to the poor, then he will achieve the Kingdom...

Although equally man and God, even on those instances when Christ’s divinity shone forth, few saw it, and even less understood it.

In the tradition of the church, Mary Magdalene continued with Christ's ministry, traveling the world preaching the Good News. She preached love, sacrifice, devotion, steadfastness, and courage. These were the characteristics of Mary's earthly ministry. She was indeed equal to the apostles.

Any service to the church, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant is a active ministry, full of grace, only if it is carried out in love, sacrifice, devotion, and steadfastness...

As we near the completion of the Paschal season, there is an interesting connection between today’s gospel reading – The Blind Man – and the first Sunday of Lent when Philip encourages Nathanael to “Come and see.”

Several weeks ago, Orthodox Christian celebrated the Resurrection of Christ from the dead. Yet Pascha night is now over, the candles have been extinguished, the food has been eaten, and what do we see is different? Everything looks the same, and nothing has changed.

The power of the resurrection is beyond man’s imagination, therefore it is safe to say that the resurrection could never be described in human words. 

Come to the services of Passion Week, repent, be changed; and prepare to embrace our Lord in a way that we thought was not yet possible...

We must surrender completely, and be ready to pronounce our own ‘yes’ to God as Mary does, in order to come to the knowledge of God, and to live in perfect union with him. If we do not surrender and say ‘yes’, then our life becomes separated from God to some degree.

Seeing the sins which are right in front of us lies at the center of the Orthodox Christian Lenten effort.  Little spiritual progress can be made without identifying our sins. Referencing that we are sinful - it is a part of our fallen nature, after all - is simply not enough. Naming a sin, claiming it as our own, then working to dispose of it, is the required Lenten effort.

Lived on a narrow road, but a life which is full of blessings and joy that only the person who has committed himself to Christ can possibly know.

The story of Zacchaeus is quite familiar (Luke 19:1-10). There is no need to repeat it. What is perhaps most notable about Zacchaeus is not simply his desire to change, or even that he struggled to change, but ultimately he resolved to stay changed.

This Sunday, January 22, 2012, Holy Trinity will hold its Annual Parish Assembly. Historically the meetings have been an excellent opportunity for each of us to review the past year and plan for the next. As part of each church’s Assembly is the review and acceptance of an annual budget.

Like all which comes from God, the new year signifies a new beginning, and thusly it is to be taken seriously and accepted with much joy. The entire year, complete with its full sanctoral and festal cycle, is capable of transfiguring man…if  we allow it to.

The most basic confession of the Christian faith states that Jesus Christ is both Christ and Lord. The Birth of the Man Jesus  occurs at a specific time and place in history, which is called the Incarnation, the taking on of human flesh.

There are four forms of wisdom: first, moral judgment, or the knowledge of what should and should not be done...