Friends and family of Fr. Marc Vranes and Holy Trinity church gathered on Sunday, June 9 to pay tribute and celebrate the 20th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood.  The entire affair was planned as a surprise and amazingly, Fr. Marc never became suspicious, even up until the moment when the surprise was announced at the conclusion of Divine Liturgy.

Michael Dolan and George Zlotnick presented Fr. Marc with a card signed by all in attendance and a check for a significant amount, which will be used to purchase new vestments.  The day's zenith arrived when parishioner Stephanie (Burdikoff) Zak presented Fr. Marc with a jeweled cross.  The beautifully ornate cross was originally presented to her grandfather, by the Patriarch of Moscow years ago.  The cross then passed to her father, V. Rev. Igor Burdikoff, rector of Christ the Savior Orthodox Church in Ballston, NY.  The Burdikoff family generously gave the cross to Fr. Marc on the occasion of his 20th anniversary.

Many tears of joy were shed as Stephanie shared the history of the cross with all present and embraced Fr. Marc.  As Fr. Marc stood holding and staring at this tremendous gift, Anna Rose Fetzko ran up and hugged him.  As expressed by Daria Biancardi, "It felt like an extended group hug."  After the conclusion of the presentation, Fr. John Bacon recounted his own memories of receiving a jeweled cross years ago.  Truly a magical moment.

Afterwards the celebration continued in the church hall basement with a pot luck meal that included a great variety of dishes and a delicious marble cake.  The celebration continued for nearly 2 1/2 hours during which time our children played, old friends and new friends talked, and much laughter and fellowship was shared amongst all.

A special thank you to Katrina Fetzko, Daria Biancardi and Stephen Bradford who devoted their time and effort, as well as to everyone who contributed so generously, and made this such a joyous occasion.

Indeed, a day that none of us will soon forget.