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. It was a joyous day for the Holy Trinity community. Michael was joined on this day by his fiancé, Zhanna Rodnova, and Michael's mother, Elizabeth Price. Mr. Timothy Fetzko served as Michael's sponsor.

"As a catechumen Michael filled the number one requirement for being received into the Orthodox Church, he came to church every Sunday for Divine Liturgy," Holy Trinity pastor Father Marc Vranes mentioned. "Michael brings love of Christ and community, including passion and joy for the faith. To see a young man embrace the faith as Michael does is inspiring for everyone of us at Holy Trinity. What is especially unique about Michael is his ability to be engaged with our younger children, as well as our adults as well. It is remarkable to see how easily he moves between people of all ages; he does not simply seek out people his own age to engaged with."

During his time of preparation, Michael proved to be a quick read. Very often he required only one explanation regarding church teaching, church discipline, or Holy Tradition, before it became a regular thought of his life process.

Following Divine Liturgy a festive pot luck meal was hosted by the Holy Trinity community in Michael's honor. As per usual, people stayed and enjoyed good food, good conversation and good fellowship into the afternoon.

Michael is a 2018 graduate from the University of Connecticut with a degree in Political Science. Michael submitted to a Q & A recently which was included in the May 29, 2022, Weekly Church Bulletin.

Click here to read: Q & A with Michael

Click here to view of photo gallery of: Michael's chrismation

Many Years, Michael.