On Sunday, September 15, 2024, on the post-feast of the Exaltation of the Cross, His Grace, Benedict, Bishop of Hartford and New England, made his initial Archpastoral visit to Holy Trinity since his consecration to the Episcopacy in December, 2023. 

Greeting His Grace upon his entry into our church for the first time, the young girls from our church's Saint Olympia of Constantinople Handmaiden Ministry each presented a single flower to His Grace. Following this presentation, Mr. Timothy Fetzko, Parish Council President, welcomed His Grace with the traditional Slavic gifts of hospitality: salt and bread. 

Our altar and choir were full of servers and singers. It was a glorious occasion.  The choir, under the direction of Mrs. Juliana Veek, sang beautifully and prayerfully.  The Holy Trinity choir also welcomed Juliana's brother Christopher Dresko - who, himself is an accomplished musician and choir director for Holy Trinity Orthodox Church in New Britain, CT.

At the conclusion of Divine Liturgy, Bishop Benedict presented gramatas to Mr. Gregory Zlotnick & Ms. Mary Ellen Junda. Mr. Zlotnick was singled out for his commitment to building, repairing, and maintenance that his family's construction company has gifted to Holy Trinity (Zlotnick Construction Inc.) for nearly seven decades to Holy Trinity. Ms. Junda was our church's choir director for thirty years. Her contributions during difficult times helped us to survive and sustain over many lean years. 

A hand written icon of Saint Olympia, done by Mr. Dennis Kovaleski, was presented to His Grace by the girls from the handmaiden ministry. Mothers Sera Manning and Andrea Lichatz Dziadul each read testimonials to His Grace that expressed how much they, and their daughters, value the Saint Olympia Handmaiden Ministry.

Serving with His Grace were local Rector at Holy Trinity, Very Reverend Marc. A. Vranes, Protodeacon Paul Nimchek, Deacon Gregory Curran, Sub-deacons Nektary Lukianov and Mr. John Barone. Servers from Holy Trinity included Mr. Alexander Fetzko, Mr. Zachary Novosad, Mr. David Menezes, Mr. Alban Mosher accompanied His Grace, visitng from Saints Peter and Paul Orthodox Chuch, Meriden, CT & our lovely young girls in the Saint Olympia Handmaiden Ministry.