East Meadow, New York, July 4, 2024
On Saturday, June 22 and Sunday, June 23, Holy Trinity Orthodox Church of East Meadow, the first Orthodox parish in the Nassau-Suffolk area of New York, celebrated the 100th Anniversary of the parish’s founding.
Festivities were centered on the feast of Pentecost, which commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Church fifty days after Christ’s resurrection (Acts of the Apostles, Chapter 2). Pentecost is also called Trinity Sunday in the Orthodox Church and is the parish’s patronal feast day.
His Eminence Archbishop Michael of the Diocese of New York and New Jersey (Orthodox Church in America) presided over the Vigil on Saturday and the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy with the Kneeling Vespers on Sunday. Clergy serving with Abp. Michael were Fr. Martin Kraus (Holy Trinity’s rector), Fr. Alexander Garklavs (the previous rector), and Dcn. Stephan Karlgut. They were assisted by Subdeacon Mark Federoff and Holy Trinity’s altar servers.
During the course of the Divine Liturgy, Abp. Michael awarded a jeweled cross to Fr. Martin for his many years of priestly service. Following the Divine Liturgy, His Eminence also bestowed several gramotas (calligraphic certificates of award). In recognition of its century-long service to the faithful in East Meadow, a gramota was awarded to Holy Trinity Orthodox Church, celebrating its enduring legacy and contributions to the community. Reader Dr. Nicholas Reeves was recognized with a gramota for over 20 years of dedicated service as Holy Trinity’s choir director and church musician. Matushka Dennise Kraus (wife of Fr. Martin) received a gramota for her visionary leadership in the Blessed Mother Olga Women's Ministry and Youth Ministry of the Diocese.
Following the Divine Liturgy, the celebration continued with a banquet at Stewart Manor Country Club. Current and former parishioners, along with their families, attended the banquet.
Prayers and speeches were offered by Abp. Michael, Fr. Martin, Mark Sovyrda (current Parish Council President), Fr. Alexander, Dr. Constantine Kallaur (a former President), and Dr. Reeves. The guests enjoyed a multi-course dinner, an extensive historical slide show (created by Vice President Kathryn Koshansky), music provided by John Walters Musical Productions, and much dancing!
The guests also had an extra treat in a three-tier cake in which the top tier was an elaborate reproduction of the parish church. It was designed and baked by a former parishioner, Jean Rettmer Schapowal, owner of Cakes with Character who has appeared on the Food Network and many other cake design competitions. When the banquet concluded, the parishioners left with great gratitude to God and with much hope for Holy Trinity Church’s next century!
About Holy Trinity Orthodox Church:
Holy Trinity Orthodox Church, a parish of the autocephalous Orthodox Church in America, founded in 1924, is the first Orthodox Christian parish in the Nassau-Suffolk area.
It is a diverse community of Orthodox Christians who come from all walks of life and ethnicities, gathering in the oneness of faith to worship God in the fullness of the Church’s liturgical life. Holy Trinity welcomes all people seeking a community rooted in the oldest Christian Church with an emphasis on Holy Scripture, Holy Tradition, liturgical and prayer life, and traditional Christian values.
The Divine Liturgy (Eucharist) is celebrated every Sunday and feast day at 9:30 AM (Hours at 9:00 AM). Vespers (evening prayer) are served every Saturday and on the eve of feast days at 6:00 PM. All services are conducted in English.
The parish also has a strong commitment to serving others through various charities and philanthropic initiatives. More information can be found on the parish’s website, www.htocem.org, and Facebook page (including livestreaming), https://www.facebook.com/htocem.
