A new website for Holy Trinity Orthodox Church in East Meadow NY has been completed and launched on Wednesday, June 1st. The new site features a variety of resources to meet the needs of parishioners, friends, and those searching for more information about American Orthodox Christianity on Long Island. “Our Lord Jesus Christ commanded us to proclaim the message of the Good News, and utilizing the Internet is just one of the many ways to accomplish that mission,” said the rector of the growing community, Father Martin Kraus.

Resources available on the new site include a virtual tour of the church’s interior, video and audio clips of the parish choir, and live broadcasts of divine services. The site also includes sections which present information about the beliefs and teachings of Orthodox Christianity and its worship services, Holy Trinity's local ministry programs to help the needy, and its educational programs for all ages.

The new site replaces the original website created in 2007, and is the culmination of nearly nine months of work by a group of parishioners with experience in web design and programming.

One of the prominent features of the new website is the live broadcast of services celebrated at Holy Trinity. While virtual attendance doesn’t replace being in church, it can have beneficial results. The broadcasting of services was tested during recent Lenten and Easter services, and the reaction was immediately positive from both parishioners and guests viewing from across the country.

“Most parishioners in our community work when weekday services are celebrated,” said Father Martin, “making it impossible for them to gather with us as community - much like those who are homebound. Thanks to technology, now the hymns and prayers of our services and celebrations can be brought into their lives.” As technology evolves and develops new tools, the parish plans to adapt its web presence. “We’ll continue to grow and develop the site based on the needs of members and guests of our community.”

The parish website is: http://www.htocem.org/