ELMIRA HEIGHTS, NY — Over the weekend of May 30–31, the faithful of Holy Trinity Church joyfully welcomed His Eminence, Archbishop MICHAEL to preside over a double celebration: the Great Feast of Pentecost and the parish’s historic 110th anniversary.

The celebratory weekend began on Saturday evening with Great Vespers and Litya, presided over by Archbishop Michael. Concelebrating with His Eminence were the parish rector, Archpriest David Cowan, and Deacon Michael Karney, who were joined by visiting clergy Mitred Archpriest Nicholas Molodyko-Harris and Protopresbyter Richard Scott (Greek Orthodox Archdiocese), assisted by the parish's altar servers. Following the service, Archbishop Michael hosted an engaging “Q&A session, opening the floor to the faithful, including several inquirers, catechumens, and recently received members of the parish family.

On Sunday morning, the weekend reached its liturgical climax with the Festal Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, at which His Eminence delivered an inspiring homily. Immediately following the Liturgy, the solemn Kneeling Vespers of Pentecost was served. Concelebrating clergy included Fr. David Cowan, Fr. Nicholas Molodyko-Harris, former parish rector Archpriest John Klutchko, Fr. Richard Scott, and Deacon Michael Karney, assisted by a beautiful cohort of subdeacons and altar servers.

At the conclusion of the services, a series of special recognitions took place. Archbishop Michael presented Fr. David and Parish Warden, Reader Alexander Charlanow, with a Synodal Gramota honoring the 110th anniversary of Holy Trinity Parish. His Eminence also recognized Fr. David for his 20^th Anniversary of Priestly Ordination and on behalf of the Parish Council gifted Fr. David with a new Jeweled Cross. Vladyka further presented a Diocesan Gramota to Ms. Nina Dudek for her dedicated leadership as the Director of the Parish Choir. Furthermore, Mrs. Manya Turic and Dr. Denis Kingsley were awarded Gramotas in recognition of their tireless, decades-long devotion and service to the parish.

The historic milestone and the joy of the Hierarchical visit culminated in a festive banquet hosted in the parish social hall. Attendees enjoyed warm fellowship and formal remarks from Fr. David, followed by personal reflections from Reader Alexander. Fr. John Klutchko shared fond remembrances of his time serving in Elmira Heights. To close the afternoon, Archbishop Michael offered his final congratulations to the parish on its 110-year legacy and bestowed his Archpastoral blessing, asking God to grant Many Years to the Holy Trinity parish family.

May God continue to bless Archbishop Michael, the clergy and faithful of Holy Trinity Church, and all the members of our beloved Diocese!