Orthodox parish marks 50th anniversary of church

The original place of worship for the congregants at the Holy Trinity Orthodox Church in East Meadow was a white wooden building erected in 1924 that drew families from throughout the south shore. However, after lightening damaged the structure in 1961, parishioners agreed to fund the resurrection of a new church. Completed in 1962, the community celebrated 50 years of worship in the current building last Sunday.

To commemorate the occasion, Bishop Michael of New York who, according to Rev. Martin Kraus, is revitalizing the seminary, was invited to the celebratory Divine Liturgy.

Kraus and the bishop recognized individuals who were critical in the creation of the new building. “We wanted to celebrate the people who established the beautiful temple building,” said Martin. He added that many longtime congregants attended the ceremony and were recognized for their behind-the-scenes dedication to the church.

The structure of the church reflectsthe traditional Orthodox Christian architectural style featuring a raised altar at the front with a partitioned screen adorned with hand painted icons. The walls are also decorated with stained glass.

“The Orthodox Christian Faith is very ancient, but our church here in East Meadow ispractically new in comparison,” said Mark Vassilakis, a Holy Trinity parishioner. “We hope and pray that this beautiful building will be here forgenerations to come so more people canjoin us in worship and to receive the timeless message ofJesus Christ found in the Orthodox Church.”

More than 100 churchgoers participated in some of the nearly four-hour festivities that also included an outdoor procession to bless iconic structures, special hymns and a banquet. Attendees also celebrated the Feast of Pentecost, which occurs 50 days after Orthodox Easter.