60th Anniversary Celebration for Father Sergei & Gerry Glagolev
Parish honors their love and commitment for each other through Jesus Christ

East Meadow, NY – On Sunday, January 23, the clergy and faithful of Holy Trinity Orthodox Church here asked for God's continued blessings for the Archpriest Sergei and Genevieve "Gerry" Glagolev who celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.

“It’s truly a blessing for us to have Fr Sergei and Gerry living so close by and being a part of our parish community,” said Father Martin Kraus, rector of Holy Trinity, “they are examples of that communion of love which is so central to the Orthodox Christian Faith and for all of us.”

In honor of the occasion, special petitions were offered during the liturgy and the parish choir sang a number of musical compositions written by Father Sergei. In addition, Father Martin asked Father Sergei to give the homily, reflecting on his long marriage.

“Saint Paul calls marriage a great mystery – a sacrament,” Father Sergei said, “and this shared personal experience between the husband and wife is one which is to be shared in love through the church, since the mysteries of the church are revealed through the eyes of the heart.”

Father Sergei continued, “When our Lord calls us, He calls each and every one of us by name, as His friends. We should show that same love towards one another. By receiving this mystery of love, may we begin anew and refreshed within the presence of Christ.”

At the conclusion of the liturgy, “Many Years” was sung by those gathered and greetings from His Grace, Bishop Michael of New York and New Jersey were read to Father Sergei and Gerry, noting their mutual love and dedicated service to Christ’s holy church over many decades.

A festive luncheon was prepared in honor of the happy couple with many friends from other local parishes joining Father Sergei and Gerry to celebrate the memorable occasion.

Photos from the anniversary celebration

Complete schedule of events