Holy Trinity Choir Members Honored For Dedicated Service

East Meadow, NY – Eighteen members of the Holy Trinity Church choir were recognized here at the conclusion of the divine liturgy on Sunday, October 2 by His Grace, Bishop Michael of New York as part of the diocese’s first choir recognition Sunday. Certificates of appreciation and St. Romanos pins were presented by Father Martin Kraus, rector, on behalf of Bishop Michael.

“The members of our choir play an integral role in the life of Holy Trinity,” Father Martin told the faithful in attendance, “Putting in countless hours of rehearsal, they attend dozens of services each year, leading our community in singing praise to God.”

Members who were honored come from a variety of backgrounds and even other parish communities. Some members have sung since early childhood while others joined the choir after becoming Orthodox Christians. The most storied choir member recognized was Pearl Polansky, who has been singing in Orthodox parish choirs for 68 years. While she began singing in the choir as a child ‘back home’ in Minersville, Pennsylvania, she and her husband, the ever memorable Protodeacon Nicholas, have made Holy Trinity their home since 1948.

“Pearl is one of those people who can be described as a good and faithful servant,” according to Dr. Nicholas Reeves, Holy Trinity’s choir director, “The church is at the center of her life and she has sung, directed, and continues to sing with the choir at nearly every service, every year.”

One of Pearl’s most admirable traits is her love of the music and the desire to convey the joy of Orthodox worship through singing. “Pearl’s enthusiasm for singing is contagious, and she makes sure there is a smile on the face of her fellow singers and beauty in our music,” said Dr Reeves.

The 24 member mixed voice choir sings at all divine services, hosts an annual Christmas concert in early December, and takes an active role in other ministries of the parish. On certain feasts, members of the choir form an all-male or all-female chorale for selected hymns. “We are really blessed to have a choir which is made up of people who love God and His holy church,” said Father Martin, “This is a group of people who have made the church a central focus in their lives and families, and their dedication is an example for all of us.”

“Our singing is for the glory of God,” said Dr Reeves, adding, “and if members in the pews feel inspired to add their voices to ours during services, then we are thankful for having helped bring others closer to God.”

A gallery of photos is available here

Complete schedule of events