On Saturday March 30, 2013 St. Mary’s Protection, Bridgeport CT. had a Lenten visit from His Eminence Metropolitan Antony, as he presided over a Soul Saturday Memorial Divine Liturgy. Even though it was a cool and crisp March morning, His Eminence received a warm welcome from the Parish Pastor Fr. Stephen Masliuk, Parish board President Bill Wresilo and Sisterhood President Anna Sabas. Metropolitan Antony was escorted into the parish by St. Sophia's seminarians, Aleksandr Danilowicz, altar server of St. Mary’s, Deacon Anthony Szwez of St. Mary’s, New Britain CT. Also present were clergy, the newly ordained Fr. Vasyl Pasakas, and Fr. Vasyl Dovgan of South Bound Brook NJ, the New England Deanery, which consisted of Fr. Rostyslav Taspar, St. Mary’s Protectress New Haven, Fr. Andrii Pokotylo, St.Mary’s New Britain, and Fr. Anthony Perkins, of St. Michaels Woonsocket RI.

The choir was excellent, as always, with their resounding responses under the direction of Choir directress, Mrs.Daria Santerre. It was a wonderful morning of prayer, as His Eminence read the names of our departed family members, deceased parish members and clergy. It was quite moving as the clergy, in the altar chanted "Lord have Mercy". Metropolitan Antony spoke of his joy, to be with us during this Lenten journey, promising to return again in October for our Parish Feast Day celebration. Following Liturgy, a Lenten meal was prepared by the sisterhood and enjoyed by all who were present. It was truly a delight to have His Eminence Metropolitan Antony's presence here at St. Mary's.