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His Eminence, Nikon, Archbishop of Boston, New England, and the Albanian Archdiocese gathered together with clergy and faithful from the CT Deanery, and New England Diocese to witness Archpriest Nicholas Timpko (STOTS 1962) receive a mitre, on Sunday afternoon, July 23rd.  Archpriest John Kreta, Chancellor, and Archpriest John Hopko, Deanery Dean, along with current Rector of Three Saints Church, in Ansonia, where Fr. Nicholas served for 27 years, Priest Patrick Burns, led the celebration with many diocesan priests, deacons, and faithful.  Many extended members of the Timpko family were present as well.

In bestowing the dignity of wearing the mitre to Archpriest Nicholas, Archbishop Nikon observed that he played a significant role in building the current spiritually vibrant nature of the CT Deanery, both as Deanery Dean, and Chancellor when Archbishop Nikon first came to the New England Diocese.  In recognition of Matushka Anastasia’s role alongside her husband, a tiarra was given to her.

Archpriest Steven Voytovich, St. Tikhon’s Seminary Dean shared a homily connecting the core of Fr. Nicholas’ ministry as linked to that of the first saints of Rus, celebrated on this day, Sts. Boris and Gleb.  The saints suffered and died at the hands of their politically motivated brother, dying as innocent and voluntary victims in conscious imitation of Christ.  Fr. Nicholas endured many struggles personally and in his priestly ministry, and sought to spiritually transform, through God’s grace, these experiences into further depth of ministry with those in need.  He also addressed all gathered, sharing in turn the gifts of ministry he experienced from Archbishop Nikon as he came to the Diocese of New England.

It was incredible to witness the whole deanery coming together for this celebration!  Archpriest Nicholas said that this award was not for him personally, but for all.  After the Vespers service was completed, all present gathered for festive dinner together in the church hall.  Nina Kosowsky, Parish Council President, shared greetings on behalf of the parish, and in her leadership role recognized Fr. Nicholas’ role in establishing the Fellowship of Orthodox Churches of CT (FORCC).

Axios to Archpriest Nicholas Timpko, and many years to Matushka Anastasia and all the members of their family!

Photos by Subdeacon Nektary Lukianov