Holy Trinity Church, Willimantic launched its upcoming Centennial by having the honor on October 23-24, 2015 of hosting the 52nd Annual Diocesan Assembly of the Diocese of New England, Orthodox Church in America. Nearly 70 clergy and laity attended, under the omophor of His Eminence, Archbishop Nikon of Boston, New England and the Albanian Archdiocese. Attending from Holy Trinity were Fr. Marc Vranes, rector, Diana Chapdelaine, delegate and Reader Stephen Bradford, observer.

The beautiful facilities of Immaculata Retreat House on Windham Rd. were the venue. The Assembly convened with a Moleben Service, asking the Holy Spirit to guide deliberations.

The first session heard His Eminence give his report to the Diocese. He focused on the progress the Diocese continues to make, highlighted in the video shown at the All American Council, held in Atlanta, GA last July. The Assembly also heard reports from the three deaneries in the Diocese and from the representatives to the Metropolitan Council. A feature of the first session was a talk by Fr. Timothy Lowe of Worcester, MA on the role the Church of Jerusalem had played in the development of Orthodox Liturgy and Life.

After a delicious lunch prepared by Chef Steve Anderson and staff of Immaculata, the second session reported on many aspects of Diocesan life, especially Mission Grants an Youth Rally. Fr.Robert Holet of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church gave a presentation on how the Diocese can promote the Participatory Giving plan approved at the AAC in July. The afternoon session closed with Daily Vespers held in the Retreat House chapel. The day's activities concluded with a social hour and exceptional dinner, again prepared by the IRH kitchen staff. It was so good, attendees gave them a standing ovation with the singing of "Many Years" to show their pleasure.

On Saturday the Assembly reconvened in the church on Valley St. for Hierarchical Divine Liturgy and brunch served by Culinary Expressions from Willimantic and hosted by members of the UCONN OCF. Then the last session, covering election of Diocesan officers and approval of the 2016 budget transpired. At the end of the session, before closing prayers, Matushka Cindy Voitovich thanked Holy Trinity for the excellent job done in hosting the 52nd Assembly.

As a commemorative item, each delegate received a miniature copy of the Diocesan Icon of the Theotokos that was kept by the parish over the past year. The original icon now goes to Sts. Peter & Paul Church, Springfield, MA who will host the 2016 Assembly.