I urge my Brother Bishops of the Latin Church to foster greater knowledge and appreciation of the Eastern heritage which is an integral part of the Catholic expression of the faith. Entrusting you and all whom you serve to the maternal care of Mary, I cordially impart my Apostolic Blessing. Holy Protection Church Makes Improvements Reverend Joseph Hutsko and the parishioners at Holy Protection Church in Denver are on the move again improving their church. Devon O'Donnell donated a beautiful oak chair with Southwest upholstery to the church for use as the Bishop's throne behind the altar. Also a serene shade of blue was painted on the back wall of the sanctuary thus highlighting the icon of Our Lady as well as the iconostasis.
Parishioners are also anxious to improve the front of the church by installing brick planters.
Over the past few months, Father Joseph Hutsko and Parishioners of Holy Protection Church in Denver have been carefully watching the progress of the pussy willows growing around the church. A dry and relatively warm winter has stepped up the growing process, thus forcing the pussy willows to be cut earlier than usual. Under Father Joe's watchful eye, the willows have been cut and prepared for Flowery-Palm Sunday. The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary parish played host to the second venture of the Eastern Catholic Churches of Arizona on Saturday March 14, 1998. The Ukrainian Catholic Church under the pastor, Rev. Hugo Soutus, provided the setting for the Day of Recollection directed by Rev. Myron Panchuk of Chicago.