Dear Orthodox East,
Thanks for the info. Perhaps they started wanting to "fit in" much earlier than I had realized.
My connections there are equally deep. In addition to family, Father Spero baptized me while serving at my home parish in Philadelphia. (Yes, we still say the Worcester folks "stole" him.

). Deacon Mark is one of my closest friends.
Perhaps you "have stayed out of the engine room and enjoyed the ride" while attending St. Mary's. I was not so blessed. If one goes there and mentions the name of my dear friend "Father Dennis Schutte" one can watch large numbers of the "elite" turn red in the face out of shame. That's what I did to them and it's what they deserved. (The Lord is merciful, but I'm not the Lord). There are worse and worse stories to tell, but what do we profit in putting a spotlight on the devil's victories?
Anyway, may God bless all of the faithful and may He forgive me.
Wishing you a most blessed Holy Week and Pascha!
In Christ,
Andrew