St. Josaphat School celebrates 50th anniversary (06/07/98)

St. Josaphat School celebrates 50th anniversary

PARMA, Ohio - St. Josaphat Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral School, celebrated its 50th Jubilee with a dinner and ball held at the Astrodome, the parish hall, on Saturday, April 25.

Over 500 alumni and guests attended the beautifully appointed affair. Serving as mistress and master of ceremonies were Maria Fedkiw and William Kaczmarek; they were introduced by the Mitred Archpriest Michael Rewtiuk, pastor of St. Josaphat.

A tribute to the school was presented by three eighth grade students, Marko Bodnaruk, Larissa Kmiotek and Natalie Parc. After the tribute, the guests joined in singing "A Hymn to St. Josaphat." A welcome to the celebration was extended by the Kashtan Ukrainian School of Dance.

Bishop Robert M. Moskal, D.D., Bishop of the Eparchy of St. Josaphat in Parma, offered the invocation.

Following dinner, guests at the head table were recognized and introduced, as were members of the faculty - present and past. The Rev. Theodore Marszal, administrative assistant to Bishop Anthony Pilla, Catholic Diocese of Cleveland, brought greetings from Bishop Pilla. The Rev. Marszal delighted the audience with comments about his Ukrainian heritage.

Iryna and Luba Zawadiwsky played a bandura duet titled "St. Josaphat School." The lyrics were written by their mother Anna Zawadiwsky who teaches Ukrainian at St. Josaphat; the music was written by Maestro Eugene Sadowsky. The ladies also played and sang "Hutsul Girl" and "Looking into the Orchard."

Mr. Kaczmarek recognized the alumni by the year of their graduation. After this, the Rev. Andrew Hanowsky, associate pastor of St. Josaphat and administrator of St. Josaphat School, gave the Ukrainian address. The English address was delivered by Dr. Orest Liscynesky, treasurer/director of the Cleveland Selfreliance Federal Credit Union. Marcus Wankewycz, a parishioner, entertained with piano selections by Beethoven, Buckman and Andrew Lloyd Weber.

Closing remarks were made by Bishop Robert, who presented plaques expressing appreciation to the Rt. Rev. Rewtiuk, pastor - sponsor of St. Josaphat Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral School. A special recognition was granted by Bishop Robert to the Rev. Hanowsky for his accomplishments as administrator of St. Josaphat School and to Sister Miriam Claire OSBM, school principal. Bishop Robert honored Father Andrew by bestowing upon him the honor title of reverend canon upon the Rev. Hanowsky.

The benediction was offered by the Rev. Peter Waslo, vice-chancellor of St. Josaphat Eparchy and associate pastor of St. Andrew's Ukrainian Catholic Church.

Mrs. Fedkiw and Mr. Kaczmarek then invited everyone to the grand ball with music by Romen.