Minneapolis parish dedicates new addition: a library (01/24/99)

Minneapolis parish dedicates new addition: a library

by Dr. Michael J. Kozak

MINNEAPOLIS - Over 100 years have passed since the arrival in Minneapolis of the first settlers from Ukraine. Because of many initial obstacles and tremendous difficulties, religious and community life was established just 85 years ago. Once established, however, the community grew in size and strength.

In 1913, these early settlers from Ukraine, in order to preserve the faith of their forefathers, under the leadership of the Rev. Constantine Kurylo, built a church and placed it under the patronage of St. Constantine. Many priests and faithful, through sacrifice and hard labor, assured the future existence and growth of this newly established Ukrainian religious community.

The arrival of new immigrants after World War II gave new impetus to this congregation. With increased membership, the need for a parochial school became very evident. At the time, the Rev. Peter Leskiw was pastor of the parish. Under his guidance and leadership, in 1956 a school building along with a spacious auditorium became a reality.

In 1964 a new chapter was opened when the Rev. Stephen Knapp became pastor of St. Constantine's Parish. He immediately noticed the need for a new church. The response was overwhelming. Soon the great task was completed. On the site where there once stood a little church, now stands an impressive complex of buildings: a school building, a rectory, an art gallery named in honor of Patriarch Josyf Slipyj and a new church.

The church is decorated with a beautiful iconostasis, mosaics by Prof. Ugo Mazzei of Rome, chandeliers imported from Greece, and an interior decor created by the well-known artist Mychailo Dmytrenko. The church's impressive beauty and the works displayed in the art gallery splendidly represent the greatness of Ukrainian culture, which is closely tied to the spirituality of ancient Ukraine.

With the retirement of the Rev. Knapp, the Rev. Michael Stelmach became pastor. With his arrival in 1992, a new page was turned in the history of the parish. To enhance the cultural offerings of the parish, the Rev. Stelmach was approached by Dr. Michael Kozak and Dmytro Tataryn with the idea of establishing a library. The pastor immediately and enthusiastically agreed to implement it.

A group of parishioners, including Mr. Tataryn, George Haynus, Wasyl Mocio and Wolodymyr Kuzniak, and more recently Halyna Megits, sacrificed much time and energy to establish the library in one of the rooms of the school building. Many books were donated by Dr. Julian Pawlyshyn, Alice Danyluk, Michaeline Raymond, Irena Pluwak, Vera Kennedy, Dr. Peter Popadiuk, Wasyl Dombrowsky, Slavomyr Luciw, Roman Korol and Wolodymyr Kos. The local Ukrainian credit union donated $250 toward procurement of the a complete set of "Litopys UPA." (Chronicle of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army). Thanks to all these donors, the library currently consists of about 2,000 books in the Ukrainian and English languages.

There is great hope that, over time, this endeavor will continue to grow and be of benefit to all those seeking a good source of information about Ukraine's history and culture.

To assure the library's proper functioning and expansion a board of directors was formed; it includes the Rev. Stelmach, Dr. Kozak, Mr. Tataryn, Mr. Pawlyshyn, Dr. Popadiuk, Walter Anastas, and Mr. Luciw.

The grand opening and blessing of the library took place, on December 6, 1998, in presence of many parishioners and guests. The program was opened with brief remarks by Dr. Kozak, who pointed out that the library is yet another impressive achievement of the parish and expressed sincere appreciation to all those who made contributions to its successful completion.

In conclusion, he invited the Rev. Stelmach to bless this new cultural achievement of the Ukrainian community: the Library of Ukrainian Learning named in honor of the Rev. Markian Shashkevych, the 19th century poet, spiritual leader and national hero of the Ukrainian people.

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