St. Michael's Parish in Minneapolis celebrates milestone 75th anniversary

by Daria Lysyj

MINNEAPOLIS - St. Michael's Ukrainian Orthodox Parish, one of the first and oldest communities of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in the United States, is celebrating its 75th anniversary.

In 1925 the first Ukrainian immigrants in Minneapolis established an Orthodox parish and decided to build a church to glorify God and to serve Ukrainian immigrants who were far away from their homeland. They spent their last savings on the church building. They did this not only for their own spiritual needs but also for future generations of their families and any new immigrants who might arrive from their homeland.

In gratitude for the sacrifices and dedication of the pioneers of the first wave of immigration, St. Michael's Ukrainian Orthodox Parish has dedicated the entire year 2000 to celebrate and remember this great event and underscore the importance of Ukrainian spiritual traditions. The celebrations recognize the fact that churches became centers for maintaining and preserving Ukrainian traditions, nationality and culture in countries that were distanced from the homeland.

All current and past events and programs of St. Michael's Parish are tied in with the 75th anniversary commemorations. A Jubilee Committee was set up to coordinate and plan the celebration and was involved in all events from the beginning of 2000. The year was started off with a successful Malanka to greet the New Year. A traditional Palm Sunday Bazaar was attended by many Americans, a Mother's Day celebration honored the pioneer women of that first immigration and their children.

On June 18 a traditional Father's Day picnic was held. It commemorated the parishioners who were are age 75 and older - these are the children of the first pioneers and builders of the present-day church. They were the participants in the first cultural and national groups that were created under the aegis of parish - marking the beginning of the period when parishes became centers not only of spiritual growth but also as protectors and initiators of Ukrainian cultural and national heritage in this country.

Today the parish building houses a museum, which contains artifacts and clothing from different regions of Ukraine. As part of the anniversary celebration, on September 17, there was an exhibit of the items in the museum as well as pictures of parish life from its beginnings 75 years ago, the building of the church and parish life through the present. Visitors also had the opportunity to also view an icon exhibit, the sanctuary and the Ukrainian school, and to learn about the activities of the parish's spiritual center.

On November 4 a jubilee banquet and ball will be held at the Ukrainian-American center to which the entire Ukrainian community in the Twin Cities is invited. This provides an opportunity for all to meet members of the community, guests, as well as the newly arrived immigrants who are beginning to actively participate in the life of the local community.

A concert by the renowned Hoosli ensemble from Winnipeg will be held on November 11 at the O'Shaughnessy Auditorium of St. Mary's University in St. Paul, Minn.

On Sunday, November 12, the parish will celebrate its patron saint's feast day with an archpastoral divine liturgy conducted by Metropolitan Constantine of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the U.S.A. Afterwards the time capsule placed in 1925 under the cornerstone of the church building will be opened, and a new time capsule will be put in its place. This will be the highlight of the celebrations of the 75th jubilee of St. Michael's Parish.

Many people were born and grew up in St. Michael's Parish. However, life's circumstances scattered them to different areas of the United States, Canada and throughout the world. Current parishioners expect to hear from their former fellow parishioners either through letters or deeds.

This year marks more than a physical celebration of 75 years for St. Michael's Parish. This parish is a symbol of the lasting soul of the Ukrainian community, which lives, builds and serves new generations to continue the work of the Orthodox Church and its faithful daughters and sons in this country.

Those far away may visit the parish website to learn about the community http://users.uswest.net/~st_michael_uoc/ or they may write to: 75th Jubilee Committee, St. Michael's Ukrainian Orthodox Church, 505 Fourth St. NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413.

Copyright © The Ukrainian Weekly, October 15, 2000, No. 42, Vol. LXVIII

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