Philadelphia-based credit union opens branch in Scranton (01/20/02)

Philadelphia-based credit union opens branch in Scranton

by Roman Stelmach

SCRANTON, Pa. - The Ukrainian Selfreliance Federal Credit Union of Philadelphia opened its fourth branch with the now traditional blessing from local religious leaders. The fourth branch is the result of a merger of the Ukrainian Fraternal (Scranton) FCU with Ukrainian Selfreliance FCU.

Parishioners of Ss. Cyril and Methodius Ukrainian Catholic Church in Olyphant, St. Michael Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Scranton and St. Vladimir Ukrainian Catholic Church in Scranton also attended the blessing and grand opening on November 4, 2001. Immediately after the blessing, Msgr. Stephen Hrynuck of Ss. Cyril and Methodius Parish led the attendees in remembering the victims of September 11 by singing "God Bless America."

All the attendees then gathered outside the modest office, where they witnessed Chairman of the Board Bohdan Mizak, the Very Rev. Nestor Kowal of St. Michael Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Scranton, Msgr. Hrynuck, Board Member Olga Jakubowska and CEO Ihor Chyzowych cut the ceremonial yellow and blue ribbon. A reception followed in the "new hall," which also houses the new Scranton branch.

Branch Operations and Marketing Manager Roman Stelmach welcomed the attendees and introduced Mr. Chyzowych, who requested that Helen Pronko join them at the dais. Mr. Chyzowych then described the many long years of Ms. Pronko's volunteer efforts with the Scranton credit union. On behalf of the Ukrainian National Credit Union Association, he presented Ms. Pronko with a handsome plaque of appreciation.

Ms. Pronko stated that after 25 years of service she felt that Scranton area members would be better served by the many products that the USFCU has to offer. She further stated that the merger was made easy by the professional staff of the USFCU. She ended her comments by stating that, although the Scranton credit union was small, she is satisfied that it was merged into another Ukrainian credit union.

Mr. Chyzowych stated that today the branch has only a teller station, but hopes that someday the branch will expand into the rest of the hall and thus might force the credit union to buy the building from the landlord, Ss. Cyril and Methodius Church.

Mr. Mizak remarked that the USFCU is a young and vibrant Ukrainian credit union, is eager to serve the Scranton area, and that it soon will be celebrating its 50th anniversary. He invited all attendees to a delicious dinner prepared by the "official" credit union caterer, Ivanka Lucyshyn.

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