COMMUNITY CHRONICLE (02/17/02)

COMMUNITY CHRONICLE

Clifton parish marks Theophany

by Lillianna Chudolij

CLIFTON, N.J. - Parishioners and friends gathered on January 18 at the Holy Ascension Ukrainian Orthodox Church in observance of Theophany Eve. The feast of Theophany, the third holyday of Christmastide, which is colloquially known as "Yordan," commemorates the baptism of Our Savior in the river Jordan.

On this day in Ukraine the liturgical worship is culminated in massive processions to riverbanks and ponds where the water is blessed. The holy water is drawn by the faithful for consumption at mealtime in remembrance of the feast, as well as for spiritual enrichment and in moments of distress. On the eve of the holy day, a Lenten meal - the traditional "holodna kutia" - is prepared.

The celebrations in Clifton began in the Church sanctuary with the evening service of the Grand Compline and the singing of the melodious carol "Na Yordanskii Richtsi" (On the River Jordan). At the conclusion the faithful descended to the church auditorium for the repast. Tradition was scrupulously adhered to, with blessing of the foods and partaking of the holy water.

The menu overflowed with the bounty of the earth, commencing with kolach and honey, herring and onions, compote - and cloves of garlic for the hearty. An irresistible Lenten borsch was complemented with varenyky, a variety of grain-stuffed holubtsi and garnished salmon baked in parchment. Kutia and refreshments led to evening-long caroling.

But the highlight of the event unquestionably was the traditional Ukrainian "vertep." The village household, resplendent in embroidery, welcomed the shepherds and the three kings trailing the evening star. King Herod and his menacing entourage and the mischievous Antypko wreaked havoc, and the grim reaper cast fear into the young and old with his malevolent scythe.

As the tale of the Christ Child unfolded and the evil-doers began to threaten the safety of the shepherds and the three kings at the manger, in rushed the fearless Kozaks with their swords drawn to defeat the masters of the dark. The performers and the capacity crowd rejoiced at the hard-fought victory and spontaneously sang out praises to the Newborn King in one spirited string of carols after another.

The Rev. Oleh Zhownirovych, pastor, commented: "I am delighted to see the energy and enthusiasm of the participants, especially of the young. It is imperative to remind our second and third-generation youth of their roots and their heritage, lest they permanently disappear into the cavernous melting pot and forget who and what they are."

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