Connecticut church is rebuilt after 2004 explosion (09/10/06)

Connecticut church is rebuilt after 2004 explosion

PARSIPPANY, N.J. - On Sunday, August 27, Bishop Paul Chomnycky of the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Stamford, blessed the new $1.3 million St. Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church and adjoining parish hall in Colchester, Conn., two years after the church was destroyed by a propane explosion.

The explosion on September 10, 2004, destroyed nearly everything except for a white marble statue of the Virgin Mary, which was located about 25 feet from the old church, and has attracted hundreds of visitors to the site.

The statue was donated by Mr. and Mrs. Balacky 32 years ago and has come to symbolize hope and rebirth for the parishioners, with the statue's survival being called a miracle by the Bishop Chomnycky.

Last year, on August 15, on the feast of the Dormition of the Mother of God, the patronal feast of St. Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church, the Rev. Cyril Manolev with other clergy of the Stamford Eparchy celebrated a divine liturgy on the grounds and dedicated the cornerstone for the new church.

In addition to the Ukrainian clergy and faithful, in attendance were representatives of the local Roman Catholic and Greek Orthodox churches, along with Peter W. Argios of the Greek Orthodox faith, the architect who prepared the building plans for the church.

Earlier this year, on April 2, a gold dome built in Ohio was brought to the church and was blessed by Bishop Chomnycky and the Rev. Manolev with parish priests from the surrounding communities. The new dome is three times the size of the previous one and is topped by a six-foot golden cross.

Much of the new church was paid for with insurance money totaling approximately $1.1 million, with the remaining costs being covered by donations. The church remains in need of donations for some finishing touches, including the cost of two additional church pews and church icons.

Interested readers may send donations to: St. Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church, 178 Linwood Ave., Colchester, CT 06003. Information is available on the website www.stmarys-colchester.org or by calling 860-537-0011.

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