PALMERTON, Pa. – On October 28, the community of the faithful of St. Volodymyr Ukrainian Catholic Church in Palmerton, Pa., celebrated its 100th anniversary.
The liturgy was celebrated by Bishop Andriy Rabiy, apostolic administrator of the Archeparchy of Philadelphia, assisted by the Rev. Volodymyr Baran, pastor of St. Volodymyr parish; the Very Rev. John Seniv, pastor of St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Church in Northampton, Pa.; the Rev. Evhen Moniuk, pastor of St. Nicholas Ukrainian Church in Great Meadows, N.J.; the Rev. Stepan Hlushak, visiting priest from Ukraine; and the Rev. Deacon Michael Waak.
The participation of two choirs enhanced the celebratory spirit of the liturgy, with the English responses being sung by St. Mary’s Ukrainian Church choir from McAdoo, Pa., while the Ukrainian responses were sung by the Dzvin male choir from Philadelphia.
Bishop Andriy delivered an inspiring homily, reminding all of the perseverance and deep faith of those early immigrants who, with very little finances and limited English language skills, still managed to maintain and grow their faith and also establish a church in this new and vibrant land of America. He asked the current parishioners to follow the examples of their ancestors and help grow the religious community of St. Volodymyr into the 21st century.
After the liturgy, a banquet was held at the Blue Shamrock Golf Club in Palmerton. The banquet was attended by over 100 persons, including clergy, parishioners and guests.
The festivities began with a prayer and blessing by Bishop Andriy. Entertainment at the banquet was provided by virtuoso violinist Innesa Tymochko-Dekajlo and the St. Mary’s Church choir. The Kazka Ukrainian Folk Ensemble also entertained the crowd with songs and dances. The entertainment concluded with four Ukrainian songs performed by the Dzvin choir.
Afterwards Father Baran thanked all of the visiting clergy, guests and parishioners for helping to celebrate the parish’s centennial. He wished everyone a safe trip home, and reminded all those present to pick up a copy of the St. Volodymyr 100th anniversary commemorative booklet as they left for home.