PERTH AMBOY. N.J. – A visit from Bishop Andriy Rabiy, auxiliary bishop for the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia, during Catholic Schools Week was a special treat for students at Assumption Catholic School (ACS) in Perth Amboy, N.J.
ACS is a private-parochial school administered by the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia and the Ukrainian Catholic Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. With five-day school weeks, the Advanc-Ed accredited school provides a Christ-centered, Catholic environment to a diverse population of pre-kindergarten (age 4) through eighth grade students.
Bishop Andriy Rabiy with the Rev. Ivan Turyk.
Upon his arrival, Bihsop Andriy was greeted in the church vestibule by ACS students with traditional gifts of bread, salt and flowers. His visit fell on the Feast of the Presentation of Jesus at the Temple (February 2), also known as Candlemas and the Feast of the Purification.
During divine liturgy, Bishop Andriy blessed candles and reminded all students that these candles symbolize that they are called to be light, just as Jesus is the Light of the World. He also presented five distinguished parishioner-students with generous scholarships for their continuing education.
Young students with Bishop Andriy Rabiy, faculty and staff members.
Following the service, the school presented a short concert and a festive breakfast in honor of Bishop Andriy and his historic visit to ACS. During breakfast, the students, faculty and staff also honored the hard work and sacrifices that police officers have to make every day in order to safeguard the country and the community.
The bishop was warmly greeted by the principal, Lissette Shumny, who thanked him for taking the time to visit with the students. The Rev. Ivan Turyk, pastor and the school administrator, escorted Bishop Andriy through the school. As he moved from classroom to classroom the bishop answered a variety of questions from the enthusiastic students, ranging from when he decided to become a priest (at age 17), to what he would have been if he wasn’t a bishop (become a teacher), to what is his favorite Old Testament book (Exodus), to what sport he likes the most (soccer), if he has met Pope Francis (not yet) and if it is fun being a bishop (yes).
Students greet Bishop Andriy Rabiy with flowers.
Bishop Andriy Rabiy interacts with students in the classroom.
In addition to visiting with the students and answering their questions, the bishop was presented with a handmade “heart” of thank-you and good wishes cards from the students.
Prior to departing, Bishop Andriy had lunch with teachers and staff members. Everyone agreed it was a truly memorable day for the school and it was definitely a wonderful way to end Catholic Schools Week at ACS.
For more information, readers may visit the school’s website, at www.assumptioncatholicschool.net.