Eugene Serba
Editor-in-Chief of Svoboda and The Ukrainian Weekly Roma Hadzewycz delivers the keynote address.
JENKINTOWN, Pa. – The Philadelphia District of the UNA celebrated the 125th anniversary of the Ukrainian National Association with a concert on Sunday, October 20, at the Ukrainian Educational and Cultural Center in Jenkintown, Pa.
In addition to celebrating the 125th year since the UNA’s founding in 1894, the Philadelphia District Committee chose to focus on raising funds for the UNA Publications Endowment Fund, raising $1,500 from those in attendance.
Despite the rainy weather, over 100 adults and children gathered to hear informative and reflective speakers, as well as a variety of entertainment.
UNA Chief Operations Officer/National Secretary Yuriy Symczyk highlighted the UNA’s history and commitment to community involvement.
Also in attendance from the UNA General Assembly were: Second Vice-President Eugene Serba, Chief Financial Officer/Treasurer Roma Lisovich, Auditor Luba Walchuk, and Advisors Lubov Streletsky and Andrij Szul.
The keynote speaker, Roma Hadzewycz, editor-in-chief of Svoboda and The Ukrainian Weekly, gave an excellent summary of the role the newspapers have played in the UNA’s history. Attendees were encouraged to subscribe to both papers as well as make a contribution to the UNA Publications Endowment Fund.
The program was highlighted by violinist Dr. Solomiya Ivakhiv, an internationally renowned musician. The well-known Voloshky Ukrainian Dance Ensemble provided several colorful Ukrainian dances.
Eugene Serba
Violinist Dr. Solomiya Ivakhiv performs.
The Bells Choir of the First Ukrainian Evangelical Baptist Church presented a unique and well-received performance. In addition, the Soloveyky children’s choir and a duo of bandurists entertained the audience. Roman Dubenko served as master of ceremonies.
The Bells Choir of First Ukrainian Evangelical Baptist Church.
The varied program benefitted the UNA’s two official newspapers via the UNA Publications Endowment Fund that exists under the aegis of the Ukrainian National Foundation (UNF). Those who wish to make a tax-deductible contribution may send checks made out to “UNF FBO UNA Publications Endowment Fund,” to: Ukrainian National Association, 2200 Route 10, Parsippany, NJ 07054.