WILMINGTON, Del. – Despite a dreary rainy Sunday morning on October 27, over 250 faithful of St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church in Wilmington, Del., arrived to celebrate the 50th anniversary of their current church with a hierarchical divine liturgy. The main celebrant was Metropolitan-Archbishop Borys Gudziak.
Concelebrants included Bishop Emeritus Basil Losten; Bishop John Bura, a former pastor of St. Nicholas Parish; the Rev. Volodymyr Klanichka, pastor; and the Revs. Roman Dubinsky and William Gore OSFS, former pastors; along with Deacon Volodymyr Radko.
Metropolitan Archbishop Gudziak gave a stirring homily and congratulated St. Nicholas parishioners on 50 years in their current church and 116 years as a parish.
A reception at Harry’s Savoy Grill followed the divine liturgy. Mistress of ceremonies Dr. Irena Stolar invited each religious leader to speak and offer prayers. Parishioner Zenek Cybak recounted the history of the new St. Nicholas Church being built in 1969. The program included entertainment at the dinner’s conclusion.
The positive outlook and prayer resulted in the sun appearing to conclude a wonderful day for all present.