Anya Rohmer-Hanson fell asleep in the Lord

We are sad to announce that Anya Rohmer-Hanson fell asleep in the Lord on Friday, November 8, 2019. She was 74 and was undergoing medical treatment at Yale.

No funeral arrangements are made as yet. According to the wishes of Anya, no funeral liturgy will be served. A memorial service will likely happen in August 2020.

Take a moment today to pray for the peaceful repose of the soul of Anyaand the consolation of her family and friends who mourn her.

May Mary, the Holy Theotokos, St. Michael the Archangel and all the saints and blesseds present Anya to the Lord of Life.

Eternal memory.

Parish announcements this week

Christ is in our midst!

This week’s vigil light is offered God’s glory by Vasyl Ivantsiv in memory of Dmytro.

We would like to congratulate Vasile and Andra Godenciuc on the occasion of the Holy Baptism and Chrismation of their son August Vasile, which took place on Saturday, November 7th in our church. Many happy and blessed years!

We would like to congratulate Aart and Erin VanWilgen on the occasion of the Holy Baptism and Chrismation of their daughter Olivia Tatijana, which took place on Saturday, November 7th in our church. Many happy and blessed years!

CONGRATULATIONS to our Ukrainian American Veterans on a successful National Convention and also thank you to all those who helped out and contributed to their success.

PHILIP’S FAST, ПИЛИПІВКА, the pre-Christmas fast which begins on November 15, the day after the feast of St. Philip, is a 40 day period of spiritual preparation for the celebration of the Nativity/Theophany cycle of the church year. Once a period of strict fasting, it has now been changed to a period of voluntary fasting and works of penance.

The next Sestrechi meeting will be held on Sunday, November 17, after the 9:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy. The meeting will be held in the church hall, classroom 1.

The Pyrohy Project will be making Pyrohy on Saturday, November 16. Please come and help.

St. Michael’s Day will be celebrated on November 24th. On this day we will have only one (1) Divine Liturgy at 10:30 a.m.. After the Divine Liturgy, we will have a dinner and short program. All parishioners are cordially invited to this celebration. Tickets are available through Margaret Maybury, Svitlana Nakonechnyj and Fr. Iura Godenciuc. Tickets are $25.00 for adults, $10.00 for youth between 14and 18. Free for students Ridna Shkola, altar boys and for children under 12. We will be running a raffle. If you would like to donate any items to be raffled, please bring them to our church hall on Sundays before our Feast Day. Also we ask for donations for dessert.

The Ukrainian Ridna Shkola of New Haven had started its school year with 3 classes: 1.) A nursery school program for children 3-5 years old; 2.) A class to teach Ukrainian to English language-speaking children ages 6-10; 3.) A class where instruction is only in the Ukrainian language for children 8-11 years old. Classes are from 9:30 to 11:30 each Saturday morning. Religious instruction follows at 11:30 am. We have dance instruction as well from 12:00 noon.

PARISH MAINTENANCE UPDATE NOTICE: Please take note of the fact that there is various concrete repair work being conducted around the Parish on all five buildings. This includes repointing the church stairs, repairing walkways and concrete areas. Your care in walking around and avoiding the work areas for your safety is appreciated.

The Holodomor Remembrance in New York City will take place on Saturday, November 16. The cost for bus $40.00 for adults, 20.00 for students. To reserve seats call Halia Lodynsky 203-494-6278. The bus will stop in New Haven at 9:30 Ikea Parking Lot (rear) Brewery Street.

Adult Faith Formation

St. Josaphat, (1580-1623), was born into a devout religious family of Ruthenian ancestry and was baptized in the Eastern Orthodox Church. During a revival of Eastern Catholic monastic life he became a monk in the Order of St. Basil, and was ordained in the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church in 1609. He was noted for his life of asceticism, holiness and virtue which led to his appointment as Archbishop of Polotsk. During his lifetime there was much sociopolitical and ecclesiastical rivalry between Catholics and Orthodox, and Latin and Byzantine rites, especially in the wake of the 1596 Union of Brest which saw the Ukrainian Church break away from the Orthodox and place itself under the authority of the Holy See in Rome. St. Josaphat was passionate about communion with the Holy See, however he was also strongly opposed to the Latinization of his people. This combination of views drew ire from both Catholic and Orthodox clergy. His diocese was contested by the Orthodox, and a rival Orthodox bishop was set up to oppose him, causing riots. During one uprising Josaphat tried to calm the tensions and work for reunification and peace, but his enemies plotted to kill him. A mob entered Josaphat’s home, stabbed and axed his body and threw it into a river. His body was seen glowing in the water and was recovered, and after his martyrdom many miracles were attributed to his intercession. Josaphat’s sacrifice became a blessing as regret and sorrow over his death converted many hearts toward reunification with Rome. In 1867, Josaphat became the first Ukrainian Saint of the Eastern Church to be formally canonized by the Catholic Church. Not only our Ukrainian Catholic Church, but also the entire Catholic Church, venerates, prays to and erects churches in honor of St. Josaphat. His relics are enshrined in the center of the Catholic world – in the Basilica of St. Peter in Rome. It is due to him and his martyrdom that we today profess the true Christian faith and are members of the true Church of Christ. His feast day is November 12. (from communio.stblogs.org, et al.)

Parish announcements this week

Christ is in our midst!

This week’s vigil light is offered God’s Glory by Nina Baker and family in memory of Natalie Cybriwsky.

We invite everyone to a farewell reception for our wounded soldier Kostya Shkapoyed and his wife Iryna. The reception will be in the church hall on Sunday, October 27 at 12:00 noon. Kostya’s treatment at Yale has been completed and he and Iryna are returning to Ukraine. Let’s give him a nice send off and wish him and Iryna well as they return home.

We changed the date for making Pyrohy from November 23rd to November 16th.

The Ukrainian American Veteran’s National Convention will be held here in New Haven this coming weekend, Thursday October 31st thru Saturday November 2nd. We expect 140 attendees and we are asking for your help to make this event a success. Please contact Post Commander Carl Harvey for further details and how you can help. Thank you.

The next meeting of Knights of Columbus Blessed Metropolitan Andrey Sheptytsky Ukrainian Council will be held on Monday, November 4, 7:00 p.m. in the Holy Name Room. All men of the parish are invited to attend.

St. Michael’s Day will be celebrated on November 24. On this day we will have only One Divine Liturgy at 10:30 a.m. After the Divine Liturgy, we will have a dinner and short program. All parishioners are cordially invited to this celebration. Tickets are available through Anya Rohmer-Hanson. Tickets are $25.00 for adults, $10.00 for youth between 14 and 18. Free for students Ridna Shkola, altar boys and for children under 12. We will be running a raffle. If you would like to donate any items to be raffled, please bring them to our church hall on Sundays before our Feast Day. Also we ask for donations for dessert.

The Ukrainian Ridna Shkola of New Haven has started its school year with 3 classes: 1.) A nursery school program for children 3-5 years old; 2.) A class to teach Ukrainian to English language-speaking children ages 6-10; 3.) A class where instruction is only in the Ukrainian language for children 8-11 years old. Classes are from 9:30 to 11:30 each Saturday morning. Religious instruction follows at 11:30 am. We are planning Ukrainian dance instruction as well.

Metropolitan-Archbishop Borys Gudziak, spiritual leader of the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia will appear on EWTN live, Wednesday, October 30 at 8 p.m. Metropolitan Borys will speak about his duties and responsibilities as a bishop of the Ukrainian Catholic Church on the 60 minute program hosted by Father Mitch Pacwa. The program will be rebroadcast on Thursday, October 31 at 1 a.m. and 9 a.m. and Sunday November 3 at 4 a.m.

The Holodomor Remembrance in New York City will take place on Saturday, November 16. The cost for bus $40.00 for adults, 20. 00 for students. To reserve seats call Halia Lodynsky 203 494-6278. The bus will stop in New Haven at 9:30 Ikea Parking Lot (rear) Brewery Street.

The Eparchy of Stamford will be sponsoring an Eparchial Family Day retreat on the theme “Parents as the First Teachers of Faith for Their Children, who Proclaim the Gospel to Them.” The retreat will be held at St. Basil Seminary, Stamford on November 17th. More information, as well as registration forms are available in the vestibule.

CT Pro-Life Conference, November 2nd, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. at Saint Paul High School 1001, Stafford Avenue, Bristol. Workshops/Speakers/Advocacy 101. To register $15 lunch included; $5 for students with ID; visitwww.ctfamily.org

STAMFORD CHARITIES APPEAL

REMINDER: Please don’t forget to donate to the Charities Appeal. Kindly make checks payable to the Byzantine Rite Eparchy of Stamford. DO NOT MAIL THIS FORM TO THE CHANCERY OFFICE. We sincerely ask all parishioners to make generous contributions.

Parish announcements this week

Christ is in our midst!

This week’s vigil light is offered to God’s glory by Nina Baker and family in memory of Natalie Cybriwsky.

We would like to congratulate Rudolph III and Nicole Brezicki on the occasion of the Holy Baptism and Chrismation of their daughter Tessa Rose, which took place on Saturday, September 21, in our church. Many happy and blessed years!

Pyrohy Project: We change the date for making Pyrohy for November, from November 23rd to November 16th.

Ukrainian American Veterans will hold our National Convention here in New Haven Thursday, October 3st thru Saturday, November 2nd. We expect 140 attendees at the convention and we are asking for your help to make this event a success. Please contact Post Commander Carl Harvey for further details and how you can help. Thank you!

St. Michael’s Day will be celebrated on November 24th. On this day we will have only one (1) Divine Liturgy at 10:30 a.m.. After the Divine Liturgy, we will have a dinner and short program. All parishioners are cordially invited to this celebration. Tickets are available through Miss Luba Dubno. Tickets are $25.00 for adults, $10.00 for youth between 14and 18. Free for students Ridna Shkola, altar boys  and for children under 12. We will be running a raffle. If you would like to donate any items to be raffled, please bring them to our church hall on Sundays before our Feast Day. Also we ask for donations for dessert.

The Ukrainian Ridna Shkola of New Haven had started its school year with 3 classes: 1.) A nursery school program for children 3-5 years old; 2.) A class to teach Ukrainian to English language-speaking children ages 6-10; 3.) A class where instruction is only in the Ukrainian language for children 8-11 years old. Classes are from 9:30 to 11:30 each Saturday morning. Religious instruction follows at 11:30 am. We are planning Ukrainian dance instruction as well.

CT Pro-Life Conference, November 2nd, 9am-3pm at Saint Paul High School 1001, Stafford Avenue, Bristol CT. Workshops/Speakers/Advocacy 101. To register $15 lunch included; $5 for students with ID; visit http://www.ctfamily.org

The Yevshan Ukrainian Vocal Ensemble cordially invites you to a 20th year Jubilee Concert on Sunday, October 20th, 2:00 pm at St. Patrick – St. Anthony Roman Catholic Church, 285 Church Street, Hartford. Tickets ($20.00/adults and $10.00/children) will be available at the door. For more information, please call 203-380-2892 or 860-521-4914.

The Eparchy of Stamford will be sponsoring an Eparchial Family Day retreat on the theme “Parents as the First Teachers of Faith for Their Children, who Proclaim the Gospel to Them.” The retreat will be held at St. Basil Seminary, Stamford on November 17th. More information, as well as registration forms are available in the vestibule.

STAMFORD CHARITIES APPEAL
REMINDER: Please don’t forget to donate to the Charities Appeal. Kindly make checks payable to the Byzantine Rite Eparchy of Stamford. DO NOT MAIL THIS FORM TO THE CHANCERY OFFICE. We sincerely ask all parishioners to make generous contributions.

SEE SOMETHING – SAY SOMETHING: Dear Parishioners, the physical property of this Parish consists of five separate buildings. These buildings belong to you, take pride in them. If you see something broken or damaged, please pass the information on so that it can be fixed. Tell Father Iura, send an email to the Parish, or drop a note in the collection box at the Divine Liturgy on Sunday, so that we can repair/fix what is wrong. Suggestions for improvement are also happily accepted. Thank you.

Adult Faith Formation

Why does the priest kiss the altar?

Parish announcements this week

Christ is in our midst!

This week’s vigil light is offered to God by Nina Baker and family in memory of Natalie Cybriwsky.

A special thank you from Mrs. Sophie DeCarlo to all those who helped her to celebrate her 102nd. birthday. She received 33 Birthday Cards and enjoyed reading every one of them. Many years!

Congratulations to Mr. Bohdan Sowa and the Sestrechi on the success of last week’s Lasagna Dinner. Given in memory of Mrs. Maria Sowa, the dinner was truly outstanding and enjoyed by all who attended. Many years!

Pierogi Saturday has been changed in November to the 16th. Previously it was the 23rd.

Post #33 of the Ukrainian American Veterans invites everyone to a community presentation by Senator Richard Blumenthal Sunday, October 13th at 12:00 noon in St. Michael’s church hall, 569 George St., in New Haven. Senator Blumenthal is a leader in the U.S. Senate for securing support for Ukraine in its struggle against Russian aggression. He will discuss recent development in Ukraine and Congress as well as his support for wounded Ukrainian soldiers. All are invited to participate and to support the Senator in his efforts.

Ukrainian American Veterans will hold our National Convention here in New Haven Thursday, October 31st thru Saturday, November 2nd. We expect 140 attendees at the convention and we are asking for your help to make this event a success. Please contact Post Commander Carl Harvey for further details and how you can help. Thank you!

St. Michael’s Day will be celebrated on November 24th. On this day we will have only one (1) bilingual Divine Liturgy at 10:30 a.m.. After the Divine Liturgy, we will have a dinner and short program. All parishioners are cordially invited to this celebration. Tickets are available through Miss Luba Dubno. Tickets are $25.00 for adults, $10.00 for youth between 14 and 18. Free for students Ridna Shkola, altar boys and for children under 12. We will be running a raffle. If you would like to donate any items to be raffled, please bring them to our church hall on Sundays before our Feast Day. Also we ask for donations for dessert.

The Ukrainian Ridna Shkola of New Haven has started its school year with 3 classes: 1.) A nursery school program for children 3-5 years old; 2.) A class to teach Ukrainian to English language-speaking children ages 6-10; 3.) A class where instruction is only in the Ukrainian language for children 8-11 years old. Classes are from 9:30 to 11:30 each Saturday morning. Religious instruction follows at 11:30 a.m. We are planning Ukrainian dance instruction as well.

The Eparchy of Stamford will be sponsoring an Eparchial Family Day retreat on the theme “Parents as the First Teachers for Their Children who proclaim the Gospel to Them”. The retreat will take place in St. Basil Seminary, Stamford, on November 17. More information, as well as registration forms are in the vestibule.

STAMFORD CHARITIES APPEAL

REMINDER: Please don’t forget to donate to the Charities Appeal. Kindly make checks payable to the Byzantine Rite Eparchy of Stamford. DO NOT MAIL THIS FORM TO THE CHANCERY OFFICE. We sincerely ask all parishioners to make generous contributions.

SEE SOMETHING – SAY SOMETHING: Dear Parishioners, the physical property of this Parish consists of five separate buildings. These buildings belong to you, take pride in them. If you see something broken or damaged, please pass the information on so that it can be fixed. Tell Father Iura, send an email to the Parish, or drop a note in the collection box at the Divine Liturgy on Sunday, so that we can repair/fix what is wrong. Suggestions for improvement are also happily accepted. Thank you.

Some parish announcements

Some parish announcements…

Post # 33 of the Ukrainian American Veterans invites everyone to a community presentation by Senator Richard Blumenthal next Sunday, October 13th at 12:00 noon in St. Michael’s church hall, 569 George St, in New Haven. Senator Blumenthal is a leader in the U.S. Senate for securing support for Ukraine in its struggle against Russian aggression. He will discuss recent developments in Ukraine and Congress as well as his support for wounded Ukrainian soldiers. All are invited to participate and to support the Senator in his efforts.

The Ukrainian Ridna Shkola of New Haven had started its school year with 3 classes:

1. A nursery school program for children 3-5 years old;
2. A class to teach Ukrainian to English language- speaking children ages 6-10;
3. A class where instruction is only in the Ukrainian language for children 8-11 years old.

Classes are from 9:30 to 11:30 each Saturday morning. Religious instruction follows at 11:30 a.m. We are planning Ukrainian dance instruction as well.

For further information please contact Myron Melnyk or Halia Lodynsky.

——————

33-тий Відділ Укр-Амерканських Ветеранів в Ню Гейвен, Конн запрошує всіх на зустріч з Senator Richard Blumenthal в неділю 13-ого жовтня о год 12:00 в залі при церкві Св. Михаіла , 569 George St. , New Haven . Senator Blumenthal є oдин з лідерів в Сенаті США і постійно працює над підтримкою Украіни. Сенатор буде говорити про сучасні події в Украіні і в Конгресі і також про його ініціативи лікувати тяжкопоранених украінських воінів. Просимо всіх щприймати участь.

———
Укр. Рідна школа почала шкільний рік . Навчання відбувається суботами від 9:30 – 11:30 рано у
3-ох класах :
 
1. Світличка/ садочок для діточок віком 3 до 5 рочків.
2. Навчання української мови для англомовних дітей віком 7-10 років
3. Навчання виключно українською мовою дітям від 8-10 років.
 
О год 11:30 відбувається навчання релігії . Існують також плани вчити Українські танці.
 
Про інформації прошу звертатися до Мирона Мельника або до Галі Лодинськоі.

Stepan Jurczak asleep in the Lord

It is with sadness to announce that Halia Lodynsky’s father, Stepan Jurczak, fell asleep in the Lord yesterday, 29 September 2019.

The Wake will be held at Celentano Funeral Home. The visiting hours are from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. tomorrow, Tuesday, October 1st. The Panakhyda will be at 7:00 p.m.

There will be two Funeral Liturgies. The first will be here in New Haven at St. Michael the Archangel Ukrainian Catholic Church at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday morning. After the Liturgy, there will be a reception in the church hall.

Following the Mass in New Haven, Stepan’s body will be transported to Philadelphia.

On Thursday morning, there will be another Funeral Liturgy at the Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception at 830 North Franklin St, Philadelphia, PA 19123-2005 beginning at 9:00 a.m.

Burial will take place in St. Mary’s Ukrainian Cemetery, 438 Cedar Road Fox Chase, PA 19027.

Stepan’s obituary may be read here.

Let us be united in prayer to the Holy Mother of God, the Holy Theotokos for the peaceful repose of the soul of Stepan, for the consolation of Halia and her family who mourn Stepan. May Stepan’s memory be eternal.

Parish announcements this week

Christ is in our midst!

This week’s vigil light is offered by Nina Baker & family in memory of Natalie Cybriwsky.

The New School Year 2019-2020 (Ridna Shkola) began on Saturday, September 21. Registration is open to all children; if there are any questions please contact Halia Lodynsky at 203-494-6278 for more information. Thank you.

The next meeting of Knights of Columbus Blessed Metropolitan Andrey Sheptytsky Ukrainian Council will be held on Monday, October 7, 7:00 p.m. in the Holy Name Room. All men of the parish are invited to attend.

We have for sale frozen pierogies (varenyky): 2 dozen for $14.00. Purchases can be made after each Divine Liturgy.

Pyrohy Project schedule change: making pyrohy on November 16th instead of November 23rd.

The Immaculate Conception Society (Sestretsi) is cordially inviting all St. Michael’s Parishioners and friends to attend its Lasagna Dinner in Memory of Maria Sowa, to be held on Sunday, October 6, 12:00 noon, at our Parish church hall. Come to enjoy good food, desserts and the company of parishioners and friends. Tickets are $20.00 for adults and free admission to those under the age of 12. Please see Christine or Mary Beth Gawron for tickets.

Ukrainian American Veterans will hold our National Convention here in New Haven Thursday October 31st thru Saturday November 2nd. We expect 140 attendees at the convention and we are asking for your help to make this event a success. Please contact Post Commander Carl Harvey for further details and how you can help. Thank you!

St. Michael’s Day will be celebrated on November 24. On this day we will have only One Divine Liturgy at 10:30 a.m. After the Divine Liturgy, we will have a dinner and short program. All parishioners are cordially invited to this celebration. Tickets are available through Miss Luba Dubno. Tickets are $25.00 for adults, $10.00 for youth between 14and 18. Free for students Ridna Shkola, altar boys

SEE SOMETHING – SAY SOMETHING: Dear Parishioners, the physical property of this Parish consists of five separate buildings. These buildings belong to you, take pride in them. If you see something broken or damaged, please pass the information on so that it can be fixed. Tell Father Iura, send an email to the Parish, or drop a note in the collection box at the Divine Liturgy on Sunday, so that we can repair/fix what is wrong. Suggestions for improvement are also happily accepted. Thank you.

STAMFORD CHARITIES APPEAL

REMINDER: Please don’t forget to donate to the Charities Appeal. Forms are designed for each family of our parish. Attached to the form is an envelope into which you can place your contribution. Please enclose the form with your contribution into the envelope and place it into the collection basket during church services. Kindly make checks payable to the Byzantine Rite Eparchy of Stamford. DO NOT MAIL THIS FORM TO THE CHANCERY OFFICE. We sincerely ask all parishioners to make generous contributions.

The Eparchy of Stamford will be sponsoring an Eparchial Family Day retreat on the theme “ Parents as the First Teachers for Their Children who proclaim the Gospel to Them”. The retreat will take place in St. Basil Seminary, Stamford, CT. on November 17. More information, as well as registration forms are in the vestibule.

Adult Faith Formation

“We faithfully celebrate this day with joy, being enlightened by your presence, O Mother of God. Looking upon your pure image we sincerely beg: ‘“Protect us by your holy mantle. Deliver us from all evil, and beseech your Son, the Christ-God, to save us.”’  (Troparion of the Feast)

Parish announcements this week

Christ is in our midst!

This week’s vigil light is offered by Christopher Komondy in memory of All deceased members of the Komondy Family

September 7th marked the 35th Anniversary of the death of Patriarch Joseph Cardinal Slipyj in 1984. Please pray for the repose of his soul. Eternal memory.

A special Thank you to all the pyrohy workers who donated their time to make pyrohy for the Ukrainian Day Festival, to Luba Dubno for selling the admission and raffle tickets and to Joe Oleschuk for transporting the pyrohy to Stamford. Also thank you to all those who volunteered their time at the festival. Your dedication and hard work contributed to the success of the Ukrainian Day Festival!

The New School Year for Ridna Shkola (2019-2020) will begin on Saturday, September 21. The Divine Liturgy for teachers and students will be at 10:00 am. Please contact Halia Lodynsky at 203-494-6278 for any information. Thank you.

The Immaculate Conception Society (Sestretsi) is cordially inviting all St. Michael’s Parishioners and friends to attend its Lasagna Dinner to be held on Sunday, October 6, 12:00 noon, at our Parish church hall. Come to enjoy good food, deserts and the company of parishioners and friends. Tickets are $20.00 for adults and free admission to those under the age of 12. Tickets sellers will be announced at a later date. For more information see the Treasurer, Maria Sobko

We have for sale frozen pierogies (varenyky) 2 dozen $14.00, borsht $5.00, cabbage and sausage (kapusta and kovbasa) $10.00. You can buy after each Divine Liturgy.

PARISH CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS: The Parish is currently seeking bids for the repaving of our parking lots, fence replacements, construction of a handicap ramp for the church hall, re-pointing and repair of the front steps to our church and sidewalk repairs. If you know of a contractor who you would like to bring to the Parish’s attention or if you are a contractor, please contact the rectory for bid information.

SEE SOMETHING – SAY SOMETHING: Dear Parishioners, the physical property of this Parish consists of five separate buildings. These buildings belong to you, take pride in them. If you see something broken or damaged, please pass the information on so that it can be fixed. Tell Father Iura, send an email to the Parish, or drop a note in the collection box at the Divine Liturgy on Sunday, so that we can repair/fix what is wrong. Suggestions for improvement are also happily accepted. Thank you.

Ukrainian American Veterans will hold our National Convention here in New Haven Thursday October 31st thru Saturday November 2nd. We expect 140 attendees at the convention and we are asking for your help to make this event a success. Please contact Post Commander Carl Harvey for further details and how you can help. Thank you!

STAMFORD CHARITIES APPEAL

REMINDER: Please don’t forget to donate to the Charities Appeal. Forms are designed for each family of our parish. Attached to the form is an envelope into which you can place your contribution. Please enclose the form with your contribution into the envelope and place it into the collection basket during church services. Kindly make checks payable to the Byzantine Rite Eparchy of Stamford. DO NOT MAIL THIS FORM TO THE CHANCERY OFFICE. We sincerely ask all parishioners to make generous contributions.

The Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, celebrated every year on September 14, recalls three historical events: the finding of the True Cross by Saint Helena, the mother of the emperor Constantine; the dedication of churches built by Constantine on the site of the Holy Sepulcher and Mount Calvary; and the restoration of the True Cross to Jerusalem by the emperor Heraclius II. But in a deeper sense, the feast also celebrates the Holy Cross as the instrument of our salvation. This instrument of torture, designed to degrade the worst criminals, became the life-giving tree that reversed Adam’s Original Sin when he ate from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil in the Garden of Eden.

Parish announcements this week

Christ is in our midst!

This week’s vigil light is offered to God’s glory by Mary and Michael Muryn in memory of all the victims of the September 11, 2001 terror attacks on our country. May their souls rest in peace, Eternal Memory!

CONGRATULATIONS to Fr. Stepan and Orysia Yanovski on the occasion of their 50th wedding anniversary which was celebrated last week. Congratulations as well to Vasyl and Nadia Ivantsiv on the occasion of their 40th wedding anniversary which was also celebrated last week. May God continue to shower them with His choicest blessings for long life, health and happiness. Mnohaya lita!

During my vacation, you can call Fr. Stepan Yanovski 203-468-0367, or Fr. Ivan Mazuryk 203-367-5054. Blessings, Fr. Iura Godenciuc

The next meeting of Knights of Columbus Blessed Metropolitan Andrey Sheptytsky Ukrainian Council will be held on Monday, September 9th, 7:00 p.m. in the Holy Name Room.

The Connecticut State Ukrainian Day Committee wishes to invite all parishioners to attend this year’s Ukrainian Day Festival to be held TODAY. The Festival will be held on the grounds of St. Basil’s Seminary, 161 Glenbrook Rd., Stamford. Advance general admission tickets are $5.00 per person, 12 and over and are available from Luba Dubno. Tickets purchased at the gate will be $10.00 per person. We also have raffle tickets for sale 5 tickets $5.00. This festival can exist only if volunteers sign up during the day to help out. Please make that effort to volunteer.

Our next pyrohy project for regular orders will be September 14th. We need your help on Friday, September 13 to peel potatoes and Saturday September 14 to make pierogies (varenyky). Please come and help. Due to recent legislation, we will no longer be providing plastic bags. Please bring your own shopping bag. Thank you, Walter Ushchak

The Immaculate Conception Society (Sestretsi) is cordially inviting all St. Michael’s Parishioners and friends to attend its Lasagna Dinner to be held on Sunday, October 6, 12:00 noon, at our Parish church hall. Come to enjoy good food, deserts and the company of parishioners and friends. Tickets are $20.00 for adults and free admission to those under the age of 12. Tickets sellers will be announced at a later date. For more information see the Treasurer, Maria Sobko

Ukrainian American Veterans will hold our National Convention here in New Haven Thursday, October 31st thru Saturday, November 2nd. We expect 140 attendees at the convention and we are asking for your help to make this event a success. Please contact Post Commander Carl Harvey for further details and how you can help. Thank you!

We have for sale frozen pierogies (varenyky) 2 dozen $14.00, borsht $5.00, cabbage and sausage (kapusta and kovbasa) $10.00. You can buy after each Divine Liturgy.

STAMFORD CHARITIES APPEAL

REMINDER: Please don’t forget to donate to the Charities Appeal. Forms are designed for each family of our parish. Attached to the form is an envelope into which you can place your contribution. Please enclose the form with your contribution into the envelope and place it into the collection basket during church services. Kindly make checks payable to the Byzantine Rite Eparchy of Stamford. DO NOT MAIL THIS FORM TO THE CHANCERY OFFICE. We sincerely ask all parishioners to make generous contributions.

Awakenings —Adult Faith Formation: By your holy birth, most pure Lady, Joachim and Anna are freed from the curse of childlessness. Adam and Eve are freed from the corruption of death. The faithful are freed from the guilt of sin. (Kondakion – Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary)