55Th UOL CONVENTION – BOSTON, MA
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155N 1042-881X UOL BULLETIN UKRAINIAN ORTHODOX LEAGUE OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Dedicated to the Church — Devoted to its Youth VOL. 49 NO. 1 SEPTEMBER, 2002 55th UOL CONVENTION – BOSTON, MA In Memory of “9-11” PRESIDENT’S COLUMN We Will Never Forget! Daria A. Pishko Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Glory to Jesus Christ! I am excited to say that I’m honored to have the opportunity to serve as your President for a third and final year. Once again this year I intend to use this column to share my thoughts and perspectives regarding the UOL and its activities. I’m flattered by the many positive comments that I have received during my travels over the last two years from read- ers of the UOL Bulletin who tell me how much they enjoy this column. I hope that this year’s activities “I Will Never Leave You Nor Forsake You” will prove to be just as interesting and that by year’s (Hebrews, 13:5) end we all will feel most accomplished. For those of you who unfortunately had to miss it — we had a wonderful Convention in Boston! The Convention Committees were interactive and con- structive. The religious services were prayerful and uplifting. I thank all the “Reflections on 9-11” delegates who came to the convention this year prepared to contribute the ideas and thoughts of their chapters. Fraternity, unity, and brotherhood The number of participants at our Annual Convention continues to grow with People rushing in to help their fellow Man a total of 236 registrants this year and over 323 people attending the banquet Holy war, I just don’t understand and ball. Sandra Kondratiuk and her Convention Committee members, both I try not to blame, but it is all so insane junior and senior, are to be commended for hosting such an outstanding function. Shouts for help coming from every which way (continued on page 2) Wake-up and Twin Towers fall down My birthday is forever changed Appalled by the terror of what could happen We must protect our freedom at all costs I thought I went back in time when they first attacked We were caught off-guard by the terrorists We were threatened by outsiders in our own “backyard” Innocent victims lost their lives because of terrorists’ greed Panicked faces, piercing screams, devastation from sea to shineless sea Those known and loved are now safe in a better place I don’t know what to say (Written by members of Sts. Peter and Paul Jr. UOL, Palos Park, II, First Place Winner, UOL Creative Arts Contest – 2002) PAGE 2 UOL BULLETIN SEPTEMBER, 2002 We feasted on a luxurious UOL BULLETIN—The official publication of the Ukrainian Orthodox League of the United States of brunch and continued our business America. Circulated to all UOL members. Non-member subscription rate - $20.00 Canada - $20.00 sessions in the afternoon. Thurs- Daria A. Pishko Anya Priester Dr. Stephen Sivulich Father John Harvey day evening, we boarded our bus- UOL President Jr. UOL President UOL Bulletin Editor UOL Bulletin ses to visit the USS Constitution, 64 Coleman Avenue 102 Loker Street 206 Christopher Circle Spiritual Advisor Chatham, NJ 07928 Wayland, MA 01778 Pittsburgh, PA I5205 74 Harris Avenue the oldest commissioned battle- Woonsocket, RI 02895 ship in the US fleet. (See Len — Special Assistant - Alice Sivulich, 206 Christopher Circle, Pittsburgh, PA 15205 we really were paying attention!) Sr. Staff Writer - Elizabeth Mitchell, 46 Lexington Court, Carnegie, PA 15106 Distribution - Sts. Peter and Paul Chapters, Carnegie, PA We all took a tour of the ship for a look-see and a brief history lesson UOL Bulletin—Published seven times annually - September, October, November, January/February, March, April, and June. and then proceeded to the The absolute deadline for each monthly issue is the 5th of the prior month. Photos will not be Commander’s Club to enjoy a New returned unless accompanied by a self-addressed stamped envelope. England style buffet. Plenty of Note to Contributors: All articles submitted to the UOL Bulletin must be in 12 point Times New Roman (font), or typed and double spaced in 12 point type. Articles may be submitted “chow-da”, steamed mussels and via e-mail attachments. The editor reserves the right to condense any material submitted. Material cornbread. That was just to tie you cannot be returned. over until dinner – which was a full Advertising rates: Please inquire through editorial offices. buffet followed by a “make-your- own” ice cream sundae bar. The DJ and door prizes added a lot to the evening. Friday morning began with an address by Hiermonk Joshua (Anna) who PRESIDENT’S COLUMN has just been authorized by our diocese to spearhead a missionary effort for (continued from page 1) our Church in the North and Our sessions began in unison on Wednesday evening. Although the entire South Carolina area. Father convention seemed a little empty without him, we truly felt the absence of Joshua is a moving and inspi- His Beatitude Metropolitan Constantine during opening sessions. (Especially rational speaker. He provided when it came time to choose a pitch for singing!) We were pleased to hear a us much food for thought on the daily update on his progress from his Eminence Archbishop Antony and prayed topic of Evangelization. Spe- continuously for his health and well being. We welcomed two new chapters cifically, how each of us through at this year’s convention, Holy Ghost UOL Chapter of Coatesville, Pennsyl- our actions and thoughts can vania and St. Mary’s Senior UOL Chapter of Rochester, New York. It was influence others to follow the great that they had the opportunity to get to know the whole UOL family a teachings of Jesus Christ. It little better and hopefully, will be inspired to bring more of their members was a great opportunity to get with them in subsequent years. to know Father Joshua a bit Following the opening sessions, the convention attendees were treated to a better and to pause in self-ex- Hospitality Night reception hosted by the St. Andrew’s UOL Chapter. They amination as to how we can im- truly outdid themselves by providing a grand assortment of appetizers, drinks prove ourselves to better influ- and snacks. No one went back to their room hungry, in fact— I even wit- ence others. nessed a few taking a bag “to go”! I send my compliments to the Hospitality We completed our business Room Committee for such a grand showing. sessions on Friday afternoon giving the seniors an evening on their own. But not before stopping by the Hospitality Night sponsored by the 56th An- nual UOL Convention Committee of Ss. Peter & Paul’s Senior and Junior UOL Chapters of Palos Park, Illinois. There was plenty of great pizza and drinks, a few “Blues Brothers wannabes” and quite a few “Men in Black”. Wondering what I’m referring to? Come to Palos next year July 23-27, 2003 to find out! Once again this year, the members of the Junior League sang the responses to Thursday’s Divine Liturgy under the direction of Laryssa Sadoway. This is the second year, of what I hope will be a long-lived UOL tradition. Our chil- dren have demonstrated that they are quite accomplished singers when given the opportunity, many having been well groomed in their home parishes and supported by instruction and experience from our encampment programs. I would like to convey my sincere thanks to the Junior League and to Laryssa Sadoway for bringing this dream to fruition. SEPTEMBER, 2002 UOL BULLETIN PAGE 3 Saturday morning began with the cel- ebration of the beautiful Akathist Hymn JR. UOL PRESIDENT’S COLUMN to Our Lady of Pochiav. Following the Anya Priester Akathist Hymn, we settled down once again to be challenged by thoughts of Glory to Jesus Christ! Father Joshua. His down to earth de- meanor and powerful faith work to- The newly elected Junior National Board is gether to motivate each of us to follow looking forward to a great, productive year. With our calling to set an Orthodox Christian two returning officers and four officers who are example for others to follow. We were inspired by his words and many stayed new to the national board, we have a great around following his presentation for amount of geographic variety that will serve us questions and additional feedback. We well. Our six new officers are from many differ- are thankful that Father Joshua jour- ent parishes: As president, I am from Boston, neyed to Boston to be with us and pray MA; Vice President, Alex Korda, is from Palos that he is successful in his mission to Park, IL; Treasurer, Alex Brzyski, is from Phila- organize our faithful in the Carolinas. delphia, PA, Financial Secretary, Natalie Beck is The Banquet and Ball was a huge success with seating up to capacity. The also from Palos Park; Recording Secretary, Elizabeth Bowman is from program went smoothly under the capable direction of Dr. Alec Danylevich as Charlottesville, VA; and Corresponding Secretary, Colleen Scannell, is from Master of Ceremonies. The Burya Band from Toronto had the whole crowd Johnson City, NY. Not only will we be able to more easily keep in contact jumping. Our Juniors and young adults treated us to a marvelous display of with chapters all around the country, but we will also be holding meetings their Ukrainian dancing talents with a marathon Hopak. Fun was had by all. in different places. It was exciting to see that fifteen convention delegates decided to run for national office, and this promises an enthusiastic future for the Junior League.