A buffet luncheon was held on Sunday, September 12, 2010 to bid a fond farewell to our beloved pastor of 29 years, Father Roman Dubitsky, and to welcome our new pastor, Father Ivan Turyk.
 
A special Divine Liturgy was con-celebrated by Father Roman and Father Ivan at 10 AM.  Following Divine Liturgy, a hot buffet luncheon was held at the parish school auditorium.  Guests, numbering 480, included visiting clergy, Father Roman's family members, friends, and parishioners.  It was the highest-attended parish banquet in 20 years. Buffet dishes included pork loin, BBQ chicken, seafood cakes, pyrohy/varenyky (kapusta and potato), holubchi, roasted potato's, mixed vegetables, salads, and homemade desserts.  All of the dishes were entirely homemade by parish volunteers.
 
Musical selections were sung by our Choir "Boyan" which sang "Отче наш" to open the program plus an additional selection sung later.  Children from Assumption Catholic School, our parish school, sang two songs.  A traditional "privit" welcome dance was performed by a unique "all generations" Ukrainian dance group.  The group was assembled special for the occasion and included dancers ranging in age from young to old.  In addition, the parish's Nadiya Dance Ensemble performed the dance “Квітка.”  For their efforts, the performers received well-deserved applause from the huge gathering.
 
Speeches honoring Father Roman were made in both Ukrainian and English.
 
It was a day of mixed emotions for the parish, sad because Father Roman is leaving Perth Amboy, yet joyful as we welcome Father Ivan, our new pastor.
 
"Mnohaya Lita"
 
View images here:   Farewell & Welcome Parish Luncheon