Ukrainian Independence

The Assumption Ukrainian Catholic Church in Perth Amboy, NJ, held a Sunday Liturgy and Parish Festivities in honor of the 34th anniversary of Ukraine’s independence. Hundreds gathered to commemorate the occasion and to honor those affected by Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
During his homily, Pastor Fr. Ivan Turyk held up a Ukrainian MRE (Meal, Ready-to-Eat) — a combat dry ration used by soldiers on the front lines. Addressing his parishioners, he said:
“This package is a soldier’s daily bread — carried through the trenches of war, eaten under shelling in Ukrainian cities, and shared between brothers-in-arms at the front. It is not seasoned with luxury, but with duty. Christ said, ‘Greater love hath no man than this: that he lay down his life for his friends.’
These men and women — our defenders — carry this ration not just for nourishment, but as a symbol of endurance, faith in Ukraine, and the hope that one day they will return to a peaceful home.”
Following the Liturgy, the youngest parishioners of the church carried the sky-blue and yellow Ukrainian flag to the flagpole in front of the parish school. Attendees sang “God Bless America” as the flag was raised in a moving gesture of unity and gratitude.
The community then came together for a joyful parish fest featuring delicious homemade Ukrainian food, desserts, and lively music. Guests enjoyed a spirited performance by the Ukrainian vocal band Kruta Vezha, whose songs added to the festive and heartfelt atmosphere.
All proceeds from the event will go toward humanitarian efforts for Ukrainians affected by the war.
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Praying for the kidnapped children of Ukraine.

On June 1st, International Children’s Day, parishioners of Assumption Catholic Church in Perth Amboy, NJ, members of the Ukrainian National Women’s League of America (Soyuzianky) Branch 135, Religious Sisters, members of “Boyan” choir and parish children gathered in prayer for the innocent children of Ukraine who have been kidnapped by Russian Federation forces.
Since the start of the war in Ukraine, nearly 20,000 Ukrainian children have been forcibly taken from their families and moved into Russian-controlled territories, where many remain trapped.
These children have been placed in institutions, had their identities altered, and put up for adoption. Some have even been militarized and forced to take part in combat against their own homeland.
We call for the immediate return of all these Ukrainian children to their families and their rightful home.
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Easter Dinner “Sviachene”.

The Sunday of the Myrrh-Bearing Women was a special day for the faithful of our parish. On this day, many gathered to joyfully celebrate the Resurrection of Christ with a symbolic Easter meal — the Sviachene. After the solemn Divine Liturgy at 10:00 a.m. which was attended by many parishioners and guests, everyone was invited to a festively decorated school hall for the Easter reception. Before the meal, Fr. Ivan Turyk led all  in singing Христос Воскрес – Christ Is Risen,  blessed the food, and sprinkled it with holy water.
Tables adorned in festive colors welcomed over two hundred people who enjoyed a delicious dinner and warm fellowship. We are all aware that the Ukrainian people continue to face an uncertain future, especially amid ongoing negotiations between the United States and Russia to end the war that escalated in 2022 when Russia invaded Ukraine. The parish Sviachene also served a charitable purpose, raising $1,500 for equipment to support our defenders. We extend heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped make this Easter Dinner celebration so beautiful.
A sincere thank you to all parish organizations — the parish choir Boyan, the Men’s Holy Name Society, the Women’s St. Ann Society, and the Ukrainian National Women’s League of America, Branch #135 — as well as the kitchen volunteers who prepared the delicious Sviachene meal, paska bread, and homemade desserts. Everyone in attendance enjoyed the singing and vibrant performance by the Ukrainian vocal band Kruta Vezha. 
Today, our parish also congratulated the parish choir director Alla Korostil and her husband Stefan on 45 years of marriage!
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The Blessing of the New Gospel Book.

The Assumption Catholic Church in Perth Amboy, NJ, has long upheld the cherished Easter tradition of making paska—a traditional Easter bread—for its congregation and the surrounding community. This year, on St. Thomas Sunday, a special moment followed the morning Liturgy: a new Gospel Book, written in the Ukrainian language, was blessed. This sacred book, purchased for $1,400, was made possible through the proceeds from the annual paska sale. We extend heartfelt thanks to the dedicated volunteers who have generously given their time and energy to support this annual tradition. Special recognition goes to Chairperson Colette Baginsky, along with John Baginsky, Lisa Romanetz, Mary Retalis, Alla Korostil, Elizabeth Wutkowski, Bobby Romanetz, Christine Grausam, and Anna Makar. We are deeply grateful for this beautiful gift, which will stand as a lasting testament to God’s Word for generations to come. May the Lord bless all those who contributed to the glory of His name.
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Taras Shevchenko Concert in Perth Amboy, NJ.

What an incredible day it was on March 9, 2025, as our community gathered at the Ukrainian Catholic Church of the Assumption of the BVM for an afternoon filled with music, poetry, culture, and solidarity.
Our parish choir, “Boyan,” under the direction of Mrs. Alla Korostil, presented a beautiful concert of poetry and songs to commemorate the life of Ukraine’s most well-known poet, Taras Shevchenko. With the ongoing Russian aggression against Ukraine, Shevchenko’s words have become a symbol of the struggle of many generations of Ukrainians for freedom and independence.
We extend our heartfelt appreciation to all the performers who shared their passion and talent in honoring the great Ukrainian poet, artist, and symbol of Ukrainian independence.
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Celebrating Family Life During the Jubilee Year of Hope.

On Saturday, March 22, 2025, at the Ukrainian Catholic Church of the Assumption in Perth Amboy, NJ, we celebrated a day dedicated to the precious institution called “family.” Family Day was a demonstration of our unity and love for God and each other. The day began at 6:15 with a Moleben to St. Joseph, who is widely recognized as the patron saint of families, fathers, and workers, and is considered a powerful intercessor for those seeking guidance and protection for their families.
After the Moleben and Candlelight Ceremony, all Family Day participants had the opportunity to enjoy Fr. Ivan’s talk on “Jesus, Mary, and Joseph as a Model for All Christian Families” and a delicious meal of pizza and fruits, lovingly prepared by parents.
After the meal, various educational and recreational activities were organized by the Sisters Servants of the Lord and the Virgin of Matara. Our sisters—Mother Veronica, Sr. Svitanku, and Sr. Trijtsi—gathered the youth, teenagers, and their parents in the church hall for a tournament with various games. Competitions, games, and entertainment filled the space with joyful laughter and activity. At the end, the children and adults sang the song “We Are Family.”
We hope that all those who participated in Family Day felt the warmth of our church community and the uniting power of family under God’s blessing.
We sincerely thank the Sisters, Fr. Ivan, and everyone who helped organize this event, as well as all the participants whose presence and involvement made this day unforgettable.
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Mission of Hope

Thank you very much to the Fratelli Quartet for a beautiful and prayerful Stations of the Cross and a spiritual music concert at Assumption Catholic Parish in Perth Amboy, NJ.
During the Jubilee Year of Hope, Archbishop Borys Gudziak, head of the Ukrainian Archeparchy of Philadelphia, invited the quartet to visit various parishes and, through the celebration of a Lenten services, reflect upon and share the reason for our hope (1 Pt 3:15).
Today, the atmosphere of prayer at our Assumption church was filled with deep reflections of Jesus’ suffering on the way to Golgotha. The beautiful singing of the Fratelli Quartet created a special spiritual ambiance that brought many to tears and touched the hearts of present.
Each station of the cross was accompanied by reflections that encouraged parishioners to examine their own lives through the lens of the Savior’s redemptive sacrifice. The prayerful spirit was further elevated by the passionate hymns performed by the future priests.
While reflecting on the sufferings of Jesus Christ and His Mother, the Virgin Mary, the quartet also remembered all those who have perished in the Russian-Ukrainian war. The opportunity for the Lenten confession was also available by a visiting priest. 
This event was a true blessing for everyone in attendance, inspiring sincere prayer and strengthening faith. Thank you to all who joined us.
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All Saints’ Day

All Saints’ Day, is a day commemorating all the saints of the church, both known and unknown. Today our parish was also visited by saints: Volodymyr and Olha, Josaphat Kuntsevych, Faustina, Patrick, John Paul II, Mother Teresa, and Joan of Arc. The youngest children learned about each of them, had the opportunity to talk to them and take pictures. The games around the convent  were no less exciting – fishing, mini basketball, throwing balls… We are grateful to the group of youth  for their generous help and support of the holiday atmosphere!

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Ladies’ Prayer Night with Our Blessed Mother.

A gathering of parish women, led by the members of St. Ann Society,  joined in prayer and fellowship as they honored the Blessed Mother of God at the 9th annual Women’s Evening of Prayer. A Moleben to the Holy Theotokos is celebrated each Tuesday in May at Assumption parish, but this week was special. Invitations were sent to neighboring parishes in anticipation of an even larger manifestation of love for the Queen of Heaven.

Parish Sisters Veronica, Svitanku, and Trijtsi who belong to the order of Sisters Servants of the Lord and the Virgin of Matera led the singing of the Moleben which was celebrated in both Ukrainian and English. The homily was delivered by the Reverend Archpriest Daniel Troyan, pastor of Holy Myrrh-Bearers Church in Swarthmore, PA. Father’s theme was Mary, Mother of Jesus – The Love story of God.

Refreshments and fellowship followed in the church hall. There was a heartfelt atmosphere of love and gratitude to the Lord for the gift of His Heavenly Mother who watches over us all.

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