SingCon 2025 Gathers in Perth Amboy, NJ.

Over 100 participants assembled to pray and learn more about their faith, their liturgical worship, and their church singing traditions at the intercontinental fifth annual Ukrainian Greco-Catholic Church Singing Conference, better known as SingCon, held in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, from 23 to 26 October 2025. The gathering was hosted by the Ukrainian Catholic Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Assumption Catholic School, thanks to the efforts of pastor Father Ivan Turyk, school principal Lisette Shumny, the Sisters Servants of the Lord and the Virgin of Matará, and the gracious parishioners, students, and faculty. Participants came from Philadelphia Archeparchy (39%), Toronto Eparchy (19%), Edmonton Eparchy (18%), Chicago Eparchy (8%), Parma Eparchy (5%), Stamford Eparchy (5%), several Eparchies in Europe, as well as other Eastern Catholic Eparchies and Roman Catholic Dioceses in the USA and Canada.
 
The daily schedule for SingCon 2025 included a selection of liturgical worship services, such as Vespers, the Hours, Divine Liturgy, and Parastas, as well as rehearsals and workshops. On the second evening, Hieromonk Herman (Majkrzak) presented the Keynote Lecture, entitled “The Cross of Artistic Excellence: Church Musicianship as an Ascetic Path of Salvation,” where he discussed ways to improve church singing in the UGCC, based on a proposed double-model for participation  in the worship of the Church, following the examples of Martha and Mary.
 
Four workshops were offered this year: A) the services of Baptism, Crowning, and Funerals for parish cantors and clergy, led by Reader Ilya Galadza; B) the biblical foundation, theology, and hymnody of the services of Holy Week, led by Deacon Daniel Galadza; C) church musicianship, designed to help participants become technically more proficient cantors and group leaders, led by Dobrodijka Melita Mudri-Zubacz and Namisha Greening; and D) the complex melodies of the Oktoechos used during Vespers and Matins, led by Deacon Cyril Kennedy and Damein Zakordonski.
 
After five SingCon gatherings since 2018 aimed at preserving, promoting, and praying the church singing tradition, the work of SingCon has come to be appreciated far beyond those who attended the annual gatherings. During the Town Hall, moderated by Larisa Galadza, SingCon was referred to as a “movement” by Metropolitan Borys Gudziak, who pointed to the need to preserve and foster our church singing traditions, striving for excellence in a spirit of love and Christian fellowship. With this goal in mind, Melita Mudri-Zubacz presented the preliminary work of the SingCon organizing committee, begun earlier this year, to develop a curriculum to teach church singing in the UGCC, which is anticipated to be launched in the near future.
 
On Saturday evening, Bishop Bohdan of Parma Eparchy presided at the Hierarchal Vigil, which included Litia for the feast of the holy Great-martyr Demetrius the Myrrh-streamer of Thessalonica, as it fell on Sunday. The culmination of the conference was the celebration of the Sunday Hierarchal Divine Liturgy, presided at by Metropolitan Borys of the Philadelphia Archeparchy, who preached on the Gospel of the raising of the widow’s son at Nain (Luke 7:11–17) and spoke to the gathered parishioners about how Ukrainian Greco-Catholic Church traditions have been preserved for the church in parishes that worship predominantly in English. 
 
Thanks to the sponsorship of various benefactors and generous donations from the Philadelphia Archeparchy, the Parma Eparchy, the Edmonton Eparchy, the Archpriest Roman Galadza Legacy Fund, Assumption Ukrainian Catholic Church, and Assumption Catholic School, conference costs could be subsidized and reduced for participants. In particular, fifteen scholarships were offered to students and young adults attending the gathering.
 
The sixth annual SingCon is being planned for September 10–14, 2026, and will take place at Saint Elias Church in Brampton, Ontario, Canada. The Keynote Speaker will be Bishop Erik Varden of Trondheim, Norway. Further information will be provided in the coming months.
 
For videos, pictures, and audio recordings from this year’s gathering, and more information about future events and current resources, visit the SingCon website (https://ugccmusic.com/) and its social media presence on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/ugccmusic), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ugccmusic/), YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@singconugccmusic), and SoundCloud (https://soundcloud.com/ugcc-music).
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Assumption Parish Welcomes Cardinal’s Visit

September 19, 2025, was a truly special day for Assumption Parish and School, as we had the great honor of welcoming Cardinal Mykola Bychok of the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Sts. Peter and Paul in Melbourne, Australia. Cardinal Bychok, the youngest cardinal in the universal Church, recently participated in the historic 2025 conclave that elected Pope Leo.
The arrival of His Eminence was marked by deep emotion and heartfelt celebration. Pastor Fr. Ivan Turyk, Principal Mrs. Lisette Shumny, and the students of Assumption Catholic School greeted the Cardinal with traditional gifts of bread and salt, beautiful bouquets of flowers, and a special welcome poem prepared by the children.
The Divine Liturgy that followed was celebrated with reverence, joy, and a profound sense of unity. In his homily, Cardinal Bychok reaffirmed Assumption Catholic School’s enduring commitment to faith and learning. A particularly moving moment occurred when the Cardinal lit a candle—handmade by one of our parishioners—and offered a heartfelt prayer for peace in Ukraine:
“We ask You to send Your holy angels to watch over the land of Ukraine. Let this flame be a symbol of hope, a prayer rising toward heaven, and a reminder that light will always overcome darkness.”
To conclude the Liturgy, the congregation and students joined their voices in singing Ukraine’s spiritual anthem, Bozhe Velykyi Yedynyi (O Great and Only God), filling the church with a powerful spirit of prayer and unity.
After the Liturgy, Cardinal Bychok visited the Sisters Servants of the Lord and the Virgin of Matará, praying with them and offering words of encouragement. He reassured the Sisters of his continued prayers for their vocation and for all consecrated life.
Following his visit with the Sisters, the Cardinal toured the school, met with faculty and staff, and took time to speak personally with many students. He encouraged them to embrace their faith and to recognize the God-given potential within each of them. He also offered a special blessing to the entire school community.
During his visit, the Cardinal shared insights about Australia, the country he currently serves—speaking about its unique wildlife (including spiders!), its weather, and what it’s like to lead a church there.
Additionally, he spoke about his vocation to the priesthood, the process of electing a pope in a conclave, offering students a rare glimpse into the inner workings of the Catholic Church.
This visit marked the first-ever visit of a cardinal to our parish and school—a historic and unforgettable occasion that filled our hearts with joy, hope, and deep gratitude. Cardinal Bychok’s presence was a true blessing, and his message of faith, peace, and purpose will remain in our hearts for years to come.

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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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