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On Saturday, August 23, 2014 over 100 persons of Ukrainian descent together with many others gathered at the Perth Amboy, New Jersey City Hall to raise the blue and yellow flag of Ukraine in acknowledgement, commemoration, and celebration of the 23rd anniversary of the Independence of Ukraine. Many of the attendees were dressed in the traditional and colorfully embroidered Ukrainian blouses, shirts, and dresses.
 
Mr. Michael Szpyhulsky, Principal of Assumption Catholic School in Perth Amboy, served as master of ceremonies. The opening prayer and remarks were offered by Reverend Ivan Turyk, Pastor of Assumption Ukrainian Catholic Church in Perth Amboy. He recalled the long time suffering that Ukrainians have endured at the hands of others, including religious persecution and the lack of human rights. Father Turyk asked those in attendance to continue to pray for peace and to reach out to American governmental representatives to do more in supporting the Ukrainian nation in its independence and in its continued quest for a free and open democracy. The Assumption Church Choir “Boyan” followed his words with the singing of “God Bless America”. New Jersey State Senator Sam Thompson of the 12th District addressed the people.
 
Other speakers were Mr. Oleksiy Budukevych, Manager of the Perth Amboy branch of the Ukrainian National Federal Credit Union, and Mr. Alexander Gologovski, a naturalized US citizen who travels to his homeland several times each month to deliver aid to families that have suffered under horrendous conditions resulting from the conflict with mercenary rebel forces in Eastern Ukraine. He also supports activities to prevent human rights violations.  Mrs. Melanie Fedynyshyn, president of St. Ann Society of Assumption Church, was keynote speaker. She reviewed the contributions that Ukrainian immigrants and Ukrainian Americans have made to the United States of America as well as to the city of Perth Amboy.
 
Mayor Wilda Diaz read and presented a proclamation to Reverend Turyk. A group of children dressed in traditional Ukrainian costumes offered a Ukrainian flag to be raised and flown on the City Hall Circle flag pole. Choir “Boyan” sang the Ukrainian national anthem. As the ceremony concluded the crowd sang “Bozhe Velyky Yedyny”, the spiritual anthem of Ukraine, which asks for God’s help in troubled times.

written by Mrs. Melanie Fedynyshyn.
 

We Americans of Ukrainian ancestry together with native born Ukrainians join with residents of Perth Amboy and the surrounding communities to acknowledge, commemorate, and celebrate the independence of Ukraine—the land of our heritage.
 
Ukraine has long known the cost that freedom demands. As a nation whose very name implies “borderland”, we have heard the sound of the boots of invading armies. We have known manipulation by empire builders, treachery from false allies, and loss due to war and artificial famine. As a result, our people have developed a fierce desire for self-determination, personal God-given liberties, and equal justice. This aspiration for independence has prevented us from falling away.
 
 The fact remains that Ukraine has its own language, its own history, and its own culture—Ukraine is a nation. Many have tried to rewrite our history, even now, almost hoping to dissolve us or make us into a people whose history is written with invisible ink —and we can never let that happen.
 

The land of our fathers is the second largest country in Europe, and with a population of over 46- million, it lies roughly between Poland and Russia, yet many Americans could not find it on a map. Some would say that they love the colorful costumes, dancing, food, music, and the rich Ukrainian traditions, especially during the Christmas and Easter Holidays. When asked about what they know about the country of Ukraine, some might say that Ukraine is known as “Breadbasket of Europe,” but very few would know that in the early 1930’s, between 6-million and 9-million Ukrainian men, women, and children were deliberately starved to death by order of the Communist dictator, Joseph Stalin. He was determined to “teach a lesson through famine” and liquidate the backbone of Ukrainian nation. There on the rich black earth that could yield such agricultural abundance, Stalin’s soldiers were directed to sweep through villages and confiscate hidden grain and eventually any and all food in the homes of Ukrainian farmers. At the height of the famine in 1932, it is estimated that they died at the rate of 30,000 a day while Stalin continued to export millions of tons of Ukrainian grain to other nations, including the U.S. Those who perished in the Great Famine, or Holodomor as we call it, died the slow and demoralizing death by hunger inflicted by the Soviet government— a directive that has been all but ignored by history books.
 
A decade later, millions of Ukrainians suffered incredible hardships and death in the German slave labor camps of World War II. After the war, those who could find sponsors came to this country to start new lives, learn and speak the American language, and build churches and schools for their children and grandchildren. They all had stories, incredible stories of survival and hope, and a belief and love for these great United States. They knew the cost that freedom demands and they came to become Ukrainian Americans.
 
But history knows that Ukrainian Americans have long known the cost that freedom demands, for the archives show that they fought in the war for America’s independence.  General George Washington’s register lists the names of Mykola Bizun, Ivan Lator, Petro Rolyn, and Stepan Zubley, among others. Likewise, Ukrainian immigrants served in the Union Army during the American Civil War, while their sons and daughters served in World War I. The Second World War saw thousands of Ukrainian Americans serve in the armed forces, and many from our own Perth Amboy served bravely, were injured, some captured, and some gave their lives. My late father in law, Army corporal John Fedynyshyn, took part in the invasion at Normandy. Although he survived the carnage of Omaha Beach, he was captured by the Germans and taken as a prisoner of war to one of their camps where he remained for the duration. He knew the cost that freedom demands. He went on to enjoy a full life and later became a lieutenant in the Perth Amboy Police Department.. My uncle, my father’s only brother, Navy Lt. Peter Slahetka, served on the mine sweeper USS Montegomery, where he was killed in the South Pacific. He knew the cost that freedom demands. Another Ukrainian American and son of Perth Amboy, my cousin, Army Lieutenant Stephan Kosmyna was a recipient of the Silver Star as well as having received a battlefield commission for bravery under fire. A plaque to commemorate his accomplishments hangs in the Perth Amboy High School Hall of Fame together with others of Ukrainian ancestry. These are just three that have personal significance for me but there are many others whose stories can be told. And let us not forget that Perth Amboy’s Rudyk Park, on State Street, was named for the first Ukrainian American to give his life in World War II, Army PFC Stanley Rudyk. All these men, as well as the men and women who served In Korea, Viet Nam, Iraq, and Afghanistan, as well as those who served in peace time have known the cost that freedom demands.
 
Ukrainian Americans have long loved and served the city of Perth Amboy, in the fields of law enforcement, education, medicine, chemistry, pharmacy, history— the list goes on. There is now even a bank, the Ukrainian National Federal Credit Union, standing proudly at the intersection of Amboy and Hall Avenues. A short distance away, beginning with our church on Alta Vista Place, our people have built an entire block in this city, driven by our desire to worship God, to assemble our people, and to educate our children. Our Assumption Catholic Church, rectory, school, and convent— all lovingly maintained with a sense of love and civic pride— contribute to what is good, unique, and beautiful about this city.
 
 From the first wave of Ukrainian immigration in the early 1900’s until today, we members of the Perth Amboy community with Ukrainian heritage have known how precious freedom is. As we stand today, near a replica of America’s own liberty bell, we raise  the standard of blue and yellow to fly next to the red, white and blue. May they both fly as symbols of virtuous patriotism, God -given personal rights, and equal justice. May the memory of the blood that was shed for America’s freedom and the blood that continues to be shed for Ukraine’s independence keep us ever mindful of the cost that freedom demands.…

A flag raising ceremony and a short program on the occasion of the 23rd Anniversary of Ukraine’s Independence will be held on Saturday, August 23, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. at City Hall Circle at 260 High St. The raising of Ukraine's flag will take place to show our support for the Ukrainian nation, that is committed to peace, democracy, sovereignty and national unity.  This event is open to the public. ALL are welcome! Organizers: Assumption Ukrainian Catholic Church and the Ukrainian National Federal Credit Union in Perth Amboy, NJ. Come and be counted!

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The blessing of cars at Assumption Ukrainian Catholic Church in Perth Amboy, NJ was held on Saturday, July 19 and Sunday, July 20, 2014 following the Divine Liturgies. Fr. Ivan Turyk blessed over 100 cars in commemoration of the Feast of the Prophet Elajah who ascended into heaven, as the Second Book of Kings describes it: “…a fiery chariot, and fiery horses parted them both asunder, and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.” Because of this ascension of Elijah into heaven on a fiery chariot, it became the Byzantine tradition to bless chariots on this day. Eventually, this spread to all types of vehicles, so today Father blessed cars and kids scooters. Fr. Ivan, also gave to each driver a holy card of St. Christopher, who is the patron saint of travelers and motorists.

Prayer for the Blessing of Automobiles
O Lord our God, Who makes the clouds Thy chariot and Who walks on the wings of the wind, Who has sent to Thy servant, the Prophet Elijah a chariot of fire, Who has guided man to invent this (car, truck, motorcycle, etc.) which is as fast as the wind. We thank Thee for Thou hast provided Thy servants with this vehicle to serve their various needs.
Therefore, O Master, pour out now upon it Thy heavenly blessings; assign to it a guardian angel to preserve it from all evil. And as Thou didst grant faith and grace by Thy deacon Philip to the man from Ethiopia who was sitting in his chariot and reading holy Scripture, show the way of salvation to Thy servants. So that helped by Thy grace and always intent on doing good works, they may after all the trials of their pilgrimage on earth, attain to everlasting joys, through the intercessions of our Most-pure Lady, the Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary, by the power of the precious and life-giving Cross; through the prayers of the holy Angels; of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker and of all the Saints:
For Thou art the Provider and Sanctifier of all things and to Thee do we ascribe glory, and to Thy Only-begotten Son, and Thy All-holy, good, and life-creating Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen

On Saturday, June 21, 2014 beyond our expectations, the church grounds of the Assumption Ukrainian Catholic Church in Perth Amboy, NJ swelled with neighbors and those who traveled quite a distance, primarily Ukrainian-Americans, but mostly non-Ukrainians, to appreciate Ukrainian culture, crafts, foods and entertainment at our second Parish Festival.

Throughout the sun filled day, more than 1000 guests, including Congressman Frank Pallone, could be seen enjoying themselves, eating the delicious Ukrainian food, and there certainly was plenty for everyone, listening to lively Ukrainian music, socializing with friends and neighbors, and enjoying the entertainment of our incredible Ukrainian dance performances.

People came to the Ukrainian Festival for a variety of reasons, and one of the biggest attractions was the food. It seems everyone loves Ukrainian home made food. Everywhere, people gathered at indoor and outdoor tables eating pyrohy, holubtsi, shish kebab, hot dogs/hamburgers and  kovbasa.  There were delicious homemade cakes and pastries. Also offered were a variety of special Ukrainian beers, bottled water, soft drinks, tea and coffee, at the indoor and outdoor bars. Adding to the festivities, guests were entertained by a live band, plus a fabulous concert presented by Ukrainian Dance Groups from Perth Amboy, Jersey City and New York City. Visitors also had the opportunity to tour our beautiful church and see how we worship our Lord. Other attractions included children’s corner, face painting table, gift basket raffle, money raffle and vendors.

Our Festival was a huge success, thanks to the incredible work of so many volunteers. Thank you to everyone – festival committee, volunteers, ad booklet organizer, ladies who baked, decorated the hall and were in charge of  raffles, setup and cleanup crews,  sponsors, parish school FSA, parish secretary, teachers, guests and neighbors – who helped make the festival a great success!

Special Thanks goes to the ACS Faculty: Mr. Michael Szpyhulsky – Principal, Sr. Yosaphata  and Sr. Thomas,  Mrs. Bernstein, Mrs. Lawrence, Mrs. Derevenska, Mrs. Lojko, Miss Makar, Miss Anna Lawrence,  Mrs. Pickering and a  former ACS teacher Mrs. Linda Rizkallah  for their hard work during the festival.

It was amazing to see so many people enjoying the day together! It was also wonderful to know that we have so many hardworking parishioners and school parents who are doing their best to help keep our church and school  financially stable.

There were many men and women who helped in some way to make our first festival possible. Those that couldn't help at the event baked cakes, donated money, helped spread the word through advertising, hanging  posters, etc. Others gave up their valuable free time to make traditional Ukrainian food by working many days in a row cooking and serving food.

As your pastor,  I was so proud to see so many  people  working together as ONE PARISH FAMILY. It was another proof that Assumption Parish Community  shines when we all work together as one family!

Please, check out pictures from our festival  at www.assumptioncatholicchurch.net/azcms/gallery.php …

Perth Amboy, former colonial capital of New Jersey, is a four and a half square mile city with just over 50,000 residents. Although predominantly Protestant from its establishment, its Catholic population was established and grew according to the national identity and cultural heritage of each wave of immigration that came to its shores over the past 150 years. The faith of those immigrants is evidenced by the many church spires that even today tower over the homes and businesses of the city, providing an impressive sight that includes crosses atop twelve Catholic churches—nine  Roman as well as three Greek Catholic—and three orthodox churches. However, the truth of the matter is that today, while Catholic churches find themselves  two or three consolidated together as a parish served by one priest, and church attendance low, the listing of Protestant churches and worship centers within the city is well over forty.

The older members of the Catholic community of Perth Amboy recall a time when there were eight vibrant Catholic elementary schools as well as a Catholic high school in the city and how they marched together in an annual parade through town, carrying signs, flags, and banners—all showing a strong Catholic presence, while singing lyrics such as “Heads lifted high, Catholic Action our cry…” and “Faith of Our Fathers, living still…in spite of dungeon, fire, and sword.”

Likewise, many remember how the city stadium would be filled to capacity for the city-wide annual May Crowning and Living Rosary, jointly sponsored by the various sodalities of the Perth Amboy parishes. This public veneration of the Blessed Mother of God was often attended by non-Catholics as well. The recitation of decade after decade of the Hail Mary resounding over the loudspeakers and carrying out over many city blocks is a childhood memory that has all but faded.  Local newspapers, both secular and religious, provided extensive coverage complete with photos that did justice to the solemnity of the event.

In order to foster a return to such public manifestations of Catholic action, Mrs. Melanie Fedynyshyn, President of St. Ann Society and members the St. Ann Society of Ukrainian Catholic Church of the Assumption organized sponsored an

Evening of Prayer to the Blessed Mother of God, inviting the Catholic women of the city to come together for the glory of God and to honor His Blessed Mother. The members of Rosary Altar Societies and Ladies Guilds of fourteen different parishes eagerly accepted the invitation to attend. Many of these Roman Catholic women had never even been in a Ukrainian Catholic Church before let alone attend a Moleben, but they followed in their booklets, prayed fervently, and sang along with the St. Ann Society. There were even a few Protestants in attendance who had asked to come. For them, it was a revelation of how Catholics venerate rather than worship Mary. This was underscored by Rev. Ivan Turyk, pastor of Assumption Church and spiritual advisor to St. Ann Society, who delivered the homily: Mary’s Place in Our Faith and in Our Lives. The Rosary was recited by all in attendance. Likewise, in a show of unity all sang Immaculate  Mary, a hymn representative of the Latin tradition, as well as Always Protect Us, Dear Virgin Mary as the Ukrainian Marian hymn.

Following the prayerful component of the evening, the visitors were guests of St. Ann Society at their annual covered dish dinner in the parish hall, but there was more than just the joint breaking of bread. The coming together of Catholic women from neighboring parishes and the fellowship that followed reminded many of the Catholic presence once so dominant in Perth Amboy. Some commented on how they find strength and inspiration from each other when they come together in common prayer. There was felt a strong desire to “come together again”. It was especially edifying to witness Roman Catholic and Greek Catholic love for the Blessed Mother of God in such a unified manifestation, reflective of the Universality of the Church. The intent was to sponsor an evening of Marian Devotion that would provide nourishment for both body and soul, and it gave many food for thought.

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On Sunday, April 27 many parishioners and parents, enjoyed performances by all dancing groups and were pleased by the result of their children’s hard work all year. The groups Nadiya Dance Ensamble, Chervona Kalyna and Veselka, performed Ukrainian traditional dances, international folk dances and theatrical dances. Everyone had a great time listening to the music and watching the dancers.

On Good Friday, the Church strives to express her mourning over the passion and death of Jesus in every possible way. Special events are held throughout the day as a way for the faithful to revisit the events of that day. This year, the parishioners of the Assumption Catholic Church in Perth Amboy, NJ  with many students of the Parish School, participated at  the moving service called  solemn Vespers with the burial procession bearing the Holy Shroud or Plashchanitsa. The “plashchanitsa” is a winding sheet with the picture of Christ’s body lying dead in the tomb. After the outside procession around the Church, the shroud was laid out for veneration on a replica of the sepulcher.