News

Our Annual St. Valentine's Dance was held on February 12th and our Zabava committee outdid themselves again. A SMASH SUCCESS! Very positive feedback from those in attendance. Great food, beautiful decoration, band and excellent company made for a very pleasant dinner dance.  We’d like to thank all who came and supported the event, as well as all who helped and volunteered before, during and after the event. The event was a success because of you!

View photo gallery here !…

Pope John Paul II identified three kinds of evangelical activity: first, to those who have not heard the word; second, the ongoing formation in the faith of those who are present in our Christian communities, and thirdly, the evangelization of those who, though baptized, have lost the living sense of faith. In an effort to embrace all three levels, our spiritual leader, Stefan Soroka, has initiated a program for our diocese called “Generations of Faith for Byzantine Churches” (which will be referred to as GOF). This is an intergenerational event-centered approach to faith formation for the whole parish. The goal of the program is to bring people of all ages in the parish together to learn and participate in all aspects of their faith together through: Divine Liturgy, Church Year Feasts and Seasons Mysteries Morality, Social Justice. In our parish Fr. Ivan have scheduled to run the program on the 4th Sunday of the  Lent, April 3rd, 2011. On that Sunday there will be only one Liturgy at 10:00 a.m.  and after the Liturgy all parishioners are welcomed to go to the school auditorium for the meal, service, presentation by 2 speakers from  our parish  and discussion. The topic of presentation and discussion will be – The Season of Great Lent. On Sunday, Feb. 19 the planning committee will have the meeting  after 5:00 p.m. Liturgy.
 
SERVICES FOR THE GREAT FAST – “Sorokousty”
In 4 weeks we will begin the season of The Great Fast (Lent) for 2011. Please follow our weekly bulletin for the schedule of services. With the Great Lent approaching, please remember about the services of Sorokousty in our church,  that will be celebrated every Saturday at 9:00 a.m. The first Sorokousty Services will be on Saturday, March 19.  Panachyda will be celebrated after the Liturgy,  at which time the names of families, requesting such, will be mentioned. If you wish to have your deceased family members remembered during this Lenten season, please use your Sorokousty envelope and place it in the collection basket.
 
ARCHEPARCHY OF PHILADELPHIA WOMEN’S DAY “GOD’S PRESENCE IN THE SEASONS OF A WOMAN’S LIFE”
We would like to send a group from our parish this year on Saturday, March 26, 2011. Please think about attending. Speakers: Dr. Zenia Chernyk, Christine Hayda, and Lada Pastushak. The flyer is posted on the board and the sign up form is available in the church’s vestibule.  This presentation will reflect on how God is present in the seasons of a Women’s Life.  The speakers will stress the three season’s in a woman’s life – Spring, Summer and Fall. The day has been fashioned to include one hour presentation from each of the presenters, followed by group work and feed-back. The day will end with aligning the tree seasons of a woman’s life and a prayer ritual indicative of the winter season and resurrection.
 
LENTEN AFTERNOON OF REFLECTION
On Sunday March 13, 2011 the Sister of St. Basil The Great will present a Lenten Afternoon of Reflection at the Basilian Spiritual Center, 7710 Fox Chase Road, Fox Chase Manor, PA from 2:00-5-oo PM. Presenter is Archpriest Daniel Troyan. The Topic: “Be Still and Know that I am God.” A celebration of the Priceless Human Soul. A day of meditation, forgiveness and healing based upon the Prayer of St. Ephraim: Donation is $25 and registration must be made by March 7, 2011. Forms for registration can be obtained if you are interested.
 
ICON RETREAT:: Christ in Gethsemane
An Icon Retreat led by iconographer Peter Pearson,  will be held at Holy Dormition Friary, Sybertsville on March 3rd-6th. Retreatants will paint an icon of Christ at prayer in the Garden and learn about the spirituality and prayer life that supports iconography. Cost is $200.00 and includes supplies and written materials, lunch Saturday. For additional fee, other meals or a limited number of rooms are available for those who would like to stay overnight. For more information or registration contact Fr. Jerome at (570) 788-1212 ext. 402 or email at holydormition@gmail.com.…

Assumption Catholic School Open House

Assumption Catholic School in Perth Amboy will host an Open House on Sunday, February 6, from 1pm to 4 pm as part of its Catholic Schools Week celebrations.  The school, located at the corner of Meredith and Jacques Streets, serves students ranging from PreK (4 year old) and Kindergarten to the eighth grade.  Light refreshments, school tours, and a Power Point presentation will be available for prospective parents and students during the Open House.

Middle States Association accredited since 1996, Assumption Catholic provides a small school atmosphere with big school goals.  Students are afforded a progressive academic program enriched by many extra-curricular activities. Before Care and After Care is available. 

Varied activities are planned for Catholic Schools Week.  School-wide activities include Liturgy on Monday, a Carnival on Tuesday, a Pep rally on Wednesday, Faculty vs. Eighth grade Volleyball on Thursday, and a Talent Show on Friday.  Grades 6,7, and 8 will hold a Battle of the Classes, Grades 4 and 5 will be involved in a Scavenger Hunt and a Multiplication Bee, Grades 2 and 3 will be treated to a Movie and Popcorn, while Grades K and 1 will enjoy guest story readers.  Grade 3 will be involved in an Academic Olympics all week.  The Family/School Assn. will provide a special lunch for all students on Wednesday.  The Faculty will host a Pasta Dinner on Thursday, February 3, from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm. All are invited.  Tickets at the door are $10 and $5 for children. 

Please contact 732 826-8721 or acsschooloffice@gmail.com for more information about the school, registration, or any of the events.  Visit our website at assumptioncatholicschool.net.

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The parish history books have been delivered.  Pre-ordered books can be picked up during regular office hours.  Check the bulletin for updates on book pick-up date(s) and times.

The book is beautiful and is a testament to 100 years of Ukrainians in Perth Amboy.  The book is specially designed to be enjoyed on several levels: visual, historical, sentimental, and informational. It is 394 pages with nearly 900 pictures.  It's full color with no ads.
 

There is a limited quantity of extra books for sale.  Call the rectory at 732-826-0767 to reserve an extra book(s).  You may also purchase additional copies on the pick-up date(s).  However, extra books will be allotted on a first-come, first-served basis. Bring $75 per book in cash or check for each extra book.
 
The parish extends special thanks to our Jubilee book General Chairman and Editor-in-Chief, John T. Mosko, and the Photography and Imagery Editor, Charles P. Patulak, for their enormous time and dedication in completing the history book.  We sincerely thank the Jubilee Book Committee members and the many parishioners and friends of the parish who contributed to this wonderful achievement.  May God bless all of you.…

CNN's global series i-List takes you to a different country each month. In January, CNN will visit Ukraine and look at changes shaping the country's economy, culture and social fabric.  Please watch the CNN specials on Ukraine highlighting 25 years after Chernobyl.  The times are Fri Jan 21, 6:30 PM, Sat Jan 22, 2:30 PM & 9:30 PM, and Sun Jan 23, 10:30 AM.…

Great food plus a rocking Ukrainian band plus sparkly decorations plus four hundred revelers equals one fantastic celebration. On December 31, 2010, the fourth annual New Year’s Eve Zabava was held at Ukrainian Catholic Church of the Assumption school auditorium. Silver, gold, and black garland and balloons adorned the hall transforming it from everyday ordinary to holiday festive. Tables were laden with a sumptuous buffet for those in attendance to partake of all evening long. At midnight corks popped and bubbly libations were poured as Father Frost and his Granddaughter made a surprise visit to the patrons. Desserts were brought out, the band played on, and a good time was had by all. Well done Zabava committee!…

For many Ukrainians, Christmas is not just on December 25th. There are those who start the holiday season with Saint Nicholas day and continue it well into January. Thus, about 100 parishioners came together to the Assumption Ukrainian Catholic Church in Perth Amboy, NJ on January 6th, Epiphany, and recreated a Holy Supper, called "Sviata Verchera" in Ukrainian. Each family brought a traditional meatless, dairyless food item to share. The choices were many, from borscht to shrimp to buckwheat "holubchi" and more. Desserts were just as plentiful. After all went through the buffet line and were settled comfortably, three attendees (Anna, Ksenia, and Volodya) delighted all with violin, accordion, and guitar accompaniment to well-known Ukrainian carols. The singing and playing went on and on until the crowd was surprised with a troupe of wandering thespians. Dressed in full costume, they entertained everyone with a comical holiday skit. It was a perfect evening – good fellowship, good food, and good music!

written by Mrs. Melanie Lawrence

Annual Festival of Christmas Carols was  held on Sunday, January 9, 2011 at the  Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Philadelphia, PA.  Our sincere and grateful thanks go  to our Parish Choir "Boyan" and   the choir director Alla Korostil for a truly outstanding Christmas Concert performance in Philadelphia. You guys were so wonderful! God bless all of our singers who contributed to the success of this special concert performance. May God richly bless you as you proclaim the glorious Gospel through His gift of song!

View more photos from the concert here .
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