News

The Feast of the Holy Theophany (Epiphany) of our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ is celebrated each year on January 6. The Feast commemorates the Baptism of Christ and the divine revelation of the Holy Trinity. At the Baptism of Christ, all three Persons of the Holy Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—were made manifest. Thus, the name of the Feast is Epiphany, meaning manifestation, or Theophany, meaning manifestation of God. At the Children’s Liturgy (Mass),  the blessing of the waters was conducted in the church.  After the service, Fr. Ivan  blessed the school’s classrooms and students with holy water and in his prayers asked  God to have mercy on the school to rid it of every evil and to fill if with every blessing.  Fr. Ivan’s visit was a wonderful way to begin the New Year!

Assumption Catholic Church will host a family Valentine’s Day dance on Saturday, February 12, 2011 at 8:00 p.m. in School Auditorium at 380 Meredith St., Perth Amboy, NJ 08861. Delicious, Bountiful Buffet Dinner served at 8:00 p.m. and available all evening. Music by “Anna-Maria Entertainment” Tickets $45.00 if purchased by Feb. 6th – after Feb. 6th $50.00. For tickets and information contact the church 732-826-0767. All are welcome to an evening of fun, food, and dancing.…

The annual New Year’s  Dance  Zabava, held Friday, December 31st, 2010 at Assumption Ukrainian Catholic Church  in Perth Amboy, NJ  was a great  event. With almost 400 people in attendance, great music courtesy of Halyshany, this event was a lot of fun for everyone! Thanks to everyone who made Zabava 2010 a success! Our Parish had a great time organizing it and it looked like everyone had a great time being there! Special thanks to Mrs. Maria Derevenska and her kitchen helpers for preparing the fantastic food! Keep your calendar open for Zabava 2011!!

View photos from Zabava here !…

These words, taken from the Divine Liturgy, have a special meaning during the holiday season.  After the last Sunday before Christmas day, there is a tradition of decorating the interior of the church.  Ten men from the Holy Name Society met at church on December 19, 2010,  to continue this tradition.  Boxes from the storage closet were dragged out, strings of lights got checked, and trees were put together.  Most importantly, Jesus’ birthplace with all its figures was carefully carried piece by piece to its place of honor in church.  Details had to be just right and even Fr. Ivan was in the middle of this labor of joy.  He carefully evened out some tree branches that could only be reached from the roof of the manger.  After all, for the birth of a King, everything had to be just right!

The parish history book is completed and is at the printer. We expect delivery in two to three weeks. Check the bulletin or church website 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. It is 394 pages with nearly 900 pictures. It's full color with no ads. There will be 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 dates, 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.

Download the flyer .…

John Baginsky a lifelong parishioner and ACS Graduate (ACS'02) has received the honor of being inducted into Upsilon Pi Epsilon, Gamma Chapter of New Jersey William Paterson University. Upsilon Pi Epsilon is the Honor Society for the Computing Sciences. Induction into UPE is conferred only upon those who meet it's rigorous academic requirements and accordingly membership is very limited. Congratulations John!

On the picture: John entering his name in the UPE Chapter Book at the induction ceremony.
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Theatrical Play – "Evening of Kozak Glory" was presented in church on December 12, 2010 at 5:00 PM.  All proceeds from the play went  to St. John Ukrainian Catholic Church of Whippany Building Fund.

Pictures from the performance can be viewed here .

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The Ukrainian Assumption Seniors' Christmas Party was held on Thursday, December 9, 2010 at 12 noon at the Reo Diner, Woodbridge, New Jersey.  A delicious luncheon was served with two special Merry Christmas cakes baked by the Reo Diner staff.  In the spirit of the season each member was given a gift for Christmas in appreciation of their support throughout the year.

The Ukrainian Assumption Seniors donated a Christmas gift to the Church of a holy water sprinkler and bucket which will be used for blessings.  The gift was given in honor of the deceased and present members. Rev. Ivan Turyk accepted the gift.  A pleasant time was had by all who attended.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the Ukrainian Assumption Seniors!

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Sixty-five children (and about one hundred of their parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and friends) were visited by Saint Nicholas the Wonder Worker on Sunday, December 5, 2010.  The celebration event was planned by the Holy Name Society men with the hope and belief that Saint Nicholas would visit and not disappoint his believers.  All guests were treated to a buffet breakfast of fruit, eggs, bacon, sausage, hash browns, and cake prepared by the men.  While the crowd anxiously awaited the arrival of Saint Nicholas they were treated to the piano playing of Anna Lawrence.  

Finally, Saint Nicholas did arrive to distribute gifts to all children.  As the stage was revealed, the scene of a lit Christmas tree, fireplace, and dozens of wrapped gifts just added to the excitement.  From the youngest, five-month-old Olesia Horbatyuk, to the two oldest, sixteen-year-old Michael Grausam and Andriy Tabaka, all received a gift from this patron saint of children.  Some were hesitant and cautious as they approached Saint Nicholas while others showed no signs of bashfulness.  All were delighted.

The men of the Holy Name Society are to be commended for their commitment to the children of the parish.  From the holiday tablecloths to the delicious food to the generous offerings, their Christmas spirit is shining through.   

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On Wednesday, November 24, 2010 a tradition at Assumption Catholic School continued. What begin several years ago as a simple gathering to give thanks to God together as a school, has grown into a real Thanksgiving Feast.  The day started with Divine Liturgy, continued with entertainment related to Thanksgiving, and finally dinner was served!

This year students in the Senior Drama Club took classes on a pilgrimage around the school to learn how the original Pilgrims left the life they knew to take their chances in the New World. Pilgrim Guides led groups from room to room where they met pilgrims to find out about why they left with their families. The heard of what life was like on the Mayflower and what the first government was after their arrival. The last stop of their pilgrimage took them to the auditorium where they learned of how the Pilgrims and Native Americans prepared for the first Thanksgiving as well as how Thanksgiving came to be a national holiday today.

Once all groups had the opportunity to go on the pilgrimage it was time to eat. ACS faculty and students were joined by invited members of Saint Ann Society, Holy Name, Bingo workers and the Senior Citizens Club. Many parents, including the FSA board, under the direction of Mrs. Derevenska, our kindergarten teacher, prepared and served a full Thanksgiving dinner. Cornbread was prepared by grade four. Sister Maria and the second grade prepared fresh cranberry sauce.  Homemade pies were prepared by student in grade six, seven, and eight.

At the end of the day the seventh and eighth graders helped to clean the cafeteria and auditorium. Extra plates were prepared by the kitchen workers and delivered by Father Ivan and a few eighth graders to nearby parish members.

Thank you to everyone involved in making the day such a special day!