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Ukrainian Catholic Parish Парафія - Української Католицької Церкви

Newcastle and Hunter, 105 Gosford Rd, Adamstown e-mail: ukrchurch.newcastle@iinet.net.au ph: 02 4961 3651

From the life and activities associated with the Parish and the community

24 APRIL 2013

Content

Parish BBQ

Parish priest’s Easter Message: SLOVO

CALENDAR OF EASTER CELEBRATIONS: The Ukrainian style Velykden’ -

Easter and reminder about Commemorative Sunday (Pomynal’na Nedilya)

Social Milestones: birthday greetings; Years Go By ….; In Memoriam

Easter Basket preparation: pysanky, pasky (and syrna paska) – some useful

tips

FROM THE MEETING: Word from the Chairperson

OTHER NEWS

Improvements, improvements … … and more progress

General: Mothers Day greetings; Touring Ukraine;

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The 3rd B-B-Q and Meeting of the Parish this

year was held Tuesday 23rd April at 5pm

As usual, the food was tasty with the menu

featuring fish because it is the period leading up

to Ukrainian Easter.

* * *

The NEXT (4th for 2013) B-B-Q

and Meeting of the Parish is to be

held on Thursday 30 MAY.

Start 5:00pm followed by

Interesting Meeting 6:00pm.

Everyone is WELCOME!

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JOYOUS EASTER GREETINGS

TO ALL !

ХРИСТОС ВОСКРЕС !

EASTER MESSAGE … SLOVO: from Fr. Paul Berezniuk

"How full we are with our own preoccupations - how tenaciously we cling on to them. ... people fail to recognize the holy one because their minds are already made up, preoccupied with their own conception of what the holy one should be like". … "Preoccupation instead of emptiness; restlessness instead of stillness; noise instead of silence; hurtling along unable to stop; all these go to render us incapable of noticing .... or hearing the call of longing from the Holy One."

pps. 70-71, Holiness, Donald Nicholl. In the time of Christ, on Verbna Nedilia, Palm Sunday, it seems that people were euphoric in their expectations of the Messiah. They had already made up their minds of what the Messiah should be like. When their expectations were not met, they went back to their daily life of how it was. Today, it would seem, we are very similar in our behaviour to the people of Jesus' time. Paschal euphoria builds up, maybe we even have some expectations, and when it is all over, we go back to how life is every day. A life of preoccupation and

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hurry, though in a time when technology constantly promises to save us time and supposedly make life more meaningful. This Pascha, Easter season, encourages each of us to reflect on our core values,

look within and search our hearts, to renew or maybe more accurately, to rediscover

our lives.

This is what we should try and do for ourselves, and in so doing we may influence

those around us. Life is for living with hope and constant renewal …

We greet you all on this joyous feast of the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Christ is Risen! He is truly Risen! Fr. Paul Berezniuk.

As an aid, maybe the following link to ‘Youtube’, a retreat conducted by Fr. Anthony De Mello, called 'Rediscovering Life' will be of help.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f9btHbHcZE0

PS

This coming Sunday (28th April) will be PALM SUNDAY according

to our Easter calendar. In the Ukrainian tradition people bring a

willow branch (verba) or obtain one at the Service. The palm is

symbolic of the original biblical events of Palm Sunday when

Christ was welcomed entering Jerusalem.

In Ukraine willow branches are used in place of palms because the

Ukrainian climate is not suitable for palm trees. Please bring along

a small branch of willow, or of some other type of tree of your choice, to the

Service. Although there will be some available at Church, it is better if you

bring something of your own choosing.

In the Ukrainian Easter tradition it is used as a reminder when greeting each

other after the Service. People gently tap others with the greeting:

“It is not I that is tapping you, it is the willow branch, to remind you that

a week from today will be Velykden’ (Easter – The Great Day)!”

This is a wide and long-standing custom in Ukraine and other places where

Ukrainians reside.

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CALENDAR OF TRADITIONAL UKRAINIAN EASTER FESTIVITIES

- EVERYONE WELCOME -

Ukrainian Catholic Church (Pokrova), 105 Gosford St. Adamstown

[Photo: 25-3-2013 late morning – before changes]

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Sunday 28/04/2013

PALM SUNDAY [ Вербна Неділя ] Service: 9:30 am

Thursday 2/5/2013

HOLY THURSDAY (Великий четвер. Страсті. Спомин тайної вечері) 8.30am - Divine Liturgy. (Свята Літургія) 9.30 am – (СТРАСТИ – Утрення з читанням 12 Євангелій) Matins of the Passion and the reading of twelve gospels.

Friday 3/05/2013

GOOD FRIDAY [Велика П´ятниця]

Service: 10 am Recollections and Procession focusing on the meaning of the events of the Crucifixion.

Saturday 4/05/2013

EASTER SATURDAY SERVICE [ Великодня Субота ] Starts: 4:30pm

Traditional Blessing of the customary Ukrainian Basket of Foods (including pysanky – decoratively dyed eggs) Come along and bring some friends to see, hear (and taste) Easter the traditional Ukrainian way – because Ukrainians do it differently. [The web has many sites featuring the art and customs of the Ukrainian pysanka, try … www.pysanky.com.au]

SUNDAY

5/05/2013

EASTER SUNDAY [ ВЕЛИКДЕНЬ -VELYKDEN’ ] Service: 9:30am [website… google ‘images for Velykden’’]

Friday 10/5/203

GRETA CATHOLIC CHURCH Bright Friday 9:00am Holy Liturgy - Свята Літургія Following the Holy Liturgy prayers for the deceased members of families and Blessing of gravesites at Greta Cemetery.

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Saturday 11/5/2013

SANDGATE CEMETERY: Fr. Paul will be available to offer prayers with family members at the gravesites of their family on Saturday 11/5/2013 at the Sandgate Lawn cemetery at 10am. Then at 11am Fr Paul will be at the original Ukrainian Catholic Section (the western end of Sandgate, Section 94, see next photo). Later at 3pm the Fr. Paul will be available at the WHITEBRIDGE cemetery. Everyone is encouraged to come along and celebrate together the lives of family and friends who are no longer with us. For other cemeteries Fr Paul will continue to be available during the week (by arrangement) to visit cemeteries and offer prayers for departed family and relatives.

Sunday 12/05/2013

St. Thomas SUNDAY (ТОМИНА Неділя) or COMMEMORATIVE SUNDAY [ ПОМИНАЛЬНА НЕДІЛЯ - POMYNAL'NA NEDILYA ] Service: 9:30 am Please note: The Communal Easter Meal (The Spil’ne Svyachene – Спільне Свячене) that would normally be held on this day is instead postponed to the next Sunday (19/5/2013) because this year the Australia-wide celebration of mothers, Mothers Day, also occurs on 12/5/2013.

Sunday 19/05/2013

Communal EASTER Meal – (Spil’ne Svyachene – Спільне Свячене) Marking Commemorative Sunday Service: 9:30 am Communal Easter meal after the Service

Sunday 28/07/2013

Feast day of Grand Ruler Volodymyr The Great, (Володимир Великий, хреститель України). This year Ukrainians will be celebrating the 1025 Anniversary of Christianity in Ukraine: Introduced by Grand Ruler Volodymyr the Great, in 988AD. Service: 9:30 am After the Service light refreshments will be served in the Hall.

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COMMEMORATIVE Services for Saturday 11/5/2013 at Sandgate Cemetery, main section:

During the Easter season it is the custom of Ukrainians, in Ukraine and elsewhere, of paying respects and celebrating the lives of those of their family and friends now deceased. They are remembered with uplifted spirits during the week after Easter, especially on the first Sunday following Easter Sunday, St Thomas Sunday [ Khomyna nedilya] and commonly known as Commemorative Sunday [Pomynal’na Nedilya], or Seeing-off [Providna ] Sunday).

To remember and reminisce about family and friends who have passed away the relatives and friends visit the cemetery (which, in Ukraine, is often by the church). They come with some light refreshments of paska and other favourite snacks as well as drinks to share with others and chat awhile. This tradition still continues in Ukraine where cemeteries have outdoor benches and tables near the gravesites. People sit and recall various events from lives past, highlighting the good times, the treasured moments and the continuity of life through to ourselves.

[Source: Eastern Rite and Orthodox Easter Commemorative Day: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/All_Souls'_Day]

The original Ukrainian Catholic Section 94 at Sandgate Cemetery was obtained by the Parish in August 1978 through the efforts of Fr. Volodymyr Krayevsky (CSSR) who at the time was the Parish priest. (He originally came from Canada to Australia. Fr. Krayevsky +1979, is buried in another part of Sandgate cemetery.)

Fr. Paul will be available to offer prayers with family members at the gravesites of their family on Saturday 11/5/2013 at the Sandgate Lawn cemetery at 10am. Then at 11am Fr Paul will be at the original Ukrainian Catholic Section (the western end of Sandgate, Section 94, see next photo).

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The photo below shows the view looking south-west and includes the Ukrainian Section. Trees have grown around the perimeter and there are some benches for visitors. The Priest will offer prayer and Services in this area.

Later at 3pm the Fr. Paul will be available at the Whitebridge cemetery. Everyone is encouraged to come along and celebrate together the lives of family and friends who are no longer with us. For other cemeteries Fr Paul will continue to be available during the week (by arrangement) to visit cemeteries and offer prayers for departed family and relatives.

EASTER GREETINGS

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SOCIAL MILESTONES …

MORE Birthday Girls – Several birthdays of people we know in the community

and parish have taken place since the previous Issue.

Pozdorovlyayemo Vas ! … Greetings and Best wishes to

you! …

Olga Bazalej, birthday was on the 3rd April;

Olga Hamiwka, birthday was on the 11th April,

Nina Jaremus, birthday was on the 14th April,

The Parish expresses its hearty congratulations and best wishes to all with many

bouquets of flowers, and a glass of wine raised to your health of course…!

… Mnohiyi lita, Mnohiyi Lita, …. Mnohiyi Lita…. .!

Another notable birthday that deserves to be

mentioned and greeted with the traditional call for

mnohiyi lita is that of the very reverend Sviatoslav

Shevchuk, the head (Major Arch-Bishop) of the

Ukrainian Catholic Church of Ukraine and world-wide. He

was born on 5 May 1970 in the city of Striy, the Lviv

region of Ukraine. He was elected head of the Ukrainian

Catholic Church on 23 March 2011 (to replace

Lyubomyr Husar, retired), confirmed 25 March

2011 – he was aged 41 at the time.

This year the birthday of the Head of the

Ukrainian Catholic Church happens to be on the

same day that traditional Ukrainian Easter is

being celebrated – the 5th of May. The Ukrainian Parish in Newcastle takes this

opportunity to wish Major Archbishop Sviatoslav

sound health, and the moral and physical strength

to unwaveringly undertake his tasks and spiritual

mission in the service of God and the faithful of

the Ukrainian Catholic Church … long may be his life … na Mnohiyi, i blahiyi lita! Khrystos Voskres!

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AS YEARS GO BY … There are a number of people from our community and parish whose health

has given way to the point that they are limited in what they can do, and where they

can go. Some are now even in Aged Care Homes and hospitals. Everyone is

encouraged to contact them, send them a card and even visit them to say hello and

cheer them up a little so that they know that they are not forgotten …

Please make a special effort during the Ukrainian Easter period … and bring them a

small gift of a pysanka or krashanka.

The Parish expresses best wishes and Easter Greetings to each of these

people for better health, and comfortable convalescence. We also wish the

families of these people strength and good health in all that they do.

Taras Melenewycz Please note that Taras has moved from the Wallsend Aged Care facility and is now convalescing at: C A Brown Nursing Home & Hostel Pilgrim Lodge 87 Toronto Road, Booragul NSW 2284 tel. 02 4958 0000 Louise Basza Jesmond Grove Hostel Acacia Place 101 Mordue Pde, (end of the road and 1st building) Jesmond NSW 2299 tel. 4951 4369 Levko Dzus Bupa Waratah 219 Christo Road Waratah NSW 2298 tel. 4967 2444 Kateryna Dzus Kara Nursing Home 133 Hanbury Street Mayfield NSW 2304 tel. 49671866 Oleksa Stankewycz High Care Lindsay Gardens Aged Care Facility 137a Lindsay Street, Hamilton NSW 2303 Note - there is also an entry from Percy Street, Hamilton. tel 4969 8222

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Maria Lodo Raymond Terrace Gardens Nursing Centre Paterson (section) 15 Sturgeon Street North Raymond Terrace, NSW 2324 tel. 4987 2170 Leon Sokulsky Domain Macquarie Place Cleary (section) 60 Northlakes Drive Cameron Park, NSW 2285 tel. 4944 1300 Wolodymyr Kozy Fronditha Care Hippocrates 30 Crebert Street, Mayfield, NSW 2304 tel. 4016 4160 Michael Kowaltschny Maitland Nursing Home 28 Broughton Street Rutherford, NSW 2320 tel. 4932 6688

The Parish would appreciate being informed about other people from the Parish and

the Ukrainian community generally who find themselves in a similar situation. Please

let Fr Paul know.

Photo15/4/2013: The myrtle tree in the garden in front of the hall – reviving very well

….

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~ ВІЧНАЯ ПАМ´ЯТЬ - IN MEMORIAM ~

It is with sadness that we share with everyone the news of the passing of

ANNA KUCZER

* 28-12-1919 - Ɨ 1-4-2013

Ukraine - Newcastle, Australia

Funeral Liturgy and burial took place on 4th

April 2013,

St. Catherine’s Church, Greta, Hunter Valley

The Ukrainian Parish expresses sincere condolences to her daughters Helena and

Margaret with husbands, Jim and Walter and their families for their genuine

loss. The parish and community shares in their loss and sorrow.

Recollections of Anna Kuczer’s life will be presented in the next Issue

Below: daughter Helena and husband Jim

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~ ВІЧНАЯ ПАМ´ЯТЬ - IN MEMORIAM ~

It is with sadness that we share with everyone the

news of the passing of

* 17-1-1922 - ɫ 18 – 4 - 2013

Ukraine - Rutherford, Australia

Ukrainian Funeral Liturgy took place on 23rd

April 2013, 11am

At St. Peters Anglican Church, East Maitland

and buried in the Anglican section of the East

Maitland Cemetery.

Maria Kowaltschny formerly of Maitland Nursing

Home, Rutherford, was born in the village of

Leontovka, in the Odessa ‘oblast’ (region) of Ukraine.

The Ukrainian community expresses its sincere

condolences to her husband

Michael, children Vladamir, Petro, Alexander, Anna, Lida, Nina and their

families for their genuine loss.

Maria KOWALTSCHNY

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EASTER - Ukrainian Style - VELYKDEN’

Selected web sites (in English): type in the word velykden’ (the Ukrainian word

for Easter, which literally means GREAT DAY) and select the following site:

Velkden’ is Ukrainian for Easter www.wumag.kiev.ua

also images for the traditional Easter Food basket, paska, and pysanky.

The following two photos are from Easter baskets prepared by people of

the Ukrainian community in Newcastle (April 2012) and enjoying the Easter

Ukrainian tradition.

The first photo shows the baskets decorated for the occasion with

embroidered ceremonial towels and the words Khrystos Voskres (Christ is Risen) [ Христос Воскрес! ) to be taken to the Church Service (remember,

Saturday 4th May this year) The second photo shows the colourful contents of the typical Ukrainian Easter

basket.

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INSIDE THE EASTER BASKET

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The contents of a typical Ukrainian Easter basket

The paska (baked and/or cheese-based)

Pysanky, and cooked eggs coloured in single colour – krashanky, and or

simply some cooked shelled eggs

Cured sausage

Cured ham (shynka)

Various favourate cheeses

Some butter

A little horseradish

Some garlic cloves

Salt

Other favourite food items (no chocolate bunnies … they’ve been and

gone…)

THE PASKA

Baked paska, is the traditional

ceremonial bread baked for Ukrainian

Easter celebrations. It is slightly

sweetened and has a wonderful aroma. It

is the central item of food in the basket

of food to be blessed at the Easter

Service on Saturday (Easter Eve).

As well there is a cheese-based paska

that is also known as cheese Babka (syrna

paska). It is more of a common item in

Eastern Ukraine. Quite often women prepare both types to be blessed. The

features of a Babka are that it is sweet and can be either baked or not. The

non-baked version requires that a variety of ingredients are mixed into a farm

cheese base. The mixture is formed into the desired round shape using an

appropriate mould and then refrigerated until it sets. (refer to:

www.ukrainianclassickitchen.ca )

The paska occupies the centre stage on the table on Easter morning and is the

food; along with the blessed egg, that start off the Easter morning breakfast.

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PYSANKY

The second significant item is the decorative pysanky.

Pysanky and krashanky (Easter eggs) are an old pre-Christian custom and have

an important role that continues to be practised by Ukrainians in the Eastern

rites.

Pysankay are usually raw eggs

that are intricately hand

decorated with traditional

colourful patterns using

different coloured dyes. The

word pysanka refers specifically

to an egg upon which a symbolic

design is ‘written’ using age-old

Ukrainian folk designs that

originally had deep meaning, It is

not simply a generic term for any

egg decorated using the bees-wax

resist method.

There is much symbolism associated with them …. [see useful website

references below for detailed explanations ….] They are given as gifts or

exchanged as a sign of affection by people of all ages the more so by younger

people. They are not usually eaten but kept as treasured mementoes.

Website details about the pysanka symbols and their meanings go to:

www.en.wikipedia.org then search for Pysanky Symbols

Also very good details are at: www.incredibleart.org search for Pysanky

Symbolism.

You can read about the role of the pysanka in the Ukrainian Christian tradition

by reading the article by Dr Andrew Kania that can be found in the weekly

newsletter of the Perth Parish of Ukrainian Catholic Church (but originally

published in Church & Life (1847) 28.2.2013-27.3.2013 No 4 Pg 2).

In contrast, krashanky, are simply eggs coloured with one colour, also using the

same bees-wax writing and dye process. Krashanky, are usually the cooked eggs

and are eaten. They also feature in ritual games where people test the strength

of their krashanka against that of others. The person whose krashanka shell

breaks forfeits it to the other person.

Both krashanky and pysanky are featured items in the ceremonial basket

prepared for blessing at the Easter Service.

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FROM THE MEETING (23 April, 2013)

A word from the Chairperson,

Yarry Netluch …

Welcome everyone!

As you can see a variety of

activities have been

underway, some small, some

not so small not only in preparing for the Ukrainian Easter activities but also for

improving the convenience and appearance of the parish facilities. Since our last

meeting in March there has been a flurry of activities and work done, in fact

more than we had planned at the time. In fact this Issue #3 can’t cover all the

activities done so far, and so more information will be provided in the next

Issue. This has been largely due to of the enthusiasm of our parish people

(special mention here of the Tractor team) as well as the generosity of people

who have responded to our requests in our last Issue and since. A sincere

thankyou to Anita Face for donating a very nice BBQ (see following pages); to

Peter Artym for organising a couple of security doors – and there are others

who provided various items for repairs. It is good to see that people in the

parish and community are taking an interest and assisting where they can to

keep the place neat, tidy and with making various improvements … and with more

yet to come. Thanks to everyone for their input in whatever form it has been.

We look forward to your continuing participation and to see you (and bring along

a friend) at the Ukrainian Easter festivities – enjoy. Also our next meeting is on

Thursday 30 May at 6.00p.m. with a BBQ beforehand at 5.00p.m. BYO. All welcome!

OTHER NEWS

Improvements, improvements and even more progress – some news

with some photos (more next issue…)

The routine challenge of keeping the

grass at bay was once again met and

successfully won on 30 March – for the time

being at least. The weather on the day was

nothing short of magnificent – bright sunshine

set in a clear blue sky, and the temperature

was balmy. The weather has been so kind to

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the grass it seems to grow before your very eyes – thick and healthy. And the

contest was on! The experience and determination of the Tractor team with the

help of their range of equipment proved a match for the grass. The star

mechanical unit, in the capable hands of Victor, came out ahead – and once again

Tractor saved the Day. The next contest round is on Thursday afternoon the

25th of April. So far the score is: Tractor 1, grass 0 (for the moment …)

SWITCH ON THE LIGHTS. Electrical work has continued to be a focus of

attention and effort with the additional replacement of fittings in the Hall done

on 30 March. Also, a survey was made by Tractor Team members of other

light-fittings and lighting needs on the outside of the Hall as well as the Church

building itself. The details were sorted out and a week later the planned work

was carried out on Friday 5th April. That evening the ‘lights were switched on’ …

and all went well.

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All lit up … The Church at

dusk … as you have never seen

it before …! Come during

Easter and see for yourself

All this work was made possible by the generous donation of Mark Maher. The

Parish expresses its genuine gratitude to Mr Maher for his generous donation

which covered all this electrical work by a contracted electrician.

In summary the following extra lighting work was done:

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in the front of the Church two sets of sensor lights have been installed.

These light up the entrance area to the Church as well as the mosaic on

the Church façade;

a set of sensor lights have been installed on each external side of the

Church in the rear;

an external power point was installed on the left hand side wall

(external)

an external power point has been installed in the BBQ area behind the

back of the Hall;

an set of power points have been installed in the room underneath the

Hall, and the old wiring removed.

The above photos show work on the new external power point, and the newly

installed sensor lights working on the Church left-side wall (working at night).

A similar sensor light was installed on the other side (right side) of the Church

and it also works very well.

More power to the BBQ area …. Power points installed (outside and inside)

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REHASH OF THE BBQ AREA … the story in pictures by three of the

Tractor Masters ….

Tight squeeze for the campervan

(that ‘lived’ in the BBQ area)

through ‘the gap’ between the

fence and the house … but all

goes according to the precise plan

of the Tractor masters.

The campervan has a new neat

location – between the back of the

house and the garage storage

annexe (left side). Fits like a ‘hand

in a glove’ ….see, no problem -

once sorted out by the Tractor

masters, of course.

Fence in the way ? … …. You’re joking! … as you can see, not a problem for the Tractor Masters (above)

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BBQ – RED HOT NEWS. … in response to our request set out in the

previous issue of Tractor Special News (#2), a kind and very generous

offer was made by a parishioner, Anita Face, to donate her BBQ to the

Parish in order to replace the two ’ancient’ units which have been

problematical (to put it kindly). A hearty and sincere thankyou from all of

us at the Parish goes to Anita and her family … and, as we traditionally say

(rather sing) in Ukrainian …. Mnohiyi i mnohiyi Lita! ….

[photo 3/4/2013: the BBQ donated by Anita set in place at the Hall and waiting for us to use it for next BBQ gathering (Thursday 30 May) …]

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PS In a separate initiative, some outdoor plastic seating was obtained on 30

March. The chairs complement the new colour scheme that was recently carried

out around the BBQ area. (see next picture)

[photo: rehashed BBQ area at rear of Hall, Adamstown, 3/4/2013]

The photo shows a part of the upgraded BBQ area … and this on a very wet day …!

(More changes in the pipeline …) Come along to the next BBQ and enjoy not only the

food cooked by our aspiring chefs, but the setting as well … (before winter sets

in!)

IMPORTANT: Testing,

testing and tasting … all

very hard work …

The verdict from the

Tractor Chief Testers is:

… the BBQ works very

well (after some

adjustments and fine

tuning). … Smachnoho

as they say … Thank

you Anita !

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IN THE HALL … some more changes made, and others on the way …

The next photo shows the area being made into a convenient coffee/tea corner

that people can use, especially during a function. The sturdy (real) wooden table

in the corner has been added to

the bench-top table to make a

longer table area to allow more

space for cups, saucers, milk, and

sweet things of course. The

table has been well modified by

one of our resident master

Tractor elves and is being

renovated to serve our needs for

a roomier and more convenient

coffee/tea area. Watch this

space ….

- - - - - - -

The photo below shows the new replacement lights installed in the kitchen

preparation area. Though they appear small, they light the place up … (at night).

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MAKEOVER of ….

The women of the

parish Committee

decided that some

makeover needed to be

done to the women’s

toilets. As well known,

toilets are toilets, but

they can be nicer …!

Some work to make

the toilets nicer has

been started, including

the makeover of the

windows which has

progressed well.

More work is scheduled to be done once the necessary materials are obtained.

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The BBQ area … have

the Tractor team missed

the point that the BBQ

is for sitting down to

BBQ-prepared food …

not a variety of paints

and tools? Probably they

were so concerned about

the makeover of the

toilet block they forgot

to bring the food …!

NOTE: WORK BEHIND THE FENCE WITH NEIGHBOUR …

Please be aware

that the neighbour

behind the fence

(see photo) has

started work on 23

April on installing a

small swimming pool

in their backyard.

The section of

fence affected is

between our BBQ

area behind the Hall

and the toilet block.

The neighbour has

made arrangements with the Parish that the pool installers have access to work

and install the pool through the Church’s backyard. As a result the fence has

been dismantled but will be re-installed after the pool work is completed. The

pool installers will take all care not to damage the Parish backyard and restore

any parts that may be damaged. Their tractors (Not our Tractor group!) are

small and the disruption to our activities should be minimal, though there will be

some inconvenience. The work on the pool is expected to be finished before our

Easter in early May.

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MOTHERS DAY

Mother’s day this year coincides with the first Sunday after

Ukrainian Easter (12th May). As the next issue will be after Mothers

Day the Parish takes this opportunity to greet and wish all the

mothers and the women of this Parish a great Mather’s Day with

family members and relatives … may your lives be graced with

good health and boundless joy from your family! The Parish

thanks all of you for your care and consideration given to the

Parish throughout the year.

The 10th World Congress of Ukrainians to be held in Lviv

over the three days of 20-22 August this year.

The Congress (founded in 1967) will have delegates from 33 countries where

Ukrainians live and have organisations that are part of the Congress

organisational structure. There will also be representatives of Ukrainian

organisations from an additional 14 other countries with which the Congress has

working relationships, as well as the broad population of Ukraine.

The Congress apart from reviewing its activities of the past five years will

focus its attention on the following main issues: the integration of Ukraine with

the EU; Ukrainians in the wider world; the 80th anniversary of the imposed

tragedy of the HOLODOMOR. On the last day the election of its new leader will

take place.

This Xth Congress has as its inspirational theme the words from a powerful

poem written in 1893 by the revered Ukrainian national figure, Lesya Ukrayinka:

‘Hope Against Hope’ (Contra Spem Spero) – to believe unwaveringly in a better

future for Ukrainians and their country. (You could also be there if you go on the tour detailed on the next page …)

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Contact: ph 1300 655 003 www.catholicchurchinsurance.org.au

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TRAVEL AND TOUR UKRAINE IN AUGUST …

You can take advantage of travelling to Ukraine in a group guided tour from

Australia. The group tour includes return airfares, accommodation and for

group tour within Ukraine. The itinerary includes a stay in Kyiv that features

participation in the ceremony of the dedication of the new Cathedral of the

Resurrection of the Ukrainian Catholic Church that is being built in Kyiv. It is

the central place for the Ukrainian Catholic Church. The same ceremony will also

be marking the 1025th anniversary of the introduction of Christianity to Ukraine

by Volodymyr the Great. [More on these upcoming events in the next Issue]

The tour departs Australia 12 Aug , spends 14 days in Ukraine and

departs Ukraine (Lviv) on 26 August.

The cities to be visited are: arrive Kyiv, then to Kaniv (Shevchenko site),

Chernihiv, Ternopil, Krements, then several towns of Buchach, Zolochiv,

and final destination of Lviv.

The tour price includes airfares, accommodation, breakfasts and dinners,

transport in Ukraine, tours and admission to sites.

The cost is $3,900 Aust. per person

You have to obtain your own visa from the Consulate of Ukraine in

Canberra, and your own travel insurance.

CONTACT DETAILS: You can discuss and get

more details about the Tour by contacting the

Ukrainian Tour organiser:

St. Martins Travel Service (Sydney):

George Sywak (Юрій Сивак) 9644 82080 E-mail: georgesywak@optusnet.com.au