UKRAINIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH OF THE USA
CONSISTORY OFFICE OF PUBLIC RELATIONS
PRESS RELEASE

St. Vladimir Cathedral in Philadelphia, PA Celebrates 86th Anniversary!

On Sunday, September23, 2012, on a beautiful sunny day, a multitude of faithful gathered at St. Vladimir Ukrainian Orthodox in Philadelphia, PA to celebrate the 86th Anniversary of its founding.

The Divine Liturgy was concelebrated by the Ruling Hierarch of the Eastern Eparchy and Locum Tenens of the UOC of the USA His Eminence Archbishop Antony, His Grace Bishop Daniel, the Ruling Hierarch of the Western Eparchy; Very Reverend Taras Naumenko, Dean of St. Vladimir Cathedral and Deacon Vasyl Dovgan of St. Sophia Ukrainian Orthodox Theological Seminary in South Bound Brook, NJ.

The Hierarchs were greeted by the president of the parish board, Edward Zetick, with the traditional bread and salt. The children of the parish presented flowers and shared welcoming hugs with the Hierarchs.  Very Rev. Taras Naumenko welcomed his Eminence Archbishop Antony to his cathedral parish and asked them remember the founding pioneers who saw the need to establish a Ukrainian Orthodox Parish in Philadelphia. He also, requested prayers for the faithful of the Cathedral community and he assured the Hierarchs of continued prayers for them and the entire UOC of the USA.

The Holy Temple was filled with a selection of unique hymns sung by the Cathedral choir under the direction of Karen Ferraro and the church school children’s choir sounded like angels singing “With Fear and Humility”.

The sermons by both Hierarchs were truly inspirational and carried a note of spiritual rejuvenation and to continue the vision of the founding fathers.

Following the Liturgy a celebratory luncheon was held at the parish hall. A warm atmosphere filled with smiles, excitement and children laughter filled the air. Superb Ukrainian dishes were prepared by the members of the Sisterhood and Andrew Passyn who always presents exclusive Halychyna style recipes carried on from generation to generation.

Distinguished guests, Very Rev. Volodymyr Khanas, pastor of the neighboring Ukrainian Orthodox parish of Pokrova and the parish board president Ivan Presko offered their kind greetings. A long time parishioner, former parish board president, and member of the building committee of the current Cathedral edifice Joseph Podgurski who now resided in North Carolina, traveled for this special occasion to greet the parish and its faithful with 86 years of existence. He spoke of many hard workers and founders of the cathedral who are now with the Lord but will always remain in our memory. A generous gift was offered for the Improvement Fund by Mr. Podgurski.

The parish body would like to thank the Hierarchs for their inspirational visit and everyone for their hard work and dedication in making this event come true.