Ukrainian parish marks anniversary

Ss. Peter and Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church in Cohoes is marking its 100th jubilee with two major events:

* On May 5, the Ukrainian Bandurist Choir from Detroit will perform at Troy Music Hall along with the Syzokryli Ukrainian Dance Ensemble from New York City; and

* on June 24, parishioners and friends will attend a Pontifical Divine Liturgy, followed by an anniversary banquet.

Founding

In 1907, the Ukrainian people of Cohoes established their own church. In 1908, they heard the first Mass in their own language, officiated by Rev. Theodore Dwulit.

Originally established under the jurisdiction of the Latin-rite Albany Diocese, jurisdiction was transferred in 1940 to the Byzantine-rite Diocese in Philadelphia. That happened under the guidance of the pastor, Rev. Michael Martinuk.

Later, the parish became part of the Stamford Eparchy in Connecticut. (Eparchies are Eastern-rite equivalents of dioceses.)

Education

The idea for a parish school took shape in 1943, and the Sisters of St. Basil the Great undertook the task of organizing it.

Housed in the converted rectory, the school opened in 1946 to ten students in two grades. By 1956, it had grown to a eight grades with 94 students.

With this growth, and after several years of fund-raising and diligent effort by church officials and parishioners, a newly built and expanded school opened in 1960.

Cohoes connection

Sister Laura Palka, a native of Cohoes who is honorary chairman of the jubilee, was a teacher and principal of the school. She is now provincial superior of the Sisters of St. Basil.

"This is a wonderful time for our parish family to gather and honor the traditions that we all hold so dear," she said of the anniversary. "I am hoping to see many former pupils and their families at all our events. What better way to honor our past?"

Very Rev. Canon Vladimir Marusceac, pastor, added: "This year, we celebrate the efforts of all who came before us."

He is urging current and former parishioners to join the extended Ukrainian community in New York's Capital Region in celebrating the occasion.

(The anniversary includes the production of a documentary film that will spotlight the history of the church and community. A jubilee book will also be published, detailing the church's history. For tickets to the concert, call 273-0038 or go to www.troymusichall.org. To learn more about the jubilee, contact Anna Pawliw Mariani at [email protected] or call 235-5951.)

(4/19/07) [[In-content Ad]]