57th convention of Ukrainian Orthodox League held in Parma (08/29/04)

57th convention of Ukrainian Orthodox League held in Parma

by Dr. Steven Sivulich

PARMA, Ohio - A bus ride from McKees Rocks, flights from San Diego and Chicago, automobile trips from Carnegie, Pittsburgh and Ambridge, Pa., and longer rides from New Jersey and Minnesota brought delegates and guests to the Parma, Ohio, area for this year's convention of the Ukrainian Orthodox League.

On Wednesday, July 21, Lynn Szafranski (Philadelphia), national UOL president, opened the 57th Annual UOL Convention at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Independence, Ohio, by inviting Metropolitan Constantine, the primate of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the U.S.A. to offer the opening prayer. Members of St. Vladimir's Junior UOL (Parma) presented the colors - Nina Aust, the St. Vladimir Banner; Adam Kominko, the Ukrainian flag; and Lauren Widdersheim, the U.S. flag. Christy Bohuslawsky (Parma) presented bread and salt with an English and Ukrainian greeting.

Following opening remarks by Ms. Szafranski, Junior UOL President Natalie Beck (Palos Park, Ill.) offered words of welcome. Father John Nakonachny (Parma), convention spiritual advisor, welcomed participants with extensive comments, but with his usual humor and dashing style. Melanie Nakonachny (Parma), convention chairperson, followed her pastor with very brief and appropriate comments on the convention and her excitement about serving as chairperson. Geofrey Greenleaf, president of St. Vladimir's Cathedral board of directors, welcomed everyone on behalf of the parish and board.

Metropolitan Constantine said: "God is good to us ... he brings us together. He also stated that he has been at UOL conventions before many of the board members were born. ("Happy Birthday" and "Mnohaya Lita" were sung for his 68th birthday during dinner on Thursday evening.) He noted that many initiatives within the Church began at UOL Conventions, such as the seminary, education camps, church school camps. Teenage conferences, All Saints Camp, young adults retreats, scholarships ... all of these started at the convention.

"You are representatives of your church and your community. The theme of this convention's faith, hope and love; the greatest is love. St. John says God is love - all are created in love, for love, to love. Your motives at the League Convention must be in the totality of love - in your charity and in your creativity," Metropolitan Constantine said.

On Thursday, July 22, a divine liturgy was held at St. Vladimir Cathedral in Parma. The daily moleben service and the divine liturgies were enhanced by the beautiful music of the choir directed by Markian Komichak (Parma). The choir comprised local parishioners, as well as delegates and guests from other UOL chapters and parishes. Hierarchs included Metropolitan Constantine (Pittsburgh), and Archbishop Antony (South Bound Brook, N.J.), president of the Consistory of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the U.S.A.

A special highlight of the convention was the keynote address given by Bishop Robert Moskal of the Ukrainian Catholic Church (Eparchy of Parma). Bishop Robert's address centered on the convention theme the greatest is Love. He said: "Hope is one of God's greatest gifts to us. But it is a gift God expects us to share with others. If we love one another, God dwells in us, and his love is brought to perfection in us."

The Friday afternoon business sessions included a continuation of convention committee reports, junior convention reports, and approval of the 2004-05 budget. Then, future UOL convention sites were confirmed or reconfirmed: 58th UOL Convention - Northampton, Pa.; 59th UOL Convention - Coatesville, Pa.; and 60th UOL Convention - Carnegie, Pa.

Father Steve Repa offered the closing prayer for the UOL Convention. Later, buses transported convention delegates and guests to the newly remodeled St. Vladimir's Hall and the Ukrainian Village for a Ukrainian themed dinner and dance.

The UOL Senior officers elected for 2004-2005 include: Melanie Nakonachny, St. Vladimir, Parma, president; Helen Greenleaf, St. Vladimir, Parma, first vice-president; Dr. Natalie Bilynsky, St. Vladimir, Philadelphia, second vice-president; Kathryn Bailly, St. Mary, New Britain, Conn., treasurer; Oleh Bilynsky, St. Vladimir, Philadelphia, financial secretary; and Gregg Misko, Assumption Virgin Mary, Northampton, Pa., auditor.

Metropolitan Constantine appointed Father John Nakonachny and Father Myron Oryhon as spiritual advisors, respectively, to the UOL and Junior UOL.

The following appointments were made by the UOL president and approved by the UOL executive board: L.S.S.K. Chair - Daria Pishko, Holy Ascension, Clifton, N.J.; editor of UOL Bulletin - Dr. Steve Sivulich, Ss. Peter and Paul, Carnegie, Pa.

On Sunday, July 25, a procession of clergy, altar boys, choir and guests processed from the church to the parish house to greet the hierarchs and escort them to the church. Lynn Szafranski, Melanie Nakonachny, Natalie Beck, Katya Curman and Geofrey Greenleaf offered greetings to Metropolitan Constantine and Archbishop Antony as they entered the church.

Metropolitan Constantine and Archbishop Antony were assisted by Fathers John Nakonachny, John Mironk, Michael Strapko (retired) (Parma), Oleh Hucul (Maplewood, N.J.), Father Steve Repa, Bazyl Zawierucha (Northampton, Pa.) and John Henry (Abbot of St. Herman's Monastery, Cleveland), and Deacon Ihor Mahlay.

A farewell luncheon held in St. Vladimir's beautiful hall provided nourishment and fellowship that concluded the highly successful convention.

The next UOL convention will be hosted in Northampton, Pa., by the Assumption of the Virgin Mary UOL Chapter on July 27-31, 2005, with the theme: "For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ, have put on Christ" (Galatians 3:27).

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