59th annual Ukrainian Orthodox League convention held in Lancaster, Pa. (08/20/06)

59th annual Ukrainian Orthodox League convention held in Lancaster, Pa.

LANCASTER, Pa. - Ukrainian Orthodox League members from across the nation gathered at the Lancaster Host Resort and Conference Center in Pennsylvania's Lancaster County on July 26-30 for the 59th annual UOL convention, which was hosted by the Senior and Junior UOL chapters of Holy Ghost Parish of Coatesville, Pa.

The convention began with Great Vespers before the business sessions were called to order at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, July 26. Sessions were opened with prayer, the presentation of colors, "The Pledge of Allegiance," the singing of the U.S. national anthem and opening remarks by Senior UOL National Executive Board President Melanie Nakonachny, Junior National Executive Board President Katya Carman, Convention Spiritual Advisor the Rev. Anthony Ugolnik, Convention Committee Chairwoman Diana Teijaro and Junior Convention Chairmen David Bentley and Meghan Teijaro.

That evening delegates divided into committees to review the progress made throughout the past year and begin planning for the upcoming year. Business sessions recessed at 9 p.m., allowing plenty of time for members to meet and socialize during a hospitality evening sponsored by the Holy Ghost chapter of the UOL.

The following morning began with a divine liturgy celebrated by hierarchs and clergy of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the U.S.A., Metropolitan Constantine, Archbishop Vsevolod, the Rev. Ugolnik, the Very Rev. John Nakonachny and the Very Rev. Myron Oryhon. After a brief recess, business sessions resumed and delegates continued working in committees. During the afternoon executive board members from the Ukrainian Gift of Life Inc. addressed the convention body and were presented with a donation that the Junior UOL collected through their Great Lent Giveaway project. One of the highlights of the afternoon was presentations on the progress of the All Saints Camp Chapel and the College Student Mission Trip to Ukraine. The day ended with a western-themed dinner dance held at the Lancaster Host.

Friday's program began with a Moleben to St. Volodymyr on the occasion of his feast day. The remainder of the day delegates worked to approve committee recommendations that will be implemented throughout the coming year.

One of the most important decisions made during these sessions was the formation of a committee that will work to raise the funds to cover the cost of the iconostas, iconography and other internal items that will be needed at the All Saints Camp Chapel.

The convention body was thrilled at the donation in the amount of $4,262.75 presented to St. Andrew's Society to benefit its Ukrainian Soup Kitchen Project.

Participants also had the opportunity to hear the director of International Orthodox Christian Charities speak on being "Doers of the Words as an Orthodox Family." Through this organization, the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the U.S.A. contributed over $70,000 to help those in need following the destruction wrought by Hurricane Katrina, and later, Hurricane Rita.

With business sessions concluded, Saturday was a free day for participants to explore the local culture or participate in religious workshops. Participants began the day with an Akathist to Mary. Following the service, Junior UOL members prepared IOCC (International Orthodox Christian Charities) Health Kits for the needy and participated in a Ukrainian dance workshop. Senior UOL members were able to attend workshops given by Protopresbyter George Hnatko, Father Deacon Joseph Kreta and Zachary Ugolnik.

Following Great Vespers that evening, more than 250 UOL members and guests gathered for the banquet and ball. Ms. Nakonachny, the senior UOL president, presented Metropolitan Constantine with the Metro J. Baran Award for outstanding work with the youth of the diocese, Archbishop Antony with the Distinguished National Service Award for a lifetime of dedication to the league, Edward Zetick of St. Vladimir Cathedral in Philadelphia with the Father Hallick-Holutiak Senior Recognition Award, and the Senior UOL Chapter of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary in Northampton, Pa., with the Chapter of the Year Award.

Following the banquet everyone enjoyed dancing to the music of the famed Ukrainian band Fata Morgana. As is customary, the convention concluded with a Sunday hierarchal divine liturgy celebrated by Metropolitan Constantine, Archbishop Antony, the Rev. Ugolnik and many visiting clergy. The liturgy concluded with the induction of newly elected Senior and Junior Ukrainian Orthodox League national executive boards.

As everyone said their good-byes, talk was heard of plans already being made to attend the 60th annual UOL convention which will be held July 26-29, 2007, at Ss. Peter and Paul Parish in Carnegie, Pa.

The Senior and Junior Ukrainian Orthodox Leagues Chapters of Holy Ghost Parish in Coatesville, Pa., were commended for their hard work and dedication to making this convention a tremendous success, working tirelessly for three years to ensure that their guests enjoyed themselves during the convention.

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