Cohoes church to mark 100 years of serving the community (09/10/06)

Cohoes church to mark 100 years of serving the community

COHOES, N.Y. - Ss. Peter and Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church is marking its 100th jubilee with a wide variety of events starting this fall and continuing through 2007. Perched on the bank of the Mohawk River, the Church's distinctive onion dome has remained a nexus for the local Ukrainian community through two world wars and generations of immigrants.

Construction on the building began in 1907 and by 1944 plans were in place for the first parish school. Over the years, the modest brick buildings comprising the church grounds gave way to a larger, more spacious school and a new convent that were the pride of the community for many years.

While dwindling enrollment in the parish school eventually led to closure of both, the Church remains a focal point for the people of Ukrainian heritage near and far.

"We are very fortunate to continue to reap the rewards of the efforts of our forefathers," said the Very Rev. Canon Vladimir Marusceac, who currently serves as pastor. "At the same time, we know the future is in our hands. To keep the spirit alive we invite everyone who has been touched by this Church to join us in celebrating our past and our future."

The first event will be a kickoff brunch on September 10 at the Ukrainian Club in Cohoes following the divine liturgy.

"We are very excited to open the doors to this historic event to everyone in Cohoes, the surrounding communities, and beyond," said Anna Pawliw Mariani, coordinating chair of the Jubilee Committee. "We particularly hope that our former parishioners who may have moved away from the area will take this opportunity to honor their heritage and come back and participate in the many activities we have planned."

The next major event will be on May 5, 2007, when the highly acclaimed Taras Shevchenko Bandurist Chorus from Detroit will perfom at Troy Music Hall along with the Syzokryli Ukrainian Dance Ensemble from New York City. On June 24, 2007, there will be a grand finale to the centennial celebrations, with a pontifical divine liturgy followed by the anniversary banquet.

The most ambitious and unique project is a documentary film that will spotlight the history of the church and community. "We invite all current and former parishioners to be interviewed for the film," said Michael Popowsky, media production manager for the project. "Much history has been lost in our parish with the passing of our forefathers. The stories, experiences, hardships and joys they encountered in building this religious community will be lost forever if we don't step up now to tell these stories."

In addition to the documentary, a jubilee book will be published detailing the church's history. All current and former parishioners are being asked to look through old photo albums, home movies, audio recordings, newspaper articles or any other memorabilia that would relate to the church and its history.

To learn more about how to help readers may contact Ms. Mariani at Annapawliw@yahoo.com or 518-235-5951. To contribute to the Church Campaign Fund contact Wil Hebert, treasurer, at 518-235-8033. Contributions are tax- deductible and checks should be made out to S.S.P.P. Centennial Jubilee Committee. To sign up for the documentary interview contact Mr. Popowsky at micpopart@yahoo.com or 518-580-5919. To submit photos, home movies, news articles and other memorabilia contact George Kufel at gkufel@nycap.rr.com or 518-235-0419.

Readers can also check the website at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ssppcohoes/ for more information.

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