Chicago bishop visits Arizona church (11/12/06)

Chicago bishop visits Arizona church

by Chrystyna Kikta Vecbastiks

TUCSON, Ariz. - On Sunday, June 18, at the request of the pastor of St. Michael Ukrainian Catholic Church, the Rev. Basil Bucsek, Bishop Richard Stephen Seminack, eparch of the Eparchy of St. Nicholas in Chicago, visited the parish for the first time.

The eparch was greeted at the church entrance with a traditional Ukrainian ceremony featuring flowers, bread and salt by delegates dressed in Ukrainian costume: Justyna Nahorniak, the parish's most senior member; Nadine Fesz and Yulian Chulovskiy (youngest); and Bohdan Gojnycz, representing church elders.

Bishop Seminack proceeded to concelebrate the divine liturgy with Father Bucsek. A reception in the church hall followed.

Despite the Arizona summer heat, the hall was filled to capacity. At the conclusion of the luncheon and speeches, participants sang the traditional "Mnohaya Lita" (Many Years).

In remembrance of his visit, Bishop Seminack was presented with gifts created by parishioners: a pysanka decorated by Mrs. Nahorniak, and a carved wooden cross designed by Mr. Korytko.

Later, the eparch and pastor met with the Parish Council and elders to discuss plans for a new church building and receive Bishop Seminack's blessing for the project.

There is a growing community at St. Michael Ukrainian Catholic Church located at 1557 N. Brown Way, Tucson, AZ 85715; telephone, 520-298-4967. The parish has extended a sincere welcome to one and all.

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