ELYSBURG, Pa. – Over 120 children, parents and clergy from the parishes of the Ukrainian Catholic Church’s South Anthracite Deanery enjoyed a summer outing at Knoebel’s Groves Amusement Park here on Sunday, July 8. The annual gathering is the result of an initiative of Metropolitan-Archbishop emeritus Stefan Soroka in 2014 as part of an outreach to the young people of the parishes of the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia.
After morning registration, a noontime picnic lunch was enjoyed under the park’s picnic pavilions, prepared by parents and volunteers from the deanery parishes. The Rev. Archpriest Michael Hutsko, dean, welcomed all to the summer social and outlined the planned schedule for the afternoon.
This year Bishop Andriy Rabiy, apostolic administrator of the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia, attended the outing and addressed the gathering after presentations by other speakers.
One of the motivational speakers was Henry Hynoski, the former New York Giants fullback and Super Bowl champion who shared the challenges he faced as football injuries shortened his playing career. On February 5, 2012, in Super Bowl XLVI, Mr. Hynoski earned his Super Bowl ring with a 21-17 Giants win over the New England Patriots. His dream was for a long and successful career, but those dreams were dashed by injuries of one kind or another and his pro career ended in 2014.
The former Giant shared the influence his family had upon him, especially his mother, who encouraged him to pray each day and to trust in God’s plan for him. This is a practice Mr. Hynoski, now the head football coach and dean of students at Shamokin Area High School in Coal Township, Pa. , still makes part of his daily ritual.
As difficult as it was to let go of his dreams, through prayer he came to understand God’s dream for him was much greater and more rewarding. He has married and moved back to his hometown, has rejoiced in the birth of his first child and is now helping the youth of the area. This life, he said, is more fulfilling and rewarding than anything he ever imagined.
Bishop Andriy Rabiy addresses the young people gathered for the summer outing.
Another motivational speaker was Thomas Dando, a lifelong educator, coach and Vietnam veteran, who spoke of how his faith sustained him throughout his life, how it changed and developed at each stage. Now retired and a grandfather, he offers prayers of gratitude, reflecting along with his wife, Ellie, how good God has been to them throughout life.
The youth speaker was Emily Hutsko, a recent college graduate preparing to enter graduate school. She said that it was in the presence of the Lord that she constantly found her path and the courage to pursue it regardless of the challenges, fears and doubt.
Ms. Hutsko described her mission to Guatemala and how the poverty of the people moved her to be aware of the needs of others. It was in Guatemala that she witnessed first-hand the living and deep faith of the native peoples that provided hope for a better future regardless of the situation they found themselves facing.
In his inspirational message, Bishop Andriy reflected upon the remarks of the earlier speakers and related them to his own personal experience. He related how he came to the United States from Ukraine to study for the priesthood. As a young seminarian, he did not know English and was not familiar with American society or culture. His mind was filled with questions as to how he would study, how he would learn. He was far away from family and friends and at times often very lonely.
Bishop Andriy said he would always visit the Lord in prayer and in church. His faith sustained him, gave him courage and hope. Over time, step by step every worry and doubt faded away and he became not only a priest but a bishop as well.
Bishop Rabiy challenged the youth to place their worries and troubles and doubts in the hands of the Lord and trust He will help carry them through.
After the presentations, the youths enjoyed an afternoon in the amusement park with unlimited rides on the park’s attractions, before gathering together later in the afternoon for the traditional closing prayer service.