UKRAINIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH OF THE USA

CONSISTORY OFICE OF PUBLIC RELATIONS

PRESS RELEASE

Metropolitan Antony Visits St. Mary’s Parish, Chester, PA

Submitted by Christine K. Kurman

On Sunday, April 17, 2016, during the fifth week of Great Lent, His Eminence Metropolitan Antony visited St. Mary’s Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Chester, Pennsylvania.  

Greeting the Metropolitan in Ukrainian with the traditional bread and salt was Mrs. Halyna Cichanowsky.  Jenna Ludlow, granddaughter of Father Jerry and Pani Matka Mary Ann presented the Metropolitan red roses. Christine Kurman, welcomed His Eminence on behalf of the Parish Council and the parishioners.  Finally, Father Jerry greeted the Metropolitan with holy water and cross in the entrance of the church.

The day started with the Metropolitan, Father Jerry and Father Stephan, Deacon Adrian Mazur, the faithful of St. Mary’s and the seminarians celebrating the Divine Liturgy.  Assisting the Metropolitan and Father Jerry was altar server Jason Ludlow.  The choir, under the direction of Christine Kurman, sang the responses for the Liturgy.  

During his visit, Metropolitan Antony presented five awards to members of the church.  The first presentation was to the former choir director of St. Mary’s, Anita Holcroft.  She received the Petro Mohyla Award.  The second presentation was to one of the oldest parishioners of the parish Eva Uzych, who received a medal the St. Olha.  Myron Kowall, was presented the St. Volodymyr.  In addition to those awards, Metropolitan Antony presented Testaments of Blessings to two women who have served their church faithfully.  The first Testament of Blessing went to Maryann Michalcewiz, who has provided service to the parish in numerous ways. The second went to Christine Kurman for her dedication and hard work when working with the church choir and for her unending dedication to help the children in Ukraine.

At the conclusion of the Liturgy, Metropolitan Antony, the clergy, the seminarians, the faithful and their guests, gathered together and enjoyed a delicious luncheon prepared by the ladies of the parish and Lia's Catering. Everyone in attendance had an enjoyable afternoon.