UKRAINIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH OF THE USA
CONSISTORY OFFICE OF PUBLIC RELATIONS
PRESS RELEASE

90th Anniversary Celebration of Sts Peter & Paul Ukrainian Orthodox Church
Lyndora, Pennsylvania
By Lovie Tymkiw

On October 12/13, 2012  a 90th Anniversary Celebration was held at Ss. Peter & Paul Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Lyndora, Pennsylvania. The celebration began with a Great Vespers on Friday evening served by Rev. Fr. Paisius McGrath, at which His Eminence Metropolitan-elect Antony and His Grace Bishop Daniel presided.

Following Vespers a Memorial Service for all deceased founders, benefactors and parishioners was also served. Following the liturgical celebrations of the evening, a wine and cheese reception was held at the Ukrainian Hall. The reception was chaired by Rose Frenchak and Ronna Pindel. Everyone had a fabulous time.

On Saturday, October 13, a Hierarchical Divine Liturgy was celebrated following a procession of church school children and Ceremonial Greeting of Hierarchs with bread and salt. Anna Babilya and Pavlog Pawluk, children of the parish church school, welcomed the Hierarchs. 

The Hierarchical Divine Liturgy was led by His Eminence Metropolitan-elect Antony and the eparchial bishop of the Western Eparchy - His Grace Bishop Daniel along with. Rev. Fr. Paisius McGrath and visiting clergy including Protopresbyter V. Rev. George Hnatko, Dean and Protopresbyter V. Rev. William Diakiw. During the service Rev. Fr. Paisius McGrath was awarded with the right to wear the Nabedrennik in honor of his faithful pastoral ministry.

The Liturgy was followed by an Anniversary Dinner at The Atrium Banquet Center. His Eminence Archbishop Antony gave the invocation. The Hierarchs, visiting clergy and honored guests were presented. Following the delicious buffet dinner everyone was entertained by the Poltava Ukrainian Dance Company directed by Luba Hlutkowsky.

Greetings were given by His Grace Bishop Daniel, the eparchial bishop of the parish community; Ron Radio - parish board of administration president, Protopresbyter George Hnatko and Protopresbyter William Diakiw. Following the greetings, Antoinette Kennedy, president of the Ladies Guild  presented a check for $1000 from the Mary Magdalene Guild of Ss. Peter & Paul Ukrainian Orthodox Church.

As the day came to a conclusion, the participants of a festive banquet participated in a ceremonial “burning” of a mortgage – the completion of financial payments for a loan that was fully paid the parishioners of the parish congregation.

After a wonderful afternoon, the benediction was given by His Grace Bishop Daniel.