Ukrainian American Club membership meeting

The monthly membership meeting of Ukrainian American Club of Southwest Florida, headed by Daria Thomashefsky of North Port, will take place at 6 p.m., today at St. Andrew’s Ukrainian Religious and Cultural Center, known to Ukrainians as “Oseredok,” in North Port.
At the meeting there will be reports of officers, an interesting speaker and, after the adjournment, there will be a pastries and coffee social. All meetings and socials are open to all: guests and potential members are always welcome. There is no admission charge, and the parking is free.
Membership in the club is open to all: one does not need to be Ukrainian or of Ukrainian descent to become a member. Membership dues are $15 for an individual, and $25 for a family.
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Rosary prayers are being held every Wednesday, including today, at 4:30 p.m., for peace and God’s blessings for Ukraine and Ukrainian people at Presentation of the Most Holy Mother of God (St. Mary’s) Ukrainian Catholic Church at Biscayne and W. Price Blvd.
Ukraine is defending itself against the Russian aggression for over two years now, with thousands of people killed, including civilians and children, and over a million had to flee their homes. Many are kept by the invading Russians in prisons either as hostages or accused of trumped-up charges, for example the Ukrainian Air Force Lt. Nadiya Savchenko, who was kidnapped in Ukraine, taken against her will to Russia, and is now being tried, among other charges, for crossing the border illegally.
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Rev. Vasyl Petriv, pastor of St. Mary’s Ukrainian Catholic Church, has appointed a fundraising committee with a goal of raising funds for the continuous improvements of the church properties.
The committee is holding its first Fundraising Campaign Kick-off Brunch at 11 a.m. Sunday at the Parish Center located next to the church, Biscayne Drive and W. Price Boulevard. Cost is an $8 donation, and all are invited.
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The traditional Ukrainian American dinners are being served on Fridays from 4 to 6 p.m., with takeout meals available from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. The kitchen staff would appreciate advance calls when expecting a large amount of food items for takeout.
Takeouts of varenyky (pierogis) and sausages are also available on Fridays at the “Oseredok.”
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The monthly membership meeting of North Port Branch #56 of the Ukrainian National Women’s League of America, known as “Soyuz Ukrayinok” (union of Ukrainian Ladies), headed by Ann-Marie Susla of Englewood, will take place at 10 a.m. Tuesday at the Parish Center of St. Mary’s Ukrainian Catholic Church.
Prior to the meeting, at 9 a.m., a solemn Divine Liturgy Mass and “Panakhyda” (Requiem service) for the repose of souls of departed members of Branch 56 will take place in the church.

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The monthly membership meeting of Cpl. Roman G. Lazor Post 40 of the Ukrainian American Veterans, headed by retired Col. Roman Rondiak, USA of Osprey, will take place at 3 p.m. March 4, at the “Oseredok.”
Atanas Kobryn covers the Ukrainian community for the North Port Sun. He can be emailed atatanask@aol.com.

Our Neighbors — The Ukrainians

by Atanas Kobryn