‘Oseredok’ is not a church

     St. Andrew’s Ukrainian Religious and Cultural Center Inc., known to Ukrainian Americans as the “Oseredok” (the Ukrainian word “oseredok” translates as “center”) in North Port is a not-for-profit, nondenominational, non-political cultural and educational institution incorporated in the state of Florida. It was established by and for the Ukrainian American and Ukrainian Canadian residents of North Port and vicinity. The building and land is owned by the dues-paying members and cannot become property of an individual, a religious entity or political party.

    Several entities have their “home” at the Oseredok: Cpl. Roman G. Lazor Post 40 of the Ukrainian American Veterans, Milena Rudnycka Chapter 56 of the Ukrainian National Women’s League of America, commonly referred to as “Soyuz Ukraynok” (union of Ukrainian ladies), the Senator Paul Yuzyk Ukrainian Library (reportedly the largest Ukrainian library in the state), and St. Andrew’s Ukrainian Church. The Coordinating Committee of Ukrainian American Organizations of North Port and vicinity (“Hromadsyi Komitet”), and other clubs and organizations hold their meetings at the Oseredok. Cultural affairs, exhibits, parties, dances, weekly get- togethers of seniors, etc. are some of the activities there.

    St. Andrew’s Ukrainian Church was established in one of the wings of the Oseredok’s structure to serve permanent and seasonal residents,who are of Ukrainian Greek Catholic and Ukrainian Orthodox faiths. Visiting clergy of those denominations, with approvals of their respective bishops, conducted services on Sundays and holidays until the decision was made to form a parish and build the Presentation of the Most Holy Mother of God (St. Mary’s) Ukrainian Catholic Church. Consequently, St. Andrew’s Ukrainian Church is now being used by the Ukrainian Orthodox, even though legally it can be used by Greek Catholics also.

    The existence of St. Andrew’s Ukrainian Church and the fact that it now serves only the Ukrainian Orthodox faithful leads some to assume that the Oseredok is a Ukrainian Orthodox institution, which is incorrect.

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    The annual membership meeting of the Oseredok and election of officers took place March 19. The meeting was opened by Oseredok president, professor Victor Lisnyczyj of North Port, who, after brief introductory remarks and greetings, proceeded to present the report of activities during the past year. Other reports and discussion followed.

    The members re-elected professor Lisnyczyj to serve as president for another year. Also re-elected were vice president Daria Tomashosky, secretary Dr. Bohdan Bodnaruk, treasurer Maria Bojduj, membership chair Klara Szpiczka, property manager Eugene A. Tomashosky, cultural committee co-chairs professor Vira Bodnaruk and Halya Lisnyczyj, social service co-chairs Anastasia Fatenko and Maria Nikitin, and members-at-large Victor Kapij, Orysia Swystun, Roman Swystun and Vladimier Szpiczka.

    Auditing Committee members Iwanna Holowaty, Doris Horbachevsky, Victor Kapij and Mykola Weremijenko were also re-elected.

    The traditional pre-Easter Bazaar will be held at St. Andrew’s from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. April 4. More details next week.

    One of the surprises of the meeting was the unanimous election of Maia Bojduj, longtime Oseredok treasurer, as honorary member of the Oseredok. Congratulations, Mrs. Bojduj!

    Atanas Kobryn covers the Ukrainian community for the North Port Sun. He can be emailed at atanask@aol.com. 

Our Neighbors — The Ukrainians

by Atanas Kobryn