Thanks for your service, veterans

As has been the practice since the post was organized in the last decade of the previous century, Cpl. Roman G. Lazor Post 40 of the Ukrainian American Veterans will participate in today’s Veterans Day commemoration, sponsored by the city of North Port and William A. Garvey VFW Post 8203, at 11 a.m. at Veterans Park, next to the North Port Library. Post commander retired Col. Roman Rondiak, USA, is calling on members of the local Ukrainian community to join the post members and other veterans and community organizations at the commemoration.

Because it is a Ukrainian tradition and also the commandment of the Christian faith to pray for the souls of the departed, Post 40 had sponsored and participated in “Panakhyda” (requiem service) for the repose of souls of all departed veterans last Sunday at the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy (Mass) at St. Mary’s Ukrainian Catholic Church. Panakhyda was celebrated by the Rev. Vasyl Petriv, pastor.
Post members and the color guard were led by Commander Rondiak. The church choir sang the responses to Panakhyda, and then sang “God Bless America” at the end of the service.
Thursday, there will be the traditional Post 40 Veterans Day luncheon at noon at Heron Creek Golf & Country Club. Over 100 tickets were sold (none available at the door).

Several distinguished members of the North Port community, including Ukrainian clergy, will be attending. This year, however, neither politicians nor members of our city or county “power structure” will be attending. Three Ukrainian Armed Forces colonels, members of the liaison team with the U.S. Central Command at MacDill U.S. Air Force Base in Tampa, will be guests at the luncheon. It is hoped they will be able to brief us on the current military situation in Ukraine.
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The Ukrainian American community of North Port and vicinity is invited to attend the 35th annual Ukrainian AutumnFest, which will be held at Epiphany of our Lord Ukrainian Catholic Church at 434 90th Ave. N., St. Petersburg, from noon to 7 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.
The festival will feature authentic Ukrainian food, which will also be available for take-out, Ukrainian beer, Ukrainian arts and crafts, children’s rides and games, polka lessons, and music for dancing on both days.
There will also be four performances (two each day) of Ukrainian dances by the popular Kalyna Ukrainian Dancers. An auction and raffle will be held Sunday. Admission is $3 for adults; children under 12 admitted free. Free parking onsite.
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The calendar of parish events of North Port’s Ukrainian Catholic Parish announces a festive Thanksgiving dinner at noon Nov. 26 (tickets, at $15, must be purchased in advance), Parish Feast Dinner Dec. 6, and pre-Christmas Bazaar from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dec. 11.
The Most Rev. Bishop Bohdan Danylo, Ordinary of Ukrainian Catholic Diocese of St. Josaphat in Parma, Ohio, will visit the parish Dec. 12-13.

Our Neighbors — The Ukrainians

by Atanas Kobryn