Ukrainian American community remembers 9/11

The 15th anniversary of the most deadly attack on the U.S. soil which resulted in the loss of nearly 3,000 lives, including American Ukrainians, was commemorated last Sunday with prayers by the local Ukrainian Americans.
A special prayer of the Ukrainian Orthodox congregation of St. Andrew’s Ukrainian Church at the conclusion of the Sunday’s Divine Liturgy for the repose of souls of the 9/11 victims was led by the Rt. Rev. John Fatenko. The Rev. Oleh Saciuk’s special sermon about the tragedy and heroic dedication of many first responders and civilian volunteers followed the prayers.
The “Panakhyda,” a traditional Ukrainian requiem service, was celebrated at the conclusion of Divine Liturgy (Mass) by the Rev. Vasyl Petriv, pastor of Presentation of the Most Holy Mother of God (St. Mary’s) Ukrainian Catholic Church for the repose of souls of the 9/11 victims.
The very solemn and moving service, with the church choir beautifully singing the responses ended with both the choir and the congregation singing “God Bless America.”
•••
The 15th anniversary of the tragic day is being vividly remembered by me and my wife, Katrusia.
After seeing on our TV screen the planes striking the World Trade Center towers, and knowing that our only daughter Maria Luba, an employee of Citibank, was working on the 47th floor, we did not know at first what to do.
Eventually we decided to call her home, hoping that one of her children would answer. To our delight, we heard the voice of our daughter. She informed us that her 4-month-old granddaughter Victoria had an appointment with a doctor, and because Victoria’s mother did not have any paid days off left, she volunteered to take a day off work and take her granddaughter to the doctor.
Was this a coincidence, or an act of Providence?
We believe it was the latter, and thank God for keeping our daughter alive.
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Last Friday, the meeting of Cpl. Roman G. Lazor Post #40 of the Ukrainian American Veterans, chaired by Commander Col. Roman Rondiak, U.S. Army, retired, dealt with several issues, including the UAV’s 69th National Convention, election of Post 40 officers at the next meeting Oct. 7, and Post #40 Officers Installation/ Fundraiser Luncheon at noon, Nov. 16 at Heron Creek Golf and Country Club in North Port.
Tickets for the Officers Installation/Fundraiser Luncheon at $25 per person can be ordered by no later than Nov. 6 by calling Gene at 941-786-5256, or Roman at 941-445-5281.
Checks should be made payable to UAV Post 40.
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The Board of Directors of the Ukrainian American Club of Southwest Florida, headed by Daria Tomashosky of North Port, met Monday at the Oseredok. Reports were presented by officers and committee chairs and decisions made regarding the following events: Traditional Club’s Christmas Party will be held Dec. 3, spring picnic i- March 8, 2017, and Scholarship Awards Luncheon - April 5.
The next membership meeting will take place at 6 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 28, at St. Andrew’s Ukrainian Religious And Cultural Center — the Oseredok.
Email: atanask@aol.com. 
 

Our Neighbors — The Ukrainians
by Atanas Kobryn