St.Michael Ukrainian Orthodox Church Woonsocket, RI
This essay was taken from a booklet that was published on the 50th anniversary of our parish. Of course, it does not include the many wonderful things that have occurred over the past twenty years.
Ukrainian people trace their arrival to the North American continent back to a 17th century group of settlers led by Captain John Smith. Within Captain Smith’s band was one Lavrenty Bohoon, a Ukrainian and a soldier.
The late 19th and early 20th century saw the arrival of numbers of Ukrainians, part of that vast mass of immigrants seeking freedom and opportunity in America. Many of these immigrants realized the necessity for the formation of a church which would suit the needs and customs of Ukrainian people.
In 1939, a tract of land on the corner of Verry Street and Harris Avenue was purchased from the Joseph Cavedon estate for the sole purpose of constructing a church, St. Michael’s Ukrainian Orthodox Church. Father Demetro Leschishin was pastor when this land was purchased and a church constructed at the present 74 Harris Avenue location. In October 1941 the cornerstone was laid, entombing within it a metal box with the history of the parish. One year later, the door opening rites were conducted and led by Archbishop Theodorovich with assorted dignitaries and parishioners, numbering six hundred, taking part.
For fifty years St. Michael’s Ukrainian Orthodox Church has flourished and prospered at this location, satisfying not only the religious needs of its parishioners, but also contributing to social and civic events in the City of Woonsocket.
Within the parish itself many organizations were founded to aid the church financially, and to promote Ukrainian culture. These groups include the Ukrainian Woman’s Society of St. Mary, the Zaporozska Sicz, the Bojan Choir, the Bandura Male Chorus, the Ladies Sodality, the Odessa Ukrainian Dancers of Rhode Island, the Junior Ukrainian Orthodox League (U.O.L.).
Each
of the aforementioned groups participates in fostering the Ukrainian
culture. This is done by raising funds for the care of the
parish, promoting cultural understanding, perpetuating the singing of
traditional songs, continuing the tradition of folk dances, and
constantly working for the good of the parish community.
Throughout its existence, St. Michael’s has had 15 pastors. Arriving in 1928, the Very Reverend V.A. Kaskiw laid the groundwork for the church to succeed and flourish. During his pastorate, Fr. Kaskiw organized the Ukrainian Boys Club, the Bojan Choir, the first parish Ukrainian dance group, a Ukrainian school, as well as numerous other cultural events.
The
Boys Club, through its successful basketball teams, made people aware
of St. Michael’s Church specifically and Ukrainians generally
throughout the New England and New York area.
The
Bojan Choir, started in the late 1920’s, is an integral part
of
the church liturgy. In addition, this mixed choir also
participates in numerous other religious rites. Past
directors
have included composer O. Koshetz, M. Hyvoronsky, Professor Trofim
Pasichnyk, Stephen Karas, Stephen Teper and its present director, Donna
Teper Eichorn, assisted by Peter Teper.
The
present day Odessa Dance group traces its origins back to
1930.
Here, at St. Michael’s, dance instruction was organized by
Thomas
Chaharyn to preserve the traditional folk dances begun in
Ukraine. After many years of success, interest in the dance
group
waned, but was not lost. After a hiatus of many years, the
heritage of dance was reborn in 1967, again under the direction of
Thomas Chaharyn. In 1981, the dance group’s
official name
became the Odessa Dance Group of Rhode Island, now under the leadership
of Natalie Michaluk Brennan.
The Ukrainian school was begun to promote and teach not only the Ukrainian Orthodox religion and heritage, but also the Ukrainian language. Today’s parish religious school is led by Father William M. Wojciechowski.
By
July of 1946, the debt for the construction had been cleared,
culminating in a mortgage burning ceremony. Officiating at
this
gala event was Father Peter Bilon.
A new church organization was born in 1948. This male chorus took the name The Bandura Male Chorus. Its goal, then and even today, is to continue the learning and singing of Ukrainian songs, both liturgical and nationalistic. The group has conducted concerts, and has taken part in city and state cultural events. In addition, the chorus has often recorded a broadcast on the evening of January 6 to celebrate the Orthodox Christian Christmas day, January 7.
In
the early 1950’s, while Father Stephen Hallick was pastor,
the
Ladies Sodality was created. The main goals have been and are
today, the raising of funds for the care of the parish, as well as
working for ethnic endeavors that promote the understanding of the
Ukrainian culture.
In
1954, the interior of the church was decorated with the painting of
icons and with the installation of an iconostasis. Artists
Mychaylo Osinchuk and Peter Cholodny were commissioned for this
work. A repainting of the church’s decorative
interior, as
well as the religiously symbolic icons was undertaken and completed by
iconographer Mila Mina in early 1991.
During
the latter part of the 1960’s Father Vitaly Kowalenko arrived
as
pastor. Father Kowalenko held the pastorate of St.
Michael’s for the longest period of time, 12 years.
Father
Kowalenko was honored in 1967 on the silver anniversary of his
ordination by the most Reverend John Theodorovich, Metropolitan of the
Ukrainian Orthodox Church. Also during this pastorate, in
November of 1976, Primate Archbishop Metropolitan Mstyslaw participated
in a day long celebration marking the founding of St.
Michael’s
Ukrainian Orthodox parish.
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Today, the stone edifice known as St. Michael’s Ukrainian Orthodox Church stands as the representative of hard work and dedication of those who say this structure as the culmination of an idea. An idea founded in the minds of immigrants and built by both first and second generation Ukrainians as the fulfillment of a need. A need for a place where people can practice the religious beliefs brought to Ukrainians by Prince Vladimir the Great in 988 A.D. Not only is the church a spiritual haven, but it is also a place where the parishioners, who are strongly nationalistic toward both America and the home of their ancestors, Ukraine, can continue to express this feeling freely. Stability, tradition, cultural preservation and religious ardor characterize this Christian community. Strong religious belief is the bulwark which has made St. Michael’s Ukrainian Orthodox Church survive and succeed.