Sunday 6a.m. on 6th December 2009, group of our CYM members together with the Ukrainian Consul, Mykola Dzhydzhora and Yurj Yevsevsky from the Ukrainian Embassy left Canberra to celebrate the Feast of the Patron of CYM, the Archangel Michael, with our sister Oseredok in Sydney.
Arriving at oselya ‘Hoverlia’ we recalled previous visits when we participated in CYM tabory (summer camps). We were especially delighted to renew friendships with our Sydney CYM family.
The entry of the flags of the Sydney and Canberra-Queanbeyan Oseredky carried by CYM representatives of these Oseredky was very moving and signalled the start of formal proceedings. The emblem on the flag of the Sydney Oseredok was of the Archangel Michael, and on the flag of the Canberra-Queanbeyan – the CYM emblem. These two images remind us of our CYM ideals.
Dryh Andrew Hyzij conducted the Apel with respect and dignity.
The President of the Sydney Oseredok, podryha Darka Senko extended a warm welcome to everyone and especially to podryha Marusya Jacyshyn, President and members of the Canberra-Queanbeyan Oseredok. Podryha Darka also extended a welcome to dignitaries Father Simon Ckuj, Venerable Sisters of Saint Basil the Great and the Ukrainian Consul, Mykola Dzhydzhora.
During the Apel a number of special awards were made. On reaching 18 years of age, a formal ceremony takes place to acknowledge the attainment of adulthood and move from Starshe yunatavo to Druzhynnyku.
This was an important ceremony which included the taking of an oath on the Flags of both Oseredky. Father Simon led the oath taking, with the assistance of podryha Darka. The new Druzhynnyku of the Sydney Oseredok, podryhy Lesia Rohozuncka, Tania Ilkiv and Nadia Garan and dryzi Andrew Rybak and Adrian Myxno received from podryha Darka their blue Druzhynnyku ties and certificates, to the warm applause of all present.
Other awards were also made during the Apel. Podryha Christina Dybey received the First Ranking of Vykhovnyk (Youth Counselling) and podryha Melissa Ilkiv, First Ranking of Suspilnyk (Social and Community Work).
During the Apel, the National Executive of the Ukrainian Youth Association in Australia made the following awards to members of the Canberra-Queanbeyan Oseredok:
* Podryha Marusya Jacyshyn - Third Ranking Vykhovnyk (Youth Counselling);
* Podryha Halia Olijnyk - Third Ranking Suspilnyk (Social and Community Work);
* Dryh Peter Lutak – Third Ranking Suspilnyk (Social and Community Work); and
* Dryh Andrew Duma – Second Ranking Ratnyk (Outdoor Activities).
At the formal conclusion of the Apel the Flags of both Oseredky were carried out to the singing of ‘Nehayj Vo Viky Byde Slava’.
During the Sacred Liturgy, to the left and right hand sides of the Altar, the Flags of both Oseredky were held reverently by Sydney CYM members.
Before the conclusion of the Sacred Liturgy, CYM members who celebrate their birthdays in December, were asked to step forward and wished ‘Mnohii Lita’.
Lunch was enjoyed in the shade of the verandah, with views of the Oselia. And we were grateful for the work of the parents and Sydney CYM members, who prepared and served the lunch. After lunch there was the opportunity to talk with friends, swim in or just sit on the banks of the Colo River.
All too soon it was time to leave. Arriving back in Canberra at 8 pm, a little tired but happy that we were able to celebrate this important day with our CYM Sydney family. This special day will remain in our memories for a long time.
We would like to express our appreciation to podryha Darka Senko, President of the Sydney Oseredok, Sydney CYM members, parents and the Krajova Yprava for their hospitality and friendship. This trip to ‘Hoverlia’ demonstrated in a practical way the essence of what CYM represents.
Podryhy Marusya Jacyshyn and Peter Lutak
President
Oseredok CYM
Canberra-Queanbeyan
Patron Colonel Evhen Konovalets
View the photos from the event in the:
Krajova Uprava Photo Gallery
