"With Christ in the New Millenium"
On June 18, 2000, Father's Day, we had our annual Youth Picnic, as every year, in Palatine, Illinois. We started out with the Divine Liturgy at the Immaculate Conception Church with rev. Mychajlo Kuzma perfoming the service. After the mass, all sumivtsi, dressed in their CYM uniforms, prepared for Apel. Apel began with "zvity" to our bulavna, podruha Marijka Pawlos and then to our holova, podruha Chrystya Wereszczak. Podruha Lesia Okruch-Kereczynskyj read the itinerary for the day's events and reminded all of the anniversaries for this year:
2000th anniversary of the birth of Christ
75th anniversary of CYM in Ukraine
50 years anniversary of the death of General Taras Chuprynka/Roman Shuhevych
50th anniversary of CYM in Austrailia
This past year many of our young members had taken their "ispyty". Podruhy Marijka Dzwinyk and Marijka Pawlos passed out the certificates and patches and inducted those who were promoted to the next level. Many of the podruhy and druhy who had continually worked with a rij received their patches of promotion. Podruhy Marijka Pawlos, Marijka Dzwinyk, and Victoria Kawka received their 2nd Vychovnyk. Druh Roman Panczyszyn received his 1st Suspilnyk.
A speech (sviatochne slovo) was given by pod. Olena Drozd, in wwhich she explained the meaning of the oaths taken in order to move up to the higher levels of membership in our organization. She also explained how important it is to be an "active" member and reminded all to get involved as much as one can in our organization. Afterwards, our bulavna gave prizes to those young members who actively participated throughout the year not only attending weekly meetings, but also participating in functions within the Ukrainian community representing CYM.
All members participated in the formal march and then stood for the group picture.
After lunch were games and entertainment for all. The members of the Ukrainian School of Dance and the young girl's singing group performed. The Wings soccer team had a game. The younger children were entertained by a magician, had their face painted, and participated in various games which included prizes. There was plenty of great food for all which was prepared and served by our volunteer mothers AND fathers! Finally, the picnic ended with our annual raffle.
Thanks to all who helped and participated! Congratulations to all the winners! Until next year....Hartuysh!
(written by pod. Natalka Kowal)
