On Sunday, June 27,1999, the Ukrainian Women's Association (U.W.A.), Olha Kobylanska Branch, celebrated its 75^th Anniversary in conjunction with that of St. Mary the Protectress Ukrainian Orthodox Church at Melville, Sask.

The Anniversary celebrations began with all the participant members of the Branch attending Holy Confession prior to commencement of the Divine Liturgy.Rev.Fr. Michael Domaradz, parish priest, assisted by Very Rev. Fr. N.O. Rauliuk of Roblin, Man. were the celebrants. The cantors were William Kozey and John Smysnuik; sacristan was Mike M. Kozakewich; altar boys were Josh and Cory Dumalski; the choir was led by William Kozey and Mrs. Teresa Domaradz.

In his sermon Very Rev. Fr. Rauliuk cited Mat. 8:5-13 in which the virtues of love, faith and compassion were idealized by the gentile Roman centurion. With regards to the role of the U.W.A. in society he stressed the importance of women in guiding their progeny to God.

Participant members shared in Holy Communion and following the Divine Liturgy a memorial service was held in honour of the founding members of the Olha Kobylanska Branch ending with the traditional Memory Eternal

A buffet dinner was held at the Lions Hall. Ted Starchuck, president of St. Mary the Protectress Ukrainian Orthodox Church, was master of ceremonies of the program which followed.

Mary Pankiw, president of the Olha Kobylanska Branch, presented a brief history of the Branch then continued…

"I am honoured to be president and able to celebrate with all of you today. The Olha Kobylanska Branch was organized in 1924 under the leadership of Mrs. S.G. (Anna) Wiwchar. Its many contributions and financial support are hereby gratefully acknowledged--Sunday School for children, a one-month Ukrainian School during summer holidays, junior choir and concerts; catering to banquets and weddings, dinners for church congregations, bake sales of Easter breads, Pascha and Babka, and whatever church work needed to be done.

My hope is that we should continue so that our children could celebrate the 100^th Anniversary of the women's association. A very special tribute goes to Mrs. S.G. Wiwchar, the first president, who passed away in 1993. She always gave of her home, her heart and her hand. She was one on whom I could always rely."

After her address she called upon the Branch members to receive their certificates presented to them by Sonia Bremner, president of the Provincial Ukrainian Women's Association. The recipients were (membership-years in braces):

Katie Kozakewich (55)
Mary Pankiw (51)
Mary Pilipow (49)
Sophie Kozakevich (45)
Ann Wiwchar (44)
Ann Yuzik (41)
Olga Stecyk (33)
Rose Stelmacowich (32)
Marie Windjack (32)
Faye Keller (30)
Ann Andrusyk (27)
Pauline Pilipow (25)
Sylvia Walchuk (4)
Marg Starchuk (1)
Nellie Benedik (1)

Twenty-five year membership pins were also handed to Ann Andrusyk and Pauline Pilipow. Ann Wiwchar, past president for many years added her verbal bouquets to Mary Pankiw, president for the past 18 years, and to the whole congregation for reaching this very important milestone in its history.

"After 75 years I would hate to see the flame go out", was one of the concluding remarks of Sonja Bremner with reference to Ukrainian tradition. She encouraged the members to continue their dedicated service to church and to upholding the Ukrainian culture.

The second guest speaker was Karen Wasylenko, wife of Rev. Fr. Pete Wasylenko of Canora, Sask. The essence of her address dealt with the perpetuation of the Ukrainian traditions in the context of the Orthodox faith, the family and return to God. Please click here for entire texte.

Both guest speakers, Bremner and Wasylenko, should be highly commended for their impressive qualifications, their involvement in a variety of interesting fields of endeavor, their ability to motivate the audience, and their deep and genuine interest in the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, culture and traditions. May you continue to impress your audiences as you did ours and God bless!

Congratulatory message from the following sources were read by Russell C. Sawchyn:

City of Melville Council
Ron Osika, Melville MLA
Roy Romanow, Premier of Saskatchewan
Gary Breitkreitz, Yorkton-Melville MLA
Sonya Bezyk, National President of Women's Association

Rev. Fr. Michael Domaradz alluded to James 2:26 Faith without works is dead as the theme of his address. "A new hope is indeed born today. Our Ukrainian people throughout the whole world play a very important role to build strong Christian communities. I call God's blessing upon you and wish that you can continue your good work for the Ukrainian Orthodox community, for the city of Melville and for our beautiful country of Canada. For a better life, for a better way to live with each other we should pray together with love and hope, and our faith will live forever. Na Mnohy Lita! God bless you all!"

Musical selections by Josh and Cory Dumalski were enjoyed by all during two intervals in the program. The finale included a sing-song conducted by Very Rev. Fr. Rauliuk, photo-taking and the cutting of the Anniversary cakes.

For additional photos, please click here.