FIRST HOLY COMMUNION AND ANNUAL EASTER DINNER

St. Stephen Ukrainian Catholic Church in Toms River, NJ was filled with joy on May 22nd as four new congregates celebrated their First Holy Communion, a day they will remember forever. First Holy Communion is considered one of the holiest and most important events in the Catholic Church. Reverend Father Oleksandr Dumenko welcomed and congratulated each as the Holy Eucharist was received. Nicholas John Kushnir, Nikolette Lynne Zurawski, Noah Axl Zurawsk and Bogdan Kustro beamed as each received a gift basket from their CCD teachers, Mrs. Luba Bonczek, Lorraine Harwelik and Dorothy Rygiel. The parents were very proud of their kids as they stood together to take group pictures.

Thank you to all who have helped prepare our children for the special celebrations, especially our catechism teacher Luba Bonczek. Thank you, parents, not only for the ways you’ve helped your children prepare for their First Communion, but for the ways you’ll take time over the years ahead to pray and reflect with your children on how you both are coming to know Jesus in the breaking of the bread. We pray that they will always remain close to Jesus in the Eucharist.

Following the Liturgies, the parishioners gathered together and celebrated Sviachene, family style. Easter came a little late this year but this lovely Easter brunch was well worth the wait. Our caterer Irene prepared the delicious traditional foods. Halyna Jakubowycz was the chairperson for this event. She decorated the hall with beautiful pysanky and Easter decorations. Everyone was enjoying the day with smiles on their faces.

The parish was treated with the group “Maki” from Ukrainian National Home in Trenton, NJ. Eight beautiful young ladies in Ukrainian dress harmonized with many of the new and older Ukrainian favorites. Especially enjoyed was the performance of bandurist, Mrs Natalia Terezhyk. A surprise birthday cake was presented and MnohayaLita sung for our beloved Father Oleksandr. Needless to say, all enjoyed an abundant and fantastic event.

Photo Gallery

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