This year, the Shevchenko concert was held in our parish on Sunday, March 21, 2010 to commemorate the 196th anniversary of Shevchenko`s birth. It was a real celebration of Ukrainian poetry and music. A wonderful program of song, recitation, and remarks was followed by a brunch reception sponsored by the Ukrainian-American Club in the church hall. The outpouring of love and respect would have touched our native son and poet laureate.
How many English-speaking people have heard of Taras Shevchenko. What "Uncle Tom's Cabin" did for the African Americans of the United States of America the poems of Shevchenko did for the serfs of Ukraine. They aroused the conscience of the Ukrainian people, and the persecutions suf¬fered by the poet at the hands of the auto¬cracy awakened their sympathy. It was two days after the death of Shevchenko that the czar's ukase appeared granting freedom to the serfs. Possibly the dying poet knew it was coming and died the happier on that account.
Taras Shevchenko was well respected by many people around the world. It is written that Shevchenko’s casket being carried to Kiev, from St. Petersburg, in an oxen drawn carriage, attracted memorial services and valedictories from many throngs of people along the way. Only in Kiev, all orations were forbidden. However, one gesture of a woman surpassed all eulogies when she placed a wreath of thorns on his casket

 

The spaghetti dinner fundraiser organized by the men from the Holy Name Society before lent, turned out to be a huge success because everyone at the event genuinely enjoyed themselves and the yummy food. The dinner was success for many reasons, but the best part was seeing so many old and new friends together. It takes many people working together to make an event like this successful. Thank you to all, who sold tickets, made desserts, decorated, cooked and cleaned. The Church's second Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser was a huge success and received many good reviews from attendees. All proceeds from the dinner and raffle tickets go directly to the Holy Name Society to be used for future community events and parish activities for children.
 

Our parish concludes holiday season with annual Prosfora Christmas Dinner in january. Christmas Dinner is a big deal for our parish family. It's very traditional and requires a great deal of preparation, which means that the three or four days leading up to Christmas Dinner are incredibly busy. This year the ladies from the Altar Rosary Society prepared a traditional dinner of twelve dishes for 80 people from our parish and their guests. Our special thanks go to Gerald Tchir for his wonderful presentation about the Ukrainian Christmas tradition. The entire parish family helped to make this event a success. Many thanks are extended to those who helped set up and decorate the Hall of the Parish Center, We also would like to extend our sincere thanks to Anna Dzera, the coordinator of our parish Christmas dinner this year. All of the members of our Parish family truly enjoyed this celebration of Christ’s birth in our parish.

Early in the Advent season celebrate a feast that has been popular for centuries in Christian countries, especially in Northern Europe. In our over-commercialized society, this holiday gives us a good "teaching moment" to remind children that Jolly Santa Claus, is, in fact, Saint Nicholas, a fourth century bishop of the city of Myra in what is now Turkey. Saint Nicholas was renowned for his great kindness and his generous aid to those in distress. Traditional celebrations of Saint Nicholas Day in Europe included gifts left in children's shoes (the origin of our American Christmas stockings). Good children receive treats - candies, cookies, apples and nuts, while naughty children receive switches or lumps of coal. His devotion to the poor, the sick and those needing protection is legendary – a model of faith in action. On Sunday December 06, Saint Nicholas paid a visit to St. Stephen. He brought with him gifts for the children who were good and kind the whole year. Everyone was grateful to see St. Nicholas and greeted him with the traditional Hymn to St. Nicholas.
 

Mary gave birth to her firstborn, as son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2:7

There was a church which had a tradition of setting up their nativity scene in the narthex each year during Advent. One year, the figure of the Christ child disappeared! It was there on Saturday night when the committee had finished decorating, but on Sunday morning it was missing. The manger remained empty throughout the entire Season of Advent. Although Mary and Joseph were there along with the Wiseman, shepherds and manger. Even the sheep and cows were in place. But the Baby was missing. Mysteriously, the Baby reappeared on Christmas Eve. There is a parallel between this illustration and many people during this time of the year. Their lives are filled with all the evidence of Christmas: colored lights, tinseled trees, caroling, gifts, and festive meals. But the Baby is no where to be found ... lost somewhere in the wrapping paper and the ribbon.

And do you know what? Sometimes, it even happens to us. Though we read the story of Christ's birth in Scripture, and sing hymns of praise in His name, we, too, at times forget to allow the Savior to be born in our hearts. Some 2000 years ago, the Christ child was born. Through this child came grace and forgiveness; life and salvation.

During the birth of Jesus, Mary and Joseph traveled from Nazareth to Bethlehem and were turned away from the village inn by the innkeeper. They took refuge in a barn, where baby Jesus was born and laid in a manger. This year at St. Stephen Parish, the catechist Mrs. Luba Bonczek and the children in her class each made a small manger to be reminded about the reason for the Christmas Season.

St. Stephen Ukrainian Catholic Church is sponsoring a “Cruise to Bermuda” on June 6, 2010, sailing from New York on the Norwegian Dawn. This cruise is meant as a fundraiser for our church and it would be wonderful if you could join us. Cruising from our home port of New York not only provides convenience, but also provides a lifetime of special memories. Entice your family and friends to come along, relax, be pampered and fall in love with Bermuda.

In conjunction with this cruise, a fundraiser Raffle is also being sold. The Grand Prize is a Balcony Cabin for two (2) on the above mentioned cruise. 2nd Prize is a 32” Sony HDTV. 3rd Prize is an exquisite ladies 18K Gold Pearl ring. Wouldn’t you enjoy winning any of these great prizes?

Ask your friends, family or co-workers to take a chance on one of the great raffle prizes, or purchase the raffle for you for only $5. Complete the stub portion and give the tear off portion to the buyer.

If you would like to request a Raffle tickets, please call the Rectory (732-505-6053) or Zenia Brozyna (732-928-3792). For more cruise details, call Zenia.

Thank you for your kindness and consideration in this matter. Good luck to one and all!

Sincerely,

Rev. Ivan Turyk – Pastor

On Saturday, August 22, 2009, it rained everywhere, but not on many visitors, who attended the Second Annual St. Stephen’s Ukrainian Festival, located at 1344 White Oak Bottom Road, Toms River, New Jersey. Beyond our expectations, the church grounds swelled with neighbors and those who traveled quite a distance, primarily Ukrainian-Americans, but mostly non-Ukrainians, to appreciate Ukrainian culture, crafts, foods and entertainment. Reverend Ivan Turyk, Pastor of St. Stephen Church, was elated with the overwhelming support and good will shared by all during this family and community oriented event.

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St. Stephen Ukrainian Catholic Parish celebrated the 18th anniversary of Ukraine's Independence with a flag-raising ceremony in front of the Ocean County Administration Building in Toms River, NJ. With many Ukrainian organizations and about 3,000 Ukrainians living in the Ocean County area, the Ukrainian Independence Day is marked annually in this community. The parishioners of St. Stephen Church attended the ceremony this year and were proud to see how the blue-and-yellow Ukrainian flag flew over the city for a one day. Various city officials attended the ceremony and issued a proclamation in honor of Ukrainian Independence.

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A long-standing tradition of our church has been the Easter Egg Hunt for our children. On Sunday, April 5, 2009 that tradition was enjoyed by a large number of our church family. There was a bit of chill in the air, but by the time the egg hunt began, the sun was shining resulting in a wonderful “church family” day. A special thank you to the Parish Holy Name Society who made the Easter Egg Hunt a huge success.

Was held on in our Parish on Wednesday, April 1st after 3:00 p.m. Station of the Cross Service. It was conducted in English by Very Reverend. Mitred Roman Mirchuk, Pastor of St. John the Baptist Church in Whippany, NJ and in Ukrainian by Rev. Ihor Kolisnyk, C.Ss.R., a visiting missionary from Ukraine
In their sermons Fathers mentioned that we may have looked ahead to Lent with little enthusiasm as we contemplated the self-denial we will be called to make. But, as past experience has taught us, when we enter into Lent and journey through the forty days, we experience a joy and closeness to the Lord, the fruit of self-sacrifice. Lent is a gift from the Church. It is an opportunity for conversion, to change our lives, to be centered more on God and our neighbor, especially those in need. Lent is a time to take stock of how we are living, to ask “are we focused more on ourselves than on the Lord?” Lent is a time of renewal. It’s a time to look at the sinful patterns in our lives (we can ask the Holy Spirit to show us these patterns) and to work at our conversion. For example, we might ask, “How have we been uncaring or unloving to those God has placed around us?” Then we can work to be more caring, more loving, more like Jesus. Also, we might want to look at how we have used the time God has given to us. Have we used this gift to the best of our ability? Have we given a part of this gift back in the form of prayer and good works? Let us not allow Lent to slip by unnoticed. Let us take advantage of these six weeks. Through the power of the Holy Spirit we can see where we are being called to change, receive the graces we need to make these changes and we will arrive at Easter Sunday truly united with Christ as we experience our rising to new life in Him.
 

A pysanky (decorative Ukrainian Easter egg) workshop was conducted in the church auditorium last Sunday, March 29th. 12 children attended the workshop and created some beautiful little works of art. This year’s workshop was led by our parishioners Zenia Brozyna ans Nusia Tynio. The Ukrainians bring their pysanky and other traditional food delicacies in baskets to church for blessing and thanksgiving prayers. Then they are exchanged with family and friends during festive banquets with the customary greeting "Christ is Risen." Originally pysanky were associated with mythical and religious beliefs of pagan times but with the coming of Christianity, they took on new meaning of rebirth and life.
More pictures from children Pysanky Workshop click here.
 

On March 22, 2009, the Ukrainian American Club of Saint Stephen’s Church in Toms River, New Jersey, sponsored an inspiring and beautiful concert celebrating the memory of Ukraine’s most famous native son, Taras Shevchenko. The deep love and respect for this great Ukrainian poet hero was evident throughout the program. After singing “God Bless America” and “Ukraine Has Not Perished-Ukrainian National Anthem,” Master of Ceremonies, Gerry “Slavko” Tchir, greeted the concert attendees, and thanked the audience for their attendance and pride in their Ukrainian heritage. He then introduced John Bortnyk, President of the Ukrainian American Club, and acknowledged Irena Bortnyk, for her food preparations and Olga Tchir for preparing the lovely program agendas for this event. The program began with a magnificent testimonial to Taras Shevchenko in our native Ukrainian language by Dr. Orest Popovich.

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The rich traditions of Ukraine, dating back through more than a millennium of Christianity to pagan times, have been carried throughout the world to wherever the Ukrainian people have settled. And there is probably no occasion when these ancient customs are held more dear than at Christmas, when families reenact age-old observances that symbolize their deep spirituality, love of family and attachment to the land. It is truly special when an annual tradition is celebrated in such a way as to bring the parish community together in a heartwarming manner. Our parish succeeded in doing just that at its Prosfora Dinner held at the close of Christmas festivities. Filled with the spirit of the carols, everyone was happy and enjoyed the event. The tables were beautifully set, carefully arranged with kutia, varenyky from kasha and rice, holubtsi, borscht and ushka, as well as other traditional Ukrainian Christmas foods. Thanks are extended to those who helped in any way in making the parish Prosfora a huge success. Whether you volunteered in the kitchen, made pies, decorated the tables, or just came to eat … we couldn’t have done it without you. We hope everyone had a good time and we especially thank Dolores Dzubaty, a President of the Altar Rosary Society for hosting this year’s event. The event would not have been a success without her and her family help. Thanks and God bless you all.

 

On Sunday December 6, Saint Nicholas paid a visit to St. Stephen parish. He brought with him gifts for the children. Everyone was grateful to see St. Nicholas and greeted him with the traditional Hymn to St. Nicholas. As always, this proved to be a wonderful afternoon for the parish children. We thank men from the parish Holy Name Society for their efforts in making St. Nicholas visit a great success. We also thank those who donated money and gifts for the children. God bless you all.
 

The icon of the Nativity tells the story of Christ's birth from the Scriptures. It also shows that all creation is taking part in Christ's birth.

MARY: The focus of the icon, of course, is on the birth of our Lord - Jesus Christ from His most pure virgin mother Mary. She is shown larger than any of the other figures, resting on a red in a cave, with Jesus in his swaddling clothes by her side.

CAVE: The dark cave in which Christ was born represents the world dark with sin, and His birth is a light in this darkness.

MANGER: Notice that the manger is like a casket. The Child Jesus is wrapped like a mummy because, He was born to die. His swaddling clothes are very much like the grave clothes symbolically foreshadow His death and burial. In this way the Icon links birth and death.

ANIMALS: In almost all icons of the Nativity you will see the ox and the donkey looking at Christ as he lies in the manger providing warmth from their breath. This is a reference to the prophecy of the book of Isaiah 1:3: "The ox knows its owner, and the donkey its master's crib; but Israel does not know, my people do not understand." The animals illustrate and reminding us that all God's creation, except most of mankind, welcomed His Son into the world.

STRANGE LOOK: Mary on the icon is looking not at her new-born Son, but rather with love and compassion towards her spouse Joseph. The artist paints Mary like this to remind us that the birth of Jesus - like any birth - was hard work and that it was a human event. She is lying down because she is tired, her maternity is real and not an illusion. Mary is resting on the icon and she is not turned towards the child but towards us, because she is Mother of all men.

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Bright sunshine and the aroma of pyrohy, holubci, kovbasa and other treats drew Ukrainians, American Ukrainians and non-Ukrainians to our Church on Saturday, August 23rd , 2008 for the 1st Annual Ukrainian Festival. Throughout the day the festival featured live music, Ukrainian crafts, Ukrainian foods and beverages, attractions for children and much more. In spite of back pains, bad knees and feet, and arthritic pain, volunteer’s dedication made the Festival in our parish the overwhelming success it was.

Pastor Ivan Turyk called the very first meeting of the festival organizing committee to order in May of 2008. Our mission was clear. St. Stephen Ukrainian Catholic Parish was relatively new; therefore it was time to make ourselves more visible in the neighboring communities. By doing so, we would reach out to new members, especially the newly arrived Ukrainians settling in Ocean County, Nj

The idea of holding a church festival was grand, but venturing into the unknown was daunting. Following Fr. Turyk’s courageous lead, we started playing a game of chance. How many pyrohy, how many holubci, how much borsch, kovbasa and kapusta should our dedicated ladies prepare? How much Ukrainian beer should we buy (not that that would go to waste)? How many vendors do we invite? Do we hold the festival indoors or out on the grounds? How about entertainment? Should we plan activities for children? How to get the word out?

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Each year on the first Saturday of June, the city of Toms River, NJ hosts a festival that celebrates the founding of our community. Founders' Day — a joint venture between the township and the Toms River Ocean County Chamber of Commerce — is held annually to celebrate the founding of the township. The Township of Dover, now Toms River, was founded in 1767, and Founders' Day remains one of the most popular events in the township. This year’s 35th annual Toms River Founders Day celebration on Saturday, June 7 was a one-day event that brought together historical artisans, craftspersons, food vendors, musicians, storytellers, animals and much more, to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of this special area of New Jersey. There was something for everyone at the Founders' Day Festival. Whether person was young or young at heart, a history buff, a music lover, or like to browse through a maze of arts and crafts vendors, there was something for everyone. The theme of this year's event was "Clean and Green," and vendors were encouraged to decorate their booths with that theme in mind.
 

This year, St. Stephen Ukrainian Church in Toms River, NJ once again participated at the festivalt. Our participation at the event, was a wonderful opportunity for Toms River residents to experience the Ukrainian culture and food that is available to them right here in their own community. People from all cultures and all parts of the city come to enjoy our traditional Ukrainian food and our warm hospitality.
 

We also had a chance to distribute many flyers about upcoming Ukrainian Festival in our parish. This much anticipated event will be held on Saturday, August 23rd between 12 noon and 7:00 p.m. Over the past four years we have had exceptionally successful flea markets with vendors wait-listed for our next two events. We anticipate an even greater attendance at our Festival. Our parishioners will provide delicious hot ethnic food and we will also have a fantastic Ukrainian Band providing music for dancing and listening pleasure. We look forward to having you with us. Come and enjoy our festival and you will go away with many good memories.

The very first Ukrainian Festival in Ocean County will be held on Saturday, August 23rd between 12Noon and 7:00 p.m. at the Parish Center of St. Stephen Ukrainian Catholic Church. Over the past four years we have had exceptionally successful flea markets with vendors wait listed for our next two events. We anticipate an even greater attendance at our Festival.
 

Our parishioners will provide delicious hot ethnic foods. We will have a fantastic Ukrainian Band providing music for dancing and listening pleasure.
 

DIRECTIONS: From the north: Garden State Parkway to exit 88, go west on Hwy 70. Take New Hampshire Ave. south (jug handle) to our street. From the south: GSP to exit 83 (Pleasant Plains), north on Hwy 9 to Church Rd. Right turn onto Church then at first traffic light turn left onto Old Freehold Rd. Then second right is our street. From the west: Hwy 70 heading east, to New Hampshire and follow directions “From the north”. . For shorter distance, through Lakehurst, NJ then Hwy 37 east to GSP North then follow directions “From the south”
 

Should you have additional questions regarding the Festival, please send an email to: aphinagor@hotmail.com with the Subject: Festival 2008. We look forward to having you with us.

Download Flyer (PDF)

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On Sunday March 3rd, the Ukrainian American Club of St. Stephen Church sponsored a concert commemorating Ukraine’s most famous native son, Taras Shevchenko. Some 60 people from the parish and guests attended the program. After the singing God Bless America and of the Ukrainian national anthem, Master of Ceremony Gerald Tchir greeted those in attendance and began the concert with opening remarks. Shevchenko’s “Zapovit” was followed by a varied and interesting program featuring recitations and readings and choral selections. Master of Ceremony thanked choir director Lesia Gural for a wonderful performance, the audience for attending, and all those responsible in organizing the annual concert. Thanks was expressed to Irene Bortnyk for cooking and Olga Tchir for decorating the hall. Sincere thanks also went out to John Bortnyk, the out-going President, for his dedication and 22 years of volunteer work in our Ukrainian community.

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God has given each person a gift. That gift is something each can do. Each one should use this gift to serve others. As good stewards we can all make good use of the many blessings God has given. [1 Peter 4:10]

The St. Stephen Altar Rosary Society is an organization made up of single and married women. The society has been active in the parish for more then 10 years years. It currently has about 35 members

Mission: To provide and care for linens, vestments and furnishings used for Liturgy and other liturgical services; to perform special works as assigned by the Pastor; to pray for members who are ill or confined; and to pray the Rosary at a member’s wake to promote greater devotion to Jesus and the Blessed Virgin Mary; and to support the parish by hosting many different Spiritual and Fund Raising events throughout the year.

Our prayers and congratulations are with our new members of the Altar Rosary Society Mary Bogdan and Anna Kucmyda. Installation of new members took place on the last Sunday of October after the Divine Liturgy.

May God bless you and the Holy Spirit guide you in your ministry. Our Altar Rosary Society combines prayer, friendship and service to our church. Thanks to these “special” ladies who regularly pray for all of us here at St. Stephen Parish.

Just in time for Christmas present for your children! The book makes a wonderful addition to any culinary library.

A comb-bound cookbook with 400 pages and 600 recipes featured in Good Housekeeping Magazine. Now in it's third printing with revised and expanded Ukrainian sections featuring traditional recipes handed down through the generations. A good cookbook for younger generations as an inspiration for preserving ancestry customs. One chapter is devoted to the ritual foods and 12 courses of the Holy Supper of Christmas Eve. This cookbook also explains custom origins. It contains beautiful artwork through out the book. Sold by St. Stephen Ukrainian Catholic Church to support the church building fund. Printed in March of 1993, the price is $20.00 which includes $5.00 shipping. Checks and Money Orders payable to St. Stephen Church accepted.

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Asbury Park Press

BY KIRK MOORE

TOMS RIVER — Twenty-one years after they celebrated Easter Sunday Mass in a borrowed church, parishioners of St. Stephen Ukrainian Catholic Church opened an important addition to their own: a rectory that will allow the parish administrator, the Rev. Ivan Turyk, to be at the church full-time.

Bishop John Bura,  Rev. Robert Hitchens rector  St. Josaphat Ukrainian Catholic Seminary in Washington, D.C. and seminarians joined Fr. Turyk for a ceremonial dedication. After Liturgy the clergy and congregation made a short procession outside to the rectory's front door, where Bishop Bura conducted a traditional blessing accompanied by hymns.

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TOMS RIVER — The Ukraine has existed since the first millennium, but the past 16 years have been the longest time in its history that its citizens have enjoyed freedom.

Some Ukrainians who now live in this country gathered yesterday to savor those moments in history, rail against the shortcomings of the new government, express hope for the future, and give thanks that the horrors of famine, genocide and slavery are gone.

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Each year on the first Saturday of June, the city of Toms River hosts a festival that celebrates the founding of our community. One tradition says the community was named for Thomas Luker, who operated a ferry across Goose Creek in the 1600s. Another says it was named for Capt. William Tom.

The Founders Day Festival is a one-day event that brings together historical artisans, craftspersons, food vendors, musicians, storytellers, animals and much more, to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of this special area of New Jersey.

The Annual Founders Day Event is held annually to promote cooperation and volunteerism in the community, generate community spirit and recreation, and enhance the economic welfare of the community.