Christmas appeal 2024 Archeparchy Our faith Offices and ministries News Events Parishes Youth Protection

Archeparchy

    Our faith

      Offices and ministries

      St. Josaphat Parish in Trenton Marks 75th Anniversary with Joyful Celebration

      On November 17, St. Josaphat Parish in Trenton, New Jersey, joyfully celebrated its 75th anniversary. The milestone event began with a Hierarchical Divine Liturgy led by Metropolitan Borys Gudziak of Philadelphia, joined by the parish pastor, Fr. Taras Lonchyna, and clergy from the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia.

      A special greeting from His Beatitude Sviatoslav, Head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, was read during the event. In his letter, His Beatitude praised the parish as a place “filled with the Holy Spirit, where the faithful of our Church have grown through prayer, hearing God’s Word, and participating in the Holy Mysteries for many decades, recognizing themselves as God’s children.”

      He also expressed gratitude to the parish’s founding priests, Fr. Theodore and Fr. Joseph Atamanyuk, for their dedication to the community’s development and their charitable works.

      In his homily, Metropolitan Borys highlighted the parish’s rich history and the enduring faith of its founders, who overcame the challenges of World War II to establish a vibrant spiritual community.

      “Your parish is a testament to steadfastness in faith because it was founded by people who endured great trials,” he said. “Here in Trenton, our fathers and mothers in faith, under the guidance of good priests, established this church community, which is the Body of Christ. They built not only a church but also a community, placing the Church first in their lives. Today, we face the same question. Ask yourself—are the Church, the community, God’s Commandments, and the sacraments—Baptism, Confession, Holy Communion—your first priority?”

      The Metropolitan reflected on the countless spiritual milestones the parish has witnessed over the past 75 years:

      “How many baptisms, weddings, reconciliations with God through the sacrament of penance, and affirmations of faith through the Eucharist have taken place here? How many of those who were part of this community have been led into eternity? The most important moments of our lives happen here—before God, within the community, under the Holy Spirit, and under the protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary.”

      The celebration took place against the backdrop of the ongoing war in Ukraine and global uncertainties. Metropolitan Borys connected the parish’s anniversary to the resilience and sacrifice exemplified by St. Josaphat and by the people of Ukraine today.

      “Seventy-five years for this parish is a celebration of a different way of life—a life in Christ. Your heavenly patron, St. Josaphat, gave his life for the faith. Today, our contemporaries in Ukraine are also sacrificing their lives for freedom and justice. This example of love inspires us as well.”

      The day’s festivities continued with a banquet, where Metropolitan Borys thanked Fr. Taras Lonchyna and his wife, Lialia, for their devoted service to the parish. The celebrations concluded with a vibrant concert featuring performances by the parish children and the church choir, leaving the community filled with gratitude and hope for the future.