St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic School in Passaic, NJ Celebrates 85 Years
On October 5th, 2025 SNUCS faculty, students, alumni, parishioners, friends and guests gathered at St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church to begin this Jubilee with the Divine Liturgy celebrated by Most Reverend Kurt Burnette, Byzantine Eparchy of Passaic, Fr. Andriy Dudkevych, Pastor and Rev. George Worschak, native son and vocation of St. Nicholas parish. The faithful gathered to thank God for the blessings He has bestowed upon SNUCS family for 85 years.
The celebration continued with a festive banquet at the Westmount Country Club attended by over 300 people, several decades of alumni. The Masters of Ceremonies Maryann Kosciolek Zawojski and Peter Zawojski helped create an atmosphere of joy, pride and love throughout the banquet as alumni shared their stories, laughter and memories. The 7th and 8th Chorus added to this festive atmosphere by singing a few songs including Bread of Friendship symbolizing our school’s unity and love, з Богом все можливо which follows one of our mottos meaning “With God all things are possible” and the finale was Боже великий єдиний.”
His Excellency, Most Rev. Kurt Burnette touched the hearts of those present as he shared his personal experience of his travels to Ukraine since the war began. Rev. Andriy Dudkevych spoke with joy and pride about this jubilee focusing on the importance of SNUCS continuing as an educational home for our children, founded on faith, excellence and service. Sr. Kathleen Hutsko, SSMI, Principal, expressed gratitude to the parish priests, the Sisters Servants of Mary Immaculat, faculty & staff, parishioners and parents who are the reasons that St. Nicholas School has remained strong for 85 years. She noted that as we look with gratitude for the past and celebrate the present, we also look with hope for the future of St. Nicholas School.
It was truly a joyous time, but it was more than just a celebration, it was a powerful reminder of the lasting bonds that connect us and the incredible strength of our community.
