More than 1,000 faithful gathered for the 92nd Ukrainian Seminary Day, continuing a tradition that has united generations of Ukrainian Catholics in prayer, fellowship and support of priestly vocations. Organized by the priests and faithful of the South Anthracite Deanery, the annual event supports the mission of St. Josaphat Ukrainian Catholic Seminary through prayer, generosity and community participation while celebrating the faith, heritage, and traditions of the Ukrainian Catholic community.
The day began with the celebration of the Divine Liturgy and continued with traditional Ukrainian food, music, dance, and fellowship, bringing together families and friends.
According to Rev. Mark Fesniak, Dean of the South Anthracite Deanery, Ukrainian Seminary Day began in 1934 at Lakewood Park in Barnesville, Pennsylvania. It was a day dedicated to family, Ukrainian heritage and prayer for the faithful of the then Shamokin Deanery. Families gathered for the Moleben Service, guest speakers, Ukrainian entertainment, and a special collection to benefit St. Josaphat Seminary. After Lakewood Park permanently closed in 1983, the tradition was revived in 1985 at St. Nicholas Hall and Picnic Grove in Primrose, where it continues today.
"This event is important for our Ukrainian Catholic community because it brings us together for a common cause," Father Mark said. "It recognizes the support, encouragement and need for our seminarians. This event also highlights the importance of the Ukrainian Catholic Church in our communities."
Father Mark noted that approximately 1,000 people attended this year's celebration and expressed gratitude to the many volunteers who prepared food, served guests, organized the grounds and made generous donations. He also recognized the many longtime volunteers who continue to faithfully offer their time and talents year after year, making this cherished tradition possible.
Father Paul Spotts explained that Ukrainian Seminary Day was established by Ukrainian immigrants who arrived in the United States without priests or bishops and recognized the need to educate young men for the priesthood. He noted that this has remained the main focus of the event for the past 92 years. At the same time, he said, it has grown into a cultural event for the Coal Region, helping younger generations not forget their heritage through the Divine Liturgy, Ukrainian dance, food, culture, and traditions, while continuing to support St. Josaphat Ukrainian Catholic Seminary. He also emphasized that all food, time, and service are donated by the twelve parishes of the South Anthracite Deanery, with all proceeds benefiting the seminary.
For Father Ihor Demydas, who was ordained to the priesthood this year, Ukrainian Seminary Day carries a deeply personal meaning, "Not long ago, I was a seminarian myself, and I know that behind every vocation stand the prayers, generosity, and faithful support of so many people. Today, as a newly ordained priest, I look at our seminarians with great hope because I see in them the future of our Church."
Father Ihor said Ukrainian Seminary Day reminds us that a vocation does not grow in isolation but flourishes within a community that prays, supports, and believes in its future priests. Every prayer offered, every volunteer's effort and every donation — no matter how small — helps form the shepherds who will one day serve God's people.
Father Petro Zvarych emphasized that Ukrainian Seminary Day brings together the clergy and faithful of the South Anthracite Deanery to pray for vocations and to ask God to inspire young men to hear His call to the priesthood. He said the celebration also reminds the faithful of the importance of preserving the Ukrainian Catholic faith and our Ukrainian heritage for future generations.
Father Bohdan Vasyliv noted that preparations for Ukrainian Seminary Day begin several months before the event, with every parish in the South Anthracite Deanery sharing responsibility for its organization. He expressed gratitude to everyone who attended, saying their presence and support encourage the organizers to continue this tradition each year, "Everything we do is in support of our future."
Father Volodymyr, Vocation Director of the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia, emphasized that supporting priestly formation is about much more than helping seminarians financially. It is about fostering a culture of vocations within the Church, "Supporting priestly formation is one of the aspects of the formation of the culture of vocations".
Seminary Day, he explained, demonstrates that local Church communities are willing to take responsibility for encouraging vocations and highlighting the importance of the priesthood. Witnessing that support can inspire a young man to respond to the Lord's call, knowing that his local ecclesial community is ready to accompany him on that journey.
Reflecting on today's challenges, Father Volodymyr noted that priestly formation is not limited to intellectual education, "One of my seminary rectors once said, 'To have a priest, you need a man.'"
He explained that seminary formation seeks to develop the whole person through four dimensions — human, intellectual, spiritual and pastoral. The goal, he said, is not only to provide a priest with knowledge of theology but to form "a man of prayer, community and service."
Father Volodymyr also highlighted the indispensable role of parish communities in nurturing vocations. He noted that the parish community, as another family, is where most vocations are born and grow. Very often, he said, it is the example of the parish priest — and even the experience of serving as an altar boy — that inspires a young man to consider the priesthood.
Looking at the generations of faithful who have sustained Ukrainian Seminary Day, Father Volodymyr expressed heartfelt gratitude. "I am deeply inspired and grateful that, for almost a century, the people of South Anthracite Deanery have continued this tradition of supporting the priestly vocation through their dedication and generosity. Every year, I look forward to being there and thank them personally for their contribution. That deanery has given our Church several priests, and I pray that in the future we will have more vocations from the Coal Region of Pennsylvania."
For ninety-two years, the Ukrainian Seminary Day has been far more than an annual gathering or fundraiser. It has been a living witness to the faith, generosity and commitment of generations of faithful who continue to nurture priestly vocations through their prayers, sacrifices, and unwavering support. Their dedication has helped form the priests who serve the Church today and offers hope that many more young men will answer the Lord's call in the years to come.
By Oksana Loziak
