“Growing the Good News”: 2026 Reporting & Benefit Soirée Held in Whippany

October 06, 2026

On Saturday, October 3, nearly 140 guests gathered at the Ukrainian American Cultural Center of New Jersey in Whippany for the first of the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia’s two 2026 Reporting & Benefit Soirées, held under the theme “Growing the Good News.”

Hosted by Metropolitan Borys Gudziak, the gathering brought the community together for fellowship and an opportunity to learn more about the work and priorities of the Archeparchy.

A central focus of this year’s Soirées is the New Priest and Personnel Initiative, which supports priests, Church leaders, and professional personnel serving the pastoral and administrative needs of the Archeparchy.

The 2026 fundraising goal is $200,000. Two anonymous donors have pledged to match every dollar raised, up to $200,000, with the matching funds designated for the Healing of Wounds of the War in Ukraine Fund. Reaching the goal will unlock the full match.

In his address, Metropolitan Borys thanked those gathered for the many ways they contribute to the life of the Archeparchy, emphasizing that giving extends beyond financial support.

“It’s an evening of generosity. It’s an evening of our thanksgiving to all of you for supporting the Archeparchy. But your generosity is not only material or financial. It’s spiritual, and it’s also a gift of time, and you have given us this evening,” he said.

Metropolitan Borys also spoke about the importance of human relationships and communication. Reflecting on God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, he reminded guests that human beings, created in the image and likeness of God, are made for relationship with God and with one another.

“We especially need a peaceful, life-giving communication — so healing, so therapeutic, so joyful — just to be together,” he said. “An evening of being together is a reflection of what our whole mission is: to be with God and to be with others.”

The evening was emceed by Fr. Volodymyr Radko and Lada Bidiak.

A charitable silent auction featured Ukrainian sacred art, including works by iconographer Christine Dochwat; a hand-signed print of “Moses Leads the People to the Promised Land” by Ukrainian artist and iconographer Lyuba Yatskiv; the “Fresco” necklace by Ptashka Studio by Olenka Labunka; the original icon “Image of Edessa” by Sophiya Bilyk; and “Altar of Freedom — Holy Icons on Armor,” a framed exhibition of Ukrposhta stamps featuring the ArtArmor project and others.

Items were donated by ICONART Gallery in Lviv, “Radruzh” Iconography School and its graduates, Ivanka Krypiakevych-Dymyd, Andrew and Christine Fylypovych. Proceeds from the auction support the New Priest and Personnel Initiative.

Guests shared a four-course dinner catered by The Choice Restaurant, enjoyed live music by HRIM Band, and took part in a 50/50 raffle. The event was captured in photographs by Andriy Melnyk.

As of October 6, $110,422.50 has been raised toward the $200,000 goal through individual donations, the silent auction, the 50/50 raffle, and sponsorship contributions.

The Archeparchy extends its gratitude to everyone who attended the Whippany Soirée and to the donors, sponsors, artists, volunteers, performers, and others who contributed to its success.

Fundraising now continues toward the second “Growing the Good News” Reporting & Benefit Soirée, to be held on Saturday, October 17, at Cathedral Hall in Philadelphia, as the campaign works toward its $200,000 goal.