Ukrainian National Women's League of America Celebrates 100th Anniversary in Jenkintown

On Sunday, October 25, 2026, a celebration marking the 100th anniversary of the Ukrainian National Women's League of America (UNWLA), organized by its Philadelphia Regional Council, was held at the Ukrainian Educational and Cultural Center in Jenkintown, Pennsylvania.

At the beginning of the event, Metropolitan Borys Gudziak, Archbishop of Philadelphia, led a prayer and addressed those gathered, reflecting on the challenges facing today's world, including a crisis of moral leadership, the rise of authoritarianism, loneliness and mental health concerns. He also thanked UNWLA members for their decades of dedicated service, support for Ukraine during the war, educational initiatives and commitment to raising future generations.

"Today, in various ways, you support Ukrainian resistance both on the front lines and on the home front. I thank you for the Ukrainian Studies program at the Ukrainian Catholic University. I thank you for your example and for raising us," the Metropolitan said.

Reflecting on his childhood, he shared a personal memory: "I grew up in the home of a quiet UNWLA member. I had to be at every cookie sale, every literary evening. We had to be the first to arrive and the last to leave. And that is what our women and UNWLA members are like. I thank you for raising me."

In closing, the Archbishop asked God's blessing upon those present, their families and the UNWLA branches.

The anniversary celebration also had a charitable purpose, supporting initiatives aimed at helping Ukrainian children.