A CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY  FORMS IN BETHLEHEM

As early as 1910, it became apparent to Church officials both in Rome and Ukraine, that the Ukrainian population of the Lehigh Valley was increasing rapidly. Ukrainian parishes had been started in Allentown, and Northampton, but they were a great distance (remember automobiles were scarce in 1910) from the Bethlehem faithful. Between 1910 and 1913, the Bethlehem Ukrainians began sending letters to their bishop in Ukraine requesting some­thing be done for the spiritual welfare of their community. Early in 1914, arrangements were made between the founders and forefathers of the present St. Josaphat Church and the Roman Catholic pastor, to rent a chapel in the still existing Holy Infancy Latin Catholic Church on Fourth Street. A visiting priest from Northampton, Father Michael Kuziw, provided services at the Holy Infancy site from 1914 to 1916. Since the congregation had no church or property, the Bethlehem area was desig­nated as mission territory dependent on the Holy Ghost Church in West Easton. The new congregation used this chapel until 1918.

During these early formative years the Congrega­tion of St. Josaphat (as yet unnamed) and the Trans-Carpathian Congregation of SS. Peter and Paul (as yet unnamed) were united in worship services. Something occurred in 1916-17 which caused the two communities to form separate parishes in Bethlehem. Parish and chancery archives give no hint as to what caused the two communities to form two separate parishes.

Fast outgrowing the chapel, the parish founders, with the help of a visiting priest, Father Antin Lotowych located and purchased a Protestant church situated at the corner of Third and Carbon Streets in South Bethlehem. At the time there were fifty families and about thirty single persons registered. On April 21, 1918, the decision was reached to expend $10,000.00 for the Carbon Street property. They immediately decided on the patron name of St. Josaphat, a seventeenth century Ukrainian bishop, who struggled and finally lost his life in the cause of church unity. It is interesting to note that these far from theologically trained faithful chose St. Josaphat from the list of saints to be their patron. They knew that America is a pluralistic society with a church of different denomination on almost every corner. By selecting St. Josaphat as their patron, they not only inferred their Ukrainian Catholic roots and culture, but they also proclaimed to the Bethlehem community at large the desire of Our Lord Jesus Christ ‘‘that they all might be one.” (cf. Gospel of John)

The little church at Third and Carbon Streets was immediately renovated and appointed in the style suitable for Byzantine worship. The members did much of the work themselves and provided for much of the church fur­nishings and litur­gical items with their own money Their incomes were meager, but their generosity and faith are re­membered to this day by God. One year later, 1919, the founders were able to construct a social hall adjacent to the church. The hall was constructed by members of the parish under the supervision of Wasyl Zagwosky.lo This social hall soon became the gathering place for Ukrainians and it became the home of numerous social and fund raising activities. It was also the place where the church choir met, organized by Mr. Pypyuk, a visiting cantor from Allentown, to practice and prepare the music used in the church to praise and give thanks to the Lord. Throughout this period and into the 1920’s the parish was served by Father Michael Koltutsky of West Easton and his cantors Mr. Romankiw and Mr. Hrabar

THE "ROARING” TWENTIES

Throughout the period of the 1920’s, the congregation continued to grow. It was during these years that many of the present day group leaders, program organizers, workers, and staff were born. Despite the fact that the congregation was growing, and they had a church of their own, the parish retained its mission status. This was not the fault of St. Josaphat’s parishioners but rather problems which were taking place in the diocese at this time. The history of the Ukrainian Philadelphia Archdiocese is not part of our discussion, so it is sufficient to say that throughout this period of growth in Bethlehem, priests were sent to serve the community at irregular intervals. The majority of these traveling priests were assigned to Bethlehem from West Easton, while others were Monk-priests, from monasteries in Europe, who served the community to the best of their ability. The Great Depression of 1929 also added to the delay in St. Josaphat achieving parish status.

ST. JOSAPHAT MISSION BECOMES ST. JOSAPHAT CHURCH

The Catholic Church makes a distinction between “Parish” and “Mission.” Simply put, a “mission” is a congregation of believers that is without a permanent pastor or chief shepherd. A “mission” is dependent upon some other “parish.” A “parish” is a congregation of believers having a duly appointed priest or shepherd to lead them in their spiritual lives. The parish priest or pastor is responsible only to the Bishop, who in the Eastern Tradi­tion is the representative of Christ.  Until 1931, St. Josaphat Church in Bethlehem, was “dependent” on the Holy Ghost Ukrainian Catholic Church in West Easton. It was from Holy Ghost that priests would be sent to serve the spiri­tual needs of the Bethlehem congregation.

In 1931, the then Ukrainian Catholic Exarchate of Phila­delphia named the Pastor of Holy Ghost Church in West Easton, Reverend Michael Koltutsky as Pastor of St. Josaphat Ukrainian Catholic Church in Bethlehem. Fr. Koltutsky remained as Pastor of Holy Ghost as well. With this appointment, St. Josaphat Church was elevated to the status of full parish. No longer would the community in Bethlehem be considered a mission, but a full fledged Church of the Exarchate of Philadelphia, and entitled to the same consider­ations as any Ukrainian Catholic Church in the world.

Dividing his time between West Easton and Bethlehem, Fr. Koltutsky made it a point to see to the spiritual needs of the Bethlehem community. He served as pastor until 1949. With the second generation coming to adulthood, and the first gen­eration beginning their journey to Our Heavenly.

Father, Fr. Koltutsky was responsible for the pur­chase, in 1938, of St. Josaphat Cemetery in Lower Saucon Township. The property was purchased from the Bethlehem Steel Company for the sum of $1,200.00. By 1945, a stone cross had been erected and a paved driveway installed.

It must also be mentioned that the official name of the parish was “St. Josaphat Ruthenian Greek Catholic Church. On November 5, 1938, a parish meeting was held and with the consent of the Bishop, the name of the Church was changed to “St. Josaphat Ukrainian Catholic Church.16

As the Great Depression ground down and the world began to prepare for the conflict that was about to come, life at St. Josaphat’s began moving smoothly. Mr. Onufry Hrynkiw was the parish cantor and, in those days, was not only responsible for serving at the various liturgical rites, but was also in charge of teaching the children of the early immi­grants. It was through Mr. Hrynkiw that the beautifulSamoilka Ukrainian melodies, unique to the Ukrainian Church, were passed from the first generation to the next. But he not only taught the children how to sing, and gave religious instructions, he also taught Ukrainian culture and language.

As mentioned earlier, the church has always been central to the life of the Ukrainian. With the building now established on Third and Carbon Streets, the faithful soon began to settle within walking distance. Not only was this to their advantage, but the men were able to find employment at the Bethlehem Steel Corporation. The location of the church building and social hall was ideal for everyone. It remained the center of focus for the faithful. The church community continued to grow as word spread throughout the Lehigh Valley of the Ukrainian Catholic Church in Bethlehem.

GROWTH

With most of the physical work of the church completed, the 1940’s saw the parishioners of St. Josaphat begin in earnest the living of their Ukrai­nian/Byzantine Catholic Faith. Parish membership continued to grow and many spiritually rewarding activities were conducted during this period. When the parish had a social activity, when any improve­ment or renovation was necessary, all the members of the parish cooperated. This is attested to by the meticulous planning papers still on file in the ar­chives at the parish house. Throughout the terrible years of World War II, the parish kept faith and prayed for all the young men and women in service to keep them free. Many young men and women from St. Josaphat Church answered the call of their country and served in the Armed Forces.

POST WAR RESURGENCE

With the end of the Second World War, St. Josaphat Church witnessed a dynamic resurgence in commu­nity life. The returning service men and women soon began to marry and begin families of their own. The parish was growing again, and by 1951 little known to the congregation, the size of the parish would be almost doubled.

IMMIGRATION 1949-1953

The years 1949 to 1953 marks the period in which a new wave of immigration from Ukraine began arriving on American shores. Displaced because of the strife of World War II and the forcible occupa­tion of their homeland by the godless communists, these new immigrants began to arrive in Bethlehem. Those first and second generation American/Ukrai­nians immediately began to implement the corporal works of mercy, and made every effort to help the newcomers get established in their new homeland. With the arrival of the new immigration, St. Josaphat Church witnessed a renewed vitality and spirit. The returning service men and women came back to regular church attendance and together with the new immigrants, many of whom were denied the opportunity to practice their faith in Ukraine; were only too anxious to attend church services, to pray, and participate in the various social activities.

FATHER CEHELSKY

Recognizing the quick growth and spiritual resur­gence in the parish, the Diocese assigned a resident full time pastor. The Reverend Eugene Cehelsky assumed the duties as Pastor of St. Josaphat’s in 1949. Fr. Koltutsky was assigned to full time duties at Holy Ghost in West Easton and no longer had to divide his pastoral duties.

Father Cehelsky, needed a cantor, who next to the pastor, is the most important person in the function­ing of the parish. He knew that he would be able to find the “cream of the crop” by placing ads in the Ukrainian Catholic Newspapers which were pub­lished in Philadelphia and New Jersey and read all over the United States. Answering the  ad in the newspaper was a new immigrant who packed up his family and moved to Bethlehem. Professor Hnat Balaziuk responded not only to an ad in a newspaper, but also to a call from God. Not only did Professor Balaziuk bring his family to Bethlehem, he also brought with him a wealth of knowledge and experience in the customs and culture of the Ukrainian people. He was well versed in the church services and had a certain gentleness about him that encouraged rather than discouraged the prayer life of the community.

With unbridled enthusiasm he quickly formed a new church choir that soon became the envy of the Lehigh Valley. He began “church school” for the children and took up the task of educating the youth where Mr. Hyrnkiw had left off.

As mentioned above, the men and women returning from the service found jobs in the Lehigh Valley, married and settled in the area. The new immigrants followed and nearly all of them settled around the church with the Third and Carbon Street intersec­tion becoming the hub of their spiritual and cultural lives. It was at this time that the parish began to sponsor Ukrainian Day in the now defunct Central Park. Mr. Balaziuk and helpers saw to it that dances, movies, plays, and cultural events became part of parish life.

Under the direction of Fr. Cehelsky, the ladies of the parish began the Apostleship of Prayer. They assumed the very beautiful task of constantly praying for those in need, parish members as well as non-members. Together with their husbands, some of whom were now retired, they began makingpyrohy for sale in the church hall. The tons of flour and potatoes carried and mixed by these men and women is known but to God.

It became clear that if St. Josaphat’s was going to have a full time pastor, it would be necessary to find housing for him and his family. The parishioners purchased a house adjacent to the church grounds and hall. Cost of this venture was entirely from the generosity of the parish community and donations from the efforts of the “pyrohy ladies” mentioned above.

During the tenure of Fr. Cehelsky the parish had grown to such an extent that two Divine Services were required each Sunday. Fr. Cehelsky managed his duties well, being helped by the capable Fr. Iwan Mychaljiw.

It looked as if the congregation would soon out­grow the church building. The community began to think about either enlarging the present structure or looking for a site to build a new church. With couples beginning to move to other parts of Bethlehem, thinking on this subject began to lean towards a new site. It was now early 1957 and Fr. Cehelsky retired from active priestly duties.

With the retirement of Fr. Cehelsky, the curate at St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Church, Northampton, PA was named pastor of St. Josaphat.  Fr. John Bobyock arrived in Bethlehem and this genial, charismatic servant of God soon infected all the parishioners of St. Josaphat’s with his spirit of love of God and Church. Fr. Bobyock was young and energetic. During his pastorate many new parish programs were instituted. He infused the community with a vigor and vitality that had never been equaled in the Ukrainian Diocese. His sincerity soon befriended both the young and the old. It was through Fr. Bobyock that the “seeds of continued cooperation” and the idea for a new church were planted.

Fr. Bobyock immediately realized that it would be necessary for him to reach the youth of the parish. He did this by re-organizing the parish religious education program, and with the help of Mr. Balaziuk brought it up to the standards of the pre-Vatican II church. He also realized that in order to get the younger people involved, it would be necessary to organize them into a functioning church organization. Hence the Young Ladies Auxiliary was born. The Young Ladies Auxiliary, which remains in existence to this day, albeit renamed the “Ladies Auxiliary” have lived up to their title in every respect. The English word “auxiliary” is directly derived from the Latin word "auxilium” which means ‘‘helper’’ or “giver of aid.” And since its inception, St. Josaphat’s Ladies Auxiliary has never stopped being a “giver of aid” to the spiritual and financial need of the parish community. They remain a strong force in the spirit of Christian Community, and are called upon by the present pastor to perform various tasks or conduct various fund raising activities for the good of all.

Fr. Bobyock also began an organization for men, the Holy Name Society. This world-wide organization, with roots in the tradition of the western rites of the Catholic Church, did for the men of the parish what the Young Ladies Auxiliary did for the women. Following the example of the Apostleship of prayer, founded by Fr. Cehelsky, the Society plunged into activities for the spiritual and financial well being of the parish community. The need for a new church building was apparent and the Holy Name Men together with the Young Ladies Auxiliary, rolled up their sleeves and plunged into all sorts of activities with one goal in mind, to build a new house of worship for the community known as St. Josaphat Ukrainian Catholic Church. A few of the ac­tivities that these satellite organiza­tions promoted: bingo, raffles, fashion shows, various dinners, civic endeavors, namely the Bethlehem birthday celebration that was held in July of each year. Fr. Bobyock had indeed brought the spirit of love, Christ, and cooperation to the parish family. In addition to these church organizations there re­mains in existence a civic organization with a branch attached to St. Josaphat Church, the "Soyuz Ukrainok.” Over the years the ladies of the Soyuz have dedicated themselves to many humanitarian efforts throughout the world. They remain active, not only in their humanitarian efforts, but also in helping to preserve Ukrainian culture among the people.

Mr. Balaziuk led the church choir each Christmas season to the homes of the house bound with parish members singing Christmas Carols and bringing the good news of the birth of our Savior to all.

TRAGEDY STRIKES

Just as Fr. John Bobyock and his new Christian Family were moving into high gear, Our Heavenly Father, decided that He needed Fr. John more than the Bethlehem Community. The entire parish was grief stricken when in July of 1958, Fr. John Bobyock received the Fullness of the Light of Jesus and passed to eternal rest with Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and all the saints. But the grief and sorrow that the parishioners were experiencing only served to strengthen their resolve and determination to con­tinue preparing for a new church. Fr. Bobyock would have wanted it this way. Despite his passing, his Bethlehem Christian Family continued to nurture the “seed” that he had planted.

Following the death of Fr. Bobyock, the Archdiocese sent Fr. John Malaschuk followed by Fr. Raymond Kostiuk. Both priests served briefly as pastor, but were soon given other assignments by the Archdiocese. The Archdiocese was taking its time finding a permanent replacement for Fr. Bobyock, but the parishioners went ahead with increased vitality in the spirit of Christian love, patience, and prayer. 

FATHER KARMAZYN

In the early part of 1959, the prayers of the parishioners were answered when the Archdiocese sent Reverend Vladimir Karmazyn as the new pastor of St. Josaphat Church, Bethlehem. Fr. Karmazyn had immigrated from Europe with his family in the latter half of the 1940’s. He held various assign­ments in the United States including a pastorate in North Dakota. Fr. Karmazyn was a learned scholar with an extremely well rounded European education. Upon his arrival he plunged right into the activities that the parish had been engaged in since the time of Fr. Bobyock. He increased the popu­larity of many of the various church activities and instilled in the people a love for the rich heritage that was theirs. Fr. Karmazyn delegated greater responsibility to the Ladies Auxiliary and Holy Name Society, making them responsible for different activities aimed at the purchase of property and con­struction of a new church. As the Catholic Church throughout the world began to prepare for a new phase in its existence with the start of the Second Vatican Council, St. Josaphat Church began to prepare to move into a new phase of parish life. 

CHANGE IN GEOGRAPHY NO CHANGE IN SPIRIT

The south side of Bethlehem was beginning to change. The children of the early immigrants were moving to the northern, eastern, or western parts of the city. It was also noted that a small number of families from the Allentown area were attending St. Josaphat’s. Realizing the American spirit the new immigrants of the late 1940’s and early 1950’s had mastered the English language, settled into good paying jobs, and soon began to look for homes outside of south Bethlehem. The “Ukrainian hub” at Third and Carbon Streets was slowly being abandoned for other more affluent areas of the city. Would the community dissolve? Would that spirit, so strong for so many years be lost because of relocation of the parishioners?

The answer came very soon. God sent a blessing in the form of an expansion project that was about to be undertaken by the Bethlehem Steel Corporation. The conversion to gas furnaces made it necessary for the company to purchase the area known as “The Heights” which included Third and Carbon Streets.

Fr. Karmazyn, the church trustees, together with some interested parish members purchased property at Union Blvd. and Kenmore Ave. in 1961 The cost was $16,500.00. When the steel company declared its intention to purchase St. Josaphat Church and the property, plans for a new church building started to become finalized. The building fund consisted of individual donations, the selling of the Carbon Street property and a loan of $130,000.00 from the Providence Association. All legal aspects and transactions were accomplished by attorneys and parish members +William and +Peter Rybak.

The years 1963 and 1964 were years of intense prayer and preparation for the construction of a new church building at the Union and Kenmore site. Under the leadership of Fr. Karmazyn the church building committee appointed the architect Julian K. Jastremsky to design the new church in authentic Byzantine/Greek style. When Fr. Karmazyn and the committee approved the plans, they were submitted to the Archbishop of Philadelphia for Ukrainians and the Liturgical Commission of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia for recommendations, and improvements. The Arch­bishop gave his permis­sion to construct a new building and the contract was awarded to Raymond B. Bracy of Allentown. Beginning in 1965, Mr. Bracy and his workers constructed the church while the parish­ioners watched and prayed. The entire cost of the rectory and church came to $330,311.30.

On April 7, 1966, Fr. Karmazyn and the members of St. Josaphat Church celebrated the Holy and Divine Liturgy in the new church structure for the first time. Five weeks later, Metropolitan Ambrose Senyshn, Archbishop of Philadelphia and Metropolitan of all Ukrainian Catholics in America came to Bethlehem and blessed the beautiful new structure.

The new Church and parish house stood out as a jewel in the Archdiocese and was the place of visitation for many artists and students. Of particular interest to the artists were the stained glass windows that adorn the walls of the nave. These are unique not only to the Lehigh Valley, but also to the eastern part of the United States. The windows depict in iconographic form, St. Vladimir (the prince who brought Christianity to Ukraine), St. Olba (the grandmother of St. Vladimir), St. Nicholas (Patron of Eastern Christians throughout the world), Sts. John Chrysostom, Basil the Great, and Gregory the Theologian (all very im­portant Greek fa­thers of the Eastern Church), and finally Sts. Cyril and Methodius, (Greek monks who brought Christianity and the Cyrillic alphabet to the Slavic peoples). As the joyous celebrations were taking place, Fr. Karmazyn and the committee realized that their work was not over. There was a large outstanding mortgage which had to be considered. The church members, as they had done at the old location, responded with generosity that was enormous, not only financially for such a small parish, but also with their time and energy. Once again they sponsored promotions aimed at the reduction of the mortgage. The bingo parties continued in the new hall located below the church. Big in the sixties were wine tasting parties and fashion shows. These activities among others generated revenue aimed at the final burning of the mortgage on the new church building and parish house.

ST JOSAPHAT IS DEBT FREE

Finally the joyous day arrived. On May 1, 1977, the church hall was the scene of the ceremonial “Burning of the Mortgage.” Now all could breath easier. They had trusted in God and now their parish home was tree and clear of all financial encumbrances.

RETIREMENT OF FATHER KARMAZYN

The years of hard work had resulted in many spiritual and physical fruits. But the work had taken its toll on many of the parishioners. Some were now reaching retirement age. Fr. Karmazyn was aging and many of the children and grandchildren had moved from the area with the decline in the economy. The parish membership began to decline beginning in the early 1980's Both Fr. Karmazyn and Mr. Balaziuk, the Parish cantor, realized that some quick changes were needed in the parish. Fr. Karmazyn announced his intention to retire in 1985. Because of the shortage of clergy, the Archdiocese did not act on his request.

Finally, in 1986, Archbishop Metropolitan Stephen Sulyk granted Fr. Karmyzan’s request to retire and in November of 1986, assigned Reverend Daniel Gurovich, a young energetic priest, knowledgeable in the traditions of the Eastern Church and culture. 

After twenty seven years of service to St. Josaphat’s Church, Fr. Karmyzan retired to Florida. He re­posed in the Lord in January of 1993

Three days after Fr. Daniel’s arrival at St. Josaphat, Mr. Balaziuk asked him for permission to retire as cantor. Mr. Balaziuk fully realized that a change was in order and recommended a young woman who had shown an inclination to learn the Church Typicon (i.e. services of the Church). With her beautiful voice, Mr. Balaziuk felt as though she would make a very valuable contribution to the prayer life of the parish community. With Mr. Balaziuk’s blessing, Carol Hanych assumed the roll of cantor for the community of St. Josaphat. The members of St. Josaphat’s held a retirement dinner for Mr. Balaziuk in 1987. In 1993, Mr. Balaziuk reposed in the Lord.

A NEW ERA BEGINS

By 1986, the full effects of the Second Vatican Council were being felt throughout the Catholic world. Many are under the false notion that this Council did not influence the Ukrainian Catholic Church. In fact a complete document was devoted to the Eastern Church.34 Pope John XXIII had the Eastern Church in mind when he convened the Council. 2110 Bishops including Pope Paul VI himself voted that the Eastern Church return to its legitimate customs and traditions. It was this Decree on Eastern Catholic Churches that Fr. Daniel brought with him to St. Josaphat’s in Bethlehem. Upon his arrival, he set out to implement the desires of the Pope and all the bishops.

Fr. Dan quickly assessed the spiritual and physical condition of the parish family and plunged into the arduous task of reviving the membership and reversing the decline.35 He insisted that the church and its heritage was ours and it was our responsibility as a family to protect it and spread it to others. We are a church that preaches the Risen Christ every Sunday of the year and therefore we are to be a joyful, happy and a hopeful congregation. Pride in our community and our ability to share our tradition with our neighbors has become an integral part of parish life. Fr. Dan opened the doors to many ecumenical activities. St. Josaphat’s has hosted members from various denominations in the area for ecumenical services. Why do we do this? Fr. Dan often responds with the motto of Jesus and our Patron, St. Josaphat: "That all might be one.”

Two things had to be done immediately in the parish in order to stop the decline. Adult education classes were introduced and a shift to the English Language in the church services. It has always been the tradition of the Eastern Catholic Churches (since the time of Cyril and Methodius) to use the vernacular of the country for the prayers and services of the church. The Second Vatican Council also stressed this in its decree on Eastern Churches. With the help of Deacon Michael Waak of Perth Amboy, New Jersey, adult education classes have been held yearly. In the beginning the classes were intended to be a means of preparing the congregation to sing the various church services in English In the Ukrainian Catholic Tradition, all common or public prayer is sung and never recited, in order to give greater glory and honor to God. As the classes progressed, courses in Scripture, Liturgy, History, and basic Eastern Christian Theology were introduced. The intent of the Adult Education Program is three fold.

1. To give every member of the parish who is willing to come to the classes a well rounded understanding of their Christian Faith.
2. To impress upon those attending the classes the need to spread (evangelize) what they have learned to others.
3. To stress the notion of “Christian Family.” This last point asks those who attend the class to be the “core group” in all parish spiritual activities. They are the true leaders of the parish community since the primary role of our parish is to give glory and praise to God in the tradition of the Eastern Christian Church.

Fr. Daniel and the parish family place great emphasis on the youth of the church. They are the future, they are the hope and they are the ones who must pray for us when we leave this earthly life. With this is mind, Fr. Dan along with the adult education program, instituted the Total Eastern Christian Formation Program for grades I to 12. (ECF).

This program, sanctioned by the Ukrainian Catholic Archdiocese of Philadelphia is designed to prepare the children for authentic Eastern Christian living in the western culture they find themselves. The program is nationwide, and many support groups are involved in maintaining the Eastern purity of these courses.

Volunteer teachers are called from the congregation to minister to the children and bring them the message of Christ. The special ministry of these teachers, second only to the pastor and cantor, is recognized in a special way each year by the members of St. Josaphat.

With the education program in full swing, Fr. Daniel began to implement the decrees of the Second Vatican Council on the parish level. He re-ordered all the liturgical services, removing anything that had attached itself to our church from other traditions. He brought the public prayer life of the parish into conformity with the authentic Tradition of the Ukrainian/Byzantine Catholic Church. Texts and books were supplied to all the faithful as recommended by the Archbishop Metropolitan of Philadelphia and appreciation of “things Byzantine” began to develop in the parish community. Now all members of the parish are able to participate in any and all of the church services. Fr. Daniel is convinced that it is this community participation in the public prayer of the Church, which prompts Our Lord to shower many blessings upon St. Josaphat Parish.

Since the start of active participation and spiritual growth, the parish has met with no financial difficulty in any of the various renovation and improvement projects it has undertaken.

In a few short years Fr. Daniel has instilled or resurrected our former pride and love for our Ukrainian Catholic Tradition, and once again the parish has become one of the focal points in the Archdiocese in the areas of liturgical reform and correctness and Christian community spirit. As this “reform” was in progress, Fr. Daniel saw to it that St. Josaphat’s was always open to all who desired to be part of the Church. St. Josaphat’s stresses that you do not have to be of Ukrainian background to be a Ukrainian Catholic. Christ instituted the Church for all persons and for the many men and women who choose to follow Him in the Eastern Tradition, St. Josaphat’s is their church too. This new found attitude and “open door” policy soon caused the parish to double in membership in a few short years.

As we begin the 21st century, much more needs to be done. Like St. Paul, we can never rest until we rest in Christ. The Diamond Jubilee was celebrated in 1993. Looking back, St. Josaphat’s congregation can be proud of its accomplishments. The founders who struggled to build a church, and who instilled in the present members the love and pride for the Church of Jesus Christ. This pride is plainly visible in the faces of our young adults and we thank God that this love will be carried into this century.

CONCLUSION

More than seventy-five years have passed since the founders prayed that first Divine Liturgy at the Carbon Street location. The success of St. Josaphat Parish over the past seventy-five years has been accomplished through God’s abundant blessings upon this Christian Community, and the intercession of His Holy Mother. Success would also never have been present if it were not for the dedication and cooperation of all pastors and parishioners both living and departed. Particular care has been taken to avoid the mentioning of names of specific individuals and parishioners who were instrumental and vital in bringing our parish from its infancy to the present. This was done so that all might realize that this “Community of Believers” is one in the eyes of God. Space also does not permit us to list everyone individually. Let St. Josaphat Ukrainian Catholic Church, her members, and her continued presence in the city of Bethlehem serve as a monument to the many dedicated workers who have helped in their own way.

We do not know what the future holds, but we do know that all things are possible with God. May God continue to take care of this parish and give its members the grace to carry on His work through the intercession of St. Josaphat our patron, and the Most Holy Mother of God.