UOL BULLETIN - VOL. 72 NO. 4 - SUMMER 2026

Aug 28, 2026

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UOL Bulletin presents the summer 2026 issue of the Ukrainian Orthodox League of the United States of America, highlighting the 2026 Ohio/Western PA Annual UOL Lenten Retreat held March 21 in Pulaski, Pennsylvania. The article documents a full-day program of prayer, reflection, and Orthodox-faith-centered activities under Rev. Fr. Mykola Zomchak and Rev. Fr. John Charest, including youth tracks and featured presentations by clergy. It also expresses gratitude to attendees, traveling parish representatives, national leadership, and volunteers, reinforcing fellowship, community engagement, and shared ministry.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryReligion & Spirituality

FormatPDF

Pages12

Reading Time30 min

AccessFree to download

2026 Ohio/Western PA Annual UOL Lenten Retreat

Retreat theme and program

Featured presentations and activities

Youth sessions and pastoral leadership

79th UOL Convention (Palos Park, IL)

Convention dates and theme

Editorial and messages

Message from the Senior UOL President

UOL BULLETIN UKRAINIAN ORTHODOX LEAGUE OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Dedicated to our Church -- Devoted to its Youth | VOL. 72 NO. 4 | SUMMER 2026 | | --- | --- | 2026 Ohio/Western PA Annual UOL Lenten Retreat Pulaski, PA Submitted by Marianne Carmack The 2026 Ukrainian Orthodox League (UOL) Western PA Lenten Retreat was held on Saturday, March 21, 2026, from 8:15 [a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at](a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at) the River Valley Community Resource Center in Pulaski, Pennsylvania, and gathered faithful of all ages for a full day of prayer, reflection, centered on the theme,“Rejoice in Hope, Be Patient in Tribulation, Be Constant in Prayer. Romans 12:12,” pillars of our Orthodox Faith. As always, we are sincerely grateful to all who worked behind the scenes to plan and support this day. Most of all, we give thanks for those who attended. The spirit you bring—your openness, engagement, fellowship, and willingness to reflect and ask thoughtful questions—creates an experience that uplifts everyone. Through this shared participation, we can learn from one another and grow stronger in our sense of community and fellowship. As always, we also wish to recognize those who traveled from Sharon, Pittsburgh, Carnegie, Lyndora, Hermitage and Youngstown, as well as those who joined us from other Orthodox parishes and Christian communities. We extend special appreciation to our National President, Natalie Bilynsky, and National Financial Secretary, Oleh Bilynsky, who traveled from Philadelphia; to Panidobrodiyka Olha Bobko and Panidobrodiyka Alice O’Neil; to our Immediate Past President, Matushka Laryssa Charest who encouraged us to offer a concurrent program for our youth and to Stephen Haluszczak of the Ukrainian Cultural and Historical Institute, that supports vital work in Ukraine. The presence and participation of our national leadership, including Shirley Duffy, Anna Anderson and Jr. Board member Marcia Goodge reflects a deep and active commitment to parish engagement, nurturing fellowship, strengthening connections across our communities, and walking together in a shared purpose that unites and sustains the ministry and life of the Church and the UOL. In a very real way, you reflect the words of Christ, Let your light shine before others, bearing His light into the world through your faith, your presence, and your witness. Matthew 5:16. The retreat was hosted under the pastoral leadership of Rev. Fr. Mykola Zomchak, who welcomed participants and offered the opening prayers and facilitated the unfolding of the day’s activities, and Rev. Fr. John Charest who not only provided guidance before and during the retreat, but also developed and delivered the middle/high school program. The featured presentations: Part I,“Rejoice in Hope, Be Patient in Tribulation (Truth Then/Truth Now: The Timeless Wisdom of the Apostle Paul),” delivered by Rev. Fr. Timothy Paproski, and Part II, “Be Constant in Prayer (Truth Then/Truth Now: The Timeless Wisdom of the Apostle Paul),” delivered by Rev. Fr. Yurii Bobko. Singing at Vespers was led by Mrs. Anna Anderson, Quiz Time facilitated by Mrs. Ann Marie Woloschak, a group case study session, and the concluding services of Confessions and Great Vespers served by Fr. Mykola and Fr. Deacon Evan O’Neil further enriched the day. Notably, this year also included an expanded program for younger participants, with Pre-School and Elementary sessions led by Shirley Duffy and Stephanie Rimedio, and a Middle and High School program directed by Rev. Fr. John Charest, Spiritual Advisor to the Jr. UOL. (Continued on page 4) | | | |
79th UOL Convention Palos Park, IL
July 29, 2026 —August 2, 2026
“Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” (Romans 12:12)
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FAQs

What theme guided the 2026 Ohio/Western PA Annual UOL Lenten Retreat?

The retreat centered on “Rejoice in Hope, Be Patient in Tribulation, Be Constant in Prayer” (Romans 12:12).

Who led key parts of the retreat and the youth programs?

Rev. Fr. Mykola Zomchak welcomed participants and led opening prayers, while Rev. Fr. John Charest provided guidance and developed and delivered the middle/high school program.

When and where is the 79th UOL Convention scheduled?

It is scheduled in Palos Park, IL from July 29, 2026 to August 2, 2026.

Aug 28, 2026

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