The 1980s
The events of the first years of this decade tend to be overshadowed by preparations for two major historic events taking place in 1988: (1) the Millennium of Christianity in Ukraine from whence comes our Christian Catholic heritage and (2) the observance of St. Cyril’s Parish’s manifestation of that Christian heritage over the last hundred years of its existence – St. Cyril’s Centennial Jubilee of its founding in 1888. However, not to be lost in the shadow of these significant events are the following:
– The spiritual and moral support the parish exhibited for the release of the U.S. hostages in Iran, especially for its native son, Michael Metrinko. The prayers and special devotions of parishioners throughout the 444 days are too numerous to recount. On March 16, 1980, designated as a Day of Prayer for Michael Metrinko and the other hostages, the parish welcomed a large group of pilgrims from Heritage, PA, who walked 300 miles practically across the state of Pennsylvania to unite their prayers with those of St. Cyril’s parishioners for the release of the hostages. They brought with them an eternal flame from which a perpetual votive candle on the Altar in the church and another at the Shrine of Our Lady of Zhyrovytsi were lit. These votive candles were to remain lit until extinguished by Michael Metrinko on this safe return home. The occasion was marked by a Solemn Divine Liturgy at 10 AM and received national radio and TV coverage by ABC, CBS and the BBC. On January 28, 1981, Michael Metrinko arrived home in Olyphant to extinguish those votive lights in a welcome home ceremony and Divine Liturgy of Thanksgiving that shall long be remembered.
– In 1981, Msgr. Basil Feddish, the second spiritual son of the parish, observed the Golden Jubilee of his ordination and Rev. Samuel Quartucci was called home by the Lord. In 1982, Rev. John Wysochansky observed the 25 th Anniversary of his Ordination. In 1984, Rev. John Stevensky was honored as the third spiritual son of the parish to be elevated to the rank of Papal Chamberlain as a Monsignor. Sr. M. Gabriel, OSBM, observed the 60 th Anniversary of her profession of vows in 1987. Sr. M. Cornelia, OSBM, Principal of the Parochial School, celebrated her 50 th Anniversary on May 15, 1988. And Msgr. John Stevensky celebrated his 25 th Ordination Anniversary in March 1988.
– Msgr. Stephen Hrynuck observed his 45 th and 50 th Anniversaries of his Priesthood in 1983 and 1988 respectively. Appropriate Divine Liturgies and testimonial banquets were offered and celebrated.
In preparation for the dual anniversary of the Centennial and Millennium, the Parish Board of Counselors on June 30, 1984, decided (1) to install completely new golden church domes, (2) to improve and renovate all parish properties, and (3) to erect a historical Monument to commemorate the Millennium of Christianity in Ukraine and the Centennial of the parish. A Gift of Love Program was initiated to raise the funds required for all these preparations. As in the past, parishioners responded with generosity. In 1988, to complete the renovation of the church interior, the iconostas was refurbished with all 52 icons being cleaned and retouched as necessary.
The dual anniversary culminated on October 2, 1988 with a major liturgical and jubilee celebration. The Centennial-Millennium Monument was blessed and dedicated by His Beatitude Myroslav Ivan Cardinal Lubachivsky, His Grace Archbishop Metropolitan Stephen Sulyk, and the Most Rev. J. Carroll McCormick, Retired Bishop of Scranton. A Pontifical Divine Liturgy in the church followed, celebrated by the Cardinal with Mitred Archpriest Msgr. Stephen Hrynuck, Pastor, his brother Archimandrite Prof. Dr. Ivan Hrynioch, and the Spiritual Sons of the parish, concelebrating. A Centennial Banquet and Program, attended by over 700 clergy, public officials, parishioners and friends, was held at Genetti’s Manor in Dickson City, PA.