A Ukrainian picnic organized by the Brotherhood of Blessed Hieromartyr Mykola Charnetskyi at St. Joseph the Betrothed Church took place in Chicago. The event was dedicated to Father’s Day, and this now-traditional picnic was marked by a homely atmosphere, a generous menu, a concert program, children's competitions, and an opportunity to support Ukraine.
This was reported by journalist Ruslana Romaniuk in a story published on the “Surma” Facebook page.
In a picturesque natural setting outside Chicago, the Brotherhood of Blessed Hieromartyr Mykola Charnetskyi, which operates at St. Joseph the Betrothed parish, organizes this picnic every year. According to Brotherhood leader Serhiy Siutyk, the date is intentionally chosen after the official Father’s Day celebration, allowing families to observe the holiday privately first and then gather a week later as a broader Ukrainian community.
“This is rest for the soul, the body, and the heart – with friends, with family, with good music, with Ukrainian food, and with true brotherly warmth,” said Serhiy Siutyk.
Preparations reportedly lasted several months. This year, the traditional menu – shashlik, banosh, deruny, French fries, chebureky, cotton candy, ice cream, and drinks – was prepared entirely by men. Women took on the role of serving the food.
The celebration opened with the sound of the trembita, performed by Mykhailo Boichuk, and was blessed by Father Mykola Buriadnyk. The concert program was equally impressive: performances included both the youngest participants and well-known artists such as comedian Volodymyr Pushkar and singer Taras Zhytynskyi, who performed Cossack, insurgent, and riflemen’s songs. The “Barvystok” art center, led by Tetyana Baryliak, also took the stage. One of the highlights of the event was a runway show by students of the “StarKids” modeling school (headed by Kateryna Hrod), who showcased beautifully embroidered shirts, emphasizing the style and authenticity of traditional Ukrainian dress.
Guests were especially captivated by Hutsul huni – traditional outerwear made of long-haired wool cloth, brought to Chicago by artisan Stefania Koropaniuk from Kosiv. The children’s soccer matches also sparked great excitement. The young athletes competed energetically and were awarded real sports prizes on stage after the games.
Special recognition came in the form of awards from Ukrainian Armed Forces units – flags and commemorative shell casings – presented to the artistic directors and parish as a token of gratitude for their financial support of the army.
Importantly, the picnic also had a charitable mission. Proceeds from food sales were donated to support the Ukrainian Armed Forces, with additional contributions raised by the charitable organizations Protez Foundation and Revived Soldiers Ukraine. In particular, the parish’s Cyril and Methodius Community donated $5,000 to the Protez Foundation.
According to Ruslana Romaniuk, despite the excellent organization and program, only a few dozen guests attended the picnic – far fewer than the hundreds expected.
Photo: by Anastasija Olijnuk, “Surma”
Author: Inna Mikhno
