About Us

Organizational Description

The purpose of the Carpatho-Rusyn Heritage Working Group is to brainstorm, strategize and implement practices of Carpatho-Rusyn culture and tradition into the ACROD. The group was formed in November 2019 by His Eminence Metropolitan Gregory of Nyssa (ACROD). 

About
  1. Mission - The mission of this group is to preserve, celebrate and practice Carpatho-Rusyn traditions within the ACROD, allowing for enhancement of spiritual practices, as well as promoting the education of Carpatho-Rusyn history and  an understanding of the founding of the ACROD.  We strive to promote and maintain activities commensurate and consistent with the ideals and teachings of Carpatho-Rusyn heritage, by fostering in the ACROD a deeper understanding of America’s diverse heritage and immigration history, by promoting and preserving Carpatho Rusyn culture, history and traditions. We strive to encourage interests in ancestral history, family roots, and appreciation of the enrichment of liturgical living through the traditional practices of feasts, fasts, saint veneration and celebrations.

  2. Vision - The vision of this group is that the members of the ACROD are inspired to continue practicing and celebrating Carpatho-Rusyn traditions. This includes the education of youth and young adults at Camp Nazareth, education and celebration of heritage at ACRY events, and publication in the Church Messenger of materials that commemorate CR and ACROD history. We strive to allow the future of Carpatho-Rusyn traditions to enrich the fullness of our Orthodox Christian faith as it did for the founders of ACROD. We yearn to understand, appreciate and incorporate Carpatho-Rusyn culture within the life of the diocese, its ministries and programs.

  3. Values 
    1. Our Orthodox faith is enhanced by Carpatho-Rusyn liturgical, practical and folk traditions.
    2.  Carpatho-Rusyn culture is exemplified through hospitality, joy and love.
    3. We are responsible to inspire and teach future generations on the Carpatho-Rusyn traditions and values which amplify our spiritual life.
    4. We strive to create an environment in the ACROD where we respect our collective cultural identities while celebrating our Carpatho-Rusyn traditions, history, language and heritage.

      4.  Inspiration -  From “Prayer of a Lemko Woman” 

“Let us not, O God, forget our folk customs, our melodious native language, our stories and our songs, our dances and our evening gatherings on holy days and workdays.

O Lord! Give my children the wisdom to find their way back to the native land of their grandfathers and great-grandfathers to pay respect and to honor their graves, their churches, and their faith.

O God! Grant unto my children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren all the gifts of your Holy Spirit: Wisdom, Understanding, Reason, Courage, Knowledge, Humility, and also give them the most important of all the virtues of a human being - Faith, Hope and Love.”

Members

Ms. Maria Korchak, Chairwoman
Ms. Alexa Petrick, Secretary
Pani Ileana Bennett
Ms. Maggie Conjelko
Ms. Sophia Timko
Ms. Anna Korchak
Ms. Alexandra Benc