The post You’re Invited to Celebrate the Year of the Eucharist! appeared first on FCSU.

Ahoj! My name is Ben Sommer and I am a junior at the University of Pittsburgh. I study Political Science and German as my majors and Religious Studies and Slovak as my minors. I am also pursuing an undergraduate certificate in Central European Studies. I was born and raised in Pittsburgh and grew up in the suburb of Bethel Park. I trace some of my ancestral roots to the Spiš region of Slovakia, an hour north of the city Poprad.

After a short visit to Bratislava in the summer of 2022, I returned to the United States with a greater interest in connecting with the Slovak side of my heritage and began studying Slovak at the University of Pittsburgh, the only institution offering courses in Slovak language, culture, and history on the continent! I enjoyed learning Slovak so much during the academic year that I decided to continue my education in the summer through the Summer Language Institute which offered a 10-week intensive language program.

My classmates and I had instruction from 9AM to 3PM every week, Monday through Friday. This lasted for six weeks and for a continuing four weeks, some of us traveled to Slovakia where we continued our studies during the day and explored the capital Bratislava and other parts of the beautiful country during evenings and weekends. I was able to see so much of the country, and some highlights for me were Orava Castle, Žilina, Galanta, and hiking in the High Tatras.

Embarking on this program has greatly improved my Slovak as I now feel much more comfortable when speaking, and can listen, read, and write with greater ease. I am now enrolled in Advanced Slovak and am close to finishing my minor. I want to sincerely thank Dr. Renáta Kamenárová and Dr. Vlasta Štofová, my instructors at the University of Pittsburgh’s Summer Language Institute, and Dr. Helena Ľos Ivoríková and Dr. Petra Kollárová, my instructors at the Comenius University in Bratislava. I also wish to thank a few organizations which financially helped me study Slovak this summer. Namely, the Western Pennsylvania Slovak Cultural Association, the Slovak American Cultural Center, and support from the Jack Wilson Fund and the Pittsburgh Foundation.

My entire experience was made possible through the support of my professor, Dr. Renáta Kamenárová, who not only encouraged me to go to Slovakia, but also cultivated a new love of the Slovak language and culture in me, a love of the language and culture that I hope to continue to share in the future.

For more information on the University of Pittsburgh Summer Language Institute visit: https://www.sli.pitt.edu/

The post Learn Slovak this Summer at the University of Pittsburgh appeared first on FCSU.

The post Get Ready for the Holiday Season appeared first on FCSU.

The post 41st ANNUAL CARPATHO-RUSYN CELEBRATION appeared first on FCSU.

Although he lived in Michigan, Janiga was born in Veličná, Slovakia, a village in Orava, near Dolný Kubin.  His mother is a university professor and his father formerly served as a mayor. He is 19 years-old and a student of law at the Comenius University in Bratislava.  He also does work for the Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. 

The Ukrainian war and its consequences for people motivated him and others to want to do something personally to relieve people’s suffering in Ukraine. After the Russians invaded Ukraine, he organized a benefit piano recital in the Saint Cyril and Methodius Slovak Catholic Church while living in Sterling Heights.  Then his brother hooked him up with Caritas, Slovak Catholic Charities.  So, Marek moved back to Slovakia and is currently busy helping the Ukrainians and doing some dangerous work at times.  He has spent more than a month in Ukraine and has made six humanitarian trips to Ukraine to help.  In fact, he left for a seventh trip taking supplies to Ukraine just a few days after our conversation. When he returns to Slovakia, he gives presentations, interviews, and writes articles about the situation in Ukraine.

In our discussion, we asked what do people of Ukraine think about the outside help?  He stated that a common misconception caused by misinformation concerns discrimination or even genocide of the Russian people in Donbass. About 80 percent of the people in Kharkiv speak Russian as their native language, and it is only 30 minutes from the Russian border. Some people in the city and many in the surrounding villages do not speak Ukrainian at all. He visited the second-largest city (1.5 million people before the war) on five occasions and saw destroyed neighborhoods and a non-functioning city. The Russians were in the city in the first days of the war.  He was in the city already in July when the Russian army was only 15 kilometers from the city. The holes where bombs fell were visible. Until 2014, many people saw Russians as natural brothers, and hoped for cooperation, but all has changed, and now only very few people, mostly in their 80s are more pro-Russian and gave vague answers. Almost everyone wants the Russians to go away for good.

When he went to Kharkiv, nothing was functioning in the city and Russians were just15 minutes away. They helped a local charity, Caritas Spes-Kharkiv. Several vans arrived from Slovakia, and they united with other charitable volunteers.  They needed to coordinate because of security.  With a chain of cars of local volunteers, they brought mostly food and medications, baby products, blankets, and water to the northernmost district of Kharkiv called Saltivka that was under Russian shelling at the time.  About 3,000 people lined up in a long line

How many Slovaks are involved? He said that many people helping/collecting aid at home and dozens of Slovaks are driving with aid back and forth. It is a 20-hour drive to deliver the aid to eastern Ukraine, going through many military checkpoints. Since the beginning of the war, Slovak Catholic Charity has delivered 900 tons of humanitarian aid. In the beginning, they used to send trucks with 200,000 euros worth of supplies, but now they are short of money because popular support has been declining because of donor’s fatigue.

When asked if there is a story that describes best what is happening, he replied that the hardest thing is to see the children, who suffer and dream and hope for a brighter future.  One particular child, 8-year-old Inha, used to go to Kharkiv for dance classes but had not been able to leave the house for months because of the Russian occupation.  Her grandfather was hit by shrapnel from a rocket that fell around 3 meters from him while working. With wounds in his lungs, intestines, heart, arm, and leg, he had to crawl 300 meters to his house. When his wife had asked the occupying Russians for help, they refused to care for him, and locals drove him to the nearest Russian hospital where he was treated for his injuries and later moved through Finland and back to Poland and Ukraine.

Marek got as close as 3 km from the Russian lines. They were not targeted specifically, but a few days before our talk, they started shelling nearby, 6-700 meters away, and as close as 400 meters to him in Kharkiv.  The windows and the walls were shaking.

If citizens in the USA wants to help sending material, what can they do?  He suggested finding a person or an organization that you trust and can see the results of your contribution.  Things often get lost if given to a non-verified person.  Sending material aid from the US is not worth it because the prices are much lower there. Organizations like Caritas provide humanitarian aid, not military equipment, and all those materials can be bought in Europe.

He did relate that Ukraine still has problems with corruption and a black market, at a high level and at the local level. If given to a non-trusted person, it happens that the aid “gets lost” in someone’s cellar. The military is very strict about enforcement, security, and thefts in the conflict areas.

A network helps organize where help goes. In Kharkiv, three Polish priests help the Ukrainian Catholic Charity assist in telling where something in needed. He left again on the last Wednesday in March and would be gone 6-7 days, and when he returned, he planned on making yet another run to Ukraine.   Such is his dedication and that of many other Slovaks.

If you wish to help, Slovak Catholic Charities is a safe choice as 95% of the funds collected go directly to those in need; Caritas keeps administrative costs at a minimum and uses volunteers. Here are links in English and Slovak to give donations:

English – https://charita.darujme.sk/help-ukraine/  Slovak – https://charita.darujme.sk/ukrajina/

Dr. Michael Kopanic, Jr., editor

The post A Young Slovak Doing Humanitarian Work for Ukraine appeared first on FCSU.

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) recommends the following steps in praying the Holy Rosary.

1. Make the Sign of the Cross. – Urobte znamenie kríža.
2. Holding the Crucifix, say the Apostles’ Creed. – Držiac kríž, povedzte Apoštolské vyznanie viery.
3. On the first bead, say an Our Father. – Na prvom koráliku vyslovte Otče náš.
4. Say one Hail Mary on each of the next three beads. – Na každom z ďalších troch korálikov vyslovte jeden Zdravas Mária.
5. Say the Glory Be. – Odpovedzte Sláva Bohu.
6. For each of the five decades, announce the Mystery (the Joyful Mystery in Advent, perhaps followed by a brief reading from Scripture), then say the Our Father.
   Pre každú z piatich dekád ohláste tajomstvo (v advente radostné tajomstvo, po ktorom môže nasledovať krátke čítanie z Písma) a potom sa pomodlite Otče náš.

7. While fingering each of the ten beads of the decade, next say ten Hail Marys while meditating on the Mystery. Then say a Glory Be.
   Počas prstovania každého z desiatich korálikov desiatku, ďalej povedzte desať Zdravasov a zároveň meditujte o tajomstve. Potom sa pomodlite Sláva Bohu.
8. After finishing each decade, some say the following prayer requested by the Blessed Virgin Mary at Fatima: O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell; lead all souls to Heaven, especially those who have most need of your mercy.
   Po skončení každého desaťročia sa niektorí modlia nasledujúcu modlitbu, ktorú si vyžiadala Panna Mária vo Fatime:  Ó, Ježišu môj, odpusť nám naše hriechy, zachráň nás od pekelného ohňa a priveď do neba všetky duše, najmä tie, ktoré najviac potrebujú tvoje milosrdenstvo.
9. Following the completion of the five decades of the rosary, recite the Hail Holy Queen:

Commemoration of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Lourdes
Hail, Holy Queen, mother of mercy,
our life, our sweetness, and our hope!
To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve;
to thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears.
Turn then, most gracious advocate, thine eyes of mercy toward us,and after this our exile, show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary!
Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God.
That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
The Slovak version of the closing of the Rosary is not an exact translation, but this is what Slovaks recite at the conclusion.
Po zavŕšení piatich desaťročí ruženca recitujte Zdravas, Svätá Kráľovná:
Spomienka na Preblahoslavenú Pannu Máriu Lurdskú
Zdravas‘, Kráľovná, matka milosrdenstva;
život náš i sladkosť a nádej naša, zdravas‘
K tebe voláme, hriešni synovia Evy,
v tomto sĺz údolí stenajúci, plačúci.
A preto teda, Orodovnica naša,
obráť k nám tie svoje premilosrdné oči.
A nám Ježiša, ktorý je požehnanýplod života tvojho, tam vo večnosti ukáž.
Ó milostivá a nad všetky pobožná,
Ó presladká Panna, Matka Božia Mária.

10. Follow with this dialogue: V Pray for us, O holy Mother of God. RThat we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

– Nasledujte tento dialóg:

Modli sa za nás, svätá Bohorodička.
Aby sme sa stali hodnými Kristových prisľúbení.

11.Let us pray: O God, whose Only Begotten Son, by his life, Death, and Resurrection, has purchased for us the rewards of eternal life, grant, we beseech thee, that while meditating on these mysteries of the most holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we may imitate what they contain and obtain what they promise, through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.

– Modlíme sa: Dobrotivý Bože, tvoj jednorodený Syn nám svojím životom, smrťou a zmŕtvychvstaním získal večnú spásu. Daj, prosíme, keď v posvätnom ruženci preblahoslavenej Panny Márie o týchto tajomstvách rozjímame, nech aj podľa nich žijeme a dosiahneme to, čo sľubujú. Skrze nášho Pána Ježiša Krista, tvojho Syna, ktorý je Boh a s tebou žije a kraľuje v jednote s Duchom Svätým po všetky veky vekov.

12. (An optional prayer to St. Joseph may also follow.) Conclude the Rosary with the Sign of the Cross.
    (Môže nasledovať aj nepovinná modlitba k svätému Jozefovi.) Ruženec ukončite znamením kríža.

Michael J. Kopanic, Jr, Ph.D., editor

The post How to pray the Rosary in Advent appeared first on FCSU.

The program, moderated by Katarina Vizina, commenced with an introduction of the Chairman of the Slovak Heritage Festival, Marek Soltis, and Co-Chair Jane Konzelman (Branch 716) as well as Nina Holy (Branch 716) who was recognized for her leadership of the event for 30+ years.   Joining the festivities and addressing the 1,500+ attendees was Permanent Representative of the Slovak Republic to the United Nations, Michal Mlynár who was joined by wife Andrea Mlynárová and Matej Salon, Deputy Consul General of the Slovak Republic in New York.  Members of First Catholic Slovak Union Branch 746 (Linden), 716 (New York City), and 45 (New York City) were in attendance to support the event including Director of the Slovak Institute in Cleveland and the Program Director of the Slovak Radio Milan Kobulsky (Branch 450) and FCSU Region 1 Director, Sabina Sabados (Branch 746).

The colorful program included performances by Limboracik, Children’s Folklore group from New York; Lipka, the Children’s Folklore group from Linden, New Jersey; and Pajtáši from New York.  Special guests from Slovakia included Labirsky Beťare, a folklore trio from Medzilaborce and the Komajota band from Prešov which brought the audience to its feet.   Attendees of the Slovak Heritage Festival had the opportunity to try various Slovak foods from the multitude of vendors including traditional bryndzové halušky, grilled kolbasa, nut rolls and poppy seed rolls, and so much more!  Vendors should a variety of products including traditional Slovak kroj (folk costume), artisan designs, personal care products, home-made honey and so much more.  Some of the vendors included: MaHli designs by Maria Hlinková, products by Slovak designers presented KITnDO, and hair accessories Mishka Designs.  Slovak-Czech Varieties (online ordering available) was on hand to sell Slovak and Czech chocolates and other favorite goodies.

Congratulations to the entire Slovak Heritage Festival Committee for another successful event.  The 44th Slovak Hertiage Festival was made possible by the support of the Úrad pre Slovákov žijúcich v zahraničí (USZZ).

VIEW more photos featuring Jednota members in attendance.

Submitted by Sabina Sabados

The post The 44th Slovak Heritage Festival in New Jersey appeared first on FCSU.

Date: Sunday, Nov. 6, 2022, at 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm

Location: University of Pittsburgh, 4200 Fifth Ave, Pittsburgh, PA
Organizer: The Slovak Heritage Festival

This is one of America’s biggest annual Slovak events with live performances of song and dance, lectures, displays, Slovak food, pastries, and gift items.  Now in person again!

Come out to the 32nd Annual Slovak Heritage Festival for an afternoon of food, music, dancing, and more!

As always, it’s free for all. Street Parking is free on Sundays, most park in Soldiers and Sailors across the street for a flat rate fee.

The post 32nd Annual Slovak Heritage Festival in Pittsburgh appeared first on FCSU.

Location: St. John Nepomucene, Corner of 66th Street & 1st Avenue
Open to the public, Free will offerings accepted.

A Mass at 12 noon will be followed by the 2 pm Concert. Both events will be live-streamed on the parish Facebook page: East River Catholics.

Works to be performed include: Joseph Haydn, Antonín Dvořák, Franz Schubert, Léo Delibés, Carl Jenkins, W.A.Mozart, John Carter, John Rutter, Giacomo Puccini, a Ukrainian song, Sylvia Bodorová, Jaroslav Krček, Milan Novák, Sylvia Bodorová, Viliam Gräffinger, Eugen Suchoň.

Soloist: Miriam Garajová, pianist Martin Hríň;     Conductors: Magdaléna Rovňáková, Gabriel Rovňák Jr.

Livestream on the Facebook site: East River Concerts & East River Catholics
More information about the concert  can be found at HERE. If you would like to print the flyer click HERE.

ENJOY IT!

The post Bratislava Boys Choir LIVE,</br> May 15, 2022@2:00pm appeared first on FCSU.

Invite you to a unique workshop on the occasion of ”Mother’s Day” which will take place on April 23, 2022, at the museum in the CSL hall.

In the company of mothers, your daughters, granddaughters, or nieces you will have the opportunity to learn the technique of “sewing with a crooked needle” instructed by Martina Rajnikova from Slovakia.

This workshop is not only for adults, but also for children over the age of 12, companied by an adult. Please register at mvalova@hotmail.com or 416-873-7378.

The $ 50 price already includes all the necessary materials.

Múzeum Slovensko – Kanadského Kultúrneho Dedičstva

v Mississauge v spolupráci s Úradom pre Slovákov Žijúcich v Zahraničí a spolkom “Neboj sa remesla” zo Slovenska

Vás pozývajú na jedinečný workshop pri príležitosti “Dňa Matiek” ktorý sa uskutoční 23.04.2022 v priestoroch múzea v CSL hale.

V spoločnosti mamičiek vaše dcérky, vnučky alebo neterky budú mať možnosť naučiť sa techniku “šitia krivou ihlou“ sprevádzané inštruktorkou Martinou Rajnikovou zo Slovenska

Nielen deti nad 12 rokov spolu s mamičkou alebo starou mamou, ale aj dospelé osoby, ktoré majú záujem naučiť sa tejto veľmi zaujímavej technike šitia,sa môžu zaregistrovať na mvalova@hotmail.com alebo na 416-873-7378.

V cene $50 sú už zahrnuté všetky potrebné materiály.

Slovak Canadian Heritage Museum
259 Traders Blvd. East, Unit # 6
Mississauga, ON L4Z 2E5

The post The Slovak Canadian Heritage Museum appeared first on FCSU.