Holy Protection Mission Parish in Mount Kisco Marks 25 Years of Faith
The Holy Protection Mission Parish of the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Stamford joyfully celebrated its 25th anniversary on Sunday, October 5, marking a quarter century of Sacraments, worship, evangelization, and fellowship among Ukrainians in northern Westchester County.
Founded in 2000 with the blessing of Bishop Basil Losten and through the devoted efforts of Father Philip Weiner and the first parishioners, the mission took root—first worshipping at St. Matthias Church in Bedford Hills and, since 2007, at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Mount Kisco. Today, the parish gives thanks for twenty-five years of worship, evangelization, and fellowship under the loving Protection of the Mother of God.
The celebration began with the Divine Liturgy at 10:30 a.m., celebrated by the parish’s pastor, Rev. Taras Chaparin, with Very Rev. Kiril Angelov, Chancellor of the Eparchy of Stamford and pastor of St. Michael’s Church in Yonkers, as concelebrant. Following the Gospel reading, Fr. Taras introduced Fr. Kiril as “our closest neighbor to the south,” warmly welcoming him on behalf of the community.
Fr. Angelov conveyed greetings and congratulations from Bishop Paul Chomnycky, OSBM, Eparch of Stamford, who was unable to attend due to another engagement. In his message, Bishop Paul expressed heartfelt gratitude to the parishioners and to all the priests who have served the mission over the years — Fr. Philip Weiner, Fr. Robert Smolley, Fr. Mihai Dubovici, Fr. Albert Forlano, Fr. Ivan Kaszczak, and Fr. Vasyl Behay — for their dedication in building a vibrant and faithful Ukrainian Catholic presence in upper Westchester County.
Following the Divine Liturgy, Fr. Taras expressed appreciation to the sponsors of the celebratory luncheon — Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Campiglia, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Ferraro, Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Greene, Dr. and Mrs. Iriney Gutnikevich, Mr. and Mrs. Pavlo Liteplo, Mr. and Mrs. Ivan Rusyniak, and one sponsor who wished to remain anonymous. As a token of gratitude, each received a commemorative wooden plaque featuring an icon of the Protection of the Mother of God, the parish’s heavenly patroness. Copies of the same icon were also presented to distinguished guests, including Fr. Albert Forlano, a former pastor; Sister Elizabeth Gardasz, longtime catechist; and Fr. Kiril Angelov.
As part of the program, Dr. Iriney Gutnikevich, the parish cantor, addressed the faithful, thanking Fr. Taras for his dedicated spiritual leadership over the past twelve years. The celebration continued with a group photo of all attendees, followed by a Panakhyda memorial service for deceased parishioners, Bishop Basil H. Losten, and Fr. Robert Smolley, a former parish administrator.
After the memorial prayers, the gathering moved downstairs to the parish hall, where a festive luncheon was served, catered by MishMash, a Ukrainian family-owned catering company. During the meal, Fr. Taras once again expressed gratitude to Fr. Steven Clark, pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Roman Catholic Parish, for generously hosting the Ukrainian Catholic community since 2007 and making available the chapel and classrooms for parish use.
At the conclusion of the celebration, Fr. Taras offered special thanks to Mrs. Lidia Rusyniak, who helped organize the event, and to all parishioners for their ongoing support and participation through the years. He also extended heartfelt appreciation to Fr. Kiril Angelov and the parishioners of St. Michael’s in Yonkers for their generous anniversary gift of $1,000 to their sister parish in Mount Kisco.
Reflecting on the milestone, Fr. Taras remarked, “Today, we give thanks to God and to the Mother of God for protecting and guiding our community for 25 blessed years.”
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