Growing up in Boston with my Irish immigrant relatives, I heard many family conversations about the “The Troubles” in Ireland and especially how it affected our family members still living in County Cork. Because of my keen interest in getting every detail, the talk would sometimes switch over to Gaelic-to protect my big tender ears and shield me from any unpleasant topics. Many of our neighbors were Polish and Italian families, blending cultures as they struggled to adapt to America while maintaining loyalty to their heritage. These experiences made me aware of the stress facing immigrant communities, such as our Ukrainian neighbors affected by three years of a heartbreaking war, which reminds me of my own Irish legacy.

I contribute to Ukrainian fundraising events and attend them when possible. Every summer the stunningly beautiful St. Volodymyr Church in Glen Spey holds their Annual Ukrainian Festival and this year it is on Saturday, August 2. For starters, St. Volodymyr Church is a popular landmark destination for visitors to the Catskills and will be open to the public during the festival. Ukrainian master builder G. Jurij Kostiw worked for six years to finish this majestic wooden church in the style of the traditional churches with a bell tower and cupolas that dominate the countryside in the Carpathian Mountains in southwest Ukraine. In all Jurij Kostiw went on to build two other wooden churches in this style in New York State. St. Volodymyr Church was dedicated in 1967 in what is known as “Little Ukraine,” and served as a parish community for many Ukrainian National Army veterans.

The church is something to see with many beautiful ancient icons, hand carved moldings, huge wooden chandeliers, oil paintings and traditional woven rugs. The festival will take place on the Church grounds, with on-site camping available from Friday, August 1 to Monday, August 4 for a $10 per night /per person fee. A variety of freshly prepared specialty foods will be available for sale, including Ukrainian dishes such as stuffed cabbage, homemade sauerkraut, kielbasa, and many different kinds of perogies. All menu items will be available for both dine-in and takeout. Guests visiting only the food court will receive a special wristband at the entrance, indicating that no admission fee is required. There will be a cash bar, and the food and bar service starts at 2pm when the festival doors open. As in years past there will be a community yard sale on the lawn with about 15 local vendors selling vintage and slightly used goods. The entertainment starts at 4pm on the main stage and will feature popular Ukrainian singers and local bands and some American music as well. Probably the highlight of the day (besides the perogies) are the traditional dance companies that will be performing starting at 7pm. The church grounds are very spacious and there will be plenty of free parking available. Admission to the Ukrainian Festival is $15, which includes an all-access wristband for the day’s events. This family-friendly festival offers activities for all ages and a chance to celebrate Ukrainian culture and traditions with our neighbors. St. Volodymyr Ukrainian Catholic Church is located at 406 High Road in Glen Spey. For more information visit stvolodymyrukrainiancatholicchurch.com.