International Orthodox Christian News

The Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church

From August 2-11, His Eminence, Metropolitan Mykhayil was pleased to receive a visit from Sigmund and Evelyn Kobus of Mentor, Ohio. Friends of the Metropolitan for over 20 years, Mr. and Mrs. Kobus have long been involved in the religious community.

During their time in New York, the couple had the chance to participate in the life of the cathedral parish, visit sites of interest throughout the Hudson Valley and in New York City and to assist Vladyka Mykhayil in ecclesiastical and organizational work at the Metropolitan chancery office. On several occasions, they assisted in entertaining clergy and friends from the area, at the Metropolitan's residence.

Sig and Evie have endeared themselves to many clergy over their many years of service to the church. In 2006, they had the honor to meet the Worldwide Predstoyatel of the Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church, His Beatitude, Metropolitan Mefodiy, during his historic visit to the United States. At that time, they also had the opportunity to meet His Eminence, Metropolitan Roman of Vinnitsya.

While in the New York area, Pan and Pani Kobus met some of the clergy of the East Coast Deanery of the UAOC, The Very Rev. Protopresbyter Yuriy Kasyanov (Pani Matka Olena), The Very Rev. Archpriest Samir Alejilat (and Pani Matka Rania) and the Very Rev. Protopresbyter Vasily Demyanyk of Holy Protection Cathedral of the UAOC Eparchy of Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine. They were also able to meet members of the Peekskill Area Pastor's association as well as Metropolitan Mykhayil's sister Edwina and cousin Laura Yafcak. A surprise visit from their cousins, Bonnie and George Hernandez of Queens was an added feature to their time at the Metropolitan chancery.

At the link below are some pictures during the visit of Mr. and Mrs. Kobus. They had the opportunity to attend the Divine Liturgy on two consecutive Sundays, as well as celebrate the "blessing of cars" in honor of the Feast of the Holy Prophet Elias. Other pictures include scenes from their travels throughout the New York City area, including a trip to the scenic Bear Mountain Park and Perkins Memorial Drive, overlooking the breathtaking Hudson River ValleyPeekskill Bay.

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