Lodge 2 - Munhall, PA
Our Flag Day Project this year was to purchase a flag pole and flag for the outside of St. John the Baptist Byzantine Catholic Cathedral.
The flag had been ordered, and delivered to the Cathedral. Originally, the flag pole was to be installed in the Circle, by the light closest to the parish house. The lights are on all night around the Cathedral and the Center and therefore the flag will be illuminated at all times. Father Dennis Bogda wanted to dedicate the pole and the flag on Sunday, June 13 in observance of Flag Day. He also wanted to have a parish picnic that day.
However, these plans did not materialize due to the Intereparchial Celebration honoring the clergy of the Metropolia during the Year for Priests, which was held on June 8 and 9 at the Cathedral. Needless to say Metropolitian Basil passed away shortly after the end of the Intereparchial Celebration and everything has since been put on "hold" for the time being.
Congratulations. The Rev. Eugene Yackanich, who is the spiritual Advisor for Lodge 2 and also for District 1, was chosen as the administrator to oversee the Archeparchy until Pope Benedict XVI appoints the next archbishop. Father Eugene was appointed by the College of Consultors, who met immediately after the funeral for Metropolitian Basil. He will not oversee the other eparchies. This has been temporarily assigned to Bishop William Skurla of Passaic.
Father Eugene's duties "entail keeping whatever has been going on to this point rolling along, and taking care of important things that may come up."
Father Eugene, who is 70 years old, was born in Trauger, PA. He was ordained in 1965 and has been the pastor at St. Elias for the past 17 years. His father was also a Byzantine Catholic Priest.
Day Trip to Amish Country. On Thursday, July 20, twenty-six lodge members, family and friends took a day trip to Middlefield, OH to Amish Country. It was a beautiful, hot summer day with the threat of thunder showers. Thankfully they never materialized and we just had a couple of raindrops.
Our first stop was at Ridgeview Farm, where we picked up our guide for the day. There we were treated to cookies, coffee and/or lemonade. Then we visited the Amish Culture Center and Petting Barn. We were also able to purchase all sorts of homemade canned goods and fresh produce. Upon leaving everyone was given a 1/2 pint of blackberries.
Our next stop was the Fig Tree Bulk Foods Store. There we were able to purchase all sorts of fresh made peanut butter, bulk candies, bulk food, etc.
The highlight of our trip was lunch at Rachel Yoder's home, where we were treated to an Amish Wedding Feast. The meal consisted of fruit salad, 7 layer salad, date pudding, homemade bread, butter, peanut butter, fruit preservers, fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, creamed peas, homemade apple, cherry and lemon pie and coffee and/or lemonade.
We were surprised to see how modern their home was. They took out all of the furniture from the living room and dining room and put in long tables for our meal. We were told that quite a few families owed mortgages to the local bank. The only thing lacking in the Yoder home as that they had no gas or electricity.
We had three children in our group, ages 11, 12 and 14 and they were just thrilled to eat in an Amish home. Everyone also received a loaf of bread.
The next stop was the Buckeye Chocolate Factory, owned by two brothers. There were many samples to try out. We were told that they also distribute their delicious candy to the Giant Eagle Stores in our area.
The next stop was the Middlefield Cheese Company where they had all sorts of different cheeses, including one of my favorites, horseradish cheese. Samples were also very plentiful.
The last stop was at the End of the Commons General Store. There they had an old fashioned variety and hardware store, together with a more modern section. They carried Amish meats and cheeses, bulk food, etc. The entire group was treated to a hand dipped ice cream cone. That a great treat!
We arrived home early evening, tired, but not at all hungry, with some great memories of a fun filled day.
Planned Lodge Activities for 2010
Week of September 5 -9/11 Observances
September 11-12 & 18-19 -Annual Sweater Drive at St. John’s & St. Elias
September 12 -Third Quarter Meeting at Seven Oaks
October 31 -Annual District 1 Meeting
November 6-7 & 13-14 -17 th Annual Food Drive at St. John’s & St. Elias
Week of November 11 -Veterams Day Observances
November 28 -Fourth Quarter Meeting
December 5 -Annual ECF St. Nicholas Day Celebration at St. John’s & St. Elias