Chris Voag is organizing this fundraiser on behalf of his mother Donna a granddaughter of Michael & Anna Sokol Osifchin, Carpatho-Rusyn immigrants from Udol, Slovakia and Michael and Maria Youpa Chanda from Maly Lipnik, Slovakia.
The Millennium Udol Association www.udol.sk is nonprofit organization established in village Udol. The aim of the association is to promote community development in the village, especially of Ruthenian Culture activities for young people that go to education and developing a positive impact on social life.
Šariš and Košice county 1923—1928, Šariš-Zemplín county 1940—1945, district Lipany until 10 December 1922, Sabinov until the year 1948, Stará L'ubovna 1948-1960, Prešov 1960—1968. Since 1968 district of Stará L'ubovna.
Local places:
Majer, Poza most.
Population numbers:
In the year 1787—416 inhabitants, 1828—663, 1869—718, 1880—680, 1890—685, 1900—666, 1910—490, 1921—524, 1930—524, 1940—591, 1948—529, 1961—526, 1970—574, 1980—569, 1991—496.
The year 1921 136 houses and 524 inhabitants: 27 of Czechoslovak nationality, 474 Ruthenian, 23 foreigners, 16 Roman-Catholic religion, 508 Greek Catholic.
The year 1991—136 houses and 496 inhabitants: 348 Slovak, 1 Czech, 80 Ruthenian origin, 66 Ukraine, 1 other, 14 Roman Catholic, 379 Greek Catholic, 41 Orthodox, 10 without religion, 52 not identified.
The acreage:
1316 hectares.
History:
The community is first mentioned in the year 1349 in a document in connection with the sale of the šoltýstvo, when Michal, the son of Fabián, šoltýs at that time, sold the local šoltýstvo, which he bought from Mikuláš, to two Spiš townsmen. The field of land, the brewery and the mill belonged to the šoltýstvo. The village existed two-three decades before the year 1349. It was established by settlers with the šoltýstvo according to the purchase right on the estate domain of Plave, at the end of the 13th century and the beginning of the 14th century. The village was part of the castle estate domain of Plave , continuously between the 14—16th centuries. In the documents between 14—16th centuries the village is mentioned under the name Ujlak. It was the Slovak form of the originally Hungarian name Ujlak, put together from words "uj" which means new and "lak" which means residence, community. The Hungarian name was implemented by village feudals and the domain of Plave.
In the year 1427 in the portal register of Šariš county, the Hungarian name is added under the name Wyak. At that time Ujak households were taxed by a tax to the King from 32 port, so Ujak was a big village. It's legal pertinence was confirmed by the šoltýs, in 1567. Later on peasants gradually moved out and housing development became extinct. In the document about the Plave domain from the second half of the 15th century and beginning of the 16th century the community isn't mentioned. The new housing development was established by Ruthenian settlers with the šoltýs between the years 20—30 of the 16th century. In the year 1600 the housing development consisted of 17 inhabited serf houses and the house of the šoltýs. In the renewed village in the second half of the 16th century, the village grew to be a middle-sized village in which, except for the family of the šoltýs, lived the serf's population especially of Ruthenian origin.
In the year 1755 the community burned down. In the year 1787 it had 61 houses and in 1828, 88 houses. In the year 1867 the community was affected by an epidemic of cholera. After the Czechoslovak Republic was proclaimed, the community people rebelled against representatives of the old regime. At this revolt the store and pub were robbed. The population was occupied with agriculture, cattle breeding and seasonally by work in the forest.
During the first Czechoslovak Republic many inhabitants emigrated to the U.S.A. and Canada for work. During the time of the second World War the population supported guerrilla groups and many people took part in the Slovak National Uprising. The community was liberated on the 23rd of January, 1945. The revolutionary national committee was created on the 25th of January, 1945— the chairman was Peter Havran and secretary was Štefan Šcerbák. In the 1946 elections, the Communist party won. From the total amount of voices 303, it got 195, the Democratic party 106, the party of work 1 and the party of freedom 1 voice. In the year 1947, 17 families left to the USSR. JRD (Unified Farmer's Cooperative) was established in 1950, in 1971 joined with Hajtovka JRD. The community was given electricity after liberation (1954). The building of Unity SD (consumer cooperative farm) (1953), the cultural house (1977), local communications, new family houses, school (1977), buildings of JRD, local radio, football playground (1990), tennis courts (1992) water pipes (1994) and other buildings were built (in these years).
Religious:
St. Dimitri's Greek Catholic Church
The Church of Saint Dimitry, the martyr (Greek-Catholic), built in the year 1866, repaired in 1889 and 1943, Classic style, with a semicircle cap of the Presbyter. In 1889 donations were solicted from parishioners and former Greek Catholic residents then residing in America for the construction and instalation of an Iconistasis. From the year 1866 until the installation of the Iconistasis in 1889 The Church of Saint Dimitry did not have an Iconistasis. The Font—chalice shape, stone with the sign of the cross, is from the year 1656. The chalice—Baroque style, is from the year 1773, made of gilded silver. Prior to 1866 there was a wooden church on a location below the existing church. This church like many of the wooden structures of the day caught fire and burned down.
Orthodox
On August 11, 2004 a Slovak Orthodox Church was consecrated for the Orthodox residents of the village. The church also was dedicated to Saint Dimitry. In September of 2004 Metropolitan Herman of the Orthodox Church in America visited Ujak and presented the faithful with a financial gift collected from various OCA parishes.
Irena Nevická was a published and well known author who resided in Ujak/Udol.Born Irena Anna Burik in Zbudska Bela (Medzilaborce district) on December 10, 1886, she was the daughter of Paul Burik, a professor who graduated from Budapest and Vienna Universities and Anna Rovaliczky.Irena was baptized in the Greek (Byzantine) Catholic church of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary (erected 1730) on February 20, 1887.She would spend her entire life writing about religious faith and striving to elevate the level of Rusyn awareness.During the early years, she attended German and Hungarian elementary schools in the town of Sabinov which was approximately 65 miles from Zbudska Bela.Unfortunately, tragedy befell this author early as her mother, Anna died when Irena was a young girl.After her mother’s untimely death, her father Paul decided to move and the family lived in Stara Lubovna and Presov.During this time Irena’s grandmother helped care for her.Later, Irena applied and was accepted at the Presov Greek Catholic Teachers’ College.This college (constructed in 1895) was an institution of higher learning operated by the Greek Catholic church.The college offered a focus on the exclusive training of elementary school teachers.Irena was very sensitive to the needs of the Rusyn people and these strong feelings would be pronounced in her writings.Also, she wished to elevate the educational standards of those who did not have opportunities to attend elementary school or college.Her ideas were also instrumental in the establishment of many amateur theater groups.She wrote plays and organized formal Catechism schools to instruct children in the Greek Catholic faith. Her plays were interwoven with inspirational themes such as having pride in your heritage and spiritual awareness.
In 1912, while living in Udol/Ujak she wrote a play “Providence” which was performed quite frequently.She also wrote plays entitled “Fire”, “Christmas Gift,” “Destiny” and “Prince Fedor Koryatovych.”During these years she also wrote poetry and one anthem of unification of the Ruthenian lands was prevalent in her poem “Koryatovych on Top of the Carpathians.”A portion of the poem in English states: and people, Prince of people Carpathians, and his love sincere brother, my brother, to work, to work, to liberty, the spring bloom cornfield and paradise is still here, to life!
Irena married a Greek Catholic priest, Father Emil Nevicky born August 27, 1878 in Semetkovce.Father Emil was the son of Anton Nevicky, parish priest in Semetkovce and Gabriella Andrejkovits.In 1909, Father Emil became resident pastor of St. Dimitry’s Greek Catholic church in Ujak/Udol and would remain for eleven years.Her husband would travel to America many times to serve in various capacities.In 1911, Irena published a number of periodicals under the pen names Nedilja, Anna Novak and Anna Gorjak.Later, she would discard her pen names and only utilize her formal name. On October 4, 1920 Irena’s husband Father Emil was in the United States and visited Saint Michael’s Greek (Byzantine) Catholic Church (later Cathedral) in Passaic, New Jersey.This church was built by many of his former parishioners who had immigrated; over 50 percent of the parish were from Ujak/Udol.Father Emil offered mass, visited with his former parishioners and spoke at a public meeting.Father Emil also toured the United States and visited sixty communities.In November 1920 he returned to Slovakia but on December 26, 1921, he once again emigrated from the Port of Southampton on the SS Carmania and arrived at the Port of New York.Father Emil joined his uncle, Father Michael Andrejkovic, who was pastor of St. Mary’s Greek (Byzantine) Catholic Church in Jersey City, New Jersey.His shipping manifest states Irena remained in Slovakia and resided at 16 Majsesova, Presov.
Irena and Father Emil had a number of children; a few being Dionyz (born 1904 in Cicava), Paul (born 1906 in Cicava), Elizabeth (born 1908, birthplace unknown), Nicholas (born 1910 in Ujak/Udol), Martha (born 1914 in Ujak/Udol) and Vladimir (born 1919 in Ujak/Udol.)Irena continued to write essays, poetry and translated numerous novels and literary works; she was a full time mother but never stopped being an author.
While her husband was in America, Irena founded a women’s association (Soyuz) and published a yearly calendar (Zenscyn) which circulated in Eastern Slovakia beginning in 1922.Also, during this period she was very active with women’s groups, one being named "Enlightenment" in Presov and one with ties to Uzhgorod.In 1924 she published a very popular novel "Truth" a historical and spiritual work pertaining to the early church based upon the bible. This novel began Irena’s wide ranging success as an author and her name became well known.
In July 1923 her husband Father Emil was installed the first resident pastor of Saints Peter and Paul Greek (Byzantine) Catholic Church in Minersville, Pennsylvania.He would remain at this church until 1939.He returned to Slovakia for visits and one, to meet with the Bishop of Presov, Bishop (later pronounced Blessed by Pope John Paul II) Paul Goydich on November 30, 1930.While in America, Father Emil also was pastor of Holy Spirit Greek (Byzantine) Catholic Church in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.Father Emil worked tireless hours to raise all necessary funds for the construction of a new church for his Williamsport parishioners.The new church; across the street from the first church; was blessed on May 30, 1925.The dedication services were held by the Dean of the area Greek Catholic churches, Nicholas Chopey.Dean Chopey was assisted during this service by Father Nevicky and Father Chanat of St. John’s Greek (Byzantine) Catholic Church in Pottstown, Pennsylvania.In 1925, Irena once again published a novel “Divine Providence” and in 1929 another book was published entitled “Present.”Irinia at this time continued to write plays which were performed on the stage in Presov, Medzilaborce and even in Uzhgorod.Also, from 1931 to 1932, Irena began publishing the newspaper “Word of Nation.” This was the first newspaper printed in the Rusyn language and was issued bi-monthly.Irena worked constantly to highlight the national identity of our people in Slovakia.
On December 30, 1939 Irena once again experienced sorrow when her husband, Father Emil died.Irena was only 53 years old. Many of her stories and periodicals from this period combined a spiritual theme with a solid moral message.Her style was flowing and very creative which drew a large audience.Irena also loved to weave tales of good triumphing over evil and personal heroics in the face of difficult challenges. Publications during this time were “Sunday Rusin,” “Our Native Land,” “Freedom,” and “Trembita.”
After the Second World War and with the tyranny of the communist system, Irena’s works were classified as “bourgeois nationalism” and her writings were limited or banned outright.Irena continued to write but on a limited scale.She did continue her work with various women’s groups but as these became indoctrinated by communist philosophy, she withdrew and ceased to be a writer, journalist and advocate for her cultural heritage.At this time nothing of a religious nature; especially by someone who was Greek Catholic and the wife of a Greek Catholic priest (the Greek Catholic Church was outlawed by the communist regime in 1950); could be published.She also could no longer teach children their Greek Catholic catechism.Teachers were not permitted to give religious instruction and ones who had been trained in church based university were rarely given employment.During this period Irena lived a difficult life.Her works were banned, the Greek Catholic Church was outlawed and views on the church and of a strong national identity made her the target of persecution.
On September 21, 1965, after working a lifetime as an author, playwright, teacher and supporting her husband in his service to the Greek Catholic church for numerous years, Irena Anna Nevicka passed away in Presov at the age of 79.She was buried in the Presov community cemetery.Two works written and never published during the communist period are now in print.One novel is “Matija Kukolka” and it was first published during the Prague Spring of 1968, a second printing was issued in 1994.The other is a research report on renovation work performed on a Renaissance Manor House at Demjata, near Presov in Eastern Slovakia. The name of the report is “Renaissance Castle in Demjata,” it was published in Bratislava in 1982.
Thankfully, Slovakia now is a free and independent nation.Irena Nevicka’s works are being published once more for a new generation to discover her brilliant literary talent.This devoted author played a significant part in Rusyn cultural life.Since 1991, Irena’s plays have been performed throughout the Presov region and enjoy overwhelming success.Each year there is a competition in her memory for the best actors in each play category.The next “Irena Nevicka” artistic competition will be held in Presov during 2012.
She has also not been forgotten in her former town of residence.The villagers of present day Udol/Ujak renamed the house of culture (social gathering hall) in her memory.A memorial plaque dedicated to Irena Nevická has been placed on the building honoring her life and literary accomplishments.Many of these literary works were written in the village of Ujak/Udol.Thankfully, they are read and performed once more.
LEFT - Anna Kravcak 1923-2006, sisters Helena Keda 1910 -, Maria Kravcak 1912 -, sister-in-law Maria Kravcak 1914- (Unclear as to who is who in the photo)
Circa 1935
Courtesy of Slavomir Gladis
(CENTER) Maria Timko (Wife of Vasil Dornic) (RIGHT) Maria Fengya Elias (Wife of Michael Gladis (LEFT) Ujak school teachers daughter perhaps with the surname Sima (Shima).
Circa 1925
Courtesy of Slavomir Gladis
(Photo and Identifications Courtesy of Slavomir Gladis)
From the Left - Stefan Kovalycsik (Rear Left Side, standing, arm on hip), Nicholas Fenda, John Arendacs (arm on Nicholas Kravchak), Michael Miklus, Michael Kokinda (next to Stefan Kovalycsik), Stefan Kravchak alias Adamchin, Nicholas Kravchak, Michael Pruzsinsky, Nicholas Pruzsinsky (to the side of Michael Pruzsinsky), John Dopiryak (standing off to right side feet spread), Peter Kravchak, Jr. (sitting arms on legs), Stefan Hrinya alias Adomajacka, John Kravchak alias Juskiv (John was the captain of the fire department), Stefan Chanda or Nicholas Soroka, Michal Kravchak alias Zmurovanici, left front John Kokinda, John Fedorko.
#1 Anna Surgentová nee Arendáčová (Arendac Pristas), b. 1909 wife of Nicoli Surgent.
#2 Maria Surgentová, b. 1928 (later wife of Jan Knap).
Identified by Margita Hnatova and confirmed by the daughter of Maria Knapova nee Surgentová.
Man in the center with white shirt Karl Fecisin 1897-1976
Identified by Stefan & Margita Gladis.
Please contact us at editors@tccweb.org if you are able to make an indentification.
A Saint Visited Ujak!
Greek Catholic Bishop Gojdic Visited Ujak after WWII. Year of visit about 1945.
Bishop Gojdic was beatified a Saint on November 4, 2001 by Saint Pope John Paul, II.
He was officially honored by the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial in 2008 as one of the Righteous Among the Nations.
(Photo courtesy of Slavomir Gladis)
Identified February 2018 by, Margita Hnatova
1. Bishop Pavol Peter Gojdič.
2. Wife of the priest in Ujak, Mrs. Hromjak.
3. The priest in Ujak Vladimír Hromjak, who was the administrator of the parish in Ujak between 1931 and 1950.
4. Sisters of Bishop Gojdič.
5. Teacher and cantor in Ujak František Jacko.
6. Alexander Hromjak - son of Father Vladimír Hromjak.
7. Laco Hromjak - son of Father Vladimír Hromjak.
8. "Baron from Plaveč" He was a descendant of the ruler of Plaveč Castle.
Please contact us at editors@tccweb.org if you are able to make an indentification.
PAVOL GOJDIČwas born on July 17th, 1888 at Ruské Pekľany near Prešov, into the family of the Greek-Catholic priest Štefan Gojdič; his mother’s name was Anna Gerberyová. He received the name of Peter in baptism.
He attended the elementary school at Cigeľka, Bardejov and Prešov, finishing his primary studies at Prešov, which he concluded with his maturity exam in 1907. Obeying God’s call to the priesthood he began his study of theology at Prešov. Since he obtained excellent results, he was sent a year later to continue his studies in Budapest. Here too he tried to lead a profound spiritual life. While still a seminarian he was directed by his spiritual director on these lines: „Life is not difficult, but it is a serious matter“- words that were to guide him throughout his life. Having finished his studies on August 27th 1911 he was ordained priest at Prešov by Bishop Dr. Ján Valyi. After his ordination he worked for a short period as assistant parish priest with his father. After a year he was appointed prefect of the eparchial seminary and at the same time taught religion in a higher secondary school. Later he was put in charge of protocol and the archives in the diocesan curia. He was also entrusted with the spiritual care of the faithful in Sabinov as assistant parish priest. In 1919 he became director of the episcopal office.
To everyone’s surprise on July 20th, 1922 he joined the Order of St. Basil the Great at Černecia Hora near Mukačevo, where, taking the habit on 27.1.1923 he took the name Pavol. He took this decision as a sign of modesty, humility, and a desire to lead an ascetic life in order to better serve God. But God willed otherwise and had ordered him to a higher office as bishop. On September 14th, 1926 he was nominated Apostolic administrator of the eparchy of Prešov. During his installation as Apostolic Administrator he announced the programme of his apostolate: „With the help of God I want to be a father to orphans, a support for the poor and consoler to the afflicted“.
The first official act of Pavol Gojdič in his office as newly appointed administrator of the eparchy of Prešov was to address a pastoral letter on the occasion of the 1100° anniversary of the birth of St. Cyril, apostle of the Slavs. Thus he begins his activity in the spirit of the aspostle of the Slavs, always faithful to Rome, as they were. He was a Slav and was very fond of his oriental rite.
A short time later, on March 7th, 1927 he was nominated bishop with the title of Harpaš (Church of Harpaš - in Asia Minor). The episcopal consecration took place in the basilica of San Clemente, Rome, on March 25th, 1927, the feast of the Annunciation of Our Lady.
After his episcopal ordination he visited the basilica of St Peter in Rome, where he prayed on the tomb of the Apostle. On March 29th 1927, together with Bishop Nyaradi, he was received in a private audience by the Holy Father Pius XI. The pope gave Bishop Pavol a gold cross saying: "This cross is only a faint symbol of the heavy crosses that God will send you, my son, in your work as bishop“.
For his episcopal programme he chose as a motto the following words: "God is love, let us love Him!“ As bishop he was engaged in the promotion of spiritual life of both clergy and faithful. He insisted on the proper celebration of the liturgy and of church feasts. Following new conditions he erected new parishes, for instance, in Prague, Bratislava, Levoča and elsewhere. Thanks to his hard work the orphanage at Prešov was built, and entrusted to the local sisters. His activity in the scholastic field was outstanding, as is proved by the foundation of the Greek-Catholic school in Prešov in the year 1936. He supported also the teaching academy, the seminary, colleges etc. He was interested in every aspect of spiritual reading, which resulted in the launching of the review Blahovistnik (Messenger of the Gospel), Da prijdet carstvije Tvoje (Thy Kingdom Come) and various prayers etc., published by the PETRA publishing house. For his kindness, caring and charitable relationship with the people he was described as "a man with a heart of gold“.
An important characteristic of the bishop was also his strong affection for the Eucharistic Saviour, which he continually strengthened through his visits to the Blessed Eucharist in the chapel at his residence. Another characteristic, not less evident, of his spiritual life, was his devotion to the Sacred Heart. Already as a Seminarian in Budapest he had consecrated himself to the Sacred Heart and this he confirmed every morninng with the words "All the prayers, sacrifices and crosses I offer to make up for the sins of the whole world!“. One must not forget that the bishop had great devotion to the Mother of God and as as a marian devotee held in his residential chapel a picture of the Virgin of Klokočov, in front of which he prayed every day and to whose protection he entrusted himself and the whole eparchy.
On April 13, 1939 he was appointed apostolic administrator in Slovakia of the Apostolic Administration of Mukačevo. In the difficult situation of the Slovak State he became a thorn in the flesh for the representatives of the government of the time and so offered his resignation from the post - in fact the present Holy Father appreciated his work and not only refused his resignation but also made him residential bishop of Prešov. And so on August 8th, 1940 he was solemnly enthroned at Prešov and then on January 15, 1946 confirmed in his jurisdiction over the Greek-Catholics in the whole of Czecho-Slovakia.
The progress in religious and spiritual life in the eparchy that followed the personal example and fervour of Bishop Pavol was interrupted by the events of war, and especially with the coming to power of the communistcs in 1948. Their ideological programme made itself felt above all against the Greek-Catholic Church. Bishop P. P. Gojdič resisted any initiative to submit the Greek-Catholics to Russian orthodoxy assisted by the communist party and the power of the State, even though he knew he was risking persecution and arrest; maybe even death. Gradually he was isolated from the clergy and the faithful.
Even though put under severe pressure to renounce the Catholic faith and break unity with the Pope, he refused every attractive offer and exclaimed: "I am already 62 and sacrifice all my goods and residence, but I will not deny my faith in any way because I want to save my soul. Do not even come to me.“
During the events sadly known of Sobor of Prešov, April 28, 1950, when the State outlawed the Greek-Catholic Church and forbade her activity, bishop Pavol Gojdič was arrested and interned. Thus began his via crucis in many prisons of what was Czecho-Slovakia, which ended with his death.
In the days from the 11 to the 15 of January 1951 in a trial set up against the so called high treason bishops (Vojtaššák, Buzalka, and Gojdič) he was given a life sentence; fined two hundred thousand crowns and deprived of all his civic rights. Transfers from one prison to another followed. Bishop P. P. Gojdič suffered physical and psychological punishments, humiliations, was forced to do the most difficult and degrading jobs. Howewer he never complained and never asked to be relieved. He made use of every available time to pray, and celebrated the sacred liturgy in secret. Followyng the amnesty in 1953, given by State President A. Zapotocký, his life sentence was changed to 25 years detention. He was then 66 and his state of health deteriorated continuosly. Yet all further requests for amnesty were refused.
Bishop Pavol Gojdič could only leave prison at the cost of his faithfulness to the Church and to the Holy Father. Various offers were made to him, as is proved by an events that he himself recounts: In the prison of Ruzyň he was received in an office, where he had been brought from his cell, by a high official in uniform. This informed him that from that office he would go straight to Prešov, on condition that he was willing to become patriarch of the Ortodox church in Czecho-Slovakia. The bishop refused this offer excusing himself and explaining that this would be a very grave sin against God, a betrayal of the Holy Father, of his conscience and of his faithful, most of whom were then suffering persecution.
Even in the most difficult situation he abandoned himself to the will of God, as can be seen from these words of his: "I do not really know whether it is a gain to exchange the crown of martrydom with two or three years of life in freedom. But I leave the good Lord to decide“. On the occasion of his 70° birthday even the Holy Father Pius XII sent him a telegram in prision. In it he assured him he would not forget his heroic son. For the bishop this was one of his best days in prison.
A great desire of bishop Gojdič was to die comforted by the sacraments on his birthday. Both desires were fulfilled.
Father Alojz Vrána was transferred to the room of the prison hospital of Leopoldov (Slovakia), where the bishop passed his last days, and could hear his confession. The chalice of suffering of bishop Pavol was about to overflow. An eye witness of the last instants of his life was his fellow prisoner - the nurse František Ondruška, who has given a unique testimony. He confirmed that the desire of the bishop had been fulfilled - he died on July 17th, 1960 that is on the day of his 72nd birthday. He died in the hospital of the prison of Leopoldov as a result of illness resulting from the ill treatment he had suffered. Afterwards he was buried without ceremony in the prison cemetery in a nameless tomb, with the prison number 681.
As a result of the easing of the political situation in Czecho-Slovakia in 1968, the state autorities after many delays gave permission for exhuming the mortal remains of bishop P. P. Gojdič. This happened in the cemetery of Leopoldov on October 29, 1968 and was followed by the transfer of the remains to Prešov. By a decision of the autorities set up after the soviet occupation these were transferred to the crypt of Greek-Catholic Cathedral of St John the Baptist in Prešov. From May 15th, 1990 they are to be found in a sarcofagus in the chapel of the cathedral.
Bishop Pavol Gojdič was legally rehabilitated on September 27th, 1990. Subsequently he was decorated posthumously with the Order of T. G. Masaryk - II class, and with the Cross of Pribina - 1st class.
The Holy Father, John Paul II during his historic visit in Slovakia, while visiting Prešov, prayed at the tomb of this bishop-martyr in the chapel of the cathedral.
Identified with the assistance of Marian Hnat, villagers of Ujak and Slavomir Gladis.
1 – possibly Anna Hriňová (Adamojacka) ?
2 – Helena Hriňová nee Fenďová (wife of Daniel Hriňa-4, daughter of 8, sister of 9 and 12)
3 - Helena Soroková nee Fabianová (wife of Petro Soroka-5)
4 – Daniel Hriňa (husband of 2)
5 – Petro Soroka (husband of Helena Soroková-3)
6 – Mária Hnatová nee Rohaľová (nursery school teacher in Ujak)
7 – Anna Fenďová nee Fenďová (wife of Jan Fenďa-9)
8 – Anna Fenďová nee Kravčáková (mother of 2, 9 and 12 & sister of 16)
9 – Ján Fenďa (husband of 7, son of 8 & brother 2 and 12)
10 – Milan Fenďa (son of 7 and 9)
11 – Anna Lešková nee Hriňová (sister of 14 & daughter of 15 and 17)
12 – Michal Fenďa (husband of 13 & brother of 2 and 9 )
13 – Margita Fenďová nee Pružinská (wife of 12)
14 – Mária Kravčáková nee Hriňová (sister of 11 & daughter of 15 and 17)
15 – Helena Hriňová nee Hriňová (wife of 17)
16 – Michal Kravčák (Zmurovanici), (brother of 8)
17 – Mikolaj Hriňa (Jurkiv), (husband of 15)
18 – Mikolaj Arendač (Pristašiv), (husband of Helena nee Hriňová)
19 – Emilia/Milka Fenďová, now Murcková (daughter of 7 and 9)
20 – Helena Hriňová, now Chomová (daughter of 2 and 4)
21 - Darina Hnatová, now Compeľová (daughter of 6)
22 – Daniel Hriňa (son of 2 and 4)
23 – Darina Fenďová (daughter of 7 and 9)
24 - Margitka Fenďová, now Sivoňova (daughter of 12 and 13)
The Kravcak Family, 1951
(Photo courtesy of Slavomir Gladis)
Hrina Family, 1961
Courtesy of Elena Chomová nee Hriňová
Woman on far right Anna Hriňová nee Fabianová (Grandmother of Elena Chomová), girl Elena and Mother Helena, holding baby Maria Kravčáková nee Hriňová and baby Emilia.
The Church of Saint Dimitry, the martyr (Greek-Catholic), built in the year 1866, repaired in 1889 and 1943, Classic style, with a semicircle cap of the Presbyter. In 1889 donations were solicted from parishioners and former Greek Catholic residents then residing in America for the construction and instalation of an Iconistasis. From the year 1866 until the installation of the Iconistasis in 1889 The Church of Saint Dimitry did not have an Iconistasis. The Font—chalice shape, stone with the sign of the cross, is from the year 1656. The chalice—Baroque style, is from the year 1773, made of gilded silver. Prior to 1866 there was a wooden church on a location below the existing church. This church like many of the wooden structures of the day caught fire and burned down.
Plaque installed behind the Iconastasis
This Church was built in 1866. It was rededicated in 1889 by Hon. Anton Mankovits Vicar Administrator Diocese of Poprad and Pastor A.R.D. George Andrejkovits
Plaque installed behind the Iconastasis
Provided Church donations
Total 2437 fl. 63 xr.
I. Ujak parishioners
1168 fl. 82 xr.
II. Michael Fedorko Hrinya
150 fl.
III. Michael Boreczkie from Sulin
100 fl.
IV. Faithful Ujakers living in America
230 fl.
V. Church funds
788 fl. 81 xr.
fl. (Hungarian Forint/Florin)
First Holy Communion 26 May 2013
As of September 1, 2017, the centuries old beloved custom of First Holy Communion in Slovakia is being dissolved. After enduring so much oppression during the communist period to retain every aspect of Greek Catholic customs and traditions, a revered aspect of the faith will now be disbanded. It remains to be seen if this change in tradition will take root, or, will the wishes of the faithful prevail to retain this aspect of the Greek Catholic faith. Sadly many may choose to abandon their Greek Catholic Faith and attend a Roman Catholic Church to preserve this custom thereby hastening the demise of the Greek Catholic Church in villages with low membership.
According to Slovak Archbishop Cyril Vasil, secretary of the Congregation for Eastern Churches -
"Vatican II urged a recovery of the Eastern Catholic traditions, liturgy and spirituality. But, especially for Eastern Catholics living far from their churches’ homelands, uprooting vestiges of the “Latinization” can prove difficult, Archbishop Vasil said.
Using his own Slovak Catholic Church as an example, he said parishes have been asked beginning Sept. 1 to return to the Eastern Catholic tradition of administering baptism, chrismation (confirmation) and the Eucharist together at the same liturgy, even for infants. In Slovakia, as in some parishes in North America, Eastern Catholics adopted the Latin-rite church’s practicing of withholding the Eucharist until a child is about 7 and then celebrating the child’s first Communion."
Note: As of 2020 the practice of First Holy Communion in many Greek Catholic churches does continue. Along with this, practices that have been labeled as “Latin influences” such as Stations of the Cross during Lent, praying the Holy Rosary and religious stauary still prevail. These were centuries old traditions in various Greek Catholic churches. Today many Greek Catholic Churches still do not have an iconostasis. While the hierarchy in Slovakia made suggestions in 2017, it is the faithful in each church who decide what remains.
Photos With Permission by, The Greek Catholic Archbishop of Presov
Take note of the Two-Bar Cross which is tradition in this village.
Take note of the Two-Bar Cross on the wall behind the Deacon Door of the Iconistasis
Notice in the above photo the lack of "Liturgical Fans" and a "Cross". However, take note that the mural of the Holy Trinity is in a place of prominence. The church was renovated exactly as it existed since 1866.
Take note of the flag of The Sacred Heart of Jesus
#1 ?; #2 Maria Kravchak 1912-?; #3 Maria Dornic Kravchak 1883-1946; #4 Helena Kravchak 1910-?; #5 Anna Kravchak 1923-2006; #6 Stefan Kravchak 1908-1988; #7 John Fedorko Dornich 1896-1979#8 John Mikulik 1865
Update:
Bottom Left Front dark haired boy sitting Jan Fedorko 1916-1995; to the Right of him Nicholas "Kuba" Knap former Ujak Mayor's father (a Fenda relation); To the Left of #6 Stefan Kravchak is Karl Fecisin 1897-1976; Next to Karl is Jan Kravcak 1874-1939; Front row to the Right young girl in white dress, white babushka, and black apron Maria Sokol 1921- 2007 (later married to Jan Fedorko); To Maria's Right Stefan Sokol 1922-1989 (later married to Maria Kravcak Adamcik). Identified by Stefan & Margita Gladis.
Please contact us at editors@tccweb.org if you are able to make an indentification.
1. Ján Dornič
2. Mikolaj Kravčák
3. Michal Fedorko
4. Michal Drabišin
5. Peter Kokinda
6. Helena Sokolvá
7. Verona Arendáčová, married Špesová
8. Verona Mikulíková, married Fenďová
9. Anna Soroková
10. Mária Hriňová
11. Anna Murcková, married Fenďová
12. Margita Kravčáková, married Soroková
13. Mária Kravčáková, married Sokolová
14. Helena Kravčáková, married Knapová
Celebration of Bishop Gojdic's Visit to Ujak after WWII. Year of visit about 1945.
(Photocopy of original photograph. Photocopy courtesy of Stefan Gladis)
Identified by Margita Hnatova
1 – Mária Pružinská, rod. Fečišinová (b. 1920)
2 – Helena Hriňová (Jurkova), rod. Hriňová
3 – Jacková (Fedoraňa)
4 – possibly Mária Buková
5 – Mária Petrišinová, rod. Soroková
6 – Ján Kollár (Veľkovaňa)
7 – Mikolaj Soroka
8 – Michal Kravčák (Zmurovanici)
9 – Ján Drabišin (Vaskiv)
10 – Daniel Hriňa
11 – Michal Perháč
12 – Štefan Kravčák
13 – Emil Pružinský (son of 1)
14 – Mária Soviková, rod. Bissová
15 – Helena Hnatová, rod. Kollárová (1903-1965)
16 – Mária Soviková, rod Buková (wife of Peter)
17 – Ján Fedorko (reeve/mayor)
18 – Anna Hriňová, rod Fabiánová (mother of 10)
19 – Helena Hnatová, rod. Arendáčová (1923-2017)
20 – Mikolaj Hnat (1922-1990)
21 – Helena Hriňová, rod. Bissová
22 – Verona Fečišinová, rod. Surgentová
23 – Helena Kravčáková (Jusková), rod. Lešková
24 – Anna Drabišinová, rod. Arendáčová (wife of 9)
25 – Zuzana Dorničová
26 – Anna Soroková
27 – Verona Arendáčová, rod. Fečišinová
28 – Mária Kravčáková, rod Hriňová (daughter of 2 )
29 - possibly Mária Patorajová, rod. Hriňová
30 – Mária Soroková (Fečišinová), rod. Patorajová (wife of 7)
31 – Vasiľ Dornič
32 – Anna Šujetová, rod. Hnatová
33 – Ján Arendáč (Brother of 19)
34 – Michal Biss
35 – Mikuláš Fedorko
36 – Mikuláš Mikulík
37 – Ján Závacký
38 – Mária Hriňová, rod. Patorajová
39 – Michal Kollár (Ujak smith)
40 – Verona Lešková, rod. Kravčáková
41 – Helena Ščerbaková, rod. Murcková
42 – Mária Kravčáková (Gľučová), rod. Hriňová
43 – Mária Kollárová, rod. Pružinská (wife of 39)
44 – Mária Fedorková, rod. Sokolová
45 – Helena Kravčáková, rod. Mikulíková (b. 1929, wife of Petro Kravčák)
46 – Zuzana Mikulíková, rod. Fenďová
47 – Margita Hnatová, now Lisoňová (Daughter of 48)
48 – Margita Hnatová, rod. Kravčáková (Margita Hnatova, who identified the people in this photo)
49 – Margita Fenďová, rod. Hnatová (sister of 20)
50 – Zuzana Čandová, rod. Mikulíková
51 – Ján Hnat (1901-1987)
52 – Ján Kokinda
53 - priest in Ujak Pavel Dancák (b. 1936, d. 2019)
Please contact us at editors@tccweb.org if you are able to make any further indentifications.
In the fall of 2011 extensive damage was discovered in Saint Dimitry’s Greek Catholic Church.After a full inspection it was determined serious water and wood eating insect damage had occurred.Saint Dimitry church has stood firm since 1866.The last major repairs to the church building were undertaken in 1888 and again in 1943.A review of the entire situation with a focus on maintaining and improving the church structure was issued.Many decisions had to be made but the faithful of Udol/Ujak did not hesitate.The dedicated members of the church set out on a major renovation project.The beautiful iconostasis was sent to Poland to a company that specializes in refurnishing works of art.Also, two side altars were also sent to Poland.Thankfully, they suffered no damage as they were secured to the walls of the church.The side altars were sent with the iconostasis as a preventative measure and to restore the altars to their original beauty.
Sadly, the wooden pews were damaged by termites.After consultation, the only decision which could be reached was to destroy the pews.There was nothing that could be done to salvage these beautiful hand-carved pews.The pews were burned for fire wood which also was in accordance with tradition as they were blessed objects.
A structural examination of the choir loft revealed the entire section was in danger of collapse.The entire choir loft had to be deconstructed and carried outside of the church piece by piece.The danger the choir loft presented was at any time, it could have collapsed and many worshipers could have been seriously hurt.It is only by God’s blessing no one suffered injury.A new choir loft was constructed of treated wood and has been installed on a slant.Previously, the choir loft was in a flat, narrow box shape where worshipers in the back rows could not view services well.Now, due to the design, all those who stand in the choir loft will have no obstruction to their vision and will watch services without any form of obstruction.
Severe water damage from the roof damaged the original windows and frames.Contractors and villagers worked together tirelessly to install modern insulated windows.The flooring, also made of wood, had to be totally discarded and taken apart down to ground level.After this massive undertaking a new floor was installed, complete with a modern underground thermal heating system.The new heating system within the floor will protect the wood and also assist to heat the church.
Priceless wall and ceiling murals are also in danger.Many of the paintings were commissioned in the 1920’s from Max Kurth, (1869-1962), a well known muralist in the region.It is unknown at this time if these precious works of art can be restored due to damage.If the murals cannot be restored they may have to be painted over and new murals added.The entire interior of the church will be repainted to modernize and seal the walls due to extreme cold during the winter months.
As these major renovations continue, the devoted worshipers of Saint Dimitry’s Greek Catholic church are holding Divine Liturgy and other services in the village cultural house.It is very difficult, especially in winter, as this building was constructed many years ago and has not been updated.The building itself has suffered years of neglect and is not a proper place to hold church services.However, since there is no other location offered in the village for Greek Catholics to have their services, they must continue to meet for worship in this building.Even though this is difficult, no one has requested services be discontinued until the renovations are fully completed.
God willing, all major renovations for Saint Dimitry’s will be finalized soon.Once all is completed, the church will be a modern and entirely new house of worship.The faithful of Udol/Ujak are anticipating the rebirth of their beloved Greek Catholic Church which, the majority of village residents attend and love with all their heart.It is a tribute to their undying devotion to their Greek Catholic faith these renovations are undertaken especially during these times of economic instability.
The Work Continues
February 2012
Photos Courtesy of Stevo Gladis, Udol
Update - August 2012
Photos Courtesy of Jozef Joppa
Update - September 2012
Photos Courtesy of S. Gladis
Completed Renovation
Take note the images portrayed on the Iconistasis are not Iconography. They are religious paintings. They were not altered from the original paintings on the Iconistasis from 1888. Notice also the flag of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
Re-Dedication Services
.
Reverend Emil Nevitsky, (1878-1939)
Father Emil Nevicky born August 27, 1878 in Semetkovce. Father Emil was the son of Anton Nevicky, parish priest in Semetkovce and Gabriella Andrejkovits. He wed the former Irena Burik. Irena and Father Emil had a number of children; a few being Dionyz (born 1904 in Cicava), Paul (born 1906 in Cicava), Elizabeth (born 1908, birthplace unknown), Nicholas (born 1910 in Ujak/Udol), Martha (born 1914 in Ujak/Udol) and Vladimir (born 1919 in Ujak/Udol.)
In 1909, Father Emil became resident pastor of St. Dimitry’s Greek Catholic church in Ujak/Udol and would remain for eleven years. On October 4, 1920 Father Emil was in the United States and visited Saint Michael’s Greek (Byzantine) Catholic Church (later Cathedral) in Passaic, New Jersey. This church was built by many of his former parishioners who had immigrated; over 50 percent of the parish were from Ujak/Udol. Father Emil offered mass, visited with his former parishioners and spoke at a public meeting. Father Emil also toured the United States and visited sixty communities. In November 1920 he returned to Slovakia but on December 26, 1921, he once again emigrated from the Port of Southampton on the SS Carmania and arrived at the Port of New York. Father Emil joined his uncle, Father Michael Andrejkovic, who was pastor of St. Mary’s Greek (Byzantine) Catholic Church in Jersey City, New Jersey. His shipping manifest states Irena remained in Slovakia and resided at 16 Majsesova, Presov.
I n July 1923 Father Emil was installed the first resident pastor of Saints Peter and Paul Greek (Byzantine) Catholic Church in Minersville, Pennsylvania. He would remain at this church until his death in 1939. He returned to Slovakia for visits and one, to meet with the Bishop of Presov, Bishop (later pronounced Blessed by Pope John Paul II) Paul Goydich on November 30, 1930. While in America, Father Emil also was pastor of Holy Spirit Greek (Byzantine) Catholic Church in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. Father Emil worked tireless hours to raise all necessary funds for the construction of a new church for his Williamsport parishioners. The new church; across the street from the first church; was blessed on May 30, 1925. The dedication services were held by the Dean of the area Greek Catholic churches, Nicholas Chopey. Dean Chopey was assisted during this service by Father Nevicky and Father Chanat of St. John’s Greek (Byzantine) Catholic Church in Pottstown, Pennsylvania. On December 30, 1939 Father Emil died of heart failure at Pottsville Hospital in Pottsville, Pennsylvania.
Index: Ladislaus Kollarik; Henricus Dormicsak; Stephanus Mikulin; Joannes Lukacsov; Franciscus Franka; Andreas Chomku; Venceslaus Dormicsuv; Andreas Repela; Joannes Soltis; Joannes Pitnik; Ladislaus Jacskuv; Joannes Szorocska
The following is a list of Ujak landowning farmers as of January 1773. The list appears to be a record of the amount of land owned and the amount of tax that each farmer had to pay and to whom they owed the tax.
If your surname is not found it does not mean that they did not reside in the village as of this date. Your ancestors may have been a tenant or a sub-tenant farmer. They would have been renting from the landowning farmer or working for and residing with the tenant farmer.
I have Americanized the first names with the original Hungarian diminutive form of the first name in quotes. I have also Americanized the surnames.
The surnames are listed in the order that they appeared in the document.
Re: Diminutive First Names:
The name Jasko is from the pet form of Jan (John) in the case of this document Jasko was used as a diminutive form of Ladislav.
The Hungarian name Timko is a reduced version of the Latin name Tymotheus (Timothy). In the case of this document Timko was used as a diminutive for Thomas.
The name Fedor is a diminutive of Theodore. In the case of this document Fedor was used as a pet name for Francis.
Both 'Janko' and 'Vanyo' are pet versions for Jan (John).
The main page lists Ujak as possession No. 209
The first column has the heading of “Nomine et Cognomen Colonorum” meaning by the name and family name of the farmer.
The other headings have not been transcribed.
Those owing taxes to the widow of Baron Francis Horvath of Plavec
John Biss
Michael Stupak
Adam Fedorko
Gregory Sokol
Peter Fedorko
Stanley Stanislav 'Stasko' Stefanchin
John 'Vanyo' Hnat
John 'Vanyo' Hromissin
Gabriel 'Havrila' Stupak
John 'Vanyo' Hnat Jr.
John 'Vanyo' Mikulik
Stefan Drabisin
Lazarus 'Lazar' Hromissin
Peter 'Petro' Fedorko Jr.
Stefan Leschisin
Alexander 'Lesko' Leschisin
Nicholas 'Miklus' Mikulik
John 'Janko' Leschisin
Simeon 'Seman' Leschisin
Alexander 'Lesko' Drabisin
Those owing taxes to Baron Joseph Horvath, Sr. of Plavec
Demetrius 'Gmitro' Pardola
The widow Fechicsa
John 'Vanyo' Vanchin
The Widow John 'Vanyo' Fedor
Ladislav 'Jacsko' Dornich
Gregory 'Hricz' Vanchin
Alexander 'Lesko' Jllyasov
The widow Nicholas 'Nicolaij' Kravecz
Adam Kravecz
Gregory 'Hricz' Mudrik
Gregory 'Hricz' Kochisin
Ladislav 'Jacsko' Mikulik
Peter 'Petro' Scerbak
Gregory 'Hricz' Majirnik
Peter 'Petro' Fedor
Gregory 'Hricz' Hudak
Alexander 'Lesko' Soroka
Condrad 'Kundrat' Soroka
The widow Katherine 'Kaska' Sobika
Those owing taxes to Baron Joseph Horvath, Jr. of Plavec
Thomas 'Timko' Pardola
Alexander 'Lesko' Csuba
Francis 'Fedor' Kosotisin
Ladislau 'Jacsko' Kosotisin
Peter 'Petro' Kosotisin
Basil 'Vasko' Kosotisin
The following list was contained on the last page of the document.
'Nomine et Cognomen Inquilinov Domos Dnales habent ium'
(Name and surname of tenant residing ???)
Joseph 'Jacsko' Scerbak
A notation next to his name indicates that he owes his tax to Baron Joseph Horvath, Jr. of Plavec.
'Nomine et Cognomen Inquilinov Jmire Domo'
(Name and surname of tenant residing ???)
John 'Vanyo' Fedor
A notation next to his name indicates that he owes his tax to Joseph 'Drus' Jr. of Plavec.
Passenger lists are not limited to what is contained on the Ellis Island website. Pre-1892 records are available at the National Archives. However these records are not indexed and must be searched by date which can be a tedious process. I was searching for my Great-Grandmother Mary Sadloch and by shear luck I located her along with a group of fellow Ujak residents. Often these earlier records do not contain enough information to verify 100% that the passenger is the relation that one is searching for. The 1890 listed below is an exception in that it lists the village of origin. I was able to “verify” that it was her based upon her age, marital status, place of origin, and family history that she came to America a year or two prior to her marriage in 1892. Marital status was not listed on the particular manifest yet under my Great-Grandmother’s “occupation or calling” it was noted that she was single. Although not noted below the headings- sex; country of which they are citizens; date and cause of death; location of compartment or place each occupied; Number of pieces of baggage; and Transient or Intransient; were also included on the manifest.
During the years of 1892-1922 many residents left their quaint farming village of Ujak which is nestled in the Carpathian Mountains of Slovakia to forge a new life in America. Some would stay and raise their families in America while others would eventually return to their homes in Ujak. Quite a few Ujakers would make the trip more than once before making the final decision to stay or to return home for good. The reason for not staying in America varied, family obligations, homesickness, and not taking to the American way of life would often be factors in this decision. Whether they remained or returned home many sought a better life and made the long, heartbreaking, and sometimes dangerous journey to America. Today, the American descendants of these hardworking, religious people have a better way of life and live in one of the most prosperous nations in the world because their ancestors had the courage to strive for a new life in America.
Matej Jan Buk, son of Jan and Ivana (Nosek) Buk was ordained a deacon on June 3, 2018 at Saint John’s Greek Catholic Cathedral, Presov by Metropolitan Jan Babjak. On Saturday, June 23, 2018 he was ordained a priest at the Greek Catholic Basilica of the Virgin Mary in L’utina, Slovakia by Metropolitan Jan Babjak. Father Buk said his first Mass in Udol at Saint Dimitri’s Greek Catholic Church on Sunday, July 1st at 10 am. His wife isPani Daniela Buková nee Hrehová. Father Buk is presently the Assistant Pastor at the Greek Catholic Church of the Assumption in Vranov nad Topľou-Čemerné.
On January 22, 2012, Saint Dimitri Greek Catholic church held a religious retreat which lasted three days. The village was honored that two of the Sisters of the Congregation of Our Lady of Mercy visited the church. Sister Mary Faustina Olszewska and Sister Mary Tymotea Candova were present. Sister Mary Tymotea Candova was born and raised in Udol. She was baptized Dasa the daughter of Stefan and Margita Canda (Chanda) of Udol and the granddaughter of Anna Canda nee Patorai and the late Nicoli Canda. The parishioners were overjoyed to have her with them. The sisters brought the message of trust in Divine Mercy. The icon of Jesus pointing to his heart says “Jesus, I Trust in You.” This devotion begun in Poland by Saint Faustina Kowalska who Jesus spoke to and asked she begin this devotion. The lecture Sister Candova gave was very interesting and of great spiritual benefit to all who were in attendance. Sister Mary Tymotea Chandova and Sister Mary Faustina Olszewska are religious sisters of the first established Greek Catholic Congregation of Our Lady of Mercy located in Nizhny Hursova. This congregation is promoting the devotion of Divine Mercy in Slovakia.
Sister Candova giving her lecture
Icon of Divine Mercy Jesus I Trust in You
Sister Candova socializing with friends and family after the lecture
Father Chanda was born in Ujak in 1913 the son of John Chanda alias Kovaly and Maria Drabisin. He had a twin brother Nicholas who died in 1914. Both were were baptized by Father Emil Nevicky at St. Demetri Greek Catholic Church in Ujak. Father Chanda was educated as a teacher in Slovakia. He immigrated to the United States in 1938. He entered Saint Tikons Orthodox Seminary in South Canaan, Pennsylvania. He married the former Olga Stupak of Fitchburg, Massachusetts in 1941 at Holy Trinity Orthodox Church in Lynn, Massachusetts. Soon after his marriage he was ordained an Orthodox priest. Father Chanda served parishes from Berlin, N.H., to Forest City, Pennsylvania. From 1943 to 1947 he served at Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox Church in New Castle, Pennsylvania. His last parish being All Saints Russian Orthodox Church in Olyphant, Pennsylvania. Father Chanda died on February 18, 1998 in Pennsylvania. He is interred in St. Tikons Cemetery in South Canaan.
Peter Fengya was born in 1843 to parents Andrew Fengya a local farmer from Ujak and Suzanna Chanda from the village of Plavnica. His father was of the Greek Catholic Faith and his mother was a Roman Catholic. As tradition dictated, Peter was brought up in the rite of his father. He was conscripted into the Austro-Hungarian military and served until approximately 1870. He was sent for religious training about this time. It was rather unusual for the son of a non-priestly family to have been trained for the priesthood. Generally, the vocation to the priesthood in the Greek Catholic Church was passed from father to son.
On September 29, 1872 at the Greek Catholic Church in Cernina, Slovakia Peter Fengya wed Maria Hvozdovic. Maria was the daugther of Fr. Michael Hvozdovic and Pani Otilia Kovaliczky. Records indicate the birth of three children for Fr. Fengya and Pani Maria - Gabriela Olga b. in 1873 in Cernina; Irenus M. born in 1874; and Igor, born in 1876 in the village of Krajná Bystrá.
Peter Fengya was ordained on October 13, 1872.
From 1873-1874 Father Fengya served as the Chaplain in the village of Zavadka. Father Peter's first parish was the village of Krajná Bystrá in his home County of Sáros, today the present day Stropkov District of Slovakia. He served there at various times from 1874-1889. From 1884-1885 he served as Administrator in the village of Medvedzie, Sáros County in the present day Vysni Svidnik District. From 1889-1914 Father Fengya served as Parish Administrator for the village of Šapinec, Sáros County, in the present day Giraltovce District.
Father Peter died on June 17, 1925.
Father Peter and Pani Maria's son Igor Fengya became a Supreme Court Justice and Chairman of the Senate – Czechoslovakia, District 15 1-59. Their son Irenus (Harry) Fengya emigrated to the United States and served in the Spanish-American War.
Monsignor Michael Tidick
Michael Tidick was born in the City of Passaic, New Jersey on November 13, 1896. His parents were Ruthenian immigrants Michael and Julia (nee Sedlyar-Pristas) Tidik. His father was born in the village of Ujak, Slovakia and his mother in Matysova, Slovakia. Considering the early date of birth, there is high probability he was baptized Greek Catholic. Saint Michael’s Greek Catholic Church was functioning in Passaic and at that time there were no Orthodox churches in the Passaic area. His father was baptized Greek Catholic in Ujak and under Canon Law of the Catholic Church children follow the Rite of the father. If a priest of the Greek Rite was not available, there were a number of Roman Catholic churches on the Eastside in Passaic. In the absence of their own rite it was not uncommon for Greek Catholics to utilize a Roman Catholic priest. Michael received his primary education from the Passaic school system. A review of articles show Cantor John Boruch of Saint Peter and Paul Church in Passaic offered Michael the idea of exploring the priesthood. He attended Saint Platon’s Orthodox Theological Seminary in 1914. Due to World War I, the seminary graduated early in 1917. On September 6, 1917 in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania he married Irene Szuchan, daughter of Reverend Basil Szuchan and Pani Irene Szuchan nee Kampu. He was ordained at Saint Vladimir’s Church, New York City in 1918.
His first assignment was at Saint Peter and Paul’s Orthodox Church in Lorain, Ohio. He then was transferred to Saint Nicholas Orthodox Church in Duquesne, Pennsylvania. In 1930, the membership of Saints Peter and Paul Orthodox Church in Passaic, New Jersey led a strong movement to invite Father Tidick to transfer to their church. The board of trustees officially proposed his name at a meeting as their pastor, Father Michael Sotak, gave in his letter of resignation. Father Tidick declined the offer, stayed at his parish and during September of 1942, was transferred to Saint Michael’s Orthodox Greek Catholic Church in Binghamton, New York which was originally a Greek Catholic parish. During his career he held a number of positions with church magazines, newspapers and societies. He also managed plans to construct a new $500,000 recreation center and implemented many upgrades to the church. In 1959 he was given the title of Archpriest (called Monsignor during that time period) and continued his work in the American Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Greek Catholic Diocese. He was a member for many years of the Orthodox Catholic Clergymen’s Association of the Triple Cities.
Monsignor Tidick was beloved by his parishioners and well respected within the local community. He continued his theological studies and took singing lessons to improve his voice and train others to sing. He was a member of Saint Nicholas Cathedral Choir in New York City which was an honor. It was, and had been until a decade ago, an invitation only choir. On February 10, 1962 Monsignor Michael Tidick passed away due to poor health at the home of his son in North Hollywood, California. He was brought back to lie in state at Saint Michael’s Orthodox Greek Catholic Church in Binghamton, New York. A Solemn Requiem Funeral Divine Liturgy was held with Bishop Orestes Chornock, Bishop of the American Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Greek Catholic Diocese as main celebrant. 40 priests from New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania were con-celebrants along with a full choir. Sermons were offered by the Vicar General and Chancellor of the Diocese and two deacons assisted. He was survived by his wife Pani Irene, sons Walter, Eugene and Ernest, brothers and sisters John, Feodore, Helen and Olga. Interment was at Saint Michael’s Greek Catholic Cemetery, Dickinson, New York.
Son of Udol born native Jan Dornic. (Udol, Slovakia; formerly Ujak in Sáros County).
Ivan was born and raised in Bratislava, the capital of the Slovak Republic. He was a 1984 NHL Draft pick. He was eligible for the draft at age 22 due to NHL rule that all Europeans, regardless of age, had to enter the league through the entry draft rather than as unrestricted free agents.
Although he never played in the NHL he was selected in the sixth round No. 126 overall by the Edmonton Oilers. He played the position of Left Wing.
Pre-Draft his last team was Trencin, Czechoslovakia. In 1982 he received the silver medal in the World Junior Championships.
Ivan’s Non-NHL career consisted of Post-Draft teams Bratislava, Slovakia; Selva, Italy; and Hassfurt, Germany.
Since then he has made a coaching career. He served as coach of the Bratislava, Slovakia junior team through the 2002-2003 seasons and served as Slovakia assistant coach at the 2005 World Under-17 championships.
Ivan is the father of former major junior and European hockey player Ivan Dornic Jr. Thus far this makes the Dornics the only father-son combination ever drafted by the same general manager (Glen Sather).
Ivan Dornic Jr., hockey-New York Rangers, son of Ivan Dornic Sr.
He was the Grandson of Nicholas Fengya of Udol and Anna Arendacs of Hajtovka. Nicholas and Anna
A former Clifton New Jersey Municipal Court Judge; grandson of Nicholas Fengya native of Udol and Hajtovka native Anna Arendacs. (Udol, Slovakia; formerly Ujak in Sáros County). Nicholas came to America in the year 1888, settling in Passaic, New Jersey. His wife Anna joined him in 1895. Their son Harry Sr. was their second child born in the U.S.
Judge Fengya served 25 years on the bench. Many years ago a newsman gave him the nickname of "Hangin' Harry". His particular style of judicial justice earned him both renown and notoriety. He would fine a lawyer if he was late for court or fine a mother whose children spread lice to other kids. He felt that courtroom decorum was an important sign of respect for the system. He would often fine someone for wearing "inappropriate" attire in his courtroom. An old school Judge for sure.
Igor Peter Fengya, (1876-1933)
Senator Fengya was born in Krajná Bystrá, Stropkov District, Slovakia and baptized at the Greek Catholic Church in Krajná Bystrá. He was the son of Rev. Peter and Pani Maria (Hvozdovic) Fengya. His father, Rev. Peter Fengya was the resident parish priest and a native of Ujak.
Senator Igor Fengya was a Supreme Court Justice and Chairman of the Senate – Czechoslovakia, District 15 1-59.
He is interred in the Verejny Cintorin in Kosice, Slovakia.
Photo Courtesy of findagrave member Absik (#48036402)
Douglas W. Johnson
Connecticut born grandson of Udol natives Stephen & Anna Kovalycsik Sokol.
The great Jesus debates
"To be ignorant of these debates is to be ignorant of how we Christians came to be who we are. To know about them is to have a fuller understanding of our faith and what it means for our lives today."
— from the Preface
Grace Keown is the granddaughter of Michael & Anna Sokol Osifchin, Carpatho-Rusyn immigrants from Udol, Slovakia. Grace has created art in some form or media for most of her life. Her personal journey and exploration of various techniques have taken her into relationships with watercolor, pastel, scratchboard, acrylic, oil, pen and ink, printmaking, photography, jewelry-making, stenciling and primitive rug-hooking.
Emil Lesko, (1918-2011)
Emil was born in Passaic, New Jersey and was the son of Udol natives John Lesko and Juliana 'Helena' Mikulik.
Whistle Stop
"Emil Lesko, a World War II veteran, takes the reader back to the war days as he narrates his life story. Tracing his childhood, when he lived in a railroad shanty near a whistle stop, the author reminisces about his school and college days, and remembers his mother, who died at a young age. A simple story of a young sailor, who had been brought up on three basic principles - Love of God, Love of Country and Love of Fellow Man".
Feodore Tedick, (1914-1990)
Co-Authored by,
Steven M. Osifchin & Joy E. Kovalycsik
Feodore Tedick was an actor, singer and performer of the stage and in musicals on Broadway.
He was born in 1914 in Passaic, New Jersey, the youngest of five children born to Michael and Julia (Pristas) Tidick. His parents were Carpatho-Rusyn immigrants from the village of Ujak, Saros County, Austro-Hungary. Present day Ujak is called Udol and is located in the Stara Lubovna District. His father came to the United States in 1884 and settled in Passaic, New Jersey, later moving to Clifton area of Passaic. Michael Tidick earned his living early on as a pipe fixer, laborer in an oil cloth factory and later as a silk mill worker. Michael and Julia married on January 18, 1896 at St. Michael's Greek Catholic Church in Passaic, New Jersey. His father was naturalized in Passaic that same year.
Feodore's early education was in the Passaic school system. He received his formal education at New York College of Music. He went on to perform in many well-known productions. A listing of his credits were Bloomer Girl (October 5, 1944-April 27, 1947), Brigadoon (1950), The New Moon (1950), Paint Your Wagon (November 12, 1951-July 19-1952), A Tree Grows in Brooklyn (April 19, 1951-December 8, 1951), Iolanthe (November 10, 1952-November 15, 1952), Trial by Jury & H.M.S. Pinafore (November 3, 1952-November 8, 1952), The Mikado (October 20, 1952-October 25, 1952), Iolanthe (November 10, 1952-November 15, 1952), The Mikado (1952), Song of Norway (1959), Hit the Deck (1960), Show Boat (1961) and Fiorello (1962) and The Music Man (1963).
On television he appeared on the Colgate Comedy Hour when he replaced Lauritz Melchior. He took lead tenor roles in operas and excelled in oratorio. He was also a tenor in the male quartet, The Revelers. The Revelers were well known in both the United States and Europe for their vocal talents. The quartet as of 1959 was composed of Feodore Tedick and Thomas Edwards, tenors, Robert Irvin, baritone, and Edward Ansara, bass. The original Revelers Quartet formed in 1920 and had such distinguished members as Frank Parker, James Melton, Frank Black and Wilfred Glenn.
Feodore died on October 26, 1990 in Collier County, Florida.
Stephen Tidik, (1919-1999)
Co-Authored by, Joy E. Kovalycsik and Steven M. Osifchin
Mr. Tidik was born in the Ruthenian rural farming village of Ujak (Udol) located in Eastern Slovakia. His father Stefan was the son of Michael and Helena (Biss) Tidik. His mother was the former Maria Scerbak, daughter of Michael and Anna (Murczko) Tidik. His parents were wed September 2, 1917 in Ujak at Saint Demetri’s Greek Catholic Church. In 1921 his brother and only sibling was born. His father set off for America in 1922. He departed from Bremen, Germany on July 26 1922, sailing on the SS President Harding. He arrived in New York on August 3rd and travelled to join his brother-in-law Stephen Knapp in Canton, Pennsylvania. Stephen, his mother and brother Nicholas departed for America on November 22, 1923 sailing from Hamburg, Germany on the SS Hansa. They arrived in the United States on December 2nd. After arrival, they joined his father who was residing at 52 Calm Street in Passaic, New Jersey. From Passaic the family moved to Pennsylvania. Stephen’s Mother died when he was seven years old at the home of his father’s sister Helena Knapp in Bradford County, Pennsylvania.
Following his Mother's death Stephen returned with his Father and brother to Passaic, New Jersey. By 1930 Stephen was residing with his father at 316 Harrison Avenue, Passaic in the home of his Uncle Peter Scerbak. At this time his father was employed as a dyer at the Pater Leather Company. His father died in 1938 in Passaic. Stephen's parents are interred at Saint Michael’s Greek Catholic Cemetery in South Hackensack, New Jersey.
Stephen attended Passaic area grade school and graduated from Passaic High School. There he participated in Passaic High’s football team and in 1937 he was co-captain of the team and named one of Passaic County’s All-Stars. After graduating from Passaic High School he attended Saint Anselm’s Benedictine Catholic College in Manchester, New Hampshire on a football scholarship. He graduated with a degree in chemistry.
After college, Mr. Tidik worked for the Allen B. Dumont Laboratory in Clifton, N.J., where he helped invent the cathode-ray tube, a vacuum tube in which streams of electrons can be focused on a fluorescent screen, producing lighted traces. The tubes were used in televisions.
Stephen wed the former Edna Hazel Smith in 1946 in Passaic, New Jersey. In 1951, Mr. Tidik moved to Redondo Beach, where he owned a manufacturing company that made the tubes. In 1968 he was elected president of DF Products Corporation. The plant at the Rancho San Pedro industrial district was constructed at a cost of $400,000. It was the nation’s largest independent maker of broadcasting and industrial television tubes. The plant was located on a two and a half acre site and had central air conditioning. It was equipped with the most modern manufacturing facilities in the radar and radar television tube industry.
Mr. Tidik was an avid golfer and member of various Knights of Columbus councils. He enjoyed bridge, football and also attended Catholic church services. He died on July 12, 1999 at Los Robles Regional Medical Center after battling heart troubles for several years. He was 79. At the time of his death, he was survived by his wife, Edna Tidik; two sons; a daughter; his brother, Nicholas Tidik; and two grandchildren.
Stephen’s brother Nicholas graduated from Saint Louis University School of Medicine in 1951 and specializes in anesthesiology. Stephen and Nicholas’ story is one of resilience, survival and the American Dream.
The village of Ujak had many individuals who immigrated to America. Some of these individuals and/or their children became prominent in many professions. One person with family roots in Ujak was Peter J. Wilhousky.
Peter J. Wilhousky (1902-1978) was born in Passaic, New Jersey on July 13, 1902. He was baptized on July 20th at Saints Peter and Paul's Greek Catholic Church in Passaic, New Jersey by Father Basil Volosin. He was the son of Joseph Wilhousky and Julia Hnatt.
His father Joseph was born January 06, 1871 in Vyšný Orlík, house number 57. He was baptized at the Greek Catholic Church of the Holy Ascension in Vyšný Orlík. He was one of four children born to George Vilchiosky a farmer from Vyšný Orlík and Maria Dzipka also from Vyšný Orlík. His parents were both of the Greek Catholic faith. His mother Julia (Helena) Hnatt was born October 02, 1876 in the village of Ujak. She was baptized at St. Demetrius Greek Catholic Church in Ujak. She was one of five children born to Peter Hnatt a farmer from Ujak and Maria ‘Osifa’ Lesko also from Ujak. Her parents were both of the Greek Catholic faith. Her father had six children from a previous marriage to Anna Miklus. Ujak and Vyšný Orlík are villages within the present day Slovak Republic. Joseph Wilhousky and Julia (Helena) Hnatt married in Passaic, New Jersey on September 14, 1895. They resided in the City of Passaic and relocated to Manville, New Jersey by 1920. Joseph’s profession changed over the years. Early on he was a dry goods merchant; by 1910 he was in the retail meat business. As of 1920 he owned and operated a grocery store in Manville. Later he was employed as a municipal employee with the Borough of Manville as a tax collector. By 1940 he began a career as a real-estate broker.
Peter Wilhousky began his musical career as a member of Saints Peter and Paul's Greek Catholic (later Russian Orthodox) Cathedral in Passaic, New Jersey. As time progressed, Mr. Wilhousky furthered his musical studies at conservatory and became most popular for two of his arrangements. One arrangement, which is a popular Christmas song "Carol of the Bells", was penned by his hand as was "The Battle Hymn of the Republic."
Mr. Wilhousky prepared the choruses for legendary conductor, Arturo Toscanini during the 1940's, after which choral conductor Robert Shaw took over this position.
Being a choral director and composer/arranger, he would later become a music teacher and, also taught for many years at the world renowned Julliard School which today is located within the Lincoln Center complex in New York City.
May 2016 Performance at the Cultural House in Udol
Performing at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Greek Catholic Church in Stara Lubovna
Gazdovska Mliekaren – Gazdovska Dairy
The village of Udol (Ujak) has always had a farming presence which included dairy products. In 1947 a large farmer’s cooperative was established and in 1953 this was expanded into a consumer sales cooperative farm. It was not until recently that the production of dairy products sought to satisfy a larger base. Customers today are looking for natural, quality products which are organic based. In 2013 the building and equipment of the former cooperative farm were overhauled and retrofitted. Modern equipment and processing techniques were implanted. This was the beginning of Gazdovska Mliekaren or Gazdovska Dairy in Udol, Slovakia.
Realizing consumer interest in natural and organic products is in demand, Gazdovska Mliekaren processes high quality dairy products. These products have no preservatives or additives and are made according to the highest standards. The focus of production, for resale and wholesale, is to offer items of the best nutritional value for consumption. The highly skilled staff, which includes two highly educated technologists, offer products with no rival in the entire Stara Lubovna district. At present, a selection of the vast number of items produced are milk (plain and flavored), fresh butter, cream, farmers cheese, cow cheese with red peppers, cow cheese with garlic, smoked cheese, buttermilk, various fresh fruit flavored yogurt and various styles of cottage cheese.
Information on the opening of the Udol dairy in TV news RTCS on 02/04/2014
Max Kurth, (1869-1962)
Bio by Joy E. Kovalycsik
Max Kurth is with palette and brushes in front of an easel with a family portrait.
Presov, 1920 - Photographer Unknown
Among the historical treasures found in the Village of Udol (Ujak) in present day Stara Lubovna, a master artist adorned the interior of Saint Dimitri’s Greek Catholic Church. Max Kurth was born on February 23, 1869 in Kayna, Germany. An artist with God given talents, he pursed his craft at the School of Applied Arts in Leipzig, Austria and the Berlin Academy of Fine arts in 1897. He studied under the tutelage of Vogel, Werner and Kohner. These artists recognized his potential and Kurth won the Menzel scholarship in 1894 which took him to Italy to further his studies. Upon his return to present day Slovakia, he was fascinated with village and church life. His studied folklore in the Saros region and again was awarded the Menzelova prize in 1895. His wife Diana (nee Eberhardt), he was introduced to the wealthy family of Paul Szinyei-Merse in Jarovnice. This family secured work for Max Kurth and his fame become known throughout the region. During 1901 he relocated to Presov and set up an artist’s studio. Walking among the streets and outlying areas, he drew inspiration for his various themes of landscapes and portraits. He also had a focus on the villages within the Saris region.
Photos of painting Courtesy of Steven M. Osifchin 2004
He continued to perfect his craft by painting village scenes, everyday life events and church murals that were commissioned by various towns and villages. His altar murals in Presov, Kosice, Rudnik, Kojatice and a fresco for the Roman Catholic Franciscan Church in Presov were masterpieces. He also painted a Last Judgment for the Church of Holy Calvary in Bardejove, Chirst in the Tomb, the Resurrection of Christ and the Ascension of Christ for the Toryse Church, a Sermon on the Mount for the Lubotine church, eight mural’s from the new testament for the Greek Catholic Church in Novosad and a Last Judgment, Resurrection and 12 apostles in Mokrani. However, it was in the Greek Catholic Church in Udol where his talents culminated in a masterpiece. His mural interpretation of the Last Judgment is a stunning scene of those Christ will bring into heaven and those who are condemned. Finalized in 1924, this mural takes up the entire rear of the choir wall and draws you into this breathtaking vision of the Last Judgement. Max Kurth knew sorrow in his life and this must have affected his paintings. His son Marino died on March 21, 1941 and later, he lost his beloved wife Dianna on December 20, 1944. After the communist regime takeover of Slovakia, he was severely limited in what topics he was permitted to paint. Without artistic license, he must have felt confined and very alone. Max Kurth died on November 16, 1962 and was buried with his wife Diana in the Presov Community Cemetery. The inscription on his cemetery monument, inscribed in German, reads Kunstmaler, in English this is translated into “Painter.” Below the stone is the inscription Gottes Wille Hat Kein Warum which translates “God’s Will Has No Why.”
In June, 2011 folk singers Klaudia Sokolova and Stanislava Petrisinova represented Udol at a Singing competition held in Sarisske Jastrabie. The panel of judges was comprised of Viktor Hascak, Bozena Hanatova and John Lubimova. The panel evaluated each group by their selection of songs, artistic performance and regional costumes. According to the judges, this years competition had a much higher level of artistic quality than previous years. The competition was very well attended and held at the Lubovniansky Cultural Center. There were 32 performing artists from Circ, Udol, Litmanova, Vislanka, Lubotin, Jakubany, Plavnica and Orlov. From these groups, there were four categories of winners. The winners of the second category (second prize) were Klaudia Sokolova and Stanislav Petrisinova of Udol.
Irena Nevická was a published and well known author who resided in Ujak/Udol.
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In the fall of 2011 extensive damage was discovered in Saint Dimitry’s Greek Catholic Church.
As these major renovations continue, the devoted worshipers of Saint Dimitry’s Greek Catholic church are holding Divine Liturgy and other services in the village cultural house..jpg)
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Son of Udol born native Jan Dornic. (Udol, Slovakia; formerly Ujak in Sáros County). 
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