Page 38 - December Mag 2025small

FRATERNAL

Ascension Byzantine Catholic Church
CLAirton, PA

Church Picnic
The Ascension of Our Lord Church held their annual parish
picnic on Sunday, September 28. The menu included Barb Berchok and Yvonne Opalenik.
hot dogs and hamburgers fresh off the grill. Guests Buffet line.
provided a variety of covered dishes including
homemade salads, vegetables and desserts.
Father Christopher Burke gave the blessing before
the meal. GCU Parish Coordinator Trish Roberts
planned and sponsored the children’s games. Kids
had fun searching for candy in the hay, a parachute
game, bean bag toss and baseball darts. Alex
Lassige and Sara Pavlick set up and supervised the
games joining in with the kids. A photo opportunity Parachute Game.
of an old fashion picnic was set up for guests to Candy straw game.
take pictures. Everyone enjoyed the day and opportunity for
joining friends and socializing.

Veterans Recognition
Father Christopher Burke recognized all of the
parish’s service men and women at Liturgy on
November 9. He requested that veterans who
were present come forward for a personal
blessing. Everyone was invited to a cake and
coffee social following Liturgy. Each veteran
received an Eat-n-Park gift card and a flag pin.
The ECF class made cards with poppies for each
veteran. The children shared poetry that they
wrote to thank them for their service and led the
Pledge of Allegiance and God Bless America.

Fr. Christopher Burke blessing Veterans William Kerr, John Glegyak, Donald Trish Roberts | Byzantine Parish Coordinator
Buchina, Michael Cherepko and Michael Sowko.

The group of Vets and attendees.
Pledge of Allegiance.

Alex Lassige and Mason
Luketich.

36 GCU MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2025