Cleveland Rusyn Velija Christmas Celebration St.Joseph Byzantine Catholic Church 8111 Brecksville Road, Brecksville, OH January 11, 2025 Text and Images by Tanner Mills
On January 11, 2025 the Rusyns of Cleveland came together to celebrate the Velija Christmas dinner. Traditionally for Byzantine Catholic Rusyns this takes place on Dec 24th. Jan 11th was chosen as the date of the celebration as it was still within season of Christmas for both Orthodox and Roman Catholics.
Rusyns from Ohio, Pennsylvania and even as far away as Alaska descended on St. Joseph Byzantine Catholic Church to reconnect with this vital element of their heritage.
Traditionally the meal contains 12 meatless dishes representing the twelve chosen apostles. However, as is the Rusyn custom we couldn't let anyone go hungry. Participants brought many kinds of food to feed a crowd from pirohy, Bobalky, haluski, baked cod, salmon, potato pancakes etc. you name it we had it.
Also, we had quite a few tables filled with ethnic desserts from various kolache, honey cookies, torts, cakes etc. We would have made Baba proud by the spread we put out.
Father Jan Maturkanic pastor of St. Joseph's began the meal with the traditional Rusyn tropar and blessed the food.
After the meal and delightful conversation John Righetti gave a talk on the history and traditions of the Velija meal.
John Righetti
Directly afterwards Living Traditions folk ensemble presented the Carpatho Rusyn Jaslickari Nativity Play.
Cathy Katrenich of Living Traditions
We took a journey with colorful shepherds from Carpatho Rus who appeared and invited us to hear their story. Angelic messengers revealed the glory of God to them and inspired the shepherds to visit Christ the Savior in Bethlehem. They shared with us the joy of the shepherds as they prayed, sang traditional carols and danced for Jesus.
The evening ended with Harmonia and Jerry Jumba (a prominent Rusyn composer and teacher) leading us in traditional Rusyn carol sing along.
Harmonia
Beata Begeniova and Jerry Jumba
Harmonia and Jerry Jumba also performed traditional Rusyn songs during dinner as well. As John Righetti said "this was one of the finest Rusyn events I've ever attended".
We brought people home again whether that home was across the sea in Slovakia or 50 years ago to their Babas home in Cleveland and they left with memories to last a lifetime.
Tanner Mills sent us these snippets of video which we put together. Watch.
Here are a few more pictures.
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