Za Boha a Národ For God and Nation - Sokol · A Joyous Christmas Season To All Our Members and...

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VOLUME CII PASSAIC, N.J., DECEMBER 11, 2013 NUMBER 5005

Slovensk¥ Katolícky Sokol

Za Boha a Národ For God and Nation

A Joyous Christmas Season

To All Our Members and Friends

For unto you is born this dayin the City of David a SaviourWhich is Christ the Lord.

Luke 2: 11

Virgin and Child with Angels - Vernard van Orley, Netherlandish, ca.1492-1542The Metropolitan Museum of Art

New York

Našim členom a čitateľom prajemepožehnané a veselé Vianoce!

SLOVAK CATHOLIC FALCON, DECEMBER 11, 2013

(Continued on page 8)

2013 CHRISTMAS GREETING “Now, there were shepherds in that region living in the fi elds and keeping the night watch over their fl ock. The angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were struck with great fear. The angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for be-

hold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.’” (Luke 2:8-10) Jesus was not born in a snow storm. I have had to remind myself of that today, as the temperature reached 70 degrees and I needed to write a Christ-mas Message due to publishing deadlines. The verses quoted above from the Gospel of the Evan-gelist Luke came to mind. In announcing the news of the Savior’s birth to the shepherds, the angel said that the good news

of great joy being proclaimed to them was “for all the people” and not just for them. That would mean—not for just one day—not for just one season—not for just one year. The joy of Christ’s birth is for all the people of every day of every year of all time. Even on this day, a number of weeks before Christmas Day, I rejoice that God was made present to us in the person of Jesus. God’s presence is among us in fact—today, as I write—today, as you read. Can we even begin to grasp such a mystery? Have we even attempted to live out a life of gratitude for such a great love? And so, as I delight in the beauty of the autumn colors fl owing over the Allegheny Mountains, I take time to wish you the abundant blessings that come from the Savior’s birth. I pray that all of us will come to the celebration of Christmas Day with a thankful spirit, prepared to live out Christ’s Mass for another year in 2014. That will truly cause the glory of the Lord, which shone around the shepherds that night, to shine around us as well.

MERRY CHRISTMAS and a BLESSED NEW YEAR!

Most Reverend Joseph V. Adamec Bishop Emeritus of Altoona-Johnstown Protector, Slovak Catholic Sokol

The celebration of Christmas in Slovakia is one of the most active and busiest times of the year. Certainly this applies to millions throughout the world, all celebrating their var-

ied customs both local and the traditional which have been handed down from generation to generation. A l t h o u g h many of these C h r i s t m a s

customs have mutated, they remain essentially the same through the centuries. The story of Christmas, Christ’s birth, came to us chiefl y from the Gospel of Saint Luke found in the New Testament. However, the fi rst mention of the observance Christ’s birth on December 25th was in the year 336 A.D. Thus began the tradi-tion of a festival to commemorate Christ’s birth. In Slovakia, the days before Christmas are the busiest days of the year, especially for little children who spend their mornings going from house to house wishing their neighbors a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year. For this greet-ing, they are rewarded with a few pennies. Later in the day, they sing Christmas carols as they go from house to house. The women of the house are fer-vently occupied, preparing various culinary specialities to be enjoyed at the Christmas dinner and putting the fi nal touches on the decorations of the house in the traditional manner.

When the sun sets on Christmas eve, the magnifi cently decorated Christmas tree is illuminated for the fi rst time and the family gathers around at the large table upon which are prominently placed a crucifi x, candles and holy water surrounded by an abundance of fruit, nuts and candy. The candles are then lit and the father of the house leads the family in prayer and then sprinkles the table with Holy Water and the Vilija sup-per begins. The foods prepared for this Vilija supper are based on the elements of nature and the fruits of the year’s labors. The supper begins with the sharing of the Oplatky, wa-fers similar to the unleavned bread used at the Holy Sacrifi ce of the Mass. Each Oplatka has a Christ-mas scene engraved in the wafer. As the father explains the meaning of Christmas to the family, he breaks

the Oplatka in half and presents one half to the family member to his right. This is the Christmas tradition to remind us all to share, just as God shared his Son with us on Christmas day. The Oplatky are eaten with honey. A clove of garlic, cesnak, is eaten as a symbol to stave off all illness. A soup named Kapustnica made with sauerkraut and mushrooms is then enjoyed. After the soup, fi sh, which can be prepared in a variety of ways is eaten. Peas, known as hrach and zemiaky, potatoes are also enjoyed. Coleslaw and stewed prunes and of-ten served as side dishes. The opekance also known as bo-balky comes next. Made from yeast leavened dough, they are baked, steamed with milk and then coated with mak, popppy seed; maslo, but-ter; and med, honey. In some parts of

Christmas in Slovakia and Around the Worldby Andrew F. Hudak, Jr.

Giving a gift to others is a good thing, but it points to a deeper mean-ing. We will not fi nd this deeper meaning under the Christmas tree, but it is not a bad place to start. The

deepest mean-ing, however, is found in the Eucharist be-cause the Eu-charist is the absolute full-ness of giving in the physi-cal universe. So with this

thought in mind, let us refl ect on God’s gift of Himself to us. “’The Eucharist. . . is the culmi-nation both of God’s action sancti-fying the world in Christ and of the worship men offer to Christ and through him to the Father in the Holy Spirit’” (1325). This quota-tion is from the Catechism of the Catholic Church, yet it fi lls our minds with images and inspires us like good poetry. So what does this divine verse reveal to us? He is not a poet or a theologian, but Peter Kreeft, a Boston Univer-sity professor and Catholic philoso-

pher, may be able to help us answer our question. In order to fi nd an an-swer, Dr. Kreeft does what philoso-phers generally do: he goes digging all the way back to the beginning in search of the root of the matter, in this case, all the way back to the nature of God and the beginning of creation. The following is a sum-mary of part 3, chapter 4.2 of Dr. Kreeft’s book Catholic Christianity. God’s inner life is one of infi nite perfection and triune love. It is a life of total giving, the continual and total pouring out of Himself to an infi nite and perfect degree. In addition, though fully complete and blessed within His own inner life, God goes beyond His inner life. He desires to pour Himself out beyond Himself, to share his blessed and happy life. This is the reason God created the universe and gave us the gift of existence. Moreover, God wants to share His life with us. He wants us to enjoy His love in this life and the next. Thus, He revealed Himself to us through His chosen people, through whom He established a covenant; He revealed His laws; He sent His prophets; and He fulfi lled

the covenant Himself by sending His Son, Jesus, who continues to reveal God’s presence in the world. Jesus was born, lived, died, rose from the dead, and ascended into heaven in order to redeem us from our sins and unite us with God. Je-sus also continued God’s paternal pattern by appointing apostles, es-tablishing a church--his Mystical Body--and instituting the Eucha-rist, which is Jesus whole and entire (Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity) and the mode by which he remains in the world. Dr Kreeft also says that we can understand the purpose of the uni-verse by looking at a cathedral, because all creation is a gigantic cathedral. “Every detail in the great medieval cathedrals,” he says, “was for the Eucharist. They were built primarily. . . to house the Eucha-rist” (321). Similarly, the Church that Jesus established on earth is for the Eucharist. “The Eucharist is the most inti-mate union between us and Christ that exists in this world” (321). Love’s ultimate aim is union, and the Eucharist is the most perfect

Thoughts from our Supreme Chaplain

Christmas is a time of givingRev. Andrew S. Hvozdovic


The head of the household begins the “Stedry Vecer” (bountiful eve-ning) with the sharing of the Oplatky, the blessed Christmas wafers eaten with honey. He places honey on the Oplatky and shares them with the family. He then makes the sign of the cross with the honey on the foreheads of all present. The Oplatky, actually Oblatky since the word comes from the Latin word “oblata” or offering; have been blessed by the priest ac-cording to the prescribed formula for the blessing of bread in the Roman Ritual. They are eaten at the Christ-mas Eve supper according to the tra-dition originating in Slovakia, Poland and Lithuania. The Catholics in these regions wished to begin their fi rst meal, after the strict fast of Advent in those days, with food which was blessed for this purpose. The Oplatky are eaten with honey and remind us of the unleav-ened bread of the Passover. It also reminds us of the manna which God fed the chosen people in the desert following their Exodus from Egypt. Most importantly, they remind us of the Eucharist. The assembled guests under the leadership of the head of the house-hold may recite an Our Father and a Hail Mary for the departed members of the family. He or she then recites the following prayer: O Lord hear our prayer. All respond: And let our cry come unto you.

Let us pray: Today we celebrate Christmas Eve. It was on this night that God showed His generosity, coming to us in the person of his di-vine son; being born of the Virgin Mary in the stable at Bethlehem. To-day our mother has spread our table more richly than usual, in honor of the birthday of our Lord. These Christ-mas wafers remind us of the manna from heaven with which God fed His chosen people in the desert. They remind us also of the Eu-charist in which God in a mysterious maner, is again born, as truly as He was born of the Virgin Mary in the stable at Bethlehem. This takes place at every Mass. May we partake of the Eucharist frequently, so that God would be born within our hearts. As the angels glori-fi ed God and prayed for peace, so let us repeat with them: Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men of good will. Amen.

A cherished Slovak faith tradition

Sharing the Christmas Eve Oplatky

SLOVAK CATHOLIC FALCON, DECEMBER 11, 2013 PAGE 3

From the Desk of the Supreme Secretary

My Fraternal Viewby Steven M. Pogorelec, F.I.C.

THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR Without a doubt, I am sure that many would agree that the Christmas season is the most wonderful time of the year. Our many gatherings of family, friends and fellow fraternalists offers the oppor-tunity to celebrate the true spirit of Christmas - the birth of our Savior, Christ the Lord. Let us pledge to continue to promote the spiritual aspect of Christmas and not get caught up in the stress-fi lled commercial side of the holiday. For many, the season began with the observance of the feast of St. Nicholas on December 6. He has evolved into various names over the centuries with the various ethnic groups who came here to es-tablish a new life in America for themselves and their families where all could enjoy the promise of freedom and democracy regardless of one’s status or state in life. Our ancestors and especially children in eastern Europe had great devotion to St. Nicholas. For us today, this merry saint has evolved into Santa Claus. There’s no greater joy for us than to see the smiles and sparkle in the eyes of our children and grandchildren when they spot Santa at the mall or at our Christmas parties. Regardless of our age, Santa still lives in our hearts and minds. It recalls the story of Virginia, a little girl who lived in New York City in 1897. She wrote a letter to the editor of one of the city’s most important newspapers, The Sun. “Dear Editor she wrote: “I am 8 years old. Some of my friends say there is no Santa Claus. Papa says ‘If you see it in The Sun it’s so.’ Please tell me the truth, is there a Santa Claus? Virginia O’Hanlon.” The editor re-sponded: “Yes Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! how dreary the world would be if there were no Santa Claus! It would be as dreary as if there were no Virginias. There would be no childlike faith then, no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this existence. We should have no enjoyment except in sense and sight. The eternal light with which child-hood fi lls the world would be extinguished.....No Santa Claus! Thank God he lives, and he lives forever. A thousand years from now, Virginia, nay, ten times ten thousand years from now, he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood.” So to those of us who are blessed with the presence of children and grandchildren around us at Christmas, of course there is a Santa Claus and I hope that he brings many wonderful and exciting gifts to all of us. So in my name, as well as that of my lovely wife, Annie our children and grandchildren. I extend warmest wishes for a blessed and

wonderful Christmas and a bright and healthy New Year 2014. I would like to take this opportunity on behalf of the members of the Supreme Assembly to thank all our many members who promote our organization through their service as offi cers of our Groups, our As-semblies and Wreaths. Without their help, the Slovak Catholic Sokol would not enjoy the success we have. From generation to generation, dedicated members have offered their time and talents to serve as our local offi cers. I hope that all of our lodges will host their annual meeting in the coming weeks. I encourage our members to attend these important meetings in the life of our organization. Input from the members will insure the success of our various fraternal and sporting activities. Strong lodges mean strong Groups and strong Groups mean a strong Slovak Catholic Sokol. All of our local lodges and Groups have funds which they have amassed over the years. We have created a new benefi t for our lodges and Groups. This benefi t is known as the Sokol Secure Fund. This fund provides an excellent investment opportunity for our lodges. This investment vehicle has grown since its inception two years ago. The fund provides an interest rate that is much more attractive than what most banks currently offer through their Certifi cates of Deposit(CDs). Our Sokol Secure Fund is currently paying 2.50 percent interest. The investment has the security of our organization’s sound fi nancial port-folio behind it. Where can an Assembly or Wreath of our organization fi nd a better return on its money and still help strengthen our organiza-tion’s fi nancial strength? Only lodges and Groups can invest in this fund and it is not open to individual members. So at your local Assembly or Wreath annual meeting, why not consider investing some of their funds in our Sokol Secure Fund. If any lodge is interested, contact our Direc-tor of Sales & Marketing, Brother Albert J. Suess, Jr., F.I.C. at tel. 888-381-5431 or give us a call here at the Home Offi ce. Thank you for any consideration given to our request. Finally, remember to remind your children or grandchildren of our generous scholarship program for 2014. Applications for the Catho-lic high school and Catholic grade school grants may be found in this issue. All those applying for our college-level grants can do so ONLY online. Go to our website @www.slovakcatholicsokol.org. Until next time, once again, thank you for all that you do on behalf of our organization. Enjoy the holiday season, have a Merry Christmas, good health to all and may Christ, the true prince of peace be with you. Veselé Vianoce a št’astlivý nový rok. Zdar Boh!

Sokol CalendarSAT.DEC.14

Children’s Christmas party host-ed by Assembly 16 and Wreath 22 at the Slovak Catholic Sokol Club, 2912 East Carson St., South Side, Pittsburgh, Pa. doors open at 12 noon, festivities begin at 1 p.m., call Joan Yanosick (412)881-8502.

Assembly 54 children’s Christ-mas party at the Slovak Catholic Sokol Club, Lyndora, Pa. beginning at 1 p.m.

20th Slovak Vilija & Jaslickari program at Prince of Peace Parish Center, 81 South 13th St., South Side, Pittsburgh, Pa. dinner at 5 p.m., $20.00 adults, $10.00 children ages 12 and under; call (412)481-8380.

Traditional Slovak Christmas Eve dinner, Vilija at The Slovak Garden, 3110 Howell Branch Road, Win-ter Park, Fla. 2-6 p.m., $15.00 per person; call (407)677-6894 or email slovakgarden@centurylink. net.

SUN.DEC.15 29th annual Christmas Concert

and Dinner hosted by Most Holy Trinity Parish, 18 Trinity Plaza, Yonkers, N.Y., concert in church at 3 p.m. followed by dinner in the par-ish social hall; $35.00 per person for concert and dinner; $10.00 for con-cert alone; for reservations call the rectory (914)963-0720.

Assembly 162 annual meeting and Christmas party at SS. Cyril and Methodius Church Hall, 218 Acker-man Ave., Clifton, N.J. beginning with meeting at 12:30 p.m. with party to follow.

3rd annual Christmas Bazaar and European kitchen at the Ukrainian Center, 240 Hope Ave., Passaic, N.J. 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., for informa-tion contact Marianna Hoholuk at [email protected].

Traditional Vilia - Christmas Eve dinner at St. Simon the Apostle Par-

ish, 5135 South California Ave., Chicago, Ill. Mass at 2 p.m. in church followed by program and dinner in the school gymnasium beginning at 4 p.m., for reservations call (773)436-1045, ext.1.

Assembly 72 children’s Christ-mas party at the Slovak Club, 5th and Grove Sts., North Catasauqua, Pa. begining at 12:30 p.m., Call Margaret Hogan (610)264-9798.

Traditional Vilija dinner hosted by St. John Nepomucene Parish, 411 East 66th St., New York City, begin-ning with Slovak Mass at 11 a.m. in church with luncheon featuring Slo-vak culinary specialities to follow in the social hall beginning at 1 p.m.

Assembly 25 & Wreath 15 adult Christmas party at the Slovak Cath-olic Sokol Club, Perryopolis, Pa., 4-6 p.m. refreshments and music.

Lessons and Carols concert and seasonal hymnsing at St. John the Evangelist Church, 35 William St., Pittston, Pa. beginning at 7 p.m.

Slovak and Czech Carol Sing-a-long in New York City beginning

OUR NEXT ISSUE IS DECEMBER 25TH

In keeping with our bi- week ly publishing sched ule, the next is sue of the Slovak Cath o lic Fal con will be that of Wednes day, December 25th. Dead line for all pho tos and in for ma tion for this is sue will be Thurs day, December 19th. View e-Falcon on our website: www.slovakcatholicsokol.org. Thank ing you for your con tinued co op er a tion in this mat ter, I re main Zdar Boh! Daniel F. Tanzone Editor

at Doma Na Rohu at the corner of Morton Street and Seventh Avenue South singing up Bedford, Barow, Commerce, and Morton Streets in Manhattan at 7 p.m. with refresh-ments available; for information contact Evelyn Polesny [email protected].

SAT.DEC.21 Traditional children’s Christmas

party hosted by Assembly 79 at the Slovak Catholic Sokol Club, Rail-road St., Lilly, Pa. beginning at 2 p.m.

TUES.DEC.31 Traditional New Year’s Eve cel-

ebration “Silvestrovska zabava” in SS.Cyril and Methodius Church Hall, 218 Ackerman Ave., Clifton, N.J. beginning with reception at 7 p.m.

MON.JAN.6 Assembly 261 and Wreath 155

annual meetings at the Slovak Cath-olic Sokol Club, 411 Crestmont St., Reading, Pa. beginning at 7:15 p.m.

SUN.JAN.19 Assembly 78 annual meeting in

the social hall of Incarnation of the Lord Parish, 617 Pierce St., Bethle-hem, Pa. beginning at 1 p.m.

Assembly 219 annual meeting in Most Holy Trinity Rectory, 18 Trin-ity Plaza, Yonkers, N.Y. following the 9;30 a.m. Mass.

WED.JAN.22 Annual March for Life commem-

orating the 41st anniversary of the infamous legalization of abortion in our country, Washington D.C., Slo-vak fraternalists meet at 11 a.m. at the corner of Constitution and 14th St., N.W.

SUN.JAN.26 Lecture on Dr. Milan Hodza,

Slovak Statesman, journalist and professor, by Dr. Susan Mikula at Klas Restaurant, 5734 West Cermak Rd., Cicero, Ill., reception at 12:30 p.m. followed by dinner and lecture; tickets $25.00 per person, for reser-vations call (847)362-9036.

Assembly 113 annual meeting, under the patronage of St. Anthony and St. Ann, in St. Anthony of Padua School hall, 2223 51st St., Kenosha, Wis. beginning at 2 p.m.

SAT.FEB.1 Marian Hall Night at the Races

benefi t for the School Sisters of St. Francis, Mount Assist Convent, 934 Forest Ave., Pittsburgh, Pa., 6 to 11 p.m., for information call (412)761-6004.

Home Offi ceHoliday Closings In observance of Christmas, the Home Offi ce will be closed on Tuesday, December 24, Christmas Eve beginning at 12 noon and on Wednesday, De-cember 25, Christmas Day. In addition, the Home Offi ce will be closed beginning at 12 noon on Tuesday, December 31, New Year’s Eve and on Wednes-day, January 1, New Year’s Day. A blessed and enjoyable Christ-mas as well as a New Year fi lled with God’s continued blessings to all! Zdar Boh!

41st March for LifeWashington, D.C.

Wednesday, January 22Plan to participate!


The Wordof God ...

REFLECTOR ... Jotings fr om Sokol and Slovak life

Gospel for the Third Sunday of Advent- December 15th

Matthew 1 1 :2-1 1A reading from the holy Gospelaccording to MatthewWhen John the Baptist heard in prisonof the works of the Christ,he sent his disciples to Jesuswith this question,“Are you the one who is to come,or should we look for another?”Jesus said to them in reply,“Go and tell John what you hear and seethe blind regain their sight,the lame walk,lepers are cleansed,the deaf hear,the dead are raised,and the poor have the good newsproclaimed to them.And blessed is the onewho takes no offense at me.”As they were going offJesus began to speakto the crowds about John,“What did you go outto the desert to see?A reed swayed by the wind?Then what did you go out to see?Someone dressed in fi ne clothing?Those who wear fi ne clothingare in royal palaces.Then why did you go out?To see a prophet?Yes, I tell you,and more than a prophet.This is the oneabout whom it is written:‘Behold,I am sending my messenger ahead of you,he will prepare your way before you. ’Amen, I say to you,among those born of womenthere has been none greaterthan John the Baptist;yet the leastin the kingdom of heavenis greater than he.”

The Gospel of the Lord.

Gospel for the Fourth Sunday of Advent – December 22nd

Matthew 1: 18-24A reading from the holy Gospelaccording to MatthewThis is how the birthof Jesus Christ came about.When his mother Marywas betrothed to Joseph,but before they lived together,she was found with childthrough the Holy Spirit.Joseph her husband,since he was a righteous man,yet unwilling to expose her to shame,decided to divorce her quietly.Such was his intention when, behold,the angel of the Lordappeared to him in a dream and said,“Joseph, son of David,do not be afraid to take Mary your wifeinto your home.For it is through the Holy Spiritthat this child has been conceived in her.She will bear a sonand you are to name him Jesus,because he will save his peoplefrom their sins.”All this took place to fulfi llwhat the Lord had said


50th Anniversary of SlovakInstitute celebrated in Rome On Sunday, November 17, Slovak and Italian faithful gathered in the Chapel of the Pontifi cal Slo-vak College of SS. Cyril and Methodius in observance of its 50th anniversary. It was in 1963 that the then Slovak Institute of SS. Cyril and Methodius often referred to as the “Ustav”was solemnly blessed and dedicated. The jubilee liturgy was celebrated with the Most Rev. Beniamino Stella, newly appointed Prefect of the Congregation for the Clergy as princi-pal celebrant. Concelebrants included Cardinal Jozef Tomko, retired Prefect of the Congregation for the Evangeli-zation of Peoples and himself a founder of the Slovak Institute; the Most Rev. Stanislav Zvolensky, Archbishop of Bratislava and president of the Con-ference of Catholic Bishops in Slova-kia; the Most Rev. Gino Reali, local Bishop of the suburbicarian Diocese of Porto-Santa Rufi na, one of the sees neighboring Rome. The Slovak College is located in this diocese. Other principal concelebrants included the Most Rev. Stefan Secka, Bishop of Spis; the Most Rev.Stanislav Stolarik, Auxiliary Bishop of Kosice; and the Most Rev. Jozef Halko, Auxiliary Bishop of Bratislava and delegate of the Slovak Bishops Confer-ence for the pastoral care of Slovaks residing outside Slovakia. Among the guests present were Peter Sopko, Slovakia’s Ambassador to the Holy See and Maria Krasnohorska, Slovakia’s Ambassador to Italy. Monsignor Valdimir Stahovec, rector of the Slo-vak College, welcomed the guests, and in particular His Eminence, Cardinal Jozef Tomko, who has sig-nifi gantly contributed to the foundation and develop-ment of what is today the Pontifi cal Slovak College. Monsignor Stahovec emphasized the fact the celebra-tion coincides with the observance of the 1150th an-niversary of the arrival of SS. Cyril and Methodius to our Slovak ancestors in Great Moravia. The rector noted that all the individuals, clergy, religious and lay, had lived and dedicated their lives with one goal in mind: to serve the spiritual and religious needs of the Slovak people. In his homily, Archbishop Beniamino Stella recalled that the Slovak Institute was built thanks to the faith and sacrifi ces of many Slovak faithful from around the world and in particular from the United States and Canada, united in the Slovak Catholic Fed-eration. The Slovak Catholic Federation continues its fi nancial support of the Slovak College through its annual SS. Cyril and Methodius Appeal. The Federa-

tion hosted a Year of Faith pilgrimage to Rome in April and the pilgrims had the opportunity to visit the Slovak College and enjoy a dinner hosted by Monsignor Stah-ovec. Archbishop Stella went on to note that the lives of several priests and bishops, who labored in silence and sacrifi ce, in suffering and humiliation, are part of the historic fabric of this place. They worked inspired by God and the Gospel. He expressed his conviction that it is most useful to commemorate the history of the Slovak College because it beautifully mirrors Christian life and Christian sanctity in which the Cross and sac-

rifi ce are central. Without sacrifi ce and the Cross, there is no fruitfulness in the Christian life. The Lord uses our talents for his work, however if they are purely human and not inspired by faith, they are not suffi cient. Human accomplishments often lose their signifi cance and some-times even collapse. But the virtue and sanctity of life is what appeals to God. Archbishop Stella asked everyone to fol-low the example of sacrifi ce and sanctity

visible in the life of many priests and faithful, whose lives were connected with the history of the Pontifi cal Slovak College in Rome. Also speaking at the liturgy was Bishop Gino Re-ali, the local bishop. He expressed thanks and gratitude on behalf of the Diocese of Porto-Santa Rufi na for the many priests of the Slovak College who over the years have provided pastoral care in the area for the good of the Italian faithful. Bishop Reali also recalled excep-tional personalities who had lived and worked in the Slovak Institute in the past, especially Bishop Stefan Vrablec and Archbishop Dominik Hrusovsky who served as rectors. At the conclusion of the liturgy, Archbishop Stan-islav Zvolensky on behalf of the Bishops of Slovakia, expressed his thanks to all who provide support for the Pontifi cal Slovak College in Rome. Archbishop Zvo-lensky then read a letter from the Vatican Secretary of State, Archbishop Pietro Paroin in the name of the Holy Father. In his congratulatory letter, Pope Francis expressed his wish that the Pontifi cal Slovak College of SS. Cyril and Methodius might continue the precious work for the good and development of religious com-munity, as well as social society. To all Pope Francis sent his Apostolic Blessing. A reception followed the jubilee liturgy. The American Catholic community of Slovak ancestry who over the years has been associated with the Pontifi cal Slovak College is pleased with the progress made over the past half century at this bit of Slovakia located in the Eternal City and prays that God will continue to bless its ministry in the future. We thank the Rev. Martin Kra-mara for sharing this story with our readers.

Joseph T. Senko, is newtreasurer of Mt. Lebanon, Pa. Joseph T. Senko, C.P.A., C.F.P. was recently ap-pointed Treasurer of Mt. Lebanon, a municipality in western Pennsylvania with 33,000 residents. He and his staff are responsible for collecting over $85 million in tax revenue and fees. Joe, who is our Sokol of Assembly 16 in Pittsburgh is ac-tive in American Slovak life and serves as the Slovak Honorary Consul for the state of Pennsyl-vania. Brother Senko is a Pitts-burgh native, born of Slovak immigrant parents. His father arrived in 1909 and his mother arrived in 1913. He was the only member of his family to attend a university. He received his B.A. from Duquesne University and his graduate degree from Robert Morris University. He is licensed as a Cer-tifi ed Public Accountant in Pennsylvania, Ohio and the

The Pontifi cal Slovak College of SS. Cyril and Methodius in Rome was blessed and dedicated in 1963. This year’s 50th anniversary celebration re-calls this great Slovak spiritual center in the Eter-nal City built by American Catholics of Slovak an-cestry. In 1963, our organization donated $55,000 to the building project. (Continued on page 14)


Fraternal Activities in Connecticut

Group 2 Cornerby Eileen S. Wilson


Children’s Christmas Parties Set

Clifton, N.J. - The annual Christ-mas party for junior Sokols and So-kolky of Assembly 162 is scheduled for Sunday, December 15 in SS. Cyril and Methodius Church Hall located at 218 Ackerman Avenue. Festivities will follow the 12:30 p.m. meeting. An enjoyable afternoon has been planned. Refreshments will be served and a visit from Santa will top off the afternoon of holiday fellowship. Parents are asked to call John Termyna at tel. (973)773-3818, indicating the names and ages of children who will be attending this annual event. As always, parents are encouraged to attend the meeting and join us for the fraternal festivi-ties. Wishing all a very blessed and holy Christmas season and a happy and healthy New Year 2014, may I remain Zdar Boh! John Termyna Chairperson

Lilly, Pa.- The traditional chil-dren’s Christmas party for Sokol members ages 15 and younger, host-ed by Assembly 79, is scheduled for Saturday, December 21 at the Slovak Catholic Sokol Club located on Railroad Street. The afternoon’s Festivities begin at 2 p.m. and all are invited to attend. There will be plen-ty of refreshments and games for children. The highlight of the after-noon will be the appearance of Santa Claus who will have treats for all the youngsters. Parents and grandpar-ents are welcome to join us for an afternoon of holiday Christmas fun in the best traditions of Sokol frater-nalism and fellowship. Wishing all our members a very Merry Christ-mas and a happy and healthy New Year 2014, may I remain Zdar Boh! Elizabeth Phillips Financial Secretary

Lyndora, Pa. - Members of As-sembly 54, ages 14 and younger, are cordially invited to enjoy the traditional children’s Christmas party on Saturday, December 14th at the Slovak Catholic Sokol Club. Festivities begin at 1 p.m. and will include games along with pizza and beverages for all. The highlight of the afternoon will be the arrival of Santa who will distribute his bag of goodies to the youngsters. In order to make the necessary preparations, parents are asked to register the names and ages of the children who will attend this annual fraternal cele-bration on the sign-up list at the club. Deadline for reservations is Sunday, December 1st. Parents and grand-parents are also cordially invited to enjoy the afternoon of traditional holiday Sokol fellowship. An enjoy-able afternoon is assured. Wishing all our Brother and Sister Sokols and Sokolky a joyous Christmas season, may I remain Zdar Boh! Cel George President

North Catasauqua, Pa. - The an-nual children’s Christmas party for


Announcing Our College Scholarship Grants for 2014

by Julie Ann DobbsSupreme Vice President

We are pleased to announce that the Slovak Catholic Sokol will make available a total of $62,000 in scholarship grants to eligible members in 2014. Previous recipients of Slovak Catholic Sokol schol-arship grants may reapply for a 2014 grant; however, per Convention mandate - a student may receive a maximum of two (2) Slovak Catho-lic Sokol scholarship grant awards in each category. A total of 30 Slovak Catholic Sokol college grants of $1,000 each, two Theodore and Mary Jane Rich Memorial Scholarships one for a male and female in the amount of $2,500 each, two Emil Slavik Memorial Scholarships one for a male and female in the amount of $2,000 each, one The Doctors’ Lesko Medical Memorial Scholarship in the amount of $1,000, one Krista L. Glugosh Memorial Scholarship in the amount of $1,000 and two Slovak Catholic Sokol (SCS) Memo-rial Scholarship in the amount of $1,000. With one application you may apply for all college scholar-ship grants for which you are eligible. Note that only one grant per applicant will be awarded.

College scholarship eligibility requirements:Slovak Catholic Sokol (a total of 30, $1,000 grants will be award-ed) • Must have a minimum of $3,000 permanent Life Insurance Coverage. • Must be a member of the Slovak Catholic Sokol for at least fi ve years. • Must have completed one semester of undergraduate studies as a FULL TIME student at an accredited college, university or professional school, or be enrolled in a graduate or professional degree program. • Must have an accumulated grade point average of at least 2.5 or better. • One parent must be a Slovak Catholic Sokol member. • Essay- “How has being a member of the Slovak Catholic Sokol infl uenced my life?”Theodore and Mary Jane Rich (one male and one female grant in the amount of $2,500 will be awarded) • Same requirements as for SCS scholarship

AND • One parent must be of Slovak Ancestry • Must be majoring in medical curriculumEmil Slavik (one male and one female grant in the amount of $2,000 will be awarded) • Same requirements as for SCS scholarship

AND • Both parents must be members of the Slovak Catholic Sokol • Must be majoring in liberal arts, the sciences, pre-law, pre-medical or business curriculum. The Doctors’ Lesko Medical Memorial Scholarship (1 grant in the amount of $1,000 will be awarded) • Same requirements as for SCS scholarship

AND • Majoring in Nursing or Medical curriculum. • One parent must be of Slovak Ancestry. Krista L. Glugosh Memorial Scholarship (1 grant in the amount of $1,000 will be awarded) • Same requirements as for SCS scholarship

AND • Majoring in curriculum with a focus in computer graphics, design or layoutSlovak Catholic Sokol Memorial Scholarship (2 grants in the amount of $1000 will be awarded to the applicant that best ex-emplifi es the spirit of volunteerism) • Same requirements as for SCS scholarship • Essay- “Describe the one volunteer experience that made the biggest personal impact on you- how/why”.

The process of applying for any of the above college level scholarships is completely on-line. Applications and instructions are ONLY available on our website @ www.slovakcatholicsokol.org Questions regarding the Slovak Catholic Sokol Scholarship Program may be directed to: Julie Dobbs, Supreme Vice-President, Chairperson of the Scholarship Committee, [email protected], (262)498-2571 Deadline for submission of all scholarship applications is March 31, 2014. In addition to our college grant program, we make available 19 Catholic High School Grants in the amount of $500 each as well as 38 Catholic Grade School Grants in the amount of $250 each. Please fi nd these scholarship applications and directives in each of the next issues of the Falcon.

Congratulations Go out to our Sister Sokolka of Assembly 33 in Ansonia, Conn., At-torney Martha Dulla and Carl Andrade on the occasion of their marriage. The lovely couple exchanged their marriage vows on July 13, 2013 at the Church of the Assumption in Ansonia. The cocktail hour and dinner fol-lowed at the Grassy Hill Lodge in Derby, Conn., where Martha is the owner. The Grassy Hill Lodge is where Group 2, over the years, has held our

traditional St. Martin Day Celebra-tion and 2013 was no exception. Assembly 33 in Ansonia, Conn. is where Group 2 was found-ed in January 1911. Today, Mar-tha’s parents serve as offi cers. Her mom, Cecilia serves as the presi-dent while her dad, Joseph is the fi nancial secretary and treasurer. From all of us to Martha and Carl, may they enjoy many years of hap-piness, good health and prosperity.

Our beautiful bride, Martha and handsome husband, Carl, right are shown with the bride’s parents, Joseph and Cecilia Dulla, who are ac-tive Group 2 fraternalists.

From Wreath 1 & Assembly 9 Cal Leonard Vallance, fi rst child of Tony and Allison Iancale Val-lance was Baptized on Sunday, August 18 at Holy Name of Jesus Church in Stratford, Conn. Offi ciating at the Baptism was the Rev. Msgr. J. James Cuneo. Godparents for Cal Leonard included Allison’s sister, Amy Iancale Primini and brother-in-law, Dave Primini. Proud grandparents are Jim and Pat Iancale of Assembly 9 and Wreath 1, respectively. Their daughters are members of Wreath 1. Cal Leonard was enrolled as a member of Assembly 9 by his grandfather, Jim Iancale. The Iancale family has been active in Group 2 for many years. Jim also served in the Supreme Assembly as a Member of the Supreme Physical Fitness Board. The Christening gown was also worn by Cal’s mother, Aunt Amy and cousin Emma Primini. The gown was made from his grandmother’s wed-ding gown. Our congratulations and best wishes from all of us.

Call Leonard Vallance, our newest member of Assembly 9, is shown with his proud parents, Allison and Tony Vallance at his Baptism at Holy Name of Jesus Church in Stratford, Conn. Looking on is Monsi-gnor J. James Cuneo who offi ciated.

Martha and Carl


Lodge Jottings

For students currently attending a Catholic High School

Slovak Catholic Sokol Abbot Jerome M. Koval, O.S.B. Memorial

High School Grant As per the decision of the delegates at the 26th National Convention held in New Haven, CT in August, 1991, and amended at the 28th National Convention held in Buffalo, NY in 1999, the Slovak Catholic Sokol is pleased to offer $500.00 grants to one young Sokol or Sokolka in each of our organization's nineteen Groups. These 19 Grants are available to any qualifi ed Sokol member currently attending a Catholic High School.

Eligibility

A. Applicant must be a member of the Slovak Catholic Sokol in good standing, holding a permanent Life Insurance Certifi cate in the amount of not less than $3,000, and has been a member for at least fi ve year. Application is also available on the Internet @

www.slovakcatholicsokol.org

B. One parent must be a S.C.S. member.

C. The principal of the Catholic High School must verify the enrollment of the applicant.

Application

ALONG WITH THE APPLICATION you must submit a typed or written essay DOUBLE SPACED in 100 to 200 words on the following topic: “WHAT DOES THE SLOVAK CATHOLIC SOKOL MEAN TO ME?” This essay must be submitted along with the application. This application must be received on or before, March 31, 2014 with a clear, small (2"x3" wallet size) head and shoulders photograph.

Disqualifi cation An applicant who neglects to submit or com-plete any part of these requirements before the established deadline will automatically be disqualifi ed.

Acknowledgment An acknowledgment of the Grant should be made in writing by the recipient as soon as pos-sible, if you are awarded a Grant.

Return of Grant If for any reason the Grant is not used by the recipient, the entire (or portion of) grant not utilized must be returned.

✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄

(Detach here)

SLOVAK CATHOLIC SOKOL ABBOT JEROME M. KOVAL, O.S.B. MEMORIALHIGH SCHOOL GRANT APPLICATION

Group #_______________ Assembly/Wreath #_______________

Name____________________________________________________________________

Address___________________________________________________________________

City________________________ State________________ Zip Code________________

Date of Birth_________________________________________ Current Age __________

Home Phone (_____)________________ High School Phone (_____)________________ area code area code

S.C.S. Insurance Certifi cate #______________ Face Amount_____________________ S.C.S. Insurance Certifi cate #______________ Face Amount_____________________

S.C.S. Insurance Certifi cate #______________ Face Amount_____________________

Father's name_____________________________________ Are you a member? ______

Mother's name_____________________________________ Are you a member? ______

Parent’s S.C.S. Insurance Certifi cate #_____________________ Face Amount___________

Parent’s S.C.S. Insurance Certifi cate #_____________________ Face Amount___________

Are you a previous Slovak Catholic Sokol Scholarship Recipient? _________ If yes, please (yes/no)

indicate Grade School or High School. What year?_________

High School verifi cation (to be completed by High School Principal)

I,______________________________ Principal of________________________________ (Principal's signature) (Name of School)

Catholic High School, verify that__________________________________ is a student at (Name of student)

the above school and will be attending ______ ___ Grade in the 2014-2015 school year.

Are you currently participating in Slovak Catholic Sokol Activities? Yes_____ No_____

Deadline for receipt of this application is March 31, 2014. Return completed application to:

Slovak Catholic Sokol High School Grant205 Madison St., P.O. Box 899, Passaic, NJ 07055

BETHLEHEM, PAAssembly 78

The annual meeting of our lodge under the spiritual patronage of St. Anthony of Padua is scheduled for Sunday, January 19, 2014. Our meeting will be held in the social hall of Incarnation of the Lord Parish located at 616 Pierce Street beginning at 1 p.m. All members should make every effort to attend this important meeting. Reports of the offi cers will be presented and plans for our partici-pation in upcoming fraternal and

sporting events will be fi nalized. Input from our members will insure the success of our projects. Election of offi cers will take place to serve our lodge in 2014. As one of the oldest lodges of the Slovak Catholic Sokol, founded in 1910, we have prided ourselves on our active fraternal, religious and ethnic participation. With the co-operation of our current members, we hope to continue that continued legacy. Looking forward to seeing a good turnout of members at our

(Continued onpage 13)

January 22, 2014 marks the 41st anniversary of the infamous Roe v. Wade decision of the Supreme Court which legalized abortion in our coun-try. Since this landmark decision more than 55 million abortions have been performed in the United States. Each year, tens of thousands of sup-porters of the Pro Life movement journey to our nation’s capital on January 22 to participate in the March for Life, voicing their constitutional right to protest against abortion and support the overturning of the Roe v. Wade decision. Many Americans believe that abortion is a defi ning hu-man rights issue. This year’s 41st annual March for Life will be held on Wednesday, Jan-uary 22, 2014. The event begins with the National Prayer Vigil for Life on Tuesday, January 21 in the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immacu-late Conception located at 398 Mich-igan Avenue, North West, Wash-ington, D.C. The vigil begins with a concelebrated liturgy in the upper church at 6:30 p.m. Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, Archbishop of Gavelston-Houston, Tex. and chairman of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Secretariat of Pro-Life Ac-tivities will be principal celebrant and homilist. He will be joined by many of the nation’s bishops, led by Arch-bishop Joseph E. Kurtz of Louisville, Ky. and president of the U.S. Bishops conference. Throughout the night, a variety of religious devotions will be held in the various chapels of the shrine. The vigil concludes with the celebration of a 7:30 a.m. morning Mass in the great upper church. The shrine is the largest Catholic church in the United States. As a pro-life organization, and continuing a time-honored tradition or more than twenty years, mem-bers of the Slovak Catholic Sokol will journey from various parts of the country to our nation’s capital to participate in the Pro Life March. Our members will join those of our brother and sister Slovak Catholic fraternals, namely the First Catholic Slovak Ladies Association, the First Catholic Slovak Union and the La-dies Pennsylvania Slovak Catholic Union in this annual demonstration on behalf of life. Under the banner, “Slovak Catholic Fraternalists for Life, they will join the line of march and participate in the day’s activi-

ties. The members of the four Slovak Catholic fraternals will meet at the corner of Constitution Avenue and 7th Street at 11:30 a.m. to join the line of march to the Supreme Court where the Roe v. Wade decision was made on January 22, 1972. On a continuing positive note, abortions in the United States have continued to decline. Figures released on November 27 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that the number and rate of reported abortions fell 3 percent in 2010, the most recent year for which statistics are available. Those statistics fell 5 percent in 2009 - the biggest one year decrease in a decade. Before 2009, abortions seemed to have leveled off. The agency draws its statistics from about 45 states and cities that sent in data consistently for at least 10 years. They reported about 753,000 abor-tions in 2010. About 60 percent of the women who had abortions were in their 20s. Thank God, the statis-tics are welcomed, however Pro Life Americans will not be deterred in their quest to halt all abortions. We ask all our members to join us in the January 22 March for Life. Those who cannot journey to Washington, D.C. are asked in-stead to spend the day in prayerful remembrance of the millions of ba-bies who have been killed. Those who are able are invited to join our members in our nation’s capital for the actual march. Free bus trans-portation from Cleveland, Ohio is available for our members provided by the First Catholic Slovak Ladies Association. The bus departs from the Zenska Jednota home offi ce lo-cated at 24950 Chagrin Boulevard in Beachwood, Oh. For details and reservations, call Kelly at the First Catholic Slovak Ladies Association home offi ce at 1-800 464-4642, ext. 1051 or email her at [email protected]. For those in northeastern Penn-sylvania, the Ladies Pennsylvania Slovak Catholic Union will sponsor a bus from their home offi ce in Wil-kes-Barre, Pa. with a stop in Hazle-ton, Pa. For information on this bus, call 1-888 834-6614 or (570)823-3513. We hope that we see many of our veteran Sokol pro-lifers as well as many new faces who will join us in Washington on January 22 for the march as we celebrate life from con-ception to natural death!

41st March for Life set forJanuary 22 in Washington, D.C.


(Continued from page 4)



ISSN: 0897-8107

Established April 15, 1911Official Publication of the Slovak Catholic Sokol

Issued Bi-Weekly

Daniel F. Tanzone, EditorEditorial office: (973) 777-4010

Annual Subscription RatesUnited States $40.00 – All others countries $45.00

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Slovak Catholic Falcon,

P.O. Box 899, 205 Madison Street,

Passaic, New Jersey 07055

Member of the Catholic Press

Association and the Slovak Newspapermen's

Association of America

Proprietor and Publisher

SLOVAK CATHOLIC SOKOLP.O. Box 899

205 Madison Street, Passaic, N.J. 07055Home Office: (973) 777-2605-06

WEB SITE –www.slovakcatholicsokol.org

From Wreath 1 Mary Sikorski celebrated her 100th birthday on June 1, 2013 with family and friends. She has been our Sokolka for many years. Mary re-ceived a Certifi cate and a monetary gift of $100 from Slovak Catholic So-kol headquarters. In addition, she received Perpetual Mass Card from her Sister Sokolky of Wreath 1. Mary’s mother, Maria Kosc was among the founders of Wreath 1 in 1906. It was on June 1, 1913 that Mary was born and celebrated 100 years later on the same date. Our prayers and warm fraternal greetings go out to Mary.

Mary Sikorski enjoying her 100th birthday party.

Group 2 Corner

junior Sokol members of Assembly 72, ages 12 and younger, is sched-uled for Sunday, December 15 at the Slovak Club located at the corner of 5th and Grove Streets in North Ca-tasauqua. Festivities begin at 12:30 p.m. and will include entertainment, refreshments and fellowship for all the family. The highlight of the fra-ternal afternoon will be the visit of Santa who will arrive at 1 p.m. and distribute gifts and goodies to the children. In order to make the neces-sary preparations, parents are asked to call either Margaret Hogan at (610)264-9798 or Stephen Roman at (610)262-8301 indicating the names and ages of the children who will attend. The snow date will be Sunday, December 22. An enjoyable afternoon is assured. Wishing all a very Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year, may I remain Zdar Boh! Robert Hogan President

Pittsburgh, Pa. - The annual Children’s Christmas party for ju-nior members, ages 12 and younger, hosted by Assembly 15 and Wreath 22 is set for Saturday, December 14 at the Slovak Catholic Sokol Club, 2912 East Carson Street, South Side. Doors open at 12 noon and festivi-ties begin at 1 p.m. All children who will attend need to be registered. Registrations will be held at the So-kol Club on Wednesday and Thurs-day evenings, November 7 & 7 and November 13 & 14 from 6 to 8 p.m. No registrations will be accepted after the deadline of November 14. No exceptions. To register by phone, call Joan Yanosick at (412)881-8502. An enjoyable afternoon has been planned with refreshments along with a visit by Santa. Zdar Boh! Joan J. Yanosick Chairperson

Children’s Christmas Parties Set


expression of God’s triune life of love. The conclusion, Dr Kreeft says, is that God created the uni-verse for this loving union. In this respect, the poetry of God’s action and man’s worship reveals the fol-lowing: God has given us His all. Jesus poured his divinity into our nature. Then he poured himself out com-pletely on the cross. Then he hum-bled himself even further, becom-ing “ground wheat.” Jesus gave himself away completely. He loved the Father and us perfectly. All that remains is for us to accept God’s great gift of love and give it back to Him by living Eucharistically and

entering into His triune life. Although he is not Catholic, the famous Christian author and schol-ar, C. S. Lewis, gives us a beautiful description of this life in his book, The Problem of Pain. He begins with the concept of self. He says the self exists to be given away, and in self-giving we touch a rhythm not only of all creation but of all being. The complete description reads like theology, metaphysics and poetry all rolled up in one small package. It is well worth meditating on. I have included it below: “The golden apple of selfhood, thrown among the false gods, be-came an apple of discord because they scrambled for it. They did not

Christmas is a time of giving

District of Columbia. He is also a Certifi ed Financial Planner and accredited as a Personal fi nancial Specialist. Active in many Slovak fraternals, Joe served as president of the Fraternal Societies of Greater Pittsburgh. In 1997, he founded the Western Pennsylvania Slovak Cul-tural Association and has served as its executive director since its in-ception. He serves as chairman and treasurer of Friends of Slovakia, a non-profi t organization formed in 2001, based in our nation’s capi-tal, promoting closer cultural and educational ties between the United States and Slovakia. Brother Joe is also active in the work of the

Slovak League of America and the Slovak Catholic Federation. In 2009, he was invested as a Knight of the Equestrial Order of the Holy Sepulchre at New York’s St. Pat-rick’s Cathedral. He and his lovely wife, Albina, also a Slovak cultural and fraternal activist, have been married for 57 years. They are the parents of six children, all college graduates and seven grandchildren. Our congratulations and frater-nal best wishes go out to Brother Senko on his new appointment. He beautifully mirrors our fraternal philosophy of service and outreach in the community. He is likewise a wonderful Catholic gentleman and proud son of the Slovak nation.

Joseph T. Senko, is newtreasurer of Mt. Lebanon, Pa.

Wishing all our Members and Friends

A Very Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy, Grace-Filled

New Year from the

Home Office StaffSteven M. Pogorelec, F.I.C.

Supreme Secretary

Clarissa SerranoSecretary to the

Supreme Secretary

Daniel F. TanzoneEditor

Scott T. PogorelecUnderwriter

Livia KarakEditorial Staff

Melanie M. SasielaBookkeeper

Lorrie PinckClerical Staff

Billie Lou MoakleyClerical Staff

Frank RevisoreCustodian

Albert J. Suess, Jr., F.I.C.Director of Sales

& Marketing

know the fi rst rule of the holy game, which is that every player must by all means touch the ball and then immediately pass it on. To be found with it in your hands is a fault: to cling to it, death. But when it fl ies to and fro among the players too swift for eye to follow, and the great mas-ter Himself leads the revelry, giving Himself eternally to His creatures in the generation, and back to Himself in the sacrifi ce, of the Word, then in-deed the eternal dance ‘makes heav-en drowsy with the harmony.’ All pains and pleasures we have known on earth are early initiations in the movements of that dance: but the dance itself is strictly incomparable with the sufferings of this present time. As we draw nearer to its uncre-ated rhythm, pain and pleasure sink almost out of sight” (157-158). As we draw near to our God this Christmas to receive the great gift of His Body and Blood, let us not hesitate to give ourselves in return. Let us enter the holy game, feel the uncreated rhythm, and join in the eternal dance which sanctifi es us and the world. Let us also have a Merry Christmas!


For students entering a Catholic Grade School (Grades 2-8)

Slovak Catholic Sokol Catholic Grade School Grants

Deadline for receipt of this application is March 31, 2014.Return completed application to:

Slovak Catholic SokolGrade School Grant

205 Madison St.,P.O. Box 899Passaic, NJ 07055

✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄

(Detach here)

SLOVAK CATHOLIC SOKOL CATHOLIC GRADE SCHOOL GRANT APPLICATION

Group #_______________ Assembly/Wreath #_______________

Name ___________________________________________________________________

Address _________________________________________________________________

City________________________ State________________ Zip Code ______________

Date of Birth_________________________________________ Current Age __________

Home Phone (_____)________________ School Phone (_____) ________________ area code area code

S.C.S. Insurance Certifi cate #____________ Face Amount_____________________ S.C.S. Insurance Certifi cate #____________ Face Amount_____________________ S.C.S. Insurance Certifi cate #____________ Face Amount_____________________ Father's name_____________________________________ Are you a member?______

Mother's name_____________________________________ Are you a member?______

Parent’s S.C.S. Insurance Certifi cate # ______________________Face Amount________

Parent’s S.C.S. Insurance Certifi cate # ______________________Face Amount________

Are you a previous Slovak Catholic Sokol Scholarship Recipient? ___________________ (yes/no)

If yes, what Year?____________

School verifi cation (to be completed by Grade School Principal)

I,______________________________ Principal of_______________________________ (Principal's signature) (Name of School)

Catholic Grade School, verify that_________________________________ is a student at (Name of student)

the above school and will be entering _________ Grade in the 2014-2015 school year.

Are you currently participating in Slovak Catholic Sokol Activities? Yes_____ No____

As per the decision of the delegates at the 28th National Convention held in Buffalo, NY in August, 1999, a fraternal benefi t is being offered to our young members attending a Catholic Grade School. The Slovak Catholic Sokol is pleased to offer $250.00 Grants to our young Sokols and Sokolky in each of our organization's nineteen Groups. Two grants per each Group are available to any qualifi ed Sokol member entering a Catholic Grade School (Grades 2 through 8).

Eligibility

A. Applicant must be a member of the Slovak Catholic Sokol in good standing, holding a permanent Life Insurance Certifi cate in the amount of not less than $3,000, and has been a member for at least fi ve years.

B. One parent must be a S.C.S. member.

C. The principal of the Catholic Grade School must verify the enrollment of the applicant.

Application This application must be received on or before, March 31, 2014 with a clear, small (2"x3" wallet size) head and shoulders photograph. Application is also available on the Internet @

www.slovakcatholicsokol.org

Disqualifi cation An applicant who neglects to submit or com-plete any part of these requirements before the established deadline will automatically be disqualifi ed.

Acknowledgment An acknowledgment of the Grant should be made in writing by the recipient as soon as pos-sible, if you are awarded a Grant.

Return of Grant If for any reason the Grant is not used by the recipient, the entire (or portion of) grant not utilized must be returned.

Slovakia, the bobalky are served in a preparation of sauerkraut. They are about 1 to 1 1/2 inches in size and are cut out of a large sheet of dough with father’s shot glass when he wasn’t looking. After this came the dessert. The orechovnik, walnut roll, or ma-kovnik, poppy seed roll along with an assortment of kolace, cookies and ro-zky, horns nut-fi lled crescents. Bowls of apples and other fruit as well as mixed nuts are enjoyed. According to legend, if the apple showed signs of decay or if the nuts’ meat was not up to par, then it meant that one may ex-pect illness in the coming year. Wine and coffee were also enjoyed eaten with bread and butter. By the 1900s, the celebration of Christmas became increasingly im-portant to many kinds of businesses. Formerly, the family made its own tree and house decorations, but now it is done by manufacturers who not only make or grow trees, but spend all year making such fi neries. The green color of Christmas sym-bolizes the continuity of life, even during the harsh cold winter; the red color of Christmas symbolizes the blood Jesus shed for us during his passion and crucifi xion. The custom of the Christmas tree developed in medieval Germany, ac-cording to World Book. An evergreen tree adorned with apples, known as the “Paradise Tree” was used in a Christmas play about Adam and Eve. By 1605, German families trimmed trees in their homes. It wasn’t un-til the 1800s that the fi rst Christmas trees appeared in the United States among the German immigrants in Pennsylvania. By the mid 1800s, the custom of trimming Christmas trees spread rapidly throughout the world. Today, strings of colored lights brighten millions of homes and busi-nesses, both inside and outside. In addition, candles, stars, wreaths and fi gures of Santa Claus and St. Francis of Assisi add to the beauty and joy of the Christmas season. St. Francis of Assisi is credited with erecting the fi rst creche or Bethlehem scene. At the time of the Reformation be-ginning in the 1500s, some Christians began to consider Christmas a pagan celebration because it included non-religious customs. During the 1600s, it was even outlawed in England and its colonies in America. However, these customs reappeared and blend-ed in with the Christian aspects of the celebration. In the 1800s, two more Christmas customs became popular, decorat-ing the Christmas tree and send-ing Christmas cards. Many of the well-known Christmas carols were composed during this period. In the United States, Santa Claus replaced Saint Nicholas as the symbol of gift-giving, although December 6th, the feast of St. Nicholas, was a day on which children hung their stockings and upon rising in the morning found them fi lled with goodies. If they had shown signs of not being the best-behaved, they usually found a lump of coal in the stocking.

The Vilija supper would some-times last up to three hours. At the dinner’s conclusion, the family gath-ered around the Christmas tree to sing Christmas carols in anticipation of at-tending Midnight Mass. A knock would be heard at the door which meant that Jaslickari or carolers had arrived. This would be a group of older children dressed in clothes resembling those worn at the fi rst Christmas. With shepherd’s crooks and lanterns, they acted out the story of Christ’s birth. The length of the play was directly proportional to the generosity of the people at the previous year’s Christmas visit, usu-ally from 10 to 15 minutes. The father of the house would then offer the ac-tors a famous Slovak Christmas drink of Hriata, a warmed beverage made of vodka, sugar, garlic and butter to keep them warm until they reached the next house in the village and then on to the celebration of Mass at Mid-night in the village church. Continuing with tradition, no mat-ter how far members of a family had scattered throughout the country, they always tried to be together on Christ-mas Eve. At 11 p.m., the members of the family began to ready themselves for Midnight Mass. Following the festive liturgy, the snow-covered countryside took on a splendor with moonlight refl ecting on the snow resembling various col-ored stars. The snow crunched under our footsteps with everything still, quiet and peaceful with the wonder-ful aromatic incense used at Mass still clinging to our clothes and seemed to follow us home. It seemed like a real “ginger bread” world....a wonder-land. Some people say the Christmas spirit has been lost or that it is be-coming too commercial. It is up to each of us to perpetuate the rich customs and traditions of the season. It is up to us to use only those items which truly refl ect the true spiritual story and message of Christmas. We need to teach our children and grandchildren the true meaning of Christmas so they will know the reason for special and various foods, the snow, the colors, the lights, the Christmas tree, the glowing fi replace, the wreaths, the bows and so forth. And above all, we need to encourage the tradition attending Midnight Mass, which in some churches is scheduled begin-ning at 10 p.m. All of these tradi-tions are beautiful and meaningful. When our children learn of these precious tradition, then they too can share them with their children and grandchildren in the future to keep the true spirit of Christmas alive. I wish all of our Sokols and So-kolky across the United States and Canada a very Merry and Joyous Christmas - Vesele Vianoce! (Andrew F. Hudak, Jr., a well-known Slovak cultural and fraternal leader, serves as the director of the Slovak Institute located at St. Andrew Svorad Benedictine Abbey in Cleve-land, Oh. He is our Sokol of Wreath 153 in Parma, Oh.)

Christmas in Slovakia and Around the World



KIDS’ CORNER “Detský kútik ” December, 2013

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Christmas Eve- A Slovak Tradition of Feast

24th December (Christmas Eve). The Slovak words for Christmas Eve are literally "bountiful eve" and the bounty of this sacred evening lies in the wide range of festive dishes, of which there had to be twelve dif-ferent kinds. Even today many Slovak families must have on the Christ-mas table garlic (to ward off demons), honey, wafers, nuts, cooked peas or French beans, dried fruit, and the main dish, cabbage soup with mushrooms and "opekance" - small pieces of dough - with poppy seed and honey. At the beginning of this century, fish has become the traditional meat served during Christmas Eve (their scales are said to bring wealth into the house). Christmas holidays are also very rich in Slovak pastries and baked goods that are prepared over many evenings during the month of December. Does your family keep any Slovak Christmas Eve tradi-tions? Write me at:

Julie Dobbs

[email protected]

By Dr. Michael Kopanic

Surprise your parents and grandparents by wishing them Veselé Vi-anoce, Merry Christmas, in Slovak. It would mean a whole lot to them.

Traditional Slovak Christmas Eve meal - vilija [vee-lee-yah]

Wafers used on Christmas Eve - oplatky [oh-plot-kee] Dough with poppy seeds and honey - opekance [oh-peh-kaan-tseh] or bo-balky [bo-ball-kee] Merry Christmas = Veselé Vianoce [ve-sell-leh vyah-knowts-saah] Baby Jesus = Ježiško [Yeah-zheesh-kow] Angel = Anjelový strom [Awn-yell] Holiday = sviatok [svyaw-toke]

1. In Frosty the Snowman, who brought Frosty back to life? 2. In How the Grinch Stole Christmas, what biological shortcoming

made the Grinch so mean? 3. What was the name of Rudolph’s dogsled driving friend? 4. Who said “God Bless Us, Every One!”? 5. In The Night Before Christmas I sprang from my bed to see

what? 6. Name the three reindeer whose names begin with a “D”? 7. What was the first gift my true love sent on the sixth day of

Christmas? 8. What was Scrooge’s first name?

Nativity Trail Mix Create your own edible nativity. Add a little bit of each of the following, and as you do, think about Jesus and his birth. Then, take it home and enjoy a TRAIL mix to represent the long journey many took to meet the baby Jesus and our

journey of faith. Each time you take a bite, remember all the different parts of the nativity and what joy it brings to our lives.

Pretzel sticks ---Jesus was born in a stable and laid in a manger made of wood and sticks

Star Cereal----This represents the star that led the way to Jesus

Animal crackers ---Animals kept the Holy Fam-ily safe and warm and shared their home with Jesus

Chocolate chips----represents the sweetness of the baby Jesus

Raisins -----represents the gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh (sweet smelling)

Colorful marshmallows----Soft little pillows for Jesus to lie his head. The colors help us remember that when we let our light shine for Jesus, our world is a beautiful place to live.

Cheerios----represent the halos of all the angels who shared the good news of Jesus’ birth

1.Santa Claus; 2. His heart was two sizes too small; 3. Yukon Cornelius; 4. Tiny Tim; 5. What was the matter; 6. Dasher, Donder, Dancer; 7. Six geese a-laying; 8. Ebenezer


Scenes of the 31st Annual St. Martin Day Celebration Hosted by Group 2Holy Name of Jesus Church + Stratford, Conn. + Grassy Hill Lodge +Derby, Conn. + November 10th


A group of Slovaks and those of Slovak ancestry were one of nine ethnic groups from across the Dio-cese of Trenton who participated in the multi-ethnic Mass celebrated on November 16 at St. Mary of the As-sumption Cathedral in Trenton, N.J. The liturgy was sponsored by the Department of Multicultural Min-istry. The diocesan-wide liturgical celebration highlighted the unity of faith amidst the rich cultural diver-sity of the Diocese of Trenton. The Most Rev. David M. O’Connell, C.M., Bishop of Trenton, was the principal celebrant of the 11 a.m. liturgy. Hymns and readings in sev-eral languages, including Slovak, added to the richness and unique-ness of the Mass. Many of the Slovaks donned their traditional Kroj and marched in the procession. Among the con-celebrants of the liturgy were two Slovak priests, the Rev. Vladimir Chripko, C.O. and the Rev. Roman

Palecko, C.O. Both are members of the Oratory of St. Philip Neri lo-cated in Tappan, N.Y. Both priests alternate the celebration of Mass in Slovak on Sundays at 10 a.m. at St. Michael the Archangel Church in Trenton. For the past ten years, Mass in Slovak has been celebrated at St. Michael’s which attracts Slo-vaks from across the diocese. St. Michael’s, founded in 1920, is the only remaining Slovak parish in the Trenton Diocese. Since the establishment of the Trenton Diocese in 1881, the area has attracted a variety of immigrant groups, including the Slovaks, who have contributed to the rich fabric of faith of the American Church. The fi rst Slovak parish, SS. Peter and Paul was founded in Trenton in 1900. The parish was closed in 2003. Following the impressive liturgy, a Pot-Luck International Luncheon was enjoyed in the base-ment of the cathedral.

Diverse in Culture, United in Faith


What's making headlines in our ancestral homeland

News and Views from Slovakia...

Selected stories are provided by TASR-Slovakia, the Slovak Republic’s offi cial News Agency.

Majority of Slovak studentslive on income from parents The most common source of income for full-time col-lege students in Slovakia is contributions from parents or partners, according to international EUROSTUDENT survey, which was conducted on a sample of 3,734 students from 50 Slovak faculties by the Information and Education Prognoses Institute(UIPS), TASR learned on October 24. According to the survey results, students living with their parents receive $65 per month on average, while those living on campus, in rented or their own accommodation, receive about $130. Four out of ten full-time students work during the semes-ter. “Approximately one-fi fth of students worked throughout the whole semester and one-fi fth took up casual work. One-fi fth of full-time students have received a grant or scholarship, and only 1 percent of them have taken out a student loan,” said Education Ministry spokesperson Michal Kalinak. Part-time students most often have their own incomes, with 73.9 percent of them working during the semester. “Part-time students living with their parents have an average income of $375 per month, while students living in dorms, in rented or their own accommodation have an average income of $575. The international EUROSTUDENT project focuses on the socio-economic background of students, including their housing, incomes, fi nancial support from parents or paid work. UIPS will draw up a national report early in 2014. The fi ndings of the project will be used by international organizations such as the OECD, the European Commission and the Bologna Process Working Group on Social Dimension and Mobility, and also by the countries in which the research conducted for the purpose of developing educational policies.

Slovakia to continue educationwith Israel says Government Slovakia will continue to cooperate with Israel in the sphere of education, culture, science, youth and sports, with the Slovak Government on November 20, allocating $25,000 for this purpose in the budget for 2014-16. The document approved by the Cabinet specifi es cooper-ation in the teaching, language, education about the Holocaust and post-graduate study. This includes exchange programs youth and sports clubs. Both sides have pledged to prevent textbooks inciting rac-ism, anti-Semitism and xenophobia from being released. If any such textbooks are released, the other side will be informed. Special emphasis will be put on research and education related to the fate of the Jewish community in Slovakia during World War II, with Slovakia promising to educate schoolchil-dren about the Holocaust.

Fico and Obama debate eavesdroppingand Free Trade Agreement U.S. President Barack Obama and Vice President Jospeh Biden were interested in the condition of the Slovak economy, advising Slovakia to focus more on investments and less on cuts, said Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico after a meeting with top U.S. representatives at the White House in Washington on November 21. Fico said that economic policy in the U.S.A. is different from that in Europe, a fact that needs to be respected. According to Fico, the two sides didn’t avoid discussing the scandal involving the wiretapping of foreign politicians by the National Security Agency(NSA). Fico said that this issue was raised in regard to mutual trust between the United States and the European Union. “We proposed to deal with the consequences of this scan-dal, to organize a US-EU summit as soon as possible in order to fi nd a model for resolving the issue of mutual eavesdropping,” said Fico, adding that no details of which countries have been

wiretapped were discussed. Apart from the summit on eavesdropping, Slovakia would also welcome the signing of the EU-US Free Trade Agreement, which Fico described as “incredibly benefi cial” for both sides, including Slovakia, whose economy is oriented towards exports. Fico was accompanied by Foreign Affairs Minister Miro-slav Lajcak and Interior Minister Robert Kalinak. “We’ve offered the immense experience of our diplomatic corps in the Western Balkans and the Eastern Partnership. I’m happy that they listened attentively to the opinions presented by Miroslav Lajcak,” added Fico.

Malatinsky inks deal withPoland on gas pipeline Economy Minister Tomas Malatinsky signed an agreement between the Slovak and Polish governments on November 22 on cooperation concerning a project for a gas pipeline that would link up the gas transit systems of the two countries, TASR learned from ministry spokesman Stanislav Jurikovic on the same day. According to Jurikovic, the deal follows up on a joint dec-laration of representatives of the two governments going back to March 2013. The initiative is viewed as a tool to help speed up the process of preparing and implementing a Slovak-Polish gas interconnection by strategic investors. The spokesman also said that the project has been awarded the status of a project of common interest of the EU and is part of the strategic north-south gas corridor in central Europe. “The deal is aimed at defi ning the mechanisms of coopera-tion in preparing and carrying out this project,” said the minister.

OECD expects economic growth toaccelerate to 1.9 percent next year Growth in the Slovak economy will accelerate from the 0.8 percent expected this year to 1.9 percent next year thanks to increased demand on foreign markets, which is the engine for growth in investments in Slovakia as well as for Slovak exports, according to the autumn forecast of the Organization for Eco-nomic Cooperation and Development(OECD) published on its web on November 19. According to the forecast, although Slovak household spending will continue to grow, a more signifi cant recovery will probably continue to be hampered by adverse conditions on the labor market, especially by the persistently high unemployment rate. The OECD estimates that the unemployment rate will fall from 14.4 percent this year to 14.2 percent in 2014, before drop-ping to 13.7 percent in 2015. Apart from this, domestic demand in Slovakia will also be held back by measures due to be implemented in 2014 in order to reduce the budget defi cit below 3 percent of the GDP. According to the OECD, the limit on state debt included in the Slovak Con-stitution is beginning to tie the government’s hands and to limit the fl exibility of its fi scal policy. Slovakia’s budget defi cit is predicted to reach 3 percent of the GDP this year. It is expected to accelerate to 2 percent, before growing further to 2.1 percent in 2015. Finally, the OECD advises Slovakia to support programs that will accelerate job creation while at the same time maintain-ing the current rate of productivity improvement. Spending on infrastructure and education should be a priority for the country, therefore.

Unemployment fell to 13.66percent in October The unemployment rate in Slovakia fell by 0.18 percentage points month-on-month and by 0.03 p.p.s year-on-year to stand at 13.66 percent in October, the Labor, Social Affairs and the Family Center (UPSVaR) announced on November 20.

The Christmas rush has begun in Slovakia’s capital of Bratislava. Since November 22nd, the outdoor Christmas market in the city’s main square has been featuring more than 50 stands featuring an array of handmade arts, crafts and other gift items. In addition, many stands feature a va-riety of food items and other refreshments. After dark, the colorful lights add to the beauty and richness of celebrating the Christmas season in Bratislava. Trees are adorned with colorful lights and a variety of cultural programs through-out the day are featured. Throughout the Old Town section of the city, singers and choirs entertain on various balconies with their amplifi ed peformances fi lling the city with the spirit and joy of Christ’s birth.

The unemployment rate calculated from the total number of job-seekers in October decreased by 0.15 percentage points month-on-month to 14.91 percent. Overall, the number of unemployed people in October dropped by 3,993 m-o-m to 402,505. Unemployment went down in October in most regions, with only the Bratislava region seeing a rise of 0.01 percentage points. The Kosice region experienced the biggest reduction - by 0.31 percentage points. The highest overall unemployment rate was in the Presov region, at 19.59 percent. Above-average rates were also recorded in the Banska Bystrica Region(18.12 percent) and the Kosice Region(17.46 percent).

Government allocates fundsto tackle HIV/AIDS The Slovak government on November 20 allocated more than $2 million a year for combating HIV/AIDS as part of the Na-tional HIV/AIDS Prevention Program for 2013-16. The largest portion of the sum will go for treating the sick - $1.5 million, while the rest will be spent on prevention and diag-nostics. A total of 483 people have been diagnosed with HIV/AIDS in Slovakia since 1985, of which 414 were men and 69 women. Infections have developed into full-blown AIDS in 70 cases. “Most of the HIV contractions in Slovakia have been detect-ed among men who had sex with other men,” reads the document. Most of the infected live in the larger cities, and in Bratislava in particular. A total of 49 people with HIV have died since the disease was fi rst recorded in Slovakia, of which 41 had clinical symptoms of AIDS. The highest number of deaths have been recorded among 30-34 year-olds. The youngest patient to die was 24, while the old-est was 85.


Sokol Birthdays

DECEMBER 15 Kenley Drew Macurak, Ro-

swell, Ga., a member of Wreath

22, Pittsburgh, Pa.

Gregory Papcun, Holly, Mich.,

a member of Assembly 36, De-

troit, Mich.

DECEMBER 16 Nicholas J. Babiak, Arlington, Va., a member of Assembly 219, Yonkers, N.Y. Bernadine C. Bednar, Bethle-hem, Pa., a member of Assembly 78, Bethlehem, Pa. Robyn Noelle D’Agostino, Three Bridges, N.J., a member of

Assembly 219, Yonkers, N.Y.

Megan A. Harney, Mahopac, N.Y., a member of Asembly 219, Yonkers, N.Y. Jennifer N. Kudia, Palos Park,

Ill., a member of Assembly 11,

Chicago, Ill.

Edward M. Metzinger, Can-

fi eld, Oh., a member of Assembly

108, Youngstown, Oh.

Thomas M. Stedina, Jr., Day-

ton, N.J., a member of Assembly

182, New York City.

DECEMBER 17 Kevin M. Bly, Wilkes-Barre,

Pa. a member of Assembly 59,

Wilkes-Barre, Pa.

Elizabeth M. Kealey, Harris-

burg, Pa., a member of Assembly

59, Wilkes Barre, Pa.

Christine Sienicki, Clifton, N.J., a member of Assembly 162, Clifton, N.J.

DECEMBER 18 Nina W. Holy, Pompron Plains,

N.J., a member Assembly 282,

Passaic, N.J.

Mary R. Page, Newburgh,

N.Y., a member of Assembly 219,

Yonkers, N.Y.

Dennis J. Zifcak, Uxbridge, Mass., Supreme Treasurer and a member of Assembly 28, East Douglas, Mass.

DECEMBER 19 Joseph R. Benek, Jr., Holland,

Pa., a member of Assembly 48,

Philadelphia, Pa.

Anna Kollesar, Wilkes-Barre,

Pa., Ladies Vice President of Group

7 and a member of Assembly 59,

Wilkes-Barre, Pa.

Joseph Edward Kostecke,

Fargo, ND, a member of Assembly

162, Clifton, N.J.

Victoria H. Kurak, Yonkers,

N.Y., a member of Wreath 168,

New York City.

DECEMBER 20Carly Elizabeth Buck, Dela-ware, Oh., a member of Wreath 54, Youngstown, Oh. Anne S. Costolanski, Dunedin,

Fla., a member of Wreath 15, Per-

ryopolis, Pa.

DECEMBER 21 Jason Hernandez, Home-

stead, Fla., a member of Assembly

162, Clifton, N.J.

Ashley Hess, Cedar Grove,

N.J., a member of Assembly 162,

Clifton, N.J.

Stephanie Jandura, Drexel

Hill, Pa., a member of Wreath 13,

Philadelphia, Pa.

Paula Ann Suess, Pittsburgh,

Pa., a member of Wreath 22,

Pittsburgh, Pa.

DECEMBER 22 Robert R. Begany, Yonkers,


Yonkers, N.Y.

Marilyn F. Montemurro, Yon-

kers, N.Y., a member of Assembly

219, Yonkers, N.Y.

DECEMBER 23 Barbara Bodenschatz, Sum-

merhill, Pa., a member of Wreath

14 in Johnstown, Pa.

Alexis Victoria Benjamin, Yonkers, N.Y., a member of As-

sembly 219, Yonkers, N.Y.

Roger J. Manyak, East Doug-

las, Mass., Supreme Physical

Director.

Stephanie R. Kaczor, Wyo-

missing, Pa., a member of Wreath

155, Reading, Pa.

DECEMBER 25 Frank A. Brincka, Wantage,


Passaic, N.J.

Anna Korcak, Waldwick, N.J.,

fi nancial secretary of Assembly

182, New York, N.Y.

John Toskovich, Great Falls,

Va., a member of Assembly 1,

Passaic, N.J.

Anthony C. Rasimas, Wilkes-

Barre, Pa., a member of Assembly

59, Wilkes-Barre, Pa.

Florence Skurka, Highland, Ind., a member of Wreath 81, Whiting, Ind.

DECEMBER 26 Peter Kolozi, Newfoundland,


Clifton, N.J.

DECEMBER 27 Anne R. Kakos, Yonkers, N.Y., a member of Assembly 219, Yonkers, N.Y.

DECEMBER 28 Jozef Bodo, Brooklyn, N.Y.,

vice president of Assembly 182,

New York, N.Y.

Daniel J. Driscoll, Bethlehem, Pa., a member of Assembly 219, Yonkers, N.Y. Rita Mrosko, New Midd-

letouwn, Oh., a member of Wreath

54, Youngstown, Oh.

DECEMBER 29 Eric R. Awramko, Little Falls,


Clifton, N.J.

Stephen J. Kubasek, Jr., Yon-

kers, N.Y.,a member of Assembly

219, Yonkers, N.Y.

Patricia M. Pjontek, Pitts-

burgh, Pa., a member of Wreath

22, Pittsburgh, Pa

John Sipos, Estero, Fla., a mem-

ber of Assembly 1, Passaic, N.J.

DECEMBER 30 Peter S. Costolanski, Dunedin,

Fla., a member of Assembly 25,

Perryopolis, Pa.

Dr. Mary Z. Gasparik, New

York City, our Honorary Supreme

Offi cers and President of Wreath

168, New York City.

Carl V. Gogolak, Basking

Ridge, N.J., a member of Assem-

bly 219, Yonkers, N.Y.

DECEMBER 31 Gail Jankowski, Yonkers,


Yonkers, N.Y.

Mary Madar, East Stroudsburg, Pa., a member of Assembly 32, Palmerton, Pa.

Dr. Susan Mikula, professor of Slovak Studies at Benedic-tine University in Lisle, Ill. will present an interesting lecture on the life and legacy of Dr. Mi-lan Hodza, noted Slovak states-man, journalist and professor on Sunday, January 26 at the Klas Restaurant located at 5734 West Cermak Road in Cicero, Ill. The lecture and dinner are sponsored by Friends of the Bohemian Na-tional Cemetery. The program begins with a reception and cash bar at 12:30 p.m. Dinner featur-ing traditional Czech and Slovak specialities will be served at 1:30 p.m. Following dinner at 3 p.m. the free program will begin with Dr. Mikula presenting her lecture. Thus, the lecture is free however the cost of the dinner is $25.00 per person which includes tax and gratuity. Dinner reservations are necessary. For reservations call (847)362-9036 or visit www.friendsofbnc.org. Make checks payable to Friends of BNC and send same to Juli Nelson, Friends of BNC, 300 Claymoor #2F, Hin-sdale, IL 60521-5076. A native of Sucany, Slovakia, Dr. Milan Hodza was born there in 1878. He spent the last years of his life in the United States. He passed away in Clearwater, FL in 1944. From 1905 to 1910, he rep-resented the Slovak Nationalist

Dr. Susan Mikula to presentLecture on Dr. Milan Hodza

Party in the Hungarian parliament. He was a pioneer political and so-cial leader following the creation of Czecho-Slovakia in 1918. He served in the Czecho-Slovak Par-liament in Prague from 1918 to 1938. He served as the state sec-retary of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and later of the Ministry of Unifi cation and in 1922 became minister of agriculture. He be-came the fi rst Slovak to serve as prime minister beginning in 1935. He served in this capacity until September 1938 when he had to withdraw from political life. That year he emigrated to Switzerland, later to Paris, in 1940 to London and in 1941 to the United States. He was a signifi cant ideological and political representative of the Slovaks before the Munich Agree-ment. He was also an important Slovak journalist and an author of thousands of articles, polemics and studies. Hodza was among the most important Slovak leaders of the fi rst half of the twentieth cen-tury. Dr. Mikula, a Detroit native, hails from a well-known Slovak family. She is professor of History and Chair of the Division of Hu-manities at Benedictine Univer-sity. She specializes in 20th cen-tury Slovakia and has published numerous articles on this subjects in a number of scholarly journals.

Lodge Jottings

annual meeting and extending best wishes for a joyous holiday season, may I remain Zdar Boh! Susan Knoblauh Recording Secretary

CHICAGO, ILL.Assembly 11

Members of our lodge under the spiritual patronage of SS. Cyril and Methodius, are hereby notifi ed that, effective immediately, all matters pertaining to their membership, i.e., life insurance, annuity, change of address/benefi ciary, etc. should contact Therese M. Buc, Financial Secretary, 9024 Del Prado Drive, Palos Hills, Illinois 60456, tele-phone: 708-598-1468, Email: [email protected]. With the recent passing of our President, Frank R. Stolar, Assem-bly 11 is in critical need of mem-bers to serve as offi cers. We are appealing to our members to give this their serious consideration as it does affect the future of Assembly 11. All interested members should contact Therese. On behalf of Assembly 11 of-fi cers, I extend to all a wonderful, blessed Thanksgiving and Christ-mas holiday season to our brother and sister, Sokols and Sokolky throughout the country. Zdar Boh! Therese M. Buc Financial/Recording Secretary

CLIFTON, N.J.Assembly 162

The annual meeting of our As-sembly under the fostering care of SS. Cyril and Methodius will be held on Sunday, December 15 in SS. Cyril and Methodius Church hall located at 218 Ackerman Av-enue beginning at 12:30 p.m. All members are invited to attend. On our meeting agenda will be the report of our president as well as that of the other Assembly offi -cers. In addition, plans for our vari-ous fraternal and sporting activities in the coming year will be fi nalized. Input from our members will insure the success of our various activi-ties. Election of offi cers for 2014 will take place. We have enjoyed a busy fraternal year and are grateful to all our members who have been a part of them. We were pleased to be an integral part of the centen-nial celebration of our parish of SS. Cyril and Methodius. As has been our longstanding tradition, follow-ing our business meeting we will host our children’s Christmas party. Come out and enjoy a pleasant fra-ternal afternoon with us. Wishing all a very Merry Christ-mas and a New Year fi lled with God’s continued blessings of good health and happiness, may we re-main Zdar Boh! John D. Pogorelec, Jr. President David Bulwin Recording Secretary


The time is NOW to get ready to visit Slovakia with the Youngstown, Ohio - Spisska Nova Ves Sister Cities Heritage Tour set for July 7 to July 21, 2014. Once again, the tour will be hosted by our well-known Sokol couple and cultural activists, Jim and Kay Bench of Derry, Pa. Start talking with your grandparents or older members of your family to get information on your ancestral home in Slova-kia. You will have a wonderful feeling walking the streets of the village of your ancestors. You will enjoy rafting on the Dunajec river, which forms the natural border between Slova-kia and Poland, visit Litmanova where there have been appari-tions of the Blessed Mother in the 1990s, visit historic Nitra and the oldest church in Slovakia, visit the fairy tale castle of Bo-jnice, enjoy museums, colibas, traditional Slovak food, be en-tertained by folk groups and at-tend the exciting Kezmarok fair and watch craftsmen and women make their wares. These are just a few of the highlights of the tour. Make your plans now to join this wonderful tour. Contact Jim and Kay Bench at tel. (724) 858-5843 or (724)771-7900 or email [email protected] for further details of the trip. Paul Hudak at Adventure International Travel in Lakewood, Oh. will be handling

all the travel arrangements. He can be reached at (216)228-7171 or on the toll free number 800-542-2487 or fax (216) 228-7174. The total tour cost is $3,849 per person from Washington,D.C. and $3,899 from Pittsburgh. This includes $516 airline fuel charge but excludes air taxes of $153(Washington) or $167( Pitts-burgh) Both airline fuel charges and taxes are quoted as of No-vember 2013 and are subject to change until fi nal tour payment is made and ticket is issued. There is a special early booking dis-count of $200 off the total tour price per person for deposit check received and made by December 31, 2013. Also unique to the tour is an informative luncheon meet-ing with the tour participants regarding tips on currency, dos and don’ts, luggage preparation, clothing and other related tour items. The tour departs out of Washington’s Dulles Internation-al Airport to Vienna, Austria. A Mercedes benz, air-conditioned bus with a rest room awaits the tour participants in Vienna for the one hour ride to Slovakia’s beau-tiful capital city of Bratislava. If you ever thought of visiting the land of your ancestors, there’s no better way than to join in the 17th annual Slovak Heritage Tour sponsored by the Youngstown, Ohio - Spisska Nova Ves, Slova-kia Sister Cities association.

17th Youngstown-Spisska Nova Ves heritage tour to Slovakia



Gospel for the Fourth Sunday of Advent(Continued from page 4)

through the prophet:“Behold, the virgin shall conceiveand bear a son,and they shall name him Emmanuel,which means ‘God is with us.’”When Joseph awokehe didi as the angel of the Lord had commanded himand took his wife into his home.

Gospel of the Lord.

The Mixing Bowl

BOBALKY(A Christmas Eve specialty)

1 tablespoon butter2 tablespoons sugar2 1/2 teaspoons salt2 cups scalded milk1 yeast cake1/4 cup lukewarm water6 to 7 cups sifted, all-purpose fl our Into a mixing bowl, place butter, sugar and salt. Add scalded milk; let cool until lukewarm. Add yeast dissolved in water. Add enough fl our to make a soft elastic dough. Turn onto a fl oured board and knead. Place in an area, free from drafts. Punch dough down with fi n-gertips and let rise again(about 45 minutes). Toss lightly on fl oured board, knead and shape into a roll(like a pipe) about 1/2 inch in diameter. Place on cookie sheet. Cut with edge of teaspoon into small pieces and let rise for 10 minutes. Bake at 375 degreesF for 15 minutes or until lightly brown. When cool, break and place in col-ander. Pour boiling water over bo-balky. Place on serving dish, mix with poppyseed and melted butter, and serve. Poppyseed (1/2 cup) should be ground and cooked in 3/4 cup water for 10 minutes. Boil 3 cups milk and 1 cup sugar and mix with poppyseed. Instead of using sugar in poppyseed mixture, honey may be used, poured over the bobalky. If your family is small, divide the above dough into two portions, bake bobalky from one portion and a loaf of bread from the other.

PIROHY2 cups fl our2 eggs1/2 teaspoon salt1/2 lb. butter(browned) Mix four, eggs and salt. Add enough water to make medium soft dough. Knead until blisters appear. Dough should be soft. Di-vide into two portions. Roll out one portion thin. Cut in 2-inch squares. Place on each 1/2 teaspoon of de-sired fi lling. Fold in half to make triangle. Pinch edges to keep fi ll-ing from escaping. Follow same method for remaining portion of dough. Drop in boiling water un-til pirohy come to the top, about 5 minutes. After pirohy are boiled and drained, brown butter in skil-let and pour over pirohy. Toss well so that the pirohy are well buttered. The pirohy with each of its fi lling should be boiled separately.

Cabbage Filling1 lb. head of cabbage1 teaspoon salt2 teaspoons lard1 medium size onion(chopped fi ne) Cut the cabbage in half, cut out the core and grate on vegetable side of grater; add the salt and let stand for a few minutes. Saute on-ion in lard. Squeeze juice out of the cabbage and drop cabbage into the lard. Let fry slowly until cabbage is cooked. Cool.Potato Filling1 cup mashed potatoes1/2 oz. grated cheddar cheese1 egg yolk Combine all ingredients and let cool before using.Cheese Filling1/2 lb. dry cottage cheese put through a sieve1 egg beaten1/8 teaspoon salt Combine in ingredients.Sweet Cheese Filling1/2 lb. dry cottage cheese put through a sieve1 egg yolk beaten2 drops vanilla extract2 tablespoons sugar Combine ingredients.Prune Filling1/2 lb. prunes, cooked stoned and mashed or 1/2 lb. lekvar from deli-catessen store.

NUT ROLLS - KOLAC6 cups sifted fl our3/4 teaspoon salt3 tablespoons sugar2 packages dry yeast1/2 cup warm milk1/4 pound butter1/2 cup vegetable shortening3 eggs beaten1 cup sour cream Dissolve yeast in warm milk. Sift together fl our, salt and sugar. Add shortening and butter. Mix as for pie crust. Add beaten mixture and blend well. Divide dough in four parts. Let rise 30 minutes. Roll each part as for jelly roll. Spread with nut fi lling(follows). Roll and place on greased pan and allow to rise for one hour or until double in bulk. Bake 35 to 40 minutes at 350F degrees.Nut fi lling:1/2 pound chopped walnuts1/2 cup sugar1 teaspoon vanilla1 teaspoon melted butter1/4 cup scalded milk Mix together walnuts, sugar, va-nilla and butter. Slowly blend in scalded milk. Mix well.

Mysteries are common in the Christian religion. But they do not mystify us. On the contrary, they enlighten, ennoble and sustain us. Who can fathom the mystery of the Incarnation? Yet it is as simple and heartworming as the sweet Infant in the manger. St. John writes of the agelessness and powerfulness of the Word, who is the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity, and then states briefl y and clearly: “The Word was made Flesh and dwelt among us.” The God-Man was not a vision. He was real fl esh and blood. He was not a man in whom God dwelt. He was God as truly as He was Man. We believe that Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of the Father, is also the Son of the Blessed Virgin Mary, of whom He was born. God became Man for the ben-efi t of men. He did not live in an inaccessible tower, nor surround Himself with dazzling splendor. St. John tells us that He “dwelt among us.” Anyone might approach Him. There was no privacy in the cave of Bethlehem. Angels invited shep-

herds to go and see Him. A star in the heavens attracted the Wise Men in the East and drew them to Him. So it was throughout His life. He had not “whereon to lay His head.” Men, women and children, the humble and the exalted, forced themselves upon Him and gave Him no rest. Our Lord Jesus Christ taught us by example as well as by word how to live soberly, justly and godly in this world. He was poor, but he was not opposed to the rich. He was an Israelite, but He was not hostile to foreigners. He was a Jew, but He was not antagonistic to Gentiles. He was white, but He drew no color line. God-Made-Man was kin to all men. Racists, zealots and bigots per-secuted Him. But He did not strike them. He came to live and die for a world that slighted Him. He came to offer sacrifi ce for those who took no part in the act of worship. He came to shed for sinners the pre-cious blood which was meritorious by virtue of His divinity. He died, to rise again the third day and dis-

play the glory which He had con-cealed until then. He rose again, to ascend to the right hand of God and there plead for our forgiveness, and pour forth from His pierced side His choicest blessings upon us. He ascended, to descend again in due time to judge the world which He had redeemed. Great is our Lord and great is His power, Jesus Christ the Son of God and the Son of Man. By tak-ing our fl esh, He was not sullied. In fact, as He rose from the lowly manger to the heights of heaven, He raised human nature with Him. In Jesus Christ, man has redeemed us. Man is set above all creatures, man shall judge men on the last day. The infant, whom we honor at Christmas, will decide our fate for eternity. How fortunate we are to have as judge one who loved us so much as to be born for us, to bear our infi rmities, to die for us, and to give us a share in His divine nature. By our Christly lives may we daily bless and praise Him whom the an-gels and saints see and adore.

- The Catholic Advocate

The Word Was Made Flesh



Oplatky, the traditional Slovak Christmas wafers enjoyed at the Christmas Eve or Christmas day feastings, will be available this holiday season from Jankola Li-brary. Orders will be accepted from October 21 until December 18, 2013. The Oplatky, fi ve in one pack-age are thermal-sealed and can

Christmas Oplatky

Extending Merry Christmasin different languages

Peace on Earth to those on whom God’s favor rests, we read in Luke’s Gospel. Not even language dif-ferences constitute a barrier. Living in our cosmopolitan society, it will be well to know a few of the ways of expressing “Merry Christ-mas” in various languages.

Slovak ...........Veselé VianocePolish.............Wesolych SwiatItalian ............Buon NataleFrench ...........Joyeux NoelGerman ..........Frohliche WeihnachtenSpanish ..........Felice NavidadRussian ..........Christos RazhdaetsyaRomanian ......Sarbatori FericiteHungarian ......Boldog Karacsonyi UnescketCroatian .........Sretan BozieLithuanian .....Linksmu KaleduUkrainian. ......Hristos RozdajetsiaSwedish .........Glad JulenSerbian ..........Kristos Se RodiHawaiian .......Mele Kalikimaka

THE MOST POPULAR exter-nal manner by which Americans keep Christ in Christmas today was originated over 750 years ago in Italy by a saint. Each year Christmas Crib sets - miniature representations of the Na-tivity in paper, plaster, ceramics or wood - grace many American homes. And no mat-ter how deluxe their craftsmanship and lavish their display, the traditional Nativ-ity scene recalls the reason for the fi rst one prepared at the direc-tion of St. Francis of Assisi in 1224 - to show the poverty of the surroundings through which the Son of God made His entry into the world. After a visit to Bethlehem, St. Francis devised his plan to show people “the want which the Son of God suffered, through the lack of all things necessary to a newborn, and the manner in which he was placed in a manger and lay on hay between the ox and the donkey.” The 13th century was a time when many were illiterate and books were few; the saint knew that the graphic reproduction of what had happened in Bethlehem was the best way of teaching the people. ST. FRANCIS found near his hermitage in Greccio, Italy, a cave carved out of the rocky mountain-side, which recalled exactly the grotto he had seen in Bethlehem. He chose the poor and simple people of the Valley of Reiti at the foot of the hill to assemble the manger and the living animals. The people themselves portrayed Mary and Joseph and the shepherds. The vividness and appeal of this Christian custom spread through-out Europe and the entire Christian world. Live animals were always used and it was this custom that

began the legend that animals re-ceive the gift of speech at midnight, Christmas Eve. Even today, Nativ-ity scenes using live animals can be found in various communities. AT FIRST the Christmas Crib was confi ned to the church, where

people would leave gifts for the Christ Child and the fi gures would be garbed in the robes and jewels of the wealthy. Hand-carved wooden fi gures came into use, and noblemen engaged artists to produce elaborate

manger scenes in their castles. During the 17th and 18th centu-ries, additional fi gures were intro-duced - representations of the no-blemen and their families, fi gures typifying the various social classes. Soon the Christmas Crib found its way into the home, with the family making the fi gures and the celebration of the feast centering around the scene. In America there are few Nativ-ity scenes made by members of the family themselves. They are man-ufactured or made by craftsmen abroad. Occasionally children ap-ply themselves to the art of making a paper Christmas Crib. COMMENTING on the “Beth-lehem at Greccio” where St. Francis originated the Christmas Crib his biographer, Tommaso de Celano, wrote: “Simplicity is hon-ored here, poverty is praised, and Greccio is almost turned into a new Bethlehem.” The tradition of St. Francis is preserved. On modern mantlepiec-es, on tables in apartments, under decorated fi r trees in cozy living rooms - Nativity scenes recall the humility of the Newborn King, and Bethlehem is revisited. - Anne M. Buckley

Christmas Crib Begun by SaintBrings Bethlehem to U.S. Homes At Christmas and Always:

Jesus’ arm beneath your head, Jesus’ love around you shed, Jesus’ light to cheer your way, Jesus’ ear to hear you pray, Jesus’ loving hand to bless youand yours in tenderness.Jesus fi rst and Jesus last! Though this Christmas soon bepast, may the grace of Jesus’ birth fi llyour heart and bring peace to earth. -Holy Spirit Adoration Sisters

Our Ever-Popular, 304-Page Sokol Cook Book

is Now in its Fourth Edition

✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄

Just $14.50 which includes postage and handlingSokol Assemblies and Wreaths can order a case of

12 cook books for just $160.00 – Place your order today!Make check or money order payable to:

Slovak Catholic SokolP.O. Box 899 – 205 Madison Street

Passaic, N.J. 07055

NAME______________________________________________________________________ ________

ADDRESS__________________________________________________________________________

CITY, STATE & ZIP_________________________ __________________________________________

NUMBER OF BOOKS____________________________________________________________________

(Effective January 1, 2012)

READING, PAAssembly 261Wreath 155

The annual meeting of both our lodges are scheduled for Monday, January 6 at our Slovak Catholic Sokol Club, Crestmont Street be-ginning at 7:15 p.m. All members are invited to attend. Reports of the offi cers will be presented and plans for our vari-ous fraternal activities in the new year will be discussed and fi nal-ized. Input and cooperation of our members will insure the success of our activities. Election of offi cers to serve both lodges will be held. The New Year 2014 will mark the 85th anniversary of the found-ing of Assembly 261. It was on February 19, 1929 that a group of young Slovaks gathered in SS.Cyril and Methodius Church Hall with the intention of establishing a local lodge of the Slovak Catholic Sokol. They chose SS. Cyril and Metho-dius as patrons of the new lodge. By 1930, our lodge opened its fi rst Sokol hall where the wonderful gymnastic and sporting traditions of the Sokol movement might be fostered. We are now residing in our third and largest Sokol hall, one of the fi nest of its kind in the country. Just a few months after the founding of the assembly a group of young women gathered to es-tablish our Wreath 155. They chose St. Theresa as patroness of the new lodge. And the rest is history. Both our lodges have contrib-uted much to the growth and de-

Lodge Jottings

velopment of the Slovak Catholic Sokol over the past 85 years. Many outstanding fraternalists from our lodges have gone on to serve in leadership positions within the Su-preme Assembly. We have great pride in our past and anticipate con-tinued success in the future. On behalf of the offi cers of both our lodges, we extend best wishes for a very Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year to all our brother and sister Sokols and Sokolky across the country, may I remain Zdar Boh! Joseph M. Oros Financial Secretary Assembly 261

be purchased for $4.00. In addi-tion, the minimum cost of ship-ping and handling is $5.75 and upwards depending upon the number of packets ordered and the rising costs of priority mailing. Customized requests can be fi lled to meet your needs: Payment to Jankola Library is expected before receiving an order. For more information to place and order contact: Sister Catherine Laboure Bresnock, SS.C.M. at tel. 570-275-5606 or write: Jankola Library and Slovak Museum, 580 Railroad Street, Villa Sacred Heart, Dan-ville, PA 17821-1698.


The Supreme Physical Fit-ness Board is very excited to an-nounce that from Aug. 14 -17, 2014, we are inviting all children ages 7-16 to attend our fi rst ever Sokol Camp at Camp Fitch in North Springfi eld, PA (on Lake Erie). The days will be fi lled with fun activities such as: swimming, canoeing, kayaking, hiking, ar-chery, rock climbing, paintball, arts and crafts and much, much more. Since we will be running the camp in conjunction with our clinic, in the evening, the camp-ers will join the directors/direc-tresses and their assistants for fun team building and fraternal activities. Cost: $240.00 per camper $120.00 will be covered by the Slovak Catholic Sokol $120 will be paid by the camper (Group support may be provided at their discretion)

Camper must meet all of the following criteria: 1. Camper must be a Slovak Catholic Sokol policy holder in good standing. 2. Camper must be seven years of age by August 31st, but no older than 16. 3. Camper must pay half of the total cost AND provide their own transportation. 4. Camper’s fee must be paid before camp begins (specifi c date will be published in Falcon at a later date) So that we can start plan-ning for this exciting new event, please complete the form below and e-mail me at [email protected] or send it by mail to:

Kathleen S. Watkins 7019 Highland Creek Drive

Bridgeville, PA 15017

Slovak Catholic Sokol Camp Adventure

✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄✄

I am interested in attending Slovak Catholic Sokol Camp Adventure!

Name: _____________________________________________________

Address: ___________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

Phone Number: _____________________________________________

E-mail: ____________________________________________________

Birthdate: _________________ Age as of August 31, 2014 ____________

Slovak Catholic Sokol Policy # _________________________________

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Announcing the Memorial Scholarship Fund!!!

Julie Ann Dobbs Supreme Vice-President

Have you found yourself looking for a way to memorialize a lost loved one or fellow Group/Wreath/Assembly member? Why not make a donation in their honor to the newly developed Memo-rial Scholarship fund? Your donation will assure that an annual scholarship be given out to a college age student who best exem-plifi es the meaning of fraternalism and volunteerism. Here’s how it works: Send a check or money order to the Memorial Scholarship Fund clearly indicating the name to be memorialized. You can fi nd a donation form on line athttp://slovakcatholicsokol.org/members/memorialfrmframe.htm

or simply send your donation to:

Dennis J. ZifcakMuseum Treasurer

Memorial Scholarship Fund205 Madison St.

Passaic, NJ 07055

Your bequest will be recognized in the Falcon as well as permanently added to the Memorial Scholarship Donation Log which will be kept at the Sokol Museum. Depending on the amount of funds collected, we will be able to award at least two $500 scholarships annu- ally. The hope is that the donated funds will begin a self-perpetuating interest bearing scholarship account.

Have you recently lost a loved one? You might consider ear-marking donations to this fund in their memory. Keep the spirit of your fellow Sokol alive by investing in a way that their fraternal dedication will not be forgotten.

In Memory of....

While most Catholics consider the Christmas feast the singular most enriching event in the Church year, for Catholics of Slovak ances-try, Christmas centers around the

celebration of “Stedry Vec-er” (Vilija), the Bountiful Christmas Eve supper. Many of the Slovak Christ-mas traditions brought to

America by the immigrants from Slovakia, are perpetuated from generation to generation in the Slo-vak American home. The Christmas Eve supper, which begins with the appearance of the fi rst star, is fi lled with benev-olence and mystery. With roots in the Passover supper of the Old Tes-tament, the meal is fi lled with ritual and meaning. Each of the various regions of Slovakia have particular culinary specialties. In some localities, it is the cus-tom to set the tablecloth over clean straw, in others straw is laid upon the fl oor. This reminds the family that the Christ child was bedded upon straw in the manger. The father and mother come to the table with a lighted candle car-rying holy water and honey. Reach-ing their places, good wishes and greetings are extended, offering a kind of festive toast. The candle which gives light and warmth is the symbol of Christ, the light of the world.

Maternal Blessing Before serving the meal, the mother sprinkles holy water on the table and the rest of the house that the blessing of God might rest on them. The father serves an oplatka (wafer) to each family member starting with his wife. He asks her forgiveness for any hurt he may have caused and invites reconcili-ation with an embrace and a kiss. The mother does likewise to her husband. The father then takes a little honey and makes a small sign of the cross on the foreheads of all present. It reminds all to keep Christ in our thoughts and to live and work so that harmony and pleasant fellowship might sweeten our lives. The meal begins with the “oplat-ky” or unleavened wafers imprinted with scenes of the holy birth. Com-ing from the Latin, “oblata” (offer-ing), these wafers are common to Slavs living in the Tatra Mountains. Both Poles and Slovaks, who live on either side of Europe’s second highest mountain range, forming the natural boundary between Slo-vakia and Poland, use these wafers at the Christmas Eve supper. Be-cause of the snowbound conditions of the region, these blessed wafers were given to the faithful by the village priest so that this symbol of Christ and the Eucharist might serve as their Christmas Eve spiri-tual nourishment. It is customary for each family in the village to contribute a mea-

Slovak Christmas EveBy Rev. George M. Franko

sure of fl our for the baking of the “oplatky” done for the entire vil-lage on December 13, the day af-ter the Feast of St. Lucy. If there was a common mill in the village, the miller saw to it that fl our from the storehouse was provided. After baking, the “oplatky” were blessed by the village priest and distributed to each family by children who were sent by the priest. The chil-dren presented each family with the “oplatky” together with a memo-rized Christmas greeting “Vins.” Because of the often snowbound conditions in these villages, which prevented the villagers from trav-eling to church for the Midnight liturgy, these blessed wafers were enjoyed as a reminder of the Eucha-rist. The “oplatky” are eaten with honey and reminded the family of the unleavened bread of the Pass-over supper of the Israelites.

Prefi guring the Eucharist The passage of the exodus story is recalled: Exodus 16:8.9 “On that day tell your son, I do this because of what the Lord did for me when I came out of Egypt. This obser-vance will be for you like a sign on your hand and a reminder on your forehead that the law of the Lord is to be on your lips. For the Lord brought you out of Egypt with his mighty hand.” And from Exodus 16:31.32 “The people of Israel called the bread Manna.” It was white like coriander seed and tasted like wafers made with honey. And Moses said, “This is what the Lord has commanded: Take an omer of Manna and keep it for the genera-tions to come, so they can see the bread I gave you to eat in the desert when I brought you out of Egypt.” And fi nally, from St, John’s Gos-pel 6:47-51 “I tell you the truth, he who believes has everlasting life. I am the bread of life. Your forefa-thers ate the Manna in the desert, yet they died. But here is the bread that comes down from heaven, if anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. This bread is my fl esh which I will give for the life of the world.”

Culinary Delights Following the “oplatky”, a soup of tart quality, usually made of sau-erkraut brine and dried mushrooms, continues the exodus theme of re-calling the bitterness of slavery-life without Christ. Fish is generally used, as Catho-lics in Eastern Europe observed a strict fast on the vigil of Christ-mas. Next come “opekance-pupa-cky-bobalky” which generally are sweet, raised dough or may be a biscuit type dough sweetened with honey and sprinkled with a pleas-ant preparation of poppy seed. The use of poppy seed recalls a pagan tradition in which poppy seed was strewn at the portal in order that the evil spirits might be occupied with picking up each morsel and thus would not enter the house. “Pirohy” are generally enjoyed at the Christmas Eve supper. They are dough pockets, pastry fi lled with fi llings of sweet cabbage, sau-erkraut, lekvar, prunes, or potatoes

and cheese and boiled. “Pagace” is also enjoyed at the dinner, also called “Slovak Pizza.” It is thin raised dough baked either in a single or double layer fi lled with sweet cabbage or mashed potatoes. After baking, it is brushed with but-ter and cut in pie wedges. In addi-tion, “lokse” a potato pancake type of specialty is also enjoyed. Other foods eaten include dried prunes, apples, nuts, and St. John’s bread known as “Carob.” The meal concludes with the traditional Slo-vak pastry, known as “Kolace” or strudel-like rolls which are fi lled with walnuts, poppy seed, lekvar (prune butter) or cheese. Red wine completes the evening’s feasting.

Traditional “Vins” In addition to a place for every member of the family at the table, a place is left vacant for the wel-come traveler. In rural villages of Slovakia, a shepherd would call from house-to-house making his Christmas wish or “vins” to all in the household:

“On this glorious feast of the birthdayof Christ our Lord,I wish you from God,good health, happinessand abundant blessings.

May it be yours to enjoy comfortfrom your children,salvation for your soul.The kingdom of heaven after death,and for the family’s welfare, may you havewhatever you ask of God.”

(Father Franko is the retired pas-tor of Holy Name of Jesus Slovak Parish in Youngstown, Oh. and is chaplain of the American Slovak Cultural Association of the Ma-honing Valley)

LET’S LEARN SLOVAK FOR CHRISTMAS

Vianoce – ChristmasŠtedrý večer – Christmas evePolnočná omša – Midnight MassVianočný stromček –Th e Christ-mas treeJežiško –Th e baby JesusAdvent – AdventPaska – Christmas bread with rai-sinsVianočné obdobie – Christmas seasonVeselé Vianoce – Merry ChristmasSilvester - New Year’s EveŠťastný nový rok – Happy New Year

PHRASESŽelám vám veselé a požehnané Vianoce –I wish you a happy and blessed ChristmasViance sú sviatky radosti a poko-ja – Christmas is a feast of joy and peacePôjdeme na polnočnú omšu – We will go to Midnight Mass


The annual Midwest Slovak Pastoral Seminar hosted by the Chicago Region of the Slovak Catholic Federation was held on Sunday, September 15th, the feast of Our Mother of Sorrows, patron-ess of Slovakia. This year’s semi-nar, which attracted a record nearly 200 participants, was held at St. Simon the Apostle Parish located on Chicago’s near South Side. This year’s seminar was dedicated to the 1150th anniversary of the evange-lization of the Slovak people by SS. Cyril and Methodius. The fes-tivities began with a concelebrated Slovak Mass in the church. Prin-cipal celebrant of the liturgy and special guest at the seminar was the Most Rev. Milan Sasik, C.M. Bish-

op Sasik is a native of Slovakia and was ordained a Roman Rite priest of the Congregation of the Mission. He was appointed by Pope Emeri-tus Benedict XVI as the Bishop of the Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Mukachevo in Ukraine. Geograph-ically, this area once belonged to the region of Ruthenia also known as Podkarpatska Rus. When the fi rst Republic of Czecho-Slovakia was established in 1919, Ruthenia was one of its geographical com-ponents. Historically, it has been home to many Greek Catholics. Following the Second World War, this region was ceded to Ukraine. The beauty of the liturgy, which was celebrated in the Roman Rite, was enhanced by the beautiful Slo-

Scenes of the Annual Midwest Pastoral Seminar Hosted by the Slovak Catholic FederationSt. Simon the Apostle Parish + Chicago, Ill. + Sunday, September 15

vak hymns sung during the Mass. Following the impressive liturgy, the attendees enjoyed a delicious catered dinner featuring traditional Slovak culinary specialities in the parish social hall. After enjoying the dinner the participants enjoyed an interesting and informative talk given by the Rev. Kristian Libant, C.M., a Slovak Vincentian priest who resides in Chicago and minis-ters to the large community of Slo-vak immigrants. The topic of his address was New Discoveries from Ancient Slovakia. Father Kristian’s talk was simultaneously translated into English by Matus Bohacik, a seminarian from Slovakia who is currently a student at St. Mary of the Lake Seminary in Mundelein, Ill. who will serve in the Archdio-cese of Chicago following his ordi-nation. This year’s gathering attracted the largest turnout of participants both Slovak born as well as those of Slovak ancestry in the nearly 20-year history of these seminars. A good turnout of members of the Slovak Catholic Sokol, as well as of our other Slovak Catholic fraternals were among this year’s seminar participants. It was a wonderful op-portunity for Chicagoland Slovaks to observe the Cyrilo-Methodian jubilee year. Zdar Boh! Robert Tapak Magruder


Report of the Supreme Secretary for the Month of October 2013REPORT OF THE SUPREME SECRETARY

SLOVAK CATHOLIC SOKOLActivity for the Month of October, 2013

ASSETS

YEAR-TO-DATECash - Senior Account $ 464,123.34 Cash - Bank of Montreal 13,147.05 Cash - Payroll Account 40,000.00 Petty Cash 35.00 Investments - Bonds & Bills 50,135,836.59 Investments - Stocks 7,347,039.58 Capital Reserve 730,247.92 Stock Adj. to Book Value 1,943,145.90 First Mortgage Loans 622,437.55 Loans on Certifi cates 220,217.67 Accrued Interest Receivable 672,799.00 Prepaid Expense 1,522.29 Sokol Building 2,687,146.11 Land 204,108.00 Furniture & Fixtures 160,265.83 Computer 70,782.81 Sokol Baby Spoons 10,075.00 Due From Groups 33,382.54 Accounts Receivable 14,482.86 Non-Admitted Assets -89,916.00 TOTAL ASSETS $ 65,280,879.04

LIABILITIES AND RESERVES YEAR-TO-DATE

Life Reserves $ 43,535,187.00 Reserve Dep. Furn. & Fixtures 150,508.34 Reserve Dep. Sokol Building 2,625,590.16 Asset Valuation Reserve 1,263,089.00 Interest Maintenance Reserve 46,634.00 Reserve for Supplemental Contracts 1,122,810.35 Reserve Emp. Retirement Plan 4,736,720.00 Reserve for Convention 188,250.00 Matured Endowments 82,510.24 Annuity Payable 206,215.00 Claims Payable 231,676.91 Conversion - Canadian Currency -490.89 Accounts Payable 116,102.22 Sokol Secure Fund 164,290.84 Mary Jane Rich Scholarship Fund 85,000.00 Emil Slavik Scholarship Fund 100,000.00 Dr’s Lesko Medical Scholarship Fund 20,000.00 Krista L Glugosh Memorial Scholarship Fund 24,000.00 Dividend Accum. At Interest 318,334.30 Dividend Payable 20,732.74 Advance Premiums 10,150.00 Premium Load 3,400.00 TOTAL LIABILITIES $ 55,050,710.21 Undistributed Funds - Sokol $ 10,230,168.83 TOTAL LIABILITIES & SURPLUS $ 65,280,879.04 STATEMENT OF INCOME AND EXPENSES Month of October, 2013

INCOME OCTOBER YEAR TO DATEInterest on Bonds and Bills $ 261,643.19 $ 2,334,609.45 Interest Income Accrued 0.00 40,419.00 Other Investment Income 0.32 3,427.57 Dividends on Stocks 22,307.21 230,590.13 Interest on Mortgages 3,124.45 32,422.98 Interest on Certifi cate Loans -28.61 6,864.15 Sale of Cookbooks 13.50 976.85 Rent Received - Sokol Building 1,590.00 49,115.50 Gain on Securities Sold/Matured (45,705.00) 604,069.16 Amortization of IMR (2,088.00) 4,178.00 Premium Income 53,879.03 567,944.01 Annuities 402,799.77 2,508,391.63 Miscellaneous Income 40.00 7,268.17 Scholarship Income - 1,500.00

TOTAL INCOME $ 697,575.86 $ 6,391,776.60

STATEMENT OF INCOME AND EXPENSESMonth of October, 2013

EXPENSES OCTOBER YEAR TO DATEOperating Expense - Sokol Building 3,271.79 59,084.13 Building Maintenance & Repairs 0.00 7,570.00 Rental Area Expenses 294.42 8,341.89 Property Taxes - Sokol Building 30,402.64 119,267.46 Depreciation Sokol Building 311.52 3,115.20 Rent for Space 1,250.00 12,500.00 Pension Plan - Print 563.14 5,631.40 Salaries - Offi ce Employees 44,401.40 404,678.43 Salaries - Editorial Employees 7,575.00 67,560.00 P/R-Taxes Employer 4,614.55 40,038.85 Hospitalization 7,169.40 104,526.79 Workmen’s Compensation Insurance 390.34 7,585.26 Pension Plan - Offi ce/Offi cers 9,990.59 114,211.36 Offi ce Expense 4,809.50 25,280.34 Supreme President-Offi ce Supplies 0.00 380.00 Supreme Offi cers Travel 1,603.04 7,342.55 Supreme Auditors 0.00 8,429.15 Actuarial Expenses 0.00 11,528.00 Accountant Expenses 2,600.00 27,000.00 Postage - Offi ce 0.00 12,473.16 Telephone - Offi ce 290.10 3,630.27 Telephone - Editorial 133.02 1,224.41 Printing - Katolicky Sokol 2,800.00 30,320.00 Postage - Sokol Paper 490.00 15,392.72 Misc. Publication Expense 0.00 1,480.76 Other Printing 0.00 3,751.26 Legal Expense 0.00 600.00 Other Legal Expenses 14,863.06 54,581.80 Death Benefi t Claims Paid 130,165.84 704,666.33 Annuity Death Benefi ts 9,391.84 168,224.44 Cash Surrender Values Paid 12,538.97 140,821.80 Annuity Surrenders 219,606.39 1,963,215.19 Annuity Suppl. Contracts 564.14 4,146.16 Matured Endowments Paid 0.00 11,751.05 Reserve Increase 0.00 825,000.00 State Insurance Dept. Lic./Fee 222.84 4,432.53 Bank Charges - Bond Account 12,292.37 117,647.68 Supreme Offi cers Uniform Allowance 0.00 89.66 Dues & Subscriptions 0.00 6,228.85 Donations & Contributions 860.00 5,059.94 Slet -35,932.10 79,548.56 International Bowling Tournament 0.00 6,494.52 International Golf Tournament -944.10 5,412.10 Other Coaching, Insurance 0.00 1,533.90 International Softball Tournament 0.00 4,757.79 Convention Expenses 7,500.00 76,500.00 Group Assessments Paid 0.00 36,174.19 Commission Expense 17,713.83 120,481.15 Annuity Commissions 9,019.54 47,269.83 Advertising - Promotional 3,978.07 11,631.18 Marketing Expense 2,458.02 7,044.58 Agency Expenses 2,168.48 20,662.02 Board of Directors Expense 1,641.09 25,002.49 Physical Fitness Board Expense 250.00 12,021.37 Scholarship Expense 0.00 56,528.29 Salaries - Supreme Offi cers 0.00 28,162.50 Seminarian Grants 0.00 500.00 Supreme Offi cers Insurance Bond 0.00 287.00 Fraternal Congress Expense 3,327.51 16,825.24 Rebates & Premium Adjustments -2,454.83 -9,638.67 Interest Expense 735.57 9,969.59 Group Presidents Meeting 0.00 21,745.13 TOTAL EXPENSES $ 532,926.98 $ 5,687,721.58 TOTAL INCOME (LOSS) $ 164,648.88 $ 704,055.02

ZDAR BOH! Steven M. Pogorelec, FIC Supreme Secretary Slovak Catholic Sokol

SLOVENSKÝ KATOLÍCKY SOKOL, 11. DECEMBRA 2013 PAGE 19

ISSN: 0897-8107

Úradn¥ ™asopisSLOVENSKÉHO KATOLÍCKEHO SOKOLA

Zalo¢en¥ 15. apríla 1911 – Vychádza ka¢dú druhú stredu

Majitel« a vydavatel«:SLOVAK CATHOLIC SOKOL

Daniel F. Tanzone, redaktor Telefónne ™íslo: (973) 777-4010

V£etky ™lánky, príspevky a správy treba posielat« na adresu:Editor, Slovak Catholic Sokol, P.O. Box 899

205 Madison Street, Passaic, New Jersey 07055

Informácie slovenských podujatiach v USA na interneteInformácie o slovenských spoločenských, náboženských a športových podujatiach, video záznamy zo slovenských podujatí a d’alšie informá-cie nájdete na internetovej adrese: www.slovaknewstv.com

Jankolova knižnica ponúka vianočné oplátky Jankolova kinžnica v Danville, PA ponúka vianočné oplátky, ktoré budú na predaj od 21.októbra do 18. decembra. Cena je $4.00 za balík (päť oplátok) plus poštovné ($5.75 je minimum, za väčšie objednávky je poštovné vyššie). Objednávky so šekom vystaveným na Jankola Library odošlite na adresu: Jankola Library and Slovak Museum, 580 Railroad Street, Villa Sacred Heartr, Danville, PA 17821-1698. Bližšie informácie a objednávky: Sister Catherine La-boure Bresnock, SS.C.M., tel. č. 570-275-5606

V súťaži Grand Prix de l’ex-position WIPA (Wiener internationale Postverzeichnung Ausstellung) organizovanej vo Viedni sa na štvrtom mieste umiestnil hárček poštovej známky Ochrana prírody: Národný park Nízke Tatry – Lomikameň pozmenený, Skalienka ležatá (na snímke), ktorý Slovenská pošta vydala vlani. Grand Prix de Exposi-tion WIPA je považovaná za najprestížnejšiu medzinárodnú súťaž o najkrajšiu známku sveta. Slovenská pošta získala v tejto súťaži už tri-krát prvé miesto, a to v rokoch 2002, 2005 a 2009. Doteraz posledné ocenenie v tejto súťaži bolo tretie miesto za poštovú známku 400. výročie konania Žilinskej synody získané v minulom roku.

Známka s motívom Tatier je štvrtá najkrajšia na svete

Slovenskí vojaci si v priesto-roch ministerstva obrany pre-vzali v rámci pomoci vlády USA výzbroj v podobe vysielačiek, zdravotníckeho materiálu a siedmich obrnených automobi-lov značky M-RAP. Techniku vojakom odovzdal americký veľvyslanec na Slo-vensku Th eodore Sedgwick. Ide o prvú časť pomoci USA sloven-ským vojakom. „Darovanie vybavenia od USA pre Slovákov je jeden z ďalších ukazovateľov veľmi blíz-kej spolupráce medzi oboma armádami,“ uviedol Sedgwick. Autá, ktoré bude mať slovenská armáda v dlhodobom prenájme, boli vyrobené v USA a boli di-zajnované tak, aby ochránili vojakov pred nástražnými systémami a mínami. Majú podvozok v tvare písmena V, ktorý zmierňuje účinky tlako-vej vlny. Autá sa v súčasnosti používajú napríklad na misii ISAF v Afganistane. Ako uvie-dol veľvyslanec, slovenskí vojaci si ich už odskúšali v Nemecku. Autá dostane martinský prá-por výcviku a budú určené pre výcvik v konvojoch.

Bratislavský Starý most do-slúžil. 2. decembra ho defi nitívne uzavreli a hneď sa pustili do rekonštrukcie. Bratislavčania však ešte využili víkend, aby sa s legendárnym mostom rozlúčili a naposledy sa po ňom prešli. Prišli starší i mladší a nostalgicky sa prešli po konštrukcii. „Bude nám chýbať, je to kus histórie,“ ho-vorili. Veď patril k dominan-tám a najznámejším miestam Bratislavy. Priaznivci histórie sa pri Starom moste stretli ešte v pon-delok ráno o siedmej hodine a symbolicky rozsvietili sviece. Prvé tri skrutky odstránili z demontovanej konštrukcie politici. Urobil tak primátor Bratislavy Milan Ftáčnik, minis-ter dopravy Ján Počiatek a euro-komisár Johannes Hahn. „Mňa ešte zaujíma, keďže to bude po dlhom čase nový most

Slovenskí vojaci dostali od USA obrnené vozidlá a vysielačky

„Je to pre nás historická chvíľa,“ uviedol na margo po-moci minister obrany Martin Glváč. Ako dodal, dnes odovz-dali vojakom prvú časť pomoci vlády USA. Ďalšia, v ktorej voja-ci očakávajú napríklad americkú útočnú pušku M4 či niekoľko kusov ostreľovacích pušiek, by mala prísť na Slovensko v budú-com roku. „Je to výraz vďaky za to, ako reagujeme pre prípadné nasadenie v medzinárodnom krízovom manažmente. Najmä čo sa týka Afganistanu,“ dodal Glváč. Celková výška pomoci od Američanov je na úrovni 20 miliónov amerických dolárov. Ako informoval šéf silového rezortu, časť je materiálová a časť fi nančná pomoc. „Tieto vysielačky sú špeci-fi cké tým, že sme schopní komunikovať kdekoľvek na ze-meguli, pretože majú satelitný prenos a nie sú závislé od pros-tredia, v akom s nimi komuni-kujeme,“ uviedol veliteľ 5. pluku špeciálneho určenia Ľubomír Šebo. Nové vysielačky sú určené pre vojakov aj do vozidla a umožňujú prenos dát ako písaný text, fotografi e a videá. - TASR

v Bratislave, aký bude mať vlastne názov,“ zaujímal sa minister Počiatek. To zatiaľ nie je jasné. Mesto ešte len bude rozhodovať o farbe i názve mosta.

Budúcnosť mosta Rozoberú ho najneskôr do marca 2014. Dokončiť by ho mali v septembri 2015. Náklady na jeho rekonštrukciu sú 75 mili-ónov eur, pričom 85 percent za-platí Európska únia, 10 percent štát a mesto 5 percent.

História Starého mosta Je najstarším dodnes zacho-vaným bratislavským premo-stením Dunaja. Dostavali ho ešte za rakúsko-uhorskej monarchie v roku 1890, za čias cisára Františka Jozefa, ktorý sa na jeho slávnost-nom otvorení osobne zúčastnil a ktorého meno most aj spočiatku niesol. (Pre zaujímavosť, v poradí ďalší most cez Dunaj v Komárne dostal meno po jeho manželke Alžbete, populárnej cisárovnej

Bratislavčania sa rozlúčili so Starým mostom

Most Františka Jozefa v roku 1903.

Starý most dnes.

Sissi, a tretí most v Štúrove meno ich najmladšej dcéry Márie Valé-rie.) Po vzniku ČSR ho premenova-li na Most Milana Rastislava Štefánika. Keď ho zborený ne-meckým vojskom obnovili v roku 1945 vojaci Červenej armády, niesol až do pádu socializmu jej meno. Po zamatovej revolúcii ho mestskí poslanci premenovali na Starý most, tak sa volá dodnes. Most kedysi slúžil cestnej aj železničnej doprave, vlaky jaz-dili v samostatnom trakte, po koľajniciach vsadených do cest-nej časti jazdila medzi vojnami známa Viedenská električka, v socialistickej ére až do roku 1961 električka bratislavskej MHD, ktorá končila na petržalskom nábreží. Od Silvestra 2008 už po mo-ste nepremávali autá s výnimkou mestskej hromadnej dopravy. V máji 2009 odborníci konštatovali najvyšší, siedmy havarijný stupeň a vylúčili z mosta aj mestské auto-busy, cyklistov a chodcov. Neskôr ho pre peších a bicyklistov opäť sprístupnili.

Viete, že...... v roku 354 priniesli z Betle-hema do Ríma jasličky, aby ich pápež Libérius slávnostne požehnal v Kostole Santa Maria Maggiore. Prvý živý betlehem postavil v 13. storočí v talianskej Umbrii legendárny František z Assisi. Na Slovensko pre-nikli betlehemy na sklonku 18. storočia a boli predovšetkým drevené a vyrezávané.

Pozdrav z Rádia LUMEN Rádio Lumen je slovenská katolícka rozhlasová stanica za-ložená v roku 1993. Udržujeme kontakty so Slovákmi žijúcimi v zahraničí, na ktorých nám záleží. Rádio LUMEN pozdravuje kra-janov v Amerike. Dvadsaťštyri hodín denne, sedem dní v týždni vysielame kvalitné programy, relácie, hud-bu pre každého. Prinášame sprá-vy zo všetkých oblastí života. Ponúkame široké spektrum hudby od 60-tich rokov až po súčasnú modernú hudbu. Viac než päťdesiat druhov relácií pre neveriacich, veriacich, manželov, deti, študentov, slobodných, roz-vedených, dôchodcov, pracujú-cich, nezamestnaných, chorých, pripútaných na lôžko, nevidiach, osamotených. Našou snahou je priniesť poslucháčom radosť, pohodu, nádej, povzbudenie, svetlo, lásku a pokoj. Živé vysielanie môžete počú-vať priamo cez computer na www.lumen.sk, alebo cez smart-phone (I-phone) stiahnutím ap-likácie TuneIn Radio. Svoje obľúbené relácie môžete počúvať kedykoľvek aj z archívu.

ÚRADNÝ ČASOPIS SLOVENSKÉHO KATOLÍCKEHO SOKOLA - 28 000 ČLENOV - HLAVNÁ ÚRADOVŇA: 205 MADISON STREET, PASSAIC, NJ 07055 – www.slovakcatholicsokol.org

VOLUME CII PASSAIC, N.J., 11. DECEMBRA 2013 ČÍSLO 5005

SLOVAK CATHOLIC FALCON

Za Boha a národ For God and Nation

Vianočný pozdrav MS pre našich krajanovĎaleko od vlasti,

no blízko k Vianociam,pozdravy krajanom,

nech letia v ďiaľ...

Matica slovenská je našim symbolom, za morom a či tu,

hrdým sme národom.

Raz v roku majú k sebe slovenské srdcia tak blízko, raz v roku preletia oceán i mesto,

raz v roku sa spoja s vlasťou i rodinou, raz v roku vytvoria tak silné spojivo.

Každých tridsať dní sa mesiac strieda s ďalším mesiacom. V kalendári ostáva posledný list, ktorý signalizuje, že ďalší rok za sebou onedlho zatvorí dvere. Na ňom sú červenou farbou vyznačené dni, ktoré naznačujú, že sa blíži koniec roka, ale aj príchod najkrajších sviatkov. Je december – čas Vianoc. Za oknom poletujú ťažké snehové vločky, mráz svojím ostrým perom píše na okná mnohoraké od-kazy, všade je chlad a ticho. No predsa i v čase najtuhšej zimy je tu niečo, čo nás hreje viac ako po iné dni roka – naše srdce. Silná láska k blížnym, cit k ro-dine, radosť zo stretnutí, možnosť spraviť niekomu radosť, ale i čas spomenúť si na tých, ktorí tu s nami nie sú, spomenúť si na všetko, čo máme radi, na to, kde patríme, kde sme prežili najkrajšie det-stvo – to sú Vianoce. Nieto azda na celom svete človeka, ktorý nemiluje svoju vlasť. A práve na Vianoce mnohí z nás, ktorí sú ďaleko od svojho rodiska, spomínajú na pravé slovenské Vianoce. V prvom rade sa v spo-mienkach vynára pocit tepla rodinného krbu a spolupatričnosti. Spomeňme si aj na vôňu hubovej polievky chudobnejších, na chuť kapustnice bohatších, na tvar bobáľkov, pupáčikov, pupákov či opekancov, na atmosféru štedrovečernej omše i na pocit, že niekam patríme a sme niečoho súčasťou. Prichádza čas Vianoc – najkrajších sviatkov roka, a preto, milí naši krajania, aj keď nás delia stovky, ba až tisíce kilometrov, verte, že na Vianoce sa táto vzdialenosť kráti. Zasielame Vám pozdrav priamo z Matice slov-enskej, ktorá sa snaží o to, aby ste na svoju domovinu nikdy nez-abudli. Ste našou súčasťou i radosťou. So srdca a sídla nášho vlastenectva Vám chceme zaželať tie najkrajšie, šťastné, veselé a najmä slovensky-láskyplné Vianoce. Buďte zdraví i milovaní!

Zuzana Pavelcová a Daniel ZemančíkKrajanské múzeum Matice slovenskej

Podľa starých vianočných zvykov sa pod obrus na štedrovečernom stole dávali šupiny z kapra alebo peniaze. Niekde sa šupiny kládli pod ta-niere a peniaze pod obrus. Oba zvyky však znamenali jediné, aby ich rodina mala v budúcom roku dostatok. Aj v súčasnosti tento zvyk pretrváva vo väčšine slovenských domácností. Štedrá večera bola odjakživa rodinnou záležitosťou. Pred-chádzala jej spoločná modlitba, po ktorej gazdiná namočila do medu strúčik cesnaku a uro-bila ním krížik na čelo mužovi a deťom. Gazda potom rozkro-jil najkrajšie jablko a každému z neho dal kúsok. Znamenalo to, že rodinu tvorí každý jej člen, ako kúsky tvoria celé jablko. Na slávnostnom stole preto nesmeli chýbať oblátky, med, cesnak a jablko, ktoré sa vždy krájalo priečne na polovicu. Ak sa po prekrojení z jadrovníka vytvoria hviezda, znamenalo to šťastie a zdravie, ak krížik, po-tom rodinu „navštívila“ choroba alebo dokonca smrť. V rodinách dodržiavajúcich tradície, sa štedrovečerné hodo-vanie začínalo jedením oblátky s medom, resp aj cesnakom, prípitkom a kapustnicou, ale niekde bývalo zvykom namiesto klasickej kapustnice podávať aj šošovicovú či hrachovú polievku, pretože tieto strukoviny sym-bolizovali blahobyt, teda toľko peňazí ako šošovice či hrachu v hrnci, kde sa polievka varila. V niektorých regiónoch sa zachovával zvyk, že skôr ako sa začalo jesť, hlava rodiny ešte predniesla prípitok s pohárikom „ostrého“ a až potom nasledo-valo jedenie oblátok s medom a cesnakom, orechov a jabĺčka a polievky, najmä hríbovej, šošovicovej či kapustovej s hu-bami a sušenými slivkami. Štedrý večer bol vždy opradený rúškom tajomstva a vianočných povier. Na stole

musel byť prestretý párny počet tanierov, pri nepárnom by si pre posledného stolovníka prišla smrť. V niektorých regiónoch sa tiež uchoval zvyk prestierať o jeden tanier a príbor navyše pre prípad, že by počas večer prišiel náhodný hosť. Touto formou sa však niekde vzdávala aj úcta zos-nulému členovi rodiny, ktorý v tom roku zomrel. Od štedrovečerného stola sa nesmelo počas večere odbiehať, čo platilo aj pre gazdinú, aby „vinník“ do roka nezomrel. Pre-to bolo vždy všetko jedlo buď na

stole, alebo v jeho bezprostred-nej blízkosti. Po večeri sa rodina opäť krát-ko pomodlila a hlava rodiny, alebo jej najstarší člen sa Bohu poďakoval za jedlo a pitie, ktoré im doprial. V období Vianoc slobodné vydajachtivé dievčatá hádzali topánku za hlavu smerom k dverám. Ak sa špička topánky otočila smerom ku dverám, bolo to znamenie, že dievča sa do roka vydá. Ak ku dverám smerovala päta topánky, dievča zostalo ešte jeden rok slobodné.

Požehnané vianočné sviatky všetkým našim členom a čitateľom

VIANOČNÁ KOLEDAV mestečku Betléme,v jasličkách na slameleží to dieťatko,na ktoré čakáme.Anjelik bez krídel,Boží i človečí.Nikto ho nevidel,každý ho dosvedčí,darček mu nesiem tam.A ja mu do diaľkynamiesto hrkálkysrdiečko posielam. Milan Rúfus

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Za Boha a Národ For God and Nation - Sokol · A Joyous Christmas Season To All Our Members and...

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Transcript of Za Boha a Národ For God and Nation - Sokol · A Joyous Christmas Season To All Our Members and...