Paproski Family Prepares For Annual Picnic

By Larissa Lytwyn

The Holy Protection of Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church in Bridgeport will be holding its annual picnic Sunday, August 24, at Paproski Farm, 5 Hattertown Road, owned and operated by Olga Paproski, a parishioner at Holy Protection.

The day will commence with a 10 am Divine Liturgy led by Fr Stephan Yanovski in both Ukrainian and English. The service, held outdoors, is open to the public. Food and various recreational and cultural activities will be available from noon onward. Visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy stuffed cabbage, potato and sauerkraut pyrohy (dumplings), borscht (beet soup), and sausage and peppers on rye. Hamburgers, hot dogs, and barbecue chicken will also be served.

For dessert, patrons can enjoy a rich assortment of baked goods, including poppy-seed rolls and Babka, Ukrainian sweet bread. Ice cream, soda, and coffee will also be available. The bounty is prepared each year by the Holy Protection of Blessed Virgin Mary Sisterhood, among other parish members.

The afternoon will feature renowned Ukrainian musicians, dancers, and other performers. Children will have the opportunity to meet various farm animals, including Daisy, a mare, and months-old calves, as well as take hayrides across the wide expanse of open farm. A crafts table, featuring handmade Ukrainian paintings, sculpture, linens, and pysanky, the famed Ukrainian “Easter Egg,” will also be available for sale and raffle prizes. Games, including volleyball and horseshoe tossing, are also played.

All proceeds will benefit the Holy Protection of Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church. For more information, contact Olga Paproski at 426-4017 or her son Steve Paproski at 426-5487.