Malanka welcomes the new year

By LINDA M. LINONIS

linonis@vindy.com

YOUNGSTOWN

Malanka, a celebration to welcome the new year, remains a tradition at Sts. Peter and Paul Ukrainian Orthodox Church.

The Rev. John Harvey, pastor, explained that a few churches in the Valley follow the Julian calendar, and that’s why the event is later in January.

The Julian calendar was introduced by Julius Caesar but gains three days every four centuries and did not remain accurate. It was replaced in 1582 by the Gregorian calendar, which is the most widely used civil and Western calendar. The Julian calendar is about 13 days behind the Gregorian calendar. Orthodox Christmas Eve was celebrated Jan. 6 and Christmas Day on Jan. 7, with New Year’s Day on Jan. 14.

“Russian, Ukrainian and Serbian churches often follow the Julian calendar,” Father Harvey said.

“It’s a night of dancing and festivity,” Father Harvey said of the Malanka that the church will sponsor Jan. 24. “It gets the community together outside of church services. It’s a social time ... a good time ... that creates good memories.”

Father Harvey said some ethnic communities have discontinued hosting such an event, but he said he believes it is important to continue the custom.

“Those who attend have nice memories, and for children, the event makes memories,” he said. The family-friendly event, Father Harvey added, promotes celebrating as a family and carrying on a tradition.

Father Harvey also noted that Malanka is associated with the Feast of St. Melania, “Melania’s Day,” observed Jan. 13 in Ukraine.

One of the major draws to the event is the food, Father Harvey said. That includes the church’s popular stuffed cabbage along with haluski, pirogi and kielbasi and kraut. “People look forward to it,” Father Harvey said. “They just love to taste the food.”

Chuck Woloschak, a lifelong church member, and his wife, Ann, are co-chairmen. “It’s a tradition I want to carry on and give to my kids and younger generations,” he said, likening the event to “old-time weddings.”

Woloschak said the Del Sinchak Band, which has a following, also is a drawing card for the event. “He’s a Youngstown institution,” he said.

He emphasized the Malanka is a community activity. “It’s open to everyone. ... It’s not a church-only event,” he said.