On December 4, 2022, District 3, the George Onda District, sponsored its annual Štedrý večer vilija at Christ the Shepherd Center near Greensburg, PA. The events began with Holy Mass (svätá omša) celebrated by Bishop Larry J. Kulick, J.C.L, FCSU protector. In his homily, the bishop stressed the message of repentance and salvation through Christ in the Scripture readings for Advent and paid tribute to FCSU District 3 for promoting our faith and Slovak cultural traditions.
At Mass, the Pittsburgh Slovakians served as a choir in leading the singing several English and Slovak hymns. During Communion, the congregation sang the popular Advent hymn, Ježíš, Ježíš, príď ku mne (Jesus, Jesus, come to me) and Sladké srdce Ježíša (Sweet heart of Jesus). The concluding hymn was dedicated to our Sorrowful Mother, the patroness of Slovakia – Ó Mária bolestivá (Oh Sorrowful Mary).
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Following Mass, the Pittsburgh Slovakians treated attendees to several reenactments of traditional Slovak customs on St. Andrew’s Day (Ondrej),
St. Nicholas Day (Mikuláš), and the Jasličkári (Bethlehem strollers). On Ondrej, eligible young ladies would pour hot lead into water. Upon cooling, the shapes formed by the pieces of lead would foretell their future husbands, and the girls in the play showed joy or distress depending on the guy. Children in the group then reenacted the awaiting of St. Nick. The event concluded with the Jasličkári play filled with song and dancing, and ending with humble offerings to Ježiško, the child Jesus. Even the half-witted and ill-clad Kubo offered what little he has to the Christ child, jeho srdca (his heart). The audience heartily applauded the stunning and memorable performance.
Following the play, Bishop Kulick led the prayer before the meal and attendees then enjoyed a traditional Slovak Christmas Eve vilija. The meal consisted of oplatky s medom (blessed wafers with honey), cesnak (garlic), kaputsnica (sour mushroom soup), pečená ryba (baked fish), pirohy, hrachy (peas), bobalky (poppy seed rolls), sušené slivky (dried plums), and koláče (nut and fruit rolls) for dessert. Three types of tasty local homemade wines added some flavor to the meal.
A big ďakujem (Thank you) goes out to the organizers and volunteers for the sold-out event, especially District 3’s Vice President Darlene Patty and President William Patty. District 3 is proud of the fact that the vilija which commences with the sacrifice of the Mass, and hopes to continue this tradition for years to come.
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Michael J. Kopanic, Jr., Ph.D., editor
