Parish in Llavallol, Argentina, celebrates 40th anniversary

On December 5, 2010, the Ukrainian Greek Catholics of Llavallol, Argentina, celebrated the 40th anniversary of their parish. Also on this day a new priest, Fr. Taras Havryshko, was appointed. A hierarchal liturgy was celebrated to mark the occasion in the local Church of the Holy Spirit. The liturgy was headed by Apostolic Administrator of the Eparchy of the Protection of the Holy Mother of God in Argentina Fr. Svyatoslav (Shevchuk). Bishop Svyatoslav spoke about the history and achievements of this Greek Catholic community and about its life and needs. Sisters Servants of Mary Immaculate, who have contributed a great deal to the spiritual growth of the parish, sisters of the Order of St. Basil the Great, and representatives of the Prosvita association were also present at the liturgy. The celebration ended with the festive dinner and concert performed by Ukrainian Greek Catholics from the province of Buenos Aires.

Press Service of the Eparchy of the Protection of Holy Mother of God in Argentina

Background Information: Ukrainian immigrants first arrived in Llavallol, Argentina, in 1946. There they created a branch of the cultural and educational organization Prosvita. The first Divine Liturgy was celebrated in 1951 by Fr. Jaroslav Sirko. Because the Ukrainian Greek Catholics did not always have a pastor in Llavallol, the Ukrainian immigrants took part in the liturgical life of the Roman Catholic parish of the city. In 1968 Patriarch Joseph Slipyj blessed the cornerstone of the future church. On December 27, 1970, the Church of the Holy Spirit was consecrated for the Ukrainian Greek Catholics of Llavallol.