GCU District 1 Bids Farewell
“Thank you District 1 for all of your efforts throughout the years to bring GCU fraternalism to the people of Western Pennsylvania.
The mark that the district has left on the GCU — from the events you have sponsored to the many national officers that have come from District 1 is indelible.” — The Greek Catholic Union MUNHALL — Greek Catholic Union District 1 celebrated its Farewell Banquet Sunday November 6, 2016 at St. John the Baptist Cathedral and Center in Munhall, Pa. After 97 years of activity, the many accomplishments, memories, and friendships enjoyed through GCU District 1 were celebrated.
The gala event began with a moleben service, followed by a social hour and dinner. Music and dancing capped the celebration. Formal organization of the Greek Catholic Union of the USA (GCU) dates to February 14, 1892 when 14 independent Greek Catholic lodge representatives met in Wilkes-Barre, Pa. and formed a national fraternal benefit society.
The very first district to be organized was District 1 in Western Pennsylvania. The inaugural meeting of this new district took place on Sunday, February 16, 1919 in Duquesne, Pa. In 2016 after 97 eventful years, District 1 had eight active lodges, but participation at district functions continued to decline.
This trend had begun many years earlier, but at this point officers and members believed it best to end on a positive note rather than waiting any longer. The official closing of District 1 is December 31, 2016. The eight active lodges which comprised District 1 at the time of its closing were: Lodge 2 Munhall; Lodge 28 South Side/Pittsburgh; Lodge 52 Upper St. Clair; Lodge 94 Gibsonia; Lodge 255 Greenfield/Pittsburgh; Lodge 288 Clairton; Lodge 386 Pittsburgh; Lodge 390 McKees Rocks.
District 1 Officers serving at the time of its closing included: Kitty Cherevka, president; Margaret Beliunas, vice president; Michael Lebanik, secretary; Tabitha Savka, treasurer; Charles Robinson, athletic director; Kim Kolesar, fraternal director; Patricia Roberts, publicity director; John Niskach, auditor; and John Tomko, sergeant-at-arms. Very Rev. Eugene Yackanich served as Chaplain. Video, slideshow, photos and a PDF booklet featuring a comprehensive history of District 1 can be viewed at https://www.gcuusa.com/ district1.htm.
