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Learn to play the Fujara! A Slovak overtone flute and a Slovak cultural symbol.
The fujara is a cultural symbol of Slovakia and of Slovak folk music; and this year is the 10th anniversary of recognition of this unique music instrument by UNESCO.
Until recently there was no easy way to learn to play fujara in the USA. Now during the annual Common Ground on the Hill program of McDaniel College in Westminister, Maryland, an one-week course is offered to learn the fujara and the koncovka. Bohuslav (Bob) Rychlik is the instructor.
For further information click here.
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Hazleton Standard Paper: Article on Slovak Christmas Traditions
Our own, Robert Junas and his sister, Lil, shared with Kent Jackson, staff writer, their family's Slovak Christmas Traditions. Msgr Beeda shared Slovak-American historical tidbits and his Christmas memories. It was nice to read an article sharing our Slovak Christmas Traditions. Robert, Lil, and Msgr Beeda, thank you for sharing your memories. Kent, thank you for your interest in writing this article.
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58th National Convention of the Slovak Catholic Federation
Združenie Slovenský Katolíkov (Slovak Catholic Federation) held its 58th National Convention in Wilkes-Barre, PA on September 15-17, 2013.
A Convention Liturgy was held on Sunday at Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Saint Mary’s Church of the Immaculate Conception. Principle Celebrant was Most Reverend Joseph V. Adamec D.D., S.T.L. Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown and Episcopal Moderator. Also in attendance were Most Reverend James C. Timlin D.D. Bishop Emeritus and Most Reverend John M. Dougherty D.D. Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of Scranton.
Some members of the Slovak Heritage Society of NEPA were part of the choir. Mark Ignatovich was organist and a brass quartet accompanied the choir. Three Slovak songs were sung with some English verses; Radosťou Oplývam, ô Maria Bolestiva, and Duša Kresťanská.
A dinner was held, after mass, at the East Mountain Inn. Five Slovak Heritage Society Board Members were in attendance. A commemorative booklet was given, with many articles and pictures of passed activities of the Federation. The Federation was started by Father Joseph Murgaš and is an umbrella organization for all of the Slovak Organizations.
On Monday, a video call to a bishop in Slovakia was made.
For further information check the Slovak Catholic Federation website: http://slovakcatholicfederation.org/
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