Knights of Lithuania honor patron saint, note Independence Day

The Knights of Lithuania Council 143, Pittston, honored their patron Saint, Saint Casimir, with a mass at St. John the Evangelist Church, William Street, Pittston on Sunday March 7.

There was an offertory procession led by Cas Kizis Jr, who carried the American flag.

Martha Warnagiris carried the picture of St. Casimir. His favorite flower, the lily, was carried by Marie Lauck.

He loved the Blessed Mother. Janice Perfetto carried the picture of Ausros Vartas, Our Lady of Siluva.

Vytis the Knight was carried by Mary Abarelli. The Wayside Shrine, which dots the Lithuanian Countryside, was carried by Mary Ann Cipolla. The bread and wine were carried by Jean Mihalick and Marilyn Fitzgerald.

Following the procession, the special Fourth Degree Medal and Certificate were presented to Eleanor Bellanco, by Monsignor J. Bendik, and Jean Mihalick, the ritual chairman.

After the mass, the group had a luncheon meeting at Agolino’s Restaurant in West Pittston.

During the meeting, special readings about St. Casimir were given by Dave Cipolla and Eleanor Bellanco.

The First Degree oath and the certificate was presented to Marilyn Fitzgerald by Jean Mihalick, the ritual chair.

Martha Warnagiris and her brother Richard Warnagiris led the group in singing traditional Lithuanian Songs. Ursula Danoski, and Ann Yanklunas were also there.

On February 16, the Knights of Lithuanian Independence Day, Flag Raising Ceremony was held at Pitston City Hall.

The Knights of Lithuania thanked Mayor Jason Klush for reading the Pittston Citation, proclaiming Feb. 16 as Lithuanian Independence Day. Also Rep. Mike Carroll for reading the citation from the State House of Representatives, and Leo Kuciewicz, who read the state Senate Citation, representating Senator Ray Musto; Peggy Yanklunas who read the commendation from Cong. Paul Kanjorski.

David Kizis, representing the Lithuanian Citizens. S. B. Club, read the proclamation from Governor Rendell.

Judge Fred Pierantoni offered remarks. Monsignor John Bendik gave the invocation and benediction.

The raising of the Lithuanian flag was by Ron Mortimer, David Kizis, Jim Collins and Joe Chernouskas, of The Lithuanian Citizens Club.

Ed Maleski is president of the Lithuanian Club. Jean Mihalick is president of The Knights of Lithuania Council 143, Pittston.

Members of the Knights of Lithuania and members of the Lithuanian Club and the public filled the room where the ceremony was held.

Members of the Knights of Lithuania who participated in the ceremony were Martha Warnagiris, Marilyn Fitzgerald, Janice Perfetto, Keely Patton. Janet and Dennis Palladino, Frank Mihalick and Ron Mary Valvaris.