Old traditions prevail at annual Kucios Christmas Eve supper

New place, new time, but old traditions still prevailed, as the members of the Knights of Lithuania, Council 143, Pittston, and their guests, gathered for their annual Kucios (Lithuanian Christmas Eve Supper) celebration at St. John’s Community Church Hall, William Street, Pittston.

The program began with the Star Spangled Banner. This was followed by the sighting of the star by Monsignor Bendik. . According to tradition, this sighting signifies that the Kucios has begun. The group sang Silent Night, and the candles on each table were lit. Special white linen, and a crucifix covered the straw were on each table.

Monsignor John Bendik blessed the Plotkeles (Christmas Wafer). The Plotkeles which were covered with a Lithuanian cloth, were then shared with members on your table, as well as with others, wishing everybody a Merry Christmas, and good health for the coming year.

Yvonne Branas, chairman of the Kucios gave the toast in both Lithuanian and English.

After dinner, the members of the K of L welcomed their guests. Monsignor John Bendik, Monsignor Michael Delaney, Fr. Hugh McGroarty, who is celebrating his 89th Birthday, Deacon Jim Corteregone, Ann Yanklunas, Anne Powers and Margaret Dobish Yvonne then gave a reading on The Night That Jesus Came.

Keeping with tradition, each person received a copy of the beautiful Kucios program, which was created and designed by Yvonne Branas. The program was both traditional and cultural. On the front cover was a lovely picture of the Blessed Mother and the newborn child surrounded by a frame of red poinsettas. The greeting "Linksmu Kaledu , Merry Christmas was underneath. English and Lithuanian songs and greetings were found within its colorful pages.

Once again, on a table in the center of the room, was the special memory tree. It looked humble but proud as trees did of yore. Though its branches were sparse, it still seemed to have an inner beauty about it, a calming peaceful atmosphere. Surrounding the tree at the base, were the ornaments which each person was to hang on the tree in memory of a loved one, or else of a special intention.

The special Kucios supper table was laden with traditional Lithuanian foods. Each member and each guest donated a particular food from the Kucios menu.

Juoda Duona, dark rye bread was donated by Janice Perfetto; Zuvies - Baked fish by Jean Mihalick and Yvonne Branas; Kiselius - Cranberry Pudding, & Fruit Compote by Marie Lauck; Kapustu - Cooked Cabbage by Mary Abarelli & Margaret Dobish; Grybai - Mushrooms by Ursula Danoski & Eleanor Bellanco; Peas by Ann Yankalunas; Kugelis- by Anne Powers; Virtos Bulves - boiled red potatoes by M. Pam Smith; Perogies by Helen Karpovich; Halushki by Peggy Yanklunas; Lithuanian Cheese by Marion Perks & JoAnn Valenti; Silke - Herring by Cas & Carole Kizis; Vino - Wine by Dave & Mary Ann Cipolla, Vyritos by Carole Kizis; Soda by Marilyn Fitzgerald; Kava - Coffee,Abata - Tea, & Egg Nog by Pam Smith; Poppyseed Roll by Rita Craze; Cookies by the clergy, & The Plotkeles - Holy Wafer by Dave & Mary Ann Cipolla. The members all donated cookies for the goodie bags.

The hall looked festive and colorful in its Christmas setting. The decorations, the beautiful line tablecloths, napkins, centerpieces, programs and individual decorated goodie bags were donated and created by our chairman, Yvonne Branas.

Monsignor Bendik installed the officers for the coming year. The officers for 2009 are -. President/Ritual Chair -Jean Mihalick; Vice President - Helen Karpovich; Recording Secretary - JoAnn Valenti; Financial Secretary - Rita Craze; Treasurer - Mary Ann Cipolla; Sergeant At Arms - Cas Kizis; Trustees - Marie Lauck, Pat Weiksner and Paul Patrick; Vytis Correspondent - Yvonne Branas; Lithuanian Affairs - Peggy Yanklunas; Culture- Eleanor Bellanco; and the Historian - Paul Patrick.

Christmas carols were sung by the group, as well as the Lithuanian National Anthem. They also sang God Bless America in memory of our troops.

PD Opinion

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