Helen Fallon talks to C-RS leaders about the organization’s past and future.

Below is an excerpt from Helen Fallon’s recent article for Pittsburgh Union Progress—”Carpatho-Rusyn Society’s renovation of Munhall cultural and educational center a legacy project for its 30th anniversary.”

Thank to you to Helen Fallon, Bob Batz, and everyone at PUP for sharing C-RS’ history and future with the Greater Pittsburgh Public.

Helen Fallon
Published: August 11, 2024

[John] Righetti said the society and its building have three significant historic aspects: It’s the first Carpatho Rusyn cathedral in America, discussions to start Czechoslovakia started in it, and former Pennsylvania governor and the first Secretary of Homeland Security Tom Ridge was baptized in the building. “He’s the first Slav to make it to the Cabinet in the U.S.,” Righetti said.

The other society co-founders are Jerry Jumba, Mary Ann Sivak, Lois Liberman, Christina  Duranko, Dave Felix, Keith Koshute and Rich Custer.

Jarrow lauded the board members and other volunteers who have spearheaded the work and oversee the renovation project, as she lives in Nazareth on the eastern side of the state. Righetti and Silvestri serve as contacts for the contractors working on the center, and Jarrow said a team of six people are working on the website and newsletter.

The building is important to her and the others as they consider it to be living history. “I remember when I was first in there,” Jarrow said, noting she felt a sense of spirituality. “Since then over the years when I have gone there, more and more has been done, more and more growth and change, but the spirituality has not left. It’s a very special place for all Rusyns.

“I am glad we can use it for the anniversary. We will continue to work on it.  Our final goal — turn it into a museum where we can host our archives. They are now locked away. We want to have them there, make that open to the public. We need to get it to that point, though. We want to make it a masterpiece.”

Read more on the Pittsburgh Union Progress website.

Helen Fallon is a copy editor at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, but she’s currently on strike. Contact her at hfallon@unionprogress.com.