Book-signing and Presentation with Dr. Alexander Lushnycky

Beginning in 1912, the Sisters of the Order of Saint Basil the Great ran a well-populated orphanage in Chesapeake City, Maryland. This orphanage provided not only food and shelter for the children in its care, but also love, education, and a sense of purpose. The orphanage closed its doors in the 1980’s when there were no longer orphans who needed care from the Sisters.

But, for one all too brief evening, the sound of orphan children playing, sleeping, swimming, learning, and growing to maturity were alive in people’s minds again. On Thursday, July 23, 2009, renowned author Dr. Alexander Lushnycky provided insight on and told anecdotes about the history of the Chesapeake City orphanage. Speaking to a crowd of over 50 at the Sisters’ Basilian Spirituality Center, Dr. Lushnycky gave a very mesmerizing presentation on the orphanage and its success. This information had been compiled by Dr. Lushnycky, while researching his newly released book - Ukrainians of the Delaware Valley. Though the orphanage has been closed for many years, it still touches and influences the lives and families of the many who grew to adulthood under the loving and watchful eyes of the Sisters.

The memorable evening started with a brief prayer ceremony led by Metropolitan Archbishop Stephen Soroka, with co-celebrants Msgr. Peter Waslo and Father George Worschak. This event, as noted by Sister Laura Palka, OSBM, Provincial Superior in her welcome and introduction was held on the feast of Our Lady of Pochayiv, who is honored in the Sisters’ grotto and shrine. The evening concluded with a book signing and a brief reception with casual conversation with Dr. Lushnycky.