Malý Lipník

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Hillside View of Malý Lipník

Courtesy of Elaine Petrik-Sirak

NOTE: I maintain the parish films on permanent loan. I am willing to do a LIMITED look-up for those like myself that had ancestors from Maly Lipnik. Since I am volunteering my time please keep your request within reason. Send your requests to Steven Osifchin at editors@tccweb.org

Published History of Malý Lipník

by Peter Štefaňák, Jr.

The majority of the book is in the Slovak language. There is a four page summary in English, as well as, Polish and German.

 

For information on this book please contact:

 

 

Peter Štefaňák Jr.

Malý Lipník 123

065 46 Maly Lipnik

Slovakia

mail: peter.pstefanak@gmail.com

Eternal Memory...

This page is dedicated to the memory of my grandparents Michael & Maria Youpa Chanda. Steven M. Osifchin, Editor
Note: For those of you who had ancestors from Maly Lipnik, feel free to submit photographs honoring their memory in this section.
Click to Enlarge
Description
Photograph Date
Immigration
Courtesy of

Regina Bergman 1864-1942     In memory of those of Jewish ancestry who resided in Maly Lipnik, were forced from their homes, suffered, and ultimately perished during the Second World War.

Photo Courtesy of Menachem Honig, great grandson

Harry & Jacob Bergman    

Photo Courtesy of Menachem Honig, great grandson  

Helen Chanda Bogusky 1897-1968 (daughter of Michael Nastcsin Chanda & Anna Swistak); Wife of Vasil Bogusky 1893-1975 born in Sulin 1916 Wedding Photo, Hartford, CT 21 May 1914 SS Batavia In Memory of Vasil & Helen Bogusky

William Bogane (son)

Helen Chanda & husband Vasil Bogusky 1951   In Memory of Vasil & Helen Bogusky

William Bogane (son)

(Photo Not Available)

John Nastcsin Chanda 1852-bef. 1908 (son of Andrew Nastcsin Chanda & Anastasia Sember) & wife Eva Mudrick 1858-1944 (daughter of Andrew Mudrick & Anna 'Gibasz' Varholy). Married 04 Nov 1877 Maly Lipnik.   John & Eva lived out their lives in Maly Lipnik In Memory of the John Chanda, Sr. Family

(Photo Not Available)

John Chanda 1881-1959 (son of John Nastcsin Chanda & Eva Mudrick) &

Maria Lesko 1886-1953 (daughter of John Lesko & Maria Gladis). Married 1906 St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, Alpha, New Jersey

  John and Mary returned to Maly Lipnik by 1911. In Memory of the John Chanda, Jr. Family
Joseph Chanda 1867-1945 (son of Andrew Nastcsin Chanda & Anastasia Sember) & wife Suzanna Hnath 1873-aft 1953 (daughter of John 'Danyko' Hnath & Maria Hanchin). Married 1894 St. Mary's Byzantine Catholic Church, Mahanoy City, Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania.

Mahanoy City, Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania

1894

Joseph 1887-1887

Suzanna 1888-1894

Naturalization 1916

In memory of Joseph & Suzanna Chanda

Photo Courtesy of George J. Hageage, grandson

(Photo Not Available)

Joseph Chanda 1888-? Joseph immigrated January 14, 1907 joining his brother John in Alpha, NJ. It is not known what became of him.   1907 In Memory of Joseph Chanda

(Photo Not Available)

Michael Nastcsin Chanda 1856-1931 (son of Andrew Nastcsin Chanda & Anastasia Sember) & Anna Svistak 1862-1926 (daughter of Michael Svistak & Helena Chudik) Married 07 Nov 1881 Maly Lipnik.   Michael & Anna lived out their lives in Maly Lipnik In Memory of Michael & Anna Chanda
Michael Chanda 1885-1961 (son of John Nastcsin Chanda & Eva Mudrik) & wife Maria Youpa Chanda 1883-1966 (daughter of Michael Joppa & Suzanna Osifchin); Married 1904 St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, Alpha, New Jersey. Maternal Grandparents of TCC's Co-Editor - Steven M. Osifchin Circa 1915 Immigration for Michael 1899, 1902; for Maria 1903, 1904, & 1907. In Memory of Michael & Maria Chanda
Michael & Maria Youpa Chanda

1950

Brainerds, NJ

  In Memory of Michael & Maria Chanda

(Photo Not Available)

Stefan Nastcsin Chanda 1871-? (son of Andrew Nastcsin Chanda & Anastasia Sember)   Stefan resided in Pennsylvania. It is not known what became of him. In Memory of Stefan Chanda
John Gladdis 1865-1934 (son of George Gladis & Veronica Sestok); Husband of Mary Miklus Circa 1920

Linden, NJ

1875-1877

Naturalization 1882

In Memory of John & Mary Gladdis

Photo Courtesy of John Gladdis

Michael Gladis abt. 1908-1974, (son of Stefan Gladis of Maly Lipnik & Maria Havran of Matysova); husband of Maria Fengya Elias of Ujak.   Michael lived out his life in his wife's village of Ujak In Memory of Michael & Maria Gladis

Photo Courtesy of Slavomir Gladis

Mary Miklus Gladdis 1873-1922 (daughter of Nicholas Miklus & Katherine Kovaly); Wife of John Gladdis

Circa 1920

Linden, NJ

 

1880-1890

Naturalization 1895

In Memory of John & Mary Gladdis

Photo Courtesy of John Gladdis

 

 

Andrew Hnath 1893-1986 (son of of John Hnath & Veronica Krafchak). Married Valeria 'Viola' Hajosy 07 Aug 1914 New York City. Viola died Bet. 1919 - 1920; 2nd marriage to Anna Knapp 05 Nov 1922 New York City. Andrew's sons Andrew & Steven

1st Photo Andrew & Viola; 2nd Photo Andrew New York City 1920-1930; 3rd Photo Andrew, Jr. & Steven abt. 1928.

Abt. 1912 In Memory of the Andrew Hnath Family

Photos Courtesy of Diane Butler

Anna (1870-?) & Theresa (1876-aft 1930) Hnath. Anna far right husband Andrew Yurow seated, Theresa far left husband Michael Staverosky seated. Bride and Groom Suzanna Hnath & husband Joseph Chanda. (Anna, Theresa, & Suzanna daughters of John 'Danyko' Hnath & Maria Hanchin)

Mahanoy City, Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania

1894

Anna about 1883, Theresa 1897-1898 In Memory of Anna & Suzanna, & Theresa Hnath

Photo Courtesy of George J. Hageage

Mary Hnath 1903-1997 (daughter of of John Hnath & Veronica Krafchak). Wife of Stefan Knap Fedorko 1901-1929 (son of Michael Knap Fedorko & Maria Chanda of village Ujak); Married 23 Sep 1923 New York City

New York City

1933

1921 & 1934

In Memory of the Andrew Hnath Family

(Photo Not Available)

Stephen Hnath 1880-1943 (son of John 'Danyko' Hnath & Maria Hanchin); Married Veronica about 1902.   January 1899 In Memory of the Stephen & Veronica Hnath Family

Josef Honig 1918-Dec 1944, Reisel Honig 1923-1942

Maly Lipnik

  In memory of those of Jewish ancestry who resided in Maly Lipnik, were forced from their homes, suffered, and ultimately perished during the Second World War. 

Photo Courtesy of Menachem Honig, nephew

Verona Miklus Hudak 1883-1923

Circa 1920

Clifton, New Jersey

Immigration Date 1898 In Memory of Verona Miklus Hudak

Photo Courtesy of The Hudak Family

John Lukachovsky  1880-1964  born in Maly Lipnik
Katherine (Peles) Lukachovsky 1883-1968 born in Matysova. They met for the first time in Passiac NJ, were married approx.1903 and came to Buffalo NY for a honeymoon. lived out their lives in Western New York

Buffalo, NY

They immigrated seperately about 1898 In Memory of John & Katherine Lukachovsky

Photo Courtesy of  George Lukis (Lukachovsky)

Suzanna Joppa (Youpa) 1881-1988, husband Michael F. Marfiak born in Gnazdá (Hniezdne) 1873-1960 (son of Stefan Marfiak & Anastasia Marhevka) and son Joseph 1905-1956. Married 1899 Sts. Peter and Paul Greek Catholic Church, Kamjonka, Slovakia

Circa 1917

Newark, NJ

Suzanna's immigration date was 1902, Michael's was 1900 In Memory of Michael & Suzanna Marfiak

Photo Courtesy of The Tabacsko Family

Suzanna Joppa (Youpa) Marfiak (daughter of Michael Joppa & Suzanna Osifchin) 1881-1988

1948

New Jersey

1902

Photo Courtesy of Mary Youpa Halasz

Suzanna Youpa Marfiak

Photo taken at Susanna's

100th Birthday Party

1981

New Jersey

1902 In Memory of Suzanna Marfiak

Photo Courtesy of Margaret Osifchin

Veronica Joppa (Youpa) Minarik 1878-1944 (daughter of Michael Joppa & Suzanna Osifchin); Wife of Joseph Minarik 1875-1920; Married 22 Feb 1897 Oneida, Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania

About 1896

Pennsylvania

1892, 1896 In Memory of Joseph & Veronica Minarik

Clarice Poplin & Betty Marshall

Veronica Miklus Sokol 1892-1955

Wearing Native Maly Lipnik Folk Dress. Married 1915 St. Michael's Greek Catholic Church, Passaic, New Jersey to John Sokol 1893-1982 of Ujak.

Circa 1912

Slovakia

  In Memory of John & Veronica Sokol

Photo Courtesy of  Avaline Sokol Nebesnak

(L) Veronica Youpa Minarik & sister Maria Youpa Chanda

Circa 1940

Lopez, Pennsylvania

  Maria Chanda's Photograph Collection

(Photo Not Available)

Eva Chanda nee Mudrick 1858-1944 (daughter of Andrew Mudrick & Anna 'Gibasz' Varholy); Wife of John Nastcsin Chanda; Married 04 Nov 1877 Maly Lipnik.   Eva lived out her life in Maly Lipnik In Memory of the John & Eva Chanda family

(Photo Not Available)

Joseph Osifchin (Osifchak) abt 1853-? (son of George 'Jurko' Osifchin & Suzanna Nastcsin Chanda) and Maria Vaszilik 1856-1932 (daughter of Peter Vaszilik). Married 29 Oct 1877 in Maly Lipnik.   Maria died in 1932 in Duryea, Luzerne County. It is believed Joseph died in Maly Lipnik prior to this date. In Memory of the Joseph Osifchin Family

(Photo Not Available)

Katarina Osifchin (Osifchak) abt 1835-1888 (daughter of George 'Jurko' Osifchin & Suzanna Nastcsin Chanda). Married about 1862 to Simon Sember abt 1832-1902. Simon re-married to Suzanna Maczko Tatar 12 Nov 1888 in Maly Lipnik.   Katarina lived out her life in Maly Lipnik In Memory of Katarina Osifchin

Michael Osifchin (Osifchak) abt 1851-? (son of George 'Jurko' Osifchin & Suzanna Nastcsin Chanda). Michael married Julianna Padisz of Spišská Nová Ves 14 Nov 1881 at the Lutheran Church, Spišská Nová Ves formerly called Igló. His 2nd wife was Julianna Blásy.

Circa 1900

Igló, Slovakia

Michael lived out his life in Slovakia In Memory of the Michael Osifchin Family

Photo Courtesy of Jozef Kis

Julianna Blásy second wife of Michael Osifchin.

Mother of Aranka Júlia and Tivadar Osifchin.

Circa 1900

Igló, Slovakia

  Photo Courtesy of Jozef Kis
Béla János Osifchin 1886-?. Born in Spišská Nová Ves formerly called Igló.

(son of Michael Osifchin of Maly Lipnik and Julianna Padisz)

Circa 1900

Igló, Slovakia

  Photo Courtesy of Jozef Kis
Irma Osifchin 1882-1927. Irma was born in Márkusfalva/Markušovce (daughter of Michael Osifchin of Maly Lipnik and Julianna Padisz) she died in Miskolc. She married Jeno 'Eugene' Holics 19 Sep 1912 in Likér. They had one daughter Sarolta.

Circa 1911

Slovakia

Irma lived out her life in Slovakia In Memory of Irma Osifchin

Photo Courtesy of great-grandson Jozef Kis

Irma Osifchin 1882-1927; Jeno 'Eugene' Holics; and daughter Sarolta 1914-1998 Miskolc.

Circa 1914

Slovakia

  In Memory of Jeno, Irma, and Sarolta Holics

Photo Courtesy of great-grandson Jozef Kis 

Suzanna Osifchin (Osifchak) 1850-abt 1950 (daughter of George 'Jurko' Osifchin & Suzanna Nastcsin Chanda) & husband Michael (Joppa) Youpa 1849-1908 son of John Joseph Joppa of Maly Lipnik & Suzanna Froelich of Plavnica; Married 1871 Sts. Cosmos & Damien Greek Catholic Church, Maly Lipnik, Slovakia.

Maternal Great-Grandparents of

TCC's Co-Editor - Steven M. Osifchin

Circa 1871

Slovakia

Immigration Dates for Michael 1895, 1898. Maria Chanda's Photograph Collection

Anna Youpa Peles 1870-1946 (daughter of Michael Joppa & Suzanna Osifchin); Wife of Wasko Peles

Circa 1919

Pennsylvania

1891

Maria Chanda's Photograph Collection

(R) Anna Youpa Peles, Wasko Peles &

Maria Youpa Chanda

Early 1930's

Brainerds, New Jersey

 

In Memory of the Peles Family

(L) Helen Peles, Anna Youpa Peles, Anna Peles, Wasko & Mary Peles. Married 1891 St. Michael's Greek Catholic Church, Passaic, New Jersey

Circa 1901

Pennsylvania

Immigration Date for Anna 1891 for husband Wasko 1888/1889

In Memory of the Wasko & Anna Peles

Photo Courtesy of  The Tabacsko Family

Wasko and Anna Youpa Peles

Clymer, Pennsylvania

Immigration Date for Anna 1891 for husband Wasko 1888/1889

In Memory of the Wasko & Anna Peles

Stefan Sestok 1876-1942 (son of John Sestok & Suzanna Varholy) & wife Maria Chanda 1878-1948 (daughter of John Nastcsin Chanda & Eva Mudrik); Married 1899 St. Michael's Greek Catholic Church, Passaic, New Jersey

1899

Passaic, New Jersey

1899, returned to Maly Lipnik a year later.

Maria Chanda's Photograph Collection

Jan (Joppa) Youpa 1945-2005 (son of Veronica Joppa); Husband of Alzbeta Mrugova 2001 Maly Lipnik Jan resided in Stara Lubovna In memory of Jan Joppa

Photo Courtesy of Steven Osifchin

John Youpa 1887-1968 (son of Michael Joppa & Suzanna Osifchin) & wife Anna Chanda 1891-1936 (daughter of John Nastcsin Chanda & Eva Mudrik); Married 1910 St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, Alpha, New Jersey

Circa 1940

Immigration date for John 1906; for Anna 1908.

In Memory of John & Anna Youpa

Maria Chanda's Photograph Collection

Joseph Youpa 1883-1956 (son of Michael Joppa & Suzanna Osifchin) wife Anna Bakos-Kupcha 1882-1969 (daughter of Vasil Bakos-Kupcha & Anna Copjak of Jakubjany); Married 1906 Easton, Pennsylvania (Children in photo John, Joe, Kate, & Stephen)

 Circa 1915

Phillipsburg, NJ

1899, 1902

In Memory of Joseph & Anna Youpa

Maria Chanda's Photograph Collection

Maria Joppa (Youpa) Gladis 1950-2001 (daughter of Stefan Joppa & Veronica Kocsmarcsin Chanda); Wife of Stefan Gladis

2001

Maly Lipnik

Maria resided in Maly Lipnik

In memory of Maria Joppa Gladis

Photo Courtesy of Steven Osifchin

Michael Joppa (Youpa) 1872-1952, (son of Michael Joppa & Suzanna Osifchin); Husband of Maria Mlynarcik 1875-1950; Children Justina, Emil, Stefan, & Frantisak

 

1907

 S.S. Braudenburg sailing from Bremen Germany; Arrival Port of Baltimore Jan 25, 1907. Joining an acquaintance in Hecla, Penna. Resided in Odorin, Szepes County

It is not known for how long Michael remained in the U.S. He returned at some point to Slovakia.

In memory of the

Michael Joppa Family

 

 

 

Photo Courtesy of Stefan Joppa

Michael Joppa (Joppa) Youpa 1936-2007 (son of Stefan Joppa & Veronica Lazorchak); Husband of Libusov Schreir.

Summer 2007

Opava, Czech Republic

Michael resided in Opava, in the Czech Republic

In memory of Michael Joppa

Photo Courtesy of his daughter

Renata Stermotic

Nicholas Youpa 1876-1948 (son of Michael Joppa & Suzanna Osifchin) & Mary Lasky 1878-1944 (daughter of John Lyascsicski & Maria Kocsmarcsin Chanda); Married 1899 St. Michael's Greek Catholic Church, Passaic, New Jersey

1899

Passaic, NJ

Immigration date for Nicholas 1895; 1898 for Mary.

Mary Youpa Halasz

Nicholas Youpa 1876-1948 &

Mary Lasky 1878-1944

Circa 1940

New Jersey

Mary Youpa Halasz

Stefan (Joppa) Youpa 1896-1937 (son of Michael Joppa & Suzanna Osifchin) &

wife Veronica Lazorchak 1901-1965. Married 1918 Sts. Cosmos & Damien Greek Catholic Church, Maly Lipnik, Slovakia.

Stefan & Veronica lived out their lives in Maly Lipnik

In memory of the

Stefan Joppa Family

Stefan (Joppa) Youpa 1929-2005 (son of Stefan Joppa & Veronica Lazorchak); Husband of Veronica Kocsmarcsin Chanda

2001 Maly Lipnik Stefan resided in Maly Lipnik. He was the local postmaster. He tried it emigrate to America in the 1930s but was denied entry. In memory of Stefan Joppa

Photo Courtesy of Steven Osifchin

(L) Suzanna Youpa Marfiak, Nicholas Youpa, Maria Youpa Chanda, John Youpa, Veronica Youpa Minarik

Circa 1940

Alpha, New Jersey

Photo Courtesy of Geraldine Minarik

Verona (Joppa) Youpa 1923-deceased; (daughter of Stefan Joppa & Veronica Lazorchak. Mother of Jan Joppa) Circa 1963

Maly Lipnik

  In memory of Verona Joppa

Village History

The village of Malý Lipník is mentioned for the first time in a hand-written chronicle in 1715. It belonged to Sharysh Zhupa, afterwards to Staro Luboviansky county of the Priashiv district (until 1960), since 1961 it belongs to Vykhodo Slovensko (Eastern Slovak) county, and since 1968 to Staro Luboviansky county, both of Priashiv district/region. In other historic periods the village carried these names; in 1715 Kis Lipnik, in 1786 Lipnik, in 1927 Malý Lipník; in Hungarian Kislipnik, Kisharas.

The population of this village during various historical periods was as follows: 1869-327, 1880-354, 1890-346, 1900-433, 1910418. 1921-435, 1930-406, 1940-415, 1948-455, 1961-427, 1970-420, 1991-479. After the last census we can observe, that the highest number of inhabitants of Malý Lipník there at this time. For the causes of this one has to look for chances of obtaining a job in the village and nearby vicinity. Until now the origins of the village's name has not been pinpointed, but one can assume, that it comes from the word "lypa", a linden tree. Malý Lipník is located in a narrow 4-km long dale of a mountain stream, on both sides of the road, which heads to Poland. To the north from the village flows Poprad river, which is known for its plentiful fish. In this place the river forms a natural border between Slovakia and Poland. On rudimentary look into the history of the village one can only visualize it as a settlement for shepherds of sheep and cattle and also forest workers. This settlement has gradually grown into a big village. The village already by the end of the 16th century had its parish and matryka(?), which burned down in the 18th century. The new matryka, which is still accessible, was first mentioned in 1833. At the end of the 19th century in Malý Lipník glazing plant was built. Many MaloLipchan were employed there. And this fact assisted the village to advance economically. The glazing plant in Malý Lipník was producing bottles - which in turn were filled with a mineral water-solinka, the spring for which is located between Malý Lipník and Solinka River. During the last decades Malý Lipník has witnessed big emigration of its inhabitants. Poor soil, closing down of the glazing plant caused daily, ever mounting hardships and social problems for the population. To overcome them was very difficult and many decided to emigrate to distant Canada and the US.  

At that time the cultural level of the village was very low, with illiteracy in full bloom. This reality applied brakes to any progress in educational attempts. In the middle of the last century (1858) the teacher in Malý Lipník was John Iliashchyk. At that time about 60 children from the age of 6 to 12 attended the school. Many would show up only in winter. Students had to bring the firewood with them if they wished to study in a heated school. After John Iliashchyk the following taught in Malý Lipník: John Kozub (1877) and Avhustyn Stavrovskiy. The latter taught continuously from 1881-1909. The school committee/council attempted to make progress in the village, but it did not find support from the village patrons - Baron Horvat from Plavnitsa and later from the family of Shalamons.

In 1877, the school council consisted of such Malý Lipník residents as: John Chanda, John Geryak, Peter Gladysh, John Hrytsko, Michael Lashchytskiy (Lasky). And in 1881 the following were admitted to the council: Peter Chanda, John Milkosh, Andrew Varlhola and others. In 1888 the school council for the village was lead by a school and cultural activist Rubin Geiza.

In 1907, in Malý Lipník new school was erected from stone in which taught previously mentioned Avhustyn Stavrovskiy. To the distinguished teachers in the village belonged: Rudolf Vrabel, and Havriyil Mlynarich in the 1930's and later – Michael Zavatsky. From the post WWII teachers let's mention Michael Tylishchak, a native son, Stefan Pirosh and Marta Tylishchak. In addition to her teaching work in Malý Lipník, Marta Tylishchak spend a lot of useful time in the development of national art, mainly among its youth. The small circle from Malý Lipník not once distinguished itself in regional competitions, and also at the Svidnyk cultural holiday "Rusyns of Slovakia".

The First World War, just like everywhere else has left its footprint in Malý Lipník. On the front lines 8 young men from Malý Lipník have fallen. Many returned home as invalids. Some were drafted by the Russians and also returned to their native village. The Second World War did not fare better for the inhabitants. After an assault by the partisans on a German column the villagers were persecuted and finally forced/deported from the village. In the 1930's Fedor Zyma was teaching in Malý Lipník. He besides teaching also attempted to spread cultural conscience - organized a choir, propagated fruit growing and lectured on agrarian-farming themes. It was then that a distinguished artist of the time, Aloiz Nevitskiy, settled in the village, and to whom completion of the iconostas/altar in a newly constructed small tserkva/church is credited. Residents would go on pilgrimages to the neighboring villages of: Staryny, Legnava (known for its middle ages monastery of Byzantine architecture), Sulin, Matysova and Udol.

After the Second World War Malý Lipník received a winery(?) and a suburban school, and then in 1947 a vocational school. It was also in 1947 that 72 families from Malý Lipník chose to leave for Ukraine. Folk songs in the village were cultivated by: Nicholas Chanda, Verona Sestokova and John Sestok.

At the present time a sawmill is functioning in the village, which produces boards from neighboring forests. Otherwise Malý Lipník in post WWII has experienced hectic development, village is well spread, a new bituminous road runs through it, a new school was built, cultural hall, a produce store, a tavern, post office also is functioning. Neighborhood is full of recreational houses and a hunting lounge. School teaching only in Slovak. Since the 1989 revolution English is also taught there. It's taught by Sh. Pirosh. Village has been electrified, and     the flow of the mountain stream is well controlled. It flows into Poprad River. Inhabitants work on their farms and also in the industrial plants of the area or distant towns of Slovakia. Some work in the Czech Republic where they migrated after WWII.

During the last census 425 declared themselves to be Greek-Catholics, 47 Roman Catholics, 7 undeclared, to Rusyn nationality acknowledged 3 individuals, to Ukrainian 7, and to the Slovak 468 inhabitants.

Translated by Walter Maksimovich <walter@infoukes.com> from an article in Narodne Novynky
Editors Note:
The Greek Catholic parish registers of baptisms, marriages and deaths (1834-1895) for Malý Lipník, Slovakia, formerly Kis-Lipnik (also called Kis-Hárs), Sáros, Hungary are available via the LDS (Family History Center). Birth and marriage entries do not begin until after 1858. The film number is 1792635.
The current Greek Catholic resident priest is Father Mikulás Pavlík. The parish address Malý Lipník c.71, 06546 Okres Stara Lubovna. Telephone 0963/4394123.

Winter Photos of Malý Lipník

TCC would like to thank Jozef Krafcak of Stara Lubovna for these wonderful photos.

 

Gateway to Little Old Village Malý Lipník & Malý Lipník Greek Catholic Church

Malý Lipník Cemetery

Malý Lipník Valley & Malý Lipník Creek

The following article was published Sunday, May 19, 1985 in EASTERN CATHOLIC LIFE

AS I REMEMBER IT Rev. Orestes Koman

I received a letter from Dr. Gabriel Martyak who is now retired in Florida. The son of the late Fr. Nicholas Martyak, he grew up in Hazelton, Pa. where he and his older brother practiced medicine.

He informs me that last year he visited the old country to look up the, family roots and sent me some pictures from Malý Lipník which I’m using here.

It came to my mind that the old country Eparchial Directory contains the records of parishes, priests and institutions giving a short history on the parishes and a short biography on the priests, so I asked our Chancery Office to send me one. Bishop Michael kindly sent me a Directory of the Presov Eparchy from the year 1909. Here is the short information on Fr. Nicholas Martyak: "Born July 10, 1870 in Vapenik, Sarys County. Ordained to priesthood on September 14, 1902 and appointed Assistant in Sajopetri Hungary. (That time the Hungarian Eparchy didn't exist yet. Sent in 1903 to Lublo-Krempach and on February 24, 1904, Administrator to Malý Lipník. Now in Hazleton, America. Married."

Dr. Gabriel evidently knew that his father’s last parish in Europe was in Malý Lipník and he spent some time there and made pictures. I remember him as a young medic and our daughter, Eve, spent two weeks there one summer. She was invited by the doctor’s sister and that time the parishhouse of St. John’s was very lively. Fr. Nicholas was as friendly as he was big. A heavy-set man with a patriarchal countenance. The present Bishop Bilock was his assistant and his widowed daughter, Pani Anna Maczkow, was his housekeeper because he was a widower Her two daughters and their cousin, JoAnn Jackanich, Monsignor’s daughter, were there too and the young people had a swell time. Eve contracted a strep-throat but medical care was at hand. It was an old-fashioned parochial party I fondly remember from my young years and when I came to Elizabeth I had the pleasure to welcome some of those venerable married priests like Fr. Emil Bunk, Fr. Andrejkovich Fr. Keselak, Fr. Medveczky, Fr. Vislocky, Fr. Papp, Fr. Lukach and Fr. Jackovich. These old times of course are now long passed.

Dr. Gabriel mentions his maternal grandfather, Fr. Janiczky that at one time he was a priest in Velky Sulin…in the directory it states that Stephan Janiczky was born February 18, 1852 in Stelbach. Ordained March 22, 1877 and sent to Homrogd in December 25th. In March 5, 1878 to Toriska and in December 13, 1882 to Velky Sulin. He was Dean Consultor. Married. I remember him as a priest in McAdoo, Pa., a really patriarchal personality beloved by everybody. And so was his lovely wife, Pani Janiczky.

REFLECTIONS

Dr. Martyak’s letter and his photos of Malý Lipník renewed my pleasant impressions of that attractive spot on the banks of the Poprad river. I had a few families from Malý Lipník and nearby Matysova and their children keeping contact with the old country. When I lived in Kamjonka in the summer I was exploring that part of our villages and wondering of their past, how did they settle in this restricted terrain not blessed with natural living advantages

They evidently belonged to the nearest landlords in the feudal era and lived in the valley providing work and military service to the landlords In nearby Plavec whose castle was built on a steep hill the landlord's duty was to defend the borders which he did with his subjects. In St. Lubovna there also was a castle built on a hill, the walls of which in part still stand and the rooms are used as a museum. From here the Kamjonka volley was defended. In Plavec from the old castle only one wall still stands reminding posterity of the harsh old days.

When I visited Malý Lipník and the vicinity I took from Kamjonka the upper route walking from Kamjonka to Jarabina - Krempach - Sulin Malý Lipník. Below Malý Lipník is Legnava where my pal Vladamir Hromjak lived and with him we often stopped at Malý Lipník where the priest was Aladar Gerbery and the cantor "Red" Vrabel who married Vladamir’s sister Mlika Hromja. In Lagnov the priest was Fr. Alexander Beszkid and the Cantor my, pal's father. We loved these villages in the beautiful valley a real nice place inviting tourists from nearby Poland who came to their summer resort opposite Malý Lipník, Zegestov. There we often met Polish scouts dressed in their uniforms, listened to the open concerts and fraternized with the young folks. The places have good mineral water in Zegestov and Sulin, which seems to recompense the inhabitants for the poor land and products. ‘Especially in Krempach and Sulin, the land is very bare and one wondered how the people existed. But they were strong in faith and faithful to the Church.

That's why they always received priests and to those harsh places the Bishop selected priests from the very young clerks. But evidently many inhabitants tried to seek better living conditions and emigrated to the U.S.A. and the priests often followed them.

Now, conditions have changed and young people with education are seeking positions and leaving the old settlements. But Malý Lipník keeps the old tradition and the church is kept in good order and the priest with the people serve the lord.

Tourists come to see the resorts and visit the nearby Tatra, which by car is only short drive on a good road. Dr. Gabriel didn’t say if he visited the Tatra but if he missed it I’m sure that he might be inclined to make another visit to spend a vacation in the Ruzbach Kupele where the hot mineral baths restores failing human functions.

Chata "U FINANCA"

Jaroslav GLADIS

Manager

OFFICE:

Malý Lipník 1

065 46

tel: 0963/43 94113

Malý Lipník

1828 Land Census

Hungarian County of Saros

Note: This is not a full transcription of the records. Several items were not transcribed. 
(Transcribed by Steven Osifchin)
House#
Head of Household
# of Adults
Farmer
Tenant
Farmer
Sub-Tenant
Farmer

1

JOHN GLADIS

3

/

 

 

 2

JANKO GLADIS

3

/

 

 

 3

WASKO GLADIS

3

/

 

 

 4

JANKO PJATAK

2

/

 

 

 5

SIMON DAMISICSIN

2

/

 

 

 6

MICHAEL CHANDA

1

/

 

 

 7

VANYO SZEMANCSIN

2

/

 

 

 8

LYSKO SVISZTAK

2

/

 

 

 9

JOHN PJATAK

1

/

 

 

 10

ANDREW HNAT

4

/

 

 

 11

JOHN HNAT

2

/

 

 

 12

JOHN FECSKO

2

/

 

 

 13

SIMON F?

2

/

 

 

 14

FESKO BARTKO

2

/

 

 

 15

JOHN PETRUS

2

/

 

 

 16

WASKO PETRUS

2

/

 

 

 17

VASIL HRIZ

2

/

 

 

 18

DANKO HNAT

3

/

 

 

19

LESKO GMITRO

2

/

 

 

20

MISKO CHANDA

2

/

 

 

 21

JASKO ARENDAZ

2

/

 

 

22

JANKO KUSERA

2

/

   

23

PETER BUSINA

2

/

 

 

24

JOHN SESTAK

2

/

 

 

    25 MICHAEL CHANDA

2

/

 

 

26 YRIZKO CHANDA

2

/

   
27 JASKO JOPPA

2

/

   
28 JASKO SESTAK

2

/

   
29