Újak / Údol

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This page is dedicated to my grandparents Michael & Anna Osifchin nee Sokol
Steven M. Osifchin, Editor
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 Ujak. Since I am volunteering my time please keep your request within reason. Send your requests to Steven Osifchin at editors@tccweb.org

Village History 

The old and foreign names of the place:

1427-Wyak, 1773 through 1786-Ujlak, 1808-Ujak, Ujach, 1863—Ujlak, 1888-Uják, 1907-Sárosújlak, 1948-Údol, Hungarian - Sárosújlak.

The administrative structure:

Šariš and Košice county 1923—1928, Šariš-Zemplín county 1940—1945, district Lipany until 10 December 1922, Sabinov until the year 1948, Stará L'ubovna 1948—1960, Prešov 1960—1968. Since 1968 district of Stará L'ubovna.

Local places:

Majer, Poza most.

Population numbers:

In the year 1787—416 inhabitants, 1828—663, 1869—718, 1880—680, 1890—685, 1900—666, 1910—490, 1921—524, 1930—524, 1940—591, 1948—529, 1961—526, 1970—574, 1980—569, 1991—496.

The year 1921—136 houses and 524 inhabitants: 27 of Czechoslovak nationality, 474 Ruthenian, 23 foreigners, 16 Roman-Catholic religion, 508 Greek Catholic.

The year 1991—136 houses and 496 inhabitants: 348 Slovak, 1 Czech, 80 Ruthenian origin, 66 Ukraine, 1 other, 14 Roman Catholic, 379 Greek Catholic, 41 Orthodox, 10 without religion, 52 not identified.

The acreage:

1316 hectares.

History:

The community is first mentioned in the year 1349 in a document in connection with the sale of the šoltýstvo, when Michal, the son of Fabián, šoltýs at that time, sold the local šoltýstvo, which he bought from Mikuláš, to two Spiš townsmen. The field of land, the brewery and the mill belonged to the šoltýstvo. The village existed two-three decades before the year 1349. It was established by settlers with the šoltýstvo according to the purchase right on the estate domain of Plave, at the end of the 13th century and the beginning of the 14th century. The village was part of the castle estate domain of Plave , continuously between the 14—16th centuries. In the documents between 14—16th centuries the village is mentioned under the name Ujlak. It was the Slovak form of the originally Hungarian name Ujlak, put together from words "uj" which means new and "lak" which means residence, community. The Hungarian name was implemented by village feudals and the domain of Plave.

In the year 1427 in the portal register of Šariš county, the Hungarian name is added under the name Wyak. At that time Ujak households were taxed by a tax to the King from 32 port, so Ujak was a big village. It's legal pertinence was confirmed by the šoltýs, in 1567. Later on peasants gradually moved out and housing development became extinct. In the document about the Plave domain from the second half of the 15th century and beginning of the 16th century the community isn't mentioned. The new housing development was established by Ruthenian settlers with the šoltýs between the years 20—30 of the 16th century. In the year 1600 the housing development consisted of 17 inhabited serf houses and the house of the šoltýs. In the renewed village in the second half of the 16th century, the village grew to be a middle-sized village in which, except for the family of the šoltýs, lived the serf's population especially of Ruthenian origin.

In the year 1755 the community burned down. In the year 1787 it had 61 houses and in 1828, 88 houses. In the year 1867 the community was affected by an epidemic of cholera. After the Czechoslovak Republic was proclaimed, the community people rebelled against representatives of the old regime. At this revolt the store and pub were robbed. The population was occupied with agriculture, cattle breeding and seasonally by work in the forest.

During the first Czechoslovak Republic many inhabitants emigrated to the U.S.A. and Canada for work. During the time of the second World War the population supported guerrilla groups and many people took part in the Slovak National Uprising. The community was liberated on the 23rd of January, 1945. The revolutionary national committee was created on the 25th of January, 1945— the chairman was Peter Havran and secretary was Štefan Šcerbák. In the 1946 elections, the Communist party won. From the total amount of voices 303, it got 195, the Democratic party 106, the party of work 1 and the party of freedom 1 voice. In the year 1947, 17 families left to the USSR. JRD (Unified Farmer's Cooperative) was established in 1950, in 1971 joined with Hajtovka JRD. The community was given electricity after liberation (1954). The building of Unity SD (consumer cooperative farm) (1953), the cultural house (1977), local communications, new family houses, school (1977), buildings of JRD, local radio, football playground (1990), tennis courts (1992) water pipes (1994) and other buildings were built (in these years).

Religious:

Greek Catholic

The Church of Saint Dimitry, the martyr (Greek-Catholic), built in the year 1866, repaired in 1888 and 1943, Classic style, with a semicircle cap of the Presbyter. The interior is from the year 1888.  Font—chalice shape, stone with the sign, is from the year 1656.  The chalice—Baroque style, from the year 1773, gilded silver.

Prior to 1866 there was a wooden church on a location below the existing church. This church like many of the wooden structures of the day caught fire and burned down.

Orthodox

In 2004 a small Orthodox Church was built by the Orthodox faithful of the village. In September of 2004 Metropolitan Herman of the Orthodox Church in America visited Udol and presented the faithful with a financial gift collected from various OCA parishes.

Personalities:

Irena Nevická (December 10, 1886 Zbudská Belá — November 1966, Prešov), writer, cultural-enlightenment worker, organizer of women's movement between the population of Ukraine, editor of Word of Nation.

Editors Note:
The Greek Catholic parish registers of baptisms, marriages and deaths (1827-1937) for Údol, Slovakia; formerly Uják, Sáros, Hungary are available via the LDS (Family History Center). The film numbers are 1794352 and 1794353.
The parish address is Udol c. 120, 06545 Plavnica, Okres Stara Lubovna. Telephone 0963/4393383.

Eternal Memory...

Note: For those of you who had ancestors from Udol, feel free to submit photographs honoring their memory in this section.
Click to Enlarge
Description
Photograph Date
Immigration
Photo
Courtesy of

John Biss 1891-1980 (son of Joseph Biss & Anna Kundrat) & wife Helen Osifchin Biss 1895-1984 daughter of Michael Osifchin II & Suzanna Zavacsky.

Married 1913 St. Michael the Archangel Greek Catholic Church, Passaic, New Jersey

About 1913

U.S.

Immigration for John 1910,

Helen 1901 & 1915.

Julia Biss

Daughter

1921-2007

Joseph Biss 1887-1971 (son of Joseph Biss & Anna Kundrat); wife Mary Petra Lesko 1895-1989 (daughter of John Petra Lesko & Anna Vancso); and daughter. Married 1912 St. Michael the Archangel Greek Catholic Church, Passaic, New Jersey Circa 1914-1915

New Jersey

Based on Census records Joseph's immigration date was 1903 and Mary's 1909.

Eric Biss

Grandson

Peter Biss 1893-1974 (son of Peter Biss & Maria Pristas Dornics); husband of Anna Hrinya Circa 1946 16 Sep 1905

S.S. Grosser Kurfurst Sailing from Bremen Germany; DOA PONY 26 Sept 1905; Traveling with Mother and brother Steven; (In error the manifest listed joining Uncle Peter Biss 38 Parkson St., Passaic, NJ instead of Father Peter Biss)

Courtesy of the Biss family and Robert Prettyman
Anna Dornic Lesko 1893-1969, daughter of John Dornic & Helena Fechisin; Wife of John Jurka Lesko of Hajtovka. New Jersey Arrival 8/14/20 SS Lapland from Antwerp Germany, Joining brother Peter Dornics in Clifton, NJ. Previous immigration date about 1905. John Dornik
Maria Dornic Kravcak 1883-1946. Daughter of John Dornic & Helena Fechisin. Wife of John Kravchak 1874-1939 son of Michael Kravchak & Helena Gladis.   Maria lived out her life in Ujak. John Dornik
Mikulas (Nicholas) Dornic 1915-1995. Son of John Dornic & Maria Kravchak. Husband of Anna Kravchak.   Mikulas lived out his entire life in Ujak, two doors down from Margita Gladis, his daughter's house and about six doors down from Jan, his son's house. John Dornik & Slavomir Gladis

Peter Dornik aka Peter Dornic

1896-1972 son of John Dornic & Helena Fechisin.

1971 Peter came to the US in 1912 at age 16 and lived in Phillipsburg, NJ and Lynn, MA. He returned to Ujak and came back to the US in 1922. This time settling permanently in Clifton, NJ. John Dornik
Vasil Dornic 1907-Aug 1983; son of John Dornic & Maria Kravchak; Husband of Maria Timko of Ujak and Suzanna of Circ. Unknown Vasil was once the Mayor of Udol. He lived out his life in Presov. John Dornik
(RIGHT) Vasil Dornic 1907-? son of John Dornic & Maria Kravchak; Husband of Maria Timko of Ujak and Suzanna of Circ. (LEFT) ? Chanda WWI

Slovakia

  Slavomir Gladis
Nicholas Fechisin 1893-1963 son of Peter Fechisin & Anna Soroka; wife Mary Buk 1893-1970 daughter of John Buk & Maria Petrisin.

About 1914

NJ or OH

Immigration for Nicholas 1909, Mary 1910. Nick and Mary resided in Lakewood, Ohio and later settled in Brainerds, New Jersey. Helen Fechisin In Memory of Elmer Fechisin
Maria Fengya Elias Gladis 1911-1991, daughter of Andrew Fengya Elias & Anna Pruzsinski; Wife of Michael Gladis.   Maria lived out her life in Udol. Slavomir Gladis
Suzanna Fengya Fedus 1903-1976 (daughter of John Fengya & Suzanna Petrisin); Wife of Stefan Fedus of Hajtovka Gravestone Photo Suzanna lived out her married life in Hajtovka In memory of Suzanna Fengya Fedus
Suzanna Fengya Elias Mikulik 1901-? (daughter of John Fengya Elias & Suzanna Anna Dragan); Wife of Michael Mikulik, Sr.   Suzanna lived out her life in Udol

Stefan Mikulik

Grandson

Michael Havran 1857-1933 (son of Michael Havran & Suzanna Hnat)

About 1911

Hartford, Ct

March 11, 1911, S.S. President Lincoln from Hamburg Arrival March 24, 1911 PONY, Joining daughter Helena Havran Passaic, NJ.Previous immigration year of 1905.  Michael returned to Ujak. Jennie Havran

Back row: John Hawran 1894-1967,

Annie Havran Biss 1888-1960, Stefan Hawron 1897-1963
front row: Mary Havran Jaskulka 1883-1945, Michael Harvan 1885-1974

Circa 1920 Between 1902-1914. Jennie Havran
John Hawran 1894-1967 (son of Michael Havran & Maria Suchanovszky) & wife Mary Gasior of Poland

1917

Chelsea, Mass

  Jennie Havran
Peter Havran 1884-1970 (son of Peter Havran & Maria Kollar) & wife Suzanna Dvorznak 1887-1977 (daughter of Basil Dvorozsnyak & Suzanna Biss Dvorznak Kundrat) Circa 1907

NJ or OH

According to the 1930 Census Peter's first immigration date was 1898. Ship manifest for 31 Dec 1909 indicates previous immigrations 1904 and 1907. According to the 1909 manifest Peter had been in the US 15 yrs, joining wife Suzanna Havran in 131 4th St. Passaic, NJ. Nearest relation left behind M-I-L Suzanna Dvorznak in Ujak. Suzanna's immigration was between 1903-1904 In memory of Peter & Sue Havran
Paul Hrina, husband of Maria Kovalcik.   Paul lived out his life in Udol In Memory of Paul Hrina
Anna Hrinya Biss 1894-1958 (daughter of John 'Jurkov' Hrinya & Maria 'Bacsov' Hrinya); wife of Peter Biss New Jersey

Circa 1944

03 Dec 1910

S.S. Rhein sailing from Bremen Germany; DOA PONY Dec 16, 1910; The manifest states she was joining her brother Mike Hrinya 121 2nd St., Passaic, New Jersey

Courtesy of the Biss family and Robert Prettyman
CENTER - Mary Kollar Osifchin 1899-1977, daughter of Joseph Kollar & Anna Kundrat; wife of John Osifchin. RIGHT ? Krajnak, LEFT - Unknown Circa 1917

Udol

Mary and her son John sailed from Bremen Germany on March 23, 1923 on the S.S. Pittsburgh. They arrived at the PONY on April 4, 1923 and joined her husband John Osifchin in Passaic, NJ. Dorothy Crowley

(Photo not available)

Andrew Kovalycsik 1856-1909

 

1905. Andrew returned to Ujak and in 1909 died in an accident while traveling with his family to return to the U.S.

The Kovalycsik Family

Anna Vancso Kovalycsik 1864-1949  & Son Michael Kovalycsik

About 1909

1909

The Kovalycsik Family

Michael Kovalycsik 1901-1973

 

1909

The Kovalycsik Family

Nicholas Kovalcik 1881-1943, wife Suzanna Kundrat 1877-1942, twins Nicholas 1907-? and Suzanna 1907-1996. Married 1903 St. Michael the Archangel Greek Catholic Church, Passaic, New Jersey. Nicholas & Suzanna returned to Ujak shortly afterwards Circa 1920 outside the Kovalcik home in Udol Abt. 1902 The Kovalycsik Family
Stefan Kovalcik 1913-1996 (son of Nicholas Kovalcik & Suzanna Kundrat) & wife Anna Fecisin 1918-1991 (daughter of Jan Fecisin & Maria Patorai) Udol Stefan and Anna lived out their lives in Udol. The Kovalycsik Family
Stefan Kovalcik 1913-1996, wife Anna Fecisin 1918-1991, daughters, Helena, Maria, & Anna

Circa 1950

Slovakia

  The Kovalycsik Family
LEFT - Anna Kravcak 1923-, sisters Helena Keda 1910 -, Maria Kravcak 1912 -; daughters of John Kravcak & Maria Dornics; sister-in-law Maria Kravcak 1914- (Unclear as to who is who in the photo) Circa 1935

Udol

  Slavomir Gladis
Anna Kravcak 1923-, daughter of John Kravcak & Maria Dornics; Wife of Nicholas Dornics Udol   Slavomir Gladis
John Kravcak 1874-1939, son of Michael Kravcak & Helena Gladis; husband of Maria Dornics   1909, SS Fredrich Der Grosse from Bremen DOA July 15, 1909, last residence Ujak wife Maria, joining Joseph Arendacs 24 Boyer St. West Lynn, Mass; Previous immigration dates 1907 & 1908

1913, SS President Grant from Hamburg Germany DOA Feb 21, 1913, Last Residence Ujak wife Maria, Joining b-i-l John Lesko Passaic, NJ

Slavomir Gladis
Maria Kravcak Tengi 1915-1980 (daughter of Michael Kravcak & Anna Glucs); Wife of Jan Tengi of Hajtovka Gravestone Photo Hajtovka Maria lived out her life in Hajtovka In memory of Maria Kravcak Tengi
Stefan Kravcak 1908-December 05, 1988, son of John Kravcak & Maria Dornic. Husband of Maria Kravchak.   Stefan spent most of his life in Ujak. In 1964 he left Udol for Presov and resided there until his death. He always talked of coming to the US but never did. John Dornik

(photo not available)

Anna Mikulik 1888-? (daughter of John 'Holodnyak' Mikulik & Suzanna 'Fabian' Chanda); married 16 Jul 1905 to John Fedoush 1872 - ? of Hajtovka.   SS President Lincoln sailing from Hamburg Germany on 4/4/12; arrival PONY 4/16/12; sailing with stepson & daughter; Joining Husband John Fedus 209 Central Ave in Butler, PA In Memory of Anna Fedus nee Mikulik

(photo not available)

John Mikulik 1894-aft 1942 (son of John 'Holodnyak' Mikulik & Suzanna 'Fabian' Chanda); married abt. 1914 to Rose Tengi of Hajtovka 1894-1991   12 Jun 1912 S.S. Kaiserin Auguste Victoria sailing from Hamburg Germany, Joining brother-in-law John Lesko 38 River Rd Passaic, NJ In Memory of John Mikulik

(photo not available)

Juliana 'Helen' Mikulik 1892-1919 (daughter of John 'Holodnyak' Mikulik & Suzanna 'Fabian' Chanda); married abt. 1911 to John Lesko 1882-bef.1975.   Abt. 1911 In Memory of Juliana 'Helen' Lesko nee Mikulik
Michal Mikulik, Sr. 1901-? (son John 'Holodnyak' Mikulik & Suzanna 'Fabian' Chanda); married 03 Feb 1919 to Suzanna Fengya Elias 1901-?   Michael lived out his life in Udol Stefan Mikulik Grandson
Michal Mikulik, Jr. 1933-1998 (son Michael Mikulik & Suzanna Fengya Elias)   Michael lived out his life in Udol Stefan Mikulik Son

(photo not available)

Suzanna Mikulik 1897-? (daughter of John 'Holodnyak' Mikulik & Suzanna 'Fabian' Chanda); married 04 Jun 1913 to Peter 'Kovaly' Chanda of Udol 1890-?    Suzanna remained in Slovakia In Memory of Suzanna Chanda nee Mikulik

John Osifchin 1903-1977 son of Michael Osifchin II and Suzanna Zavacsky.

About 1920

outside the Osifchin home in Udol

Born in Pennsylvania, Returned to Ujak in 1910. Return to the U.S. - 1922. Julia Biss

John Osifchin

1903-1977

Circa 1920's

New Jersey

  Dorothy Crowley
John Osifchin 1903-1977 & wife Mary Kollar 1899-1977. Married 1920 St. Demetry's Greek Catholic Church, Udol.

Early 1930's

New Jersey

Immigration date for

Mary 1923.

Dorothy Crowley
John Osifchin, Jr. 1921-1961 born in Udol House #94 (son of John Osifchin & Mary Kollar)

Gravestone Photo

St. Michael's Greek Catholic Cemetery, New Jersey

John and his Mother sailed from Bremen Germany on March 23, 1923 on the S.S. Pittsburgh. They arrived at the PONY on April 4, 1923 and joined his Father John Osifchin in Passaic, NJ. In memory of John Osifchin, Jr.

Joseph Osefchen 1905-1968 son of Michael Osifchin II and Suzanna Zavacsky.

Abt. 1922

U.S.

Born in Pennsylvania, Returned to Ujak in 1910. Return to the U.S. - 1922.

Julia Biss

1921-2007

Joseph Osefchen 1905-1968 & bride Mary Kundrat 1905-1966 daughter of Nicholas Kundrat & Mary Lukachovsky. Married 1936 Sts. Peter & Paul Russian Orthodox Church, NJ.

1936

New Jersey

Both Joseph & Mary were born in Pennsylvania and both returned to Ujak with their parents. Joseph returned to the U.S. in 1922 & Mary in 1923. Olga Osifchin Donat

(Photo not available)

Michael Osifchin II (1866-1949) son of Michael Osifchin I and Anna Chanda. His godparents were Michael Vancho and Helena Knap. Michael I born abt. 1835-1878 and Anna Chanda abt. 1840-1894 were married in 1860 at St. Demetrius Greek Catholic Church in Ujak. Michael I had been in the Austro-Hungarian military. Anna's parents were Adam Chanda abt. 1790-bef. 1869 & Anna Sadloch abt. 1813-1869.   Michael's father died in 1878 when Michael was only 12 years old. His only sister Julianna died in 1873. In 1880 he immigrated to America and lived in the US off/on for 30 years. Michael was only 14 when he came to America to work in the coal mines of Genesee, Pennsylvania. Michael returned to Ujak in 1888 and married Suzanna Zavacsky at St. Demetrius Greek Catholic Church. He returned to America within the next year and returned to Ujak by 1895. In 1901 Michael's wife and daughter Helen joined him in America. Their daughter Julianna came over the following year. Their daughter Anna had passed away at age 7 in Ujak. At some point Michael left work in the coal mines and joined the railroad. He worked his way up to a foreman on the railroad grade. His wife and children would travel with him, following the rail work as far as Washington, DC. The family resided in Passaic, NJ, Mildred, Pa, and Gladys, West Virginia. Michael purchased a large track of land in either Penna. or West VA. This land was later acquired by the government as park land. I can only imagine that he had hopes of eventually retiring to his former life as a farmer. Sometime in 1910 Michael's life was threatened by co-workers. The "U.S. born" that worked under him did not like what they considered a "greenhorn" giving them orders. He decided it was for the best that he and his family return to Europe. Despite her parent's pleading their daughter Helen refused to go with them. They were going to force her to go so one night she ran away. Helen packed all her clothes in a knapsack and traveled from Gladys, WVa to Passaic to stay with her Mother's brother John Zavacsky. Helen married John Biss a year later in Passaic, NJ. Suzanna returned to Ujak first, her sons followed traveling alone, and then Michael joined them. Suzanna died of influenza in 1918. By 1930 Michael's sons had all left for America. Michael died in Ujak in 1949. The Osifchin Family

Michael Osifchin III

(Wearing his Hussar uniform)

1902-1994 son of Michael Osifchin II and Suzanna Zavacsky.

Paternal Grandfather of TCC's

Co-Editor - Steven M. Osifchin

           

About 1919

Slovakia

Born in Pennsylvania, Returned to Ujak in 1910. Return to the U.S. - 1925. The Osifchin Family

Anna Sokol Osifchin

(Wearing native Ujak dress)

1905-1996 (daughter of Joseph Sokol & Maria Sadloch) & son Michael Osifchin IV. Paternal Grandmother and Father of TCC's

Co-Editor - Steven M. Osifchin

About 1926 Slovakia 1927 The Osifchin Family
Anna & Michael Osifchin III. Married 1924 St. Demetry's Greek Catholic Church, Udol. 1970's   The Osifchin Family

1st picture (L) Anna Osifchin, Mary & John Osifchin, Michael Osifchin III.

2nd picture (L) Joe & Mary Osifchin, Anna & Mike Osifchin III.

1960's

Brainerds, New Jersey

  Olga Osifchin Donat

Julianna "Ola" Osifchin Lazorchak

and one of her brothers. Ola was the daughter of Michael Osifchin II and Suzanna Zavacsky. Ola married Demetrius 'Mitro' Lazorczak (son of Joseph & Maria Lazorchak).  Their marriage Liscense was applied for in December 1906 in Johnstown, Cambria County, Pennsylvania. It is not known where they married.

About 1906

Passaic, New Jersey

Julianna immigrated in 1902.

Julia Biss

1921-2007

Suzanna Osifchin 1864-1918 and

children Michael & Helen. Suzanna was the daughter of John Zavacsky and Maria Kollar.

About 1907 Immigration for Suzanna and daughter Helen 1901.

Julia Biss

1921-2007

Stephen Patoray 1898-1926, son of Elias Knapov Patorai & Suzanna Chanda

Gravestone Photo

St. Peter's Greek Catholic Cemetery, New Jersey

Immigration 1905

Ray Romanowski

(Photo not available)

Regina Reichmann 1895-1942 and husband

Šimon Reichmann 1897-1942

 

 The Reichman's resided in the home of Michael Osifchin II. They operated a general store out of his home. They sold baked goods, eggs, butter and alcohol. Their property and goods were liquidated in 1941. Mr. & Mrs. Reichman were murdered by the Nazis. Their children survived.

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

(Photo not available)

Peter Sadloch 1845-1924 son of Michael Sadloch & Anna *Murcko Velkovania Zuszin Vel'ka &

Maria Fengya Elias 1845-1935 daughter of John Fengya Elias & Maria Fechisin. Married 1869 St. Demetrius Greek Catholic Church, Ujak. *it is not know why Anna had so many surnames.

 

Lifelong Ujak Residents. Peter & Maria had 6 children. Their son Peter, daughter Anna, and daughter Helena died in childhood. Another daughter Anna and Veronica went to the U.S. and remained, daughter Maria their first born resided in the U.S. but returned to Ujak.

In remembrance of their granddaughter Anna Sokol Osifchin

(Photo not available)

Veronica Sadloch Vancho 1879-1971 daughter of Peter Sadloch & Maria Fengya, husband Nicholas Vancho 1877-1948 son of John Vancho & Maria Mikulik. Son Stephen Vancho 1899-1959. Married 1895 Passaic, NJ.

 

Immigration 1894 (returned to Ujak several times, son Stephen was born in Ujak), Nicholas's Immigration 1892

In memory of The Sadloch-Vancho Family

Anna Sadloch 1885-1971 daughter of Peter Sadloch & Maria Fengya Elias, husband Stefan Geryak 1875-1952 son of Michael Geryak & Maria Senko of Matysova. Married 1904 St. Michael the Archangel Greek Catholic Church, Passaic, New Jersey. Children Michael, Edward, Stephen, & Mary.

About 1922

New Jersey

Anna's immigration date was 1901. Stefan from Matysova immigrated in 1892.

The Sokol-Jakubjansky Family

John Sokol 1893-1982 son of Joseph Sokol & Maria Sadloch. Husband of Verona Miklus 1892-1955. Married 1915 St. Michael the Archangel Greek Catholic Church, Passaic, New Jersey.

Circa 1910

1910

The Sokol Nebesnak Family

(Photo not available)

John Sokol 1855-1911 son of John Sokol & Anna Sedlak. Married Helena Zsacsok 1856-? in 1877 in Starina. Helena was the daughter of Michael Zsacsok& Suzanna Lukacsocszky.

 

John died in Passaic, New Jersey his wife died in Slovakia

The Sokol Family

(Photo not available)

John Sokol 1884-1960 & wife

Anna Veseleni 1893-1940. Married 1910 St. Michael the Archangel Greek Catholic Church, Passaic, New Jersey.

 

Immigration date for John 1900, for Anna 1908

The Sokol Family

(Photo not available)

Stephen Sokol 1881-1958 & wife

Anna Sklepko 1886-1947. Married 1909 St. Michael the Archangel Greek Catholic Church, Passaic, New Jersey.

 

Immigration for Stephen 1899, for Anna 1906

The Sokol Family

(Photo not available)

Michael Sokol 1858-1909 son of John Sokol & Anna Sedlak. Married Anna Pivornak abt. 1883 in perhaps Velky Saros. Anna was born abt. 1860 and died in 1923.

 

Immigration 1887-1889. Michael & Anna had 3 children born in Velky Saros between 1884-1887.

The Sokol Family

Stefan Sokol 1861-1940 son of John Sokol & Anna Sedlak & Anna Kovalycsik Sokol 1865-1936 daughter of Michael Kovalycsik and Suzanna Surgent. Children Anna, Katherine, Mary, John, Emma, & Olga. Married in 1888 in Passaic, New Jersey.

Circa 1920

New Jersey

Stefan & Anna immigrated in 1885.

The Sokol-Johnson Family

(Photo not available)

Peter Sokol 1863-1925 son of John Sokol & Anna Sedlak. Married Mary Kurnath about 1888. (birth/death unknown)

 

1888

The Sokol Family

Joseph Sokol 1867-1936 son of John Sokol & Anna Sedlak & wife

Mary Sadloch 1870-1938 daughter of Peter Sadloch & Maria Fengya Elias. Paternal Great-Grandparents of TCC's Co-Editor - Steven M. Osifchin. Married 1892 St. Michael the Archangel Greek Catholic Church, Passaic, New Jersey.

1892

Passaic, New Jersey

Immigration for Mary 1890; Mary returned to Udol in 1893 and came back to the U.S. in 1895. They both returned to Udol by 1899. Joseph's first immigration was in 1892 he returned to the U.S. in 1901, and 1909. After 1910 he went back permanently to Udol. They had 2 children that stayed in Udol.

The Sokol-Wirostko Family

Mary Sokol 1897-1980, brother John 1893-1982, & sister Julia 1895-1976.

About 1916

New Jersey

 

The Sokol-Wirostko Family

Julia Sokol Wirostko 1895-1976 daughter of Joseph Sokol & Maria Sadloch. Married Joseph Wirostko 1889-1965 of Matysova in 1924 at St. Elias Greek Catholic Church, Brooklyn, New York.

Circa 1920

New Jersey

1914

The Sokol-Jakubjansky Family

Mary Sokol Jakubjansky 1897-1980 daughter of Joseph Sokol & Maria Sadloch. Married John Jakubjansky 1899-1934 of Jakubjany about 1925 in Cleveland, Ohio.

About 1919

New Jersey

1914

The Sokol-Jakubjansky Family

(Photo not available)

Joseph Sokol 1899-1979 son of Joseph Sokol & Maria Sadloch & wife Anna Drabisin 1902-1996 daughter of Michael Drabisin & Anna Miklus. Married 1920 St. Demetry's Greek Catholic Church, Udol.

 

Immigration for Joseph 1923. Returned to Ujak.

 The Joseph Sokol Family

Michael Sokol 1901-1975. Married Maria Hnatt  1902-1970 in 1924 St. Demetry's Greek Catholic Church, Udol.

Circa 1920

Unknown

 

The Sokol-Sedlak Family

Michael Sokol 1901-1975 son of Joseph Sokol & Maria Sadloch &

Maria Hnatt Sokol 1902-1970 daughter of Michael Hnatt & Maria Olejar.

Unknown

Slovakia

Michael and Anna lived out their lives in Ujak.

The Sokol-Sedlak Family

(Photo not available)

Mary Sokol Macejko 1870-1960 daughter of John Sokol & Anna Sedlak. Married Mathew Macejko about 1887 in perhaps Presov, Slovakia. Daughters Margaret M. Fodor 1888-1971; Mary M. Barker 1890-1981. Son Albert 1891-1981. Another daughter Hermina b. about 1887 remained in Slovakia, perhaps Presov.

 

1901-1904

 The Sokol Macejko Family

Julianna Surgent 1863- ? and husband John Sedlar of Hajtovka. Julianna was the daughter of Michael Surgent of Ujak and Maria Knapik of Hajtovka. Slovakia Julianna lived out her life in Hajtovka In memory of Julianna Sedlar nee Surgent

Courtesy of great-granddaughter Diane Rowland

Michael Surgent Oct 2, 1884 (gravestone date Nov 5, 1884) - Oct 8, 1922; (son of John Surgent & Elizabeth Szuchanovszky) Gravestone Photo

St. Peter's Greek Catholic Cemtery, New Jersey

1902

SS Freidrich De Grosse; Joining brother John Surgent 192 Tender St., Passaic, New Jersey

In memory of Michael Surgent
(CENTER) Maria Timko Dornic 1908-1937 Udol; (Daughter of Michael Timko & Maria Fengya Drabisin); Wife of Vasil Dornic. (RIGHT) Maria Fengya Elias 1911-1991 (Daughter of Andrew Fengya Elias & Anna Pruzsinski); Wife of Michael Gladis; (LEFT) Ujak school teachers daughter perhaps with the surname Sima (Shima). About 1925

Slovakia

  Courtesy of Slavomir Gladis

Friends & Neighbors in the Old Country & New

Pilgrimage to Uniontown, Pennsylvania
(Photo Courtesy of Olga Donat)

Mrs. Mary Dornich nee Knap Fedorko, Mrs. Anna Osifchin nee Sokol,
and Mrs. Julia Kravchak nee Fechisin

Mrs. Mary Dornich, Mrs. Anna Osifchin, and Mrs. Julia Kravchak
1973

Church Celebration Circa 1957

(Photocopy of original photograph. Photocopy courtesy of Stefan Gladis)

 

Church Celebration 1927-1930

(Photo courtesy of Slavomir Gladis)
(if anyone can identify others in the photo please contact editors@tccweb.org)

#1 Nicholas "Kuba" Knap Present day Udol Mayor's son; #2 Maria Kravchak 1912-?; #3 Maria Dornic Kravchak 1883-1946; #4 Helena Kravchak 1910-?; #5 Anna Kravchak 1923-2006; #6 Stefan Kravchak 1908-1988; #7 John Fedorko Dornich 1896-1979#8 John Mikulik 1865

 

Former Ujak Resident Rev. Father John Dornic greets Pope John Paul II

(Photo courtesy of Slavomir Gladis)

 

Villagers in front of Kundrat family home

(Photo courtesy of Slavomir Gladis)
(if anyone can identify others in the photo please contact editors@tccweb.org)

 

Ujak school photo. Circa 1925

Far left tall boy standing Peter Sovik who was born about 1915
(Photo courtesy of Slavomir Gladis)
(if anyone can identify others in the photo please contact editors@tccweb.org)

 

Members of the Ujak Fire Department 1935

(Photo and Identifications Courtesy of Slavomir Gladis)

From the Left - Stefan Kovalycsik (Rear Left Side, standing, arm on hip), Nicholas Fenda, John Arendacs (arm on Nicholas Kravchak), Michael Miklush, Michael Kokinda (next to Stefan Kovalycsik), Stefan Kravchak alias Adamchin, Nicholas Kravchak, Michael Pruzsinsky, Nicholas Pruzsinsky (to the side of Michael Pruzsinsky), John Dopiryak (standing off to right side feet spread), Peter Kravchak, Jr. (sitting arms on legs), Stefan Hrinya alias Adomajacka, John Kravchak alias Juskiv (John was the captain of the fire department), Stefan Chanda or Nicholas Soroka, Michael Kravchak alias Zmurovanici, left front John Kokinda, John Fedorko.

 

St. Demetry's Greek Catholic Church Celebration, early 1940s

boy in white shirt John Dornic, boy in grey suit and dark shirt Peter Kokinda, in between is Michael Drabisin

(Photo courtesy of Slavomir Gladis)
(if anyone can identify others in the photo please contact editors@tccweb.org)

 

Greek Catholic Bishop Gojdic visits Ujak

(Photo courtesy of Slavomir Gladis)
Ujak resident priest Fr. Chromjak. (if anyone can identify others in the photo please contact editors@tccweb.org)

PAVOL GOJDIČ was born on July 17th, 1888 at Ruské Pekľany near Prešov, into the family of the Greek-Catholic priest Štefan Gojdič; his mother’s name was Anna Gerberyová. He received the name of Peter in baptism.

He attended the elementary school at Cigeľka, Bardejov and Prešov, finishing his primary studies at Prešov, which he concluded with his maturity exam in 1907. Obeying God’s call to the priesthood he began his study of theology at Prešov. Since he obtained excellent results, he was sent a year later to continue his studies in Budapest. Here too he tried to lead a profound spiritual life. While still a seminarian he was directed by his spiritual director on these lines: „Life is not difficult, but it is a serious matter“- words that were to guide him throughout his life. Having finished his studies on August 27th 1911 he was ordained priest at Prešov by Bishop Dr. Ján Valyi. After his ordination he worked for a short period as assistant parish priest with his father. After a year he was appointed prefect of the eparchial seminary and at the same time taught religion in a higher secondary school. Later he was put in charge of protocol and the archives in the diocesan curia. He was also entrusted with the spiritual care of the faithful in Sabinov as assistant parish priest. In 1919 he became director of the episcopal office.

To everyone’s surprise on July 20th, 1922 he joined the Order of St. Basil the Great at Černecia Hora near Mukačevo, where, taking the habit on 27.1.1923 he took the name Pavol. He took this decision as a sign of modesty, humility, and a desire to lead an ascetic life in order to better serve God. But God willed otherwise and had ordered him to a higher office as bishop. On September 14th, 1926 he was nominated Apostolic administrator of the eparchy of Prešov. During his installation as Apostolic Administrator he announced the programme of his apostolate: „With the help of God I want to be a father to orphans, a support for the poor and consoler to the afflicted“.

The first official act of Pavol Gojdič in his office as newly appointed administrator of the eparchy of Prešov was to address a pastoral letter on the occasion of the 1100° anniversary of the birth of St. Cyril, apostle of the Slavs. Thus he begins his activity in the spirit of the aspostle of the Slavs, always faithful to Rome, as they were. He was a Slav and was very fond of his oriental rite.

A short time later, on March 7th, 1927 he was nominated bishop with the title of Harpaš (Church of Harpaš - in Asia Minor). The episcopal consecration took place in the basilica of San Clemente, Rome, on March 25th, 1927, the feast of the Annunciation of Our Lady.

After his episcopal ordination he visited the basilica of St Peter in Rome, where he prayed on the tomb of the Apostle. On March 29th 1927, together with Bishop Nyaradi, he was received in a private audience by the Holy Father Pius XI. The pope gave Bishop Pavol a gold cross saying: „This cross is only a faint symbol of the heavy crosses that God will send you, my son, in your work as bishop“.

For his episcopal programme he chose as a motto the following words: „God is love, let us love Him!“ As bishop he was engaged in the promotion of spiritual life of both clergy and faithful. He insisted on the proper celebration of the liturgy and of church feasts. Following new conditions he erected new parishes, for instance, in Prague, Bratislava, Levoča and elsewhere. Thanks to his hard work the orphanage at Prešov was built, and entrusted to the local sisters. His activity in the scholastic field was outstanding, as is proved by the foundation of the Greek-Catholic school in Prešov in the year 1936. He supported also the teaching academy, the seminary, colleges etc. He was interested in every aspect of spiritual reading, which resulted in the launching of the review Blahovistnik (Messenger of the Gospel), Da prijdet carstvije Tvoje (Thy Kingdom Come) and various prayers etc., published by the PETRA publishing house. For his kindness, caring and charitable relationship with the people he was described as „a man with a heart of gold“.

An important characteristic of the bishop was also his strong affection for the Eucharistic Saviour, which he continually strengthened through his visits to the Blessed Eucharist in the chapel at his residence. Another characteristic, not less evident, of his spiritual life, was his devotion to the Sacred Heart. Already as a Seminarian in Budapest he had consecrated himself to the Sacred Heart and this he confirmed every morninng with the words „All the prayers, sacrifices and crosses I offer to make up for the sins of the whole world!“. One must not forget that the bishop had great devotion to the Mother of God and as as a marian devotee held in his residential chapel a picture of the Virgin of Klokočov, in front of which he prayed every day and to whose protection he entrusted himself and the whole eparchy.

On April 13, 1939 he was appointed apostolic administrator in Slovakia of the Apostolic Administration of Mukačevo. In the difficult situation of the Slovak State he became a „thorn in the flesh“ for the representatives of the government of the time and so offered his resignation from the post - in fact the present Holy Father appreciated his work and not only refused his resignation but also made him residential bishop of Prešov. And so on August 8th, 1940 he was solemnly enthroned at Prešov and then on January 15, 1946 confirmed in his jurisdiction over the Greek-Catholics in the whole of Czecho-Slovakia.

The progress in religious and spiritual life in the eparchy that followed the personal example and fervour of Bishop Pavol was interrupted by the events of war, and especially with the coming to power of the communistcs in 1948. Their ideological programme made itself felt above all against the Greek-Catholic Church. Bishop P. P. Gojdič resisted any initiative to submit the Greek-Catholics to Russian orthodoxy assisted by the communist party and the power of the State, even though he knew he was risking persecution and arrest; maybe even death. Gradually he was isolated from the clergy and the faithful.

Even though put under severe pressure to renounce the Catholic faith and break unity with the Pope, he refused every attractive offer and exclaimed: „I am already 62 and sacrifice all my goods and residence, but I will not deny my faith in any way because I want to save my soul. Do not even come to me.“

During the events sadly known of Sobor of Prešov, April 28, 1950, when the State outlawed the Greek-Catholic Church and forbade her activity, bishop Pavol Gojdič was arrested and interned. Thus began his via crucis in many prisons of what was Czecho-Slovakia, which ended with his death.

In the days from the 11 to the 15 of January 1951 in a trial set up against the so called high treason bishops (Vojtaššák, Buzalka, and Gojdič) he was given a life sentence; fined two hundred thousand crowns and deprived of all his civic rights. Transfers from one prison to another followed. Bishop P. P. Gojdič suffered physical and psychological punishments, humiliations, was forced to do the most difficult and degrading jobs. Howewer he never complained and never asked to be relieved. He made use of every available time to pray, and celebrated the sacred liturgy in secret. Followyng the amnesty in 1953, given by State President A. Zapotocký, his life sentence was changed to 25 years detention. He was then 66 and his state of health deteriorated continuosly. Yet all further requests for amnesty were refused.

Bishop Pavol Gojdič could only leave prison at the cost of his faithfulness to the Church and to the Holy Father. Various offers were made to him, as is proved by an events that he himself recounts: In the prison of Ruzyň he was received in an office, where he had been brought from his cell, by a high official in uniform. This informed him that from that office he would go straight to Prešov, on condition that he was willing to become patriarch of the Ortodox church in Czecho-Slovakia. The bishop refused this offer excusing himself and explaining that this would be a very grave sin against God, a betrayal of the Holy Father, of his conscience and of his faithful, most of whom were then suffering persecution.

Even in the most difficult situation he abandoned himself to the will of God, as can be seen from these words of his: „I do not really know whether it is a gain to exchange the crown of martrydom with two or three years of life in freedom. But I leave the good Lord to decide“. On the occasion of his 70° birthday even the Holy Father Pius XII sent him a telegram in prision. In it he assured him he would not forget his heroic son. For the bishop this was one of his best days in prison.

A great desire of bishop Gojdič was to die comforted by the sacraments on his birthday. Both desires were fulfilled.

Father Alojz Vrána was transferred to the room of the prison hospital of Leopoldov (Slovakia), where the bishop passed his last days, and could hear his confession. The chalice of suffering of bishop Pavol was about to overflow. An eye witness of the last instants of his life was his fellow prisoner - the nurse František Ondruška, who has given a unique testimony. He confirmed that the desire of the bishop had been fulfilled - he died on July 17th, 1960 that is on the day of his 72nd birthday. He died in the hospital of the prison of Leopoldov as a result of illness resulting from the ill treatment he had suffered. Afterwards he was buried without ceremony in the prison cemetery in a nameless tomb, with the prison number 681.

As a result of the easing of the political situation in Czecho-Slovakia in 1968, the state autorities after many delays gave permission for exhuming the mortal remains of bishop P. P. Gojdič. This happened in the cemetery of Leopoldov on October 29, 1968 and was followed by the transfer of the remains to Prešov. By a decision of the autorities set up after the soviet occupation these were transferred to the crypt of Greek-Catholic Cathedral of St John the Baptist in Prešov. From May 15th, 1990 they are to be found in a sarcofagus in the chapel of the cathedral.

Bishop Pavol Gojdič was legally rehabilitated on September 27th, 1990. Subsequently he was decorated posthumously with the Order of T. G. Masaryk - II class, and with the Cross of Pribina - 1st class.

The Holy Father, John Paul II during his historic visit in Slovakia, while visiting Prešov, prayed at the tomb of this bishop-martyr in the chapel of the cathedral.

 

Villagers outside of St. Demetry's Greek Catholic Church, 1950s or 60s

(Photo courtesy of Slavomir Gladis)
(if anyone can identify others in the photo please contact editors@tccweb.org)<