Thank You for Celebrating Our Parish Feast Day! We are deeply grateful to everyone who took part — from those who prayed with us, to those who brought delicious food for the potluck, and to all who helped organize the celebration. May St. John the Baptist continue to intercede for our parish and guide us in faith and unity. The Saint Nicholas House is nearly ready, and we’re reaching out for your support to help furnish it. We would greatly appreciate donations of new items, including a small microwave, frying pans, kettles, a crockpot, a coffee pot, or other valuable household items. Thank you for your generosity and for helping us complete this special parish project. Badlands Right to Life is again seeking donations for a summer rummage sale.  MARRIAGE BANNS: As required by §784 CCEO and §105 of Particular Law of UCC and the norms of the Church, we hereby publish the marriage banns of the following couple: Mr. Alex Piasta wishes to contract Holy Matrimony with Ms. Hannah Nameniuk. Date of Marriage: July 26, 2025. Anyone who has knowledge of any canonical impediment to the proposed marriage of the couple listed above is requested to inform the parish office as soon as possible.

On Saturday, June 28, 2025 , the Ukrainian Catholic Church  experienced a moment of profound spiritual significance as nearly 7,000 faithful  gathered in St. Peter’s Basilica  in the Vatican during their official Jubilee pilgrimage under the theme “Pilgrims of Hope.” Led by His Beatitude Sviatoslav , the Head of the UGCC, the pilgrims entered through the Holy Door , symbolizing their desire for renewal and deeper communion with the universal Church. At the heart of this solemn celebration, they were joined by Pope Leo XIV , who personally addressed them at the main altar. In his warm greeting, the Pope acknowledged the deep faith and suffering of the Ukrainian people during this time of war. He expressed his solidarity, saying he shares in the pain of those grieving the loss of loved ones and the anguish of families of prisoners of war. The Holy Father reflected on the meaning of faith in the face of suffering, reminding the faithful that trusting in God's presence — even when answers seem absent — is itself a powerful testimony. He praised Ukraine’s enduring Christian witness, shaped by centuries of faithfulness, often through persecution and martyrdom. “Faith does not eliminate suffering,” he said, “but it gives us the courage to believe that life, not death, will have the final word.” Drawing inspiration from the Mother of God, so beloved in Ukrainian tradition, the Pope encouraged everyone to remain steadfast in prayer, open to hope, and active in seeking peace.  He called the pilgrimage a sign of unity with the Successor of Peter  and a powerful expression of spiritual resilience. At the conclusion of the encounter, Pope Leo XIV offered his Apostolic Blessing and took time to personally greet the UGCC bishops present in Rome for their Synod, along with a group of mothers of fallen Ukrainian soldiers , offering them words of comfort and compassion. To mark the occasion, the Ukrainian pilgrims presented the Pope with a specially commissioned icon of the Mother of God Oranta , which beautifully incorporates the images of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome  and the Patriarchal Cathedral of the Resurrection in Kyiv , along with the emblem of the Jubilee Year . The icon symbolizes the spiritual bond between the Ukrainian Church and the Holy See. This moving encounter stands as a living testimony to the unbroken ties of communion between the Ukrainian Greek-Catholic Church and the Apostolic See — a moment of grace in a time of trial, and a beacon of hope for a nation seeking peace.

This past Wednesday, June 25, at 7:00 PM, a special screening of the powerful documentary “A Faith Under Siege”  took place at The Belfield Theater and Performance Center , in collaboration with St. Demetrius Ukrainian Catholic Church . The film sheds light on the hidden aggression and religious persecution carried out by Russian occupying forces against Ukrainian Christians in the occupied territories. It reveals the harsh reality of torture, the destruction of churches, the life of the underground Church, and the unwavering strength of faith in the face of oppression. For everyone in attendance, the screening was truly an eye-opening and moving experience. It served as a strong reminder that the religious freedom we enjoy today is a precious gift—one that many are still fighting and suffering for. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all who joined us for this evening of reflection, prayer, and solidarity with our persecuted brothers and sisters in faith.

Join us on June 25 at 7:00 PM at The Belfield Theater and Performance Center  for the powerful documentary “A Faith Under Siege: Russia’s Hidden War on Ukraine’s Christians” Our parish of St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Church  is proud to co-organize this important event together with St. Demetrius Ukrainian Catholic Church . This moving film reveals the brutal reality of religious persecution in Ukraine during the war — a story of courage, suffering, and unshakable faith.  Belfield Theater  June 25 | 7:00 PM Free Admission – Everyone is welcome! Come and bring a friend — stand in solidarity through truth and prayer.

Today, on June 22, the Parish of St. John the Baptist celebrates its Feast Day (PRAZNYK), starting with a festive Liturgy at 10:00 AM. There will be a potluck and a Bingo game. All are welcome! The Saint Nicholas House is nearly ready, and we’re reaching out for your support to help furnish it. We would greatly appreciate donations of new items, including a small microwave, frying pans, kettles, a crockpot, a coffee pot, or other valuable household items. Thank you for your generosity and for helping us complete this special parish project. Badlands Right to Life is again seeking donations for a summer rummage sale.  “A Faith Under Siege: The Russian’s Hidden War on Ukraine’s Christians.” Join us on June 25th at 7 p.m. at the Belfield Theatre for a screening of this powerful and heartbreaking story. Free admission. All are welcome to attend and witness this important, though tragic, story.

Today, June 8, the Feast of Pentecost, there will be the blessing of the cemetery of St. John the Baptist, followed by the blessing of the graveyard of St. Josaphat in Gorham.  Father Stepan will be absent from June 9 to June 20 on a pilgrimage with the All-American Youth Pilgrimage to Ohio. On Sunday, June 15, there will only be a Typika liturgy. On June 22, the Parish of St. John the Baptist will celebrate its Feast Day (PRAZNYK), starting with a festive Liturgy at 10:00 AM. There will be a potluck and a Bingo game. All are welcome! The Saint Nicholas House is nearly ready, and we’re reaching out for your support to help furnish it. We would greatly appreciate donations of new items, including a small microwave, frying pans, kettles, a crockpot, a coffee pot, or other valuable household items. Thank you for your generosity and for helping us complete this special parish project. Badlands Right to Life is again seeking donations for a summer rummage sale.  “A Faith Under Siege: The Russian’s Hidden War on Ukraine’s Christians.” Join us on June 25th at 7 p.m. at the Belford Theatre for a screening of this powerful and heartbreaking story. Free admission. All are welcome to attend and witness this important, though tragic, story.

Today, this Sunday, we will take up a special collection in support of the Annual Eparchial Appeal – Share 2025. Your generous contributions help our Eparchy provide pastoral care, support missions, and sustain the work of our Church across all parishes. On Saturday, June 7th, there will be a Liturgy at St. Demetrius Parish at 8 AM, followed by the blessing of the cemetery of St. Mary and, afterward, the cemetery of St. Demetrius. On the following day, Sunday, June 8th, during the Feast of Pentecost, the cemetery of St. John the Baptist will be blessed, followed by the cemetery of St. Josaphat in Gorham.  Badlands Right to Life is again seeking donations for the summer rummage sale.  Father Stepan will be absent from June 9th to June 20th due to a pilgrimage with the All-American Youth Pilgrimage to Ohio. On Sunday, June 15th, there will only be a Typika liturgy, which the deacon will serve. Everyone will have the opportunity to receive Holy Communion. On June 22, we will celebrate our Feast day of St. John the Baptist (PRAZNYK), starting with a festive Liturgy at 10:00 AM. There will be a potluck and a Bingo game. All are welcome!

On Saturday, June 7th, there will be a funeral liturgy at St. Demetrius Parish at 8 AM, followed by the blessing of the cemetery of St. Mary and, afterward, the cemetery of St. Demetrius. On the following day, Sunday, June 8th, during the Feast of Pentecost, the cemetery of St. John the Baptist will be blessed, followed by the cemetery of St. Josaphat in Gorham.  Next Sunday, we will take up a special collection in support of the Annual Eparchial Appeal – Share 2025. Your generous contributions help our Eparchy provide pastoral care, support missions, and sustain the work of our Church across all parishes. Badlands Right to Life is again seeking donations for the summer rummage sale.  Public information meeting to discuss the widening of US Hwy 85 from two lanes to four on May 28, 5-7 PM, at Fairfield Fire Hall, and on May 29, 5-7 PM, at Belfield Memorial Hall.  Father Stepan will be absent from June 9th to June 20th due to a pilgrimage with the All-American Youth Pilgrimage to Ohio. On Sunday, June 15th, there will only be a Typika liturgy, which the deacon will serve. Everyone will have the opportunity to receive Holy Communion.

We are excited to announce that “Summer Break with God 2025” , our 5-day summer camp for children, will take place from August 11–15, 2025  at St. Demetrius Church ! Hosted by the Parishes of St. Demetrius  and St. John’s Ukrainian Catholic Church , this camp is designed to offer children a joyful and faith-filled summer experience. Through daily Liturgy , catechism lessons , and a wide range of activities — including team-building games , outdoor adventures , workshops , and Ukrainian dances  — campers will have the opportunity to grow in faith, friendship, and fun. 📍 Location:  St. Demetrius Church 📅 Dates:  August 11–15, 2025 📞 For more information:  Call Fr. Stepan at (701) 300-1098 👪 Note to Parents: To participate, children must be registered in advance. Please use the QR code  provided on the flyer or contact us for the registration link. Join us for a week of joy, learning, and unforgettable summer memories — all centered on our life with God! Registration: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScfVQejPjR-qCTh85dBlKOLC_5I3Cx2KmO3fkYIEd_r3O2tLA/viewform?usp=header

“Hope is in You: The Youth Who Are Changing the World” We are thrilled to invite youth from across the country to the Seventh All American Youth Pilgrimage , taking place from June 12–15, 2025 , at Pokrova Ukrainian Catholic Church in Parma, Ohio . This spiritual and uplifting gathering brings together young people from our Ukrainian Catholic communities to pray, reflect, and grow in faith while enjoying fellowship and fun. 🕊️ Program Highlights Include : Divine Liturgy and the Sacraments of Reconciliation & Eucharist A candlelight night hike Campfire evenings with singing Group hikes through scenic trails Jesus Prayer, Taizé Prayer, and Praise Prayer Discussions on today’s most relevant issues Bible reflections and spiritual talks Sports, games, and competitions 📌 Registration is mandatory  for all participants ages 5 and up. Don’t miss this powerful opportunity to connect with Christ, make new friends, and be part of a generation that brings hope to the world. Let’s walk together in faith, joy, and mission! For more information, please contact your parish or pilgrimage organizers.

The parish council meeting will take place on Wednesday, May 21, at 6:30 PM, after the prayer service. Father Stepan will be absent from June 9th to June 20th due to a pilgrimage with the All American Youth Pilgrimage to OH, where Father Stepan will be a speaker. During this time, there will be no regular liturgies. On Sunday, June 15th, there will only be a Typika liturgy, which will be served by the deacon. Everyone will have the opportunity to receive Holy Communion. NDUDA Summer Workshop will take place at Dickinson State University from July 14th to 24th. This year, we will be blessing the cemeteries in the following order. On Saturday, June 7th, there will be a funeral liturgy at St. Demetrius Parish at 8 AM, followed by the blessing of the cemetery of St. Mary. Afterward, Father Stepan will travel to Ukraina, where he will bless the cemetery of St. Demetrius, as well as the Orthodox cemetery of St. Peter and Paul. On the following day, Sunday, June 8th, during the Feast of Pentecost, there will be the blessing of the cemetery of St. John the Baptist, followed by the blessing of the cemetery of St. Josaphat in Gorham. These two blessings will take place after the Sunday liturgy.

We’re coming back to regular schedule. Next Sunday, May 18th, Liturgy will be celebrated at 8:00 AM at St. John’s and 10:00 AM at St. Demetrius Church.  NDUDA is excited to announce that their annual Summer Workshop is back! The workshop will take place at Dickinson State University from July 14th to 24th and is open to everyone ages 5 and up. Adults are especially welcome and encouraged to participate. Youth camp sessions will run from 1:00 to 4:00 PM, while adult sessions will be held from 6:00 to 9:00 PM. The workshop will conclude with a vibrant performance and festival on July 25th at Legacy Square in Dickinson. For more information, please visit nduda.org or email ndudaworkshop@gmail.com .