6th Annual Carpatho Rusyn Vatra Shrine of Mariapoch - Burton, OH September 18, 2010
The kitchens opened and the smell of Slanina (bacon fry) and other Rusyn foods (sausage, cabbage rolls, pastries) filled the area heralding the opening of the 6th annual Carpatho-Rusyn Vatra.
The word Vatra is not easily translated. In Hindi it means fire and it seems to have a similar meaning in the Eastern-European countries like Romania, Slovenia and, of course, Rusyn. The event centers around a wood burning pit where there is storytelling and camaraderie.
Betty Krailomueller
Sr. Mary John Femun (seated), Becky Prest and Fr. Andrew Deskevich
Sr. Celeste and Sr. Julie of Christ the Bridegroom Community
Welcome to the Vatra and hear about Carpath-Rusyn Day in North America
The event took place at The Shrine of Mariapoch in Burton Ohio, a tranquil, spiritually comforting place which has been beckoning pilgrimages since 1956.
There is a Shrine of Mariapoch in Hungary as well, and this particular shrine was built in its image. Mary's icon in Hungary is said to have miraculously wept on three occasions (1696, 1715 and 1905). The Hungarians had such a devotion to the Blessed Virgin, that they donated the funds to build the shrine in Burton. Photos and more information on the Shrine of Mariapoch.
The Krakowiaki Polish Folk Circle came from Youngstown to entertain with traditional song and dance.
