Memorial to a German Colony
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Descendants of this former German colony, in Canada and the United States, were determined to restore and memorialize this final resting place to the many German colonists that lived, died, and were buried there from 1783 to 1940. Restoration was intended to include … clearing the forest and all overgrowth accumulated since 1940, uncover identifiable gravestone markers and headstones allowing them to remain in-situ, and principally to erect a memorial monument to the many ancestral colonists interred there.
Through much effort, numerous trips to Ukraine, fundraising, and working on an appropriate design, the goal that was thought to be impractical … erecting a Memorial to their ancestors in a place long forgotten ... was achieved.
Architects, stone masons, local labor, and a representative in L'viv were secured through diligence over a 4-year period, commencing in 2005 to realize this ambition. A fitting memorial, as shown on the left, was erected in place with appropriate engraved panels in three languages (English, German, Ukrainian), completed in 2009 … but a significant element went missing … sanctification.
In September 2018, the Münchenthal German Colony Cemetery Committee arranged for the formal sanctification, blessing, and dedication of the cemetery and memorial by a Roman Catholic priest from the L'viv Archdiocese of the Roman Catholic Church of Ukraine. He was assisted by two Greek Catholic and the Orthodox priest from the village. At last, the cemetery grounds were returned to the honor and recognition as a hallowed resting place for the colonists' ancestors. To commemorate this blessing, the committee provided all ceremony participants (local, international, and donors) "memorial cards" and a religious service booklet.
To demonstrate the significance and relevance of this blessing to the community in Muzhylovychi (today's name in Ukraine) and to the descendants and guests in attendance, we offer a group photo …
Part 1
Gathering of visitors, honored guests, clergy, descendants, and Ukrainian villagers prior to the services at the cemetery. ... html slider by WOWSlider.com v8.8
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Memorial to a German Colony
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Part 1
Gathering of visitors, honored guests, clergy, descendants, and Ukrainian villagers prior to the services at the cemetery. ... html slider by WOWSlider.com v8.8
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