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History and Mission

In 1886, in Shenandoah, PA., the first Ukrainian Catholic missionary priest, Rev. John Wolansky, purchased the necessary Cyrillic “types” and began printing a Ukrainian bi-weekly (later weekly) newspaper called Ameryka.  1/   He was also the first editor, until Volodymyr Simenovych assumed that role; Wasyl Sarycz became the typesetter. 2/ Ameryka lasted only four years, until the hierarchy recalled Father John to Ukraine. 3/ In the early 1900’s, a Ukrainian press in New Britain, Connecticut re-introduced a newspaper called Ameryka. On August 6, 1912, this company participated in a convention of priests, cantors and church organizations that Bishop Soter called to order in New York City. 4/   This convention marks the birth of The Providence Association and the adoption of Ameryka as the fraternal society’s officialpublication.

Within the next several years Providence moved its headquarters, from New York City to Philadelphia, PA. Eventually, Providence also acquired a printing press and other appropriate equipment and began publishing Ameryka at the society’s Philadelphia base of operations. The newspaper became an extremely popular daily.

In 1952, Providence began publishing a weekly English newspaper called America. The two complimentary publications existed side-by-side, until Providence consolidated them into one weekly publication that uses both languages. America retains its role as both Providence’s official newspaper and as a provider of printed news that is relevant and important to the Ukrainian American community. Interesting historical, public and human interest, and local news articles and items regularly appear in the paper as well.

America offers businesses and civic and religious organizations an opportunity to advertise to the Ukrainian American community on both the local and national levels. It is also the place where Ukrainian Americans can submit press releases, articles and scholarly pieces for possible inclusion, subject to standard editorial approval.

The most important mission of “America” is to be a newspaper that serves the Ukrainian communities in the Diaspora. By its very nature, it underscores the religious and national foundations of the Diaspora. Christian and national principles are emphasized and the key role of the Church is highlighted. There is also a broad spectrum of topics to capture the various interests of the readers.  Judging from the many overwhelmingly positive responses from them, “America” is a top-quality newspaper that performs its mission well. This aspect is far more important than monetary considerations. It gives the Ukrainian community a sense of purpose and belonging. It also reminds Ukrainians from various generations and immigrations about their common roots. Every effort is made to ensure that the sacred ideals on its banner motto – “For God and Country” – are reflected in every issue. “America” has a long and proud history and looks forward to its second century of service to its valued readers.

America’s current editorial staff consists of editor-in chief, Leo Iwaskiw, and technical editor, Irina Galai. To contact America, Click here.

In order to have America delivered to your home by mail, please subscribe by using a subscription form. Simply follow the instructions. America offers:

• Worldwide international news.
• National News
• News from Ukraine
• Local and Ukrainian American community news
• Commentary
• Current events
• The products and services of our advertisers
• News about the Providence Association and its financial products, scholarships and fraternal activities and services

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1. Shenandoah, PA was the situs of the first Ukrainian Catholic Church in America. The year 2009 marks the 125th anniversary of St. Michael the Archangel’s parish.
2. The actual birth of  the Ukrainian ethnic press in the United States dates back to March, 1868 when Rev. Agapius Honcharenko gegan publishing The Alaska Herald.
3. There is no known direct and immediate relationship between this first Ameryka and the newspaper America that The Providence Association has been publishing since the year 1912. However, the fact that Bishop Soter Ortynsky, the first Ukrainian Catholic Bishop in the United States, firmly established a newspaper by the same name strongly suggests that the publications are related conceptually.
4. To read more about the history and mission of the Providence Association, click on an appropriate Quick Link to the left.