Introduction by V.Rev. Francis Rella
I had the pleasure of meeting Father Taras Chubenko at the very beginning of my journey to the priesthood. He was recommended to me by an advisor at the Seminary to enter his tutelage. I wound up becoming a member of his parish, serving as a tonsured reader, Subdeacon, then finally a Deacon and Priest. I am a “Father Taras” Priest. One of many. Each of us was treated with great care as one of his spiritual sons. His fatherly love was experienced by all who know him. Weekly from the pulpit he would dispense homespun and practical advice clearly teaching the truths that we hold in the Scriptures and Holy Tradition.
Father Taras is a man of God and a man of the world. He served bravely on the front line on the border of North and South Korea in the United States Army. An immigrant to the United States at an early age, he has realized the American Dream, not only for himself, but for his family, and the many friends and strangers he has helped along the way. The columniation of his ministry is not only in this book, but at each step he has taken throughout his life. As in Micah, God tells us how he wants us to love him and love our neighbor. “To act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with him.” This is Father Taras Chubenko.
Connecting to God, A Journey Over 50 Years, takes us into the world of the Church. As an accomplished and well-respected pastor, teacher, politician, and clinician, we witness the honest and true care he has for his parishioners and fellow citizens. Connecting to God, A Journey Over 50 Years is a book that gives us not only a glimpse of the Church, but it is also food for thought on what needs fixing and what needs keeping. Each chapter you will meet a new face, a new personality, a new soul in need of care. Some are broken and need healing; others are whole and can’t heal. With each person that Father Taras meets, he tries helping them to help themselves and when they can’t, he is ready, willing, and able to step in and lead from the front. The vignettes are honest, charming, and sometimes gritty. He has captured the character of the inner workings of the Church, with compassion, empathy, mercy, and love. At the same time Connecting to God, A Journey Over 50 Years has universal appeal. A joy to read!
(Very Reverend) Father Francis Rella, Protopresbyter and Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Author of Manhattan Medics and Lullaby of Broadway.
