Celebrating Founders’ Day

As I sat down to write this article, I knew the significance the month of February had for the GCU—Founders’ Day, GCU’s birthday. I did some research seeking what other observances and holidays fill our calendars in February 2025.

February is the second month of the year in both the Julian and Gregorian calendars, and its name was derived from the Latin Februa. February is associated with Ground Hog Day and Valentine's Day. Other days of significance include Presidents’ Day, National Umbrella Day, World Radio Day, National Wear Red Day and Super Bowl Sunday. February is also noted for American Heart Month, Black History Month and Great American Pie Month. Not to go unmentioned are National Dark Chocolate Day, Eat Ice Cream for Breakfast Day. National Tater Tot Day. National Carrot Cake Day (my Kryptonite), National Pizza Day, National Cream Filled Chocolate Day (same day as Valentine’s Day) and then 7 days later National Sticky Bun Day. The list continues—check it out for yourselves. The second month of the year is a National Food Fest and also gives you the warm feeling that Spring is around the corner.

Of all the dates and celebrations listed above, the one each of us should hold close to our hearts is the date of February 14. Not because it is Valentine’s Day, but to remember that on this day 133 years ago, February 14, 1892 in Wilkes Barre, PA, the GCU was founded. Members of 14 independent lodges associated with Greek Catholic Churches of various towns from Pennsylvania, New York, Connecticut, Illinois and New Jersey decided to create a stronger bond between the Rusyn people and established an organization called The Greek Catholic Union.

Records show that the GCU of 1892 began with 743 members and $600.00 in assets. Through the efforts of both the past and current administrations, a dedicated and hardworking staff of employees, along with the countless hours of volunteerism and fundraising by an unselfish membership throughout the years, the goals of those 743 founding members of “Protecting Families, Promoting Faith and Fellowship and Strengthening Communities” are still in the forefront and have become the Mission Statement of the GCU today. I am sure they would be extremely proud of our growth to 50,000 plus members and over $2.7 billion in assets.

As we begin 2025, our Executive Team and Board of Directors promise to continue to work together to navigate through both the financial and the fraternal challenges that confront us throughout the year. We recently received news that KBRA reaffirmed GCU's financial strength rating at A- with a Stable Outlook. We continue to discuss new sales strategies along with creating fresh ideas which will continue to support our new Fraternal Metamorphosis. Our success will not be measured by the past 133 years of what has been accomplished. It will be measured on how we are addressing the future by our actions today. I assure you that the current team of Executive Officers, GCU Staff, and the Board of Directors will continue to make decisions that are in the best interest of our members and of the GCU.

In closing, February is quite a busy month for only having 28 days, no leap year this year. As we participate in one or all of what the month offers, let us remember the importance of Family, Faith, Fellowship and Community as we celebrate GCU Founders’ Day.

On behalf of the Board of Directors, Executive Officers and GCU Staff, HAPPY GCU FOUNDERS’ DAY 2025.

George Kofel | Chairman of the Board