Due to various reasons, Ukrainians  left the Ukraine in search of a new life in a host country. It is imperative for the recently arrived immigrant to establish ties and bond with fellow members of his community.

The priest of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Ukrainian Church the Reverend Father Volodymyr Vitt recently arrived to Montreal (Quebec, Canada) from the Ukraine. His firsthand experience has led him to better meet the needs of new immigrants. Since 1997, on the first Saturday of the month, the R. F. Volodymyr welcomed  newcomers in the house where he lives with his family. We had  interesting conversations with  coffee and  biscuits, often listening to the recordings of the  televised shows focusing on  spiritual themes. These meetings helped us to establish a scale of values and to befriend and mingle with fellow Ukrainians in the community.

In order to help and meet the specific needs encountered by Ukrainians arriving in Montreal, the decision to found an association was made and «Zustrich» (in Ukrainian "meeting", "greeting", "appointment") was born. On December 20, 1997, the Ukrainian newcomers gathered together to establish the Association, to elect its Uprava (Council), and to ratify the Statute. Mr. Mykola Kulishov was elected President of the Association.

Since 1998, "Zustrich" invites all those who are interested in the destiny of the Ukraine and Ukrainians at its new headquarters (5213, Hutchison street) every first Saturday of the month at ca. 6:00 P.M.