THE OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE ARCHEPARCHY OF PITTSBURGH
christmas wrap-up Photos of the season Page 9
Inside
VOL. 62 NO. 1
HOLY SUPPER
Byzantine Serrans gather with Seminarians Page 12
JANUARY 2017
christmas at the cathedral Scenes from the Archeparchioal Choir concert Page 13
New year calls for courage, hope; no more hatred, selfishness, pope says francis speaks on world peace day by Carol Glatz, Catholic News Service
GRAND ENTRANCE St. Nicholas (Dr. Mark Saber) arrives at Holy Ghost in McKees Rocks during Slavjane’ Folk Ensemble’s s annual Christmas party on Dec. 17. For more photos, see page 11.
VATICAN CITY — Whether the new year will be good or not depends on us choosing to do good each day, Pope Francis said. "That is how one builds peace, saying 'no' to hatred and violence — with action -— and 'yes' to fraternity and reconciliation," he said Jan. 1, which the church marks as the feast of Mary, Mother of God and as World Peace Day. Speaking to the some 50,000 pilgrims gathered in St. Peter's Square for the first noon Angelus of 2017, the pope referred to his peace day message in which he asked people to adopt the "style" of nonviolence for building a politics for peace. Lamenting the brutal act of terrorism that struck during a night of "well-wishes and hope" in Istanbul, the pope offered his prayers for the entire nation of Turkey as well as those hurt and killed. A
Mass for Life to be celebrated in Washington, D.C. event precedes jan. 27 March for Life The Annual Vigil and March for Life provides an excellent opportunity for the faithful to become pilgrims for mercy. The Shrine of the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. hosts the Mass for Life and provides all the requisites for a good pilgrimage: Confession, Communion, prayer and witness. The Shrine's Thursday, Jan. 26 Mass for Life is 5:30 p.m. and is televised by EWTN. The overnight Vigil for Life features our Byzantine Night Prayer, celebrated by Bishop of Passaic
Most Reverend Kurt Burnette, and continues until 6 a.m. Adoration in the Crypt Church. Plans are being made for the Divine Liturgy to be celebrated in our Byzantine Chapel at 9:15 a.m. preceding the Rally for Life at noon near the Washington Monument. The Byzantine presence is small but prayerful. Please consider joining us. Cantors and congregational singers are especially requested for the Divine Liturgy at the Chapel. Email Deacon Paul Boboige at bobovich@verizon.net or message at
Facebook page “Eastern Pro Life” for information Parking is available near the Basilica. Another alternative which avoids the Beltway traffic is to park at the Shady Grove Metro station near Gaithersburg and ride the subway. Shower facilities are not provided at the Basilica so pilgrims should come prepared. n Submitted by Father Deacon Paul Boboige, Pro-Life Office Coordinator, Archeparchy of Pittsburgh.
gunman opened fire during a New Year's Eve celebration at a popular nightclub early Jan. 1, killing at least 39 people and wounding at least 70 more. "I ask the Lord to support all people of good will who courageously roll up their sleeves in order to confront the scourge of terrorism and this bloodstain that is enveloping the world with the shadow of fear and confusion," he said Earlier in the day, the pope spoke of how maternal tenderness, hope and self-sacrifice were the "strongest antidote" to the selfishness, indifference and "lack of openness" in the world today. Celebrating Mass in St. Peter's Basilica, which was decorated with bright red anthuriums, evergreen boughs, white flowers and pinecones brushed with gold paint, the pope said that a community without mothers would be cold and heartless with "room only for calculation and speculation." The pope said he learned so much about unconditional love, hope and belonging from seeing mothers who never stop embracing, supporting and fighting for what is best for their children incarcerated in prisons, ill in hospitals, enslaved by drugs or suffering from war. "Where there is a mother, there is unity, there is belonging, belonging as children," he said. Just like all mothers of the world, Mary, Mother of God, "protects us from the corrosive disease of being 'spiritual orphans,'" that is when the soul Story continued on page 2
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New year calls for courage
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Official publication of the Byzantine Catholic Archeparchy of Pittsburgh Serving parish communities in central and western Pennsylvania, Louisiana, eastern Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas and West Virginia Published monthly (12 issues) plus two seasonal special issues Byzantine Catholic Press Associates 66 Riverview Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15214 Tel: 412.231.4000 Fax: 412.231.1697 E-mail: bcw@archpitt.org Web site: www.archpitt.org Archbishop William C. Skurla President David Mayernik Jr. General Editor / Layout / Graphics Sister Elaine Kisinko, OSBM Copy Editor Donna Obsincs Subscription/Circulation Manager Gregory S. Popivchak Business Manager Annual Subscription Rates US $14 Canadian $17 International $20 Periodicals Postage PAID at Pittsburgh, PA
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mission The mission of The Byzantine
Catholic World is to spread the Gospel message in the rich tradition of the Byzantine Catholic Church; to encourage faithful to reflect the image of Christ in everyday activities of life; to offer spiritual formation through changing times; and to celebrate community among Byzantine Catholics in the Archeparchy of Pittsburgh, throughout the Metropolitan Church in America and around the world.
feels "motherless and lacking the tenderness of God, when the sense of belonging to a family, a people, a land, to our God, grows dim." "This attitude of spiritual orphanhood is a cancer that silently eats away at and debases the soul," which soon "forgets that life is a gift we have received — and owe to others — a gift we are called to share in this common home," he said. A "fragmented and divided culture" makes things worse, he said, leading to feelings of emptiness and loneliness. "The lack of physical and not virtual contact is cauterizing our hearts and making us lose the capacity for tenderness and wonder, for pity and compassion," he said, as well as making us "forget the importance of playing, of singing, of a smile, of rest, of gratitude." Remembering that Jesus handed his mother over to us "makes us smile once more as we realize that we are a people, that we belong" and can grow, that we are not just mere objects to "consume and be consumed," that we are not "merchandise" to be exchanged or
inert receptacles for information. "We are children, we are family, we are God's people." Mary shows that humility and tenderness aren't virtues of the weak, but of the strong, and that we don't have to mistreat others in order to feel important, he said. The pope also presided over an evening prayer service with eucharistic adoration and the singing of a special hymn of thanksgiving to God Dec. 31 in St. Peter's Basilica. As the year ends, he said in his homily, he asked people to reflect on how God has been present in their lives and to thank the Lord for all signs of his generosity, "seen in countless ways through the witness of those people who quietly took a risk." Gazing upon the manger, we remember how Jesus "wanted to be close to all those who felt lost, demeaned, hurt, discouraged, inconsolable and frightened. Close to all those who in their bodies carry the burden of separation and loneliness, so that sin, shame, hurt, despair and exclusion would not have the final word in the lives of his sons and daughters." His sacrifice and love challenges people "not to give up on anything or anyone," and to find the strength to forge ahead "without complaining or being
resentful, without closing in on ourselves or seeking a means of escape, looking for shortcuts in our own interest." "Looking at the manger means recognizing that the times ahead call for bold and hope-filled initiatives, as well as the renunciation of vain self-promotion and endless concern with appearances." He urged everyone to help "make room" for young people, who are often marginalized and forced to migrate or beg for undignified jobs. Everyone has a duty to help them grow and fulfill "the dreams of their ancestors" in their own nation and community. After the prayer service, the pope walked into St. Peter's Square instead of using the popemobile. He walked the entire periphery of the square, stopping to shake hands, receive cards and notes, offer happy New Year's greetings, bless babies and chat with people lining the barricades. In the center of the square, the pope prayed silently before the Vatican Nativity scene, which was created by a Maltese artist. He also stood before the twisted and crumbled spire from the St. Benedict Basilica in Norcia, which like dozens of villages and towns, was damaged in a series of earthquakes in central Italy. n
When a mother loses a child, reach out with tears, not words, pope says by Carol Glatz, Catholic News Service
VATICAN CITY — In the depths of despair, when no words or gestures will help, then cry with those who suffer, because tears are the seeds of hope, Pope Francis said. When people are hurting, "it is necessary to share in their desperation. In order to dry the tears from the face of those who suffer, we must join our weeping with theirs. This is the only way our words may truly be able to offer a bit of hope," he said Jan. 4 during his weekly general audience. "And if I can't offer words like this, with tears, with sorrow, then silence is better, a caress, a gesture and no words," he said. In his first general audience of the new year, the pope continued his series of talks on Christian hope by reflecting on Rachel's inconsolable sorrow and mourning for her children who "are no more," as written by the prophet Jeremiah. Rachel's refusal to be consoled "expresses the depth of
her pain and the bitterness of her weeping," the pope told those gathered in the Vatican's Paul VI hall. "Facing the tragedy of the loss of her children, a mother cannot bear words or gestures of consolation, which are always inadequate, always unable to alleviate the pain of a wound that cannot and doesn't want to heal," he said. The amount of pain, he said, is proportional to the amount of love in her heart. Rachel and her weeping, he said, represent every mother and every person throughout history who cry over an "irreparable loss." Rachel's refusal to be consoled also "teaches us how much sensitivity is asked of us" and how delicately one must approach a person in pain, the pope said. Jeremiah shows how God responded to Rachel in a loving and gentle way, with words that are "genuine, not fake." The pope said God answers with a promise that her tears are not in vain and her children
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shall return from exile and there will be new life and hope. "Tears generated hope. This isn't easy to understand, but it is true," he said. "So often in our life, tears sow hope, they are seeds of hope," he said, emphasizing how Mary's tears at the foot of the cross generated new life and hope for those who, through their faith, became her children in the body of Christ, the church. This innocent "lamb of God" died for all of humanity, which is always important to remember, especially when struggling with the question of why children are allowed to suffer in this world, he said. The pope said when people ask him why such suffering happens, he said he has no answer. "I just say, 'Look at the crucifix. God gave us his son, he suffered, and perhaps there you will find an answer.'" No appropriate words or replies will ever come from the Story continued on page 3
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Mark Your Calendar dates to remember
total falls short of 2014’s 5.9 million
Women’s Spirituality Day The Office of Religious Education will sponsor the annual Women’s Spirituality Day on May 6 at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, 210 Greentree Road, Munhall, Pa. The theme for this year’s program is “A Kaleidoscope of Gifted Women.” The 2017 program will feature three speakers: • Amy Brooks, author of “Unseen Arms.” • Dee Ruckert, creator of “Pastel Presentations.” For more information, go to www.pastelpresentations. vpweb.com • Gisele Fetterman, wife of Braddock Mayor John Fetterman and initiator of “Free Store 15104.” Learn more at YouTube.com and www.freestore15104.org/ ourstory. Additional information about this upcoming event will be available in future issues of The BCW and www.archpitt. org. n
Pre-Cana program The Office of Religious Education offers a Pre-Cana Program for the Archeparchy once each year. This year's two-part Pre-Cana Program is March 11 and 25 at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, 210 Greentree Road, Munhall, Pa. Cou-
ples must attend both parts of two all-day Saturday sessions. The program addresses topics pertinent to couples' future lifestyle and concludes on the second Saturday with Presentation of Certificates. Sessions will discuss the following topics: communication, sexuality and relationships, Byzantine spirituality and prayer, natural family planning, finances and budgeting. experiences of marriage and theology of marriage/Crowning Ceremony. Opportunities for the Mystery of Reconciliation and the Divine Liturgy also will be offered. Download a Pre-Cana registration form at www.archpitt. org/pre-cana. Inquiries may be directed to Sister Marion Dobos at mdobos1@gmail.com or the Office of Religious Education at 412322-9773. n
Building his faith
boy scout builds pavilion for st. elias Ryan Monahan of St. Elias Byzantine Catholic Church in Munhall, Pa. is a Life Scout in Boy Scout Troop 4. As he nears the end of his mission to be an Eagle scout, Ryan has earned 23 merit badges (13 Eagle required) and completed his community service project. His project is a pavilion
Vatican: 3.9 million pilgrims visited during Jubilee year
dedicated to the parishioners of St. Elias. It is 18 feet by 20 feet with enough room for six picnic tables. Ryan did fundraising to pay for the project. Working weekends, it took two-anda-half months to build. The pavilion’s dedication and parish picnic will be this spring. n
Life Scout Ryan Monahan built a pavilion for St. Elias in Munhall, Pa.
Seminarian Stephen Rooney of the Diocese of Rockville Centre, N.Y takes a selfie as Pope Fracis arrives to lead his general audience in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican on Feb. 24, 2016. Photo by Paul Haring of Catholic News Service. by Junno-Arocho Esteves, Catholic News Service
VATICAN CITY — More than 3.9 million pilgrims visited and attended papal events, liturgies or prayer services during the Holy Year of Mercy in 2016, the Vatican said. The Prefecture of the Papal Household, the Vatican office that coordinates the audiences and distributes the free tickets to papal audiences and liturgies, said a total of 3,952,140 people attended a papal event at the Vatican. The Vatican released the statistics Dec. 29. Although the total was slightly higher from the 3.2 million visitors received by Pope Francis in 2015, for a jubilee year it still fell short of the 5.9 million pilgrims who visited in 2014. Terrorist attacks in Europe throughout the year are also thought to have discouraged visitors from traveling during what are typically busy tourist seasons in Italy. During 2016, 762,000 people attended the pope's 43 weekly general audiences while 446,000 attended the 11 jubilee audiences held one Saturday a month. More than 169,000 people took part in special group audiences; more than 924,000 people participated in papal liturgies in St. Peter's Basilica or St. Peter's Square; and more
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than 1.6 million people joined the pope for the Angelus or the "Regina Coeli" prayer on Sundays and major feast days in St. Peter's Square. The statistics released by the Vatican stand in contrast to the numbers published on the Jubilee of Mercy website, which states that over 21 million participated in the Holy Year of Mercy. The number includes pilgrim groups and individuals who crossed through the Holy Door that are not included in the Vatican's statistics. The papal event statistics do not include papal events in the city of Rome or international visits made by Pope Francis. They also are based on the number of ticket requests and estimates of crowd size. n
When a mother loses a child Story continued from page 2 head, he said, one can only look at the love God showed by offering his son, who offered his life — this may point the way to some consolation. God's word is the definitive word of consolation "because it is born of weeping." n
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making a difference
Reflecting on Pope Francis’ 2017 World Day of Peace message by Tony Magliano
May charity and nonviolence govern how we treat each other as individuals, within society and in international life.” This statement written by Pope Francis in his Jan. 1 World Day of Peace message – the 50th annual papal peace message to the world – extols nonviolence as an essential and nonnegotiable key to true and lasting peace. In his peace message titled “Nonviolence: a Style of Politics for Peace,” the Holy Father says, “When victims of violence are able to resist the temptation to retaliate, they become the most credible promoters of nonviolent peacemaking. “In the most local and ordinary situations and in the international order, may nonviolence become the hallmark of our decisions, our relationships and our actions, and indeed of political life in all its forms.” Throughout this extremely challenging New Year’s peace message, Pope Francis boldly raises the moral bar, calling each of us, and each nation, to heed the clear nonviolent way of Jesus: “Put your sword back
into its sheath, for all who take the sword will perish by the sword” (Matt. 26:52). Most unfortunately, in contrast to Jesus’ nonviolent message over 50 countries are involved in armed conflicts (see: http://bit.ly/2irdlju), Pope Francis accurately laments: “Today, sadly, we find ourselves engaged in a horrifying world war fought piecemeal.” The Holy Father powerfully declares: “Violence is not the cure for our broken world.” Francis points out that meeting violence with violence produces tremendous suffering, not only in death and destruction, but by diverting necessary resources for human life to military ends. And judging from recent dangerous comments of President-elect Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, the world could get far more violent. Responding to Putin’s recent comment about strengthening Russia’s nuclear weapons capabilities in 2017, Trump – a day after meeting with Pentagon and defense contractors – called on the U.S. to “greatly strengthen and expand its nuclear capability” until the rest of the world “comes to its sens-
es” regarding nuclear weapons (see CBC News http://bit. ly/2irt2Ha). With hundreds of nuclear weapons currently aimed at each other on hair-trigger alert, it’s Putin and Trump (as well as Obama) who need to come to their senses. For a nonviolent, reasonable way to reverse this violently dangerous course, visit Global Zero (http://www. globalzero.org/no-first-use) to learn the facts and what you can do to help rid the world of these most monstrous weapons. Pope Francis writes, “To be true followers of Jesus today also includes embracing his teaching about nonviolence.” Francis reminds us that Jesus’ teaching of God’s unconditional love calls us to turn the other cheek, love our enemies and faithfully live the Sermon on the Mount. Francis counters the frequent mistaken criticism that “Nonviolence is sometimes taken to mean surrender, lack of involvement and passivity, but this is not the case,” he says. He cites famous effective nonviolent examples like Mahatma Gandhi, Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. and “Leymah
Gbowee and the thousands of Liberian women, who organized pray-ins and nonviolent protest that resulted in high-level peace talks to end the second civil war in Liberia.” And currently international groups like the “Nonviolent Peaceforce” (see: www.nonviolentpeaceforce.org) are courageously, nonviolently and effectively helping to reduce and even stop violent conflict. Please carefully reflect on Pope Francis’ “Nonviolence: a Style of Politics for Peace (go to http://bit.ly/2hj78oP). A prayerful reading of this short, powerful papal teaching, will deepen your resolve to be a true peacemaker – in the nonviolent footsteps of the Prince of Peace. n
Tony Magliano is an internationally syndicated social justice and peace columnist. He is available to speak at diocesan or parish gatherings about Catholic social teaching. His keynote address, “Advancing the Kingdom of God in the 21st Century,” has been well received by diocesan and parish gatherings from Santa Clara, Calif. to Baltimore, Md. Tony can be reached at tmag@zoominternet.net.
text messages
Building bridges
finding hope in the west end by David Mayernik Jr., editor
Usually when I drive home from work at the Byzantine Catholic Archeparchy of Pittsburgh Chancery in Pittsburgh, there's a man standing to the side of traffic on the ramp leading up to the West End Bridge. He holds a tattered cardboard sign indicating he is homeless, walks back and forth, and holds out his hand for any cash or coins motorists can do without. Unfortunately, I'm certain he's not the only such person standing on Pittsburgh's many bridges during rush hour. A few days before Christmas, I watched a driver two cars in front of me stop his car to talk to the man and hold out his arm to offer him a few dollars and some change. As the cars in front of him proceeded to make their way to the bridge, leaving a gap
between his vehicle and the others, I'm embarrassed to say my first response was to get perturbed and hope the driver would press his right foot on the gas pedal again to make up the difference. After all, myself and the other automobiles lined up in a row behind me had to get to dinner inside our warm homes. I have to admit it wasn't my proudest moment. I won't presume to speak for anyone but myself but I am well-aware it can be very easy to get wrapped up in one's own problems and not think about the needs of other people. That's certainly not the Christian way. I did some reflection upon this moment before I sat down to write this and came to the conclusion I am glad the anonymous driver stopped traffic, no doubt to offer this man hope in what has to be an otherwise
Photo by David Mayernik Jr.
profoundly difficult life. I can't imagine being in his shoes and watching all those cars drive past me day after day with people averting their eyes to their cell phones, radios and anything else within glancing distance inside their cars. Hopelessness is not an easy thing to witness eye-to-eye. It takes a special person to be brave enough to offer someone a hand to hold or a shoulder to lean on. I hope being offered a few
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words of encouragement on a Monday afternoon in December made a difference in this man's life. I make it a point to remind myself there's always hope in Christ. We've all gone through hardships in life and there's always crosses to bear. But faith in Christ keeps me going and is a reminder there is always light at the end of life's proverbial tunnels. And bridges, too. n
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Lutherans and Catholics “On the Way” in Southwestern Pa. bishops invite faithful to commemorate 500th anniversry of the reformation Dear Baptized Children of God in southwestern Pennsylvania, There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all. (Ephesians 4:4-6) As the Catholic and Lutheran bishops (representing the Dioceses of Greensburg and Pittsburgh, the Byzantine Archeparchy of Pittsburgh, and the Southwestern Pennsylvania Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America), and because we share a warm, forthright and collegial relationship with each other, we invite you to join us as we celebrate our unity in Jesus Christ. Together we commit ourselves and our judicatories to a year of commemorating the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. Five centuries ago an attempt to bring reform to the Church resulted in division and schism among the followers of Jesus Christ. Christ’s call to truly be one in Him remains in many ways unrealized due to long-standing misunderstandings and division. That we are not yet able to share in each other’s Eucharistic celebrations is but one example for this needed work to foster true, visible unity among Catholics and Lutherans. During this year of commemoration, we invite you to join us in allowing the gospel of Jesus Christ under the power of the Holy Spirit to transform us for a more visible unity manifested in prayer, acts of mercy and common pursuit of peace with justice. During this year we will: • Reassess our shared histories and divisions; indeed, we will repent of our prejudices and past mutual condemnations and seek God’s forgiveness. • Examine the progress that fifty years of ecumenical dialogue have brought forth. We will use the “Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification,” “From Conflict to Communion,” and “Declaration on the Way,” as tools to assist us in seeking more visible unity as siblings of our Lord Jesus. Our progress in finding consensus on some issues also enables us to address remaining differences among us. • Emboldened by the gospel of Jesus Christ, Catholics and Lutherans will witness together to the mercy of God in proclamation and service to the world, and will seek greater unity with other Christians as well. We encourage you to attend three special events (more details to follow): An Evening of Repentance - 7 p.m. March 14, 2017 St. John the Baptist Byzantine Catholic Cathedral, Munhall, Liturgy followed by dinner Theme: REPENTANCE. An Evening of Witness and Thanksgiving - June 29, 2017, Time: TBA St. Kilian Roman Catholic Church, Mars Theme: TESTIMONIAL AND THANKSGIVING A Day of Commemoration of Hope - October 28, 2017, Time: TBA Fred Rogers Center, St. Vincent College Theme: COMMEMORATION OF HOPE (concluding with prayer in St. Vincent Basilica). Become part of ongoing conversations on Facebook: Lutherans and Roman Catholics on the Way in Southwestern Pennsylvania! We call you to pray for an increase in mutual understanding, reconciliation, and more visible unity of the Church in your local parishes, ecumenical ministeriums and other Christian gatherings. Remember your local pastoral colleagues in your personal prayers, and your neighboring parishes in your Sunday litanies and intercessory prayers. Promote small group inter-parish (Lutherans and Catholics together) exploration of “Declaration on the Way.” We invite you to join us on the way to reconciliation and healing for the integrity of our witness to God’s mercy for all. As the Apostle Paul declares: “From now on, therefore, we regard no one from a human point of view; even though we once knew Christ from a human point of view, we know him no longer in that way. So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting the message of reconciliation to us. So we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us; we entreat you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.” (2 Corinthians 5:16-20) We, your bishops who share a common commitment to a more visible unity as the body of Christ in the world, amidst our diversity, encourage our clergy, religious and laity to join us during this year as we move our traditions from “conflict to communion.” Together, we pledge our time, mutual prayers and actions in witness and service in this year of commemoration of the Reformation. We invite you to join us “on the way”!
The Rev. Kurt F. Kusserow Bishop, Southwestern Pennsylvania Synod Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
The Most Reverend David A. Zubik Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh
The Most Reverend Edward C. Malesic The Most Reverend William C. Skurla Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Greensburg Metropolitan of the Byzantine Catholic Archeparchy of Pittsburgh the byzantine catholic world
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“A Taste of Heaven” st. gregory cookie sale NOURISHES body and soul by Father Valerian Michlik, St. Gregory, Upper St. Clair, Pa.
Patrons were anxiously waiting for the doors to open for this year’s “Taste of Heaven” cookie sale at St. Gregory Church in Upper St. Clair, Pa. on Dec. 3. A variety of 80 different kinds of cookies were ready for buyers to select as they walked along filled tables. We are grateful for the batches of homemade delights that were prepared by our dedicated parishioners for this day. n
Photos by Jennifer T. Kehm
St. Gregory youth say “thanks” to local police ecf students, parents give back by Father Valerian Michlik, St. Gregory, Upper St. Clair, Pa.
Following the Sunday Divine Liturgy on Nov. 27, ECF students, parents and teachers at St. Gregory Byzantine Catholic Church in Upper St. Clair, Pa. were on a mission to deliver our Thanksgiving project to the Upper St. Clair Police Department. At the USC Police Department, we were welcomed by Officer Thomas J. Fahey. Officer TJ gave us a wonderful tour of the police department during which we all learned about the work of a police offi-
Photos by Jodi Hernandez
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cer. We all had the opportunity to see the Roll-Call Room, the Interview Rooms, and the Police Dispatch Room. Our ECF students even had a chance to sit in a patrol car and hear the siren. Afterwards, they all received an official Upper St. Clair Junior Officer Badge. Then it was time to present our special Thanksgiving trifold prepared by our ECF students and Icon of the Synaxis-Assembly of the Heavenly Hosts. The visit concluded with the singing of the Polychronion-Many Years for all our police officers who serve our community. n
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Christmas 2016 Wrap-Up Christmas celebrations unite nativity celebrated in many ways
assumption of the mother of god in weirton, w. va.; and st. John, avella, pa.
by David Mayernik Jr., editor
Voices singing “O who loves Nicholas the saintly” were heard in the days leading up to the Feast of the Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ last month. Churches in the Byzantine Catholic Archeparchy of Pittsburgh celebrated Christmas 2016 with visits from St. Nicholas, plays commemorating the Nativity and service projects to help the needy.
ECF students at St. Mary’s in Monessen, Pa. waved puppets to greet St. Nicholas on Dec. 18, Bethany Ministry members and ByzanTeens at St. Gregory in Upper St. Clair, Pa. created blankets which were donated to the Light of Life rescue mission in Pittsburgh and a Nativity play was presented at St. George in Aliquippa, Pa. More photos of the Christmas season across the Archeparchy, appear on pages 8 to 10. n
st. mary’s in monessen, pa.
“O Kto Kto”
ecf students celebrate st. nicholas
Front: Scott Lesovic, Evan Pohlot, Miley Krolik, Kya Krolik and Mya Feher. Middle: Father Stephen Wahal, Mitchell Pohlot, Ruth Hanchin and Rose Marie Lesovic. Back: St. Nicholas (David Donohoe), Father Deacon John Hanchin and Patrick Ace. by Ruth Hanchin, St. Mary’s, Monessen, Pa.
Following the Divine Liturgy at St. Mary's in Monessen on Dec. 18, Eastern Christian Formation students had their annual Christmas program. The students used St. Nicholas, Bishop of Myra and Wonderworker, as their theme. The program began with junior Patrick Ace and freshman Mitchell Pohlot reading a brief story about St. Nicholas and all his wondrous deeds. Following their story, the younger students sang a song in English to St. Nicholas and waved their St. Nicholas hand puppets, which they made a few weeks prior. Ruth Hanchin, teacher and coordinator, turned the program over to Rose Marie Lesovic, teacher, who introduced her son, Scott Lesovic. Scott entertained the audience with his magic. During his performance, Scott asked students
Miley Krolik, Evan Pohlot and Myra Feher to assist him with his amazing ring and card tricks. St. Nicholas (parishioner David Donohoe) made his appearance during the program. Afterwards, St. Nicholas passed out treats to the students and gifts to Father Stephen Wahal, Father Deacon John Hanchin, Rose Marie Lesovic and Ruth Hanchin. Guests were parents and grandparents of the students. Deacon John Hanchin led everyone in singing several Christmas carols. "Jingle Bells" and a Slavonic version of the St. Nicholas song ("O Kto Kto") were sung. Father Stephen Wahal, administrator of St. Mary's, offered a blessing before light refreshments were served. “Christ is Born! Glorify Him!” was extended to everyone before the afternoon came to a close. n the byzantine catholic world
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Christmas 2016 Wrap-Up st. george in aliquippa, pa.
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Christmas 2016 Wrap-Up st.gregory in upper st. clair, pa.
A Christmas visitor
project donates blankets to homeless
nicholas the saintly by Father Valerian Michlik, St. Gregory, Upper St. Clair. Pa.
Even with a winter storm warning issued for much of the Greater Pittsburgh area for Dec. 18, faithful did gather together to welcome St. Nicholas to our parish family. Following the Ambon prayer, our fourth graders received a blessing and were presented with their own personal Bibles as part of their curriculum during which they become familiar with the
Works of mercy
books of the Bible. Following the dismissal, it was time to welcome St. Nicholas to our parish family. As we sang “O who loves Nicholas the Saintly-O kto kto Nikolaja l'ubit”, St. Nicholas entered the church and was greeted by our children. Afterwards we continued with our festivities in our church hall where all had the opportunity to visit “good old St. Nick”. n
by Father Valerian Michlik, St. Gregory, Upper St. CLair, Pa.
Following the Sunday Divine Liturgy on Dec. 11, Bethany Ministry members and our ECF students were ready to begin this year’s Work of Mercy project that connects the love of neighbor with the love of God. Our Bethany Ministry members and our ByzanTeens had the opportunity to create blankets for the homeless in our city of Pittsburgh. These blankets together with donations from our faithful will be delivered to the Light of Life Rescue Mission, which
Photos by Jennifer T. Kehm
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is a wonderful Christian ministry in the city of Pittsburgh that provides a home for the homeless and food for the hungry. Members of our Bethany Ministry also prepared baskets of Christmas cheer that will be delivered to the homebound parishioners during this sacred time of the year. Our ECF students, together with their parents also prepared Christmas cards for all our retired priests, religious sisters, and home bound in our parish family. n
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Christmas 2016 Wrap-Up st, john the baptist cathedral in munhall, pa.
Photos by Nick Havrilla Sr.
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Slavjane welcomes St. Nicholas ensemble members, family, friends, alumni celebrate by Darlene Fejka, director, Pittsburgh Byzantine Catholic Archeparchial Choir
Gathering for their annual Christmas party Dec. 17, the Slavjane Folk Ensemble of Holy Ghost Church in McKees Rocks, Pa. celebrated an evening of fun with fellow members, parents, family, friends and alumni. Dressed in their finest party fashions, both young and old enjoyed a fine spread of hors d’oeuvres before dinner. Father Frank Firko, the group’s spiritual advisor and pastor of Holy Ghost Church, then offered a prayer of thanks and blessings upon the ensemble and upon the food and drink to be served. Following dinner, led by Slavjane director Dean Poloka and staff, and accompanied by Orkestar Zabava, everyone sang “O Kto Kto” to welcome St. Nicholas, who was assisted by Slavjane parents in distributing gifts to the children present. The remainder of the evening was filled with music, plenty of dancing and many smiles. n
Slavjane, a children’s performing ensemble that preserves the ethic heritage of all Slavic heritages including Carpatho-Rusyn music, song and dance, was founded by “Mr. Slavjane” Jack Poloka in the mid-1950s and was incorporated in 1975 at Holy Ghost Byzantine Catholic Church in McKees Rocks, Pa. Weekly rehearsals are held 6:309:30 p.m. Thursdays at Holy Ghost. For information, call Dean Poloka at 412-8779351. www.slavjane.org.
Welcoming St. Nicholas in song are Slavjane senior members Mackayla Poloka, Holy Ghost, McKees Rocks, Pa.; Anja Michlik, St. Gregory, Upper St. Clair, Pa.; and Mackenzie Wissner.
Slavjane’s Spiritual Director Father Frank Firko offers the blessing before dinner.
Waiting for St. Nicholas to arrive are Slavjane junior members Lindsay Krofcheck, St. Gregory, Upper St. Clair, Pa.; Mimi Kassabov, Holy Ghost, McKees Rocks, Pa.; and Christopher Krofcheck, St. Gregory.
RUSYN HERITAGE RADIO PROGRAM Sundays 2:30 p.m. WPIT-AM 730 Pittsburgh, Pa.
Father Mykhaylo Shkyndia, who serves the western churches of St. Mary, Ambridge, Pa.; St. George, Aliquippa, Pa.; and St. Nicholas Chapel, Beaver, Pa.; helps lead the singing of “O Kto Kto” along with Orkestar Zabava bassist Paul Hladio. Father Mykhaylo’s son Elijah is a first-year junior member of Slavjane. the byzantine catholic world
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Byzantine Catholic Serra Club
Byzantine Serrans Host Holy Supper at Seminary traditional meal featured meatless, dairy-free foods by Kathe Kress Serra Clubn communications liaison
Holy Supper (Svjatyj Vecer / Velija) is fast becoming a tradition at the Seminary. The Byzantine Catholic Serra Club hosted its second Holy Supper on Dec. 14 at the request of Seminary Rector Very Rev. Robert Pipta. John Righetti catered the traditional meal observing the fast with meatless, dairyfree foods. He provided an informative guidebook which presented each course, explaining the significance and tradition that accompanied the foods and the table setting. Interspersed with the courses, we sang traditional Carpatho-Rusyn Christmas carols. Archbishop William offered the blessing, but before the buffet was served, a woman at each table dipped garlic cloves in honey and signed her tablemates’ foreheads with the cross, to keep with our tradition. Dishes served included machanka (mushroom soup), bean and sauerkraut soup, garlic with honey, Bobalky with honey and poppyseed, sauerkraut bobalky, Kasha (buckwheat boiled in honey) pirohy, tilapia baked in olive oil, mushroom/barley holubky, peas and fried potatoes. Archbishop William and Sisters Elaine and Valeria were our guests from the Chancery, as well as seminarians, some wives and family members, deacons, Fr. Robert, Sister Marion and seminary staff. Following dessert, the diners broke into a familiar carol: “O Kto Kto,” upon which St. Nicholas appeared with chocolate coins for all! n The Byzantine Catholic Serra Club welcomes new members. For information, contact Patty Bovee, president, at 412-462-6385, or Sam Barone, vice president, membership, at 412-678-9453. Serra Club membership is open to all Byzantine Catholics and any Catholics. Members make a commitment to pray for an increase in vocations to the priesthood, diaconate and religious life and to support all seminarians, priests, deacons and monastics in prayer as well as practical ways. the byzantine catholic world
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Christmas at the Cathedral archeparchial choir presents “hasten to bethlehem!” by Darlene Fejka, director, Pittsburgh Byzantine Catholic Archeparchial Choir
The Pittsburgh Byzantine Catholic Archeparchial Choir (PBCAC) welcomed family, friends, and faithful to the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Munhall, Pa. on Dec. 18 for the group’s annual “Christmas at the Cathedral” program. Themed “Hasten to Bethlehem,” the twenty-four choral offerings — ranging from beloved Ruthenian Byzantine Catholic hymns and carols to familiar Western melodies — included references to the holy city in which our Lord was born. Acting on behalf of His Eminence Archbishop William, Very Rev. Andrew Deskevich, Archeparchial Protosyncellus, welcomed the audience prior to the program’s start, and also greeted and chatted with event patrons at the hospitality reception following the program. Cathedral Rector Very Rev. Dennis Bogda, who was convalescing from a fall, was dearly missed at the event. Choir director Darlene Fejka thanked Father Dennis and the Cathedral parish for hosting the program and reception, as well as for providing a very accommodating “home” to the choir year-round. Members of the PBCAC hail from a dozen Archeparchial parishes in western Pennsylvania. July 2017 will mark the beginning of the choir’s 20th year of singing praises. n
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thoughts for our day by Archpriest David M. Petras
one god, one in the holy trinity In the feasts just celebrated, the Troparion begins, “At your baptism in the Jordan, O Lord, worship of the Trinity was revealed.” There are three great world religions that believe in the one and same God: Judaism, Christianity and Islam. These faiths believe in the God who called Abraham to “Go forth from your land, your relatives, and from your father’s house to a land that I will show you. (Genesis 12:1)” and “Abram put his faith in the Lord, who attributed it to him as an act of righteousness. (Genesis 15:6)” Though each of the three faiths believe in the God of Abraham, they may have different concepts of God. To be honest, faith in God is not usually the problem, but the concepts we try to make of him in our human limitations. It is also likely, I believe, that among the billions that do not believe in the God of Abraham, there is more of a faith in one God than of many. In the Christian faith, of the heritage of Abraham, there is the faith also that God as Trinity was also revealed to Abraham. “The Lord appeared to Abraham by the oak of Mamre, as he sat in the entrance of his tent, while the day was growing hot. Looking up, he saw three men standing near him. When he saw them, he ran from the entrance of the tent to greet them; and (he bowed) to the ground. (Genesis 18:2)” The Jews and Moslems interpret the three men as “angels,” “messengers of God.” The Christians interpret this as a manifestation of
the Trinity, and therefore, the only icon that is allowed of the Trinity is that of the three men who appeared to Abraham (the most important is St. Andrei Rublev’s Trinity). In the Old Testament, whenever angels
I would hold that faith in the Trinity actually leads us to a stronger faith in God as one. appear, there is some ambiguity as to whether they are “angels” as such, or the presence (Hebrew “shekinah”) of God. In the Gospels, faith in the Trinity becomes very clear. Sometimes people look at the Gospels only superficially, and say that of the four Gospels, only St. John teaches clearly that Jesus is God. However, John does not retell the story of Jesus’ baptism, nor of the Transfiguration. Matthew, Mark and Luke have both these stories which clearly manifest Jesus as the only Son of God. In his baptism in the Jordan, the Father’s voice is heard, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased. (Matthew 13:17),” and the Spirit descends in the form of a dove. Therefore, in icons of the Baptism of our Lord, the Spirit may be depicted as a dove. On Mount Tabor, when Jesus’ glory was made manifest, the Father’s voice again says, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I
am well pleased; listen to him, (Matthew 17:5)” and the Spirit appears in the form of a cloud, for it was a cloud that led the chosen people through the desert to the promised land. While the Gospel of John does not have an account of the Baptism or the Transfiguration, the same reality is present. Before his passion, in the presence of the crowd, Jesus calls out: “Father, glorify your name.” Then a voice came from heaven, “I have glorified it and will glorify it again. (John 12:28)” Jesus also promises us another Advocate, the Holy Spirit, “when he comes, the Spirit of truth, he will guide you to all truth. (John 16:13)” It is in the Christian Gospels, therefore, that we find the definite affirmation of faith in one God, unity in the Holy Trinity, into which we are baptized, according to the Lord’s command, “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. (Matthew 28:19)” It is undeniable that this revealed concept of God as Trinity, is a point of divergence between Christians, on the one side, and Jews and Moslems, on the other. Christians consider themselves to be strict monotheists, and accept the Jewish formulation, “Hear, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord alone! Therefore, you shall love the Lord, your God, with your whole heart, and with your whole being, and with your whole strength. (Deuteronomy 6:4-5)” The Christian Creed begins, “I believe in one God.” However, it is difficult for Jews and Moslems to accept how Christians say that
does your church plan to have lenten
PIROHI FOR SALE? If your parish or parish group is pinching pirohy for sale during the 2017 Great Fast, submit the following information and it will be printed beginning with the February edition of The BCW and online in the Upcoming Events section and Calendar on the Archeparchy’s official Web site, www.archpitt.org. All other Lenten sales events, such as soup sales and fish fries, are welcome as well.
Please provide: 1) Parish Name and Pastor 2) Location 3) Name of food event 4) Date and time of event 5) Menu items for sale 6) Contact person 7) Phone number (required) Plus any additional information.
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the one God is Father, Son and Spirit. Perhaps the great Teacher on the Trinity was St. Gregory the Theologian who said, “No sooner do I conceive of the one than I am illumined by the splendor of the three; no sooner do I distinguish them than I am carried back to the one. (Homily 40.41)” I would hold that faith in the Trinity actually leads us to a stronger faith in God as one. The mystery of the Son and Word of God taking human nature is the exact center point of our relationship with God. The story of Creation in the book of Genesis tells us, in God’s words, “Then God said: Let us make human beings in our image, after our likeness. (Genesis 1:26)” He has made us to be community, because the one God, the only God is community of persons (hypostases in Greek). For the Jew and the Moslem, community among human beings is a gracious gift of God for the sake of peace and unity. For the Christian, it is how we become like God, as Jesus prayed, “I pray not only for them, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, so that they may all be one, as you, Father, are in me and I in you, that they also may be in us, that the world may believe that you sent me. (John 17:20-21)” Deniers of the Trinity may think it is easy to refute this faith, but the reality is that only in faith in God as one in Trinity is it possible to find unity in God for ourselves and unity with one another, for only in this way can we become “God-like.” n
Remember, all submissions must be approved by the parish pastor or administrator. Email information to: bcw@archpitt.org Submissions for Web site calendar inclusion may be e-mailed to: web@archpitt.org
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Activity
Fill in the blanks!
Using words you have learned from the article “In the Time of Jesus,” fill in the blank spaces below. 1. The nutritional diet in the time of Jesus consisted of __________________________________________________. 2. The main food staple was _________________________. 3. The children played with these toys_________________ __________________________________________________.
In the Time of Jesus by Sandy Simko
Books help us to learn. If you have an interest in polar bears, you may search out information on Artic Animals. One route to go is finding books on this subject. The more you know about a subject the better you can understand it. It’s most important for you to know about God!! You probably know that the world’s best selling book is the Bible. However, the Bible is not an easy read! To really understand what the messages of this book is telling you, you need to have an understanding of life way back in the time of Jesus. When Jesus was born so many, many years ago in Bethlehem, there was no doctor or hospital to care for him or even a space in a hotel to house Jesus, Mary and Joseph. To better understand the writings of the New Testament, let’s go back to the everyday common life in the time of Jesus. Biblical living was simple. A typical village could be as small as one acre of land with a small population of 100 people. The land was chosen with security protection in mind-perhaps a slope with a view of the roadside. Hopefully a water supply would be near by. If the village had more acreage and people, the village was called a town. Each village had at least one synagogue that was the center of the religious and community life. The synagogue leaders handled the financial affairs of the community. The common folk would have a small one-room house
made from mud bricks. Walls surrounded the village house with a door entrance in the wall leading to an opening into an outdoor courtyard. There in the courtyard, the visitor would find the family members doing the daily chores- caring for the animals, weaving, or making bread. The children would use this ideal outdoor space to play with their stone marbles, hoops, whistles, rattles and spinning tops. Some of the animals were housed in the lower level and the living space was on the second level. The few small windows were glassless and near the roof of the house that provided a very dim interior lighting. Small round bowls filled with olive oil and a wick provided the major source of light for the house. With this limited light source, the majority of activities took place outdoors. In this mild climate, the flat rooftop provided more living space for drying clothes, grapes and figs or for sleeping under the stars on a hot night. Today people go walking for exercise. In the time of Jesus, walking was the main transportation around the villages. The country roads were rough and difficult to travel. The shoes they wore were like the modern sandal with most of the foot exposed to the dirt and sand of the road. Before you would enter a house, the sandals would be removed at the front entrance and the feet would be washed in the large water bowl found near the door. Next in importance was donkey travel. Both rich and poor people rode donkeys. Remember Mary rode a donkey on the way to Bethlehem.
4. The main mode of transportation (getting from one place to another) was _______________________________. 5. A ___________________________ would make the doors for a house. 6. Who made the jewelry? ___________________________. 7. Pigeons were raised for ___________________________. 8. Two important parts of the house were the ______________________________ and the ____________. SEE ANSWER KEY ON PAGE 16
And Jesus rode a donkey into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday fulfilling the prophecy that the king would come in peace and humility. (The Roman soldiers rode horses.) The people needed domestic animals for many reasons. The sheep provided wool for clothing; the goats and cows provided milk for cheese and butter products plus hides for making water containers and butter churns. The chickens produced eggs and the pigeons were raised for the meat. Animals were killed only for festive or religious events. Either self-grown food or the village market provided a nutritious diet for the biblical people. The food supply included veggies such as beans, lentils, onions, cucumbers, olives, fruit such as grapes, figs, raisins, nuts, locust, honey, fish, grains and limited meat. (Locust was considered a high protein food and enjoyed with a little honey.) Nuts such as almonds, pistachios and walnuts were plentiful and often were used as a dessert. A common beverage was a combination of wine and water. The boys learned a trade early in their childhood. Since Joseph was a carpenter, Jesus may have been trained in this trade. •A CARPENTER would construct the doors and shutters for a house, wooden wheels and tools. •A FARMER would rise early
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and work in the wheat or barley fields, the vineyards or the olive groves. •The POTTER was important since he made the dishes and cups for a household. There were no spoons or forks so the people ate with their fingers. •The FISHERMAN had great opportunity to be successful since there were many bodies of water in the area. Fish was a main staple in the food supply. Remember Jesus chose four fishermen to be his apostles. •The WEAVER was usually a member of the household. An outfit for both men and women consisted of two piecesan undergarment and a mantle poncho style draped over the undergarment. Women wore a head covering when they were out in public. •The BLACKSMITH created metal weapons, coins and household items. The highestranking blacksmith would also make jewelry and ornaments. •The SHEPHERD’S job was to care for the sheep. It was important to keep the wild animals from attacking these animals. As you listen to the gospel readings during the Divine Liturgy and when you read the Holy Bible, perhaps this background information will be a foundation to your appreciation and understanding of what it was like for the common person during the time of Jesus! n
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Saturdays at the Seminary “Come, let us sing joyfully to the Lord”
around the archeparchy TAMBURITZANS SHOW — “Jubilee,” the 80th season stage production of The Tamburitzans (formerly “Duquesne University Tamburitzans”), will be presented 2 p.m. Jan. 29 at Greater Latrobe High School, 130 High School Road, Latrobe, Pa. Alex Hirsh, a parishioner of St. George Byzantine Catholic Church in Aliquippa, Pa. is a second-year performer with the Pittsburgh-based ensemble. Tickets are $25 to $30 in advance, $35 at the door. All seats are reserved. To purchase tickets online, visit www.talentshadows.com or call 412-2242071 for tickets and group sales. .
Answer Key:
Enter through the chapel door that faces Perrysville Avenue. It’s recommended that visitors call 412-321-8383 in advance so that we may be awaiting your arrival.
1. Veggies, nuts, beans, fruit 2. Fish 3. Marbles, hoops, tops, whistles 4. Walking 5. Carpenter 6. Blacksmith 7. Food 8. The courtyard and the roof
Join the Byzantine Catholic Seminary community for liturgical services on Feb. 4, 11, 18 and 25: Divine Liturgy at 9 a.m. Great Vespers at 5 p.m.
ANNUAL COMEDY NIGHT — Comedy Night is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Feb. 24 at St. Gregory Byzantine Catholic Church, 2005 Mohawk Road, Upper St. Clair, Pa. Perfomers include funnyman David Kaye, Terry Jones and his headliner Randy Lubas. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 each and include draft beer, snacks and sodas/mixers. Ethnic food will be available for purchase. For guests 21 years old and older. Tickets are on sale at the rectory or Mike Kiss at 412-818-1295 or MKISS@CALLEQUITY.NET. For more information, call 412-8357800 or www.stygregoryusc.org.
For more information about the Seminary, go to www.bcs.edu. ANSWERS from Kids Corner page 15:
BYZANTINE DIVINE LITURGY Sundays 9:00 a.m. • WEDO Radio • 810 AM Broadcast live from Holy Ghost Church, McKees Rocks
Directory Assistance To find information online for churches in the Archeparchy, go to www.archpitt.org and click on “Directories” on the drop-down
Also view liturgical services (various times) at: www.holyghost-byzantinecatholic.org www.stjohnsbyzantinecathedral.com www.sjcbcc.com
dates to remember jan. 6 Feast of the Theophany jan. 16 Martin Luther King Day National observance jan. 27 March for Life Washington, D.C.
Official publication of the Byzantine Catholic Archeparchy of Pittsburgh
Byzantine Catholic Press Associates 66 Riverview Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15214 Tel: 412.231.4000 Fax: 412.231.1697 E-mail: bcw@archpitt.org Web site: www.archpitt.org
feb. 19 Sunday of Meatfare
next issue:
feb. 26 Sunday of Cheesefare
submissions DEADLINE:
feb. 27 First day of the Great Fast See more upcoming events at www.archpitt.org the byzantine catholic world
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