Special Christmas issue!
THE OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE ARCHEPARCHY OF PITTSBURGH
st. nicholas celebration
Inside
60th annual event ib Munhall Pages 4-5
VOL. 61 NO. 15
CHRISTMAS 2016
christmas memories
“good ol’ days” of christmas
Photo remembrances of years past. Page 7
Lori Downey recalls family traditions Page 9
Christ is Born! Glorify Him!
Christos raždajetsja! Slavite Jeho!
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CHRISTMAS 2016
BCW’s first 2017 issue
UPS 081500 ISSN 07442289 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
The Archeparchy of Pittsburgh Chancery
newspaper’s next publication deadline is dec. 31
will be CLOSED for the 2016 post-festive Christmas holiday on
Volume 62 of The Byzantine Catholic World will commence with its first issue in January 2017. Subscribers may expect another year of inspired stories, insightful articles and colorful photos. The Archeparchy’s official newspaper is produced monthly (12 issues) with two additional seasonal issues (Pascha/Easter and Christmas) for a total of 14 issues. Subscriptions are accepted year-round. See masthead (left) for rates and contact information. A full schedule of publication dates and basic submission guidelines will appear in the January issue. n
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Schedule of Services - Christmas 2016 Very Reverend Archpriest Dennis M. Bogda, Rector
Saturday, December 24 - Vigil, Feast of the Nativity of Our Lord - Christmas Eve
10:00 a.m. 7:45 p.m. 8:00 p.m.
Christmas Office of Readings (Royal Hours) Singing of Christmas Hymns and Carols Vespers with Divine Liturgy of St. Basil the Great
Sunday, December 25 - Feast of the Nativity of Our Lord - Christmas Day
10:00 a.m.
Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom
Monday, December 26 - Commemorating the Theotokos and Joseph
9:00 a.m. 7:00 p.m.
Divine Liturgy Vigil Divine Liturgy
mission
Tuesday, December 27 - Feast of the Holy Protomartyr Stephen
The mission of The Byzantine
Cathedral of St. John the Baptist | 210 Greentree Road | Munhall, PA 15120 | 412-461-0944
Catholic World is to spread
9:00 a.m.
Divine Liturgy
View services LIVE on the web at www.stjohnsbyzantinecathedral.com
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.
Radio Ministry reaches out to shut-ins The Byzantine Divine Liturgy is broadcast live every Sunday from Holy Ghost Church in McKees Rocks, Pa., 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. on WEDO Radio 810 AM. Contributions to help sustain this important ministry are most welcome and needed year-round. Especially at this time of year, when the spirit of giving is all around us, it is hoped that the generous faithful of the Archeparchy will add the Radio Liturgy Ministry to their gift lists. Checks should be made payable to the Archeparchy of Pittsburgh and sent to: Chancery, 66 Riverview Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15214, ATTN: Radio Liturgy Ministry. n
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from the office of the metropolitan
Keep the message of Christmas alive Christ is Born! Glorify Him! Dear People, After months of waiting for the birth of their first child, Mary and Joseph searched for a place to stay while traveling. Mary was about to give birth to Jesus. They had no reservations in a town where they were strangers. There were no places to stay. Finally, someone offered them a little stable in a cave outside of Bethlehem. Jesus Christ was born into this world in this most humble way. Angels, shepherds, farm animals, and a late arrival of three kings from the Orient were the only witnesses to his arrival into this world. The Gospel of Saint Luke is our source of a story filled with images which have become a part of our spiritual lives. We hear the gospel story each Christmas and see the nativity icons and crèches in our churches. The images of Jesus being born in Bethlehem used to be visible everywhere during the Christmas Season. Schools, stores, and public places all had the images of the entire Lukan story of the birth of Christ. The story of the Nativity became visible everywhere to remind us and to help proclaim the message to the world that God is with us. Through political decisions, the display of religious images has been restricted on civil buildings and properties in most cities in the United States. The restriction has influenced businesses to reduce or eliminate religious Christmas decorations which have the true meaning of Christmas. And the trend has influenced many not to display religious images in front of their homes. We need to keep the true message of Christmas alive. We can continue to try to challenge the secular trend through political means. This may not be successful today. However, we can decorate the outside of our churches and homes with the images and icons of the complete story of Christmas. In history governments have tried to get rid of Christmas, but Christmas has survived and returned in a stronger way through the spiritual power of the message and the devotion of the people. Saint Francis of Assisi lived in a time similar to ours. The faith of the people was worn down by war and a lack of faith. Near the end of his life, Saint Francis had an idea of how to bring Christ back into the celebration of Christmas. He proposed the reenactment of the story through a living crèche in the town of Greccio Italy. With the help of the people, Saint Francis gathered the people and animals. During that Christmas season, the people and animals were a living crèche. It is a tradition which has continued in Greccio until the present day. Many miracles of healing and spiritual renewal have been credited to the yearly celebration. The tradition spread around the world. Each year, the Basilian Sisters of Uniontown Pennsylvania with the help of the people continue the tradition of the living crèche before the celebration of Christmas. The faithful and other people travel great distances to attend the event each year. The living crèche makes Saint Luke’s gospel story come alive. Especially for the children, whenever the see the nativity icon, hear the gospel reading or the Christmas hymns, the story is alive and real to them. Not all Churches are suited for a living crèche. But when we are asked to decorate our churches for Christmas, please help to give honor to the Christ child by responding to the call to bring the spirit of Christmas inside and outside our churches. And when you decorate the inside of your home, you make Christmas come alive in the hearts of your faithful family. When you decorate the outside of your home you invite all to hear and receive the message that Jesus Christ is born and to glorify him. Sincerely yours in Christ,
Most Reverend William C. Skurla, D.D. Metropolitan Archbishop of Pittsburgh Apostolic Administrator of Parma the byzantine catholic world
official appointments by metropolitan archbishop william • Father John Salko, at his request and for reasons of health, has been relieved as pastor of St. John Church in Scottdale and been retired from active ministry in the Archeparchy effective Dec. 15. He continues receiving therapy and rehabilitation at St. Anne Home, 685 Angela Drive, Greensburg Pa. • Archpriest Dennis Bogda continues his therapy and rehabilitation at the St. Barnabas Nursing Home, 5827 Meridian Road, Gibsonia, Pa. • Father Oleh Seremchuk is relieved as administrator of St. Stephen Leisenring and is appointed administrator of St. John, Scottdale, while continuing as pastor of St. Nicholas, Perryopolis, effective Jan. 1, 2017. • Very Reverend Ronald P. Larko is appointed administrator of St. Stephen, Leisenring, while continuing as pastor of St. John, Uniontown, effective Jan. 1, 2017. • Darlene Fejka has resigned her Archieparchial responsibilities on Nov. 26. She continues as director of the Archieparchial Choir. • David Mayernik Jr. of St. Gregory Church in Upper St Clair has been hired as editor of the BCW and director of communications for the Archeparchy. He can be reached at dmayernik@ archpitt.org. n
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CHRISTMAS 2016
St. Nicholas Celebration centers on ‘Love in Action’ 2016 event theme highlights service
The 60th Annual St. Nicholas Celebration was held Sunday, Dec. 4 – the Feast of St. Nicholas – at St. John the Baptist Cathedral and Center in Munhall, Pa. Co-sponsored by the Greek Catholic Union and the Archeparchy of Pittsburgh, proceeds from the event benefit the Byzantine Catholic Seminary of SS. Cyril and Methodius. The afternoon and evening of festivity began with a Moleben to our Holy Father Nicholas the Wonderworker, presided over by Archbishop William. Seminary Rector Very Rev. Robert Pipta was the celebrant with Deacon George Wendt. Rev. Kevin Marks, assistant vocations director; pastor, St. Michael Church, Hermitage, Pa.; and administrator, St. Michael Church, Campbell, Ohio; was the homilist; and cantors were SubDeacon Brian Scotten and Seminarian Thomas Wells. The dinner program’s theme — “Service: Love in Action” — was invoked by Master of Ceremonies Chris Singel with opening remarks by Pipta. George Juba, president and chief executive officer, Greek Catholic Union, presented Archbishop William with the fraternal organization’s annual contribution to the Seminary, which this year totaled $110,000. The keynote address was provided by Thomas Connally, U.S. Marine Corps, retired; followed by vocal selections — including “Carol of the Bells,” “O Virgin Pure,” “O Holy Night,” and “Hymn to St. Nicholas” — sung by Seminarians and Seminary 60 years continued on page 5 the byzantine catholic world
CHRISTMAS 2016
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Celebration
continued from page 4 vocal students. Emcee Singel turned over his microphone to Rev. Christiaan Kappes, Seminary academic dean, to deliver the invocation. Archbishop William imparted his blessing over the meal, and the gala evening concluded with dinner enhanced table-to-table serenading by the Continental Dukes. This year’s program included a message from Archbishop William, who commented on a recent Pilgrimage trip to Italy, where he visited the tomb of St. Nicholas and celebrated the Divine Liturgy. which he called a “moving a grace-filled experience.” He wrote: “When we sang the hymn to St. Nicholas at the end of the Liturgy, I felt united with each of you as I remembered the heartfelt way we honor our Saint with raising our voices together in singing this hymn every year at this celebration. “We Byzantine Catholics hold St. Nicholas dear not only at this event or at Christmas time. Throughout the year, we try to help others as he did. Today you have reflected his charity by your generosity and presence here in a special way. But your continuing care for the Seminary and the Seminarians by your prayer and support happens often and not just on this day.” The Greek Catholic Union, the Archeparchy of Pittsburgh, the Byzantine Catholic Seminary and the St. Nicholas Celebration Committee thank everyone involved with this 2016 event who helped in any way to ensure its success. n
Event photography by Nick Havrilla Sr.
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parish news PAGE 6
CHRISTMAS 2016
A child is born in Bethlehem mt. st. macrina’s live nativity 2016
Hundreds of cars waited in line to view Mt. Macrina Manor’s Drive-Thru Live Nativity , which was held on the grounds of Mt. St. Macrina in North Union Township on Dec. 11.
St. John the Baptist Church in Avella celebrates here we come a-caroling
A visit from st. nicholas
Children of Saint John the Baptist Church in Avella welcomed St Nicholas on the eve of his feast day. After the Divine Liturgy celebrated by Fr Vasyl Symyon treats and refreshments were enjoyed by all.
St. John's Christmas Carolers from Avella visited local nursing homes and shuti-ins from its parish on Dec. 17. back row: John Ihnat, Corey Roman, Kendall Rush Cheryl Rush and Marge Marker. Front row: Kay Ihnat,Donna Roman,Kenneth Rush,Aiden Debnar, Chyann Smith, Aubrey Debar and Julianne Rush.
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parish news
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Christmas Memories “angel helper” at st. mary’s in youngstown
During the years of 1969–79 Joan (Hudak) Edgar was tapped to be the “Angel Helper” at St. Mary’s, Youngstown, Ohio. She sewed the costumes that were worn by her daughters and other parishioners’ children for Midnight Mass processions. Joan also supervised their practice and guided them to follow a dozen or more altar servers to diligently deliver the statue of Baby Jesus to the manger. Edgar remembers that her daughters often came to the supper table for their family’s Christmas Eve dinner with their hair rolled up in curlers so they would look pretty for the Midnight Mass’ angelic entrance. n
Christmas eve 1984 in charleroi
Christmas 2013 at st. gregory in upper st. clair
The decorated church sanctuary is from Christmas Eve 1984 at Holy Ghost in Charleroi. The church interior of the building had not yet been adiorned with all the present-day icons from a renovation project in the late 1980s.
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CHRISTMAS 2016
Corner
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Activity Write in the missing word on each line. The first letter of each word spells the first part of the phrase which Byzantine Catholics use to greet each other during Christmastime.
The Ultimate Gift by Sandy Simko
It was so very long ago in a small village in not so comfortable a setting that a special babe came into our world. His mother Mary wrapped the babe in cloths and lovingly laid him on the soft hay with Joseph at her side. A human, earthly family was created - a HOLY FAMILY. This child Jesus is God’s ultimate gift to you – his unconditional love! Did you ever wonder why God was so generous with his love for you? This child Jesus would grow into manhood and model for you the way to use God’s ultimate gift of love. Because of his love, Jesus guides you as you grow in faith and holiness. You belong to several families. As a member of GOD’S FAMILY, the Theotokos is your mother; God is your father and Jesus is your brother. And you are a child of God. When you were baptized, you became a member of a CHURCH FAMILY. The scriptures tell you that Jesus and his parents traveled many miles to attend services at the temple. On another occasion, Mary and Joseph found Jesus in the temple listening to the church leaders. You come to church as a family to honor and praise God, to learn from the education programs, the gospel readings and the sermons. The more you learn about God, the more you realize there is more to learn. When you participate in social events or volunteer at a fundraiser, these are ways to show church togetherness. Coming together enables you to make special friends
At last, they found where the baby lay fast asleep upon the hay ...
and to appreciate the variety of personalities that form your church family. Another priceless family is of course your PERSONAL FAMILY. On that very first holy night, Jesus experienced the tender and emotional love that only his parents could provide. Can you feel the special emotional love that your family members share with you? Your parents not only share their love with you but their skills and talents. Cooperate when your parents are interacting with you. Jesus listened when Joseph taught him the skills of carpentry. Jesus listened when Mary asked him to change the water to wine at the wedding at Cana. There is an old adage that states LOVE makes the world go round. Can this be true? Without God’s love, would there be happiness, hope, joy, and forgiveness in the world? Without the love of your family would you feel safe? Would you appreciate the little experiences that make you smile or laugh? Your personal family works together with your church family. Attending a Divine Liturgy with your personal family is not only a loving expression of togetherness but also a beautiful way to praise God. When you open your holiday gifts, remember that the most important gift that you can receive is the gift of love. You should be thankful for God’s ultimate gift of love and for your church and personal families that are the extensions of God’s mystery of unconditional love. JUST THINK HOW HAPPY GOD WOULD BE IF ALL THE PEOPLE OF THE WORLD WOULD LIVE IN PEACE AND LOVE! n
C is for _________________, the day Jesus was born. H is for _________________, the evil king of Judea. R is for _________________, who came to save our souls. I is for _________________, who said there was no room. S is for __________, who held the infant Jesus in his arms. Tis for __________ of great joy, proclaimed by the angels. I is for __________, a title for Jesus; means “God with us.” S is for __________ — Jesus, God’s only begotten. B is for ___________________, the birthplace of Jesus. O is for ________, the strong animals guarding the infant. R is for _______________ and be glad, for Christ is Born! N is for __________, another word for the birth of Jesus.
GLORIFY HIM!
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SEE ANSWER KEY ON PAGE 12.
CHRISTMAS 2016
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9
Remembering the “good ol’ days” of Christmas moments both happy and sad marked the celebration by Lori Downey SS. Peter & Paul, Braddock
Christmas has always been such a special Holy Day for me. The birth of our Lord is the reason we celebrate this day and having family and friends to share this with me (us) is a blessing. Trying to think of my favorite Christmas memory is way too difficult because there are so many memories past and present that have affected me and made me so grateful. I do, however, often say that I miss the good ol’ days! Those days were the ones where I still had my dear mom and dad here with me and my wonderful and feisty baba, as well as many other special people. The traditions that I learned from my mom and baba are now part of my life with Don, and sharing them with my brothers sometimes makes me feel like the new matriarch of our family. The smell of mushroom soup, bobalki, ham and kolbassi turns our house into the one I remember as a child. It was also a tradition to have company, lots of company, at
our house after the midnight liturgy. That tradition started when my Uncle John drove Baba home from church, and later it grew into most aunts/ uncles/cousins coming to visit in the wee hours after midnight liturgy. I have always remembered one Christmas in particular that made me feel very sad. My dad worked at the Homestead Steel Mill and he worked 3 different shifts. I was probably about 7 years old when my dad had to go to work at midnight on Christmas Eve. He kissed me goodnight and told me to go to bed before Santa came, and then he left to walk the mile long walk to where he caught the bus to take him to the mill. I remember feeling so sad that he had to walk so far and to go to such a tough job, especially on Christmas Eve. Christmas 2000 was one of sadness and joy and gratefulness. A few months prior to Christmas my mom’s cancer was diagnosed. My mom left the hospital and she moved in with Don and me.
Our home became her home. It was a sad and tough time, but we loved having her with us. And, I truly believe that her living with us for her last Thanksgiving, Christmas and Pascha was the best gift for her and for us. Don and I may have started a new tradition last year. After years of having a real/fresh tree that we picked at a local lot or fire dept, we thought it would be more fun to head to a tree farm. The drive was well worth it and the climb up and down
the steep hills looking for “just the right” Fraser fir paid off! The tree looked perfect in our living room. Hopefully we’ll be back on those hills again this year looking for yet another perfect tree. Now if only I have my beautiful snow on the ground while climbing those hills, I’ll really be a happy camper (tree picker)! Don and I wish everyone a happy and blessed Christmas! n
St. Nicholas visits Assumption of the Mother of God dec. 6 feast Day celebrated in weirton, W. Va.
Mass for Life to be celebrated in Washington, D.C. event precedes March for Life on jan. 27 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 tele-
vised by EWTN. The overnight Vigil for Life features our Byzantine Night Prayer, celebrated by Bishop of Passaic's Very Reverent Kurt Burnette, continues until 6 a.m. Adoration in the CryptChurch. Plans are being made for Divine Liturgy to be celebrated in our Byzantine Chapel at 9:15 a.m. preceding the Rally for Life at noon near the WashingtonMonument. 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 me at our Facebook page "Eastern Pro Life" for questions and communications. Parking is available near the Basilica. Another alternative which avoids the Beltway traffic is to park at
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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 Deacon Paul Boboige, Pro-Life Office Coordinator, Eparchy of Pittsburgh.
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CHRISTMAS 2016
thoughts for our day by Archpriest David M. Petras
The feast of light S a i n t Gregory the Theologian’s H o m i l y 38 was on the feast of Christmas. His opening words are: “Christ is born, glorify him.” These became the opening words of Ode 1 of the Canon of Christmas, and, moreover, have become the words with which we greet each other on Christmas. In Gregory’s time, Christmas was called the “Feast of Light.” In his second paragraph, St. Gregory proclaims, “Again the darkness is past; again Light is made .... The people that sat in the darkness of ignorance, let it see the Great Light of full knowledge.” Christmas comes on the shortest day of the year (at least in the Northern hemisphere), and the days begin to be longer, so that the natural rhythms of nature witness to the spiritual Light of Christmas. In the Christmas troparion, we sing, “Your birth, O Christ our God, has shed upon the world the light of knowledge.” In the time of St. Gregory, the Feast of Light was a double feast of the coming of God into the world, the revelation of the Son of God taking on human nature at Christmas, and the revelation of the Trinity at Theophany (January 6) at the baptism of Jesus, when the Father’s voice was heard, “This is my beloved Son,” and the Spirit came upon Jesus in the form of a dove, for he brings God’s peace. “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with
God through our Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 5:1)” From Christmas Day, December 25 to the Vigil of Theophany there are twelve days. The feast of Light, then, is a twelve day feast, which we still remember in the “twelve days of Christmas.” The American
“Every time we come to church for the celebration of the Divine Liturgy, we pray for peace.” secular culture, however, has inverted the celebration, so that most people now think that the twelve days are from December 13th to the 25th, before the day of Christ’s birth. There is nothing special about the twelve days before Christmas, indeed, in the Church tradition they are days of fasting, but it is important for business to make us happy and buy more gifts. Christmas is a feast of Light that is not completed until the revelation of Theophany. The gospels of St. Matthew and St. Luke begin with the birth of Christ, but the gospel of St. Mark with the baptism of Jesus, the Theophany. The Gospel of St. John, though, begins with light, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it .... The true light, which enlightens everyone, was
coming into the world .... And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us, and we saw his glory, the glory as of the Father’s only Son, full of grace and truth. (John 1:5,9, 14)” St. Gregory continues in his homily, “Christ from heaven, go out to meet him.,” also a part of Ode 1 at Matins. This is his challenge to his flock and, indeed, to all of us at all times. Christmas is not worth celebrating unless we make the effort to meet him. Christmas and the twelve days subsequent until Theophany are a time to know and understand Christ and his message better, to “follow the light.” And what this light tells us is that by baptism, we clothe ourselves in Christ, that we humble ourselves before him, as did the shepherds and the Magi, for those who humble themselves will be exalted. So St. Gregory continues, “Christ on earth; be exalted.” Christmas is also the feast of peace. “For a child is born to us, a son is given to us; upon his shoulder dominion rests. They name him Wonder Counselor, God Hero, Father Forever, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:5)” This is explicitly proclaimed in the readings of the Christmas Vigil. The fourth readings paints a glorious vision of how the child will bring about peace as he lies in the manger for beasts in the cave of Bethlehem, “Then the wolf shall be a guest of the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the young goat; the calf and the young lion shall browse together, with a little child to guide them. The cow and the bear shall graze,
Christos Raždajetsja! Slavite Jeho!
Christ is Born! Glorify Him!
together their young shall lie down; the lion shall eat hay like the ox. (Isaiah 11:6-7)” This is a message from God, who sends the angels to announce Christ’s birth: ““Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests. (Luke 2:14)” Every Christmas is a time of hope for peace, but there is still war and hatreds in our hearts. Every time we come to church for the celebration of the Divine Liturgy, we pray for peace. In the opening litany, the deacon prays for three kinds of peace, for peace in our church, “In peace let us pray to the Lord;” for peace in the world, freedom from wars, “For peace in the whole world,” and especially for spiritual peace in faith in our Lord, “For peace from on high and for the salvation of our souls.” This is the peace promised by our Lord, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid. (John 14:27)” Individually, we may not be able to change the whole world, but we can begin my making peace a priority in our own lives, with those whom we love and with those who are our neighbor. The most important reality, however, is that we do not make peace a celebration of only one day. In Christmas, God comes to be with us, and when he was glorified after his resurrection, he said, “I am with you always. (Matthew 28:20)” Christmas, then, is not simply a pretty, sentimental feast, but the transformation of our lives for all our days. n
RUSYN HERITAGE RADIO PROGRAM
Directory Assistance To find information on-line for churches in the Archeparchy, go to www.archpitt.org and click on “Directories” on the drop-down
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Sundays 2:30 p.m. WPIT-AM 730 Pittsburgh, PA
CHRISTMAS 2016
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...And a hello!
A farewell...
simply...sincerely...thank you
new editor excited to spread good news by David Mayernik Jr.
by Darlene Fejka
After nearly 12 years of serving the Archeparchy of Pittsburgh and The Byzantine Catholic World newspaper, it is with bittersweet thanks that I formally announce my parting with this revered medium. Along with serving The BCW in print, as the Archeparchy’s communications coordinator I also have enjoyed the opportunity to spread the good news online via the Archeparchy’s web site and Facebook page The responsibility of reporting, writing, editing, photographing events, creating graphics, and assembling the final product for delivery to BCW readers has been sheer joy and fulfillment, and I am evermore blessed to have had the opportunity – as The BCW’s mission states – to spread the Gospel message in the rich tradition of the Byzantine Catholic Church and to encourage the faithful to reflect the image of Christ in everyday activities of life. Heartfelt thanks to Archbishop William (and before him, +Archbishop Basil) for confidence in my ability to carry out
this mission. And, along with endless thanks to copy editor Sister Elaine Kisinko and countless others – the clergy, religious and faithful contributors and columnists who have enriched the pages of this publication and lightened the load of my BCW “job” – I offer with untold appreciation a resounding “thank you” to Sandy Simko (Kids Corner) and Nick Havrilla, Sr. (photography) for their steadfast contribution of time, talent and treasure for the advancement of God’s kingdom! Finally, as I enter into the next phase of my own life’s mission – as the new Director of Development and Marketing for the Pittsburgh International Folk Arts Institute – I acknowledge you, the readers of The BCW for your support of this 60plus year old newspaper which I have been blessed to serve. Simply,...sincerely...thank you … with warm wishes for a very blessed Nativity season and Happy New Year! n
As the byline above states, my name is David Mayernik Jr. and I am humbled to say I am the new editor of The Byzantine Catholic World. As I sit at my desk on the third floor of the Chancery of the Byzantine Catholic Archeparchy of Pittsburgh, I can’t help but think this is a destination that has been years in the making. As a child, I would create my own newspapers and magazines out of paper and pens and my parents even bought me a copying machine one Christmas to use as a makeshift printing press. I worked at the TribuneReview for the past 15 years as a news assistant and a reporter for its suburban Pittsburgh newspapers. I spent many of those evenings covering municipal council and school board meetings and telling stories ranging from the potential closing of the 911th Airlift Wing in Moon to a preschool Thanksgiving celebration at a Roman Catholic church in
Scott. Most importantly, I was baptized at St. Mary Byzantine Catholic Church of the Assumption in Monessen and am a member of St. Gregory Byzantine Catholic Church in Upper St. Clair. As I begin this new journey, I am excited about what lies ahead and being part of the Byzantine Catholic community in a deeply fulfilling way. On the second page of each issue of The Byzantine Catholic World is a text box stating its mission: “To spread the Gospel message in the rich tradition of the Byzantine 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...” This will certainly remain true and I encourage readers to send in their stories and photos so I can let others know how Christ is affecting your lives and churches. Let’s all work together to spread the Good News. n
making a difference
Longing for Christmas peace in the Holy Land
by Tony Magliano
During this wonderful time of the year, when Christians throughout the world focus minds and hearts on the coming of God himself upon the earth as one of us, our attention naturally turns to the place where the incarnation occurred. While all the earth is a holy creation of the Almighty, Bethlehem and the surrounding lands that Jesus walked upon, taught upon, miraculously acted upon, suffered and died upon, and gloriously resurrected upon is uniquely holy, and thus deserving of the title Holy Land. In the Holy Land the Prince of Peace taught humanity the way to true peace. In word and deed Jesus showed the world that justice, merciful forgiveness, solidarity, compassion, special care for the poor and vulnerable, nonviolence and complete trust in God – not trusting in material wealth and military might – are the necessary steps we must take if we truly desire to walk
the path to peace. But sadly, so many people, corporations and governments arrogantly ignore the wisdom of the Prince of Peace – even in the Holy Land. Catholic Relief Services’ country representative for Jerusalem, the West Bank and Gaza, Hilary DuBose, explained to me that after nearly 50 years of Israeli occupation, with no foreseeable end to the conflict, and no reasonable expectation for a totally independent and viable nation, Palestinians feel hopeless. The very high unemployment rate in the West Bank remains over 25 percent. And in Gaza it’s much worse. Israel has imposed an air, land and sea blockade around Gaza. DuBose said, “On the humanitarian side, it is hampering our ability to coordinate and support our work there. Gazans themselves feel trapped, and describe their lives as if living in an open-air prison.” According to the World Bank, in 2016 the Palestinian unemployment rate reached a staggering 27 percent in the Israeli occupied West Bank. And
in Gaza the rate was far worse at 42 percent, with youth unemployment at 58 percent. According to The Legal Center for Arab Minority Rights in Israel, even Palestinian citizens of Israel often face discrimination in work opportunities, pay and conditions. To help correct the discriminatory challenges faced by Palestinians, Irish-born American Father Sean McManus has put forth the Holy Land Principles. The eight Holy Land Principles in summary call on U.S. companies operating in Israel and Palestine to adhere to equal and fair employment practices in all areas without discrimination, to actively recruit underrepresented employee groups, and to work with governmental and community authorities to eliminate ethnic, racial and religious disparities in government spending on education, training, access to health care and housing. Please go to www.holylandprinciples.org to learn more about these important moral principles and how you can help advance them. You can also help our suf-
the byzantine catholic world
fering Palestinian brothers and sisters in the Holy Land by giving a Christmas gift to Catholic Near East Welfare Association. To give online please go to http://bit.ly/2hxXcZm. The International Court of Justice has declared that Israeli settlements in the Occupied Territories are illegal according to international law. The ecumenical organization Churches for Middle East Peace is asking Americans to contact their two U.S. senators asking them to urge President Obama to support a U.N. Security Council resolution that clearly states that all Israeli settlements are illegal. To send your senators this message, please go to http://bit.ly/2hGQ6Vj. By acting on behalf of our suffering brothers and sisters in the Holy Land, we are doing our part to keep Christ in Christmas. 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 and can be reached at tmag@zoominternet.net.
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CHRISTMAS 2016
Christmas at the Cathedral with the Archeparchial Choir
Sunday, December 18
Your Birth, O Christ our God * Has shed upon the world the Light of Knowledge * for through it, those who worshiped the stars * have learned from a star to worship you, the Sun of Justice * and to know you, the Dawn from on High * Glory to you, O Lord! — Troparion of the Nativity
2:00 p.m.
St. John the Baptist Cathedral Munhall, Pa. A choral program featuring beautiful and beloved Christmas hymns and carols from Byzantine and Western traditions
‘Hasten to Bethlehem!’
Christos Raždajetsja! Slavite Jeho! Christ is Born! Glorify Him!
Krisztus megszületett! Dicsöítsük Öt!
Hospitality reception with refreshments and treats following program in lower level of the Cathedral
BYZANTINE DIVINE LITURGY
All are welcome! No admission charge. Lots of free, level parking.
Sundays 9:00 a.m. • WEDO Radio • 810 AM Broadcast live from Holy Ghost Church, McKees Rocks
Also view liturgical services (various times) at: www.holyghost-byzantinecatholic.org www.stjohnsbyzantinecathedral.com www.sjcbcc.com
Saturdays at the Seminary Join the Byzantine Catholic Seminary community for liturgical services on Jan. 14 and 21: Divine Liturgy at 9 a.m. Great Vespers at 5 p.m.
S is for Simeon; T is for Tidings … I is for Immanuel; S is for Son … C is for Christmas; H is for Herod; R is for Redeemer; I is for Innkeeper;
For more information about the Seminary, go to www.bcs.edu.
ANSWERS from Kids Corner page 10:
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.
B is for Bethlehem; O is for Oxen; R is for Rejoice; N is for Nativity
“Come, let us sing joyfully to the Lord”
dates to remember december 18 Christmas at the Cathedral with the Archeparchial Choir St. John the Baptist Cathedral - Munhall, Pa. december 25 Feast of the Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ december 26 Feast of the Synaxis of the Holy Theotokos CHANCERY CLOSED december 27 Feast of the Holy Protomartyr Stephen
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december 31 Vigil of the Feast of the Circumcision of our Lord Vigil of the Feast of St. Basil the Great New Year’s Eve
JANUARY 2017
january 1 Feast of the Circumcision of our Lord Feast of St. Basil the Great
DECEMBER 31
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