THE OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE ARCHEPARCHY OF PITTSBURGH
reflections on Baptism
Inside
Seminarian Paul West offers thoughts for his son. Page 5
VOL. 62 NO. 4
a visit to st. anthony chapel St. John the Baptist Cathedral parishioners visit Troy Hill, Pa. Page 8
New approaches to homilies
APRIL 2017
promise to protect April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. Page 10
Women’s Day of Reflection set for May 6 14th annual event features three speakers
Father Don Bolls served as presenter during Clergy Formation Day at St. John the Baptist Cathedral in Munhall, Pa. on March 7, as priests and deacons of the Archeparchy gathered for prayer and discussion. See page 12 for more photos by Nick Havrilla Sr.
Clergy gather for Formation Day father don bolls discusses the art of writing homilies by David Mayernik Jr. editor
Father Don Bolls was at the head of the class at Clergy Formation Day at St. John the Baptist Catehdral in Munhall, Pa. on March 7. And he was happy so many chairs were filled with 30 priests and deacons eager to hear his presentation on writing homilies. "I actually had to run off extra copies of some of my handouts. I thought if I got 15 that would be huge," he said. Clergy Formation Days are held regularly throughout the year for priests and deacons of the Byzantine Catholic Archeparchy of Pittsburgh. "It's an opportunity for the men to get together and have some fellowship. We do worship as part of this and usually someone will present some-
thing. It could just be reflections on a Bible passage or two. "I enjoy them. I think they're helpful. I always have a good lunch,” he said, with a laugh. Bolls teaches homiletics at the Byzantine Catholic Seminary of SS. Cyril and Methodius and serves at Holy Trinity in Wall, Pa. and Church of the Resurrection in Monroeville. Pa. Bolls said he discussed different aspects of writing homilies. "I sort of did a little refresher course but also to give them some different ways...things that might be helpful sometimes when they were in a rut or needed a new approach. "(I presented) some of the things I've discovered over the years, either from my own homiletics professors or just the experience of doing this. Some do's and don'ts; there were a lot of those. Mostly mis-
takes I have made many times and continue to make." Bolls said part of his presentation centered on writing out sermons before Sunday liturgies. “Some of our clergy do and and some don't...some preach from an outline, some write everything out. I was encouraging them to write sermons out and then perhaps take a stab at memorizing them. “The guys had some good feedback about things that were helpful to them and contributed to the conversation. Some of them had a few questions based on my presentation." Bolls said everyone enjoyed the day, which helped everyone grow in their faith. "I thought it was a good event. I enjoyed it. I was very gratified with the response." n
Amy Brooks, Gisele Fetterman and Dee Ruckert will be featured speakers at the 14th annual Women’s Day of Reflection. The event will be held 9 a.m.2:30 p.m. May 6 at St. John the Baptist Cathedral, 210 Greentree Road, Munhall. This year's theme is "A Kaleidoscope of Gifted Women" and the day's activities will include a luncheon, vendors and a basket auction with proceeds donated to local women's shelters. Unseen Arms Amy Brooks was born with an extremely rare condition called Tetraphocomelia, or having no arms or legs. She was left abandoned at the hospital by her birth parents then adopted by a Christian family. She is a joyful, exuberant and faithful Christian whose vision is to glorify Christ by testifying to the unbeliever of His saving grace and by bringing encouragement to those who already know Him. In her inspiring, humorous, and uplifting twopart autobiography, Amy takes you on an amazing journey as she shares her life story and her enviable faith. Most importantly, Amy will challenge and inspire you in a way that promises to change your life forever! Love is Free Gisele Fetterman is a nutrition Story continued on page 11
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from the office of the metropolitan
Palm Sunday 2017 UPS 081500 ISSN 07442289
On Palm Sunday, we offer our works and lives to the Lord
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. Editor 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
Postmaster: send address changes to: The Byzantine Catholic World ATTN: Donna 66 Riverview Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15214 Please allow 2-3 weeks for address changes to take effect. Submissions deadline: 15th of the month prior to the month of publication.
The Byzantine Catholic World is a member of the Catholic Press Association.
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
Palm Sunday reminds us of the transition from the Great Fast to the preparations for the Paschal celebration on Easter Sunday. The somber Lenten hymns will give way to the joyous songs to come. In our tradition, Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem follows the pattern of the victory procession following upon the miracle of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. In our time, the best example is the parade and celebration in a city when the local sports team wins a national championship. Last year, Cleveland celebrated for basketball; Pittsburgh celebrated for hockey; and Chicago celebrated for baseball. After months of struggle in the regular season and the endless playoff games, the victory celebration gives praise to the players and coaches. But it also gives credit to the loyal fans who, in some cities, wait a lifetime for a championship title for their team. The longer the wait for victory, the greater the joy! The tradition of victory celebrations and the parade of champions goes back to ancient times. When a Roman army won a battle, it would return to Rome in a great procession. It would march the defeated soldiers and leaders, as well as the spoils of war, ahead of the triumphant soldiers, and at the end of the parade was the general. After years of waiting, the people lined the streets of the parade, singing and waving their hands and branches in praise for the safe return of their loved family members. The longer they waited for their return the greater their joy. As Jesus entered Jerusalem, on the day following his miraculous restoring of his friend Lazarus to life, the people gave him a king’s welcome. They greeted him with branches of palm trees and shouted: “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, (even) the king of Israel!” (John 12:13). This came to pass so that the prophetic words of sacred Scripture would be fulfilled: “Fear no more, O daughter Zion; see, your king comes, seated upon an ass’s colt” (John 12:15). Appropriately, the movement of the season of fasting to the season of feasting is reflected through the story of Jesus and the disciples’ triumphal entry into the city of Jerusalem. We participate in the joy of the people lining the streets in Jerusalem when we line the Photo by Archbishop William Skurla procession on Palm Sunday holding our palms and pussy willows that are raised in honor of our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ. On Lazarus Saturday, before Palm and Pussy Willow Sunday, we participate in the sadness of Mary and Martha at the loss of their brother. And we cheer because Jesus returned to raise his friend Lazarus from the dead. If we believe that we will be raised from death to life, we will be raised up to eternal life. In our Lenten journey, we take on extra spiritual burdens, along with the burdens and crosses we carry each day. We offer these burdens as a way to atone for our sins. As we lift our branches and palms, we offer our works and lives to the Lord. Waiting for another championship team is just like waiting for Easter Sunday. The longer and more dedicated the fasting, prayer and service for others during the time Sincerely yours in Christ,
Catholics in the Archeparchy of Pittsburgh, throughout the Metropolitan Church in America, and around the world.
Most Reverend William C. Skurla, D.D. Metropolitan Archbishop of Pittsburgh Apostolic Administrator of Parma the byzantine catholic world
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Mark Your Calendar Women’s Day of Reflection Gisele Fetterman, founder of Free Store 15104, will discuss securing donations from companies that are overstocked and distributing them to the poor during Women’s Day of Refledction at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Munhall, Pa. on May 6. Gisele is wife of Braddock Mayor John Fetterman. Volunteers at Free Store 15104 serve an average of 1,600 people per month and is funded by honoraria he makes in his position as mayor. Gisele’s concept for her charitable work is: “Just be kind. Take only what you need. Pay it forward.” For more information, go to www.freestore15104.org/ ourstory. Call the Office of Religious Education at 412-322-8773 to register or download the brochure at www.archpitt.org. n
National Catholic Singles Conference The National Catholic Singles Conference will be held May 19 to 21 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Pittsburgh, 500 Mansfield Ave., Green Tree. A Byzantine Divine Liturgy will be celebrated 11:30 a.m. May 20 in one of the banquet rooms. For more information, go to www.nationalcatholicsingles. com. n
Genealogy workshop "Nashi Predky — Our Ancestors" Family History Group of the Ukrainian Historical and Educational Center of New Jersey will host a "Rediscovering Your Family Stories" genealogy workshop 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. May 6 at the Ukrainian American Citizens' Club, 302 Mansfield Blvd., Carnegie, Pa. The organization's goal is to help Ukrainians and others in the United States learn about their family histories, collect stories and documents about their immigrant ancestors and get advice on preserving family records. Workshop topics include: the basics of Ukrainian genealogy; finding and using Ukrainian church records; and the history of Lemkos, Boykos and Hutsuls. Featured speakers are Justin Houser, Michael Buryk, Rich Venezia and Michelle Chubenko. Cost is $55, which includes breakfast and lunch. Register
online at www.NashiPredky. org/workshop. n
Saint Vincent College Summer Program for Youth Saint Vincent College will host the seventh annual Faith and Reason Summer Program, an intensive, one-week introduction to the Catholic, liberal arts tradition June 11 to 16. The program is directed by Dr. Michael P. Krom, associate professor and chair of the philosophy department. It is designed for advanced high school and first-year college students who are seeking an opportunity to come to a deeper understanding of the Catholic faith and its integration in college education. Students age 15 and older are invited to apply for admission to the program. All staff are Benedictine and lay professors on the faculty of Saint Vincent. Participants will have an opportunity to explore the relationship between faith and reason, examine the perennial questions of humanity, develop their communication skills, learn how to analyze difficult arguments, prepare for college studies and integrate their moral, intellectual and spiritual development. Each day is structured around the Saint Vincent monastic schedule of prayer and Mass. During the class sessions, students analyze and discuss selected reading passages in a seminar setting. There is also leisure time for recreational activities, movies and excursions to attractions in the Laurel Highlands and Pittsburgh areas. Housing in a college residence hall and three daily meals in the college dining hall are included in the $495 cost. Saint Vincent College students serve as residence hall directors. Limited scholarship funding is available for Byzantine youth. Additional information is available by contacting Krom at 724-805-2844 or michael. krom@stvincent.edu. Register online at www.stvincent.edu/ faithandreason. n
Metropolitan Cantor Institute online programs The Metropolitan Cantor Institute will offer the following online courses in 2017: n Introduction to the Divien Liturgy: April 24 to June 16. This course presents tbe Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom
at an introductory level. Students learn to lead the chants of the Divine Liturgy, including music sung at Communion and before and after Liturgy. Students will record their singing for review and feedback and must demonstrate their ability to sing one version of each of the ordinary chants of the Divine Liturgy. Tuition is $75. Prerequisites are Introduction to Liturgy and and Introduction to Church Singing or equivalent. n Reading in Church: April 24 to May 19. This course will teach those with basic singing experience how to correctly chant the epistle and other readings at liturgical services. The course will cover the role of Scripture in services and how to make regular Scripture study part of your life. It is intended for church readers and cantors. Students will record their singing for review and feedback. Tuition is $50. No prerequisites but the Introduction to Church Singing course is recommended. All courses require a computer, Internet access and speakers or headphones. For courses which require recording of singing, students will use a computer microphone or digital tape recorder. Course material will all be recorded and students watch or listen on their own schedule. Weekly assignments will ensure a steady pace of learning. Courses are intended for the education and formation of cantors for the Byzantine Catholic Church; others will be admitted on a space-available basis. Courses are graded on a pass/fail basis, and aim at an understanding of the liturgy, mastery of the plain chant, and the ability to lead congregations in prayer. Students are expected to work hard, learning with other cantors and those wanting to become cantors. To register, fill out the registration form on the Cantor Institute Web site at mci.archpitt.org and submit it with the appropriate tuition. n
Events at Mount St. Macrina The following events will be hosted by the Sisters of the Order of St. Basil the Great and held at the House of Prayer,
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Mount St. Macrina, 500 W. Main St., Uniontown, Pa. For information, call 724-4387149. www.sistersofstbasil.org. n Weekly Lenten Prayer Service: noon Tuesdays through April 11. n Spiritual Reflection: "Laughter is the Best Medicine"with Becky Johnen will be held 10 a.m.-1 p.m. April 8. Offering is $30. Registration is due by April 4. Lunch will be served. n Women’s Discernment Weekend with Sister Barbara Jean: 7 p.m. April 21 to 11 a.m. April 23. Offering is $130 and $105 for commuters. Registration is due by April 17. n Candlelight Dinner for Married Couples with Pastor Ken and Thelma Walls: 6:30-8:30 p.m. April 27. Dinner, music and a presentation. Offering is $60 per couple. Registration is due by April 21. n
Byzantine Perspectives on the Theotokos Conference The Byzantine Catholic Seminary of SS. Cyril & Methodius will host Byzantine Perspectives on the Theotokos Conference May 15 to 16 at the Seminary. Mariologist Mary B. Cunningham of the University of Nottingham will deliver the keynote address: “The Intercessory Power of Mary, the Mother of God: The Byzantine View.” Students, academics, independent scholars, priests and lay individuals are welcome to attend. Registration includes meals. For information, go to www.bcs.edu/theotokos-conference/. n
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making a difference
Pope Francis’ call to action by Tony Magliano
You may not have heard about it, but it was a big deal — big enough to inspire Pope Francis to get involved. The “big deal” was the under-reported U.S. Regional World Meeting of Popular Movements (WMPM) that recently gathered (Feb. 16 to 19) in Modesto, Calif. Drawing together hundreds of faith-based and social justice organizers from across the United States and the world, the WMPM focused on the themes of “land, labor and lodging,” along with immigration and racial issues. Sponsored in part by the Vatican’s department of Integral Human Development and U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, the WMPM in California was the first such regional gathering to follow three previous international meetings. In 2014, Pope Francis convened the first-ever World Meeting of Popular Movements at the Vatican to address the basic need of everyone for adequate land, housing and work.
In a letter read to participants at the recent U.S. Regional WMPM in California, Pope Francis said, “It makes me very happy to see you working together towards social justice! How I wish that such constructive energy would spread to all dioceses, because it builds bridges between peoples and individuals. These are bridges that can overcome the walls of exclusion, indifference, racism and intolerance.” In Francis’ call to dioceses to build bridges that overcome societal and economic injustices, it’s important to note that those bridges need to be built on the solid foundation of Catholic social teaching — unfortunately our best kept secret. Sadly, many Catholics — clergy and laity alike — view Catholic social teaching as a minor sub-topic of Catholicism. On the contrary, the social doctrine of the Catholic Church is nonnegotiable. It is an extremely important, absolute central part of Catholic teaching. Therefore it is essential for every diocese and parish to finally make a firm commitment to learn about, pray over, and live out Catholic social teaching.
Then the essential bridges between peoples and individuals Pope Francis is calling us to construct, will be built on solid rock like that of the wise man in the Gospel whom Jesus praises for building his house on firm ground, so that when the storms came, the house stood strong. And make no mistake about it, when we courageously stand with the poor and vulnerable, the evil one together with the violent forces of “the world” will mount a powerful storm against us. But if we are anchored firmly in the Gospel, and Gospel-based Catholic social teaching, we too will stand strong within the invincible armor of God! Continuing his remarks to the U.S. Regional WMPM the Holy Father said, “I am speaking of a system that causes enormous suffering to the human family, simultaneously assaulting people’s dignity and our common home in order to sustain the invisible tyranny of money that only guarantees the privileges of a few.” No mere window dressing will fix this immoral mess. The entire money-hungry, greed-driven system needs to be dismantled and replaced
with an economic system that places human beings — every human being — above money and things. Turning to the environment, Pope Francis warns that “The ecological crisis is real. A very solid scientific consensus indicates that we are presently witnessing a disturbing warming of the climatic system...Let us not fall into denial. “There are fundamentalist and violent individuals in all peoples and religions — and with intolerant generalizations they become stronger because they feed on hate and xenophobia. “By confronting terror with love, we work for 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
People-watching in Disney’s magical kingdoms vacation offers time for personal reflection by David Mayernik Jr. editor
Since my brother, Jeremy, and I were old enough to be gainfully employed following college, we have been taking somewhat regular trips to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Fla. and Disneyland in Anaheim, Calif. When we first visited the Florida resort complex in the 1980s as preteens with our parents, we knew it was a place we wanted to visit again (and again and again). Over the past 20 years, I've come to understand a Disney World vacation is a "vacation" in name only. It's actually a lot of work. There are early wake-up calls and miles and miles of walking. As well as paying a premium for hamburgers and Mickey Mouse ice cream bars. Of course, there are a lot of pluses. It's a heck of a lot of fun riding Peter Pan's Flight and Splash Mountain, watching the Main Street Electrical Parade and eating as many chocolate
chip cookies my blood sugar count can handle. A lot of the attraction is being totally immersed in another world. A world where no garbage is found on walkways and grassy areas and everyone, from Disney cast members to fellow vacationers, is courteous no matter the situation. It's kind of impossible not to get caught up in it since the experience is often 180 degrees opposite to life in the "real world." One of my favorite activities there is simply people-watching. Specifically, watching children (and adults) take photos with the multitudes of costumed characters which populate each of Disney's four theme parks. There's Donald Duck and Goofy, Princess Elsa and Anna from "Frozen," and the main objective of any Walt Disney World guest: a photo with Mickey Mouse. When Chip and Dale playfully touch your Pittsburgh
David Mayernik Jr. and Mickey Mouse — dressed in his Easter best —pose for a photo in Disneyland in Anaheim, Calif.. in April 2014. Editor’s note: Mayernik Jr. is on right.
Penguins ballcap or Buzz Lightyear gives you a big handshake and pat on the back, it's hard to resist having a smile cross your face. As I said, you get caught up in it. I started thinking about what makes the expereince so special, especially when a child meets their furry cartoon idol in the flesh, and concluded it's all about unconditional love. Disney characters don't judge children who may be shy or have a physical disability and
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that has to be a major reason why they are so beloved. It’s always a special moment to witness. Everyone is looking for someone who loves them for who they are. I hope these children get to experience it again after they return home from a magical vacation. Instead of searching out others to hug, I hope they’re on the receiving end. n
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the byzantine catholic world first person
Reflections on baptism
by Paul West Seminarian, Byzantine Catholic Seminary of SS. Cyril and Methodius
Nicholas, my son, today is the day of your Baptism. You are only a month old and you will not remember this day; however, rest assured that you will carry the marks of today with you throughout this life and into the next. In a few short years, I imagine that your mother and I will find you rummaging through pictures from today and you will most likely be wondering, "What on earth did Mom and Dad do to me?" Don't worry, everything was done safely and the water wasn't as deep as it looks in the pictures. OK...let's start at the beginning. The day of your Baptism is a very special day that holds a great deal of meaning. It was on this day that you were welcomed into the Christian Church through what are known as the Mysteries of Initiation: Baptism, Chrismation and Eucharist. Yes, they are as much a mystery to us as they are to you but I will try my best to help you to understand what it all means. Your Baptism began in the narthex of the church, by the front doors. It was there that your Godparents Miron and Aunt Laura (and Mom and Dad) spoke on your behalf, renouncing Satan as Father John Petro drove away any unclean spirits from you. The official term for this is an Exorcism and I know it sounds pretty scary but you don't need to worry. Basically, we just wanted you to be safe. Then we processed through the church, all the way to the front where the Baptismal Font was located; yes, that big pot of water. Father John and Father Robert said prayers over the water to bless it and then came the big moment — time for you to go in! Now, I know what you are wondering: "Was I really naked in front of the entire church?" I am sorry son, but yes. The reason you were naked was to enter the water completely free of any earthly things so that you can put off the things of this life and be clothed with something far better. It was at that moment you were clothed in the saving grace of Jesus Christ. This also explains why your sister Addie is holding that white garment. That is your Baptismal gown. It symbolizes the new person
Nicholas Paul West was baptized on Feb. 26 at St. Stephen Byzantine Catholic Church in North Huntingdon. Father John G. Petro and Very Rev. Robert Pipta concelebrated the Divine Liturgy and Baptismal Rite.
you have now become, one who is clothed with the light of Christ. In order to seal in this "new you" and make it last, Father John placed a special oil called chrism on you to ensure that the Holy Spirit would be upon you throughout your life. It smelled wonderful...I caught your mother smelling you the entire day! Finally, after you got a little rest and the Liturgy continued, your Baptism was made official when you were invited up to receive your First Holy Eucharist as a newly illumed member of the Church. That was the big moment, when you became a full-fledged Christian, completing your Baptism by partaking in Christ Himself. OK...so for that final, really big question: "What does this all mean?" The reason your mother and I subjected you to being dunked naked into a pool of water, covered in oil, put in a flowing garment and then processed around the church while we all sang is simple: we care about you...very much. We did the same exact thing to your sister. We wanted for you what we know, a life in Christ. We want you to know that you never have to worry, because, now that you are a Christian, Christ will be walking with you as you journey through this life and into the Heavenly Kingdom. But you are not off free and clear though! This does mean that you will have to keep your end of the bargain. Live a life worthy of such an honor. Follow the teachings of Christ, attend Liturgy and realize, that each and every time you do,
that that is the reason why we had you Baptized: to forever be in the presence of the everlasting grace of God. May God be with you, now and always. The preceding was originally conceived as a Midterm project for the class Sacramental Mysteries of Initiation. The assignment was to compose a sermon directed to a group of newly or about-to-be Baptized Christians. We were told to be creative, so I did what anyone with a background in the creative arts would do: I ran with it! It just so happened that my son's Baptism was to take place two days prior to the due date of the assignment. That being the case, I directed my sermon to him, knowing very well that someday he would be asking me about it.
This "class project" turned out to be something much more. Upon reflection, it occurred to me that, as Christians, we must all view our Baptism in such a fashion, with the awe and wonder of a child. As children of God we must continually turn to Him and ask the same question any child would ask: "Why?" Through the rediscovery of our own Baptismal relation to Christ, that relationship itself is edified and, as previously stated, one is forever in the presence of the everlasting grace of God. My wife Alissa and I are truly humbled that we may share this very personal experience with the community in hopes that we may all gain insight into our lives in Christ. n
Father John G. Petro, Seminarian Paul Varchola West and Seminarian Miron KerulKmec, who is holding Nicholas Paul West.
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parish news PAGE 6
Hop, skip, jump st. michael in campbell, ohio
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St. Michael’s youth activity in February was held at Extreme Air Trampoline Park, as parish children had a blast jumping for Jesus. n
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Comedy tonight
st. gregory’s annual “funny fundraiser” brings the laughs by Father Valerian Michlik St. Gregory, Upper St. Clair, Pa.
Parishioners and patrons filled St. Gregory’s Church hall on Friday, Feb. 24 for this year’s Comedy Night. Long lines of people were patiently waiting to purchase delicious ethnic food, which was being offered by our dedicated kitchen workers. This year’s comedians were amongst the best we ever had. Bursts of laughter and amusement filled our Church hall. We express our sincere thanks to all who attended this pre-Lenten event that has been enjoyed by many for the past eight years! n
Breakfast with mom
Iconography workshop
holy trinity church in sykesville, pa.
st. michael in campbell, ohio
Nathaniel and Branden Pavick take a break from serving to have breakfast with their mother, Aimee Pavick, at Holy Trinity Church in Sykesville, Pa. The Holy Trinity Social Com-
An icon workshop was held March 10 to 12 at St. Michael in Campbell, Ohio. Participants, who came from the Youngstown and Western Pennsylvania regions, wrote an
mittee held a “Shrove Sunday” pancake brunch for parishioners on Feb. 26, Cheesefare Sunday, which was followed by Forgiveness Vespers later that afternoon. n
icon of an Archangel directed by Marylyn Barone. Pictured are the participants with their finished icon along with Father Kevin E. Marks, pastor (left) and Barone (right). n
Photo by Nick Pavick
Lenten Deanery Vespers
father thomas g. schaefer offers homily by Father Valerian Michlik St. Gregory, Upper St. Clair, Pa.
Pittsburgh Lenten Deanery Vespers took place at St. Gregory, Upper St. Clair, Pa. on March 12. As a parish family we welcomed clergy and faithful from our Pittsburgh area parishes that came together as part of this Lenten journey. The homilist for this evening was Father Thomas G. Schae-
fer. Following the Divine Service, we all enjoyed partaking in a delicious and enjoyable fellowship reception prepared by our parishioners. Throughout the years these Lenten Deanery Services have given us the opportunity to not only strengthen our faith, but to enrich and strengthen the bonds of friendship and love with each other. n
Baptism at Holy Spirit
genevieve agnes revilak receives holy mysteries The Holy Mysteries of Christian Initiation in the Byzantine Catholic Church — Baptism, Chrismation and Holy Eucharist — were bestowed upon Genevieve Agnes Revilak, daughter of Milan and Martina Revilak, at Holy Spirit Byz-
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antine Catholic Church, Oakland, on Feb. 2. Family, friends and fellow parishioners were present. Genevieve is pictured with Nick Olivier, godfather; and Michele Betts, godmother. n
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A visit to St. Anthony Chapel st. john the baptist cathedral in munhall, pa. by Elaine Sayko St. John the Baptist Cathedral, Munhall, Pa.
ECF students of St. John the Baptist Cathedral in Munhall, Pa., along with parishioners began their journey of the Great Fast with a trip to St. Anthony Chapel in Troy Hill on March 4. Parishioner Steve Sawczak, who serves as a tour guide at the Chapel, hosted the tour and shared his extensive knowledge of the holy relics housed there. The Shrine has a vast collection of all classes of relics and is second only to the Vatican. The tour served as a reminder of the most profound aspects of our faith: Christ’s suffering and death on the cross and His glorious resurrection. Afterward, attendees enjoyed lunch at Dave and Buster’s Restaurant and ended the day with the evening Divine Liturgy at St. John. n
Photos by Nick Havrilla Sr.
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“Resisting Happiness” st. gregory library ministry holds fourth book club discussion by Barbara Spadafore and Dorothy Mayernik St. Gregory, Upper St. Clair, Pa.
“Resisting Happiness” by Matthew Kelly, best-selling Catholic author and motivational speaker, was the topic of the Library Ministry’s Book Club at St. Gregory in Upper St. Clair, Pa. On Feb. 22, parishioners and friends had an honest and engaging conversation about their interpretations of the book. Morning and evening sessions were held to make the book club accessible to more people. Father Valerian Michlik opened the discussion with a prayer and his insights on Kelly’s latest spiritual self-help book: “This book is both profound and practical, it is moral theology applied to everyday life.” Participants shared their personal definitions of happiness before moving on to Kelly’s big question: “Why and how do we resist being happy?” To help readers find answers, Kelly ends each chapter with a Key Point and an Action Step to encourage reflection, note-taking, and journaling. As the group discussion progressed it was evident that everyone took the “homework” assignment seriously, concluding that happiness comes only by placing God at the center of everything. Kelly’s easy-reading chapters provide a guideline for Catholic living, explaining exactly how we can do that in everyday life. n
Renee McEwen reads from “Resisting Happiness” by Matthew Kelly at the St. Gregory Library Ministry Book Club discussion on Feb. 22. Also pictured from left to right: Barbara Spadafore, Debbie Clinton and Bernadette Berestecky.
Susan Flynn, Barbara Spadafore, Debbie Clinton, Dorothy Mayernik, Bernadette Berestecky, Helenanne Hochendoner, Pat Paslowski, Don Paslowski and Father Valerian Michlik.
FYI n The St. Gregory Library is happy to lend out copies of “Resisting Happiness” as well as any books from its collection, which includes children’s books, periodicals and DVDs to aid in your Great Fast spiritual development. For more information, contact librarian Barbara Spadafore at bpensp28@gmail.com or the parish office at 412-835-7800 or stgregoryusc@aol.com. n Learn more about Matthew Kelly and “Resisiting Happiness” by visiting www.dynamiccatholic.com. Photos by Barbara Stasiuk Don Paslowski
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Promise to protect april is national child abuse prevention month You can help You can help prevent the abuse of children. Know the warning signs of offenders. They prefer to be with children. They go overboard touching, wrestling, or tickling. They may give minors alcohol or drugs, or show them pornography. They allow children to break the rules. Offenders act as if the rules do not apply to them. If you observe an adult who is not behaving appropriately with children, speak up. Let someone know what you saw. You are not accusing anyone of anything. You are letting someone know you care, are watching, and are concerned that no harm is done to a child.
You can get help Abuse is never the fault of the person harmed. It is always the responsibility of the offender. The reality is that most victims of abuse know their abuser. One in four females and one in six males report being abused as a minor. If you or someone you know is a victim of abuse there are things you can do, even if the abuse happened years ago. Call the police to report the abuse. If the abuser was in a position of authority in an organization, you should also report the abuse to that organization. If the abuse happened in a Catholic church or school, contact the Victim Assistance Coordinator for your diocese.
The Charter In Dallas in June of 2002, the bishops of the United States adopted the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. The Charter is the plan of action developed by the bishops to address the clergy sexual abuse scandal.
Part One: To Promote Healing and Reconciliation with Victims/Survivors of Abuse The wording of the Charter is very clear on the importance the bishops place on their responsibility to help victims find healing and reconciliation. It states, “The first obligation of the Church with regard to victims is for healing and reconciliation.” Outreach takes a variety of forms including extensive therapy, apology meetings, spiritual retreats, and Liturgies for healing. In 2016, outreach was pro-
vided to 1,760 victims and their families.
Part Two: To Guarantee an Effective Response to Allegations of Sexual Abuse of Minors All dioceses are to report allegations of sexual abuse of minors to public authorities. All clergy who have been found guilty or admitted guilt are permanently removed from ministry. There are clear standards of behavior and appropriate boundaries for all clergy, employees, and volunteers.
Part Three: To Ensure the Accountability of Our Procedures The mission of the Bishops' Committee for the Protection of Children and Young People is to advise the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops on all matters related to child and youth protection. The Secretariat of Child and Youth Protection was established in 2002 by the USCCB. The National Review Board is a consultative body that reviews the work of the Secretariat of Child and Youth Protection and advises the president of the USCCB. In addition, each diocese has a review board to advise its bishop in his assessment of allegations and in his determination of a cleric's suitability for ministry. To prove their commitment to accountability, dioceses undergo an annual audit conducted by an outside auditor.
Part Four: To Protect the Faithful in the Future Dioceses train clergy, employees and volunteers to create and maintain safe environments for children. The backgrounds of clergy, employees, and volunteers are evaluated to determine if someone should be allowed around children and young people. Over 2 million parish employees and volunteers, and 4.2 million children have been Safe Environment trained to recognize the behavior offenders and what to do about it. Training was also provided to 159,764 educators, 258,978 other employees, 35,475 priests, 16,294 deacons and 6,847 candidates for ordination. Background evaluations have been conducted on over 2 million parish volunteers and Church personnel who have contact with children. n
Safe Environment “Hotline” Phone Numbers Archeparchy of Pittsburgh Confidential Hotline: 412-231-4000, ext. 22 National Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-422-4453 Louisiana Child Abuse/Neglect Hotline: 1-855-452-5437 Ohio Child Abuse/Neglect Hotline: 1-855-642-4453 Oklahoma Child Abuse/Neglect Hotline: 1-800-522-3511 Pennsylvania Child Abuse/Neglect Hotline: 1-800-932-0313 Tennessee Child Abuse/Neglect Hotline: 1-877-237-0004 Texas Child Abuse/Neglect Hotline: 1-800-252-5400 West Virginia Child Abuse/Neglect Hotline: 1-800-352-6513
FYI n For more information about the Byzantine Catholic Archeparchy of Pittsburgh's Office of Safe Environment, go to www.archpitt.org/ protection-of-children/, n The Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People was established by the USCCB in June 2002. It is a comprehensive set of procedures for addressing allegations of abuse of minors. The Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People includes guidelines for reconciliation, healing, accountability, and prevention of future acts of abuse. n The Charter calls for annual audits of dioceses and eparchies to ascertain compliance with USCCB guidelines. Annual Audits have been conducted since 2003. Results of the audits are published online in May for the public. n All dioceses and eparchies have Victim Assistance Coordinators, assuring that victims of abuse will be heard. In 2016, dioceses and eparchies provided outreach and support to 250 victims/survivors and their families who came forward to report abuse. Continued support was also provided to 1,510 victims/survivors and their families who reported abuse in prior years. Source: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
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Archbishop William made these appointments effective Feb. 13:
• Father James A. Ragan relieved as administrator of SS. Peter and Paul Church, Punxsutawney and appointed administrator of St. John Church, Hawk Run; Dormition Church, Clarence; the mission at State College; and ministry to the Byzantine Catholic students at Penn State; all in Pennsylvania.
official appointments by metropolitan archbishop william
• Father William A. Lascelles appointed administrator of SS. Peter and Paul Church, Punxsutawney, Pa. while continuing as administrator of St. Anne Church, Clymer, Pa. n
“Eastern Hospitality:
Food and Faith Throughout the Church Year” The Byzantine Catholic Cultural Center in Parma, together with Eastern Christian Media, has produced a video cooking series featuring fasting and feasting recipes for the Great Fast and Pascha. Hosts are Father Deacon Moses of Holy Resurrection Monastery in St. Nazianz, Wisc., and Mother Gabriella of Christ the Bridegroom Monastery in Burton, Ohio. New episodes are released every Tuesday through Bright Week at www.easternhospitality.org. n
Carpathian Cookery cook book The 330-page Carpathian Cookery cook book, which includes sections on Christmas and Easter customs and recipes, traditional Rusyn and Slavic foods and other ethnic dishes, is available for sale. It also includes a variety of paska bread and kolachi recipes as well as meatless dishes and Lenten recipes suitable for the Great Fast and the Pre-Christmas Fast. Cost is $14 plus $4 postage and handling. To order send a check or money order to: Ethnic Craft Club, St. John the Baptist Byzantine Catholic Church, 201 E. Main Street, Uniontown, Pa. 15401. For information, call 724- 208-6771 6-8 p.m. Monday to Friday or carpathiancookery@gmail. com. If ordering from Canada, send a $27 U.S. Postal money order payable in U.S. dollars to reflect the difference in the exchange rate and postage cost. The cookbook was requested by the Library of Congress to be in their ethnic cooking collection. n
Women’s Day of Reflection set for May 6 Story continued from page 1 activist and the First Lady of Braddock, Pa. Born and raised in Brazil, Gisele immigrated to the U.S. when she was nine years old and was undocumented for over a decade. Trained as a Holistic Nutritionist and Clinical Aromatherapist, Gisele now offers such services free of cost to the residents of Braddock. Gisele is also the founder of the Braddock Freestore, where surplus and donated goods are received and then redistributed to neighbors in need. Freestore aims to eradicate food and clothing insecurity; it currently serves about 400 clients a week. Gisele is also the co-founder of 412 Food Rescue, a community wide effort to end hunger and reduce food waste by working with food retailers, wholesalers, restau-
rants, caterers and other food providers to rescue unsellable but perfectly good food. 412 Food Rescue has just reached a milestone of 1,000,000 lbs. of rescued food. Pastel Presentations Dee Ruckert began doing “chalk talks” in 2007. She has been an artist all her life. As a child, she loved drawing and painting and took classes at the Carnegie Museum in grade school. Dee majored in art education at Indiana University of Pennsylvania and did some subbing and short term teaching, but didn’t get her full time, public school art teaching job until the age of 50! She taught art in K-6 for fourteen years in the Ellwood City school district and retired in June, 2016. Dee works on a large, lighted easel, using large sticks of pas-
tel chalk. The picture evolves quickly, while listening to music or a pre-recorded story. After 25 minutes she dims and changes the lights, creating different effects. She has performed at many churches, nursing homes, schools, women’s groups, etc. At today’s presentation, Dee will attempt a Byzantine Madonna in chalk. n
FYI
For more information about the Women’s Day of Reflection, contact Sister Marion Dobos at 412322-8773 or mdobos1@gmail.com. Cost is $25, which includes lunch. No refunds. Pre-registration is required. Deadline is April 20. Sponsored by the Byzantine Catholic Archeparchial Office of Religious Education. n
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Pirohi sales n St. Mary’s, 624 Park Road, Ambridge: Pirohi for sale 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Fridays during Lent except for Good Friday. Potato, kraut, cottage cheese and lekvar available. Phone orders taken 9 a.m.-noon Wednesdays for Friday pick-up. 724-266-8642. n St. Nicholas, 302 Third Ave., Brownsville: Pirohi for sale 10 a.m.-3 p.m. March 13 to 15 and every following Monday to Wednesday until April 5. Potato cheese, cabbage and prune sold frozen for $7 per dozen. Walk-ins welcome. Place orders 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday to Wednesday at 724-7855552. n St. Mary, 4480 Route 981, Trauger: Pirohi for sale noon-5 p.m. every Friday during Lent starting March 3 through April 7. Frozen potato cheese only; must be cooked. Cost is $7 per dozen. Cash only. Place orders by calling or texting 412526-0285 with number of dozen, approximate pick-up time and phone number. n St. Pius X, 2336 Brownsville Road, Carrick: Pirohi for sale throughout Lent noon5 p.m. Fridays starting March 3. Excludes Good Friday. Potato/ cheese, cottage cheese, sweet cabbage, sauerkraut and levkar (limited) available. Haluska also for sale. For more information or to place an advance order, call 412-881-8344.
Fish fry n St. Elias, 4200 Homestead-Duquesne Road, Munhall: Fish dinners served every Friday during Lent starting 11:30 a.m.-6 p.m. March 3. Eat in or take out. For information, call 412-461-1712. www.steliasmunhallpa.weebly. com. the byzantine catholic world
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the byzantine catholic world feature story
Clergy Formation Day archdiocese priests, deacons gather for event Father Don Bolls discussed writing homilies during Clergy Formation Day at St. John the Baptist Cathedral in Munhall, Pa. on March 7. For a feature story about the event , see page 1. n
Photos by Nick Havrilla Sr.
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News from the VATICAN
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Discovery of Earth-sized planet boosts hope of finding alien life seven new worlds discovered by Carol Glatz Catholic News Service
VATICAN CITY — The quest to find life on other planets got a boost when astronomers confirmed the existence of at least seven Earth-sized planets orbiting a red dwarf star just 40 light years away. Three of the planets are located in the so-called "habitable" zone, a kind of "Goldilocks" sweet spot in that their distance from the sun makes them not too hot, not too cold, but just right for having liquid water — an essential ingredient for life. The pope's own astronomers applauded the new discovery around the dwarf star, TRAPPIST-1, named after one of the many telescopes that detected the planets. The study's results were published in Nature magazine Feb. 22. "The discovery is important because, to date, it has revealed the highest number of Earthsized planets revolving around a single parent star," U.S. Jesuit Father David Brown told Catholic News Service. "Depending on different factors, all of the planets could potentially harbor conditions for the possible existence of life on them," he said in an email response to questions Feb. 24. "It is also significant because it shows the existence of such exoplanets — planets outside of our solar system — around low-mass — smaller than the Sun — cool, red, dim stars, which are the most common types of stars in galaxies and which have long lifetimes," said the astrophysicist, who studies stellar evolution at the Vatican Observatory. He said scientists and astronomers will now want to use newer and more powerful telescopes to learn more about the TRAPPIST-1 solar system, such as the planets' atmospheres. "The aim is to look for signs of the presence of chemicals like water, methane, oxygen and others by looking at the spectra of the light observed from those atmospheres, and as well to try to examine other atmospheric properties," Father Brown said. TRAPPIST (Transiting Planets and Planetesimals Small Telescope) is located in Chile, but the name also reflects the exploration project's Belgian roots by honoring Belgium's
famous Trappist beers, made by Trappist monks. "The use of religious names in space discoveries is not rare," the astrophysicist priest said, because religious men have been among the many scientists contributing to human knowledge of the world and universe throughout history. For example, he said, several craters on the moon are named after Jesuit priests and brothers and the SECCHI (Sun Earth Connection Coronal and Heliospheric Investigation) instruments being used for solar research are named after Jesuit Father Angelo Secchi, one of the founding fathers of modern astrophysics. Father Brown said the human fascination with the possibility of life on other planets "speaks to one of the most basic questions that confronts humanity as it contemplates its place in this cosmos: 'Are we alone, or are there others in the universe?'" "An answer to that question would have a profound impact on humanity in this world as well as confronting us with the question of how we would interact with our cosmic neighbors," said the Louisiana native. Jesuit Brother Guy Consolmagno, director of the Vatican Observatory, said the question of life beyond Earth is "a question of faith." While there is no definitive proof yet that extraterrestrial life exists, "our faith in the fact that life exists is strong enough to make us willing to make an effort in looking for it," he said in a Feb. 24 article in the Vatican newspaper, L'Osservatore Romano. Brother Consolmagno, a planetary scientist, told the Italian bishops' news agency, SIR, that when it comes to discoveries about the universe, he always expects them to be surprising. "God speaks to us through what he has created," he said, and creation has been created "by a God of love, joy and surprises." God made the universe, and "it is up to us scientists and faithful to learn more about what he has created and how he created it." "Every new surprise is a tiny burst of joy before his creative greatness," he said. n
An artist’s depiction shows the possible surface of TRAPPIST-1f, on one of seven newly discovered planets in the TRAPPIST-1 system. Catholic News Service photo/ NASA handout via Reuters.
Don’t worry how it’s spent; always give homeless a handout, Pope says “there are many excuses” by Carol Glatz Catholic News Service
VATICAN CITY — People who don't give money to the homeless because they think it will be spent on alcohol and not food should ask themselves what guilty pleasures they are secretly spending money on, Pope Francis said. "There are many excuses" to justify why one doesn't lend a hand when asked by a person begging on the street, he said in an interview published the day before the beginning of Lent. But giving something to someone in need "is always right," and it should be done with respect and compassion because "tossing money and not looking in (their) eyes is not a Christian" way of behaving, he said. The interview, published Feb. 28, was conducted by the monthly magazine, "Scarp de' Tenis" (Tennis Shoes), which serves homeless and marginalized people in Milan and is run by the local and national Caritas branches. The pope was scheduled to visit Milan March 25. Of the several questions the pope was asked, one focused on whether he thought giving money to people begging on the street was the right thing to do. One thing people may tell themselves to feel better about not giving anything, the pope said, is "I give money and then he spends it on drinking a glass of wine." But, the pope said, if "a glass of wine is the only happiness he has in life, that's OK. Instead ask yourself what do you do on the sly? What 'happiness' do you seek in secret?" Or, another way to look at it, the pope said, is recognize how "you are luckier, with a house, a wife, children" and then ask why should the responsibility
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to help be pushed onto someone else. The way one reaches out to the person asking for help is important, he said, and must be done "by looking them in the eyes and touching their hands." When encountering people who live on the street, the pope said he always greets them and sometimes inquires about their lives and background. He always chatted with a homeless family and couple that lived next to the archbishop's residence in Buenos Aires, Argentina, he said, and never considered getting rid of them. When "Someone told me, 'They're making the chancery filthy,' Well, the filth is within" one's heart, he said. It's important to be sincere because "people who live on the streets understand right away when the other person is really interested" in them as a person or when they just feel pity, he said. "One can look at a homeless person and see him as a person or else as if he were a dog, and they notice this different way of looking" at them, he said. When the interviewer asked why the pope thought the poor were capable of changing the world, he said that in his experience in Buenos Aires, he saw more solidarity in the slums than in less poor neighborhoods, where "I encountered more selfishness." While there are many more problems in the shantytowns, "often the poor are more supportive of each other because they feel they need each other." Also, he said, problems are more starkly evident in the poor neighborhoods, for example with substance abuse, "you see more drugs, but only because it's more 'covered up' in other neighborhoods" where users are "white-collar" abusers. n
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thoughts for our day by Archpriest David M. Petras
great lent: an encounter with death, towards good friday In the first week of the Great Fast, it is like a whole new creation is beginning. We retell the story of the creation of the universe by a loving and life-giving God: sun, moon and stars; land and oceans; beasts and fish and birds, and as the crown of all, humankind, male and female, made in the image and likeness of God, and God saw that it was “very good.” Yet on Friday, the goodness of creation comes crashing down, as Eve and Adam rebel against God’s plan for creation, and disobey his law forbidding them to eat of the fruit of the tree in the middle of Eden. As a result, God tells Adam, “you are dust, and to dust you shall return” (Genesis 3:19). We see sin as the coming of death into the human reality, as St. Paul said, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23). We call God the Giver of Life, and when we receive him in Holy Communion, the formula for reception joins together forgiveness of sin and life everlasting. On the Fridays of the Great Fast, particularly in the readings from Genesis at the Presanctified Divine Liturgy, we see consistently this encounter with death: in the story of Noah, God destroys the human race because of its wickedness; in the story of Abraham and Isaac, God demands the sacrifice of his only beloved son, Isaac, though the point of the story is that God gives life, and stays Abraham’s hand when he has proven his obedience to God’s
command; and on the final Friday, we tell the story of Joseph’s funeral. Finally, on Good Friday, we hear the story of the death of God’s only Son on the Cross, and now see the point of this encounter with death: “by death God trampled upon death!” The whole point is that God gives life. The sin of Adam and Eve was that they would
Over and over again, the hymns of the Great Fast tell us that we are embracing the resurrection. We are turning from sin and accepting God’s plan for life. achieve life by their own will, by scrapping God’s plan and making up for themselves what is good and evil. They would make the laws, not God, so that all sin is really pride. Our task in the Great Fast, then, is to integrate the resurrection into our lives. Over and over again, the hymns of the Great Fast tell us that we are embracing the resurrection. We are turning from sin and accepting God’s plan for life. In the Great Fast, we integrate the resurrection into our lives. This is why the Great Fast is a time for joy, a time of returning to God, a time of “Alleluia!” The readings from Genesis on the Fridays of the Great Fast point like an arrow to the covenant made on Good Friday,
when our Lord gave his body and blood as a new covenant for the life of the world. The first and second Fridays tell of the breaking of covenants, first of the covenant with Adam and Eve when they ate of the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil in sinful rebellion against God, and second, of the decision of God in the time of Noah to destroy the human race because of its wickedness. The third Friday is the renewal of the covenant with Noah, and the fourth Friday is the covenant God made with Abraham. On the fifth Friday, Abraham replaces the disobedience of Adam and Eve with obedience to God in the sacrifice of his beloved son. However, God does not want this sacrifice, though he allows his only-begotten Son to die on the cross for the salvation of the human race. On the sixth Friday, the funeral of Joseph, the reading looks forward to the burial of Christ, who through his death will trample upon death. This is our Fast, the making of a new covenant with God, who, as the Anaphora of St. Basil says, “freed us from Death’s despair, and rose on the third day, preparing the way for the resurrection of all flesh from the dead.” When Adam and Eve sinned, they were expelled from paradise, and God stationed a cherub with a fiery sword to guard the way to the tree of life. Four curses were imposed on Adam and Eve, on Eve, pain in childbirth, and servitude to her husband, on Adam, hard labor and death. In the New Covenant of our Lord Jesus Christ, the curse is abrogated, as the Kontakion of the Third Sunday of the great Fast proclaims, “No longer
Christ is risen! Indeed He is risen!
does the flaming sword guard the gates of Eden, for the tree of the cross has come to quench it wondrously. The sting of death and the victory of Hades have been driven out.” The curse is truly abrogated, but in God’s mystical and wondrous way. In childbirth, the woman still suffers pain, but her anguish gives way to joy because of new life (John 16:21); the marital relations between man and woman are now marked by mutual love and respect, as we see in the subtle reading of Ephesians 5:9-19; and the harshness of labor is eased by the Sabbath rest (Hebrews 4:9). Death remains, and even the Son of God must suffer death: “Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us, for it is written, ‘Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree” (Galatians 3:10, quoting Deuteronomy 21:23). When Eve and Adam disobeyed God, we heard the terrible words which are proclaimed aloud, “By the sweat of your brow you shall eat bread, until you return to the ground, from which you were taken; for you are dust, and to dust you shall return” (Genesis 3:19) but in the serenity of the Great Fast, other words, silently now but soon to be proclaimed, are spoken, “to those in the grave he granted life;” “you will know that I am the Lord, when I open your tombs to lead you, my people, up from their graves” (Ezechiel 37:13) and “I am the resurrection and the life” (John 11:25). God seizes death by the throat, and turns the curse of death into life, for “by death he trampled upon death.” n
holy week schedule for st. john the baptist cathedral, munhall, pa. n Holy Monday 7 p.m. April 10, Presanctified Liturgy and Confessions. n Holy Tuesday 7 p.m. April 11, Presanctified Liturgy and Confessions.
Holy Wednesday: 7 p.m. April 12, Presanctified Liturgy and Annointing with Holy Oil, Confessions. n
n Holy Thursday: 7 p.m. April 13, Great Vespers with Divine Liturgy of St. Basil the Great with the Washing of the Feet by Metropolitan William Skurla. n Good Friday: 10 a.m. April 14, Reading of the 12 Passion Gospels; 7 p.m. April 14, Solemn Vespers for Good Friday and Procession carrying the Holy Shroud. After Solemn
Vespers, all are encouraged to visit the church for a time of prayer. The church will be open until midnight. n Holy Saturday: 9 a.m. April 15, Jerusalem Matins. n
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for KINDER-kids . . .
Corner
The WAY to HEAVEN
The Gates of HEAVEN are Opened! by Sandy Simko St. John the Baptist, Lyndora, Pa.
for BIGGER-kids . . . The Descent into Hades As you know or should know, PASCHA — the RESURRECTION of Jesus — is the most important event and feast day in our Byzantine Catholic Church. There is a religious icon, THE DESCENT INTO HADES, that depicts this holy event (below). As you look at this icon, Hades is that black space that represents the land of the dead. The locks, bolts, nails and keys held the people captive. The reclining figure in the fore ground is Death, bound and made powerless by Jesus. Jesus is in the center of the icon in a brilliantly white garment that radiates light and fills the darkness with the light of his divine presence. The nimbus around his head and the light around his entire body - the mandorla - are outward golden rays indicating his divine holiness. As Jesus stands on the broken wooden gates to Hades, he is pulling Adam and Eve, the first sinners, out of their tombs. Adam’s long gray flowing hair and Eve’s aged body suggests that they were in Hades for a long time. Kings David and Solomon father and son, dressed in royal robes and wearing crowns - are to the right of Jesus. Psalm 71 (72) suggests King Solomon was the King of Peace. Just as he did on earth, John the Baptist, cousin to Jesus, is pointing to Jesus - preparing the Savior’s way, even to Hades. The important prophet
Jesus came to earth for a very special reason — to show us the way to be able to live with him in heaven. To sin is to do something bad. Jesus never did anything wrong, but the people did! Jesus died to pay for their sins. But after three days, Jesus rose and stayed with his followers for 40 joyful days before he went to heaven. Jesus wants us to love him and one another just as he loved his people then, and loves us today. One day we too will be with Jesus in Heaven! n
for EVERYONE . . .
Eggs: symbols of new LIFE
The egg is a symbol of life. We color eggs for the Pascha (Easter) season, which begins on Easter Sunday and ends on Ascension Thursday. A red egg reminds us that by the blood shed by Jesus upon the cross, we were freed from sin and death. Many other colors are used to create beautiful decorated eggs, or pysanky. Create your own bright and colorful eggs by coloring the drawings below. n
Moses and another unnamed prophet are to the left of Jesus. Their prophecies of the Old Testaments came true with the birth of Jesus. When Jesus died on the cross on Good Friday, it was the beginning of a new life for us. His dying and resurrecting from death proved to all mankind that he was God. The gates of heaven are opened and we now have the opportunity to enter them upon our death and resurrection. n
Christ is risen from the dead, by death He trampled death, and to those in the tombs, He granted life! Troparion of the Resurrection
Activity Read the story, Fill in the blanks: A __________ ___________ reminds us that by the _______________ shed by _________________upon the _________________, we were _______________ from __________ and _________________. SEE ANSWER KEY ON PAGE 16.
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liturgical schedule at the Seminary “Come, let us sing joyfully to the Lord”
around the archeparchy SUPER SATURDAY SALE - 9 a.m.-3 p.m. April 29, St. Pius X, 2336 Brownsville Road, Carrick. Crafer, vendor and flea market. Baked goods and ethnic food will be sold throughout the day. For more information, call 412-881-8344. WOMEN’S DAY OF REFLECTION — 9 a.m.-3 p.m. May 6, Cathedral of St. John the Baptist Cathedral, 210 Greentree Road, Munhall. The theme for the 14th annual event is “A Kaleidoscope of Gifted Women” and speakers are Amy Brooks, Gisele Fetterman and Dee Ruckert. The the day’s activities will include a luncheon, vendors and a basket auction with proceeds donated to local women’s shelters. SPAGHETTI DINNER — 1-5 p.m. May 7, SS. Peter & Paul, 701 Foster Ave., Duquesne. Cost: $9, adults; $5, ages 6 to 10; no charge, ages 5 and under. There will also be raffles and an auction.
Join the Byzantine Catholic Seminary community for liturgical services.
Submissions needed
Enter through the chapel door that faces Perrysville Avenue. It’s recommended visitors call 412-321-8383 in advance so that we may be awaiting your arrival.
Send your photos, stories and memories of past Easter celebrations in your church to bcw@archpitt.org. They will be featured in an upcoming issue of The Byzantine Catholic World.
ANSWERS from Kids Corner page 15:
(R) Ruthenian
Let readers know what’s happening in your parish! Send photos and stories to: bcw@archpitt.org.
Answer Key:
April 1 No services 2 No services 3 8 a.m. Orthros (M) 4 7 a.m. Matins (R) 5 7 a.m. Midday Office (R), 5 p.m. Presanctified Liturgy (R) 6 7 a.m. Matins (R) 7 8 a.m. Orthros (M), 5 p.m. Presanctified Liturgy (M) 8 9 a.m. Divine Liturgy (R), 5 p.m. All-Night Vigil (R) 9 Palm Sunday; No services 10 to 23 No services 24 8 a.m. Divine Liturgy (M) 25 7 a.m. Parastas (R) Day of Rejoicing (Radonitsa) 26 7 a.m. Daily Matins (R) 27 7 a.m. Divine Liturgy (R) 28 8 a.m. Orthros (M), 5 p.m. Vespers (R) 29 9 a.m. Divine Liturgy (R), 5 p.m. Great Vespers (M) 30 8 a.m. Festal Matins (R) Ointment-Bearers, 9 a.m. Divine Liturgy (R) 31 8 a.m. Akathist (R)
red ... egg ... blood ... Jesus ... cross ... freed ... sin ... death
For more information about the Seminary: go to www.bcs.edu.
Easter Memories
BYZANTINE DIVINE LITURGY Sundays 9:00 a.m. • WEDO Radio • 810 AM Broadcast live from Holy Ghost Church, McKees Rocks
(M) Melkite
Also view liturgical services (various times) at: www.holyghost-byzantinecatholic.org www.stjohnsbyzantinecathedral.com www.sjcbcc.com
dates to remember APRIL 9 Palm Sunday — Entrance of our Lord into Jerusalem APRIL 10 to 15 Holy Week CHANCERY CLOSED APRIL 13 to 14 APRIL 14 Great and Holy Friday APRIL 16 Pascha — The Glorious Feast of the Resurrection of Our Lord APRIL 17 Bright Monday CHANCERY CLOSED APRIL 18 Fifth anniversary of Archbishop William’s Enthronement See more upcoming events at www.archpitt.org the byzantine catholic world
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
next issue: PASCHA 2017
submissions DEADLINE: APRIL 7