THE OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE ARCHEPARCHY OF PITTSBURGH
strangers to friends to brothers
Inside
Students gather for Deacon Formation Program Page 3
VOL. 62 NO. 9
TAKING FLIGHT
St. Michael’s youth group visits Youngstown Elser Metro Airport Page 7
AUGUST 2017
and the award goes to...
Seminary board member honored Page 9
Sisters of St. Basil to celebrate 83rd annual Pilgrimage
From Slovakia to Parma
this year’s theme is “mary: lifegiving spring”
Archbishop Christophe Pierre, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States (right), welcomes Bishop Milan Lach as apostolic administrator of Parma, Ohio during a July 21 Divine Liturgy at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Parma, Ohio. Photo by Laura Ieraci.
Bishop Milan Lach seeks unity, hope divine liturgy of welcome celebrated july 21 by Laura Ieraci Editor, Horizons Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Parma
PARMA, OHIO — The clergy and faithful of the Eparchy of Parma welcomed Slovak Bishop Milan Lach as their new apostolic administrator during a Divine Liturgy July 21. The 43-year-old Jesuit was serving as the auxiliary bishop of the Archeparchy of Presov, Slovakia, at the time of his June 24 appointment. Ordained a priest in 2001 and a bishop in 2013, Bishop Milan is the first European-born bishop to oversee the Eparchy of Parma since its founding in 1969, though he is the second European bishop to be named to the United States this year. Ukrainian Catholic Bishop Benedict Aleksiychuk, former auxiliary bishop of Lviv, Ukraine, was named to head the Ukrainian Catholic Epar-
chy of Chicago in April. Archbishop Christophe Pierre, apostolic nuncio to the United States, read the Vatican decree of Bishop Milan’s appointment during the July 21 liturgy at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Parma. Byzantine Catholic Archbishop William C. Skurla of Pittsburgh, who preceded Bishop Milan as apostolic administrator for 14 months, was the celebrant. Upon Archbishop Pierre’s introduction of Bishop Milan, the more than 300 people in the congregation responded with a standing ovation and the traditional Eastern Christian hymn, “God Grant You Many Years.” Archbishop Pierre continued reading from the decree and explained that the appointment is for “as long as the pope wants, with all of the rights and duties pertaining to the said office.”
“You will enjoy his presence,” the nuncio told the congregation. “A bishop is there to serve the people, to be with the people.” Citing Pope Francis, he said the role of bishops and priests is to be “ahead to lead the people, behind to push them, and in the middle to be with them.” In an interview after the liturgy, Archbishop Pierre commented on the contribution European bishops can make to the U.S. church. “It’s always good to have people coming from a different experience. The diversity, and especially these people who are being sent, have been chosen for their capacity to (adapt) from one country to the other but also for their abilities,” he said. “It’s also a sign, especially toStory continued on page 10
The 83rd annual Pilgrimage in honor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help will be held Sept. 2 to 3 at Mount St. Macrina in Uniontown, Pa. This year’s theme is “Mary: Life-Giving Spring.” Preparations for this year’s Pilgrimage have already started and will continue throughout the summer. As in previous years, the Sisters will welcome all those Pilgrims who come from all over the country and beyond. They will continue to welcome those who come early and camp on the race track or stay on the Mount. Light fare will be available at the Lunch Stand starting on Friday evening. Liturgical prayers will be held at the Shrine Altar on Friday evening for those arriving early and Divine Liturgy will be celebrated on Monday morning, Sept. 4 for those who stay on Sunday evening. “Our guest this year is Bishop Peter Libasci, an American prelate of the Roman Catholic Church who serves as the 10th and current Bishop of the Diocese of Manchester, N.H. Bishop Peter is bi-ritual and celebrates the Divine Liturgy in the Byzantine Ruthenian Catholic Church,” said Sister Ruth Plante, Provincial. The Festal Icon Walk that was popular last year, will be repeated at the Pilgrimage this year. Other plans for the weekend include many opportunities for Story continued on page 16
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from the office of the metropolitan
Welcome, Bishop Lach
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. Editor Sister Elaine Kisinko, OSBM Copy Editor Donna Obsincs Subscription/Circulation Manager
Archbishop William C. Skurla provides words of welcome to his successor as apostolic administrator of the Eparchy of Parma, Bishop Milan Lach: Dear Bishop Lach, Welcome to your new position as apostolic administrator of the Byzantine Eparchy of Parma! We look forward to your arrival and Divine Liturgy of Welcome on July 21. Preparations for your arrival have begun. We thank you for accepting the position from our Holy Father Francis, Pope of Rome. You have done exceptional work within your home Archeparchy of Presov as an auxiliary bishop. We hope that you will continue your fine work as a pastor and spiritual leader of the people of Parma during your time as apostolic administrator. The clergy, religious and people of the Eparchy of Parma await the announcement of the next bishop of the Eparchy of Parma, when they will rejoice and celebrate again. We wish you success in your new assignmment as the apostolic administrator. And, we wish you many happy and blessed years! Sincerely yours in Christ,
Most Reverend William C. Skurla, D.D. Metropolitan Archbishop of Pittsburgh
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.
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mission The mission of The Byzantine
Catholic World is to spread the Gospel message in the rich tradition of the Byzantine Catholic Church; to encourage faithful to reflect the image of Christ in everyday activities of life; to offer spiritual formation through changing times; and to celebrate community among Byzantine Catholics in the Archeparchy
Warm greetings from Slovakia Dear priests, deacons, religious, brothers and sisters in Christ, Our Holy Father Pope Francis appointed me apostolic administrator “sede vacante” of the Eparchy of Parma for the Ruthenians June 17, 2017. The decree was published June 24, 2017 in Rome. I would like at this time to extend my warm greetings to all of you. I am sending these greetings from my homeland, which is also the homeland of the ancestors of many of the faithful of the Eparchy of Parma. At the same time, I am sending these greetings to the land that was the birthplace of my maternal grandfather and which now should become, according to the decision of the Holy Father, my new home. The distance between these two countries is not an obstacle in living the common Byzantine spiritual heritage, which is amplified by our belonging to the Catholic Church. In this spirit of our Catholicity — this universality, which in Christ reaches beyond all human boundaries — the words of St. Paul in his Letter to the Galatians resound for all of us today: “For through faith you are all children of God in Christ Jesus. For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free person, there is not male and female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (3:26-28). In this spirit of searching for common unity, which is expressed in our liturgical greeting, “Christ is among us. He is and He shall be,” I am looking forward with joy to our first liturgical meeting. I cordially invite all of you on Friday, July 21 at 2 p.m. to our Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Parma, Ohio, where we will celebrate the Divine Liturgy together with His Excellency, the apostolic nuncio to the United States, Archbishop Christophe Pierre, and His Excellency Archbishop William C. Skurla, Metropolitan of Pittsburgh, from whom I will formally take up the office of the apostolic administrator of the Eparchy of Parma and to whom I express my thanks already now for his patience and care. Through this greeting, I warmly invite all of you, as well as other bishops, priests, deacons, religious and faithful of our church, to this solemn liturgy, which should be a manisfestation of unity with the entire Catholic Church. As I write this, I am still in Slovakia but my thoughts are already with all of you. I am praying for you. I will try to come to you as soon as possible.
of Pittsburgh, throughout
I humbly ask you for prayers because only in unity can we move forward together toward the Kingdom of God.
the Metropolitan Church in
God bless you,
America, and around the world.
Bishop Milan Lach Apostolic Administrator of Parma the byzantine catholic world
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Mark Your Calendar Strangers to friends to brothers dates to remember Catechist Workshop
The Office of Religious Education will sponsor a Catechist Workshop (The Curriculum: “A Deposit of Faith”) 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Aug. 19 at the Byzantine Catholic Seminary of SS. Cyril and Methodius, 3605 Perrysville Ave., Pittsburgh, Pa. This 17-lesson curriculum is a companion to Part I of the “Light for Life” series, “The Mystery Believed.” Subdeacon Bryan Scotton, of the Eparchy of Parma, will introduce the text and explain how to use it. He graduated May 12 and is completing his pastoral summer assignment at St. Mary in Whiting, Ind. “The Mystery Believed” curriculum was a thesis project in partial fulfillment for the Master of Divinity degree from the Seminary. Fee is $25. Send name, address, phone and parish to: Office of Religious of Education, 3605 Perrysville Ave., Pittsburgh, Pa. 15214. For information, call 412-321-8383. n
Pilgrimage to Our Lady of Zarvanytsia Pilgrimage to Our Lady of Zarvanytsia will be held 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Aug. 20 at Protection of thje Blessed Virgin Mary, 560 Cambria Ave., Revloc, Pa. The day includes the Divine
Liturgy celebrated by the Most Rev. Bohdan Danylo, bishop of the Eparchy of St. Josaphat, and repsonses sung by the Choir of Immaculate Conception Parish. Confessions will be heard by Diocese priests. Food (holubchi, pirohi, halushki) and beverages will be available for purchase, and a church tour will be led by Father Andriy Kelt. For information or flyers, call 818-948-9193. n
From Conflict to Communion: Hope for the Future A joint Lutheran and Catholic Commemoration of the 500th anniversary of the Reformation is 9 a.m.-3:45 p.m. Oct. 28 at Saint Vincent College, 300 Fraser Purchase Road, Latrobe. "From Conflict to Communion: Hope for the Future" will feature a keynote address by Dr. John Borelli of Georgetown University, break out groups and worship in the basilica. Cost is $10 and includes lunch. Registration information will be announced. n
MCI Summer School program emphasizes collaboration, sound The first summer music program of the Metropolitan Cantor Institute was held at the Byzantine Catholic Seminary of SS. Cyril and Methodius in Pittsburgh, Pa. on July 12 to14. Eight cantors, four of whom are also choir directors, studied ways to make liturgical music a more effective support for congregational prayer and how to encourage congregational singing. Each student received a 30-minute voice lesson daily from an experienced vocal instructor and students ate together and celebrated Vespers. Courses were taught by Deacon Jeffrey Mierzejewski with the assistance of Nicholas Nagrant, Sue Ann Rudolphy and Shawn Daly. Several themes came up repeatedly during the course, especially the use of traditional ("natural") harmony to enhance our plain chant, and prospects for teaching music fundamentals in a parish setting to help the people take their part in singing our services. There was general agreement on the need for new books for the funeral services, Christmas and Holy Week, as well as a comprehensive hymnal. Several participants are planning to work with Deacon Jeffrey, the director of the Cantor Institute, in assembling recorded examples of traditional plain chant harmonies to assist in teaching a richer congregational singing style. n
Cantors from Pittsburgh, Pa.; Passaic, N.J.; and Parma, Ohio; at the Metropolitan Cantor Institute Summer School held July 12 to 14.
students gather for deacon formation program by John Harden Passaic, N.J.
From June 18 to July 1, 16 men from six different eparchies gathered at the Byzantine Catholic Seminary of SS. Cyril and Methodius in Pittsburgh, Pa. to continue their study and formation for the diaconal ministry. This two-week intensive is an integral part of the Deacon Formation Program. The program, co-directed by Father John G Petro and Father Robert M. Pipta, prepares men to serve at the Holy Table, to proclaim the Word of God, and to serve the needs of the Byzantine Catholic faithful. The deacon students come from all walks of life. They span several decades in age. Many of them are married or engaged. Combined they have a total of 51 children and 23 grandchildren. Among them is a major in the U.S. Army, an FBI agent, a correctional psychologist, a diocesan administrator, a mechanical engineer, a pharmaceutical researcher and a stay-at-home dad. Each day of formation begins around 7:30 a.m. and ends after 9:30 p.m. During this time, the candidates pray the Divine Office, celebrate the Divine Liturgy, receive instruction in Byzantine Catholic theology, study Sacred Scripture, practice preaching homilies, and learn how to serve as deacons at the Liturgy. One of the most enjoyable and rewarding parts of the formation is the fellowship the candidates have with each other. Most of the men had never met each other before arriving at the Seminary. Now they have become friends, or to be more accurate, brothers. During the remainder of the
year, the students continue their education through personal study and pastoral formation at their local parishes. They meet regularly with a spiritual director and a mentor, and they take part in a yearly retreat. This is the deacon students’ third year in the four-year program. As they complete the next two years of the program, some will receive the minor orders of candle-bearer, lector, cantor, and sub-deacon. When their formation is completed, they will be ordained as deacons and assigned to serve at parishes around the country. Preparing for diaconal ministry is hard work. It takes a strong commitment, a dedicated prayer-life, and a continual pursuit of holiness. The deacon students are grateful for the continued support, sacrifices, and prayers of their families, their parishes, their bishops, and the staff of the Byzantine Catholic Seminary. Please keep these men in your prayers as they continue their journey to the diaconate. Speaking on behalf of Father Robert, co-director, and Sister Margaret Ann Andrako, administrative assistant, Father John noted: “This is another exceptional group of men who are offering their lives and their talents to the service of our Church. During this twoweek program, their wonderful and lusty participation in the liturgical services of our Church, their assiduous involvement in their classes — nine hours per day! — their hearty appetites and even their after-hours dedication to their on-going cultural formation was truly noteworthy. Our Church will be blessed by their ministry.” n
Front: Sister Margaret Ann Andrako; Leonard Mier, Chicago; Andrew Gill and Robert Jones, both Pittsburgh; Robert Knapp, Passaic; Joseph Lavinio, Stamford; Father John G. Petro; and Professor Sandra Collins. Middle: Father Stelyios Muksuris; Patrick Cullen, Phoenix; John Reed and Anthony Blair, both Passaic; Jonathan Dean and Gregory Gath, both Phoenix; Ryan Liebhaber, Passaic; and Father Donald Bolls. Back: Father Robert M. Pipta; John Harden and Richard Ballard, both Passaic; Lawrence Hruska, Parma; Richard Terza, Passaic; and Timothy Belke, Phoenix.
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making a difference
World Refugee Day: Did you miss it?
by Tony Magliano
World Refugee Day, June 20, came and went with hardly a notice. I almost missed it. Sadly, little mention was given in the secular and even religious world to the unprecedented refugee crisis endured by countless fellow human beings who have fled their homes with little more than the shirt on their back. According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees’ (UNHCR) latest report titled “Global Trends,” as of 2016 over 65 million people worldwide — a record high –— have been forcibly displaced as a result of persecution, violence, conflict or human rights violations (see: http://www.unhcr.org/globaltrends2016). Every single day 28,300 brothers and sisters are forced to flee from their homes. Especially sad is the fact that children account for over 50 percent of the refugee population. In just the last six years the number of displaced persons throughout the world has increased approximately 50 per-
cent — from 45.2 million to the current 65.6 million. Armed conflicts in Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan, Yemen, Burundi, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Sudan and Sudan continue to be the major driving force for this dramatic increase in displaced persons according to UNHCR. Although the humanitarian need is tremendous, only less than one percent of all refugees are resettled worldwide. According to CNN, at least 2,859 migrants died trying to cross the Mediterranean Sea in 2016. U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi said, “At sea, a frightening number of refugees and migrants are dying each year. On land, people fleeing war are finding their way blocked by closed doors.” And while not entirely closed, the United States’ refugee doors are barely cracked open. In fiscal year 2016, according to the Pew Research Center, the U.S. under the Obama administration only allowed 84,995 refugees into the country. And from war-torn nations like the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Syria, the
U.S. only permitted the entry of 16,370 and 12,587 refugees respectively. To make matters worse, President Trump is proposing lowering the total number of refugees permitted into the U.S. in fiscal year 2018 to just 50,000. Granting such small numbers of desperate refugees permission to enter the U.S. is gravely immoral. In contrast, according to the UNHCR, the tiny nation of Lebanon is host to the largest number of refugees relative to its national population, where one in every six persons is a refugee. That’s equivalent to the U.S. taking in 55 million refugees! Please email and call your two U.S. senators and congressperson (Capitol switchboard number: 202-224-3121) urging them to robustly increase funding to poorer nations like Lebanon who are struggling to host millions of refugees. Additionally, urge them to allow at least 110,000 refugees — as proposed by Obama — into the U.S. this coming fiscal year. It is also very important to strongly request your congressional delegation to significantly increase — not cut —
Department of State funding for comprehensive negotiated diplomatic interventions into all areas throughout the world suffering from armed conflicts that are causing the refugee crisis. And insist they stop fueling these armed conflicts by ending weapon sales and grants. Also, kindly consider a generous refugee donation to Catholic Relief Services (see: http:// bit.ly/2tkQi2n). And please sign this UNHCR pledge (see: http://bit.ly/2qPBMdT). Let’s tirelessly work and pray to be a part of the refugee solution, and not a part of what Pope Francis calls the “culture of indifference.” 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
Notes to self
by David Mayernik Jr. Editor
When I was growing up, I loved reading the morning Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and afternoon Pittsburgh Press. Periodically, their writers would pen a “notes” column covering a variety of subjects. I was a big fan of Phil Musick’s “Some things I think I think,” Bruce Keidan’s “Loose items from a tight-leaf notebook,” and Bob Smizik’s “Nobody asked me, but...”. Now it’s my turn. After much consideration, I have decided to dub my “notes” column: Notes to self: n I attended Clergy Days on May 30 to 31 at St. John the Baptist Cathedral in Munhall, Pa. and it was truly an enriching experience. It was a pleasure to meet so many of the Archeparchy’s priests and deacons and have the oppportunity to pray with them for the future of the Byzantine Catholic Church.
And any self-respecting journalist will tell you one reason they got into the business was for free food. Two days that were nourishing to the soul...and stomach. n It’s summertime...and are children still going to summer camp? In my youth, I once spent less than a week at camp, where a bout of food poisoning in the mess hall forced everyone’s parents to pick them up a few days early. Camp didn’t agree with me and neither did the meatloaf. n I may not be much for camping but there’s nothing better than a summer vacation at the beach. My family’s annual vacation spot is Long Beach Island, N.J., located a bit north of Atlantic City. It’s a premiere family gathering place and to this day has somehow avoided the “tourist trap” aspects so common to other coastal vacation towns.
There’s white sand beaches, sunsets on the bay and dedicated bicycle lanes adjacent to roadways. One of my most cherished memories is waking up and driving to coin-operated newspaper machines with my grandpap to buy daily editions from Philadelphia, New York City and Trenton. Just another beach bum on Long Beach Island, N.J. After reading Archbishop William’s was a few intersections away. article last month (“Greetings Thankfully, going on vacafrom your summertime vacation doesn’t also have to mean tion church”), I started thinktaking a vacation from church. ing about my experiences going n In the May issue, I wrote in to church on LBI. these pages: “I’d like the PenMy family would make the guins to win a fifth Stanley Cup nine-hour vacation drive on a in franchise history next month Saturday and the next morning but I’m prepared for the evenwould attend St. Francis of Astuality it won’t happen.” sisi, a Roman Catholic church. Two words: Mea culpa. I was always heartened to see (Is it too early to say “threeso many people take time out peat”?) n to attend mass when the beach
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eternal memory sister leona trudich “Let the faithful rejoice in glory, shout for joy and take their rest.” These words sung at the Divine Liturgy were in our hearts on the morning of Sister Leona Trudich’s falling asleep in the Lord on June 20. After 81 years of faithful service to the Lord, she surely deserved both the glory and the rest, and while we could not picture her “shouting,” we could certainly share in her joy. Sister Leona was born in the village of Hrabske in what was then Czechoslovakia, the daughter of the late John and Mary (Hrabar) Trudich. She entered the Sisters of St. Basil the Great from St. John the Baptist Church in Lansford, Pa. on June 23, 1936 at the tender age of 16, and she made her Solemn Profession of Vows on November 30, 1944. Sister Leona served from Chicago to the East coast in the ministry of education as principal, teacher and catechist. During her long academic career, fortified by both a B.S. and M.S. in Education, she taught in 18 schools. When teaching was no longer an option,
Sister Leona served in parish ministry in the Hazleton area before retiring to the monastery in 2005. There she looked forward to participating daily in the prayer and activities of the Sisters. One could always depend on meeting Sister in the halls with her rosary beads in her hand. Sister Leona carried this same spirit of prayerfulness with her when she became a resident at Mt. Macrina Manor in 2013. Her Vespers book was wellused, as she prayed it from cover to cover because she said, “the prayers are so beautiful!” At the age of 82, together with her good friend, Sister Leonora, who preceded her in death by several weeks, she took up learning to play the violin, and both Sisters were featured in the local newspaper lauding their taking this step in their mature years. Sister Leona wanted to be remembered for her love of teaching, her love for her parents and family and for her spirit of trust, love and gratitude to the Sisters. To this she added forgiveness and “many
thanks to everyone.” Those who knew her or who worked with her would add the qualities of kindness and thoughtfulness of others. As one of the clergy noted, Sister Leona was the perfect person to be at the Welcome Table during Pilgrimage, as she was always ready to greet each pilgrim with a smile. In his homily, Archbishop William Skurla reflected on how a mother bird feeds her young ones, feeding them directly, or teaching them to find food for themselves. This nurturing of young ones could be compared to the same nurturing which Sister Leona did throughout her many years of teaching. Most importantly, she taught the children about Jesus, the Bread of Life, the Eucharist, which nurtures and strengthens us for the journey of life. This is where Sister Leona found her strength, and surely, this is why, when the Lord came to call her, her face lit up with a big smile. Sister Leona was the last surviving member of her immediate family, having been preceded in death by her parents and her sisters Mary Bujnak, Anna
Oross and Julia Dotsey. In addition to her community, she is survived by several nieces and nephews and their families. The Parastas Service was celebrated by Monastery Chaplain, Rev. Michael Huszti. In attendance was Very Rev. Ronald P. Larko. The Funeral Divine Liturgy was celebrated by Archbishop William with Rev. Michael Huszti as concelebrant. Assisting was the Very Rev. Andrew Deskevich. In attendance were Very Rev. Archpriest John G. Petro and Very Rev. Ronald P. Larko. May God grant to his handmaiden, Sister Leona, eternal memory and peaceful repose. n
guest commentary
Let’s encourage the elders in our church by Sister Constance Veit Little Sisters of the Poor
I recently participated in the Convocation of Catholic Leaders in Orlando, Fla. The purpose of this large, unprecedented encounter between U.S. bishops and laity was to study what Pope Francis has termed the “new peripheries” and to form missionary disciples. I was invited to the convocation to speak about the elderly. The 90-minute session would be the only moment when the unique needs and aspirations of seniors would be discussed. I prayed that our panel would effectively represent the elderly as both agents and recipients of the church’s charitable and evangelizing mission, but as I heard more and more discussion about the “peripheries” — Pope Francis’ term for those on the margins of society — the Holy Spirit inspired me with a new and unexpected conviction. Numerous speakers referred to immigrants and young adults as the future of the church in
the United States. As I reviewed the statistics I planned to present on the exponential aging of western societies, I had a sudden realization. The most significant and rapidly growing demographic in the church is not Hispanics, Asians, or young adults; it is older persons! Already senior citizens disproportionately fill the pews of our Catholic churches and serve in large numbers in every imaginable ministry. According to well-known Catholic journalist John L. Allen, Jr., by 2030 6.8 million additional U.S. Catholics will enter their retirement years, the stage of life when people are most likely to pray and go to church, and by 2050 elderly Americans will outnumber youth by over 16 million. Older people are not a periphery but the mainstay, the bulwark, of our church! During the panel, my co-presenters and I shared our practical expertise and our convictions about the dignity of every human life and the irreplaceable role of elders as wisdom figures with many gifts to offer. I was inspired by the commitment and compassion of those who participated in our session, but what really amazed me was
how God led me to numerous encounters with inspiring older people during the rest of the convocation. I met a retired college professor who was there to assist her daughter, a vibrant young disabled woman who had been selected to attend the convocation. A group of widows from Florida invited me to dine with them and enthusiastically shared how their lives had been transformed through the Cursillo movement. One older couple described their experiences training generations of altar servers in their parish, and another detailed their ministry preparing engaged couples for the sacrament of marriage. I met with several women from the Long Island-based group Catholics for Freedom of Religion (CFFOR), an initiative launched in 2012 in response to the HHS Contraceptive Mandate. The purpose of CFFOR is “preserving America’s First Amendment Freedom of Religion for our times and for ages and millions yet unborn.” The non-partisan group establishes parish groups to educate and advocate for religious liberty according to the original intent of the U.S. Constitution. CF-
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FOR sponsors diocesan events during the annual Fortnight for Freedom, gives presentations in parishes and schools and develops and distributes educational resources on religious freedom for school children. With the full support of their local bishop, CFFOR has already spread to five states! As I engaged with the women of CFFOR, I recalled a homily by Pope Francis when he compared the elderly to “fine vintage wine and good bread” and of a very recent homily in which he told cardinals in Rome that they are “grandfathers” called to share their wisdom and experience and to pass on their dreams to today’s youth. With such great numbers and so much to share, the elderly can hardly be considered a periphery in the church. They will only become a periphery if younger generations push them aside and refuse to accept the gifts they have to offer. So let us welcome the new embrace between young and old that Pope Francis so ardently desires! n Sister Constance Veit is director of communications for the Little Sisters of the Poor.
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AUGUST 2017
st. gregory in upper st. clair, pa.
A time to serve Prior to the beginning of the June 25 Divine Liturgy, Christopher Krofcheck, Louis Mercolini, Nathanial Oliver, and Jackson Rusinko received the blessing to serve as altar servers at St. Gregory. Congratulations to our new altar servers and we ask Our Lord to bless them with many happy and blessed years. n
Father Valerian Michlik with new altar servers Nathaniel Oliver, Jackson Rusinko, Christopher Krofcheck and Louis Mercolini.
A visit to St. Luke, St. Peter & St. Paul by Father Valerian Michlik St. Gregory, Upper St. Clair, Pa.
This year’s Church Tour took place in nearby Carnegie, Pa. On June 11, St. Gregory’s parishioners were excited to visit Old St. Luke’s Church, which overlooks Chartiers Creek. This old stone Country Gothic Church stands as testimony to the pioneer faith and fortitude that led to the establishment of the Church of England in Western Pennsylvania, the western frontier of that time. Established in 1765 as a stockade church, without a congregation since 1930, Old St. Luke’s has served the community as a religious institution and gathering place for 249 years. This site is historically connected to the French & Indian War, the Revolutionary War, and the Whiskey Rebellion. Our next stop was St. Peter & St. Paul Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Carnegie. This parish family is under the jurisdiction of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA. Here we were given the tour by iconographer Michael Kapeluck who has been blessed to paint for churches and individuals for over 25 years and continues to enjoy the challenge of pushing his skills to greater levels. After both visits, we all enjoyed fellowship and a delicious dinner at nearby Papa J’s Ristorante. n the byzantine catholic world
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parish news
continued
st. michael in campbell, ohio
Taking flight
by Father Kevin Marks St. Michael, Campbell, Ohio
Our parish youth group visited Youngstown Elser Metro Airport (GEMCO) on June 21. Parishioner and owner Michael Stanko gave a wonderful and insightful presentation. Kids enjoyed a nice tour of the facility, saw the different planes and enjoyed pizza. And our pastor even co-piloted one the planes that took off that evening. n
Vacation Bible School’s in session
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ss. peter & paul in duquesne, pa.
Golden jubilee by Lori Downey SS. Peter & Paul, Duquesne, Pa.
Robert and Judy Kacik recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. They were married on June 17, 1967 by Rev. Stephen Loya at SS. Peter & Paul in Duquesne, Pa. A Liturgy was celebrated in their honor by their pastor, Father John Cuccaro and Deacon Sean Petrisko. Bob and Judy continue to be active members of SS. Peter & Paul, where Judy also serves as cantor. They have enjoyed many activities together over the years, especially singing with the Byzantine Catholic Archeparchial Choir for the past 13 years. Bob retired from Macy's Department Store and Judy is the secretary at St. John the Baptist Cathedral in Munhall, Pa. Bob and Judy loved and were hon-
Father John Cuccaro, Judy and Bob Kacik, and Deacon Sean Petrisko of SS. Peter & Paul in Duquesne, Pa.
ored being parents to their dear late daughter, Michele Kacik. SS. Peter & Paul's Parish Club also surprised Robert and
Judy with a 50th wedding anniversary cake following the Divine Liturgy on June 18, Father’s Day.
May God Grant Them Many Blessed Years! n
Spaghetti dinner
Class of 2017
With joy, the SS. Peter & Paul Parish Club in Duquesne, Pa. honored their recent graduates — Devan Faulds, Daniel De Caria and Evon Danscak — with a brunch following the 9 a.m. Divine Liturgy on June 18, Father’s Day. Each of these fine young men are an active part of the parish community from working the spaghetti dinners to assembling hoagies. Daniel erected a “prayer” area at the parish cemetery as his Eagle Scout Project. n
May 7 marked the 15th Annual Spaghetti Dinner held at SS. Peter & Paul Church in Duquesne, Pa., where Father John Cuccaro is the pastor. This dinner is just one of the projects their Parish Club sponsors every year. All proceeds benefit the parish. n
Helen DeCaria, Linda Newmyer, Dolores Bihary
Best wishes Father John Cuccaro, Devan Faulds, Daniel De Caria, Evon Danscak and Deacon Sean Petrisko
Mednoviki baking
sisters of the order of st. basil the great
st. john the baptist cathedral in munhall, pa.
Ernest Varhola (left), of St. John the Baptist Byzantine Catholic Cathedral, Munhall, Pa., traveled to Slovakia and visited St. Cyrila a Metoda Secovce Slovakia. Father Miraslav Pohar (right) sends his best wishes to Archbishop William Skurla. n
Volunteers and sisters from three different countries — Slovakia, Romania and the United States — baked mednoviki at Mount St. Macrina in Uniontown, Pa. n
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AUGUST 2017
parish news
Celebrating 20 years
ascension of our lord in clairton, pa. Father Ivan Mina celebrated 20 years as pastor of Ascension of Our Lord Byzantine Catholic Church in Clairton, Pa. on June 25. During that time, Father Ivan was able to reinvigorate parish organizations and re-start the annual parish picnic. Together with the religious education teachers, Father Ivan helps organize an annual parish field trip to interesting destinations such as the National Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C.
In preparation for the millennium, Father Ivan had his mother, Mila Mina, an iconographer from San Diego, Ca., decorate the church with iconography arranged according to strict Byzantine canons. Father Ivan also traveled to Italy to design and order a massive marble iconostasis. Guests to the party were treated to tasty ravioli from Ciccanti's Restaurant, a rich salad prepared by the Ladies Guild, and a delicious, decorated cake. n
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Bob Grip receives International Thomas Merton Society award seminary board member honored Bob Grip, a member of the Byzantine Catholic Seminary of SS. Cyril and Methodius’ board of directors, received the most prestigious award given by The International Thomas Merton Society (ITMS) during its recent 15th General Meeting at St. Bonaventure University in Olean, N.Y. The "Louie" Awards (from Thomas Merton's name in religious life, Father Louis) were given for Merton-related work in three categories: Merton research with an international component, outstanding work published since the last General Meeting in 2015, and for significant contributions to the ITMS. The latter award was given to Grip for his 30 years of service to the organization as president, vice-president, treasurer, board member, member-
ship committee chair, program chair, site coordinator for the ITMS Fifth General Meeting in 1997, and as author of original Merton research. Grip presents a "First-Timers' Session" at each ITMS General Meeting to orient newcomers, and has made numerous presentations on the works of Merton to parishes and other organizations. Raised as a member of Holy Trinity Byzantine Catholic Church in New Britain, Conn., Grip has long served as public address announcer at the annual Pilgrimage in Honor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help held at Mount St. Macrina in Uniontown, Pa., and recently completed 25 years as an adjunct instructor at Spring Hill College in Mobile, Ala., where he is a longtime television news anchor. n
Bob Grip with his wife, Marie. at the International Thomas Merton Society General Meeting at St. Bonaventure University, Olean, N.Y. in June.
Father Ivan Mina
Summer Bible Study st. gregory in upper st. clair, pa. by Seminarian Nathan Adams St. Gregory, Upper St. Clair, Pa.
“God is Light!” At St. Gregory in Upper St. Clair, Pa. this summer was brightened by our exploration of the teachings of the 1st Epistle of John on July 11. A group of our parishioners and visitors from other churches gathered together with Seminarian Nathan Adams to sit at the feet of the beloved disciple, John, who once sat at the feet of our Lord. We learned that God is Light and He is love. Our study of the book of 1st John reminded us that in order to be children of God we must also reveal our
faith in His Son, walking in love towards one another. As we explored the book of 1st John, we came to see more clearly how our teaching about theosis is right there in the Bible. If we want fellowship with God we must abide in relationship with Him, who alone can give us salvation, can help us stop sinning, can ultimately make us just like his Son. Throughout the liturgical year, consider joining us for upcoming Bible studies at St. Gregory. n Seminarian Nathan Adams (center) leads a Summer Bible Study at St. Gregory in Upper St. Clair, Pa., on July 11.
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the byzantine catholic world feature story
Bishop Milan Lach seeks unity, hope divine liturgy of welcome celebrated july 21 Story continued from page 1 day, where there is a tendency to build some walls (that) the church is always open. And I think it is a challenge to the church to remain what it has always been — universal.” He believes bishops from other countries “are also being sent to help us not to lose the missionary dimension, because a church that is not missionary is not the church.” The appointment drew international attention. Thousands of people logged onto the eparchy’s Facebook page to watch the live stream of the July 21 liturgy. By the end of the day, Facebook reported about 19,000 views of the video; many were from Bishop Milan’s native Slovakia. Bishop Peter Rusnak of Bratislava, Slovakia, as well as several Slovak priests, traveled to Parma to concelebrate the liturgy, alongside Bishop Emeritus John Kudrick of Parma, Bishop John Pazak CSsR of the Eparchy of Phoenix, and Romanian Catholic Bishop John Michael Botean of St. George in Canton, Ohio. More than 70 clergy, including three Orthodox priests, and religious attended. Archbishop William noted in his homily that the Byzantine Catholic Church in the United States was established by European bishops, priests and faithful. “With excitement and enthusiasm…they started from nothing,” he said. “They built churches that we continue to use today.” He urged the faithful to “be gentle” with Bishop Milan as
Archbishop William, Skurla (right), welcomes Bishop Milan Lach as administrator of Parma, Ohio during a July 21 Divine Liturgy at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Parma, Ohio. Photos on pages 10 to 11 by David Bratnick unless otherwise noted.
he adjusts to life in the United States. “We pray that his time here is fruitful,” he said. At the reception that followed in the parish hall, dozens of people stood in line to shake hands with Bishop Milan, speak with him briefly and take photos. In an interview after the liturgy, Archbishop William described Bishop Milan’s appointment as the pope’s decision to “share a little bit of the Jesuit charism with Parma,” to “reconnect with the Slovak churches in Europe and also to have someone who would be able to go back to the meetings in Europe,” which he said was “a good plan.” Slovakia is a “very spiritual country” and this appointment also could help to share this richness and bring about “a revitalization” of the Eparchy, he said. The former bishop of Parma,
Bishop John, said he was “so pleased” with Bishop Milan’s appointment. “We’re leaving a good eparchy in good hands, with a lot of hope, a lot of life, and a lot of vibrancy,” he said, adding he expects Bishop Milan to add “his own genius and flavor to ministry here.” “I think that the international element is going to be a very healthy and helpful thing,” he said. Bishop Rusnak said the Slovak church is “losing one young, ambitious, kind and wise bishop” in the person of Bishop Milan. “On the other hand, I think it is an honor and also a distinction for the Slovak Byzantine Catholic Church that the Holy Father has appointed someone from our church” for Parma, he said. The United States is not an easy country in which to do
pastoral work, he continued. “I am sure there will be a lot of good people and good co-workers, who will help him,” he said, adding that Bishop Milan will also have to lean on God, who will help him a great deal. In an Italian-language phone interview five days after his nomination, Bishop Milan said he wanted to encourage and unify Byzantine Catholics of the Eparchy in faith. Though surprised by the appointment, he was eager to follow the will of God, he said. As a Jesuit, he added, he was formed for 18 years to go wherever the pope were to send him. Bishop Milan said he was aware that some people were skeptical about his appointment, as they were perhaps expecting an American cleric. “We’re one church,” he said. Story continued on page 11
Meet Bishop Milan Lach Bishop Milan Lach was born Nov. 18, 1973 in Kezmarok, in the Archeparchy of Presov of the Byzantines, Slovakia. From 1992 to 1995, he attended the Greek Catholic Theological Faculty of Presov and in 1995 he entered the novitiate of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) in Trnava, Slovakia. After studies in the theological faculty of the University of Trnava (1997 to 2001),
he was ordained a priest for the Society of Jesus in Kosice, Slovakia, on July 1, 2001. From 2001 to 2003, he worked at the Center of Spirituality East-West of Michael Lacko in Kosice. He was superior of the same center from 2009 to 2011. In 2009, he graduated from the Pontificial Oriental Institute in Rome. During he studies, he served as the spiritual director at the Pontifical Collegium Russicum and also as spiritual
assistant of the Federation of Scouts of Europe in Rome. Since 2010, he has been a member of the Council of Rectors for the theological magazine, Verba Theologica. Since 2011, he has served as vice-dean for foreign relations and development at the theological faculty of the University of the University of Trnava. Pope Francis appointed him auxiliary bishop of the Archeparchy of Presov of the Byzantines, Slovakia, April 19, 2013.
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He was ordained to the episcopacy June 1, 2013. Since 2016, he has been a visitor of the seminaries and Eastern-rite colleges in Rome for the Vatican’s Congregation for Eastern Churches. The 43-year-old Byzantine Catholic Jesuit will be the first European-born bishop to oversee the Eparchy of Parma since its founding in 1969. n Source: files from the Holy See Press Office.
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“...being human, being close to the people” Story continued from page 10 “A church is not an institution of nationalities. We are brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ above all else. In Christ, as St. Paul says, there is no Greek, nor Jew, because we are all united in Christ. “There are those who would like to create divisions. I’m not coming to divide….rather, I’m coming to unify everyone as a pastor, as a father.” Bishop Milan explained that his appointment includes “all of the duties and rights of the ordinary bishop,” and the length of his term is dependent on the pope and, therefore, yet unknown. “But I think that if everything goes well — and I hope sincerely that everything goes well — for always,” he said. He offered the example of Blessed Paul Gojdich, who served as apostolic administrator of Presov for 11 years before the Vatican named him ordinary bishop. Bishop MIlan described his pastoral approach as “being human, being close to the people.” “I am one who, before making a decision, will listen, pray, reflect and perhaps only after propose a solution. Things may not happen quickly, but first I want to know how things really are,” he said. “I am convinced that the Christian life and faith are lived in the parish and, above all, in families, where daily life happens,” he said, adding that faith, family and marriage are “under strong attack.” “The attack on life is a disgrace for Christians,” he said. “That innocent life, from conception is threatened up until the end of life with euthanasia…is a dishonor to the human being.” He said he appreciated the distinctness of “American culture developed in freedom,” adding that the church within the culture is to “collaborate with everyone, even with those who perhaps hate us.” In this era of globalization, hope and encouragement in the faith are needed today in the United States, as much as in Europe, he said. “We are all pilgrims, and it doesn’t matter if I’m in Europe, Slovakia or the United States,” he said. “We all have limited time. Therefore, we need to use it for good, not for evil, for deception, for gossip. This isn’t
Archbishop Christophe Pierre, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States, and Bishop Milan Lach.
Bishop Milan Lach and Archbishop Christophe Pierre, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States.
useful for anyone.” He also said he is not as much of a foreigner as some people might think. His maternal great grandfather immigrated to the United States and his grandfather was born and baptized in Oglesby, Ill., within the present-day territory of the 12-state Eparchy of Parma. He visited the United States twice before his appointment. He speaks English and said he expects it to improve with time. In an English-language in-person interview nearly a month later, Bishop Milan repeated that his objectives were “to be attentive, to listen.” He said he is “open to every proposal” to help the faithful of the eparchy grow closer to God. His “main interest” is to be close to the priests of the Eparchy, as well as to the families of those priests who are married, “with all of their necessities, questions, challenges and so on,” he said July 23. The bishop said he would like to create “good conditions” for priests “to proclaim the Gospel, to be indeed pastors, to be shepherds, to be indeed fa-
Bishop Milan Lach and Bishop Emeritus John Kudrick of Parma.
thers.” Tasks in management and finance, which can be carried out by laypeople, are secondary to the priesthood, he said. While he believes he needs to learn more about American culture, “I think that the heart of people is the same everywhere,” he said. Bishop Milan intends to visit with priests and parishes of the eparchy in the weeks ahead. He will be the main speaker and
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celebrant at the eparchial pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Mariapoch in Burton, Ohio, Aug. 12 to 13. He will return to Slovakia Aug. 14, and is expected to return to the United States at the end of August in order to attend the annual, national Byzantine Catholic pilgrimage in Uniontown, Pa. on Labor Day weekend. He will also join the eparchial pilgrimage to Fatima, Portugal, in October. n
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AUGUST 2017
News from the Vatican
Jesus carries burden of those who suffer, pope says “when jesus enters our life, peace comes; that (peace) which remains even in trials” by Junno Arocho Esteves Catholic News Service
VATICAN CITY — Men and women who carry the heavy burden of life's troubles can find relief in Christ, who does not take away the load, but carries it as well, Pope Francis said. "He waits for us, he always waits for us, not to resolve our problems magically, but to make us strong in our problems. Jesus does not remove the burdens of life, but rather the anguish of heart; he does not take the cross away from us, but carries it with us," the pope said before praying the Angelus July 9 with people gathered in St. Peter's Square. The pope's reflection centered on the Sunday reading from the Gospel of St. Matthew, in which Jesus invites all those who "labor and are burdened" to come to him for rest.
"Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light," Jesus said. The pope said Christ excludes no one from this invitation and knows "that many things can make the heart weary." Jesus, he added, calls on people to "move and react" rather than to stay "lying there" when things go badly. "It's not easy! In dark moments, it is natural to be within one's self, to brood over how unjust life is, on how ungrateful others are and how evil the world is and so forth," the pope said. Instead, Pope Francis said, Jesus wants to pull "us out from this quicksand" and give all people a way out of sadness, which allows them to raise their eyes "toward the one who
Pilgrims listen as Pope Francis leads the Angelus July 9 in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican. Catholic News Service photo/Max Rossi.
really loves us." "When Jesus enters our life, peace comes; that (peace) which remains even in trials, in sufferings. Let us go to Jesus, let us give him our time, let us meet him every day in prayer, in a confident and person-
al dialogue; let us familiarize ourselves with his word, let us rediscover his forgiveness without fear, let us be satiated with his bread of life: We will feel loved and consoled by him," the pope said. n
Pope approves fourth path to sainthood: heroic act of loving service
three roads to sainthood not adequate “for interpreting all possible cases” by Carol Glatz Catholic News Service
VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis has approved a fourth pathway to possible sainthood: giving one's life in a heroic act of loving service to others. In a new apostolic letter, the pope approved new norms allowing for candidates to be considered for sainthood because of the heroic way they freely risked their lives and died prematurely because of "an extreme act of charity." The document, given "motu proprio" (on his own initiative) went into effect the same day of its publication July 11, with the title "Maiorem hac dilectionem," which comes from the Gospel according to St. John (15:13): "No one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends." Archbishop Marcello Bartolucci, secretary of the Vatican Congregation for Saints' Causes, said the addition is meant "to promote heroic Christian testimony, (that has been) up to now without a specific process, precisely because it did not completely fit within the case of martyrdom or heroic virtues." For centuries, consideration for the sainthood process re-
quired that a Servant of God heroically lived a life of Christian virtues or had been martyred for the faith. The third, less common way, is called an equivalent or equipollent canonization: when there is evidence of strong devotion among the faithful to a holy man or woman, the pope can waive a lengthy formal canonical investigation and can authorize their veneration as saints. While these three roads to sainthood remain unchanged, they were not adequate "for interpreting all possible cases" of holiness, the archbishop wrote in the Vatican newspaper, L'Osservatore Romano, July 11. According to the apostolic letter, any causes for beatification according to the new pathway of "offering of life" would have to meet the following criteria: n Free and willing offer of one's life and a heroic acceptance, out of love, of a certain and early death; the heroic act of charity and the premature death are connected. n Evidence of having lived out the Christian virtues — at least in an ordinary, and not necessarily heroic, way — before having offered one's life to
others and until one's death. n Evidence of a reputation for holiness, at least after death. n A miracle attributed to the candidate's intercession is needed for beatification. Archbishop Bartolucci wrote that the new norms arise from the sainthood congregation wanting to look into the question of whether men and women who, "inspired by Christ's example, freely and willingly offered and sacrificed their life" for others "in a supreme act of charity, which was the direct cause of death," were worthy of beatification. For example, throughout history there have been Christians who willingly put themselves at risk and died of infection or disease because of aiding and serving others, he wrote. Pope Francis approved the congregation carrying out an in-depth study of the new proposal in early 2014, the archbishop wrote. After extensive input, discussion and the work of experts, the cardinal and bishop members of the Congregation for Saints' Causes approved in 2016 "a new pathway for beatification of those who offered their lives with explicit and recognized Chris-
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tian" reasons. Archbishop Bartolucci wrote that the new provisions do nothing to alter church doctrine concerning Christian holiness leading to sainthood and the traditional procedure for beatification. Rather, the addition offers an enrichment, he wrote, with "new horizons and opportunities for the edification of the people of God, who, in their saints, see the face of Christ, the presence of God in history and the exemplary implementation of the Gospel." n Answer Key from page 15
AUGUST 2017
report from the
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Byzantine Catholic Serra Club
Called to service
serra club installs new officers; serrans needed to assist priests to life in u.s.a. by Kathe Kress Serra Club communications liaison
The Serra Club observed its June biennial custom of installing a new slate of officers, including a new president, William (Bill) Kress. Following dinner, Serra Chaplain Father Valerian Michlik led the new officers in the oath of office. Outgoing President Patricia Bovee passed the gavel to Bill and also presented him with Serra Bylaws. Very Rev. Andrew Deskevich assisted by leading them all in prayer before an icon of our three martyred bishops. In addition to Bill, the other officers include Vice President Diane Pochron, Vice President-Programs Gerry Rhoads O’Connor, Vice President-Membership Sam Barone, Vice President-Vocations Patricia Bovee, Vice President-Communications Mike Pillar, Treasurer Rich Trankocy and Secretary Dorothy Mayernik. Frank Chiprich, Joe Senko and John Tomko serve as Trustees. With the ceremonies complete, Father Andrew addressed the group. He began with a brief biography that dovetailed into one of the main tenets of the Serra organization: that vocations are born in a faithfilled, faithful and loving Catholic family. “My vocation was not fostered through the Catholic school system, since I was educated in the public school system. Rather my vocation was fostered through my family’s intimate involvement in the life of the Church. My dad has been and continues to be the cantor in my home parish St. Nicholas of Myra, Nanty Glo, Pa., for 40-some years,” he said. Father Andrew celebrated the 20th anniversary of his ordination, by the hand of Metropolitan Judson Procyk on May 4. He first served at St. Andrew in Gibsonia, Pa. and its mother parish, Holy Ghost on the North Side of Pittsburgh, Pa. In 2003, he was sent to Erie, Pa.’s SS. Peter & Paul and SS. Cyril and Methodius in nearby Girard, Pa., where he served until 2010. He was then transferred to serve SS. Peter and Paul, Warren, Ohio and St. Michael in Newton Falls, Ohio. Since 2015, he has been pastor of St. Elias in Munhall, Pa. Currently, he also serves as Protosyncellus for the Archeparchy.
New Serra Club officers pray before the icon of Three Martyred Bishops. Pictured are William Kress, Diane Pochron, Rich Trankocy, Father Andrew Deskevich, Gerry Rhoads O’Connor, Patricia Bovee, Dorothy Mayernik and Father Valerian Michlik.
As he wrapped up this brief bio, Father Andrew implied that his presentation to the Serrans “is not meant to be about me.” In fact, it was a prelude to his work as Protosyncellus and to recruit the Serrans to assist in this work. “Presently, the Archeparchy has 75 parishes being served by 43 priests. Twenty-two priests have a dual parish assignment; four have a triple parish assignment. The age breakdown of our 43 priests is as follows: one in his 80s, ten in their 70s, seventeen in their 60s, four in their 50s, three in their 40s and eight in their 30s. Six of the eight in their 30s are priests from Eastern Europe, specifically from our Mother Eparchy of Mukacevo.” As Protosyncellus, Father Andrew works with all the priests of the Archeparchy, but he is one of the few who works closely with the priests arriving from Eastern Europe. “The first two priests arrived in 2014, one in 2015 and three in 2016. Five of the six are married with children. These six have all been assigned to parishes of the Archeparchy: five have dual parishes and the sixth is serving three parishes!” Father Andrew was quick to point out that “without these priests, willing to leave their homeland to serve us, we would have 13 parishes without a priest. With that many, we would have to seriously consider closing and consolidating parishes.” The Archeparchy is expecting three more married ordained priests — with two children each — and one subdeacon, who will be ordained
by Metropolitan William Skurla, to arrive in July. Father Andrew stated: “Bringing priests from ‘old country’ is not an ideal solution to our priest shortage in the U.S. Metropolitan Church. While we are blessed and must surely be appreciative of these priests and their families sacrificing all to serve here, the solution is to have more faithful families in our parishes and to encourage our American-born boys and young men to consider a vocation to the priesthood.” Father Andrew explained the process of bringing these young men and their families to the U.S. Once a priest and his family agree to come to America to serve and their bishop grants permission, “the chancery, specifically Sister Elaine (Kisinko), starts to gather the necessary documents and information to prepare their visa application. The visa information is sent to an immigration lawyer and we wait for approval from Homeland Security and our government. Once approved, the documents are forwarded to the priest so that he can acquire his visa from the American Embassy in the Ukraine or Slovakia, depending upon his country of residence. Once the visa is obtained, the priests need an official release from their bishop giving his blessing for them to serve in America. At this time, the bishop fixes the travel date. Once the date has been set and the plane tickets are purchased, that is when I get involved.” In Pittsburgh, there are three empty rectories which serve as temporary residences for the priests and their families: North Side, South Side and
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Ruska Dolina. “This certainly has been a learning experience for me as an unmarried priest,” Father Andrew said. “When the first family arrived last year, I was scrambling to purchase car seats for their children because of our laws. When they were picked up at the airport, two vehicles had to be used to accommodate the car seats and family, as well as the luggage.” The residences are prepared in advance, with basic necessities such as food and toiletries. Once the family is settled in, they must be taken to the grocery store to shop for food and supplies. They are familiarized with our currency and grocery stores in or near their neighborhood. The priest is also taken to the Social Security Office to apply for a Social Security card to be able work on their religious worker visa. Once the Social Security card arrives and they become more proficient in the language via an English as a Second Language (ESL) course, the priest receives a parish assignment and he and his family relocate to that parish. Additionally, children are enrolled in school, as age appropriate. Other needs arise such as additional clothing and toys and books for children. Eventually, the priest will need to take the exam for a Pennys;vania Driver’s License and a car needs to be purchased. “Something that I personally realized through this process, is that I cannot do it all and I cannot do it alone,” Father Andrew said. “We at the ArchepStory continued on page 14
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AUGUST 2017
thoughts for our day by Archpriest David M. Petras
THE NEED FOR DIALOGUE T h o u g h Christians of different communities and people of different religions have often been hostile to one another, sometimes even to the point of violence, in the 20th century, a charitable way of relating to the other, either ecumenism or inter-religious dialogue, became popular. I do not want to “rationalize” but I want to point out that throughout human history, there has been an impetus to peace and love and dialogue with the other. We sometimes don’t see this, because as someone once observed, “History is written by the victors.” There have always been holy Christians who have sought union through dialogue, often at great personal cost. Even the condemnation of iconoclasm came about through dialogue, where the iconodules, in dialogue with the iconoclasts, did admit that the making of statues smacked a bit of idolatry. This did not affect the West, where the iconoclast controversy did not lead to division. In the 20th century, however, a revolution in communication brought us into a closer and more intimate union with the other. This was supplemented by a revolution in travel, bringing different groups into the same place as the other through immigration. How did we deal with this? One way was through hatred, leading to the genocides of the twentieth century, of the Armenians by the Turks, of the Jews by the Nazis, of the Cambodian “killing field,” and of the massacre of the Tutsis in Rwanda by the Hutus, often under “Christian” auspices. Having grown
up in a Slav-American “immigration” culture, I know from my childhood, how there was hatred for the blacks and Jews. I know even today how many now transfer that hatred to the Moslems; we need only to listen to contemporary political rhetoric. I know also from my
Especially when the Catholic Church came on board with ecumenism, this resulted in what I can call an “era of good feelings.” Pope and Patriarch met in Jerusalem and opened a Tomos Agapis, a “dialogue of love.” life in faith how Orthodox and Catholics denigrated one another. On the other hand, there was a strengthening of the ecumenical movement, in which we began to listen to one another, and to find common ground rather than mutual condemnation. We became aware that the destruction of the other was our own spiritual death, and maybe even our physical death. We became aware that we are all travelers on the planet earth, that we are all in this together, and that salvation depends on toleration. The goal of unity came to the forefront, for the Protestants at the 1910 Edin-
Called to service Story continued on page 13
archy need some help.” He asked, as part of their vocational mission, that the Byzantine Serrans step up and “assist these families in transition and adjust to life here in America, especially until they are assigned to a parish. I guess, I look to your members to ‘adopt’ a family to assist them
until they are assigned to a parish for service. I am looking for people willing to take them to the grocery store, to any doctor appointments, show them around the area, etc. I would like to set up a network of people they could call upon if they have questions or are in need of something.” Father Andrew thanked the
burgh World Missionary Conference, though there remain evangelical churches totally opposed, for the Orthodox in the 1920 Encyclical Letter of Ecumenical Patriarch Germanos, though there remain traditionalists, particularly many monastic communities who brand ecumenism as the “pan-heresy,” and for the Catholics in the Second Vatican Council, which many traditionalists still strongly oppose. Christians have felt the need to unite in the face of a dangerous and secularist world hostile to religion. Another reason for dialogue may be the restructuring of society. Before the 20th century, the secular power was wedded to religion. The Church proclaimed the faith, the government enforced belief, or, at the least, public ascription to the Church’s formulations of belief. This is no longer true for most of the world, though there are still some governments supporting official religions. Also, in the 20th century, we have seen governments hostile to religion. I even do not think there is any way in which we can consider the United States a “Christian” society, even though not “hostile” to religion. In recognition of this reality, the Catholic Church recognized freedom of religions in the Vatican II Council: “This Vatican Council declares that the human person has a right to religious freedom. This freedom means that all men are to be immune from coercion on the part of individuals or of social groups and of any human power, in such wise that no one is to be forced to act in a manner contrary to his own beliefs, whether privately or publicly, whether alone or in association with others, within due limits.” (Dignitatis Humanae 2) Coer-
cion is no longer a way of dealing with other churches or religions, and dialogue becomes an authentic way to relate to the other. It is certainly unrealistic to think that the billions of non-Christians will all convert tomorrow, or even in the next generation or in future generations, or that we will even find a common denominator among the followers of Christ. Dialogue becomes necessary, and even desirable. Especially when the Catholic Church came on board with ecumenism, this resulted in what I can call an “era of good feelings.” Pope and Patriarch met in Jerusalem and opened a Tomos Agapis, a “dialogue of love.” Bi-lateral dialogues were established with virtually all Christian Churches with the express goal of a renewed Communion. The dialogues between Catholics and the Oriental Orthodox and the Orthodox and Oriental Orthodox have produced statements of mutual faith, where the linguistic differences are labeled as “semantic” and “political.” Traditionalists within these churches (cf. the Memorandum by Mt. Athos) have prevented these statements in coming to full fruition in Communion. I am a child of Vatican II, I was present in Rome during the Second Vatican Council and I can witness to the almost palpable presence and working of the Holy Spirit. However, as time has gone on, this elusive goal still seems far away. Zeal for unity and hope for communion has dimmed. The easier road of self-righteousness and condemnation of the other is still a basic component of human nature. We need to explore further the necessity of dialogue in our age, which seems to be closing back on itself. n
Serrans for the opportunity to share the state of the Archeparchy and the process of bringing priests from Eastern Europe to serve the Archeparchy. He also thanked the Serrans for their dedication to their mission of encouraging and supporting vocations. “I hope and pray that you would consider being a part of
the process of welcoming and helping these priestly families to adjust to life in America. May God continue to bless all of your efforts in promoting priestly, diaconal and religious vocations. I know that I appreciate all that you are doing.” n
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Activity
Word Search Activity Read the article about the Transfiguration, then study the Icon of the Transfiguration below. Using the word list, find and circle each word on the letter grid which corresponds to a figure or item found in the icon.
The Transfiguration Icon and article from the “Come Bless the Lord Icon Packet” God With Us Publications Eastern Catholic Conference of Diocesan Directors
The Feast of the Transfiguration takes its origins from the celebration of the Gospel event. Jesus leads His Disciples up the mountain. “He was transfigured before their eyes. His face became dazzling as the sun, His clothes as radiant as light.” (Mt. 17: 2) In this light we see Christ. “This is My beloved Son, on Whom My favor rests. Listen to Him.” (Mt. 17: 5) The Icon of the Transfiguration portrays Christ surrounded by the glorious light of His divinity and clothed in the same garments in which He is depicted in all representations of the Resurrection. To His left is Moses, holding the Tablets of the Law, while to His right is shown the Prophet Elias. St. John Chrysostom offers various reasons for the appearance of these particular Old Testament figures at the Transfiguration. They represent the Law and the Prophets. Both had visions of God. Moses represents the dead while Elias, having been carried up to heaven in a chariot of fire, represents the living over whom — both the living and the dead— Christ reigns in glory. The Apostles Peter, James, and John are in the lower portion of the Icon. These are the same three who would appear
in Gethsemene with Christ; they were being prepared for the Passion, which they still were not able to comprehend. The Apostles’ position in the Icon vary throughout history. Beginning with the eleventh century, however, St. Peter, shown to the left, is represented as kneeling, supported on his right hand, raising his left hand to shield his eyes from the light. St. John, always in the center, is depicted as fallen, his back turned to the light and his sandal having fallen from his foot. St. James, to the right, is portrayed as fleeing from the light. Christ appeared to the Apostles not in the form of man as the “suffering servant” but, rather, in the form of God. “For taking apart the three Disciples He has expressly chosen.... He led them up into the mountain by themselves; and for a short time He concealed the flesh He had assumed, and was transfigured before them.” (Vespers Hymn) The Feast of the Transfiguration celebrates the divinity of Christ and the divinization of man. It gives us a glimpse into Christ’s divine person, and sets us afire with divine light. n
ELIJAH JAMES JOHN MOUNTAIN JESUS MANDORLA MOSES NIMBUS PETER
The Feast of the Transfiguration of Our Lord is celebrated on August 6.
SANDAL SCROLL TABLET SEE ANSWER KEY ON PAGE 12.
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AUGUST 2017
around the archeparchy Please consider a Charitable Gift Annuity with the Byzantine Catholic Seminary. Secure an income which is guaranteed for life and, at the same time, provide future support of the Byzantine Catholic Seminary. By acting now, you can begin to receive: n A rate of return much higher than CDs, bonds or other guaranteed investments. n Income that is tax-free. n An income tax deduction for a portion of your gift. n No up-front capital gains tax due when funding this with appreciated securities. n The knowledge that your gift will help you now and also provide valuable resources to the Byzantine Catholic Seminary. For more information on the Byzantine Catholic Seminary’s Charitable Gift Annuity Program and to receive a no obligation illustration of the benefits, email the Development Office at development@bcs.edu or complete the form below and return it to us. Name ____________________________________________ Address ___________________________________________ City State Zip _____________________________________ Dates of birth: 1st annuitant_____ 2nd annuitant _______ I am considering a Gift Annuity of $___________________ Phone ____________________________________________ n Please send me language for my will that will be helpful in leaving a legacy gift to the Byzantine Catholic Seminary. Byzantine Catholic Seminary 3605 Perrysville. Ave. Pittsburgh, Pa. 15214
FLEA MARKET/RUMMAGE SALE — 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Aug. 7 to 12, St. Nicholas, 302 Third Ave., Brownsville, Pa. Wall-to-wall new and slightly used items including clothing, housewares, toys, small pieces of furniture, books and small appliances. Bake sale and hot dogs, snacks and drinks available for purchase. Watch for signs around the church. For more information, call Melody Yeardie at 724-785-2801. ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT BREAKFAST BUFFET — 9 a.m.1 p.m. Aug. 13 and Sep. 10 at St. Mary’s Center, Route 981, Trauger. Cost is $6 for adults and $3 for ages 5 to 10. No cost for ages 4 and under. Sponsored by St. Mary’s Youth Group. FAITH & FUN DAY for Archeparchial altar servers is scheduled for Aug. 24. Information will be sent to churches.
83rd annual Pilgrimage set for Sept. 2 to 3 Story continued from page 1 participation in the Divine Liturgy of the Byzantine Catholic Church. Also scheduled are Matins, Vespers, sacrament of reconciliation, activities for teens and children, and other services in honor of the Mother of God. The Pilgrimage holds the distinction of being the oldest and the largest Byzantine Catholic Pilgrimage in the country. The Sisters of St. Basil the Great respond in sensitivity and service to the needs of the Catholic Church and of the people. Their ministries encompass prayer, education, com-
dates to remember AUGUST 6 Feast of the Transfiguration of Our Lord AUGUST 15 Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos CHANCERY CLOSED AUGUST 24 Faith and Fun Day for Altar Servers SEPT. 2 to 3 Pilgrimage in honor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Mount St. Macrina, Uniontown, Pa. SEPT. 8 Feast of the Nativity of the Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary
SEPT. 10 A Celebration of Marriage St. Elias, Munhall, Pa. SEPT. 14 Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross
See more upcoming events at www.archpitt.org
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munications, cultural and heritage studies, translation and publication of liturgical books, religious education and organizational work, iconography and fine arts, health-related services, retreat work, and, social and pastoral ministry. Sisters also serve in the Chanceries of the various Byzantine Catholic Eparchies (Dioceses). The Sisters are known internationally for their annual Pilgrimage in Honor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help. For further information, contact the Sisters directly at 724- 438-8644 or visit www. sistersofstbasil.org. n
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