THE OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE ARCHEPARCHY OF PITTSBURGH
feast of the dormition
Inside
Archbishop William celebrates at St. Gregory Page 3
VOL. 62 NO. 10
SEPTEMBER 2017
a walk in the park
blessing of vehicles
Clergy and faithful enjoy annual Byzantine Catholic Day at Kennywood Page 6
Archeparchial churches commemorate the prophet Elijah Page 11
Faith and Fun Day
“Return to Galilee” basilian sister jubilarians feted during community days
Press release
Austin Ball, 9, and his father, Derek, of St. John the Baptist in Lyndora, Pa. root for the Pittsburgh Pirates during their game versus the Los Angeles Dodgers at PNC Park on Aug. 24. The event was part of the 10th annual “Faith and Fun Day” for altar servers. Photo by David Mayernik Jr.
altar servers come together for annual event By David Mayernik Jr. Editor
Being an altar server runs in the Rubish family. Tommy Rubish, 9, began his service at Holy Ghost in McKees Rocks, Pa. last December, following in the footsteps of his brother, Paul, 11, who has served for the past two years. “I wanted to do it and my brother was doing it.” Tommy was one more than two dozen altar servers who participated in “Faith and Fun Day” for the Archeparchy’s altar servers on Aug. 24. The day included morning liturgy at Holy Ghost, a visit to the Carnegie Science Center on Pittsburgh’s North Side, and cheering on the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park during their game versus the Los Angeles Dodgers. Tommy said his favorite part of being an altar server is “doing the boat.”
The “boat” is the vessel which holds incense before it is put into a censer. “Yeah, I like the smell,” he said. Tommy, who began fourth grade last month, enjoys math and playing baseball, basketball and hockey. Father Kevin Marks, of St. Michael in Campbell, Ohio, said “Faith and Fun Day” began as a way to honor altar servers. “Just to give them a day to say ‘thank you’ and appreciate them for their ministry in serving and a day they all can come together from various parishes to get to know each other. “We have faith in the Divine Liturgy and then the fun part is a tour around Pittsburgh, going to exhibits and we always end with a Pirates baseball game.” In previous years, alar servers have enjoyed a private tour of Heinz Field, the home of Story continued on page 7
Sisters of St. Basil to celebrate 83rd annual Pilgrimage 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.” 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 Story continued on page 14
Jubilee is a time to “return to Galilee,” to the time when one first heard the call and to treasure in one’s heart the living memory of that call. It is for the Jubilarians, and for all the Sisters, “a return to that blazing light with which God’s grace touched us at the start of our journey.” These words of Pope Francis express this even more succinctly when he stated: “To return there means reviving the memory of that moment when his eyes met mine, the moment when he made me realize that he loved me.” These are the memories which sustain us on the journey and which we celebrate at each Jubilee. Nine Sisters of the Order of St. Basil the Great celebrated a lifetime of dedication during the annual community day gathering at Mount St. Macrina. From Diamond Jubilarian Sister Maria Petruska to 40-year Jubilarian Sister Susan Sisko, the Sisters have offered a total of 565 years of loving service throughout our Metropolitan Church. As the Feast of our holy Mother St. Macrina fell during community week, July 19 was the day chosen to honor all these Sisters. The gospel during the Divine Liturgy of Thanksgiving was about the Beatitudes. Father Michael Huszti, Monastery Chaplain, noted that this Gospel asks the most of us. In addressing the Jubilarians, he spoke of the depth of their love for the Lord, this love exemplified in their fidelity to the holy vows over the years. Story continued on page 13
PAGE 2
SEPTEMBER 2017
Opening bells
UPS 081500 ISSN 07442289
hierarchal divine liturgy marks new year for seminary students
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
By David Mayernik Jr. Editor
A Hierarchal Divine Liturgy celebrated by Archbishop William Skurla marked the start of a new year at the Byzantine Catholic Seminary of SS. Cyril and Methodius in Pittsburgh, Pa. on Aug. 29.
During his homily, Archbishop William welcomed students, faculty, family members and friends. He said faithful should continue to work toward peace and tolerance and pray for the victims of flooding on the Texas Gulf Coast.
Archbishop William also imparted advice to the assembled seminarians: “Use each and every day you have here at the Seminary because they go very quickly.� This year's Seminary class includes 15 students. n
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 Catholics in the Archeparchy of Pittsburgh, throughout the Metropolitan Church in America, and around the world. Photos by David Mayernik Jr.
the byzantine catholic world
SEPTEMBER 2017
PAGE 3
Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos archbishop william celebrates at st. gregory in upper st. clair, pa.
by Father Valerian Michlik St. Gregory, Upper St. Clair, Pa.
For the Vigil of the Dormition of the Theotokos on Aug. 14, the faithful of St. Gregory welcomed Archbishop William Skurla. Following the welcome of Archbishop William, we continued with the evening service, which commemorates the "falling-asleep" and the translation, or assumption, into heaven of the body of the Theotokos. The highlight of this beautiful service was the procession with the Dormition Shroud led by our parish children.
At the conclusion, the faithful had the opportunity to venerate the Dormition Shroud and receive Festal Anointing. The evening continued with summer refreshments in our Church hall prepared by our dedicated faithful. Our parish children enjoyed playing together on the parish playground and preparing s’mores at the fire pit. This was a wonderful evening for all, celebrating the Pascha of the Theotokos. n
Photos by Jennifer Kehm
the byzantine catholic world
PAGE 4
SEPTEMBER 2017
the joy of music
Singing and church renewal by Deacon Jeffrey Mierzejewski Director, Metropolitan Cantor Institute
Our church's tradition of singing — that we all participate in chanting entire liturgical services — is a precious spiritual inheritance, one that sets us apart within both the Catholic and Orthodox traditions. It has the potential to endow our worship with great beauty and stateliness, but it can also have practical benefits for our parishes. In this series of articles, I'd like to talk about these benefits, and present a challenge to each parish, and each Byzantine Catholic, to help foster this tradition over the coming year. Our plain chant, developed for Church Slavonic from its origins in Greek music and adapted to English, has a vital property when led by a trained cantor: inevitability. Its melodies can be learned by heart and applied to a wide variety of hymns such as troparia and
kontakia, in such a way that every phrase leads naturally into the next, and each hymn is matched to the one that follows. “The overall effect," said musicologist Ivan Garder, who travelled in Eastern Europe in the 1920s, "is one of extraordinary power." Yet many of our parishes no longer experience this power today, and the reasons are not hard to find. As a whole, we are no longer a culture that sings, at work or at play; instead of making music, we listen to other people make it. Music education in schools is less thorough than it once was, and parishes are fragmented. Liturgical services like Vespers, molebens and the Paraklis have fallen out of use, and while the vast majority of our parishes still sing entire Divine Liturgies, we often do so in a lackluster fashion, using only a small number of the wide range of melodies we once knew by heart. At this year's Summer Music School in Pittsburgh, cantors from around the country had a chance to discuss the state of our church singing and prospects for renewal. There was general agreement that there
are things we can do to recapture and even surpass the kind of congregational singing our parishes have been known for in the past. n We need to acknowledge that everyone can sing, and good singing can be taught, learned and practiced. n Cantors need to be encouraged, and held to a high standard, since their talents and attitude make a huge difference. n Singing in harmony, once done by ear in most of our parishes, is a skill that can taught, and harmonized plain chant should become once more a regular part of our liturgical experience. n School children and young adults, in particular, should have more opportunities to learn and enjoy singing in church. Most importantly, cantors and faithful need to learn to listen to one another. We sometimes forget that listening is an essential part of living in community, and is just as essential if we want to sing our praises to God with beauty, grace and joy. In future articles, I will present some practical steps we can
take to improve our church singing, and use it to renew our parishes and evangelize our communities. If you have ideas or suggestions, please contact me at mci@archpitt.org or 412735-1676. n Deacon Jeffrey Mierzejewski is the director of the Metropolitan Cantor Institute.
BYZANTINE DIVINE LITURGY view liturgical services (various times) streamed LIVE online at:
St. John the Baptist Cathedral, Munhall, Pa. www. stjohnsbyzantinecathedral. com Holy Ghost Church McKees Rocks, Pa. www.holyghostbyzantinecatholic.org St. John Chrysostom Church - Pittsburgh, Pa. www.sjcbcc.com
text messages
Happy New Year new liturgical year offers second chance by David Mayernik Jr. Editor
The calendar’s pages have turned to September, which means students are going back to school, another professional and college football season is underway, and green leaves are morphing into bright hues of gold, red and yellow. Sept. 1 is also the start of a new Liturgical Year, following the Dormition Fast from Aug. 1 to 14 in preparation for the Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos on Aug. 15. There won’t be a silver ball dropping from the roof of One Times Square in New York City or a Rose Bowl parade to mark the occasion, but that doesn’t mean the day is any less important than Jan. 1. It’s interesting that the Byzantine Catholic faith offers us another opportunity during the year to “turn the page” and start over with a clean personal slate.
Over the past few years, I’ve kept my New Year’s resolutions modest: I often joked with people I worked with my goal each each year was to eat a Wendy’s Frosty by Dec. 31 since I’ve never had one in my life. But if I didn’t accomplish something in the first twothirds of the year, that was OK since a second chance was always around the corner in September. I’ve always marked the start of fall on Labor Day when I would sit in front of the television to watch the annual Muscular Dystrophy Association telethon with its host, the late Jerry Lewis. Unfortunately, the telethon — broadcast across the United States and world on the MDA’s “Love Network” of televisison affiliates — is a thing of the past. I’m a big fan of “old school” Hollywood and there was no better place to see stars of yes-
Will I enjoy a Frosty by the end of the year? Only time will tell.
teryear than the annual MDA telethon. Jerry and co-host Ed McMahon would welcome such Hollywood stars as Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., Tony Orlando and comedian Norm Crosby to their Las Vegas stage to sing, dance and tell jokes. I'm not exactly certain why I enjoyed seeing Jerry ask his orchestra for a timpani as Ed unveiled a new donation total on the oversized tote board, but I did. At the conclusion of each telethon, Jerry would sit on a stool
the byzantine catholic world
Photo by David Mayernik Jr.
and sing "You'll Never Walk Alone" to inspire viewers and offer hope to those who suffer from Muscular Dystrophy. Of course, the song's title can be interpreted in another way by Byzantine Catholics: God is With Us. It’s a comforting thought to keep in mind. I’m going to do my best to take advantage of the new Liturgical Year. (Maybe it’s about time to try that Frosty...) Happy New Year! n
SEPTEMBER 2017
PAGE 5
Northcentral Deanery helping our European priests, families parishes, priests offer spiritual, monetary help in their overseas journey
by Deacon Paul Bobiege Nativity of the Mother of God, Dubois, Pa.
Generations ago our ancestors came to America on steamships with all their belongings in a trunk. Our new European Byzantine Catholic priests are coming with their families with a 50-pound suitcase and the clothes on their backs. "I just became aware of this when my pastor, Father Vasyl Banyk, asked me to start a collection of clothing for the children of the three priests who were scheduled to arrive this summer," said Deacon Paul Boboige, of Nativity of the Mother of God, DuBois, Pa. Father Vasyl is very familiar with their plight as he arrived in the United States in January 2016 with his wife, Natalia, and four-year-old daughter, Nadia. Deacon Paul notified the priests of the protopresbyterate and is receiving a generous response. St Anne in Clymer, Pa., where Father Bill Lascelles is pastor, generously provided
$300 in gift certificates, along with donations from parishes in Sheffield (Father David Bosnick, pastor and dean); Holy Trinity, Sykesville and Nativity, DuBois (FatherVasyl); and Father Jim Ragan (Hawk Run, Clarence, Father Vasyl Kadar with wife, Kvitka, and children Vasyl and State College) . Juliana. Chuck Dearparishes. Our parishes have dorff of St. Nicholas in Perbeen celebrating their centenniryopolis, Pa. donated a 4 by 8 al anniversaries but once again feet trailer load of baby carriagsome are in need of priests. At es, high chairs and toys, which the requests of our American Very Rev. Robert Pipta of our bishops, the bishop of MukByzantine Catholic Seminary, acevo, Milan Sasik, and archgraciously provided storage bishop of Presov, Jan Babjak, and a distribution center. are generously providing those We see history repeating itmuch needed priests from their self; in the late 1800s and flourishing seminaries. early 1900s the Mukacevo The American Byzantine Cathand Presov eparchies in the olic Church is grateful to ArchAustro-Hungary Empire sent bishop Jan and Bishop Milan priests to fill vacancies in our for their kindness and concern newly created Greek Catholic
Father Radko Blichar with wife, Kataria, and children Benjamin and David.
for their American brethren. In his remarks during his homily at Holy Trinity Church, Bishop Milan stated that he wants to see the "resurrection" of our Church and is sending vocations so that "no parish is without a priest." May God grant the benevolent bishop many blessed years! n Not pictured: Father Ivan Rusin, wife and two children, Archeparchy of Presov.
Sister Barbara Pavlik celebrates 60th jubilee archbishop william celebrates july 23 divine liturgy in warren, ohio Sister Barbara Pavlik, OSB, a Byzantine Benedictine Sister of Queen of Heaven Monastery in Warren, Ohio, observed her 60th jubilee of religious profession on July 23. A Divine Liturgy of Thanksgiving was celebrated by Metropolitan Archbishop William C. Skurla at SS. Peter and Paul Byzantine Catholic Church in Warren, Ohio. Concelebrants at the Divine Liturgy were Rev. Simeon B. Sibenik, pastor of SS. Peter and Paul Byzantine Catholic Church, Warren; and Very Rev. Richard I. Lambert, dean of the Youngstown Deanery and pastor of Saint Mary Byzantine Catholic Church, Youngstown, Ohio. After the Gospel reading, Sister Barbara renewed her vows of Poverty, Chastity, Obedience, the Pursuit of Monastic Perfection, and Stability. The homily was given by Rev. Simeon Sibenik who explained and focused on the Benedictine vow of Stability. Following the Divine Liturgy, a festive dinner was held at DeLucia’s Catering Facility. Father Kevin Marks, pastor of St. Michael Byzantine Catholic Church, Hermitage, Pa., and Master of Ceremonies, introduced Father Robert J. Karl,
a former pastor, who was also celebrating 60 years of service to the Byzantine Church. After a few short remarks, Father Bob opened the dinner with prayer. Sister Barbara was joined in the celebration of her 60th jubilee by her family, religious community, clergy and many friends. Towards the end of the dinner, she spoke of the many people and many blessings she had encountered in her 60 years of service. Sister Barbara, born in Irwin, Pa., is the daughter of Frank and Barbara Pavlik. She is the second youngest of 10 children. Her home parish was St. Mary Byzantine Catholic Church in Herminie, Pa. She entered Sacred Heart Monastery, Lisle, Ill., on Sept. 11, 1955 in her senior year of high school and professed her vows July 22, 1957. Sister Barbara was a charter member of Queen of Heaven Monastery of Byzantine Benedictine Sisters when it was founded in Warren in 1969. Sister Barbara taught at Catholic schools in Wichita Falls, Texas; Joliet and Chicago, Ill.; and Warren and Parma, Ohio. In the 1970s she worked with the Religious Education Office for the Archeparchy of Pitts-
Photo by Joseph Rudinec
burgh on the writing of the “God with Us” catechetical books for use in the Archeparchy. Other areas of ministry were administrative assistant of Colonial Manor Nursing Home, office work at Truck World, and the teaching of Eastern Christian Formation classes at several Byzantine parishes. Sister Barbara also worked in the finance office of the Diocese of Youngstown and as secretary/bookkeeper at St. Anthony Church in Youngstown. She served as prioress of Queen of Heaven Monastery for eight years, was a member of the community council, and has been a frequent delegate to
the byzantine catholic world
Chapter meetings of the Federation of St. Scholastica. Sister Barbara is currently secretary/bookkeeper at SS. Peter and Paul Church in Warren, coordinator of the Eastern Christian Formation Program at SS. Peter and Paul, and community secretary. She is one busy, happy, dedicated, prayerful and God-centered woman! The jubilee celebration ended with a short reflection and prayer given by Very Rev. George Appleyard. May God grant you many happy and blessed years, Sister Barbara! n
parish news PAGE 6
SEPTEMBER 2017
A walk in the park faithful unite for annual “byzantine catholic day” at kennywood Priests, deacons, clergy and faithful enjoyed fun in the sun during the annual Byzantine Catholic Day at Kennywood Park in West Mifflin, Pa. on July 27. The day’s activities started with a prayer service celebrated by Very Rev. Andrew Deskevich and performances by Slavjane’s teenage and junior ensembles. There was food, games for children and, of course, an opportunity to ride all day on the Pittsburgh Plunge, Noah’s Ark and the Thunderbolt. n
Photos by David Mayernik Jr.
the byzantine catholic world
SEPTEMBER 2017
parish news
continued
PAGE 7
Faith and Fun Day
altar servers enjoy the carnegie science center, pittsburgh pirates game Story continued from page 1 the Pittsburgh Steelers; Just Ducky Tours; and visits to the former Consol Energy Center and WQED television studios in Oakland, Pa. Father Kevin hopes the day serves to “renew and refresh” the altar servers. “They’re appreciated and when they serve at the altar, it’s not unnoticed. “The pastors of our churches are thankful of their willingness and dedication to serve and hopefully, for them, serving means more than just being forced into it. But rather, that they want to do it and they’re learning, they participate, and hopefully maybe there will be a priest or a deacon out of the boys.” Father Kevin hoped the young men enjoyed the day’s activities and think to themselves: “Yes, I love being an altar boy.” Tyson Kennis, 12, has served for the past three years at Holy Trinity in Sykesville, Pa. This was the third “Faith and Fun Day’ he has attended. “When I was in second grade, I learned that you could be an altar server at eight years old. I wanted to join because everybody else was doing it, all my friends from the church.” Tyson, who is going into sixth grade, is the oldest of three sisters and a brother. “It’s a pretty big family. My brother is the youngest and I’m the oldest so the boys are split out and the girls are in the middle.” Tyson enjoys going to Pirates games and his favorite player is center fielder Andrew McCutchen. “I’ve just always liked him.” He has no doubt as to why he continues to serve on the altar at Holy Trinity. “I thought it was a really good idea to do it because I’m serving the Lord.”n
Photos by David Mayernik Jr.
the byzantine catholic world
PAGE 8
parish news
continued
SEPTEMBER 2017
Blessing of Vehicles
st. gregory in upper st. clair, pa. by Father Valerian Michlik St. Gregory, Upper St. Clair, Pa.
In honor of the holy prophet Elijah, the blessing of vehicles took place at St. Gregory on July 23. This blessing takes place in our parish every year in commemoration of the prophet Elijah who was taken into heaven on a fiery chariot (2 Kings 2:1-15). This year, besides cars and trucks, we also had a number of bicycles and scooters to bless. Following this blessing, St. Gregory’s Men’s Club presented a special gift to Seminarian Nathan Adams as he continues his studies at our seminary. n
Holy ghost in mckees rocks, pa.
st. nicholas of myra in nanty glo, pa.
Father Robert Oravetz
holy trinity in sykesville, pa. by Michele N. Yamirck Holy Trinity, Sykesville, Pa.
July 20 was the feast of St. Elijah, and Holy Trinity Byzantine Catholic Parish in Sykesville, Pa. held a Blessing of Vehicles after the evening’s Divine Liturgy. The blessing is a tradition, marking St. Elijah being taken up to heaven in a fiery chariot.
Very Rev. Frank Firko
Father Vasyl Banyk, Deacon Lucas Crawford
the byzantine catholic world
The blessing asks God’s protection on the car, its driver and all passengers. Father Vasyl Banyk, along with Father Deacon Luke Crawford, had quite a few parishioners with their cars all ready for the blessing. It was a beautiful evening, which made the blessing even more special. n
Photo by Michele N. Yamrick
SEPTEMBER 2017
parish news
continued
PAGE
9
holy trinity in sykesville, pa.
Parish Picnic
by Michele N. Yamirck Holy Trinity, Sykesville, Pa.
A tradition that everyone enjoys, the annual Parish Picnic of Holy Trinity Byzantine Catholic Church in Sykesville Pa., was held on July 30 at Sykesville Stahl Park. A large turnout from both
Holy Trinity, and its sister parish, Nativity of the Mother of God in DuBois Pa., were on hand to enjoy the beautiful day with its perfect weather, plenty of delicious food, games for the children, and music provided by the Meholick Family from St. Nicholas Orthodox Parish
in DuBois. Father Vasyl Banyk and visiting priest Father Wasyl Kadar, from Ukraine, gave the blessing shortly after noon, and then the picnic was underway, with everyone commenting on the delicious foods brought by parishioners to share. A great time
was had by all. Many thanks to Holy Trinity Parish Social Committee for all their hard work in organizing the picnic. n
Photos by Michele N. Yamrick
st. george in aliquippa, pa.
st. nicholas of myra in nanty glo, pa.
Zoe Ferrand and Ella Zimmerman of St. George Church in Aliquippa, received First Solemn Communion on June 18. After making their First Confession that morning, the Communicants, their families, and parishioners, along with Father Mykhaylo Shkyndya and altar servers, walked in a procession down the street and into the
Altar server Nathanael Sell recently discussed his 10-day school Spanish Club trip to Costa Rica, describing everyday life, including cuisine, customs, hard work, and the joy and friendliness of the people. He also presented Father Robert Oravetz with a beautiful wooden Blessing Cross and Pectoral Cross from Costa Rica. n
First Solemn Communion Report from Costa Rica Church to begin the Divine Liturgy. Zoe and Ella recited the Prayer before Communion and sang “Give Me Your Body O Christ� before receiving their First Solemn Communion. The parish celebrated with a cake in the Church social hall following the Divine Liturgy. n
Nathaniel Sell, grandfather Elmer Morey
the byzantine catholic world
Father Robert Oravetz, Nathaniel Sell
PAGE 10
parish news
continued
SEPTEMBER 2017
st. gregory in upper st. clair, pa.
Take me out to the ball game by Father Valerian Michlik St. Gregory, Upper St. Clair, Pa.
Parishioners of St. Gregory in Upper St. Clair, Pa. travelled to Washington, Pa. for an evening at Wild Things Park on Aug. 18. The evening began with a buffet that was enjoyed by all. Following dinner, the game began between the Washington Wild Things and Lake Erie Crushers, which ended with a 5-4 victory for the home team. We all had a great evening and some were even lucky enough to catch a baseball or two. Being a Fireworks Friday, the evening ended with wonderful fireworks. n
Fore! by Father Valerian Michlik St. Gregory, Upper St. Clair, Pa.
Golf is a passion for many parishioners at St. Gregory. Blessed with beautiful weather on Aug. 20, golfers gathered at Scenic Valley Golf Club for this year’s Golf Outing. Admiring God’s creation, participants enjoyed this 18-hole course, which was designed by Dominic Palomba Jr. and opened in 2001. At the end of this event it was time to continue our fellowship with good food and refreshments during which small prizes were given to the participants. This year’s recipient of the Gary Player Award was bestowed upon Robert and Anne Hast for their enthusiasm and joy of the game. Sincere thanks to all who came out for a wonderful day of fun and friendship. n Photos by Chris Weber
the byzantine catholic world
SEPTEMBER 2017
parish news
continued
PAGE
11
st. george in aliquippa, pa.
Summer school by Father Mykhaylo Shkyndya St. George, Aliquippa, Pa.
The children of St. George Church in Aliquippa, Pa. gathered for Vacation Bible School the week of July 17 to 21. The children had many exciting activities during the week of “All Things Byzantine.” They began the session with a “Prayer Before Work” and then got to work! During the week, the children practiced responses for the Divine Liturgy, learned a communion hymn, prayed the Byzantine Rosary, learned the art of bell ringing, and visited and worked on our Prayer Path. They also painted reverse glass icons, made chotkis, made bicycle license plates with “ICXC,” and made a
Festal Icon timeline. The children made Prosphora, with help from Father Mykhaylo Shkyndya, which was used for the Divine Liturgy on the Feast of St. Elijah. Father Mykhaylo showed the children how the
st. mary in windber, pa.
Feast of the Dormition
Propshora is prepared for Divine Liturgy by allowing them to see the Proskomedia. They also brought their bicycles and scooters to participate in the Blessing of Cars and passed out prayer cards with a “Prayer
Before Travel” to the parishioners in attendance which they made during the week. The week was capped off with a Moleben of Thanksgiving for a blessed week. Participants were Gretchen Bartz, Matthew Bartz, Miriam Bartz, Sophia Bartz, Caroline Bartz, Reaghan Cody, Zoe Ferrand, Elanie Ferrand, Fiona Liller, Jackson Liller, Illya Shkyndya, Solomiya Shkyndya, Serafina Zimmerman and Ella Zimmerman. Director of Vacation Bible School is Jo Ann Hersh and volunteers included Tara Bartz, and Danielle Liller. n
Feast of the Transfiguration
Father Robert Oravetz blesses grapes following the Liturgy for the Feast of the Transfiguration on Aug. 6.
Children of the parish process with the Shroud of the Dormition of the Theotokos and present flowers to Mary following a Liturgy and homily from Monsignor Raymond Balta in honor of her Feast Day. n the byzantine catholic world
PAGE 12
parish news
continued
SEPTEMBER 2017
st. john chrysostom in houston, texas
A reflection: Mercy overflowing by Sherry Cavallo St. John Chrysostom, Houston, Texas
Looking down into Jacob’s well, I could only reflect on my own life and the many trips I made to gather water. Yet, one day I was looking into my reflection in the mirror and asked the question, “Where are you Lord?” Jesus approached the woman at the well, He was present to her. Jesus also approached me. Like the woman at the well, I am a sinner. Yet for Jesus, I was not unapproachable. I cried out to Him and asked for His mercy, and I was filled with His Holy Spirit. Waves of mercy flowed over me, and over me. I am thankful, and when reflecting on God’s mercy I am overwhelmed with gratitude. How is it that my Savior should come to me, a sinner? And yet that is what the Lord does for all of us. He comes to us just as we are. I was blessed to be able to attend the talk given by Leslie Bohannon at St. John Chrysostom Byzantine Catholic Church in Houston, Texas on “The Woman at the Well.” As Leslie led
us deeper and deeper into the mystery of this passage in the bible and the role of Saint Photini, I began to reflect on God’s mercy and how truly vast and deep it is. Actually there is a word for that it is called: “infinite.” There are no limits on God’s mercy. Jesus knew the state of the woman, she was an “outsider,” but that made no difference to him. He knew the state of her present condition regarding her living status and He revealed all of this to her in spirit and in truth. There was the point in the gospel where Saint Photini actually sparred with Jesus on where the people where to worship. Jesus’ mercy allows us to approach Him in all of our ignorance, even to a place where we can just be ourselves. When the Woman at the well encountered Our Lord, not only did she receive His mercy but she also received the strength and wisdom to do something with her awareness and anointing from God. She could not run fast enough to
Leslie Bohannon presented on “The Woman at the Well.”
share it, to share it with all of the people in her village those who had mocked her, ridiculed her and spoke behind her back. She did not limit this “Good News” to just a few, but to all. Jesus is here for all of us, He meets us just where we are. Now the question is, do we come to Him? Do we come to
Him in all of our ignorance and shame? He does not turn His back. When we have encountered His mercy, what do we do with it? Do we run and share that mercy with love and others? What are we doing with the grace that God has given us? St. Photini, thank you for showing us the way. n
st. mary in trauger, pa.
Talent runs deep in the Syphan family
Thomas Syphan, the son of Arthur and Kathleen Syphan of New Florence, Pa., and a parishioner of St. Mary in Trauger, Pa., has been awarded two major college scholarships as he begins his studies this fall at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, Pa. Thomas was fifth place winner of the 36th Annual St. Vincent College Wimmer Scholarship Competition. He will receive a full tuition scholarship for his four years at St. Vincent, where he plans to major in Biochemistry. Thomas was also selected to receive the George Rusinko Memorial Scholarship that is awarded to highly qualified graduating high school seniors of St. Mary. The scholarship was established by the Michael J. & Aimee Rusinko Kakos Scholarship Fund in memory of George Rusinko. Thomas is active in the parish serving as an acolyte at the various liturgical services of the Church and by volunteering at various parish fund raising events. n
Thomas Syphan (back row, third from left) with his family in front of the Iconostais of St. Mary Church. Front row: Angelina, Nicholas, Cecilia and Olivia. Back row: Mark, Arthur, Thomas and Kathleen.
Angelina and Olivia Syphan are also very talented members of St. Mary. Both have taken up the art of making pysanky eggs and attended workshops offered at SS. Peter & Paul Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Carnegie, Pa. Both young women are very gifted musically as well and sing in the parish choir. Olivia, a past recepient of the the George Rusinko Memorial Scholarship, begins her junior year at Northeast Catholic College in New Hampshire, majoring in English.
the byzantine catholic world
SEPTEMBER 2017
PAGE 13
“Return to Galilee” basilian sister jubilarians feted during community days Story continued from page 1 No less are they honored for their faithful fulfillment of the various apostolates to which they were called and assigned. Earlier in the week, the Sisters gathered at the Manor to honor Sister Maria Petruska, Sister Rita Keshock, Sister Paula Dzurisin and Sister Mary Grace Skuban, the Jubilarians who now reside there. The joyful gathering began with the singing of odes of the Akathist to Our Lady of Perpetual Help. A wonderful time of socializing followed the congratulations offered by Sister Ruth, Provincial, on behalf of all the Sisters. Briefly, each one’s ministry is included in the following notes:
75th Anniversary Sister Maria Petruska entered the community from St. Mary’s Parish, Mahanoy City, Pa. Sister Maria’s teaching ministry included the elementary, high school and college levels both within the Pittsburgh Metropolitan Province and abroad in Palestine, Guam, Japan and Tanzania. Sister Maria’s empathy for those entering the United States lacking a proficiency in English led her to tutor for the Intermediate Unit I Adult Learning Center in Uniontown, Pa. Several of her students still keep in friendly contact with her. She now resides at Mount Macrina Manor.
70th Anniversary Sister Rita Keshock entered the community from St. Nicholas, Youngstown, Ohio. She spent many years as a teacher and principal before devoting her talents to fine arts and crafts at the monastery. Sister Rita’s specialty is etching icons on eggs, and she has given many workshops teaching this technique. She was an active member of the Uniontown Art Club and Uniontown Flower Club, and she took great joy in sharing her talents and knowledge among the membership. Presently, Sister Rita resides at Mount Macrina Manor. Sister Paula Dzurisin came to the monastery from St. Michael in Pittston, Pa. She also spent a good number of years as a teacher and principal in the parish schools as well as at Mount Macrina Academy. During the alumnae reunions, her students make a point of visiting her. Following her years in the teaching ministry,
Sisters Susan Sisko, Seraphim Olsafsky, Melita Marie Penchalk, Regina Adams and Bernarda Sevachko, all who are celebrating anniversaries, with (back) Father Michael Huszti and Provincial Sister Ruth Plante.
Sister Paula spent a year in pastoral visiting at the Manor. Her background in business education led to her next assignment, managing the Card Department at the monastery. When health issues required a lessening of her responsibilities, Sister Paula continued to assist in that same ministry for a number of years. She now resides at Mount Macrina Manor. Sister Bernarda Sevachko entered the community from St. Nicholas in Youngstown, Ohio. Her first 45 years of service were devoted to the teaching apostolate. For the next 25 years, with unflagging energy, she has been active in pastoral and catechetical ministry for the five Byzantine Catholic parishes in the Youngstown area. Her ministry is marked by the enthusiasm which she brings to all she does. At present, there is no indication that Sister Bernarda is thinking of retiring.
60th Anniversary Sister Regina Adams came to the community from St. Mary in Trenton, N.J. She had been both teacher and principal in many of the schools staffed by the Sisters in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Ohio. After leaving the teaching apostolate, Sister served in parish ministry in her home parish of Trenton, N.J. for five years. She is currently serving in parish ministry for the Wilkes-Barre, Kingston and Swoyersville parishes, as well as cantoring at St. Mary
in Wilkes-Barre. Sister Melita Marie Penchalk entered the community from St. Nicholas in Barberton, Ohio. She served mainly in the teaching apostolate on both the elementary and secondary levels in schools in Pennsylvania, Indiana, Ohio, New Jersey and New York. Sister Melita also served in administration as a Provincial Councilor. After this, for the next 12 years she was an assistant superintendent of Catholic schools in Phoenix, Ariz. Presently, Sr. Melita serves as community archivist and helps part-time in the Gift Shop. Sister Mary Grace Skuban entered the community from St. Mary in Taylor, Pa. She was a licensed practical nurse on the staff of Mount Macrina Manor, serving both in direct nursing care and in medical records. Other ministries were at the Byzantine Catholic Seminary, at Mount Macrina House of Prayer, and as activities director at St. Basil’s Home. Upon returning to the monastery, she served as monastery sacristan as well as assisting with the health care of the Sisters at the Monastery. Sister Mary Grace now resides at Mount Macrina Manor. Sister Seraphim Olsafsky served two terms as Provincial of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Province in Uniontown. She entered the community from St. Edward’s Roman Catholic Church in Youngstown, Ohio.
the byzantine catholic world
Sister Seraphim was active in a variety of ministries, beginning her apostolic work as a teacher and/or principal in Connecticut, Pennsylvania and Ohio. Sister Seraphim also served as Directresss of Novices, as Assistant Provincal, Personal Formation Directress, Social worker, Curator of the Archeparchial Museum and Director of the Byzantine Seminary Press. Presently, she is Director of Mount Macrina Cemetery and Mausoleum.
40th Anniversary Sister Susan Sisko came to the community from St. John the Baptist Church in Bridgeport, Conn. As with most of the community, Sister Susan was active in the education ministry at both the elementary and secondary levels, sometimes concurrently as principal. In addition to being on the Provincial Council for two terms, she also served as Coordinator of the Monastery community during this time. Vocation, Formation and Young Adult Ministry were also assignments carried out by Sister Susan. Presently, she is a resident director at the University of Notre Dame in Indiana. Each of the Sisters has brought a diversity of gifts and talents to the Province, and each has enriched it in her own unique way. May God grant each of them many more spiritually fruitful years in His service. n
PAGE 14
SEPTEMBER 2017
thoughts for our day by Archpriest David M. Petras
The need for dialogue, part 3 Dialogue is n e c e s s a r y. There is no chance of a war between Protestants, Catholics and Orthodox on theological differences. However, there is the continued spiritual scandal of mutual division and hatred. Moreover, in the West there are nationalistic movements, with some religious elements, that could lead to hostilities. There is more chance of a war between Moslem countries in the Middle East and the West, though probably on more than simply religious issues. Given the modern human capacity for self-destruction, we should probably tread very carefully today, though this requires the acknowledgment of complexity in cultural differences, which today we seem to want to simplify in extreme partisanship. As science-fiction author Poul Anderson noted: “I have yet to see any problem, however complicated, which, when you looked at it in the right way, did not become still more complicated.” Dialogue is necessary, but is it possible? We have learned from the ecumenical movement of the last 50 years that there is one danger to be avoided. That is to conceive of dialogue as “compromise.” Dialogue becomes toxic when it weakens our own love for truth. I state strongly that I am not a relativist. There is truth, it is not an illusion — there is absolute truth. As a Christian, I believe that Jesus Christ is truth. He is also love, life, wisdom and the power of God. Dialogue is not “compromise” but a mutual and respectful “search for the fullness of truth.” However,
it is not “dialogue” unless we confess the possibility of learning from one another. What we know may be the truth and, indeed, even the absolute truth, but as human beings with limitations, it may not be “all that we can know.” It is hubris to think that we cannot learn from the Other. This does not compromise our faith, but
There is truth, it is not an illusion — there is absolute truth. As a Christian, I believe that Jesus Christ is truth. helps to deepen it. The very definition of “schism” might be to grasp only a part of the total reality. Archbishop Elias Zoghby explained, “We are all schismatics.” In accepting inter-religious dialogue as a desirable possibility, the Vatican II Council said: “whatever good or truth is found” in other religions is “given by him who enlightens all men that they may at length have life” (Lumen Gentium16). The children of God number in the billions, and only a minority have come to know of Christ in an authentic way. We need the humility in faith to know that God does not abandon the people he has made in his image and likeness, that he finds ways of salvation for them all in his infinite loving providence, and therefore, we can learn from the other, all the while establishing ourselves on the right foundation of truth.
How is dialogue possible? Does dialogue mean that we cannot proclaim the Gospel? I think not, for the very mission statement for the Church uttered by the risen Jesus himself is: “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:1920). We have mentioned many times the commitment of the Catholic Church to ecumenism. The Orthodox Church is similarly committed, and in the Holy and Great Council of Crete (2016) noted: The Orthodox Church has a common awareness of the necessity for conducting inter Christian theological dialogue. It therefore believes that this dialogue should always be accompanied by witness to the world through acts expressing mutual understanding and love, which express the "ineffable joy" of the Gospel (1 Pt 1:8), rejecting every act of proselytism, uniatism, or other provocative act of inter confessional competition ... The Orthodox Church is aware that the movement to restore Christian unity is taking on new forms in order to respond to new circumstances and to address the new challenges of today’s world” (Relations of the Orthodox Church with the Rest of the Christian World 23-24). It seems the Greek Church interprets dialogue as proclaiming the Gospel: “The basic task of the Church is Mission, namely her struggle to constantly bear witness to the faith and preach the Gospel, whether to the faithful who live in modern secular societies, or those who have not yet known Christ. ... Dialogue, mainly with heterodox Chris-
tians (other Christian confessions - sects), is based on the duty of the Church to witness the truth and apostolic faith in each and every direction” (Message of the Holy Synod of the Church of Greece, January 27, 2017). Is this “dialogue”? Is this listening to the other. I do not deny the right of the Church to her mission, but not every dialogue is going to lead to conversion. The Orthodox Church’s recent statements relate to inter-Christian dialogue. At this point, a consideration of dialogue with other religions besides Christianity can lead to an understanding of dialogue in general. I will tell a personal story. Some years ago, I was in Rome for a visit, I don’t remember the occasion. On the flight home, which landed in Philadelphia, I found myself seated next to a Moslem doctor. When he discovered I was a Catholic priest, he wanted to talk about religion, and so we had a very friendly discussion about our differences in faith. In the end, he told me he appreciated what I had to say, but that he simply could not accept a God who would allow himself to be crucified on a cross. However, who knows what seeds were planted? This is one of the difficulties of witnessing to the Christian faith — it is a faith of paradox — in weakness we find strength, in death we find life, in foolishness we find wisdom. However, blocks to understanding often come from pre-conceptions we have even before we begin talking. Our faith may be established on these pre-conceptions, and not on the absolute truth of the faith we have, which goes beyond rationalization and intellectualism to the very heart of our relationship with God. n
Sisters of St. Basil to celebrate 83rd annual Pilgrimage Story continued from page 1 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 Plan-
te, 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 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, communications, cultural and heritage studies, transla-
the byzantine catholic world
tion and publication of liturgical books, religious education and organizational work, iconography and fine arts, health-related services, retreat work, and, social and pastoral ministry. For further information, contact the Sisters directly at 724- 438-8644 or visit www.sistersofstbasil.org. n
SEPTEMBER 2017
PAGE 15
Corner
Activity
Back-to-class REVIEW Using the word list, fill in the blank after each statement with the correct answer. 1. She accepted the advice of a snake ______________________ 2. The Old Testament ruler who was punished 10 times by God ______________________ 3. The man who led God’s chosen people to the Promised Land ______________________ 4. The first king of Israel ______________________
It’s THAT time, again! by Sandy Simko St. John the Baptist, Lyndora, Pa.
S u m m e r vacation is just a memory, and you are back opening the books at your local school and of course in your Eastern Christian Formation classes at your church. You now have a few new teachers who will guide you in your academic pursuits. The most important teacher in your life should be JESUS CHRIST - the greatest teacher of all. Jesus had a purpose and a message for everyone. With his baptism in the Jordan River, the public ministry of Jesus began. The Jewish people called him Rabbi - Teacher - and an outstanding teacher he was. The main teaching method used by Jesus was in the form of parables or storytelling. There are perhaps 40 parables found in Holy Scripture. A parable stirs the imagination of the listener and therefore may help the message of the Kingdom of God to be easier to remember. Not only did Jesus tell these stories but also he interpreted their meanings. Two well-known parables are the Prodigal Son and the Good Samaritan. (There are however, many parables that can’t be understood and remain puzzles.) Jesus began his preaching in the local synagogues but then had to move outdoors to accommodate the large crowds who had to walk miles to find him. The famous Sermon on the Mount is an example. The count for this event was 5,000 men plus many women and children who were present but not counted. One of the most recognizable religious icons is titled CHRIST THE TEACHER and is found
5. Jesse’s youngest son who as an adult would be a king ______________________ 6. A famous former bishop of Myra ______________________ 7. She searched for the true cross of Jesus __________________
to the right of the Royal Doors on the traditional icon screen (iconostasis) in your church. As you view this icon, your eyes are drawn to the face of Christ. His facial features - the horizontal mouth, the arched eyebrows, the straight elongated nose - are shaped to draw your eyes to his eyes. The total facial image is one of somberness. The icon is not written to make you happy, sad nor to create any emotion from you. In the nimbus around the head of Christ, you find the shape of a cross with the Greek letters O W H expressing the name of God - “I am who am.” Outside the nimbus are the letters IC XC for the name of Jesus Christ - ISUS CHRISTOS. As with some icons, the icon may vary in a few areas. In the Christ the Teacher icon, Christ may be written with a red tunic representing his divinity and with a gold band over his right shoulder as a sign of his teacher status, or Christ may be wearing a white tunic with a gold band.
8. The saint who wrote one of our Divine Liturgies ____________________________ 9. The saint whose Divine Liturgy is used only 10 times a year ______________________ 10. The birth-giver of the Son of God ______________________ 11. He saw and then he believed ______________________ 12. He hated the Christians but soon saw “the light” ______________________ 13. He had trouble counting money but was a good tree climber ______________________ 14. St. Paul began his ministry on this island ________________ 15. They heard and they followed ______________________ 16. The main message of Jesus ______________________ 17. One of the prayers of forgiveness ______________________ 18. Our Church calendar begins with this month ______________________ 19. The holiest feast day in our Church year _________________ 20. The belief and trust in God ______________________ Theotokos September St. Paul Zacchaeus Moses St. Nicholas love Cyprus Eve faith
Pharaoh the apostles St. Thomas Our Father St. Helen Saul David St. John Chyrsostom Pascha St. Basil
SEE ANSWER KEY ON PAGE 16.
The fingers of Christ’s right hand are shaped into the Greek letters IC XC — again indicating his name. When you are blessed by your priest, he also holds his fingers in this position. The jewel-laden Gospel Book is in the left hand of Christ. The first part of our Divine Liturgy is called the Liturgy of the Word. It is at this time in the Small Entrance that the Gospel the byzantine catholic world
Book is carried out, bringing us the good news of Christ. We hear the words “Be attentive!” and then we listen to the Gospel reading. A short homily based on the Gospel reading will be delivered by the priest or his deacon. The next time you find the icon of Christ the Teacher, look deep into his eyes and know he is with you! n
PAGE 16
SEPTEMBER 2017
liturgical schedule at the Seminary “Come, let us sing joyfully to the Lord”
around the archeparchy PARISH PICNIC — Noon-4 p.m. Sept. 10, Ascension of Our Lord, 318 Park Ave., Clairton, Pa. Picnic will be held at Clairton Park Pavilion & Lodge. All are welcome. Cost: $10, adults; $5, ages 12 and under. Maximum cost of $25 per family. For information, call 412-233-7422. RUMMAGE SALE — 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sept. 16, St. Pius X, 2336 Brownsville Road, Carrick, Pa. Ethnic food, including potato pyrohy, haluski and baked goods, will also be sold throughout the day. For information, call 412-881-8344.
1 to 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
No services 7 a.m. First Hour (R) 7 a.m. Matins (R) 7 a.m. Divine Liturgy (R) 7 a.m. Festal Orthros (M), 8 a.m. Divine Litury (M) Nativity of the Theotokos 9 a.m. Divine Liturgy (R), 5 p.m. Great Vespers (M) 7 a.m. Festal Matins (R) 8 a.m. Divine Liturgy (M) 7 a.m. Psalter Service (M) 7 a.m. Matins, 5 p.m. Great Vespers with Litija (R) 8 a.m. Festal Matins (R) Exaltation of the Holy Cross 9 a.m. Divine Liturgy (R) 8 a.m. Orthros (M), 5 p.m. Vespers (R) 9 a.m. Divine Liturgy (R), 5 p.m. Great Vespers (M) 7 a.m. Festal Matins (R) 8 a.m. Divine Liturgy (M) 7 a.m. Akathist to the Holy Cross (R) 7 a.m. Matins (R) 7 a.m. Divine Liturgy (R) 8 a.m. Orthros (M), Vespers (M) 9 a.m. Divine Liturgy (R), 5 p.m. Great Vespers (R) 7 a.m. Festal Matins (R) 8 a.m. Divine Liturgy (M) 7 a.m. Penance Service (R) 7 a.m. Matins 7 a.m. Divine Liturgy (R) 8 a.m. Orthros (M), 5 p.m. Vespers (M) 9 a.m. Divine Liturgy (R), 5 p.m. All-Night Vigil (R)
(M) Melkite
YOUNG ADULTS VESPERS AND PIZZA — 5 p.m. Oct. 7, SS. Cyril & Methodius Byzantine Catholic Seminary, 3605 Perrysville Ave., Pittsburgh. Come pray and eat with your fellow Pittsburgh area young adults. Bring a monetary donation to offset cost of pizza and thank the seminary for hosting the event. Family and children welcome. For more information or to RSVP, contact Abby at abby.kreckel@ gmail.com. A TASTEFUL NIGHT — 6-11 p.m. Oct. 20, Crowne Plaza Pittsburgh South, Bethel Park, Pa. Sample foods from 12 culinary guests. Live music with the Newsmakers, silent and live auctions, and a 50/50 raffle. Tickets: $50. For information, call St. Gregory in Upper St. Clair, Pa. at 412835-7800.
ANSWERS from Kids Corner page 15:
Schedule of Services for September:
1. Eve; 2. Pharaoh; 3. Moses; 4. Saul; 5. David; 6. St. Nicholas; 7. St. Helen; 8. St. John Chyrsostom; 9. St. Basil the Great; 10. Theotokos; 11. St. Thomas; 12. St. Paul; 13. Zacchaeus; 14. Cyprus; 15. the apostles; 16. love; 17. Our Father (The Lord’s Prayer); 18. September; 19. Pascha; 20. faith
Join the Byzantine Catholic Seminary community for liturgical services at 3605 Perrysville Ave, Pittsburgh, Pa. Enter through the chapel door that faces Perrysville Avenue. It’s recommended visitors call 412-3218383 in advance so that we may be awaiting your arrival. For more information about the Seminary: go to www.bcs.edu.
12th ANNUAL CLASSIC CAR SHOW - Noon-4 p.m. Sept. 24, St. John the Baptist, 185 E. Main St., Uniontown, Pa. Registration is noon-2 p.m. Fee is $10 and first 150 cars will receive dash plaques and gifts. More than 25 trophies, including Father Ron’s Favorite, will be awarded. Classes include: 1900-1930, 1931-1950, 1951-1960, 1961-1965, 1966-1970, 1971-1976, 1977-1987, 1988-2001, street rod/ modified, trucks 1959 and older and 1960-2001. No judging for 2002 and newer. Arnie Amber, Oldies DJ; 50/50 drawing contest; Byzantine Auction; and food will be featured. A golf cart shuttle will be available. Delicious foods, sandwiches, soups, halushki, baked goods and more. Benefits the St. John the Baptist Byzantine Church Maintenance Fund.
(R) Ruthenian
dates to remember 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 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: OCTOBER 2017
submissions DEADLINE: SEPTEMBER 18