THE OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE ARCHEPARCHY OF PITTSBURGH
Inside
VOL. 62 NO. 11
a celebration of marriage
final taste of summer
Seventy-one couples recognized at St. Elias in Munhall, Pa. on Sept. 10 Page 6
Parishioners picnic at St. John the Baptist Cathedral in Munhall, Pa. Page 9
OCTOBER 2017
flooding spares st. john chrysostom Father Elias Rafaj thankful for safe parishioners in Houston, Texas Page 13
Pilgrimage 2017
faithful trek to mount st. macrina to honor “Mary, our life-giving spring”
Clergy gather at Mount St. Macrina during the Sisters of the Order of St. Basil’s 83rd Pilgrimage in Honor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Uniontown, Pa. on Labor Day Weekend. Photo by Father Lewis Rabayda. by David Mayernik Jr. Editor
Sister Ruth Plante, Provincial, Sisters of the Order of St. Basil the Great, likens the annual Pilgrimage to Mount St. Macrina in Uniontown, Pa. as a “grand family reunion.” That’s because she sees so many familiar faces among the many priests, deacons and faithful in attendence from all across the country. During this year’s 83rd Pilgrimage in Honor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help from Sept. 2 to 3, many of these faces were covered by umbrellas due to falling rain and bursts of blustery winds. “We’re here today, with the wind blowing and we have a bad hair day today,” Sister
Ruth told pilgrims during her welcoming remarks on Sept. 2. “Even though we plan and plan for Pilgrimage and we try to attend for every detail, that’s the one thing we have no control over.” The Pilgrimage weekend included Divine Liturgies, opportunities to receive the Mystery of Reconciliation, Children’s Pilgrimages, enrichment sessions, and a candlelight procession beginning and ending at the Mother of God Shrine. During an afternoon Divine Liturgy on Sept. 2, faithful prayed for the health and welfare of those affected by Hurricane Harvey on the Texas Gulf Coast. Sister Ruth said television and newspapers have been filled
with stories of despair so far this year. “All throughout this year, all we hear and have seen are pictures and headlines of the chaotic world that we live in. Pictures of political unrest, in-fighting, violence, drug addiction, murder, family breakups. So many, many things that if we are really Christians, they touch our hearts and our spirits.” She said even if these events do not affect us directly, “they do affect us.” “We see the terrible devastation (in Texas) but we also see a beautiful lesson of how all those differences are put aside.” Sister Ruth highlighted this year’s Pilgrimage theme of
“Mary, the Life-Giving Spring.” “And so, in light of everything we’ve heard about and possibly had happen within our own hearts and own lives, we are all certainly in need of that Life-Giving Spring,” she said. “Whether that Life-Giving Spring comes in the form of a good confession, a talk with a friend, just enjoying the beauty of the Mount, or maybe even a few literal springs of water that drop from the sky at some point this weekend...be a source of refreshment and a way of rebuilding that spirit so that as you leave here in several days, you will leave with that sense of refreshment of being nurtured and filled with God’s grace and the love and concern of His Most Pure Mother." n
PAGE 2
OCTOBER 2017
Mark Your Calendar dates to remember
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 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 two to three 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.
A Lutheran/Catholic Day of Commemoration of Hope A Lutheran/Catholic Day of Commemoration of Hope will be presented 9 a.m.-3:45 p.m. Oct. 28 at Saint Vincent College, 300 Fraser Purchase Road, Latrobe, Pa. The event is in commemoration of the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. It is sponsored by the Diocese of Greensburg, the SWPA Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, the Byzantine Catholic Archeparchy of Pittsburgh and the Diocese of Pittsburgh. The day will include a keynote address by Dr. John Borelli of Georgetown University, break-out groups and worship in the basilica. Cost is $10 and includes lunch. Register at https://tinyurl.com/ydy2r2x2. n
“Come and See” Retreat of Discovery The Byzantine Catholic Seminary of SS. Cyril and Methodius in Pittsburgh, Pa. will host the “Come and See” Retreat of Discovery Nov. 3 to 5. Men, ages 18 to 35, single or married, who may be considering a vocation to the priesthood in the Byzantine Catholic Church, are invited. The atmosphere will be prayerful, positive and fraternal. Very Rev. Robert M. Pipta, Seminary Rector, said the retreat will help young men answer difficult questions as they witness a seminarian’s life of labor, study, prayer and joy. The retreat includes sharing liturgical services and meals with the Seminary community, an introduction to the Seminary formation program and a tour of the Seminary. There is no tuition for this retreat. Meals and lodging are free. The application deadline is Oct. 19. More information is available at www.bcs.org. The Byzantine Catholic Seminary is a community of mentors, teachers, and students forming leaders for the Church in an environment of Christian unity, integrity, and missionary spirit with a commitment to ecumenism. Founded in 1950, the Byzantine Catholic Seminary is a free-standing, English speaking theological seminary, welcoming all those seeking the knowledge possessed by the Eastern ecclesial traditions. The Seminary is authorized
to grant graduate degrees by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and accredited by the Association of Theological Schools. The Seminary operates as a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization incorporated in Pennsylvania, and is governed by a Board of Directors under the leadership of the Metropolitan Archbishop of Pittsburgh. n
Byzantine Spirituality Conference A Byzantine Spirituality Conference will be held 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Nov. 4 at St. John the Baptist Cathedral, 210 Greentree Road, Munhall, Pa. This year's theme is "The Diversity of God's Blessings." Talks include: "Challenging Issues for Easterm Catholics in America" (Father Jason Charron), "The Charism of Hospitality"(Deacon Lucas Crawford ) and "Handing of the Faith" (Professor Michael P. Krom). A registration fee of $35 each includes lunch. A parish table of five or more is $25 per person for registrations submitted together. Make checks payable to "Office of Religious Education." For more information, call 412-322-9773 or download a registration form at archpitt.org. Click on "Office of Religious Education." n
Overnight retreat at Mount St. Macrina “Forgiveness” is the title of an Oct. 6 to 7 overnight retreat at Mount St. Macrina House of Prayer. Sign–in is at 7 p.m. Friday and the program con-
cludes at 4 p.m. Saturday. The offering is $60 and registration is due Oct. 2. Meals, linens and towels are included. The retreat will focus on defining forgiveness and compassion and the benefits of each, how to develop the skill of forgiveness, how to develop and show compassion, and how each can lead us down the path of physical, emotional and spiritual well-being. Presenter Becky Johnen is well-known in the Byzantine parishes in the Pittsburgh area as an excellent adult educator and has given spiritual programs at the House of Prayer. Register by calling 724-4387149 or by email at hpmsm@ verizon.net. n
Mens Evening Out A Mens Evening Out will be held 7-9 p.m. Oct. 24 at Mount St. Macrina House of Prayer, 500 W. Main St., Uniontown, Pa. Father Don Bolls, of the Church of the Resurrection, Monroeville, Pa., will discuss “Musings on Mark,” providing the opportunity for men to gather, grow, have fellowship and be encouraged in their faith in daily living. Registration is due Oct. 21 at 724-438-7149 or hpmsm@verizon.net. Freewill offering.
Weekend retreat at Mount St. Macrina Fifteen young adults gathered for the third annual weekend retreat at Mount St. Macrina House of Prayer in Uniontown, Pa. in late June. Sister Barbara Jean Mihalchick, OSBM, and participants designed the retreat around the book “Resisting Happiness” by Matthew Kelly and led conferences, discussions and activities. The response was very positive. The 2018 retreat will be held June 22 to 24. Further information will be available at www.sistersofstbasil.org, the Sisters’ Facebook page or 724-438-7149. n
the byzantine catholic world
OCTOBER 2017
PAGE 3
the joy of music
Every parish can sing by Deacon Jeffrey Mierzejewski Director, Metropolitan Cantor Institute
Our church's spiritual inheritance of liturgical singing depends on two things: a congregation willing and able to sing, and a cantor willing and able to lead. In this article, we will take a look at both parts of this equation. Our particular tradition of prayer is to take part in our liturgical services and the most basic way is by singing. It is true that Americans sing much less than we used to. But almost anyone can sing, and sing well, as long as they: n desire to do their best. n listen to those they are singing with. n pay attention to the words they are singing. Some readers will probably object, saying singing is hard, and certain voices are less pleasing than others. This may
be true, but if our pastors and parishes make room for good singing, provide opportunities for everyone — young and old — to learn good singing, and value and appreciate the sound of the entire congregational praying "with one voice,” the results will amaze even hardened skeptics. Of course, this also depends on good leadership and that means good cantors. Our chant has great beauty, as well as something I like to call "inevitability": the melodies are made so that singing along is easy. But this assumes that each service has a cantor who: n knows the service and the plain chant melodies. n can start the singing at a good pitch and tempo, and indicate changes when necessary. n lets the people sing without trying to drown them out. Is it necessary to be able to read music? Not absolutely, though it helps (and the Metropolitan Cantor Institute teaches distance learning courses on learning to read music). But the cantor needs to know the
music well enough to lead it convincingly, and start every hymn clearly, succinctly, and appropriately, then get out of the way and let the people sing. The cantor also has a role in teaching the congregation to sing well, but this is secondary to his or her primary role: to be a leader of the congregation at prayer. A great deal also depends on the relationship between the cantor and congregation. We have to ask of our parishes not only “Does the cantor lead?” but also, “Does the congregation follow and sing?” If you have cantors who lead well, let them know they are appreciated by raising your voice in prayer with them. And in parishes where the singing is not what it could be, work with your pastors, cantors and congregation to improve it, using all the resources that God, our Church, and our plain chant tradition make available. If you have ideas or suggestions for this series, please contact me at mci@archpitt.org or 412-735-1676.
Next month: Singing together, and singing in harmony. 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
Raindrops keep fallin’ on my head weather doesn’t spoil annual pilgrimage to mount st. macrina by David Mayernik Jr. Editor
As I sat on a folding chair during an afternoon Divine Liturgy on a lawn atop Mount St. Macrina on Labor Day weekend, I was reminded of a song from "Winnie-the-Pooh and the Blustery Day": "The rain, rain, rain Came down, down, down In rushing, rising riv'lets..." Well, it wasn't quite a steady rainfall of "rushing riv'lets" but it certainly was blustery, as the wind whipped through my pullover sweater while my coat was sitting in the front seat of the car. The Liturgy was part of the 83rd Pilgrimage in Honor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, as many priests, deacons and faithful traveled to Uniontown, Pa. to pray and greet familiar faces not seen since the previous year. The theme of this year’s Pilgrimage was “Mary, the Life-Giving Spring” and the
clouds above Mount St. Macrina certainly seemed to take it literally. As Sister Ruth Plante, Provincial, Sisters of the Order of St. Basil the Great, said in her opening remarks: "Even though we plan and plan for Pilgrimage and we try to attend for every detail, that's the one thing we have no control over." Intentions during the Liturgy I attended included praying for those affected by flooding caused by Hurricane Harvey on the Texas Gulf Coast. Victims of Hurricane Irma, which caused evacuations of residents, destruction and flooding in Florida and many countries in the Atlantic Ocean, should also be in our prayers and offered monetary assistance. Archbishop William Skurla asked that special collections be taken in parishes last month to help those caught in the path of the two hurricanes. Funds collected will be forwarded to Catholic Charities USA to use for necessities such as water, food, shelter and
Rain falls during a Divine Liturgy at the 83rd Pilgrimage in Honor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help at Mount St. Macrina in Uniontown, Pa. on Labor Day weekend.
medical care. In a letter to the Clergy and Faithful of the Archeparchy, he wrote: “We pray in thanksgiving with those affected by the storms who survived with little or no loss or harm. And we also hold in prayer those who are suffering, injury, damage to property, or any other distress caused by this disastrous weather.” Sister Ruth also noted headline stories and photos of despair in the news of the “chaot-
the byzantine catholic world
ic world we live in” that affect our hearts and spirits if we are truly Christians. This is when “Mary, the Life-Giving Spring” is most needed, whether it be through confession or beauty seen from this particular mountaintop in Uniontown, she said. Falling rain certainly didn’t dampen the spirits of myself and others who attended this year’s Pilgrimage. I considered it a reminder to count my blessings. n
PAGE 4
OCTOBER 2017
pilgrimage 2017
“Mary, the Life-Giving Spring� faithful flock to mount st. macrina sept. 2 to 3 for annual pilgrimage
the byzantine catholic world
OCTOBER 2017
PAGE 5
pilgrimage 2017
Photos by Seminarian Miron Kerul’-Kmec Jr.
the byzantine catholic world
parish news PAGE 6
OCTOBER 2017
st. elias in munhall, pa.
Happy anniversary! Seventy-one couples were recognized for many years of faithfulness to their marriage vows at “A Celebration of Marriage� at St. Elias in Munhall, Pa. on Sept. 10. The occasion honored couples from 33 parishes in the Archeparchy with significant anniversaries from 10 to 65 years in 2017. The afternoon Divine Liturgy was celebrated by Archbishop William Skurla. n
the byzantine catholic world
OCTOBER 2017
parish news
continued
PAGE 7
Photos by Nick Havrilla Sr.
the byzantine catholic world
PAGE 8
parish news
continued
OCTOBER 2017
holy trinity in sykesville, pa.
A visit from Bishop Milan of Ukraine by Matthew Kosko Holy Trinity, Sykesville, Pa.
Holy Trinity in Sykesville, Pa. welcomed Bishop Milan Sasik of Mukachevo Ukraine, for Divine Liturgy on Aug. 10. In his homily, Bishop Milan discussed the resurgence of new churches being built in Ukraine. He also explained how he has been able to provide priests for the United States. Holy Trinity is very thankful for our priest Father Vasyl Banyk who is from Ukraine. After Liturgy, a coffee social was held with a movie. The parish presented Bishop Milan with a chalice set to be used at a parish in need in Ukraine. A monetary gift was also presented to Bishop Milan. May God Grant to Bishop Milan many blessed years. n
ss. peter & paul in patton, pa. and st. john the baptist in northern cambria
Parishioners gather for annual picnic The parishioners of SS. Peter and Paul Parish, Patton, Pa., and St. John the Baptist, Northern Cambria, gathered at Patton Park on Aug. 27 for their annual picnic. Very Reverend Vasyl Polyak serves both parishes.
An accomplished photographer, Father Vasyl summoned the picnic-goers from their fun, games and train rides for a picture of the group, and he managed to be in the photo himself, as well (below left). Prior to the picnic, Archbishop
William Skurla celebrated the parochial Divine Liturgy at SS. Peter and Paul Church. Concelebrating (below right) were the pastor, Very Reverend Vasyl Polyak (left of Archbishop William), Father Ivan Rusyn, newly arrived from Transcarpathia,
st. michael in campbell, ohio
Back to school by Father Kevin Marks St. Michael, Campbell, Ohio
At our parish picnic, a special blessing was given to students and teachers for the new school year. Below is a prayer for students: “Christ my Lord, the Giver of light and wisdom, who opened the eyes of the blind man and transformed the fishermen into
wise heralds and teachers of the gospel through the coming of the Holy Spirit, shine also in my mind the light of the grace of the Holy Spirit. Grant me discernment, understanding and wisdom in learning. Enable me to complete my assignments and to abound in every good work, for to You I give honor and glory. Amen.� n the byzantine catholic world
Ukraine, (right) and Deacon Raymond J. Zadzilko (behind Father Polyak). Also pictured are the altar servers who assisted. Cantor Mary Frances Zadzilko led the congregational singing. n
OCTOBER 2017
parish news
PAGE
continued
9
st. john the baptist cathedral in munhall, pa.
A final taste of summer Parishioners at St. John the Baptist Cathedral in Munhall, Pa. celebrated their annual Parish Family Picnic Aug. 20. n
Photos by Nick Havrilla Sr.
st. nicholas in brownsville, pa. and st. mary assumption in new salem, pa.
An educational journey
Parishioners and friends of St. Nicholas in Brownsville, Pa. and St. Mary Assumption in New Salem, Pa. organized a bus trip to the Que Creek Mine site in Somerset, Pa. and the Flight 93 Memorial in Shanksville, Pa. on Aug. 20. After touring both places, they enjoyed a buffet dinner at the Oakhurst Grill in Somerset. Father Christopher Burke is pastor of both churches. n the byzantine catholic world
PAGE 10
parish news
continued
OCTOBER 2017
st. gregory in upper st. clair, pa.
Sunday After the Exaltation of the Cross by Father Valerian Michlik St. Gregory, Upper S. Clair, Pa.
Catechetical Sunday was celebrated in a special way at St. Gregory on Sept. 17. Concelebrating the Divine Liturgy with our parish priest was Father Ivan Shemet, priest of the Eparchy of Mukachevo, and instructor of Liturgics at the Blessed Theodore Romzha Seminary in Uzhorod, Ukraine. At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy the Blessing of St.
Gregory’s children and our dedicated catechists took place. We continued in our Church hall with our parish picnic. Fellowship, good food, music and games were enjoyed by all. As a community of faithful we pray that through the sacraments, personal prayer, deeper knowledge of the Faith, and our witness to the Gospel, we may grow in love for the Lord and His Church. n
Honoring grandparents by Father Valerian Michlik St. Gregory, Upper S. Clair, Pa.
In the beginning of September, we honor the holy and righteous Joachim and Anna in the Eastern Church, parents of the Theotokos and grandparents of Our Lord. As part of this commemoration, on
Sept. 9 and 10, a special blessing of grandparents took place at the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy. We continued with our celebration in our Church hall with refreshments and fellowship to honor those who are grandparents in our parish community. n
Children’s story time by Father Valerian Michlik St. Gregory, Upper St. Clair, Pa.
Wrapping up the summer, St. Gregory’s children were invited to a Story Time on Aug. 22. The books we read were “Fun in the Sun,” “There is a Bird on Your Head,” “The Hunt for Luke’s Bone,” and “Llama Lla-
the byzantine catholic world
ma Time to Share.” Afterward, the children enjoyed craft time and played on the parish playground. Blessings to all our children as they begin the new school year! n
OCTOBER 2017
parish news
continued
PAGE
11
infant jesus of prague in boardman, ohio
Picnicking in Ohio
A parish picnic was held at Infant Jesus of Prague in Boardman, Ohio, on July 19. Many parishioners came to enjoy delicious food and fine weather. Cornhole and bocce games brought lots of fun for all ages. n
First Solemn Holy Communion Infant Jesus of Prague celebrated its First Solemn Holy Communicants on May 21. Four young souls received Living God Jesus Christ in their hearts in front of their parents, friends and relatives. Evan, McKenna, Robie and Adrian were thankful for the beautiful celebration and help from the Greek Catholic Union in organizing refreshments for guests. Father Mykhaylo Farynets is pastor. n
the byzantine catholic world
PAGE 12
OCTOBER 2017
Byzantine Catholic Serra Club Byzantine Serrans honor memory of deceased clergy report from the
religious, serrans also remembered during annual liturgy at st. pius x. by Kathe Kress Serra Club communications liaison
Sept. 10 marked the Byzantine Serra Club’s annual observance at St. Pius X in Carrick, Pa., with a Liturgy concelebrated by Rev. Monsignor Russell Duker and Very Rev. Robert Pipta, Seminary rector. Following the Liturgy, Father Robert led the Panachida for clergy, religious and Serrans who died in the past year: Sister Vladimir Chabala, OSBM; Father Robert Barter (Parma); Sister Stephanie Bavol, OSBM; Sister Jean Marie Cihota, OSBM (Phoenix); Sister Leonora Kondrach, OSBM; Sister Leona Trudich, OSBM; and Serran Irene Dunny.
Following the Panachida, Seminarians joined the Serrans, and proceeded to the Church Hall for a welcome brunch. Since it was Sunday, the two deacons were at their parish assignments at the time. There was surprise entertainment by the dancing daughters of Seminarian Nathan Adams. First, the children, helped by their parents, chose their brown bags. They were surprised and delighted upon opening the gift bags. Bill Kress then began the traditional brown bag auction. The bags contained some use ful and practical items — someone’s trash can be another’s treasure! n
Seminarians participated in this year’s Sept. 10 observance at St. Pius X in Carrick, Pa. Left ro right: Very Rev. Robert Pipta, Christopher Davel, Timothy Fariss, Neven Pesa, Michael Kunitz, Paul West, Robert Jones, Oliver Black, Eugene Yeo, Nathan Adams, Mikhael Naddaf, Kyprian Wojciechowski, Miron Kerul’-Kmec Jr. and Thomas Wells. Not pictured: Deacon George Wendt and Deacon James Davidson.
Good news about a new resource annual catechist workshop unveils new high school curriculum The Office of Religious Education held the annual Catechist Workshop on Aug. 19 at SS. Cyril and Methodius Seminary in Pittsburgh. The workshop, “The Curriculum: A Deposit of Faith,” featured guest presenter Subdeacon Bryan Scotton, Eparchy of Parma. Subdeacon Bryan presented a brand new high school religious education curriculum based on the God With Us series, “Light for Life, Part One, The Mystery Believed.” This 17-lesson curriculum was a thesis project Subdeacon Bryan wrote (partial fulfillment) for his Masters of Divinity degree at the Seminary on May 12. In his presentation, Subdeacon Bryan emphasized pass-
ing on the faith is a dynamic pursuit, not a static objective of “Do’s and Don’ts.” Faith means getting to know, love and serve God in imitation of Jesus Christ. The curriculum lessons are student and instructor friendly without watering down the faith. In the Forward he says, “High school students are already expected to learn difficult subject matter, so it makes sense that their religious education should be at a comparable level. This project addresses the real world problem that an eighth grade religious education foundation is not enough for college. High school is a time when students start having real questions. They are starting to think criti-
cally about their faith, question Scripture and Tradition and find meaning in their lives.” Through the generosity of Subdeacon Bryan, the Office of Religious Education is happy to make this new resource available. To obtain the curriculum,
digital format only, contact the Office of Religious Education. Additional information including a video of Subdeacon Bryan’s presentation is on the Archeparchy’s website, archpitt.org, link ORE and also on YouTube. n
Sisters of St. Basil plan for future new uses for buildings being considered Press release
Like many other religious communities, the Sisters of the Order of St. Basil the Great of Uniontown, Pa. are facing the challenges of decreasing vocation numbers and shrinking resources. The Sisters, who make their home at Mount St. Macrina, formerly Oak Hill estate and the home of coal baron J.V. Thompson, are in the midst of planning a future for underutilized and aging structures on the property. “Right now we are in the initial planning stages and we are seeking possible candidates
who may have innovative plans for these buildings,” said Sister Ruth Plante, Provincial, Sisters of St. Basil. The Sisters are considering many ideas, including affordable housing, medical and education services. It is of upmost importance for them to keep with the mission of their community: “a praying, healing, life-giving presence.” The Sisters plan to remain living at Mount St. Macrina and will continue their ministry of the annual Pilgrimage in honor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, which has been held over Labor Day weekend for the past 83 years.
Originally the property, situated along the National Road (Route 40), was acquired by the Sisters in 1933, after J.V. Thompson went into bankruptcy. The House of Prayer, which is now a retreat center, was his three-story mansion. The Sisters moved onto the property in December 1933, and their first Pilgrimage was held the following year. Recently, the Sisters were awarded a grant from the National Religious Retirement Office, which paid for an evaluation of the property and buildings. The study was conducted by Hoffman Planning, Design and Construction, Appleton,
the byzantine catholic world
Wisc. A request for proposals will soon be distributed. Plans are to review the proposals in late winter-early spring. “The halls and grounds are filled with so many memories. The thought of sharing or letting pieces of the property go is very emotional for us, but also very necessary. We trust God will send us the right people to continue his plan,” Sister Ruth said. The Sisters have enlisted the services of Newmark Grubb, a real estate marketing firm in Pittsburgh, to create a marketing brochure.n
OCTOBER 2017
PAGE 13
dateline: texas
Pastor grateful parishioners are safe bishops launch appeal for victims of texas flooding by Laura Ieraci Editor, Horizons Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Parma
As the waters kept rising with no end in sight for the pummeling rains of Hurricane Harvey, Father Elias Rafaj kept tabs on his parishioners via text messages. Aside from three families that were mandatorily evacuated from their homes as a pre-emptive measure and a couple of families that voluntarily evacuated, most parishioners were safe and dry in their houses during the worst periods of the six-day storm, said the pastor of St. John Chrysostom in Houston, Texas. “I was trying to maintain a connection with the parishioners,” he told Horizons Aug. 30, a day after the rain stopped in northwest Houston, where the parish is located. He said some families were isolated by the storm. “I wanted to make sure they are safe and see what they are doing. Some of them are challenged by the storm.” Initially, Father Elias texted parishioners also to let them know “in case of an emergency, I could take them to the church.” But the water eventually blocked the entrance to the church parking lot during the hardest rains. Father Elias canceled liturgies Aug. 27 and during the week that followed and told parishioners to stay home. “Safety supersedes the obligation of church,” he said. Father Elias spent the two worst days (Aug. 26 to 27) of the torrential rains in his neighborhood “just watching.” “Every two hours, I would check on the property. Water was threatening to enter the buildings,” he said. Though the water had reached the doors of the church and blocked the entryway, none of it had seeped in. By Aug. 28, the waters on the church grounds had already begun to recede. Parishioners sent messages to check in on him, as well. “People offered to come and get me,” he said. One parishioner messaged him after the rain had subsided, offering to pick up groceries even though the supply on supermarket shelves was low. “People are looking out for each other,” he said, adding that it reflects the strength of
The parking lot of St. John Chrysostom in Houston, Texas is seen completely submerged Aug. 27 by flooding that hit the city, forcing the pastor to cancel liturgies for the entire week. The parish buildings were mostly undamaged.
Floods spare St. John Chrysostom by Laura Ieraci Editor, Horizons Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Parma
The pastor, parishioners and church buildings of St. John Chrysostom in Houston, Texas were mostly spared by Hurricane Harvey and flooding that hit the the city in late August. While the depth of the flood waters on the parish grounds and parking lot ranged from four to 20 inches, water did not seep into the interior of the church, rectory or parish, Fa-
the community. Members of the Byzantine Catholic parish in Dallas were also in touch to offer his parishioners housing. “It is humbling to see that kind of compassion in action.” Father Elias said he believed none of his 250 parishioners were injured during the hurricane, which dumped a total of 52 inches of rain in the region. At press time, more than 60 people were reported to have been killed by the storm. Tens of thousands were reported to be in need of temporary shelter and more than $75 billion was estimated in losses. Archbishop Jose H. Gomez of Los Angeles, vice president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, asked bishops across the country to consider a
ther Elias Rafaj said. One day after the rains stopped, Father Elias told Horizons that only the ceiling of the 100-year-old wooden parish hall showed signs of “water stress” and some water had permeated through the roof. “We will need to see the full extent of the damage in the coming days. As the water dries and the ground shifts, it may shift the buildings.”
special collection to assist hurricane victims. He suggested in an Aug. 28 letter that the collection be taken during liturgies Sept. 2 to 3 or Sept. 9 to 10. Funds collected will support emergency aid and recovery efforts under Catholic Charities USA and pastoral and rebuilding support to affected dioceses through the USCCB. Among the most affected areas are the Diocese of Victoria and the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. Numerous parishes and schools have been flooded while others have offered facilities as shelter. Parishes have also helped distribute food and emergency supplies to storm victims. Pope Francis offered his prayers for the hurricane vic-
the byzantine catholic world
A professional assessment would take a few weeks, he said. The Category 4 hurricane made landfall Aug. 25, overflowing bayous and submerging parts of the city under as much as 20 feet of water. Father Elias, pastor of the sole parish of the Archeparchy of Pittsburgh in Houston, said he is grateful that as many as 250 parishioners all seemed to be safe. n
tims and praised all those engaged in rescuing and caring for the thousands of people forced out of their homes. The message was sent to Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, USCCB president, by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state, and released by the Vatican Aug. 31. Father Elias asked Byzantine Catholics to offer “prayers of thanksgiving” that no parishioners were hurt or suffered major losses. He also asked for prayers for people they do know who have suffered “devastating loss.” “It breaks our hearts to know how many people around us are suffering.” n Catholic News Service contrinuted to this story.
PAGE 14
OCTOBER 2017
thoughts for our day by Archpriest David M. Petras
what god desires is mercy Our Lord once said: “Go and learn the meaning of the words, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ I did not come to call the righteous but sinners” (Matthew 9:13). The evangelist here has listened to Jesus quoting the prophet Hosea: “For I desire mercy, not sacrifice” (Hosea 6:6). Our Lord is truly in the prophetic tradition of the Old Testament. The Hebrew word that Hosea uses is “khésedh,” which means “merciful loving kindness.” We see this word repeated in every verse of Psalm 135, “for his mercy endures forever,” which is sung in the Church at Festal Matins, and is called by the Greeks the “polyeleos psalm,” that is, the “psalm full of mercy.” The Greek word is “eleos,” which is repeated often in our Liturgy. It is the refrain for most litanies, “kyrie eleison,” “Lord, have mercy.” Commenting on this passage, John Chrysostom preaches, “Great is the principle of mercy to God. Not only his to us, but also that issuing from us to our fellow servants. In the Old Testament and the New, God lays down innumerable laws pertaining to this matter. He orders us to be benevolent continually in all quarters, through words, money and deeds” (Homilies on Repentance and Almsgiving 10.5.22). Does this mean that our Divine Liturgy, the true sacrifice of Christ present in our worship, is of lesser value than works of mercy performed in our social lives? By no means. The Divine Liturgy is the solemn
commemoration of the Cross and Resurrection of Christ. The salvation of our Lord is truly present. As such, it is an act of mercy, for the cross and resurrection is Jesus’ mercy and loving compassion. St. Paul wrote: “God proves his love for us in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us”
The Divine Liturgy is the solemn commemoration of the Cross and Resurrection of Christ. (Romans 5:8). In the Anaphora (the Prayer of Offering) of St. John Chrysostom, we quote John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life.” In his last discourse with his disciples, Jesus teaches them, “This is my commandment: love one another as I love you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (John 15:12-13). When we celebrate the Liturgy, we live in God’s mercy and love. At the very beginning of the Anaphora, the deacon says, “Let us be attentive to offer the holy Anaphora in peace.” We respond, “Mercy, peace, a sacrifice of praise,” which means: “This anaphora is mercy; this anaphora is peace, this anaphora is a sacrifice of praise.” The Divine Liturgy that we offer is both mercy and sacrifice. The cross, in fact, reveals to us the true meaning of sacrifice; it is the fulfillment of all prophecies. We offer it, therefore, for com-
eternal memory
irene dunny, pioneer byzantine serran by Kathe Kress Serra Club communications liaison
Irene (Koshute) Dunny of North Versailles, Pa. fell asleep in the Lord on Aug. 29. She was a life member of SS. Peter and Paul Parish in Braddock. Irene was the first woman to join the Byzantine Serra Club when membership was opened to women in 1992 and was active in the Club until her death.
She would have received her 25-year pin this year. Irene was the wife of the late George Dunny; sister of the late Florence Kameg; and aunt of Sandra (Norman) Fetsko of Youngstown, Ohio; Robert (Mary Ann) Kameg of West Mifflin, Pa.; and the late Kimberly (surviving husband, Gary) Vogel of East McKeesport,
munion in the Holy Spirit, for the fullness of God’s kingdom of mercy and peace, and “not judgment or condemnation. (Epiclesis of the Anaphora of St. John Chrysostom)” When we leave the Divine Liturgy, we “go forth in peace, in the name of the Lord.” In Holy Communion, we have been united in God’s merciful loving kindness, and as followers and imitators of Christ, we are to carry this mercy into the world. In our own time, the importance of mercy has again been placed at the center of our faith. Pope Francis has actively sought ways that the Church can be more merciful in its laws, in this way defending the integrity of our faith. All Christians, both those who are more rigorous, and those who are more open, know that the God in who we believe is a God of mercy. Psalm 102:8 proclaims: “Merciful and gracious is the Lord, slow to anger, abounding in mercy.” Mercy does not deny the reality of sin, but seeks to overcome it by love. We pray Psalm 50 in our worship services frequently, it is a central psalm in Matins, and it begins, “Have mercy on me, God, in accord with your merciful love; in your abundant compassion blot out my transgressions. Thoroughly wash away my guilt; and from my sin cleanse me” (Psalm 50:3-4). Holy Communion is the gift of God to us, it brings us life and also wipes out our sins, as the priest prays when giving Communion, “The servant of God receives the holy Body and precious Blood of our Lord for the remission of sins and life everlasting.” When we are united in Christ, we are able to see the image of God in every person, and God’s
judgment is about our mercy, “Then the king will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father. Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me. .... Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me’ (Matthew 25:34-36.40). Mercy must be the mark of a Christian life. Some may say that God is just and punishes sin. This is true, but we see in the story of the Last Judgment in the Gospel of St. Matthew, Chapter 25, the greatest sin is the absence of mercy, love, compassion and kindness toward others. It is the absence of love that condemns the sinner goats. The Christian principle is to hate sin, which brings death, but to love the sinner, for love is the fountain of life. We must have a true concept of who God is. Theologically, we must understand that God is the loving Creator, who has given existence to all that is, and life to us who are capable of faith, hope and love. In God, all is one, and his justice is his mercy. Cardinal Walter Kaspar helps explain: “The call for mercy surpasses the cry for justice in the Bible. The Bible understands mercy as God’s own justice. Mercy is the heart of the biblical message, not by undercutting justice, but by surpassing it.” (Mercy: The Essence of the Gospel and the Key to Christian Life). Sin is its own punishment, because it closes us to God’s mercy. n
Pa. She is survived by seven great-nieces and nephews. A graduate of the Mercy Hospital School of Nursing in 1953, Irene’s professional career spanned many years. She worked as a Head Nurse at Mercy Hospital for 15 years prior to caring for college students as a nurse at the University of Pittsburgh Student Health Service for 25 years — work she particularly loved. Visitation and Parastas were held at Patrick T. Lanigan Fu-
neral Home in East Pittsburgh on Sept. 1, with Office of Christian Burial at SS. Peter and Paul on Sept. 2. She was interred at Monongahela Cemetery. n
the byzantine catholic world
OCTOBER 2017
PAGE 15
Corner
Activity
creation Puzzle Activity
Cut out the puzzle pieces below OR you can scan or copy them with your computer scanner or a copier and make them bigger if you wish. You may color the pieces first, then paste them onto a heavier card stock paper to make them stiff. Then cut the pieces out and fit them together!
And this was good . . . by Sandy Simko St. John the Baptist, Lyndora, Pa.
In the beginning God created the heavens and earth. There was darkness and emptiness. There wasn’t a flower to smell, a colorful sunset to enjoy, mountains to climb or people to love. THERE WAS NOTHING! The Greek word Genesis translates to a birth or beginning of something. This term Genesis is the perfect title for the first book of the Bible. The author Moses described a beginning – a divine, masterful plan of creation. God’s masterful plan unfolded into a perfect world. “Let there be light.” The light was separated from the darkness. Day and night were created. God said, “This was good.” Then there was space between the waters that needed separated - thus the sky was created. The waters beneath the sky were gathered into one place. They would be called seas with dry land appearing. On this land plants and trees would grow, providing seeds for future use. The sky needed bright lights so the sun, the brighter light, shone during the day and the weaker light, the moon, lit the night sky with the help of the stars. Into the waters, God created the fish and sea life. He blessed them saying “Multiply and fill the waters. Let the waters bring forth abundantly the moving creatures that hath life… And birds in great number would fly above the earth. (Gen) The waters cover up to 70 percent of the earth’s surface and are filled with many living
things from fish, mammals, single and multi-celled animals to sea creatures with both soft and hard shells. You have only to look down into the underwater world to see how God had thought of everything! He blessed these living sea creatures with food, protection and the ability to reproduce. Once the waters and air were overflowing with life, God introduced the land animals. Again, God thought of everything! There were a variety of animals wild and tame, huge and tiny. Each animal had a divine purpose. AND GOD SAW THIS WAS GOOD! Finally, God chose to create in his image a man, Adam, and a woman, Eve - his greatest creation. They would have free will - the ability to think and make decisions, to have feelings to love and care for each other. Just as God told the sea creatures, the birds and animals to multiply, he wanted the man and woman to have babies and to multiply in number. AND GOD SAW THIS WAS GOOD! Along with this perfect world God bestowed to us, comes responsibilities. Are you a steward of this earth? A steward is a person who will care for his planet. Since there are many waters that are polluted; air also can become polluted; forests can disappear due to logging or needless fires. The fish can also disappear due to pollution or excessive fishing. Planet Earth needs your help! Our loving God blessed us with a home planet filled with everything we need to survive. Now it’s up to us to care for this generous gift that we call Earth. Are you willing to be a steward of planet Earth? n
Mr. Emmett Cooper in his children’s Bible HONEY WORD BIBLE lesson one, provides a catchy statement to help you remember who made the world: “In the beginning God’s CALL got the BALL rolling.” The ball is the world and it is God’s call (decision) to create the world and everything in it. So when you see a ball or hear this word ball, think of Mr. Cooper’s catchy saying and be thankful that our God chose to create it and to continue to keep his masterful creation moving onward into time.
the byzantine catholic world
PAGE 16
OCTOBER 2017
liturgical schedule at the Seminary “Come, let us sing joyfully to the Lord”
around the archeparchy 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. ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT BREAKFAST BUFFET — 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Oct. 8 and Nov. 12, St. Mary’s Center, Route 981, Trauger. Cost is $6 for adults, $3 for ages 5 to 10. No cost for age 4 and under. Sponsored by St. Mary’s Youth Group.
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. Schedule of Services for October: 1 2 3 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 31
No services 8 a.m. Divine Liturgy (M) 7 a.m. Akathist to the Theotokos (R) 7 a.m. Matins (R) 7 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. Psalter Service (M) 7 a.m. Matins (R) 7 a.m. Divine Liturgy (R) 8 a.m. Orthros (M) 5 p.m. Great Vespers (R) 7 a.m. Festal Matins (R) 8 a.m. Psalter Service (M) 7 a.m. Third Hour (R) 7 a.m. Festal Matins (R) (Apostle and Evangelist Luke) 7 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 (R) 7 a.m. Penance Service (R) 7 a.m. Matins (R) 7 a.m. Divine Liturgy (M) (Demetrius, Great Martyr) 8 a.m. Orthros (M), 5 p.m. Vespers (M) No services 7 a.m. Festal Matins (R) 8 a.m. Divine Liturgy (M) 7 a.m. Festal Matins (R) (Theodore Romzha, Martyr)
(M) Melkite
ANNUAL BASKET PARTY — 1 p.m. Oct. 8, St. John Vianney Church Hall, Route 271, Mundy’s Corner, Pa. Cost is $5. 150 baskets. Complimentary full lunch. Sponsored by St. Nicholas of Myra, Nanty, Glo, Pa. SPAGHETTI DINNER & BASKET RAFFLE — Noon-3 p.m. Oct. 15, St. John the Baptist, 525 Porter Ave., Scottdale, Pa. Sponsored by the church’s Altar Society. Dinner includes spaghetti, meatballs, salad, roll, dessert amd beverage. Requested donation: $8, adults; $5, children under 12 years old. Take-out available. For more information, call 724-220-5062. A TASTEFUL NIGHT — 6-11 p.m. Oct. 20, Crowne Plaza Pittsburgh South, 164 Fort Couch Road, Bethel Park, Pa. Sample foods from 12 culinary guests. Live music featuring The Movie Makers Band and sample culinary fare from 12 South Hills restaurateurs and food experts. Live and silent auctions, including CABI fashions, Sabika jewelry, Arthur Murray Dance Package and Steelers, Penguins and Pirates tickets. “Beer for a Year” raffle drawing, 50/50 raffle, and “24-Hour Pittsburgh” live auction for four people including an overnight stay at a Mexican War Streets Bed & Breakfast, spa experience, cocktail hour and more. Tickets: $50. For information, call Barbara Stasiuk at 412-835-7484. 9TH ANNUAL CRAFT SHOW/FOOD FESTIVAL — 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Oct. 21, St. John the Baptist Cathedral, 210 Greentree Road, Munhall. More than 50 tables of crafters and vendors, crafter showcase auction, raffles, stuffed cabbage dinners, haluski, pierogies and more. For information or to request a table, call Carol Lawson at 412-464-1666. 36th ANNUAL CARPATHO-RUSYN CELEBRATION — Noon-6 p.m. Oct. 29, St. John the Baptist, 201 E. Main St., Uniontown. Divine Liturgy at 9 a.m. and Moleben Service at 3 p.m. Ethinic foods, such as holubki, pirohi, halushki, kolbasi and sauerkraut, soup, potato pancakes, pagach, baked goods; folk-dancing by Slavjane Folk Ensemble; folk art demonstrations; music; children’s activities; raffles; and presentation on Rusyn culture. For information, call 724-438-6027 (M-F 9 a.m.-3 p.m., leave message), 724-208-6771 or 724438-8412 (M-TH 6-8 p.m.) CHURCH BAZAAR — Noon-5 p.m. Nov. 5, St. Nicholas, 302 Third Ave., Brownsville, Pa. Games, raffles, bake sale, basket auction, ethinic dinners and a la carte menu. “The best cooking this side of Heaven.” Watch for signs around the church. Plenty of parking. For information, call Melody Yeardie at 724-7852801.
(R) Ruthenian
dates to remember OCT. 1 Feast of the Protection of the Theotokos OCT. 15 Deanery Pasta Dinner 4-6 p.m. St. Elias, Munhall, Pa. NOV. 5 Standard Time (“fall back”) resumes at 2 a.m. NOV. 11 Veterans Day national observance NOV. 15 to DEC. 24 Philippian Fast
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: NOVEMBER 2017
submissions DEADLINE: OCTOBER 23