THE OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE ARCHEPARCHY OF PITTSBURGH
office of safe environment
Inside
Chet Dudzinski takes on new role Page 5
VOL. 62 NO. 12
happy anniversary Holy Trinity in Sykesville, Pa. celebrates 110 years Page 6
An audience with Pope Francis
NOVEMBER 2017
deanery pasta dinner Following a Moleben service for vocations, clergy hosts dinner Pages 10 to 11
Time to pray for vocations
national vocation awareness week nov. 5 to 11
by David Mayernik Jr. Editor
National Vocation Awareness Week (NVAW) will be celebrated Nov. 5 to 11 across the U.S. All Catholics are urged to pray for more dedicated, holy priests, deacons and consecrated (monastic) men and women: May they be inspired by Jesus Christ, supported by our faith community and also respond generously to God’s gift of a vocation. NVAW is designed to help promote vocation awareness and encourage faithful of all ages to aske the question: To what vocation in life is God calling me?� Parish and school communiArchbishop William Skurla greets Pope Francis in Rome, Italy during the Plenary Assembly of the Congregation for Oriental Churches with Patriarchs and Major Archbishops Oct. 9 to 12, which marked the centenary of the creation of the Congregation. Photo courtesy of Vatican Information Service.
Clergy retreat
Story continued on page 14
Amid the pastoral splendor of the grounds at Antiochian Village near Latrobe, Pa., clergy of the Archeparchy gathered for a commemorative photo during their 2017 retreat the week of Oct. 1.
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NOVEMBER 2017
annual statement of ownership UPS 081500 ISSN 07442289
BCW
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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
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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. the byzantine catholic world
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Mark Your Calendar Clear Away the Clutter: Shut Out the Noise
dates to remember
preparations begin for philippian fast
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
Young Adult Vespers Meet-up The first Pittsburgh Byzantine Catholic Young Adults Vespers Meetup took place Oct. 7 at the Byzantine Catholic Seminary of SS. Cyril & Methodius in Pittsburgh, Pa. with many young adults, seminarians, and children in attendance. To get on the email list for future events or to help plan or have your parish host a future meet-up, email abby.kreckel@gmail.com. n
Have you checked the tiny print in the upper left hand corner on the November page of your liturgical calendar? (You know, the one you picked up at church and hung in your kitchen.) In the fourth line down, we are reminded that for Eastern Christians, our preparation for the feast of the Nativity of Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, (Christmas) begins on the feast of St. Phillip, Nov. 15, and ends on Dec. 24. Traditionally, we call this period, “Philip’s Fast.” Christians of other faith traditions call it “Advent.” In 2005, the Office of Religious Education for the Archeparchy of Pittsburgh reprinted an updated version of a marvelous little book entitled, “Christ is Born: A Journey of Expectation, Preparation and Fulfillment.” More than ever, we need to step away from the materialistic, empty and superficial images the culture presents to us before and after the Christmas season. Our Church presents a different image by asking us to prepare for the Feast by praying, fasting, almsgiving and reflection. Our youth need examples of holy men and women in the Scriptures who have gone before us to counter-act the lack of civility and violence so prevalent in our society today. In the introduction to the book, the late Metropolitan Basil wrote, “I invite you, as we prepare for the Feast of the
Nativity of Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, to make this book a companion on our journey during this blessed season. It is an opportunity to walk with the saints whom we commemorate during this time of preparation and to receive the inspiration that they offer as we contemplate both the ordinary and extraordinary facets of their lives.” In the book you will find: n Christmas Morning Homily of St. John Chrysostom n Old Testament Prophecies of the Incarnation by Rev. John S. Custer n Purpose of the Nativity Fast by Steve Puluka n An Eastern Approach to Fasting by Archpriest John G. Petro n The Traditional Holy Supper (with recipes) n Theology of the Incarnation by Kathryn S. Kress n Specific reflections written by a talented group of clergy and laity on the various feast days that occur during this Holy Season. Included are questions and user-friendly suggested activities. Good News! The book can be purchased for $5 per copy in person at the Office of Religious Education or by mail for $10 per copy (includes shipping and handling). Make check out to “Office of Religious Education” and mail to: 3605 Perrysville Ave., Pittsburgh, Pa. 15214. n
“Christ is Born: A Journey of Expectation, Preparation and Fulfillment.” Name _____________________________________________ Address ___________________________________________ City_________________________ State _________________ Number of books: ___________________________________ Mail to:
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Office of Religious Education 3605 Perrysville Ave. Pittsburgh, Pa. 15214
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NOVEMBER 2017
the joy of music
Singing together in harmony
by Deacon Jeffrey Mierzejewski Director, Metropolitan Cantor Institute
A n y o n e who opens our service books might come to the conclusion that, in addition to singing without instrumental accompaniment, we sing "in unison." There is only one line of music in our printed chant, and we certainly don't sing (as congregations) much composed choral music as Episcopalians or Lutherans do. The truth is far more interesting and carries a theological meaning as well. Because of the way our bodies are made, men and women can very seldom sing on exactly the same pitches. Instead, they usually sing notes that "sound the same," each in his or her own vocal range. The distance
between these notes that sound the same to our ears is called an "octave." Other musical notes can be added that have the quality of "sounding good together" and to sing in this way is called "singing in harmony." One way to sing in harmony is to have a trained composer write out all the notes for each vocal part in advance. Of course, this requires that the singers be able to read musical notation. But in many cultures, peoples have come up with their own ways to harmonize "by ear,” sometimes remembering a harmony line they have heard in the past and sometimes making up a new one on the spur of the moment. This is called "folk harmony." For centuries, our people have sung these improvised harmonies in church; the Orthodox musicologist Ivan Gardner traveled throughout Eastern Europe in the 1930s and left us descriptions of how this
was done. Some members of the congregation sang the melody (the music in our church books) with the cantor. Others sang a musical line moving in parallel to the melody, while basses picked out the roots of the chords by ear and tenors sang a higher "holding note." (This is what tenor means.) If this sounds familiar, it is because much folk singing and even some popular music is performed in this way; it is also the way we have sung in church and in some places continue to do so. One way to revitalize our church singing — to sing "as the angels, with one voice" with everyone contributing an important part — is to foster and encourage this sort of singing. To this end, the Metropolitan Cantor Institute is collecting and organizing material on how chant and hymns have been harmonized in our parishes in the past so that we can teach these skills in parish-
es that want to restore harmony to our singing. Please contact me (see below) if you are interested in helping with this project. And if you are fortunate enough to attend a church where men and women, young and old, lift their voices in harmony in praise of God and the saints, be sure to listen and take in what has been over the centuries an enduring part of our communal worship. Each of us brings something to our worship; let us do everything we can to make the total into a song of ever greater beauty before God. n Deacon Jeffrey Mierzejewski is the director of the Metropolitan Cantor Institute. He can be reached at 412-735-1676 and mci@archpitt.org.
text messages
Good grief, it’s Thanksgiving! giving thanks with help from charlie brown and the “peanuts” gang by David Mayernik Jr. Editor
Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. There’s just something so satisfying about waking up to watch the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on television and then traveling to my uncle’s house for an afternoon turkey dinner. I love everything about it. When I worked at a party supplies store, I even looked forward to leading my fellow employees in a “hand turkey” craft. If you don’t remember making one in grade school, it’s when you trace the outline of your hand with a crayon and decorate it to look like a turkey, as your thumb represents the head and fingers its feathers. Another of my favorite Thanksgiving traditions is watching my old VHS tape of “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving,” which I’ve always thought was underrated and overshadowed by the “Peanuts” Christmas and Halloween television specials. In the special, Charlie Brown unintentionally invites Pepper-
mint Patty, Marcie and Franklin over for Thanksgiving dinner, which turns out to be plates of toast, popcorn, pretzel sticks and jelly beans prepared in the kitchen by Snoopy. A few years ago, I was lucky enough to gain some insight into “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving” courtesy of Jean Schulz, the wife of late “Peanuts” creator Charles Schulz. She was answering questions on the social media Web site Reddit.com, so I typed a question — “Could you please offer any thoughts as to what inspired the storyline?’ — and crossed my fingers waiting for a response. A response did soon come, as Jean wrote: “...it was funny to him the idea of kids putting on their own dinner — of things they liked and could make, like toast and popcorn and jelly beans” and “then there’s a whole thing about Woodstock being a bird and that being what people eat on Thanksgiving and at least we’re not eating him — so I think it was all that silliness.” Of course, the most important part of Thanksgiving is expressing our gratefulness to
A real-life version of dinner prepared by Snoopy in “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving.” Photo by David Mayernik Jr.
God for all of our blessings. Charles Schulz seemed to never pass up an opportunity to insert religious views or theology into his work. Before the backyard Thanksgiving meal, Linus says a prayer: “In the year 1621, the Pilgrims held their first Thanksgiving feast. They invited the great Indian chief Massasoit, who brought 90 of his brave Indians and a great abundance of food. Gov. William Bradford and
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Captain Miles Standish were honored guests. Elder William Brewster, who was a minister, said a prayer that went something like this: ‘We thank God for our homes and our food and our safety in a new land. We thank God for the opportunity to create a new world for freedom and justice’.” Happy Thanksgiving! (And remember to save the wishbone for Woodstock.) n
NOVEMBER 2017
report from
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the office of safe environment
Archeparchy compliant with all mandates
New Office of Safe Environment coordinator
Archbishop William Skurla has announced receipt of the Report on the 2016-17 Audit from Stonebridge Partners of Rochester, N.Y., signifying Archeparchy compliance with all mandates of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Youth. The Charter, promulgated by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, provides guidance and requirements of all Catholic Eparchies and Dioceses relating to providing safe environments for all children and youth as well as reporting and outreach for violations of the Charter. Audits of all Catholic Eparchies and Dioceses are conducted yearly to confirm compliance with all Articles of the Charter. “We are certainly pleased that our commitment to the Charter has been embraced by our parishes, religious, volunteers, and employees,” said Archbishop William. “The Lord requires of all of us no higher calling than to foster a loving and safe environment throughout the Church, especially for our youth.” Stonebridge Partners, the independent audit firm charged with overseeing nationwide compliance with the Charter by all Eparchies and Dioceses, conducted an on-site review and interviews of Archeparchy personnel. The audit analyzed compliance with all seventeen (17) Articles of the Charter. The audit of each Eparchy and Diocese will be synthesized and ultimately published in an Annual Report and Findings. The report will be published in early 2018. A primary responsibity of the Archeparchy is the training of our youth and children with programs offered during Eastern Christian Formation (ECF) including the Archeparchy of Pittsburgh-published courses “Be Attentive,” and “God With Us.” During the 2016-17 audit period, a total of 612 ECF students were required to receive this training, with all 612 completing the program. All 74 priests, deacons and candidates for ordination complied with mandated training under The Charter. More than 99 percent of employees and volunteers complied with this requirement. Stonebridge offered sug-
by David Mayernik Jr. Editor
copies of audit available for review
gestions for improving the Archeparchy’s commitment to full and open compliance with the Charter, which are being analyzed and taken under advisement. None of the recommendations would significantly alter the basic operations of the Archeparchy and its Safe Environment program. The first several Articles of the Charter require Archeparchies and Dioceses to report and respond to claims of child and/ or sexual abuse. There were no such claims in the Archeparchy during this audit period. Anyone wishing to receive a copy of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Youth, the Archeparchy Policy on Sexual Misconduct and Sexual Abuse Against Minors, Audit details, or related information is encouraged to visit the Archeparcy Web site, www.archpitt. org, and/or the Web site of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, www.usccb. org/issues-and-action/childand-youth-protection/charter. cfm. They may also contact the Archeparchy Safe Environment coordinator, Chet Dudzinski, at 412-231-4000 or by email at cdudzinski@archpitt.org. n
chet dudzinski takes on new role After retiring from his career as an attorney in May, Chet Dudzinski spent hours completing to-do projects around the house and traveling with his wife Linda across the country. Now he’s decided to devote his time to the Byzantine Catholic Archeparchy of Pittsburgh as coordinator of the Office of Safe Environment. “I can only do so many home improvement projects, which we did a lot of in the last several months,” Chet said. “I certainly was up for whatever the Archeparchy needed. It’s the perfect time in my life to move from a very high-stress part of my life to something where I can come in and give some time to the Church.” Chet, a parishioner at St. Gregory in Upper St. Clair, Pa., replaces former coordinator Cindy Corbett, who he says left the Office in “tremendous shape.” The Office of Safe Environment is a product of the Charter of Protection of Children and Young People, established in 2002 by the United States
Archbishop William, clergy and faithful of the Archeparchy sincerely thank Cindy Corbett for her years of leading the Office of Safe Environment.
Letter from Stonebridge Partners to the Archeparchy of Pittsburgh
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Chet Dudzinski
Conference of Catholic Bishops. Chet said it was established to “take a very aggressive approach toward dealing with issues in the church and having a very responsive means by which we can make certain that we protect children to the best possible degree and that we absolutely can and do have action plans in the event something occurs.” “This office primarily is there to make certain employees, volunteers, clergy, deacon candidates — anybody who has any exposure to children — pass their background checks and go through approporiate training,” he said. “It’s this office’s job to make sure everybody is fulfilling their obligations for the protection of youth.” Chet was previously a member of the Office of Safe Environment Review Board, also established by the Charter as a consulting body to the Archbishop on policies and issues. He grew up in Erie, Pa. and he and Linda have three children: Kyle, Brittany and Ryan. Chet earned a degree at the University of Pittsburgh School of Law and previously worked as an attorney at Cipriani & Warner P.C. “My first office had no windows and I shared it with a law clerk. And our offices were literally above a pizza shop. It was a small litigation firm at the time but fast-forward 29 years we grew to about 150 lawyers in seven states and D.C. and 11 offices.’ Chet says he’s happy with the changes in his life. “I’m new into this job. It’s a change in direction of my life but I’m in a position where I’m able to give back a little bit and offer my skills...I’m blessed to be able to use those skills.” n
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NOVEMBER 2017
holy trinity in sykesville, pa.
Holy Trinity celebrates 110 years
by Michele Yamrick Holy Trinity, Sykesville, Pa.
On Sept. 17, with a large crowd of parishioners and guests in attendance, Archbishop William Skurla concelebrated the Divine Liturgy with pastor Father Vasyl Banuk to mark the 110th Anniversary of the formation of Holy Trinity Byzantine Catholic Church. Visiting priests included: Very Rev. David Bosnich, Protopresbyter Northcentral Deanery; Father Robert Karl, former pastor; Father William Barron, Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Latin Church, Sykesville, Pa.; Very Rev. Mark Meholick, St. Nicholas Orthodox Church, DuBois, Pa.; and Deacon Paul Boboige, Nativity of the Mother God Parish, Dubois, Pa. During the Liturgy, four new icons, written by the hand of Father Mark, were blessed by Metropolitan William, as were all ECF students who were in attendance. Holy Trinity was founded in 1907, at the same location where it stands today. Many of its original parishioners were from the villages of Slovinky and Helcmanovce, Spiš County. Over the years, the church experienced many physical changes and expansions, as well as the addition of a rectory. The parish social hall was added and upgraded over the years, as well. Today, after 110 years, Holy Trinity has a large membership of families with many children. “One thing that can be said,” Archbishop William said, “is that this parish is rich in the number of children it has. Truly a blessing!” Holy Trinity is currently pastored by Father Vasyl, who resides at the rectory with his wife Natalia, daughter Nadia, and son Vasyl. The parish extends its thanks to the Parish Social Committee for the organization of the dinner, Shannon’s Catering for the delicious meal that was enjoyed, and to the many parishioners who baked and brought delicious desserts that were shared. May God grant to Holy Trinity and her parish family, peace, health and happiness for many
Archbishop William Skurla celebrates Divine Liturgy at Holy Trinity in Sykesville, Pa. on Sept. 17.
Archbishop William Skurla, Father Vasyl Banyk
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First phase of icon project completed by Matthew Kosko Holy Trinity, Sykesville, Pa.
Holy Trinity recently completed the first of a three-phase icon project for the interior of the church. Six new icons have been completed and placed in our church: Saint Anna with the Theotokos, Saint Joachim, Saint Pope John Paul ll, Bishop Martyr Theodore Romzha , Bishop Martyr Paul Gojdich and Bishop Martyr Basil Hopko. The second phase will consist of two large icons, Pentecost and Transfiguration. They will be placed on the left and right of the icon screen. The third phase will consist of seven icons for the interior altar area. They are: SS. Cyril and Methodius, Three Holy Hierarchs, Archangel Gabriel, Archangel Michael, Holy veil with face of Jesus ("Holy Napkin") and two Cherubim Angels. The icons are being written by Father Mark Meholick of DuBois, Pa. Gold leaf decoration will be completed by Kelly Porada of Punxsutawney, Pa. We thank our parishioners who have made this project possible through donations. n
School’s in session by Matthew Kosko Holy Trinity, Sykesville, Pa.
ECF students of Holy Trinity Parish of Sykesville, Pa. before the first class of the 2017-18 school year. Holy Trinity is blessed with many young parishioners. We pray that they continue to grow and support our parish for many years to come. n
st. michael in campbell, ohio
Blessing of the Animals Father Kevin Marks blessed parishioners’ pets on the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi at St. Michael in Campbell, Ohio on Oct. 4. n
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NOVEMBER 2017
A Dog’s Tale
feast of st. francis of assisi celebrated at st. gregory in upper st. clair, pa. by David Mayernik Jr. Editor
Robert Dell isn’t certain of the day or even the year his dog Cooper was born. But he still celebrates Cooper’s birthday each year. “Since he was a stray, I don’t know when he was born,” Robert said. “I can’t have a party for Cooper because I don’t know when his birthday was. So I just picked a day, Jan. 1.” Robert, of McDonald, Pa., has been a volunteer at Animal Friends in Pittsburgh for 10 years and rescued Cooper from a shelter in Waynesburg, Pa. Robert and Cooper visited St. Gregory in Upper St. Clair, Pa. on Oct. 1 to talk about the mission of Animal Friends and how to safely greet pets you may encounter. The program was sponsored by the St. Gregory Library Ministry. Robert believes Cooper is seven-and-a-half years old and a Yellow Labrador Retriever mix. “What he’s mixed with is a good question. “We’re guessing he’s mixed with a Beagle or a Corgi or a smaller breed.” Animal Friends cares for dogs, cats and bunnies while working to find forever homes for about 250 animals currently housed at the shelter. Volunteers provide animals with food, fresh water and opportunities for play, exercise and training every day of the year. Animals are also spayed and neutured. Animal Friends found homes for 2,300 animals in 2016. During his presentation, Robert taught children the steps to safely interacting with someone else’s pet and led in the singing of his self-composed song, “A Cat Named Dog” while playing the guitar. Cooper passed a 10-step test to earn the designation of a Canine Good Citizen from the American Kennel Club for having good manners at home and in the community. Robert, who teaches music students at Carnegie Mellon University, and Cooper often visit nursing homes and hospitals as well as colleges to meet students during stress-filled finals weeks. “(People are) seeing the benefits of (pet) therapy for patients
Susan Flynn, of St. Gregory in Upper St. Clair, Pa., greets Cooper, a seven-and-ahalf year-old Yellow Labrador Retriever mix owned by Robert Dell, a volunteer at Animal Friends in Pittsburgh, Pa. Photo by David Mayernik Jr.
Robert Dell, of Animal Friends in Pittsburgh, Pa.; Dr. Betty Radvak Shovlin, coordinator, St. Gregory Library Ministry; and Cooper.
Father Valerian Michlik blessed parishioners’ pets on the Feast of St. Francis at St. Gregory in Upper St. Clair, Pa. on Oct. 4. Photos by Jennifer Kehm
and recovery. The research is pretty strong.” Robert said his work at Animal Friends is its own reward. “As a volunteer, I don’t get paid money, I get paid through the heart, as it were.
“The feel-good aura you get from having saved an animal... just to see the connection they will have once you get them adopted in their forever home; get them out of the shelter. We don’t want them in the shelter
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for long periods. “And to see the looks on people’s faces; it’s priceless. You can’t put a pricetag on it." n For more information about Animal Friends, go to thinkingoutsidethecage.org.
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st. gregory in upper st. clair, pa.
Bethany Ministry speaker discusses drug abuse by Father Valerian Michlik St. Gregory, Upper St. Clair, Pa.
Following the Divine Liturgy Oct. 8, we welcomed Dr. Holly Lassila to St. Gregory. Dr. Lassila is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Pharmacist, and Associate Professor at Duquesne University’s School of Pharmacy, and also an Adjunct Professor at the Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh. Since the month of October is National Substance Abuse Prevention Month in our country, St. Gregory’s Bethany Ministry sponsored this presentation in order to raise awareness and
lessen the stigma surrounding these issues. Dr. Lassila’s presentation was excellent as she addressed topics including: how drugs affect the brain and body; addiction and how it occurs and persists with negative consequences; and alcohol, smoking, electronic cigarettes and the use of marijuana, cocaine, ecstasy, heroin and prescription drugs. Following her presentation a question/answer session took place during which we discussed addiction and the serious epidemic of drug abuse in Pittsburgh and throughout the U.S. n
Father Valerian Michlik introduces Dr. Holly Lassila at St. Gregory in Upper St. Clair, Pa. on Oct. 8.
st. john the baptist cathedral in munhall, pa.
Getting crafty
St. John the Baptist’s Cameo Club held its ninth annual Craft Show & Ethnic Food Fair Oct. 21. The event benefits the Cathedral. Carol Lawson was chairperson of the work committee. n
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Photos by Nick Havrilla Sr.
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Deanery Pasta Dinner nourishes body, soul moleben service celebrated for vocations to the priesthood, religious life A Moleben Service for Vocations to the Priesthood and Religious Life was celebrated Oct. 15 at St. Elias in Munhall, Pa. Serrans processed with their icon of St. Junipero Serra. President Bill Kress welcomed the congregants and gave an introduction to the history and mission of Serra International and the Byzantine Catholic Serra Club. Father Valerian Michlik, Serra chaplain, led the prayers with the Archeparchial Choir leading responses. Following the Moleben, clergy and faithful enjoyed a pasta dinner prepared and served by Deanery priests and deacons. Proceeds from the event benefit retired priests of the Archeparchy. n
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Photos by Nick Havrilla Sr.
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NOVEMBER 2017
eternal memory
eternal memory
The daughter of the late Michael and Mary (Hrinda) Millow, Sister Helen Millow was born in Scranton, Pa. She entered the Sisters of St. Basil the Great from St. John the Baptist Church in Scranton, Pa., on Oct. 1, 1964 and made her Final Profession of Vows on Aug. 6, 1972. A graduate of Technical High School in Scranton, Pa., she was the valedictorian of her class of 400, an achievement that was not widely known beyond her family. She was employed by the Dun and Bradstreet Agency for six years prior to her entrance into religious life. As a Sister, she earned a B.S. degree in education from Marywood University which benefited her as she began her ministry in religious life, serving as teacher and then also principal in several of the schools staffed by the Sisters throughout the Metropolitan Church of Pittsburgh. From 1980 until 1997, Sister Helen was the monastery coordinator, assistant treasurer and treasurer of her Province of Our Lady of Perpetual Help. From 1995 to 2005 she worked with the staff of the Eparchy of Parma as assistant eparchial finance officer. Upon the completion of this assignment, she returned to the monastery and continued to capably fill the office of Province Treasurer, until her illness brought her to a short time of retirement. Her extensive knowledge of finances, insurance and invest-
Father Gregory S. Petruska, former member of the Benedictine Holy Trinity Monastery and retired priest of the Archeparchy of Pittsburgh, fell asleep in the Lord on Sept. 24 in Garden Grove, Calif. He was born in Mahanoy City, Pa. on Sept. 1, 1927, the son of the late Andrew and Mary Ciparik Petruska. He earned his B.A. degree from St. Procopius College in Lisle, Ill. in 1949, and he also attended Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pa. and as a seminarian at SS. Cyril and Methodius Seminary. He was ordained to the priesthood at the seminary by the Most Rev. Daniel Ivancho on Feb. 2, 1953. After serving as assistant pastor at St. John Cathedral in Munhall, Pa.; St. Nicholas Church in McKeesport, Pa.; and Holy Spirit Church in Binghamton, N.Y.; Father Gregory was appointed administrator of St. Mary Assumption Church in Joliet, Ill. in 1955. He served this parish and its school for the next 33 years. He oversaw remodeling of the church and building of the school, auditorium, convent and hall. During these years he also served at times as principal and teacher at the school. From 1989 to his retirement, he taught at Taper Avenue School in the Los Angeles Unified School District.
sister helen millow, OSBM
eternal memory edward j. pyo sr.
Edward J. Pyo Sr. fell asleep in the Lord at his home in Lilly, Pa. on Oct. 5. He was the father of Rev. Father Edward J. Pyo Jr., a retired priest of the Archeparchy of Pittsburgh. A United States Army Veteran of the Korean Conflict, Mr. Pyo was known for his smile, his enjoyment of life, and his dedication to his SS. Peter and Paul Byzantine Catholic Church in Portage, Pa., for which he offered many hours of work and service. He was a member of the Lilly American Legion and the Slavish Citizens’ Club. Mr. Pyo was born in Lilly on April 14, 1932, the son of the late George and Anna (Zumer) Pyo. On Oct. 25, 1958 he married Jane (Lysic) Pyo, who survives with his children: Father Edward of Lilly; Anthony (wife Carol) of Portage; Brenda (husband Don) Lightner of New Bloomfield, Pa.; and Cynthia (husband Michael) Lewis of Shermans Dale, Pa. Also surviving are his brother George of Lilly and his family, along with two grandsons, a great granddaughter and numer-
rev. father gregory steven petruska
Sister Helen Millow, OSBM
ments was a great asset in her role as capable treasurer both for the community and the Eparchy of Parma. She will be fondly remembered for her love for and fidelity to her Basilian community. Sister Helen was preceded in death by her parents and her brother Michael. In addition to her members in community, she is survived by her sisters Mary Ann McLaughlin (+Charles), Anna Mae (Stanley) Lehman, and Jean (Kenneth) Morgan; her sister-in-law Bernadette Millow; and nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews. Interment was in the Dormition Section of Mount Macrina Cemetery. May God grant to his handmaiden, Sister Helen, eternal memory and peaceful repose. n
ous nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family. He was preceded in death by his sisters Mary Berezansky, Ann Berezansky, Justina Klezek and Delores Swires. Friends were received at the Serenko-Claar Funeral Home in Portage on Oct. 8 with the Parastas Service celebrated that evening by his son, Father Edward. Concelebrants were Very Reverends Ronald. P. Larko, Frank A. Firko and James A. Spontak; Abbot Leo R. Schlosser; Reverend Fathers Robert J. Karl and Robert F. Oravetz; and Deacon Daniel F. Perich. The Funeral Divine Liturgy was celebrated on Oct. 9 at SS. Peter and Paul Church by Father Edward, with Very Reverends Frank A. Firko and James A. Spontak; Reverend Fathers Robert F. Oravetz and James A. Ragan, and Deacon Daniel F. Perich concelebrating. Very Rev. Frank A. Firko was the homilist. Interment followed in St. Frances Xavier Cemetery, Cresson, Pa. May God grant to his servant Edward Eternal memory and Blessed repose. n
Rev. Father Gregory Steven Petruska
Predeceased by his brother Andrew Petruska and sisters Helen Petruska and Margaret Petruska, Father Gregory is survived by his sisters Sister Maria Petruska OSBM and Terri P. Ortmann (Bill), and his brother Father Christopher Petruska. Nieces, nephews, grandnieces and a grandnephew also survive. Funeral services for a priest were celebrated by Most Reverend Gerald N. Dino, bishop emeritus of the Eparchy of Phoenix, at Annunciation Church, Anaheim, Calif. on Oct. 2 and 3. Interment followed a panachida celebrated by Archbishop William C. Skurla at Mount St. Macrina Cemetery, Uniontown Pa. on Oct. 6. May God grant to His servant the Priest Gregory Eternal Memory and a peaceful repose. n
eternal memory
monsignor victor g. romza Rev. Monsignor Victor G. Romza, retired priest of the Archeparchy of Pittsburgh and longtime former pastor of St. Michael Church, Campbell, Ohio, fell asleep in the Lord on Oct. 23. Monsignor Victor was born on July 26, 1929 in New Britain, Conn. to Rev. Father Ivan P. Romza and Magdaline Medveczky Romza. He was also the great-nephew of Most Rev. Basil Takach, the first bishop of the then Greek Catholic Exarchate of Pittsburgh. He attended St. Fidelis Preparatory High School, Herman, Pa.; St. Procopius College, Lisle, Illinois; and SS. Cyril and Methodius Seminary and Duquesne University, both in Pittsburgh, Pa. He earned the B.A. degree from St. Procopius College (1951). He was ordained to the Holy Priesthood by Bishop Daniel Ivancho at Mount St. Macrina, Uniontown, Pa. on May 31, 1954. During his priesthood, Monsignor Romza served Byzantine Catholic Churches in Perth Amboy, N.J.; and Freeland, Barnesboro, Patton, Arcadia, and Duquesne, all in Pa. Following this, he was appointed pastor of St. Michael Byzantine Catholic Church in Campbell, Ohio on Sept. 12, 1963 where he served
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Rev. Monsignor Victor G. Romza
for over 50 years until he retired to Ohio Living Park Vista of Youngstown on March 15, 2014. His Archeparchial appointments included Assistant Director of Religious Education, Pittsburgh Deanery North; Advocate, Matrimonial Tribunal; Director of Vocations, Youngstown Deanery; and Archeparchial Consultor. In particular, Monsignor Victor enjoyed his assignment as Administrator of Byzantine Catholic Central School in Youngstown, a position which he faithfully fulfilled for many years, and where he had tremendous love for the students and faculty. The Holy Father
Story continued on page 13
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News from the Vatican Church can’t be blind, deaf to people with special needs, pope says “it’s a dangerous deception to believe in being invulnerable” by Carol Glatz Catholic News Service
VATICAN CITY — The Catholic Church must be welcoming and creative in finding ways to not let people's physical, psychological or intellectual limitations keep them from encountering God, Pope Francis said. "The church cannot be 'mute' or 'tone deaf' when it comes to the defense and promotion of people with disabilities," he told differently abled individuals, their families and pastoral workers and professionals who work with them. Words and gestures of outreach and welcoming must never be missing from any church community, so that everyone, particularly those whose journey in life is not easy, can encounter the risen Lord and find in that community "a source of hope and courage," he said Oct. 21. The pope spoke during an audience with 450 people taking part in a conference sponsored by the Pontifical Council for Promoting New Evangelization. The Oct. 20 to 22 gathering was dedicated to sharing best practices in engaging and catechizing persons living with disabilities, a topic Pope Francis had specifically asked the council to look into, conference organizers told Catholic News Service. Fortunately, the pope told the group, there has been progress over the past decades in recognizing the rights and dignity of all people, especially those who are more vulnerable, leading to "courageous positions on in-
clusion" so that "no one feels like a stranger." However, attitudes that are often "narcissistic and utilitarian" still abound, marginalizing people with disabilities and overlooking their human and spiritual gifts, he said. Also, still too pervasive is an attitude of refusal of any potentially debilitating condition, believing it would be an obstacle to happiness or the full realization of oneself, he said. It's an attitude, the pope said, that is seen in today's "eugenic tendencies to kill unborn children who display some form of imperfection." But "in reality, all of us know many people who, even with their serious frailties, have found — even with difficulty — the path of a good life, rich in meaning," he said, and "we know people who are outwardly perfect" yet full of despair. "It's a dangerous deception to believe in being invulnerable," he said, since vulnerability is part of the essence of being human. Two participants from the United States, who were part of the conference organizing committee, and a father of a young woman with Down syndrome told CNS that the usual approach of "special programs" for people with particular needs should change because they can become a form of segregation. For example, Sister Kathleen Schipani recalled how dark and lonely it was going to an empty school late every Wednesday night for a parish program meant for children with disabilities.
Pope Francis greets a woman in a wheelchair during an audience with catechists and people with disabilities at the Vatican Oct. 21. Photo by Catholic News Service/L’Osservatore Romano.
Sister Schipani, who leads the office for persons with disabilities and the deaf apostolate at the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, said the model they are pursuing is to have one parish religious education program for everyone, but with options for smaller breakout groups, one-on-one instruction or other methods that can address individuals' particular needs. Janice Benton, executive director of the National Catholic Partnership on Disability based in Washington, D.C., said too much focus on providing special programs also has meant some people get turned away from their neighborhood parish because the church doesn't have a program accommodating a specific disability. "The first thing is welcome the person," she said, and speak with them; the church is more than a collection of programs, it's about relationships with each other and with God. n
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Monsignor Victor G. Romza Story continued from page 12 John Paul II honored him with the office of Papal Chamberlain and the title of Monsignor when he was invested to this office on Feb. 3, 1985. Monsignor Victor was a very humble, generous, and gentle priest. He taught his parishioners to love and follow God. He liked spending time with his fellow priests, family, and parishioners. He enjoyed golfing, watching football and baseball, cigars, going out to dinner, and his dogs, all of whom he named Caesar. He was preceded in death by parents and brothers John, Robert and Andrew Romza. He is survived by his sister, Mrs. Rita. M. Smochko of Pittsburgh, Pa.; sister-in-law Nancy Romza; nephews, Robert and David Romza; niece Linda (Rick) Forrester; and great-nephews Eric and Kevin Forrester and Andrew Romza. Friends were received at St Michael Church of Oct. 25 and 26 with the Funeral Service for a Priest celebrated each evening. The funeral Divine Liturgy was celebrated by Most Reverend William C. Skurla on Oct. 27. Concelebrants were Very Reverend Richard I. Lambert, Protopresbyter of the Youngstown Protopresbyterate and Father Kevin E. Marks, administrator of St. Michael Parish. In attendance were Archpriests John G. Petro and Dennis M. Bogda; Monsignor Alexis E. Mihalik; Very Reverends Andrew J. Deskevich and Frank A. Firko; and Reverend Fathers Joseph J. Borodach, Robert J. Karl, David A. Bosnich, Nicholas D. Kraynak, and David Misbrenner. Interment followed in St. Michael Cemetery. May God grant to His servant the Priest Victor Eternal Memory and a peaceful repose. n
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thoughts for our day by Archpriest David M. Petras
how we think about god St. Paul wrote, “Faith, hope, love remain, these three; but the greatest of these is love” (1 Corinthians 13:13). These virtues are called “theological virtues” in moral theology, because we can have faith and hope and we can only love as we should because of the power of the Holy Spirit working in our lives. The greatest of these is truly the virtue of love for others, which is the mark of the people of God in Christ. Love here is not to be identified with the pleasure that comes from sexual intercourse, but the openness of our whole being towards the good of others, for we are all created in the image of God. However, in this article, I want to talk about faith. Faith is also a serious problem in the world in which we live, because people with a narrow, materialistic view of the universe attack faith as superstition and a credulous belief in fairy tales. This is important because success in the world often resides in our ability to understand and manipulate the world we can perceive with our senses. The allure of this technology often blinds us to the deeper realities that really constitute our existence and well-being. Many leave the faith, feeling their former beliefs to be mere childish sentiment and indoctrination. Even in my own childhood, the temptation to surrender to a technological world view was very strong. I pondered existence in many ways, for I did not wish to waste my life on what might prove to be only fables. Again, St. Paul warned of this danger, for “if Christ has not been raised, then empty too is our preaching; empty, too, your faith” (1 Corinthians 15:4). I tried to reason why there must be a God. The Vatican I Council declared, “The same holy mother church holds
NVAW
Story continued from page 1 ties across the nation are asked to include prayer and special activities focusing on vocation awareness. NVAW began in 1976 when
and teaches that God, the source and end of all things, can be known with certainty from the consideration of created things, by the natural power of human reason” (Dogmatic Constitution on the Catholic Faith 2,1). As I grew older, however, I began to realize that this brings us only to an intellectual conclusion, a necessary basis for faith
As Christians, we do not have “unyielding despair,” but a living hope, for that, too is a gift of God. but not the whole commitment of our heart and mind and soul to a relationship with God that would transform and save us. Eventually, through faith I was able to hear a call from God to service in his Church. We all must follow the faith journey of St. Paul, who wrote, “When I was a child, I used to talk as a child, think as a child, reason as a child; when I became a man, I put aside childish things” (1 Corinthians 13:11). Many people are aware that there are many atheists in our society today. Sometimes it is claimed that one-quarter of the population is atheist. The numbers may not actually be known, since many people hide their beliefs or non-beliefs. Most atheists simply live their life as if there is no God, and many people who live the same way claim to believe in God. Some atheists become militant about their negative faith, and will ridicule the idea of God and people who believe in God. I certainly do not deny their intelligence, but I also think many of the problems arise from their concepts of God. Whether intentionally or unintentionally,
U. S. bishops designated the 28th Sunday of the year for the observance. In 2014, it was moved to the first full week of November. n
God becomes for them what is called a “straw man.” This means that they form an image of God that actually no one could believe in and then knock down that image. One need look only at cartoons that attempt to ridicule God, where he is depicted as an old man with a white beard throwing lightning flashes on the world this is God as the pagan Zeus, and none of us, Christians included, can believe in a God like that. Most of the time, the concepts of God are more subtle, but it may be reduced to this: God is conceived of as one more being in a series of beings, one more person in a series of persons, for example: Richard Nixon (real, because we have seen and heard him); Muhammed Ali (real); Sherlock Holmes (fictional); the Easter Bunny (fictional); Aaron Judge (real); God (fictional); Barack Obama (real), and others. However, God is not simply one more person among others, but he is the very ground of all being and of all who live, as St. Paul tried to tell the Athenians by quoting a pagan philosopher, “For ‘In him we live and move and have our being,’ as even some of your poets have said” (Acts 17:28). Unfortunately, even some believers play into this, and talk as if God were just one more being among others, “the man upstairs” they say, as if he lived at a different address than we do. Really, God is present to all of us, closer to us than we are to ourselves, as so many theologians have explained. Everyone of us — atheist, agnostic, believer — claims that there is a “ground of being,” a principle by which what is reality exists. This we call God, and even for the atheists, mere chance becomes that God. If so, then nothing has any real meaning except that which we, as “accidental creatures” might accidently give it. Many atheists also don’t believe in free will, they say it is a delusion. I
think one prominent atheistic philosopher, Bertrand Russell was honest when he said what it all meant, “That Man is the product of causes which had no prevision of the end they were achieving: that his origin, his growth, his hopes and fears, his loves and beliefs, are but the outcome of accidental collocations of atoms; that no fire, no heroism, no intensity of thought and feeling, can preserve the individual life beyond the grave; that all the labors of the ages, all the devotion, all the inspiration, all the noonday brightness of human genius, are destined to extinction in the vast death of the solar system, and that the whole temple of Man’s achievement must inevitably be buried beneath the debris of a universe in ruins - all these things, if not quite beyond dispute, are yet so nearly certain, that no philosophy which rejects them can hope to stand. Only within the scaffolding of these truths, only on the firm foundation of unyielding despair, can the soul’s habitation be safely built.” As Christians, we do not have “unyielding despair,” but a living hope, for that, too is a gift of God. For there is a foundation of being, and it is most reasonable that this God is conscious and personal beyond our ability to comprehend. We believe that he communicates with us, not only in the depths of our soul, but through revelation to our eyes and ears, through our common faith in Christ, who is God, and in whom the fullness of God is present (Colossians 2:9; Ephesians 3:19; Hebrews 1:3). Indeed, St. John the Theologian wrote, “No one has ever seen God. Yet, if we love one another, God remains in us, and his love is brought to perfection in us” (1 John 4:12). n
BYZANTINE DIVINE LITURGY Sundays 9:00 a.m. • WEDO Radio • 810 AM Broadcast live from Holy Ghost Church, McKees Rocks
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Also view liturgical services (various times) at: www.holyghost-byzantinecatholic.org
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Corner
Activities for BIGGER -kids . . . • Think of all the things that make you grateful and appreciative to God. Then write a letter to God thanking him for all your blessings. Or make a list of your “thank you” thoughts and see how long your list would be. • Play a ball game with a friend. Throw a soft ball or balloon up into the air, and before you catch it, name an item you are thankful for. Keep a tally count to see who wins.
for KINDER-kids . . .
Let us give THANKS to the LORD
• Provide a large sheet of drawing paper and crayons. After reading the Kids Corner article aloud with the little one, discuss the subject of giving thanks, and have the child draw the items that are important to him or her. Then encourage the child to verbally explain and share the drawing with you.
by Sandy Simko St. John the Baptist, Lyndora, Pa.
Perhaps important words such as “thank you” were among the first w o r d s y o u r parents taught you. Although these words have been part of your vocabulary for a long time, there can be times when you forget to use them. When we use the words “thank you,” it’s our way to verbally show that we appreciate something. There are many avenues to explore when we think of the term “giving thanks.” In biblical times, a thank offering was a sacrificial animal presented to God as an expression of “thank you” for an unexpected special blessing (2 Chron. 29:31). In the Bible there are abundant examples of rightfully giving thanks to God. Going to the Book of Psalms, David was thankful to God in Psalm 30. “O Lord my God, I cried out to you, and you healed me…to the end that my glory may sing praise to you and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks to you forever.” Psalm 75 is a thanksgiving for God’s righteous judgment. “We give thanks to you, O God, we give thanks for your wondrous works declare that your name is near.” Psalm 100 is another example of Thanksgiving. “Make a joyful shout to the Lord, all you lands! Serve the Lord with gladness; come before his presence with singing. Know that the Lord, he is God. It is
he who had made us, and not we ourselves.”
Jesus Gives Thanks There are two occasions recorded in the New Testament when Jesus miraculously feeds a crowd of 4000 people and 5000-plus people with small amounts of food. Before the food was delivered to the crowds of people, JESUS GAVE THANKS (Matt. 14,15). As we continue along our timeline, we find thankful people that perhaps we remember from our history books - the Native Americans (Indians) and the pilgrims. The Native Americans celebrated different days of thanksgiving such as a celebration for a bountiful corn harvest or for a plentiful rainy season. The pilgrims coming from England and searching for religious freedom had many reasons to be thankful to God. After spending two months on a small crowded boat experiencing shortages of food and water, and an intense storm that threw the boat off course to a totally different destination, they landed safely on the shores of Plymouth, Massachusetts. They were thankful to be alive. That first winter was long, cold and deadly. By spring, half of the people were gone. The pilgrims however, were thankful for those who survived the winter and the disease. The spring and summer crop plantings were successful. The people would have food for the coming winter months. There was a three-day feast celebrating their harvest. This was a time of prayerful thanks to God.
Since there were no cameras, cell phones nor computer images when the first Thanksgiving was celebrated, people drew and painted pictures of their life experiences. In the image above, an artist created a scene of the meal of thanks which the faithful Massachusetts pilgrims and Native Americans shared.
The Divine Liturgy Following the singing of the Nicene Constantinople Creed, the priest intones “Let us give THANKS TO THE LORD.” He then offers a Prayer of Thanksgivng to God for creating and saving us. After we receive the Holy Eucharist - the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ - the deacon comes out before the Royal Doors and asks the people to “Arise! . . . let us worthily THANK THE LORD.” The priest then prays aloud another Prayer of Thanksgiving. In our Divine Liturgy, we give glory, thanksgivng and worship to God. Be attentive and listen during Divine Liturgy. All through history people have been thankful to God for many reasons. Do you remember to say “thank you” to God? If you were to make a list of everything you are
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thankful for, would the list be short or long? Are you thankful for your loving family? Are you thankful for that hamburger or chili dog? How about the sun that provides light, warmth, day and night? If we didn’t have the sun shining on our planet, we would have an ice age and no food would grow. Should we be thankful to God for blessing some people with the talent to keep us healthy? Who teach us how to think? Who guide us on our way towards heaven? Do you ever thank God for the beautiful rainbow; the beauty of a freshly fallen snowfall; the ability to smell a freshly baked cookie; to hear the sound of music? My list would be too long to print! Everything we have comes from God! Remember, God wants to hear you say “thank you” for all your blessings — big and small! n
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liturgical schedule at the Seminary “Come, let us sing joyfully to the Lord”
around the archeparchy CHURCH BAZAAR — Noon-5 p.m. Nov. 5, St. Nicholas, 302 Third Ave., Brownsville, Pa. Games, raffles, bake sale, basket auction, ethnic 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 724-785-2801. ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT BREAKFAST BUFFET — 9 a.m.-1 p.m. 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 November: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11-12 13 14 15 16 17 18-19 20 21 22-26 27 28 29 30
7 a.m. Divine Liturgy (R) 7 a.m. Divine Liturgy (R) 8 a.m. Orthros (M) 8:30 p.m. Compline (R) 9 a.m. Divine Liturgy (R) 4 p.m. Great Vespers (M) 7:45 p.m. Compline (R) 7 a.m. Festal Matins (R) 3 p.m. 9th Hour (R) 8 a.m. Divine Liturgy (M) 7 a.m. Akathist to the Holy Archangel Michael 7 a.m. Divine Liturgy (R) (Archangel Michael and all Angels) 7 a.m. Divine Liturgy (R) 8 a.m. Orthros (M) 5 p.m. Vespers (M) No services 8 a.m. Divine Liturgy (M) 7 a.m. Pennance Service (R) 7 a.m. Matins (R) (Philip’s Fast begins) 7 a.m. Divine Liturgy (R) 8 a.m. Orthros (M) No services 8 a.m. Divine Liturgy (M) 8 a.m. Festal Matins (R) (Entrance of the Theotokos) 9 a.m. Divine Liturgy (R) No services 11 a.m. Psalter Service (M) 7 a.m. 6th Hour (R) 7 a.m. Matins (R) 7 a.m. Divine Liturgy (R)
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ICONOGRAPHY WORKSHOP — Nov. 11 to 13, Church of the Resurrection, 455 Center Road, Monroeville, Pa. Write an icon of King David on a gesso-covered board; learn techniques for faces, garments, 23-karat gold gilding and background. Theology of iconography and King David will be presented and opportunity to attend Liturgy 9:30 a.m. Sunday. Participants must be able to attend all three days to have a completed icon. Cost: $120 (8 by 10) or $130 (10 by 12) to cover all supplies. Deposit of $20 required. Class limited to 20 people. For more information, contact Marylyn Barone at 412-678-9453 or mwbarone@ comcast.net. CHRISTMAS MARKET — Noon-6 p.m. Nov. 12, St. Elias, 4200 Homestead-Duquesne Road, Munhall, Pa. Various vendors, homemade stuffed cabbage and chicken paprikas dinners, homemade baked goods, and a visit from St. Nicholas for children. For information, call 412-4611712. TURKEY BINGO — 1-4 p.m. Nov. 19, St. Mary’s Center, 4480 Route 981, Trauger (Latrobe). Frozen turkeys will be given away, not grocery gift certificates. Doors open at noon. Admission: $5. Specials and extra sets will be sold. There will be a 50/50, door prizes and one Quickie. The kitchen will be open. For information, call 724-787-5631. TASTE OF HEAVEN COOKIE SALE — 8 a.m.-noon Dec. 2, St. Gregory, 2005 Mohawk Road, Upper St. Clair, Pa. Containers provided for you to select favorites from a large assortment of homemade cookies and holiday treats. Small container: $8, large container: $15. For directions, visit stgregoryusc.org. For information, call the Parish Office at 412-835-7800.
REMINDER: There will be a CHRISTMAS ISSUE (Dec. 25) of The BCW in addition to the monthly December issue. Please submit photos and stories about Christmas in your parish. Submissions deadline for the Christmas issue is Dec. 14.
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dates to remember NOV. 5 Standard Time (“fall back”) resumes at 2 a.m. NOV. 8 Feast of Archangel Michael and All Angels NOV. 11 Veterans Day — national observance NOV. 15 to DEC. 24 Philippian Fast NOV. 21 Feast of the Entrance of the Theotokos NOV. 23 Thanksgiving Day — Chancery closed Nov. 23 to 24 DEC. 3 St. Nicholas Celebration St. John the Baptist Cathedral, Munhall, Pa.
See more upcoming events at www.archpitt.org
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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: DECEMBER 2017
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