THE OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE ARCHEPARCHY OF PITTSBURGH
a tasteful night
ordained to the diaconate
Parishioners at St. Gregory in Upper St. Clair, Pa. enjoy an evening of dining, dancing Page 8
Subdeacon Vitalii Stashkevych is ordained a Deacon on Nov. 8 Page 6
Inside
VOL. 62 NO. 13
Minding the store
DECEMBER 2017
2017 year in review A look back at the events of the past year Pages 10 to 11
Parishes offer hurricane relief more than $52,000 raised for victims by David Mayernik Jr. Editor
Patty Bovee, manager of the Byzantine Seminary Press, adjusts icons at the store in Pittsburgh, Pa. Photo by David Mayernik Jr.
patty bovee takes on new role as seminary press manager by David Mayernik Jr. Editor
Patty Bovee was retired from MARC Advertising for only a few days before she moved into a new phase in her life as manager of the Byzantine Seminary Press. “I retired to babysit every day with my grandchildren but since I’m here, (my husband’s) babysitting,” she said, with a laugh. “(I retired) June 8 and I started here on June 12. Go figure, right? Didn’t have very much time off. None.” But she wouldn’t want it any other way. “No. 1, the Archbishop asked me, so I wouldn’t say ‘no’ to the Archbishop,” she said. “No. 2, I think it makes me feel like I’m doing something
to continue the Byzantine traditions of the church and whether I’m Roman Catholic or I’m Byzantine Catholic, I’m involved.” The Byzantine Seminary Press is a religious store near the Byzantine Catholic Seminary of SS. Cyril and Methodius in Pittsburgh, Pa. which carries religious books used in Byzantine Catholic churches, calendars, crosses, icons, vestments and other relgious items. Patty, originally from Kaylor, Pa., lives in Munhall, Pa. and is a parishioner at St. John the Baptist Cathedral. She was raised Roman Catholic and learned about the Byzantine Church when she met her husband, Marty, in 1973. They were married in 1978 and have three sons and three
grandchildren. Patty’s previous jobs included positions at the Allegheny County Office of Economic Opportunities, where she met her husband, and at Koppers Inc. for 16 years. She worked at MARC Advertising for more than 25 years before retiring in June. Patty describes herself as “very active” in the church and has been a member of the Byzantine Catholic Serra Club for the past six years, serving as its president for two years. She also is a member of the Women’s Guild and CAMEO Club at St. John the Baptist. Patty said Internet sales for Seminary Press items have been steady. Orders are received from as Story continued on page 12
Parishes of the Byzantine Catholic Archeparchy of Pittsburgh raised $52,655 to help the victims affected by Hurricanes Harvey and Irma. Archbishop William Skurla requested special collections be taken in all churches on Sept. 16 to 17 and 23 to 24. Funds collected were donated to Catholic Charities USA, the official domestic relief agency of the United States Catholic Church. The organization and its agencies respond to immediate needs for necessities such as water, food, shelter and medical care as well as long-term needs to rebuild and recover from widespread destruction. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops requested the special collections be taken to support relief efforts. “We are all aware of the terrible devastation, heartbreak and destruction left behind by Hurricanes Harvey and Irma. 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,” Archbishop William wrote in a letter to parishes. Hurricane Harvey made landfall Aug. 25 on the Texas Gulf Coast as a Category 4 storm and Hurricane Irma made landfall in the Florida Keys as a Category 4 storm on Sept. 10. According to a preliminary estimate from Moody’s Analytics, Hurricanes Harvey and Irma caused $150 to $200 billion damage in Texas and Florida. n
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DECEMBER 2017
from the office of the metropolitan
The Lutheran-Catholic Commemoration of Hope
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 2-3 weeks for address changes to take effect. Submissions deadline: 15th of the month prior to the month of publication.
The Byzantine Catholic World is a member of the Catholic Press Association.
mission The mission of The Byzantine
Catholic World is to spread the Gospel message in the rich tradition of the Byzantine Catholic Church; to encourage faithful to reflect the image of Christ in everyday activities of life; to offer spiritual formation through changing times; and to celebrate community among Byzantine Catholics in the Archeparchy
Today, we are gathered for the final of the three Southwest Pennsylvania gatherings to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the events which led to the birth of the Lutheran and other Reformed Churches in the world. I am the representative of the Byzantine Catholic Church of Pittsburgh and the Metropolitan of the Byzantine Catholic Churches of the United States. The Byzantine Catholic Church was honored to host the first evening gathering at our Cathedral in Munhall, Pa., where Bishop Kurt Kusserow of the Evangelical Lutheran Church spoke to us on our need for repentance. At the second evening we celebrated together at the Roman Catholic Church in Cranberry, Pa. Today at the St. Vincent Benedictine Archabbey, we have heard from the theologian Dr. John Borelli of Georgetown University and others concerning the Lutheran / Catholic dialogue. Someone asked why do we gather? The answer is in this afternoon’s reading which was used by Pope Francis in a recent gathering of Lutherans and Catholics. Jesus asked that all Christians remain united together as a witness of his unity with us. Like many older people taking part in these 500th anniversary commemorations, I was born, baptized, and received my religious formation before the Second Vatican Council. I grew up in a land far away in northern Minnesota. The radio personality Garrison Keillor, of “The Prairie Home Companion,” used to say that one-half of Minnesota was Catholic and the other half was Lutheran. Although it was an exaggeration, Catholics and Lutherans were and are still by far the largest denominations in Minnesota. Growing up, most of my friends were Lutheran. With that said, until the Second Vatican Council, we rarely entered each others churches. It just did not happen very often. However, after the Second Vatican Council there was a definite change. Before the Vatican Council, our religious education was either in the Counter-Reformation or Reformation mold. The yearly “Celebrations” remembering Martin Luther posting the 95 theses to the door of Wittenberg Castle Church were seen in opposite perspectives. The Catholic perspective was sadness of loss of unity and the Lutheran view was the joy of the rediscovery of the gospel, certainty of faith, and freedom. The yearly remembrances and explanations of the events of 1517 emphasized the differences between the churches. Our theologies and church structures developed in opposition to each other. The year 2017 will see the first centennial commemoration of the Reformation to take place during the ecumenical age. It also remembers 50 years of Lutheran–Roman Catholic dialogue. As part of the ecumenical movement, praying together, worshipping together, and serving their communities together have enriched Catholics and Lutherans. Especially in Southwestern Pennsylvania, we face political, social, and economic challenges together. The spirituality evident in interchurch marriages has brought forth new insights and questions. Lutherans and Catholics have been able to reinterpret their theological traditions and practices, recognizing the influences they have had on each other. Therefore, they long to commemorate 2017 together. The document “From Conflict to Communion 2017” reminds us that the “five decades of Lutheran-Catholic dialogues have also treated matters of substantial differences and firmly held points of contention regarding ecclesiology. In important matters the dialogues have discovered and set forth convincingly that Lutherans and Catholics do share common views. At times, each side has exaggerated the differences held by the other.” The dialogues have produced 32 points of consensus. We are in agreement in many areas. In the 1970s, for me and for many others there was the hope that communion would have been soon. In the past 50 years, the dialogues, and the membership in ecumenical organizations like Christian Associates of Southwest Pennsylvania, working together on many pastoral programs, and individual contacts have improved. However, the dialogues have also highlighted significant differences which include five points of theological differences, six points of remaining ministerial differences, and four remaining differences related to Eucharistic theology. Lutherans and the Catholic Church have been able to reach full communion with churches with far greater differences in cultural, liturgical, and ecclesiastical traditions. So, there is hope for a greater communion of our churches. We need to listen to the wisdom of Saint Basil the Great from my Byzantine tradition. St. Basil said, “I think then that the one goal of all who are really and truly serving the Lord ought to be to bring back to union the churches which have at different times and in diverse manners divided from one another. (St. Basil the Great (330–379), Epistle CXIV.) We have moved closer together during the past 50 years. If we continue to pray and commit ourselves to work together when we are able, there is hope that we will fulfill the Lord’s directive that someday all may be one. Sincerely yours in Christ,
of Pittsburgh, throughout the Metropolitan Church in America, and around the world.
Most Reverend William C. Skurla, D.D. Metropolitan Archbishop of Pittsburgh the byzantine catholic world
Archbishop William’s reflection was delivered at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, Pa. during an Oct. 28 prayer service.
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Mark Your Calendar dates to remember Nutroll Fundraiser by Barbara Kusher St. Michael, Canonsburg, Pa.
Every Monday morning from September through May, volunteers gather in the St. Michael’s church hall in Canonsburg, Pa. for their annual Nutroll Fundraiser. First to arrive is the incredible “nutroll dough duo” — Betty and John Sopiak — who mix up three to five batches of dough. Then Chairperson Judy Shuba takes over, assigning volunteers as dough rollers, nut spreaders, wrappers or dishwashers. Very Rev. Joseph Raptosh, pastor, checks in and praises the team who work so diligently for nine months for the benefit of the church. If you happen to be in the neighborhood on a Monday morning, stop in or call 724745-7117 and treat your family to one of these delicious nut rolls for a worthy cause: St. Michael. n
“Carpathian Cookery” "Carpathian Cookery" cook book, a publication of St. John the Baptist in Uniontown, Pa., is available for purchase. The 330-page book features a protective plastic cover and includes sections on Christmas and Easter customs and recipes, traditional Rusyn and Slavic foods, and many other tried-and-true recipes of St. John’s parishioners. Recipes include a variety of paska bread and kolachi, meatless dishes and Lenten recipes. Cost is $14 plus $4 postage and handling.
If ordering from Canada, send a $27 U.S. Postal money order payable in U.S. dollars to reflect the difference in the exchange rate and postage cost. To order, send a check or money order to: Ethnic Craft Club, St. John Byzantine Catholic Church, 201 E. Main Street, Uniontown, Pa. 15401. For information, call 724-438-6027 or carpathiancookery@gmail. com. n
Christmas Morning of Prayer A Christmas Morning of Prayer will take place 9:15 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 9 at Mount St. Macrina House of Prayer, 510 W. Main St., Uniontown, Pa. Father Stephen Wahal, of St. Michael the Archangel in Donora, Pa.; St. Mary in Monessen, Pa.; and Holy Ghost in Charleroi, Pa.; will present “Bethlehem, Uniontown and Heaven.” Lunch will be served and an offering of $35 is requested. Register at 724-438-7149 by Dec. 5. The Sacrament of Reconciliation will be offered. n
Cathedral of St. John the Baptist
Schedule of Services - Christmas 2017 Very Reverend Archpriest Dennis M. Bogda, Rector
Sunday, Dec. 24 — Vigil, Feast of the Nativity of Our Lord - Christmas Eve 9 a.m. 7:45 p.m. 8 p.m.
Monday, Dec. 25 — Feast of the Nativity of Our Lord - Christmas Day 10 a.m.
Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom
Tuesday, Dec. 26 — Commemorating the Theotokos and Joseph 9 a.m.
Divine Liturgy
Wednesday, Dec. 27 — Feast of St. Stephen 9 a.m.
Divine Liturgy
Cathedral of St. John the Baptist 210 Greentree Road | Munhall, Pa. 15120 | 412-461-0944 View services LIVE on the web at www.stjohnsbyzantinecathedral.com
Mini Retreat Day A Mini Retreat Day will be held 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Jan. 27, 2018 at Mount St. Macrina House of Prayer, 510 W. Main St., Uniontown, Pa. Sister Carol Petrasovich OSBM will present “Winter Respite.” Offering is $35 and includes lunch. Register at 724-438-7149 by Jan. 23. n
Sunday Divine Liturgy Singing of Christmas Carols Divine Liturgy of St. Basil the Great
Mount Macrina Manor Live Nativity Mount Macrina Manor’s Annual drive-through Live Nativity will be held 5 to 7 p.m. Dec. 10 on the grounds of Mount St. Macrina, 520 W. Main St., Uniontown, Pa. The Nativity will be set up along the Friendship Circle, adjacent to the facility. Mary and Joseph, shepherds tending to their flock, the Three Kings, the Little Drummer Boy, and angels will be portrayed. In addition, there will also be live ani
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mals, including a donkey, goat, sheep, calf, and an alpaca. The Sisters of St. Basil the Great, the Church of God Choir, and several other groups will sing Christmas carols. Angels will pass out candy canes to visitors. Five hundred luminaries will line the driveway that leads to the Nativity. The event is free of charge and everyone is welcome. For information, call Mary at 724-430-1021. n
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DECEMBER 2017
making a difference
Pope condemns death penalty, possession of nuclear weapons by Tony Magliano
Pope Francis is a determined man with a mission: to lead the church to best reflect Jesus’ call to be the light of the world! Within the course of just one month, he has dramatically moved the Catholic Church forward in two major ways. On Oct. 11 — the 25th anniversary of the Catechism of the Catholic Church — before an international gathering of church leaders and ambassadors from many nations the pope declared that the death penalty is “contrary to the Gospel,” and indicated that there would be a revision in the catechism to reflect this change in church teaching, or more accurately, this development of doctrine. The Holy Father said that “No man ever, not even the murderer, loses his personal dignity, because God is a Father who awaits the return of the son who, knowing that he has done wrong, asks pardon and
begins a new life.” For this reason, he declared “life cannot be taken away from anyone” (see: http://bit.ly/2g2nXoZ). Then, on Nov. 10, Pope Francis not only denounced the use of nuclear weapons — as his recent papal predecessors have done — but declared for the first time ever that even the possession of nuclear weapons is to be condemned. Speaking before a high-profile Vatican sponsored international symposium — attended by 11 Nobel Peace Laureates (see: http://bit.ly/2AKiP1P) — titled “Prospects for a World Free of Nuclear Weapons and for Integral Disarmament,” the pope said we cannot fail to be “genuinely concerned by the catastrophic humanitarian and environmental effects of any employment of nuclear devices. “If we also take into account the risk of an accidental detonation as a result of error of any kind, the threat of their use, as well as their very possession, is to be firmly condemned,” said Pope Francis (see: http://bit. ly/2zJAIxD). “Weapons of mass destruction, particularly nuclear weap-
ons, create nothing but a false sense of security. They cannot constitute the basis for peaceful coexistence between members of the human family, which must rather be inspired by an ethics of solidarity.” The U.S. has approximately 1,650 strategic nuclear warheads capable of being delivered via land, sea and air, and plans to spend over $1 trillion during the next 30 years on modernization (see: http://bit. ly/2cmL8v4). “The escalation of the arms race continues unabated and the price of modernizing and developing weaponry, not only nuclear weapons, represents a considerable expense for nations,” said Pope Francis. “As a result, the real priorities facing our human family, such as the fight against poverty, the promotion of peace, the undertaking of educational, ecological and healthcare projects, and the development of human rights, are relegated to second place.” And this is exactly what is being reflected in the national budgets of many nations — especially that of the United
States. Congress is poised to pass the astronomical $700 billion National Defense Authorization Act which is even far larger than the $603 billion in military spending proposed by President Trump (see: http:// reut.rs/2jdP5py). And these huge military spending increases will largely be paid for by slashing non-defense spending programs like Medicaid, Medicare and SNAP (food stamps). So, now that Pope Francis has officially declared that capital punishment no longer has any part within Catholic doctrine, and that even possessing nuclear weapons is to be condemned, what are faithful Catholics, and all people of good will, going to do about it? Well one thing is for sure: In good conscience, we cannot ignore these challenging historical papal developments. n Tony Magliano is an internationally syndicated social justice and peace columnist. He is available to speak at parish gatherings about Catholic social teaching. He can be reached at tmag@zoominternet.net.
text messages
Love can open your eyes lessons learned from “emmet otter’s jug-band christmas” by David Mayernik Jr. Editor
Each year when my brother Jeremy and I exchange birthday cards — his in October and mine in December — we’ve made a habit of writing the same postscript below each of our signatures: “P.S. I will explain about the wash tub and the tool chest when I return home late tonight.” Our private joke that’s been a tradition for more than three decades is a quote from one of our favorite Christmas specials, “Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas,” which first aired on HBO in 1977 and is difficult to find on television these days unless you own an old VHS tape or DVD. There are many Christmas specials and movies I love to watch at this time of the year,
including ”A Charlie Brown Christmas,” “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” “It’s a Wonderful Life” and “The Muppet Christmas Carol.” They all convey lessons of love and goodwill and “Charlie Brown” even quotes Scripture, a rarity for secular Christmas specials. “Emmet Otter” holds a special place in my heart. Based on the book by Russell and Lillian Hoban, it was produced by The Jim Henson Company and stars his Muppet creations in a story inspired by “The Gift of the Magi,” written by O. Henry. Emmet Otter and his Ma, reisdents of Frogtown Hollow, have no money for Christmas but each takes drastic measures to ensure they will have presents under the Christmas branch. (Yes, they don’t have enough money to afford an entire tree.) The production values are top-notch, the songs are instantly catchy and the naturalistic- looking Muppets include
Front cover of my “Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas” DVD
otters as well as foxes, frogs and snakes. I’ve always thought the special just “looks” like Christmas. “Emmet Otter” teaches the importance of family and the priceless nature of love. Near the end of the special, during Waterville’s annual Christmas Eve talent show, Ma Otter sings a song titled “Our World” which I think truly embodies the spirit of Christmas:
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Some say our world is getting too small I say, with kindness, there’s room for us all Our world is always changing Every day’s a surprise Love can open your eyes In our world I’m going to try to keep my own eyes open this Advent season as we make the journey to the manger to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. n
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Archbishop William joins dedication of Pittsburgh Creche annual traditon can be viewed through jan. 7, 2018 Archbishop William Skurla was among the clergy who participated in this year’s dedication of the Pittsburgh Creche at U.S. Steel Tower Plaza, Grant Street, in Pittsburgh, Pa. on Nov. 17. Blessed Trinity Choir and Band performed before the prayer service. The Creche is a project of the
Archbishop William Skurl
Christian Leaders Fellowship, an ecumenical group of bishops and denominational executives. Many business, labor and religious organizations provided financial support and services to the annual tradition. The Creche can be viewed through Jan. 7, 2018. n
Photo by Andrea Hasrhai
St. John the Baptist Cathedral parishioner recognized george janocsko receives duquesne university law alumni award The Duquesne University Law Alumni Association recently awarded the Dr. John E. Murray, Jr. Meritorious Service Award to George M. Janocsko. The presentation of this prestigious award was made Oct. 20 during the 65th Annual Law Alumni Reunion Dinner held at the Power Center on the campus of Duquesne University attended by more than 300 alumni and guests. The Meritorious Service Award is presented in recognition of services rendered and contributions made to the Duquesne Law Alumni Association and the Law School. The focus of this award is on service and commitment. George graduated with honors from the Duquesne University School of Law in 1977 where he was an articles editor on its law review. He has been a member of the Allegheny County Law Department and an attorney in private practice for nearly 40 years. As deputy county solicitor, George has represented the County in a wide variety of cases in both federal and state court, including, most notably, the case involving the Constitutionality of the display of a nativity scene at the County Courthouse and
George M. Janocsko
a menorah at the City-County Building decided by the U.S. Supreme Court. In addition to presently serving as legal counsel to numerous County departments, authorities, commissions, and social welfare agencies, George has served as solicitor to many local municipalities and agencies. George is a former adjunct professor of law at Duquesne University School of Law, the former chair of the Allegheny County Bar Association’s Municipal and School Solicitors Section and has been associated with the Pennsylvania Board of Law Examiners for twenty-two years. He is an active member of St. John the Baptist Byzantine Catholic Cathedral Parish in Munhall, Pa., where he is the parish’s principal cantor. Archpriest Dennis Bogda is the rector of the Cathedral. n
Byzantine Catholic Church planned in S.C. community comes together in fort mill, s.c.
by David Mayernik Jr. Editor
Ron Somich, who moved to South Carolina from Cleveland, Ohio five years ago, said he’s always meeting people from Pennsylvania, Ohio, New Jersey and other northern states. This influx of people into the Carolinas is among the reasons his community of faithful is seeking to build a new Byzantine Catholic Church. “Starting something down here is an exciting way to expand the Church and bring more and more of God’s servants to Him,” Ron said. The Byzantine Catholic Community of Fort Mill, S.C. has been meeting for the past two years and celebrated its first Divine Liturgy with Father Mark Shuey, administrator of SS. Cyril and Methodius in Cary (Raleigh), N.C., in July.
The Community meets at St. Philip Neri, a Latin Rite church with the Diocese of Charleston, S.C., at 292 Munn Road, Fort Mill, S.C. The community formed with the blessing of Bishop Kurt Burnette of the Eparchy of Passaic, N.J. Ron, administrator of the Community, lives in Lake Wylie, S.C. and works as a marketing consultant. Earlier this year, he talked with two priests from the Eparchy of Passaic, who contacted Bishop Kurt and helped the Community get started on the path to becoming a Byzantine Catholic Church. Father Steven Galuschik, of All Saints Byzantine Catholic Church in North Fort Myers, Fla., celebrated the Oct. 29 Divine Liturgy with 86 people in attendance. He is also sched-
Web site of the Byzantine Catholic Community of Fort Mill, S.C.
uled for three Saturdays this month. Ron said Father Steven will continue serving “for as long as he can do it.” The Community serves the northern part of South Carolina as well as Charlotte, N.C. Ron said forming a Community is the first step in becoming a Byzantine Catholic Church. The next step is being recognized as a Mission and being granted a name for the Church. He said there is no timetable for when the Community will be recognized as a Byzantine Catholic Church and where a
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FYI
Ron Somich asks information about the Byzantine Catholic Community of Fort Mill, S.C. be shared with friends and family, especially those who have “moved down South.” Anyone with questions or who is interested in participating can contact Ron at 440-477-6389 or ron.somich@gmail.com. The Web site https://carolinabyzantine.com is coming soon. Check for news, upcoming gathering and service times. n
parish will be constructed. “It takes everybody to build a church.” n
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DECEMBER 2017
Ordained to the Diaconate Sub-deacon Vitalii Stashkevych, Mary Elizabeth Kacsur marry Subdeacon Vitalii Stashkevych and Mary Elizabeth Kacsur were married by the Right Reverend Monsignor Russell A. Duker at Holy Ghost in McKees Rocks, Pa. on Sept. 15. Concelebrating priests were Father Frank Firko, Father Andrew Deskevich, Father Valerian Michlik, Father Mykhaylo Farynets, Father Mykhaylo Shkyndya and Father Ivan Shemet from the Eparchy of Mukachevo. Archbishop William Skurla presided over the wedding ceremony. Following the ceremony guests were welcomed to a reception at the Grand Hall at The Priory located on the northside of Pittsburgh. Subdeacon Vitalii is from the Eparchy of Mukachevo in Ukraine and was recently accepted by Archbishop Wiliam Skurla to serve in the Archeparchy of Pittsburgh He was ordained to the diaconate
aconate on Nov. 8 by Archbishop William at Holy Ghost. Deacon Vitalii will be serving at St. John the Baptist Cathedral in Munhall, Pa. He will be
ordained to the priesthood in January. Mary Elizabeth Kacsur is a lifelong parishioner of Holy Ghost. God grant to your servants,
Deacon Vitalii and Mary Elizabeth, many happy and blessed years! Mnohaya Lita!" n
Subdeacon Vitalii Stashkevych ordained to the Diaconate divine liturgy celebrated at holy ghost in mckees rocks, pa. on nov. 8 Subdeacon Vitalii Stashkevych was ordained a Deacon for the Archeparchy of Pittsburgh by Most Reverend William C. Skurla at Holy Ghost Church, McKees Rocks, Pa. on Nov. 8. Concelebrants for the Divine Liturgy were Monsignor Russell A. Duker, Very Reverends Andrew J. Deskevich and Frank A. Firko, and Reverend Fathers Valerian Michlik, Mykhaylo Farynets, Ivan Rusyn, Mykhaylo Shkyndya
and Radko Blichar. Also present was Very Reverend Robert M. Pipta. Serving at the altar were Adam Kacsur and Elias Shkyndya. The Archeparchial Choir, under the direction of Darlene Fejka, sang the responses to the liturgy. Protosyncellus Very Reverend Andrew J. Deskevich presented Subdeacon Vitalii for ordination. Following the Divine Liturgy, a reception at Holy Ghost social hall provided the many
friends and family present to offer congratulation and best wishes in the spirit of singing “Mnohaja i Blahaja Ljita!� Deacon Vitalii was born on April 2, 1990 in Uzhgorod, the Transcarpathian section of Ukraine. After completing his studies at the Theological Academy (Seminary) of Uzhgorod, he was ordained to the Subdiaconate on March 1, 2015 by Most Rev. Milan Sasik, CM, Bishop of Mukachevo. He then studied at the Pontifical Grego-
rian University in Rome where he earned the licentiate degree in dogmatic theology. He married Mary Elizabeth Kacsur at Holy Ghost Church, McKees Rocks on Sept. 15, 2017. As he looks forward to ordination to the priesthood, he presently is assigned to assist at the Cathedral of Saint John, Munhall, Pa. n
Deacon Vitalii Stashkevych
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parish news PAGE 7
DECEMBER 2017
st. mary in bradenville, pa.
Parishioner celebrates 100th birthday by Helen Kennedy St. Mary, Bradenville, Pa.
A grand celebration was held on Nov. 19 at St. Mary in Bradenville, Pa, to honor its oldest parishioner, Helen Homulka on her 100th birthday. Archbishop William Skurla, during his first visit to St. Mary, celebrated the Divine Liturgy with Rev. Joseph Borodach. Immediately after the service, more than 200 parishioners, family, and friends attended a breakfast at St. Mary’s Dome. The ECF children sang hymns, led by cantor Coreen Poklembo, and everyone sang “God Grant You Many Years” and “Happy Birthday.” Helen was born on November 24, 1917 in Snydertown, Pa. Her parents were the late George Tutoki and Mary Sedlak Tutoki who immigrated to the United States in 1904 from Austria Hungry. She was the fifth of six children. Helen began her working career at the age of 13 when she left home to work as a domestic cook for prominent families in Pittsburgh. She returned home at the beginning of World War 2 to work at Stupakoff Ceramic and Manufacturing Co., earning the Army-Navy “E” Award which honored employees whose wartime production achieved “Excellence in Production” of war equipment. Helen retired in 1979 at the age of 62. She was married to Steven Homulka of Mammoth, Pa. for 42 years.
Helen Homulka
Many memories and kind words were shared at her birthday party. Father Joe said for many years on Wednesday night he was invited to Helen’s house for dinner. He said it was like “going home” because Helen cooked just like his mother, who was from the same village as Helen’s parents. Helen Kennedy said of her aunt, Helen Homulka: “We are here to celebrate you. You have lived your life consistently being kind and loving, never judgmental and never saying an unkind word about anyone. Helen has demonstrated throughout her life how to love, how to give, how to be kind, how to pray and how to believe in God.” It was wonderful to see the smiles on everyone’s faces throughout the event and especially on Helen’s face. May God grant her many more healthy and happy years! n
Archbishop William Skurla, Helen Homulka, Very Rev. Joseph Borodach
Helen and Chuck Kennedy
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DECEMBER 2017
st. gregory in upper st. clair, pa.
A Tasteful Night By Father Valerian Michlik St. Gregory, Upper St. Clair, Pa.
Parishioners and guests enjoyed St. Gregory’s Tasteful Night at the Crowne Plaza Pittsburgh South in Upper St. Clair, Pa. on Oct. 20. The evening began with tasting and sampling of food items from over a dozen South Hills restaurants and eateries. Then the fun continued with live entertainment, featuring The
Move Makers Band. Throughout the evening, people took their chances on auctions featuring a terrific assortment of items and memorabilia courtesy of fine local businesses. Excitement was in the air for the live auction “Burgh & Night.” We are truly grateful to all who prepared this wonderful evening that was enjoyed by all. n
Photos by Jennifer Kehm
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st. gregory in upper st. clair, pa.
A chili October By Father Valerian Michlik St. Gregory, Upper St. Clair, Pa.
While our St. Gregory’s children were having fun during “Trunk or Treat,” our parishioners had the chance to enjoy our Chili Cook-Off on Oct. 29. Twelve parishioners prepared delicious chili for all to enjoy. Since this was a blind contest, parishioners had the opportunity to cast their ballot for different categories. At the end of this event, three prizes were awarded for the “Spiciest/Zestiest,” “People’s Choice,” and “Most Creative.” Even though the weather this year was rainy, that did not dampen the excitement for this year’s “Trunk or Treat.” During our mini-parade, all the participants received plenty of candy from our parishioners. Following that, the fun continued with games such as “Monster Musical Chairs,” “Mummy Wrap,” “Pin the Nose on the Jack-O-Lantern” and others. At the end of this event, each child received a pumpkin to take home and decorate. n
Children’s Story Time
On Oct. 31, “All Hallows' Eve,” Children’s Story Time took place in St. Gregory’s Church hall. At the end of this event, children had the opportunity to decorate their own pumpkin. n
Photos by Jennifer Kehm
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DECEMBER 2017
2017 Year in Review Taking a look back... Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! 2 Corinthians 5:17 As the year draws to a close and the calendar prepares to turn to 2018, it’s important to take a look back to the previous 12 months. It certainly was a busy year. Bishop Milan Lach was welcomed as the administrator of
Jan. 27
Parma, Ohio; three graduates were conferred diplomas at the Byzantine Catholic Seminary of SS. Cyril and Methodius in Pittsburgh, Pa.; and faithful once again returned to Mount St. Macrina in Uniontown, Pa. Time will tell what the future holds for the Archeparchy, its clergy and faithful. The staff of The Byzantine Catholic World wishes you a Joyous Christmas and a Blessed New Year. n
Seminary community attends March for Life
April 4
Seminarians from the Byzantine Catholic Seminary, along with wives and children of seminarians and other students, attended the annual March for Life in Washington, D.C. The group was hosted by St. Josaphat Ukrainian Catholic Seminary. Tens of thousands rallied on the National Mall holding aloft placards with pro-life messages and banners identifying where they were from. n
April 23
“An Evening of Repentance” Bishop David Zubik, Roman Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh; Bishop Edward Malesic, Roman Catholic Diocese of Greensburg; Bishop Kurt Kusserow, Southwestern Pennsylvania Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America; and Archbishop William Skurla attended “An Evening of Repentance,” which marked the 500th anniversary of the Reformation at St. John the Baptist Cathedral in Munhall, Pa. n
Golden Jubilee
May 12
May 28
Archbishop William Skurla celebrates Archpriest Dennis Bogda’s (center) 50th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood at St. John the Baptist Cathedral in Munhall, Pa. n
Class of ‘17 Archbishop William Skurla conferred diplomas upon three graduates of the Byzantine Catholic Seminary of SS. Cyril and Methodius’ School of Theology in Pittsburgh, Pa. Diplomas were conferred upon Subdeacon Thomas Moses, Subdeacon Bryan Scotton and Helenanne Hochendoner. n
Ascension Chapel dedicated Parishioners and family of St. Mary in Youngstown, Ohio attended the dedication of the nearly 115-year-old cemetery's new outdoor chapel. As U.S. flags dotted the grounds, the blessing ceremony was held during the annual Memorial Day prayer service. n
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2017 Year in Review July 21
July 27
From Slovakia to Parma Archbishop William, Skurla (right) welcomes Bishop Milan Lach as administrator of the Eparchy of Parma, Ohio during a Divine Liturgy at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Parma, Ohio. The 43-yearold Jesuit was serving as the auxiliary bishop of the Archeparchy of Presov, Slovakia, at the time of his June 24 appointment. n
Aug. 24
A walk in the park Priests, deacons, clergy and faithful enjoyed fun in the sun during the annual Byzantine Catholic Day at Kennywood Park in West Mifflin, Pa. The day’s activities started with a prayer service celebrated by Very Rev. Andrew Deskevich and performances by Slavjane’s teenage and junior ensembles. n
Aug. 27
Faith and Fun Day Austin Ball, 9, and his father, Derek, of St. John the Baptist in Lyndora, Pa., root for the Pittsburgh Pirates during their game versus the Los Angeles Dodgers at PNC Park in Pittsburgh, Pa. The event was part of the 10th annual “Faith and Fun Day” for altar servers. n
Sept. 2 to 3
The parking lot of St. John Chrysostom in Houston, Texas is seen completely submerged by flooding that hit the city, forcing the cancellation liturgies for the entire week. The parish buildings were mostly undamaged. n
Oct. 15
Pilgrimage 2017 The Sisters of the Order of St. Basil the Great’s 83rd Pilgrimage in Honor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help at Mount St. Macrina in Uniontown, Pa. included Divine Liturgies, opportunities to receive the Mystery of Reconciliation, Children’s Pilgrimages, and a candlelight procession beginning and ending at the Mother of God Shrine. n
Deanery Pasta Dinner
Following the Moleben Service for Vocations to the Priesthood and Religious Life at St. Elias in Munhall, Pa., clergy and faithful enjoyed a pasta dinner prepared and served by Deanery priests and deacons. Proceeds from the event benefited retired priests of the Archeparchy. n
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DECEMBER 2017
Patty Bovee new manager of Seminary Press FYI The Byzantine Seminary Press is located at 3643 Perrysville Ave. in Pittsburgh, Pa. and is open 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. At this time, store visits are available by appointment only Monday to Friday. For more information, call 412322-8307 or email byzantinepress@verizon.net. Web site: ByzantineSeminaryPress. com. n
Patty Bovee, manager of the Byzantine Seminary Press, with a display of religious items at the store in Pittsburgh, Pa. Photo by David Mayernik Jr.
Story continued from page 1 far away as Hawaii, California, New Jersey, Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico and Canada. “Internet sales have been going like crazy. This morning, I had three or four. Yesterday, I think I had eight or nine. So, they’re moving. They’re moving quite frequently. “A lot of them are lay peo-
ple. Some of them are priests. Some of them are nuns. A lot of them are lay people just looking for different types of books we have.” When not filling orders, Patty makes trips to the bank and performs various accounting duties. “I’m making sure all the balance sheets and earning state-
ment are in balance doing their thing.” Patty said she’s happy to donate her time in service to her Church. “I have to be involved. I don’t know if I can sit at home and every day just to babysit. I would have had to find something to do. I’m not the type of person who sits around. I’m
not the type of person who can sit and watch TV. I couldn’t tell you the last time I’ve seen a whole TV show. “I watch a lot cartoons with the kids. But I have to be active, I have to be doing something.” Time with her grandchildren also includes trips to the zoo and the children’s museum. “I love the Church. I love to be active in the Byzantine church. I wasn’t raised (Byzantine Catholic), but it’s a beautiful, beautiful tradition. “I can truly say I’m happy to be involved in the Byzantine Church.” n
“The Diversity of God’s Blessings” annual byzantine spirituality conference presented on nov. 4 By Sister Marion Dobos Director, Office of Religious Education
St. John Paul II, on June 2, 2000, celebrated the Eucharist in St. Peter’s Square and spoke to 50,000 people from all over the world. In his remarks, he challenged us to become an evangelizing Church, open to dialogue in building up the body of Christ. On Nov. 4 at the annual Byzantine Spirituality Conference, sponsored by the Office of Religious Education, Pastors, Deacons, Catechists and interested Laity gathered at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Munhall, Pa. to reflect on the diversity of God’s blessings in our Archeparchy and reflect on what St. John Paul II was calling us to do. The goal of the 2017 conference was to contribute to a better understanding and appreciation for the unique cultural and religious heritages we share within our parish communities and other Byzantine
Deacon Lucas Crawford
Catholic Churches in America. Once we have this understanding and appreciation, we are able to receive newcomers with a genuine spirit of welcome and build up the body of Christ (Cor. 12: 12-31). Simple, grace-filled kindness and concern on the part of all parishoners to newcom-
Father Jason Charron
ers is the first step. Each of our three presenters — Deacon Lucas Crawford, Father Jason Charron and Professor Michael Krom — at one time were “newcomers” to the Byzantine Catholic Church. Their commitment and faith journey is truly inspiring. n
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Professor Michael Krom
FYI Videos of talks presented by Deacon Lucas Crawford, Father Jason Charron and Professor Michael Krom are available at archpitt.org. Click on the Office of Religious Education link. n
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News from the Vatican
“Invest in love,” pope says on first World Day of the Poor “what we invest in love remains, the rest vanishes” by Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service
VATICAN CITY — People have a basic choice in the way they live: either striving to build up treasures on earth or giving to others in order to gain heaven, Pope Francis said. "What we invest in love remains, the rest vanishes," the pope said in his homily Nov. 19, the first World Day of the Poor. Between 6,000 to 7,000 poor people attended the Mass in St. Peter's Basilica as special guests, the Vatican said. While almost all of them live in Europe, they include migrants and refugees from all over the world. Among the altar servers were young men who are either poor, migrants or homeless. The first reader at the Mass, Tony Battah, is a refugee from Syria. Those presenting the gifts at the offertory were led by the Zambardi family from Turin, whom the Vatican described as living in a "precarious condition" and whose 1-year-old daughter has cystic fibrosis.
In addition to the bread and wine that were consecrated at the Mass, the offertory included a large basket of bread and rolls that were blessed to be shared at the lunch the pope was offering after Mass. Some 1,500 poor people joined the pope in the Vatican's audience hall for the meal, while the other special guests were served at the Pontifical North American College -- the U.S. seminary in Rome -- and other seminaries and Catholic-run soup kitchens nearby. Preaching about the Gospel "parable of the talents" (Mt 25:14-30), Pope Francis said the servant in the story who buried his master's money was rebuked not because he did something wrong, but because he failed to do something good with what he was given. "All too often, we have the idea that we haven't done anything wrong, and so we rest content, presuming that we are good and just," the pope said. "But to do no wrong is not enough. God is not an inspector looking for unstamped tickets; he is a Father looking for
children to whom he can entrust his property and his plans." If in the eyes of the world, the poor they have little value, he said, "they are the ones who open to us the way to heaven; they are our 'pass- Pope Francis leads grace before eating lunch with the port to paradise.' For poor in the Paul VI hall after celebrating Mass marking the first World Day of the Poor at the Vatican Nov. 19. us it is an evangelical About 1,200 poor people joined the pope for the meal. duty to care for them, Photo by Catholic News Service/Paul Haring. as our real riches, and to do so not only by People please God in a simigiving them bread, but also by lar way to how they please anybreaking with them the bread one they love. They learn what of God's word, which is adthat person likes and gives that dressed first to them." to him or her, the pope said. Where the poor are concerned, In the Gospels, he said, Jesus the pope said, too many people says that he wants to be loved are often guilty of a sin of omisin "the least of our brethren," sion or indifference. including the hungry, the sick, Thinking it is "society's probthe poor, the stranger and the lem" to solve, looking the other prisoner. way when passing a beggar or "In the poor, Jesus knocks changing the channel when the on the doors of our heart, news shows something disturbthirsting for our love," he said. ing are not Christian responses, True goodness and strength he said. are shown "not in closed fists "God will not ask us if we and crossed arms, but in ready felt righteous indignation," he hands outstretched to the poor, said, "but whether we did some to the wounded flesh of the good." Lord." n
Stop taking smartphone snapshots during Mass, pope says “it makes me so sad when i celebrate (mass)...and i see so many cellphones in the air.” by Carol Glatz Catholic News Service
VATICAN CITY — The Mass is not a show, but a beautiful, transformative encounter with the true loving presence of Christ, Pope Francis said. That is why people need to focus their hearts on God, not focus their smartphones for pictures during Mass, he said. When the priest celebrating Mass says, "Let us lift up our hearts," he is not saying, "lift up our cellphones and take a picture. No. It's an awful thing" to do, the pope said Nov. 8 during his weekly general audience in St. Peter's Square. "It makes me so sad when I celebrate (Mass) in the square or in the basilica and I see so many cellphones in the air. And not just by the lay faithful, some priests and bishops, too," he said. "Please, Mass is not a show. It is going to encounter the Passion, the resurrection of the Lord," he said to applause. The pope's remarks were part of a new series of audience talks on the Mass. The series, he said, should help people
understand the true value and significance of the liturgy as an essential part of growing closer to God. A major theme highlighted by the Second Vatican Council was that the liturgical formation of the lay faithful is "indispensable for a true renewal," Pope Francis said. "And this is precisely the aim of this catechetical series that we begin today -- to grow in understanding the great gift God gave us in the Eucharist." "The Second Vatican Council was strongly driven by the desire to lead Christians to an understanding of the grandeur of the faith and the beauty of the encounter with Christ," he said. That is why, "with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, an appropriate renewal of the liturgy" was necessary. The Eucharist is a wonderful way Jesus Christ makes himself truly present in people's lives, the pope said. To take part in the Mass is to relive the Lord's passion and redemptive death, where, on the altar, he is present and offers himself for the salvation of the world, Pope Francis said.
"The Lord is there with us and present," he said. "But so many times we go, we look around, we chitchat with each other while the priest celebrates the Eucharist." If the president or any other famous or important person were to show up, he said, it would be a given "that we all would be near him, we would want to greet him. But think about it, when you go to Mass, the Lord is there and you, you are distracted, (your mind) wanders. Yet, it is the Lord!" People should reflect on this, he said, and if they complain, "'Oh father, Mass is boring.' What are you saying? The Lord is boring? 'No, not the Mass, but the priest.' Ah, well, may the priest be converted," but just never forget that the Lord is always there. Catholics need to learn or rediscover many of the basics about the Mass and how the sacraments allow people to "see and touch" Christ's body and wounds so as to be able to recognize him, just as the apostle St. Thomas did. He said the series would include answering the following
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A priest takes photos with a tablet as Pope Francis celebrates Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican on July 7, 2013. Photo by Catholic News Service/Tony Gentile, Reuters.
questions: n Why make the sign of the cross at the beginning of Mass? Why is it important to teach children how to make the sign of the cross properly and what does it mean? n What are the Mass readings for and why are they included in the Mass? n What does is mean for people to participate in the Lord's sacrifice and come to his table? n What are people seeking? Is it the overflowing fount of living water for eternal life? n Do people understand the importance of praise and thanksgiving with the Eucharist and that receiving it "makes us one body in Christ"? n
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thoughts for our day by Archpriest David M. Petras
god: boundless and eternal When we read the history of the ancient Church, we see that the first struggle that Christians had to undergo, after the Gospel began to be preached to the Gentiles, was against the pagan civil religion of the Roman Empire. From the beginnings of human awareness, there has been an idea of God, the Creator of all. The problem was that, being human, people tried to imagine God, and therefore, “anthropomorphized” him, making him like another creature, as St. Paul explained: “While claiming to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for the likeness of an image of mortal man or of birds or of four legged animals or of snakes” (Romans 1:22-23). This problem has remained until this very day, when those who ridicule the existence of God, they make him like a human being, an old man in the clouds, ready to cast lightning bolts on those who displease him. This is pagan, this is patently false, and yet even Christians sometimes imagine God in inappropriate ways. We worship the one true God in the Divine Liturgy. Here we profess him as the “one God,” “the Creator of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible.” We call him Father, not in a biological way, like the pagans sometimes did, but as “the Father of lights, with whom there is no alteration or shadow caused by change” (James 1:17). When we pray
the Anaphora, our sacrifice of praise at the very center of the Liturgy, we address God as “ineffable, inconceivable, invisible, incomprehensible, ever existing, yet ever the same.” He is not simply another being like us, but the very foundation and ground of all being, in whom, as St. Paul again teaches: “in (whom) we live and move and have our being” (Acts 17:28).
We so often want to find a way to connect with God. It is difficult for us to understand that His way of being is entirely different from the limited way in which we exist in this world. All of our problems arise when we try to imagine God. The Syrian writer of the sixth century who called himself “Dionysius,” pointed out the danger of imaginary concepts: “This is why we must not dare to resort to words or conceptions concerning that hidden divinity which transcends being, apart from what the sacred scriptures have divinely revealed” (The Divine Names I, 1). If the universe he created is immense, we imagine him as immense, but, in reality he is not limited in any way by created space, but, instead “is present everywhere and fills
all things.” The atheist cosmologist Carl Sagan used our imaginations to ridicule God. He would say that the universe was so vast, containing “billions and billions and billions of stars,” how could one being be responsible for it all. His error was that the universe is not vast to one who is infinite. We think it’s big, because we are only five or six feet tall, a mere speck in the cosmos, so that it is big, but only in relation to our physical bodies. With our minds we can comprehend the whole of reality, so that we say we are in the image of God. Time to us also seems incredibly long, but only because our lives are so short. God, however, is present to all times, so that, when we celebrate the Divine Liturgy, we truly offer the sacrifice of his cross and partake in his resurrection, but the Liturgy is an act of God in the Holy Spirit, eternally present. God is present in our lives, and we can be open to his presence, but we must abandon our false images. This is a constant problem in the way we view our world, and way “materialism” is so strong today. We want to label as real only that which we can touch with our physical senses. This leads to making God like us, which is called “anthropomorphism,” to use a big word. Of course, the reality is that God did become like us, taking human nature in the person of the Son of God, of our Lord Jesus Christ. Dionysius says that this is the only authentic concept of God, “what the sacred scriptures have divinely revealed.” We cannot see God with our physical eyes or
Radio Ministry reaches out to homebound The Byzantine Divine Liturgy is broadcast live every Sunday from Holy Ghost Church in McKees Rocks, Pa., 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. on WEDO Radio 810 AM. Contributions to help sustain this important ministry are most welcome and needed year-round. Especially at this time of year, when the spirit of giving is all around us, it is hoped that the generous faithful of the Archeparchy will add the Radio Liturgy Ministry to their gift lists. Checks should be made payable to the Archeparchy of Pittsburgh and sent to: Chancery, 66 Riverview Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15214, ATTN: Radio Liturgy Ministry. n
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conceive him with our limited imaginations, but we meet him in Christ. In the Gospel of St. John, the Apostle Phillip asks Jesus: “Master, show us the Father” (John 14:8) and Jesus responds: “Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?” (John 14:9). In Jesus we see the wisdom and power of God, we see God’s merciful loving compassion. In Jesus we see eternal life. We so often want to find a way to connect with God. It is difficult for us to understand that His way of being is entirely different from the limited way in which we exist in this world. Nonetheless, we try to rationalize it. We try to put God into the context of our material world. We try to see him as having an address in the material world, as “the man upstairs.” We think that the one who “is present everywhere and fills all things” must have some place in the visible universe. God does not exist in some “other dimension” but he transcends the very idea of “dimension.” The spiritual Fathers knew this. They said that God is closer to us than we are to ourselves. God is more real than we are, and we are in Him at all times. We know this from our prayer. Above I quoted the Anaphora of St. John Chrysostom. St. Basil says the same: “O Eternal Being, Master, Lord, God, Father almighty and adorable .... Lord of heaven and earth of all creation both visible and invisible, enthroned in glory yet fathoming the depths, eternal, invisible, incomprehensible, boundless and changeless.” n
RUSYN HERITAGE RADIO PROGRAM Sundays 2:30 p.m. WPIT-AM 730 Pittsburgh, PA
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Activity
Corner
A MEMORY-MATCHING Card Game On 12 individual “index” cards, mark each with the phrase “On the first day,” “On the second day,” etc. all the way through “On the twelfth day.” Then, make a second set of 12 cards, writing on each the name of each gift, but NOT the number (or else that will give it away!): “partridge in a pear tree,” “turtle doves,” “calling birds,” etc. Shuffle the first pile of the 12 “On the ____ day” phrases. Choose a card. Spread out the second pile of 12 “gift” cards face down. Now try to find the “gift” card that matches the “day” card in your hand, according to the 12 Days of Christmas carol. [Hint: “First Day” should be matched with “partridge in a pear tree,” and so on.] Have fun!
A very special story by Sandy Simko St. John the Baptist, Lyndora, Pa.
FOR ‘KINDER-KIDS’ In the children’s section of a local library, I found a special book WHO IS COMING TO OUR HOUSE written by Joseph Slate. This holiday story uses gentle looking farm animals, colorful drawings and rhyming words to share the Christmas story. The question throughout the story is “Who is coming to our house?” “Someone, someone said the mouse!” The animals in their own unique ways prepare the stable for the arrival of Mary, Joseph and the baby named Jesus of Nazareth. The story ends with “WELCOME, WELCOME TO OUR HOUSE.”
for BIGGER Kids A CODED MESSAGE In most places, a Christian belonging to the Catholic Church today is blessed with the freedom to possess and publicly express his religious beliefs should he or she choose to do so. There was a period of 300 years in the country of England when it was against the law to belong to the Catholic Church or to display one’s religious beliefs. One legend suggests that this was the time when the Christmas carol “THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS” was composed by a group of parents. This song with its orderly and silly repetition may have been written in a secret code to teach the religious beliefs to the Catholic children!
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2
“On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me, a PARTRIDGE in a PEAR TREE.” The partridge represented CHRIST and the pear tree was the CROSS of CHRIST. “On the second day of Christmas my true love gave to me, two TURTLE DOVES.” The two TURTLE DOVES represented the OLD TESTAMENT and the NEW TESTAMENT of the Bible.
“On the third day of Christmas my true love gave to me, three FRENCH HENS.” These three hens represented the three gifts of the Wise Men: gold, frankincense and myrrh. “On the fourth day of Christmas my true love gave to me, four CALLING BIRDS.” ‘The birds represented the four Evangelists Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. “On the fifth day of Christmas my true love gave to me, five GOLD RINGS.” The five GOLD RINGS represented the first five books of the Bible: Genesis Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy. “On the sixth day of Christmas my true love gave to me, six GEESE A-LAYING.” The six GEESE represented the six days of the Creation of the world. “On the seventh day of Christmas my true love gave to me, seven SWANS A-SWIMMING.” The seven swans represented the seven Sacraments (Mysteries): Baptism, Chrismation, Holy Eucharist (Communion), Confession (Reconciliation), Holy Orders, Marriage and Healing (Anointing). “On the eighth day of Christmas my true love gave to me, eight MAIDS A-MILKING.” The eight maids
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represent the eight Beatitudes preached by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount. “On the ninth day of Christmas my true love gave to me, nine LADIES DANCING.” The nine represented the Gifts of the Holy Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. “On the tenth day of Christmas my true love gave to me, 10 LORDS A-LEAPING.” The 10 represent the 10 commandments. “On the eleventh day of Christmas my true love gave to me, 11 PIPERS PIPING.” The number 11 represents the remaining apostles after Judas was gone. “On the twelfth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me,
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10 11
12
12 DRUMMERS DRUMMING, 11 PIPERS PIPING, 10 LORDS A-LEAPING, 9 LADIES DANCING, 8 MAIDS A-MILKING, 7 SWANS A-SWIMMING, 6 GEESE A-LAYING, 5 GOLD RINGS, 4 CALLING BIRDS, 3 FRENCH HENS, 2 TURTLE DOVES AND A PARTRIDGE IN A PEAR TREE!
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The number 12 represented the minor prophets of the Old Testament and the 12 tribes of Israel. Learning this traditional Carol “THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS” may have helped the children to remember the important facts of their faith. And when they publicly sang this carol, the children actually were secretively declaring their belief in and allegiance to Christ, the King. Perhaps the next time you sing this carol, you will think of the SECRET CODE! n
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liturgical schedule at the Seminary “Come, let us sing joyfully to the Lord”
around the archeparchy 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 412-8357800.
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 412-321-8383 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 December: 1 8 a.m. Orthros (M) 5 p.m. Vespers (M) 2 9 a.m. Divine Liturgy (R) 5 p.m. Great Vespers (R) 3 8 a.m. Festal Matins (R) 9 a.m. Divine Liturgy (R) 4 8 a.m. Divine Liturgy (M) 5 7 p.m. Great Vespers (R) 6 8 a.m. Festal Orthros (M) (St. Nicholas of Myra) 9 a.m. Divine Liturgy (M) 7 7 a.m. Matins (R) 8 8 a.m. Divine Liturgy (R) (Maternity of Holy Anna) 5 p.m. Vespers (R) 9 9 a.m. Divine Liturgy (R) 5 p.m. Great Vespers (M) 10 8 a.m. Festal Orthros (M) 9 a.m. Divine Liturgy (M) 11 8 a.m. Divine Liturgy (M) 12 7 a.m. Emmanuel Moleben (R) 13 7 a.m. Divine Liturgy (R) 14 7 a.m. Penitential Moleben (R) 15 8 a.m. Psalter Service (M) (19th Kathisma) 5 p.m. Nativity Office of Readings (R) 16 9 a.m. Divine Liturgy (R) 5 p.m. Nativity Vespers (R) 17 9 a.m. Divine Liturgy (R) 18 No services 19 7 a.m. First Hour (R) 20 7 a.m. Penance Service (R) (M) Melkite (R) Ruthenian
CHRISTMAS CRAFT/BAKE SALE — Noon-5 p.m. Dec. 2, 10 a.m.1 p.m. Dec. 3, St. John the Baptist, 201 E. Main St., Uniontown, Pa. Crafts made by St. John’s Ethnic Craft Club include wooden decorations, Santas, trees, snowmen, window stars, wreaths and door decorations. Tree ornaments; imported embroideries, icons and folk art from Slovakia and Ukraine; and baked goods including long rolls, small kolachy, filled cookie cups, breads, molded candy and cookies; will also be available. Nativity display will be shown. No charge for admission. For information, call the church office at 724-438-6027. ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT BREAKFAST BUFFET — 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Dec. 10, 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. Santa will be there 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. with prize drawing at 12:30 p.m. Sponsored by St. Mary’s Youth Group. YOUNG ADULTS’ LITURGY AND BREAKFAST — 10:30 a.m. Dec. 10, St. John Chrysostom, 506 Saline St., Pittsburgh (Greenfield), Pa. Young adults, their families and children, are welcome to the Divine Liturgy. Breakfast will follow downstairs in the parish hall. RSVP to abby.kreckel@gmail.com by Dec. 3 so Father Tom Schaefer knows how many to expect for breakfast. “KOL’ADY: CAROLS OF CHRISTMAS” — 2 p.m. Dec. 17, St. John the Baptist Cathedral, 210 Greentree Road, Munhall Pa. Pittsburgh Byzantine Catholic Archeparchial Choir’s annual “Christmas at the Cathedral” program. This year’s edition features beloved carols celebrating the Nativity of our Lord including selections from the Byzantine Ruthenian traditions as well as Eastern and Western Europe and America. A reception with refreshments will follow. No charge.
REMINDER: There will be a CHRISTMAS ISSUE (Dec. 25) of The BCW in addition to the monthly December issue. Please tell readers what’s happening! Submit photos and stories about Christmas in your parish! Submissions deadline for the Christmas issue is Dec. 14.
dates to remember DEC. 3 St. Nicholas Celebration St. John the Baptist Cathedral, Munhall, Pa. DEC. 6 Feast of Our Holy Father Nicholas of Myra DEC. 8 Feast of the Maternity of Holy Anna DEC. 17 Christmas at the Cathedral with the Archeparchial Choir St. John the Baptist Cathedral, Munhall, Pa. DEC. 25 Feast of the Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ DEC. 26 Feast of the Synaxis of the Holy Theotokos
See more upcoming events at www.archpitt.org
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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: CHRISTMAS 2017
submissions DEADLINE: DECEMBER 14