Special Christmas issue!
THE OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE ARCHEPARCHY OF PITTSBURGH
st. nicholas celebration
Inside
Annual charity dinner focuses on Seminarians Page 4
VOL. 62 NO. 14
spreading his wings Eagle Scout project refurbishes conservatory at Mount St. Macrina Page 8
CHRISTMAS 2017
“come and see” weekend of discovery Sixteen men attend Seminary retreat Page 9
CHRISTMAS GREETINGS
2017
Christ is Born! Glorify Him! Dear People, Heaven and Earth rejoice as we celebrate the birth of Our Lord and God and Savior Jesus Christ! Each year we decorate, send Christmas greetings, gather our families, and come to our Churches to relive the story of the birth of a little child outside the city of Bethlehem. Our memories are filled with the images of icons of the birth, Christmas trees decorated, and beautiful Christmas lights which light up the inside and outside of our homes during the longest nights of the year. We include those with whom we celebrated in the past and who are present with us in spirit when we sing our songs of Christmas. It is also a time we remember those who are in need this Christmas season. Like Mary and Joseph, who were without a home on the first Christmas, many families struggle to survive. During the fall hurricane season, many families lost everything. We are thankful for those who helped them through donations and collections to enable them to start over. Even though our parishes are small and often in need, the people of the Archeparchy of Pittsburgh generously gave to help them rebuild their lives so that they could celebrate this Christmas season with hope. During the quiet evening and peace that comes after presents are opened and the Christmas meals have been served, we give thanks for God’s gifts to us and to our families. We give thanks for being preserved from the disasters and challenges of the last year. If it has been a difficult year for you, we give thanks for the ability to recover and rebuild our lives. And, we give thanks for those who remained faithful as they have gone before us into eternal life. As we give and receive gifts, we remember that our gifts are a reflection of the greatest gift, God’s gift of his only begotten Son Jesus Christ. From the birth of a little child in a manger, we receive the vision from God of how to live our lives. All of our efforts to help our families and friends brighten our world and give us hope and joy of the life to come. The Byzantine Catholic Church thanks you for your help and generous service during the past year. We hope and pray to continue to serve you in the New Year. Sincerely yours in Christ,
Most Reverend William C. Skurla, D.D. Metropolitan Archbishop of Pittsburgh
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CHRISTMAS 2017
Mark Your Calendar dates to remember
UPS 081500 ISSN 07442289 Official publication of the Byzantine Catholic Archeparchy of Pittsburgh Serving parish communities in central and western Pennsylvania, Louisiana, eastern Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas and West Virginia Published monthly (12 issues) plus two seasonal special issues Byzantine Catholic Press Associates 66 Riverview Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15214 Tel: 412.231.4000 Fax: 412.231.1697 E-mail: bcw@archpitt.org Web site: www.archpitt.org Archbishop William C. Skurla President David Mayernik Jr. Editor Sister Elaine Kisinko, OSBM Copy Editor Donna Obsincs Subscription/Circulation Manager Gregory S. Popivchak Business Manager Annual Subscription Rates US $14 Canadian $17 International $20 Periodicals Postage PAID at Pittsburgh, PA
Postmaster: send address changes to: The Byzantine Catholic World ATTN: Donna 66 Riverview Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15214 Please allow 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.
Metropolitan Cantor Institute Comprehensive Singing Program by Deacon Jeffrey Mierzejewski Director, Metropolitan Cantor Institute
Over the past two years, the Metropolitan Cantor Institute has been experimenting with ways to provide cantor education throughout the United States. Based on our experiences, we are inaugurating a comprehensive program beginning in 2018, aimed at ensuring that every parish in the Byzantine Catholic Church has a cantor who can lead the liturgical singing of the parish well, to the glory of God, and in support of the prayer of the faithful. The new program consists of online classes using the Internet combined with local mentoring where available, and an optional week-long summer program in Pittsburgh. All classes are taught each year — some twice per year — allowing students to complete the work at their own pace. New students can enter the program in January or July, and complete the entire program in as little as two years. Two classes are free, open to the public, and can be taken at any time: Introduction to Liturgy and Introduction to the Typikon. Students can register for further courses by submitting a registration form and the course tuition, usually $75 for each eight-week course, with discounts available. Course tuition allows us to engage trained voice teachers who are also cantors to review student work
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 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.
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“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
• Oct. 23, 2017 Monsignor Raymond A. Balta relieved as administrator of St. Mary Church, Windber and SS. Peter and Paul Church, Jerome, while continuing as pastor of St. Mary Church, Johnstown, all in Pennsylvania.
mission
of life; to offer spiritual
and provide feedback. We recommend that all cantors consider taking the initial class, Introduction to Church Singing, which starts in January. This class covers the essentials of vocal production, the basics of music theory for cantors, and the fundamentals of reading music, and also provides an essential introduction to to rhythm and duch (spirit) of our plain chant. Details and registration: http://mci.archpitt.org/classes.
official appointments
Father Robert F. Oravetz appointed temporary administrator of St. Mary Church, Windber and SS. Peter and Paul Church, Jerome, while continuing his pastoral responsibilities at Holy Trinity Church, Conemaugh and St Nicholas Church, Nanty-Glo, all in Pennsylvania.
by metropolitan archbishop william
• Nov. 6, 2017 Very Reverend R. Joseph Raptosh appointed to the Intereparchial Music Commission.
• Aug. 1, 2017 Father Peter Leigh, formerly of the Eparchy of St. Nicholas in Chicago, Ill., ascribed into the Archeparchy of Pittsburgh.
• Nov. 24, 2017 Father Jason Dechenne, formerly a priest of the Russian Orthodox Church outside of Russia, is accepted into the Archeparchy
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or carpathiancookery@gmail. com. n
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
of Pittsburgh. He is serving as a chaplain for the Catholic Archdiocese for the United States Military in Honolulu, Hawaii.
• Nov. 28, 2017 Very Reverend Michael J. Huszti relieved as Syncellus for Canonical Services, Judicial Vicar, Member of the Presbyteral Council, Archeparchial Consultor, Chaplain to the Sisters of St. Basil at Mt. St. Macrina, Uniontown, Pa., and administrator of St. Mary Parish, Morgantown, W. Va., and placed on Administrative Leave. • Dec. 4, 2017 Father Valerian M. Michlik appointed Judicial Vicar. Father Peter Leigh appointed temporary administrator of St. Mary Church, Morgantown, W. Va. and temporary Chaplain to the Sisters of St. Basil the Great, Mt. St. Macrina, Uniontown, Pa. n
CHRISTMAS 2017
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A child’s Greek Catholic Christmas memories of christmas 1935 at st. mary in monessen, pa. by Sister Elaine Kisinko, OSBM
Jan. 7, 1935, I was six years old. I did not have to go to school that day, although I would rather have been there since I did not want to be “different” (the peer-pressure of the day). The church, packed with people, was bright, shining clean, decorated, and breathtakingly beautiful to my young eyes. The Divine Liturgy was loudly and enthusiastically sung in Slavonic, and even the sermon (we did not know the word homily) was not in English. A special happening was at the time of the collection. This occurred only on Christmas and Easter. Father would re-
move his chasuble (outermost vestment) and with great ceremony, drape it exactly so on the altar. Then he proceeded to personally take up the collection. He was followed by a curator (present day usher) who recorded in a book the names and amounts donated for those without envelopes. After the mirovanije (anointing), we children were directed up the two sanctuary steps, through the deacon’s door and into the mysterious, for me, sacristy. Then down the back stairway to the church basement where “Santa” awaited us. He gave each of us an orange and an animal crackertype box filled with hard candy. An important Sunday came several weeks later. Father would report the donations given for the Christmas collection. He read every name and the amount the person had offered. (The printed Sunday bulletin
was unknown). Of course this took a long time, but we were used to staying in church longer that what seems to be the present-day obligatory one hour. He even announced the children’s names. You cannot imagine how proud we were when we heard, “Evelyn Kisinko (my older sister) 25 cents. Elaine Kisinko 15 cents. Paul Kisinko (my little brother) 10 cents. Those amounts may seem ludicrous, but the economy was very different in 1935, a post-depression year. My father, a machinist in the steel mill, was the sole provider for himself, wife, three children, and his in-laws, my grandparents, who lived with us. It was certainly a different time, but memory deems it a happy time. The years have quickly come and gone, and our Christmas celebrations have undergone many changes. But the one aspect that is con-
Sister Elaine Kisiko at 6 years old in 1935.
stant is our witness that we are celebrating the greatest Gift of God to us, the birth of His Son, Jesus. In the spirit of 1935, Christos Razdajetsja! Slavite Jeho! n
text messages
“O who loves Nicholas the Saintly” thoughts on celebrating a birthday on the feast of st. nicholas by David Mayernik Jr. Editor
Prior to writing this Christmas issue column, I was tasking my brain, trying to figure out what I could say that would have some impact during this Nativity season. I’m a layperson, so I didn’t want to get into a deep theological discussion regarding the birth of Christ. Priests and deacons of the Archeparchy will be relaying those important messages over the next few weeks. “Maybe I should write about my favorite Christmas presents I’ve received through years or Christmas television specials,” I thought to myself. Seems kind of trite. I should have something more important to offer. Hmm. Back to the proverbial drawing board. Then it hit me; it was so obvious. I couldn’t see the forest for the trees and all that... I was born on Dec. 6 — the
Feast of St. Nicholas — and I’ve always been happy to share my birthday and a kinship with the patron saint. I was baptized at St. Mary in Monessen, Pa. and have heard stories that the thought of naming me after St. Nicholas crossed some minds. But I think “Nick Mayernik” would be have been too much for me to take. St. Nicholas — known as “Nicholas the Wonderworker” and for his works of mercy — looms large in our Byzantine Catholic faith. His hymn, “O Who Loves Nicholas the Saintly,” is wellknown at this time of the year: “O who loves Nicholas the Saintly O who serves Nicholas the Saintly Them will Nicholas receive and give help in time of need Holy Father Nicholas” The Archeparchy of Pittsburgh even holds its annual charity dinner to benefit the Byzantine Catholic Seminary of SS. Cyril and Methodius to coincide with St. Nicholas’ feast day. St. Nicholas’ history of help-
St. Nicholas delivers presents Dec. 3 at the 61st St. Nicholas Charity Dinner at St.John the Baptist Cathedral Center in Munhall, Pa. The event, sponsored by the Greek Catholic Union and the Archeparchy of Pittsburgh, benefits the Byzantine Catholic Seminary of SS. Cyril and Methodius in Pittsburgh, Pa. Photo by Nick Havrilla Sr.
ing the poor and the less fortunate is a legacy difficult for anyone to duplicate. But perhaps it’s all in the striving. St. Nicholas is a role model for anyone but forgive me if I feel a special bond with him. Even if my first name isn’t “Nick.” n I’ll end 2017 with the final few lines of my favorite Christmas poem, “E.B. White’s Christmas,” published in The New Yorker on Dec. 20, 1952 and written by the author of beloved children’s books “Stu-
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art Little” and “Charlotte’s Web.” It’s worth Google-ing to read the entire poem. “And last, we greet all skaters on small natural ponds at the edge of woods toward the end of afternoon. Merry Christmas, skaters! Ring, steel! Grow red, sky! Die down, wind! Merry Christmas to all and to all a good morrow!” Have a blessed Christmas and a healthy 2018! n
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CHRISTMAS 2017
St. Nicholas Celebration centers on Seminarians 2017 event highlights seminarians’ “invitation that changed their lives”
by David Mayernik Jr. Editor
Master of Ceremonies Chris Singel called the 61st annual St. Nicholas Charity Dinner the “ultimate dinner and a movie.” The event, held at St. John the Baptist Cathedral Center in Munhall, Pa. on Dec. 3, featured a four-course meal and a large-screen video presentation featuring Seminarians reflecting on the “invitation that changed their lives.” “We are going to have fun tonight but prepare to also be inspired,” Singel told those in attendence. Singel watched Seminarians record their reflections and could only describe the experience as “watching the sun come up.” During the video, Seminarians discussed influences in the their lives, including family members who are priests and deacons, and their call to the religious life. The annual dinner is co-sponsored by the Greek Catholic Union and the Archeparchy of Pittsburgh. Proceeds benefit the Byzantine Catholic Seminary of SS. Cyril and Methodius in Pittsburgh, Pa. The afternoon began with a Moleben to our Holy Father Nicholas the Wonderworker, presided over by Archbishop William Skurla. Most Rev. John Pazak, Bishop of the Eparchy of Phoenix, was the celebrant with Deacon James Davidson. Rev. Will Rupp, Seminary Director of Spiritual Formation, was the homilist and Seminarians were cantors and servers. Also in attendence were: Bishop Emeritus John Kudrick, Eparchy of Parma; and Bishop David Zubik, Latin Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh. During his opening remarks, Very Rev. Robert Pipta, SemiStory continued on page 5 the byzantine catholic world
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St. Nicholas continued from page 4
nary Rector, echoed the words of St. Paul which are etched into the exterior of the Seminary chapel: “The hope of the harvest lies in the planting.” He said the statement reminds everyone the Seminary is a “seed bed planted with optimism in the hope of eternal life. “God is our hope, supplying seeds of church leadership and ministerial service to be planted, watered and nurtured.” George Juba, president and chief executive officer, Greek Catholic Union, presented Archbishop William with the fraternal organization’s annual contribution to the Seminary, which this year totaled $110,000. The Greek Catholic Union is celebrating its 125th year in 2017. The organization has donated $3.15 million to the Seminary since 1960. Archbishop William said it is encourging to witness the continued growth of the Seminary. “What you didn’t see in the video is the dining room; sometimes (Seminarians) go and sit in the other room because there’s not enough room. “It’s a good sign. We pray priests coming into the Church will be able to serve our Church in the coming decades.” Before Bishop Zubik delivered the invocation, children sang “O Who Loves Nicholas the Saintly” accompanied by a visit from Saint Nicholas himself. “More than a few of us remember Archbishop Judson Procyk. He was the one who invited me 20 years ago. May God grant him Eternal Rest and Blessing for all that he did to bring all of us together,” Bishop David said. “Tonight, as we gather together, we pray for all your future sheperds, all the Seminarians for whom we come together to offer our prayers and to give you thanks. “As we support them in answering Your call for them to be sheperds, we ask Your blessing.” The Greek Catholic Union, the Archeparchy of Pittsburgh, the Byzantine Catholic Seminary and the St. Nicholas Celebration Committee thank everyone involved with the 2017 event who helped in any way to ensure its success. n
Photos by Nick Havrilla Sr.
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parish news PAGE 6
CHRISTMAS 2017
st. gregory in upper st. clair, pa.
“A Taste of Heaven” by Father Valerian Michlik St. Gregory, Upper St. Clair, Pa.
Eight thousand cookies were ready for this year’s “Taste of Heaven” cookie sale on Dec. 2. Excited patrons were already waiting in line as early as 7 a.m. — one hour before the doors opened! This year everyone had the opportunity to purchase the new “A Taste of Heaven Cookies and Treats” recipe book. This book prepared by our dedicated parishioners contains recipes provided by our church family. We express our sincere thanks to all who worked very hard organizing this fundraiser event. We are grateful to all who provided the great variety of delicious cookies for this seventh annual “Taste of Heaven” cookie sale. n
Photos by Jennifer Kehm
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st. gregory in upper st. clair, pa.
ECF Thanksgiving Mission by Father Valerian Michlik St. Gregory, Upper St. Clair, Pa.
In the spirit of Thanksgiving, St. Gregory’s ECF students departed on a mission following the Divine Liturgy on Nov. 19. Our mission was to express our thanksgiving to our local Upper St. Clair Volunteer Fire Department. Since 1939 the USC Fire Department has been responsible for providing fire protection, rescue service, and other emergency assistance. When we arrived at the fire sta-
tion, a fire safety presentation was given by “Fireman Russ,” the department’s Fire Prevention Coordinator. Following that we were given a tour of the facility. At the end of our visit, we presented our Thanksgiving Trifold to the members of the fire department. This trifold includes the patron saints of the firefighters, a special prayer, and “thank you” notes from our ECF students. n
Salute to veterans by Father Valerian Michlik St. Gregory, Upper St. Clair, Pa.
On Nov. 11 and 12, prayerful supplications were offered for all the living and departed St. Gregory’s veterans and military personnel. At the conclusion
of the Divine Liturgy, a special prayer and blessing was bestowed upon them. This was a special occasion for all to offer special tribute to our veterans for their sacrifice and service to our country. n
Happy anniversary! by Father Valerian Michlik St. Gregory, Upper St. Clair, Pa.
On Nov. 25 and 26, a special blessing service was celebrated for our parishioners who are
celebrating a jubilee wedding anniversary in the year 2017. Following the Sunday Divine Liturgy, we all enjoyed a special cake for this happy occasion. n
David and Dorothy Mayernik, Toni and David Wolfe Photos by Jennifer Kehm
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CHRISTMAS 2017
Spreading his wings at Mount St. Macrina pilgrimage volunteer completes eagle scout project Isaac Johnson chose to refurbish the interior of the historic conservatory on the grounds of Mount St. Macrina as his Eagle Scout project. “I chose Mount St. Macrina as the location for my Eagle Scout project because it has been an important place for my family for the 11 years that we have been attending the annual Pilgrimage. I hope that the Conservatory and Prayer Garden areas will provide a place for prayer and reflection for many years to come,” Isaac said. The project was completed in the summer of 2016. It included repainting the walls and floor, repairing and painting the window sills, repairing light fixtures and electrical out-
lets, and hanging new curtains. In addition, the Prayer Garden around the building was weeded, edged and mulched. Flowers were also planted. Isaac also installed an outdoor icon shrine in the Prayer Garden in memory of John Harvey, a deceased friend of his family. John was a long-time volunteer and had done much work over the years at the Conservatory. “We got to know John by helping volunteer with the Pilgrimage preparations. All of my family, including my parents and five siblings volunteer,” Isaac said. Isaac is the son of Robert and Patricia Johnson of Morgantown, W. Va., and the second in his family to earn an Eagle Scout Award. His older broth-
er, Abraham, also completed an Eagle Scout project. The Johnson family started attending Pilgrimage after they joined St. Mary’s Byzantine Catholic Church in Morgantown. Isaac always attended the youth events held at the Prayer Garden. In inclement weather, they would gather inside the Conservatory building and that’s when he noticed it needed work. “The Pilgrimage serves to bring the year together for me and start a new year. I like to meditate here. It is so peaceful. The Mount is a spiritual home for me,” Isaac said. It is his intent to continue visiting Mount St. Macrina even once he goes to college. n
Isaac Johnson
st. michael in Campbell, ohio
Fall Maker Fun Fest
Helping hands reach out to Beatitude House St. Michael’s Infant Jesus of Prague Ladies' Guild collected paper products to donate to the Beatitude House, a local organization to help women and children suffering from poverty and homelessness. Father Kevin Marks is pastor. n
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“Come and See” Weekend of Discovery sixteen men atend event at byzantine catholic seminary of ss. cyril and methodius
Press release
Sixteen young men from across the country representing Ruthenian and Ukrainian Byzantine jurisdictions gathered Nov. 3 to 5 at the Byzantine Catholic Seminary of SS. Cyril and Methodius in Pittsburgh, Pa., as its seminarians hosted their annual “Come and See” Weekend of Discovery. Invited to this retreat were men, ages 18 to 35, single or married, who are considering a vocation to the priesthood in the Byzantine Catholic Church. The atmosphere throughout the weekend was prayerful, positive and fraternal. The retreat afforded young men considering a vocation to the priesthood to connect and be together. It included sharing liturgical services and meals with the Seminary community, an introduction to the Seminary formation program, a tour of the Seminary, gatherings with the seminarians, individual mentoring, talks, a panel discussion, and visits to the parishes where seminarians serve on Sunday. An ice cream social and evening recreation contributed to the friendly atmosphere. Added to this year’s program was a presentation by
a married priest. One of the participants, Michael Huddas of the Eparchy of Parma (Ruthenian) noted that this talk “was extremely helpful to me because I myself am married. They stressed that without the love, support, and sacrifice of their wives they would not be able to follow their vocation in the Seminary. So not only does the seminarian have a vocation but so does the wife as two became one flesh.” Founded in 1950, SS. Cyril and Methodius is a free-standing, English speaking theological seminary, welcoming all those seeking the knowledge possessed by the Eastern ecclesial traditions. The Seminary is authorized to grant graduate degrees by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and accredited by the Association of Theological Schools. It operates as a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization incorporated in Pennsylvania, and is governed by a Board of Directors under the leadership of the Metropolitan Archbishop of Pittsburgh. n
eternal memory
sister rita keshock, OSBM Early in the morning of Nov. 19, Sister Rita (Florence) Keshock fell asleep in the Lord at Mt. Macrina Manor. While the community was praying Matins on Sunday, commemorating the Resurrection, she surely met her Risen Lord with joy and gladness. Sister Rita, the daughter of the late Michael and Sophia (Backus) Keshock, was born in Campbell, Ohio. She entered the Sisters of St. Basil the Great from St. Nicholas Byzantine Catholic Church in Youngstown, Ohio, on June 12, 1947, and made her Final Profession of Vows on Aug. 28, 1953. Sister Rita spent half of her religious life in the ministry of education for which she was well– prepared, having earned both a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Education. While she served diligently in the many schools staffed by the Sisters at that time, there was a new ministry waiting for her in the wings. An Jan. 14, 1996 article in the Byzantine Catholic World summed it up in the words: “Basilian Sister Finds New Home in the
World of Art.” This was her passion. In her own words, Sister Rita explained: “I am now a painter, a calligrapher, a crafter and an etcher.” Having learned the craft of etching onto eggs, she discovered that this would be a perfect medium for producing icons. Spending hours in her art room Sister Rita noted that she often became lost in meditative thought of the beauty of life as she worked. Sister took great pride in the fact that, particularly her etched icons, were displayed in a number of exhibits throughout the country. She also taught the craft of etching on eggs to others in numerous workshops, thus leaving a legacy of this favorite ministry of hers. In his homily, Archbishop William noted that what we were gathered for was a celebration of hope and a celebration of sadness. It is one of hope because, as we heard in the reading from Thessalonians, we believe that “God will bring forth with Him from the dead those also who have
fallen asleep believing in Him.” It is one of sadness, because we are bidding farewell to one whose life has been so much a part of ours. Archbishop William noted that Jesus has come to give us a new understanding of life in the promise of resurrection and the revelation of eternal life. Sister Rita, like all of us, was continually being called into the mystery of life. Now she has completed her earthly journey, and now she enjoys the beauty which she tried to express so meticulously in her etched icons. Sister Rita was preceded in death by her parents, her sisters Mary Louise and Alice (Kuzmack) and her brother Edward. She is survived by her brothers John (Katherine), Robert (+Kathryn) and Charles (Joann), her sister-in-law, Mary Jo and several nieces and nephews. The Parastas Service was celebrated on Nov. 24 by Monastery Chaplain, Rev. Michael Huszti. In attendance were Very Rev. Archpriest John G. Petro, Very Rev. Ronald Lar-
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Sister Rita Keshock, OSBM
ko, Rev. James Ragan and Rev. Stephen Wahal. The Funeral Divine Liturgy was celebrated on Nov. 25 by Archbishop William with Very Rev. Andrew Deskevich and Rev. Michael as concelebrants. In attendance were Very Rev. Leo Schlosser, OSB and Very Rev. Ronald Larko. May God grant to his handmaiden, Sister Rita, eternal memory and peaceful repose. n
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CHRISTMAS 2017
thoughts for our day by Archpriest David M. Petras
christmas and theophany: the dual feast of light The beginning of the life of Jesus Christ from his birth from a virgin mother is told in the Gospels of St. Matthew and St. Luke. The story of the beginning of the life of Jesus Christ with his public manifestation at the baptism in the River Jordan is told in the Gospels of St. Matthew, St. Mark and St. Luke. St. John does not tell the story of Jesus’ baptism, but it does tell the story of St. John the Baptist’s testimony that he did see the Spirit come upon Jesus (John 1:3234), and John points him out to the people as “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). Moreover, the Eastern and the Western Church celebrate the coming of Jesus into the life of the world in very different ways. The West focuses on the birth of our Lord. On Christmas Day, we see the infinite God take on limited human nature as a small and helpless baby held in the arms of his mother. On Epiphany, the announcement of the Savior is made to all the world as the wise men, not of the chosen people, see the cosmic sign of the star and are led to the new-born King. For the Eastern Church, we see a two-fold birth. The feast of Christmas commemorates God becoming a human being for our sake, giving us, who are also born of a human mother, the hope of deification. The feast of the Theophany, the
manifestation of God in the Trinity, celebrates the baptism of Christ, and so also our own baptisms, which are a spiritual re-birth in Father, Son and Holy Spirit. When we turn to the beginning of the Gospel of St. John, we read, “the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:5).
God’s word is that only by returning love for hatred can the world be dragged back to sanity. The Church called the Christmas cycle of feasts — Christmas, Theophany and the Encounter with Simeon and Anna — the feast of light, because it celebrates the light of God coming into this world. Simeon the prophet called Jesus, “a light of revelation to the nations” (Luke 2:32). The world as such is indeed dark. There is very little of the gospel of Jesus in it. It worships money, power, ideology and self-love. These lead to fear and insecurity, hatred of the other and self-righteousness. The hypocrisy of the Pharisees is a constant reality of those who “have religion.” Even people who call themselves Christian profess hatred for the other, unable to absorb his divine message: “But I say
to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your heavenly Father” (Matthew 5:44-45). God’s word is that only by returning love for hatred can the world be dragged back to sanity. This is why Jesus came. In the Byzantine Liturgy, there are two Sundays that prepare us for Christmas, the Sunday of the Forefathers (December 11 to 17) and the Sunday of the Ancestors (December 18 to 24). There are, in addition, the Sunday after Christmas, remembering the holy prophet David, the holy and righteous Joseph, Mary’s husband, and James, the Brother of John. Then the Sundays before and after the Theophany, the latter of which reminds us that this is a feast of light, “the people who sit in darkness have seen a great light, on those dwelling in a land overshadowed by death light has arisen (Matthew 4:16). The true and sane message of the Gospel is proclaimed in the Anaphora of our holy Father Basil the Great, celebrated three times in this holy season: “For you did not turn away from your creature forever, O Good One, nor forget the work of your hands; rather, you intervened in various ways because of your merciful loving-kindness. You sent prophets and performed mighty deeds through your holy ones who have pleased you in every generation. You spoke to us through the mouth of your servants, the prophets, who foretold the salvation which was
to come. You gave the Law as an aid, and appointed angels as guardians. When the fullness of time had come, you spoke to us through your own Son, the very one through whom you created the ages.” Christmas is a feast of Light that is not completed until the revelation of Theophany. The gospels of St. Matthew and St. Luke begin with the birth of Christ, but the gospel of St. Mark with the baptism of Jesus, the Theophany. The Gospel of St. John, though, begins with light, “The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world .... And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us, and we saw his glory, the glory as of the Father’s only Son, full of grace and truth” (John 1:9, 14). St. Gregory continues in his homily, “Christ from heaven, go out to meet him.,” also a part of Ode 1 at Matins. This is his challenge to his flock and, indeed, to all of us at all times. Christmas is not worth celebrating unless we make the effort to meet him. Christmas and the twelve days subsequent until Theophany are a time to know and understand Christ and his message better, to “follow the light.” And what this light tells us is that by baptism, we clothe ourselves in Christ, that we humble ourselves before him, as did the shepherds and the Magi, for those who humble themselves will be exalted. So St. Gregory continues: “Christ on earth; be exalted.” n
News from the Vatican
Advent is a time to identify sin, pope says “being watchful and alert are the prerequisites for not continuing ‘to wander far from the lord’s path’” by Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service
VATICAN CITY — Advent is a time to be watchful and alert to the ways one strays from God's path, but also to signs of his presence in other people and in the beauty of the world, Pope Francis said. Reciting the Angelus prayer Dec. 3, the first Sunday of Advent, Pope Francis told people gathered in St. Peter's Square, "Being watchful and alert are the prerequisites for not con-
tinuing 'to wander far from the Lord's path,' lost in our sins and infidelities; being watchful and alert are the conditions for allowing God to break into our existence, to give it meaning and value with his presence full of goodness and tenderness." Like the ancient Israelites who wandered in the desert, the pope said, "we, too, often find ourselves in a situation of infidelity to the Lord's call; he indicates the right path, the path of faith, the path of love, but we look for happiness elsewhere."
Advent gives people time to review the paths they have taken and to turn back to the ways of God, he said. It is a time for paying attention to the needs of others, "trying to counter the indifference and cruelty" present in the world, the pope said. But it is also a time to "rejoice in the treasures of beauty that also exist and should be protected." "It is a matter of having an understanding gaze to recognize both the misery and poverty of individuals and societies, but
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Pope Francis waves during his Angelus in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican Dec. 3. Photo by Tony Gentile/Catholic News Service.
also to recognize the riches hidden in the little things of daily life precisely where God has put them," he said. n
CHRISTMAS 2017
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“The Life of an Amazing Recipe”
some recipes are tossed aside, others take on a life of their own by Dorothy Mayernik St. Gregory, Upper S. Clair. Pa.
“Tis the season to bake Christmas treats and only the best will do: The one with the memory attached. You know exactly where you put that recipe and this is a story of how it landed in your hands. A recipe, as we all know, is a set of instructions for making something. You can find a lot of them in cookbooks, magazines, on soup can labels, and the backs of cereal boxes (where it usually involves melted marshmallows). A lot of these recipes get a passing glance and end up tossed aside in the trash. However…there are those recipes that are truly amazing. They travel through time and take on a life of their own. They start out by being saved, maybe haphazardly, but lovingly stashed in shoe boxes by Grandma, Mom, Aunt Jan, and Cousin Nick. Some are penciled on scraps of yellow paper, a list of ingredients with no directions. Or torn from a newspaper by Dad with a note: “Can you make these?” Some recipes were copied down at the beauty shop, at the Altar Society meeting, or shared by the lady across the street. One came in the mail, postmarked Allenport, Pa. 1969. These are the amazing recipes that are the highlight of every family gathering. The recipe starts making its way from one aunt to the next because it tastes so delicious. Years go by and various hands write updates and tips. “Use Crisco instead of lard. You can’t buy a 5-cent cake of yeast anymore, so use a packet of dry. Sprinkle the top with sugar and don’t be stingy with it.” One day it’s your turn to step up to the plate and load it with those goodies. First you watch the master baker, measuring flour in a white coffee cup… you transfer it to a measuring cup so you know how much. You buy an instant read thermometer because you never got the knack of determining 105 to 110-degree water with your fingertip. You rewrite the recipe neatly and save it in your own shoebox. WOW! This recipe has LIFE! It is ACTION! It has the POWER to connect you with the one who has real know-how! You can hear their voice telling you what to do: “Sift the flour, break the eggs, mix the dough
Thanks to Aunt Margaret for writing down my mom’s amazing recipe. Photo by Dorothy Mayernik.
together until it feels right.” Maybe one day you’ll take that piece of paper from your shoebox and type it up on your computer with lots of directions and tips. You hope somebody you love will make it and it turns out perfect. You hope it will give them wonderful memories.
Grandma’s Cold Dough Recipe
As written down by Emily, Rachel and Jessica Kiss n Take 3 sticks butter and pull it apart with your fingers in a bowl until its messy. n Add 4 scoops of flour with Grandma’s Valentine’s Day coffee mug, but wait until Grandma says that’s enough flour ‘cause you might need more.
n
Wash your hands!
n Add some eggs and mix it with your hands (this part is kinda gross). n
Wash your hands!
n Add some sour cream and again mix with your hands. n
Wash your hands!
n Mix until soft and separate it… but Grandma has to tell you if the piles "look right." n
Wash your hands again!
n Wrap in wax paper, but no one except Grandma has that, so use plastic wrap. Put them in the fridge.
Later: n Put them out to get to room temperature.
“A Taste of Heaven” “The Life of an Amazing Recipe” is the foreward of “A Taste of Heaven Cookies & Treats” cookbook published by the parishioners of St. Gregory in Upper St. Clair, Pa. Along with Grandma’s Cold Dough Recipe, the book features 108 recipes for cookies, treats and ethnic favorites. To order a copy, send a check for $12 plus $3 postage and made out to “St. Gregory Church” and mail to: St. Gregory, 2005 Mohawk Road, Upper St. Clair, Pa. 15241. For information, call the Rectory at 412-835-7800. n
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n
Clean the whole kitchen!
n Roll out the dough on her kitchen table and cut into squares with only Grandma’s cutter because the other one doesn't cut them right. n Put the filling in and fold them over. n Grandma will check them all to make sure they won’t pop open in the oven. She has some magical way of making them stay shut.
Go play and wait for them to be done. n
n Eat the cookies until Grandma tells you "you are going to get a belly ache." Give Grandma a kiss and tell her, “Thank you!” n
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CHRISTMAS 2017
liturgical schedule at the Seminary
Cathedral of St. John the Baptist
“Come, let us sing joyfully to the Lord”
Schedule of Services - Christmas 2017 Very Reverend Archpriest Dennis M. Bogda, Rector
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
Sunday, Dec. 24 — Vigil, Feast of the Nativity of Our Lord - Christmas Eve 9 a.m. 7:45 p.m. 8 p.m.
Sunday Divine Liturgy Singing of Christmas Carols Divine Liturgy of St. Basil the Great
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
dates to remember dec. 25 Feast of the Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ dec. 26 Feast of the Synaxis of the Holy Theotokos dec. 27 Feast of the Holy Protomartyr Stephen dec. 31 Vigil of the Feast of the Circumcision of our Lord Vigil of the Feast of St. Basil the Great New Year’s Eve jan. 1 Feast of the Circumcision of our Lord Feast of St. Basil the Great New Year’s Day See more upcoming events at www.archpitt.org the byzantine catholic world
Official publication of the Byzantine Catholic Archeparchy of Pittsburgh
Byzantine Catholic Press Associates 66 Riverview Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15214 Tel: 412.231.4000 Fax: 412.231.1697 E-mail: bcw@archpitt.org Web site: www.archpitt.org
next issue: JANUARY 2018
submissions DEADLINE: DECEMBER 26