Special PASCHA issue!
THE OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE ARCHEPARCHY OF PITTSBURGH
christ is risen!
Inside
A Paschal message from Archbishop William Skurla Page 3
VOL. 63 NO. 4
cross procession
St. Gregory parishioners mark the Third Sunday of the Great Fast Page 6
PASCHA 2018
serran dinner February meeting focuses on upcomimg Synod of Bishops Page 10
Christ Is Risen! Indeed He Is Risen!
Christos Voskrese! Voistinnu Voskrese!
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PASCHA 2018
Holy week schedule 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
St. John the Baptist Byzantine Catholic Cathedral 210 Greentree Road Munhall, Pa. 15120 www.stjohnbyzantinecathedral.com
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Presanctified Liturgy Confessions
the Gospel message in the rich tradition of the Byzantine
Holy thursday
the holy and glorious resurrection — easter
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Great Vespers with Divine Liturgy of St. Basil the Great with the Washing of the Feet by Archbishop William Skurla
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Catholic World is to spread
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Presanctified Liturgy and Anointing with Holy Oil n Confessions
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The mission of The Byzantine
Resurrection Matins with the Divine Liturgy of St. Basil the Great followed by the Blessing of Paschal foods
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Christ in everyday activities of life; to offer spiritual formation through changing times; and to celebrate community among Byzantine Catholics in the Archeparchy of Pittsburgh, throughout the Metropolitan Church in America, and around the world.
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Divine Liturgy followed by the Blessing of Paschal Foods
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Pysanky: symbols of new life a meaningful and honored tradition Common to many Slavic traditions, pysanky is a religious symbol of the Easter celebration. Pysanky, derived from the word “pysaty,” literally means “to write.” Traditional pysanky designs written by a number of anonymous artists are featured on several pages of this issue of The BCW. Each beautiful design with its vibrant colors and symbols is a unique illustration of the beauty of Creation. Likened to the tomb from which Our Lord arose on the third day, pysanky are faith-filled symbols of Pascha and new life in Christ. n
Pope Francis’ schedule for Holy Week, Easter april 1 easter morning mass to be celebrated in st. peter’s square
VATICAN CITY — Here is Pope Francis’ schedule for Holy Week and Easter:
March 30: Good Friday afternoon liturgy of the Lord’s Passion in St. Peter’s Basilica. Nighttime Way of the Cross at Rome’s Colosseum.
n March 9: Penitential Liturgy in St. Peter’s Basilica.
n March 31: Easter vigil at 8:30 p.m. in St. Peter’s Basilica.
n March 17: Pastoral visit to San Giovanni Rotondo, the town 200 miles southeast of Rome where St. Padre Pio lived and ministered.
n April 1: Easter morning Mass in St. Peter’s Square, followed by the papal blessing “urbi et orbi” (to the city and the world).
n March 25: Palm Sunday Mass in St. Peter’s Square.
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by Carol Glatz Catholic News Service
Catholic Church; to encourage faithful to reflect the image of
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Jerusalem Matins Noon-7 p.m. Vigil at the Shroud
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Solemn Vespers for Good Friday and Procession carrying the Holy Shroud. After Solemn Vespers, all are encouraged to visit the church for a time of prayer. The church will be open until midnight.
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Reading of the 12 Passion Gospels
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David Mayernik Jr. Editor
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Holy Monday
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good friday
n March 29: Holy Thursday, morning chrism Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica.
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April 8: Divine Mercy Sunday Mass in St. Peter’s Square concelebrated with “missionaries of mercy.” n
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PASCHA 2018 Christ is Risen! Indeed He is Risen! Christos Voskrese! Voistinnu Voskrese! As we celebrate the Easter Season, we bring Easter lilies and other flowers and plants into our churches. The pussy willows and palms from Palm Sunday are joined with explosions of colors and scents of flowers and Easter baskets which announce that the Lenten fast has come to a close and the celebration honoring our Risen Lord is upon us! Our Easter traditions are supported by the natural cycle of the transition from the cold and darkness of winter to the warmth and new growth of springtime. Despite the severity of this winter and flu season, the return of spring gives the hope of summer and the return of blossoms and flowers which we bring into our churches. Today, we take plants and the food they provide for granted. Unlike the past when our grandparents and almost everyone grew their own food, we can go to the supermarket and purchase fresh fruits, vegetables, spices and flowers any time or season of the year. Our grandchildren may wonder how people could exist without online delivery of prepared dinners. To understand Jesus’ words, we must return to a time when people were closer to nature. Jesus often used stories and parables about the growing of food from seeds, the harvesting of crops, and the preparation of food to explain His Resurrection and the kingdom of heaven. For example, from the Gospel of Saint Matthew in the parables of the mustard seed and leaven for the bread: “He proposed another parable to them. The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that a person took and sowed in a field. It is the smallest of all the seeds, yet when full-grown it is the largest of plants. It becomes a large bush and the birds of the sky come and dwell in its branches.” In another parable, He said: “The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed with the three measures of wheat flour until the whole batch was leavened.” On Easter, we relive the moment that Jesus rose from the dead. Jesus is buried and is like a mustard seed. Both He and the seed arise from the earth. Also, like a tiny mustard seed, the news of His Resurrection began to spread and communities rapidly grew from small groups into large churches under the leadership of the apostles and disciples. In a world of billions of Christians of many traditions, we always have been a little church. However, like the mustard seed, we can grow. And, even if we remain small, we are like a pinch of yeast in a loaf of bread. We share our traditions and spirit to influence and enrich all the Christian Churches. Our Easter icon is known and our Easter greetings can be heard in many traditions as well as in our own.
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Most Reverend William C. Skurla, D.D. Metropolitan Archbishop of Pittsburgh
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May your Easter be most blessed.
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When some nameless Sumerians 5,000 years ago sprinkled tiny mustard seeds from a weed on their dinners, who would have thought it would become the most popular spice in the world. When you are at the ballpark or a picnic and you place mustard on your hot dog or hamburger, remember the tiny mustard seed. From little Byzantine churches across the world, our tiny faithful communities can grow to bring back the lost and attract those who are searching for a spiritual home. If we are faithful the world will hear, “Christ is Risen!” And, it will answer, “Indeed He is Risen!”
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christos voskrese! voistinnu voskrese! the byzantine catholic world
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PASCHA 2018
Mark Your Calendar dates to remember Retreat for Boy Scouts The Byzantine Catholic Seminary of SS. Cyril and Methodius in Pittsburgh, Pa. will host a retreat for Boy Scouts on April 21. Any Scout is welcome and Scouts working on or who have completed requirements for the Light is Life religious emblem are strongly encouraged to attend. The day will begin with the Divine Liturgy celebrated by Archbishop William Skurla at 9 a.m. and will continue with reflections from the seminarians and liturgical services. Brunch and dinner will be provided. Register with Deacon Lance Weakland, Archeparchial Scout Chaplain, at 576weakland@comcast.net. n
Women’s Discernment Retreat Sister Barbara Jean Mihalchick, OSBM will teach discernment skills and acquaint participants with many aspects of religious life 7 p.m. April 20 to 11 a.m. April 22 at Mount St. Macrina House of Prayer, 510 W. Main St., Uniontown, Pa. Open to single, widowed and divorced women between 30 to 50 years of age. Offering of $155; commuters, $145. Register at 724-438-7149 by April 16. n
Candlelight Dinner for Married Couples Experience an evening of music, dining, a silent auction and heartwarming presentation in the atmosphere of a former 1903 Coal Baron’s home 6:309 p.m. April 26 at Mount St. Macrina House of Prayer, 510 W. Main St., Uniontown, Pa. Offering of $70 per couple. Register at 724-438-7149 by April 20. n
Spiritual Reflection Becky Johnen presents “Working Toward a Calmer You” 10 a.m.-1 p.m. April 28 at Mount St. Macrina House of Prayer, 510 W. Main St., Uniontown, Pa. This presentation is designed to help spot stressors and stay in control when pressure builds by helping you understand what stress is, how to recognize when you are in “stress overload” mode, and how to unwind, relax and become a calmer you. Offering of $35 includes lunch. Register at 724-4387149 by April 24. n
Young Adult Retreat Gather with other young adults seeking God’s way along life’s journey 7 p.m. June 22 to 11 a.m. June 24 at Mount St. Macrina House of Prayer, 510 W. Main St., Uniontown, Pa. Presented by Sister Barbara Jean Mihalchick, OSBM and the Young Adult Team. Offering of $110. Register at 724-438-7149 by June 15. n
Women’s Day of Reflection set for May 5 The 15th annual Women’s Day of Reflection will be held 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 5 at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, 210 Greentree Road, Munhall, Pa. A dedicated committee meets throughout the year to plan and coordinate the day, working with a theme of interest to women to help them grow in their spirituality. The springtime event features a schedule of three speakers who focus on the chosen theme of the day; luncheon; vendors and a bountiful basket auction with proceeds donated to local women’s shelters. Contact Sister Marion Dobos at 412-3228773 or mdobos1@gmail.com for further information. Cost is $25, which includes lunch. No refunds. Pre-registration is required. Deadline is April 26. Sponsored by the Byzantine Catholic Archeparchial Office of Religious Education.
Bridges of Compassion Samantha Scholl is a 26-yearold who currently works as a unit secretary and patient care technician in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at UPMC Mercy Hospital. After graduating from Quigley Catholic High School in 2010, she pursued studies at the University of Pittsburgh, first in Johnstown and then the main campus, obtaining a BA in psychology in 2015. A member of TRIO (Transplant Recipients International Organization), she has received two heart transplants and a kidney transplant.
Bridges for Service Three local Penn State University women were part of an eight-member team of engineer-
ing students from the Penn State University Chapter of Bridges to Prosperity (B2P) who constructed a 200-foot suspended bridge in the Muhanga District in Rwanda, Africa. Feedback from the young women on their experience: n “The people we met in Rwanda were appreciative, passionate and welcoming.” n “Being a part of the bridge build was one of the most humbling and edifying things I’ve ever done.”
“The biggest lesson I learned after a month in Rwanda is: Material possessions and things associated with being ‘successful’ in America are trivial. It’s all about love and helping your neighbor, something lost in our culture.”
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The bridge allows 8,500 people to have safe and easy access to healthcare, education and fulfilling journeys in Rwanda.
Bridges that Support Us Sister Elise Mora, OSF is an experienced bilingual educator, pastoral associate, crisis intervention professional and immigration counselor with more than 40 years of experience in traditional and non-traditional settings. Sister has worked in such settings as high schools, large metropolitan hospitals, Catholic Charities, parishes, seminary, prison and religious congregational leadership. One of her exceptional abilities is to counsel and process immigrants, petitioners and foreign teachers as well as to help inner-city poor resolve crises. n
Carpathian Cookery The Carpathian Cookery cookbook, compiled by parishioners of St. John the Baptist in Uniontown, Pa., has entered its 18th printing after selling nearly 17,000 copies. The 330-page cookbook has a new look, features a protective plastic cover and includes sections on Christmas and Easter customs and recipes, traditional Rusyn and Slavic foods, other ethnic dishes, and many other tried-and-true recipes. There is a variety of paska bread and kolachi (filled roll) recipes, as well as meatless dishes and Lenten recipes suitable for the Great Fast and the Pre-Christmas Fast. Cost is $14 plus $4 postage and handling ($18). If ordering from Canada, please 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, 724-438-6027 or carpathiancookery@gmail.com. n the byzantine catholic world
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text messages
“Then I’ll see her again” davey and goliath learn the meaning of easter by David Mayernik Jr. Editor
Unlike Christmas, television networks don’t schedule many specials during the Lenten season in the weeks leading up to Easter. Christmas carols of every size and shape and television specials featuring Santa Claus, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and Frosty the Snowman are inescapable from November to December. In fact, department stores are most likely stocking their shelves with Christmas items as I type this. What does Easter have? Well, not much. There’s “It’s the Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown!” in which Linus believes the Easter Beagle will appear and take care of all prepa-
rations for the celebration. And I can’t forget “Here Comes Peter Cottontail,” composed by Steve Nelson and Jack Rollins in 1949. I was surprised to learn the duo wrote the song one year before they penned “Frosty the Snowman” in 1950. But there is a special episode of “Davey and Goliath” — the stop-motion animated series about a boy and his talking dog — titled “Happy Easter” I always remember at this time of the year. Davey is excited to celebrate Easter with his grandma until she passes away unexpectedly, off-camera and without explanation. The episode is surprisingly powerful and sad, as a walk through her empty house brings Davey to tears. I’m certain anyone can relate to how Davey is feeling. I certainly can. He can’t understand why his
Davey and his father in the Easter special episode of “Davey and Goliath.”
grandma always thought Easter was a happy time. The explanation comes courtesy of his father. “Now do you see why Easter is a happy time? God raised Jesus from the dead and that’s
the promise he makes to us,” Davey’s dad explains. “Does that mean he’ll raise grandma, too?” Davey asks. “Yes, Davey.” “Then I’ll see her again. I’ll be with her again. I like that.” n
Abraham and Sarah
part 2: journey through salvation history to understand the pre-lenten season by Father Christiaan Kappes, Director of Intellectual Formation/ Academic Dean, Byzantine Catholic Seminary of SS. Cyril and Methodius
We saw in our first installment that the most ancient verses of the Old Testament, prophecy of Genesis 3:15 foresaw a woman’s seed sometime in the future to conquer Satan. We also noticed that the early chapters of Genesis revealed a pattern of divine intervention into human affairs, namely, the Father sends out his Word, who in turn sends forth the Spirit. We left off noticing that Abraham greeted three divine angelic beings, who are somehow Yahweh (Genesis 18). Abraham fell prostrate, washed their feet, and fed them, as if an anticipation of the ritual of Christian initiation, just as St. Paul in Acts, who saw a vision, fell prostrate, was baptized, and ate. Thereafter, one ideal form of Eastern Christian initiation (called the Apostolic Tradition) formalized this Abrahamic and Pauline process of coming into the Church around 300 AD. Finally, I claimed that Jesus announced his ministry as an
extension of his sacramental experience with Abraham under the oak saying: “But I do know [the Father] and I keep his word. Your ancestor Abraham rejoiced that he would see my day; he saw it and was glad.” Then, the Jews said to him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and have you seen Abraham?” (John 8:55–7). Jesus recalled his visit to Abraham’s tent as the prefigurement or pattern of miracle that would predict his own angelic coming in the flesh by Mary. Recall, Jesus spoke in the Gospel about Abraham’s wife Sarah who made three loaves (for the Father, Son, and Spirit) at their visit: “The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed in with three measures of flour until all of it was leavened.” To understand Sarah’s prefiguring Mary, notice in Genesis 18 that Sarah is in front of a “tent.” The term “tent” is ‘code’ for flesh in passages of the Old and New Testament. When the angelically disguised Father, Son, and Spirit announce a miraculous birth to Sarah, she laughs seemingly incredulous. About 2000 years later, the Evangelist Luke records Mary similarly but saying the exact opposite.
When a created angel — clearly named Gabriel — announces that Jesus “the power of the Most High” and the Holy Spirit will come upon her (Luke 1:35), she –though like Sarah not understanding – says piously “So be it (according to your word)” or “Amen.” It is highly significant that Sarah’s annunciation happens at her tent and she never joins Abraham to be overshadowed under the oak of Mamre, which is a focal point of the story. We will see that “overshadowing” and “shade” are also ‘code’ for Yahweh’s most intensive presence possible. Sarah’s laughter leads to a rebuke that perhaps signals that the miracle of Isaac’s conception will not be from “the woman’s seed,” but will be only from a normal act of marital love. The Trinity under the shade of the sacred oak prophetically hints to Sarah: “Why did Sarah laugh, and say, ‘Shall I indeed bear a child, now that I am old?’ Is anything too wonderful for the Lord?” (Genesis 18:13–4). Notice, “shall bear a child” are the very word’s used of Mary in Luke’s Gospel. The Trinitarian prophecy follows, namely, that a miracle child is a case
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of what is called “wonderful.” Isaac is not the most wonderful thing the Lord has in store, for both the conception of Sampson and Christmas prophecy of Isaiah’s virgin are equal cases of something “wonderful.” However, we will find out that “wonderful” is not the name of an event, but a person; Mr. Wonderful, if you will! Here the Hebrew version of the Old Testament is equally important for us to get the whole picture. Soon, “Wonderful” will be the name that “Angel of the Lord” reveals of himself! For now, in salvation history, we should note the Sarah stands as a hint, or a foreshadowing, of some more miraculous conception of a miracle child that will make Isaac’s situation pale in comparison. Sarah didn’t know it, but she served as a pattern to recognize the perfect person who will be the woman of Genesis 3:15, whose personal seed or singular conception will produce what Sarah knows as “what is too wonderful.” What would Sarah have experienced if she had bothered to step under the overshadowing oak of Mamre with the three divine persons? Likely, Mary’s annunciation! n
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st. gregory in upper st. clair, pa.
Cross procession by Father Valerian Michlik St. Gregory, Upper St. Clair, Pa.
As part of our Lenten journey, the Third Sunday of the Great Fast is dedicated to the Precious and Life-Giving Cross of our Lord. Following the Divine Liturgy on March 4, blessed with sunny weather, the Cross Procession took place in our Brookside Farms neighborhood. This procession was led by our youngest parishioners who carried the Cross and prayed portions of the Akathist Hymn to the Passion of Christ. This was a prayerful event as we remembered our Lord’s suffering, while also praying for our neighbors surrounding St. Gregory. n
Photos by Jennifer Kehm
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st. mary in morgantown, w. va.
Celebrating Sunday of Orthodoxy by Father Peter Leigh temporary administrator, St. Mary, Morgantown, W. Va.
The Byzantine Catholic community at St. Mary in Morgantown, W. Va. celebrated the Sunday of Orthodoxy on March 4. Since 843 A.D., the first Sunday of Lent has been celebrated as the Sunday of Orthodoxy. On that date, the iconoclastic controversy, which had raged on and off for over 150 years was finally laid to rest and the icons and their veneration were restored. This controversy caused havoc in the Byzantine Empire, the center of which was the excessive religious respect and miracles ascribed by some members of society to icons. The problem was that this excess approached the point of superstition and even worship. This instigated further excesses at the other extreme by which icons were taken out of the liturgical life of the Church by the 'iconoclasts'. The 7th Ecumenical Council clearly defined that icons may be used in Cath-
olic Churches and that icons should be venerated (proskynesis) but not worshipped (latria), this being only reserved only to God Himself. Pope Hadrian supported the decisions of the council. Thus the icons were restored to the churches in a joyful procession to the Great Cathedral of Hagia Sophia in Constantinople. The council further decreed that this event should be remembered in a perpetual feast on the First Sunday of Great Lent, and named "The Sunday of Orthodoxy" St. Mary held a procession of Icons, and their temporary Administrator, Father Peter Leigh read a small portion of the council decree, followed by "Many Years" to Pope Francis, our Metropolitian Archbishop William, and all Christians of the True Faith. A veneration of icons concluded the service. This parish is blessed with a number of very fine icon murals which cover the walls of the parish church, and this year will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the founding of the parish.
holy ghost in charleroi, pa.
Served with a smile Parishioners at Holy Ghost in Charleroi, Pa. served fish, pirohi and halushki during the Great Fast on March 9 and 23. n
Photos by Johnna A. Pro
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st. elias in munhall, pa.
Lenten kitchen nourishes body, soul The Lenten kitchen at St. Elias in Munall, Pa. was open for business on Feb. 23. Fried and baked fish dinners along with soup, haluski, French fries and baked goods were on the menu. At right is Very Rev. Andrew Deskevich, St. Elias pastor. n
Father Vitalii Stashkevych
Photos by Nick Havrilla Sr.
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Protopresbytery Penitential Vespers holy ghost in mckees rocks, pa. The Greater Pittsburgh Protopresbytery celebrated the first of five Sunday Penitential Vespers at Holy Ghost in McKees Rocks, Pa. on Feb. 18
Participants were then invited to the school for fellowship and a Lenten meal consisting of several meatless soups. n
st. john the baptist cathedral in munhall, pa. The Greater Pittsburgh Protopresbytery’s final Penitential Vespers at St. John the Baptist Cathedral in Munhall, Pa. March 18 was followed by a Lenten meal
Father Thomas Schaefer was the homilist and Deacon Paul Simko assisted. The meal was prepared and served by Cathedral parishioners. n
Photos by Nick Havrilla Sr.
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report from the
PASCHA 2018
Byzantine Catholic Serra Club
“What does ‘vocation’ mean?” archbishop william speaks at february dinner meeting by Kathe Kress Serra Club communications liaison
Archbishop William Skurla was the honored guest speaker at the Feb. 20 dinner meeting of the Byzantine Serra Club. It is the club’s tradition to invite the Archbishop to speak at the February meeting, where he gives a status report on the Seminary and various happenings in the Archeparchy. Archbishop William began his talk in prayerful support of those affected by the tragic school shooting in Florida: “Our prayers go out to all who suffer from violence. And, we ask for deliverance and redemption from evil that leads people to irrational violence. We pray each day for those who have suffered, and we pray that the Lord guide our young people to live their lives in the service of the Lord of peace and love.” He then mentioned the Seminary has 16 men enrolled fulltime preparing for the priesthood with about the same number of Master of Theology and online students. The Archbishop hinted of more being added to that number in the fall. “We thank them and the Serrans for your help in promoting vocations for the Byzantine Catholic Churches in the United States,” he said. It is particularly appropriate that the Holy Father Pope Francis is calling the whole Church to promote vocations this year. The theme of the October 2018 Synod of Bishops meeting is “Young People, Faith, and Vocation Discernment.” This 15th Ordinary Synod of Bishops is held in the Vatican’s Pope Paul VI Hall, which seats over 300 bishops and observers. Archbishop William shared a photo of the Hall. He noted that the roof is covered with solar panels. Archbishop William spoke of the Synod: “There are representatives from every Roman Catholic national and ethnic group in the world. Also, every Eastern Catholic Church in communion with the Roman Church is represented. The Byzantine Ruthenian Catholic Church in the United States is represented by me. Like the Second Vatican Council, the Orthodox and Protestant Churches also send
representatives.” The Ordinary Synod meets every three years, and the process begins with an initial survey gathering the opinions of the people, clergy, religious and bishops. We have all seen the survey in our parishes and in the Byzantine Catholic World. Archbishop William continued: “From your responses, the committee recommended that Pope Francis call a pre-Synod gathering of young adults to share their vision for the church and to recommend a new direction for the church. The Byzantine Catholic representative is Mr. Christopher Russo of the Eparchy of Passaic. Pray for Christopher as he attends the meeting of young adults of the world from March 18 to 25 in Rome.” The focus of the 2018 Synod is the question of vocation. The Synod asks the question which is important to Serrans: ‘What does ‘vocation’ mean?’” The Archbishop referred to the Synod Preparatory Document, which speaks of the “vocation to love,” which “takes concrete form in everyday life through a series of choices, which find expression in the states of life (marriage, ordained ministry, consecrated life, etc.), professions, forms of social and civil commitment, lifestyle, the management of time and money, etc.” In other words, the concept of ‘vocation’ in this context is very broad. So when speaking of the states of life and the vocational journey of young people towards them, the U.S. bishops understand ‘vocation’ to mean the pathway to marriage, ordained ministry, and consecrated life” (2018 Synod website) . Archbishop William concluded: “Your role as Serrans and all members of the Church are to help young people and even older men and women to find where the Lord is calling them to serve. The world, filled with problems, can only be saved if everyone follows their true vocation. Each person is called to use their gifts to help others draw closer to Christ.” n
Serra Club President Bill Kress, Archbishop William Skurla
Pope Paul VI Hall at the Vatican
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News from the VATICAN Forgiveness comes from forgiving others, pope says “god’s forgiveness is felt strongly within us as long as we forgive others” by Junno-Arocho Esteves Catholic News Service
VATICAN CITY — Christians must let go of resentments and forgive those who have wronged them so that they may experience God's forgiveness, Pope Francis said. This can be particularly difficult when "we carry with us a list of things that have been done to us," the pope said in his homily March 6 at morning Mass in the Domus Sanctae Marthae. "God's forgiveness is felt strongly within us as long as we forgive others. And this isn't easy because grudges make a nest in our heart and there is always that bitterness," he said. The pope reflected on the day's first reading from the prophet Daniel in which Azariah, one of three young men condemned to death in a fiery furnace, courageously prays for deliverance from God. "Do not let us be put to shame, but deal with us in your kindness and great mercy. Deliver us by your wonders, and bring glory to your name, O Lord,"
Azariah prayed. Although Azariah is innocent of the crime he is condemned for, the pope explained, his attitude of recognizing his own personal sins is the same attitude Christian men and women should have when approaching the sacrament of penance. "Accusing ourselves is the first step toward forgiveness," the pope said. "To accuse one's self is part of the Christian wisdom. No, not accusing others; (accuse) ourselves. 'I have sinned.'" God, he added, "welcomes a contrite heart" and when Christians readily admit their faults, "the Lord covers our mouths like the father did to the prodigal son; he does not let him speak. His love covers it, he forgives all." "These are the two things that help us understand the path of forgiveness: 'You are great Lord, unfortunately I have sinned' and 'Yes, I forgive you 70 times seven as long as you forgive others’," Pope Francis said. n
Salvation is gift of God, brings people into community, document says “placuit deo” released march 1 Catholic News Service
VATICAN CITY — Salvation in Christ is a gift of God that cannot be earned by human efforts alone and it is not simply some kind of interior transformation, but touches the way Christians live in the world and relate to others, said a new document from the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. “Both the individualistic and the merely interior visions of salvation contradict the sacramental economy through which God wants to save the human person,” said the document “Placuit Deo” (“It Pleased God”) on “certain as-
pects of Christian salvation.” Released at the Vatican March 1, the document was the first issued since Archbishop Luis Ladaria became prefect of the doctrinal congregation in July. The document, approved by Pope Francis in mid-February, focuses on two errors Pope Francis has said seem to underlie the statements and attitudes of a growing number Christians: neo-Pelagianism, the idea that people can save themselves by being strong and very disciplined; and neo-Gnosticism, in which the focus is so strongly placed on knowledge that it ends up despising the body, the physical needs of others and the creation of a community. n
For more news from Catholic News Service, go to:
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Miracles attributed to Pope Paul VI, Romero clear way for sainthood pope francis signs decrees recognizing miracles by Carol Glatz Catholic News Service
VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis has cleared the way for the canonizations of Blesseds Paul VI and Oscar Romero. At a meeting March 6 with Cardinal Angelo Amato, prefect of the Congregation for Saints' Causes, Pope Francis signed decrees for the causes of 13 men and women -- among them a pope, an archbishop, two young laywomen and a number of priests and nuns. He recognized a miracle attributed to Blessed Paul, who, according Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state, will be declared a saint in late October at the end of the Synod of Bishops on youth and discernment. Blessed Paul, who was born Giovanni Battista Montini, was pope from 1963 to 1978. Pope Francis also formally signed the decree recognizing the miracle needed to advance the sainthood cause of Archbishop Romero of San Salvador, martyr. El Salvador's ambassador to the Holy See, Manuel Roberto Lopez, told Catholic News Service March 7 that the news of the pope's approval "took us by surprise." "They told us before that the process was going well and that all we needed was the approval of the miracle, and it turns out the pope approved it yesterday," he said. Lopez told CNS that he was happy that Blessed Oscar Romero's canonization was imminent and that his holiness was recognized alongside one of his earliest supporters. "To see that he will be canonized along with (Blessed) Paul VI, who was a great friend of Archbishop Romero and supported his work, is a great blessing," Lopez said. The Vatican did not announce a date for Blessed Romero's canonization. The pope also recognized the miracles needed for the canonization of: Father Francesco Spinelli of Italy, founder of the Sisters Adorers of the Blessed Sacrament; Father Vincenzo Romano of Italy; and Mother Maria Katharina Kasper,
the byzantine catholic world
Pope Francis has cleared the way for the canonizatiions of Blesseds Paul VI and Oscar Romero. Photos are not dated. Photos by Catholic News Service.
founder of the religious congregation, the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ. He recognized the miracle needed for the beatification of Maria Felicia Guggiari Echeverria, a Discalced Carmelite from Paraguay whom Pope Francis has upheld as a model for the youth of Paraguay. Affectionately called, "Chiquitunga," she died from an unexpected illness in 1959 at the age of 34 before she could make her final vows. The pope also recognized the martyrdom of a 16-yearold laywoman from Slovakia. Anna Kolesarova, who lived from 1928 to 1944 in the eastern town of Pavlovce, was murdered during Slovakia's occupation by the Soviet army in World War II after refusing sexual favors to a Russian soldier. In causes just beginning their way toward sainthood, the pope signed decrees recognizing the heroic virtues of Polish Redemptorist Father Bernard Lubienski, who entered the congregation in England and then returned to Poland to refound the Redemptorists there in the 20th century, and Sandra Sabattini, a young Italian lay woman who was active in helping the poor with the Pope John XXIII Community. She was hit by a car and died in 1984 at the age of 22. The pope also recognized the heroic virtues of Antonio Pietro Cortinovis of the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin (18851984) and three Italian women -- two who founded religious orders and a laywoman who founded a lay fraternity. n
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PASCHA 2018
liturgical schedule at the Seminary “Come, let us sing joyfully to the Lord”
around the archeparchy ICONOGRAPHY WORKSHOP — April 13 to 15, Church of the Resurrection, 455 Center Road, Monroeville, Pa. Write an icon of Saint Nicholas with or without a mitre on an 8-by-10 gesso-covered board. Using a pre-prepared prototype, you will learn techniques for faces, garments, gilding and background. Theology of iconography and Saint Nicholas will be presented. Class will be 6-9:30 p.m. April 13 to April 15 after Liturgy until finishing. Participants must be able to attend all three days to have a completed icon. Cost: $120 to cover all supplies. Deposit of $20 required. Pastries, coffee, and tea will be provided Saturday and Sunday morning. Lunch will not be provided. For adults of all levels of experience. Class limited to 20 people. For information, contact Marylyn Barone at 412-678-9453 or mwbarone@comcast.net. SPAGHETTI DINNER — 1-5 p.m. April 15, SS. Peter and Paul, 701 Foster Ave., Duquesne. Cost: $9, adults; $5, ages 6 to 10; no charge for ages 5 and under. The afternoon includes raffles and an auction.
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 March 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
(M) Melkite (R) Ruthenian
8 a.m. Festal Matins with Divine Liturgy (R), Lazarus Saturday 5 p.m. All-Night Vigil with Blessings of Palms and Willows (R) 9 a.m. Divine Liturgy (R), Palm Sunday/Anunciation 5 p.m. Vespers 8 a.m. Bridegroom Matins (R) 4 p.m. Presanctified Divine Liturgy (R) 8 p.m. Great Compline (R) 8 a.m. Bridegroom Matins (M) 4 p.m. Presanctified Divine Liturgy (M) 8 p.m. Great Compline (M) 8 a.m. Anointing of the Sick (R) 5 p.m. Divine Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts (R) 8 a.m. Betrayal Matins (R) 8 a.m. Orthros (M) Noon Office of Readings (R) 5 p.m. Entombment Vespers (R) 8 a.m. Orthros (M) 3 p.m. Paschal Vigil (M) 8 p.m. Resurrection Matins with Divine Liturgy (R)
BYZANTINE DIVINE LITURGY Sundays 9:00 a.m. • WEDO Radio • 810 AM Broadcast live from Holy Ghost Church, McKees Rocks
Also view liturgical services (various times) at: www.holyghost-byzantinecatholic.org www.stjohnsbyzantinecathedral.com www.sjcbcc.com
christ is risen! indeed he is risen!
christos voskrese! voistinnu voskrese!
dates to remember MARCH 20 First Day of Spring MARCH 25 Palm Sunday — Entrance of our Lord into Jersusalem MARCH 26 TO 31 Holy Week CHANCERY CLOSED MARCH 29 TO 30 MARCH 30 Great and Holy Friday APRIL 1 Pascha —The Glorious Feast of the Resurrection of Our Lord APRIL 2 Bright Monday CHANCERY CLOSED See more upcoming events at www.archpitt.org
the byzantine catholic world
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next issue: APRIL 2018
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