THE OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE ARCHEPARCHY OF PITTSBURGH
blessing of vehicles
Inside
Archeparchy priests bless vehicles on the Feast of St. Elijah Pages 5 to 6
VOL. 63 NO. 10
pilgrimage to the “old country”
Part II of St. Gregory parishioners’ trip to Eastern Europe Pages 8 to 9
Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos
SEPTEMBER 2018
“faith and fun day” Altar servers and chaperones visit Pittsburgh Zoo and cheer Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park Page 15
“How am I going to serve?” a reflection on diaconal formation by Jonathan Deane Eparchy of Phoenix
Very Rev. Andrew Deskevich (right) blesses flowers Aug. 15 following the Divine Liturgy celebrating the Dormition of the Theotokos at St. John the Baptist Cathedral in Munhall, Pa. Father Robert Pipta (center), rector, Byzantine Catholic Seminary of SS. Cyril and Methodius in Pittsburgh,Pa., celebrated with Father Andrew. Photo by Nick Havrilla Sr.
President of U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops responds to Pa. grand jury report cardinal daniel n. dinardo: “we are profoundly saddened” United States Conference of Catholic Bishops press release
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, hosted a series of meetings last month responding to the broader issue of safe environments within the Church. An update will be offered upon their conclusion. In response to the Pennsylvania grand jury report released on Aug. 14, Cardinal DiNardo joins Bishop Timothy L. Doherty of Lafayette, Ind. in issuing the following joint statement. Bishop Doherty is Chairman for the USCCB's
Committee for the Protection of Children and Young People. The full statement: "The report of the Pennsylvania grand jury again illustrates the pain of those who have been victims of the crime of sexual abuse by individual members of our clergy, and by those who shielded abusers and so facilitated an evil that continued for years or even decades. We are grateful for the courage of the people who aided the investigation by sharing their personal stories of abuse. As a body of bishops, we are shamed by and sorry for the sins and omissions by Catholic priests and Catholic bishops.
“We are profoundly saddened each time we hear about the harm caused as a result of abuse, at the hands of a clergyman of any rank. The USCCB Committee for the Protection of Children and Young People and the office of the Secretariat of Child and Youth Protection will continue to offer avenues to healing for those who have been abused. We are committed to work in determined ways so that such abuse cannot happen. “The Pennsylvania grand jury report covers a span of more than 70 years. In 2002 the U.S. Catholic bishops adopted the Charter for the Protection Story continued on page 3
How am I going to serve? The word “deacon” (diaconos) in Greek means “servant,” and so this question is well worth asking for a man discerning a call to the diaconate. This question of how we are going to serve vividly entered the minds of the 13 men in the Diaconal Formation Program at the Byzantine Catholic Seminary of SS. Cyril and Methodius in Pittsburgh, Pa. on one unforgettable night this year. It was June 22. We had received hours and hours of training in liturgical practicum from Father Robert Pipta, rector of the Seminary. On that night it was our chance to execute, and we all knew that close attention would be placed on how we were going to serve. We had drawn a number at random, and that number stood for our order in line to practice serving as a deacon in the Presanctified Liturgy. We went from start to finish through the Liturgy with no comments on whether we were standing facing the wrong direction, using the wrong melody, and the like. How am I going to serve? What am I going to intone? Where do I stand, exactly? These questions multiplied as the 13 men in diaconal formation took the Liturgical Practicum exam on that Friday night. As each of us had our numbers called, that daunting question went from a murmur in our minds to a roar. How am I going to serve? We all had our fair try to play our role serving as deacons, and we all watched Father Robert take notes for a few minutes after Story continued on page 2
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How am I going to serve? 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
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Catholic World is to spread the Gospel message in the rich tradition of the Byzantine Catholic Church; to encourage
continued from page 1 each of us gave our best to serve. It was make or break time, and spoiler alert: We all passed! In many ways, this practicum examination on how we are going to serve was the culmination of the last four years. We had studied in the three previous summers about the foundations of our faith: dogmatics, liturgy, scripture, moral theology, pastoral theology, canon law, history and the like. This summer we really focused on that question in a new way: How am I going to serve? Our practicum not only put us in the place of serving the Church liturgically, we also thought about pastoral realities of serving, such as visiting the sick and home bound, and what that broader service may look like. Engaging with foundations in our first years was critical, but we also looked this year on the most recent council of the Catholic Church, Vatican II which is another foundation for our future service. We asked hard questions not only about our vision of who we are as Eastern Catholics in documents such as Orientalium Ecclesiarum and Unitatis Redintegratio, but we also asked fundamental questions about who we are as faithful and clergy in other texts such as Lumen Gentium and Gaudium et Spes. Our moral theology class focused towards the end of things on a personal level in that we considered dying and death. Our last two scriptural courses completed our studies on the Bible’s ending with studies on the book of Revelation, and our very poignant charge to be the salt of the earth at the completion of Dr. Sandra Collins’ lectures again pointed us towards the end possibility of being ordained as a Byzantine Catholic deacon. From a broad course perspective, all of our assignments, lectures and discussions pointed us to again ask: How am I going to serve? Even in our chats with each other as brothers during meals or at night after our 14-hour day ended, our discussions of challenges and blessings seemed to show that we were all focused on answering that question of how we are going to serve. The realities of potential ordination in the future came to an acute focus for us with the announcement of plans for diaconal ordination of our elder brother from the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Stamford, who heard from his bishop that he was called to ordination to the diaconate on July 8, 2018. Stepping back, asking the question of how we are going to serve is an even more basic one. With our unique gifts as 13 very diverse men, we must beseech the Lord: What will our focus be in terms of serving Christ and his Church? With our own weaknesses and areas to grow in Christ, we have also asked ourselves how we are going to serve when we have fallen short. I believe that if God is to call any of us to be ordained to the diaconate, those words from the Bishop will echo in our hearts when he proclaims at ordination: “Divine Grace, which always heals what is infirm and supplies what is lacking.” When I look back to these four years and indeed my whole life, I can answer the question of how it is that I will serve with those words from the ordination service and answer that it is through the grace of God that we all find our meaning and strength to live in Christ. I do not know if I will be ordained to the diaconate, nor the fates of the other 12 men in formation, but I know that spending this time in reflection has been a blessing for us because of the constant reminder that it is divine grace that will heal all of us in Christ. On behalf of the 13 men who went for our fourth and final summer of diaconal formation, thank you to all of you in the Church who have supported us on this journey: our Bishops, the formation program staff, pastors, spiritual directors, wives, children, grandchildren, other family, especially our parish families. We look particularly to this last group and are asking: How are we going to serve? We will serve through the grace of God and by living our calling to love God and our neighbor in the specific calling that He has for us. We love our Byzantine Catholic tradition and more importantly want to be those who are servants (diakonoi) for all of you, if this is what God wills. Glory to Jesus Christ! n
by metropolitan archbishop william • Father John J. Cuccaro was relieved as administrator of SS. Peter and Paul Church, Braddock, Pa., and as temporary administrator of Ascension Church, Clairton, Pa.; and appointed administrator of Ascension Church, Clairton, Pa. while continuing as pastor of SS. Peter and Paul Church, Duquesne, Pa.
• Father Vitalii Stashkevych was appointed administrator of SS. Peter and Paul Church, Braddock, Pa. while continuing as administrator of St. Elias Church, Munhall, Pa.
• Father Robert F. Oravetz: was relieved as temporary administrator of St. Mary Church, Windber, and of SS. Peter and Paul Church, Jerome, while continuing as pastor of Holy Trinity Church, Conemaugh and administrator of St. Nicholas Church, Nanty-Glo; all in Pennsylvania.
• Father Ivan Rusyn was appointed administrator of St. Mary Church, Windber, and SS. Peter and Paul Church, Jerome; both in Pennsylvanwia. n
BYZANTINE D I V I N E LITURGY view liturgical services (various times) streamed LIVE online at:
St. John the Baptist Cathedral, Munhall, Pa. www. stjohnsbyzantinecathedral. com
faithful to reflect the image of Christ in everyday activities of life; to offer spiritual formation through changing
Holy Ghost Church McKees Rocks, Pa. www.holyghostbyzantinecatholic.org
times; and to celebrate community among Byzantine Catholics in the Archeparchy of Pittsburgh, throughout the Metropolitan Church in America, and around the world.
official appointments
Students, staff and professors of the 2018 Deacon Formation Program in Pittsburgh, Pa.
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St. John Chrysostom Church - Pittsburgh, Pa. www.sjcbcc.com
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U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops continued from page 1 of Children and Young People, which commits us to respond promptly and compassionately to victims, report the abuse of minors, remove offenders and take ongoing action to prevent abuse. This Charter was revised and updated in 2011 and again in 2018. We pledge to maintain transparency and to provide for the permanent removal of offenders from ministry and to maintain safe environments for everyone. All policies and procedures regarding training and background check requirements are made publicly available by dioceses and eparchies. “We pray that all survivors of sexual abuse find healing, comfort and strength in God's loving presence as the Church pledges to continue to restore trust through accompaniment, communion, accountability and justice." n
Pope Francis: Abuse victims’ outcry more powerful than efforts to silence them By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service
Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo, of GalvestonTexas, president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, concelebrates the closing Mass at the 2017 convocation in Orlando, Fla. He announced Aug. 16 three key goals and a comprehensive plan to address the “moral catastrophe” outlined in the Pennsylvania grand jury report. The plan “will involve the laity, lay experts, the clergy and the Vatican,” he said. Catholic News Service photo by Bob Roller.
Byzantine Spirituality Conference 2018 This month’s Archeparchial Assembly will lay a foundation for our parishes to RENEW, REVITALIZE, AND REJUVENATE. This year’s Byzantine Spirituality Conference is designed to equip the participants of the Assembly, Catechists and all interested adults to go from a “maintenance-mode parish life” to a true conversion journey that inspires seekers to lifelong discipleship. The Byzantine Spirituality Conference is scheduled for Nov. 10 at St. John the Baptist Cathedral, 210 Greentree Road, Munhall, Pa. n RENEW: We will look at
at the past to see what needs to be restored. n REVITALIZE: Look at the present to bring about a transformation. n REJUVENATE: Envision the future to regenerate a freshness to live authentically out of our deepest beliefs. The title of this year’s Spirituality Conference is: “Parish Life from Maintenance to Discipleship.” Deacon John Evancho will present “The Immigrant Disciple” and “Being a Disciple of Christ Today” and Christopher Russo will present “The Challenge of Discipleship for the Future.” n
VATICAN CITY — "No effort must be spared" to prevent future cases of clerical sexual abuse and "to prevent the possibility of their being covered up," Pope Francis said in a letter addressed "to the people of God." "I acknowledge once more the suffering endured by many minors due to sexual abuse, the abuse of power and the abuse of conscience perpetrated by a significant number of clerics and consecrated persons," the pope wrote in the letter dated and released Aug. 20. The letter was published less than a week after the release of a Pennsylvania grand jury report on decades of clerical sexual abuse and cover-ups in six dioceses. The report spoke of credible allegations against 301 priests in cases involving more than 1,000 children. "The heart-wrenching pain of these victims, which cries out to heaven, was long ignored, kept quiet or silenced," Pope Francis said. "But their outcry was more powerful than all the measures meant to silence them." "The pain of the victims and their families is also our pain," he said, "and so it is urgent that we once more reaffirm our commitment to ensure the protection of minors and of vulnerable adults." In his letter, Pope Francis insisted all Catholics must be involved in the effort to accompany victims, to strengthen safeguarding measures and to end a culture where abuse is covered up. While the letter called all Catholics to prayer and fasting, it does not change any current policies or offer specific new norms. It did, however, insist that "clericalism" has been a key part of the problem and said the involvement of the laity will be crucial to addressing the crime and scandal. Change, he said, will require "the active participation of all the members of God's people." "Many communities where sexual abuse and the abuse of power and conscience have occurred," he said, are groups where there has been an effort to "reduce the people of God to small elites." "Clericalism, whether fostered by priests themselves or by lay
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Pope Francis prays as he leads a Lenten penance service in early March in St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican. Photo by Stefano Rellandini, Reuters/ Catholic News Service.
persons, leads to a split in the ecclesial body that supports and helps to perpetuate many of the evils that we are condemning today," Pope Francis said. "To say 'no' to abuse is to say an emphatic 'no' to all forms of clericalism." In his letter, Pope Francis acknowledged the church's failure. "With shame and repentance, we acknowledge as an ecclesial community that we were not where we should have been, that we did not act in a timely manner, realizing the magnitude and the gravity of the damage done to so many lives," he wrote. "We showed no care for the little ones," Pope Francis said. "We abandoned them." "Looking back to the past, no effort to beg pardon and to seek to repair the harm done will ever be sufficient," he said. "Looking ahead to the future, no effort must be spared to create a culture able to prevent such situations from happening, but also to prevent the possibility of their being covered up and perpetuated." Recognizing the safeguarding policies that have been adopted in various parts of the world as well as pledges of "zero tolerance" for abusive clerics, Pope Francis also acknowledged that "we have delayed in applying these actions and sanctions that are so necessary, yet I am confident that they will help to guarantee a greater culture of care in the present and future." As members of the church, he said, all Catholics should "beg forgiveness for our own sins and the sins of others." Pope Francis also asked Catholics to pray and to fast so that they would be able to hear "the hushed pain" of abuse survivors. n
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text messages
In black and white (and gray) by David Mayernik Jr. Editor
“The glory of young men is their strength, but the splendor of old men is their gray hair.” — Proverbs 20:29 Along with the gray hairs sprinkled among the few I have left, I’m noticing many other signs I’m getting older. I reserve a lot of my free time for reading and watching media that were in their heyday long before I was born. There’s my current subscription to The Saturday Evening Post (yes, it’s still being published) as well as my weekly ritual of watching reruns of “The Jack Benny Program” from the 1950s (and yes, it still holds up after 70 years).
Perhaps the most prominent sign I’m old is my continuing love of newspapers; the actual black-and-white-and-read-allover variety. I know, I know...who reads print newspapers these days? (Except for you, dear reader, and I thank you for supporting The BCW.) I’ve loved newspapers ever since I got my hands on my first Weekly Reader in grade school. My parents even bought me a photocopier 40 years ago so I could make my own newspapers and magazines. Yes, I was quite the anomaly as a child growing up in the 1980s. What I loved most about our family vacations to Long Beach Island, N.J. was getting up early to purchase out-of-town newspapers. Armed with a roll of quarters, my grandpap would drive me
around the island so we could hunt down newspapers hailing from New York City, Philadelphia and up and down the New Jersey coast. After an hour, we would return to our beach house with a huge armful of newsprint. But I certainly know the future is not bright for printed newspapers Heck, I lost my previous newspaper job because of the continuing march to an all-digital world. In the future, I’d like Myself and my grandpap, Michael Mayernik, following to think I’ll still have a newspaper run on Long Beach Island, N.J. in 1982 my copies of the Post and Jack Benny reruns. only hope there are some newsAnd if I ever make it back to paper machines there to greet the beach in future years, I can me. Gray hair and all. n
guest reflection
The Jesus Prayer Project By Carolyn Ellis St. Basil the Great, Irving, Texas
W h i l e the Jesus Prayer has a long and venerable history, I’m not heading that way at all. I simply want to share about my current experience with the Jesus Prayer. Oddly enough it was abstract art, specifically the abstract art I make myself (Facebook/ Instagram: Carolyn Ellis Art), which has headed me in the direction of the Jesus Prayer, toward what I am calling the Jesus Prayer Project! Of course I could easily skip the whole abstract art connection and just go directly to how the Jesus Prayer is influencing my life but who can skip sharing such an unlikely path? Here’s what happened: Though I realized a few years ago that I paint best when I “get out of the way,” that is, when I empty myself of any controlling elements and paint from fearlessness and vulnerability, instead of logic and calculation, I only recently applied this thought to emptying myself, getting out of the way, in my personal prayer, namely the Jesus Prayer as I pray it — “Lord, have mercy.” Letting go of any kind of
goal, for example, 100 prayers, or even intention, I decided to try and enter more deeply into the prayer, to rest in it, rather than get stuck in the speedy chanting or praying of “the formula.” What I discovered is that by breathing in deeply, lingering at length on the name of Jesus, opening myself up to Jesus’ presence as much as I can, I could feel places in me relax which I didn’t even know could relax. My experience of the latter part of the prayer — “have mercy” — also deepened through this new approach. While deep breathing alone can bring relaxation and peace, as I continue with the project I see that I am not just getting more relaxed I feel very much encouraged to go deeper into the Jesus Prayer. The way this is coming about is that I find myself hungering to get free of the many distracting thoughts I allow myself to get lost in throughout any given day and head more toward making room for the Jesus Prayer. There is this fancy word, “logismoi,” a Greek word which refers to pointless, perhaps even destructive, thoughts which assault us, take us captive, eventually becoming an entrenched behavior, which I think perfectly describes what happens to me when I get lost in fantasizing about how my artwork is going to be “discovered,”
Painting by Carolyn Ellis
or some article I submitted to a major magazine or newspaper is going to get published, a book I am working on is going to become a big seller. For many years I was so busy raising children I thought I was free of enslavement to personal fantasies of success but as the children have grown up and I have begun to paint and write I see now that I have unwittingly gotten mired in way too many distracting thoughts about myself. Recently receiving the grace to pray instead of fantasize is a thrilling, new direction for me.This is not to say that I have turned a corner and every-
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thing is perfect from here on, not at all! What has happened is that I have been given the grace of an insight — open the door to Christ in whatever way He wants to enter — and a whole new spiritual world reveals itself! My job, make that my joy, is now to try and cooperate with Christ and let Him overtake my distracted, dominant, overly opinionated character and fill it with His gentle presence and loving kindness by way of the Jesus Prayer. I don’t see this as an easy goal but the last thing I want to do is resist! Lord, have mercy. n
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Blessing of vehicles st. john the baptist cathedral in munhall pa.
Very Rev. Andrew Deskevich (center), assisted by Martin Bovee Sr. and Seminarian Timothy Fariss, blesses vehicles at St. John the Baptist Cathedral in Munhall, Pa. on July 22
st. gregory in upper st. clair, pa. By Father Valerian Michlik St. Gregory, Upper St. Clair, Pa.
On July 21 and 22, we had the annual blessing of vehicles in our parish family. This blessing takes place in our parish every year in commemoration of the prophet Elijah who was taken
into heaven on a fiery chariot. Our modern vehicles have become “our chariots in the modern world.� We pray that these vehicles will always be used for the benefit of all and to keep from danger those who use and are around them. n
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st. elias in munhall, pa.
st. john the baptist in scottdale, pa.
Father Vitalii Stashkevych blesses vehicles July 22, the Feast Day of St. Elijah, at St. Elias in Munhall, Pa.
st. john the baptist in scottdale, pa.
Father Oleh Seremchuk blesses vehicles July 22, the Feast of St. Elijah, at St. John the Baptist in Scottdale, Pa.
st. george in aliquippa, pa. By Jo Ann Hersh St. George, Aliquippa, Pa.
Father Mykhaylo Shkyndya blessed cars, bicycles, and anything with wheels at the annual blessing on the Feast of St. Elijah on July 20 at St. George Church in Aliquippa, Pa. Vehicles were also blessed on July 22, as children gave each driver a handmade prayer card for their vehicles that were made during Vacation Bible School. n the byzantine catholic world
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nativity of the mother of god in dubois, pa.
Fun in the sun Father Vasyl Banyk (below), pastor of Nativity of the Mother of God in DuBois, Pa., blesses grapes and first fruits on Aug. 6, the Feast of the Transfiguration of our Lord, God and Saviour. Father Vasyl, also pastor at Holy Trinity in Sykesville, Pa., took part in North Central Protopresyterate’s Aug. 5 picnic at Cook Forest Fun Park in Leeper, Pa. Very Rev. David Bosnich is dean. n
Photos by Deacon Paul Boboige
st. elias in munhall, pa.
st. michael in campbell, ohio
Preparing pirohi In August, parishioners at St. Elias in Munhall, Pa. began preparing pirohi for this month’s Food Fest.
Celebrating 96 years
The event will be held Sept. 21 to 23. For details, see “Around the Archeparchy” on page 16. n
By Father Kevin Marks St. Michael, Campbell, Ohio
St. Michael held its annual Parish Picnic on Aug. 19. The Outdoor Sunday Divine Liturgy was celebrated followed by the Blessing of Students and Teachers for the new school
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year. The festive day continued with delicious food, a petting zoo, a bounce house, a slip ‘n slide, face painting, great music, games, and loads of fun. The picnic marked our 96th Parish anniversary! n
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Pilgrimage to the “Old Country,” Part II The first part appeared in the August 2018 issue of The Byzantine Catholic World. By Anne S. Hast St. Gregory, Upper St. Clair, Pa.
As was presented in the previous issue of The BCW, 40 pilgrims from St. Gregory in Upper St. Clair, Pa. traveled on a 10-day pilgrimage to Prague, Czech Republic; Slovakia; and Poland in June. On Day Four we arrived in Slovakia. Our “central base” was the city of Prešov. Our hotel was located right across the street from the historic St. John Byzantine Catholic Cathedral. We started our day by immersing in the peaceful countryside of Slovakia, touring the beautiful Spiš region with its famous Spiš Castle. This castle is one of the largest castle sites in Central Europe. The castle is situated above the town of Spišské Podhradie, and was included in the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites in 1993. Following our visit to the castle, we headed to the so-called “Slovak Vatican” — Spišská Kapitula. The Spišská Kapitula — "Spiš Chapter house" — is an exceptionally well-preserved ecclesiastical town. The town consists of St. Martin's Cathedral (dedicated to St. Martin of Tours), a former monastery, and a single street, all of medieval construction and enclosed by a wall. In 1776, it became the seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Spiš. Our final visit for the day was the historical town of Levoca. The town has a historic center with a well-preserved town wall, a Gothic church with the highest wooden altar in the world, carved by Master Pavol of Levoca, and many other Renaissance buildings. Above the town of Levoca is the famous St. Mary’s Hill where in 1995 Pope St. John Paul II led the celebrations with over 650,000 participants. Day Five: The beauty of Slovakia was ever present, surrounding us as we visited the Pieniny National Park and headed for a rafting trip down the Dunajec River. This river is the natural border that separates Slovakia and Poland. Its many rapids were capably navigated by expert boatmen. Slovak music and the smell of sausage roasting on an open pit filled the air. Our guides navigated the cold waters that bordered the “salt trail” while singing folk songs and showing us a wonderful
view of the border of Poland, complete with the Polish falcon carved into the limestone cliffs. Horse-drawn carriages took us to a delightful lodge where we enjoyed a Slovak folk musical trio, and delicious food. Day 6: Since it was Sunday, our day began with the celebration of the Divine Liturgy at the Blessed Paul Gojdic Seminary. The Blessed Bishop Martyr Paul Gojdic is revered in Slovakia as the “man with a golden heart.” His acts of heroism and kindness for his people during his episcopacy as they fought are legendary. Father Valerian Michlik, pastor, St. Gregory, helped many of us connect with our families in Slovakia, and today was the day we had the time to meet and get to know our relatives. Some of the pilgrims headed to different parts of Eastern Slovakia, Poland, and Ukraine. This day was so powerful as we felt united to our history, renewed the bond of family, and talked about the sacrifices of those who immigrated to America to build a better life while some loved ones chose to stay behind. We laughed, cried, shared pictures, and enjoyed many family stories. All this reinforced the bond of family and the strength of our heritage we are all so proud to be a part of. This, for many was the beginning of reconnecting with family, seeing where our grandparents were raised and baptized, and knowing that even though we are a world away, we all share the spiritual patrimony of our Byzantine Catholic faith and traditions. Day Seven: Today we headed to Bardejov, a town chronicled in history as early as 1240. Bardejov is a beautiful town which exhibits numerous cultural monuments in its completely intact medieval town center. We visited the town and SS. Peter and Paul Byzantine Catholic Church where the faith is strong, having nearly a third of the population being Byzantine Catholic. Outside of Bardejov is the famous spa town Bardejovské Kúpele. The therapeutic mineral water springs are claimed to be beneficial to people with oncological, blood circulation, and digestive tract problems. It also hosts an open-air museum of folk architecture. The spa has played host to a number Story continued on page 9
St. Gregory pilgrims on St. Mary’s Hill overlooking the city of Levoca, Slovakia
Byzantine Catholic Chapel on St. Mary’s Hill
Spis Castle in Slovakia
Rafting on the Dunajec River
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of dignitaries, including Marie Louise, the wife of Napoleon Bonaparte, Tsar Alexander I of Russia and Empress Elisabeth of Austria-Hungary. Day Eight was dedicated to Košice and Prešov. Košice was filled with beautiful churches including the Basilica of St. Elizabeth, the largest church in Slovakia. In Košice, we were received by the local Byzantine Catholic Bishop Milan Chautur. His Grace Bishop Milan gave us a wonderful presentation of the history of the Košice eparchy and offered us a tour of the new Chancery building. When we arrived back in Prešov we were received by our Byzantine Catholic Metropolitan Archbishop Jan Babjak, SJ. He spoke to us about the growth of the church and the work that lies ahead. He was warm, kind, and welcoming to each of us. Father Valerian presented him with an icon and Pittsburgh Penguin mementos. That afternoon, we had the opportunity to participate in the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy marking the 50th anniversary of the restoration of the Byzantine Catholic Church in the former Czechoslovakia. After the beautiful Divine Liturgy, the clergy and faithful processed to the site where the blessing of a new Cross took place on the site where the seminary once stood. Day Nine: On our last day in Slovakia, we headed to Krosno, Poland and an open-air market. The ride took us through the “Valley of Death” where many Red Army, German, and Allied soldiers lost their lives. We came to find that as people hike in the mountains to pick mushrooms, they still find undetonated shells dropped during
the fierce battles of WWII. We traveled on winding roads that were cut through the mountains by German tanks. The open-air market was a festive place. Polish kolbassi was served in the café and beautiful flowers, fruit, vegetables, lace, housewares, and leather goods were all on display by the hundreds of vendors. We strolled the market and enjoyed a relaxing afternoon. Our trip took us to the town of Ladomirova to tour a beautifully preserved wooden church and to a lodge where we were entertained over lunch by a Gyspy band in a countryside ski lodge. We then headed to Svidnik and a museum where we were able to see the artifacts of everyday life in Slovakia. We tried our hand at decorating pysanka eggs with colored wax. On our ride back to the hotel, we all reflected on the beauty of the trip, the strength and beauty of the Byzantine Catholic faith alive and flourishing in Slovakia, fueled by family, relatives, and ancestors. Day 10: We said our goodbyes and headed for the airport bright and early at 4:55 a.m.! After a long day of travel, literally 24 hours, we landed safely in Pittsburgh, Pa. and St. Gregory. This trip for many of us was a journey of faith, a journey to reconnect with our heritage, and celebrate the vibrancy of our Byzantine Catholic faith. We enjoyed moments of breathtaking beauty, spiritual enlightenment, and fellowship with our parish family. We all returned with a newfound appreciation of the Eastern Catholic influence on the Universal Church and a deeper understanding of our Byzantine Catholic faith. n
Divine Liturgy at the Blessed Paul Gojdic Seminary in Presov, Slovakia
Archbishop Jan Babjak, SJ
Dedication of the Cross
Wooden church at the open-air museum in Bardejov
Final evening
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Vigil of the Dormition Buyer’s market By Father Valerian Michlik St. Gregory, Upper St. Clair, Pa.
Even though it was a rainy evening this year, the faithful of St. Gregory’s gathered for the Vigil of the Dormition of the Theotokos, on Aug. 14. The guest homilist this year was Very Rev. Brian J. Welding of the Roman
Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh. The highlight of this beautiful service was the procession with the Dormition Shroud led by our parish children. At the conclusion, the faithful had the opportunity to venerate the Dormition Shroud and receive Festal Anointing. n
By Father Valerian Michlik St. Gregory, Upper St. Clair, Pa.
The first week of August was super busy at St. Gregory, as our parishioners were working hard setting-up this year’s Flea Market. On Saturday morning, Aug. 4, a waiting line in front of our Church hall started forming early at 6:45 a.m. Everyone was excited and willing to patiently wait for the doors to open at 8 a.m., and to be among the first to enter our Church hall to spot a treasure. Our Church hall was filled in
every available corner with a huge assortment of treasures. For all, the flea market was a fun place to browse and find a good bargain. A big thank you to all who donated items to our flea market, to all who helped plan this event, set-up and clean up afterwards. It was a time of Church fellowship together with hard work and many laughs. May Our Lord bless you for your love and dedication to St. Gregory! n
Fore! By Father Valerian Michlik St. Gregory, Upper St. Clair, Pa.
Blessed with absolutely beautiful weather, on Aug. 12, St. Gregory’s golfers were looking forward to this year’s Golf Outing 2018. The 18-hole course at Scenic Valley Golf Club in Finleyville, Pa. provided for us a perfect blend of challenging golf, outstanding course condi-
tion, and fellowship. At the end of this fun event we all enjoyed good food and refreshments during which small prizes were given to the participants. This year’s recipient of the Gary Player Award was bestowed upon our parishioner Eugene Berestecky. Sincere thanks to all who came out for a wonderful day of fun and friendship. n
Summer Bible Study By Father Valerian Michlik St. Gregory, Upper St. Clair, Pa.
During the month of July, parishioners at St. Gregory had the privilege of studying the 2nd Epistle of Saint Peter. We learned about how God is calling us to a life of participation in His divine nature, which is achieved through a faith-filled life of virtue. The Tradition received from the apostles insures this process of theosis, while the teaching of false teachers,
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those who interpret the Bible in their own wisdom, leads to a life of vice. We also learned that Christians are always to be awaiting the return of Christ because the promise of God for eternal life is not fulfilled in this world, but in the one to come. We express our sincere thanks to Seminarian Nathan Adams for leading this Bible Study that was enjoyed by all participants.
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parish news
ss. peter and paul in portage, pa.
Festival fun
By Father James Spontak SS. Peter and Paul, Portage, Pa.
SS. Peter and Paul Byzantine Catholic Church Festival was held on July 8. For decades, the parish has hosted this event that welcomes parishioners, friends from the town and nearby vicinity and throughout the area. In a pleasant, outdoor environment, parishioners and guests relax and enjoy the live entertainment. This year, two live bands were featured, “Bronco and the Rhinelanders,” a Polka Band; and “Full Kilt,” a popular group which performs Celtic rock. The menu included homemade ethnic dishes and other popular items as well. A basket raffle offers premium selections of baskets as prizes. There was Bingo, cash raffle, and
other games of chance. Children’s Games with prizes and a Stuffed Animal booth were also popular. The church building was open for tours at 2 and 4 p.m. throughout the afternoon. A brief guided tour was offered to explain some of the meaning and practices of our Byzantine Catholic Church. The tours were led by Seminarian Kyprian Wojciechowski, who was assigned to the parish for a summer Pastoral Practicum Program, and Deacon Daniel Perich. Over the years, Saints Peter and Paul Festival in Portage, Pa. highlights “affordable family fun” in promoting this annual event. The parish thanks those who support us this effort over the many years of hosting the annual festival. n
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holy trinity in sykesville, pa.
Celebrating Feast Days By Michele Yamrick Holy Trinity, Sykesville, Pa.
Tradition is everything at Holy Trinity, and Feast Days are no exception! Marking the feasts of St. Elijah, with blessing of parishioners ‘chariots’ after Divine Liturgy. Always fun as well, with each driver being blessed at the same time! Father Vasyl Banyk loves to bless his parishioners! The blessing of flowers after the Divine Liturgy of the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos, is always a beautiful summer
tradition, with many lovely flowers brought to be blessed in Mary’s honor. Liturgies were celebrated by Father Vasyl and Father Deacon Lucas Crawford, and were well-attended by parishioners. Holy Trinity welcomes visitors to the parish, so if your travels bring you to our area, please come join us for Divine Liturgy, either in Sykesville, or at our sister parish, Nativity of the Mother Of God in DuBois, Pa. n
Father Vasyl Banyk blesses vehicles July 22 on the the Feast of St. Elijah
Owen Slanoc participates in the baseball toss game
John Vrabel, Vaughn George
Father Vasyl Banyk blesses flowers Aug. 15 on the the Feast of Dormition of the Theotokos
George F. Pyo, Brittany Zellam, Angelica Spaid
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parish news
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SEPTEMBER 2018
st. george in aliquippa, pa.
st. john the baptist in scottdale, pa.
Holy Mystery of Reconciliation
Many blessings
By Jo Ann Hersh St. George, Aliquippa, Pa.
Miriam Bartz, Walter Brocious, and Fiona Liller, all of St. George Church in Aliquippa, Pa., received the Holy Mystery of Reconciliation and subsequent Holy Communion on July 8. After making their First Confession, the children and their families, led by Father
servers, walked in a procession down the street and into the church to begin Divine Liturgy. Before receiving Communion, the children recited the Prayer before Confession together and sang “Give Me Your Body, O Christ.� The parish celebrated the event with cake and refreshments in the Church Center following Divine Liturgy. n
Father Oleh Seremchuk blesses fruit Aug. 6 following the Divine Liturgy for the Transfiguration of Our Lord (top) and flowers Aug.
15 following the Divine Liturgy for the Dormition of the Theotokos (bottom) at St. John the Baptist in Scottdale, Pa. n
Front row: Miriam Bartz, Walter Brocious and Fiona Liller Back row: Father Mykhaylo Shkyndya and Jo Ann Hersh, ECF coordinator
Deacon ordination By Jo Ann Hersh St. George, Aliquippa, Pa.
St. George Church in Aliquippa, Pa. was honored to host the Ordination of Subdeacon Geoffrey Mackey to the Holy Order
of Deacon on July 1. Archbishop William Skurla officiated the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy. A reception followed in the St. George Center. n
st. john the baptist cathedral in munhall, pa.
Feast of the Transfiguration Very Rev. Andrew Deskevich blessed fruit on Aug. 6, the Feast of the Transfigurarion, at St. John the Baptist Cathedral
Father William Rupp, Father Paul Householder, Deacon Geoffrey Mackey, Archbishop WIlliam Skurla, Father Mykhaylo Shkyndya, Very Rev. Andrew Deskevich, Father Robert Pipta
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in Munhall, Pa. The blessing followed the 9 a.m. Divine Liturgy. n
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Marking milestones four basilian sisters celebrate anniversaries of the religious life
Press release
Amidst the flurry of activities and the full schedule planned for the annual Community Days at Mount St. Macrina, there is always time to celebrate. This summer, four Sisters joyfully marked significant milestones in their lives as Sisters of St. Basil. As the second oldest member of the community, Sister Gertrude Martin celebrated the Diamond Anniversary of her religious life. Since Sister Gertrude resides at the Manor, the Sisters joined her in a celebration on the Monday afternoon of Community Days. After singing two odes of the Akathist to Our Lady of Perpetual Help, a social was held in the Manor’s Oaks Dining Room where Sister Gertrude received the congratulations, gifts and well-wishes of the Sisters. The afternoon of July 31 found the Sisters gathered in the Chapel for a Divine Liturgy of Thanksgiving offered by the Monastery Chaplain Rev. Peter Leigh for all the Jubilarians. Besides Sister Gertrude, Sister Christopher Malcovsky observed her 70th Anniversary, and Sister Monica Husovich and Sister Agnes Herbenick observed their 60th Anniversary. From the beginning processional to the final singing of “God grant you many years” the Divine Liturgy was an inspiration as all raised their voices in thanksgiving for the gift of each Sister Jubilarians’ vocation.
75th Anniversary Sister Gertrude (Irene) Martin, OSBM entered the Community from St. John the Baptist Cathedral Parish, Munhall, Pa. She spent 33 years molding young minds and morals as a teacher mostly in the primary grades in parish schools in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Illinois, and Indiana. Her education apostolate included 12 years as principal. Sister holds a B.S. in Elementary Education from Misericordia College, Dallas, Pa. From 1975 to 1980, while continuing to teach, Sister Gertrude was a member of the Provincial Council. During the latter half of this term, she moved from teaching to serve as assistant house director at the monastery. She was then assigned as administrator of
Sister Monica Husovich, Sister Christopher Malcovsky, Sister Agnes Herbenick
St. Basil’s Home from 1980 through 1986. A brief return to teaching took her to St. Mary Assumption Church, Trenton, N.J., where she spent three years. Sister Gertrude was a familiar face as the manager of the Religious Gift Shop at Mount St. Macrina for many years. Presently, she resides at Mount Macrina Manor.
70th Anniversary Sister Christopher Malcovsky entered the community from St. Mary’s, Nesquehoning, Pa. Her beginning years were spent as a teacher and principal. She then served as Motherhouse Superior and then she was elected as Provincial Superior for two terms. After a sabbatical year, Sister Christopher served in various capacities, assisting with the organizational work in the Eparchy of Van Nuys, and helping at Mount Macrina Manor and the House of Prayer. In 1983, Sister was elected as General Superior, serving in Rome for six years. From 1991 to 2008, Sister Christopher served in the Eparchy of Van Nuys as Pastoral Associate, first at the Cathedral of St. Mary’s in Van Nuys, Calif., and then at St. Stephen’s Pro-Cathedral, Phoenix, Ariz. Additionally, she also managed the apartment complex at St. Stephen’s. Presently, Sister Christopher resides at the Monastery; she assists parttime in the Religious Gift Shop
and, otherwise, generously offers her services wherever needed.
60th Anniversary Sister Monica Husovich entered the Sisters of St. Basil from St. Mary’s in Freeland, Pa. She served as both teacher and principal in parish schools principally in Pennsylvania, but also in Indiana and Ohio. Sister Monica also taught at Byzantine Catholic High School in Parma, Ohio. While teaching in northeastern Pennsylvania, she served as a member of the Catechetical Board for the Eparchy of Passaic. Sister Monica then served on the staff of Mount Macrina Manor, first in the business office, and later as Admissions and Resident Coordinator. Following her retirement from the Manor, Sister Monica kept busy taking the Monastery Sisters for their appointments as needed; she also faithfully takes care of posting the prayer requests sent to the community. Sister Agnes Herbenick came to the community from St. John in Lyndora, Pa. Her principal ministry has been in the educational field, serving as a teacher in parish schools in Pennsylvania, Connecticut, New Jersey and Ohio. For 25 years, she guided eighth graders at St. Mary’s School in Cleveland, Ohio. Among Sister Agnes’ other assignments were in catechetical ministry in Bing-
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hamton, N.Y.; postulant directress for the community; and a member of the Mount Macrina Manor Board of Directors. After retiring from the teaching ministry, Sister Agnes returned to the Monastery, where today she serves as sacristan. In addition, she works part-time in pastoral ministry at Mount Macrina Manor. As one can see, each of the Jubilarians has actively served the Church in a variety of ways, each Sister giving witness to the priority God has in her life. Not able to be enumerated or even noted are, surely, the countless lives which have been touched by personal contact with these Sister Jubilarians. For all of these Sisters, and for the giftedness with which the community has been enriched and blessed, it was with heartfelt gratitude, that “God grant them many years” was sung as we joined together for a celebratory meal following the Divine Liturgy. n The Sisters of St. Basil the Great respond in sensitivity and service to the needs of the Catholic Church and of the people. Their ministries encompass prayer, education, communications, cultural and heritage studies, translation and publications. For further information, contact the Sisters directly at 724-438-8644 or visit www.sistersofstbasil.org.
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thoughts for our day by Archpriest David M. Petras
imagining the future life We usually think of a good imagination as an asset. If we are able to imagine something, then maybe we can also find a way to make it a reality. Imagination also serves other purposes. It can help us to understand what is real; it can give us a picture, as it is said, that is worth 1,000 words; it can also be something beautiful that gives us pleasure; it can also be something terrifying that warns us from certain actions. We compliment people, then, by saying that they have a good imagination, and it is seen as a sign of intelligence. The flip side, however, is that imagination can also deceive us and lead to false ideas about God’s reality. The Syrian theologian that wrote under the name of Dionysius warns about too much imagination in trying to comprehend God, who by his very nature is beyond human understanding. Dionysius wrote: “We must not dare to resort to words or conceptions concerning that hidden divinity which transcends being, apart from what sacred scriptures have divinely revealed.” (The Divine Names 1,1) We often trip up by inaccurate imaginations of God, that atheists sometimes use to ridicule Christian belief. For example, God is imagined as an old man with a white beard living in the clouds above earth. Christians sometimes play into this by referring to God as “the man upstairs,” though God is neither a man, nor upstairs, but instead “present everywhere and filling all things” (Hymn to the Holy
Spirit). We believe in life beyond our present earthly life, yet we have a plethora of imaginations about it, most, I think, drawn from Dante’s work, “The Divine Comedy.” Secular entertainment draws on these sources, and you see heaven depicted as a delightful garden, or dwelling in the clouds playing a harp. Eternal life seems to be eternal boredom, but this comes from
Faith sees everything in the light of the eternal, which gives our whole lives an infinite value. the simple fact that as long as we live in space and time, we cannot imagine infinity and eternity. Hell then becomes depicted as an underground cavern with a continually burning fire. Some of these ideas, besides from Dante, may be imported from pagan mythology. The Syrian Dionysius, however, says that what we do know about God is what has been revealed in Scripture. Jesus does not give us a verbal picture of heaven, but it is described by way of analogy, as dwelling in the bosom of Abraham (Luke 16:22), that there are many mansions (John 14:2), as becoming like the angels in heaven (Mark 12:25). The Book of Revelation contains a vivid symbolic description of the heavenly Jerusalem (21:18). Here eternal life is “Behold, God’s dwelling is with the hu-
man race. He will dwell with them and they will be his people and God himself will always be with them as their God” (21:3). The resurrection of the body is an article of faith: “I expect the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen” (Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed). St. Paul tells us: “So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown corruptible .... It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body” (1 Corinthians 15:42.44). St. Paul also says: “We look not to what is seen but to what is unseen; for what is seen is transitory, but what is unseen is eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:18). Therefore, it is beyond our imagination. Pope St. John Paul II described heaven: “When the form of this world has passed away, those who have welcomed God into their lives and have sincerely opened themselves to his love, at least at the moment of death, will enjoy that fullness of communion with God which is the goal of human life” (July 21, 1999). The same is true of eternal punishment. Our Lord often describes eternal punishment as fire (the Parable of Lazarus and the Rich Man, Luke 16:24). He calls it Gehenna, which was the garbage heap outside of Jerusalem that was always burning. The Book of Revelation says: “but as for cowards, the unfaithful, the depraved, murderers, the unchaste, sorcerers, idol worshipers, and deceivers of every sort, their lot is in the burning pool of fire and sulfur, which is the second death” (21:8). However, note carefully what Jesus said about hell, condemning unrepentant sinners: “‘Depart from me, you accursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his
angels.” If the eternal fire was prepared “for the devil and his angels,” then it must be spiritual, for they are not flesh and blood but spirits. Hell, then, is imagined by way of physical metaphors, for it is the extreme pain of separation from God. Again, Pope St. John Paul II explains: “The images of hell that Sacred Scripture presents to us must be correctly interpreted. They show the complete frustration and emptiness of life without God. Rather than a place, hell indicates the state of those who freely and definitively separate themselves from God, the source of all life and joy” (July 28, 1999). Unbelievers sometimes point to the Christian faith as “other-worldy,” as not being concerned with the life in this world. But this is not true, faith sees everything in the light of the eternal, which gives our whole lives an infinite value. Without the eternal perspective, everything would become unimportant and meaningless, as St. Paul says, “transitory.” Indeed, they have not only an infinite value, but all is subject to the righteous judgment of God, as Jesus foretells, “[the Son of Man] will send out his angels with a trumpet blast, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other” (Matthew 24:31). And St. Paul says that the righteous would be justified, “the one who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and place us with you in his presence” (2 Corinthians 4:14). Yes, even if we claim to be a follower of Christ, we must take care to act rightly in this world, because in truth I have seen that God’s judgment, which will be completely fulfilled, begins even in this world. n
BYZANTINE DIVINE LITURGY View Liturgical Services (various times) streamed LIVE online at: St. John the Baptist Cathedral, Munhall, Pa. www.stjohnsbyzantinecathedral.com Holy Ghost Church, McKees Rocks, Pa. www.holyghost-byzantinecatholic.org
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Faith and Fun Day by David Mayernik Jr. Editor
Thirty-six altar servers participated in the annual “Faith and Fun Day” on July 31. The day included morning liturgy at Holy Ghost in McKees Rocks, Pa., a visit to the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium, and cheering on the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park during their 5-4 victory versus the Chicago Cubs. Altar servers enjoyed seeing giraffes, elephants, monkeys and a Komodo Dragon at the zoo, where an afternoon rainfall couldn’t put a damper on the day. In fact, all that was missing was an ark. Father Kevin Marks, of St. Michael in Campbell, Ohio, who organized the event, said “Faith and Fun Day” began as a way to honor altar servers for their service. In previous years, altar servers have enjoyed a trip to the Carnegie Science Center; a private tour of Heinz Field, the home of the Pittsburgh Steelers; and visits to the former Consol Energy Center and WQED television studios in the Oakland section of Pittsburgh. n
Photos by David Mayernik Jr.
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SEPTEMBER 2018
liturgical schedule at the Seminary “Come, let us sing joyfully to the Lord”
around the archeparchy RUMMAGE SALE AND FLEA MARKET — 10 a.m.-4 p.m. daily Sept. 4 to 10, St. Nicholas, 302 Third Ave., Brownsville, Pa. No early birds. Wall-to wall slightly used and new items including clothing, housewares, electronics, small furniture, outdoor play yard items, holiday, and small appliances. Bake sale, sandwiches, snacks, drinks available for purchase. Watch for signs around church. Open to public. RUMMAGE SALE — 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Sept. 7 to 8, St. Nicholas of Myra, 1191 Second St., Nanty Glo, Pa. A variety of food will also be available. For information, call 814-535-5231. RUMMAGE SALE — 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sept. 8, St. Pius X, 2336 Brownsville Road, Carrick, Pa. A bake sale will also be held during the same hours. For information, call 412-881-8344.
Join the Byzantine Catholic Seminary community for liturgical services at 3605 Perrysville Ave, Pittsburgh, Pa. Enter through the chapel door that faces Perrysville Avenue. It’s recommended visitors call 412-3218383 in advance so that we may be awaiting your arrival. For more information about the Seminary: go to www.bcs.edu.
No services 7 a.m. Akathist to the Theotokos (R) 7 a.m. Divine Liturgy (R); 9 p.m. Compline (R) 7 a.m. First Hour (R); 4 p.m. Vespers (R); 9 p.m. Compline (R) 8 a.m. Third Hour with Divine Liturgy (M); 5 p.m. Great Vespers (R) Nativity of the Theotokos 8 a.m. Festal Matins with Divine Liturgy (R); 5 p.m. Great Vespers (M) 7 a.m. Festal Matins (R); 9 p.m. Compline (R) 8 a.m. Divine Liturgy (R) 7 a.m. Akathist to the Theotokos (R) 7 a.m. Divine Liturgy (R); 9 p.m. Compline (R) 4 p.m. Great Vespers (R) Exaltation of the Holy Cross 7 a.m. Festal Orthros with Divine Liturgy (M) 5 p.m. Vespers with 2nd Kathisma (M) 9 a.m. Divine Liturgy (R); 5 p.m. Great Vespers (R) 7 a.m. Festal Orthros with Divine Liturgy (M) No services 7 a.m. Akathist to the Holy Cross (R) 7 a.m. Divine Liturgy (R); 9 p.m. Compline (R) 7 a.m. Third Hour (R); 4 p.m. Vespers (R); 9 p.m. Compline (R) 8 a.m. Divine Liturgy (M); 5 p.m. Vespers with 3rd Kathisma (R) 9 a.m. Divine Liturgy (R); 5 p.m. Great Vespers (M) 9 p.m. Compline (R) 8 a.m. Divine Liturgy (R) 7 a.m. Akathist to St. John the Theologian (R) 7 a.m. Divine Liturgy (R); 9 p.m. Compline (R) 7 a.m. Matins (R); 4 p.m. Vespers (R); 9 p.m. Compline (R) 8 a.m. Divine Liturgy (M); 5 p.m. Vespers with 4th Kathisma (M) 9 a.m. Divine Liturgy (R); 5 p.m. All-Night Vigil (R) 5 p.m. Great Vespers (R)
(M) Melkite
BASKET PARTY — 2:30 p.m. Sept. 9, Holy Trinity, 217 Fourth St., Conemaugh, Pa. Hosted by the parish’s Ladies Guild. Doors open and complimentary lunch begins at noon. For information, call 814-535-5231. RUTHENIAN-STYLE STUFFED CHICKEN BREAST DINNER — 10:30 a.m.2 p.m. Sept. 16, Holy Trinity, 217 Fourth St., Conemaugh, Pa. Sponsored in conjunction with GCU Lodge 625. For information, call 814-535-5231.
Schedule of Services for September: 1 to 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT BREAKFAST BUFFET — 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Sept. 9, St. Mary’s Center, Route 981, Trauger. Cost is $6 for adults and $3 for ages 5 to 10. No charge for ages 4 and under. Sponsored by St. Mary’s Youth Group.
(R) Ruthenian
ST. ELIAS FOOD FEST — Sept. 21 to 23, St. Elias, 4200 Homestead-Duquesne Road, Munhall, Pa. Fish fry 3-7 p.m. Friday featuring fried fish, potato cheese pirohi and haluska. 3-9 p.m. Saturday features stuffed cabbage, Chicken Paprikas, pirohi, haluska; music 5-7 p.m. with DJ Tammy Petty and 7-9 p.m. Treasure. Noon-6 p.m. Sunday features stuffed cabbage, Chicken Paprikas, potato cheese pirohi, haluska; music noon-5 p.m. Frank Powaski’s Polka Show. Bake sale featuring Hungarian desserts, and bar and basket raffles each day of the event. For information, go to St. Elias’ Facebook page. 13th ANNUAL CLASSIC CAR SHOW — 2-4 p.m. Sept. 23, St. John the Baptist, 185 E. Main St., Uniontown, Pa. Rain or shine. Registration is noon-2 p.m., Registration fee of $10 and the first 150 cars will receive dash plaques and gifts. More than 25 trophies, including Father Ron’s Favorite, will be awarded. Classes include: 19001930, 1931-1950, 1951-1960, 1961-1965, 1966-1970, 1971-1976, 1977-1987, 1988-2002, street rod/modified, trucks 1959 and older, and 1960-2002. No judging for 2003 and newer. Arnie Amber, Oldies DJ, 50/50 drawing contest, Byzantine Auction, and food will be featured. A golf cart shuttle will be available. Delicious foods, sandwiches, soups, halushki, baked goods, and more. Proceeds benefit St. John the Baptist Byzantine Church Maintenance Fund. BASKET PARTY — 2:30 p.m. Sept. 30, 3513 St. John Vianney, William Penn Ave., St. John Vianney Church, Mundy’s Corner, Johnstown, Pa. Hosted by the parish’s Ladies Guild St. Nicholas of Myra, Nanty Glo, Pa. Doors open and complimentary lunch begins at noon. The basket Party has moved to a larger site since 200 baskets are expected. For information, call 814-535-5231. ICONOGRAPHY WORKSHOP — Oct. 4 to 7, Church of the Resurrection, 455 Center Road, Monroeville, Pa. Write an icon of Our Lady of Kykkov or Our Lady of Protection. Must attend all days. Cost of $120 covers supplies. For information, contact Marylyn Barone at 412-678-9453 or mwbarone@comcast.net.
dates to remember SEPT. 1 to 2 Pilgrimage in honor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Mount St. Macrina, Uniontown, Pa. SEPT. 8 Feast of the Nativity of the Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary SEPT. 9 A Celebration of Marriage St. Elias, Munhall, Pa. SEPT. 14 Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross SEPT. 16 to 18 Archeparchial Assembly 2018 St. John the Baptist Cathedral, Munhall, Pa. 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: OCTOBER 2018
submissions DEADLINE: SEPTEMBER 24