THE OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE ARCHEPARCHY OF PITTSBURGH
pulling back the curtain
celebrating 100 years
Inside
VOL. 63 NO. 5
SS. Peter and Paul in Portage, Pa. marks its centennial Pages 6 to 7
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month Pages 10 to 12
Palm Sunday at the Cathedral
APRIL 2018
open house
Sisters of St. Basil the Great celebrate National Catholic Sisters Week Page 15
“Our aim is growth in the church” preparations continue for assembly 2018 by David Mayernik Jr. Editor
Father Vitalii Stashkevych holds palms and willow branches during the Palm Sunday Divine Liturgy at St. John the Baptist Cathedral in Munhall, Pa. March 25. Photo by Nick Havrilla Sr.
Mission of mercy st. gregory parishioners provide medical care in honduras by David Mayernik Jr. Editor
When Anne Hast and her daughter, Rachel, traveled to Honduras last summer to assist in a medical mission, they woke up at 4 a.m. each day. From June 17 to 24, 2017, they worked in a pre-operative area with people waiting hours to see doctors and nurses for surgery in the Honduran countryside. "That was my favorite part of the day. We would walk down these paths with my flashlight to get to One World Surgery... It's this peaceful, wonderful walk through the pastures," Anne said. "We met the most amazing people from all over the United States and all over the world." Anne and Rachel told the tale of their journey Feb. 25 at St. Gregory in Upper St. Clair, Pa.
The Speaker’s Platform event was sponsored by the church’s Library Ministry. Anne, chief executive officer of Advanced Surgical Hospital in Washington, Pa. and chief nursing officer of Surgical Care Affiliates; and Rachel, who teaches special education for kindergarten through fifth grade students in the Keystone Oaks School District, traveled with a brigade of 40 people from the United States. Their destination was NPH, or Nuestros Pequenos Hermanos ("Our Little Brothers and Sisters"), a ranch for orphaned and abandoned children, located outside of Tegucigalpa, the capital city of Honduras. "We learned very quickly, within a five-minute bus ride, we were out of the modern city into abject poverty. We were thrust into really understand-
ing the disparities our world is facing today," Anne said. NPH houses more than 400 children ages two years through teenagers, whose family lives have been shattered by circumstances such as drugs, alcohol and violence. They are raised as a family, attending school and learning to be independent. Anne and Rachel, both of Upper St. Clair, gathered vital signs and other medical data so patients were ready for surgery by the physicians of One World Surgery, an organization founded by Dr. Peter Daly and his family. No one is denied care and patients pay what they can afford. "They knew they were going to get care they couldn't get anywhere else in Honduras,” Anne said. Story continued on page 9
Deacon Dennis Prestash believes the mission for the Byzantine Catholic Church in the 21st Century is clear. "Our aim is growth in the church,” he said. How this growth and vitality is achieved will be the focus of "2018 Assembly of the Clergy, Religious and Faithful of Our Byzantine Churches," which is set for Sept. 16 to 18, 2018 at St. John the Baptist Cathedral in Munhall, Pa. It will be attended by priests, deacons and faithful of the Archeparchy of Pittsburgh. At a Feb. 23 committee meeting to plan Assembly 2018, Deacon Dennis said its purpose is to ensure growth, vitality and longevity by examining the themes of diversity, education and social activities. Parameters of the Assembly are still being worked on by the committee, which includes lay persons from various parishes: Emily Frye, Sue Snyder, Marjorie and Michelle Glaid, Cathy Crawford, Tom Prestash and Joan Walker. Each parish is expected to send two representatives, a man and woman, to the Assembly. Deacon Dennis is a member of the Archeparchy’s Commission for Renewal and Revitalization, which was established by Metropolitan Judson Procyk in 2002. Story continued on page 2
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Assembly 2018 continued from page 1 UPS 081500 ISSN 07442289 Official publication of the Byzantine Catholic Archeparchy of Pittsburgh Serving parish communities in central and western Pennsylvania, Louisiana, eastern Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas and West Virginia Published monthly (12 issues) plus two seasonal special issues Byzantine Catholic Press Associates 66 Riverview Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15214 Tel: 412.231.4000 Fax: 412.231.1697 E-mail: bcw@archpitt.org Web site: www.archpitt.org Archbishop William C. Skurla President David Mayernik Jr. Editor Sister Elaine Kisinko, OSBM Copy Editor Donna Obsincs Subscription/Circulation Manager Gregory S. Popivchak Business Manager Annual Subscription Rates US $14 Canadian $17 International $20 Periodicals Postage PAID at Pittsburgh, PA
Postmaster: send address changes to: The Byzantine Catholic World ATTN: Donna 66 Riverview Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15214 Please allow 2 to 3 weeks for address changes to take effect. Submissions deadline: 15th of the month prior to the month of publication.
The Byzantine Catholic World is a member of the Catholic Press Association.
mission The mission of The Byzantine
Catholic World is to spread the Gospel message in the rich tradition of the Byzantine Catholic Church; to encourage faithful to reflect the image of Christ in everyday activities of life; to offer spiritual formation through changing times; and to celebrate community among Byzantine Catholics in the Archeparchy of Pittsburgh, throughout the Metropolitan Church in America, and around the world.
Metropolitan Archbishop William Skurla, who chairs the Commission, directed it to organize the Assembly for the 75 parishes in the Archeparchy of Pittsburgh. Very Rev. Andrew Deskevich, Archpriest Dennis Bogda, Very Reverend Ronald Larko, Helen Kennedy, Deacon Dennis Prestash and Deacon Raymond Zadzilko serve as members. In June 2004, Archbishop Basil Schott reached out to parishioners of the Byzantine Catholic Metropolitan Archeparchy of Pittsburgh asking them to complete a five-page Revitalization Survey asking about various aspects of parish life and soliciting their concerns and suggestions. The survey disclosed a Church population of almost one-half above the age of 70. Over the years since this survey was conducted, the population has continued to decline. The current Commission reviewed the 2004 Revitalization Survey; the results of the Parish Census and Financial Reports Analysis of October 2011; the results of a Questionnaire for
the Synod of October 2015; and comments from the Pittsburgh Archeparchy returned with the Questionnaire. Upon review of all of the data from 2004 to 2015, the Commission identified six topics that could be addressed at the Assembly. Following many brainstorming sessions, it was decided Assembly 2018 would be titled “Concern for Our Future” with the theme of “Renew, Revitalize and Rejuvenate for the Future.” Deacon Dennis said surveys over the past 15 years asked families about their greatest fears for the future of the Church and what the Church will look like for future generations. Among the topics to be addressed include: technology and social media; social activities; mixed marriages and diversity; education for children, adults and new parishioners; and formalized outreach to members who have left the church. These include: n Create a plan to raise awareness of Eastern Theology within the Church as a whole.
n Create ongoing education programs for all children and adults, that is life-long learning. n Establish social activities for opportunities to come together as a Church family. n Develop formal methods to find new parishioners as well as bringing former parishioners back, including diversity of new members. n Develop formal orientation and welcome programs for new parishioners. n Make use of technology to reach out to parish members and the community such as: parish Web pages, electronic bulletins, activities and events, and an explanation of the Byzantine Church. During a Clergy Days session at St. John the Baptist Cathedral in May 2017, priests and deacons were asked to offer feedback on these themes and how to build and add to the ideas. “Diversity has to be part of our church if we’re going to survive," Deacon Dennis said. n
18th annual SS. Cyril and Methodius Seminary Lecture archbishop alexander to speak at st. john the baptist cathedral Press release
A popular speaker and gifted teacher, Archbishop Alexander [Golitzin] will discuss ”The Place of the Presence of God: Aphrahat of Persia’s Portrait of the Christian Holy Man” at the 18th annual SS. Cyril and Methodius Lecture of the Byzantine Catholic Seminary 7 p.m. May 16 at St. John the Baptist Cathedral, 210 Greentree Road, Munhall, Pa. The annual lecture series is sponsored by the Byzantine Catholic Seminary of SS. Cyril and Methodius in Pittsburgh, Pa. Aphrahat the Persian sage is the earliest writer in Christian Syriac of whom we have proof. Writing in the 330s and 340s in the vicinity of modern Iraqi Kurdistan, his works are notable for their relative freedom from the lexicon and thought world of Greek philosophy; neither does he appear to know any prominent, pre-Nicene Church Fathers. Although unacquainted with Greek and Latin patristic literature, Aphrahat clearly possessed considerable authority in the Church of the Persian Empire. Archbishop Alexander will
examine the portrait Aphrahat paints of the holy man in his fourteenth Demonstration. The idea of transformation, of becoming divine, is clearly central to Aphrahat. While the language of the Greek Fathers’ theosis is absent, he phrases it in an idiom much more akin to that of Second Temple apocalypses, and of the later Jewish Ezekial chariot-throne mystics of whom he was a likely contemporary. Archbishop Alexander was born in Burbank, Calif. in 1948 and raised attending Saint Innocent Orthodox Church. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University of California at Berkeley and a Master of Divinity degree from Saint Vladimir’s Seminary. He pursued doctoral studies at Oxford University in England under His Eminence, Metropolitan Kallistos [Ware]. During this time, he also spent two years in Greece, including one year at Simonos Petras Monastery on Mount Athos. After receiving his D.Phil., Archbishop Alexander returned to the U.S. He was ordained to the diaconate in 1982 and to the priesthood two years
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Archbishop Alexander [Golitzin]
later. In 1986, he was tonsured to monastic orders. He served O.C.A. missions in northern California and headed the Diocese of the West’s mission committee. From 1989 to 2012, Archbishop Alexander taught in the Theology Department at Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisc. In May 2012 he was consecrated Bishop of the Bulgarian Diocese of the Orthodox Church in America and in 2016 additionally was named as Bishop of the Diocese of the South. In 2017 he was elevated to the rank of Archbishop. n No charge and seating is limited. Register by April 30 at www.bcs.edu, 412-321-8383 or office@bcs.edu.
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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
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 will present “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. Learn to manage stress by taking charge of your thoughts, emotions and schedule. Offering of $35 includes lunch. Register at 724-4387149 by April 24. n
Young Adult Retreat Sister Barbara Jean Mihalchick and Young Adult Team gather with young adults seekign 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. 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 In-
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tensive Care Unit at UPMC Mercy Hospital. 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 engineering 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. 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. n
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text messages
A wave hello to begin the day by David Mayernik Jr. Editor
Notes to self: n Every day when I come to work, I always pay attention to a school crossing guard stationed at one of the intersections on the North Side of Pittsburgh, Pa. She definitely looks like any other crossing guard you’ve ever seen, dressed in a dayglo yellow coat and carrying a stop sign in her left hand. But if you continue to watch for a few more seconds, you notice something a bit different. She waves hello to every car, SUV, and bus that criss-crosses the roads where she is stationed. It’s readily apparent she takes a lot of joy in her job and wants to spread that joy to everyone she sees during her work shifts. I often wonder if her goodwill gesture affects the motorists
who cross her path. I know the sight of her waves can’t help but make me feel good and just a bit more hopeful. It’s a nice way to start and end the day. n I must admit publicly that I am a pack-rat. Now, my obsession hasn’t reached a “Hoarders”-like level, but I do have magazines I created when I was in elementary school and newspaper clippings that go back more than 40 years. On occasions when I look closely at what I have saved, I am extremely grateful I had the awareness to stash them away in a box or plastic bag. I could spend hours looking at this stuff and got caught up in it a couple of weeks ago. While rummaging through one box I found a letter my grandpap, Michael Mayernik, sent me, postmarked May 14, 1986 in Monessen, Pa. I opened the yellowing en-
Letter postmarked May 14, 1986 from my grandpap in Monessen, Pa.
velope and immediately remembered what was inside: a short newspaper clipping titled “Valuable first edition” about a 20-year-old Rutgers University student who created a comic book called “Hamster Vice,” which was a parody of the NBC television series “Miami Vice.” My grandpap always took me to buy comic books and he must have sent this after buying me that first issue of “Hamster Vice.” I know times change and nothing can stop email and other immediate forms of communication, but I’m happy I grew up during an age of hand-written letters and both a morning
and afternoon Pittsburgh newspaper. This envelope is a link to my past I will always treasure. n Can I be honest? I was tired of the snow and cold weather long before another storm hit Pittsburgh on March 21. I don’t mind some snowflakes during the days between Thanksgiving and Christmas but when winter weather stretches past the first day of spring, enough is enough. Hopefully, by the time you read this, the thermometer has begun to inch up and the Pittsburgh Pirates haven’t started the season tossing snowballs instead of baseballs n
making a difference
King’s wisdom still calling us higher by Tony Magliano
When a disciple of Jesus takes his or her prophetic baptismal call seriously, that person’s words and actions live on long after he or she leaves this world. An outstanding example of this truth is found in the prophetic discipleship of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., who with selfless courage, faithfully lived out his God-given mission 50 years ago — albeit ending tragically too short. For on the evening of April 4, 1968, after preaching and being present in solidarity with poorly paid African-American sanitation workers, King, while standing on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tenn., suffered a fatal bullet wound — leaving this world at the young age of 39. On that sad day America, and indeed the whole world, lost a powerfully prophetic voice and courageous witness to the social justice and nonviolent peace teachings of Jesus Christ. But a fatal bullet coming from one assassin or from a conspir-
acy of Mafia, local, state and federal government agencies (see: http://www.thekingcenter.org/assassination-conspiracy-trial) could not silence the truthful words that continue to challenge a nation and world to completely abandon its deep-seated acceptance and addiction to racism, inequality, injustice, militarism and violence. The messenger was killed. But his message lives on! King said, “God intends for all of his children to have the basic necessities of life, and he has left in this universe enough and to spare for that purpose.” For example, there is indeed enough food in the world to adequately feed every single child, woman and man. And yet, over 40 million people in the United States struggle with hunger (see: https://bit.ly/2keunGc). And according to Catholic Relief Services over 800 million fellow human beings throughout the world are hungry (see: http://education.crs.org/issues/ hunger-food). Why are we allowing this to happen? In large part this hunger suffered by so many is due to an increasing disparity between the haves and the have-nots.
And President Trump’s and Congress’ new tax law widens this disparity. And while most Americans think the U.S. gives at least 25 percent of its national budget to help the poorest hungriest people in the world, the truth is that the U.S. government allocates less than 1 percent towards poverty-focused international aid. That is downright stingy (see: https://bit.ly/2Gd4znM). King said, “A riot is the language of the unheard.” This is a hard fact. And it applies not only in the U.S. but around the world. I recently heard Rev. Mae Cannon, executive director of Churches for Middle East Peace, say in reference to the injustices and poverty suffered by Gazans at the hands of the Israeli government that “desperate situations leave people feeling desperate. And desperate people lead to war” (see: http://cmep.org/issues/resources-on-gaza/). This is why Blessed Pope Paul VI famously said, “If you want peace, work for justice.” Spiritual death draws ever closer as the U.S. and many other nations continue to spend
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$1.7 trillion annually on war and war preparation while allowing countless people to suffer and die in poverty and hunger. King warned, “A nation that continues year after year to spend more money on military defense than on programs of social uplift is approaching spiritual doom.” And that is where the U.S. and many other nations are at: the cliff of spiritual doom. America has “In God we trust” on its money, but in many ways not in its heart. But it doesn’t have to be this way. King encouragingly said, “The time is always right to do what is right.” n Tony Magliano is an internationally syndicated social justice and peace columnist. He is available to speak at diocesan or parish gatherings about Catholic social teaching. His keynote address, “Advancing the Kingdom of God in the 21st Century,” has been well received by diocesan and parish gatherings from Santa Clara, Calif. to Baltimore, Md. Tony can be reached at tmag@zoominternet.net.
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A “wonderful” miracle part 3: journey through salvation history to understand the pre-lenten seasons by Father Christiaan Kappes, Director of Intellectual Formation/ Academic Dean, Byzantine Catholic Seminary of SS. Cyril and Methodius
So far we have been exploring the Genesis 3:15 prophecy where Yahweh explained to Eve that a woman’s seed (not a man’s) would be responsible for crushing the power of the serpent who caused the Fall. With the story of Sarah’s annunciation, Sarah was pretty close to such a miracle. After all she had a miraculous pregnancy, but ultimately the Holy Trinity or three angels under the shade of the oak of Mamre, implied that greater miracles were yet to come for nothing is “too wonderful” for the Lord. Genesis 18 emphasizes that the divine encounter between Abraham and God takes place in “overshadowing” or “shade,” ‘code’ for Yahweh’s most intensive presence. Sarah did not go into the sacred shade but laughed at the prophecy, anticipating the Angel Gabriel’s phrase to Mary 2000 years later. The angelic Trinity asked: “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). “Shall bear a child” are the very words of Luke’s Gospel at the Annunciation. Using the Greek and Hebrew Old Testaments as supplementary to one another, we saw that “wonderful” is a key name that will come up time and again before the Nativity. Sarah is an important type of Mary for other reasons. Returning to the Greek Old Testament, which St. Paul cites in reference to Mary, we notice a rare vocabulary to talk about Sarah’s womb before the miracle child, Isaac. Sarah’s womb is said to be “closed up.” This situation is also the result of a curse on the house of Abimelech in Genesis 20:18. When Abimelech tried to marry Sarah, Abraham’s wife, his first wife and female servants suffered from “closed up wombs.” St. Paul will emphasize the fact that Mosaic Israel was likewise barren or “closed up” with the curse like laughing Sarah and Abimelech’s women. The Law of Moses was instituted due to sin and disobedience in the desert. This temporary Law did not annul the original promise that the seed of Abraham would be a blessing “all the na-
tions of the earth shall be blessed in him.” However, since the Law was a reminder of unfaithfulness, only in the fullness of God’s time did a woman come so that “a Son, born of woman, born under the Law,” (Galatians 4:4) would reopen the miraculous womb of Sarah. For St. Paul, the “closed up wombs” of Israel did not have the child of promise, only Mary and her seed, Jesus, who was both of feminine seed and Davidic lineage. He alone was able to restore the faithfulness and obedience of Abraham, so as to bring about a child in whom “all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him.” Employing the scriptural selections of the Emmanuel Moleben of the Christmas Fast, the most important revelation of a “wonderful” miracle next occurs in the book of Judges chapter 13. We see here the basic elements for God’s fulfilling his promise to Abraham. Here, we begin the chapter by noticing that “the Philistines” did evil to Israel for 40 years; a propitious prefiguring of Jesus, who afterward will inaugurate a fast of forty days. Lest it just be thought that this is one of many cases of the sacred num-
ber 40, we should realize that the divine-like child, Sampson, will be born in this chapter: “He who shall begin to deliver Israel from (…) the Philistines” (Judges 13:5). Eventually this phraseology is changed to “save the people from the Philistines” in subsequent Scripture (e.g. 1 Samuel 7:8). Compare this to Matthew 1:21: “She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” The fact is that Sampson is styled to be something like “superman,” and with good reason. While Jesus is the invisible and immaterial Word of God united to flesh, Sampson is still human –if barely so–so that Sampson does Herculean exploits of the flesh (military marvels). However, Jesus’s more wonderful marvels will realize the prophetic shift of focus in the upcoming prophecy of Isaiah 9:6. Jesus’s coming will save us from spiritual, not political, maladies. In this, he can be a blessing for all nations, since the one thing shared between many cultures, languages, and peoples is the divinely wrought soul, which needs deliverance. n
“40 Days for Life”
eastern catholics’ four-hour prayer vigil to change hearts, end abortion by Deacon Paul Boboige Pro-Life Office, Byzantine Catholic Arceparchy of Pittsburgh
An informal pan-Eastern Catholic prayer vigil took place at a location where many prayers are needed. Holy Trinity Ukrainian Catholic Church in Carnegie, Pa. took the initiative to schedule a four-hour vigil at Planned Parenthood of Western Pennsylvania, where over 3,000 babies are mercilessly aborted annually. Deacon Paul Boboige, of the Archeparchy of Pittsburgh ProLife Office, and his wife Patricia joined cantor George Hanchar and his wife Svetlana, and Deacon Myron Spak. Sunday evenings are generally quiet but on this day there was considerable pedestrian traffic going to the Pittsburgh Penguins game. Pittsburgh's “40 Days for Life” is conducted strictly by volunteers who humbly pray for God's intercession to close
the facility and change the hearts of those who encourage mothers to deny life to the living persons within them. There are semi-annual vigils, the first during the Great Fast and one in the Fall. A "by-product" of participating is it gives us a fuller perspective of the situations and people who choose the violent destruction of innocent human life. The interaction with people who pass by provides a cross-section of reaction and provokes thoughts on how best to achieve the goal of changing hearts. And certainly our prayer provides a time of reflection on the inspiration which the Holy Spirit offers to a pre-disposed heart. During this era of mass shootings, one can only think that it has come about because there is little respect for a defenseless human life, as the people of this nation have destroyed over 58
Eastern Catholics hold a four-hour prayer vigil at Planned Parenthood of Western Pennsylvania in downtown Pittsburgh.
million persons through abortion. Please join us or any other group in the future. By contacting https://40daysforlife.com/
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local-campaigns/pittsburgh/ you will be notified of future events. n
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ss. peter and paul in portage, pa.
Celebrating 100 years by Father James Spontak SS. Peter and Paul, Portage, Pa.
SS. Peter and Paul Byzantine Catholic Church in Portage Pa. celebrated the 100th anniversary of the parish on Nov. 5, 2017 with Metropolitan Archbishop William Skurla celebrating the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy at 3 p.m. Very Reverend Andrew Deskevich, Protosyncellus of the Archeparchy, was the Master of Ceremonies. Concelebrants included Father James Spontak, pastor; former pastor Father Robert Karl; parish vocations Father Edward Pyo and Very Rev. Joseph Raptosh; and Deacon Daniel Perich and Deacon Raymond Zadzilko. The parish cantors and choir members led the congregational singing. Upon arrival of the assembled clergy in procession, parishioners greeted Archbishop William with the traditional gifts of welcome. Words of welcome were offered by John Havrilla, who presented each of the bearers of these gifts and their symbolic meaning: James and Barbara Koban, bearers of bread; Michael Mazur, bearing the symbolic gift of the salt; and Kathy Sekerak, the bearer of the church keys. Following the Divine Liturgy, an Anniversary Banquet was served in the church social hall. Parishioners were joined by clergy of the Byzantine Catholic Archeparchy of Pittsburgh and of the vicinity, members of religious communities, and other guests. The assembled guests were welcomed by parishioner John Havrilla. Words of acknowledgment, introducing the various guests were offered by Father James Spontak, Pastor of SS. Peter and Paul Church. Eastern Christian Formation Students Bella and Abby Koban; Sydney Leturgey and Nicholas Summerville presented gifts to Archbishop William in appreciation of his visit and his pastoral work as our chief shepherd. The invocation before the meal was offered by Very Rev. Father Joseph Raptosh, pastor of St. Michael in Canonsburg, Pa. and parish vocation. The blessing of the food by Archbishop William was followed by a festive toast offered by Father Robert Karl, former
Pastor of SS. Peter and Paul. SS. Peter and Paul has its origins in the former St. Michael Parish in South Fork, Pa. A significant number of families from Portage and neighboring communities such as Bens Creek, Puritan, Springhill, Wilmore, Lilly, and Cassandra traveled to South Fork for weekly worship services. In order to better serve these faithful, efforts to organize a parish community for “Greek Catholics�, later identified as Byzantine Catholics, began around 1916. The parish was chartered and a church was built, with its cornerstone dated 1917. This first church building, on Prospect Street in Portage was dedicated on July 4, 1918. As the parish continued to grow in the decades that followed, a new church would be built to accommodate the community. The parish had acquired property along Munster Road in Portage Township. The site of a former brick making company, this location became the new home of the parish. It also provided a spacious picnic grounds, where the parish festival is held on the second Sunday of July each year. A new church building was built on this site under the leadership of Father Robert Bayusik. Dedicated on May 30, 1976, this building provides an eloquent testimony to the features of the worship and spirit which are characteristic of the Eastern Christian churches. Splendid mosaics, iconography, and various architectural features blend together to assist the faithful to express our wonder at the glory of God revealed among us in the mystery of faith. Multi-colored faceted windows on the exterior walls were designed to convey the general theme of the church building, which is Christ, the Light of the World. Further enhancements around the year 2000 included the addition of the icon screen and decorative painting of the ceiling. The first pastor, Father Desiderius Zubritsky, served until 1928. Subsequent former pastors include Rev. Nicholas Stecovitch, Rev. Stephen ZachStory continued on page 7
Archbishop William Skurla, Very Rev. Andrew Deskevich.
Father James Spontak distributes Holy Communion.
Sister Barbara Jean Mihalchick greets Tom Goncher and his daughter, Lynanne Petrantoni.
Basilian Sisters Joanne, Elaine and Margaret.
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100 years
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Archbishop William Skurla (center), Concelebrants and assembled clergy and altar servers after the Divine Liturgy.
Father Joseph Raptosh greets parishioners Sherry and Dave Minor.
Archbishop William and Very Rev. Andrew Deskevich.
arias, Rev. Stephen Loya, Rev. Msgr. Michael Simodyka, Rev. Adalbert Bihary, Rev. Ronald Borsuk, Rev. John Dorich, Rev. Robert Bayusik, Rev. Myron Kochaba, Rev. Robert Karl, and Rev. Jason Dolan. The present pastor is Very Rev. James A. Spontak. Parish vocations include: Very Rev. Joseph Ridella; Reverend Paul Tigyer; +Rev. Emil Resconich; Reverend John Koza III; Reverend Edward Pyo; Rev. Joseph Raptosh; and Sr. Angela of the Eucharist [Florence Joan] Pikus O.C.D. The parish’s 100th Anniversary was also recognized by both houses of the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. State Representative Frank Burns sponsored in the Commonwealth House of Representatives a Citation for the 100th Anniversary of Saints Peter and Paul Church Portage. Representative Burns presented this 100th Anniversary Citation at the parish on Friday, February 2. Following the Divine Liturgy for the Feast of the Meeting of our Lord with Simeon, state Rep. Frank Burns presented the 100th Anniversary Citation and greeted parishioners during a coffee social. A citation recognizing the 100th Anniversary was also sponsored by State Senator Wayne Langerholc in the Senate of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. n
Bella and Abby Koban, Nicholas Summerville and Sydney Leturgey, representing Eastern Christian Formation students, make a presentation to Archbishop William. SS. Peter and Paul in Portage, Pa.
State Rep. Frank Burns and Father Jim Spontak at parish coffee social Feb. 2.
Bella Koban speaks during presentation.
Archbishop William Skurla, Very Rev. Andrew Deskevich, Father Robert Karl, Father Edward Pyo and Father Ron Larko at the head table during the banquet. Photos by Glenda Ritchick Photography
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st. elias in munhall, pa.
Paschal baking
Very Rev. Andrew Deskevich, Father Vitalii Stashkevych and parishioners at St. Elias in
Munhall, Pa. baked kolachy and paska for the Paschal season. n
Helping hands St. Elias Youth Organization packed 50 lunches on March 11 for Bethlehem Haven, a women's shelter near Mercy Hospital in Pittsburgh, Pa. Each bagged lunch consisted of a sandwich, chips, snack, fruit and drink. The youth assembled the sandwiches and bagged the items. The lunches were delivered to Bethlehem Haven the next day for distribution to women who stop into the shelter.
Hospitality, compassion, integrity and empowerment are the core values of Bethlehem Haven’s delivery of services to homeless women and those atrisk of homelessness. Its mission is to provide a continuum of care for homeless women that leads toward self-sufficiency. Bethlehem Haven’s vision is to end homelessness through collaboration with the community and the people they serve. n
holy spirit in oakland, pa.
Young Adult Group meets for faith, food by Abigail Kreckel Holy Spirit, Oakland, Pa.
The Pittsburgh Byzantine Catholic Young Adult group met once more for vespers on Feb. 24th at Holy Spirit in Oakland, Pa. Monsignor Russell Duker graciously hosted and presided over vespers. Many seminarians were also in attendance, among them Paul West and Kyprian Wojciechowski, who cantored. The service was very solemn,
peaceful, and intimate, and was followed by a lenten potluck dinner. The group has been truly blessed and is growing! Check out our Facebook group called Pittsburgh Byzantine Catholic Young Adults for future events! n
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Mission of mercy st. gregory parishioners provide medical care in honduras Story continued from page 1 She said one woman who was injured by gang violence had her deforrned arm and range of motion restored following surgery. "One mother held her son in her lap — he was a disabled child — for literally 10 hours. Never a word of complaint from her. He was getting surgery to correct an orthopedic issue.” Rachel said the children living at NPH were kind and genuine; singing, dancing, full of energy and happy to be somewhere they were safe. "We couldn't help smiling seeing all their boots lined up and hearing all their joyful voices,” she said. "They found a safe haven on this ranch. They found brothers, they found sisters, they found aunts and uncles who would take care of them. They have become a family." Anne said of the 9 million people in Honduras, 20 percent live on $1.25 per day. One in 4 children do not finish elementary school. "The Honduran people are one of the most kind, religious, spirited, genuine, loving group of people we've had the pleasure of interacting with." While there, Anne and Rachel became "godmothers" to orphans Erickson and Jefferson, both 14. "They melted our hearts, little gruff guys that (previously) lived on the street," Anne said. "Those are our guys. That's who we're going back to see (in July)." They said the experience was life-changing, originally planning the trip because they are grateful for the blessings in their lives. "We went there thinking we were going to give back. We wanted to give back to the Honduran people and give back to our brothers. However, I can tell you without a doubt, Rachel I received much more than we thought we gave," Anne said. "We live in a time and a world with so many blessings. Lent is a perfect time to reflect on all of those." n
Rachel and Anne Hast meet children at NPH June 2017 in Honduras.
St. Gregory Libnrary Ministry members Barbara Spadafore, Pat Paslowski and Susan Flynn with Rachel and Anne Hast.
For more information about NPH ranch, go to www. nph-honduras.org.
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report from
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the office of safe environment april is national child abuse prevention month
Pulling back the curtain child abuse prevention month in a troubled world by Chet Dudzinski Office of Safe Environment coordinator
girls and 1 in 6 boys will be sexually abused before they turn 18. n The abuse of minors can lead to serious psychological problems. According to one study, 80 percent of 21-year-olds who reported childhood abuse met the criteria for at least one psychological condition.
“Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain.” Most of us remember these words of the Wizard in “The Wizard of Oz.” It is also prophetic in some ways that this was uttered in a Hollywood movie, and that this was the mantra of Hollywood, Congress, and many other social institutions with regard to abuse of many kinds over the past several decades. The curtain was pulled back on the many failures and sins of the Church in the latter parts of the last century. In a public statement made in 1988, the General Counsel of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops defined “affirmative activities” for dioceses to undertake as a proactive response to the issue of sexual abuse of minors by Catholic clergy. These became known as the “Five Principles.” These concepts were expanded and additional protections enacted in 2002 with the passage of the “Charter for the Protection of Children and Youth.” Yet some social institutions still want to cling to secrecy and denial when dealing with these issues. Child Abuse Prevention Month brings to the forefront the most heinous of these crimes against our most vulnerable. April is a month devoted to “Pulling Back the Curtain.” Readers of The Byzantine Catholic World hopefully find solace in the vigilance of the Church and its Safe Environment Office to obtain clearances and offer training to all those in the Archeparchy who interact with children. We are all members a larger society, however, and troubles abound. Consider these disturbing facts: n
One in 4 children have experienced abuse or neglect at some point in their lives, and 1 in 7 children experienced abuse in the last year, according to self-reports from the National Survey of Children’s Exposure to Violence (NatSCEV). n
A report of child abuse is made every 10 seconds according to childhelp.org.
n
What can you do? “Let us work together, then, so that we will always have the right, the courage and the joy to be able to look into the eyes of the children of our world.” — Pope Francis We share a responsibility to our children, youth and the vulnerable to heed Pope Francis. What steps can you take? • Take safe environment training to learn how to identify and prevent abuse! The Archeparchy has on its website Safe Environment training materials. Other exceptional sources include The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services website http:// keepkidssafe.pa.gov/resources/
training/index.htm, which provides child abuse recognition and reporting training through a variety of delivery methods, including web-based and in-person. The department recognizes these support organizations for training: • Pennsylvania Family Support Alliance which provides training to school personnel, child care staff, clergy, law enforcement, public and private social service agencies, and social service professionals. • Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, which provides training to physicians, school nurses, hospital staff and Emergency Medical Service providers. • The University of Pittsburgh’s Child Welfare Resource Center developed a free, web-based training open to all. This training is approved in accordance with Act 126 of 2012 and Act 31 of 2104, for mandated and permissive reporters • The Boy Scouts of America have excellent training materials available on YouTube.
If you see something, say something We have all heard the phrase “if you see something say something.” As this applies to airports and other public settings, it applies to observations regarding child abuse and neglect. Each of the states within the Archeparchy requires “mandatory reporters” to report suspected abuse or neglect.
Research estimates 1 in 4 the byzantine catholic world
Mandatory reporters generally consist of family members, teachers, medical professionals, clergy and others with special relationships with children. It is the policy of the Archeparchy that all persons are mandatory reporters. Again, if you see something say something! A valid concern exists: What if you do not know that abuse or neglect occurred, but you have reason to believe that abuse or neglect may be occurring. Once again, each state within the Archeparchy offers immunity and protections if a good faith report is made with some reason to believe that these actions are occurring.
Call to prayer On April 13, the USCCB will promote a Call to Prayer. More about the Call to Prayer is available at usccb.org/pray.
Read “Lessons Learned: Time for the Church to Lead” It is urged you also read the editorial (page 12) offered by Francesco C. Cesareo, Ph.D., president of Assumption College and chairman of the National Review Board of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.
Conclusion Aficionados of “The Wizard of Oz” know that pulling back the curtain was the only way Dorothy was able to go home, and all of the other lovable characters receive their wish. While the Catholic Church has pulled back the curtain to show the light, so we could all pray that this also happens in society as a whole. n
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april is national child abuse prevention month
Promise to protect You can help You can help prevent the abuse of children. Know the warning signs of offenders. They prefer to be with children. They go overboard touching, wrestling, or tickling. They may give minors alcohol or drugs, or show them pornography. They allow children to break the rules. Offenders act as if the rules do not apply to them. If you observe an adult who is not behaving appropriately with children, speak up. Let someone know what you saw. You are not accusing anyone of anything. You are letting someone know you care, are watching, and are concerned that no harm is done to a child.
You can get help Abuse is never the fault of the person harmed. It is always the responsibility of the offender. The reality is that most victims of abuse know their abuser. One in four females and one in six males report being abused as a minor. If you or someone you know is a victim of abuse there are things you can do, even if the abuse happened years ago. Call the police to report the abuse. If the abuser was in a position of authority in an organization, you should also report the abuse to that organization. If the abuse happened in a Catholic church or school, contact the Victim Assistance Coordinator for your diocese.
The Charter In Dallas in June of 2002, the bishops of the United States adopted the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. The Charter is the plan of action developed by the bishops to address the clergy sexual abuse scandal.
Part One: To Promote Healing and Reconciliation with Victims/Survivors of Abuse The wording of the Charter is very clear on the importance the bishops place on their responsibility to help victims find healing and reconciliation. It states, “The first obligation of the Church with regard to victims is for healing and reconciliation.” Outreach takes a variety of forms including extensive therapy, apology meetings, spiritual retreats, and Liturgies for healing. In 2016, outreach was pro
vided to 1,760 victims and their families.
Part Two: To Guarantee an Effective Response to Allegations of Sexual Abuse of Minors All dioceses are to report allegations of sexual abuse of minors to public authorities. All clergy who have been found guilty or admitted guilt are permanently removed from ministry. There are clear standards of behavior and appropriate boundaries for all clergy, employees, and volunteers.
Part Three: To Ensure the Accountability of Our Procedures The mission of the Bishops' Committee for the Protection of Children and Young People is to advise the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops on all matters related to child and youth protection. The Secretariat of Child and Youth Protection was established in 2002 by the USCCB. The National Review Board is a consultative body that reviews the work of the Secretariat of Child and Youth Protection and advises the president of the USCCB. In addition, each diocese has a review board to advise its bishop in his assessment of allegations and in his determination of a cleric's suitability for ministry. To prove their commitment to accountability, dioceses undergo an annual audit conducted by an outside auditor.
Part Four: To Protect the Faithful in the Future Dioceses train clergy, employees and volunteers to create and maintain safe environments for children. The backgrounds of clergy, employees, and volunteers are evaluated to determine if someone should be allowed around children and young people. Over 2 million parish employees and volunteers, and 4.2 million children have been Safe Environment trained to recognize the behavior offenders and what to do about it. Training was also provided to 159,764 educators, 258,978 other employees, 35,475 priests, 16,294 deacons and 6,847 candidates for ordination. Background evaluations have been conducted on over 2 million parish volunteers and Church personnel who have contact with children. n
Safe Environment “Hotline” Phone Numbers Archeparchy of Pittsburgh Confidential Hotline: 412-231-4000, ext. 22 National Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-422-4453 Louisiana Child Abuse/Neglect Hotline: 1-855-452-5437 Ohio Child Abuse/Neglect Hotline: 1-855-642-4453 Oklahoma Child Abuse/Neglect Hotline: 1-800-522-3511 Pennsylvania Child Abuse/Neglect Hotline: 1-800-932-0313 Tennessee Child Abuse/Neglect Hotline: 1-877-237-0004 Texas Child Abuse/Neglect Hotline: 1-800-252-5400 West Virginia Child Abuse/Neglect Hotline: 1-800-352-6513
FYI n For more information about the Byzantine Catholic Archeparchy of Pittsburgh's Office of Safe Environment, go to www.archpitt.org/ protection-of-children/, n The Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People was established by the USCCB in June 2002. It is a comprehensive set of procedures for addressing allegations of abuse of minors. The Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People includes guidelines for reconciliation, healing, accountability, and prevention of future acts of abuse. n The Charter calls for annual audits of dioceses and eparchies to ascertain compliance with USCCB guidelines. Annual Audits have been conducted since 2003. Results of the audits are published online in May for the public. n All dioceses and eparchies have Victim Assistance Coordinators, assuring that victims of abuse will be heard. In 2016, dioceses and eparchies provided outreach and support to 250 victims/survivors and their families who came forward to report abuse. Continued support was also provided to 1,510 victims/survivors and their families who reported abuse in prior years. Source: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
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april is national child abuse prevention month
Lessons learned: A time for the Church to lead
sexual abuse by those in positions of influence continues in this country by Francesco C. Cesareo, Ph.D. President, Assumption College, Worcester, Mass.
While the first light into such terrible acts was shed upon the Catholic Church more than a decade ago, since then incidents at institutions of higher learning, the USA Gymnastics team, among Hollywood executives, in the halls of government and even public schools, sexual abuse of minors – and adults – persists as a menace to our society and a threat to the innocent. Sadly, the Church and the aforementioned organizations failed victims of abuse. Too often, the entities sought to protect the accused or the institution and the victim was forgotten. This same response was apparently employed by Penn State University, Michigan State University, Hollywood executives, and the United States Congress when those organizations were recently faced with accusations of sexual abuse or sexual assault. Instead of learning from the mistakes of the Church, they protected the institution, exacerbating the victims’ pain and trauma. While these organizations failed to learn from the mistakes of the Church, they would be well-informed to look to the Church with regard to its comprehensive and unprecedented response to its sexual abuse crisis. Following a 2002 meeting of the U.S. Bishops in Dallas, TX, the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People was approved. This Charter, which was adopted to address “allegations of sexual abuse of minors by Catholic clergy” provides comprehensive “guidelines for reconciliation, healing, accountability and prevention of future acts of abuse.” Since the
Charter was implemented, incidents of new allegations that have occurred since 2002 has decreased significantly. Why, then, have other embattled institutions — higher education, USA Gymnastics, Hollywood, and the U.S. Government – not looked to the success of the Church’s response and implemented their own programs to prevent such acts and aid victims of abuse? These organizations could collectively benefit — and more importantly victims of sexual abuse and assault — from looking to and learning from the Church on how to effectively respond to the sin and crime of abuse. The cost of sexual abuse should not be measured in financial settlements, rather by the number of lives shattered from ignoring the allegations. We must begin a process now of learning from the past and looking to the Church as a model for how to serve and protect the needs of the innocent. There are a number of programs the Catholic Church has implemented as a result of its mishandling of allegations of sexual abuse, which other organizations would benefit from emulating. First and foremost was the creation of an infrastructure aimed at creating safe environments and a culture of safety within the Church. Secondly, acknowledging and apologizing for the grave sin and crime of sexual abuse– over and over again. The Church also established a comprehensive program that provides to victims a support system including Victim Assistance Coordinators and an annual audit of all Dioceses with regard to their compliance with the Charter. Another example that should be adopted by any organization that provides services for youth: background checks and safe environment training for children on how to protect themselves from abuse and how to report such actions. To date, the Church has conducted 2.4 million background checks as required by Article 13 of the Charter and has trained more than 4.26 million children on how to detect and report abuse and trained nearly 2.38 million adults on proper interaction
with children. There now even exists a screening process prior to an individuals’ admission to the seminary to prevent future incidents. As Chair of the National Review Board, a lay-based group of individuals established by the Charter to advise the bishops on how to prevent and respond to sexual abuse of minors and assesses their compliance in the implementation of the Charter through an annual audit, I have seen first-hand the effective reforms that emerged from the pain of the past. These reforms could undoubtedly discourage abuse in other areas of society. Sexual abuse does not discriminate and, as learned from the despicable acts of Harvey Weinstein and Larry Nassar, can impact anyone, male or female, young or old.
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Many have, and will continue, to focus upon the Catholic Church’s shortcomings with regard to its initial response to the sexual abuse crisis. However, those with an earnest desire to address the problem of sexual abuse and assault at its core should instead focus upon and learn from the reforms that were implemented. Regardless of one’s opinion with regard to the Catholic Church relative to the sexual abuse crisis, the Church has taken a leadership role in addressing this issue and today serves as a model for other organizations to emulate. n Francesco C. Cesareo, Ph.D., is president of Assumption College and chairman of the National Review Board of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.
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eternal memory
very rev. charles m. yastishock Very Rev. Charles M. Yastishock, priest of the Eparchy of Passaic and pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Toms River, N.J., fell asleep in the Lord on Feb. 19. The son of the late Theodore and Mary (Gogar) Yastishock, Father Charles was born on May 5, 1951 in Harrisburg, Pa. He was graduated from Bishop McDevitt High School in Harrisburg in 1969 and from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pa. in 1973. After completing his studies at SS. Cyril and Methodius Seminary in Pittsburgh, he was ordained to the priesthood on May 15, 1977. He was the first priestly vocation from St. Ann Church, Harrisburg. His pastoral assignments included St. Mary Church, Trenton, and the Cathedral of St. Michael, Passaic, both in New Jersey; and the churches of St.
John, Hazleton, St. John, Wilkes-Barre Township, and St. Mary, Nanticoke, all in Pennsylvania. From January 1988 till his death, he served the parish of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Toms River. Father Charles was an avid traveler, and frequent leader of pilgrimages to the Holy Land; Fatima, Portugal; Lourdes, France; Germany, Russia, Italy, Poland, Slovakia, Ukraine, and Hungary. Preceded in death by this brother Theodore, Father Charles is survived by his brother Daniel, and his sisters Mary Ann Kitzer, Julia Ann Dyckman, Elizabeth Semanchik, and Ann Marie Yastishock. Fifteen nieces and nephews and several great nieces and nephews also survive. The first viewing and Parastas were at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Toms River
on Feb. 25. Archpriest James Hayer was the celebrant and the homilist was Father Harry Untereiner. Then a viewing and Parastas at St. Ann Church in Harrisburg on Feb. 26. Father Peter Hosak was the celebrant, and the homily was delivered by Father James Spera. Most Reverend Kurt Burnette, Bishop of Passaic, presided both evenings. The next day, the Office of Christian Burial for a priest was celebrated at St. Ann Church by Bishop Kurt. Father Charles’ classmates Archpriest Michael Hayduk and Very Reverend Frank A. Firko were concelebrants, and Father Edward Cimbala was the homilist. In the homily, Father Edward praised Father Charles as a dedicated pastor, guide of many religious pilgrimages and friend to many. Interment followed at Holy Cross Cemetery
Very Rev. Charles M. Yastishock
in Harrisburg. All of the services were very well attended by family, friends, clergy, religious, parishioners, and those who traveled on religious tours with him. May God grant to His servant the priest Charles Eternal Memory and blessed repose! n
eternal memory
rev. father frank g. eles Rev. Father Frank G. Eles, retired priest of the Eparchy of Passaic, fell asleep in the Lord at his home in Boynton Beach, Fla. Feb. 26. He was born to Frank and Mary Kis Eles in New Brunswick, N.J. on April 25, 1926. After graduation from Highland Park High School, Father Frank proudly served in the United States Navy during World War II. He attended Niagara University before entering SS. Cyril and Methodius Seminary in Pittsburgh, Pa., and was ordained to the priesthood on March 21, 1965. His pastoral assignments
included St. Michael Church in Perth Amboy, N. J.; Exaltation of the Holy Cross Church in New York, N.Y.; and his home parish of St. Joseph in New Brunswick. After retiring to Boynton Beach in November 1994, Father Frank actively assisted in Byzantine Catholic parishes in Florida for over 20 years. He also served as a Volunteer Literacy Tutor for the Palm Beach County Literacy Coalition for 10 years. Father Frank was predeceased by his parents and his sister, Mary Popovics. His nephews
Alexander (Joanne) Popovics and Thomas (Susan) Popovics and his niece Alice Popovics (Peter) Clark survive along with three grand nieces. On March 1, friends were received at St. Nicholas Melkite Greek Catholic Church in Delray Beach, Fla. where the funeral Divine Liturgy was celebrated by Most Reverend Kurt Burnette. Friends were also received on March 3 at the Gleason Funeral Home in Somerset, N.J. Interment followed in St. Peter Cemetery in New Brunswick.
port Group, and of the Italian Home in Farrell where he enjoyed playing bocce. He was also active in helping Pro-Life of Mercer County. An avid fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Mr. Marks loved traveling to casinos and watching horse racing. Of most importance to him, however, was spending time with his grandchildren, participating in their activities, and watching them play sports. In addition to his parents, Mr. Marks was preceded in death by his son, William "Billy" Marks Jr. and his uncle, William F. Marks. Along with Father Kevin, pastor of St. Michael Church in Hermitage, Pa. administrator of St. Michael Church in Campbell, Ohio, and Vocation Director of the
Archeparchy of Pittsburgh, his daughter, Debbie Marks (Kurt) of Sharon, also survives as do his grandchildren: Shayna (Ralph) Odem, Janayia, SaVanah, and Kurtasia Chester; his five great grandchildren; his sister, Monica (Michael) Zipay, aunt, Mary Lou (Tom) Cimoric, and former wife, Greta Marks. Also surviving are many other aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, neighbors, co-workers, and friends. Visitation was at the Stephen J. Sherman Funeral Home in Hermitage on Sunday, March 11. Bishop John M. Kudrick, Bishop Emeritus of the Eparchy of Parma, presided over the Parastas Service which was celebrated by Father Kevin. Concelebrants were Very Reverends
Rev. Father Frank G. Eles
May God grant to His servant the priest Frank Eternal Memory and peaceful repose! n
eternal memory william c. marks sr. William C. Marks Sr., father of Reverend Father Kevin E. Marks, fell asleep in the Lord on Wednesday, March 7, 2018 after suffering from a fatal brain disorder known as CJD. Mr. Marks, a resident of Farrell, Pa., was born to the late Frank and Ann (Urdea) Marks in Sharon, Pa. on July 12, 1941. After being graduated from Sharon High School with the class of 1961, Mr. Marks served in the United States Marine Corps. at Cherry Point, NC. He then worked in the furnace department of Wheatland Tube Company for over 30 years until his retirement. He was a member of St. Michael Byzantine Catholic Church in Hermitage, of Compassionate Friends Sup-
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William C. Marks Sr.
Andrew J. Deskevich and Ronald P. Larko and Reverend Fathers Robert J. Karl, Stephen J. Wahal, Christopher R. Burke, Simeon B. Sibenik, and Deacon Thomas Klacik. Story continued on page 14
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News from the VATICAN thoughts for our day by Archpriest David M. Petras
“human life is sacred and inviolable”
faith St. Paul wrote: “Faith, hope, love remain, these three; but the greatest of these is love” (1 Corinthians 13:13). Today, let’s take a look at faith, since my recent articles have been about God, and the ways we know God. St. Paul also wrote that we can know God through reason, “For what can be known about God is evident to them (those who suppress the truth by their wickedness), because God made it evident to them. Ever since the creation of the world, his invisible attributes of eternal power and divinity have been able to be understood and perceived in what he has made” (Romans 1:19-20). In the same passage from Scripture, however, St. Paul also comes to the conclusion that our reason may be quite faulty and may lead us to a false idea of God, for human beings, “though they knew God they did not accord him glory as God or give him thanks. Instead, they became vain in their reasoning, and their senseless minds were darkened. While claiming to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for the likeness of an image of mortal man or of birds or of four legged animals or of snakes” (Romans 1:2123). Human beings may be smart, but they are not always wise, and we are often as much misled by our reasonings as enlightened by them. The human mind, as created by God, is good, but it does not, in fact, always lead to healthy ideas about God. We need also divine grace, given in the virtue of faith, that supplies what
A small sampler of Pope Francis quotes
is lacking in our reasoning powers. Our Father Gregory of Nyssa, wrote, “having become more perfect, Moses saw God in darkness (read Exodus 20:21). By this example we learn that our withdrawal from false, deceptive ideas of God is a transition from darkness into light” (Homily on the Song of Songs 11).
by Carol Glatz Catholic News Service
VATICAN CITY — In his formal documents, many speeches and unscripted morning homilies the past five years, Pope Francis has given the church plenty of "food for thought" on many issues of great importance. Here are a baker's dozen of quotes from the pope, organized by topic: On communication: "Communication has the power to build bridges, to enable encounter and inclusion, and thus to enrich society. How beautiful it is when people select their words and actions with care, in the effort to avoid misunderstandings, to heal wounded memories and to build peace and harmony." (Message for World Communications Day 2016) n
Human beings may be smart, but they are not always wise, and we are often as much misled by our reasonings as enlightned by them. Because of this, faith is actually “seeing” more than we can see. Yet there is still more to faith. In our modern mentality, we usually intellectualize faith. Faith is about the stuff we know. But is that enough for faith? St. James gives us a warning, “You believe that God is one. You do well. Even the demons believe that and tremble” (James 2:19). If, by faith, we come to a more perfect knowledge of God, that same faith must lead to a transformation of the way we live, it must empower who we are and how we act. The person of faith becomes a more righteous and loving person than one who has no faith. If this does not seem to be true, than perhaps we have not let faith direct our path. n
On creation: "We have forgotten that we ourselves are dust of the earth; our very bodies are made up of her elements, we breathe her air and we receive life and refreshment from her waters." ("Laudato Si', On Care for Our Common Home," May 24, 2015) n
On economics: "Let us say 'no' to an economy of exclusion and inequality, where money rules, rather than service. That economy kills. That economy excludes. That economy destroys Mother Earth." (World Meeting of Popular Movements, July 9, 2015) n
n On faith: "Please do not water
Rain falls as Pope Francis speaks during the World Youth Day welcome ceremony on Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro on July 25, 2013. Photo by Paul Haring/Catholic News Service.
Jesus. It is faith in the son of God made man, who loved me and who died for me." (World Youth Day, July 25, 2013) On the family: "No family drops down from heaven perfectly formed; families need constantly to grow and mature in the ability to love. ... May we never lose heart because of our limitations or ever stop seeking that fullness of love and communion which God holds out before us." ("Amoris Laetitia," April 8, 2016) n
n On life: "Human life is sacred and inviolable. Every civil right rests on the recognition of the first and fundamental right, that of life, which is not subordinate to any condition, be it quantitative, economic or, least of all, ideological." (Speech to the Italian pro-life movement, April 11, 2014)
On mercy: "Mercy: the bridge that connects God and humanity, opening our hearts to the hope of being loved forever despite our sinfulness." ("Misericordiae Vultus," April 11, 2015) n
down your faith in Jesus Christ. We dilute fruit drinks -— orange, apple or banana juice — but please do not drink a diluted form of faith. Faith is whole and entire, not something that you water down. It is faith in
n
Mr. Marks had for his grandchildren and for his Church, where he was always present to participate in services and social affairs. He also noted that he will be greatly missed by his family, friends, parishioners, and the greater community in which he was active until his
illness. Interment followed with full military honors in St. Michael parish cemetery. May God grant to His servant William, Eternal Memory and peaceful repose! n
On vocations: "A vocation is a fruit that ripens in a well-cultivated field of mutual love that becomes mutual service, in the context of an authentic ecclesial life.” (World Day of Prayer for Vocations 2014) n
William C. Marks Sr. continued from page 13
Archbishop William C. Skurla celebrated the Funeral Divine Liturgy at St. Michael Church with Father Kevin concelebrating, the next morning, Monday, March 12. Other concelebrants were Very Reverends Richard I. Lambert and Frank A. Firko, and Reverend Fathers
William Rupp, James A. Ragan and Mykhaylo Shkyndya. Archpriest Dennis. M. Bogda, Monsignor Alexis E. Mihalik and Reverend Father Mykhaylo Farynets were in attendance. In his homily, Archbishop William mentioned the great love
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mount st. macrina in uniontown, pa.
Open House The Sisters of St. Basil the Great welcomed more than 80 visitors during their March 11 Open House at Mount St. Macrina in Uniontown, Pa. The event, celebrating National Catholic Sisters Week, featured tours of the Heritage Room, chapel visits, refreshments, and displays hosted by Sisters welcoming guests in various areas of the monastery. Everyone expressed gratitude and a joyful spirit as they met new friends or renewed acquaintances. National Catholic Sisters Week commemorates the contribution Women Religious make throughout the United States. More photos are available on the Sisters’ website, www. sistersofstbasil.org, or https:// www.facebook.com/sistersofstbasil.uniontown/. n
Archbishop William Skurla and the Sisters of St. Basil the Great
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liturgical schedule at the Seminary
around the archeparchy
“Come, let us sing joyfully to the Lord”
ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT BREAKFAST BUFFET — 9 a.m.-1 p.m. April 8 , St. Mary’s Center, Route 981, Trauger. Cost is $6 for adults, $3 for ages 5 to 10. No cost for age 4 and under. Sponsored by St. Mary’s Youth Group.
Join the Byzantine Catholic Seminary community for liturgical services at 3605 Perrysville Ave, Pittsburgh, Pa. Enter through the chapel door that faces Perrysville Avenue. It’s recommended visitors call 412-321-8383 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 April
(M) Melkite (R) Ruthenian
1 5 p.m. Paschal Vespers 2 8 a.m. Resurrection matins with Hierarchal Divine Liturgy 3 to 8 No services 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
8 a.m. Divine Liturgy (M) 7 a.m. Panachida (R) Radonista (Day of Rejoicing) 7 a.m. Divine Liturgy (R) 8 a.m. Matins (R) 7 a.m. Akathist to the Risen Lord (R) 5 p.m. Vespers (M) 9 a.m. Divine Liturgy (R) 5 p.m. Great Vespers (R) 7 a.m. Festal Matins (R) Sunday of the Ointment Bearers 8 a.m. Divine Liturgy (M) 7 a.m. 1st Hour (R) 7 a.m. Divine Liturgy (R) 8 a.m. Akathist to the Life-Bearing Tomb (R) 7 a.m. Akathist to the Great Martyr George (R) 5 p.m. Vespers (R) 9 a.m. Divine Liturgy (R) 1 p.m. 6th Hour (R) 5 p.m. Great Vespers (M) 7 a.m. Festal Matins Sunday of the Paralytic Man 8 a.m. Festal Orthros with Divine Liturgy (M) George (Great Martyr) 7 a.m. Psalter Service (M) 7 a.m. Divine Liturgy (R) Mid-Pentecost 8 a.m. Orthros (M) 7 a.m. Akathist to the Theotokos (R) 5 p.m. Vespers (M) No services 7 a.m. Festal Matins Sunday of the Samaritan Woman 8 a.m. Divine Liturgy (M)
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 miter 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 sprovided. 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. SUPER SATURDAY SALE — 9 a.m.-3 p.m. May 5, St. Pius X, 2336 Brownsville Road, Carrick, Pa. Craft/vendor show will be held in the church auditorium (located behind the church) and flea market will be held in the church basement. The day will include ethnic food, bake sale and Chinese auction. Flea market tables are available. For information, call 412-881-8344.
dates to remember APRIL 1 Pascha —The Glorious Feast of the Resurrection of Our Lord APRIL 2 Bright Monday CHANCERY CLOSED APRIL 18 Sixth anniversary of Archbishop William’s Enthronement MAY 13 Mother’s Day MAY 10 Feast of the Ascension of our Lord CHANCERY CLOSED MAY 28 Memorial Day CHANCERY CLOSED See more upcoming events at www.archpitt.org
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next issue: MAY 2018
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