THE OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE ARCHEPARCHY OF PITTSBURGH
washing of the feet
Inside
Archbishop William Skurla washed the feet of seminarians and altar servers March 29 Page 2
VOL. 63 NO. 6
pascha 2018
Churches in the Archeparchy of Pittsburgh celebrate the Paschal season Pages 6 to 14
Farewell, Father Andrew
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easter on the mount
Sisters of St. Basil the Great celebrate at Mount St. Macrina Page 19
Prayerful preparation couples participate in pre-cana classses by Sister Marion Dobos Director, Office of Religious Education
Very Rev. Andrew Deskevich celebrated his final Divine Liturgy as pastor of St. Elias in Munhall, Pa. on April 8. Archbishop William Skurla appointed him rector of St. John the Baptist Cathedral in Munhall. See page 8 for more photos. Photo by Nick Havrilla Sr.
Women’s Day of Reflection set for May 5 springtime event aims to help women grow in their spirituality 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-regis-
tration is required. The event is sponsored by the Byzantine Catholic Archeparchial Office of Religious Education.
Bridges of Compassion Samantha Scholl is a 26-yearold who currently works as a unit secretary and patient care technician in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at UPMC Mercy Hospital. 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
The 2018 Pre-Cana marriage preparation program was held March 10 and 17 at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Munhall, Pa. Father Tom Dansak addressed the topics of “Communication, Forgiveness and Intimacy.” He emphasized that marriage is a lifelong process and forgiveness is one of the most essential spiritual elements of a marital commitment. Without it, resentments mount, inhibiting growth and intimacy. Using various video clips, Father Tom emphasized that a healthy relationship requires humor, sacrifice, open communication, trust, a positive outlook and intimacy. A presentation on “Marriage and Sexuality” was given by Dr. Matthew Kenneth Minerd, a professor at SS. Cyril and Methodius Seminary. Dr. Minerd explained the Church’s teaching on human sexuality and contraception. “Finances and Budgeting” is an important component to the program because many divorces occur over money and its proper management. Sandee and Mark Collins shared personal experiences and challenges they had to deal with in their life together regarding finances. Their message to the couples accentuated a common commitment to the basic principle that what you have is given to you by God, not to serve yourselves but to serve others as well. This principle helps to maintain marital unity. Chris and Amanda Singel guided the couples through a Story continued on page 17
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holy week with the metropolitan
Washing of the Feet
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
Archbishop William Skurla washes the feet of seminarians and altar servers March 29 following the Holy Thursday Divine Liturgy at St. John the Baptist Cathedral in Munhall, Pa. n
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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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. the byzantine catholic world
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Mark Your Calendar
tion and Renewal; and the St. Nicholas Celebration Committee.
dates to remember Byzantine Catholic Community of Austin
n Very Rev. Andrew J. Deskevich: Relieved as pastor of St. Elias, Munhall, Pa. and as priest for liturgical celebrations and pastoral concerns at the Cathedral of St. John, Munhall, Pa.; and appointed rector of the same Cathedral.
The Byzantine Catholic Community of Austin meets for worship 5 p.m. Sundays at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 1610 E. 11t St., Austin Texas 78702. Come join us. www. austinbyzantine.org. n 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
official appointments
St., Uniontown, Pa. Offering of $110. Register at 724-438-7149 by June 15. n
Slavjane Folk Ensemble in concert May 12 Mark your calendars for the 42nd annual Slavjane Folk Ensemble concert 2 p.m. May 12 at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart High School Auditorium, 1504 Woodcrest Ave., Coraopolis, Pa. Slavjane consists of 29 students ranging from ages 4 to 18 from the Pittsburgh area. Featured on this year’s concert are songs, dances, and musical selections from Croatia, Dalmatia, and Carpatho-Rus’. Featured this year are Roma selections from Eastern Slovakia. Special guest performers are the Pittsburgh Area Slovak (PAS) Ensemble. Immediately after the concert, join us for the reception at Holy Trinity Social Hall, 5720 Steubenville Pike, McKees Rocks, Pa., where the dancing and singing continues. Delicious homemade ethnic food and pastries will be available for purchase along with a sprawling Rusyn Auction. Entertainment will be provid-
Father Vitalii Stashkevych: Relieved as assistant to Very Rev. Andrew J. Deskevich as priest for liturgical celebrations and pastoral concerns at the Cathedral of St. John and St. Elias, and appointed administrator of St. Elias.
n
Young Adult Retreat
ed by the popular Orkestar Zabava. Tickets can be bought in advance and will also be available at the door. Concert tickets are $10, student tickets are $5. Reception-only tickets are $5. Contact Dean Poloka at 412-877-9351 to order your tickets or for further information. Slavjane looks forward to seeing you at their concert. Slavjane’s very accommodating “home” is Holy Ghost Byzantine Catholic Church in McKees Rocks, where Father Frank Firko is pastor. Slavjane is a cultural program which receives financial consideration from the Greek Catholic Union, and is acknowledged by the Byzantine Catholic Archeparchy of Pittsburgh as an important organization of the Archeparchy. Slavjane also has the continued endorsement of the Archeparchy as official representatives of Carpatho-Rusyn cultural and ethnic heritage in the U.S. n
by metropolitan archbishop william Official Appointments, effective April 8, 2018
Archpriest Dennis M. Bogda: Retired from active ministry and relieved as rector of the Cathedral of St. John, Munhall, Pa.; Archeparchial Consultor; Syncellus for Clergy; Syncellus for Deacons; Assistant Director for Vocations; and member of the Intereparchial Vocations Commission; the Archeparchial Commission for Revitaliza-
n
Very Rev. Ivan L. Mina: Placed on medical leave and relieved as pastor of Holy Ascension, Clairton, Pa.
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Father John J. Cuccaro: Appointed temporary administrator of Holy Ascension, Clairton, Pa., while continuing to fulfill his pastoral responsibilities at SS. Peter and Paul, Duquesne, Pa. and SS. Peter and Paul, Braddock, Pa. n
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Pittsburgh Byzantine Catholic Young Adults meet “cookie potluck” held at st. john the baptist cathedral in munhall, pa. by David Donohoe Pittsburgh Byzantine Catholic Young Adults
The Pittsburgh Byzantine Catholic Young Adults were formed last October as a way to bring them together for fellowship and community. We host events every month to carry out this very purpose. Our recent event included participation in a Divine Liturgy of Presanctified Gifts and a cookie potluck. (Yes, you read that correctly: We had a potluck… of cookies!) On March 23, the Vigil of Lazarus Saturday, we joined the faithful of St. John the Baptist Cathedral in Munhall, Pa. for their Divine Liturgy of Presanctified Gifts. Since it was the last day of the 40 days of the Great Fast, we thought it was fitting to enjoy a small treat before the celebration of Holy Week and Pascha. One of our members suggested a cookie potluck and the idea stuck. After the liturgy concluded, we went downstairs to their social hall for some refreshments and some lively conversation. The turnout included sever-
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al of our seminarians: Eugene Yeo, Kyprian Wojciechowski, Tim Fariss and Michael Kunitz. Very Rev. Andrew Deskevich and Father Vitalii Stashkevych, both of whom concelebrated, graciously joined us as well. Also, a group of graduate theology students, all Roman Catholic, from Franciscan University in Steubenville, Ohio drove in for the event. Thus, the Cathedral basement was “breathing with both lungs”, to use the expression from St. John Paul II. Our assortment of treats included chocolate chip, mint chocolate chip, macadamia nut, and peanut butter cookies along with brownies, chips and guacamole, and a nut roll. Any young adult from any faith background who is interested in the Byzantine faith, including spouses and children, is welcome to join us at any of our events. For information, “like” us on Facebook at our Pittsburgh Byzantine Catholic Young Adults group or email Abby Kreckel at abby.kreckel@gmail. com. n
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text messages
“The Golden Ticket” of Twitter by David Mayernik Jr. Editor
When I log onto Twitter, it sometimes feels as if I’m stepping into Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory. The environment of the Wonka workspace, as seen in Roald Dahl’s novel and two motion pictures, is bright and colorful while at the same time being dangerous if you don’t watch your step. If you “click” on the wrong Twitter account, you might end up falling into the chocolate river like Augustus Gloop or blowing up to the size of a giant blueberry after enjoying a three-course dinner in the form of Magic Chewing Gum like Violet Beauregarde. No matter if it’s Twitter or Fizzy Lifting Drink, users will decide if it will be a conduit for good or evil. I do my best to avoid the morass of suspicious Twitter accounts as if they are Mr.
Wonka’s pitch-black scary boat tunnel. I’ve discovered lots of enjoyable accounts that are lock-step with my personality. I always check @RetroNewsNow, which posts a obscure pop culture “this day in history” items in the form of TV Guide advertisements and short videos. (Did you know the series finale of ‘Gilligan’s Island’ aired 51 years ago on April 17, 1967, on CBS?) @millsbw is another great page which focuses on classic Saturday morning cartoons throughout the week. But there is also no shortage of Twitter accounts if you need some spiritual fuel for the day. Of course, No. 1 on the list is Pope Francis, who boasts more than 17.6 million followers. His Twitter account is @pontifex, where he posts messages to feed the soul throughout the day: “God asks us little and gives us a lot. He asks us to open our hearts and to welcome Him
A post on Pope Francis’ @Pontifex Twitter account
amd the most vulnerable of our brothers and sisters.” (April 18)
cause the Gospel is its lifeblood and regenerates it constantly.” (April 15)
“The Christian vocation means being a brother or sister to everyone, especially if they are poor, and even if they are an enemy.” (April 17)
There's a lot wrong with the Internet but leave it to Pope Francis to bring some sanity to the Wonka-like cyberspace. It’s like I found “The Golden Ticket."n
“The Church is young be-
making a difference
From crucifixion to resurrection by Tony Magliano
Christ is risen! Truly, he is risen! Jesus Christ has conquered sin and death. We know that God has the final word. And that word is love. For “God is love” (1 Jn. 4:8). The kingdom of God which Jesus ushered into the world is at hand. But, and this is an all important critical “but,” we must repent, and believe in the Gospel. Walking in the footsteps of Jesus we must to the best of our ability think, feel, speak and act as he did. And we need to do it now. For this day, this moment, is the time of fulfillment (Mark 1: 15). But during this in-betweentime of the presence of the kingdom of God being here, but not yet here in its completion — what theologians refer to as “here but not yet” — we have the privilege and responsibility to help advance the love, justice and peace of the kingdom
of God ever closer to that day when God will be all in all. So, while we should joyfully live the “here” of the 50-daylong Easter celebration of Jesus’ resurrection, we must not forget the “not yet” of his crucifixion still being hellishly experienced by countless suffering brothers and sisters. Abortion, hunger, starvation, poverty, homelessness, euthanasia, human trafficking, sweatshops, torture, illiteracy, environmental degradation, untreated illness, loneliness, war, war preparation and all other forms of violence continue to nail our Lord to the cross. It is part of the paradox of the loving mystery of Christ Jesus who while gloriously resurrected, remains yet united with us in our sufferings, our crosses — especially with those who suffer the worst forms of man’s inhumanity to man. During Lent I was reading a deeply inspiring book, “The Mystery of the Cross,” by the late Cardinal Basil Hume, OSB, former archbishop of Westminster, England.
He wrote about a time during a visit to Ethiopia when a small boy in search of food came up to him. He “took hold of my hand and rubbed it against his cheek, while with the other hand he put a finger into his mouth indicating his hunger. He made these two gestures several times. I had nothing to give and could only promise through an interpreter that I would send food to him when I got home. “As I moved away the child stood staring at me, almost reproachfully, I thought, for I had not given him food, and what love I could give I now gave no more. The look in that child’s eyes has haunted me ever since. But I had learned, in a new way altogether, how there are two things we humans need above all: food and love. Without both of these we cannot live.” What an invaluable insight from this holy man of God. As beings comprised of flesh and spirit, we need nourishment for both — food for the body and love for the soul. During this wonderful Eas-
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ter season, let us deeply pray and tirelessly work to end the horrible sufferings of our dear brothers and sisters near and far. Let us pull out the nails that bind them to their crosses. Let us soothe their wounds, feed their hunger and embrace them with God-like love. Then with Gospel integrity we will be able to joyfully proclaim with St. Augustine of Hippo, “We are an Easter people and ‘Alleluia’ is our song!” 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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The “godlike figure” of Sampson part 4: 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
Our study has taken us from Eve’s prophecy that one day a woman’s (not a man’s) seed will bear a child to conquer the serpent to the promise to Abraham that his seed would be a blessing for all nations. Additionally, we noticed that Sarah (Genesis chapters 18–21) was given an opportunity to say “let it be done” or “Amen” at her annunciation by the angelic Trinity (or Yahweh in disguise). However, she did not join them in the washing and sacred type of the Eucharist under the overshadowing oak of Mamre. Still, Jesus remembered her great deed (Matthew 13:33), for she obeyed Abraham who ordered Sarah: “Make ready quickly three measures of choice flour, knead it, and make cakes” (Genesis 18:6). In this, Jesus saw a faint reflection of his Mother Mary, whom he calls Eve or “woman” (Genesis 3:15). Sarah underwent an imperfectly played out annunciation, laughing at prophecy, but she nonetheless
served the Trinity by providing them with the bread of her own hands in three loaves. Indeed, this contributes to why the Fathers in the Byzantine liturgical commentaries order that the loaves for proskomidia be odd in number and insist that the bread of Eucharist at preparation is a foreshadowing of Mary, namely, that she — like Sarah — provides from her own for the Eucharistic bread in utero, just as the Byzantine hymn: “Your womb became a heavenly table, bearing the heavenly bread — Christ our God. Whoever eats of Him shall not die, O Birth-giver (Theotokos) of God, according to the word of the nourisher of all.” If Sarah feeds the angelic Trinity, Mary feeds the divinity in her womb from not only the bread, as John Damascene says, she transforms or transubstantiates in her stomach, but by her very flesh she also provides him food. This sets us up to see in the godlike figure of Sampson yet another hint of the Annunciation and Nativity, leading to Christ’s Theophany and Great Fast. Not only did Sampson’s mom anticipate the Annunciation as recorded by the Evange-
list Luke by saying “you shall conceive and bear a Son,” but we learn that the mother of Sampson needed to sanctify herself by becoming a Nazarite. This is a bit perplexing. After all an Angel of the Lord (who will turn out to be “Mr. Wonderful”) tells her in her age and sterility that she must take on a vow that not only keeps her from drinking wine and cutting her hair, but also requires sexual abstinence for the duration of the vow. In this case, there is no termination to the vow, it even includes her son who is also to be a Nazarite. In this tension, we logically ask: “Is Sampson a ‘son of God’?” The sacred writer likely desires us to feel puzzled. On one hand, Sampson is human, on the other he does things that usually only Greek gods do, like slaying thousands of soldiers singlehandedly. Apparently, Matthew (2:23) was the first to pick up on this prophecy. Mary was also a virgin (unmarried as not yet presumably fertile) and a Nazarite. The first biography of Mary (written c. 70–150 AD) accurately described the fact that little girls were often offered to the Temple in Jerusalem and remained in protective
custody to sew the curtains and care for other needs of divine worship. Mary’s parents plausibly offered her in this role. However, the impressively accurate description of first-century Jewish customs, also styles Mary to be a Nazarite, who is dedicated to the Lord and also will have no sexual relations for the time of her vow. But Matthew hints that Jesus is born in “Nazareth” for several reasons, of which one concerns the fact that to be from Nazareth among locals must have been the occasion for a joke, that is, to call “Nazareth-ites” “Nazarites.” This suggests that both Mary and Jesus will remain virgins in Nazarite vows much more faithfully than the nameless mother of Sampson and Sampson himself. Like Sarah, the Mother-Sampson duo can only imperfectly hint at the future perfection in Mary and Jesus. While the language suggests that Sampson might be born only of his Mother’s seed, it is not clear. Alas, he subsequently proves that he is not the child of promise, however, because he cuts his hair and has sexual relations. So, Israel must await the perfect deliverer. 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 Uni-
versity 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 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
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Archbishop Alexander [Golitzin]
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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st. john the baptist cathedral in munhall, pa.
Great and Holy Friday at the Cathedral
Photos by Nick Havrilla Sr.
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st. john the baptist cathedral in munhall, pa.
Christ is Risen! Indeed He is Risen!
Photos by Nick Havrilla Sr.
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st. elias in munhall, pa.
Farewell, Father Andrew Very Rev. Andrew Deskevich celebrated his final Divine Liturgy as pastor of St. Elias in Munhall, Pa. on April 8. Archbishop William Skurla appointed Father Andrew rec-
tor of St. John the Baptist Cathedral in Munhall. Father Vitalii Stashkevych was appointed administrator of St. Elias. n
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holy trinity in sykesville, pa.
Lenten season at Holy Trinity What is considered by many to be the most beautiful, sacred, and beloved season of the Eastern Churches was observed at Holy Trinity in Sykesville, Pa. during the Great Fast. A busy time, well attended, and loved by all. Father Vasyl Banyk is pastor.. From the Sundays of Meat and Cheese Fare, the Sunday of Orthodoxy, saw the traditional procession of the children with icons they’d made to be blessed. This has been an annual tradition for many years and is enjoyed by all who attend. Great and Holy Week, while wet and chilly, and, yes, even a bit snowy at times, was still well attended by parishioners, culminating on Great and Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday morning by songs and shouts of “Christ is risen! Indeed He is risen!” and the blessing of the many beautiful baskets filled with paschal foods. Holy Trinity and its parishioners wish all in our Archeparchy, and all Christians of the true faith a very blessed Easter season and that the blessings of our Risen Lord be with you all, this day and always! Christ is risen! Indeed He is risen! n
st. basil the great in irving, texas
Pascha in Texas Father Joseph Wargacki is pastor of St. Basil the Great.
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st. gregory in upper st. clair, pa.
Palm Sunday
by Father Valerian Michlik St. Gregory, Upper St. Clair, Pa.
Palm Sunday, also called the “Triumphal Entry of the Lord into Jerusalem,” is one of the Great Feasts of the Byzantine Catholic Church. Over 2,000 years ago, people lined up in the streets of Jerusalem to greet and praise Christ. “Hosanna to God in the highest! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.” This year it was a double celebration, as we also celebrated the Annunciation of the Theotokos. As part of our Palm Sunday celebration, we received palm and willow branches to celebrate Christ as the king who enters our hearts, our own personal Jerusalem. Following the Divine Liturgy, we gathered in our Church hall for our Easter Egg workshop. Special Easter activities took place for all age groups. The first group was dedicated to the art of Pysanky, an ancient tra-
dition of egg decorating — literally “egg writing.” Our next group were parishioners learning how to create a Palm Cross in remembrance of our Lord’s entrance into Jerusalem. The next five stations were dedicated to our St. Gregory’s children. Our children had opportunities to create their own Easter basket, spring decorations, decorated flower pot, and to decorate their own Easter eggs. We are also grateful to the members of our St. Gregory’s Bethany Ministry for preparing the Easter gift bags for our homebound parishioners. During Holy Week, our Bethany Ministry members visit our homebound parishioners to deliver these gifts to them. This was a very busy, yet eventful Palm Sunday in our parish family, learning and passing on Easter traditions to our parish children that are the future of St. Gregory. n
Members of St. Gregory’s Bethany Ministry
Photos by Jennifer Kehm
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“Best Lent Ever” by Father Valerian Michlik St. Gregory, Upper St. Clair, Pa.
The Library Ministry of St. Gregory sponsored a program for the Great and Holy Lent that did not require participants to “give up” anything. Instead, the program focused on creating new and positive habits while (hopefully) abandoning non-constructive habits to inspire personal spiritual growth. The ultimate goal of this effort was to become a “better version” of oneself inspired by his/ her own Lenten journey. The process was closely intertwined with Dynamic Catholic’s “Best Lent Ever” program for 2018. Parishioners could participate in one, two or three components of the program. First, parishioners could sign up to receive e-mails each day of the Western Rite’s Lenten calendar. The daily e-mails contained inspirational videos, practical tips and encouraging stories from Dynamic Catholic. Sunday’s e-mails were focused on scripture and being mindful
during “mass” (our liturgy). Second, the Library Ministry provided a copy of the journal published by Dynamic Catholic to any participant who wanted to document his/her Lenten journey, daily reflections and track progress on becoming a better version of his or herself. Third, the Library Ministry purchased a copy of Matthew Kelly’s book, “Perfectly Yourself — Discovering God’s Dream for You,” for participants who elected to read it. The book contains six chapters with a main topic for each of the six weeks of Lent. To culminate the program, the Library Ministry hosted two discussion groups after the Divine Liturgies on March 4 and 18 for participants to come together to share their Lenten reflections with fellow parishioners. In all, about 25 parishioners participated in one or more components of the program. As an added benefit, Father Stephen Wahal, pastor of St. Michael, Donora, Pa.; St.
Lenten outreach by Father Valerian Michlik St. Gregory, Upper St. Clair, Pa.
This year’s Lenten project at St. Gregory was to assist the Sisters of St. Joseph with their outreach ministry, “Casa San José - House of St. Joseph.” Since 2013, the Sisters of St. Joseph have been operating this center in Pittsburgh for Lati-
no immigrants that serves as a base of support for English language learners, helping them to access services — especially for children, youth and families. Sincere thanks to all our parishioners for being part of this year’s Lenten outreach. n
Andrea and John Cencich, coordinators of Lenten outreach program, with Father Valerian Michlik (back)
Susan Flynn, Kathy Smith, Maureen Sullivan, Nancy Pillar and Leslie Coval were among the participants in the “Best Lent Ever” program at St. Gregory.
Mary, Monessen, Pa.; and Holy Ghost, Charleroi. Pa.; graciously agreed to have his daily reflections/questions for his parishioners to also be circulated to the participants of the
St. Gregory Lenten program. This coordinated effort during the Great and Holy Lent truly enabled participants to experience their “Best Lent Ever”! n
“Re-igniting the Reformation” by Father Valerian Michlik St. Gregory, Upper St. Clair, Pa.
On the Fourth Sunday of the Great Fast, March 11, we welcomed the Rev. Steven Carlson, senior pastor at Ruthfred Lutheran Church in Bethel Park, Pa. to St. Gregory. Following the Divine Liturgy, Pastor Steven was our Library Lenten Speaker in the Church hall. Since last year was the com-
Rev. Steven Carlson
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memoration of the 500 Years of the Reformation, Pastor Steven gave a very informative presentation on the history of the Reformation that took place in the Christian West. After the question/answer session, Pastor Steven was presented with an icon of the three holy bishop-martyrs of the Byzantine Catholic Church. n
Photos by Jennifer Kehm
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st. gregory in upper st. clair, pa.
Great and Holy Friday
Celebrating Pascha 2018
Photos by Jennifer Kehm
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church of the resurrection in monroeville, pa.
Lenten fish fry
Volunteers from Gateway, Norwin, Penn-Trafford, and Plum high schools helped with Church of the Resurrection’s Fish Fry in Monroeville, Pa. Father Don Bolls (right) is wearing his “Codfather” cap. n
Blessing of Easter baskets
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holy trinity in wall, pa.
Easter tradition by Phyllis Lewis Parish Council, Holy Trinity, Wall, Pa.
Parishioners and friends of Holy Trinity in Wall, Pa. gathered for the annual blessing of
Easter foods by Father Don Bolls on March 31. This is an Easter tradition that we all look forward to maintaining. n
st. michael in campbell, ohio
Celebrating Pascha Father Kevin Marks is pastor of St. Michael.
holy ghost in mckees rocks, pa.
Palm Sunday Egg Hunt
On a chilly Palm Sunday morning, ECF students of Holy Ghost in McKees Rocks. Pa. had fun hunting for eggs on the church grounds. Father Frank Firko is pastor. The students of our Youth Group did the hiding and the younger students in Pre-K through 5th grade raced around to find the treat-filled eggs. The egg hunt is a long-time annual tradition for the children of Holy Ghost and teaches them Easter eggs symbolize new life and remind us of Jesus emerging from the tomb and His Resurrection. n the byzantine catholic world
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st. john the baptist cathedral in munhall, pa.
“Friday Night at the Races” The CAMEO Club at St. John the Baptist Cathedral in Munhall, Pa. hosted their annual 'Friday Nite at the Races” on April 6. Proceeds from the event benefit St. John the Baptist. The evening of races was a great success and enjoyed by all who attended. n
Photos by Nick Havrilla Sr.
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parish news
st. michael in campbell, ohio
“Jumping for Jesus� by Father Kevin Marks St. Michael, Campbell, Ohio
On Bright Friday, April 6, our parish kids enjoyed a fun
evening "Jumping for Jesus" at Extreme Air Trampoline Park. Our youth had an awesome and fun time! n
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Thank you, Betty! by Father Kevin Marks St. Michael, Campbell, Ohio
Our St. Michael Church congratulates Betty Stanko on her retirement as president of GCU Lodge 360 for 40-plus years. Betty was honored April 8 at the Divine Liturgy and was presented with a certificate and plaque for her service and dedication to the Lodge. Afterwards, a reception was held in the church hall. Thank you, Betty! n
ss. peter and paul in duquesne, pa.
Spaghetti Dinner by Lori Downey SS. Peter and Paul, Duquesne, Pa.
The Parish Club of SS. Peter and Paul in Duquesne, Pa. hosted their 16th annual Spaghetti Dinner on April 15. Once again the Dinner was a huge success. Although the delicious meal draws the large crowd, guests also enjoy taking a chance at winning a gift basket from the Chinese Auction and trying their luck at winning the Half & Half Raffle. The Parish Club and their pastor, Father John Cuccaro, express their deep gratitude to the many energetic and hard working volunteers. They also thank everyone that attended the dinner, which ultimately made it a huge success. A special "thank you" to the clergy and parishioners from several neighboring Byzantine Churches for all their support. n
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Betty Stanko
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Building the foundation Story continued from page 1 group process activity on the “Elements of a Healthy Marriage.” They highlighted the importance of mutual respect for each other’s individuality. In addition, the blending of families, responsibly parenting and an openness to change was illustrated in an insightful PowerPoint presentation. In 1998, the Pre-Cana Program was created by the Office of Religious Education for the Archeparchy. Many dedicated and faith filled individuals participated in the organization and presentation offered in this program. Deacon Dennis Prestash has been actively involved since its inception. His topics for the 2018 program were: “Why a Church Wedding?” and “Theology of Marriage and the Crowning Ceremony.” Deacon Dennis laid the foundation for the vocation of marriage, explained the meaning of the Crowning Ceremony and took the couples to the Nave of the Cathedral to demonstrate the ritual. Eleven couples from the fol-
Eleven couples participated in the Pre-Cana program March 10 and 17 at St. John the Baptist Cathedral in Munhall, Pa.
lowing parishes participated: SS. Peter & Paul, Erie, Pa.; St. Michael, Canonsburg, Pa.; St. Michael, Campbell, Ohio; Holy Ghost, McKees Rocks, Pa.; St. Michael, Hermitage, Pa.; SS. Peter and Paul, Tarentum, Pa.; and St. John Chrysostom, Pittsburgh. n
FYI n Sister Marion Dobos, Office of Religious Education director, advises couples of the Archeparchy of Pittsburgh planning to get married in 2019 to check the Office of Religious Education page on the Archeparchy’s web site at www.archpitt.org for 2019 Pre-Cana dates.
eternal memory
sister maria petruska, OSBM Having fallen asleep in the Lord late in the evening of April 11, +Sister Maria Petruska (formerly Sister Juvenalia) woke to a new dawn in the heavenly kingdom. In the last years of her life, Sister Maria was a resident at Mt. Macrina Manor, and it was from here that she took her final steps into eternity. The daughter of the late Andrew and Mary (Ciparik) Petruska, Sister Maria was born in the village of Ruska Nova Ves in what is now Slovakia. She entered the community from St. Mary’s Byzantine Catholic Church in Mahanoy City, Pa., on Jan. 15, 1942 and made her Final Profession of Vows on Jan. 8, 1950. Her life in active ministry was comprised of teaching from the elementary to secondary levels within the Pittsburgh Metropolitan Province. At the college level, she taught at the Fayette Campus of Penn State. Her teaching ministry on the college level then led her to seek broader experiences, taking her to Bethlehem University, to Guam, Japan and Tanzania. These experiences of teaching in foreign countries
were among her fondest memories. Retiring from this active ministry, Sister Maria then became involved as a tutor at the Intermediate Unit I Adult Learning Center in Uniontown, Pa. Because of her teaching experience in foreign countries, Sister Maria stated that the choice to tutor for the learning center came naturally. As a native of Slovakia, she had an empathy for those lacking proficiency in English. For her, teaching English as a second language was a joy, not a job. Some of the friends she made through this work kept in contact with her over the years. Sister Maria had a great love for her Byzantine Catholic heritage in all its aspects, and she took great care in passing on this love to her students. She wanted to be remembered for this, and indeed, she was by a number of those she taught. Since the weather was cold and snowy, Archbishop William Skurla, in his homily, drew an analogy from the film “Dr. Zhivago.” In the film, there are flashbacks to moments in Zhivago’s life. In Sister Maria’s life, these flashbacks can be said
to begin with her coming to this country from Slovakia, settling in Mahanoy City, Pa., and then entering the community. Her life in community which spanned 76 years revealed her to be an independent thinker, always clear about what she wanted from life, and always faithful to the Greek Catholic faith, the faith of her parents. As is evidenced by the many places Sister Maria served, new avenues of ministry were sought and welcomed. Archbishop William noted that, in the same way, we are called to look at our own lives, to go where the wind takes us, always trying to be faithful to the Easter Message. In this week of the Ointment Bearing Women, it is an invitation held out to all of us. Sister Maria was preceded in death by her parents; her sisters, Helen and Margaret Petruska; and her brothers, Rev. Gregory Petruska and Andrew Petruska. In addition to her members in community, she is survived by her brother, Rev. Christopher Petruska; her sister, Theresa (Bill) Ortmann; and several devoted nieces and nephews and their families.
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Sister Maria Petruska, OSBM
The Parastas Service was concelebrated on April 18 by Very Rev. Andrew Deskevich and Rev. Peter Leigh, Monastery Chaplain. The Funeral Divine Liturgy was celebrated on April 19 in the Monastery Chapel by Archbishop William. Concelebrants were Bishop John S. Pazak, Father Andrew and Father Peter. In attendance were Very Rev. Ronald P. Larko, Abbot Leo Schlosser, Rev. James Spontak and Rev. Stephen Wahal. May God grant to his handmaiden, Sister Maria, eternal memory and peaceful repose. n
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thoughts for our day by Archpriest David M. Petras
hope In his first letter to the Corinthians, the Holy Apostle Paul links together three virtues, which may be called powers of the soul: “faith, hope, love remain, these three; but the greatest of these is love” (1 Corinthians 13:13). I think that in reality these are one virtue, one power given to the human person, but which become separated in the concrete circumstances of our mortal lives depending on the situations we are faced with. Therefore, faith is more than just thinking that something is true, it is living in God’s presence, seeing what our mind tells us but with greater conviction and understanding, so that it changes our lives and enables us to love God and our neighbor. Hope is the same, it is more than just expecting that God’s plan for us is good, but it also means living in confidence in God’s love, so much so that it enables us to love the other, and even those that hate us, as the mystic Julian of Norwich was to write, “And so when the final judgment comes, we shall clearly see in God all the secrets that are hidden from us now. Then none of us will be moved in any way to say, ‘Lord, if only things had been different, all would have been well.’ Instead, we shall all proclaim in one voice, ‘Beloved One, may you be blessed, because it is so: all is well” (“The Showings”). While we say that both faith and hope lead us to love, in a certain way, the opposite is true: if we love, then we will have faith and hope. The Epistle to the Hebrews defines faith, “Faith is the reali-
zation of what is hoped for and evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1). Hope, then, is the confidence coming from faith, and Hebrews further describes it: “ ... it was impossible for God to lie, we who have taken refuge might be strongly encouraged to hold fast to the hope that lies before us. This we have as an anchor of the soul, sure and firm, which reaches into the interior behind the veil” (Hebrews 6:18-19).
St. Paul is truly the evangelist of hope, the gospel preacher of confidence in God’s love and His power of life. The reality of a Christian life is that even in the certainty of faith, even in the light of knowledge that faith brings us, even in the divine optimism that hope instills in us, while yet in this mortal life that is limited by our senses, we still do not grasp the entirety of God’s economia, that is, his plan of salvation. St. Paul is radically clear on this point: “At present we see indistinctly, as in a mirror, but then face to face. At present I know partially; then I shall know fully, as I am fully known” (1 Corinthians 13:12), and “‘what eye has not seen, and ear has not heard, and what has not entered the human heart, what God has
prepared for those who love him,’ this God has revealed to us through the Spirit” (1 Corinthians 2:9-10). Perhaps this hope in God’s providence is best expressed in the Hymn of the Incarnation of the Divine Liturgy: “(You) deigned for our salvation to become man without change; you were also crucified, O Christ our God, and by death have trampled Death.” Faith and hope support each other. Over the course of time, the Creed became a part of the Divine Liturgy as our preparation for our union with Christ in Holy Communion. Often in Greek the word used for this profession of faith is simply pistis — the faith. Hope is also a part of the creed, because at the end we say, “I expect the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come.” “Expect” is a word of hope. Hope is especially a virtue that faces the human curse of death, as the Creed indicates. We cannot avoid death, and so we have many concepts of what happens to us after we die. Our Lord speaks at times of our future after death, and uses various images to describe it, such as the parables of Lazarus and the Rich Man (Luke 16:19-31) and the Last Judgment (Matthew 25:31-46). Yet in our earthly lives, which are limited by our bodily senses, we cannot have a full understanding of infinity and eternity, and so we fear death. Hope comes from the resurrection of our Lord, when he returns to us in a glorified body that is not bound by earthly limitations. Again, St. Paul reassures us, “We do not want you to be unaware, brothers, about those who have fallen asleep, so that you may not
grieve like the rest, who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose, so too will God, through Jesus, bring with him those who have fallen asleep” (1 Thessalonians 4:13-14). He also tells us that we will be changed, that in our resurrection we will become like Christ in ways we do not yet comprehend: “So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown corruptible; it is raised incorruptible. It is sown dishonorable; it is raised glorious. It is sown weak; it is raised powerful. It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual one” (1 Corinthians 15:42-44). St. Paul is truly the evangelist of hope, the gospel preacher of confidence in God’s love and His power of life. He writes to the Romans: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13). We receive this hope frequently in Holy Communion, for when communicating us, the priest says, “The servant of God partakes of the precious, most holy, and most pure body and blood of our Lord, God and Savior Jesus Christ for the remission of sins and for life everlasting.” This hope of life everlasting begins now in this world because we receive the risen Lord, the life-giving Lord of our hope. Indeed, this has “now ... been manifested to his holy ones, to whom God chose to make known the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; it is Christ in you, the hope for glory” (Colossians 1:26-27). 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 St. John Chrysostom Church, Pittsburgh, Pa. www.sjcbcc.com the byzantine catholic world
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mount st. macrina in uniontown, pa.
Easter on the Mount From The Sisters of St. Basil the Great’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/sistersofstbasil.uniontown, posted on April 2: “Christ is Risen! Indeed, He is Risen! We hope that you and your family had a joyous Easter celebration. We had a wonderful celebration at the Monastery. #SistersofStBasil #MtStMacrina #UniontownPA" n
Seminarians visit
Seminarians of SS. Cyril and Methodius Seminary sang the Akathist to the Theotokos in the Shrine of Our Lady of Per-
petual Help on the eve of their Poustinia Retreat at Mount St. Macrina House of Prayer on March 16. n
April showers
From The Sisters of St. Basil the Great’s Facebook page on April 3: “April Fools Day came late this year with a couple inches of snow! Today, we are back to April Showers. Don't forget — April Showers bring May Flowers! #SistersofStBasil #MtStMacrina #UniontownPA” n
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liturgical schedule at the Seminary
around the archeparchy
“Come, let us sing joyfully to the Lord”
RUMMAGE AND BAKE SALE — 8 a.m.-2 p.m. May 5, St. Michael, 166 E. College St., Canonsburg, Pa. Clothing, tools, household items, books, toys, collectibles and more. Come and find your treasure. Baked goods will also be for sale. To donate items, call Linda at 412-638-9941. 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. YOUNG ADULT DIVINE LITURGY MEET-UP — 9:30 a.m. May 6, St. Elias, 4200 Homestead-Duquesne Road, Munhall, Pa. Young adults, their significant others, and their children are invited to Sunday Divine Liturgy followed by a coffee social in the parish hall. RSVP by May 3 to abby.kreckel@gmail.com.
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 May 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17
(M) Melkite (R) Ruthenian
7 a.m. Orthros (M) 7 a.m. Divine Liturgy (R) 8 a.m. Matins (R) 7 a.m. 3rd Hour (R) 5 p.m. Vespers (R) 9 a.m. Divine Liturgy (R) 5 p.m. Great Vespers (M) 8 a.m. Festal Orthros with Divine Liturgy (M) Sunday of the Man Born Blind 8 a.m. Divine Liturgy (M) 7 a.m. Akathist to the Holy Apostle John the Theologian (R) 7 a.m. Divine Liturgy (R) 7 p.m. Great Vespers (R) 8 a.m. Festal Matins with Divine Liturgy (R) Ascension of Our Lord 8 a.m. Divine Liturgy (R) 5 p.m. All-Night Vigil (R) 9 a.m. Divine Liturgy (R) Sunday of the Fathers of the 1st Ecumenical Council 7 a.m. 1st Hour (R) 7 a.m. Psalter Service (M) Kathisma 7 7 a.m. Divine Liturgy (R) 10:30 a.m. Moleben to SS. Cyril and Methodius (R)
ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT BREAKFAST BUFFET — 9 a.m.-1 p.m. May 13 , 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. ANNUAL SLAVIC FEST — 11 a.m.-6 p.m. May 20, St. Michael Byzantine Catholic Social Center, 2230 Highland Road, Hermitage, Pa. Admission: $1, adults; no charge, age 15 and under. The Chardon Polka Band will perform noon to 3 p.m. and The Zaps will perform 3 to 6 p.m. Slavic meal includes a holupki roll, two pirohi, scoop of halushki, kielbassi and bread for $12. A la carte menu: holupki, $3 each; pirohi, three for $3; halushki, $4; kielbasa with kraut sandwich, $6; hot dog with kraut/plain, $3/$2; cucumber salad, $3; palachinke (cream cheese filling) with cherry topping, $3. Baked goods, cookbooks and ethnic items for sale; lottery raffles, church tours, and much more. All are invited. A TASTE OF HEAVEN COOKIES & TREATS COOKBOOK — Published by parishioners of St. Gregory in Upper St. Clair, Pa. Features 108 recipes for cookies, treats and ethnic favorites. Cost: $12 plus $3 postage. Send a check made out to “St. Gregory Church” to: St. Gregory, 2005 Mohawk Road, Upper St. Clair, Pa. 15241. For information, call the Rectory at 412-835-7800.
Contact your pastor for information
dates to remember MAY 10 Feast of the Ascension of our Lord CHANCERY CLOSED MAY 13 Mother’s Day MAY 20 Pentecost Sunday MAY 28 Memorial Day CHANCERY CLOSED JUNE 17 Father’s Day See more upcoming events at www.archpitt.org
the byzantine catholic world
Official publication of the Byzantine Catholic Archeparchy of Pittsburgh
Byzantine Catholic Press Associates 66 Riverview Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15214 Tel: 412.231.4000 Fax: 412.231.1697 E-mail: bcw@archpitt.org Web site: www.archpitt.org
next issue: JUNE 2018
submissions DEADLINE: MAY 25