THE OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE ARCHEPARCHY OF PITTSBURGH
sounds of the season
Inside
Pittsburgh Byzantine Catholic Archeparchial Choir presents “Christmas at the Cathedral” Page 3
VOL. 64 NO. 1
visits from st. nicholas St. Nicholas travels to churches all over the Archeparchy of Pittsburgh Page 6 to 9
Serving our North Side neighbors seminarians serve food at light of life rescue mission
JANUARY 2019
happy 100th! Parishioner at St. Michael in Sheffield, Pa. celebrates 100th birthday Page 12
Pope: Come to manger with love, charity, simplicity “if we welcome that gift, history changes” by Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service
A – Deacon Kevin, John, and David serve an evening meal at Light of Life Rescue Mission
Deacon Kevin Bezner and Seminarians John Welch and David Vonderohe serve an evening meal at Light of Life Rescue Mission in Pittsburgh, Pa. on Nov. 28. by Deacon Kevin Bezner Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of St. Josaphat, Parma, Ohio
I just returned from Thanksgiving break, not long into the Philippian Fast, when six seminarians of the Byzantine Catholic Seminary of SS. Cyril and Methodius in Pittsburgh, including myself, joined Marc Grant, the Seminary’s food service controller, in feeding about 150 hungry men, women, and children at the Light of Life Rescue Mission on the North Side of Pittsburgh Nov. 28. Marc said he chose Light of Life so that we could have a direct experience of serving our less fortunate Seminary neighbors. Our experience began after lunch in the Seminary’s kitchen, where we gathered to help
Marc prepare and cook large trays of chicken, pasta with meat sauce and broccoli. Once the food was ready, we loaded up our cars for the short drive to the mission. On the way, we stopped at Breadworks, a local bakery, to pick up bags of fresh baked rolls for the meal. After a tour of the mission, we set up the food line and tables for two evening meals, one for the mission’s residents and one for men, women, and children seeking a hot meal. As we served the hungry, we were moved by the joy of the children as they ate and the gratitude of the men and women for the meal we helped prepare. While we could not help but feel heavy in our hearts for the suffering they endure in their daily lives, we were also filled with hope. We heard and wit-
nessed a number of the success stories of those who had come in for a meal, stayed for the resident program, and left with a greater sense of personal responsibility and the skills to manage and change their lives with the help of our Lord Jesus Christ. Later, at our own evening meal of a greater amount of food in more comfortable surroundings, each of us expressed our joy in serving our neighbors as a Seminary team and our hope that serving the less fortunate at Light of Life would become a regular pastoral formation activity for seminarians. Deacon Kevin Bezner is in his final year of formation at the Byzantine Catholic Seminary. Story continued on page 2
VATICAN CITY — Jesus' birth in a stable, God's coming to earth in extreme simplicity, teaches Christians that love is more valuable than anything else and is what will change the world, Pope Francis said. "In Bethlehem, we discover that the life of God can enter into our hearts and dwell there. If we welcome that gift, history changes, starting with each of us," the pope said in his homily at Mass Dec. 24 in St. Peter's Basilica. After the singing of the "Kalenda," the ancient Christmas proclamation, and the ringing of the basilica's bells, Pope Francis lifted a cloth revealing a statue of the baby Jesus, and he gently kissed it. St. Peter's Basilica was filled with a new light for the Christmas Mass. For the first time, the basilica's new LED lighting was used — 700 light fixtures contain 100,000 LEDs and, according to the Vatican, will bring an energy savings of 90 percent. In his homily, the pope noted how the Christmas story leads believers back to Bethlehem, which means "house of bread." "Tonight," he said, "as we hear the summons to go up to Bethlehem, the house of bread, let us ask ourselves: What is the bread of my life, what is it that I cannot do without? Is it the Lord, or something else?" "Then," he continued, "as we enter the stable, sensing in the tender poverty of the newborn child a new fragrance of life, the odor of simplicity, let us ask Story continued on page 13
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Happy Birthday, Sister Elaine!
UPS 081500 ISSN 07442289 Official publication of the Byzantine Catholic Archeparchy of Pittsburgh
The Archeparchy of Pittsburgh’s European priests visited the Chancery in Pittsburgh, Pa. on Dec. 17 to celebrate and honor Sister Elaine Kisinko, OSBM, secretary to the Archbishop, on her 90th birthday. May God grant her many happy and blessed years! n
by Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service
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
Vatican opens medical center for homeless
Serving our North Side neighbors Seminarians continued from page 1 For further information on the Seminary, go to www.bcs. edu and check out the newly-released video “Forming Leaders for the Church.” Right: Seminarian David Vonderohe cooks some of the food for the evening meal at Light of Life Rescue Mission. Below: Seminarians Kyprian Wojciechowski and John Welch catch a breath between meal duties at Light of Life Rescue Mission. n
Catholic World is to spread the Gospel message in the
VATICAN CITY — Just before Christmas, the Vatican announced it had opened a new medical clinic for the homeless and the poor, expanding services previously offered in a small space just outside St. Peter's Square. The Merciful Mother Clinic, which has three fully equipped examining rooms, an office and a waiting room, occupies space previously used as a secondary Vatican post office just beyond the northern arm of the colonnade surrounding St. Peter's Square. The new clinic is next to the bathrooms and showers opened for the homeless in 2015; a year later, with the help of volunteers, services were expanded to include barbers and doctors once a week. The clinic will be open Monday, Thursday and Saturday, said the announcement Dec. 22 from the office of Cardinal Konrad Krajewski, the papal almoner. Monday mornings, the statement said, podiatrists will be on duty to provide medical attention to patients with foot problems, something very common among the homeless. On Wednesdays when Pope Francis holds his weekly general audience in St. Peter's Square and whenever there are large events in the square, the clinic will serve as a first-aid station, the announcement said. The clinic will be staffed by personnel from the Vatican medical service and volunteer doctors from the University of Rome Tor Vergata and Italian medical associations. Medical students and residents from the Tor Vergata medical school will do internships at the clinic. n
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
The three examining rooms in the Vatican’s new Merciful Mother Clinic for the homeless and poor are seen just before Christmas when the clinic opened. The clinic, run by the papal almoner’s office, will be staffed by personnel from the Vatican medical service and by volunteer physicians. Photo by Vatican Media/Catholic News Service.
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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Sounds of the season archeparchial choir presents annual “christmas at the cathedral” The Pittsburgh Byzantine Catholic Archeparchial Choir (PBCAC) presented its annual “Christmas at the Cathedral” concert Dec. 16 at St. John the Baptist Cathedral in Munhall, Pa. The choral program featured hymns and carols of Christmas. The Choir celebrated its 20th anniversary on July 8, 2018. Nearly 30 members strong, the PBCAC rehearses on select Tuesdays at the Cathedral and sings for various Archeparchial and ecumenical events throughout the year. The Choir was conceived in the fall of 1997 by the ensemble’s patron and mentor, +Metropolitan Judson M. Procyk. Darlene Fejka has been the group’s director since the first day. Many current choir participants have belonged since the group’s first official rehearsal in 1998. n
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text messages
Holy smoke by David Mayernik Jr. Editor
It’s been said nature abhors a vacuum. Well, it is also true Walt Disney World abhors spontaneity. Every aspect of the Disney experience in its four Parks, two water parks and numerous resorts are executed like clockwork: n Guests are not to put the arms or legs outside of any ride vehicle or monorail for any reason. n All persons and their bags and purses are inspected by security personnel before entering any Park. n And you will stand in line for exactly 180 minutes to ride the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World paperback even sarcastically refers to a water splash pad at Epcot — where kids can jump around in their bathing suits — as the “I Can’t Believe It’s a Disney Fountain.” That’s why I was so shocked and, frankly, giddy to experience a spontaneous moment at
Disney World during a vacation there last month. As I was waiting in line to see “UP! A Great Bird Adventure Show” at Disney’s Animal Kingdom on Dec. 6, (The Feast of St. Nicholas and, also, my birthday) I looked to the sky and saw not a bird nor Superman but a plane. Above the palm trees and colorful paper lanterns, a smiley face was being formed in the azure blue sky through skywriting (certainly a lost art in the 21st century, I think) and then the word “JESUS” slowly took form. I believe “LOVES YOU” shortly followed but I’m not exactly sure since myself and other guests were being herded into the arena for the 4 p.m. bird show. Certainly, this wasn’t a Disney-sanctioned advertising so I had to get out my camera to snap a photo of the momentous occasion. When I got back home to Pittsburgh, I decided to scour the Internet to try to find the story behind the sky-writing. According to the South Florida Sun Sentinel newspaper,
“JESUS” skywriting above Disney’s Animal Kingdom on Dec. 6, 2018. Photo by David Mayernik Jr.
two pilots own two crop duster planes, both dubbed the “Holy Smoke,” and have been writing these messages above the Orlando and Fort Lauderdale areas in Florida since 1999 “so the duo may spread religious affirmations from Miami to the Magic Kingdom.” Their messages are written at 10,000 feet and can be seen 35 miles away on a clear day, the Sun Sentinel reports. At the end of the 45-minute
bird show, the message had already started to dissolve thanks to the Orlando winds. It was interesting to note the reactions of some Disney guests, like myself, who were wondering what was happening in the sky above. It was a change from the usual fireworks display and Tinkerbell flying above Cinderella Castle. A different kind of Disney magic, I suppose. n
making a difference
A Christmas message from the heavens by Tony Magliano
Fifty years ago on Christmas Eve (Dec. 24, 1968) the crew of Apollo 8 entered lunar orbit and began circling the moon — the first time in history for humans to visit another world (see: https://bit.ly/2EkLJda). That evening the crew’s astronauts — Bill Anders, Jim Lovell and Frank Borman — transmitted a live television broadcast including spectacular pictures of the moon just 60 miles below them, and of the Earth, a quarter of a million miles away. In a most fitting conclusion to the broadcast, the astronauts shared a biblical reading of the first 10 verses of the creation account in the book of Genesis. Anders started by inspiringly saying: “We are now approaching lunar sunrise, and for all the people back on Earth, the crew of Apollo 8 has a message
that we would like to send you: ‘In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. And God said, Let there be light: and there was light’.” Immediately after reading from Genesis, Borman said, “And from the crew of Apollo 8, we close with good night, good luck, a Merry Christmas — and God bless all of you, all of you on the good Earth.” But in 1968, the good Earth, and countless good people on it, were suffering from various evils. The bloody Vietnam War, the brutal Soviet crushing of the Prague uprising, the assassinations of Robert Kennedy and Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. and race riots throughout the U.S. were among the critical ills sickening our good Earth. But humanity’s first manned step toward the heavenly bodies gave 1968, and all of us living on the good Earth that year, an astronomical boost.
And the famous “Earthrise,” photographically captured by Anders, offered humanity a fresh heavenly perspective of how we might better view our earthly home. Give yourself a wonderful Christmas gift. Click onto the following NASA link and meditate on the awesome “Earthrise” photo. And then with an open mind and heart prayerfully listen to Apollo 8’s Christmas Eve 1968 message (see: https:// www.nasa.gov/topics/history/ features/apollo_8.html). Anders said that despite all the training and preparation for an exploration of the moon, the astronauts ended up discovering the Earth. Creator God, open our eyes, ears, minds, hearts and souls to discover afresh this planet we all share in common. Help us to discover its magnificent beauty and gentle fragility. And move us to cherish it as faithful stewards. Help us to discover with justice, compassion and love each human being on it – especially the poor and vulnerable. And help us to discover
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your way – the only way – to bring heavenly peace upon our Earth home. On Christmas Day, with a view of the distant Earth from above the moon, Apollo 8 astronaut Frank Borman offered this deeply inspiring prayer. Let’s pray it together: “Give us, O God, the vision which can see thy love in the world in spite of human failure. Give us the faith to trust the goodness in spite of our ignorance and weakness. Give us the knowledge that we may continue to pray with understanding hearts, and show us what each one of us can do to set forth the coming of the day of universal peace. Amen.” n
Tony Magliano is an internationally syndicated social justice and peace columnist. He is available to speak at parish gatherings about Catholic social teaching. He can be reached at tmag@zoominternet.net.
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eternal memory
sister gertrude martin, osbm Very peacefully, as she had always wanted, +Sister Gertrude (Irene) Martin, OSBM moved from the earthly realm to the heavenly in the early evening of Nov. 28, 2018. Sister had been a resident at Mt. Macrina Manor, and it was from there that she was surely welcomed by the Lord she served with fidelity and enthusiasm for 75 years. Sister Gertrude was born in Homestead, Pa., the daughter of the late Nicholas and Ann (Kopas) Martin, the middle child of 13 siblings. She entered the community from St. John the Baptist Cathedral Parish in Homestead on Oct. 3, 1943. Sister Gertrude made her Final Profession of Vows on Aug. 19, 1951 in the presence of the late Rev. John Kocisko. Her teaching apostolate spanned 33 years, 12 of which she also served as principal. Still in the teaching apostolate, she additionally served as a member of the Provincial Council for five years. For another six years, Sister Gertrude ably administered St. Basil’s Home for Women. A brief return to teaching took her to Trenton, N.J. and before she returned to the monastery, Sister’s energetic nature and varied talents then led her to be assigned as the manager of the Religious
Gift Shop. At the Gift Shop, she was a familiar face for over 10 years, tending to all aspects of this special ministry of the Sisters. It was a ministry from which it was hard for her to take leave, since she especially enjoyed being there. In 2005, Sister retired from active ministry, but she busied herself at the monastery with various projects, since she was not one to sit still and watch the world go by. At the monastery, she will be especially remembered for directing the Christmas decorating throughout the house. Even now, as soon as that season rolls around, her name is invariably mentioned. Each year, the National Religious Retirement Office publishes a poster to become the basis of their campaign materials. They select Priests and Sisters whose faces are a reminder of the more than 35,000 religious past the age of 70 years living in the United States. For the 2009 poster, Sister Gertrude was one of our three Sisters to be chosen. One could not help but be attracted by those deep set blue eyes and infectious smile, the face of a happy Sister. Very Rev. Andrew Deskevich, in his inspiring homily, noted that when we say before God that we are thankful to have
known and loved someone like Sister Gertrude, we are in fact thanking God for revealing something of Himself yet again in human form. As Father stated further: “It was only in Jesus Christ that we saw the glory and goodness of God fully shining in a human face. And yet it is also true that in the goodness of every human being, there is another, if different revelation of God, incomplete, flawed, but nevertheless a mirror of His love.” This mirror of His love, we glimpsed in the life of Sr. Gertrude. As we thank God for her life which has reached its earthly fulfillment, we pray that she may now hear the words: “Come, you whom my Father has blessed, take for your heritage the kingdom prepared for you since the foundation of the world.” Sister Gertrude was preceded in death by her parents, and 11 of her siblings; her brothers Nicholas, John, Edward, Raymond, Donald, Elmer and Clifford; and her sisters Ann Kasko, Pauline Pushcar, Mary Baka, and Eleanor Stellute. In addition to her Sisters in community, she is survived by her brother George Martin, her sister Verna Savko, and many devoted nieces and nephews and their families.
Sister Gertrude Martin, OSBM
The Parastas Service was concelebrated on Dec. 3 by the Very Rev. Andrew Deskevich, her pastor, and Rev. Jerome Botsko, Monastery Chaplain. The Very Rev. Ronald Larko was in attendance. The Funeral Divine Liturgy was celebrated on Dec. 4 by the Very Rev. Andrew Deskevich with Rev. Jerome Botsko, Monastery Chaplain as concelebrant. In attendance were Very Rev. Archpriest John Petro, Very Rev. Ronald Larko, Rev. James Spontak, Rev. Stephen Wahal, and Rev. Christopher Burke. May God grant to his handmaiden, Sister Gertrude, eternal memory and peaceful repose! n
Mark Your Calendar dates to remember The following events will take place at Mount St. Macrina House of Prayer, 510 W. Main St, Uniontown, Pa. To register for programs or more information, call 724-438-7149.
Open House n An Open House will be held 1:30-3:30 p.m. Jan. 13, 2019. Come and spend some time with the Sisters in the warmth of the House of Prayer!
Winter Respite A Winter Respite will be presented by Sister Carol Petrasovich, OSBM, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 2, 2019. Registration due by Jan. 30, 2019. Offering of $35 includes lunch. The stillness and unhurried days of Winter are an ideal time to experience “Rest in the Lord.” n
Bread Baking Retreat n A Bread Baking Retreat, presented by Sister Carol Petra-
sovich, OSBM, will be held 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Feb. 16 (register by Feb. 11) and March 16 (register by March 11). Offering of $20 includes lunch. Limited to eight participants. Enjoy making a loaf of Lenten bread in a creative, relaxing and prayerful atmosphere.
Spring Spiritual Reading Series n Sister Barbara Jean Mihalchick, OSBM, will present “Sacred Threshold: Crossing The Inner Barrier To A Deeper Love” (By Paula D’Arcy) 1011:30 a.m. March 18, 25 and April 1, 8. Free-will offering. Register by March 11.
Lenten Prayer Morning n Father Don Bolls presents “The Passion As Told By John the Beloved” 9:15 a.m.-1 p.m. March 23. Offering of $35 includes lunch. Register by March 19. The Sacrament of Recon-
ciliation will be offered along with a conference and prayer service.
Weekend Retreat Father Bill Kiel presents “Jesus’ Passion: Source of Healing and Forgiveness” 7 p.m. March 29 to 11 a.m. March 31. Offering of $150. Register by March 25. Join Father Bill for the weekend with conferences, quiet prayer, free time, The Sacrament of Reconciliation, Healing Mass and blessings. n
Candlelight Dinner for Married Couples n A Candlelight Dinner for Married Couples will be held 6:30-9 p.m. May 3. Offering of $70 per couple. Register by April 26. Experience a lovely evening of music, dining, a Chinese auction and a heartwarming presentation in the atmosphere of a former 1903 Coal Baron’s home.
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House Tours n Tour the former mansion of J. V. Thompson by period costumed guides and learn the history of one of the leading and wealthiest coal barons of his day 1-3 p.m. May 19. Offering: $12, adults; $6, children. Provided by Laurel Highlands High School History Student.
Young Adult Retreat n Sister Barbara Jean Mihalchick and Young Adult Team prsent a Young Adult Retreat 7 p.m. June 21 to 11 a.m. June 23. Offering of $110. Register by June 14. Gather with other young adults seeking God’s way along life’s journey. Open to Christian men and women ages 18 to 35. n
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“Nicholas the Saintly” st. nicholas visits churches across the archeparchy of pittsburgh holy trinity in sykesville, pa. by Michele Yamrick Holy Trinity, Sykesville, Pa.
The start of the advent season got underway at Holy Trinity in Sykesville, Pa. as the annual St. Nicholas Sunday Celebration was held on Dec. 2. The celebration started with Moleben to St. Nicholas, followed by the annual potluck dinner in church social hall. The event was well attended and enjoyed by all, especially the children who anxiously hoped that St. Nicholas would come by, and come by he did! St. Nicholas visited with all the children, and each received a treat just for them. The children also put on a presentation to honor St. Nicholas’s visit. Not only that, but a very special visitor came by. Her name was Millie, and she wanted to tell everyone about being the innkeeper’s wife in Bethlehem. She told everyone about Mary and Joseph, and how they came to Bethlehem, and while they were there, how Jesus was born in their stable out back of the inn! She then went on to tell everyone about Jesus’ life, and then how He died, and then rose from the dead! Millie was skillfully portrayed by Luella Krieger, who has spent many years in evangelization with her husband Jim, traveling all over bringing the message of the gospel through story and play-acting. Her presentation was enjoyed by everyone in attendance. The evening was fun for everyone and all look forward to a wonderful and blessed Christmas season at Holy Trinity. Holy Trinity in Sykesville welcomes visitors to come, see, and be part of our wonderful parish family. Holy Trinity is located at 104 Shaffer St. in Sykesville and pastored by Father Vasyl Banyk and Father Deacon Luke Crawford. Come! Come and SEE!!! n
Photos by Michele Yamrick
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parish news
holy ghost in mckees rocks, pa. by Steve Puluka Holy Ghost, McKees Rocks, Pa.
GCU Lodge 390 sponsored Holy Ghost’s annual St. Nicholas day celebration on Dec. 2. This annual event features a short performance by the students in Holy Ghost’s ECF program and a party with gifts for the students and a visit from St. Nicholas. Father Frank Firko is pastor. The celebration highlights the role of St. Nicholas as the patron of the Byzantine Catholic Church and provides the opportunity to remind each generation that there is a real saint behind the tradition of Santa
Claus. This year’s program featured a choral program with traditional Rusyn and English Christmas carols. The program ended with the singing of the hymn to St. Nicholas to mark his arrival in the hall. St. Nicholas came with presents for all ages and with photo opportunities with the sainted bishop. The students created their own Guardian Angel craft. The event included a pizza social along with pot luck food and goodies brought by those participating. n
st. nicholas in greensburg, pa. St. Nicholas Church in Greensburg, Pa. held its annual St. Nicholas catered lunch on Dec. 9. Father Regis Dusecina is pastor. Children sang Christmas songs, and St. Nicholas gave out gifts. A good time was had by all! n
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ss. peter and paul in warren, ohio by Sister Barbara Pavlik, OSB
The Eastern Christian Formation students of SS. Peter and Paul, Warren, Ohio had a visit from St. Nicholas on Dec. 2. Instead of their regular classes, the entire class session was dedicated to the life and miracles of St. Nicholas. Parents and parishioners were invited to attend the class session. Everyone met in the social hall and viewed a DVD entitled “Nicholas, the Boy Who Became Santa.” Several students told of the legends and miracles of St. Nicholas. St. Nicholas is such a wonderful example of one who embodies the Gospel teachings of Our Lord. The children were able to glean good examples from the life of St. Nicholas that we can all learn from and imitate: his kindness and generosity, his courage and forgiveness, and his truthfulness, even when it put him in danger. The students then greeted St. Nicholas with an enthusiastic rendition of “O Kto kto” and received a generous treat from him. Our Parish celebration of St. Nicholas continued after the 11 a.m. Divine Liturgy. Parishioners met at Dilucia’s Catering and Banquet Facility for a delicious dinner and an afternoon of fun and camaraderie. A good time was had by all. n Photos by Macala Blake and Victoria Smolak
st. basil the great in irving, texas St. Nicholas arrived Dec. 9 at St. Basil the Great in Irving, Texas.n
sisters of st. basil the great in uniontown, pa. From The Sisters of St. Basil the Great’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/sistersofstbasil.uniontown, posted on Dec. 8:
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“We had a great St. Nicholas Feast Day at #MtStMacrina! #SistersofStBasil #UniontownPA” n
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st. nicholas in perryopolis, pa. by Frances Kranik St. Nicholas, Perryopolis, Pa.
The annual Patron Feast of St. Nicholas was celebrated on Dec. 2 with a brunch enjoyed by both current and former parishoners who continue to come back to celebrate with their parish family. The event was topped off by a visit from Ole St. Nicholas, who appealed to people of all ages. A good time was had by all. Father Oleh Seremchuk and the parish family of St. Nicholas in Perryopolis would like to wish one and all a Blessed Christmas and a Happy, Healthy Prosperous New Year. Christ is Born! Glorify Him! n
st. gregory in upper st. clair, pa. by Father Valerian Michlik St. Gregory, Upper St. Clair, Pa.
On Dec. 9, all was prepared for this year’s St. Nicholas celebration. As part of this celebration, our newly formed Youth Chorus participated in the Divine Liturgy by singing different hymns of the Divine Liturgy. The participation of the Youth Chorus at the Divine Liturgy was an huge success and added a new dimension to our Sunday Divine Liturgy. It is our hope that our Youth Chorus will grow and continue to provide an outstanding opportunity for Eastern Christian education of our parish children through the medium of music. To view the Youth Chorus, go to: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=MBKKrKT0YOM.
At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, our 3rd and 4th graders came forward to receive their Bibles as part of their Eastern Christian Formation. This year the focus of their studies is on the Holy Scripture and how God speaks to us in the Bible. Finally, all our St. Gregory’s children gathered together to welcome St. Nicholas as we sang “O who loves Nicholas the Saintly”. Following the welcome, we continued with our St. Nicholas party in the Church hall where the children received a present and chocolate golden coins from St. Nick. It was a beautiful Sunday as we all enjoyed great fellowship honoring the memory of St. Nicholas. n
Photos by Jennifer Kehm
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st. gregory in upper st. clair, pa.
Christmas Outreach by Father Valerian Michlik St. Gregory, Upper St. Clair, Pa.
The Sunday of the Forefathers, Dec. 16, was busy at St. Gregory as we engaged in outreach ministry which is an important factor of parish life. Our ECF students worked hard on preparing Christmas cards for the retired priests and nuns of the
Archeparchy of Pittsburgh and homebound parishioners. In the parish library, members of our Bethany Ministry prepared Christmas gift bags for our homebound parishioners. During this upcoming week, our Bethany Ministry members will visit our homebound parishioners to deliver these gifts to them. n
Happy anniversary! by Father Valerian Michlik St. Gregory, Upper St. Clair, Pa.
The weekend of Nov. 24 to 25, was special at St. Gregoryas we offered our prayers and best wishes to all our couples who are celebrating milestone wed-
ding anniversaries in 2018. As part of this celebration a special blessing service took place at the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy. May the Lord’s blessings be upon our Anniversary Couples as they journey together in faith and love! n
Mike and Donna Medvec; Ken and Leslie Coval; Mike and Susan Timko; Carol and Tim Olack; and Seminarian Rob and Liz Jones.
“Best Phillippian Fast Ever!” by Susan Flynn St. Gregory, Upper St. Clair, Pa.
The Library Ministry at St. Gregory sponsored a “Best Phillipian Fast/Best Advent Ever” program to support the spiritual growth of the parish family as part of the preparations for the birth of Our Lord. Beginning Nov. 15, each participant received a daily e-mail with meditations, bible verses and information relating to the Phillipian Fast. In addition, beginning Dec. 2, participants received daily e-mails from Dynamic Catholic’s Best Advent Ever team with short, inspirational videos, practical tips for everyday life and stories to encourage their faith journey. In addition, the Library Ministry suggested options for participants in the program to create their own “best ever” individualized program. Parishioners could choose from the following: n Increase abstinence from meat on Mondays and/or Wednesdays in addition to Friday. n Observe a strict fast (abstinence from meat AND dairy/ eggs) on any or all of the above days. n Do not eat in between meals and restrict the amount of food eaten. n Almsgiving to the needy or charities. n Increase time spent in daily prayer and attend additional church services during the week. n Suggested reading: Christ is Born, published by the Archeparchy and available in our Li-
brary. n Download from Amazon Kindle lending library The Feast of Light – Meditations by Archpriest by David Petras. Twenty parishioners and friends of St. Gregory’s participated in the program. The culmination of the program was held on Dec. 23 after the 9:30 a.m. Liturgy in the church library, where attendees discussed and shared their individual Phillipian Fast experiences with one another. The group expressed appreciation for learning about the Martyred Saints whose feast days occurred during the 40day journey and marveled at the realization of just how much persecution and torture our Forefathers and Foremothers endured for our faith. The daily reflections provided an opportunity for introspection and learning. The daily prayers were usually the Troparion and the Kontakion Tones for the specific day and enabled everyone to praise and give thanks to our Martyred Saints. We all began to look forward to receiving the daily e-mails. Some participants who do not use computers set aside time to read the Archeparchy’s book Christ is Born. Everyone agreed that the time spent in learning, reflecting and praying truly created a deeper appreciation for the Journey of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem to welcome the birth of Baby Jesus who would grow to become our Teacher and Savior. Christos Razdajetsja! n
Dorothy Mayernik, Nancy Pillar, Barbara Stasiuk, Barbara Spadafore and Susan Flynn. Photos by Jennifer Kehm
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parish news
st. elias in munhall, pa.
Finishing touches Parishioners pitched in last month to help decorate St. Elias in Munhall, Pa. for the Christmas season. Father Vitalii Stashkevych is pastor. n
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st. michael in campbell, ohio
Christ is born! Glorify Him! From St. Michael’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook. com/st.michaelsbyz.campbell/, on Dec. 25. Father Kevin Marks is pastor: “CHRIST IS BORN! GLORIFY HIM!
CHRISTOS RAZDAJETSJA! SLAVITE JEHO! St. Michael Church wishes you a very Blessed and Merry Christmas! God is with us and may the newborn Savior bless you always!” n
st. michael in sheffield, pa.
sisters of st. basil the great in uniontown, pa.
Happy 100th! by Andrea Pollock St. Michael, Sheffield, Pa.
Anne Juban celebrated her 100th birthday with a Divine Liturgy of Thanksgiving at St. Michael in Sheffield, Pa. on Nov. 22, 2018, Thanksgiving Day. Several family members and friends attended the liturgy. Later in the afternoon, Anne
was treated to a 100th birthday party at Olmstead Manor in Ludlow, Pa. The party was catered by family members and a wonderful time was had by all. Anne has been a member of St. Michael her entire life and still attends every week. Very Rev. David Bosnich is pastor. God grant her many happy and blessed years! n
Pre-Christmas retreat From The Sisters of St. Basil the Great’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/sistersofstbasil.uniontown, posted on Dec. 17: “Rev. Cyprian Constantine
Anne Juban
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offered the presentation at the Pre-Christmas Retreat at the House of Prayer recently as the House of Prayer began its 43rd year, by God's grace. #SistersofStBasil #MtStMacrina #UniontownPA”
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News from the Vatican Pope: God’s Christmas wish isn’t buying-frenzy, but gift of self “if christmas ends up as just a beautiful traditional holiday.,..it will be a lost opportunity” by Carol Glatz Catholic News Service
VATICAN CITY — Christmas will not be authentic if people get caught up in a frenzy of shopping, presents and meals, all while ignoring the poor and forgetting who the celebration is really all about, Pope Francis said. "If Christmas ends up as just a beautiful traditional holiday, where everything revolves around us and not Him, it will be a lost opportunity," the pope said Dec. 19 during his weekly general audience in the Paul VI audience hall. "Please, let us not make Christmas worldly! Let us not put aside the one being celebrated" — which is what happened at Jesus' birth when so many of "his own people did not accept him," he said. With less than a week to go before Christmas, Pope Francis dedicated his audience talk to the true meaning of Christmas and the kind of "gifts" and surprises that are pleasing to God on that day. "Trees, ornaments and lights are everywhere" to remind people of the coming holidays, the pope said, and the advertising
and promotional "machine invites people to exchange more new gifts to surprise" others. "But is this the holiday that God likes? What kind of Christmas would he want, what gifts and surprises?" the pope asked The answer to figuring out what God wants, he said, is to look at the first Christmas. The day of Jesus' birth was a day "full of surprises" in which everybody's life took totally unexpected turns, and customs and plans were turned upside down, he said: Mary, a virgin, was going to have a child; Joseph, her groom, faced scandal with her pregnancy, but listened to God and took her as his wife; and the divine Word came as an infant incapable of speech. Those who welcomed the savior of the world were not the local authorities, leaders or ambassadors, the pope said. Instead they were "simple shepherds, who, surprised by an angel while they were working at night, rushed there without delay. Who would have expected that?" God does the unexpected, the pope said, since he "overturns our logic and our expecta-
tions." Christmas, therefore, "is welcoming on earth surprises from heaven," the pope said. Christmas ushers in a new era, in which "life is not planned, but is given, where one does not live anymore for oneself, according to one's own preferences, but for God and with God because from Christmas onward, God is the God-withus, who lives with us and walks with us." It is a time to let oneself be "shaken by his surprising novelty" because Jesus offers not the "reassuring coziness from a fireplace, but the divine shiver which shakes history." Christmas "turns the tables" because the victors are humility over arrogance, simplicity over abundance, silence over noise, prayer over "me time" and God over one's ego, he said. People should likewise choose God's silent voice over the "uproar of consumerism," he said, inviting people to take time out to sit in silence before a Nativity scene and let themselves feel awe and be surprised by God. God asks people to be on guard against spreading themselves too thin, being overbur-
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ourselves: Do I really need all these material objects and complicated recipes for living? Can I manage without all these unnecessary extras and live a life of greater simplicity?" When sin entered the world with Adam and Eve, "mankind became greedy and voracious," he said. "In our day, for many people, life's meaning is found in possessing, in having an excess of material objects. An insatiable greed marks all human history, even today, when, paradoxically, a few dine luxuriantly while all too many go without the daily bread needed to survive." But for those who welcome the birth of Jesus and strive to follow him, the pope said, the center of life is "no longer my ravenous and selfish ego, but the one who is born and lives for love." Standing before the manger teaches believers that what matters in life "is not material riches but love, not gluttony but charity, not ostentation but simplicity." Another result of sin, he said,
Pope Francis unveils a figurine of the baby Jesus at the start of Christmas Eve Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican Dec. 24. Photo by Paul Haring/Catholic News Service.
is fear, including fear of God. But the night Jesus was born, the shepherds heard an angel telling them not to be afraid. "How many times do we hear this phrase in the Gospels: 'Be not afraid'? It seems that God is constantly repeating it as he seeks us out," the pope said. "Bethlehem is the remedy" for people's fear because despite saying "no" to God, "God constantly says, 'yes,'" the pope said. "He will always be Godwith-us. And lest his presence inspire fear, he makes himself a tender child." ''Be not afraid: these words were not spoken to saints but to shepherds, simple people who
in those days were certainly not known for their refined manners and piety," he said. "The Son of David was born among shepherds in order to tell us that never again will anyone be alone and abandoned; we have a shepherd who conquers our every fear and loves us all, without exception." The shepherds, he said, also are a reminder to Christians to remain awake, watchful and full of hope, even "amid the gloom of our problems." The pope ended his homily with a prayer: "I want to come to Bethlehem, Lord, because there you await me. I want to realize that you, lying in a manger, are the bread of my life. I need the tender fragrance of your love so that I, in turn, can be bread broken for the world. "Take me upon your shoulders, Good Shepherd; loved by you, I will be able to love my brothers and sisters and to take them by the hand. Then it will be Christmas, when I can say to you: 'Lord you know everything; you know that I love you,'" he prayed. n
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Pope Francis arrives to lead his general audience in Paul VI hall at the Vatican Dec. 19. Photo by Max Rossi, Reuters/Catholic News Service.
dened with busyness and blaming it all on the world when he warns people to not let themselves be dragged asunder by the world. "It will be Christmas if, like Joseph, we make room for silence; if, like Mary, we tell God, 'Here I am'; if, like Jesus, we are close to those who are alone; if, like the shepherds, we leave our sheepfolds in order to be with Jesus," Pope Francis said. "It will not be Christmas if we seek the blinding lights of the world, if we fill ourselves with presents, lunches and dinners, but we do not help at least one poor person, who resembles God because God arrived poor on Christmas." n
Byzantine Radio Ministry reaches out via Internet The Byzantine Divine Liturgy is broadcast live from Holy Ghost Church in McKees Rocks, Pa. 9 a.m. Sunday on WEDO Radio 810-AM and at www.holyghostbyzantinecatholic.org (click on the “Listen Live” link on main page). Holy Ghost pastor Father Frank Firko is the usual celebrant. Contributions to help sustain this vital ministry are most welcome. Checks of support should be made payable to the Archeparchy of Pittsburgh and sent to: Chancery | 66 Riverview Ave. | Pittsburgh, PA 15214 | Attn:: Radio Liturgy Ministry. n
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thoughts for our day by Archpriest David M. Petras
the sacrifice of praise The most important prayer in the Divine Liturgy is called the Anaphora. It begins with the deacon’s invitation: “Let us stand aright! Let us stand in awe! Let us be attentive to offer the holy Anaphora in peace!” It ends with the doxology said by the priest: “And grant that with one voice and one heart we may glorify and praise your most honored and magnificent name, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and ever and forever,” which the faithful complete by adding their assent, “Amen,” a Hebrew word meaning, “Let it be so.” The Greek word “anaphora” means an offering. The anaphora, therefore, is our offering to God. The old translation rendered “anaphora” as “the holy oblation.” In the present translation, we leave the word “anaphora” in its Greek form, since the Divine Liturgy itself was called "anaphora" as early as the third century. The Roman Catholic Church usually calls the Anaphora the Eucharistic Prayer, which means, “the prayer of thanksgiving.” We respond to the deacon’s invitation by an acclamation, “Mercy, peace, a sacrifice of praise.” It is not an actual sentence, but simply an acclamation. It means that the anaphora is mercy, the anaphora is peace, the anaphora is a sacrifice of praise. The old translation did not understand this and changed the word “mercy” to “offering.” However, the Anaphora is truly mer-
cy, an overflowing of love and compassion. It reminds us of Matthew 9:13, where our Lord says: "what I desire is mercy, not sacrifice." Christ denounced empty sacrifices, without an internal spirit of love. The sacrifices of the Old Testament were considered empty after the sacrifice of Christ. It was the mercy he demanded and at the same time a sacrifice. As a commemoration of this sacrifice, the Divine Liturgy is
God has no need of anything that we can give him. What we can give him is our sacrifice of praise, our words of glorification. perfect, it is a sacrifice of praise offered to God out of love. It is the peace that comes to us from above, since the eucharistic offering is Christ, "who is our peace, [and] who made both one and broke down the dividing wall of enmity through his flesh" (Ephesians 2:14). The peace of reconciliation between God and humanity that unites both is Communion. Some also complained that the Liturgy is more than a “sacrifice of praise,” that it is the true sacrifice of our Lord on the Cross, and his resurrection. It is true that our Divine Liturgy is one with the sacrifice
of the Lord, it is not a different sacrifice, but now it is offered in a different way. The Divine Liturgy often identifies it with Jesus’ sacrifice, but always with a qualifying word, “of praise,” or “unbloody,” or a “spiritual sacrifice.” The exact same reality is present in its totality, our redemption though the Cross and Resurrection, but the blood of our Lord was shed only once, for Jesus “entered once for all into the sanctuary, not with the blood of goats and calves but with his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption” (Hebrews 9:12). The body of our Lord, and the cup of his blood that we receive in Communion unites us with that one sacrifice. After the deacon invites us to pray the Anaphora, the priest invites us also in a more solemn way. He first says: ‘Let us lift up our hearts.” In Greek this is very simple, "Up with the hearts." Our response is "we have — to the Lord." The original meaning was probably to put aside all earthly cares, to direct our attention to the Lord who is above, as in Colossians 3:1-2, "If...you were raised with Christ, seek what is above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Think of what is above, not of what is on earth." The response, "We have — to the Lord," also means that the Christian prays toward the East, the direction from where our Lord would come on the last day. That is why churches were built to face the East, though this is sometimes ignored today because of the layout of the church’s property. It was a characteristic of Christian prayer as opposed
to pagan prayer. Christians looked up, not down — downcast eyes were for those in need of penance, or for the unbaptized. The final part of the dialogue leading to the anaphora is: "Let us give thanks to the Lord," and the people respond, "It is proper and just." "Let us give thanks" was the best Greek attempt to translate the Jewish "berekah," a much more general word meaning, "to praise, to glorify, to bless, to thank, to 'proclaim the greatness.'" It is a sense of our acknowledgment of all God's works, an acceptance of his acts of love, and our offering and consecration to him in return. If God has given us himself in the Liturgy, “what,” as the psalmist says, “can I return to the Lord for all he has given me?” (Psalm 115:3). God has no need of anything that we can give him. What we can give him is our sacrifice of praise, our words of glorification. With this invitation, the priest is really asking the permission of the congregation to continue, "Should we give thanks to the Lord." The people respond, "Yes," that is, "It is proper and right," “this is what we should do.” The priest then accepts the people's permission and continues: “It is truly proper and right." The Divine Liturgy that we celebrate then becomes a true sacrifice of praise, which, because God, whose only-begotten Son offered Himself on the cross, becomes one with that one, holy and true sacrifice that takes away sin and brings us eternal life. 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
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overnight. (Possibility for a few people to spend a quiet night inside the Holy Sepulcher when the church is closed to the public.) Day 9 • Jerusalem Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning, visit to St. Anne’s Church, the Pool of Bethesda, the Chapel of the Flagellation and Via Crucis along the Via Dolorosa, entry to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, containing the tomb where Jesus was buried and rose from the dead. Free time for the rest of the afternoon. Dinner and overnight. Day 10 • Jerusalem After breakfast, departure to Tel Aviv airport, flight back home. If option flights via Boston are confirmed in March, the flight from Tel Aviv will take off after midnight Sept.24 and we will not spend the night in the hotel.
A Journey of the Spirit This pilgrimage to the Holy Land has the intention to slow down our inner and outer pace. We will visit selected sites during the day, insuring more time for personal reflection, prayers and group interactions. Our main focus will be the quality of time. Sitting quietly on the Mount of the Beatitudes, watching the Sea of Galilee, perceiving there the voice of our Lord preaching; entering the Holy Sepulcher with an open heart to contemplate the mystery of Salvation. Simple moments like these will make our journey different. Wherever you come from and whatever has been your experience in the Holy Land, come embark on a real journey of the spirit in the footsteps of Jesus, intentionally set at a different pace to perceive our true nature as creatures of God and to enter, by the help of Grace, Kairos, the time of God.
We will be visiting: Nazareth: The city of Mary connected to the years before the public life of Jesus. These are the places where the Holy Family lived together. In Nazareth we need to connect and seriously ponder the meaning of the marriage and the reality of the family. Capharneum: During His public life Jesus spent a long time near Galilee Lake. This is the place where He called the first Apostles. Here is the place where we can reconnect to our vocation of being Christian or where youth can pray for discernment. Judah Desert: This is the site where we can reconnect with the penitential liturgy: the 40 years spent by the Israelis in the desert and the 40 days spent by Jesus after His baptism. The desert is the place of prayer and meeting with the Father. Qasr el Yahoud: The place where Jesus was baptized invites us to reflect on this Sacrament and how it is connected to faith. Jerusalem: Jerusalem offers a great richness of holy places: the Last Supper and the Sacrament of the Eucharist. There is no sacrament of Eucharist without the Church
and vice versa. The connection is essential. In order to enter into the mystery of passion, death and resurrection of Christ, Jerusalem helps us to retrace these moments by experiencing the Via Crucis and the entrance to the Holy Sepulcher. Bethlehem: place of birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, and final destination of the pilgrimages of the Three Magi, who came from the Far East to homage the Savior of the world: this connection is significant for remembering and deepening the meaning of the universality of the church as catholic.
Full Itinerary: Day 1 • Departure Departure to Tel Aviv with EL AL from Toronto or Boston. Connection from Pittsburgh may be via bus to Toronto or via flight to Boston, to be confirmed in March. Day 2 • Nazareth Arrival at Tel Aviv Ben Gurion airport in the afternoon. Travel to Galilee, the most beautiful and fertile region of the Holy Land. Arrival at Nazareth in the evening, dinner and overnight at hotel. Day 3 • Nazareth Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning, visit the Church of the Transfiguration at Mt. Tabor, stop at Cana, site of the wedding feast. In the afternoon, visit to the Shrine of the Annunciation and to the Church of St. Joseph, built where the Holy Family lived. Time to visit the Greek Catholic “Synagogue” Church and the Greek Catholic Parish Church. Dinner and overnight in Nazareth. Day 4 • Nazareth After breakfast, departure to the region of Lake Tiberias: we will take a beautiful boat ride, during which we will stop and connect with the Gospel readings regarding Jesus crossing the lake. Visit Capernaum (synagogue and Peter’s home where Jesus stayed) and to the two shrines at Tabgha (site of the Miracle of the Loaves and Fishes and site of the Primacy of Peter), ascent to the Mount of Beatitudes. Quality time here. Stop in Magdala before heading back to Nazareth, the village of Mary of Magdala where a 1st century synagogue has been recently found. Dinner and overnight in Nazareth.
Day 5 • Nazareth Breakfast at the hotel. Descend through the Valley of the River Jordan, renewal of the Baptismal Promises in Qasr El Yahud. We then proceed towards the Dead Sea to experience the healing waters of the lowest geological point of the world. After that stop in Jericho. View of the Mount of Temptation and view of an old sycamore tree that reminds us of Zaccheus’ encounter with Jesus. Lunch in Jericho. Stop in the Judean desert for a quiet, prayerful experience before arriving in Jerusalem. Dinner and overnight at hotel. Day 6 • Jerusalem After breakfast, visit of Jerusalem, the “City of God.” Stop at the Western Wall, and view the magnificent ruins of the Temple of Herod where there is now the Muslim Mosque called “Dome of the Rock”. Walk through the Jewish neighborhood and discover the ruins of the ancient Roman street “Cardo Maximus.” Visit Mount Zion: the room of the Last Supper and the Cenotaph of King David, the Church of the Dormition, and the Church of St. Peter Gallicantu where St. Peter denied Jesus. Free time to walk in the Old City. Today we will visit the Melkite Greek Catholic Patriarchate. Dinner and overnight in Jerusalem. Day 7 • Jerusalem Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning, departure to Bethlehem to visit the Church of the Nativity and the Grotto of St. Jerome, the Roum Catholic Melkite Church, the Shepherd’s Field. In the afternoon, visit the village of Ein Kerem, birthplace of St. John the Baptist and place of the visit of Mary to St. Elisabeth. Possible free time in Jerusalem. Dinner and overnight at hotel. Day 8 • Jerusalem Breakfast at the hotel. Full day dedicated to the visit of the city sacred to the three monotheistic religions: Judaism, Christianity and Islam. The visit includes Mount of Olives: the Ascension chapel, the Church of the Pater Noster, the church where Jesus wept (Dominus Flevit), the Garden of Gethsemane with the Basilica of the Agony, the Virgin’s Tomb. In the afternoon time for our first visit to the Holy Sepulcher. Dinner and
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September 15 to 24, 2019 US$ 3,350 per person in double Single supplement: US$ 590 Based on a minimum of 40 participants. In case of a smaller number of participants price will be subject to change. The price includes • Airfare round trip ( (bus+flight from Toronto to Tel Aviv and back or via flight only from Pittsburgh to Boston and Boston-Tel Aviv and back. Full flight combination Pittsburgh-Boston-Tel Aviv-Boston-Pittsburgh to be confirmed in March with possible small price adjustment). • Airport assistance at arrival • Accommodation in double room, 3/4 star hotels (such as Hotel Rimonim in Nazareth and Hotel Christmas in Jerusalem or similar) • Half board (breakfast and dinner) • Entrance fees and tips • Private coach as per itinerary • Qualified ORP Holy Land Catholic guide The price does not include • Any insurance. However we are happy to provide a medical group insurance once the group is determined • Individual travel and medical insurance available upon request. • Beverages & Extras • Anything not in Price Includes section Deposit & Refund Policy Deposit deadline: $500 by January 15: NOT REFUNDABLE Second deposit: US$ 1,500 by April 15, 2019: 50% refundable until July 1, 2019 Balance: due July 1, 2019, NO REFUND OF ANY KIND AFTER THIS POINT
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liturgical schedule at the Seminary “Come, let us sing joyfully to the Lord”
around the archeparchy ANNUAL COMEDY NIGHT — 7:30 p.m. March 1, St. Gregory Byzantine Catholic Church, 2005 Mohawk Road, Upper St. Clair, Pa. Perfomers include Tom Musial and John Evans with host David Kaye. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 each and include draft beer, snacks and sodas/mixers. For guests 21 years old and older. For information, call 412835-7800 or www.stgregoryusc.org.
Join the Byzantine Catholic Seminary community for liturgical services at 3605 Perrysville Ave, Pittsburgh, Pa. Enter through the chapel door that faces Perrysville Avenue. It’s recommended visitors call 412-3218383 in advance so that we may be awaiting your arrival. For more information about the Seminary: go to www.bcs.edu. Schedule of Services for January: 1 No Services Circumcision of Our Lord/Basil the Great 2 to 4 No services 5 9 a.m. Divine Liturgy (R), 5 p.m. Great Vespers for Theophany with Great Blessing of Water (R) 6 7 a.m. Festal Matins with Divine Liturgy of St. Basil (R) Theophany 7 to 10 No services 11 7 a.m. Divine Liturgy (M), 4 p.m. Vespers with 11th Kathisma (R) 12 9 a.m. Divine Liturgy (R), 5 p.m. Great Vespers (M) 13 7 a.m. Festal Matins (R), 9 p.m. Small Compline (R) 14 8 a.m. Divine Liturgy (R) 15 7 a.m. First Hour (R) 16 7 a.m. Divine Liturgy (R) 17 7 a.m. Akathist Hymn to St. Anthony the Great (R) 18 to 19 No services 20 9 p.m. Small Compline (R) 21 8 a.m. Divine Liturgy (R) 22 7 a.m. Third Hour (R) 23 7 a.m. Divine Liturgy (R), 9 p.m. Small Compline (R) 24 7 a.m. Orthros (M), 4 p.m. Ninth Hour (R), 9 p.m. Small Compline (R) 25 7 a.m. Divine Liturgy (M), 4 p.m. Vespers with 12th Kathisma (M) 26 9 a.m. Divine Liturgy (R), 5 p.m. Great Vespers (R) 27 7 a.m. Festal Orthros with Divine Liturgy (M), 9 p.m. Small Compline (R) 28 8 a.m. Akathist Hymn to the Three Holy Hierarchs (R) 29 7 a.m. Divine Liturgy (M) 30 7 a.m. Divine Liturgy (R) Three Holy Hierarchs 31 7 a.m. Matins (R), 4 p.m. Ninth Hour (R), 9 p.m. Small Compline (R) (M) Melkite (R) Ruthenian
17th ANNUAL WOMEN’S DAY OF RELECTION — 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m., May 11, 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. This year’s theme is “God Speaks: Do We Listen?” Presenters include: Lillian Leonardi (“My Spiritual Homecoming”), Jennifer Miele (“God Speaks to All Generations”) and Joni Sturgill (“Healthy Body: Peaceful Soul”). Contact Sister Marion Dobos at 412-322-8773 or mdobos1@ gmail.com for more information. Cost of $25 includes lunch. No refunds. Pre-registration is required. Deadline is April 26. Sponsored by the Byzantine Catholic Archeparchial Office of Religious Education.
Bethany Ministry Handbook available St. Gregory in Upper St. Clair, Pa. would like to share their updated Bethany Ministry Handbook with parishes interested in starting a ministry of caring. The handbook offers useful information about ways to reach out in Christian love and friendship to support fellow parishioners who are sick; homebound or residing in a nursing home; going through a difficult time in life; or grieving the loss of a loved one. The Bethany Ministry Handbook is available for $15.00 from The Byzantine Seminary Press • 412-322-8307 • www.byzantineseminarypress.com
dates to remember jan. 1 Feast of the Circumcision of our Lord Feast of St. Basil the Great New Year’s Day jan. 6 Feast of the Theophany jan. 18 March for Life Washington, D.C. jan. 20 Sunday of of the Publican and Pharisee jan. 21 Martin Luther King Jr. Day National observance jan. 27 Sunday of the Prodigal Son
See more upcoming events at www.archpitt.org
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next issue: FEBRUARY 2019
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