THE OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE ARCHEPARCHY OF PITTSBURGH
iconic pizza party
Inside
Byzantine Catholic Serra Club hosts party to celebrate opening of Seminary’s Spring term Page 3
VOL. 64 NO. 3
broadcast good news Church in Uniontown, Pa. and Leisenring, Pa. go viral on YouTube Page 6
“The Road to Easter”
MARCH 2019
two brothers Father Valerian Michlik discusses SS. Cyril and Methodius at St. Gregory in Upper St. Clair, Pa. Page 12
Seminary Board elects new Chair Press release
Mary of Protection in Phoenix (formerly the Eparchy of Van Nuys) was yet to come. Most Reverend Stephen J. Kocisko became its first Metropolitan Archbishop. He was succeeded by Most Reverends
The Board of the Directors of the Byzantine Catholic Seminary of SS. Cyril and Methodius in Pittsburgh, Pa. elected Robert Grip as the new chair at its January meeting. Robert spent nearly 50 years in the field of communications, beginning his radio career in 1970 before entering Boston College, where he earned a degree in Communications. He earned a Master’s Degree in Journalism from The Ohio State University, then moved into television as a reporter. His experience in Norfolk, Va. and Mobile, Ala. includes working as a producer, news director, and anchor, the last 34 years anchoring his Mobile station’s main evening newscast. A lifelong Byzantine Catholic, Robert drew on his Slavic background to engage St. Pope John Paul II in conversation twice during the production of a documentary at the Vatican. Later, he returned to Rome with his wife and two daughters for a private audience with the Holy Father. Bob is now in his second term on the Byzantine Catholic Seminary Board of Directors and is encouraged by the growth in the number of seminarians and other students who attend classes in person and online. “The Seminary offers the perfect setting to discern future service to the Church,” he said. “I’m particularly encouraged that we are offering education to not only seminarians, but also to Catholics who wish to learn more about the Eastern churches. Generous donors who respond to the Seminary’s
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“The Road to Easter” continued with the second Pre-Lenten Sunday of the Publican and Pharisee Feb. 10 at St. Michael in Campbell, Ohio. Inside the special Easter egg were pretzels, symbolic of folded arms in prayer, and holy cards with the Jesus Prayer. Father Kevin Marks (right) says the “Legend of the Pretzel” reminds us of prayer and we are called to offer humble prayers to God, as shown in the example of the publican. At left is Christopher Vokish. For more photos, see page 10.
Golden jubilee 50th anniversary of metropolitan church to be observed in june by Sister Elaine Kisinko, OSBM Secretary to the Archbishop
Fifty years ago an event occurred which had a positive, profound and lasting effect on our history in America. The Holy Father Pope Paul VI issued a decree on February 21, 1969
which elevated the Byzantine Catholic Church in America to the status of the Metropolitan Church. At the same time the Eparchy of Parma was created. The Eparchy of Passaic which already existed became a Suffragen Eparchy, and the Eparchy of Holy
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from the office of the metropolitan
Vatican Synod on protection of minors in the church
UPS 081500 ISSN 07442289 Official publication of the Byzantine Catholic Archeparchy of Pittsburgh Serving parish communities in central and western Pennsylvania, Louisiana, eastern Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas and West Virginia Published monthly (12 issues) plus two seasonal special issues Byzantine Catholic Press Associates 66 Riverview Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15214 Tel: 412.231.4000 Fax: 412.231.1697 E-mail: bcw@archpitt.org Web site: www.archpitt.org Archbishop William C. Skurla President David Mayernik Jr. Editor Sister Elaine Kisinko, OSBM Copy Editor Donna Obsincs Subscription/Circulation Manager Gregory S. Popivchak Business Manager Annual Subscription Rates US $14 Canadian $17 International $20 Periodicals Postage PAID at Pittsburgh, PA
Postmaster: send address changes to: The Byzantine Catholic World ATTN: Donna 66 Riverview Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15214 Please allow 2 to 3 weeks for address changes to take effect. Submissions deadline: 15th of the month prior to the month of publication.
The Byzantine Catholic World is a member of the Catholic Press Association.
mission The mission of The Byzantine
Catholic World is to spread the Gospel message in the rich tradition of the Byzantine Catholic Church; to encourage faithful to reflect the image of Christ in everyday activities of life; to offer spiritual formation through changing times; and to celebrate community among Byzantine Catholics in the Archeparchy of Pittsburgh, throughout the Metropolitan Church in America, and around the world.
The Synod called by the Holy Father began on Thursday, February 21, 2019 in the Synod Hall at the Vatican in Rome, and it concluded on February 24, 2019 with a Divine Liturgy. This Synod provided an extraordinary and welcomed opportunity to both engage in an appropriate discussion on a worldwide basis regarding the protection of minors in the Catholic Church and to advance a framework with the vital responsibility and accountability called for by the Holy Father. The organizing commit- Archbishop William Skurla attended the Vatican Synod on tee had gathered informa- protection of minors in the church Feb. 21 to 24. tion from all of the Bishop’s Conferences of the all the Roman and Eastern Catholic Churches of the world in preparation for the Synod. I, as the representative of the Byzantine Catholic Metropolitan Church in the United States, appreciated the discussions of the reports and to the formulation of the critical next steps to be taken by the Catholic Church. With the Holy Father and the other participants of the Synod, I look forward to the advancement and implementation of our decisions. Please pray that the Holy Father and the Synod participants will continue to be guided by the Holy Spirit to take the needed action to heal the wounds of the past and to protect the young from harm in the future.
Most Reverend William C. Skurla, D.D. Metropolitan Archbishop of Pittsburgh
President of U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops issues statement at close of Synod ROME — Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo, Archbishop of Galveston-Houston and President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), has issued the following statement on the final day of a four day meeting attended by Presidents of Bishops' Conferences from across the globe: "The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth." Psalm 145:18 "These have been challenging, fruitful days. The witness of survivors revealed for us, again, the deep wound in the Body of Christ. Listening to their testimonies transforms your heart. I saw that in the faces of my brother bishops. We owe survivors an unyielding vigilance that we may never fail them again. How then to bind the wounds? Intensify the Dallas Charter. Pope Francis, whom I want to thank for this assembly, called us to 'concrete and effective measures.' A range of presenters from cardinals to other bishops to religious sisters to lay women spoke about a code of conduct for bishops, the need to establish specific protocols for handling accusations against bishops, user-friendly reporting mechanisms, and the essential role transparency must play in the healing process. Achieving these goals will require the active involvement and collaboration of the laity. The Church needs their prayers, expertise, and ideas. As we have learned from diocesan review boards, a comprehensive range of skills is required to assess allegations and to ensure that local policies and procedures are regularly reviewed so that our healing response continues to be effective. All of the models discussed this week rely upon the good help of God's people. I and the bishops of the United States felt affirmed in the work that is underway. Enhanced by what I experienced here, we will prepare to advance proposals, in communion with the Holy See, in each of these areas so that my brother bishops can consider them at our June General Assembly. There is an urgency in the voice of the survivors to which we must always respond. I am also aware that our next steps can be a solid foundation from which to serve also seminarians. religious women, and all those who might live under the threat of sexual abuse or the abuse of power. In our faith, we experience the agony of Good Friday. It can cause a sense of isolation and abandonment, but the Resurrection is God's healing promise. In binding the wounds now before us, we will encounter the Risen Lord. In Him alone is all hope and healing. May I also add a sincere word of thanks to the many who prayed for me and for all that this meeting be a success." n the byzantine catholic world
MARCH 2019
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report from the
Byzantine Catholic Serra Club
An iconic pizza party serra club hosts pizza party at byzantine cathokic seminary to open spring semester by David Mayernik Jr. Editor
A pizza party at the Byzantine Catholic Seminary of SS. Cyril and Methoidus in Pittsburgh, Pa. Feb. 15 included an impromptu iconography lesson courtesy of Marylyn Barone. Marylyn, who created icons for three students who will graduate this year, pointed out an icon of St. Thomas. “If you notice on St. Thomas, his finger is really long. But that’s beause it’s the focal point. He touched (Jesus’s) wound, so they made it extra long,” she said. “So if you see something out of proportion on an icon, you know (it’s a focal point).” The party was hosted by the Byzantine Catholic Serra Club to celebrate the opening of the Spring term. Seminarians, their families and Serrans mingled, and everyone enjoyed the cameraderie, as well as pizza, salads and desserts. Father Robert Pipta, Seminary rector, thanked Serrans for being involved in the lives of the seminarians. “Thank you for welcoming the seminarians into your various acivities, as well. Thank you for all of your support through the year,” he said. “We ask you to keep praying for us here and continue to do the good work you’re doing to support clergy and those who are being formed to serve the church.” Marylyn presented icons to Deacon Tom Wells, Father Deacon Nathan Adams and Deacon Kevin Bezner. She said it’s getting “tougher and tougher” to make icons as the Seminary’s class roster continues to grow. But it’s a situation she certainly welcomes. n
Marylyn Barone presents icons to Deacon Tom Wells, Father Deacon Nathan Adams and Deacon Kevin Bezner.
FYI
The Byzantine Catholic Serra Club welcomes new members. For information, contact: President Bill Kress at 412-761-1499 or kb.kress@ gmail.com Serra Club membership is open to all Catholics. Members make a commitment to pray for an increase in vocations to the priesthood, diaconate and religious life and to support all seminarians, priests, deacons and monastics in prayer as well as practical ways. n
Photos by David Mayernik Jr.
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text messages
Waffling back and forth by David Mayernik Jr. Editor
As another Great Fast quickly approaches, I will take this opportunity to make a public statement: I will give up my favorite cereal, Waffle Crisp, for the next 40 days. Well...let me pump the brakes for a second. I’m not being 100 percent honest. My decision to give up Waffle Crisp was not up to me. It was taken completely out of my hands by the fine folks at Post Consumer Brands LLC when the company decided to discontinue its production last fall. The decision has certainly thrown the proverbial wrench into my weekends. One of my favorite times of the week is Saturday morning — usually around 11:45 a.m. — when I sit down for a bowl of cereal and listen to Bob Pompeani’s sports talk show on
KDKA-FM. But, with Waffle Crisp discontinued, I have been all sorts of flummoxed and out-of-sorts. Now, I realize this may not be a life-or-death struggle, but still: How will I ever replace that maple syrupy waffle taste on Saturday mornings? Well, I decided to hold “auditions” during the months of December and January to determine which cereal box I will grab from this point forward on Saturday mornings. (Well, at least until that cereal is discontinued.) First, I tried Honeycomb Cereal. I thought it may have the texture and taste most resembling Waffle Crisp, along with staying crunchy in milk. The following week, I tried the new Chips Ahoy! cereal, but it didn’t really ignite my taste buds. I also tried the new Maple Cheerios (too “oatey”-tasting), Cap’n Crunch Peanut Butter Crunch (too crunchy) and an old favorite, Golden Grahams (there may be some possibility
Many cereals are vying to take over the throne abdicated by Waffle Crisp (1996 to 2018)
here). Much like Goldilocks’ search for a chair, I continued to search in vain for a Saturday morning cereal that’s just right. Finally, I tried French Toast Crunch and it may fit the bill, although I have to admit it is
only a carbon copy of Waffle Crisp. In the meantime, I will have to find something else to give up for Lent. I can only wish Waffle Crisp was still around so I couldn’t eat it. n
making a difference
U.S. bishops confront racism, call us to brotherhood
by Tony Magliano
“See what love the Father has bestowed on us that we may be called the children of God. Yet so we are.” With these beautiful words from Scripture (1 Jn. 3:1), the U.S. Catholic bishops introduce us to their recent pastoral letter against racism titled, “Open wide our hearts: the enduring call to love.” Just think about it. The almighty God is not a distant slave master, but a close loving father who calls us his children. That is a truly awesome thought! “Yet so we are.” Thus, no matter what religion we claim or don’t claim, no matter what our nationality is, no matter what our ethnic heritage might be, and no matter what color we are or race we belong to, we all equally share one loving father. And that unmistakably means that all of us are brothers and sisters! Imagine how wonderful the
world would be if only we would truly take this sacred teaching to heart, and with every thought, word and deed put it into practice. But sadly, this is often not the case. Instead, over and over again many people negatively judge countless other people according to their skin color and/ or what nation they or their ancestors are originally from. This is racism. And racism is always ugly and immoral. The bishops write, “Racism comes in many forms. It can be seen in deliberate, sinful acts. In recent times, we have seen bold expressions of racism by groups as well as individuals. The re-appearance of symbols of hatred, such as nooses and swastikas in public places, is a tragic indicator of rising racial and ethnic animus” (see: https://nyti.ms/2UYzB7k). Drawing forth specific examples of racism, the bishops highlight the fact that often Hispanics and African Americans “face discrimination in hiring, housing, educational opportunities, and incarceration. Racial profiling frequently
targets Hispanics for selective immigration enforcement practices, and African Americans, for suspected criminal activity.” The bishops critically say, “Extreme nationalist ideologies are feeding the American public discourse with xenophobic rhetoric that instigates fear against foreigners, immigrants and refugees. Finally, too often racism comes in the form of the sin of omission, when individuals, communities, and even churches remain silent and fail to act against racial injustice when it is encountered.” Why do so many white people of faith remain largely silent about racism? I don’t think it’s because most white believers are prejudiced against African-Americans, Native Americans, Hispanics, Muslims or any other minority. Rather, as with other social justice and peace issues, it’s a matter of “out of sight, out of mind.” So as a corrective to this serious inattentiveness, let’s pray, educate ourselves on racism, talk with people in minority
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groups about their experiences, befriend persons of different races and ethnic backgrounds, lobby to increase refugee admissions, and vote for politicians who are committed to pursuing policies of racial/ethnic equality and comprehensive and just immigration reform legislation. A thoughtful reading of “Open wide our hearts: the enduring call to love” would be time well spent (see: https://bit. ly/2AadwJo ). And let us commit ourselves to praying and working for a society and world where as Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr said, “People will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character,” and where all persons recognize each other as brothers and sisters who are all equally loved by the same divine Father. 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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Mark Your Calendar dates to remember
Letters to the editor
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.
Sharing The BCW Editor’s note: In the Feb. 2019 issue, readers were asked for stories about how they share The BCW. The BCW is getting around at a local Knights of Columbus meeting:
Spring Spiritual Reading Series 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. n
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 Reconciliation will be offered along with a conference and prayer service.
Weekend Retreat n Program presented by Rev. Joseph M. Freedy, Diocese of Pittsburgh, 9:15 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 30. Day includes conferences, Mass, Adoration of Blessed Sacrament and Prayers for Healing. Offering of $35 includes lunch. Register by March 22.
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.
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 Students.
BCW I take it to our Knights of Columbus Council 2602 in Natrona, Pa. — and if I miss a month some of the members ask: “Where is The BCW?” Gary J. Miller SS. Peter and Paul Tarentum, Pa.
When I’m done reading The
Annulment workshop Divorced Catholics and anyone interested in learning about the annulment process are welcome to attend a free, onehour workshop during Lent with Rev. Valerian M. Michlik, JCOL, Judicial Vicar; and Jay Conzemius, JCL, Tribunal Director and Judge. Topics will include: theology of marriage; ministry of the tribunal; marriage annulment types; why, when and how to start the petition for annulment process; and a process overview. Afterward participants can ask questions and/or start the process. The workshop will be held 7-8 p.m. March 26 at St. Mary, 356 South Belle Vista Ave., Youngstown, Ohio. No reservations are required, but email Tribunal@diopitt.org or call 412-456-3033 so seating arrangements can be made. n
New chair continued from page 1
appeals and who remember the Seminary in their estate planning continue to sow the seeds of future success for our Church and the faithful we serve.” n Robert Grip
Women’s Day of Reflection 2019 The 17th annual Women’s Day of Reflection will be held 9 a.m.2:30 p.m. May 11 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. 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.
Outreach ministry at Duquesne University Press release
An outreach ministry to Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pa. was formed in fall 2018 after learning some Byzantine students attended. Father Valerian Michlik and Very Rev. Andrew Deskevich sponsor the endeavor and Father Kevin Marks and Father Adam Horstman offer support by celebrating the Divine Liturgy in Duquesne's Chapel. While there are many Byzantine churches in the Pittsburgh area, having a place on campus is a great way to find other Byzantines as well as invite new students to the Faith and spirituality. After initially finding only two Byzantine students at Freshman Orientation in Aug. 2018, word got out and now the ministry reaches out to four students as well as a student at both the University of Pitts-
burgh and Carlow University. We live in a world that sends our kids across states and eparchies and while keeping in touch with them is difficult, this small act is yielding new fruit. This college ministry can only provide for these students for a few years, but hopefully we can keep them connected to Christ and the Byzantine Church and its Young Adult ministries after they graduate. This summer, two events are specifically geared toward Young Adults (ages 18 to 35). Mount St. Macrina is hosting a weekend get-away retreat at the Monastery on June 21 to 23. Theosis in Action is hosting a Convocation in New York City on Aug. 1 to 4 filled with guest speakers and nights out on the town. As more of these events are held and are successful we can expect only more blessings when we've helped our youth
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Father Valerian Michlik, Seminarian Michael Kunitz
live out their faith. Divine Liturgies will continue to be celebrated this semester on select Sundays at 6 p.m. (2/2:30pm during the Great Fast) at the University Chapel. There is free parking behind the Chapel on Sundays. All are welcome to attend. If you are interested in attending or staying in touch, contact BYZ. DUQ@gmail.com. n
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st. john the baptist in uniontown, pa. & st. stephen in leisenring, pa.
Broadcast Good News by Dr. Robert Gillingham St. John the Baptist in Uniontown, Pa.
When Mark Jesko and Deborah Klink, parishioners of St. John the Baptist in Uniontown, Pa., attended the Archeparchy of Pittsburgh's Assembly last year, they suggested that YouTube be used as a vehicle to enhance communication about the parish and to engender parish outgrowth. Specifically they suggested video taping and posting online the Divine Liturgy and other services for all to see. They appreciated this vehicle as a way to bring our spirituality and Byzantine worship to the larger world and hopefully interest previous members to return to church or those searching for a spiritual home to visit. The Very Rev. Ronald P. Larko, pastor of St. John the Baptist, encouraged this initiative and brought it to St. Stephen the Protomartyr in Leisenring Pa, where he is parish administrator. St. Stephen the Protomartyr has informally adopted these suggestions, and they are being encouraged by Abbot Leo Schlosser, who is functioning in-residence. The plan of both parishes is to upload to YouTube one video per month of the entire Divine Liturgy for each parish. This will publicize a total of 24 relevant Divine Liturgies and homilies for the calendar year 2019. Both parishes are also publishing vignettes made up only of the reading of the Gospels and associated homilies for the five preparatory Sundays leading up to the Great Fast. Other relevant services will also be published. Both parishes have created their own YouTube Channels. Those interested can view any of the videos by accessing YouTube on any computer or smartphone. Then search for “St. John Byzantine Uniontown” or “St. Stephen Byzantine Leisenring.” Users should familiarize themselves with the icons on the YouTube screens to maximize viewing pleasure, such as the full screen and sound. Both St. John the Baptist and
Abbot Leo Schlosser, St. Stephen, Leisenring, Pa.
Father Ronald Larko, St. John the Baptist, Uniontown, Pa.
St. Stephen the Protomartyr request that anyone viewing the videos give a "thumbs up" icon to indicate that you "like" the presentation, and both parishes ask that viewers also subscribe to their channel. A subscription, no charge attached, simply means that you will automatically be notified when a new video is available.
Comments are encouraged, because they promote interest in the content of the video. In the photographs, Abbot Leo (top) is shown giving the homily on the Sunday of the Publican and Pharisee and Father Ron (bottom) is shown giving the homily on the Sunday of Zacchaeus. n
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Let BCW readers know what your parish is doing following Assembly 2018! Send stories and photos to: bcw@archpitt.org
MARCH 2019
parish news
ss. peter and paul in warren, ohio
Honoring veterans
st. elias in munhall, pa.
Someone’s in the kitchen
Photo by Betty Zombar
$2,377 to Service Officer and Director Herman K. Breuer, Thank you, veterans, who have served us so faithfully! n
holy ghost in mckees rocks, pa.
St. Aqulina Ministry During the Dec. 23 Divine Liturgy, Olivia Harsh and Zizi Safranko, both third grade students, were inducted into Holy Ghost’s St. Aqulina Ministry. Father Frank Firko is pastor. Being active in the ministry allows girls to help distribute the weekly Spirit of Truth Church Bulletin following the weekend Divine Liturgies. They also as-
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Parishioners at St. Elias in Munhall, Pa. began making pirohi in late January for their Lenten Kitchen. Father Vitalii Stashkevych is pastor. n
by Sister Barbara Pavlik, OSB SS. Peter and Paul, Warren, Ohio
As part of their outreach program, SS. Peter and Paul in Warren, Ohio chose to help local veterans through The Military Order of the Purple Hearts, Chapter 606. The organization is not only for Purple Heart recipients but for all veterans, male and female. The Military Order of the Purple Hearts works with the local chapter of The Disabled Veterans to help those in need. They have a local food bank specifically for veterans of Trumbull County. They provide food donations, and at Christmas time, gifts for children of the veteran families. On Feb. 14, parishioners Stephanie Enasko, Elaine Vislosky and Betty Zombar presented a check in the amount of
continued
sist the altar servers and ushers with Mirovanije on major holy days. The girls celebrated their first reconciliation and renewed their baptismal promises together last Spring. Here they are (below) pictured with Carmella Rippole and Nina Lecci, experienced members of the ministry. n
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MARCH 2019
st. gregory in upper st. clair, pa.
Celebrating St. Gregory by Father Valerian Michlik St. Gregory, Upepr St. Clair, Pa.
Our patron saint Gregory of Nazianzus, also known as Gregory the Theologian, is commemorated in our liturgical calendar on Jan. 25. This year the weekend of Jan. 26 to 27 in our parish family was dedicated to our patron saint. Based upon the Gospel reading from St. Luke 18: 3543, in which Our Lord heals the blind beggar of Jericho, the theme was “Vision.” Following both Divine Services, a presentation entitled “Vision 2019” took place, during which thanksgiving and
gratitude was expressed to our parishioners. A synopsis on parish life and stewardship was presented, and info on an upcoming major project was announced. The Sunday Divine Liturgy on Jan. 27 was streamed live for the first time on our parish Facebook page. We are grateful to seminarian Miron Kerul-Kmec for assisting us in this project. Following the Sunday Divine Liturgy, a potluck luncheon took place in our Church hall were we continued with our parish fellowship honoring our patron saint, Gregory of Nazianzus. n
Students visit St. Gregory by Father Valerian Michlik St. Gregory, Upepr St. Clair, Pa.
Following the Feb. 17 Divine Liturgy, St. Gregory’s parishioners and students from the Franciscan University of Steubenville, Ohio gathered in our Church hall for a program dedicated to the lives of SS. Cyril and Methodius, Teachers of the Slavs. Celebrating the 1150th anniversary of the passing away of St. Cyril, Equal to the Apostles, our Library Speakers Program offered a presentation and special display dedicated to these Ninth Century Christian missionaries. n
For a feature story on Father Valerian’s presentation on SS. Cyril and Methodius, see page 12.
Photos by Jennifer Kehm
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st. gregory in upper st. clair, pa.
A “grate� time at mac & cheese cook-off by Father Valerian Michlik St. Gregory, Upepr St. Clair, Pa.
Sunday, Feb. 10 was busy at St. Gregory in Upper St. Clair, Pa. as we welcomed the members of the Byzantine Catholic Serra Club of Pittsburgh. Joining us in Divine Worship we offered prayerful supplications for the departed priests, religious and deceased Serran members. We are grateful to our Serrans, men and women who foster, affirm, promote and support, by prayer and deed, vocations to the priestly and diaconal ministries and to the consecrated life, in the Byzantine Catholic Church. Following the Divine Liturgy, we continued in our Church hall with a St. Valentine Mac & Cheese Cook-Off. We all enjoyed tasting different types of this famous comfort food. Following the counting of the ballots our top three Mac & Cheese chefs were announced at the end of this fun event. n
Cook-Off winners: John Tomko, Trisha Krofcheck and Andrea Cencich
Photos by Jennifer Kehm
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MARCH 2019
st. michael in campbell, ohio
On the road From St. Michael in Campbell Ohio’s Facebook page at www. facebook.com/st.michaelsbyz. campbell/. Father Kevin Marks is pastor. For an additional photo, see page 1. Posted on Feb. 4: We now begin our 12-week "Road To Easter" with the first Pre-Lenten Sunday of Zacchaeus. Each week, the special Easter Egg will be opened, so we can take what's inside with us. This
Posted on Feb. 17: The "Road To Easter" continues with the third Pre-Lenten Sunday of the Prodigal Son. Inside the special Easter Egg this Sunday was soap. The soap reminds us that just as we wash ourselves clean, we must also
past Sunday, "change" was inside. So, we take "change" (not monetary) but a "change of self" that makes us closer to Jesus, just as Zacchaeus had to change his bad ways of stealing to good in repaying back! Everyone is invited to join us on the "Road To Easter" by starting with the reflection, "What do I need to change in my life to draw closer to Jesus?" n
spiritually wash ourselves, just as the Prodigal Son did by repenting. May we "come to our senses" by practicing repentance this upcoming Great Fast season and clean ourselves of any dirt on our souls by returning to God, our Father, who loves us unconditionally. n
Posted on Feb. 25: The “Road To Easter” continues with the fourth Pre-Lenten Sunday of the Gospel of the Last Judgment. Inside the special Easter Egg this past Sunday were twinkes. This coincided with a story about a young boy
going to find God and found a homeless woman in the park with whom he shared his twinkes. He met God in her and she met God in him. On the road to Easter, let us follow the command of our Lord, “As often as you do it for my brothers and sisters, you do it for me.” n
Blessing of candles From St. Michael in Campbell Ohio’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/st.michaelsbyz.campbell/. Father Kevin Marks is pastor. Posted on Feb.2:
The solemn blessing of candles took place at the Holyday Divine Liturgy celebrating the Feast of the Encounter of our Lord. The candles are to remind us that we are called to be the light of Jesus in the world! n
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in preparation for
The Great Fast 2019
regulations for the season The fasts of the liturgical year are to be kept in accordance with the Norms of Particular Law of the Byzantine Metropolitan Church sui iuris of Pittsburgh. simple abstinence •The law of simple abstinence forbids the use of meat, but permits the use of eggs and dairy products. •All faithful of the Archeparchy who receive the Eucharist are obliged to observe simple abstinence when prescribed. Abstinence is obligatory on all Wednesdays and Fridays of the Great Fast.
strict abstinence •The law of strict abstinence (fasting) forbids the use and consumption of all meat, eggs and dairy products. •All faithful of the Archeparchy who receive the Eucharist are obliged to observe strict abstinence when prescribed. •Strict abstinence (fasting) is to be observed in 2019 on Pure Monday, March 4. (the first day of the Great Fast), and on Great and Holy Friday, April 19.
Greater Pittsburgh Protopresbytery Penitential Vespers The Sundays of the Great Fast schedule of services at 4 p.m. Mystery of reconciliation precedes vespers March 3 Forgiveness Vespers St. John the Baptist Cathedral 210 Greentree Road, Munhall, Pa. March 10 St. Pius X 2336 Brownsville Road, Carrick, Pa. Deacon: Sean Petrisko Homilist: Father Adam Horstman March 17 SS. Peter and Paul 339 E. Tenth Ave., Tarentum, Pa. Deacon: Tim Corbett Homilist: Father Radko Blichar March 24 St. John Chrysostom 506 Saline St., Pittsburgh, Pa. Deacon: Michael Meaders Homilist: Father John Cuccaro
dispensations •Priests and parents are to ensure that minors are educated in the authentic sense of penance. •Pastors and administrators, with just cause and taking into account acceptable reasons due to personal circumstances, may grant to the individual faithful as well as to individual families, dispensations, transferals, or commutations of abstinence and strict fast into other pious practices. Superiors of religious houses or clerical institutions enjoy these same faculties relative to their constituents.
liturgical services •The Divine Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts takes precedence over all other Lenten Devotions. •The Divine Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts only is to be celebrated on Wednesdays and/or Friday evenings of the Great Fast and also on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday of Holy Week. n
March 31 St. Gregory 2005 Mohawk Road, Upper St. Clair, Pa. Deacon: Michael George Homilist: Father Andrew Deskevich April 7 St, John the Baptist 105 Kohler Ave., Lyndora, Pa. Deacon: Paul Simko Homilist: Monsignor Russell Duker
Prayerful vigil at Planned Parenthood scheduled for April by Deacon Paul Boboige Pro-Life Office coordinator, Archeparchy of Pittsburgh
How do you change minds and hearts about the sin of abortion? One must be a witness to the sanctity of human life from the moment of fertilization to natural physical death. The Pro-Life Office of the Archeparchy of Pittsburgh engages in this during the semi-annual 40 Days for Life campaign at Planned Parenthood's abortuary, scheduling a time slot amongst the dozens of other parishes from Pittsburgh and beyond. This witness is our presence with a sign proclaiming our Christian moral belief, as hundreds of people pass by the commercial-looking building at 933 Liberty Aven., where
weekly an average of 50 to 57 persons are violently denied the opportunity to live. Priests, deacons, sisters and laity are encouraged to come to this organized vigil 11 a.m.-1 p.m. April 11. At approximately noon, the Moleben for the Sacredness of Life and Supplication for the Victims of Abortion will be prayed. Our two "choirs" will be on each side of the sidewalk as we antiphonally chant the prayers. What better witness can we give to proclaim our belief that the sanctity of life should not be violated? We pray for the souls who will die there, for the mothers and fathers who are deceived into procuring the deaths, and for those inside who perform or facilitate this sin. Please come join us on April
From Fall 2018: George Fetsko, Pat Boboige, Father Jim Ragan, Don Paul, Gerry Rhodes O’Connor
11 at Planned Parenthood of Western Pa., 933 Liberty Ave., Pittsburgh. Be a voice for those who cannot speak. This announcement will be posted on the unofficial Pro-Life Office site on Facebook Eastern Pro Life. Please look it over and
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give it a "like.” Then schedule the event on your calendar. More information about the campaign is available on the website https://40daysforlife. com/local-campaigns/pittsburgh/. n
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THE BYZANTINE CATHOLIC WORLD FEATURE STORY
Two brothers
father valerian michlik discusses the lives of ss. cyril and methodius by David Mayernik Jr. Editor
Father Valerian Michlik, pastor of St. Gregory in Upper St. Clair, Pa., recalls regularly visiting a church dedicated to SS. Cyril and Methodius in Slovakia, which was dedicated on Sept. 4, 1949. "That was one of my favorite pilgrimages to go to as a kid. A pilgrimage dedicated to SS. Cyril and Methodius in the town of Stropkov," he said. "Their legacy continues here," he pointed out, as the Byzantine Catholic Seminary in Pittsburgh, Pa. was dedicated in their names in 1950. Following the Feb. 17 Divine Liturgy at St. Gregory, Father Valerian discussed the two brothers and ninth century missionaries, as 2019 marks the 1,150th anniversary of the death of St. Cyril. The presentation, which included a display on loan from the Slovak Embassy in Washington, D.C., was sponsored by St. Gregory's Library Ministry and guests included students from the Franciscan University of Steubenville in Ohio. Brothers Cyril and Methodius, whose baptismal names were Constantine and Michael, were born in Thessalonica, Greece in 825 A.D. and 817 A.D., respectively. The two brothers were responsible for consolidating the expansion of Christianity from the turn of the ninth century, the introduction of a new writing system — the Glagolitic script — which was used to translate various legal and liturgical texts from Greek and introduce Christianity to the Slavic people. "Feb. 14 for all of us in the States...St. Valentine’s Day is a day of love. But for us Byzantine Catholics, we remember (St. Cyril) who is very important to the life of our church: a priest, a monk, someone who from an early age loved our Lord with an open heart," Father Valerian said. Cyril and Methodius are recognized together each year on their May 11 Feast Day. Father Valerian said they were born into privilege, as their father was chief of staff in Thessalonica. Their mother is believed to have a Slavic background, so her sons were bilingual. "Growing up, these guys had
the best opportunity for their studies. They were doing quite well in the northeastern part of Greece." Michael embraced governmental work, becoming a military commander, before he entered a monastery on Mount Olympus in modern Turkey in 855 A.D. and changed his name to Methodius. Constantine went to Constantinople to study, was ordained to the priesthood — taking the name Cyril — and became the city's chief of staff. He then decided to pursue missionary work and traveled with Methodius to preach the Word of God to tribes near the Black Sea in the Middle East in 851 A.D. There they found the relics of Pope Clement, the third pontiff in Rome, who was forced to work in the salt mines of Crimea and was eventually killed, his body thrown into the Black Sea. Cyril and Methodius brought the relics back with them to Constantinople. Before the brothers traveled to Great Moravia, which included Germany, France, Italy, Ukraine, Russia and Bulgaria, to perform missionary work, Cyril adapted Greek and Arabic letters to create the Slavonic alphabet. “This mission of these two brothers had an impact on all of those countries,” Father Valerian said. "Constantine comes up with the brilliant, revolutionary idea to create an alphabet, an official language for the Slavic people.” They were accused of heresy in Rome because of their teaching in Great Moravia and traveled to see Pope Adrian. But the pope ended up approving the Slavonic Liturgy, which was previously only celebrated in Latin, Greek and Hebrew. Cyril became ill and died in Rome at 43 years old on Feb. 14, 869 A.D. Methodius traveled back to Great Moravia and on the way was kidnapped by Germans. He sat in prison for three years and died on April 8, 885 A.D. Father Valerian pointed out many churches in Slovakia and the Czech Republic are dedicated to Cyril and Methodius. "The legacy is huge. The of-
Father Valerian Michlik
Photos by David Mayernik Jr.
ficial recognition of the Slavonic Liturgy (was) a revolutionary thing that happened in the Catholic Church. Evangelizing nations, the alphabet, the domestic church: teaching prayers, catechism, universities carry their names because
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of what they did for God, His holy Church and God's people. "Knowing about their lives, knowing about their accomplishments, knowing what they went through is a legacy for us today." n
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News from the Vatican Vatican summit: Silence, denial are unacceptable, Archbishop Scicluna says archbishop charles scicluna or malta: “if something has gone wrong, we need to make it right” by Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service
VATICAN CITY — When presented with an accusation that a priest has sexually abused a child, "whether it's criminal or malicious complicity and a code of silence or whether it is denial" on a very human level, such reactions are no longer tolerable, said the Vatican's top investigator of abuse cases. Archbishop Charles Scicluna of Malta, who handles abuse cases as adjunct secretary of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, was part of a panel of speakers at a news conference Feb. 18 to outline the Vatican's plans and hopes for the summit meeting on the protection of minors in the church. The meeting Feb. 21-24 was to bring together almost 190 church leaders: the presidents of national bishops' conferences, the heads of the Eastern Catholic churches, superiors of religious orders of men and women, Roman Curia officials and invited experts and guest speakers. After reciting the Angelus Feb. 17, Pope Francis publicly asked Catholics around the world to pray for the summit, and he repeated the request Feb. 18 in a tweet, saying he wanted the meeting to be "a powerful gesture of pastoral responsibility in the face of an urgent challenge." At the news conference Cardinal Blase J. Cupich of Chicago told reporters, "The Holy Father wants to make very clear to the bishops around the world, not only those participating, that each one of them has to claim responsibility and ownership for this problem and
that there is going to be every effort to close whatever loopholes there are." Bishops "are going to be held accountable," the cardinal said. Cardinal Cupich said he expected the meeting to be "a turning point" in the way the Catholic Church handles allegations across the globe and the way it strengthens child protection policies. However, like the other speakers, he said it would be unreasonable to expect the meeting to mark a sudden and complete end to the clerical sexual abuse of minors and vulnerable adults. "We are going to do everything possible to make sure people are held responsible, accountable, and there's going to be transparency, because those three elements will keep children safe," the cardinal said. Both Archbishop Scicluna and Cardinal Cupich insisted that if all church leaders around the world had a full grasp of what is necessary to protect children from clerical sexual abuse, the church also would be in a better position to counter other situations of abuse, including the abuse of vulnerable adults, women religious and seminarians. While declining to describe if and how he has seen Pope Francis change in response to abuse accusations, Archbishop Scicluna said, "I think that if you are talking about the pope's experience in Chile," where he initially insisted allegations against a bishop were slanderous, "I have been impressed by the humility of the Holy Father, his readiness to say, 'I got that wrong.'"
"That gives us great hope because we leaders need to confront ourselves with prudential judgments that could have been better," but also need to "move forward," the archbishop said. "If something has gone wrong, we need to make it right." While the summit was not designed to produce a new document, Archbishop Scicluna said a greater awareness of the global reality of the problem and the serious responsibility of every bishop to address it should lead to action around the world. Participants will share what they learned in Rome with other bishops and religious superiors and begin to take action locally, the archbishop said. "That will need to be audited," and Pope Francis has asked the meeting's organizing committee to stay in Rome after the meeting to begin discussing follow-up. The panel was asked by a correspondent for LifeSiteNews if the summit would address "homosexuality among the clergy" given that so many of the victims of clerical sexual abuse were boys. Cardinal Cupich said it is clear the majority of clerical abuse cases involve priests abusing boys, but high-level, independent studies, including the John Jay College of Criminal Justice report in the United States and the report of Australia's Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, "indicated that homosexuality itself is not a cause." Both studies found that priest abusers had more access to potential male victims and that
Archbishop Charles J. Scicluna of Malta and Cardinal Blase J. Cupich of Chicago, members of the organizing committee for the Feb. 21 to 24 Vatican meetinjg on the protection of minors ion the church, attend a press conference to preview the meeting at the Vatican Feb. 18. Also pictured is Alessandro Gisotti, interim Vatican spokesman. Photo by Paul Haring/ Catholic News Service.
poor screening of candidates for the priesthood was a greater risk factor for abuse than homosexuality was, he said. Each of the first three days of the meeting will be devoted to one aspect of the abuse crisis: responsibility, accountability and transparency. Pope Francis and participants will attend a penitential liturgy the evening of Feb. 23 and a Mass Feb. 24, both of which will be livestreamed from the Sala Regia of the Apostolic Palace. The main speakers for the meeting's general assemblies are: Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of Manila, Philippines; Archbishop Scicluna; Colombian Cardinal Ruben Salazar Gomez of Bogota; Indian Cardinal Oswald Gracias of Mumbai; Cardinal Cupich; Linda Ghisoni, undersecretary of the Dicastery for Laity, the Family and Life; Sister Veronica Openibo, superior of the Society of the Holy Child Jesus; German Cardinal Reinhard Marx of Munich and Freising; and Valentina Alazraki, a Mexican television journalist. n
Golden jubilee continued from page 1
Thomas V. Dolinay, Judson M. Procyk, Basil M. Schott and the present day Metropolitan Archbishop William C. Skurla. When we think of the pioneer founders of our Church, we have to appreciate that they came with nothing but their faith, hope and trust in God. Together they sacrificed in many ways to build the Church and to erect its churches. They and those that came after saw the progression from Exarchate to Eparchy to Archeparchy to Metropolitan Church. As with everyone and everything in the natural ebb and
flow of life, we Byzantine Catholic faithful are familiar with many changes in our churches throughout the years. As we stand at the threshold of the next 50 years, we must reflect and possess the faith, hope and trust of our forbearers, as we carry forth the inheritance and legacy which they bequeathed to us. To fittingly observe this dual anniversary, celebrations are being planned, both in Parma on Saturday, June 22, and in Pittsburgh on Sunday, June 23, 2019. Each day will feature a Divine Liturgy of Thanksgiving
at the cathedral with a banquet afterward. In Pittsburgh, the Assembly, “Concern for our Future,” which had its initial meeting last year will reconvene. Tentatively sessions may be held on Sunday evening of the celebration weekend, and the participants will come together on Monday, the next day, to further the work which they have begun toward the renewal and revitalization of their parishes. The marking of time with celebration and thanksgiving is important in our lives. Whether it be the first birthday party of
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St. John the Munhall, Pa.
Baptist
Cathedral,
a sweet little baby, or the 50th anniversary of the creation of a Metropolitan Church and everything in between, all give pause for great gratitude and a deepening of faith, hope and trust in God. n
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thoughts for our day by Archpriest David M. Petras
the first part of the anaphora In the anaphora of St. John Chrysostom, before we sing the Hymn of Victory, “Holy, holy, holy ...,” and after we begin to speak to God as infinite and eternal, we enumerate the blessings that he has given to us. We tell the whole story of how God has loved us. This story, of course, has a past, a present and a future. Therefore, we pray: “You brought us out of nonexistence into being.” This is the past, God has created us by his Word, and we are here. Then, we say, “and again raised us up when we had fallen.” This is the present, because we did not receive well the gift of creation in Eden, and instead of following God’s loving plan for us, we disobeyed him and bent creation out of shape. Today, though, we live in the time of redemption, because for our sakes, God took on the human nature and by obedience on the Cross, brought it the gift of the forgiveness of sins, the wiping out of evil and life everlasting. Then finally, we say: “and (you) left nothing undone until you brought us to heaven and gave us your kingdom to come.” This is the future, when God will renew all creation. Revelation, the New Testament book of prophecy, foretells this: “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth. The former heaven and the former earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. I also saw the holy city, a new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Behold, God’s dwelling is with
the human race. He will dwell with them and they will be his people and God himself will always be with them as their God.’” When we pray the Anaphora, we recognize that God is eternal, and that what he has promised for our future is, in reality, already a fact. The Anaphora, then, is a prayer of certain hope, that God, in his merciful loving kindness, is bringing into being all that is good for us.
For the Christian there is truly one God, who has revealed himself to us as Father, Son and Spirit. St. John then makes sure that we attribute everything to God: “we thank you ... for all that we know and that we do not know, for the manifest and hidden benefits bestowed on us.” This is actually one of the favorite themes of Chrysostom's preaching, and he frequently cites 1 Cor 2:9 (from Isaiah 64:5 and 65:17): "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."Chrysostom uses this phrase in a liturgical text in his homily from Constantinople on Colossians 10:2-3. Here, St. John says, "We give you thanks for all your benefits bestowed upon us the unworthy, from the first day until the present, for what we know and what we do not know, for the seen, for the unseen, for those in deed, those in word, those with our wills, those against our wills,
for all that have been bestowed upon the unworthy, even us. In this way, we acknowledge that God is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end, the giver of every good and perfect gift, and that everything that we are and everything that we have comes from his loving care for us. The first part of the Anaphora in the Divine Liturgy of St. Basil differs from that of Chrysostom. St. Basil does tell the whole story of God’s love for us in creation and redemption, but he does this in great detail after the Hymn of Victory. In the first part, he gives a theological address to God in the Holy Trinity, which is the center of Christian faith. The Anaphora of St. Basil contains many allusions to Sacred Scripture, and so as we address God, he uses word and titles found in the apostolic writings and gospels. For the Christian there is truly one God, who has revealed himself to us as Father, Son and Spirit. Just as the Son and the Spirit come forth from the Father, so too, in our prayer the Trinity unfolds in a series of subordinate clauses. As in the Anaphora of Chrysostom, St. Basil addresses the Father as “eternal, invisible, incomprehensible, boundless, and changeless.” He has revealed himself in the Son, who was to tell his disciples, “Whoever has seen me has seen the Father” (John 14:9). Our Lord is everything for us: “he is our hope, eternal wisdom, life, sanctification, power and the True Light.” These titles are from the letters of St. Paul and the gospel of St. John. In the gospel of John, we read that Jesus was “the true light, which enlightens everyone” (John 1:9). St. Paul writes that
“Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God .... who became for us wisdom from God, as well as righteousness, sanctification, and redemption” (1 Corinthians 1:24.30). The Father is “revealed through him,” as the Letter to the Hebrews describes, “[God] spoke to us through a son, whom he made heir of all things and through whom he created the universe, who is the refulgence of his glory, the very imprint of his being, and who sustains all things by his mighty word” (Hebrews 1:2-3). In this way we express our faith that our Lord is “True God.” Through our Lord, “the Holy Spirit has been revealed.” Our prayer, then, follows God’s plan of our renewal. On the night he was arrested, Jesus told his followers, “I tell you the truth, it is better for you that I go. For if I do not go, the Advocate will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you, (John 16:7)” and “when the Advocate comes whom I will send you from the Father, the Spirit of truth that proceeds from the Father, he will testify to me” (John 15:26). We begin the Liturgy by prayer to the Spirit, “Heavenly King, Comforter, Spirit of Truth,” we profess our faith in the Spirit, “And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Creator of life, who proceeds from the Father (Creed)” and we now pray in words from Scripture, that he is “the Spirit of truth, the Gift of filial adoption, the Pledge of our future inheritance, the First-fruits of eternal blessings, the Life-creating Power, the Wellspring of sanctification.” What all of this means is that when we pray the Anaphora, we are entering into the life of the Trinity. n
BYZANTINE DIVINE LITURGY View Liturgical Services (various times) streamed LIVE online at:
St. John the Baptist Cathedral, Munhall, Pa. St. John Chrysostom Church, Pittsburgh, Pa. www.stjohnsbyzantinecathedral.com www.sjcbcc.com Holy Ghost, McKees Rocks, Pa. www.holyghost-byzantinecatholic.org
St. Gregory, Upper St. Clair, Pa. www.facebook.com/stgregoryusc/
St. Elias, Munhall, Pa. https://www.facebook.com/St-Elias-Byzantine-Catholic-Church-157868411675213/
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mount st. macrina in uniontown, pa.
Scenes from a snowscape From The Sisters of St. Basil the Great’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/sistersofstbasil.uniontown, posted on Feb. 4: “The temperature today is in the low 60s at #MtStMacrina. It is hard to believe that we had a snow storm on Friday with bitter cold temps! #SistersofStBasil #MtStMacrina #UniontownPA” n
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liturgical schedule at the Seminary “Come, let us sing joyfully to the Lord”
around the archeparchy NUT ROLL SALE — Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, 210 Greentree Road, Munhall, Pa. Nut roll fillings include: poppyseed, lecvar, apricot, apricot/nut and plain nut. Cost: $13 each. Plain paskas, $6 each; paska with raisins, $7 each. Call 412-461-0944 by March 24 to place an order.
Join the Byzantine Catholic Seminary community for liturgical services at 3605 Perrysville Ave, Pittsburgh, Pa. Enter through the chapel door that faces Perrysville Avenue. It’s recommended visitors call 412-321-8383 in advance so that we may be awaiting your arrival. For more information about the Seminary: go to www.bcs.edu. Schedule of Services for March: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
7 a.m. Orthros (M), 4 p.m. Vespers with 13th Kathisma (M) 9 a.m. Divine Liturgy (R), 5 p.m. All-Night Vigil (R) 5 p.m. Forgiveness Vespers (R) 9 a.m. Matins (R), Great Compline (R) 7 a.m. Third Hour (R), 9 p.m. Great Compline (R) 7 a.m. Midday Office (R), 5 p.m. Presanctifieed Divine Liturgy (R), 8 p.m. Great Compline (R) 7 p.m. Great Compline (R) 7 a.m. Akathist to the Theotokos Part I (M), 4 p.m. Presanctified Divine Liturgy (M) 9 a.m. Divine Liturgy (M), 5 p.m. Great Vespers (M) 7 a.m. Festal Matins (R), 5 p.m. Vespers (R) 9 a.m. Midday Office (R) 7 a.m. Sixth Hour (R) 7 a.m. Orthros (M), 5 p.m. Presanctified Divine Liturgy (R), 8 p.m. Great Compline (M) 4 p.m. Ninth Hour (R), 8 p.m. Great Compline (R) 7 a.m. Akathist to the Theotokos Part 2 (M), 4 p.m. Presanctified Divine Liturgy (M) 9 a.m. Divine Liturgy with Panachida (R), 5 p.m. Great Vespers (R) 7 a.m. Festal Matins with Divine Liturgy (R), 5 p.m. Vespers (R) 9 a.m. Midday Office (R) 7 a.m. Matins (R) 7 a.m. Midday Office (R), 5 p.m. Presanctified Divine Liturgy (R), 8 p.m. Great Compline 4 p.m. Ninth Hour (R), 8 p.m. Great Compline (R) 7 a.m. Akathist to the Theotokos Part III (M), 4 p.m. Presanctified Divine Liturgy (M) 9 a.m. Divine Liturgy with Panachida (R), 5 p.m. All-Night Vigil (R) 5 p.m. Vespers (R) 9 a.m. Festal Matins (R), 4 p.m. Vespers with Divine Liturgy (R) 7 a.m. Third Hour (R) 7 a.m. Matins (R), 5 p.m. Presanctified Divine Liturgy (R), 8 p.m. Great Compline (M) 4 p.m. Ninth Hour (R), 8 p.m. Great Compline (R) 7 a.m. Akathist to the Theotokos Part IV (M), 4 p.m. Presanctified Divine Liturgy (M) 9 a.m. Divine Liturgy with Panachida (R), 5 p.m. Great Vespers (M) 7 a.m. Festal Orthros with Divine Liturgy (M), 5 p.m. Vespers (R)
(M) Melkite
PIROHI SALE — Holy Ghost, 225 Olivia St., McKees Rocks, Pa. To order, call 412-331-5155 9 a.m.-noon Wednesday prior to sale. Pick-up 10 a.m.-2 p.m. March 6, 8, 14, 15, 22, 29; April 5, 12. Handmade, fully cooked, made fresh and ready to eat. Potato, sauerkraut and cheese. LENTEN KITCHEN — 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Fridays March 8 to April 12, St. Elias, 4200 Homestead-Duquesne Road, Munhall, Pa. Menu includes fried or baked fish sandwich, fried or baked fish dinner, shrimp dinner, pirohi, haluski, macaroni and cheese, French fries, cole slaw, soda, bottled water, csoroge and bake sale. No charge for coffee and tea. Patrons can eat in or take out. PIROHI SALE — Noon-4 p.m. Fridays during Lent (excluding Good Friday) starting March 8, St. Pius X, 2336 Brownsville Road, Carrick, Pa. Pirohi includes: potato/cheese, sweet cabbage, cottage cheese and sauerkraut. Prices start at $8. Haluska also for sale. Eat in or take out; frozen or cooked. To pre-order or for information, call 412-881-8344. ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT BREAKFAST BUFFET — 9 a.m.-1 p.m. March 10, St. Mary’s Center, Route 981, Trauger. Cost: $6 for adults, $3 for ages 5 to 10. No cost for age 4 and under. Sponsored by St. Mary’s Youth Group. LITURGY OF THE PRESANCTIFIED GIFTS — Noon Wednesdays during the Great Fast starting March 6, St. Pius X, 2336 Brownsville Road, Carrick, Pa. Monsignor Russell A. Duker is administrator. Accessible by bus on the 51 Carrick and the 51L Carrick Limited. All are welcome to come and pray this Great Fast service with us! SPAGHETTI DINNER — 2-7 p.m. March 24, St. Pius X, 2336 Brownsville Road, Carrick, Pa. Proceeds will benefit Sam Langol, 3, a member of St. Pius X who was one of the first children in Pittsburgh to be diagnosed with Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM), a paralyzing disease similar to polio, in October. Tickets: $10 for adults; no charge for children age 5 and under. Tickets may be purchased at the door. The afternoon will include raffles, 50/50, Chinese Auction, bake sale, DJ and more entertainment, For more information, call the church at 412881-8344. 14TH EGG EGGSTRAVAGANZA — Noon-5 p.m. April 7, St. John Byzantine Catholic Church Social Hall, 201 E. Main St., Uniontown, Pa. Egg artists display, demonstrate, and sell decorated eggs. Easter items (embroidered basket covers, lamb butter molds, decorated candles) and crafts for purchase. Children’s Easter theme activities, explanation of traditional Easter foods for basket blessing, Lenten lunch menu, baked goods (including long rolls and more), workshop on making pysanky, raffles and basket raffles and door prizes. No charge for admission. Handicapped accessible. For information, call 724-438-6027 (9 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday to Friday, leave message).
(R) Ruthenian
dates to remember MARCH 3 Sunday of Cheesefare MARCH 4 First day of the Great Fast
Official publication of the Byzantine Catholic Archeparchy of Pittsburgh
Byzantine Catholic Press Associates
MARCH 20 First day of Spring
66 Riverview Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15214 Tel: 412.231.4000 Fax: 412.231.1697 E-mail: bcw@archpitt.org Web site: www.archpitt.org
MARCH 24 Third Sunday of the Great Fast Veneration of the Holy Cross
next issue:
MARCH 10 First Sunday of the Great Fast
MARCH 26 to 28 Eastern Catholic Bishops meet in St. Louis, Mo. MARCH 30 Pre Cana Day Byzantine Catholic Seminary of SS. Cyril and Methodius, Pittsburgh, Pa. See more upcoming events at www.archpitt.org
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APRIL 2019
submissions DEADLINE: MARCH 22