Special PASCHA issue!
THE OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE ARCHEPARCHY OF PITTSBURGH
christ is risen!
Inside
A Paschal message from Archbishop William Skurla Page 3
VOL. 63 NO. 5
the art of psyanky Pysanky class held at St. John the Baptist Cathedral in Munhall, Pa. Page 6
PASCHA 2019
pittsburgh deanery lenten vespers
Vespers services celebrated during the Great Fast Page 9
christ is risen! indeed he is risen!
christos voskrese! voistinnu voskrese!
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PASCHA 2019
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.
Holy week and pascha schedule St. John the Baptist Byzantine Catholic Cathedral 210 Greentree Road Munhall, Pa. 15120 www.stjohnbyzantinecathedral.com
412-461-0944
Holy Monday 7 p.m. APRIl 15 n n
Presanctified Liturgy Confessions
Holy tuesday 7 p.m. APRIL 16 n n
Presanctified Liturgy Confessions
holy saturday 9 a.m. APRIl 20
Holy wednesday
Jerusalem Matins Noon-7 p.m. Vigil at the Shroud
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7 p.m. APRIL 17
Presanctified Liturgy and Anointing with Holy Oil n Confessions n
7 p.m. APRIL 20
Resurrection Matins with the Divine Liturgy followed by the Blessing of Paschal foods
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Holy thursday
the radiant resurrection
7 p.m. APRIL 18
Great Vespers with Divine Liturgy of St. Basil the Great with the Washing of the Feet by Archbishop William Skurla
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good friday
Divine Liturgy followed by the Blessing of Paschal Foods
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bright monday
10 a.m. APRIL 19 n
9 a.m. april 21
Reading of the 12 Passion Gospels
7 p.m. APRIL 19
9 a.m. april 22 n
Entombment Vespers for Good Friday and Procession with the Holy Shroud. After Solemn Vespers, all are encouraged to visit the church for a time of prayer. The church will be open until midnight.
Divine Liturgy
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bright tuesday 9 a.m. april 23 n
Divine Liturgy
Pope Francis’ schedule for Holy Week, Easter april 1 easter morning mass to be celebrated in st. peter’s square by Catholic News Service
VATICAN CITY — As is customary when first publishing the pope’s calendar for Holy Week, the Vatican did not provide the time or place for his celebration of the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday. Pope Francis has made it a tradition to celebrate the Mass and foot washing ritual at a prison or detention center, refugee center or rehabilitation facility. Here is Pope Francis’ schedule for Holy Week and Easter: n April 14, Palm Sunday, 10 a.m. Mass in St. Peter’s Square.
n April 18, chrism Mass, 9:30 a.m. in St. Peter’s Basilica.
April 19, Good Friday, 5 p.m. liturgy of the Lord’s passion in St. Peter’s Basilica. n
n April 19, Way of the Cross, 9:15 p.m., Rome’s Colosseum. n April 20, Easter vigil Mass, 8:30 p.m., St. Peter’s Basilica.
April 21, Easter morning Mass, 10 a.m., St. Peter’s Square, followed at noon by the pope’s blessing “urbi et orbi” (the city and the world) from the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica. n n
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PASCHA 2019 Christ is Risen! Indeed He is Risen! As we celebrate Easter Sunday, we deepen our belief and understanding of its meaning on our lives. The events of Jesus’s death and resurrection show our path through this life leading to eternal life in heaven. Our perspective changes and deepens with each celebration during our lifetime. Jesus explained to the Apostles many times everything that was going to happen. They were going to Jerusalem where He would be arrested, suffer, and be crucified. After three days, He would rise from death to new life. The resurrection of Jesus Christ would make it possible to follow him to the heaven. However, even though the Apostles were told the plan of salvation, when the arrest, trial, and death of Jesus happened, most of the Apostles were afraid and scattered. Judas gave up his faith and turned against Jesus. And only the Apostle John remained with Jesus to the end. Just like the Apostles, we know the story of the death and resurrection of Jesus. However, even though we know the story in our lives and the life of the Church, our faith is challenged. Scandals in the Church or problems in our personal lives or families hurt us and can cause us to question our faith. We are called be like the faith filled Apostle John. We are called to a faith in Jesus Christ that reveals the way to our resurrection. Through our faith in the resurrection and our cooperation with the Holy Spirit, the current darkness will be blown away with the light of Christ our Lord and Savior. Our faith compels us to spread the news that we believe that Christ is truly Risen. As we prepare for the 50th Anniversary of the Metropolitan Church of Pittsburgh and the June Assembly, many people in our churches have begun the process of renewal in their lives and in their parish churches. We thank all who are praying and working for the renewal of our Archeparchy. We pray that this Easter Season helps us to continue to increase our faith and our good works for the Lord. Our faith and our actions add to the light of Resurrected Christ. Each prayer and action helps brighten the way of our families, our churches, and our communities. We extend to all the proclamation that Christ is Risen! “Christ is Risen.” And, they will answer, “Indeed He is Risen.” Sincerely yours in Christ,
Most Reverend William C. Skurla, D.D. Metropolitan Archbishop of Pittsburgh
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Christ is Risen! Indeed He is Risen! Christos Voskrese! Voistinnu Voskrese!
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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.
Candlelight Dinner for Married Couples n A Candlelight Dinner for Married Couples will be held 6:30-9 p.m. May 2. Offering of $70 per couple. Register by April 26. Guest speakers will be Deacon Michael and Lorri George. 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 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. n
PASCHA 2019
Women’s Day of Reflection set for May 11 this year’s theme: “god speaks: do we listen?” The 16th 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: n Lillian Leonardi (“My Spiritual Homecoming”). Lillian Leonardi served from 1998 to 2010 in the FBI, Pittsburgh Division, as its Community Outreach Specialist. On Sept. 11, 2001, within three hours after the crash of Flight 93 in Shanksville, Pa, she was at the site, where she spent the next 12 days. She has written a book about her experience entitled “In the Shadow of a Badge: A Memoir About Flight 93, a Field of Angels, and My Spiritual Homecoming.” Post-9/11, Leonardi represented the FBI in collaboration on three projects relating to Flight 93. Prior to her FBI career,
Leonardi was appointed in 1984 to serve as the first female police officer in the city of Arnold, Pa., where she specialized in crime prevention and investigations of crimes against children. After her 25-year career of service in law enforcement, Lillie Leonardi is pursuing her lifelong passion for writing. n Jennifer Miele (“God Speaks to All Generations”.
Jennifer Miele is Chief Communications Officer/ Managing Director Office of Communications and Evangelization for the diocese of Greensburg. She joined the staff in June 2018, and her efforts focus on making the diocese more accessible and connected to all generations of Catholics and the entire community. She spent seven years as a spokesperson and vice president for Excela Health and eight years as the Westmoreland County bureau chief for WTAE-TV. A Penn Township native and graduate of Saint Vincent College, Jen is a parishioner of Immaculate Conception Parish, Irwin. She is married to Dr. Jason Cinti and has two young daughters, Francesca and Vivienne. Jen serves as emcee for dozens of charity events each year.
n Joni Sturgill (“Healthy Body: Peaceful Soul”).
Joni Sturgill is a RYT (Registered Yoga Teacher) and has taught yoga and meditation since 2004 and has been studying since 1999. She’s learned from many prominent teachers, earned 500 hour yoga and meditation teacher training, and her 200 hour yoga certification. Joni studied at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition in New York plus she holds a Master of Science in Counseling Psychology. Combining all of these modalities, Joni works as an integrative wellness specialist, blending therapeutic essentials to support the mind, emotions, body and spirit. Joni has published articles in addition to writing articles for her blog. Joni believes that the practice of meditation and awareness of holistic health is so important for people of all ages and backgrounds to find optimal health, wellness, joy and peace of mind. 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. If you wish to donate a basket for the Benefit Auction, please contact Marjorie Glaid at (412) 835-3873. Sponsored by the Byzantine Catholic Archeparchial Office of Religious Education. n
Young Adult Retreat n Gather with other young adults seeking God’s way along life’s journey 7 p.m. June 21 to 11 a.m. June 23. Hosted by Sister Barbara Jean Mihalchick, OSBM and the Young Adult Team. Registration due June 14. Offering is $110. Open to Christian men and women ages 18 to 35 years old.
“East, West and Beyond: Enriching One Another’s Liturgical Traditions”
The Byzantine Catholic Seminary of SS. Cyril and Methodius will present a symposium on liturgical and sacramental theology May 21 to 23 in Pittsburgh, Pa. Its theme is “East, West, and Beyond: Enriching One Another's Liturgical Traditions.” Guests are invited to attend lectures by leading scholars
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discussing a number of topics engaging the mutual theological and liturgical interactions between various branches of Eastern and Western Christianity through the centuries. More details regarding speakers and registration can be found at: https://www.bcs.edu/ east-west-symposium. n
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text messages
Less is more
Bulletin Board
“the great fast is the time to get in touch with these traits of our character”
Nanty Glo, Pa. Parish Centennial St. Nicholas of Myra, 1191 Second St., Nanty Glo, Pa. will celebrate its 100th anniversary on May 19 with a hierarchial Divine Liturgy to be celebrated by Metropolitan Archbishop William C. Skurla. It will be followed by a Centennial dinner. Former parishioners and friends of the parish are welcome. The congregation of St. Nicholas was founded in 1919 under the leadership of Father John Dorohovich. Members officially received their charter on April 26, 1921. Services were held in a wooden structure located at the site of the present church hall. Contact Father Robert F. Oravetz at 814-535-5231 for information and reservations. Deadline is April 28. n
by David Mayernik Jr. Editor
During Deacon Michael George's Homily at St. Gregory in Upper St. Clair, Pa. on March 31, the Fourth Sunday of the Great Fast, he discussed the concept of "less is more.” The less physical and mental "baggage" we carry around on ourselves, he said, is always for the better. From a physical standpoint, these include fatty foods, which place weights on our heart, and loud music, which strain our eardrums. “Less is more,” he repeated. "In the same way, we have things we carry around with us. Most of us would consider them our personality traits. We’re kind of proud of those things," he said. "These traits, these things we carry around in us, block us from a deeper, more effective relationship with our Lord. “The Great Fast is the time to get in touch with these traits of our character." I became acutely aware of one of my character traits in the checkout line at Giant Eagle a few weeks ago. I was in line for the second time during one trip so I could purchase one final item: a package of bakery rolls.
I first went to the self-checkout to buy my groceries until I noticed the package of rolls did not have a UPC sticker attached. With a line behind me and no help coming despite the blinking green light, I decided pay for my bagged items then go back to the bakery to grab a pack with a sticker and get back in line. As I stood there with a blue plastic bag in one hand and rolls in the other, the woman in line in front of me offered to let me go ahead, since I had only one item. "Thanks," I told her, explaining my dilemma with the wayward UPC sticker. "You're welcome," she said. "I'm sure you would do the same thing if roles were reversed." "Would I have done the same?" I thought to myself. The question has stuck with me ever since. Nothing like having an existential crisis in the "10 items or less" line at Giant Eagle. She was very nice to let me go in front of her but the cynic in me thinks she did it to put a buffer between her and the woman in front of her, who looked at me with narrowed eyes when I appeared, seeming-
ly out of thin air. Cut to a week later and I'm waiting to get a haircut at a local establishment. A man walks through the door and asks if I'm next in line. "Yes," I tell him. Then I overhear him say all he's getting is a beard trim. My mind flashes back to the woman at Giant Eagle, so I tell the man I don't mind if he goes before me. He appreciates the gesture, but says it's OK. One of the other stylists will take him. I’d like to think I would have asked if he wanted to go in front of me without my previous situation at Giant Eagle. But there’s no doubt the Sticker-less Bakery Roll Situation played a part in piping up my voice. It was a good feeling to -— well, at least try to — sacrifice a part of myself during the Great Fast. I don't say these things to brag. I'm simply trying to say I think there are actually good people out there who can serve as an inspiration to make myself a better person. Who knew all that could happen in line at Giant Eagle? I hope everyone's Great Fast was also fruitful. Have a blessed Easter. n
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Carpathian Cookery cookbooks available The Carpathian Cookery cookbook, compiled by parishioners of St. John the Baptist in Uniontown, Pa., has entered its 18th printing after selling nearly 17,000 copies and is availabel for sale. The 330-page cookbook has a new look, features a protective plastic cover and includes sections on Christmas and Easter customs and recipes, traditional Rusyn and Slavic foods, other ethnic dishes, and many other tried-and-true recipes. There is a variety of paska bread and kolachi (filled roll) recipes, as well as meatless dishes and Lenten recipes suitable for the Great Fast and the Pre-Christmas Fast. Cost is $14 plus $4 postage and handling ($18). If ordering from Canada, please send a $28 U.S. Postal money order payable in U.S. dollars to reflect the difference in the exchange rate and postage cost. To order, send a check or money order to: Ethnic Craft Club, St. John Byzantine Catholic Church, 201 E. Main Street, Uniontown, Pa. 15401. For information, 724-438-6027 (9 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday to Friday) or carpathiancookery@gmail. com. n
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st. john the baptist cathedral in munhall, pa.
The art of pysanky A pysanky class was held April 6 in the social center at St. John the Baptist Cathedral in Munhall, Pa. Parishioner Andrea Harhai, a retired educator of 38 years, provided her expertise illustrating the finer art in the Eastern tradition of Easter egg decoration. n
Photos by Father Andrew Deskevich and Nick Havrilla Sr.
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mount st. macrina in uniontown, pa.
Lenten Day of Prayer for healing From The Sisters of St. Basil the Great’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/sistersofstbasil.uniontown, posted on April 4: Over 30 people took advantage of the Lenten Day of Prayer for Healing led by Father Joseph Freedy, Saturday, March 30. Attendees were grateful for the lively presentations and the many profound moments of healing prayer in a quiet atmosphere. #SistersofStBasil #MtStMacrina #HouseofPrayer #UniontownPA n
ss. peter and paul in warren, ohio
Spirituality Day by Sister Barbara Pavlik, OSB SS. Peter and Paul, Warren, Ohio
Spirituality Day was held March 31 at SS. Peter and Paul in Warren, Ohio. Spirituality Days are sponsored by the Benedictine Sisters twice a year, to assist the faithful in preparing themselves to celebrate the Feasts of the Nativity and the Resurrection of Christ more fully. There is no
charge for the Spirituality Days and they are open to all in the parish and the local community. Very Rev. Robert M. Pipta, Rector of SS. Cyril and Methodius Seminary in Pittsburgh, Pa., was the presenter for this day. His topic was "Living in Peace and Repentance." He brought out the fact that Great
Lent is a blessed time for us to be truthful about ourselves - to take stock of our spiritual obstacles, our selfish passions and our bad habits. He spoke of the value of repentance and how true repentance and fasting can lead us to a peaceful life. Father Robert gave many examples of how to put fasting, prayer and repentance into practice in our lives everyday.
He examined different ways in which we can pray and how these holy conversations with God keep us on the path of peace and repentance...and he did this in the context of our Byzantine Liturgical and Lenten observance. It was a very enriching afternoon. n
Photo by Mary Anne Karchut
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st. gregory in upper st. clair, pa.
Sunday of the Veneration of the Holy Cross
by Father Valerian Michlik St. Gregory, Upper St. Clair, Pa.
March 24 was special for our parish family as we gathered to celebrate the Sunday of the Veneration of the Holy Cross. The responses to the Divine Liturgy were sang both by our Chant Group and Youth Chorus. At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy the faithful had the opportunity to venerate the Cross as part of our Lenten journey. The Cross Procession took place in our Brookside Farms neighborhood. Our ECF students did a great job leading this Cross procession and praying portions of the Akathist Hymn to the Passion of Christ. n
Photos by Jennifer Kehm
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st. gregory in upper st. clair, pa.
Lenten Bible Study by Father Valerian Michlik St. Gregory, Upper St. Clair, Pa.
As part of our Lenten journey, this year an exciting Lenten Bible Study took place at St. Gregory. Helenanne Hochendoner, MAT graduate of SS. Cyril and Methodius Byzantine Catholic
Seminary, led us in an exciting study on “Women in Holy Scripture.” This three part series focused on women in the various roles they have in the Bible such as wife, mother, sister, daughter, and warrior. n
Deanery Lenten Vespers by Father Valerian Michlik St. Gregory, Upper St. Clair, Pa.
On Sunday afternoon, March 31, our parish family was honored to host one of the Pittsburgh Deanery’s Lenten Vespers. Prior to the beginning of this prayerful event, the Byzantine Catholic Archeparchial Choir presented a wonderful selection of Great Fast-Lenten hymns. Joining us for this Divine Service was His Grace, Bishop John (Kudrick), our deanery clergy, and faithful from our
local parishes. The homilist for the evening was Very Rev. Andrew J. Deskevich, protosyncellus of the Archeparchy of Pittsburgh. Following the Lenten Vespers, we gathered in our Church hall for a Lenten meal and fellowship. Sincere thanks to our St. Gregory’s Chant Group, our dedicated parishioners who helped with the hospitality, and our guests who made the pilgrimage to pray together on this journey of the Great Fast. n
“Best Lent Ever” by Father Valerian Michlik St. Gregory, Upper St. Clair, Pa.
As our Lenten season is coming to an end, the Fifth Sunday of the Great Fast was busy at St. Gregory. Following the Divine Liturgy, our Library Ministry hosted a discussion group for the participants of the Best Lent Ever Program. As part of the discussion, parishioners had the opportunity to share
“Best Lent Ever” discussion group
their Lenten reflections and offer input for future programs. Members of our St. Gregory’s Bethany Ministry also met to plan their outreach ministry to the homebound and hospitalized in our parish family. During Holy Week and Pascha-Easter, members of our Bethany Ministry will conduct visitations as part of their ministry of caring. n
Father Valerian Michlik, Bishop John Kudrick
Pittsburgh Byzantine Catholc Archeparchial Choir
St. Gregory’s Bethany Ministry
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st. michael in campbell, ohio
Veneration of the Cross Forming our best selves From St. Michael in Campbell Ohio’s Facebook page at www. facebook.com/st.michaelsbyz. campbell/. Father Kevin Marks is pastor. Posted on March 24: We arrive at the mid-point of the Holy 40 days Great Fast by celebrating the Veneration of the Cross. Inside the special Easter Egg on this Third Sunday was a crown. The crown reminds us that we should not make ourselves the king of our lives, but rather focus on the
true King, Jesus himself, who died on the hill of Calvary for us. At this Lenten mid-point, we should reflect on what Lent has meant for us, and what will the rest of the “Road to Easter'” be for us. In today's Gospel, Jesus tells us we must deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow in His steps. May the second half of The Great Fast be very spiritually profitable by letting Jesus be the King of your heart! n
From St. Michael in Campbell Ohio’s Facebook page at www. facebook.com/st.michaelsbyz. campbell/. Father Kevin Marks is pastor. Posted on April 1: Inside the special Easter Egg on the Fourth Sunday of The Great Fast was Play-Doh. We form, mold, and knead dough so it turns out the best it can be. In this past Sunday's Gospel, Jesus
formed his disciples yet they could not expel an evil spirit due to their lack of confidence and trust in HIm. As we soon prepare our Paska breads and kolachi by kneading dough, may we be reminded that we are formed also by Him and to have full confidence and trust when it comes to God's power, God's plan, and God's love in our lives. n
Focus on faith From St. Michael in Campbell Ohio’s Facebook page at www. facebook.com/st.michaelsbyz. campbell/. Father Kevin Marks is pastor. Posted on April 8: Bubbles were found inside the special Easter Egg this past 5th Sunday of The Great Fast. We are reminded that just as bubbles "pop", so too can the things we tend to make the most important in life. Possessions, wealth, fame, popularity, power (as James & John wanted
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in the Gospel)...all can "pop". Rather, we are called to focus and place importance on faith, hope, and love which remain forever. In this final week of the first 40 days of The Great Fast, may we ask ourselves, "what do I place the most importance on?" Furthermore, may we begin to plan our schedules for Holy Week — we should not miss any of the services, and plan to make Holy Week, Holy! n
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News from the Vatican
Church, world need the gifts, enthusiasm of young people, pope says
“god’s forgivenes by Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- The life of a young person and the vocation to which God calls each one is "holy ground" that pastors and parents must respect, nurture and encourage, Pope Francis wrote in a new apostolic exhortation. "Christus Vivit" ("Christ Lives"), the pope's reflections on the 2018 Synod of Bishops on young people, the faith and vocational discernment, is a combination letter to young people about their place in the church and a plea to older members of the church not to stifle the enthusiasm of the young, but to offer gentle guidance when needed. In the document, released April 2, Pope Francis talked about how the sex abuse crisis, a history of sexism and an overly narrow focus on just a handful of moral issues can keep young people away from the church. But he also said many young people want to know and understand the teachings of the church and, despite what many people think, they long for and need times of silent reflection and opportunities to serve their communities. "A church always on the defensive, which loses her humility and stops listening to others, which leaves no room for questions, loses her youth and turns into a museum," Pope Francis wrote. "How, then, will she be able to respond to the dreams of young people?" Young people have a natural desire to improve the life of the church and the world around them, the pope said. If older people in the church will let the young people try, it will keep the church youthful, too. "Let us ask the Lord to free the church from those who
would make her grow old, encase her in the past, hold her back or keep her at a standstill," Pope Francis wrote. "But let us also ask him to free her from another temptation: that of thinking she is young because she accepts everything the world offers her, thinking that she is renewed because she sets her message aside and acts like everybody else." The core of the pope's message to young people was that they remember they are loved by God and saved by Jesus, who continues to live and act in the world and in their lives. "His love is so real, so true, so concrete, that it invites us to a relationship of openness and fruitful dialogue," even when one is angry with God, the pope said. "He does not get upset if you share your questions with him. He is concerned when you don't talk to him, when you are not open to dialogue with him." Drawing on the final documents from the synod and from a presynod gathering of young people in Rome, Pope Francis urged parishes and dioceses to rethink their young and young adult programs and to make changes based on what young people themselves say they want and need. "Young people need to be approached with the grammar of love, not by being preached at," he said. "The language that young people understand is spoken by those who radiate life, by those who are there for them and with them. And those who, for all their limitations and weaknesses, try to live their faith with integrity." Directly addressing young people, he said, "Take risks, even if it means making mistakes. Don't go through life anaesthetized or approach the world like tourists. Make a ruckus!"
And, he told them, reach out to other young people, do not be afraid to mention Jesus and to invite friends to church or a church-sponsored activity. "With the same love that Christ pours out on us," the pope said, "we can love him in turn and share his love with others in the hope that they too will take their place in the community of friendship he established." Youth ministry cannot be elitist or focused only on the teens and young adults already active in the church's life, he said. It must be "a process that is gradual, respectful, patient, hopeful, tireless and compassionate," as Jesus was when he walked with the disciples on the road to Emmaus. Parents, pastors and spiritual guides must have "the ability to discern pathways where others only see walls, to recognize potential where others see only peril. That is how God the Father sees things; he knows how to cherish and nurture the seeds of goodness sown in the hearts of the young." "Each young person's heart should thus be considered 'holy ground,' a bearer of seeds of divine life, before which we must 'take off our shoes' in order to draw near and enter more deeply into the mystery." A long section of the document is focused on discerning one's vocation, which, he said, always is a call to serve God and serve others, but always in a unique way. Discovering one's vocation, he said, "has to do with finding our true selves in the light of God and letting our lives flourish and bear fruit." For most young people, that will mean marrying, forming a family and working, the pope said. "Within the vocation to marriage we should acknowledge and appreciate that 'sexuality,
Cardinal Lorenzo Baldisseri, secretarygeneral of the Synod of Bishops, holds Pope Francis’ apostolic exhortation, “Christus Vivit” (“Christ Lives”) during a news conference for its presentation at the Vatican April 2. The document contains the pope’s reflections on the 2018 Synod of Bishops on young people, the faith and vocational discernment. Photo by Paul Haring/ Catholic News Service.
sex, is a gift from God. It is not taboo. It is a gift from God, a gift the Lord gives us,'" he wrote. Sexuality "has two purposes: to love and to generate life. It is passion, passionate love. True love is passionate. Love between a man and a woman, when it is passionate, always leads to giving life. Always. To give life with body and soul." Pope Francis also encouraged young people not to dismiss out of hand the fact that God may be calling them to priesthood or religious life. God's call to each person is individual, made-to-measure just for him or her, the pope said, so discovering that call can be done only with calm, silence, prayer and the wise help of someone who truly knows how to listen and ask the right questions. A vocation, he said, is a gift that "will help you live to the full and become someone who benefits others, someone who leaves a mark in life; it will surely be a gift that will bring you more joy and excitement than anything else in this world. Not because that gift will be rare or extraordinary, but because it will perfectly fit you. It will be a perfect fit for your entire 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, McKees Rocks, Pa. www.holyghost-byzantinecatholic.org
St. John Chrysostom Church, Pittsburgh, Pa. www.sjcbcc.com St. Gregory, Upper St. Clair, Pa. www.facebook.com/stgregoryusc
St. Elias, Munhall, Pa. St. Michael, Campbell, Ohio www.facebook.com/ www.facebook.com/st.michaelsbyz.campbell St-Elias-Byzantine-Catholic-Church-157868411675213 the byzantine catholic world
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PASCHA 2019
liturgical schedule at the Seminary “Come, let us sing joyfully to the Lord”
around the archeparchy SPAGHETTI DINNER —1-6 p.m. April 27, SS. Peter and Paul, 701 Foster Ave., Duquesne, Pa. Cost: $9, adults; $5, ages 10 and under. No charge ages 5 and under. The afternoon will include raffles and an auction. ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT BREAKFAST BUFFET — 9 a.m.-1 p.m. May 12, St. Mary’s Center, Route 981, Trauger. Cost: $6, adults; $3, ages 5 to 10. No charge for ages 4 and under. Sponsored by St. Mary’s Youth Group. SUPER SATURDAY SALE — 9 a.m.-3 p.m. May 4, St. Pius X, 2336 Brownsville Road, Carrick, Pa. Craft, vendor and flea market. Food will be served throughout the day. There will also be a bake sale and Chinese auction.
Join the Byzantine Catholic Seminary community for liturgical services at 3605 Perrysville Ave, Pittsburgh, Pa. Enter through the chapel door that faces Perrysville Avenue. It’s recommended visitors call 412-321-8383 in advance so that we may be awaiting your arrival. For more information about the Seminary, go to www.bcs.edu.
Schedule of Services for April: 10 7 a.m. Midday Office (R) 5 p.m. Presanctified Divine Liturgy (R) 8 p.m. Great Compline (M) 11 4 p.m. Ninth Hour (R) 8 p.m. Great Compline (R) 12 7 a.m. Orthros (M) 4 p.m. Presanctified Divine Liturgy (M) 13 9 a.m. Divine Liturgy (R) 5 p.m. Great Vespers (R) 14 7 a.m. Festal Matins (R) Palm Sunday 5 p.m. Vespers (R) 15 9 a.m. Bridegroom Matins (R) Holy Week 16 to 28 No services 29 9 a.m. Divine Liturgy (R) 30 7 a.m. Parastas (R) Radonitsa - Day of Rejoicing
SPRING CRAFT SHOW — 10 a.m.-3 p.m. May 18, St. John the Baptist Cathedral, 210 Greentree Road, Munhall, Pa. Crafters, vendors, Crafter’s Showcase Auction, lottery/ Gift Card Tree Raffle. Menu includes: dumpling halushki, pierogies, hot dogs and kolbassie and the church’s own fresh- cut French fries with bacon and cheese. Kathedral Kolache will also be available in nut, poppyseed, apricot, and apricot nut as well as pepperoni rolls and homemade cheregi. CAR CRUISE — 5-9 p.m. May 21, St. John the Baptist Cathedral, 210 Greentree Road, Munhall, Pa. Join your friends and family this summer in enjoying food, raffles, oldies music and classic cars. Hot dogs, kolbassi, halushki, perogies and the church’s own fresh-cut French fries will be seved. Car Cruises will also take place June 18, July 16 and Aug. 20. FLEA MARKET — 8 a.m.-3 p.m. June 8, St. John the Baptist Cathedral, 210 Greentree Road, Munhall, Pa. Rental spaces available for $25 includes 8-foot table. Rain or shine.
christos voskrese! voistinnu voskrese!
christ is risen! indeed he is risen!
(M) Melkite (R) Ruthenian
dates to remember APRIL 14 Palm Sunday — Entrance of our Lord into Jersusalem APRIL 15 to 20 Holy Week CHANCERY CLOSED April 18 to 19 APRIL 18 Seventh anniversary of Archbishop William’s Enthronement APRIL 19 Great and Holy Friday APRIL 20 Archbishop William with other Christian leaders bless the City of Pittsburgh from Mount Washington APRIL 21 Pascha —The Glorious Feast of the Resurrection of Our Lord APRIL 22 Bright Monday CHANCERY CLOSED APRIL 24 18th anniversary of the Falling asleep in the Lord of Metropolitan Archbishop Judson M. Procyk
See more upcoming events at www.archpitt.org
the byzantine catholic world
Official publication of the Byzantine Catholic Archeparchy of Pittsburgh
Byzantine Catholic Press Associates 66 Riverview Ave. Pittsburgh, Pa. 15214 Tel: 412.231.4000 Fax: 412.231.1697 E-mail: bcw@archpitt.org Website: www.archpitt.org
next issue: MAY 2019
submissions DEADLINE: APRIL 22