THE OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE ARCHEPARCHY OF PITTSBURGH
fly like an eagle
fun in the sun
Inside
VOL. 64 NO. 9
Shawn Anthony Dirda Jr. of St. Nicholas in Brownsville, Pa. earns rank of Eagle Scout Page 7
Byzantine Catholic Day at Kennywood in West Mifflin, Pa. Page 5
Beat ’em Bucs! altar servers cheer for pirates on “faith and fun day”
AUGUST 2019
ready to serve Byzantine Catholic Serra Club installs new officers Page 13
“Mary, Cause of Our Joy” 85th pilgrimage at mount st. macrina set for aug. 31 to sept. 1 Press reelase
Altar servers and parents cheered on the Pittsburgh Pirates during their 5-1 victory over the Chicago Cubs July 2 at PNC Park in Pittsburgh, Pa. The outing was part of the 12th annual “Faith and Fun Day,” which also included a visit to the Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History. Photo by David Mayernik Jr. by David Mayernik Jr. Editor
Rain, rain, go away. Come again another day That may need to become the new official motto of “Faith and Fun Day.” But an evening Pittsburgh rain shower didn’t dull the enthusiasm of altar servers, priests and family members who participated in this year’s July 2 event. The 12th annual “Faith and Fun Day, ” attended by more than two dozen altar servers, included morning Divine Liturgy at Holy Ghost in McKees Rocks, Pa.; a visit to the Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History; and cheering on the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park during their 5-1 victory
over the Chicago Cubs. Father Kevin Marks, of St. Michael in Campbell, Ohio and St. Michael in Hermitage, Pa., organized the event. During his homily at Holy Ghost, he asked altar servers if they knew why they wear “special clothes.” He said their vestments are no different than their baptism garb. “Those vestments represent something very special. They represent Christ. “Your service as altar servers is not only for the church. You said you were going to bring that light of Jesus Christ everywhere.” Father Kevin also explained the meaning of the candles they carry during Divine Liturgy. “You have to be that light of
Jesus Christ.” He told altar servers Jesus “thanks you and is proud of you.” Following the liturgy, they received a blessing and gift from Archbishop William Skurla. In previous years, altar servers have enjoyed a trip to the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium; Carnegie Science Center; a private tour of Heinz Field, the home of the Pittsburgh Steelers; and visits to the former Consol Energy Center and WQED television studios in the Oakland section of Pittsburgh. Father Kevin said “Faith and Fun Day” began as a way to honor altar servers for their service. “We are all in this together.” n
See page 15 for more photos
The 85th Annual Pilgrimage in honor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help will be held Aug. 31 to Sept. 1 at Mount St. Macrina in Uniontown, Pa. This year’s theme is “Mary, Cause of Our Joy.” “As we approach the 85th Pilgrimage, we invite everyone to become a true pilgrim. Come open to discover the God who longs to fill your every true need,” said Sister Ruth Plante, OSBM, Provincial. Those who plan on attending the Pilgrimage can chose from a variety of accommodations, including camping on the racetrack, Pilgrim houses (firstcome, first-served), hotels, motels or bed and breakfasts. Further information is available regarding camping and a complete list of accommodations can be found at www.sistersofstbasil.org A light menu will be available at the lunch stand beginning on Friday evening. In addition to the scheduled services, programs and events will be held on Saturday and Sunday, Liturgical prayers will be held at the Shrine Altar on Friday evening and Divine Liturgy will be celebrated on Monday morning, Sept. 2. The Pilgrimage holds the distinction of being the oldest and the largest Byzantine Catholic Pilgrimage in the country. The planning for this year’s Pilgrimage started not long after the 84th annual Pilgrimage. The Sisters and volunteers did the first preparations of the grounds on June 2. The next preparation day is Aug. 18. Anyone who is interested in Story continued on page 3
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Pilgrimage Time by Sister Elaine Kisinko, OSBM Secretary to the Archbishop
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 Deacon Robert J. Shaloub 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.
Summer 2019: What do we need? Fewer rainy days and damaging storms? Less bickering and competition among our civic leaders so they could work together for good and effective government? More people to come to church? Crime and violence to be gone? Peace throughout the world? Healing and health for those who are suffering? Healing the pain of broken relationships? This list could go on and on, and these are but a few of the ills with which we struggle in this time in which we live. However imperfect we think our lives may be with questions such as these, this is the gift of time that God has given to each of us in which to live every day as best we can. In recognizing this, we pray to Him in thanksgiving, for help, healing, peace, consolation, etc. We pray personally, communally at the Divine Liturgy and at special times, places or occasions. One such special time, place and occasion is, of course the annual Pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Perpetual Help at Mt. St. Macrina in Uniontown, Pa. This coming Labor Day weekend will be the 85th time that the hierarchy, clergy, monastics and faithful people will have gathered to give glory to God and to honor His Mother as Our Lady of Perpetual Help. They come to pray, receive the mysteries of healing, and to reunite as Byzantine Catholic Church. I have often referred to the Pilgrimage as a “phenomenon of God’s grace,” simply because it has endured for these many years through times good and bad, with peaks and declines, and despite inevitable constant change. The 85 years certainly stand as a testimony to its significance and worth. This year the days of Pilgrimage include Sept. 1, the beginning of the Liturgical year. The troparion for the day most significantly prays as follows: “O Lord, maker of the universe who alone has power over seasons and time, bless this year with your bounty, preserve our country in safety and keep your people in peace. Save us through the prayers of the Mother of God.” Kindly consider the gracious invitation of our bishops and the Sisters of Saint Basil to attend the Pilgrimage this year. Bring your hopes, petitions, cares and concerns to our Lord and His Mother, and please know that the gift and blessing of your presence and your prayers are most welcome. n
The Byzantine Catholic World is a member of the Catholic Press Association.
official appointments by metropolitan archbishop william
July 15, 2019 • Very Reverend Andrew J. Deskevich relieved as temporary administrator of SS. Peter and Paul, Duquesne and Ascension, Clairton, both in Pennsylvania. • Reverend Ivan L. Mina reappointed pastor of Ascension, Clairton, Pa. • Father Alexander Wroblicky appointed pastor of Sts. Peter and Paul, Duquesne, Pa. • Deacon Thomas J. Klacik relieved as administrator of St. Mary, Ambridge and St. George, Aliquippa, both in Pennsylvania. • Father Geoffrey J. Mackey appointed pastor of St. Mary Ambridge, and administrator of St. George, Aliquippa, both in Pennsylvania. • Father Christiaan Kappes appointed pastor of Sts. Peter and Paul, Tarentum, Pa. • Father Radko Blichar appointed administrator St. Andrew, Gibsonia, Pa. while continuing as administrator of St. John. Lyndora, Pa. May 31, 2019 • Father Adam Horstman withdrew from incardination and ministry to the Archeparchy of Pittsburgh and as pastor of Sts. Peter and Paul, Tarentum and administrator of St. Andrew Gibsonia. May 3. 2019
Catholic World is to spread
• Very Reverend Andrew J. Deskevich appointed temporary administrator of both Sts. Peter and Paul, Duquesne and Ascension, Clairton while continuing with his other parochial and Archieparchial responsibilities.
the Gospel message in the
March 11, 2019
rich tradition of the Byzantine
• Archpriest John G. Petro relieved as co-director of the Diaconate Program.
mission The mission of The Byzantine
Catholic Church; to encourage faithful to reflect the image of of life; to offer spiritual
• Very Reverend Robert M Pipta relieved as co-director of the Diaconate Program and appointed its Director.
formation through changing
January 11, 2019
times; and to celebrate community among Byzantine
• Father Andrew Summerson of the Eparchy of Parma appointed to the Intereparchial Commission for Liturgy.
Catholics in the Archeparchy
January 9, 2019
Christ in everyday activities
of Pittsburgh, throughout the Metropolitan Church in America, and around the world. Scenes from Pilgrimage 2018 at Mount St. Macrina in Uniontown, Pa.
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• Father Joel Barstad of the Eparchy of Phoenix appointed Director of Human Formation for Sts. Cyril and Methodius Seminary effective July 1, 2019. n
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Sisters of St. Basil the Great attend XI General Chapter in Rome forty-three international delegates attend meetings Pres release
The Sisters of the Order of Saint Basil the Great held their XI General Chapter in Rome, Italy July 8 to 19. The opening Divine Liturgy was held at St. Peter’s Basilica at the altar of St. Basil which has the body of St Josaphat enshrined in it. The Liturgy was celebrated by His Beatitude Sviatoslav and Bishop Dionysius and several priests. The Opening Ceremonies started with the singing of “Heavenly King” in Spanish, Slovak, Romanian, Ukrainian and English followed by an official opening of the Chapter by Mother Dia Stasiuk, OSBM.
After approval of the Facilitator and Chapter personnel, Sister Dorothy Ann Busowski was elected as Chapter Chairperson. A Chapter Steering Committee was elected afterwards which included: Sister Ihnatia Havrylyk, Sister Maria Ignat, Sister Susan Sisko and Sister Lucia Murashko. There are 43 international delegates representing 13 provinces, vice-provinces and delegatures. The meetings are being held at St. Josaphat Ukrainian Collegium in Rome, Italy. The theme of the Chapter is “New Wine in New Wineskins” from the Vatican document “New Wine in New Wineskins: The Consecrated
Life and Its Ongoing Challenges since Vatican II.” The motto is Jesus’ words from John 19: 28, “I thirst.” The Logo reflects both the motto and the theme. In the afternoon, language groups were formed to discuss how our gifts may be transformed into “New Wine” for the Order. We invite everyone to pray with us, asking God to send the Holy Spirit to inspire the Sister-delegates as they pray, discern, develop and prepare a vision and plan for the future of the Order and elect the members of the next General Administration to lead them on their journey. n
Bulletin Board Church of the Resurrection in Monroeville, Pa. to celebrate 50th anniversary The Church of the Resurrection in Monroeville, Pa. will celebrate its 50th anniversary on Sunday, Sept. 29. All friends of the church are invited to attend. Divine Liturgy will be moved from its usual time to 10 a.m. A catered buffet will follow at 12:15 p.m. The luncheon is $30 for adults, $15 for children, and no charge for preschool students. Register by sending a check to the church with the names of those staying for the buffet. For more information, call the office at 412-372-8650. n
St. Michael in Campbell, Ohio to host National Pilgrim Virgin Statue of Our Lady of Fatima On the third day of General Chapter, Sisters listened to the provincial and vice-provincial reports, which gave them a deeper understanding of the lives, ministries and the challenges encountered by each group. Sister Ruth Plante, OSBM (top) and Sister Margaret Ann Andrako (bottom) are pictured at right.
Pilgrimage continued from page 1
volunteering may contact Sister Joanne Lickvar at 724-4388644. This year’s schedule: Friday, August 30 • 7 p.m., Office of Small Compline at Shrine Altar Saturday, August 31 • 7 a.m.-noon, Mystery of Reconciliation (Confessions), House of Prayer Patio Opening of Pilgrimage 8 a.m., Matins at Shrine Altar • 9:45 a.m., Procession with icon of Our Lady of Perpetual Help from House of Prayer to Shrine Altar • 10:00 a.m., Divine Liturgy Welcome: Sister Ruth Plante, OSBM. The Divine Liturgy will be followed by procession to Lourdes Grotto for the Solemn Blessing of Water. The Procession will return to the House of Prayer at the conclusion of the Blessing. • 1-5 p.m., Mystery of Reconciliation (Confessions), House of Prayer Patio • 1 p.m., Moleben at Shrine Altar • 2 p.m., Children’s Pilgrimage at Children’s Tent, Orientation for
Teens at Prayer Garden, Enrichment Session at Trinity Center, Mystery of Anointing at Shrine Altar, Festal Icon Shrine Walk • 3 p.m., Teen Pilgrimage at Prayer Garden • 4 p.m., Vespers with Divine Liturgy at Shrine Altar • 6 p.m., Enrichment Session at Mausoleum • 7:15 p.m., Procession from House of Prayer to Mount Macrina Cemetery, Parastas at Cemetery, Candlelight Procession from Cemetery and Akathist at Shrine Altar • 11:30 p.m. Compline at Dormition Shrine Sunday, September 1 • 7 a.m., Matins at Shrine Altar • 7 a.m., Divine Liturgy, House of Prayer Chapel • 7:30 a.m.-noon, Mystery of Reconciliation (Confession), House of Prayer Patio • 8:30 a.m., Divine Liturgy in Slavonic, Shrine Altar • 10:30 a.m., Divine Liturgy, Shrine Altar • 12:30-5 p.m., Mystery of Reconciliation (Confessions), House of Prayer Patio • 1 p.m., Children’s Procession with Special Blessing for Youth and Young Adults from House of
Prayer to Mother of God Shrine • 1:30-2:30 p.m., Mystery of Reconciliation (Confession for the infirm, sick and physically challenged), Manor Gazebo • 2 p.m., Children’s Pilgrimage at Children’s Tent, Enrichment Session at Trinity Center, Teen Pilgrimage at Prayer Garden, Mystery of Anointing at Shrine Altar • 3:45 p.m., Procession from House of Prayer to Mother of God Shrine • 4 p.m. Divine Liturgy, Mother of God Shrine; Homilist: Bishop Gregory Mansour, Eparchy of St. Macron, Brooklyn, N.Y.; Words of Gratitude: Sister Ruth Plante, OSBM • 7:15 p.m., Procession from House of Prayer to Mother of God Shrine • 7:30 p.m., Candlelight procession beginning and ending at the Mother of God Shrine Closing of the Pilgrimage Following the Candlelight Procession: Teen Social, Prayer Garden Area; Young Adult Social, Trinity Center • 11:30 p.m. Compline at Dormition Shrine Monday, September 2 • 9:30 a.m., Divine Liturgy, Shrine Altar n
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St. Michael in Campbell, Ohio, will host the visitation of the famous National Pilgrim Virgin Statue of Our Lady of Fatima on Oct. 10. The world-famous statue was sculpted by Jose Thedim in 1947 and is based on the description of Sr. Lucia, one of the three young people who saw Our Lady in Fatima, Portugal from May to Oct. 1917. St. Michael is located at 463 Robinson Road, Campbell, Ohio. Everyone is invited to see and pray before the statue. Additional details are forthcoming. Check St. Michael’s Facebook page at https://www. facebook.com/st.michaelsbyz. campbell/. n
“Windows of Opportunity” Holy Spirit, 4815 Fifth Ave. in Pittsburgh (Oakland) will present “Windows of Opportunity,” a three part series on the challenges of raising children in the Catholic faith, at 7 p.m. Sept. 18, 25 and Oct. 2. See “Around the Archeparchy” on page 16 for more information. n
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text messages
A beautiful day in the neighborhood? by David Mayernik Jr. Editor
Notes to self: I was in the checkout line at Giant Eagle the other day and saw the customer in front of me getting surly with the cashier. Yes, the tension was high in the 10 items or less line. This is the reason I usually use the self-checkout line: to avoid the customer drama I am all-too-familiar with after working 18 years in retail. The next day, I watched the newly-released trailer for the forthcoming movie “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood” starring Tom Hanks as Pittsburgh legend Fred Rogers of “Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood.” n
In the trailer, Mr. Rogers (Hanks) says: ”We are trying to give the world positive ways of dealing with their feelings. “There are many things you can do... You can play all the lowest keys on a piano at the same time.” He holds out his two hands, fingers outstretched, and presses down on invisible piano keys. “BOOM,” his voice rumbles. Two situations; two very different ways of dealing with life’s problems. But at least I now know how to stay calm if I’m ever faced with seeing this retail drama in the future: “BOOM.” n Last month, I made my annual appearance at PNC Park in Pittsburgh, Pa. and saw the Pirates take on the Chicago
Tarp is draped over the infield of a soggy PNC Park in Pittsburgh, Pa. July 2.
Cubs. For four innings, at least, due to rain. I was tagging along for the 12th annual “Faith and Fun Day” to honor the Archeparchy’s altar servers. While I was sitting on a veranda, I watched two Cubs fans walk up to an overlook of the stadium and pull out their phones to take some photos. It seems to me they were en-
thralled by the beauty of the river, the puffy clouds and the sight of the Fort Pitt Bridge. As a lifelong Pittsburgher, I suppose there’s a lesson there to be learned about not taking things for granted. When the game was delayed by rain in the fourth inning, the Pittsburgh I know and (mostly) love revealed its true face. n
view from the little sisters of the poor
Learning to trust in Providence by Sister Constance Veit, LSP Little Sisters of the Poor
For the past year, we Little Sisters of the Poor have been celebrating the 150th anniversary of our Congregation’s arrival in the United States. Our sesquicentennial year will officially close on Aug. 30, the feast day of our foundress, Saint Jeanne Jugan. This anniversary has been a wonderful opportunity to rediscover the experiences of our pioneering Little Sisters and to become acquainted with the many people who helped them. As I read through the annals of our first communities, I recognized a pattern. Beginning in August of 1868, small bands of mostly young, non-English speaking Little Sisters bravely set sail from France destined for one American city after another – first Brooklyn, then Cincinnati, New Orleans, Baltimore and Philadelphia. The wave of charity, which had begun in the humble heart of our foundress, quickly spread across this vast nation. These Little Sisters would arrive at their destination with only the most basic provisions, taking possession of empty, often dirty or rundown buildings that had been procured
for them. They would begin by placing statues of the Virgin Mary and St. Joseph that they had preciously carried from the motherhouse on a mantle and then kneeling in prayer to ask God’s blessings on their new dwelling and those who would make it their home. Thanks to hard work and the generosity of local citizens, these empty buildings would soon be cleaned and furnished with everything needed to care for the destitute elderly who would arrive at their doorstep. In each city the Little Sisters were assisted by local clergy and communities of women and men religious. The very first donation the Sisters received in this country was a twenty dollar bill from Father Isaac Hecker, founder of the newly-established Paulist Fathers. The Sisters were also generously supported by the laity – people of all ages and every social status, Catholic and non-Catholic alike. Local school children brought their meager offerings – a few dishes or a loaf of bread. In Cleveland, a German family put themselves completely at the service of the Little Sisters as a way of paying back a debt owed to God. Boston’s wealthiest woman brought the elderly rosaries, fresh oranges and good wine. Louisville’s best hotel donated a restaurant-qual-
ity Christmas dinner. In Philadelphia three wealthy young girls sold their Christmas gifts and donated the proceeds to the Sisters. One of them would eventually become a canonized saint. In the first months of the foundation in Pittsburgh two young Little Sisters died of typhoid fever in a matter of days. The remaining Sisters were devastated but the bishop and local religious communities drew close to the newcomers and supported them through their ordeal. The Little Sisters wrote that God had made use of this tragedy to make their work better known in the city. In fact, our pioneering Little Sisters saw in all the events of their daily lives – and in all the people they encountered – the Providence of God. If I had to sum up our Congregation’s history in America in one word it would be just that – Providence. During the very years when our first American foundations were being made, the Fathers of the first Vatican Council wrote, “God in his Providence watches over and governs all the things that he made, reaching from end to end with might and disposing all things with gentleness.” God not only knows what is going on in the world, he directs it all, down to the smallest and most insignifi-
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cant details, holding everything in existence and guiding it all according to his mysterious plan! The Fathers of the first Vatican Council taught that God governs the world with gentleness. He is not loud or flashy; he does not get in our face or demand our attention – and this is a problem in our media-saturated, sensory-overloaded culture. How easy it is to miss the signs of God’s Providence in our lives, to be deceived by his gentleness and to fail to realize that underlying this gentleness is omnipotence. God really is in charge! And he governs all things according to his plan of love! Our pioneering Little Sisters knew this in the depths of their hearts. In their simple faith they were able to see the traces of God’s Providence in both joys and sorrows, in good times and bad. This is the most important lesson I have learned during our sesquicentennial year. No matter how dark or fraught with troubles our world may seem, we are all the children of God’s gentle, loving Providence. Let’s trust in him! n Sister Constance Veit is director of communications for the Little Sisters of the Poor.
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AUGUST 2019
byzantine catholic day at kennywood park
Fun in the sun Clergy, sisters and faithful enjoyed fun and fellowship July 25 during the annual Byzantine Catholic Day at Kennywood Park in West Mifflin, Pa. The day’s activities started with a prayer service celebrated by Archbishop William Skurla and performances by Slavjane’s junior and teenage and ensembles. Even parents performed with the groups this year. There was food, games for children and, of course, an opportunity to ride all day on the the Racer, Phantom’s Revenge and, of course, the iconic Thunderbolt. Archbishop William had only one stipulation for the day. “Everyone has to ride the Steel Curtain. At least twice,” he told faithful gathered in the pavilion, with a laugh. The new Steel Curtain roller coaster is located in the "Steelers Country" area of Kennywood. n
In this Kennywood photo, Father Kevin Marks (top) and Father Tom Schaefer (bottom) ride the new Steel Curtain.
Photos by David Mayernik Jr.
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st. john the baptist cathedral in munhall, pa.
Picnic at the Cathedral St. John the Baptist Cathedral in Munhall, Pa. held its annual parish picnic on July 14. Everyone enjoyed the warm weather, blue skies, good food and great fellowship. n
Photos by Nick Havrilla Sr.
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holy ghost in mckees rocks, pa.
Class of ‘19 Holy Ghost in McKees Rocks, Pa. celebrated the feast of Pentecost on June 9. Following the 9 a.m. Divine Liturgy, a luncheon was held to celebrate the Feast Day and high school and college graduates from the church. This year’s graduating class
includes: Anna Stebbins, graduate of Bishop Canevin High School; Anita Iyengar, graduate of Duquesne University in the St. Anthony Program; and Elias Stebbins, graduate of Bethany College. They received a blessed icon for their achievements. n
Father Frank Firko (center) with altar servers Andrew Petrilla ,Thomas Rubish, Paul Rubish and Luke Iyengar.
Anna Stebbins, Anita Iyengar, Father Frank Firko and Elias Stebbins. Photos by Stephanie Herron
st. nicholas in brownsville, pa.
Fly like an Eagle by Bernie Karoffa St. Nicholas, Brownsville, Pa.
Shawn Anthony Dirda Jr. received the Eagle Scout Rank in the presence of 90 relatives and friends in a dignified ceremony June 9 at St. Nicholas in Brownsville, Pa. An honor guard procession of scouts from Pack #635, which included his brother Josh, began and ended this solemn ceremony. To receive this highest rank in the Boy Scouts of America, a young man must fulfill certain requirements within a time limit. Shawn chose to beautify the outside of his parish. He chose a section of the surrounding area outside of the church, repaired and landscaped it, turning it into a "Prayer Garden.” He also repaired the cement steps leading into the church building. Shawn is the fourth generation of his branch of the Dirda family to belong to St. Nicholas and felt a need to "give back" to the church of his family. This is what scouting is all about for him. In his closing remarks, the
former pastor, Father Jerome Botsko, remembered baptizing Shawn and commented on the dedication of Shawn and his family in helping the church with various events. Shawn started his journey as a Scout in Pack #654 with his grandmother, Lois Dirda, as the Pack Chairman He follows in the footsteps of his own father, uncles Andrew and Vic Dirda, and cousin Drew Dirda, who are also Eagle Scouts. Shawn is a 2019 graduate of Albert Gallatin High School. He was a member of the National Honor Society, Drama Club, Band and the Young Astronauts Club. He was also a member of the VFW Post #8543 Band. He plans to attend Seton Hill University this fall and has enlisted in the Marines. He, his parents, Shawn Sr. and Jennifer, and brother, Josh, are members of St. Nicholas, where Father Christopher Burke is pastor. Best wishes to Shawn in the future! n
Father Christopher Burke and the Dirda family, Shawn Sr., Jennifer, Shawn, Jr., Josh and Lois (grandmother).
Prayer Garden and renovated steps near St. Nicholas church.
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AUGUST 2019
Moleben to the Mother of God by Deacon Paul Boboige Nativity of the Mother of God, DuBois, Pa.
The Knights of Columbus commissioned an icon of "Our Lady, Help of Persecuted Christians" which was blessed by Pope Francis. Also commissioned were traveling "pilgrim" icons to bring the message to various regions throughout the United States. At a local meeting of DuBois, Pa. Council 519 in May it was announced that the icon would be available locally. Dave Johnson, the district caretaker asked the Council if they would like to have a service. "Icon" and "prayer service" are natural Byzantine Catholic matches and member Deacon Paul Boboige of Nativity of the Mother of God parish volunteered to help with an event. Nativity Administrator Father Vasyl Banyk and Deacon Paul had been looking for an opportunity to publicly present our rite, and the DuBois City Park Cherry Amphitheatre in the middle of DuBois was reserved. The Knights provided the sound system and helped with the setup. At noon on June 27 the "Moleben to the Mother of God" was prayed with Rev. Vasyl Banyk as main celebrant assisted by concelebrants Rev. Jim Ragan of St John the Baptist, Hawk Run, Pa. and Dormition of the Mother of God, Clarence, Pa.; Rev. Wasyl Kadar of SS. Peter and Paul, Punxsutawney, Pa.: and Deacon Paul Boboige of Nativity of the Mother of God. A full Honor Guard during the procession and recession was provided by the Fourth Degree Knights. Deacon Paul delivered the homily in which he thanked the Knights for the opportunity to pray together, statistics regarding the horrible widespread persecution of Christians throughout the world, and the inspiration of the rebirth of the supposedly "liquidated" Greek Catholic Church in Europe. Through the sacrifices of martyrs the Church is strengthened and no sacrifice is in vain. Cantors for the event were Shawn Daly and Father Mark Meholick of St. Nicholas Orthodox parish. n
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st. gregory in upper st. clair, pa.
Summer story time
Lasagna dinner by Father Valerian Michlik St. Gregory, Upper St. Clair, Pa.
Following the Sunday Divine Liturgy on June 23, St Gregory’s parishioners enjoyed a delicious Lasagna dinner in our Church hall.
We express sincere thanks to our young parishioners who helped serve and clean the tables during this event. A big thanks to all who came to enjoy and support this parish fundraiser. n
by Father Valerian Michlik St. Gregory, Upper St. Clair, Pa.
Children were excited June 18 for the first summer Children’s Story Time at St. Gregory. Our first reader was our college graduate, Emily Kiss, who read her own book, “Ellie's Jingle Jar.” This book was written and illustrated by Emily as part
of her college studies. Following this, more stories were read by parishioners Nancy and Trisha. The children looked forward to craft time during which they worked on creating a summer journal. Afterwards, the children had fun playing together. n
Emily Kiss reads “Ellie’s Jingle Jar” to St. Gregory students.
Photos by Jennifer Kehm
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st. gregory in upper st. clair, pa.
Celebrating Father’s Day by Father Valerian Michlik St. Gregory, Upper St. Clair, Pa.
The Sunday of All Saints on June 16 was special this year as we also celebrated Father’s Day. Prior to the beginning of the Divine Liturgy, we witnessed the blessing of the cassock (anteri-podryasnik) of our deacon-candidate John R. Cencich who will begin his studies for the diaconate at our Byzantine Catholic Seminary. Prayerful supplications were offered during the Divine Lit-
urgy for all the living and departed fathers, grandfathers, godfathers, spiritual fathers, and faithful men in our parish family. During our fellowship hour we all had the opportunity to view the Father’s Day display in our Church hall sponsored by our Library ministry. We enjoyed this display that showcased photographs and mementos of our loving fathers and grandfathers. It was a special Sunday for our parish family. n
Pentecost Church Tour by Father Valerian Michlik St. Gregory, Upper St. Clair, Pa.
It has become a tradition for our parish family to celebrate the “birthday” of the Church by visiting historical churches in our city of Pittsburgh. This year our Pentecost Church Tour on June 9 took us to Mount Lebanon where we visited two historical churches: St. Bernard Roman Catholic Church and Mt. Lebanon Evangelical Presbyterian Church. At St. Bernard Church we were welcomed by its pastor, Father David J. Bonnar. Following an opening prayer, Father David welcomed us and gave us a presentation on the history and parish life of St. Bernard. The style of this beautiful church is 12th century gothic and has been nicknamed by many, the “Cathedral of the South Hills.” We thank Father David for welcoming us and we wish St. Bernard’s many happy
and blessed years as they celebrate their centennial! Right next door, we were welcomed by Paula Z. Iannotta of Mt. Lebanon Evangelical Presbyterian Church. The history of this congregation goes back to 1802. We are grateful to Paula for sharing with us the rich history of this congregation, and its present parish life and different ministries. At the end of this tour we had the opportunity to view the city from the top terrace of this historical building. At the end of both visits, a presentation of the Icon of Christ visiting SS. Mary, Martha & Lazarus in Bethany was made to Father David J. Bonnar and Paula Z. Iannotta thanking them for their welcome and hospitality. Afterward, we all enjoyed fellowship and a great dinner at Bistro 19 in Mount Lebanon. n
Photos by Jennifer Kerm
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parish news
st. michael in campbell, ohio
Hear us roar! St. Michael in Campbell, Ohio held its annual Vacation Bible School during the week of
July 15. Father Kevin Marks is pastor. n
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ss. peter and paul in braddock, pa.
Feast Day Indoor Picnic SS. Peter and Paul in Braddock, Pa. held its Feast Day Indoor Picnic on July 14. Father Vitalii Stashkevych is pastor. n
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st. mary in windber, pa.
Sharing the Byzantine faith by Father Ivan Rusyn St. Mary, Windber, Pa.
Nearly 120 middle school students and their teachers of the Divine Mercy Academy of Johnstown, Pa. had a field trip May 22 to our St. Mary in Windber, Pa. We had the opportunity to represent our Byzantine church, our rite and traditions.
the byzantine catholic world
Following the Divine Liturgy our cantor Ben Cafeo and Father Ivan Rusyn shared a history and some features of our tradition. Students also watched a film about our Blessed Bishop Theodore Romzha. Both students and teachers enjoyed the event and agreed on closer cooperation between us. n
AUGUST 2019
report from the
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Byzantine Catholic Serra Club
Ready to serve byzantine catholic serra club installs new officers by Kathe Kress Serra Club communications liaison
Father Valerian Michlik, Byzantine Catholic Serra Club Chaplain, installed a new slate of officers, including a new president, at the June 19 dinner meeting. They are: Diane Pochron, President; Father Valerian, Chaplain; William Kress, Membership; Dorothy Mayernik, Secretary; Richard Trankocy, Treasurer; Gerry O’Connor, Programs; John Tomko, Trustee; Arleen Jama, Vice President; Michael Pillar, Communications; Patricia Bovee, Vocations; and Sam Barone, Trustee. Father Valerian accepted the promises and inducted Mary Louise Phillips as a new member. Mary Louise is a parishioner of St. Mary in Ambridge, Pa. President Diane had a surprise for outgoing President William Kress. She presented him with a card of thanks and a copy of the Communion icon at St. John Fisher RC Church in Churchill, Pa.. The icon shows Jesus at the center offering bread and a chalice of wine to his disciples. The Mission of the Byzantine Catholic Serra Club is to “affirm, foster, promote and support, by prayer and deed, vocations to the priestly and diaconal ministries and to the consecrated life, within the Byzantine Catholic Church and help one another to grow in holiness through Jesus Christ.” The club schedules joint activities with the Seminary during the academic year. Members are assigned Seminarians whom they partner with in prayer and friendship. Guests are welcome to attend meetings and to discover and make this mission their own. Membership is open to all who support vocations in the Byzantine Catholic Church. n
FYI The Byzantine Catholic Serra Club welcomes new members. For information, contact: William Kress, Membership 412-761-1499 kb.kress@gmail.com “Our mission … is to 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.”
ABOVE: Mary Louise Phillips (center) is inducted as a new Serra Club member by Father Valerian Michlik and President Diane Pochron. The candle symbolizes Christ, the Light, whom all Serrans serve as they support vocations to the priesthood and religious life.
Membership in the Byzantine Catholic Serra Club is open to all Byzantine Catholics and any 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
RIGHT: Outgoing Serra Club President William Kress and new President Diane Pochron.
Father Valerian Michlik, Chaplain; William Kress, Membership; Dorothy Mayernik, Secretary; Richard Trankocy, Treasurer; Gerry O’Connor, Programs; John Tomko, Trustee; Diane Pochron, President; and Arleen Jama, Vice President.
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thoughts for our day by Archpriest David M. Petras
the anaphora of saint basil: the proto-gospel The beauty of the Anaphora of St. Basil is that it tells the whole story of God’s salvation in a wonderful weaving together of the whole of Scripture, which is our Gospel, which means God’s “good news.” In the Bible, the word “Gospel” is usually given to the four accounts of the life of our Lord by Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. They tell us of the life of Jesus — his birth, his teachings, and culminating in his act of salvation, his crucifixion and resurrection. However, all of Scripture might be called our “good news,” since on every page we see how God has come to us to lift us up with Himself. The first three chapters of the book of Genesis, the first book of Scripture, has often been called a “proto-gospel.” This means a first gospel, as it were, a “prequel” to the Life of Jesus. The Anaphora begins with the story found in these first chapters, the fall of Adam and Eve. The Anaphora does not name Adam and Eve, because the word “Adam” in Hebrew means “man,” and he represents all of us. The anaphora does not tell the whole story of creation, but focuses on the climax, the creation of humanity. The priest, therefore, prays, “Taking clay from the earth, you formed man and honored him with your own image, O God.” That we are made in God’s image is a universal theme in the Eastern Fathers,
and John Damascene explains, “That which is ‘according to the image’ is manifest in the intellect and free will. That which is ‘according to the likeness’ is manifest in such likeness in virtue as is possible” (The Ortho-
From the beginning to the coming of Christ, God never abandoned the people he had created. dox Faith 2:12). The Anaphora explains that this originally meant “a delightful paradise ... immortal life and the enjoyment of eternal blessings.” In the beginning, however, man was immature, and easily led astray by the Evil One in the form of a serpent. The Anaphora tells us the consequences, “by his own transgression [he] was subjected to death ... he was banished from paradise into this world.” We might protest: “how can this be good news?” Here we can gain understanding from the Roman Liturgy, which prays at the Paschal Vigil, “O happy fault that earned for us so great, so glorious a Redeemer," our Lord Jesus Christ. The Anaphora continues, for God “did not turn away from [his] creature forever ... but provided for him the salvation of rebirth in your Christ.” Though the con-
sequences of sin are too terrible to say, God overcomes this evil by replacing it with something even better, giving us his only Son to lead us back to paradise and to life. The central affirmation of the Anaphora of St. John Chrysostom is the quotation of the Gospel of St. John 3:16, “You so loved your world that you gave your only-begotten Son so that everyone who believes in him should not perish, but have life everlasting.” The Anaphora of St. Basil proclaims the same message, but in greater detail, saying that after the fall of Adam and Eve that brought death, “you intervened in various ways because of your merciful loving-kindness.” Just as the Anaphora of St. Basil begins with an attempt to translate a Hebrew word, Yahweh, the name for God, so here it tries to convey the meaning of the Hebrew word hesed, which is loyal and undying love and mercy. God’s “merciful loving-kindness” is unfailing and reveals itself in many ways in history. From the beginning to the coming of Christ, God never abandoned the people he had created. The Anaphora of St. Basil gives three ways that God worked for the salvation of all: prophets, the Law and angels. We usually think of prophets as men who foretell the future, but their more important duty was to interpret the will of God. The greatest among the prophets were Moses, Elijah, Isaiah, Jeremiah and Ezekiel. The last and greatest prophet was John the Baptist, the Forerunner of
Jesus, about who our Lord said, “Amen, I say to you, among those born of women there has been none greater than John the Baptist” (Matthew 11:11). It was John who was to point out Jesus as the Messiah. The Law was given by God to train us for the coming of Christ, as St. John wrote, “while the law was given through Moses, grace and truth came through Jesus Christ” (John 1:17). Angels were messengers, intermediaries with God, who guided and protected the people. The mystery of the Trinity was revealed to Abraham through the three angels. Angels still serve an important role in the Liturgy, uniting heaven and earth in worship of God. The Anaphora then reveals that God’s plan for salvation was fulfilled in Jesus, “When the fullness of time had come, you spoke to us through your own Son, the very one through whom you created the ages.” Here St. Basil quotes Galatians 4:4, and describes Jesus in the words of Hebrews 1:3, “he is the reflection of your glory and the express image of your person.” God loved the world so much, the Anaphora of St. Basil thus proclaims, that though his Son, the “express image,” “he might conform us to the image of his glory (evoking Romans 8:29)” and “so that those who are dead in Adam might be brought to life in him, your Christ.” Every time we celebrate the Anaphora of St. Basil, then, we are able to feel the power of our rebirth in Christ, who loves us all. 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.youtube.com then type Holy Ghost Church Live Stream
St. John Chrysostom, Pittsburgh, Pa. www.sjcbcc.com St. Gregory, Upper St. Clair, Pa. www.facebook.com/stgregoryusc
St. Elias, Munhall, Pa. www.facebook.com/ St-Elias-Byzantine-Catholic-Church-157868411675213
St. Michael, Campbell, Ohio www.facebook.com/st.michaelsbyz.campbell
SS. Peter and Paul, Braddock, Pa. https://www.facebook.com/SSPeterPaulBraddock/ the byzantine catholic world
AUGUST 2019
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“Faith and Fun Day” for a story, see page 1
Photos by David Mayernik Jr.
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AUGUST 2019
around the archeparchy FLEA MARKET — 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Aug. 3, St. Gregory, 2005 Mohawk Road (Brookside Farms), Upper St. Clair, Pa. Browse and buy kitchen and household items, holiday, jewelry, toys, infant and children’s clothing, small furniture, books, sports, household décor and much more. For information, call 412-835-7800. ICONOGRAPHY WORKSHOP — Aug. 9 to 11, St. John Chrysostom, 506 Saline St., Greenfield (Pittsburgh), Pa. For adults of all levels of experience. Participants will write an icon of Saint John Chrysostom on an 8-by-10 gesso covered board. Using a pre-prepared prototype, learn techniques for faces, garments and gilding. The theology of iconography and Saint John Chrysostom will also be presented. The class will be 6-9:30 p.m. Aug. 8, all day Aug. 10 after Liturgy until finishing Aug. 11. You must be able to attend all days to have a completed icon. Cost: $120 to cover all supplies. Pastries, coffee and tea will be provided on Saturday and Sunday morning. Lunch will not be provided. Deposit of $20 is required and the class will be limited to 20 people. For information, call Marylyn Barone at 412-678-9453 or email mwbarone@comcast.net. CAR CRUISE — 5-9 p.m. Aug. 20, St. John the Baptist Cathedral, 210 Greentree Road, Munhall, Pa. Enjoy classic cars, raffles, oldies music and food, including hot dogs, kolbassi, halushki, perogies and fresh-cut fries. A Car Cruise is also scheduled for Aug. 20.
BYZANTINE DIVINE LITURGY Sundays 9:00 a.m. • WEDO Radio • 810 AM Broadcast live from Holy Ghost Church, McKees Rocks
Also view liturgical services (various times) at: www.holyghost-byzantinecatholic.org www.stjohnsbyzantinecathedral.com www.sjcbcc.com
“VATRA” BONFIRE FEST — Noon-8 p.m. Sept. 7, Infant Jesus of Prague, 7754 South Ave., Boardman, Ohio. Homemade Slavic foods, “slanina” (smoked bacon), holubki (stuffed cabbage), pirohi, haluski with dumplings, kolbasi, krupi barley soup, vinegar cucumber and sweet onion salad and desserts. Genealogy material to trace your grandparents’ roots, sales tables with items reflecting Rusyn heritage and Slavic Folk. Socialize like our Rusyn/Slavic ancestors did in the Carpathian Mountains. Byzantine Catholic Liturgy at 6 p.m. WINDOWS OF OPPORTUNITY — 7 p.m. Sept. 18, 25 and Oct. 2, Holy Spirit, 4815 Fifth Ave., Pittsburgh (Oakland). A three-part series on the challenges and approaches to raising children in the Catholic faith, focusing on avoiding common parenting pitfalls in religious training and behavioral discipline which can undermine your influence as a Catholic parent. Appropriate for all ages of parenting and grandparenting. The format will be a short talk with handouts followed by an interactive exchange. No charge but registration is requested by calling Milan at 412-8055828. Free parking in the church lot.
dates to remember AUGUST 6 Feast of the Transfiguration of Our Lord AUG. 14 Archbishop William celebrates the Divine Liturgy at the Shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon 7 p.m., North Jackson, Ohio AUG. 15 Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos CHANCERY CLOSED
Official publication of the Byzantine Catholic Archeparchy of Pittsburgh
Byzantine Catholic Press Associates 66 Riverview Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15214 Tel: 412.231.4000 Fax: 412.231.1697 E-mail: bcw@archpitt.org Web site: www.archpitt.org
AUG. 27 Divine Liturgy at SS. Cyril and Methodius Seminary for the opening of the 2019-20 academic year
next issue:
AUG. 31 to SEPT. 1 Pilgrimage in honor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Mount St. Macrina, Uniontown, Pa.
submissions DEADLINE:
SEPT. 8 Celebration of Marriage St. Elias, Munhall, Pa. See more upcoming events at www.archpitt.org the byzantine catholic world
SEPTEMBER 2019
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