THE OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE ARCHEPARCHY OF PITTSBURGH
“come and see”
Inside
Byzantine Catholic Seminary to host men considering vocation to priesthood Page 3
VOL. 64 NO. 11
carpatho-rusyn celebration
St. John the Baptist in Uniontown, Pa. to salute its heritage Page 12
OCTOBER 2019
welcoming the metropolitan
SS. Peter and Paul in Patton, Pa. hosts Archbishop William Skurla Page 13
“Mary, Cause of Our Joy” faithful travel to mount st. macrina for 85th annual pilgrimage
A procession of pilgrims ends with a 4 p.m. Divine Liturgy Sept. 1 at Mount St. Macrina in Uniontown, Pa. during the 85th annual Pilgrimage in Honor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help. This year’s theme was “Mary, Cause of Our Joy.” For more photos, see pages 6 to 9. Photo by David Mayernik Jr. by David Mayernik Jr. Editor
"Why do we have to do this? Why do we come for the Pilgrimage? Why do we pray, in particular, to the Mother of God?" These questions were posed by Archbishop William Skurla to open the 85th annual Pilgrimage in Honor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Aug. 31 to Sept. 1 at Mount St. Macrina in Uniontown, Pa. He also supplied an answer for the faithful gathered in the
pews and sitting on rolling, grassy hills. "Praying to the Mother of Perpetual Help has given us consolation. It's one of the most effective ways of engaging the mercies of our Lord and God and Savior Jesus Christ." Archbishop William told pilgrims over the generations, the Pilgrimage has been a way of preventing disaster and intervening in personal plights. "We pray that the Mother of God will intercede not only in our own lives but in the lives
of those that have fallen astray. That they become people who are more attuned to the mercies of God in their life; that they open their hearts to the goodness that can come from each and every person that is alive today." Pilgrimage weekend included Divine Liturgies, opportunities to receive the Mystery of Reconciliation, Children’s Pilgrimages, enrichment sessions, and a candlelight procession beginning and Story continued on page 6
Archpriest Dennis Bogda fell asleep in the Lord on Sept. 21, 2019. A remembrance will appear in the November 2019 issue of The Byzantine Catholic World. In blessed repose, grant O Lord eternal rest to the soul of your servant +Archpriest Dennis and render eternal his memory!
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annual statement of ownership
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
BCW Staff
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
PRESIDENT Most Reverend Archbishop William C. Skurla, DD
David Mayernik Jr. Editor Sister Elaine Kisinko, OSBM Copy Editor Donna Obsincs Subscription/Circulation Manager Deacon Robert J. Shalhoub Business Manager Annual Subscription Rates US $14 Canadian $17 International $20
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EDITOR David Mayernik Jr.
mission The mission of The Byzantine
Catholic World is to spread the Gospel message in the rich tradition of the Byzantine SUBSCRIPTION MANAGER Donna Obsincs
Catholic Church; to encourage faithful to reflect the image of
BUSINESS MANAGER Deacon Robert Shalhoub
Christ in everyday activities
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of life; to offer spiritual formation through changing times; and to celebrate community among Byzantine Catholics in the Archeparchy of Pittsburgh, throughout the Metropolitan Church in America, and around the world. the byzantine catholic world
OCTOBER 2019
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“Come and See” byzantine catholic seminary of SS. cyril and methodius hosts weekend of discovery Nov. 1 to 3 Press release
The Byzantine Catholic Seminary of SS. Cyril and Methodius will host the “Come and See” Weekend of Discovery Nov. 1 to 3. Invited to this retreat are men, ages 18 to 35, single or married, who may be considering a vocation to the priesthood in the Byzantine Catholic Church. The atmosphere will be prayerful, positive, and fraternal. A past retreatant noted about his experience that the weekend was helpful for his “seeing both the difficulties and joys of Seminary and ordained life.” It was also noted that “watching the seminarians look out for one another and serve parish communities was a great witness to the gospel.”
“Come and See” is a retreat weekend that takes place at the Byzantine Catholic Seminary in Pittsburgh, Pa. The retreat includes sharing liturgical services and meals with the Seminary community and an introduction to the Seminary formation program. It will also include a tour of the Seminary, gatherings with the seminarians, and witness talks. There is no tuition for this “Come and See” Retreat of Discovery. Retreat, meals and lodging are free. The application deadline is Oct. 9. For more information and to apply, see the Seminary’s website www.bcs.org. The Byzantine Catholic Seminary is a community of mentors, teachers, and students forming leaders for the Church
in an environment of Christian unity, integrity, and missionary spirit with a commitment to ecumenism. Founded in 1950, the Byzantine Catholic Seminary is a free-standing, English speaking theological seminary, welcoming all those seeking the knowledge possessed by the Eastern ecclesial traditions. The Seminary is authorized to grant graduate degrees by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and accredited by the Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools. The Seminary operates as a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization incorporated in Pennsylvania, and is governed by a Board of Directors under the leadership of the Metropolitan Archbishop of Pittsburgh. n
Bulletin Board St. Michael in Campbell, Ohio to host National Pilgrim Virgin Statue of Our Lady of Fatima 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. Check St. Michael’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook. com/st.michaelsbyz.campbell/. for details. n
Looking ahead to Pilgrimage 2020
Photos of “Come and See” Weekend of Discovery from previous years.
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Hilton Garden Inn Uniontown will provide a special rate package for those attending Pilgrimage 2020 in Honor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help. Only a limited number of rooms at this special price will be available. The group rate is available from Sept. 3 through and including Sept. 8, 2020. The special rate is $129 per night before taxes and includes a voucher for the full cookedto-order breakfast which normally sells for $10.95 per person each morning. Each additional registered guest can receive a breakfast voucher with an increased rate of $5 per person per day. Pilgrims can make reservations using one of the following methods: n Use the Hilton Garden Inn Uniontown web site at http://hiltongardeninn3.hilton. com/en/hotels/pennsylvania/ hilton-garden-inn-uniontownMGWUNGI/index.html. When booking, select the option to “Add Special Rate Codes” and enter Group Code ANN20. n Contact the hotel directly to make the Reservation at 724434-7200 and say you want the 2020 Annual Pilgrimage Group Rate (Group Code ANN20). n
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Byzantine Spirituality Conference 2018 “the journey to emmaus continued” This year’s Byzantine Spirituality Conference will be held Saturday, Nov. 9 at St. John the Baptist Cathedral, 210 Greentree Road, Munhall, Pa. The title of this year’s Spirituality Conference is: “The Journey to Emmaus Continued.” Guest speaker is Most Rev. Bishop Nicholas J. Samra, Eparchial Bishop of Newton. Bishop Nicholas was ordained a priest in May 1970, and became a bishop in July 1989. Since that time as an energetic priest and bishop, cooperating with the grace of Christ and the Holy Spirit, he has built churches, started new missions, ordained many priests, written books and articles, traveled to visit parishes, given conferences, and attended synods. A brilliant speaker, he has inspired many to grow closer to Christ and offer themselves in service to the church. Breakout sessions: n God With Us Curriculum: A Non-traditional Approach Presented by Sister Marion Dobos, Director of Religious Education for the Archeparchy of Pittsburgh and Director of Pastoral Field Education at SS. Cyril and Methodius Seminary. n Strength for the Journey Chris Singel, MAT from SS. Cyril and Methodius Seminary and a member of the Board of Directors, will present 10 books that can deepen the faith of Byzantine Catholics. Chris is a Financial Software Support Specialist for Harris
Most Rev. Bishop Nicholas J. Samra
School Solutions. He and his wife Amanda have been presenters at the Pre-Cana Program since 2012. n Schedule 9:30 a.m. Registration/coffee 10 a.m. Opening Prayer, Session I – Whose Church is This? presented by Bishop Nicholas J. Samra 10:50 a.m. Break 11 a.m. Session II – Parish Leadership: Boundaries and Collaboration presented by Bishop Nicholas 11:45 a.m. Reflection/Questions 12:15 p.m. Lunch 1 p.m. Breakout Sessions (choose one) 1:45 p.m. Evaluation/Discussion
63rd Annual St. Nicholas Charity Dinner Sunday, December 8 Moleben—3 pm Social Hour—4 pm Dinner—5 pm Menu includes: Wedding Soup, Tossed Salad, Chicken Romano, Saffron Risotto and Green Beans Almondine Music: Candlelight Duo
St. John the Baptist Cathedral Center Munhall, PA Benefits the Byzantine Catholic Seminary Information available on the Events page of the GCU website-www.GCUusa.com or call 1-800-722-4428 ext. 3810.
Events at the House of Prayer 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 or email hpmsm@verizon.net.
Personality Type Workshop 7 p.m. Oct. 25 to 4 p.m. Oct. 26. Hosted by Sister Melita Marie, OSBM. Offering: $90. Registration due Oct. 18. Includes overnight accommodations, meals. A certified presenter offers an introductory glimpse into the instrument that helps n
understand one's personality type.
Tuesday Reading Series n November 5, 12, 19 and 26 10-11:30 a.m. This month’s book is “In His Image: Ten Ways God Calls Us to Reflect His Character” by Jen Wilkin. Free-will offering. Registration
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due Oct. 29.
Spiritual Reflection n 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Nov. 23. "Women Who Spoke the Word of God” with Helenanne Hochendoner. Includes lunch. Offering: $35. Registration due Nov. 19. n
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text messages
Joy to the world by David Mayernik Jr. Editor
During this year’s Pilgrimage Weekend at Mount St. Macrina in Uniontown, Pa., Sister Ruth Plante, Provincial, discussed the differences between “joy” and “happy.” “‘Happy’ is an ice cream cone or a new toy for a child or maybe a new car or a new iPhone for an adult,” she said, during this year’s welcoming message to pilgrims. “‘Joy,’ on the other hand, is a gift of the Holy Spirit. And it emanates from deep down inside of us. “Joy is something we’ve all seen in individuals who perhaps have gone through all kinds of illness and trials and difficulties. And yet always walk with a smile on their face and want to know, ‘What can I
do for you?’” According to StudyLight.org, the word “joy” is found over 150 times in the Bible. The number increases to more than 200 if such words as “joyous” and “joyful” are included. “Rejoice” also appears more than 200 times. I saw many faces and instances of joy and rejoicing Sept. 1 as I walked the rolling hills of Mount St. Macrina. It got me thinking about other examples of pure joy. Coincidentally enough, this type of “joy” is wellillustrated by the character of Joy in Disney-Pixar’s 2015 film “Inside Out.” Joy, voiced by actress Amy Poehler, is one of the embodiments of emotions which dwell inside a pre-teen girl named Riley. She shares “Emotion Headquarters” in Riley’s mind with her colleagues Anger, Sadness, Fear and Disgust, as
Sadness (left) and Joy (right) from Disney-Pixar’s “Inside Out.”
they endeavor to guide Riley through the ups and downs of moving to a new school and growing up. You know, all the highs and lows of a being young, when not having the same cell phone or t-shirt as your peers causes a crisis of epic proportions. In one scene in the film, Joy conveys her personal mission statement: “You remember how (Riley)
used to stick her tongue out when she was coloring? “I could listen to her stories, all day. “I just wanted Riley to be happy...” “I just wanted Riley to be happy,” I type again, for emphasis. If endeavoring to help and ease the pain of others doesn’t bring joy, I don’t know what does. n
reflection from mount st. macrina
The Fruits of the Holy Spirit by Sister Barbara Jean Mihalchick, OSBM Sisters of St. Basil the Great Mount St. Macrina, Uniontown, Pa.
Sister Barbara Jean Mihalchick posts videos of her reflections each week at the Facebook of the Sisters of St. Basil the Great. View them at: https://www. facebook.com/sistersofstbasil. uniontown/. This is a transcript of her June 21 reflection. Glory to Jesus Christ! Today I’d like to begin a long series about the Fruits of the Holy Spirit. When we are baptized, confirmed or chrismated, we receive certain gifts of the Holy Spirit. The overflow of those gifts are what we call the “fruits.” The gifts help us to make the right choices, to do the right things in life. When we do, there is wonderful “fruit” from that in our own lives and in the lives of those we influence, as well. The Fruits of the Holy Spirit are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, long-suffering, mildness or gentleness, faith, modesty, self-
control and chastity. These are the 12 that are named by the Church. Today, I’m going to talk about the first one: love. So much has been said, so much needs to be said, but more importantly, so much needs to be lived. There was a bishop in Asia, I think in Vietnam, who was thrown into solitary confinement for years because of his faith. During that time, he loved. The guards were outside of his cell, 24/7, and he decided they’re the ones he has to love at this time. He would talk to them even though they couldn’t talk to him. He would tell them things that he learned in life; his theology classes, his churches, his faith, his travel, the beautiful things he saw. And in his prayer, love them. Actually, the bosses had to keep changing the guards because they became interested in Christianity. This bishop distilled the distinctions of Christian love, Christ’s followers’ love, in this way. He said, “Christians love first. They don’t wait, they reach.” Christians love everyone.
Sister Barbara Jean Mihalchick, OSBM
God created us all, we’re all children of God, so reach to love everyone that we meet. Christians love their enemies. This is truly distinct in Christ’s way of loving. He says with God’s power, love even those who do you harm, who cross your path in an unhappy way. Christians love in service. They reach out, even to the
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point of giving their lives, if need be. That’s the fullness of love. These things seem impossible to us sometimes, but by the power and gift and grace of the Holy Spirit, we are empowered to love. God bless you in this journey and challenge and gift. n
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“Mary, Cause of Our Joy” faithful travel to mount st. macrina for 85th annual pilgrimage continued from page 1 ending at the Mother of God Shrine. Sister Ruth Plante, Provincial, also welcomed faithful to the 85th Pilgrimage and explained this year's theme, “Mary, Cause of Our Joy.” "'Joy' is not the same as 'happy.' 'Happy' is an ice cream cone or a new toy for a child or maybe a new car or a new iPhone for an adult...then you need something else to restore your 'happy'," she said. "Joy, on the other hand, is a gift of the Holy Spirit. And it emanates from deep down inside of us. Joy is what allows the martyrs to sing and praise the Lord as they were being led to their deaths. Joy is something we've all seen in individuals who perhaps have gone through all kinds of illness and trials and difficulties. And yet always walk with a smile on their face and want to know, 'What can I do for you?'" Sister Ruth said when pilgrims pray during Pilgrimage weekend, they are praying for 'joy'." "We pray that as you walk these grounds this weekend, you do so as a pilgrim, not as a tourist, just zipping by. But as a pilgrim and you stop at all the holy places and you recall your joy, your sadness, your difficulties, your blessings and your challenges and you ask the Lord and His Mother, 'What am I to learn from this? "And then you can go forward with that spirit of joy which will be alive and well deep in your soul and will be shown in your kindness and care for everyone around you." n
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85th annual pilgrimage in honor of our lady of perpetual help
A Pilgrimage “thank you” from Sister Ruth Glory to Jessus Christ! Dear Friends and Fellow Pilgrims, How can we not be filled with joy after experiencing the peace and blessings of our 85th Pilgrimage in honor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help! Each Pilgrimage is like a wonderful concert. It begins as a single “note” as we meet to determine the theme of the pilgrimage. During the following weeks and months, additional “notes” are added, creating the melody of celebrants, homilists, programs and speakers. Come spring, the working “musicians” come to add their touch by cleaning, weeding, planting, organizing, ordering, and preparing the welcoming notes of hospitality in a spirit of service. It all comes together with the arrival of our pilgrims from toddlers to teenagers, from young adults to seasoned seniors. They all add their blend of prayers and praise, petitions and needs. Finally, the spiritual concert rises from the prayerful grounds of Mount St. Macrina to the ears of Our Lord and his dear Mother, Cause of our Joy. Thank you, sincerely, for being a part of this special “concert.” May its beautiful strains continue to echo within you throughout this coming year. Be assured that a daily prayerful “refrain” will be offered for you rising from the hearts of all of us, the Sisters of St. Basil. We will await your return for the 86th pilgrimage that will include a celebration of our century of service to the Byzantine Catholic Church. With our love, prayers, and gratitude,
Sister Ruth Plante, Provincial, and the Sisters of St. Basil
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st. gregory in upper st. clair, pa.
Back to school picnic by Father Valerian Michlik St. Gregory, Upper St. Clair, Pa.
Blessed with perfect weather, on Sunday, Sept. 15, the annual parish picnic took place at St. Gregory. At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, parishioner Edward M. Chekan received a “hramota,� a certificate of recognition and appreciation from our Metropolitan Archbishop William C. Skurla for his love and dedication to our Byzantine Catholic Church and our parish family of St. Gregory. Afterward, we had the blessing of our ECF students and Catechists. In the church hall we continued with our parish picnic during which we enjoyed delicious food provided by Texas Roadhouse and our parishioners. n
Edward M. Chekan, Father Valerian Michlik
Photos by Jennifer Kehm
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st. gregory in upper st. clair, pa.
Women of Faith by Father Valerian Michlik St. Gregory, Upper St. Clair, Pa.
On Sunday, Aug. 25, we witnessed the blessing of the members of St. Gregory's Women of Faith. The mission statement of this new parish ministry is: St. Gregory's Women of Faith seeks to be
of service to the people of our parish and local communities through hospitality, outreach, support, education, spirituality, and fellowship. We ask Our Lord to bless St. Gregory's Women of Faith for many happy and blessed years! n
Triple celebration by Father Valerian Michlik St. Gregory, Upper St. Clair, Pa.
Sept. 8 was a triple celebration at St. Gregory: the Sunday before the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, Nativity of the Theotokos, and Grandparents Day. At the conclusion of the
Divine Liturgy all grandparents present received a special blessing. We continued with our celebration in the church hall. It was a beautiful day as we offered prayerful supplications and honored all our dedicated grandparents. n
Photos by Jennifer Kehm
st. michael in campbell, ohio
holy ghost in mckees rocks, pa.
Called to serve by Father Kevin Marks St. Michael, Campbell, Ohio
Prior to the beginning of the Aug. 24 Vigil Sunday Divine Liturgy, Noah Hicks received the blessing to serve as an altar
Back-to-back champs
server at St. Michael. Father Kevin Marks is pastor. Congratulations to our new Altar Server and we ask Our Lord to bless him with many happy and blessed years! n
Holy Ghost in McKees Rocks, Pa., bested the competition for the second year in a row at the Pittsburgh Pierogi Festival, held Sept. 22 at Kennywood Park in West Mifflin, Pa.
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The accomplishment was saluted on Pittsburgh Pierogi Festival’s Facebook page. Father Frank Firko is pastor at Holy Ghost. n
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st. john the baptist in uniontown, pa.
38th annual Carpatho-Rusyn Celebration set for Oct. 27 Press release
The 38th Annual CarpathoRusyn Celebration will take place noon-6 p.m. Oct. 27 at St. John the Baptist, 201 East Main St., Uniontown, Pa. The day will feature the heritage of the CarpathoRusyns who come from the very heart of Europe, along the northern and southern slopes of the Carpathian Mountains. Their homeland, known as “Carpathian-Rus,” is situated at the crossroads where the borders of Slovakia, Ukraine, and Poland meet. Aside from these countries, there are smaller groups of Rusyns in Romania, Hungary, Yugoslavia, and the Czech Republic. In no country do the Carpatho-Rusyns have an administratively distinct territory. It is immigrants from the Carpathian-Rus’, who came to the United States in the early 1900s, settled in this area, worked in the mills and mines, and started several churches, one being St. John the Baptist Byzantine Catholic Church. The CarpathoRusyns, though a Slavic group, have distinct differences in language, customs, music, dance, fold crafts, and foods. These immigrants brought their traditions with them and maintained them, particularly those in their church life, which was of utmost importance to them. The day will highlight various aspects of CarpathoRusyn culture. Mouthwatering foods such as pirohi, holubki, halushki, kolbasi and sauerkraut, nalesniki (potato pancakes), soup and more. There will also be a variety of baked goods including kolachi (apricot, nut, poppyseed, and cottage cheese rolls), pagach, breads, cookies, candy, and much more. The Carpatho-Rusyn Celebration will be a blending of spiritual and cultural traditions of the Rusyn people. A Divine Liturgy 5:30 p.m. Saturday, October 26 will include a blessing for the event and festival workers. There will be a Divine Liturgy at 9 a.m. Oct. 27. There will be ongoing entertainment which includes music, folk dancing and singing, demonstrations, videos, displays and presentations. A folk musical group will perform folk, czardas, polka
music at 12:30 and 4 p.m. Slavjane Folk Ensemble dancers and musicians from Holy Ghost Byzantine Catholic Church, McKees Rocks, Pa., will perform at 3 p.m. with their lively and energetic songs and dances. Information on various topics such as Carpatho-Rusyn family customs, both secular and religious, genealogy and tracing cultural roots, and recent trips to the Carpathian homeland will be available. At 1 p.m. there will be a speaking and/ or video presentation by John Righetti, formerly of Monessen, Pa. which will focus on Rusyn customs and culture. At 4 p.m., a speaking and/or video presentation by John will focus on the current status of Rusyns in America and in the Rusyn homeland. There will be videos of Carpatho-Rusyn culture and customs, and iconography. Members of the CarpathoRusyn Society will also be on hand to answer questions about genealogy as well as having a Rusyn Marketplace with books, CDs, DVDs and folk art items available. The program is subject to change. Once again there will be the fun-filled children’s activities room where children can experience the Rusyn culture through storytelling, and making folk craft projects such as decorated eggs, bookmarks, decorating cookies, coloring sheets, and more. This year’s activities will focus on folk arts, especially egg art. There will also be demonstrations of pysanky (egg decorating), folk embroidery, bobbin lace making, and woodburning, which are traditional folk crafts of the Carpatho-Rusyns as well as iconography. A display by the Carpatho-Rusyn Society will include costumes, striking photographs of Rusyn folk life, crafts, religious artifacts, DVDs, small models of historic Rusyn wooden churches, and artifacts the Carpatho-Rusyn heritage. During a church tour visitors may to view the threetier icon screen, many icons and outdoor shrine at St. John. A pictorial display through power point and visuals will depict the span of 37 years of the Carpatho-Rusyn Celebration at St. John’s. Tables of crafts for sale will include contemporary crafts as well as traditional CarpathoRusyn folk crafts. The
Photos from last year’s Carpatho-Rusyn Celebration at St. John the Baptist in Uniontown, Pa.
contemporary crafts include secular and religious items, fall decorations, Christmas items, and much more. The folk crafts of the Rusyns include pysanky (decorated eggs), embroideries such as those used to cover Easter baskets to be blessed, wood burned icons and icon ornaments, greeting cards, and other articles. Many raffles include Steeler memorabilia, folk art and craft items including Christmas, and much more. The Carpathian Cookery Cookbook of St. John’s parish in its 18th printing will be once again available having sold over 17,000 copies.
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The day will be one full of color, life, and music for family entertainment. There is no admission charge. Handicapped accessible. The pastor is Father Ronald P. Larko. For information call 724-438-6027 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday to Friday (leave message). n Important note: Check St. John the Baptist’s web site at http://www.stjohnbaptistbyzcath-uniontown.org/ or call 724-438-6027 (leave message) the week of the event for a possible change in location.
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ss. peter and paul in patton, pa.
Welcoming the Metropolitan by Father Vasyl Polyak SS. Peter and Paul, Patton, Pa.
On Sunday, Aug. 25, the parishioners St. John the Baptist in Northern Cambria, Pa. joined those of SS. Peter and Paul in Patton Pa. to welcome their Metropolitan Archbishop William C. Skurla in celebration of the Divine Liturgy. Very Rev. Vasyl Polyak, pastor, concelebrated the liturgy and Deacon Raymond J. Zadzilko assisted by the altar servers of the parish. Afterward, everyone gathered for the annual parish picnic at Patton Park where Archbishop William joined them for the delicious lunch, conversation and social time. In reflection of what it means for Archbishop William to visit our parishes, it must be said that each parish priest is only a representative of the Archeparchial bishop. And so he is commissioned by the bishop to share the sacraments of Christ, to proclaim Holy Gospel, to teach the people of God entrusted to him, and in this way to lead them to salvation. There are references to the bishops in the Old and New Testaments of the Holy Scriptures. Therefore, this institution is extraordinarily biblical and is an important sign of the true Church of Jesus Christ. In the present days, when after some online courses for a pretty reasonable price, almost anyone can set up his own "church,� it is important to remember that the true church of Christ has only one founder — Jesus Christ. Therefore, each bishop of the apostolic church is not only the heir to the apostolic tradition, but also the carrier and, at the very same time, the source of the priesthood of Christ. The Byzantine Catholic Church in America, originating from the missions of SS. Cyril and Methodius, the Apostles of the Slavs (IX century), continues its path of service following the covenants of Christ and his apostles. Sincere thanks to Metropolitan William for your visit! God grant Him many blessed years! n
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thoughts for our day by Archpriest David M. Petras
the anaphora: the words of institution prayer that does not have these words is the East Syrian Anaphora of Addai and Mara, which is very ancient. In 2001, the Catholic Church recognized this anaphora as valid, for the reality of the Lord’s Supper is
The anaphora has a very clear structure. God is addressed, and this is followed by a narration of his works. In the anaphora of St. John Chrysostom, these are creation, redemption, liturgy, and the Lord's supper. What stands out is that the climax of the narration of God's saving deeds is the institution of the eucharist by the words, "This is my body," "This is my blood." The Byzantine Liturgy follows the Matthew-Mark tradition, "This is my blood," while the Roman Anaphora follows the Luke-Paul tradition, "This is the cup of my blood." These words of our Lord have a special status in the liturgy. In the Byzantine Liturgy, the faithful respond, "Amen," “So be what the Lord has said” when these words were said by the priest. “Amen” usually belonged at the end of a prayer. In the Western tradition, these words are called the "consecration," and Roman Catholic theologians have explained the words of Jesus as the words which effect the substantial change in the bread and wine into his very Body and Blood. All Christian liturgies, except one, contain the words of the institution, and give them a prominent role. The reason for this should be obvious: the liturgy was commemorating, remembering, and calling to mind the Lord's supper, the breaking of bread in which we recognize Jesus. We proclaim, therefore, the first meal at which this "remembrance" was done, connecting it to the presence of Christ. The one eucharistic
All Christian liturgies, except one, contain the words of the institution, and give them a prominent role. still proclaimed. The words are not “magic,” and the priest himself does not perform the miracle of changing bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Christ, but it is our Lord himself who enacted this mystery of faith at the mystical supper in the upper room. When we now say the words, we remember the power of God’s grace and his divine salvation in giving us his Body and Blood as food and drink, and it is, therefore, through God’s power that this becomes real in our liturgical thanksgiving today. If we analyze the words of institution themselves, they are a part of the enumerations of God's benefits toward us through the prayer addressed to the Father. They are a mystical and liturgical, but not a dramatic re-enactment of the Last Supper. They do not only convey the dogmatic truth of the presence of the Body and Blood of the risen Christ, but also reveal the action by which these gifts save us. They are
"broken for you," "poured out for you and for many," and they also proclaim one of the ways in which they are saving: "for the forgiveness of sins." All forgiveness and reconciliation really flow from the eucharistic sacrifice, precisely because in partaking of this mystery we are truly united both physically and spiritually with the Son of God, our Redeemer. St. John Chrysostom explained the meaning of this mystery. He preached, "It is not man that converts the holy gifts into the Body and Blood of Christ, but Christ himself, who gave himself to be crucified. The priest, who utters these words, is only an image of Christ, but the power and grace are from God. He says: ‘This is my body.’ These words change the sacrificial elements. Just as the words: ‘Increase and multiply and fill the earth’ (Gen 1:28) although spoken once, give our nature the permanent power of procreation, so also these words once pronounced, are effective on all the altars from that time until now and will be to his second coming (First Homily on the Betrayal of Judas, 6).” Chrysostom is not talking about the moment when the gifts change, nor, indeed, is he even talking about the words that the priest says. He is speaking about the words that Christ said, and which echo or reverberate throughout time to effect the change in a manner similar to creation. According to Chrysostom, the priest "stands in the place of Christ," when he says these words, for the presbyter obviously does not mean that the bread is his body, but the body of Christ. The important thing is that Chrysostom is not referring to
the words of the priest actually pronounced in the Liturgy, but to the words said by Christ at the mystical supper. In Byzantine theology, the priest is a passive instrument of God. This is why all sacramental formulas are passive (e.g. "The servant of God is baptized...."). In Chrysostom's time, the question of the exact moment when the gifts changed had not been asked. What was important was the reality of the mystery of faith. For the fathers, therefore, when the eucharistic prayer had been said, the bread and wine had become the real body and blood of Christ. The Divine Liturgy is the reality of the Gospel of St. John. Here Jesus teaches us, “I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I .... Jesus said to them, ‘Amen, amen, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you do not have life within you. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him on the last day. For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink’.” (John 6:51-55). We pray before Holy Communion, “I also believe and profess that this, which I am about to receive, is truly your most precious body and your life-giving blood, which, I pray, make me worthy to receive for the remission of all my sins and for life everlasting.” The eucharist, therefore, is not only real food for our bodies but also for our souls, which is why frequent reception of this holy mystery is so important. 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
SS. Peter and Paul, Braddock, Pa. St. Michael, Campbell, Ohio https://www.facebook.com/SSPeterPaulBraddock/ www.facebook.com/st.michaelsbyz.campbell St. Elias, Munhall, Pa. www.facebook.com/St-Elias-Byzantine-Catholic-Church-157868411675213 the byzantine catholic world
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News from the Vatican Show others God’s mercy, don’t judge them, pope says “the lord remembers us...he does not forget us, he does not lose sight of us...” by Catholic News Service
ALBANO, Italy — Christians are not licensed "inspectors of other people's lives," but rather disciples who reach out to others, assuring them of God's love and welcoming them into the community, Pope Francis said. Celebrating an outdoor evening Mass Sept. 21 in Albano, about 20 miles south of Rome, Pope Francis used the anniversary of the dedication of the city's cathedral to talk about what Catholic churches should be and how parishioners should act toward their neighbors who never come to church. "The Lord remembers us," the pope said. "He does not forget us, he does not lose sight of us despite the obstacles that can keep us far from him," as the Gospel story of Zacchaeus demonstrates. Although the tax collector had a "small stature, physically and morally," Jesus noticed him and decided to go to his house even though everyone in Jericho knew he was a sinner. Reading the Zacchaeus story on the anniversary of the cathedral dedication, Pope Francis said, is a reminder that "every church -- the church
with a small 'c' — exists to keep alive in people's hearts a reminder that God loves them." "It exists to say to each person, even those furthest away: 'You are loved and called by name by Jesus. God does not forget you. You are in his heart.'" The followers of Jesus, the pope said, must follow his example with Zacchaeus and "go to those who are most forgotten, those hiding behind the branches of shame, fear and solitude, and say to them, 'God remembers you.'" Knowing that at Mass in the square there probably were people who didn't go to church regularly, Pope Francis spoke directly to them: "Dear brother, dear sister, if like Zacchaeus you are looking for meaning in your life but not finding it, if you are throwing it away with 'surrogates for love' like wealth, career, pleasure or some form of dependence, let yourself be seen by Jesus. "Only with Jesus will you discover that you always have been loved," the pope continued. "You will feel touched inside by the invincible tenderness of God who moves and inspires your heart." Although he did not speak
directly about the day's feast of St. Matthew and his own overwhelming experience of God's mercy during confession on the Sept. 21 feast day in 1953, it obviously was on his mind. His episcopal motto, "Miserando atque eligendo" ("because he saw him through the eyes of mercy and chose him") comes from a homily on the Gospel call of St. Matthew by eighth-century St. Bede the Venerable. In his homily in Albano, Pope Francis told the people that every conversion begins with the outpouring of God's love and mercy, and if that mercy and love are not the first inspiration for everything a parish does then "we risk making the faith mundane, complicating it, filling it with non-essentials." "You don't need to be complicated Christians who elaborate a thousand theories and get lost searching for answers online," he said. Those who have experienced God's mercy and are active in parish life must do their best to make sure their churches are places where others can feel God's mercy and love. "Unfortunately, it can happen
Pope Francis celebrates an outdoor evening Mass in Albano's central Piazza Pia, near the Italian town's cathedral, Sept. 21. The pope used the anniversary of the dedication of the cathedral to talk about what Catholic churches should be and how parishioners should act toward their neighbors who never attend church. Photo by Yara Nardi, Reuters/Catholic News Service.
that our communities become extraneous and unattractive to many people," he said. "Sometimes we give in to the temptation of creating closed groups, intimate spaces among the elect. We think we're the elect, the elite." But Jesus wants everyone to know his saving love and that means trying to help those who feel unworthy or unwelcomed or who have stayed away "because a priest treated them badly," the pope said. Jesus wants his church to be "a hospitable tent" where every person can encounter him. n
Priesthood is a gift, not a job, pope says “i must receive this gift and safeguard it as a gift and from that...everything else springs” by Carol Glatz Catholic News Service
VATICAN CITY — Being a priest is not a job or fulfilling an employment contract but is a gift from God that should be contemplated and treasured as such, Pope Francis said. Those who turn ordained ministry into an occupation "lose the heart of the ministry, lose the gaze of Jesus who looked upon all of us and told us, 'Follow me,'" he said Sept. 19 during morning Mass at the Domus Sanctae Marthae. The pope focused his homily on the day's first reading in which St. Paul writes to Timothy (1 Tim 4:12-16), "Do not neglect the gift you have." Ordination is a freely given gift from the Lord, the pope said; it is not "a job" or "an employment contract" in which one "must do" something. "Doing is secondary," he said. First and foremost, "I must receive this gift and safeguard it as a gift and from that -- in the contemplation of the gift --
everything else springs." When ordained ministry is not seen and treasured as a gift, he said, "deviations" emerge, starting with "the worst ones, which are terrible, to the more everyday ones that makes us base our ministry on ourselves and not on the gratitude of gift and love for he who gave us this gift, the gift of ministry." Effort, intelligence and "also a bit of shrewdness" are needed to safeguard this gift properly, he added. The pope also briefly commented on the day's Gospel reading, Luke 7:3650, in which Jesus corrects his host who has forgotten to perform the customary rituals associated with welcoming a guest. Jesus instead praises the "sinful woman" who showed Jesus "great love," including by using her tears and hair to bathe and dry Jesus' feet. The pope said the Pharisee hosting Jesus was a good man, "but he had forgotten the gift of kindness, the gift of
coexistence, which is also a gift. These gifts are always forgotten when there are some underlying motives, when I want to do" or achieve something. It is true that priests have things they must do, "and the
first task is proclaiming the Gospel," Pope Francis said, "but it is necessary to take care of the core, the source from which this mission springs, the gift we have freely received from the Lord." n
Here we go!
by Carol Glatz Catholic News Service
Steeler Nation extends all the way to the Holy Land. This photo of a Pittsburgh Steelers t-shirt on sale at a market in Jersusalem was taken last month by a group from the Archeparchy of Pittsburgh on a 10-day pilgrimage. Led by Metropolitan Archbishop William Skurla, they also traveled to Bethlehem and Nazareth. A full report will be in the November 2019 issue of The Byzantine Catholic World.
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OCTOBER 2019
liturgical schedule at the Seminary
around the archeparchy
“Come, let us sing joyfully to the Lord”
ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT BREAKFAST BUFFET — 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Oct. 13, St. Mary’s Center, Route 981, Trauger, Pa. Cost: $6, adults; $3, ages 5 to 10. No charge for ages 4 and under. Sponsored by St. Mary’s Youth Group. 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 October: 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
Protection of the Theotokos 9 a.m. Festal Matins w/ Divine Liturgy (R) 7 a.m. Divine Liturgy (R) 7 a.m. 1st Hour (R), 4:45-5:15 p.m. Communal Silence in Chapel, 8:30 p.m. Small Compline 7:55 a.m. 1st Hour with Divine Liturgy (M), 5 p.m. Daily Vespers (M) 9 a.m. Divine Liturgy for the Deceased with Panachida (R) Holy and Glorious Apostle Thomas 7 a.m. Festal Matins with Divine Liturgy (R) 8 a.m. Divine Liturgy (R) 7 a.m. Akathist to Our Lord Jesus Christ (R) Holy Apostle James Alpheus 7 a.m. Divine Liturgy (R) 7 a.m. 3rd Hour (R), 4:45-5:15 p.m. Communal Silence in Chapel, 8:30 p.m. Small Compline (M) 7:55 a.m. 3rd Hour with Divine Liturgy (M), 5 p.m. Daily Vespers (R) 9 a.m. Divine Liturgy (R), 5 p.m. Great Vespers (M) Father of the Seventh Ecumenical Council 7 a.m. Festal Matins (R) 8 a.m. Akathist to the Theotokos (R) 7 a.m. Moleben for the Sick (R) 7 a.m. Divine Liturgy (R) 7 a.m. Orthros (M), 4:45-5;15 p.m. Communal Silence in the Chapel, 8:30 p.m. Small Compline Holy Apostle Luke 7:55 a.m. Divine Liturgy (M) (Great Doxology), 5 p.m. Daily Vespers (M) 9 a.m. Divine Liturgy (R), 5 p.m. Great Vespers (M) 7 a.m. Festal Orthros with Divine Liturgy (M), 8:30 p.m. Small Compline (R) 8 a.m. Divine Liturgy (R) 7 a.m. 1st Hour (R) Holy Apostle James 7 a.m. Divine Liturgy (R) 7 a.m. 3rd Hour (R), 4:45-5:15 p.m. Communal Silence in Chapel, 8:30 p.m. Small Compline (M) 7:55 a.m. 6th Hour with Divine Liturgy (M) Holy Great Martyr Demetrius 8 a.m. Festal Orthros with Divine Liturgy (M), 5 p.m. All-Night Vigil (R) 8:30 p.m. Small Compline (R) Holy Martyr Paraskevia 8 a.m. Divine Liturgy (R) 7 a.m. Moleben to the Most Holy Theotokos 7 a.m. Divine Liturgy (R) Holy Priest-Martyr Theodore Romzha 7 a.m. Festal Matins (R), 4:45-5:15 p.m. Communal Silence in Chapel, 8:30 p.m. Small Compline (M)
(M) Melkite
(R) Ruthenian
FLEA MARKET, BAKE & FOOD SALE — 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Oct. 19, Holy Spirit Church, 4815 Fifth Ave., Pittsburgh (Oakland), Pa. Home décor, kitchen and entertaining items, small appliances, seasonal decorations, books, vinyl records, clothes and more at great prices. Homemade baked goods and lunch foods will also be available. 50/50 raffle. Free parking in the church lot. 11TH ANNUAL CRAFT/VENDOR SHOW AND FOOD FESTIVAL — 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Oct. 19, St. John the Baptist Cathedral, 210 Greentree Road, Munhall, Pa. Dozens of tables of crafters and vendors, crafter showcase auction, raffles, stuffed cabbage dinners, haluski, pierogies and more. For information, call 412-461-0944. SPAGHETTI DINNER AND BASKET RAFFLE — Noon- 3 p.m. Oct. 20, St. John the Baptist, 525 Porter Ave. Scottdale, Pa. Dinner includes spaghetti, meatballs, salad, roll, dessert and beverage. Requested donation: $8, adults; $5, children under age 12. Take-out and extra desserts available. Sponsored by the Altar Society of St. John the Baptist. For more information, call 724-220-5062. SPEAKER SERIES — 2 p.m. Oct. 20, Holy Spirit, 4815 Fifth Ave., Pittsburgh (Oakland), Pa. Father Ivan Mina, PhD, will present “The History of the Byzantine Rite and the Ruthenian Church.” No charge but donations of non-perishable food items are appreciated for Holy Spirit’s annual Thanksgiving food drive. CHRISTMAS MARKET — Noon-6 p.m. Nov. 10, St. Elias, 4200 Homestead-Duquesne Road, Munhall, Pa. Begin your Christmas shopping and enjoy a stuffed cabbage or chicken paprikas lunch/dinner. St. Elias specialties will also be available, including nut, poppyseed, apricot, apricot/nut and lekvar rolls; and csoroge. For information call 412-461-1712 or email stelias@google.com. Anyone interested in participating in this year’s market as a crafter or a vendor, go to http://steliasmunhallpa.weebly.com and print out the letter and form. (PAPER) TURKEY BINGO — 1-4 p.m. Nov. 17, St. Mary’s Center, Route 981, Trauger, Pa. Frozen Turkeys given away (not grocery gift certificates). Doors open at noon. Admission: $5. Specials and extra sets will be sold. There will be a 50/50, door prizes and one Quickie. For information, call 724-787-5631. 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. Fridays Nov. 1 to Dec. 13. Handmade, fully cooked, made fresh and ready to eat. Potato, sauerkraut and cheese. Voted no. 1 for second year in a row at Kennywood Pirohi Fest.
dates to remember OCT. 1 Feast of the Protection of the Theotokos OCT. 6 to 10 Retreat for Archeparchial Clergy Antiochian Village, Bolivar, Pa. OCT. 20 Deanery Pasta Dinner St. Elias, 4200 Homestead-Duquesne Road, Munhall, Pa. Priests and deacons of the Greater Pittsburgh Protopresbytery will serve complimentary pasta dinners 2 to 5 p.m. Free-will offering. Any profit goes to Archeparchial Priests Pension Plan. Register with your parish. For information, call Father Frank Firko at 412-771-3324. (Pittsburgh Steelers bye week.) NOV. 3 3 p.m. Moleben for martyred bishops Holy Ghost, McKees Rocks, Pa. Standard Time (“fall back”) resumes at 2 a.m. NOV. 11 to 14 Archbishop William attends the annual Autumn meeting of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Baltimore, Md. See more upcoming events at www.archpitt.org the byzantine catholic world
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