THE OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE ARCHEPARCHY OF PITTSBURGH
getting into the habit of kindness
Sister Barbara Jean Mihalchick continues series on the Fruits of the Holy Spirit Page 4
Inside
VOL. 65 NO. 1
JANUARY 2020
good ol’ st. nick
celebrating 10 years
Parishes in the Archeparchy open doors to St. Nicholas Pages 5, 7, 9
Father Ivan Rusyn of St. Mary in Windber, Pa. marks a decade in priesthood Page 6
Born unto us pilgrims flock to live nativity at mount st. macrina
Christmas says, “You are loved” pope francis celebrates jesus’ birth in dec. 24 homily by Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service
Hundreds of cars waited in line Dec. 15 to view Mount Macrina Manor’s Drive-Thru Live Nativity, which was held on the grounds of Mount St. Macrina in Uniontown, Pa. For more photos, see page 11.
Celebrating a century of ministry the sisters of st. basil the great plan year-long anniversary celebration The Sisters of St. Basil of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Province are planning a yearlong celebration to commemorate a Century of Ministry in the Byzantine Catholic Church in America. Founded on Jan. 19, 1921, the years of the Province closely parallel the years of our Church and its people. Very Rev. Gabriel Martyak, Apostolic Administrator, invited Mother Macrina Melnychuk, who was Superior in Philadelphia at that time, to form a second branch of the Order to serve the people of Ruthenian descent. Mother
Macrina and two other Sisters accepted this invitation to begin a new foundation for this purpose. The initial help for the new foundation came from Father Joseph Hanulya, pastor of Holy Ghost Church in Cleveland, Ohio. Father provided a 10room house which became the first formal novitiate. As did the others who came to this new land, they immediately went to work. Initially, the small community began caring for orphan children; later including teaching and catechesis. The Greek Catholic Union played a significant part in the
lives of the Sisters and the Greek Catholic faithful. In order to care for the many orphans, the GCU built St. Nicholas Orphanage in Elmhurst, Pa. The Sisters responded to the call of the GCU to staff this institution. One wing became the living quarters for the Sisters. An increase in the number of orphans and new vocations necessitated another move, this time to Factoryville near Scranton, Pa. This third location was remote from any Byzantine parishes and clergy, so spiritual benefits were lacking. Thus, the Sisters Story continued on page 2
VATICAN CITY — Christmas night tells each person, no matter how poor or sinful, that they are utterly and totally loved by God, Pope Francis said as he celebrated Jesus' birth. The grace of God revealed in the birth of Jesus in a stable in Bethlehem "is divine love, the love that changes lives, renews history, liberates from evil, fills hearts with peace and joy," the pope said in his homily Dec. 24 as he celebrated the nighttime liturgy. "Tonight, the love of God has been revealed to us: It is Jesus," he said. The liturgy began with the "kalenda" or Christmas proclamation of Jesus' birth "innumerable ages" after the creation of the world, "in the year of the 194th Olympiad" and in the 42nd year of Caesar Augustus' reign when the whole world was at peace. Pope Francis processed into St. Peter's Basilica and, reaching the transept, unveiled a lifesized statue of the baby Jesus, kissed it and blessed it with incense. Twelve children, aged 5 to 11, from Italy, Japan, Venezuela, Kenya, Uganda, the Philippines and Iraq brought flowers to the statue and, at the end of Mass, were to accompany the pope to the basilica's Nativity scene. In his homily, Pope Francis told a story similar to, but quieter, than that recounted in the song, "The Little Drummer Boy." The pope's story was about shepherds who brought gifts to the baby Jesus. "There was one shepherd who Story continued on page 12
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Celebrating a century of ministry continued from page 1
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 Deacon Robert J. Shalhoub 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 66 Riverview Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15214 Please allow 2 to 3 weeks for address changes to take effect. Submissions deadline: 15th of the month prior to the month of publication.
The Byzantine Catholic World is a member of the Catholic Press Association.
mission The mission of The Byzantine
Catholic World is to spread the Gospel message in the rich tradition of the Byzantine Catholic Church; to encourage faithful to reflect the image of Christ in everyday activities of life; to offer spiritual formation through changing times; and to celebrate community among Byzantine Catholics in the Archeparchy of Pittsburgh, throughout the Metropolitan Church in America, and around the world.
began to look for a still more suitable locality. Financially, the purchase of lands or a building seemed impossible. The money painstakingly saved by the Sisters through the years had been totally lost in the bank failure during the great depression. Once more, the Providence of Almighty God intervened, and this led to the final move. It is no secret that the acquisition of the Mount St. Macrina property was made possible by the contributions of the people from what little they themselves had. The year 1934 saw the beginning of a Phenomenon of God’s Grace, the Pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Perpetual Help. Gathering people from all over the country and beyond, this event has held the Byzantine Catholic Church together, uniting her bishops, clergy, monastics and laity to a vision beyond parish or eparchy. As schools were needed, the Sisters became professional educators to staff them. They published liturgical books with English translations from the Old Slavonic as the language changed. The Vatican Council instructed the Church to renew, and they participated in programs of Renewal and Revitalization. As the people moved westward and the Metropolitan Church was created, the Sisters have served in all four eparchies. Their ministerial significance in the life of our Church could go on and on and on. The first and foremost sentiment of the Sisters for this unparalleled ministry for God, His Church and His People, is immense gratitude. In being able to share so much in relationship with the hierarchs, clergy and people, they are gratefully aware that they have received much more than they have given. Through these many years, the lives of the Sisters and the people of our Church have beautifully intersected: in prayer, ministry, mutual support, and simply being together and for each other through times both good and difficult. Sister Ruth Plante, Provincial, and the Sisters ask that everyone join them in thanksgiving and celebration May God accept our efforts and our gratitude, and may He continue to abundantly bless us and everyone in His Church for the next 100 years! n
ABOVE: First convent, Holy Ghost (top), Mother Macrina (middle), Sisters of St. Basil the Great (bottom)
events for the year 2020 – 2021 • January 19 Founder’s Day – begin yearlong celebration of our Century of Ministry
• July 20 to 24 Community Week: sharing stories of Community Life and invite Associates for social
• March 8 Open House at Monastery for National Catholic Sisters Week and recognition of our 100th Anniversary
• Pilgrimage Sisters present Enrichment Sessions telling our History
• May 25 Panachida on Memorial Day remembering Mother Macrina and all deceased Sisters
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• October 18 Divine Liturgy and Dinner at St. John the Baptist Cathedral in Munhall, Pa. • January 19, 2021 Founder’s Day celebration for Sisters as we begin a new Century of Ministry
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from the office of safe environment The Archeparchy of Pittsburgh is committed to protecting the rights, safety and dignity of every person, especially children, entrusted to its pastoral care and to implementing fully the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People adopted by
the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, including programs to increase awareness and promote safe environments for children and youth engaged in activities on the parish, protopresbyteral, and Archeparchial levels. n
Bulletin Board “Carpathian Cookery” cook book available The “Carpathian Cookery” cookbook has entered its 18th printing and is now available for purchase. “Carpathian Cookery” has a new look and features a protective plastic cover. It includes sections on Christmas and Easter customs and recipes, traditional Rusyn and Slavic foods, other ethnic dishes, and many other tried-and-true recipes of parishioners of St. John the Baptist in Uniontown, Pa. There is a variety of paska bread and kolachi (filled roll) recipes, as well as meatless dishes and Lenten recipes, suitable for the Great Fast, as well as the Pre-Christmas Fast. Having sold more than 17,000 copies, the 330-page cook book was requested by the Library of Congress to be in their ethnic cooking collection. The cost of the cookbook is $14 plus $4 postage and handling ($18 total). If ordering from Canada, please send a $28 U.S. Postal money order payable in U.S. dollars to reflect the difference in the exchange rate and postage cost. To order, send a check or money order to: Ethnic Craft Club, St. John Byzantine Catholic Church, 201 E. Main Street, Uniontown, Pa. 15401, or call 724-4386027 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday to Friday. The email address is carpathiancookery@gmail. com. n
Ruthenian Byzantine Catholic Mission forms in North Carolina
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
A Ruthenian Byzantine Catholic Mission has formed in the Greater Charlotte, N.C. area. The Divine Liturgy is celebrated every Saturday at 4 p.m. by Father Steven Galuschik of All Saints Byzantine Church in Ft. Myers, Fla. and Bi-Ritual Deacon Ron Volek. The community gathers at St. Philip Neri Catholic Church,
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292 Munn Road, East, Fort Mill, S.C. in the Ministry Center across from the church. As you travel south on I-77, stop by and visit our welcoming mission. Visit us at www. carolinabyzantine.com for information and upcoming activities or call Ron Somich at 440-477-6389. n
Seminary Library seeks cantor papers The library of the Byzantine Catholic Seminary is assembling a collection of music and papers from our cantors and choir directors since the founding of our church in the United States. These collections are being indexed and preserved so that that they can be used for research by scholars as well as for fostering our church singing in the future. If your parish or a retired cantor you know has music, memorabilia, or recordings which might have a place in this collection, contact Deacon Jeffrey Mierzejewski, 412-7351676 or mci@archpitt.org, or library director Sandra Collins, 412-321-8383 or scollins@bcs. edu. The Library also invites donations of materials from family and friends of our cantors who have reposed. This collection will serve as a permanent memorial to their labors. n
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. Sacramental Healing In Mystery — Experience Healing in a Sacramental Church n 9:30 a.m.- 3 p.m. Feb. 29, 2020. Presented by Father John Marcucci. Offering: $35 includes lunch. Registration due Feb. 24. Liturgy of the Eucharist and the Anointing of the Sick with validated Scriptural Presentations. Lenten Bible Study n 9:30-11:30 a.m. Thursdays, March 5 to April 2, 2020. Presented by Sister Melita Marie, OSBM. Free will offering. Registration due Feb. 20. Bible Study sessions will develop Great Fast themes and include appropriate prayer of praise and petition. Bring your favorite Bible. n
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reflection from mount st. macrina
Getting into the habit of kindness 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 July 13, 2019 reflection and is Part 4 of her “Fruits of the Holy Spirit” series.
Glory to Jesus Christ! I want to continue with the series I've begun on the Fruits of the Holy Spirit and this time ask the question: Do you remember a time when you experienced a really special kindness from somebody? Does the memory stay with you? Do you remember this person and perhaps pray for him or her? Kindness leaves us with a joyous feeling afterward and that's whether we give it or whether we receive it, in my experience. Jesus attracted people because of His kindness. He exuded that kind of kindness to people and
they wanted to be with Him. The Gospel tells us sometimes they stayed with Him many, many hours. When we experience kindness from others I hope it will remind us of Him. In the Gospel, it says Jesus would get a "gut reaction," a need to reach out in kindness when He saw a need. We see these stories. He walks right up to a widow in Nain whose son has died. He reaches out to those in healing who haven't even asked. Is this habit — kindness — becoming normal for us? Have we learned that kind of sensitivity that, no matter
what, we quickly reach out to offer? There are obstacles, yes. Our pride can get in the way and say, "Why should I help him or her?" We can have grudges against certain people and then we don't want to reach out. There could be other reasons, as well. But that becomes reasons for repentance. Let us watch for our abilities, our quickness, to be kind and call out to the Lord, who is merciful and ask him to teach us. And go back to the Scriptures to see his mighty, gentle, beautiful example. God bless you. n
text messages
What do you do with the mad that you feel? by David Mayernik Jr. Editor
There’s a scene in “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood” in which writer Lloyd Vogel (Matthew Rhys) asks Joanne Rogers (Maryann Plunkett), the wife of Fred Rogers, if it’s difficult living with a saint. Joanne is taken aback by the question. She tells Lloyd it’s a mistake to think of Fred as a saint. This point of view presents her husband — more commonly known as Mr. Rogers — as a person whose way of life is unattainable by anyone else. I saw this movie, starring Tom Hanks as Pittsburgh’s own Fred Rogers during its theatrical release last November. It’s very loosely based on a true story. “Lloyd” takes the place of real-life author and reporter Tom Junod, who wrote an article about Fred Rogers in the Nov. 1998 issue of Esquire magazine which focused on heroes. And “It’s a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood” is truly wonderful. I left the theater feeling a feeling I rarely — if ever — experience after seeing a movie. Catharsis. I left wanting to be a better person. Because, I thought to myself, if I didn’t at least try, I would be letting Mr. Rogers down.
There may have been some changes in the story for dramatic effect but not the central theme of the story. No spoilers here, but you should know what to expect if you see this movie in the future. It’s not a biography of Fred Rogers. He is basically a supporting character for the film’s 109-minute running length, Rather, it’s about Mr. Rogers’ relationship with Lloyd, who is facing some extremely difficult circumstances in his life. He’s a father whose work schedule doesn’t always leave time for his wife, Andrea (Susan Kelechi Watson) and newborn son. And Lloyd has been filled with anger for years after his father Jerry (Chris Cooper) left him and his sister when his mother was in the hospital battling cancer. But how can you forgive someone who has brought so much pain to your family? Lloyd spends the film’s length trying to answer this question. He’s able to confront and deal with this anger with the help of Mr. Rogers. Watching “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood” also gave me some solutions to try when I feel angry. Everyone feels the emotion of anger at one time or another. Even Mr. Rogers. The film explains Mr. Rogers wasn’t wholly free of pain. When his two sons were young, they didn’t always find it easy
From the Nov. 1998 issue of Esquire magazine
to live with a father who many considered a saint. One thing Mr. Rogers did was swim laps every day in local Pittsburgh pools. I’m guessing this was a constructive way to let out any nervous energy building up in his body. The movie shows him praying for people as he swam, slowly repeating names to himself, stroke by stroke. Lloyd Vogel Andrea Vogel
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Jerry Vogel I’ll leave it to you to watch the movie to find out if Lloyd deals constructively with his anger. For a hint, I leave the final word to C.S. Lewis, British writer and lay theologian: Forgiving and being forgiven are two names for the same thing. The important thing is that a discord has been resolved. n
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st. nicholas in greensburg, pa.
St. Nicholas celebration by John Gomolak St. Nicholas, Greensburg, Pa.
Saint Nicholas Byzantine Catholic Church in Greensburg, Pa. held its annual namesake St. Nicholas Day celebration with a Dec. 8 lunch in the church hall. Father Regis Dusecina is pastor. It started in church before the Liturgy, where a group of children sang songs in front of the St. Nicholas icon. In the hall, a catered lunch was served by the three Uhall sisters. After lunch the ECF children sang Christmas carols until St. Nicholas (John Gomolak) arrived to hand out gifts to the children. St. Nicholas also visited with two of our senior parishioners, Agnes Uhall and June Repnik. Everyone enjoyed the festivities. n
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parish news
st. mary in windber, pa.
Father Ivan celebrates 10 years of priesthood Father Ivan Rusyn celebrated 10 years of his priesthood Nov. 23 to 24 at St. Mary's (Dormition) Church in Windber, Pa. At the beginning of the Divine Liturgy, there was the Holy Mystery of Baptism, and Father Ivan mentioned that the Lord God did not give this opportunity to administer this sacrament at his priesthood anniversary by accident. In our tradition the priest is referred to as a father, because as a child gets life through her parents, so the priest acts as a guide to life with the living God. In his sermon Father Ivan mentioned that though it is a
small anniversary, it gives you a chance to think about life once again. The church is a school of spirituality and here we have the opportunity to reflect about the acts of God in our lives. The gifts we have should be developed, not neglected. After the Holy Liturgy all the parishioners and guests were invited to the Church hall for a social where Father Ivan showed some pictures of his family and priestly life. At the end, he thanked everyone who had come to share this anniversary and everyone who helped organize it. God grant him and his family many blessed years! n
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st, gregory in upper st. clair, pa.
Best Philippian Fast Ever by Father Valerian Michlik St. Gregory, Upper St. Clair, Pa.
Following the Dec. 22 Divine Liturgy, participants of the Library Ministry’s Best Advent/Best Phillipian Fast Ever Program gathered in
our parish library, to discuss their individual Phillipian Fast experiences with one another as we continue to prepare for the Nativity of Our Lord and Savior. n
Outreach ministry by Father Valerian Michlik St. Gregory, Upper St. Clair, Pa.
As part of our Advent journey, our Parish Bethany Ministry sponsored a collection of items to support the good works of St. Vincent de Paul in Scott, Pa., whose office and food pantry are located at Our Lady of Grace Roman Catholic Church. Their service area includes Scott, Mt. Lebanon, Upper St.
Clair, Bridgeville, and Carnegie. Our St. Gregory’s faithful responded generously by collecting food, clothing, and furniture to assist individuals served by this charitable society. On the morning of Dec. 23, all the donations were collected by Dennis Stover of the St. Vincent de Paul Society. We express our sincere thanks to all our parishioners for being part of this outreach ministry. n
Dorothy Mayernik of St. Gregory's Bethany Ministry presents a donation to Dennis Stover of the St. Vincent de Paul Society in Scott, Pa.
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st. gregory in upper st. clair, pa.
A visit from St. Nicholas by Father Valerian Michlik St. Gregory, Upper St. Clair, Pa.
A week after our St. Nicholas Archeparchial celebration, St. Nick made it to the South Hills of Pittsburgh to visit our parish children. At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, all our St. Gregory’s children gathered together to welcome St. Nicholas as we sang “O who loves Nicholas the Saintly.” Afterward, we continued with our St. Nicholas party in the Church hall where the children received a present and chocolate golden coins from St. Nick. A great hit this year was the balloon twister/balloon artist who was busy creating balloons into unique designs and characters such as animals, hats, flowers, and more for all the children. It was a beautiful Sunday as we all enjoyed great fellowship honoring the life of the wonderworker St. Nicholas. n
Photos by Jennifer Kehm
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parish news
st. elias in munhall, pa.
Lighting the way Eastern Christian Formation and St. Elias Youth Organization students at St. Elias in Munhall, Pa. last month prepared cards and baskets for sick and shut-in parishioners. Students also decorated the church for the Nativity celebrations, which included luminaries lighting Christ’s way on a foggy Christmas Eve. Father Vitalii Stashkevych is pastor. n
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st. mary in monessen, pa.
ECF students meditate on the Icon of the Nativity by Deacon John Hanchin St. Mary, Monessen, Pa.
The Eastern Christian Formation (ECF) teachers and students along with their parents gathered Dec. 15 in St. Mary Church Hall in Monessen, Pa. for their annual Christmas program, Father Stephen Wahal, administrator of St. Mary, offered the opening prayer. Teacher Debbie Holman gave an explanation of the icon of the mystery of the Nativity of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. She stressed that Sacred Scripture "tells us that Jesus is conceived by the Holy Spirit, the Third Person of Blessed Trinity, and not in a human manner." The icon of the Nativity based on St. Matthew's Gospel emphasizes the difficulty that St. Joseph had in believing that which is beyond reason, namely, that almighty God would become one of us in the incarnation of Jesus, the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity. Debbie concluded by saying "the icon teaches us the need to renew our faith, for Jesus says that 'if you had faith the size of a mustard seed you would be able to say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it would move. Nothing would be impossible for you'" (Matthew 17:20). Following the presentation, Ruth Hanchin, coordinator in the ECF program, displayed two icons of the Nativity . One icon, written by the late Sister Stephanie Bavol, OSBM,
Mya Feher, Father Stephen Wahal, Mitchell Pohlot, Evan Pohlot, Coulton Manown, St. Nicholas (Mike Desko Jr.), Ruth Hanchin, Deacon John Hanchin and Debbie Holman.
from Mount St. Macrina in Uniontown, Pa. stressed the incredible fact of the incarnation of our Blessed Lord by beautifully portraying the Christ Child in all His Divinity shedding light and life on a dark world of sin and death. The second icon of the Nativity, from the Office of Religious Education of the Byzantine Catholic Archeparchy of Pittsburgh, stressed how Christ's incarnation and birth renewed all of Creation. This icon showed by brilliant color all the figures in the gospel including the three Wise Men from the East, the shepherds working in the fields visited by angels announcing the Good News of Christ's birth, and
finally, the angels glorifying the mystery of God becoming man. ECF students Michael and Evan Pohlot, Coulton Manown and Mya Feher read the beautiful story of the Nativity that has captured the hearts of Christians for over 2,000 years and is the reason for the season of Christmas. Following the reading, students took wooden figures of the Nativity and placed them under the beautiful Christmas tree as a gesture of their love for the Christ child who came to give us life. Deacon John Hanchin led everyone in singing the Troparion for Christmas:
sisters of st. bail the great
Christmas on Mount St. Macrina Posted Dec. 27 on the Facebook page of the Sisters of St. Basil the Great at https://www.facebook.com/ sistersofstbasil.uniontown/: We hope you had a wonderful Christmas! We sure did. Here (is one of) the peaceful scenes around the Monastery. #SistersofStBasil #UniontownPA n
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Your Nativity O Christ our God Has shown to the world the light of knowledge For by it those that worshiped the stars Were taught by a star To worship you, the Son of Righteousness And to know you the Orient from on High O Lord, Glory to you
And, of course, St. Nicholas (Mike Desko Jr.) presented everyone with a treat after they sang the beloved hymn "O Who Loves, Nicholas the Saintly" ("O Kto Kto"). The program concluded as the lights were turned out in St. Mary Church hall and all sang "Silent Night." n
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thoughts for our day by Archpriest David M. Petras
the fruits of the epiclesis: communion an Upper Chamber gave the communion of the sacrament to those who were being initiated into the higher mysteries, that thereby might be shown on the one hand that God must come down to us,...and on the other
The first goal of the epiclesis, which was an invocation for those who receive the gifts, that this reception of the gifts may be for communion with one another. After all, the Liturgy does not seek the salvation of bread and wine, but of human beings, though certainly a theological case could be made that this salvation be achieved in union with all creation. The central aim of the Liturgy is expressed in the third gift of the epiclesis in the Anaphora of St. John Chrysostom, which is the main fruit of communion in the anaphora of St. Basil: "...that all of us who become partakers of this one bread and cup may be united with one another in the communion of the one Holy Spirit..." The basic meaning of communion (in Greek, koinonias) is "association," or "connexion," and in the life of the Church is applied to "communion," or "sharing" or "participating in." It can be applied to sharing in the divine life, to participating the eucharist, and to fellowship in the Christian community. In recent times it has become an important theological word, and in Greek, it has many dimensions. St. Irenaeus in the second century already uses it in regard to our union with God: "To as many as continue in their love towards God, does he grant communion with him, which is life and light, and the enjoyment of all the benefits he has in store." The best expression of communion may be from St. Gregory the Theologian: "Jesus himself in
The Divine Liturgy, then, is certainly the continuation and concrete expression of the mystery of the incarnation... that we must go up to him, and that so there should come to pass a communion of God with humans..." St. Gregory of Nyssa, in his work Contra Eunomium also applies communion to the mystery of the incarnation, in which Christ becomes human, and the "human weakness is changed for the better by its communion with the imperishable divine power." Communion may also mean "table fellowship," or "community life." Clement of Alexandria said that the virtue of "love," (in Greek, “agape”) is "communion in life." In the fourth century, it became a technical term for the reception of Communion. The fruit of the Liturgy, then, completes the blessing at the beginning of the eucharistic prayer, "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God and Father and the communion in the Holy Spirit, be with all of you" (2 Corinthians 13:13). The Divine Liturgy, then, is certainly the continuation and concrete expression of the mystery of the incarnation, by which
God and humanity are united, and we are united together in community, becoming the Body of Christ (Ephesians 1:22-23). The epiclesis, then, is the climax of the prayer that the priest began with a blessing: “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God and Father, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with all of you” (2 Corinthians 13:13). In the Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, this is the third gift of the invocation of the Holy Spirit, “That for those who partake of them they may bring about ... the communion of your Holy Spirit.” Then, before the Lord’s Prayer, we pray that receiving the gifts in Holy Communion may bring about that same blessing, “make us worthy to partake with a clear conscience of your heavenly and awesome mysteries from this sacred and spiritual table. May they bring about the remission of sins, the pardon of transgressions, the communion of the Holy Spirit.” The most ancient forms of the epiclesis were Communion invocations, that is, we prayed that through the reception of the gifts we might be transformed or deified. However, this includes the idea that the gifts were transformed into the real body and blood of Christ, for the action of God is one, and the gifts cannot deify as bread and wine, but only if they become the body and blood of Christ. Therefore, if “these gifts are to be for a fruitful communion, they must become the body and blood of Christ. We can see in the Fathers, then, the awesomeness in which they held the descent of the Holy Spirit on the gifts. We have already seen this in St.
John Chrysostom: "The priest stands, bringing down not fire, but the Holy Spirit; and he offers prayer at length, not that a fire may be kindled above and destroy the offering (1 Kings 18:34), but that grace may fall on the sacrifice through that prayer, and kindle the souls of all." The invocation of the Spirit should not be seen in isolation. It is a theme that runs through the Liturgy. Before the Gospel, the priest prays, “let the pure light of your divine knowledge shine brightly in our hearts and open the eyes of our minds that we may understand the proclamation of your gospel.” The Spirit is not mentioned explicitly, but he is the “wisdom” of God which gives us understanding, as promised by Jesus, “but when he comes, the Spirit of truth, he will guide you to all truth” (John 16:13, cf. 14:26). In the Prayers of the Faithful, the priest looks forward to the coming of the Spirit and defines his role as the one who invokes the coming of the Spirit, “enable us, whom you placed in this your ministry through the power of the Holy Spirit, to call upon you at all times and in all places. (First Prayer of the Faithful, Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom) This is even more explicit in the Liturgy of St. Basil, through the power of your Holy Spirit, enable us for this service so that, standing without condemnation before your holy glory, we may offer you a sacrifice of praise. (First Prayer of the Faithful) Our common prayer, then, is offered in the Spirit, who brings us together in Communion in his love for us. n
BYZANTINE DIVINE LITURGY View Liturgical Services (various times) streamed LIVE online at:
St. John the Baptist Cathedral, Munhall, Pa. www.stjohnsbyzantinecathedral.com
St. John Chrysostom, Pittsburgh, Pa. www.sjcbcc.com
Holy Ghost, McKees Rocks, Pa. www.youtube.com then type Holy Ghost Church Live Stream
St. Gregory, Upper St. Clair, Pa. www.facebook.com/stgregoryusc
SS. Peter and Paul, Braddock, Pa. https://www.facebook.com/SSPeterPaulBraddock/
St. Michael, Campbell, Ohio www.facebook.com/st.michaelsbyz.campbell
St. Elias, Munhall, Pa. www.facebook.com/St-Elias-Byzantine-Catholic-Church-157868411675213
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A child is born in Bethlehem
faithful visit annual live nativity at mount st. macrina in uniontown, pa.
Hundreds of cars waited in line Dec. 15 to view Mount Macrina Manor’s Drive-Thru Live Nativity, which was held on the grounds of Mount St. Macrina in Uniontown, Pa. The Sisters of St. Basil the Great, St. George Maronite Youth Organization and the Anchor Fellowship Church sung Christmas carols. Angels passed out candy canes to visitors. n
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liturgical schedule at the Seminary “Come, let us sing joyfully to the Lord”
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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 January: 1 to 3 4 5 6 to 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 to 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
No servicwes 9 a.m. Divine Liturgy (R), 5 p.m. Great Vespers (R) Sunday Before Theophany 7 a.m. Festal Matins with Divine Liturgy (R) No services 7 a.m. 1st Hour with Divine Liturgy (M), 4 p.m. Great Blessing of Water and Seminary House Blessing (R) 9 a.m. Divine Liturgy (R), 5 p.m. Great Vespers (M) Sunday after Theophany 7 a.m. Festal Matins (R), 8:30 p.m. Small Compline (R) 8-9 a.m. Communal Silence in Chapel, 9 a.m. Third Hour (R) Leave Taking (Otdanije) of Theophany 7 a.m. Divine Liturgy (R) 7 a.m. 1st Hour (R) 7 a.m. Matins (R) 7 a.m. Great Doxology with Divine Liturgy (M), 4 p.m. Great Vespers (M) 9 a.m. Divine Liturgy (R), 5 p.m. Great Vespers (R) 32nd Sunday after Pentecost 7 a.m. Festal Orthros with Divine Liturgy (M) 8-9 a.m. Communal Silence in Chapel, 9 a.m. Third Hour (R) 7 a.m. 6th Hour (R) 7 a.m. Divine Liturgy (R) for the unity of all Christians 7 a.m. Paraklesis (M) for all victims of abortion No services Sunday of Zacchaeus 8:30 p.m. Small Compline (R) 8-9 a.m. Communal Silence in Chapel, 9 a.m. Third Hour (R) 7 a.m. Akathist Hymn to the Three Holy Hierarchs (R) 7 a.m. Divine Liturgy (R) Three Holy Hierarchs 7 a.m. Divine Liturgy (R) 7 a.m. Divine Liturgy (M), 4 p.m. Daily Vespers with 9th Kathisma (R)
(M) Melkite
Christmas says, “You are loved”
(R) Ruthenian
had nothing to give. He was extremely poor," the pope said. "As the others were competing to offer their gifts, he stood apart, embarrassed." "At a certain point, St. Joseph and Our Lady found it hard to receive all the gifts, especially Mary, who had to hold the baby. Seeing that shepherd with empty hands, she asked him to draw near. And she put the baby Jesus in his arms," the pope continued. Receiving Jesus, the shepherd "became aware of having received what he did not deserve, of holding in his arms the greatest gift of all time," the pope said. "He looked at his hands, those hands that seemed to him always empty; they had become the cradle of God." The shepherd, feeling loved and overcoming his embarrassment, "began to show Jesus to the others, for he could not keep for himself the gift of gifts," the pope said. "Dear brother, dear sister, if your hands seem empty, if you think your heart is poor in love, this night is for you," the pope said. "The grace of God has appeared, to shine forth in your life. Accept it and the light of Christmas will shine forth in you." In Jesus, the pope said, the Almighty "made himself tiny, so that we might love him." St. Paul described the coming of Jesus as "grace," he said, because it means something
dates to remember jan. 1 Feast of the Circumcision of our Lord Feast of St. Basil the Great New Year’s Day jan. 6 Feast of the Theophany jan. 18 Ordination to the Presbyterate of Deacon Thomas Wells St. John, Houston, Texas jan. 20 Sunday of of the Publican and Pharisee jan. 20 Martin Luther King Jr. Day National observance jan. 24 March for Life Washington, D.C. See more upcoming events at www.archpitt.org the byzantine catholic world
completely free. God's gift of Jesus is not something anyone deserves or anyone can ever repay. Christmas is a reminder, the pope said, that "when we failed to measure up, God became small for our sake; while we were going about our own business, he came into our midst." "Christmas reminds us that God continues to love us all, even the worst of us." Preaching in a packed basilica, to an overflow crowd watching on screens in St. Peter's and to millions of television viewers worldwide, Pope Francis said God's message at Christmas is, "I love you and I will always love you, for you are precious in my eyes." "God does not love you because you think and act the right way. He loves you, plain and simple," he said. "You may have made a complete mess of things, but the Lord continues to love you." The only thing people need to do with God's grace is accept it and let themselves be loved by God, he said. "To accept this grace means being ready to give thanks in return," he said. "Often we live our lives with such little gratitude. Today is the right day to draw near to the tabernacle, the creche, the manger, and to say thank you." Receiving the gift of Jesus, believers should try to be like him by being a gift for others, the pope said. n
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