THE OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE ARCHEPARCHY OF PITTSBURGH
the first commandment
celebrating mother’s day
Parishes in the Archeparchy celebrate mothers Page 7 to 8
Reflection by Father Vasyl Symyon Page 4
Inside
VOL. 65
From the heart st, michael in campbell, ohio celebrates “virtual spirit week”
NO. 6
JUNE 2020
signs of the times Children at Ascension of Our Lord in Clairton, Pa. get crafry Page 10
“The Gospel of St. John as a Paschal Gospel” annual seminary lecture presented online Press release
St. Michael in Campbell, Ohio celebrated “Virtual Spirit Week” April 20 to 24, as parishioners were asked to post photos for each day’s theme, including “Parish Pride Day” and “Stroll Down Memory Lane,” on the parish’s Facebook page.” Father Kevin Marks is pastor. For more photos, see page 9.
How are you? faithful share thoughts on living through a pandemic by David Mayernik Jr. Editor
How are you? It’s a question often posed to others during our daily routine at work, home and church. But in recent days — living through a global pandemic — the query has become more honest and the answers not as superficial. The Byzantine Catholic World reached out to the faithful of the Archeparchy of Pittsburgh
and asked the question: “How are you?” The answers are insightful and inspiring. (And edited for space, clarity and content.) n The Andrew Glaid family from St. John’s Cathedral has been busy during the quarantine. We made a dozen face masks for various people. My daughter has taken food to both of her grandparents. We contribute to
local food drives, Mostly, we talk to family and friends by telephone or Zoom conference calls. Zoom calls make everyone happy and ease the social isolation at this time. I have taught many people how to “Zoom.” We also watch the online streaming Liturgies every Sunday as a family event. Marjorie Glaid St. John the Baptist Cathedral, Munhall, Pa.
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Accomplished author and skillful teacher Very Rev. Dr. John Behr of Saint Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary in Yonkers, N.Y., was the speaker at the 20th annual SS. Cyril and Methodius Lecture of the Byzantine Catholic Seminary on May 7. The lecture was livestreamed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Father Behr spoke on “The Gospel of St. John as a Paschal Gospel.” The entire lecture can be viewed through the Seminary’s website or it can also be accessed through the Seminary’s YouTube channel. The lecture was attended live by over 120 viewers, and hundreds more have had a chance to benefit from Father Behr’s expertise in this topic, first demonstrated in his work, John the Theologian and His Paschal Gospel: A Prologue to Theology (Oxford University Press 2019). Father John lost no time in leading his audience along an ever-heightening path of appreciating why it is not accidental for the Byzantine Tradition to read the Gospel of John during the Paschal liturgical season. Of particular interest was the painting of a many-faceted picture of John the Theologian not simply standing under the cross as a witness to the crucifixion, but who is presiding as the new high priest over the sacrifice of the new paschal lamb. But this lamb is not just any human Story continued on page 3