THE OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE ARCHEPARCHY OF PITTSBURGH
how are you?, part two
Inside
More thoughts from faithful on living through a pandemic Page 4
VOL. 65
honoring the fallen Priests of the Archeparchy bless graves on Memorial Day Page 6 to 7
Welcome home faithful return to parishes as coronavirus restrictions eased
NO. 7
JULY 2020
“you’re a grand old flag” Old Glory waves proudly on Flag Day Page 9
Longing and caution not everyone in italy is ready to return by Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service
past his house in Mount Lebanon, Pa. "I was so very surprised. You could have bowled me over. They kept it a secret from me...of all the people who ever knew about it, nobody 'spilled it out'. I knew nothing about it," George said. "They wouldn't let me go outside where they had all the preparations and everything. Then I heard someone say,
VATICAN CITY — When Italy began allowing Masses with the faithful again, Pope Francis stopped livestreaming his early morning liturgy, encouraging people to return to Mass in person. Three weeks later, at his Angelus address, he reminded Catholics that "it remains necessary to follow the rules in force carefully because they are rules that help us to prevent the virus from gaining ground" again. The opportunity to return to Mass -- with restrictions -- since May 18, and the need for ongoing vigilance to control the COVID-19 pandemic have combined in Italy to create a situation in which some people rushed back to Mass and others were convinced it was too soon to be safe. The fear factor naturally has a geographical component, looming larger in cities and towns that lost more of their people to the virus. Msgr. Fabio Zucchelli, pastor of the cathedral in Bergamo -- the epicenter of Italy's contagion and death -- said the first Mass with a congregation "was a moment of joy," but there also was a nagging sense of "exhaustion, of feeling a bit lost because of the destruction, remembering all those who died and those who are still sick." The province of Bergamo has a population of about 1.1 million people; as of June 9, the number of people who had contracted COVID-19 was 13,661 and 3,098 had died. The government-imposed regulations for social distancing
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Parishes of the Archeparchy welcomed back faithful starting the weekend of May 30 to 31, as restrictions due to the coronavirus were eased. Clockwise from left: St. Elias in Munhall, Pa.; Very Rev. Andrew Deskevich delivers homily at St. John the Baptist Cathedral in Munhall, Pa.; and masks, hand sanitizer and an electronic thermometer greet parishioners at St. Gregory in Upper St. Clair, Pa.
Singing God’s praises through life st. gregory cantor george tichi celebrates 90 years by David Mayernik Jr. Editor
After George Tichi left the operating room following bypass surgery to alleviate blocked arteries in 2000, the first words out of his mouth was a Troparion. "When I was coming out of the anesthetic, I vaguely remember I was singing the Troparion from Theophany," said the cantor at St. Gregory in Upper St. Clair, Pa. of 45 years. "The nurses and doctor were
startled; (they) wanted to know what I was saying. The nurse there recognized the melody as being a religious melody. “I still know the Slavonic rendition of it today. I can sing it off the top of my head." After turning 90 years old May 24, George is still using his voice to praise God. The coronavirus situation didn't put a damper on his birthday party, as 34 honking cars filled with family and friends from St. Gregory drove
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JULY 2020
letter from mount st. macrina
Important announcement regarding Pilgrimage
UPS 081500 ISSN 07442289
May 27, 2020
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: 23rd of the month prior to the month of publication.
The Byzantine Catholic World is a member of the Catholic Press Association.
Glory to Jesus Christ! My dear Friends, As we put up our 2020 calendars, I’m sure we did so hoping to fill each page with many plans, hopes, goals, and aspirations. We had it all figured out… Needless to say, having passed through one fourth of this year, the picture looks entirely different. We all find ourselves in situations that we never expected or imagined stretching our faith and trust. We need to dig deep into our spiritual treasure chest for encouragement. One phrase I like to remember is: “The only way to stay above the water is to trust the One who walked on the waves.” When we make plans, I imagine the Lord looks down upon us, shaking his head and smiling as He looks at what is actually on the horizon. So what do we do? We trust, we pray, we hold our plans with open hands. We surrender them to Him. Such has been our need as Sisters of St. Basil. We met, we discussed, we came up with ideas and plans to celebrate our 100th anniversary – a Century of Ministry to the Byzantine Catholic Church. Then COVID-19 arrived on the scene, and everything changed. We, too, need to remember that just because what’s going on now doesn’t feel good, it doesn’t mean God’s not working. Worrying does not empty tomorrow of its troubles, it empties today of its strength. We, too, strive to give up control and allow the Spirit of God to lead our lives. One of the most difficult changes that we need to accept is the decision to cancel the Pilgrimage gathering in honor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help. In the interest of safety and well-being of all, we will follow the lead of so many others and adhere to the guidelines provided. It is our intent, however, to work on providing a series of internet services which pilgrims can watch from their own homes. So, this year we will be making a pilgrimage of the “heart” rather than a pilgrimage of the “feet”.
mission
We know that all of you are likewise going through your own life changes and adjustments. Together, we Sisters and friends are like a quilt with lots of different shapes, sizes, colors, and patterns. Together, through our prayers for each other, we find warmth and comfort in a support system that makes our lives richer and fuller. Together, we discover God’s plan for us.
The mission of The Byzantine
With our loving prayers and support,
Catholic World is to spread the Gospel message in the
Sister Ruth Plante, OSBM
rich tradition of the Byzantine
Provincial
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. the byzantine catholic world
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Parishes broadcast Liturgies via internet Here is the most current list of parishes broadcasting Sunday Liturgies and other services to Faithful via their websites and social media sites such as Facebook. For an updated list, check the front page of the Archeparchy of Pittsburgh’s website at archpitt.org: Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, Munhall, Pa. www.stjohnsbyzantinecathedral. com n 9 a.m. Sunday
n
Holy Ghost, McKees Rocks, Pa. www.holyghost-byzantinecatholic. org WEDO Radio 810 AM n 9 a.m. Sunday St. John Chrysostom Pittsburgh, Pa. www.sjcbcc.com St. Michael Campbell, Ohio n 10:30 a.m. Sunday www.facebookcom/st.michaelbyz. campbell St. Gregory Upper St. Clair, Pa. n 6 p.m. Saturday www.facebook.com/stgregoryusc n 11a.m. Sunday n 9:30 a.m. Sunday St. Elias Munhall, Pa. St. Stephen www.facebook.com/ North Huntingdon, Pa. StEliasByzantine CatholicChurch/ www.facebook.com/ ststephenbyzantinecatholicchurch n 9 a.m. Sunday n 10:30 a.m. Sunday
Note: check parish websites for schedule of Divine Services
Cantor Institute classes free through July
Glory to Jesus Christ! As the Byzantine Catholic Seminary, we continue the mission mandate of our Lord Jesus Christ, “…teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you…” (Matthew 28:20). As a Catholic community of formation, we discern and nurture the gift of vocation granted by the Holy Spirit to those men called to a life of ordained ministry. Also, as a theological center and resource for lifelong learning, we hand on the Tradition of the Christian East for those men and women who seek to serve and enrich the life of the Church and to engage the world in theological reflection, dialogue, and witness.
n Subdeacon Michael David Kunitz (M.Div.) n Mr. Jordan Scott Eugene Lammers (M.A.T.) The Religious Gift Shop at Mount St. Macrina has re-opened
regarding any changes. Please stay tuned and thank you for your continued support. You are required to wear a mask while shopping at the Religious Gift Shop and please maintain social distance. For further information, call 724-439-6180. n
Volunteers needed at Mount St. Macrina The Sisters of St. Basil the Great cancelled this year’s Helping Hands Day, originally scheduled for June 6, but volunteers are still needed for outside and inside work. For information, call Siser Joanne Lickvar at 724-4388644.
Sunday visitors
Religious Gift Shop at Mount St. Macrina reopens The Religious Gift Shop at Mount St. Macrina is now open 12:30-3:30 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Further announcements will be made
celebrating our 2020 graduates
Looking with hope to the service of the Church’s future leaders, ministers, and scholars, our Seminary of SS. Cyril and Methodius is pleased to announce the following graduates who have, since the beginning of 2020, completed all requirements and been granted their diplomas:
Bulletin Board
n In order to bring new cantors into our church and provide continuing education for current ones, all online classes of the Metopolitan Cantor Institute are free through July 31. To find out more, go to http://mci.archpitt. org/classes. n On July 14 to 17, Deacon Jeffrey Mierzejewski of the Metropolitan Cantor Institute, will be teaching a live online course titled “From the Altar and the Ambo: Chant for Priests and Deacons.” This class will cover the history and spirit of our plain chant, the basics of singing, and how to work effectively with cantors and singing congregations. Any clergy interested in our chant, or who could use help with their singing, are invited to register; the class is free. To find out more: http://mci. archpitt.org/classes/clergy. n
LETTER FROM THE SEMINARY
n Father Thomas Stephen Wells (M.Div.) n Deacon Paul Richard Varchola West (M.Div.) n Subdeacon Alexei Daniel
Gregory Woltornist (M.A.T.) Metropolitan William Skurla, by virtue of the authority vested in the Byzantine Catholic Seminary by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and upon the recommendation of our Board of Directors, Administrative Staff, and Faculty, has conferred upon the above-named their degrees with all the rights and privileges pertaining thereto. We congratulate our graduates and ask that God bless them and all their future endeavors. Holy Fathers Cyril and Methodius, pray to God for us. Father Robert Pipta Rector, Byzantine Catholic Seminary of SS. Cyril and Methodius
A family of turkeys visited St. Gregory in Upper St. Clair, Pa. May 24.
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reflection from dubois, pa.
God grants us inspiration to create a New Jubilee By Deacon Paul Boboige Nativity of the Mother of God, DuBois, Pa.
Mid-Pentecost We d n e s d a y, 2020 Acts 14:6-18 John 7:14-30 Christ is Risen! God is truly a mystery to us creatures. In this Gospel people claimed to know God better than Jesus. Some scoffed at the son of a carpenter and wanted him to keep quiet and go away. Others were amazed at the miracle but couldn't understand what Jesus was teaching. Has humanity really changed? We still have people who claim the Gospel is fable; others claim
Christianity but don't know why it conflicts so much with society. Others say they are disciples but judge others. Like those in the Gospel we don't seem to distinguish the contrast between God and Man; we want to bring ourselves up by bringing God down to conform to our liking. It is difficult to accept the gift of Theosis when we fail to bow to God's will. We are stained by sin....every sin of every human, whether it be a "white lie," abortion of the most defenseless, or mass murder...sin harms humanity and Creation. One should not wonder why we have a global pandemic which is becoming a worldwide depression with mass starvation. God doesn't send punishment; we inflict it upon ourselves because we
succumb to the evil one instead of accepting God's call for us to be absorbed in his Love. The Epistle readings in this Pascal season are from Acts of the Apostle. Christ promised a Paraclete to the Apostles who assembled in cenacles of prayers. Through the Divine Name of Jesus people were healed from the passing shadow of Peter. The Holy Trinity's inspiration brought salvation to Gentiles, reaching to the four corners of the earth. In the city where people demanded that Jesus be crucified, 500 people were converted to Christianity with just one sermon from Peter. Can you see the relationship of these events to that of today? Despair was prevalent at the burial of Jesus, just as we are
How are you? Part Two
a despairing people today. Christ's Resurrection from the dead; the then unknown Holy Spirit came upon the disciples and the world was renewed. God offers the same to us now, for God is unchanging. Through the despair of the destruction of the status quo God grants us the inspiration to create a NEW JUBILEE, a renewed Creation under the tutelage of the Holy Spirit. It is time for leadership to turn despair into hope; to change destruction to re-creation; to dismantle the upper and lower classes and to respect each human life as an IMAGE OF GOD. But first, ponder this .......Will we hear the Holy Spirit? Christos voskrese! n
BRIEFS A Celebration of Marriage Metropolitan William Skurla and the Byzantione Catholic Archeparchy of Pittsburgh will be celebrating all those couples celebrating milestone wedding anniversaries of 10, 25, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60 and beyond years during his calendar year of 2020. The tentaitive, in-person celebration is set for 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 13. More details will follow if the in-person celebration can take place. n
Last month, The Byzantine Catholic World published responses from faithful of the Archeparchy of Pittsburgh to a question that has been often posed to each other during the past few months: How are you? Here are some additional answers to the query. We belong to St. Pius Byzantine Catholic Church in Carrick. My son, Brent Kolesar, would like to answer the question "What is the hardest part of social distancing?" The hardest part is learning a new way of going to school through distance learning. He would like to do it as a collage of photos. They are (1) doing school work on a school laptop through Schoology; (2) walking to school to pick up a school breakfast and lunch; (3) school lunch table (not shown); (4) a photo of the West Mifflin Middle School Titans sign; and (5) family time after school playing pingpong.
Mt. Macrina Manor COVID-19 Update The following was posted June 25 on Mt. Macrina Manor’s Facebook page: To Our Residents and Family Members Regarding the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Since March 6, 2020, Mt. Macrina Manor has had 3 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the facility. Currently, there are no positive cases, and no individuals who are exhibiting new respiratory symptoms. These cumulative numbers will be updated regularly as required. The facility is following the guidance and direction of federal, state and local agencies as well as public health officials; and will continue to make adjustments as those directives change. n
Kim Kolesar St. Pius X, Carrick, Pa.
n Holy Spirit in Oakland, Pa. parishioners have been making masks for first responders, keeping the church grounds trimmed and blooming, taking meals to elderly, and calling other members to check on them and keep in touch. Mary Dzurichko
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text messages
reflection from mount st. macrina
There’s no place like home by David Mayernik Jr. Editor
I did something on June 7 I haven’t done in a long time. Almost three months, in fact. I went to church. With Allegheny County entering the “Green Phase” June 5, churches in Archeparchy of Pittsburgh have begun reopening their doors to faithful. It was nice to be back at St. Gregory in Upper St. Clair, Pa., or in our “home,” as Father Valerian described it during his homily. “And I will continue with this greeting (‘welcome home’) until we all come back to worship here, in your home, as children of God,” he said, My mom, Dorothy Mayernik, took the temperatures of people entering the church using a non-contact thermometer and Purell was offered to ensure clean hands. Faithful sat six feet away from each other and everyone wore masks. I thought it was certainly a more than safe environment. For the first time, I sat in the chapel in the back of the church, near the “command center” of computer monitors which displays the livestream of the Liturgy on Facebook. com. I was worried I would need to pull up my mask from over my mouth to take a good breath and I didn’t want to be anywhere close to anyone. Following the Liturgy, Father
Valerian Michlik greeted parishioners outside in front of the church instead of in his customary spot in the vestibule. There were lots of “good to see you!” and “I’ve missed seeing you!” comments exchanged among the people. All the changes and precautions at St. Gregory, prompted Father Val to ask me how it felt to be back. I promptly said it was happy to return. But after considering the question, I thought about it: What is church to me? Well, it’s a gathering of faithful coming together to praise and to worship God. “Yes, here you are at home because you are in God’s house. And we, together, are his church,” Father Valerian said. “As we know from previous homilies, the meaning of that word ‘church’...means what? ‘Assembly of God’s holy people’.” In uncertain times — such as during a global pandemic — our faith can certainly be nourished at home through a livestream broadcast of the Divine Liturgy. But there’s something about being around people that makes it more joyful. Even an introvert like myself can admit that. I’ve missed being around people, whether cheering together for a Pittsburgh Penguins playoff victory or watching the most recent Marvel Studios production in a movie theater. But I’ve especially missed it at church Because it is home. n
Always, our call is to be loving 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 Sept. 6, 2019 reflection and is Part 9 of her “Fruits of the Holy Spirit” series. Glory to Jesus Christ! Are you a lover? I'm always trying to be a better lover. We are created in love and for love. This is God's way. In Baptism, Chrismation, we are renewed in this love and sent forth to love others. We're nourished in the Eucharist for this. Today I want to talk about the last Fruit of the Spirit: chastity. This relates to our sexuality, of course, and sexuality is that gift of God in us that helps us to seek to go “out of ourselves" and to seek intimacy with others. The opposite of chastity would be selfishness, self-centeredness, being manipulative, being crude about sexual things. Chasity is a Fruit of the Holy Spirit and we need the Holy
St. Gregory in Upper St. Clair, Pa. has reopened to the public. Photo from June 7 livestream on Facebook.com.
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Spirit's help to have the right attitude and understand the right practices about chastity, about our own gift of sexuality placed there by God so we are co-creators with Him. A right attitude would be that of giving of yourself generously; that of respectful words and attitudes toward sexuality, toward intimacy; and the holy gift of God, a right attitude -— chastity — would help us also in teaching the next generation of respect about sexuality in an age when it's hard to find the right words and right attitudes in the public. There are right practices taught us by the holy Catholic Church as well. The acts of sexuality — physical acts — are for those who are married, men and women married to each other, so they are cocreators with God. Always when we are seeking to grow in this Fruit of the Holy Spirit, let us be aware when our attitudes are heading toward the negative and ask God's help to draw back and also seek help to grow in the positive attitudes: how to respect ourselves, how to respect other people, how to give generously in a loving way. Always, our call is to be loving. God bless you. n
parish news JULY 2020
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st. john the baptist cathedral in munhall, pa.
Many happy returns
Solemn moments
St. John the Baptist Cathedral in Munhall, Pa. welsomed faithful back May 30 for the first public Divine Liturgy as the coronavirus restrictions begin to ease. n
Very Rev. Andrew Deskevich celebrated a Panachida service on Memorial Day, May 25, at the Cathedral’s Cemetery in Munhall, Pa. for those who served our nation past and present. n
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Honoring the fallen parishes commemorate memorial day 2020 st. michael in campbell, ohio
st. elias in munhall, pa.
Father Kevin Marks blessed graves May 25, Memorial Day, at St. Michael Cemetery in Campbell, Ohio. n
Boy Scouts from Pack 15 and Troop 15 placed American flags and holders on the graves of veterans May 23 in St. Elias Cemetery in West Mifflin, Pa. in preparation for Memorial Day. Parishioners and other friends and family helped the Scouts. Flags and holders were provided by the Catholic War Veterans. May their Memory be Eternal! n
st. mary in weirton, w. va. by Father Vasyl Symyon St. Mary, Weiron, W. Va.
Yesterday we celebrated the annual tradition of the Blessing
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of the Graves. In blessed repose, grant, O Lord, eternal rest unto Thy departed servants and make their memory eternal! n
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JULY 2020
st. stephen in north hUNTINGDON, PA.
Top of the pops St. Stephen in North Huntingdon, Pa. posted photos of living and deceased fathers sent in by parishioners on its Facebook page in celebration of Father’s Day June 21. n
Blessed Memory of William (Bill) Timko, father of Karen Ianni & Eileen Stulak, founding member of St. Stephen’s Parish and the church’s “official” photographer for many years.
Blessed Memory of Stephen Crockett, father of Ann Andrejcak; and Mike Andrejcak Sr., father of Mike Andrejcak.
Blessed Memory of Russell Prodan. We miss you. Love always. Cindy and Sandy
Blessed Memory of George Yarosik, father of Dave Yarosik. We miss you
Blessed Memory Joseph Hreha and Henry Frishof We love and miss you!
Blessed Memory of Doug Liebel, father of Janet Belliveau Yarosik. We miss you!
Happy Father’s Day to Dave Yarosik. We love you. You’re Penelope’s and Theodora’s best Pap!
Mike Polczynski Happy Father’s Day! We love you to the moon and back!
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Barry Frishof We love you Pappy! Happy Father’s Day!
JULY 2020
parish news
continued
Celebrating Flag Day st. michael in campbell, ohio
st. gregory in upper st. clair, pa.
by Father Kevin Marks St. Michael, Campbell, Ohio
by Father Valerian Michlik St. Gregory, Upper St. Clair, Pa.
On June 14, our St. Michael Church in Campbell, Ohio celebrated Flag Day after the Sunday Divine Liturgy. A new American flag along with a new Papal flag were solemnly blessed and raised.
Those in attendance recited the pledge of allegiance followed by the singing of the National Anthem. A special thank you to GCU lodge 360 for purchasing the new flags and sponsoring the ceremonial program. n
On June 14, parishioners of St. Gregory Byzantine Catholic Church in Upper St. Clair, Pa. following the Divine Liturgy gathered in front of the Church to honor the flag of the United States. This was a wonderful celebration as we honored the flag of the United States which represents freedom and has always been an enduring symbol of our country’s ideals since its early days. n
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ss. peter and paul in warren, ohio
st. michael in campbell, ohio
First Solemn Communion Dual celebration by Father Kevin Marks St. Michael, Campbell, Ohio
On June 20, three young parishioners of St. Michael in Campbell, Ohio received their First Confession and Solemn Communion.
At the Divine Liturgy, Cara Hileman, Carson Brown, and Noah Kusky renewed their baptismal promises and received a Bible, prayer book, an icon, and certificate on their special day. n
Front: Aubrey Vokish, Communicant Noah Kusky, Communicant Cara Hileman, Communicant Carson Brown, Christopher Vokish, and Caitlyn Hileman. Back: Seminarian John Welch, Father Kevin E. Marks and ECF teacher Keri Vokish.
Pentecost party time by Father Kevin Marks St. Michael, Campbell, Ohio
It’s “Pentecost” Party Time! On May 27, our parish children “virtually” wished Happy Birthday to the Church while learning about Pentecost. The kiddos partied it up by wearing green, donning flame
party headbands and playing games such as an in-house “Gifts of the Holy Spirit” Scavenger Hunt and “I Spy With My Little “I”con.” They wrapped up the party by singing “Happy Birthday” and enjoying whatever dessert they had at home. n
by Sister Barbara Pavlik, OSB
The weekend of June 6 to 7 marked two events that called for a celebration: the re-opening of SS. Peter and Paul in Warren, Ohio and the milestone 70th birthday of Father Simeon Sibenik. To have access to the livestream Divine Liturgies was a real blessing during this COVID-19 pandemic, but there is no comparison to a Divine Liturgy with a real live congregation, singing their hearts out! That was SS. Peter and Paul Parish during this weekend. Before his homily, Father Simeon welcomed our parishioners and also told them that he wanted to share his birthday cake with them. After each Divine Liturgy, our “masked” parishioners, observing social distancing, exited the church through the
Social Hall. Each received a delicious, homemade cupcake, beautifully decorated with a rose and the number “70.” The cupcakes were individually and attractively packaged “to-go.” It was a surprise “welcome home” for the 110 parishioners who attended and a “Happy 70th Birthday” for Father Simeon. n
Father’s Day by Sister Barbara Pavlik, OSB
We love to celebrate and we even look for things to celebrate at SS. Peter and Paul in Warren, Ohio! Father’s Day was no exception! With the COVID-19 stay-athome orders, many people were planting gardens and doing a lot of yard work. The men of our parish each received a healthy “ready-to-beplanted” hot or sweet pepper
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plant as a token of our love and appreciation of our fathers. We hope they will bear enough peppers to be enjoyed all summer long. Our mothers were not forgotten. Pink begonias were planted around SS. Peter and Paul to honor our mothers for Mother’s Day! We are optimistically looking forward to 2021 and praying that the COVID-19 virus will be a thing of the past! n
JULY 2020
parish news
Hats off to grads!
First Confession Congratulations to Elizabeth Rivers and Julia Wendt who made their First Confession May 30 and their First Solemn
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st. john the baptist in scottdale, pa.
st. mary in weirton, w. va.
by Father Vasyl Symyon St. Mary, Weiron, W. Va.
continued
Communion May 31, the Feast of Pentecost. May God grant Elizabeth and Julia many happy and blessed years! n
Father Oleh Seremchuk celebrated a mass June 7 for graduating seniors at St. John the Baptist in Scottdale, Pa. Pictured with Father Oleh are: Marie Catalina,
Southmoreland High School; Blaise Wisniewski, Penn State University; and Courtney Mitchell, West Virginia University. n
ss. peter and paul in erie, pa.
Sacraments received
Three young men received sacraments at SS. Peter and Paul in Erie, Pa. Father John Mihalco is pastor. n Kasey J. Komisarski, son of Brian and Kirstin Komisarski, received the sacraments of Baptism, Chrismation, First Confession, and First Holy Communion April 25. n Elijah E. Lican, son of Josh and Nicole Lican, received the sacrament of First Confession and Solemn Communion May 2. n Vladimir I. Cerula, son of Mark and Andrea Cerula, received the sacrament of First Confession and Solemn Communion May 9. n
st. elias in munhall, pa.
Together again by Mary Caryl Planiczki St. Elias, Munhall, Pa.
It was wonderful to be celebrating Divine Liturgy together again at St. Elias in Munhall, Pa. May 31 for the
Kasey J. Komisarski
Elijah E. Lican
Vladimir I. Cerula
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Feast of Pentecost. Thank you to Father Robert Pipta for concelebrating with Father Vitalii Stashkevych on this joyous occasion. n
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Longing and caution not everyone in italy is ready to return continued from page 1 mean 160 people can attend each of the four Sunday Masses at the cathedral, Msgr. Zucchelli said June 10. "Up to now we have not reached the maximum." "Certainly, it is clear there are fewer people at Mass, but everything here is starting slowly, slowly -- stores, restaurants, businesses," he said. "A pastor must have great patience, great respect for where people are and, at the same time, accompany them simply and serenely, showing them that all the health regulations are being respected and that life goes on." Father Giorgio Giovanelli, pastor of St. Maria Goretti Parish in Fano, about 180 miles northeast of Rome, told Catholic News Service, "Just the joy of being together again was overwhelming" at the first Mass. "It was like we'd been in a war and then people started coming out of the bunkers," he said. "There was a sense of, 'We did it. We made it.'" Although two of the three Sunday Masses have reached the maximum of 150 people, "the community is divided between those who returned immediately and those who are afraid," he said. "Fear is legitimate and understandable," so he is livestreaming the parish Masses on Facebook. Father Giovanelli's parents, who are in their 80s, live about 6 miles away, and he was overjoyed to be able to visit them when Italy began easing its strict lockdown. But they have not returned to Mass; "I told them to stay home for now." One of his parishioners, Andrea Montalbini, did not see his parents for a month either -- and they live in an apartment in the same building. It was especially hard on Montalbini's two small children, "who were down there 10 times a day" before the pandemic. His parents are 83 and 76, he said, "and it cost them a lot not being able to go to Mass," so when the faithful could attend again, his folks went. "The desire was stronger than the fear." Even though "we have never gone two and a half months without going to Mass," Montalbini told CNS June 8 that he, his wife and children are not going back yet.
Father Giorgio Giovanelli, pastor of St. Maria Goretti Parish in Fano, about 180 miles northeast of Rome, celebrates Mass with parishioners wearing masks and following social distancing rules May 24, 2020. The priest said, "The joy of being together again was overwhelming" when Italy allowed Masses with the faithful to resume May 18. Catholic News Service photo courtesy Parish of St. Maria Goretti.
Italy's super-lockdown frightened the children, he said. After three months of trying to reassure them while convincing them the lockdown was necessary, "we cannot act now like it was nothing. We want to guide our children and show them that we still must be attentive." As soon as Masses resumed, Valentina Sticca, another of Father Giovanelli's parishioners, put on a mask and latex gloves and walked to the church. "The bells were ringing," she said. "I felt like I was going to Mass for the first time." Fear of unknowingly spreading or catching the virus is still there, she said, "but it's there at the supermarket, too. We must live with it. We need to be prudent and responsible for ourselves and others, but we also need to show that we are a community."
Father Gianni Cioli, a professor and administrator of the small parish of San Giusto a Ema, near Florence, said his church building is so tiny that he has been celebrating Mass outside since May 18. Still, with the social distancing required, a maximum of only 27 faithful can attend at one time. As of June 8, there had not been a Mass with all the seats full. The normal, preCOVID attendance at each Sunday Mass in the small town was about 20 people, he said. The Italian government has told people not to go to Mass if they have a fever or if, in the previous 14 days, they have interacted with someone with the coronavirus. And the Archdiocese of Florence, like other Italian dioceses, Father Cioli said, has told the faithful they are not obliged to go to Mass if they are elderly, have a preexisting
Father Davide Carbonaro, pastor of the Rome's Santa Maria in Campitelli parish, celebrates Mass May 18, 2020, the first day Masses with a congregation were allowed after the COVID-19 lockdown. Father Carbonaro told Catholic News Service he had been longing to celebrate with a congregation again, because "a pastor without his parishioners --obviously, something essential is missing." Catholic News Service photo/Stefano Dal Pozzolo.
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health condition or live with or take care of someone who is particularly vulnerable to the virus. "But some elderly people have been coming," Father Cioli said. The norms Italy put in place for Masses with a congregation include requiring all the faithful to wear a mask throughout the liturgy and obliging the celebrating priest to wear a mask and disposable gloves during the distribution of Communion. "I was a bit unsure at first," Father Cioli told CNS. "I was afraid of doing something wrong with the mask and gloves, and I wanted to do everything possible to avoid contaminating anything." Nichole Parker, a member of parish council at the U.S. parish in Rome, St. Patrick's, told CNS June 8 that she and her family continue to watch the parish Mass online. "It's not the same," she said, "but it just doesn't seem right to go back yet." "We have a couple people in our family with compromised immunity, so we decided to wait," she said, adding that she was grateful to her pastor, Paulist Father Gregory S. Apparcel, for making it clear to parishioners that the decision is theirs. With no tourists in town and with many people avoiding public transportation, St. Patrick's has not come close to reaching its governmentapproved capacity of 100 people, Father Apparcel said. "Some people definitely do not feel comfortable" going to Mass in person yet, "and that's fine," Father Apparcel said. "It's interesting to me that we are to encourage the elderly, over 60 -- like me! -- not to come. Yet, I would say about 60% of our congregation these past three Sundays have been over 70. The older people especially feel that they have been welcomed home, and they wouldn't miss it." Father Davide Carbonaro, pastor of Rome's parish of Santa Maria in Campitelli, said his first Mass back with a congregation was emotional because it was the fulfillment of "something I was longing for. A pastor without his parishioners -obviously, something essential is missing." "Even with all the restrictions, the distancing, the masks," he said, "just a glance, a nod, a bow allows us to establish a connection that is not simply human, but also spiritual." n
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Singing God’s praises through life st. gregory cantor george tichi celebrates 90 years continued from page 1 'Where are they? When are they coming?' I didn't know who 'they' were and what 'they' were doing. Then I saw the police; when they came down, they turned their sirens on and flashing lights." George was born in the Greenfield section of Pittsburgh, Pa. and was baptized, made his First Holy Communion and married his wife of 70 years, Patricia, at St. John Chrysostom. He began cantoring at the church when he was no more than 10 years old. "I used to cantor with Peter Korpos...he always encouraged me to sing and they had a big cantoring desk that would seat three or four people and he had all the books. "Everything we sang, of course, was in Old Slavonic. I sang and knew all the melodies and all the words but, unfortunately, didn't understand it." George thinks Peter may have first heard him sing during an after-school religious education class conducted by the priest or cantors. He admits he had to be coerced — at least a little bit — to begin cantoring on a regular basis. "Peter used to bribe me. He started out giving me a quarter. We lived so close to the church and my mother went to the Vespers service on Saturday night and the Matins service on Sunday morning. I used to go to the Vespers service with her and that's when the cantor kind of approached me and encouraged me to come and sing with him." George enjoyed it from the start. "I fit right in. I liked it. As a matter of fact, I remember when the services were all in Old Slavonic, (Peter) would give me the Epistle reading. The Thursday before Easter, I would read it in Old Slavonic three years in a row when I was 7, 8,9 or 8, 9, 10. "I remember having to practice it at home before I could recite all the words carefully. I used to chant it. Plus, I was an altar boy. "I thought I had an adequate voice to do the cantoring well." George continued to attend
At the conclusion of the May 23 Divine Liturgy, George Tichi was presented with a Benediction Papalis - Papal Blessing on the occasion of his 90th birthday.
St. John Chrysostom until he received word a mission church was being formed in Bethel Park, Pa. at the Knights of Columbus Hall. St. Gregory later began to be built — starting with the basement — at its current location in Upper St. Clair, Pa. "One day I come to go to (liturgy) and (Father David Witkowski) says, 'You're the cantor now.' It was a surprise to me. I didn't think I had the wherewithal to be a cantor. I could sing as a parishioner, I
had no problem with that...he tapped me to be the cantor and that's when it started." Forty-five years later, his voice is still going strong. "I probably enjoy it more now than ever. And I feel very confident. I still feel like I have the voice, a good voice. I've heard many compliments; people compliment me on my voice. "I still don't consider myself a great singer. But I think my voice is adequate for cantoring. I had no musical background
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except primary education in grade school. I never learned to play music, I never had a musical instrument. It's just something that developed over the years and in later life." Feeling he still has a strong enough voice, George has no plans to retire. "I'm probably going to do it as long as I can. “I'm not setting a date to say, 'Well, this is when I'm going to quit'." n
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thoughts for our day by Archpriest David M. Petras
the anaphora of st. basil: the mission of our lord The Anaphora of St. Basil tells us of the meaning of the incarnation, why God became a human being named Jesus in the womb of the holy Theotokos Mary. The Anaphora does this by quoting St. Paul’s Letter to the Philippians 2:7 and 3:21, “In becoming incarnate from the holy Virgin, he emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, conforming himself to the lowliness of our body, that he might conform us to the image of his glory.” This can only have happened because God, the Creator of all, loved us in an infinite and eternal way, for God is, by nature unbound by space and time. St. John tells us, “God is love” (1 John 4:8). He immediately adds, “In this way the love of God was revealed to us: God sent his only Son into the world so that we might have life through him” (1 John 4:9). St. John says the same thing in his gospel, which is quoted in the Anaphora of St. John Chrysostom, “For God so loved the world that he gave his only-begotten Son, so that everyone who believes in him should not perish but have life everlasting” (John 3:16). He does this by a humble descent into our limitedness, an infinite act of humility. Again, St. Paul expresses this, “For you know the gracious act of our Lord Jesus Christ, that for your sake he became poor although he was rich, so that by his poverty you might become rich” (2 Corinthians 8:9). Moreover, we see that in both the Anaphora and in the Letter of St. Paul, God did this for our sake, so that, as St. Athanasius wrote, “he was made man that we might be made God." St.
Irenaeus said the same thing as early as the seond century, “The Son of God became the Son of Man to the end that man too might become the Son of God” (Against the Heresies 3.10). The Anaphora addresses how Jesus achieved his mission to make us God-like. Because we were created in the image
This Anaphora of St. Basil proclaims what happens to us if we hear the Lord’s words and follow his precepts... and likeness of God (Genesis 1:26), this is how we become the human beings we are meant to be. The Anaphora therefore says, “Living in this world, he gave us precepts for salvation, turned us away from the deceit of idols, and brought us to know you, true God and Father.” Jesus is the Word of God, and he is our Teacher. He rebuked the devil, “One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes forth from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). The precept for salvation that he gives us is, “You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your being, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself” (Luke 10:27). The practical way to manifest this love is by service to others, which is the Christian way of
life. Therefore Jesus teaches, “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted,” (Matthew 23:12) and again he teaches, "You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you, (Matthew 5:43 44) and again, “You know that those who are recognized as rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones make their authority over them felt. But it shall not be so among you. Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you will be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you will be the slave of all” (Mark 10:42-44). This is how we become like God. The Anaphora proclaims that our Lord “turned us away from the deceit of idols.” We do not usually have formal idols today, though celebrities are often called “idols,” and political systems become our ideologies. Jesus, in fact, warned us, “No one can serve two masters. He will either hate one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon” (Matthew 6:24). “Mammon” is the code word for money. It is easy to make money into a kind of idol, and so Jesus again teaches, “Amen, I say to you, it will be hard for one who is rich to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for one who is rich to enter the kingdom of God” (Matthew 19:23-24). Jesus, therefore, rebukes the evil one, “You shall worship the Lord, your God, and him alone shall you serve” (Luke 4:8). This is the teaching of our Lord.
If we follow our Lord’s teaching, he promises us, “Remain in me, as I remain in you. Just as a branch cannot bear fruit on its own unless it remains on the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in me ... (John 15:4) You are my friends if you do what I command you” (John 15:14). The Anaphora of St. Basil proclaims what happens to us if we hear the Lord’s words and follow his precepts, by quoting the First Letter of St. Peter: “He purchased us for himself as a chosen people, a royal priesthood, and a holy nation, cleansing us with water and sanctifying us with the Holy Spirit” (3:9). All who accept the word of God are his chosen people. He purchased all humankind as his people by the love manifested to us in the cross. When we hear his words in an authentic and genuine way, then we are “sanctified with the Holy Spirit,” the fullness of God’s wisdom. This is sealed physically by our baptism in water, our “cleansing with water.” This unites us to the Trinity, and we are “sanctified,” becoming a “holy nation,” which is sealed continuously by partaking of the holy Body and Blood of the Lord in Communion. This is why we sing after Communion, “We have seen the true light; we have received the heavenly Spirit; we have found the true faith; and we worship the undivided Trinity, for the Trinity has saved us.” When we pray the Anaphora with the priest by our “Amen,” we are the “royal priesthood,” offering the true sacrifice of praise. n
BYZANTINE DIVINE LITURGY View Liturgical Services (various times) streamed LIVE online at: St. John the Baptist Cathedral, Munhall, Pa. St. John Chrysostom, Pittsburgh, Pa. www.stjohnsbyzantinecathedral.com www.sjcbcc.com Holy Ghost, McKees Rocks, Pa. www.youtube.com then type Holy Ghost Church Live Stream
SS. Peter and Paul, Braddock, Pa. https://www.facebook.com/SSPeterPaulBraddock/
St. Elias, Munhall, Pa.
St. Gregory, Upper St. Clair, Pa. www.facebook.com/stgregoryusc St. Michael, Campbell, Ohio www.facebook.com/st.michaelsbyz.campbell
www.facebook.com/StEliasByzantineCatholicChurch/
St. Stephen, North Huntingdon, Pa. www.facebook.com/ststephenbyzantinecatholicchurch
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eternal memory
sister mary ann botsko, ssmi Sister Mary Ann Botsko, a Sister Servant of Mary Immaculate, passed away at Nyack Hospital in Nyack, N.Y. June 10. She was 65 years old and 39 years in Religious Life. She was born on April 15, 1955 along with her twin brother, Jerome, in Donora, Pa. John and Mary Botsko nurtured the faith of their four children, John, Thomas, Jerome and Mary Ann. They were parishioners of St. Michael Byzantine Catholic Church in Donora, Pa. Sister Mary Ann attributed her vocation to Consecrated Life and her twin brother’s vocation to the priesthood, the fruits of the continued prayers of their grandmother for vocations. Father Jerome Botsko is chaplain for the Order of Sisters of St. Basil the Great in Uniontown, Pa. and the pastor of Holy Protection of the Mother of God Church in Morgantown, W. Va. Sr. Mary Ann spent a few years in teaching and at St. Basil’s Seminary Library in Stamford, but most of her years of ministry were in Sloatsburg, N.Y.
Her ministry at St. Mary’s Spiritual & Educational Center was to serve and care for the retreatants. Retreatants remember her willingness to spend time talking with them, her contagious smile, her joyful presence and uplifting laugh. Sr. Mary Ann also served at St. Joseph’s Adult Care Home as Activity Director, as the elderly were always close to her heart. Her life of prayer and service to the Church and the Sisters Servants was done in a simple, but faithful manner. She was sincere and conscientious about her religious life, prayer life, and felt strongly that this was her calling. Although she liked to stay in the background, we know she affected the lives of many. She did much to spread God’s love behind the scenes. A tribute to her memory by Father Paul Wolensky expresses the simplistic, yet powerful witness Sister Mary Ann gave as a Sister Servant. “I especially recall Sister Mary Ann’s kind welcome of me whenever our paths crossed at various church events. She possessed a kindness and joyful demeanor, which I will
never forget. Her happiness in her vocation and infectious laughter and smile, gave me a glimpse of the wonderful relationship she enjoyed with our Lord Jesus and His Most Blessed Mother Mary. What a great example she gave to those around her. “ On June 14 at 6:30 p.m., Msgr. John Terlecky, Chaplain, and Father Jerome Botsko blessed the casket and celebrated the Parastas for the repose of Sister Mary Ann’s soul. On June 15, Bishop Paul Chomnycky, Ukrainian Eparchy of Stamford; Bishop Kurt Burnett, Byzantine Eparchy of Passaic; Father Jerome Botsko and Msgr. Terlecky, chaplain for the Sisters Servants, celebrated the Funeral Divine Liturgy for the repose of the soul of Sister Mary Ann. In his homily, Bishop Paul spoke about the calling of the first apostles and compared the apostles’ response to both Sister Mary Ann and her brother Father Jerome, in answering positively, even though they may not have really known what that call entailed, but
Sister Mary Ann Botsko, SSMI
were willing to risk everything. Bishop noted that she was a woman of prayer; and although she never held positions of authority in the Congregation, she was a prayerful presence to the Sisters and those whose lives she touched. Father Jerome Botsko shared about how much of an impact his sister, Sister Mary Ann, made on his priestly life. Sister Kathleen Hutsko, Provincial Superior, shared in her homily how Sister Mary Ann’s life of prayer and service to the Church and the Sisters Servants was done in a simple and faithful manner. Interment was at the Sisters Servants Cemetery in Sloatsburg, N.Y. Eternal Memory! n
Catholic News Service Newswire Christians called to intercede for, not condemn others, pope says “when we want to condemn someone and we become angry....let us intercede for him or her” by Junno Arocho Esteves Catholic News Service
VATICAN CITY — True believers do not condemn people for their sins or shortcomings but intercede on their behalf with God through prayer, Pope Francis said. Just as Moses implored God's mercy for his people when they sinned, Christians also must act as intermediaries because even "the worst sinners, the wickedest people, the most corrupt leaders -- they are children of God," the pope said June 17 during his weekly general audience. "Think of Moses, the intercessor," he said. "And when we want to condemn someone and we become angry inside -- to get angry is good; it can be healthy, but to condemn does no good -- let us intercede for him or her; it will help us so much." The pope continued his series of talks on prayer and reflected on Moses' prayer to God who was angered at the people of Israel after they made and
worshipped a golden calf. When God first called him, Moses was "in human terms, a 'failure'" and often doubted himself and his calling, the pope said. "This happens to us, too: when we have doubts, how can we pray?" he asked. "It is not easy for us to pray. And it is because of (Moses') weakness, as well as his strength, that we are impressed." Despite his failings, the pope continued, Moses carries on the mission entrusted to him while never ceasing "to maintain close bonds of solidarity with his people, especially in the hour of temptation and sin. He was always attached to his people." "Despite his privileged status, Moses never ceased to belong to that multitude of the poor in spirit who live by trusting in God," the pope said. "He is a man of his people." The pope said that Moses' attachment to his people is an example of "the greatness of pastors" who, far from being
Pope Francis speaks during his weekly general audience in the library of the Apostolic Palace at the Vatican June 17, 2020. During the audience, the pope said that true believers do not condemn people for their sins or shortcomings but intercede on their behalf with God through prayer. Catholic News Service photo/Vatican Media
"authoritarian and despotic," never forget their flock and are merciful when they sin or give in to temptation. When imploring God's mercy, he added, Moses "does not sell out his people to advance his career," but instead, intercedes for them and becomes a bridge between God and the people of Israel. "What a beautiful example for all pastors who must be 'bridges,'" the pope said. "This is why they are called 'pontifex,' bridges. Pastors are the bridges
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between the people to whom they belong and God to whom they belong by vocation." "The world lives and thrives thanks to the blessing of the righteous, the prayer for mercy, this prayer for mercy that the saint, the righteous, the intercessor, the priest, the bishop, the pope, the layperson -- any baptized person -- incessantly raises up for humanity in every place and time in history," the pope said. n
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around the archeparchy FAITH & FUN DAY — Faith & Fun Day 2020 is canceled. Thank you to all servers for your continued dedication and for serving. We look forward to next year's Faith & Fun Day. ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST CATHEDRAL EVENTS — 210 Greentree Road Munhall, Pa. The following functions will be conducted following all CDC as well as all Pennsylvania State guidelines for safety during this COVID-19 situation. Also all functions are tentative according to any mandates that may be in place at the time. Please check parish website for updates. n Stuffed Cabbage Dinner — 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, July 26. Dine in or take out. Cost: $10. Orders may be called in to 412-461-0944. Curbside pick-up will also be available. Dumpling Halushki will be available to go only: $3.50 per pint or $7.00 per quart. n Flea Market — 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Aug. 7 to Saturday, Aug. 8. Rain or shine inside the Cathedral Center. n St. John Summer Car Cruises —5-9 p.m. July 28, Aug.18 and Sept. 15. Come join us this summer as we enjoy delicious food, raffles, great oldies music and classic cars. St. John’s famous Kolache rolls will be available at all functions or at any time by calling the parish office at 412-461-0944.
This year’s Byzantine Catholic Family Day at Kennywood Park in West Mifflin, Pa. has been canceled. Discounted tickets for use this summer will be available from the Greek Catholic Union. Check the GCU Home Page at https://gcuusa.com/ for a link.
BYZANTINE DIVINE LITURGY
GCU Byzantine Catholic Family Day wll return in 2021.
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
dates to remember JULY 4 Independence Day — National Observance JULY 20 Feast of St. Elijah Great Prophet AUG. 15 Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos CHANCERY CLOSED
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