W
RLD
THE OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE ARCHEPARCHY OF PITTSBURGH
Inside
VOL. 65 NO. 11
national byzantine catholic convention
“eucharist” means “thanksgiving”
Speakers announced for Nov. 14 virtual event Page 2
Reflection by Sister Barbara Jean Mihalchick Page 4
It’s all happening at the zoo
NOVEMBER 2020
fly like an eagle scout David Whitmer Jr., of SS. Peter and Paul in Tarentum, Pa., earns Eagle Scout rank Page 8
Welcome aboard!
seminary welcomes new board, faculty, staff
Press release by the Byzantine Catholic Seminary of SS. Cyril and Methodius
ECF students at Infant Jesus of Prague in Boardman, Ohio visited a water buffalo and other animals Oct. 4 at Living Treasures Wild Animal Park in New Castle, Pa. For more photos, see page 6.
Back to school
father vasyl symyon celebrates divine liturgy at franciscan university in ohio
By Chad Durante Franciscan University of Steubenville Class of 2023
Glory to Jesus Christ! On Oct. 11, Father Vasyl Symyon celebrated the Divine Liturgy at Franciscan University in Steubenville, Ohio for the faculty, staff, and students. I was blessed to have partaken in my campus’ first Divine Liturgy in years. My name is Chad Durante, a current student here at Franciscan University of Steubenville and vice president of Franciscan University of Steubenville’s Byzantine Club, which has 20 members. The club and its members have been spreading awareness of the East on campus since it was formed in 2015, long before I
entered college. In part of sharing the beauty of the East was the desire to bring Divine Liturgy to campus. Thankfully, after a failed attempt last semester due to the pandemic, the club was able to bring the cornerstone of Byzantine Catholicism to our campus. Franciscan University is a truly Catholic institution filled with students desiring to discover the true universality of the Church. Many of my close friends love to discover different forms of the Mass and even different rites within the Church like the Byzantine Rite. This led to an amazing turnout of over 200 students and faculty attending the Divine Liturgy. Story continued on page 3
Father Vasyl Symyon (left)
The Byzantine Catholic Seminary of SS. Cytil and Methodius’ 202021 year is in full swing with 11 of our 12 seminarians living and taking courses on campus. One seminarian lives at home only miles from the Seminary. Twentyfive students are currently enrolled in our Master of Arts in Theology program, all of whom are taking their courses online. Even our seminarians participate online in those courses taught by nonresident faculty. Staff, faculty, and strategic planning meetings are being conducted both online and in-person. Board of Directors meetings are being conducted online. Cooperation, patience, and understanding are the hallmarks of our board, staff, and faculty members as well as of our students as everybody adjusts to Seminary life in the time of COVID-19. Amid the ever-changing landscape of Seminary formation, B.C.S. has been blessed to add two members to its Board of Directors, one new faculty member, and a new development consultant. Two educators have been added to the ranks of the Seminary’s 12-member Board of Directors. Archbishop William Skurla has appointed Andrew J. Pushchak, EdD, the Program Head and Professor of Educational Leadership at Edinboro University near Erie, Pennsylvania. Andy was part of the Seminary’s first self-study for accreditation. The Rev. Deacon Thomas P. Shubeck, Ph.D. has also been recently appointed by the Metropolitan. He is Director of Psychological Services at the College Seminary at St. Andrew’s Story continued on page 2
PAGE 2
NOVEMBER 2020
Welcome aboard!
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: 21st 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.
Hall and Adjunct Professor of Pastoral Theology at Immaculate Conception Seminary, both at Seton Hall University in South Orange New Jersey. Deacon Tom completed the Seminary’s Diaconate Studies certificate program in 2015 and has since been ordained to the Diaconate for the Eparchy of Passaic. Also from the Eparchy of Passaic is the newest member of our Seminary’s Scripture Department. Father Hryhoriy Lozinskyy is dignus doctorate having, this past July, defended his doctoral dissertation in Sacred Scripture. As the Seminary increases its usage of not only asynchronous online course modalities but synchronous as well, Father Gregory is able to effectively teach from his parish in Bayonne, N.J. Mr. Drew Keys joins our team as our Development Consultant. He brings to our development office his 25 years of experience in development, community affairs, and administrative leadership in both higher education and healthcare. While our Financial Loan Consultant, Stacey Williard, has been part of our team for years, she was recently named the new dean of administration at our neighboring Trinity School for Ministry. We are blessed by her knowledge and willingness to assist our students in their various financial situations, and are grateful that our friends at Trinity are willing to share Stacey’s gifts with us.
Drew Keys
Father Hryhorly Lozinskyy
Dr. Anthony Isacco
Andrew J. Pushchak
Stacey Willard
Rev. Deacon Thomas P. Shubeck
Finally, we note that our psychological consultant, Dr. Anthony Isacco, is currently featured in our website’s “staff spotlight” (www.bcs.edu). You may wish to check out his link which features not only his background but video content on grief, resilience, and mental
health resources in this time of COVID-19. We thank God that the talents of these fine individuals, along with those of all our board, staff, and faculty members, can contribute to B.C.S. being the fine formative institution and national treasure it is today. n
National Byzantine Catholic Convention announces Nov. 14 speakers The National Byzantine Catholic Convention is an event for Catholic clergy, monastics, religious and laity of the Byzantine tradition with the purpose of prayer, fellowship, formation and mission as Eastern Catholics. The theme for the 2020 Convention is “Growing a Vibrant Byzantine Church,” where presentations will be focused on ways to grow as missionary disciples in Churches where Christ is encountered and worshipped. Virtual convention presentations will br available online Nov. 1 at byzantineconvention.com and live event panel discussions at 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Nov. 14 via a Zoom webinar. There is no cost. Register at byzantineconvention.com. The event is sponsored by the Eparchies of the Byzantine Catholic Church and the Intereparchial Vocations Committee. n
2020 Convention speakers n Word • “Growing in the Word” - Bishop Kurt Burnette • The Bible, the Byzantine and Salvation History” - Father Daniel Dozier • “Leading a Parish Bible Study” - Father Deacon John Harden • “Parish Catechesis” - Father Anthony Hernandez n Worship • “Growing in Worship” - Father Daniel Anderson • “Rapt in Amazement: Cultivating Personal Prayer” - Archpriest John Petro n Charity • “Growing in Charity” - Molly McGovern • “Starting a Bethany Ministry in Your Parish” - Dorothy Mayernik, RN
the byzantine catholic world
n Unity • “Growing in Unity” - Father Michael Winn • “East-2-West” - An interview with Father Deacon Anthony Dragani n Mission • “Growing in Mission” - TBD • “Parish Evangelization” - Father Jason Charron • “Theosis in Action: Young Adult Ministry” - Christopher Russo and Team n Leadership • “Growing in leadership” - Bishop Peter Libasci • “Diaconal Leadership” - Father Deacon Anthony Dragani • “The Role of the Pani and Women in the Parish” - TBD
NOVEMBER 2020
PAGE 3
Back to school continued from page 1
Father Vasyl, myself, and the rest of the club could not have been more thrilled. We advertised across campus with fliers and I personally approached students in classes and in our student union, the JC Williams Center. I was hopeful we would have 100-plus students. Considering the official attendance count was 208, I was elated and happily surprised at the response. Many of my friends showed up early to help set up too. I even saw one of my professors there with his wife! Seeing my professor and several of my friends along with those I have never met was a great feeling. I was an altar server at the Divine Liturgy on campus as I often do at St. Mary in Weirton, W. Va.. However there was something different about this one. Looking out into the crowd of my peers in a full fieldhouse adorned for Divine Liturgy was a little scary
Bulletin Board Mount St. Macrina House of Prayer announces online programs Mount Saint Macrina House of Prayer, 510 W. Main St., Uniontown Pa. has announced upcoming virtual online programs on Zoom. For more information or to register, call 724-438-7149 or email hpmsm@verizon.net. Provide your email address to
Father Vasyl Symyon celebrates the Divine Liturgy Oct. 11 at Francican University of Steubenville, Ohio.
but really humbling and exciting as well. It was great to see many of my peers interested in something so close to my heart. The Divine Liturgy reminds me of my passed grandmother and the Slovak traditions she held throughout her life. I also love the constant chant, the recitation of the Catholic faith throughout the entire Liturgy, and the constant
emphasis on the Divine. Many students I have never even met before have been approaching me asking where to find Divine Liturgy off campus or how to join our campus’ Byzantine Club. Thankfully this Divine Liturgy was not the end of our attempts to share the beauty we hold dear. We are extremely excited to bring the light of the East back to campus
recieve a link, as programs will be conducted through Zoom. n 10-11:20 a.m. Nov. 3, 10, 17, 24, Tuesday Morning Reading Series: “Fly While You Still Have Wings: And Other Lessons My Resilient Mother Taught Me” by Sister Joyce Rupp. Presented by Sister Barbara Jean, OSBM. Offering: $5 per session or $15 for all four sessions. Register by Oct. 27 n 10-11:30 a.m. Nov. 7, Saturday Morning of Reflection: “Parables in the Gospel of Matthew.” Presented by Helenanne Hochendoner. Offering: $10. Register by Oct. 31. n 1:30-2:30 p.m. Dec. 13, Sunday Christmas Preparation Afternoon of Reflection: Conference, Q & A Session, Reflection. Presented by Deacon Stephen Russo Offering: $10. Register by Dec. 6.
6:30-8 p.m. Feb. 18, 25; March 4, 11, 2021, Tuesday Evening Reading Series. “Crossing the Desert: Learning to Let Go, See Clearly, and Live Simply” with Sister Barbara Jean Mihalchick, OSBM. Offering: $5 per session or $15 for all four sessions. Register by Feb. 11. n 9:30-11:30 a.m. Feb. 25, March 4, 11, 18, 25, 2021, Lenten Bible Study Thursdays with Sister Melita Marie, OSBM. Offering: $5 per session or $20 for all five sessions Register by Feb. 18. n n
Looking ahead to Pilgrimage 2021
Hilton Garden Inn Uniontown will again provide a special rate package for those attending the 2021 annual Pilgrimage in Honor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help at Mount St. Macrina in
the byzantine catholic world
on Nov. 8 and Dec. 6! n Chad Durante is a sophmore at Franiscan University of Steubenville, Ohio. He lives in Follansbee, W. Va. —”a mere 15 minutes from Franciscan University” — and attemds St. Mary in Weirton, W. Va. where Father Vasyl Symyon is pastor.
Uniontown, Pa. The special group rate is available from Sept. 2 to 6, 2021. The special rate is $129 per night (before taxes) for all rooms except the King Suite, which is $159 per night before taxes. To make your reservations, use the Hilton Garden Inn Uniontown web site: http:// hiltongardeninn3.hilton. com/en/hotels/pennsylvania/ hilton-garden-inn-uniontownMGWUNGI/index.html. When booking, please select the option to “Add Special Rate Codes” and enter Group Code ANN21. Contact the hotel at 724-4347200 to make reservations. Tell them that you want the 2021 Annual Pilgrimage Group Rate (Group Code ANN21). A limited number of rooms are available. n
PAGE 4
NOVEMBER 2020
reflection from mount st. macrina
TEXT MESSAGES
Changing the subject by David Mayernik Jr. Editor
Notes to self: n You may have noticed a slight change on the cover of The Byzantine Catholic World from previous
months. On the masthead — now inset on the letter “O” in “World” — is the onion dome of the Byzantine Catholic Seminary of SS. Cyril and Methodius. After transferring files to a new computer in the office, I found the former masthead to be a bit “fuzzy” so Archbishop William Skurla and I decided to design a new one. It’s one small change in a year of change. n As summer was winding down, I started thinking about all the changes and everything I’ve missed this year since March due to COVID-19. It’s a daunting list when typed out in black and white. Here’s a partial list (in no particular order): · Faith and Fun Day with the Archeparchy’s altar servers, including my annual outing to a Pittsburgh Pirates game at PNC Park. · Pilgrimage 2020 on the grounds of Mount St. Macrina in Uniontown, Pa. · Byzantine Catholic Day at Kennywood in West Mifflin, Pa. But maybe what hurts the most is not what I know I missed but what I didn’t know I missed. When I look back at 2020, I fear there will be a more than seven-month void of memories stemming from people I didn’t see and places I didn’t go. The last fun memory of the year I have was attending the Pittsburgh Symphony at Heinz Hall near the end of February. It was a presentation of the film “Raiders of the Lost Ark” with the symphony providing a live soundtrack. Let’s pray the pandemic ends so we can start making positive memories again. n Well, this Thanksgiving will certainly be different from past years. I hope you are able to gather with your family for Thanksgiving dinner but I’m sure it is an uncertainty for many people, as most every social activity has been in 2020. I always look forward
to watching the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade on Thanksgiving morning but NBC announced it would be canceled this year and replaced with some type of virtual event. I’m not exactly sure what this “virtual event” will look like but it certainly won’t be the same as seeing thousands of people gather on the Manhattan streets leading to Herald Square. One tradition that won’t change for me this year is my annual viewing of 1966’s “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving” on Thanksgiving night. On an ancient VHS tape, no less. I’ve always felt it has never received its just due when compared to its colleagues “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” and “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” But it is every bit the classic. If you don’t know the story, Peppermint Patty invites herself and her friends Marci and Franklin to Charlie Brown’s house for Thanksgiving dinner. The problem is Charlie Brown doesn’t know how to prepare a turkey with all the trimmings so Snoopy (yes, Snoopy!) prepares a dinner consisting of popcorn, pretzel sticks, jelly beans and — my personal favorite — toast. Linus says grace before the meal: “In the year 1621, the Pilgrims held their first Thanksgiving feast. They invited the great Indian chief Massasoit, who brought 90 of his brave Indians and a great abundance of food. Governor William Bradford and Captain Miles Standish were honored guests. Elder William Brewster, who was a minister, said a prayer that went something like this: ‘We thank God for our homes and our food and our safety in a new land. We thank God for the opportunity to create a new world for freedom and justice.’.“
“Eucharist” means “thanksgiving”
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 Nov. 28 2019 reflection. Glory to Jesus Christ! Here we are ready to celebrate Thanksgiving, one of the original and early religious feasts that came through our founders of this country who were from the Reform Movement and were very grateful for all that they received and experienced when they moved to this country. It has continued to be a religious feast of sorts, at least a reminder, always, to be thankful to our Higher Power, to our God, who has provided so much for us in this blessed land. We, who are of the Christian faith, are also the ones who receive our glory in the whole Eucharist at yet another level of
thanksgiving that needs to be expressed in our lives and in our hearts. “Efcharisto” is the way Greeks say “thank you” to one another because “Eucharist” means “thanksgiving.” In this reality then, we who live in Christ, of course, are grateful people; blessed beyond measure and called by Him to take on His way of thinking, His way of loving, His way of living. That certainly includes a humble, thankful attitude toward our blessings, toward the people in our lives. It’s this attitude of gratefulness for God’s continual grace and blessings that leads us to live in the Fruits of the Holy Spirit, which we talked about earlier: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness and, also, forgiveness toward one another. We are so blessed that we easily complain when things aren’t just as we want them and these moments are the call to be stronger and trusting in our faith and more loving in our giving. May God bless us continually and may we overflow with gratefulness and love toward one another. God bless you. n
The Sisters of St. Basil the Great join you in giving thanks for God's Gift of Love and the joy we share through Christ the Lord. Have a Happy and Blessed Thanksgiving!
True colors
Have a happy and blessed Thanksgiving! n
Sister Barbara Jean Mihalchick snapped thos photo last month on the grounds on Mout St. Macrina in Uniontown, Pa.
the byzantine catholic world
parish news NOVEMBER 2020
PAGE 5
st. john the baptist catehdral in munhall, pa.
Let’s get cookin’
St. John the Baptist Cathedral in Munhall, Pa. held a Take-Out Spaghetti Dinner Oct. 17 to 18 for the benefit of the Cathedral. Additionally featured at the dinner pick-up point was a bake sale and on Sunday, free flu shots sponsored by Rite Aid pharmacy.
The meals and goodies were just what the doctor ordered on an early fall day to give mom a break from the kitchen! The events were widely supported by the parish family and the community. n
Photos by Nick Havrilla Sr.
the byzantine catholic world
parish news
PAGE 6
continued
NOVEMBER 2020
infant jesus of prague in boardman, ohio
At the zoo
by Father Mykhaylo Farynets Infant Jesus of Prague, Boardman, Ohio
While we are still enjoying warm weather in Ohio, our students from the ECF program at Infant Jesus of Prague in Boardman, Ohio had a chance to learn about the wonder of God’s creation Oct. 4. Different animals that enjoy eating carrots from visitors are the real stars of Living Treasure Wild Animal Park in New Castle, Pa. There were deer, donkeys, llamas, goats, zebras, and even camels not asking — but demanding — fresh carrots that children had in their hands. May God in his eternal wisdom bless kids and their curiosity to learn more about nature. n
ss. peter and paul in portage, pa.
Drive-through dinner
by Father James Spontak SS. Peter and Paul, Portage, Pa.
SS. Peter and Paul in Portage, Pa. held a Chicken BBQ Drivethrough dinner on Sept. 26. The outdoor event featured parishioner Tony Pyo’s baconwrapped chicken with side dishes and dessert.
Guests were served at their vehicles as they drove to an outdoor serving tent near the entrance to the parish grounds. This year’s annual summer festival could not be held. The outdoor chicken dinner provided an alternative event that served over 330 dinners. n
Sandy Lenz, Andrea Podrasky and Ernest Podrasky package dinners at the tent.
John Havrilla and Bern Blazosky welcome guests Tony Pyo and friends prepare chicken at outdoor and take tickets. grill.
the byzantine catholic world \\\\\
NOVEMBER 2020
parish news
continued
st. michael in hermitage, pa.
st. michael in campell. ohio
Double feature
Rosary Rally
by Father Kevin Marks St. Michael, Campbell, Ohio
On Saturday, Oct. 10, twin brothers of St. Michael in Hermitage, Pa. received their First Confession and Solemn Communion.
At the Vigil Divine Liturgy, Andrew and Aiden Hardman renewed their baptismal promises and received a candle, a bible, an icon, and certificate on their special day. It was also their birthday. They turned nine years old. n
PAGE 7
Parishioner Regina Sferra sponsored a Rosary Rally Oct. 11 on the grounds of St. Michael in Campbell, Ohio at the Blessed Mother statue. More than a dozen parishioners attended. The Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary were prayed and religious handouts were distributed. Father Kevin Marks is pastor. n
Front row: Andrew and Aiden Hardman. Back row: Frank Wahal, Father Kevin Marks and Michael J. Vasil.
st. elias in munhall, pa.
Famous Fish Fry by Mary Cary Planiczki St. Elias, Munhall, Pa.
The famous St Elias Fish Fry was back Sept, 25 and was a huge success. Father Vitalii Stashkevych is pastor
The next Fish Fry will be held Nov. 20 from 11:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Take-out only. Cost is $11 for fish sandwich, fries and coleslaw. n
Falling into fun
Father Kevin Marks and parishioners at St. Michael in Campbell, Ohio made its annual Fall Outing Oct. 11 to Irons Mill Farmstead in New Wilmington, Pa. n
the byzantine catholic world
PAGE 8
parish news
continued
NOVEMBER 2020
st. gregory in upper st. clair, pa.
ss. peter and paul in tarentum, pa.
Blessing of Animals
Fly like an Eagle Scout
On Saturday morning, Oct. 3, the Blessing of Animals took place in anticipation of the feast of St. Francis of Assisi. Many people bring their pets to the church to be blessed on St. Francis’ feast day because of his
David Charles Whitmer, Jr. has earned the highest rank in Boy Scouts of America, Eagle Scout. David worked on earning this rank for more than four years. In this time period he enjoyed earning many merit badges alongside his younger brother, William, who is also a Boy Scout and currently working toward earning his Eagle Scout. David learned how to camp,
by Father Valerian Michlik St. Gregory, Upper St. Clair, Pa.
love for animals as expressed in his Canticle of Creatures. This year at St. Gregory we had many dogs, a cat, and a cute bunny. Together we offered our prayerful supplications and God's blessing on these animals, and we thank God for letting us share the earth with all creatures. n
by Allyson Whitmer SS. Peter and Paul, Tarentum, Pa.
canoe, use a ham radio, go fly fishing, weave a basket, welding, cooking, was engaged in several hours of community service, and earned the merit badge of Citizen in the Community by volunteering at Mount St. Macrina’s Pilgrimage in 2019. For his final service project he removed a damaged retaining wall and built a new improved retaining wall. David is an altar boy at SS. Peter and Paul Byzantine Catholic Church, Tarenturm, Pa. n
David Charles Whitmer Jr., Eagle Scout recipient; David Whitmer Sr., father; and William Whitmer, brother.
ECF blessing by Father Valerian Michlik St. Gregory, Upper St. Clair, Pa.
On Sunday, Sept. 20, the Blessing of our ECF Students and ECF Teachers took place at the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy. The Eastern Christian Formation Program (ECF) offers religious education for students K thru high school. The curriculum includes instruction on religious doctrine and the heritage and traditions of the Eastern Catholic Church using the “God With Us”
series of textbooks. We express our sincere thanks to our ECF Teachers for their dedication and for making sacrifices in response to the pandemic. Following the Divine Liturgy, the ECF bags prepared by our teachers were ready to go for all our students. As a community of faithful we continue to pray for all our St. Gregory’s children as they develop a strong relationship with God and continue this lifelong journey of faith. n
William Whitmer and David Charles Whitmer Jr, Eagle Scout recipient, near a new retaining wall David built as his final service project. Photos by Allyson Whitmer
the byzantine catholic world
NOVEMBER 2020
PAGE 9
News from the Vatican
Prayer, crying out to God is only source of salvation, pope says in the psalms, the pain, suffering and sorrow are not “meaningless, without purpose”
by Junno Arocho Esteves Catholic News Service
VATICAN CITY — The purpose of crying out to the Lord in prayer is not to get used to suffering, but to remember that God, and not humankind, is the only source of salvation and consolation, Pope Francis said. The Book of Psalms, with its many prayers of supplication, teaches Christians how to ask “God to intervene where all human efforts are in vain. That is why prayer, in and of itself, is the way of salvation and the beginning of salvation,” the pope said Oct. 14 during his weekly general audience at the Paul VI audience hall. “The prayer of the psalms is the testimony of this cry: a multiple cry because in life, pain takes a thousand forms and takes the name of sickness, hatred, war, persecution, distrust; until the supreme ‘scandal,’ that of death,” he said. Prior to the pope’s arrival, participants were told that he would not be greeting them from up close and that they were to maintain proper distance from each other. With a steady increase in COVID-19 infections prompting fears of a second wave of the pandemic, the Italian government issued a series of new decrees, including extending mandatory use of masks indoors, except in private homes, to requiring masks be worn outdoors, as well as the early closing of bars and restaurants. Religious and civil ceremonies
were also limited to no more than 30 guests. According to the Italian newspaper, La Repubblica, the Italian National Institute of Health reported that 77% of new infections occurred among family members. Before concluding the audience, the pope apologized to those present and explained that with the new safety regulations in place, “it is better if we keep distant.” “You are sitting prudently distant as it should be,” the pope said. “But it often happens that when I go down, everyone gets close and piles up. And it’s a problem because there is a risk of infection.” “I’m sorry that I greet you from afar, but I think that if we, as good citizens, fulfill the regulations from the authorities, this will be a help to end this pandemic,” he said. During the audience, the pope continued his series of talks on prayer, reflecting on the Book of Psalms, which “communicates ‘knowing how to pray’ through the experience of dialogue with God.” “In this book, we do not encounter ethereal, abstract people, those who confuse prayer with an aesthetic or alienating experience,” he explained. “The psalms are not texts created on paper, but rather they are invocations, often dramatic, that spring from lived existence.” The Book of Psalms, he continued, is where Christians can “hear the voice of men and women of prayer in flesh and
Pope Francis greets the crowd during his general audience in Paul VI hall at the Vatican Oct. 14. A few days after four Swiss Guards tested positive for COVID-19, the pope broke from his normal pattern and did not personally greet people in the crowd. Photo by Catholic News Service/Paul Haring.
blood, whose life, like that of us all, is fraught with problems, hardships and uncertainties.” In the psalms, the pain, suffering and sorrow are not “meaningless, without purpose,” but instead it “becomes a relationship, a cry for help waiting to intercept a listening ear.” “Even the pains we suffer cannot be merely specific cases of a universal law: they are always ‘my’ tears, which no one has ever shed before me. All human pains for God are sacred,” he said. Departing from his prepared remarks, the pope said he met earlier with the parents of Father Roberto Malgesini, a priest from the Diocese of Como who was stabbed to death Sept. 15 by a mentally ill homeless man he was helping. “The tears of those parents are ‘their’ tears and each one of them knows how much they suffered to
see their son who gave his life in the service of the poor,” the pope said. “When we want to console someone, we do not find the words. Why? Because we cannot get to ‘their’ pain, because ‘their’ pain is theirs, ‘their’ tears are theirs. The same, with us: the tears, ‘my’ pain is mine, the tears are ‘mine’ and with these tears, with this pain, I turn to the Lord,” he said. Pope Francis said that while not all problems are solved in prayer, sometimes, it is enough for one to know that “the Lord listens.” “Those who pray are not deluded,” the pope said. “They know that many questions of life down here remain unresolved, with no way out; suffering will accompany us and, after one battle, others will await us. But if we are listened to, everything becomes more bearable.” n
Pope tells new Swiss Guards that Christ stands beside them at all times
thirty-eight catholic men from switzerland sworn in as swiss guards oct. 4 by Carol Glatz Catholic News Service
VATICAN CITY — Meeting new recruits to the Swiss Guard, Pope Francis assured them that God always stands by their side, offering them comfort and consolation. With the help of Christ and the Holy Spirit, “you will serenely face the obstacles and challenges of life,” he said in a private audience Oct. 2, welcoming 38 Catholic men from Switzerland who were to be sworn in as Swiss Guards Oct. 4. Normally, the papal audience is held each year in early May, before a colorful swearing-in ceremony of new recruits, traditionally held May 6 to mark the date in 1527 when 147 Swiss Guards lost their
lives defending Pope Clement VII in the Sack of Rome. However, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the audience and ceremony were postponed. To respect ongoing precautions to curb the spread of the coronavirus, only close family members of the new recruits were allowed to attend the Oct. 4 ceremony in the Vatican’s San Damaso courtyard. At the Oct. 2 audience, which included the new recruits’ family members, Pope Francis recalled the courage of the guards who defended the pope during the Sack of Rome. Today, he said, there is “the danger of a spiritual ‘plunder'” in which many young people are at risk of their souls being pillaged
Swiss Guard recruits are pictured in a 2017 file photo standing at attention during the swearing-in ceremony for 40 new recruits at the Vatican. This year the papal audience and swearing-in ceremony were postponed because of COVID-19. Catholic News Service photo/Paul Haring.
“when they pursue ideals and lifestyles that respond only to their desires or material needs.” He asked the men to use well their time living in Rome and serving at the Vatican by experiencing the many cultural and spiritual riches available. “The time you spend here is
the byzantine catholic world
a unique moment in your life: may you live it with a spirit of fraternity, helping each other lead a life full of meaning and joyously Christian.” “Do not forget that the Lord is always at your side. I sincerely hope you will always be aware of his consoling presence,” he said. n
PAGE 10
NOVEMBER 2020
thoughts for our day by Archpriest David M. Petras
the anaphora: it is always pascha St. John Chr ysostom once preached about the Divine Liturgy “It is always Pascha!” Pascha, of course, is the mystery of God’s salvation. It is the revelation of God’s compassion for the people he has created. Today we interpret “compassion” as simply a feeling of mercy and kindness toward another, but its deeper meaning is “to suffer with” another. God loved us so much that he took on our human life, and its limitations, even to the point of dying with us. As St. Paul put it: “He emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, coming in human likeness; and found human in appearance, he humbled himself, becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross” (Philippians 2:7-8). However, he did this not to bring us more suffering, but to bring us the glory that comes from genuine love. When God commands us to “love one another,” he is showing us that by suffering with us and for us, he was raised to glory, so that by loving as he has loved us, we too are raised to glory. That is why the command in the Gospel of John reads “I give you a new commandment: love one another. As I have loved you, so you also should love one another” ( John 13:34). In the Liturgy we often sing a popular hymn based in this verse of Scripture. “It is always Pascha,” therefore, means that God’s compassion is with us truly and in all its depth every time we celebrate the Divine Liturgy. When we pray the Anaphora, it is not only
a matter of words recalling some past event, but these very words make the full meaning of what God has done present to us again. Psalm 21:4 says “You, O God, are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel.” The word “enthroned,” is the way we translate the Hebrew. Other translations of this word
“It is always Pascha,” therefore means that God’s compassion is with us truly and in all its depth every time we celebrate the Divine Liturgy. are “inhabit,” or “dwell” in the praises of Israel. The reality is that when we praise God in the Liturgy, he is present among us, he is offering today the same sacrifice on the Cross that he suffered “with” us and “for” us so long ago in history. This Cross, of course, was fulfilled and perfected by his glorious Resurrection. That is, his death was a manifestation of his infinite love for us, a powerful love that brought about the fullness of life in resurrection. This is what St. Paul was saying in the passage from Philippians that I quoted above, the complete verse is, “Because of this, God greatly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, of those in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every
tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:9-11). This sacrifice is present in every Divine Liturgy in its full reality, but it is no longer bloody, but it is a “sacrifice of praise.” This is what we call it when the deacon asks us to pray, “Let us stand aright; let us stand in awe; let us be attentive to offer the holy Anaphora in peace,” and we reply that it is “mercy, peace, a sacrifice of praise.” How can this be? It is because of the power of God. When we say the words of the Anaphora, God is saying the same words with us by way of mystery. Again, St. Paul explains, “But now (the mystery hidden from the ages) has been manifested to his holy ones, to whom God chose to make known the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; it is Christ in you, the hope for glory. It is he whom we proclaim, admonishing everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone perfect in Christ” (Colossians 1:27-28). When we say the words of the Anaphora, therefore, it is “Christ in you, the hope for glory,” the glory of life in resurrection. It is the Lord himself whom we receive in Holy Communion, “for the remission of sins (victory over death both moral and physical) and for life everlasting. Amen.” Suddenly, therefore, we understand the whole meaning of the Anaphora we pray. We offer bread and wine just as our Lord did at the Last and Mystical Supper in the upper room, and our bread and wine is “Christ in you, the hope for glory.” Then, as we pray the commemoration (anamnesis) everything that God
has done for us becomes present in our “sacrifice of praise.” First are the glorious events of the “saving passion,” the “like-creating cross,” the “three-day burial,” signifying the life-giving descent into Hades to bring to life the human beings taken by death, and to celebrate a new Sabbath rest that brings life, and finally the “resurrection from the dead.” Every Anaphora is the celebration of the Resurrection, as St. John Chrysostom proclaimed, “It is always Pascha!” We then remember “the ascension into heaven, and the enthronement at the right hand of God,” the reality that exists now and which is present in the Liturgy: Christ is our High Priest and Mediator, he is enthroned in heaven and as he prays to the Father we pray together with him now and in reality, as the Psalm says, “You, O God, are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel” (Psalm 21:4). Finally, and most remarkably, what is still in our linear future is already present here in our sacrifice of praise: “his glorious and fearsome second coming.” Already, we “remember” that in Christ, “the firstborn of all creation,” “is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things he himself might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile all things for him, making peace by the blood of his cross through him, whether those on earth or those in heaven” (Colossians 1:15.18-20). The celebration of our Divine Liturgy, as a sacrifice of praise, is the past, the present and the future of all our salvation and life in Christ. 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 ww.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. Gregory, Upper St. Clair, Pa. www.facebook.com/stgregoryusc St. Michael, Campbell, Ohio www.facebook.com/st.michaelsbyz.campbell
St. Elias, Munhall, Pa. www.facebook.com/StEliasByzantineCatholicChurch/ St. Michael, Hermitage, Pa. https://www.facebook.com/stmichaelbyz.hermitage St. Stephen, North Huntingdon, Pa. www.facebook.com/ststephenbyzantinecatholicchurch
the byzantine catholic world
NOVEMBER 2020
PAGE 11
ABOUT US The Eparchial Directors of Religious Education (ECED) is a catechetical committee of Eastern Catholic directors of religious education appointed by the USCCB Eastern Catholic Association of Bishops (ECA). A bishop representatives, currently Bishop Nicholas Samra, is chosen by ECA to serve as liaison to ECED.
the byzantine catholic world
PAGE 12
NOVEMBER 2020
around the archeparchy ANNUAL MOLEBEN FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF THE CAUSES — 3 p.m. Nov. 1, Holy Ghost, 225 Olivia St., McKees Rocks, Pa. The yearly prayer service for the advancement of the Causes of the Advancement and Canonization of our four holy Ruthenian Byzantine Catholic Bishops. For the past 34 years, faithful through the Pittsburgh Archeparchy have gathered in various Archeparchial parishes, monasteries and the seminary to pray for the Canonization of Bishop-Martyr Theodore G. Romzha, Uzhorod (+1947); Bishop-Martyr Paul P. Gojdich, OSBM, Presov (+1960); Bishop-Martyr Basil Hopko, Presov (+1976); and for the beatification of the Servant of God Bishop Alexander Chira, Uzhorod (+1985). A Marian Moleben is offered seeking the aid of the Holy Mother of God in helping us achieve this end. Archbishop William Skurla will be the principle celebrant. Please mark your calendar and attend this important prayer for their advancement. STUFFED CABBAGE DINNER — Nov. 14 to 15, St. John the Baptist Cathedral, 210 Greentree Road, Munhall, Pa. Stuffed Cabbage Dinner is offered as take-out only. The dinner includes: Stuffed Cabbage, mashed potatoes, vegetables, and roll and butter. Price is $10 per dinner. Dinners may be picked up 4-7 Nov. 14 and 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Nov. 15. In addition, stuffeed cabbage will be sold by ½ dozen for $18 or by the dozen for $30, but these need to be preordered. Please call parish office at 412-461-0944 to place orders. Quarts of haluski, our kolache as well as raffle tickets will be sold. HOLIDAY BASKET EXTRAVAGANZA — Noon-? Dec. 6, St. John the Baptist Cathedral, 210 Greentree Road, Munhall, Pa. Donation: $20. Take home dinner includes: wedding soup, salad, ravioli, dessert and beverage. Extra dinners may be purchased for $10 each. 20+ Basket Raffle, variety of vendors and 50/50 Drawing. St. John’s Baked Goods (kolache and more) and door prizes. Tickets must be purchased in advance. For tickets and information, call Diane at 412-303-6534. All CDC, state and local health department guidelines will be followed during the event.
The Byzantine Catholic World wants to know what’s happening in your parish!
CHRISTMAS PIROHI ORDERS — Delicious homemade pirohi are being prepared at St. Elias in Munhall, Pa. for your holiday enjoyment! Both potato/cheese ($12 per dozen) and lekvar ($14 per dozen) may be ordered through Nov. 20 by calling the church hall at 412-461-9271. Please leave a message with your name, phone number, and order. Orders will be available for pick-up on Dec. 13 from 10:15 a.m.-2 p.m.
Send photos and stories to: bcw@archpitt.org
dates to remember NOV. 1 Standard Time (“fall back”) resumes at 2 a.m. NOV. 11 Veterans Day National Observance NOV. 15 to DEC. 24 Philippian Fast NOV. 21 Feast of the Entrance of the Theotokos NOV. 26 Thanksgiving Day Chancery closed Nov. 26 to 27
See more upcoming events at www.archpitt.org
the byzantine catholic world
Official publication of the Byzantine Catholic Archeparchy of Pittsburgh
Byzantine Catholic Press Associates 66 Riverview Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15214 Tel: 412-231-4000 Fax: 412-231-1697 Email: bcw@archpitt.org Website: www.archpitt.org
next issue: DECEMBER 2020
submissions DEADLINE: NOVEMBER 20