the official newspaper of the archeparchy of pittsburgh
come and pray
Inside
Byzantine Catholic Seminary announces its schedule of services for September Page 2
The Sisters of St. Basil the Great invite you to experience the 80th Annual PILGRIMAGE IN HONOR OF OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL HELP Saturday & Sunday August 30 & 31 Mount St. Macrina Uniontown, PA
Schedule on page 3
Celebrating the precious gift of vocation
three sisters of st. basil honored for 70, 60 years of faithful service at Mount Macrina Manor, all attendees then proceeded to continue the celebration at a festive meal in the Grove Dining Room. Celebrating their 70th Anniversary of Religious Life were Sister Vladimir Chabala and Sister Mary Ann Vasilcheck; celebrating 60 years as a Sister of St. Basil was Sister Ann Fedyszak.
reflections
Chaplain, Basilian sister offer insights, reminiscences as pilgrimage approaches Pages 4 & 5
sunday, august 17, 2014
seems like yesterday Mount St. Macrina Academy Class of 1964 graduates celebrate, enjoy 50th reunion Page 5
‘Crossing the Universe: the Faces of Catholicism’
archbishop william to celebrate closing service of sept. 13-14 all-night vigil for feast of the holy cross PITTSBURGH — St. John Chrysostom Byzantine Catholic Church will host ‘Crossing the Universe: The Faces of Catholicism,’ an all-night vigil commemorating the Great Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, beginning 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13 through noon Sunday, Sept. 14. The vigil is an opportunity for people of faith to participate in the prayers of the various Catholic Churches which are essential facets of the culturally, ethnically, and religiously diverse city of Pittsburgh. “As the Apostles went forth to announce the Gospel, they did so within the cultures, languages and traditions of the people whom they evangelized. Therefore, the Church looked very different throughout the
world,” said Rev. Thomas Schaefer, Ph.D., pastor of Saint John Chrysostom Byzantine Catholic Church. “As time progressed, the expressions of faith and worship continued to evolve. Today the Universal Catholic Church is comprised of 23 Churches (once referred to as “Rites”) which convey the beauty and diversity of our centuries of faith.” ‘Crossing the Universe: The Faces of Catholicism’ is a first for the Pittsburgh region, offering an opportunity for children and families, students and adults of all ages to learn about the collective family of the Catholic Church. Along with the Byzantine (Ruthenian) Catholic Church, Cross continued on page 7
Really a Rally to remember
2014 byzanteen rally recalled in photos
Jubilees continued on page 6
Maria Iyengar
UNIONTOWN, PA — During Community Days in late July, the Sisters of St. Basil gathered to celebrate the 60th and 70th Anniversaries of three of their Sisters. Jubilees are occasions for all members of a religious community to reflect on their lives as an affirmation of love, a love story of God and a person. God did not address his invitation “to whom it may concern.” Rather, He called each one by name; each one was chosen for the unique gifts which she would offer in service to God and to the entire Church. At the Divine Liturgy, the community raised their voices in thanksgiving to God for the accumulated years of fidelity of these Sisters. For the special gift of vocation, there was rejoicing with those who faithfully answered that call, not once but each day of their lives. Following the Divine Liturgy of Thanksgiving in the Chapel
vol. 59 no. 11
His Eminence Archbishop William gathers for a photo with the youth group of Holy Ghost Church, McKees Rocks, Pa. at Mount St. Mary’s University in Emmittsburg, Md., site of the 2014 ByzanTEEN Rally, July 10-13. Photo journal of this biennial event will appear in the Sept. 7 issue of The BCW. n
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sunday, august 17, 2014
Come, let us worship . . . byzantine catholic seminary invites all to join in prayer
UPS 081500 ISSN 07442289 Official publication of the Byzantine Catholic Archeparchy of Pittsburgh
Schedule of services - September 2014
Serving parish communities in central and western Pennsylvania, Louisiana, eastern Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas and West Virginia
Date Time
Service
9/2
10:30 a.m.
Divine Liturgy
9/3
7:00 a.m.
Akathist to Our Lord
9/4
8:00 a.m.
Compline
Published every third Sunday (17 issues) by:
9/5
7:30 a.m. 5:00 p.m.
First Hour & Divine Liturgy Vespers
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
9/6
9:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m.
Divine Liturgy Vespers
9/7
7:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m.
Matins Vespers
9/8
7:00 a.m.
Divine Liturgy
9/9
7:00 a.m.
Divine Liturgy
Archbishop William C. Skurla President
9/10 7:00 a.m.
Akathist to the Theotokos
9/11 8:00 p.m.
Compline
9/12 7:30 a.m. 5:00 p.m.
Third Hour & Divine Liturgy Mystery of Reconciliation
9/13 9:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m.
Divine Liturgy Vespers
Donna Obsincs Subscription/Circulation Manager
9/14 7:00 a.m. 8:00 a.m.
Matins Divine Liturgy
Gregory S. Popivchak Business Manager
9/15 7:00 a.m.
Matins
9/16 7:00 a.m.
Divine Liturgy
Annual Subscription Rates US $12 Canadian $14 International $16
9/17 7:00 a.m.
Psalter Service (Kathisma 1)
9/18 8:00 a.m.
Compline
9/19 7:30 a.m. 5:00 p.m.
Sixth Hour & Divine Liturgy Vespers
9/20 9:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m.
Divine Liturgy Vespers
9/21 7:00 a.m. 8:00 a.m.
Matins Divine Liturgy
9/22 7:00 a.m.
Matins
9/23 7:00 a.m.
Divine Liturgy
9/24 7:00 a.m.
Akathist to St. John Paul II
9/25 7:30 p.m.
Vespers
9/26 7:30 a.m. 5:00 p.m.
First Hour & Divine Liturgy Vespers
9/27 9:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m.
Divine Liturgy Vespers
9/28 7:00 a.m. 8:00 a.m.
Matins Divine Liturgy
9/29 7:00 a.m.
Matins
9/30 7:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m.
Divine Liturgy Vespers
Sister Elaine Kisinko, OSBM Copy Editor Darlene Fejka Layout / Graphics
Periodicals Postage Paid at Pittsburgh, PA
Postmaster: send address changes to: The Byzantine Catholic World ATTN: Donna 66 Riverview Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15214 Please allow 2-3 weeks for address changes to take effect. Submissions deadline: 2nd Tuesday before publication date (12 days prior). 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
Chapel at the Seminary of Saints Cyril & Methodius 3605 Perrysville Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15214 phone: 412-321-8383 web: www.bcs.edu
faithful to reflect the image of
Pope names Ukrainian, SyroMalabar bishops from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
WASHINGTON - Pope Francis has named Father Bohdan J. Danylo, 43, rector of St. Basil Seminary, in Stamford, Conn. as bishop the Ukrainian Eparchy of St. Josaphat in Parma, Ohio. The appointment was publicized in Washington, DC August 7, by Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò, apostolic nuncio to the United States. Bishop-elect Danylo succeeds Auxiliary Bishop John Bura of Philadelphia Ukrainian, who has been serving as apostolic administrator of the Parma diocese since 2009 upon the retirement of Bishop Robert M. Moskal. There are an estimated 8,378 Catholics in the Ukrainian Eparchy of St. Josaphat. The jurisdiction extends territorially through Ohio, Mississippi, West Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida and Western Pennsylvania. The Holy Father also has named Father Joy Alappat, 58, vicar of Mar Thoma Sleeha Cathedral of the St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Diocese of Chicago, as auxiliary bishop of that diocese. The appointment was publicized in Washington, DC July 24 by Msgr. Angelo Accattino, Chargé d’Affaires at the apostolic nunciature to the United States. The Syro-Malabar Church is the second largest Church among the Eastern Catholic Churches. St. Thomas the Apostle founded the SyroMalabar Church, otherwise called the Church of St. Thomas Christians, in South India. The diocese covers the entire U.S. n
Christ in everyday activities of life; to offer spiritual
BYZANTINE DIVINE LITURGY
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.
Directory Assistance To find information on-line for churches in the Archeparchy, go to www.archpitt.org and click on “Directories” on the drop-down the byzantine catholic world
Sundays at 9:00 a.m. WEDO Radio 810 AM McKeesport, Pa. Broadcast live from Holy Ghost Church McKees Rocks, Pa.
sunday, august 17, 2014
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Pilgrimage in Honor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help THEOTOKOS, FOUNTAIN OF MERCY
Pilgrim House Announcement! from Pilgrimage Coordinator Sister Carol Petrasovich, OSBM During the recent Pilgrim House renovation, a beam was discovered with the date July 19, 1938 written in beautiful script. This was the year during which the buildings were constructed. Since the roof and foundation were found in good condition, the current renovation was undertaken. It is hoped that more of the interior will be developed in the future. The Sisters are gratefully accepting donations toward this project. n
The Sisters at Mount St. Macrina announce the re-opening of one section of the Pilgrim Houses for the upcoming 80th Annual Pilgrimage in honor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Aug. 30-31. Approximately twenty beds (in small dormitories) will be available this year exclusively for pilgrims who are physically challenged and cannot climb stairs. Due to the limited number of beds, please note that we are unable to accommodate caregivers. Pilgrims staying in these dormitories must be able to navigate on their own. The fee for these beds is $40 per night and are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. To reserve a bed, please call Sister Carol at 724-438-7149. the byzantine catholic world
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sunday, august 17, 2014
a pilgrimage reflection
a personal reflection
Mercy Pleases God by Father Michael Huszti
“Mercy Pleases God.” (Mt. 9:13; Hos 6:6) These words of our Lord, Jesus Christ were directed to the scribes and Pharisees, whom Christ called Hypocrites, for neglecting “the weightier matters of justice, mercy, and good faith, while paying tithes on mint, dill and cumin.” (Mt.23:23) These spices were mere outward sacrifices of nature that did not reach into the depths of people’s hearts and souls. Ritual uses of these spices cannot accomplish what being merciful does so remarkably well. Our Lord directs all of us to be proponents of mercy in this world and specifically for this year’s pilgrimage theme which points to Mary, the Theotokos, as the ‘Fountain of Mercy.’ Fountains, like the Trevi in Rome, are decorated with many larger-than-life sculptures, usually of mythic or historic Roman figures. The water filling these fountains forms a large pool and the architects who designed these urban fountains implemented moving air-borne streams of water speeding high and low, from the mouths of sculpted fish and fauna. They serve to delight those visiting and passing by. Fountains and springs are often located where sub-surface water is plentiful and its purity unmatched. The water these springs provide is often naturally infused with minerals that provide the body’s replenishment from illness or disease. There are many regions around the world where even thermal springs provide the addition of heat and other therapeutic remedies when one drinks of these beneficial waters or soaks in them. Mary, the Mother of our Lord, is given a vast catalogue of honorific titles in the Akathist Hymn to the Theotokos of Perpetual Help. The beautiful and expressive icon of Mary, which is carried in procession during the Pilgrimage at Mount St. Macrina in Uniontown, Pa. - this year on Saturday, August 30, and Sunday, August 31 embodies visually for us the hidden and unseen virtues of our Blessed Lady and GodBearer. We will consider several verses of this Akathist Hymn that will capture our thoughts regarding Mary and her role in drawing us more closely in alignment with her Son.
The poetic language of the Akathist service certainly conveys for us a broad spectrum of ideas regarding her maternal care reaching out to us: Rejoice, O unlocked Treasure, from which all can profit. Treasures carry within them high values, of gems and stones, and through Mary, the highest moral values become accessible. Her life is a superlative treasure of virtue and Christian witness for all to emulate. We chant that her treasure is ‘unlocked,’ and easily available and ready for those wishing to ponder her virtues and the insights of her prayers. Rejoice, O Source of living Water, ever-streaming. Here, we have the question not of natural water as we customarily know it, but ‘living’ water of which Jesus spoke at length with the Samaritan woman at the well in John’s Gospel 4:10-14. His conversation with the Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well in Sychar generated from her a great deal of interest as it should from us. Our Lord spoke, “If you only knew what God is offering and who it is that is saying to you, ‘Give me something to drink,’ you would have been the one to ask, and he would have given you living water.” (Jn 4:10) The Samaritan woman interposed a dilemma for Jesus since he lacked a bucket aside such a deep well, to which Jesus replied, “Whoever drinks this water will be thirsty again; but no one who drinks the water I shall give you will ever be thirsty again: the water that I shall give will become a spring of water within, welling up for eternal life.” (Jn. 4:13-14) At this point she asked Jesus for this ‘living’ water. Rejoice, O Sweet Potion of Thirsty souls. This ‘living’ water quenches more our spiritual aridity. Mary’s scriptural examples coupled with her prayers, such as her Magnificat found in Luke’s Gospel, give exemplary witness for nurturing our soul by appealing to the Theotokos regularly in prayer. Mary’s role brings us her personal touch into a very impersonal and materialistic world, seemingly drained of all spiritual fountains to revive us. Mary reminds us of our incorporation into Mercy continued on page 5
Pilgrimage and my brother Joseph by Sister Margaret Kapusnak, OSBM
In God’s plan, the 79th Annual Pilgrimage in honor of Our Mother of Perpetual Help was to be Joe’s last one on this earth. In late December of 2013, he began a journey which was to end on Monday, July 7, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. So many friends, Sisters, brother clergy, and dedicated care givers accompanied him through the various stages of what was to be his final journey, a journey with the landmarks of two broken ribs, pneumonia, atrial fibrillation, below the knee amputation of his right leg, and a series of strokes. Joe really loved being at the Pilgrimage at Mount St. Macrina. Except for the year he had open heart surgery, I don’t think he missed a Pilgrimage since his priestly ordination. He would say that as he neared the Mount from wherever he was traveling, he would see a light over the holy Mount and experience in a deep way the presence of the Spirit hovering over all. One of his great joys during Pilgrimage was to celebrate the Service of Anointing of the Sick. He was always conscious
of being called to be a healing presence, and he gave himself to this ministry with generosity and great love. Through his hands, many received the mercy of God’s forgiveness. He also treasured the prayer following the distribution of the Eucharist at Divine Liturgy, “Behold, this our holy Lord has touched your lips, shall take away your iniquities, and shall cleanse you of all your sins.” This prayer spoke to him of God’s mercy. “Margi,” he would say, “these are not empty words; this is a reality.” In August, Joe would have celebrated his 80th birthday. He counted his birthdays from the years of the Pilgrimage. When the committee chose the theme for this 80th Anniversary Pilgrimage, it would never have entered my mind that the theme “Theotokos, Fountain of Mercy” chosen because of Pope Francis’ emphasis on God’s mercy, would speak to my heart so much of my brother Joe. As he was a vessel of mercy for so many, may it please God to receive his servant, the priest Joseph, into everlasting joy. n
This precious memory of Father Joseph Kapusnak imparting a blessing for healing was sketched from a photo taken at a Mount St. Macrina Pilgrimage by Sister Monica Husovich, OSBM and shared by his sister, Sister Margaret Kapusnak, OSBM. Father Joe fell asleep in the Lord on July 7.
the byzantine catholic world
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Mercy
page 5
Mount St. Macrina Academy grads celebrate 50-year reunion
continued from page 4
Church, established by her son, our Lord, in which we became adopted sons and daughters through the mystery of Holy Baptism. Mary’s faithful witness given us sweetens this spiritual potion that inwardly nourishes our soul: [Prayed before Mary’s icon] “the sick regain their health, the suffering receive comfort, and those who dwell in darkness obtain the spiritual sight of soul and body, for you attract all with your goodness that you may lead them to your heart, and thus turn them toward Christ, the never-setting Sun.” In the aforementioned verses, we glimpse at how many ways the Theotokos gives her children physical and spiritual aid wrought through the goodness of her life which received from God so many blessings and graces. The young Mary voluntarily consented in accepting God’s will for her maternity. She was fully open to the Father’s will and the Holy Spirit’s ‘overshadowing’ presence at Christ’s conception. We also have her full attention that is extracted in her powerful prayers on our behalf. In trusting faith, Mary ‘has our backs,’ as she so generously shares with us her heart. Rejoice, O Sealed Fountain of God, Rejoice, O Well of Living Water. Rejoice, O Full of Grace, our Hope! Mary’s perpetual virginity is expressed by this ‘sealed Fountain of God.’ Can it also convey for us the intensity of her concern for us, voiding all distractions that could, but don’t, draw her attention away from us? Mary’s love for us is undivided and undissipated by her zeal for souls following her Son. This ‘well of living water’ symbolizes Mary’s spiritual investment in our lives and it is her pleroma of grace that yields unwavering hope for us all. The moral purity of Mary’s life gives insight to our mind’s eye that allows us to “Make your own the mind of Christ” about which St. Paul wrote. (Ph 2:5). Rejoice, for you transform the desert-like hearts into magnificent gardens. Our intellect or mind so carelessly steeped in a world of self-centeredness, needs to undergo a pruning transformation that would, as John the Baptist proclaimed, “make straight the way of the
class of 1964 gathers for weekend of fond memories, new adventures
by Bridget Bowman
Lord,” by repentance. This change of mind or metanoia needs to head us in the direction of charity and altruism, with Christ becoming the center of our lives. Mary calls us to bring, as it were, the freshness of greenery and vegetation into our hearts to make these ‘magnificent gardens’ flourish. She calls us to create in our life a spiritual oasis as she unfailingly reaches out to us with her prayers and poignant petitions from heaven. Her prayers, strongly infused with grace, serve to irrigate, soften, and purge the caked-up clay and debris that sin collects and the world foists upon us. As the Theotokos and GodBearer, Mary’s active role within the Church serves to bring our lives to wonderful fruition through Jesus Christ, and by our cooperation with the Holy Spirit, the Advocate and Comforter, sent to guide and sanctify the children of God. These ‘magnificent gardens’ result when we are willing to entrust our life more fully to Mary’s Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior. n Father Michael Huszti serves as spiritual vicar for the Sisters of St. Basil at Mount St. Macrina, Uniontown, Pa. in addition to being pastor of St. Mary Holy Protection Church, Morgantown, W.Va.
The Class of ‘64 of Mount St. Macrina Academy, Uniontown, Pa. recently celebrated their 50th high school reunion. The class originally began with 25 freshmen and graduated 19 seniors. The weekend began Friday evening July 26 with seven alumnae gathering for a hospitality evening at a townhouse on the Links at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort in Farmington, Pa. There we reminisced over the past fifty years amidst laughter and tears. As we perused through the yearbooks, we relived many of the highlights of those memorable academy years. During the weekend some of the alumnae returned to the beautiful campus of the Mount and visited with some former teachers while others visited some of the historical sites of Fort Necessity and General Braddock’s grave, which were located near the Laurel Caverns area. Those who stayed at the Nemacolin Resort had the delightful opportunity to tour the lovely grounds with its nature trails and outdoor habitats that enclosed zoo-like animals. The highlight of the weekend
was the formal dinner held on Saturday at The Stone House Inn, where more of the alumnae with their husbands joined in the festivities. Special awards were given. “Cookie” (Georgine) Hlebasko Sutkowski (Charlotte, N.C.), was the most difficult classmate to find, Anna Petrunya Singel (McKees Rocks, Pa.), was the quickest to respond and showed up wearing the Academy uniform, complete with “saddle shoes,” and to Kim Kocisko Warhola, for traveling the farthest from Campbell, Calif. The table centerpieces (saddle shoe planters) and découpaged vases with yearbook pictures of the four years were made by Mary Kay Marsinek Stiver and Bridget Blair Bowman, who also orchestrated the weekend events. Kim Warhola surprised everyone with their own individual keepsakes of a “global” candle. We all agreed that everyone had such a delightful time. We met one final time for brunch on Sunday at Braddock’s Inn. It was unanimously agreed that we would gather again for the 55th class reunion at The Mount in October 2019. n
Gathered for a commemorative photo during their 50th Reunion Weekend at the Nemacolin Woods Resort in Farmington, Pa. are members of the Mount St. Macrina Academy Class of 1964. front row, from left: Kathy Sefcheck, Linda Salveson Davis, Eileen Stegura Gmittler, Anna Maria Petrunya Singel and Kim Kocisko Warhola. back row, from left: Gloria Helt Kostelnik, Mary Kay Marsinek Stiver, Bridget Blair Bowman, Rose Marie Skovran Rupnik, Georgine “Cookie” Hlebasko Sutkowski and Elaine McKulka.
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Jubilees
continued from page 1 Sister Vladimir Chabala entered the Sisters of St. Basil from St. Mary’s Church, New York, N.Y. She brought to the Community her special gift in the culinary arts, which she generously offers in service to the present time. Besides caring for the Sisters’ needs in the various parishes of Archeparchy, Sister Vladimir also served at St. Basil’s Home for Aged Women and at the Archbishop’s Residence in Pittsburgh, Pa. In addition to baking throughout the year, Sister Vladimir brings her unique abilities to the “medovniki” project for the annual Pilgrimage. Sister Vladimir has fine-tuned this particular ministry down to its minutest details. Sister is also responsible for preparing the Holy Chrism which is consecrated for use in all the Eparchies, another ministry to which she has been devoted for a number of years. Sister Mary Ann Vasilcheck came to the Community from SS. Peter and Paul Parish, Struthers, Ohio. Throughout her religious life, Sister Mary Ann was called upon to serve as a teacher and catechist as well as caring for the needs of the Sisters in the parish missions. Sister also served at St. Basil’s Home for the Aged and in the Bishop’s residence in Pittsburgh, Pa. Upon her assignment to the Monastery, Sister assisted the director in various duties. While she was till active, Sister Mary Ann volunteered at Mount Macrina Manor, helped with phone duty, and offered her willingness to be a “personal shopper” for those who need this service. Presently, Sister Mary Ann is a resident at Mount Macrina Manor. Sister Ann Fedyszak entered the Community from SS. Peter and Paul Church, Warren, Ohio. Initially, Sister Ann was assigned to the teaching apostolate in a number of schools that were staffed by the Sisters of St. Basil. She was one of the Sisters assigned to help establish the Office of Religious Education in Pittsburgh. Her Degree in Education from Duquesne University and further graduate studies which focused on various aspects of Eastern Spirituality and Theology enabled her to make a significant contribution in this area. Sister Ann also served the Community in Provincial Administration as Assistant Provincial and Motherhouse
Director. Following this, she served part-time in the Office of Religious Education and part-time in parish ministry at Holy Ghost parish in McKees Rocks, Pa. for five years then moved on to serve full time in parish ministry there. Presently, Sister Ann is a resident at Mount Macrina Manor. n May God grant to his servants, the nuns Vladimir, Mary Ann and Ann, peace, health, and happiness for many blessed years!
60-year jubilarian Sister Ann Fedyszak, OSBM is pictured with her sister, Sister Margaret, OSBM (left), Sister Seraphim Olsafsky, and her brother, Joe following the Divine Liturgy of Thanksgiving at the Sisters of St. Basil Chapel in late July.
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Cross
continued from page 1 other Catholic Churches scheduled to participate in services include: Maronite; Melkite; Roman (Latin); SyroMalabar and Ukrainian. Liturgical celebrants David A. Zubik, Roman Catholic Bishop of Pittsburgh and William C. Skurla, Byzantine Catholic Metropolitan Archbishop of Pittsburgh will preside over the opening and closing services, respectively. Complete schedule of services appears below, or visit www.sjcbcc.com for a downloadable brochure with full schedule. n
THROUGHOUT THE CELEBRATION: All are welcome to attend any or all liturgies and services. Quiet space will be provided. Refreshments, religious articles, books, and icons will be available for purchase. FOR MORE INFORMATION: Web: www.sjcbbc.com Email: cross@sjcbcc.com Phone: 412.421.0243
Saturday, September 13
Sunday, September 14
the byzantine catholic world
parish news page 8
Twice-asnice parish picnic fun
sunday, august 17, 2014
What a weekend!
st. gregory parish makes the most of every minute
sister churches get together for worship, dinner
The weekend of July 19-20 was very busy at St. Gregory Byzantine Catholic Church in Upper St. Clair, Pa. In a special way, we commemorated the holy and glorious prophet Elijah (on his July 20 feast day) who was taken into heaven on a fiery chariot. He therefore is known as the patron saint of vehicles, reminding us that we must struggle to manifest holiness in our lives, even when we travel. Following the divine services, the blessing of vehicles took place as we celebrated the life of this glorious prophet of the Old Testament. As part of our weekend celebration, we also welcomed on that Sunday morning Ethan Joseph Hughes, the son of Zachery and Julie Hughes, who received the Holy Mysteries of Christian Initiation (Baptism, Chrismation and Holy Eucharist). As a parish family, we ask Almighty God to bless Ethan Joseph and his entire family for many happy and blessed years! Our busy weekend was completed with St. Gregory’s golf outing which took place at the Scenic Valley Golf Club in Finleyville (below). Parishioners enjoyed this 18-hole aptly named scenic valley and ended the day with a tasty barbeque, prizes, and great fellowship. n
On Sunday July 6, the third annual summer picnic at Blue Spruce Park (Indiana County) sponsored by the parishes of Saint Anne (Clymer) and Saint Jude Thaddeus (Ernest) took place under blue skies and bright sunshine. The parish families warmly welcomed Greek Catholic Union District 4 as a co-sponsor for the 2014 joint event. The day started with a 10 a.m. outdoor Divine Liturgy celebrated by Father William Lascelles, pastor and administrator of the “sister” parishes. Responses for the Liturgy were sung by all present; immediately after the service, a plentiful dinner was served. The menu included a variety of ethnic foods – pirohy, holupky, halushky, kielbasa, pulled pork, baked beans, hot dogs, meatballs, fried chicken, macaroni and potato salad and rolls – followed by tables of decadent desserts and fruits for those who still had an appetite after a scrumptious meal. Everyone commented about the bounty of food which filled tables spanning the full length of two pavilions. During and after the meal many door prizes were awarded, along with swag bags distributed by the GCU. There also was a “Guess the Jelly Beans” contest with a gift basket for the winner. Fishing, games and art activities were part of the children’s program. The joint picnic was a great time to socialize, meet new friends and talk with old friends. Laughing, singing, taking pictures and renewing acquaintances were the rule of the day for the approximate 130 folks attending. A special “thank you” is in order to the GCU home office for a fraternal grant and numerous promotional gifts and prizes for the event. There was no doubt as to whether a good time was had by all – overheard many times throughout the picnic area was a resounding “Let’s do it again next year!” n
Additional photos on page 11. Photos by Marjan Michlik and Christopher Weber.
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parish news
continued
September St. Mary Holy Protection Church
St. Nicholas Church
Father Valerian Michlik blesses vehicles for the Feast of St. Elijah (July 20).
Brownsville, PA EVENT: Flea Festival! DATE: Tuesday Sept. 2 thru Sunday Sept. 6 TIME: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. INFO: Father Jerome: 724-785-7573 Melody Yeardie: 724-785-2801 A huge and festive flea market/ rummage sale with wall-to-wall new and gently used items: clothing, toys, small apliances, tools, winterwear, baby items, games, books, housewares, electronics, MUCH, much more! “Something for everyone.” Bake sale, hot dogs, beverages available for purchase.
SS. Peter & Paul Church
Ethan Joseph Hughes with his parents, godparents, and pastor Father Valerian.
Erie, PA EVENT: 11th Annual Slavic Festival DATE: Sunday Sept. 14 TIME: 12:00 noon - 7:00 p.m. INFO: Richard Vasil 814-864-6136 Parish Office 814-825-8140 Delicious and plentiful homemade ethnic foods and baked goods; live music; ethnic dancers; basket raffle, ethnic goods.
Ascension of Our Lord Church
Clairton, PA EVENT: Parish Picnic* DATE: Sun. September 14 TIME: 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. INFO: Fr. Ivan 422-233-7422 Guests are welcome! Ascension parish picnic is held at Clairton Park Pavilion & Lodge (top of Mendelssohn Street). For information, call Fr. Ivan Mina.
Morgantown, WV EVENT: Annual Slavic Food Festival DATE: Sunday, Sept.14 TIME: 12:00 noon to 4:00 p.m. INFO: Ellen McCabe 304-282-0431 Church located at 2115 Listravia Ave., Morgantown, WV 26505 at the corner of Routes 68 and 7. Highlighting the afternoon are homemade dinners, numerous raffles and Bingo. All are welcome!
St. Gregory Church
Upper St. Clair, PA EVENT: Parish Picnic* DATE: Sunday Sept. 21 TIME: 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. INFO: Fr. Valerian 412-835-7800 Following the 9:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy, Parish Picnic will take place at the USC McLaughlin Run Road Recreation Center, 1770 McLaughlin Run Rd, Upper St. Clair. Games and music, food and fun! Event marks the official beginning of new school year for St. Gregory’s Church School.
St. John the Baptist Church
Uniontown, PA EVENT: 9th Annual Classic Car Show DATE: Sunday Sept. 28 TIME: 12:00 noon - 4:00 p.m. Rain or Shine INFO: Church Office: M-F 724-438-6027 Great food, D.J. Arnie Amber, 50/50, Byzantine Auction. Registration: Noon to 2:00 p.m. Over 25 Trophies awarded - $8 registration fee, 1st 150 cars receive dash plaque.
Presentation of prizes at St. Gregory’s golf outing.
October
Scouts, mentors, youth ministers invited to attend Region 3 conference sept. 7-8 in mechanicsburg, pa The National Catholic Committee on Scouting Conference for Region 3 (NCCS Region 3 Pennsylvania and New Jersey) invites all Roman and Eastern Rite Catholic Boy Scouters, diocesan scouting committee members, all persons involved in Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, Catholic youth ministry and Religious Emblems to the annual Region 3 conference. The two-day event will be held on Sept. 7 – 8 at the
Park Inn Harrisburg West in Mechanicsburg, Pa. Information will be available and discussions will be held on the NCCS Membership Initiative, Religious Emblems, St. George Trek 2015 and various other topics. For more information, conference schedule, and hotel information contact Mr. August Pfeifer at 717-737-8713 or ajpfeifer47@ verizon.net. n
St. John the Baptist
Uniontown, PA EVENT: Parish Festival 33rd Annual Carpatho-Rusyn Celebration DATE: Sunday Oct. 26 TIME: 12:00 noon - 6:00 p.m. INFO: Church Office: 724-438-6027 M - F 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Ethnic Foods, Baked Goods, Crafts, Raffles, Folk Displays, Music, Demonstrations, Speakers, Children’s Activities, Family Fun, Cooking Demonstration , Slavjane Dancers, Free Admission!
* PLEASE NOTE: “Parish Picnic” = parish-only
“Parish Festival” = open to the public
Listings provided by pastors/churches of the Archeparchy of Pittsburgh.
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Activities Shout It Out Gladly! The following church greetings are among those most commonly used during the Byzantine Catholic Church year: Christmas – Nativity of our Lord Greeting: CHRIST IS BORN! Response: GLORIFY HIM! Easter – Pascha Greeting: CHRIST IS RISEN! Response: INDEED HE IS RISEN! Ordinary days Greeting: GLORY TO JESUS CHRIST! Response: GLORY FOREVER! When receiving Mirovanije - blessed bread and oil on certain feasts Greeting: CHRIST IS AMONG US! Response: HE IS AND SHALL BE!
WHAT’s UP!? by Sandy Simko
“HEY!” “HI!” “WHAT’S UP?” are a few modernday greetings that you may hear as you see a friend coming your way. A greeting is a way to speak to someone with polite and friendly words or actions. Going back to biblical times, the greetings were interesting and different. First was the bow - a downward bending of the head or body to show respect or worship. • In the Book of Genesis chapter 18, Abraham is displaying his hospitality to three men standing at the entrance of his tent - his home. With a deep bow, his face touching the ground, Abraham continues to greet the men with an invitation to stop at his home for food and water to wash their feet. One of the visitors had a message for Abraham’s wife Sarah. “In nine months from now I will come back and your wife Sarah will have a son.” • It was difficult times and food was scarce. Joseph’s brothers were sent to Egypt to buy grains to take back to their homeland. When the brothers saw Joseph to greet him, they bowed down to the ground in respect for his position. Genesis 43 (In the Divine Liturgy, there are several places where the people bow their heads: during the Entrance Hymn before the clergy goes through the Royal Doors and into the Sanctuary - “come let us worship and bow before Christ . . . ,” and after the Our Father prayer the people are asked to bow their
heads to the Lord for a prayer blessing.) • The combination of a bow and a kiss was also a common greeting. In Genesis 33, the time for the blind and dying Isaac to pass on to the eldest son the final blessing of leadership of the family and its wealth. Twin brother Jacob tricked his father into thinking he was Esau, the older twin brother. Esau had been cheated of his birthright blessing and family wealth. After years of separation, the twin brothers were destined to meet again. Would there be forgiveness between them? Backed by 400 men, Esau approached Jacob. Differences were forgiven. Jacob bowed down to the ground seven times! Brother Esau ran to meet Jacob, threw his arms around him and kissed him. • Another example of a bow and a kiss is found in the Book of Exodus chapter 18. Moses was camped at the base of the Holy Mountain. Father-in-law Jethro brought Zipporah wife of Moses and their two sons to the desert camp for a visit. Moses goes out to meet Jethro and greets him with a bow and a kiss. • A kiss of betrayal is delivered in the Garden of Gethsemane. Judas one of the 12 disciples arrived with a large crowd armed with clubs and swords searching for Jesus. “The one I kiss is the one you want,” Judas reveals to a soldier. Immediately he went up to Jesus, greeted him and then kissed him. A kiss is usually considered a positive greeting, however, this kiss was a betrayal of friendship and love!
• The Apostle Paul sent a kiss of peace to the church people in Corinth. The missionary Apostle Paul founded the Christian church in Corinth a seaport city near Athens, Greece during his second missionary Journey. As Apostle Paul roamed from city to city, his written letters to the churches were ways to communicate with the church people. • St. Paul’s first letter to the Corinthian Christians encouraged them to follow Christ more closely and especially to love each other as Christ loved them. His message
continued - love means treating all people with patience, kindness and forgiveness. And most importantly, greet one another with a KISS OF PEACE. Did you ever observe during a Divine Liturgy service the kiss of peace given by the clergy? A priest to a priest, a deacon to another deacon - they will greet each other first to the one shoulder then the other shoulder with the symbolic kiss of peace. You too can offer another Christian the kiss of peace! n
Pilgrimage for Peace Holy Dormition Byzantine Franciscan Friary Sybertsville, Pennsylvania
Sunday, September 21, 2014 11 AM – 6 PM For peace from on high and for the salvation of our souls, let us pray to the Lord. 11 am – 3 pm – Food Service Confessions, Prayer, Bake Sale, Gift Shop 12:30 pm – Panachida: Memorial Service 1 pm – Healing Service – Moleben 2 pm – Spiritual Presentation – Yearning for the Lord by Subdeacon Lewis Rabayda
2:30 pm – Concert – featuring Byzantine Hymns 4 pm – Divine Liturgy – with Metropolitan William Skurla of Pittsburgh
Food Service continues after Divine Liturgy For more information, please email holydormition@gmail.com or call 570-788-1212. Holy Dormition Byzantine Franciscan Friary is located on PA-93. From I-80 exit 256, take PA-93 south. The Friary driveway is just past the second traffic light, on the right. From I-81 exit 145, take PA-93 north. The Friary is on the left at the next traffic light after Gould’s Supermarket.
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thoughts for our day by Archpriest David M. Petras
the dormition of the mother of god The Resurrection of Christ is different from the other resurrections in the Gospels. Jesus raised people from the dead because he is the Giver of Life, and death could not remain in his presence. When Jesus rose, it was the definitive victory over death. It was the hour of his glory. The resurrection of Jesus is a sign of hope for us, that we too will share in his glory and be raised to the fullness of life. Whenever we receive Communion, then, the priest says that it is for “the forgiveness of sins and life everlasting.” St. Paul proclaims: “(Jesus) is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation .... He is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things he himself might be preeminent (Colossians 1:18)” We do not share in this resurrection in our present lives, which is why Lazarus and the others had to die again. Jesus, too, sharing our human nature, had to pass through death to pass to the glorious life, but being God, he destroyed death by his death. We will share in this victory in the fullness of time, but we can also ask the question: Are there others who already share in the resurrection of Christ? We must mention here the Dormition of the Theotokos, that is, the Falling Asleep of Mary, the Mother of God. This is not usually called a “Resurrection.” The present name for this feast is “Dormition,” but the earliest title was “Translation.” In the Roman Church, it is called “Assumption,” that is, when Mary was assumed into heaven. The Church tradition is that since she bore God in her womb, she could not know the corruption of death, therefore, she was taken directly into heaven. The account of her being translated into heaven is not recorded in the Gospels nor any of Epistles. Actual stories of the translation are rather late: the “Dormition of Mary,” written in the name of the Apostle John (fourth century),
and the Transitus Mariae (from the fifth century). By the sixth century, it was a general feast in the East. After this time, it is mentioned frequently in the sermons of the Fathers. The Western Church is ambiguous about whether Mary actually died or whether she was taken directly into heaven. The Eastern Church,
The Dormition of Mary, the “Theotokos,” that is, the one who gave birth to God, is a great feast, which one may even call the “summer Pascha.” however, is quite clear that she died. If her Son, being God and yet assuming human nature in her womb, had to die because of his human nature, though he was without sin, so also, his pure mother had to die to pass into glory with her Son. Her body was taken into heaven, “You have become the throne of the Most High, and today you are taken from earth to heaven. (Sticheron, Tone 1, at Psalm 140)” The Hymn of Light at Matins is clear that her soul was separated from her body, “O holy apostles of Christ, gathered here from the ends of the universe, carry my body to the garden of Gethsemane and place it in the tomb. And you, my Son and my God, receive my breath and my spirit.” The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into Heaven at the end of her earthly life is a defined dogma in the Catholic Church. On November 1, 1950, Pope Pius XII ... declared in Munificentissimus Deus that it is a dogma of the Church ‘that the Immaculate Mother of God, the ever Virgin Mary, having completed the course of her earthly life, was assumed body and soul into heavenly glory.” It became a key point in the Vatican II Constitution
on the Church:“In the bodily and spiritual glory which she possesses in heaven, the Mother of Jesus continues in this present world as the image and first flowering of the Church as she is to be perfected in the world to come. Likewise, Mary shines forth on earth, until the day of the Lord shall come (cf. 2 Peter 3:10), as a sign of certain hope and comfort for the pilgrim People of God” (Vatican II, Dogmatic Constitution on the Church, 68). That Mary was taken bodily into heaven is certainly like our Lord’s Resurrection. The difference might be located in this: the Lord rose from the dead because he is God, Mary certainly is not “God,” but was raised by God’s power so that she is our hope for Resurrection, the first to be bodily raised to the Kingdom of God. Unlike Jesus, there are no accounts of appearances of Mary between her entombment and translation. However, it is interesting that appearances of Mary to various faithful and groups of faithful have been very numerous. None of these appearances, though, are general revelation, and have a private character.
the byzantine catholic world
The Dormition of Mary, the “Theotokos,” that is, the one who gave birth to God, is a great feast, which one may even call the “summer Pascha.” As Theotokos, she did not give birth to the divine nature, but to a person who is God, and therefore can be called the “Mother of God.” In this way she stands in the place of all humankind in our acceptance of God into our lives. She also stands in the place of all humankind in God’s acceptance of us into the glory of his divine life. In the Cross, then, Jesus gives her to us as our mother, “Then he said to the (beloved) disciple, ‘Behold, your mother.’ (John 19:27)” We are all the “beloved disciple” of the Lord. Mary leads us to life in Christ for in her translation to life she becomes our intercessor and protector. On the feast of the Dormition, we sing, “O Theotokos, in giving birth you preserved virginity, and in your falling asleep you did not forsake the world. You are the Mother of Life and have been transferred to life, and through your prayers, you delivered our souls from death.” (Troparion, Tone 1) n
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around the archeparchy RUMMAGE SALE – Annual event held at St. Pius X Church, 2336 Brownsville Rd. in Carrick (Pittsburgh), PA 15210 Friday Sept. 5 and Saturday Sept. 6. Hours on Friday are 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The popular ‘Fill a bag for $2’ sale starts at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday. Food and beverages will be sold in the kitchen both days. For more information, call 412-881-8344. OPEN HOUSE - The Slavjane Folk Ensemble is accepting new members for the 2014-2015 season. An Open House event will be held Saturday, Sept. 6 at the group’s spiritual and physical headquarters, Holy Ghost Church, 225 Olivia Street, McKees Rocks, PA 15136. Father Frank Firko, the group’s Spiritual Advisor and pastor of Holy Ghost Church, extends a cordial invitation to all to attend the 4:00 p.m. celebration of Divine Liturgy that day. Following the service, the social hall will be open to meet and greet group members, parents, and directors at a potluck open-house picnic, where Slavjane will entertain guests with a brief impromptu performance. Directors, officers and parents will be on hand to answer questions about joining. Come and see what Slavjane is all about and how the group keeps Rusyn and Slavic traditions alive through performance. There is no charge, but attendees are most welcome to bring a dessert to share. For more information on Slavjane’s open house picnic or how to join the group, contact Program Director Dean Poloka at 412-877-9351 or e-mail dean.poloka@gmail.com. NURSING COURSE - Nurses who are interested in serving their parish in Bethany Ministry are invited to take the Parish Nurse Preparation Course Sept. 12-13 and Oct. 3-4. Partial scholarships are available. 34 CEUs will be awarded upon completion of the 4-day course. For more information about the course or about Bethany Ministry, contact Dorothy Mayernik at 412-2327151 or dmayernik@pmhs.org. KECHERA PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE Sept. 19 - 6:30 p.m. Hiram G. Andrews Center Johnstown, PA 814-254-4236 Sept. 20 - 2:00 p.m.; 4:00 p.m.; 7:30 p.m St. John the Baptist Cathedral Cleveland, OH 440-729-2045 Sept. 21 - 5:00 p.m. Carpatho-Rusyn Cultural Center Munhall, PA 412-251-3083
Sept. 23 Minersville, PA rlaychock@c-rs.org Sept. 24 St. Ann Church Harrisburg, PA rlaychock@c-rs.org Sept. 25 Washington, DC
Sept. 27 Slovak / Czech Club Highstown, NJ 908-304-3006 Sept. 28 Slovak Festival Garden State Art Foundation Woodbridge, NJ
Sept. 26 Msgr. Komar Hall Linden, NJ 07036 908-304-3006
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 E-mail: bcw@archpitt.org Web site: www.archpitt.org
next issue date: september 7
submissions deadline: august 26
CARPATHO-RUSYN VATRA and Rusyn-Slovak picnic. Sponsored by the Carpatho-Rusyn Society Youngstown-Warren (Ohio) chapter. Saturday, Sept. 13, begins at noon til 8:00 p.m. rain or shine at Infant of Prague Byzantine Catholic Church, 7754 South Avenue, Boardman, OH 44512. Divine Liturgy at 6:00 p.m. Ethnic foods and music, genealogy and sales tables. Kitchen opens at noon. AN OLD COUNTRY MUSICAL EVENING - The Gypsies Are Coming! It’s an evening with The George Batyi Gypsy Band featuring Alex Udvari on cimbalom. Traditional music of the Roma of Hungary and Slovakia Friday, Sept. 5 at the Bulgarian Macedonian Cultural Center, 449 W. 8th Ave. in West Homestead, Pa. $20 per person, cabaret-style seating is limited. Tickets and information, call 412-613-3740.
dates to remember august 23 Catechist Training Workshop
Byzantine Catholic Seminary - Pittsburgh, Pa. august 30 & 31 Pilgrimage in honor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help
Mount St. Macrina - Uniontown, Pa. september 1 Labor Day - Chancery Closed september 13 Men’s Day of Reflection
St. John Cathedral - Munhall, Pa. september 13-14 Celebration of the Holy Cross: ‘Crossing the Universe’
St. John Chrysostom Church - Pittsburgh, Pa. september 14 Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross
Celebration of Marriage - Annual Liturgy and Dinner
St. Elias Church - Munhall, Pa.
See more upcoming events at www.archpitt.org the byzantine catholic world