Byzantine Catholic World | Vol 59 - September 2014

the official newspaper of the archeparchy of pittsburgh

enrichment

Inside

Office of Religious Education offers many opportunities for spiritual growth Page 4

vol. 59 no. 12

transfigurement

Teens experience “Transfiguration: of Christ, of Us, of Our World” at ByzanTEEN Rally 2014 Pages 6 & 7

sunday, september 7, 2014

mirth & merriment

A look back at summer fun in parishes and Byzantine Catholic Family Day at Kennywood Park Pages 8, 9 & 10

Father Eugene Yackanich officially retires from administrative position

Compliance achieved for 2013-14

Very Rev. Archpriest Eugene P. Yackanich officially has retired from his position as Protosyncellus for the Archeparchy of Pittsburgh.

Father Eugene was appointed to the prestigious position in April 2012 by His Eminence Metropolitan Archbishop William, who also promoted him to the dignity of Archpriest on Nov. 24, 2013. Prior to this appointment, Father Eugene served as Administrator of the Archeparchy upon the passing of Metropolitan Archbishop Basil Schott in July 2010,

The Archeparchy of Pittsburgh undergoes an audit every year to determine its compliance with the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, a comprehensive set of procedures established by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) in June 2002 for addressing allegations of sexual abuse of minors by Catholic clergy.

The Charter also includes

archeparchy passes usccb standards for protection of children

also served archeparchy in numerous other capacities

a position he held until the enthronement of Archbishop William.

Along with the protosyncellate, Father Eugene has surrendered his positions on the Archieparchial Finance Council, Renewal and Revitalization Commission, Seminary Advisory Board, Cemetery Board, and Clergy Placement Board, as well as memberships in the Pennsylvania Catholic Conference (PCC) and Christian Associates of Southwest PennFr. Eugene continued on page 3

CEIA reasserts commitment to dialogue with Muslims

Very Reverend Archpriest Eugene P. Yackanich was ordained to the presbyterate on March 25, 1965 .

He has served as pastor of St. Elias Church in Munhall, Pa. since 1994.

Compliance continued on page 4

‘Fountain of Mercy’

rain or shine, 80th pilgrimage inspires

statement expresses sadness over violence, christians who reject engagement from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

“We understand the confusion and deep emotions stirred by real and apparent acts of aggression and discrimination by certain Muslims against non-Muslims, often against Christians abroad,” the bishops wrote. “Along with many of our fellow Catholics and the many Muslims who themselves are targeted by radicals, we wish to voice our sadness, indeed our outrage, over the random and sometimes systematic acts of violence and harassment—acts that for both Christians and Dialogue continued on page 5

Bob Grip

WA S H I N G T O N — T h e Committee on Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs (CEIA) of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) reasserted their commitment to dialogue with other religions and Muslims in particular in a statement developed between Oct. 2013 and its release Aug. 19. The committee, which is chaired by Auxiliary Bishop Denis J. Madden of Baltimore, listed tensions between Christians and Muslims in different parts of the world as a primary reason for reaffirming the need for dialogue.

Neither driving rain, nor searing heat, nor relentless humidity could stop – nor put a damper on – the 80th Annual Pilgrimage in Honor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, held August 30-31 on the grounds of Mount St. Macrina in Uniontown, Pa. Photo journal and reflections will appear in the Sept. 28 issue of The BCW. n

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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 every third Sunday (17 issues) by: 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 Sister Elaine Kisinko, OSBM Copy Editor Darlene Fejka Layout / Graphics Donna Obsincs Subscription/Circulation Manager Gregory S. Popivchak Business Manager Annual Subscription Rates US $12 Canadian $14 International $16 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

official appointments appointments made by metropolitan archbishop william: Effective August 14, 2014 • Very Reverend Archpriest Eugene P. Yackanich has tendered his resignation as Protosyncellus, which was accepted by Archbishop William Skurla; along with the protosyncellate, he is relieved of the following: Archieparchial Finance Council; Renewal and Revitalization Commission; Seminary, Cemetery, and Placement Boards; and memberships in the Pennsylvania Catholic Conference and Christian Associates of Southwest Pennsylvania. He remains as pastor of Saint Elias parish, Munhall, Pa.; Protopresbyter of the Greater Pittsburgh Protopresbyterate; Consultor of the Archeparchy; and Member of the Presbyteral Council.

• Very Reverend Andrew J. Deskevich relieved as Chancellor, and appointed Protosyncellus; also appointed member of: the Archieparchial Finance Council; Placement and Pension Boards; and the Administrative Board of the Pennsylvania Catholic Conference. He remains as pastor of SS. Peter & Paul Church, Warren, Ohio.

• Very Reverend Ronald P. Larko appointed Chancellor; also appointed member of the Archieparchial Renewal and Revitalization Commission; Cemetery Board; and executive representative for Archbishop William at Christian Associates of Southwest Pa. He remains as pastor of St. John the Baptist Church, Uniontown and as administrator of St. Stephen Church, Leisenring, both in Pennsylvania.

Effective August 19, 2014 • Dr. Sandra Collins appointed Personal Formation Director for seminarians of SS. Cyril and Methodius Seminary.

• Very Reverend George D. Gallaro appointed Personal Formation Director for seminarians of SS. Cyril and Methodius Seminary.

• Father Christiaan Kappes appointed Personal Formation Director for seminarians of SS. Cyril and Methodius Seminary.

Effective August 22, 2014 • Very Reverend Eugene P. Yackanich relieved as a member of the Seminary Board.

• Right Reverend Archimandrite Philip Raczka, Protosyncellus of the Melkite Eparchy of Newton, appointed a member of the Seminary Board.

• Very Reverend Robert M. Pipta appointed a member of the Seminary Board.

• Father Valerian Michlik relieved as co-director of Metropolitan Deacon Program.

• Very Reverend Robert M. Pipta appointed co-director of Metropolitan Deacon Program.

• Very Reverend Archpriest John G. Petro appointed to continue as co-director of Metropolitan Deacon Program.

Effective August 26, 2014 • Reverend Paul-Alexander Shutt OSB appointed Spiritual Director for Seminarians of SS. Cyril and Methodius Seminary.

• Reverend Ivan Chirovsky appointed Spiritual Director for Seminarians of SS. Cyril and Methodius Seminary.

• Very Reverend Ronald P Larko appointed Spiritual Director for Seminarians of SS. Cyril and Methodius Seminary.

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

Radio Ministry reaches out to shut-ins The Byzantine Divine Liturgy is broadcast live from Holy Ghost Church in McKees Rocks, Pa. every Sunday at 9:00 a.m. over WEDO Radio 810-AM. Holy Ghost pastor Father Frank Firko is the usual celebrant with occasional guest celebrants. Contributions to help sustain this vital ministry are most welcome and needed year-round.

Checks of support should be made payable to the Archeparchy of Pittsburgh and sent to: Chancery | 66 Riverview Avenue | Pittsburgh, PA 15214 | ATTN: Radio Liturgy Ministry. n

America, and around the world.

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Deskevich, Larko assume new roles

new protosyncellus, chancellor look forward to serving

Very Rev. Andrew J. Deskevich

Very Rev. Ronald P. Larko

Very Rev. Andrew J. Deskevich was born September 3, 1970 in Nanty Glo, Pa. and also became a member of the Church of Pittsburgh through the Mysteries of Initiation at St. Nicholas Church there. He received his undergraduate degree from LaRoche College in Pittsburgh and completed formation at SS. Cyril and Methodius Seminary. Father Andrew was ordained to the presbyterate on May 4, 1997 by +Metropolitan Archbishop Judson Procyk, and served as assistant at St. John Cathedral, Munhall, Pa. His first pastorate was at St. Andrew the Apostle Church, Gibsonia, Pa. with a filial parish of Holy Ghost (Northside), Pittsburgh. He subsequently served the northwestern Pennsylvania parishes of SS. Peter and Paul, Erie and SS. Cyril and Methodius, Girard, and presently serves the parishes of SS. Peter and Paul, Warren and St. Michael the Archangel, Newton Falls, both in Ohio. Father Andrew was appointed Chancellor of the Archeparchy by Metropolitan William in April 2012.

Of his personal interests, Father Andrew relates: “My favorite Kennywood ride is the Skycoaster, which actually created an interest in skydiving. I went skydiving for my 30th birthday in 2000,” he chuckles, “but I’m strongly discouraged from doing it again (by Sister Elaine) due to the shortage of priests.”

On his new assignment as Protosyncellus, Father Andrew states: “I have some great shoes to fill, following Father Eugene (Yackanich), who carried out the responsibilities of his office with great diligence and spirit. In my new position, I pledge to serve the Church and the Metropolitan in every way that I am called.”

Very Reverend Ronald P. Larko was ordained June 6, 1982 by +Metropolitan Archbishop Stephen Kocisko at Ascension of Our Lord Byzantine Catholic Church in Clairton, Pa., Father Ron is vocation from Church of the Resurrection in Monroeville. His first assignment was St. John Baptist Church in Mingo Junction, Ohio and since January 2010 has served the faithful of St. John the Baptist Church Uniontown, Pa. He also recently assumed the responsibility of administrator for St. Stephen Church, Leisenring.

“I love it! I love to serve God,” Father Ron enthusiastically relates.

On his new role as Chancellor for the Archeparchy of Pittsburgh, he adds that “Canon law defines that I should be the archivist … hopefully since the archives need attention, I plan to continue the work which my predecessor Father Andrew started, and move forward with the process of organizing the archives.” n

The Protosyncellus: What is that?

by Father George D. Gallaro

In each archeparchy/ eparchy or archdiocese/ diocese, a Protosyncellus or Vicar General is to be appointed - who, endowed with ordinary vicarious power in accord with the norm of common law, assists the arch/ eparchial or arch/diocesan bishop in governing the whole arch/eparchy or arch/diocese.

The protosyncellus or vicar general is freely appointed by the governing bishop and can freely be removed by him. He is to be a celibate presbyter chosen from the clerics of the arch/eparchy or arch/diocese.

The origin of the office is supposed to be traceable in a papal constitution, promulgated in the Fourth Lateran Council in 1215,

by which Pope Innocent III authorized the appointment by any local bishop who was overburdened by the weight of his episcopal duties of an ecclesiastic to assist him in performing them. Yet, since no allusion to such an office occurs in the Decretals (papal letters, usually in response to a question of discipline or doctrine) compiled some years later under Pope Gregory IX (+1241), it would seem that the permission granted at the Lateran Council was not for some time much acted upon. However, before the end of the thirteenth century, protosyncelli or vicars general had become common, and the Book of Decretals of Pope Boniface VIII (+1303) minutely regulates their functions.

For this office an eparchial or diocesan priest should be chosen of not less than thirty

years old; he should not be a near relative of the bishop, nor a parish priest, except in a case of necessity. Normally there should not be more than one protosyncellus or vicar general, nor should he be identical with the Vicar Judicial or Officialis of the Tribunal.

By virtue of his office he has ordinary vicarious power in the whole arch/eparchy or arch/ diocese, both in spiritual and in temporal matters, except insofar as the eparchial or diocesan bishop reserves certain things to himself and insofar as the common law itself requires that the protosyncellus or vicar general should not act, save with a special mandate. He has precedence over all the clergy of the arch/eparchy or arch/ diocese, with the exception of bishops. n

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Fr. Eugene continued from page 1

sylvania (CASP). He will continue as pastor of St. Elias Church in Munhall, Pa., and as Protopresbyter of the Greater Pittsburgh Protopresbyterate, College of Consultors for the Archeparchy, and Member of the Presbyteral Council.

Assuming the role of Protosynellus is Very Rev. Andrew Deskevich, who prior to his Aug. 14 appointment was the Chancellor for the Archeparchy, the position of which in turn has been assumed by Very Rev. Ronald Larko (see Official Appointments on page 2).

At a luncheon held Aug. 27 in his honor, Father Eugene, who also had recently celebrated his 75th birthday, humbly offered thanks to God, to Archbishop William and to his Chancery colleagues, saying “I’m very grateful to have served in this position for the Archeparchy . . . thanks to everyone who made coming to work such a pleasure . . . but I’m definitely looking forward to spending more time relaxing!”

Father Eugene was ordained March 25, 1965 in McKeesport, Pa. His first solemn Divine Liturgy was celebrated at St. Nicholas Church, Brownsville, Pa., where his father, Rev. Demetrius Yackanich was pastor. Father Eugene will celebrate his 50th anniversary of Ordination in 2015. n May God grant to his servant the archpriest Eugene peace, health and happiness for many blessed years!

Isten adjon neked egészséget, hosszú boldog életet!

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sunday, september 7, 2014

Office of Religious Education EVENTS men’s day sept. 13 • catechetical sunday sept. 21 • spirituality conference oct. 4

This year, the Church will celebrate Catechetical Sunday on September 21, 2014, and will focus on the theme “Teaching About God’s Gift of Forgiveness.” Those whom each parish community have designated to serve as catechists will be called forth to be commissioned for their ministry. Catechetical Sunday is a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the role that each person plays, by virtue of Baptism, in handing on the faith and being a witness to the Gospel. It also is an opportunity for all to rededicate themselves to this mission as a community of faith.

Catechetical materials and resources geared to the Eastern Catholic Churches are available through God With Us Pubications. Visit their web site at www.GodWithUsBooks.com.

Credit cards are accepted for online or phone orders. To order by phone, call toll free 1-877-484-1600. For questions on materials or suggestions call 570-294-2910. n

Compliance

continued from page 1

guidelines for reconciliation, healing, accountability, and prevention of future acts of abuse. Conducted by outside auditors under the supervision of an independent National Review Board established by the USCCB, the Archeparchy’s audit is coordinated by Sister Elaine Kisinko, OSBM. The Byzantine Catholic Archeparchy of Pittsburgh again has received confirmation that it indeed is in compliance with the data collection requirements for the 2013-14 Charter audit:

For information regarding any of the programs or services offered by the Office of Religious Education, phone ORE Director Sister Marion Dobos, OSB at 412-322-8773. the byzantine catholic world

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Dialogue

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special collection for victims of violence in the middle east

continued from page 1

Muslims threaten to disrupt the harmony that binds us together in mutual support, recognition, and friendship.”

The bishops expressed sadness over “deliberate rejection” of the call to engage in dialogue with Muslims by some Christians, Catholic and not. They noted that the call to respect and dialogue comes from the Second Vatican Council’s Declaration on the Relation of the Church to NonChristian Religions (Nostra Aetate) and has been reaffirmed

Pope Francis offers his condolences VATICAN RADIO — The Holy See’s Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin has sent a message of condolence (Aug. 26) on behalf of Pope Francis for the family of the U.S. journalist James Foley, brutally executed by Islamic State militants. The message was read at a memorial mass for Foley at the family’s parish, Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Church in Rochester, N.H. The letter, addressed to the Bishop of Rockville Centre, William Francis Murphy, reads: “The Holy Father, deeply saddened by the death of James Wright Foley, asks you kindly to convey his personal condolences and the assurance of his closeness in prayer to James’ loved ones. He commends James to the loving mercy of God our Father, and joins all who mourn him in praying for an end to senseless violence and the dawn of reconciliation and peace among all the members of the human family. Upon the Foley family, and upon his friends and colleagues, he invokes the consolation and strength borne of our hope in Christ’s Resurrection.”

The Director of the Holy See Press Office, Father Federico Lombardi confirmed that Pope Francis had made a private phone call to James’ parents, Diane and John Foley, to personally express his condolences.

Foley, a 40 year old journalist, was covering the conflict in Syria when he was abducted two years ago. n (From the archive of Vatican Radio)

by subsequent popes. They also noted that, for nearly 20 years, their committee has dialogued with several national Muslim organizations, producing documents on education, marriage and revelation.

“Perhaps most importantly, our work together has forged true bonds of friendship that are supported by mutual esteem and ever-growing trust that enables us to speak candidly with one another in an atmosphere of respect,” the bishops wrote.

“Through dialogue we have been able to work through and overcome much of our mutual ignorance, habitual distrust, and debilitating fear.”

The bishops affirmed Pope Francis’ words of November 28, 2013, to the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue, that “dialogue does not mean renouncing one’s identity” nor accepting compromises on faith and morals. They wrote, “Like the pope, we are convinced that the encounter and dialogue with persons different than ourselves offers the best opportunity for fraternal growth, enrichment, witness, and ultimately peace.”

Full text of the statement is available online: www. usccb.org/beliefs-andteachings/ecumenical-andinterreligious/interreligious/ islam/dialogue-with-muslimscommittee-statement.cfm

WASHINGTON — Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz of Louisville, Kentucky, president of the U. S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has called on the bishops to consider taking up a special collection “to provide humanitarian relief and pastoral support for our affected brothers and sisters in the Middle East.” In an August 19 letter, he requested that the collection be held during the weekend of September 6-7 or September 13-14.

The impetus for the special appeal is a “great concern for the ongoing crisis in the Middle East, the cradle of Christianity,” Archbishop Kurtz explained in the letter. “Our Church mourns the terrible suffering of Christians and other innocent victims of violence in Iraq, Syria and Gaza who are struggling to survive, protect their children and live with dignity in dire conditions.”

Money given to the collection will be disbursed for humanitarian needs by Catholic Relief Services (CRS) and other Catholic agencies working in partnership with the local Church.

These organizations, Archbishop Kurtz explained, have wellestablished partnerships with the Catholic Church in the region that allow them to respond quickly and efficiently to victims in some of the hardest-to-reach areas. Collection funds will also support Church programs to aid persecuted Christians and for rebuilding needs of Catholic dioceses in the impacted areas.

“Our Christian brothers and sisters and other innocent victims of the violence in the Middle East urgently need the assistance of the Catholic community of the United States,” Archbishop Kurtz wrote.

“Thank you for your support of this special collection and for your continued prayers for the victims of this crisis.”

More information can be found at: www.usccb.org/about/nationalcollections/index.cfm n

Vatican and papal statements regarding Muslims are also available online: www.usccb. org/beliefs-and-teachings/ ecumenical-and-interreligious/ interreligious/islam/vaticancouncil-and-papal-statementson-islam.cfm

Information on CatholicMuslim dialogues in the United States is available at: www.usccb.org/beliefs-andteachings/ecumenical-andinterreligious/interreligious/ islam/index.cfm n

correction Thanks to a keen eye and intimate knowledge of the sketch of Father Joseph Kapusnak which appeared on page 4 of the Aug. 17 issue of The BCW [“Pilgrimage and my brother Joseph”], we most gratefully tender a correction to the identifying information which had been incorrectly stated.

Horizons (the official newspaper of the Eparchy of Parma) editor Lory Nemeth explains that it was her daughter Reen who took the photo, and not Sisters of St. Basil resident photographer Sister Monica Husovich.

Father Thomas Loya, then the Nemeths’ pastor, drew the sketch (left) from Reen’s photo, which was taken at the 1989 Pilgrimage in Uniontown, Pa. The original photo (right) appeared on the front page of the Oct. 8, 1989 Horizons issue with the credit “photo by Reen Nemeth.” Father Tom presented Reen with his sketch - from which a Pilgrimage billboard also was created. n the byzantine catholic world

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The ByzanTEEN Youth Rally

is a function of the lntereparchial Youth Commission for the Byzantine Catholic Metropolitan Church. Every other year, teenagers from Byzantine Catholic parishes across the U.S. are brought together in an atmosphere of fellowship, prayer, and spiritual enrichment.

The ByzanTEEN Youth Rally offers a rich opportunity for young Byzantine Catholics to meet one another and form lasting relationships that are mutually supportive in the Faith.

“Transfiguration: of Christ, of Us, of Our World” was the theme of this year’s Rally.

Pictured on pages 6-7 are highlights of the 2014 event, held July 10-13 at Mount Saint Mary’s University in Emmittsburg, Maryland, as captured via the camera lenses of Seminarian Subdeacon Lewis Rabayda of the Eparchy of Passaic and Maria Iyengar of Holy Ghost Church McKees Rocks, Pa., Archeparchy of Pittsburgh. n

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“Transfiguration: of Christ, of Us, of Our World” July 10-13 • Mount Saint Mary’s University • Emmittsburg, Maryland

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parish news page 8

A busy August in USC!

by Father Valerian Michlik

getting wild with the wild things

It was a fine Friday evening August 1, when parishioners of St. Gregory Byzantine Catholic Church in Upper St. Clair, Pa. enjoyed an outing with the Washington Wild Things professional baseball team at Consol Energy Park in Washington, Pa. The evening began with a buffet during which we had time for fellowship before the game started. Our Eastern Christian Formation (ECF) students had time to check out the kid’s zone, where they enjoyed children’s games and attractions. The game between Washington Wild Things and Rockford (Illinois) Aviators ended with a stunning 12-0 win for the Wild Things. The evening ended with a spectacular firework show enjoyed by all. We are grateful to St. Gregory’s Men’s Club for sponsoring all of the ECF students attending this fun event and Greek Catholic Union Lodge 52 for treating the children to ice cream and other snacks.

flea market finds

Saturday, August 9 was a busy day at St. Gregory Byzantine Catholic Church in Upper St. Clair. Early that morning, people were lining up in front of the social hall doors to be the first to enter and browse our wonderful flea market. In preparation for this event, parishioners worked very hard setting up and pricing all of the items which were donated for this important parish fundraiser. The event was a great success, thanks to the love and dedication of St. Gregory’s faithful

dormition celebration

On a beautiful Thursday evening, August 14, parishioners of St. Gregory Byzantine Catholic Church in Upper St. Clair, Pa. gathered to begin the celebration of the Dormition of the Holy Theotokos.

The evening began with the Blessing of the Carpathian Miraculous Icons of the Mother of God: Our Lady of Krásny Brod, Our Lady of Rafajovce, Our Lady of Klokočov and Our Lady of Mukachevo.

These Icons, sponsored by our faithful, are now part of the Mother of God Chapel. We continued with the celebration of the Great Vespers, sung beautifully by all. Slowly and with prayer canticles, the procession with the Dormition Shroud took place outside led by our parish children and teens. In front of our Church, prayerful petitions were offered for the Church and the world followed by the entrance into the Church and entombment of the Dormition Shroud. At the conclusion of this Divine Service, all came forward to venerate the Shroud and to receive festal anointing. The evening continued in our church hall with an end-of-summer party, held for all of the children in attendance. n photos by Marjan Michlik and Jennifer Kehm

Holy Ghost family time Families of Holy Ghost Church, McKees Rocks, Pa. gathered Sunday Aug. 10 for their annual picnic at Clever Park in Robinson Township. Pastor Father Frank Firko offered a prayer over the food buffet as adults and children bowed their heads in thanks for another year of blessings. Games, swimming, bingo and a performance by Slavjane, the community’s resident children’s performing ensemble filled the day with pleasant memories for all. n photos by Maria Iyengar and Mary Kacsur

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parish news

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continued

Cathedral parish picnic a sunny day of fun St. John the Baptist Cathedral Rector Father Dennis Bogda welcomed parishioners to St. John’s annual parish picnic Sunday, Aug. 17, as the skies over Munhall, Pa. cooperated despite intermittent threatening clouds. Parish children enjoyed several activities, a bounty of delicious foods was served, and the rousing finale of the event was a performance by the Slavjane Folk Ensemble of Holy Ghost Church, McKees Rocks. Resident photographer Nick Havrilla, Sr. was on hand to capture precious moments of the event, which was held on the parish grounds. n

September SS. Peter & Paul Church

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.

St. Mary Holy Protection Church 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.

October St. Nicholas Church

Brownsville, PA EVENT: Parish Bazaar DATE: Sunday Oct. 19 TIME: 12:00 noon - 5:00 p.m.

INFO: Fr. Jerome: 724-785-7573

Melody Yeardie: 724-785-2801 Dine-in or take-out (phone 724785-5552) ethnic, chicken and cabbage roll dinners and other a la carte foods; Bake Sale, carnival games, “Chinese” auction, lots more! Indoor event, held rain or shine. Come spend the day in fellowship and taste the “Best Cooking This Side of Heaven!”

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

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

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sunday, september 7, 2014

Another year of celebrating faith and family at Kennywood!

94th annual byzantine catholic family day - thursday, july 24 sponsored by the greek catholic union of the usa kennywood park - west mifflin, pa.

Darlene Fejka / BCW

HAPPY ARE THE ONES YOU HAVE CHOSEN AND RECEIVED, O LORD; THEY ARE REMEMBERED FOREVER. ALLELUIA!

In Blessed Memory

Commemorating the 42nd anniversary of the repose in the Lord of

Bishop Daniel Ivancho Second Bishop of the Pittsburgh Greek Catholic Exarchate Born: March 30, 1908 Ordained: September 30, 1934 Episcopal Ordination: November 5, 1946 Fell asleep in the Lord: August 2, 1972 the byzantine catholic world

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thoughts for our day

by Archpriest David M. Petras

THE CROSS AND THE RESURRECTION The Cross and the Resurrection are intertwined.

We see this clearly in the Hymn of the Resurrection from Paschal/Sunday Matins: “Having beheld the Resurrection of Christ . . . We bow to your Cross, O Christ, and we praise and glorify your holy Resurrection . . . behold through the Cross, joy has come to the whole world. Always blessing the Lord, let us praise his Resurrection. By enduring the cross for us, he destroyed Death by death.”

The Cross and Resurrection are together one Paschal Mystery - humiliation and exaltation, death leading to life, embodied in the two frequent sayings of Jesus: “Whoever loses his life for my sake, will find it,” and “Whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”

For this reason, in the Gospel of St. John, the hour of Jesus’ glory is when he is exalted on the Cross. “Just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert (the story is in Numbers 21:9), so must the Son of Man be lifted up (on the cross) so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.” (John 3:13-14) Jesus answered: “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Amen, amen, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit. Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will preserve it for eternal life.” (John 12:23-25) The Cross is proclaimed over and over again as the triumph of

Jesus. On the road to Emmaus, after the Resurrection, Jesus tells his disciples, “Was it not necessary that the Messiah should suffer these things and enter into his glory? (Luke 24:26)” The glory of the Cross is the centerpiece of Paul’s theology, and Paul’s Gospel, as we have seen, was the Resurrection of Jesus: “For Jews demand signs

“Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.”

— Mark

8:34

and Greeks look for wisdom, but we proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those who are called, Jews and Greeks alike, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God” (1 Corinthians 1:22-24) Why is this so? The Cross is victory because it is a sign of God’s love for us - a love so powerful that it becomes lifegiving wisdom. A wisdom that the ordinary logical processes of the world cannot accept, because it brings glory out of humiliation. This is God’s “strange work, his alien deed, (Isaiah 28:21)” God’s divine ability to take a terrible thing and twist it around to make something good. By the Cross, God illustrated his principle, “No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. (John 15:13)” The story of Genesis is reversed.

Where Adam and Eve attempt to seize life through disobedience to God’s oikonomia, Jesus restores eternal life by a perfect obedience to his Father. Is the Father a bloodthirsty monster to demand the cruel death of his only Son? No - this sheds light on the story of Abraham and Isaac (Genesis 22), where God does not demand the death of Abraham’s beloved son, Isaac, but only his faith, so, too, the story of the Cross is not in its gruesome details, but in its overabiding love. This is the sign of Jonah given to the people. Jesus explained, “When a woman is in labor, she is in anguish because her hour has arrived; but when she has given birth to a child, she no longer remembers the pain because of her joy that a child has been born into the world.” (John 16:21) Death, as suffered on the Cross because of the evil in human hearts, becomes the moment of the glory of a new birth.

It is no wonder, then, that in Christian daily life, the Cross has become the sign of faith and hope in Christ. The Cross is the form of every Christian life. It is life is found in the surrender of life, and glory is found in weakness. “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.” (Mark 8:34) The feast of the Exaltation of the Cross is then a feast of glory and resurrection.

It is the one Feast of our Lord outside Sunday and the Paschal season (PaschaAscension) that has the Prayer/ Hymn of the Resurrection in Matins, “Having beheld the Resurrection of Christ . . .”

One of the phrases of this prayer replaces the Trisagion

at the Divine Liturgy, “We bow to your Cross, O Lord, and we glorify your holy resurrection.”

Through the Cross, Christ “destroyed the power of death and despoiled Hades.” We sing, “All you faithful, venerate the cross of Christ; for through it, resurrection was granted to the world forever.” There are many other passages where the Cross is the instrument by which death is destroyed and we are given life, when Jesus was lifted up on the Cross, we too were raised up. The Cross is the perfect manifestation of the Paschal Mystery, “By your honorable ascent you fulfilled all humility and were revealed to the nations as the great power of the heavenly Father, the Most High and Unseen God ...” so that “we might attain to the eternal, perpetual and true exaltation granted to those whose destiny is to have you are their shepherd forever in the joy of your kingdom.”

(Ambon Prayer of the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross) The Cross is our hope: “In your Cross, I possess my hope, O Christ!” (1st Aposticheron, Tone 6, Wednesday morning, Melkite Octoechos, Tones 5 and 6, 264) “Now that we have your Cross as our hope, O Lord, we are no longer held back from the Tree of Life. Glory to you, O Lord!” (1st Aposticheron, Tone 7, Tuesday evening, Vespers, Uniontown, 137) The fact that traditionally we fast on this day is not a negative indicator, but fasting is an instrument of glory, of setting aside the false vanity of the world to attain to the glory of everlasting life. This is why days of fasting are called “days of alleluia” “give glory to God.” n

HAPPY ARE THE ONES YOU HAVE CHOSEN AND RECEIVED, O LORD; THEY ARE REMEMBERED FOREVER. ALLELUIA!

In Blessed Memory

Commemorating the 20th Anniversary of the repose in the Lord of

Bishop John M. Bilock Auxilliary Bishop of Pittsburgh Born: June 20, 1916 Ordained: February 3, 1946 Episcopal Ordination: May 15, 1973 Fell asleep in the Lord: September 8, 1994 the byzantine catholic world

page 12

sunday, september 7, 2014

around the archeparchy 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 412-232-7151 or dmayernik@pmhs.org.

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.

ALL YOU CAN EAT BREAKFAST BUFFET Sponsored by St. Mary’s Youth Group. St. Mary’s Center, Route 981 in Trauger, Pa. Sunday, Sept. 14, 9:00 a.m.

- 1:00 p.m. Adults $6; Children 5-10 $3; ages 4 and under FREE. For information call Laurie at 724-423-7396.

PARMA VATRA - 10th annual Carpatho-Rusyn Vatra Saturday, Sept. 20, from 12-8 p.m. in the Carpathian Hall at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, 1900 Carlton Road (corner of Broadview and Snow roads). An awardwinning group on their first American tour, the Kechera Folk Ensemble from Jakubany, Slovakia will perform folk traditions from their village at 1, 3 and 7 p.m. Entertainment includes other groups and music throughout the day.

Enjoy great ethnic foods, vendors and genealogy information. Slavonic/English Divine Liturgy celebrated at 5 p.m. in the Cathedral; church tours conducted throughout the day. Admission is $5 for adults; children under 12 are free. Call (440) 729-2045 or visit www.c-rs.org for more information.

KECHERA IN PITTSBURGH - The Carpatho-Rusyn folk ensemble “Kechera” will perform in the Pittsburgh area on Sunday, Sept. 21 at 5:00 p.m. in the Carpatho-Rusyn Cultural Center (the former St. John the Baptist Byzantine Catholic Cathedral), 915 Dickson Street, Munhall, PA 15120. Tickets are $12.

Kechera performs songs and dances from the small yet picturesque village of Jakubany, Slovakia. Reception follows the performance, during which food and ethnic items will be available for purchase. For further information call Maryann Sivak at 412-251-3083 or email masivak@aol.com, or phone the Carpatho-Rusyn Cultural Center at 412-567-3077.

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

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:

PITTSBURGH VATRA The Pittsburgh Chapter of the Carpatho-Rusyn Society will hold an autumn bonfire “Vatra” event on Saturday Sept. 27. The Vatra will be held at Campground 70 located at 824 Bentleyville Rd, in Charleroi, Pa. The Vatra will begin at 2:00 p.m. and run until 8:00 p.m. Rusyn food to be served a la carte include pirohy, hot dogs and kolbasy with kraut. Baked goods and beverages also will be available. “BYOB” for this event. The Pittsburgh Chapter also will have Rusyn gift items for purchase, entertainment throughout the day and much more. For more information or for directions, call Dean Poloka at 412-877-9351 or email dean.poloka@gmail.com.

dates to remember september 8 Feast of the Birth of the Holy Theotokos 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.

september 28

september 21 Catechetical Sunday

submissions deadline:

october 4 Byzantine Spirituality Conference

september 16

St. John Cathedral - Munhall, Pa. See more upcoming events at www.archpitt.org

the byzantine catholic world