October is Respect Life Month the official newspaper of the archeparchy of pittsburgh
usccb news
Inside
Information from bishops’ Washington headquarters Page 4
Respect life, join in prayer call to action! byzantine pro-lifers to gather at ‘40 days for life’ event
‘canto bizantino’
A brief look at the role of the cantor in the Byzantine Catholic Church Page 5
sunday, october 19, 2014
camp chrysostom Kids Corner reports on Vacation Bible School, Byzantine-style Page 8
2014 Synod convocation produces historic results
pope’s decisions on finalizing documents will steer future of church by Darlene Fejka
At the conclusion of the Third Extraordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops on the Family in Rome Oct. 5-19, Metropolitan Archbishop William will be returning to Pittsburgh in the wake of an unprecedented barrage of both positive and negative media attention, primarily in response to the Assembly’s midterm report Relatio post disceptationem, presented Oct. 13 by the body’s General Rapporteur, Cardinal Peter Erdö of Hungary. Among topics of marriage, divorce, abandonment, and birth control, at the heart of the media maelstrom which erupted following Cardinal Erdö’s report - a provisional Synod continued on page 3
courtesy of Archbishop William C. Skurla
There were 6,909 abortions performed in Allegheny County in 2012. [Induced Abortions Performed in Pennsylvania by County of Procedure; pg.6, PA Department of Health 2012 Abortion Statistics]; a greater part were performed at Planned Parenthood of Western Pennsylvania in downtown Pittsburgh. If it was in your power to save these lives, would you do so? If you answered a resounding “YES!” then please take the opportunity on Tuesday, Oct. 28 together with the “Byzantine Catholics of Pittsburgh” group and be part of the 40 Days For Life fall campaign of prayer to close the abortuary. At the time of their death, the 6,909 persons who were killed already had been assigned the attributes which they were destined to live; some may have been your neighbors or relatives, possibly your grandchildren, nieces or nephews, and no one but God knows what was their potential. How many of the mothers, fathers, counselors and employees of the abortion mill are haunted by their consciences as the result of their advice or help? At 10:30 a.m. clergy of the Archeparchy will pray the “Moleben for the Sacredness of Life and Supplication for the Victims of Abortion.” Please come join us for as long as you can on Oct. 28. You can help to end this crime against humanity, and perhaps next year nearly 7,000 of God’s most precious creations will be allowed to live and fulfil the potential which he has given them.
vol. 59 no. 14
The Vatican dome
Christ is among us! Deacon Paul Boboige Pro-Life Office, Archeparchy of Pittsburgh
Seminary Library appeal help preserve rare, exceptional books by Very Rev. Robert M. Pipta, Rector
Since its dedication on May 17, 1953, the Library at the Byzantine Catholic Seminary of SS. Cyril and Methodius has been home to an exceptional collection of unique texts which document the history, theology and liturgy of our Byzantine Catholic Church. This collection includes more
than 22,000 volumes, 30 percent of which we believe are to be found nowhere else in North America. The Library’s rare book room houses 7,000 of these valuable, non-circulating documents. We also have personal history Library continued on page 2
Pope Francis stopped at the World Meeting of Families informational table in the exhibit hall located in the Atrium of the Paul VI Audience Hall on Thursday Oct.16. The Holy Father was joined by (from left) Father Bill Donovan, the World Meeting of Families liaison in Rome, and U.S. Synod delegates Archbishop Joseph Kurtz, Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Cardinal Donald Wuerl, and Archbishop William Skurla. Image courtesy of Ken Gavin. Photo by Father Bill Donovan.
page 2
sunday, october 19, 2014
Library 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
continued from page 1
donations, manuscripts, music and various artifacts which proudly reflect the intellectual and spiritual heritage of our faith. These historically significant volumes are both fragile and vulnerable. Unfortunately, the Library currently is not equipped to properly protect these items, and very few preservation practices are in effect. The Seminary and its Board of Directors have recognized that the Library is in very real danger of losing irreplaceable historical texts if action is not taken quickly. The Board of Directors also have identified a goal of making the Library’s material more accessible to a wider audience as part of the Seminary’s increasing focus on distance courses and online learning.
In addition to the associated technologies necessary, the ultimate goal is to preserve the library’s rare materials in a stable, digital format, thereby rendering them accessible to scholars from around the world. The Seminary has begun an appeal to enable us to purchase and install badly-needed equipment in the Seminary Library in order to preserve our collection. Once this is done, our plan is to acquire the associated technologies to provide access to this collection to Library friends around the world. It is our desire for the Library and our students current and future, near and far - to be filled with the knowledge and truth of our faith and with the grace and loving-kindness of our Lord and Savior.
Please contact the Seminary at 412-321-8383 with any questions regarding this initiative. Donations toward this goal are most kindly appreciated; direct contributions to The Byzantine Catholic Seminary of SS. Cyril and Methodius, 3605 Perrysville Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15214. Donations also are accepted online at www.bcs. edu. n
Donna Obsincs Subscription/Circulation Manager Gregory S. Popivchak Business Manager
Byzantine Catholic Seminary October 2014 Schedule of Services
Annual Subscription Rates US $12 Canadian $14 International $16
Day
Date Saint
Service 1
Time 1
Service 2
Time 2
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.
Books • Calendars • Cards • • CDs • DVDs • Liturgical Accessories • Icons • Crosses • Jewelry • Oils • Much more!
mission The mission of The Byzantine
Spring 2015 Pre Cana Program
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.
ORE UPCOMING EVENTS!
ANNOUNCING SATURDAY HOURS Nov. 1 & Dec. 6 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Saturday, March 7, 2015 and Saturday, March 21, 2015 Cathedral of St. John the Baptist Munhall, Pa.
The Byzantine Seminary Press is located at 3643 Perrysville Avenue on Pittsburgh’s historic Observatory Hill.
Women’s Day of Reflection
Hours: Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. or by appointment.
Inquiries regarding upcoming events may be directed to Sister Marion Dobos at the Office of Religious Education mdobos1@gmail.com 412-322-8773
Phone 412-322-8307 • www. byzantineseminarypress.com the byzantine catholic world
Saturday, April 11, 2015 St. Elias Church - Munhall, Pa.
sunday, october 19, 2014
Synod
page 3
continued from page 1 bishop’s interventions, and the discussions. The working report is translated into five different languages within a day and presented to the Synod and the world. In two days, the bishops, staff, auditors, and lay couples of the synod met in ten groups sorted by language groups and share their reaction to relator’s preliminary report. They write a statement from their group to be presented to the Synod and the world along with proposals for amendments to the relator’s report. “There is a value to have an open and transparent process. However, working drafts and progress reports of possible solutions to problems in the Church may lack clarity or be misleading when translated into the various languages. The 2014 report will be used as working document for the 2015 Synod.” The second phase of this process – the Ordinary Synod – will be held October 4-25, 2015, and will bear the theme “The vocation and mission of the family in the church and the modern world.” Following is a report from Vatican Radio regarding the Synod’s evaluation:
Twelfth General Congregation: evaluation and suggestions based on the post-discussion report Vatican City, 16 October 2014 (VIS) – The twelfth General Congregation included the presentation, in the Assembly, of the Reports of the ten Small Groups, divided according to language: two in French, three in English, three in Italian and two in Spanish. In general, the Small Groups presented both an evaluation of the “Relatio post disceptationem” (RPD), a provisional document published at the midway point during the Synod [Cardinal Erdö’s report], as well as proposals to incorporate in the “Relatio Synodi” (RS), the definitive and conclusive document of the Assembly. Firstly, some perplexity was voiced regarding to the publication, although legitimate, of the RPD since, it was said, this is a working document that does not express a univocal opinion shared by all the Synod Fathers. Therefore, after expressing their appreciation of the work involved in drawing up the text and regarding its structure, the Small Groups presented their suggestions. It was first underlined that in
CNS video
document published at the midway point during the Synod - are statements made in Part III (“The discussion: pastoral perspectives”) of the working document regarding cohabitation (“Positive aspects of civil unions and cohabitation”) and homosexuality (“Welcoming homosexual persons”). On behalf of the General Secretariat of the Synod of Bishops, the director of the Holy See Press Office on Oct. 14 declared “The General Secretariat of the Synod, in response to reactions and discussions following the publication of the Relatio post disceptationem, and the fact that often a value has been attributed to the document that does not correspond to its nature, reiterates that it is a working document, which summarizes the interventions and debate of the first week, and is now being offered for discussion by the members of the Synod gathered in the Small Groups, in accordance with the Regulations of the Synod.” Vatican City, 14 October 2014 (VIS) Metropolitan William, who along with Cardinal Timothy Dolan (New York, N.Y.), Cardinal Donald Wuerl (Washington, D.C.), and Archbishop Joseph Kurtz (Louisville, Ky.) comprised the U.S. delegation of bishops attending the Extraordinary Synod, also explained that “there will be some modifications of parts of the document before it is presented to the Pope for his consideration for the 2015 Synod.” Archbishop William reiterated that the midterm report was a work in progress, and not a finalized document. “The process of review of the Relator’s document is continuing in the Small Groups today,” the Archbishop said in comments made the morning of Oct. 15 prior to the Small Group sessions, during which evaluations of the Relatio post disceptationem and proposals to incorporate in the Relatio Synodi (the definitive and conclusive document of the Assembly) were made. Archbishop William explained the process of the Synod’s document preparation took place Sunday Oct. 5 through Sunday Oct. 19. “It is interesting to be a part of such an amazing process,” His Eminence relates. “The Synod’s Relator has the difficult task of presenting the information from the summaries of countries, the
Archbishop William was interviewed by Cindy Wooden of Catholic News Service (CNS) for both video and print stories. Links to the interviews may be found online: Look to the East for canonical-spiritual balance, synod members say Oct. 13, 2014 http://synodonfamily.wordpress.com/2014/10/13/look-to-the-east-for-canonicalspiritual-balance-synod-members-say/ Archbishop: Synod aims to listen Oct. 16, 2014 http://bcove.me/x2hdf59c Vatican Radio also interviewed the Archbishop; story on page 12. Links to stories can be found on the Archeparchy’s web site, www.archpitt.org
the RPD there is a focus on the concerns of families in crisis, without broader reference to the positive message of the Gospel of the family or to the fact that marriage as a sacrament, an indissoluble union between man and woman, retains a very current value in which many couples believe. Therefore, the hope was expressed that the RS may contain a strong message of encouragement and support for the Church and for faithful married couples. Furthermore, it was remarked that it is essential to underline more clearly the doctrine on marriage, emphasizing that it is a gift from God. It was further proposed that elements not contained in the RPD be integrated in the RS, such as the theme of adoption, expressing the hope that bureaucratic procedures be streamlined, both at national and international levels, and also the themes of biotechnology and the spread of culture via the internet, which may condition family life, as well as a note regarding the importance of policies in favor of the family. In addition, it was said that greater attention should be paid to the presence of the elderly within families, and to families who live in conditions of extreme poverty. The grave problems of prostitution, female genital mutilation and the exploitation of minors for sexual purposes and for labor were denounced. It is important, it was said, to underline the essential role of families in evangelization and in the transmission of faith, highlighting their missionary vocation. Overall, the aim is to offer a balanced and global idea of the “family” in a Christian sense. With regard to difficult family situations, the Small Groups highlighted that the Church should be a welcoming
the byzantine catholic world
home for all, in order that noone feel refused. However, greater clarity was advocated, to avoid confusion, hesitation and euphemisms in language, regarding for example the law of gradualness, so that it does not become gradualness of the law. Various Groups, furthermore, expressed perplexity regarding the analogy made with paragraph 8 of “Lumen Gentium,” inasmuch as this could give the impression of a willingness on the part of the Church to legitimize irregular family situations, even though these may represent a phase in the itinerary towards the sacrament of marriage. Other Groups expressed their hope for a more in-depth focus on the concept of “spiritual communion,” so that it may be evaluated and eventually promoted and disseminated. With regard to possibility of divorced and remarried persons partaking in the sacrament of the Eucharist, two main perspectives emerged: on the one hand, it was suggested that the doctrine not be modified and to remain as it is at present; on the other, to open up the possibility of communication, with an approach based on compassion and mercy, but only under certain conditions. In other cases, furthermore, it was suggested that the matter be studied by a specific interdisciplinary Commission. Greater care was suggested in relation to divorced persons who have not remarried, and who are often heroic witnesses of conjugal fidelity. At the same time, an acceleration of the procedures for acknowledging matrimonial nullity and the confirmation of validity was advocated; furthermore, it was emphasized that children are not a burden but rather a gift Synod continued on page 11
usccb news
www.usccb.com
page 4
sunday, october 19, 2014
Pope proclaims 2015 ‘Year of Consecrated Life’
U.S. Bishops to meet Nov. 10-13 in Baltimore
WASHINGTON (1 Oct 2014) — As the Catholic Church prepares to celebrate the Year of Consecrated Life, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Committee on Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations is promoting “Days with Religious” initiatives and resources to help families learn about the consecrated life of religious men and women. Activities will focus on sharing experiences of prayer, service and community life with those living a consecrated life. “Our brothers and sisters in Christ living consecrated lives make great contributions to our society through a vast number of ministries,” said Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz of Louisville, Kentucky, president of USCCB. “They teach in our schools, take care of the poor and the sick and bring compassion and the love of Christ to those shunned by society; others lead lives of prayer in contemplation for the world.” Pope Francis proclaimed 2015 a Year of Consecrated Life, starting on the First Sunday of Advent, the weekend of November 29, 2014, and ending on February 2, 2016, the World Day of Consecrated life. The year also marks the 50th anniversary of Perfectae Caritatis, a decree on religious life, and Lumen Gentium, the Second Vatican Council’s constitution on the Church. Its purpose, as stated by the Vatican is to “make a grateful remembrance of the recent past” while embracing “the future with hope.” “The ‘Days with Religious’ activities will represent great opportunities for families and adults to look at the many ways men and women serve Christ and the Church while answering the call to live in consecrated life,” said Bishop
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) will meet in Baltimore, Nov. 10-13, for their annual Fall General Assembly. The bishops will hear the first presidential address of Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz of Louisville, K e n t u c k y, president of USCCB, who was elected to a threeyear term in November 2 0 1 3 . Archbishop Carlo Maria Vi g a n ò , apostolic nuncio to the United States, will also address the bishops. The afternoon of Monday, November 10, the bishops will concelebrate Mass at the Basilica of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in honor of the 225th anniversary of the establishment of the Archdiocese of Baltimore. Baltimore is the “premier see” or first diocese founded in the United States. Archbishop George J. Lucas of Omaha, chairman of the Committee on Catholic Education, and Bishop Daniel E. Flores of Brownsville, Texas, chairman of the Committee on Cultural Diversity in the Church, will present to the bishops on underserved communities and Catholic schools. Bishop Michael F. Burbidge of Raleigh, North Carolina, chairman of the Committee on Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations, will present on plans for the observance of the Year of Consecrated Life and on the “Guidelines for the Reception of Ministers in the United States, Third Edition” and its plans for implementation. The bishops will vote for the USCCB secretary-elect, the chairmen-elect of five USCCB committees and board members of Catholic Relief Services (CRS) and the Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc. (CLINIC). They will also vote on the 2015 Conference budget, the 2016 diocesan assessment,
usccb chairman announces observance of ‘days with religious’
Michael F. Burbidge of Raleigh, North Carolina, chairman of the USCCB Committee on Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations. Catholics are invited to join activities that will be promoted in collaboration with the Council of Major Superiors of Women Religious, (CMSWR), the Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR) and the Conference of Major Superiors of Men (CMSM). The events planned are as follows: • February 8, 2015: Religious Open House. Events will be coordinated to also celebrate the World Meeting of Families to take place in Philadelphia and will include tours, open houses, receptions, family activities, and presentations on the history of religious communities at convents, abbeys, monasteries and religious houses. • Summer 2015: Day of Mission and Service with Religious. Events will include joining religious in their apostolates or special service projects, such as assisting the elderly, ministering to the poor and homeless, and caring for the less fortunate. • September 13, 2015: Day of Prayer with Religious. Events will include vespers, rosary or holy hours in convents, monasteries, religious houses, parishes and churches. Prayers intentions, prayer cards, a video on consecrated life and other resources are available at: www.usccb. org/beliefs-and-teachings/ vocations/consecrated-life/yearof-consecrated-life/index.cfm n Observances scheduled for the 2015 Year of Consecrated Life within the Archeparchy of Pittsburgh will be announced by the Archieparchial Office of Vocations.
apostolic nuncio to address annual fall assembly
the byzantine catholic world
liturgical action items including a proposal to revise “Guidelines for the Celebration of the Sacraments with Persons with Disabilities,” and a proposal to proceed on a revision to the “Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services.” Archbishop Paul S. Coakley of Oklahoma City, chairman of the CRS board, will present with Carolyn Woo, president of CRS, on CRS’ work on capacity building. Bishop Richard E. Pates of Des Moines, Iowa, chairman of the Committee on International Justice and Peace, will present on the recent pilgrimage of prayer for peace in the Holy Land. Cardinal Theodore E. McCarrick, arch-bishop emeritus of Washington, will present on USCCB engagement with the Church in Africa. Bishop Richard J. Malone of Buffalo, New York, chairman of the Committee on Laity, Marriage, Family Life and Youth, will invite the bishops to the Lay Ecclesial Ministry Summit. The bishops will also conduct the canonical consultation on the sainthood cause of Father Paul Wattson. Other presentations at the meeting will include Archbishop J. Peter Sartain of Seattle, secretary of USCCB, on the status of the 2013-2016 Conference Strategic Plan, “The New Evangelization: Faith, Worship, Witness,” Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone of San Francisco on the work of the Subcommittee for the Promotion and Defense of Marriage, Archbishop William E. Lori of Baltimore on the work of the Ad Hoc Committee for Religious Liberty and an update by the working group on the life and dignity of the human person. n Metropolitan Archbishop William and brother hierarchs of the Metropolitan Church are expected to attend the convocation.
sunday, october 19, 2014
page 5
Canto Bizantino: When human voice praises God the role of chant in the byzantine church by Father George D. Gallaro
Cori Poklembo, professor of chant at the Byzantine Catholic Seminary, leads responses for St. Nicholas Vespers at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Munhall, Pa.
poetical composition. The role of the chant, of the melodious voice in the Byzantine tradition, in its cathedrals and country churches, is fundamental for its beauty as well as for the force of the proclamation of the Word and the celebration of the praise to God who is the
Father revealing himself in the Son and sanctifying us through the Holy Saint. n Father George, a priest of the Melkite Eparchy of Newton, is Coordinator of Student Life and Professor of Canon Law and Ecumenism at the Seminary of SS. Cyril and Methodius in Pittsburgh, Pa.
MCI offers class on the eight chant tones day of education nov. 1 at seminary The next session of the Metropolitan Cantor Institute will focus on the eight-tone melodies (octoechos) of our plain chant for troparia, kontakia, prokeimena and stichera (Vespers melodies). This one-day course will help cantors af all experience levels to learn, brush-up and sing liturgical hymns and prayers more easily in all eight tones. Come to the Byzantine Catholic Seminary (3605
Perrysville Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15214) from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 1 and discover more about the richness and utility of our plain chant! Course registration is $15, and includes lunch and materials. To register, call 412-735-1676 or e-mail mci@ archpitt.org. All cantors within the Archeparchy are invited to participate in this worthwhile enrichment event. n
BCW file photo / Darlene Fejka
Byzantine liturgical texts during the Church year. Second, the single voice has a fundamental role in the prayer of the Psalms or the verses drawn from the Psalter, the biblical book attributed to David, the king and prophet, which occupies has a place of great importance in the Byzantine tradition. The single psalms are recited by a cantor through a vocal intonation that allows to follow the text and also to pray with the psalmist. Third, in all Christian liturgies, in the East and the West, the Gospel is chanted by the deacon so that its powerful message is conveyed by the beauty and force of the human voice. However, the melodious chant does not jeopardize - on the contrary emphasizes the meaningful value of the text - the beauty and the force of the Word of which the liturgy proclaims as the “beautiful among the sons of the men.” Fourth, the melodious voices or tones of the celebrating bishop and/or priest play an important role in liturgical service, particularly at the Eucharistic anaphora, along with the deacon’s litanies in the course of the same celebration. Lastly, the special melodies used during the Church liturgical year greatly heighten the proper celebration of such feasts. It is often about melodies very familiar to the faithful people who chant them with spirit-piercing joy and so become truly con-celebrants of the liturgical services, especially during the liturgy of the Great and Holy Week. A case in point is the chanting of the Enkòmia (funeral lamentations) of the Great and Holy Saturday Orthros (morning prayers) whose melody has become an integral part of many Byzantine Christians. It is about the lamenting praises for Jesus, a composition formed by one hundred seventy-six stanzas divided in three groups. It origin goes back between the twelfth and the fourteenth century. These Enkòmia are sung/chanted alternatively in front of the Epitaphios or grave of Christ which is placed at the center of the church. The solemn, melodious, and rhythmical chant makes all its participants truly “a full, conscious and active liturgical assembly” which incarnates the various characters of the
BCW file photo / Nick Havrilla,, Sr.
In the Christian East, the liturgical music developed chiefly from a vocal system. The voices of the cantors and often those of the people in the congregation mark the development of the liturgical service. In the Greek Byzantine tradition there are clear testimonies of liturgical music that go back to the Fathers of the fourth century. It suffices here to mention the hymns of Ephrem of Nisibis († 373) with some indications, not notations, of musical character still of incomprehensible character. They are long texts which were chanted by all people or by a cantor with a choral refrain. This central role of the voice in liturgical song has an original character coming from the Antiochian tradition and linked to the Eastern and Western Syriac traditions. There are no musical notations until the ninth century. The Greek Byzantine liturgy, which is celebrated in many Mediterranean countries, from the Middle East to Southern Italy and Sicily, has specific traditions in each place but also various characteristics in common. They are musical compositions with only one melodic line (monody) chanted by one or more voices without musical instruments, but without the polyphony that later developed above all in the Slavic Byzantine tradition. Generally speaking, there are no musical instruments in liturgy. Human voice is the only instrument used for praising God and for the proclamation of his Word. In short, it can be said that the Greek Byzantine tradition uses the human voice as its way of serving the liturgical prayer. What then is the role of the cantor in the Greek Byzantine liturgy? First, the chant of the liturgical texts is based on the oktoèchos, that is, the eight musical tones, linked with the poetical texts of the eight weeks cycle. They are compositions that go back between the fifth and the ninth century. They are works of poetical theology of various anonymous authors or great hymnal compositors, like Roman the Melodist, John of Damascus, and Joseph of Syracuse. These eight musical tones are applied to the various
Participants in the Oct. 26, 2013 MCI workshop practice vocal techniques.
the byzantine catholic world
parish news page 6
sunday, october 19, 2014
Uniontown parish activities past, present, future
by Bonnie Balas
pirohy project pinches for pilgrimage
33rd annual carpatho-rusyn celebration
On Tuesday, August 26, volunteers from St. John the Baptist Byzantine Catholic Church, Uniontown, Pa. gathered to make pirohy to be donated for the 80th Annual Pilgrimage to our Lady of Perpetual Help at Mount Saint Macrina which took place on the Labor Day weekend, Aug. 30-31. On the Monday before, some of the kitchen workers came in to prepare the filling and get the kitchen ready for making the pirohy. On the next day St. John parishioners as well as 30 –plus volunteers from other parishes eagerly came to put their busy fingers to work “pinching” the pirohy. Each year 300 dozen or more are donated for the Pilgrimage, to be served at the Light Lunch
The 33rd Annual CarpathoRusyn Celebration will take place on Sunday, October 26 at St. John the Baptist Byzantine Catholic Church Social Hall, 201 East Main Street, Uniontown, Pa. Hours are noon to 6:00 p.m. The 2014 event will feature the heritage of the CarpathoRusyns who come from the very heart of Europe, along the northern and southern slopes of the Carpathian Mountains. Their homeland, known as “Carpathian-Rus,” is situated at the crossroads where the borders of Slovakia, Ukraine, and Poland meet. Aside from these countries, there are smaller groups of Rusyns in Romania, Hungary, Serbia, Vojvodina, Croatia, and the Czech Republic. The day will highlight various aspects of CarpathoRusyn culture. Mouthwatering foods such as pirohy, holubky, halushyi, kolbasy and sauerkraut, nalesniki (potato pancakes), soups, and much more. There will also be a variety of baked goods including kolachi (apricot, nut, poppyseed, and cottage cheese rolls), pagach, breads, and much, much more. The Carpatho-Rusyn Celebration is a blending of the spiritual and cultural traditions of the Rusyn people; Divine Liturgy will be celebrated by St. John’s pastor Father Ronald P. Larko Saturday, Oct. 25 at 5:30 p.m. and will include a blessing for the event and festival workers. There also will be a Divine Liturgy Sunday, Oct. 26 at 9:00 a.m. Continuous entertainment includes music, folk dancing and singing, demonstrations, videos, displays and presentations. A group of Rusyn musicians will play polkas, chardash, and other favorite selections at 1:00 and 4:00 p.m. Slavjane Folk Ensemble from Holy Ghost Church in McKees Rocks, Pa, will perform at 3:00 p.m. with their lively and energetic songs and dances. Information on both secular and religious Carpatho-Rusyn family customs and genealogy will be available. At 2:00 a popular Rusyn foods cooking demonstration will take place. There will be videos and displays of Carpatho-Rusyn
area of Mount St. Macrina. These workers generously and happily give their time as a labor of love to do their part to help the Sisters of St. Basil. Many of these pirohy workers also help during the Pilgrimage in various areas of need. Soon after the Pilgrimage concludes, the pirohy workers commence their regular weekly schedule to make pirohy as a parish fundraiser. This project continues on a weekly basis from September through May, with the exception of special events and holidays. Father Ron Larko, pastor, is also one of these dedicated pirohy workers - pictured in middle photo below sporting a fashionable brimmed white hat! n
the byzantine catholic world
culture and customs, and iconography. The CarpathoRusyn Society display includes artifacts, regional Rusyn costumes, photographic displays, and models of Rusyn wooden churches. Members of the C-R S will also be on hand to answer questions. Once again there will be the fun-filled children’s activities room where children can experience the Rusyn culture through storytelling, and making folk crafts such as wooden eggs, bookmarks, decorated cookies, coloring sheets, and more. This year’s activities will focus on folk arts, especially egg art. There will also be demonstrations of pysanky (egg decorating), folk embroidery, bobbin lace making, and woodburning, which are traditional folk crafts of the Carpatho-Rusyns as well as iconography. Church tours at 2:00 and 4:00 p.m. will enable visitors to view the 3-tier icon screen and outdoor shrine at St. John’s Church. A pictorial display through Powerpoint and visuals will depict the 32-year span of the Carpatho-Rusyn Celebration at St. John’s. Tables of crafts for sale will include contemporary as well as traditional folk crafts in addition to CDs/DVDs of religious music, folk music, and folk dancing. Bountiful raffles include Steelers memorabilia, folk art and craft items, and much more. The Carpathian Cookery Cookbook of St. John’s parish in its 16th printing once again will be available, having sold over 15,000 copies. The day will be one full of color, life, and music for total family entertainment. Admission is FREE. For information call 724-438-6027 (M-F 9 a.m. – 3 p.m). n
sunday, october 19, 2014
page 7
Bless the creatures great and small . . .
In our Byzantine Catholic Church tradition, there are prayers of blessing for just about everything, from religious articles such as icons and vestments, to things like fields, flowers, houses, vehicles - and even animals! On Friday evening Oct. 3 St. Gregory Church in Upper St. Clair, Pa. prepared to commemorate the life of St. Francis of Assisi, who is honored as one of the patron saints of animals and livestock. The faithful then gathered for the blessing of animals. Assembling for this special blessing, they expressed thanksgiving for their furry, feathered and even scaly friends, also affirming that no gift, event, or human responsibility is secular nor detached from God. n Photo by Janet Bodnar
Founders Day in USC
parish honors cross, parish pioneers by Father Valerian Michlik
Celebrated on September 14, The Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross has a special significance for the parish family of St. Gregory’s in Upper St. Clair. On this day in the year 1986, Metropolitan Archbishop Stephen Kocisko, together with Bishop John Bilock, consecrated the newly built parish church. To commemorate this historic day we gathered on September 21, the Sunday after the Exaltation, for a number of events that would become part of our “Founders Day” celebration. Since this Sunday was also Catechetical Sunday, at the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy the blessing of the ECF students, all our children, and Eastern Christian Formation
The 58th Annual St. Nicholas Celebration is Sunday, December 7 and tickets are now available! The theme for the 2014 St. Nicholas Celebration is “Celebrating Families.” Adult tickets are $35 and children (12 and under) are $15. Consider also being a Contributing Sponsor and be recognized in the commemorative program. There will be “Kids Korner” activities, a coloring and drawing contest and the collecting of new toys for the Salvation Army. All families and faithful of the Archeparchy are encouraged to attend. Please see your pastor for more information or contact Christie Petty at cpetty@ gcuusa.com or 724-495-3400 ext. 3923. n the byzantine catholic world
instructors took place. As a parish family we are blessed this academic year with seven new ECF instructors who will continue to “Share the Light of Faith” with our students who participate actively in the life of our parish family. To conclude this celebration of Founders Day, a delightful parish picnic prepared by our parishioners took place at the nearby McLaughlin Run Road Recreation Center. Great food, music, and games and activities (including the marshmallow relay and facepainting, pictured below) were on the schedule as we gathered to have fun, fellowship and to give thanks to Almighty God for such a wonderful day. n
sunday, october 19, 2014
Camp Chrysostom 2014! by Sandy Simko
The month of August arrived, and it was time once again for Camp Chrysostom to become activated. Held at St. John Chrysostom Church in the Greenfield neighborhood of Pittsburgh, the camp enlisted a group of energetic day campers of varying ages who gathered at Father Tom Schaefer’s recently remodeled parish hall for a week of activities focusing on scripture and Byzantine theology. Also returning as camp teachers were Deacon Paul and Sandy Simko. Each morning began with prayers at the Icon Table. One of the main projects for the older campers was the writing of an icon. Mrs. Judy Schall, parishioner of the Church of the Holy Resurrection in Monroeville, is an iconographer with 15 years of experience who graciously shared her artistic talent with the older group of children. The writing of an icon is not an easy task, but everyone completed a first-class icon. As part of the study of the Byzantine Cross, Deacon Paul introduced and instructed the group on the sewing of a cross-stitch cross. This was a challenging craft but the crosses were beautifully completed and framed. Other studies focused on the appearance of the snake in scripture, (a sculptured snake was crafted) the study of the Holy Spirit, (learning to juggle three scarves was achieved) and the life of Jesus using icons
to depict the events in His earthly life. The younger campers often were heard singing the song “The 12 Days of Christmas.” In the country of England for a period of 300 years, it was against the law to belong to the Catholic Church or to display one’s beliefs. So a group of parents composed a silly-sounding repetition song in a secret code to teach their Catholic religious beliefs to the children. The campers created a booklet spelling out the meaning of each symbolism for each of the days. A partridge in a pear tree referred to Jesus on the cross. Two turtledoves referred to the Old Testament and the New Testament of the Bible. Each of the 12 days taught something about their faith. The meaning and purpose of the iconostasis - icon screen - also was studied. The culminating activity was designing individual icon screens. A yummy project enjoyed by both the younger and older campers was the rolling out, forming and sampling of a baked pretzel. The story of how the pretzel developed during a fasting period in the Church was shared. The only items that were used were water, flour and salt which was made into a soft bread. The soft bread then was shaped in a form of crossed arms, as was the posture in early prayer, and remains in our Byzantine Catholic Eucharistic tradition as the proper posture for receiving the body and blood of Christ. n
the byzantine catholic world
r Corne
page 8
sunday, october 19, 2014
St. Elias Bethany Ministry offers lifestyle enrichment public invited; something for everyone
The purpose of the Bethany Ministry program at St. Elias Church in Munhall, Pa. is to provide information and resources to parishioners and friends on all aspects of health and wellness: spiritual, social, physical, and psychological (focusing on emotional and mental. The program is coordinated by Mary Ann Solomon. Sessions are facilitated by Becky Johnen. Unless there is a church function, sessions are held the third Sunday of the month following the 9:45 a.m. Divine Liturgy. Sessions are usually held in the social hall. Any changes to date or location will be posted. Following are the sessions scheduled through December 2014 at St. Elias Church, located at 4200 HomesteadDuquesne Road, Munhall, PA 15120. Oct. 19 How to Focus Your Mind Memory is the mental activity of recalling information that you have learned or experienced. Focus and concentration are the ability to tune in your full attention on a given situation, subject or object. It is important to note that memory and concentration and focus all work hand in hand. To improve memory requires that you first improve concentration and focus. It is imperative that you are first able to focus and concentrate your attention so that you can properly store information in your brain. Only after the information is properly stored can it be retrieved from memory. In this session, participants will practice activities to sharpen focus and concentration. Nov. 16 Working Toward a More Calmer You Managing stress is all about taking charge: of your thoughts, emotions, schedule, and the way you deal with
page 9
making a difference
Respecting life outside our comfort zone by Tony Magliano
T r u e respect for life requires us to get out of our comfort zone. Oh, we might say, “I respect life, I vote for ‘pro-life’ politicians who claim they will work to end abortion.” However, in a democracy voting is usually easy and comfortable. But are we willing to regularly stand outside of an abortion mill on a freezing winter morning or hot summer afternoon praying and witnessing to the humanity of our unborn brothers and sisters? That’s harder and somewhat uncomfortable. Now for those who are willing to get uncomfortable in support of the Catholic Church’s efforts to protect unborn human life, try to move into an even more uncomfortable zone: acknowledge the truth that war does much to disrespect life. War kills life – mostly innocent life. Blessed Mother Teresa insightfully said, “The greatest destroyer of love and peace is abortion, which is war against the child. … Any country that accepts abortion is not teaching its people to love, but to use any violence to get what they want.” But Mother Teresa’s quote can logically and honestly be
turned around to say that war also is the greatest destroyer of love and peace. Like abortion, war is also against the child. And that any country that accepts war is not teaching its people to love, but to use any violence to get what they want. Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI said, “The truth is that it is impossible to interpret Jesus as violent. Violence is contrary to the Kingdom of God. It is an instrument of the Antichrist. Violence never serves man, but dehumanizes him.” Now let’s put the shoe on the other foot. Perhaps you say, “I respect life, I vote for politicians who say they will work to end war, war preparation and the military-industrial-complex.” Again, in a democracy voting is generally easy and comfortable. But are we willing to peacefully, prayerfully and publicly witness to the evil of war and war preparation? And are we regularly contacting our legislators? Now for those who are willing to get out of their comfort zone in support of the Catholic Church’s teaching against violence and war, try to move into an even more uncomfortable respect life zone: acknowledge the truth that abortion disrespects life. Admit the truth that abortion is as Mother Teresa said, “war against the child.” Acknowledge that abortion is
extremely violent – against the unborn baby and against the mother. Over the years I have talked with many “prolife” advocates for unborn babies who don’t think twice about bombing their enemies – often not knowing or caring that many of the victims are innocent, vulnerable born babies and children. And I have come across numerous advocates for peace who are committed to ending war and war preparation, and yet who argue for the so-called right to choose an abortion – the violent dismembering of an unborn baby. There is a very serious moral disconnect here. And this moral disconnect also sadly happens with all of the other grave social justice issues facing humanity – like poverty, hunger, sweatshops, immigration and refugee reform, climate change, the death penalty, euthanasia and embryonic stem cell research. As followers of the God of life, justice and peace we need to connect all of the moral dots and do whatever we can to make a difference. For as Saint Pope John Paul II said, “We are all really responsible for all.” n Tony Magliano is an internationally syndicated social justice and peace columnist.
problems. The ability to relax is important in effectively managing stress. Without the ability to relax, chronic stress can lead to burnout, irritability, depression, medical problems, and more. And, what can be more relaxing than sitting on a beach, reading? Unfortunately, we can’t always get away to a beach when we want to relax. This workshop is designed to help you understand what stress is, how to recognize when you are in “stress overload” mode, and how to unwind and relax. Dec. 14 Our GIFT (Great Ideas For Talking) To Each Other III (with Becky’s “Rockin’ Around the Wellness Tree”) This is a session where participants each share an idea, suggestion, related to wellness: physical, emotional, mental, social health; something they’ve
Pictured are Becky Johnen, Facilitator and Mary Ann Solomon, Coordinator
gleaned from past Bethany Ministry sessions or something that they just do that works for them. In addition, Becky will present information on “wellness” (which will be sung
the byzantine catholic world
to the tune “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree”). Questions regarding the sessions and suggestions can be emailed to Becky Johnen at palfys@verizon.net. n
page 10
sunday, october 19, 2014
thoughts for our day by Archpriest David M. Petras
enoch and elijah We have seen that the Resurrection of Jesus is the very center of our Christian faith, and that Mary, his mother, shares in his gift of restored life. We must look also at two cases from the Old Testament, before the coming of our Lord. The first is Enoch, in the book of Genesis (5:2324), where we read, “The whole lifetime of Enoch was threehundred and sixty-five years (short for the genealogy from Adam to Noah). Then Enoch walked with God, and he was no longer here, for God took him.” Does this mean that he did not die, but was translated directly into heaven? Enoch is mentioned twice in the New Testament. Hebrews 11:5 says, “By faith Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death, and he was found no more because God had taken him.” The Epistle of Jude even gives a quotation from Enoch, “Behold, the Lord has come with his countless holy ones to execute judgment on all and to convict everyone for all the harsh words godless sinners have uttered against him.” (Jude 14-15) This illustrates Enoch’s righteousness in the face of an increasingly godless people who will eventually be destroyed by the flood. The fate of Enoch has always fascinated people. There are three Old Testament Pseudepigrapha (non-canonical books), the Books of Enoch, 1, 2 and 3. Enoch 2 was very popular among the Slav people, and it has been preserved only in an Old Slavonic edition. I remember that my grandfather had a copy of Enoch 2, which was frequently consulted by Eastern rite Slavs. It is full of secret teachings, angelology, numerology and descriptions of life beyond death that would have a great appeal to the curious. The God presented in these books is stern and severe, though not without mercy. Enoch belongs to the prehistoric, pre-flood era of humanity. There is another prophet who is also taken up into heaven, Elijah, in 2 Kings 2. Like Enoch, Elijah does not die, but is taken directly into
heaven: “As they walked on still conversing, a fiery chariot and fiery horses came between the two of them, and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind, and Elisha saw it happen. He cried out, ‘My father! my father! Israel’s chariot and steeds!’ Then he saw him no longer.” (2 Kings 2:11-12) Elijah became a great figure in
It was a common opinion among people that Jesus was Elijah returned. the popular imagination. He was thought to come back to be the forerunner of the Messiah. Jesus says that John the Baptist performed this office of Elijah: “And if you are willing to accept it, he (John) is Elijah, the one who is to come.” (Matthew 11:14, cf. Matthew 17:10-13) There are numerous other references to Elijah in the New Testament, and at the Transfiguration of our Lord, it is he and Moses who appear standing beside the glorified Jesus. In Revelation 11:1-14, there are two witnesses to the coming of the Lord. They prophesy for twelve hundred and sixty days (approximately three and a half years). They are slain by the beast, and their corpses lie in the street for three and a half days. But then, “a breath of life from God entered them” (v. 11), and they are taken into heaven. They have often been identified with Enoch and Elijah. Like Elijah, “they have the power to close up the sky so that no rain can fall during the time of their prophesying” (v. 6, cf. 1 Kings 17). At any rate, Elijah was greatly venerated among Slav farmers, who depended on the rainfall. Enoch and Elijah, however, do not fit the pattern of Jesus and Mary. Jesus and Mary both live earthly lives, die, and then begin a new life in God. Enoch and Elijah begin a new life, but they do not die, there is actually no resurrection. It was a common opinion
among people that Jesus was Elijah returned. Perhaps this is because, like Elijah, he raised people from the dead. In 1 Kings 17, the Prophet Elijah raises the son of the widow in Zarephath. He does this by stretching himself out three times on the dead boy, praying, “O Lord, let the life breath return to the body of this child.” (1 Kings 17:21) Later, also as a gift of the prophetic office, in 2 Kings 4, Elisha, who received a double portion of the spirit of Elijah, performs a similar resurrection. Again, it is a young boy who is raised, the son of a woman in Shunem who had done a kindness to Elisha. Her son dies, and Elisha sends his servant Gehazi to the house. Gehazi lays his staff on the child, who does not revive. Elisha goes himself, and “he lay upon the child on the bed, placing his mouth upon the child’s mouth, his eyes upon the eyes, and his hands upon his hands. As Elisha stretched himself over the child, the body became warm. He arose, paced up and down the room, and then once more lay down upon the boy, who now sneezed seven times and opened his eyes.” (2 Kings 4:34-35) In
both cases, the boys return to ordinary human life, and must die again some day. Of course, it is not the prophet who brings about the Resurrection, but “the Lord heard the prayer of Elijah; the life breath returned to the child’s body and he revived.” (1 Kings 17:22). In the New Testament, it is Jesus, our Lord, who is revealed as the Son of God, who has all power over life and death. Both the stories of Elijah and Elisha are read at the Vigil of Pascha at Vespers, because they are a foreshadowing of Jesus’ resurrection. The prophet Elisha is also remembered on the calendar of saints, on June 14, but Elijah has a more solemn memorial, as a holyday kept on July 20. On this day, we sing to him, “You raised the dead boy with your breath; you continue without death into eternity.” (Stichera at the Praises) He is for us, then, an icon of life, perhaps because he saw God, “O blessed Elijah, you encountered God not in an earthquake but in the coolness of a gentle breeze.” (1 Kings 19:12). For this reason, he was also present on Mount Tabor at the Transfiguration, when Jesus revealed his divine glory. n
‘Eliasz i Enoch’ Seventeenth-century icon, Historic Museum in Sanok, Poland
the byzantine catholic world
sunday, october 19, 2014
page 11
Moleben for the Causes
annual prayer event oct. 26 in mckees rocks PITTSBURGH, PA — The Archieparchial Office of Beatification and Canonization will mark its 28th Annual Prayer Service for the Causes of Beatification and Canonization for the four Holy Ruthenian Hierarchs of Subcarpathian Ruthenia in Eastern Europe. A Moleben to the Holy Virgin Mary will be offered,Sunday, Oct. 26 at 3:00 p.m. at Holy Ghost Church, 225 Olivia Street, McKees Rocks, Pa. Metropolitan Archbishop William C. Skurla will be the principal celebrant; Father Frank A. Firko, STL, Archieparchial Postulator of the Causes and pastor of Holy Ghost parish will deliver remarks. Attending clergy are invited to concelebrate. Members of the Archieparchial Choir will lead responses. Light refreshments will be served following the service. This annual event is held to perpetuate the bold and virtuous witness of these martyrs’ lives and to encourage continual prayer for their beatification and canonization. During the Soviet Communist invasion of their homeland between 194550, they staunchly professed their Catholic Faith with uncompromising loyalty and fidelity to the Vicar of Christ, the Pope of Rome. They indeed demonstrated what it means to live a full life in Christ. This
Synod
is why we must continue to work and have them officially recognized by the Universal Church as Canonized Saints. These holy hierarchs were: Blessed Bishop-Martyr Theodore G. Romzha, eparch of Mukachevo, who was poisoned to death in the Mukachevo hospital Nov. 1, 1947; Blessed Bishop-Martyr Paul P. Gojdich, OSBM, eparch of Prešov, who died July 17, 1960, after spending ten years in prison of hard labor for unjust aggression; Blessed Bishop-Martyr Basil Hopko, auxiliary of Prešov, who after spending many years of suffering physical and mental tortures in prison, and later released, died of complications arising from unjust aggression July 23, 1976; and Servant of God Alexander Chira, auxiliary and later ordinary of Mukachevo, who after suffering from the hands of the Communists surrendered his life to God on May 26, 1983. Contact Holy Ghost Church at 412-771-3324 for event information. It is encouraged that each local parish of the Archeparchy ensure at least one representative at this Moleben in-person, or for those who wish to “attend” in spirit and pray long-distance, the event also will be streamed online at www.ustream.tv/channel/holyghost-church. n
Reverend Andrew Kolitsos Father Andrew Kolitsos, 62, fell asleep in the Lord Tuesday morning, Oct. 7, 2014. A priest of the Romanian Eparchy of St. George in Canton, Father Andrew also assisted in the Archeparchy of Pittsburgh as Administrator of St. Michael Parish in Newton Falls, Ohio from May 2010 to August 2013. Father Andrew was born in Youngstown Oct. 2, 1952 to Constantine and Harriet (Mavrigian) Kolitsos. He studied at St. Mary’s Seminary in Cincinnati and subsequently served as a priest for nearly 20 years. Surviving Father Andrew are his beloved wife of 37 years, Kathy; his mother, Harriet Kolitsos; sons Constantine (Katherine) Kolitsos of Alberta, Canada, Nicholas Kolitsos of Columbus, and Demetrios Kolitsos of Mineral Ridge; a grandson, Andrew Kolitsos; a brother, Socrates Kolitsos of Youngstown; and two sisters, Maria (Victor) Cecil of Niles, and Gloria (Timothy) Knotek of Bay Village. Family, faithful and friends were received Friday evening Oct. 10 at the newly-appointed Basilica of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon in North Jackson, Ohio. Funeral Divine Liturgy was celebrated Saturday morning Oct. 11 at St. Columba (Latin Catholic) Cathedral in Youngstown,
+ Rev. Andrew Kolitsos
officiated by Most Rev. John Michael Botean, Bishop of the Eparchy of St. George, officiating. Interment followed at Resurrection Cemetery. “We will miss Father Andrew’s sense of humor, his passion, and his great devotion to the Church and her Lord,” said Bishop Michael in a statement announcing Father Andrew’s passing. “May Christ grant him rest in the company of the righteous, and may the Holy Spirit bless Father Andrew’s family with the consolation of the Faith, with peace, and with hope.” n May God grant to his servant the priest Andrew blessed memory and peaceful repose! În veci pomenirea lui!
Paul VI to become ‘Blessed’
continued from page 3
from God, the fruit of love between spouses. A more “Christ-centric” orientation was required, as well as clearer emphasis of the link between the sacraments of marriage and baptism. The vision of the world must be one which passes through the lens of the Gospel, to encourage men and women to the conversion of the heart. Furthermore, it was emphasized that, despite the impossibility of equating marriage between a man and a woman with homosexual unions, persons of this orientation must receive pastoral accompaniment and their dignity must be protected, without however implying that this may
obituary
indicate a form of approval, on the part of the Church, of their orientation and way of life. With regard to the issue of polygamy, especially polygamists who convert to Catholicism and wish to partake in the sacraments, thorough study was suggested. The Small Groups advocated broader reflection on the figure of Mary and the Holy Family, to be better promoted as a model for reference for all family units. Finally, it was asked that it be highlighted that the RS will in any case be a preparatory document for the Ordinary Synod scheduled for October 2015. n
See additional story on page 12
Pope Francis will officially declare Pope Paul VI Blessed on Sunday, Oct. 19, during the closing Mass of the 3rd Extraordinary Synod of Bishops on the family. Pope Paul VI was cleared for beatification when Pope Francis on May 9 recognized a miracle attributed to the intercession of his predecessor, who headed the worldwide Catholic Church from 1963 to 1978. n
Additional information on the Extraordinary Synod may be found at: www.visnews.org and www.vatican.va as well as V.I.S. - Vatican Information Service - www.vis.va The full text of the Relatio post disceptationem report may be found at http://www.news.va/en/news/synod-on-family-midterm-reportpresented-2015-syno. Copyright © Vatican Information Service 00120 Vatican City
the byzantine catholic world
page 12
sunday, october 19, 2014
Synod explores main challenges facing the contemporary family
around the archeparchy
archbishop william answers questions in vatican radio interview
33RD ANNUAL CARPATHO-RUSYN CELEBRATION - Sunday, Oct. 26 at St. John the Baptist Byzantine Catholic Church Social Hall, 201 East Main Street, Uniontown, Pa. Noon to 6:00 p.m. (see feature on page 6)
(Vatican Radio - 7 Oct 2014) — One of the main challenges for the Church in promoting the family stems from an evolution of how the family itself has come to be understood by society. This is according to Metropolitan Archbishop William Skurla of the Archeparchy of Pittsburgh, one of the participants in the Extraordinary Synod on the Pastoral Challenges of the Family in the Context of Evangelization which is currently underway in the Vatican. In an interview with Vatican Radio’s Andrew Summerson, Archbishop Skurla said the biggest challenge pertains to how the definition of family has changed in recent years. “During that time, the Church’s understanding of man and woman, married together… to bring a family into the world is no longer a universal definition that everyone agrees to.” Because of this, he said, “it is more difficult to speak to the world, because always we have to explain our
60TH ANNIVERSARY - St. Pius X Church, Pittsburgh (Carrick), Pa. will celebrate its 60th Anniversary on Sunday, Nov. 2 with a Divine Liturgy at 9:00 a.m. celebrated by Most Reverend William C. Skurla, Metropolitan Archbishop of Pittsburgh followed by a catered brunch in the church auditorium. Event coordinators and parish administrator Monsignor Russell A. Duker encourage current and former members of the parish, along with friends from neighboring parishes to attend this liturgical and social celebration. Brunch is $15; children under 10 are free. For reservations or further information, call 412-881-8344.
position as almost a minority understanding of the place of the family in society today.” Another challenge he cited is that which results a lack of permanence, with families frequently moving from place to place. “It creates an atmosphere where there is not the same kind of support that we had, say, thirty, or forty, or fifty years ago from the family in the community that people are trying to raise their children in.” The archbishop also highlighted a third challenge which pertains to stability caused by the economic status of the family. “A change during the last twenty years,” he said, “is that the more stable families are actually the more successful [financially] families,” while those that “have to struggle economically have more difficulty in staying together.” n The Archbishop’s audio interview may be accessed online at http://en.radiovaticana.va/ news/2014/10/07/synod_ explores_main_challenges_ facing_the_contemporary_ famil/1108042
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:
DUQUESNE UNIVERSITY TAMBURITZANS – Special performance Saturday Nov. 22 at 2:00 p.m. West Mifflin Middle School Auditorium, 81 Commonwealth Ave. West Mifflin, Pa. Full-length show features music, dances, and songs from Armenia, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Hungary Macedonia, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Ukraine. CALL FOR TICKETS TODAY: 412-518-0405 or e-mail dkshaer@gmail.com. $15 in advance - $20 at the door (reserved seating only). UNIQUE FLEA MARKET - The Altar Society, parishioners and pastor Father John Salko of St. John the Baptist Church, 525 Porter Avenue, Scottdale, PA 15683 welcome the public to their unique Annual Flea Market Event, Thursday & Friday Nov. 6 & 7. First night admission (Thursday Nov. 6 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.) is only $5; light refreshments will be available for purchase. Hours on Friday Nov. 7 are 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; an ethnic lunch plus other items and dessert will be available for purchase. For more info, contact Kathy Onusko by phone at 724-547-4875 or by e-mail at kathonus@verizon.net. FASHION SHOW AND SALAD LUNCHEON – Saturday, Nov. 8 at 11:30 a.m., St. Gregory Church, 2005 Mohawk Road, Upper St. Clair, PA 15241 (Brookside Farms). Join us for a lunch buffet consisting of a delicious array of salads, rolls, desserts, and beverages. A fashion show will be given by Phyllis’ Fashions of White Oak and Meadowlands. Clothing (sizes 4 to 3X), accessories available for purchase (credit cards, checks, or cash accepted). Tickets are $20. Call Jodi Hernandez 412-571-0390 or Nancy Romza 724-745-2274. ALL YOU CAN EAT BREAKFAST BUFFET Sponsored by St. Mary’s Youth Group, St. Mary’s Center, Route 981 in Trauger, Pa. Sunday, Nov. 9, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Adults $6; Children ages 5-10 years $3; ages 4 & under FREE. TURKEY THANKSGIVING BINGO - St. Nicholas Church, 624 East Pittsburgh Street, Greensburg, PA 15601 will hold a Turkey Thanksgiving Bingo in the church Social Hall on Sunday, Nov. 16 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Doors will open at 12:30 p.m. Admission: $5 per person. Tickets may be purchased at the door. There will be regular bingos, quickie bingos, a “Chinese” Auction, 50/50 raffle, and several food basket raffles. In lieu of an actual turkey, a grocery gift cards will be issued to each winner of the regular bingos toward purchase of a turkey. In addition to the usual hot dogs and sauerkraut, homemade ethnic foods will be available for purchase to enjoy while playing bingo. Phone 724-832-8122 for questions or information.
dates to remember october 26 Moleben for the Causes of Beatification & Canonization
Holy Ghost Church, McKees Rocks, Pa. - 3:00 p.m. november 5 Clergy Formation Day
Cathedral of St. John the Baptist - Munhall, Pa. november 20 Ordination of Subdeacon Donald Bolls to the Diaconate
Cathedral of St. John the Baptist - Munhall, Pa.
november 21 Blessing of the Pittsburgh Creche by Christian Leaders Fellowship
U.S. Steel Plaza, Pittsburgh, Pa.
november 9
december 6 Feast of St. Nicholas of Myra
submissions deadline:
december 7 Annual St. Nicholas Celebration
october 28
Cathedral of St. John the Baptist - Munhall, Pa. See more upcoming events at www.archpitt.org
the byzantine catholic world