the official newspaper of the archeparchy of pittsburgh
service with a smile
Inside
Pasta Dinner a great time for good food, good friends and a happy clergy wait staff Page 4
St. John Chrysostom: ‘Golden-Mouthed’
vol. 59 no. 15
done in threes
Three parishes, three events each demonstrate that some Byzantines really do like doing things in threes Pages 6 & 7
sunday, november 9, 2014
alive and well Erie church reports on success of ‘Domestic Church’ model in parish ECF programs Page 8
Synod’s impetus continues
2014 byzantine spirituality conference speakers present spectrum of revered church father’s works, teachings by Sister Marion Dobos, OSB
A reading of one homily of this 4th century Doctor of the Church reveals the reason he is called “Chrysostom.” Chrysostom is the Greek word for “golden mouth.” Whatever the event, people flocked to hear this great writer and eloquent preacher. His homilies had an immediacy, which captivated and converted crowds. On October 4, 2014 the Office of Religious Education sponsored the annual Byzantine Spirituality Conference at St. John the Baptist Cathedral Center in Munhall, Pa. This event provided catechists and faithful of the Archeparchy an opportunity to glean from this great saint.
In the spirit and inspired tradition of our revered ‘golden-mouthed’ forefather, three gifted speakers serving BSC continued on page 5
Captured through the camera lens of Archbishop William during the Third Extraordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops on the Family, Pope Francis addresses the Synod Fathers during one of numerous work sessions held Oct. 5-19 at the Vatican. Archeparchy of Pittsburgh Vicar Judicial Father George D. Gallaro shares his perspectives on the recent meetings, the media frenzy over the Synod’s midterm report, and how the Synod document, after papal approval of the final text “. . . has opened a dialogue that must now continue in the local churches until next year’s Ordinary Synod which again will address the family.” Turn to page 3 for story.
Clergy of Archeparchy gather for annual Fall Retreat
first row: Fr. Thomas O’Connell, Fr. Dennis Bogda, Msgr. Peter Tay, Fr. Andrew Deskevich, Retreat Master Bishop David Motiuk, Fr. Eugene Yackanich, Fr. Richard Lambert, Fr. James Spontak, Fr. Robert Oravetz, Fr. Edward Gretchko middle row: Dcn. John Hanchin, Fr. James Hess, Fr. John Petro, Fr. Jerome Botsko, Fr. Frank Firko, Fr. Simeon Sibenik, Fr. James Ragan, Fr. Paul-Alexander Shutt, Fr. Michael Huszti, Fr. John Mihalco, Fr. Robert Karl, Fr. Cuthbert Jack, Fr. William Lascelles, Fr. John Cuccaro back row: Fr. Stephen Wahal, Dcn. Daniel Perich, Dcn. Raymond Zadzilko, Fr. Vasyl Polyak, Fr. Ronald Larko, Fr. John Kapitan, Fr. David Bosnich, Fr. Christopher Burke, Dcn. Michael George, Fr. Michael Farynets, Fr. Valerian Michlik, Fr. Will Rupp
The annual Fall Retreat for Archieparchial clergy was held Oct. 5-9 at Antiochian Village near Latrobe, Pa. Coordinated by members of the Archeparchy’s Presbyteral Council, the five-day retreat was led by retreat master Most Rev. David Motiuk, Bishop of the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Edmonton, Alberta (Canada). The retreat drew a number of participants from among the active and retired priests and deacons serving or having served parishes within the seven-state territory of the Archeparchy of Pittsburgh. Retreats, days of prayer and formation/education days are held regularly thoughout the year for the enrichment of Archieparchial clergy. n
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BCW
Staff 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:
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sunday, november 9, 2014
page 3
Vicar Judicial weighs in on 2014 Synod proceedings by Darlene Fejka with Fr. George D. Gallaro
Third Extraordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops on the Family convened Oct. 5-19 in Rome. Metropolitan Archbishop William was one of four U.S. bishops delegated to attend the meetings, which covered a number of issues and concerns facing the Church. Vicar Judicial for the Archeparchy Father George D. Gallaro has provided some interesting insights regarding the controversial proceedings, particularly the Assembly’s report Relatio post disceptationem, presented Oct. 13 by the body’s General Rapporteur, Cardinal Peter Erdö of Hungary. The midterm report is a working document which contained, among other sensitive issues, statements regarding divorece and remarriage, cohabitation and homosexuality, which were questioned and outright opposed by a number of Synod Fathers. As Archbishop William stated in a lead story in the Oct. 19 issue of The BCW (“2014 Synod convocation produces historic results”), “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.” Hence, Father George judiciously shares with The BCW his philosophies regarding initial outcomes of the Synod proceedings:
BCW – Are all of the possible innovations then consequently stopped? GDG – I repeat, the journey has just started. Pope Francis is opening a path. Even if more needs to be done, he has exercised his mission as our universal shepherd. Using an automotive image - not all the motor pistons moved harmonically. The synodal car did not operate as expected. But the car did move and is still on its way. Not on a closed or sheltered private path, but on the roads of the world, those chosen by the Good Samaritan who, unlike the priest and the Levite, “did not walk by on the other side, but came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him,” in the many family problems of our day. The many wounds of our time must be addressed by the followers of Christ. The Synod leaves us with issues we must prayerfully cover this coming year. And not only the bishops and priest, but all Christians. I sincerely hope that everywhere in the world there will be a kind of awakening, of debate, discussion, on and for the families. Initially there was a questionnaire and then a Special Synod; I hope that now begins a more direct response to the complicated issues of family life.
courtesy of Archbishop William C. Skurla
BCW – How would you explain the opposition to the work of renewal of Pope Francis by some Synod Fathers? GDG – I would like first of all to clarify one thing. Through the Special Synod of the Family, the Catholic Church has just begun to reflect on the difficult situations which families face in today’s world. It is important to consider this reality in order to understand what was at stake and therefore also the openness and importance of the debate. I would hope that all other political, social and economic institutions could do the same. Facing the great sea of problems and diverse cultures, it was obvious that an articulate and lively debate would take place among the fathers of the Synod. The media spoke about some opposition to Pope Francis’ work of renewal. The Pope himself warned about temptations, like that of “the do-gooders, of the fearful, and the so-called progressives and liberals.” The synodal assembly was called in order to listen to the situation of today’s real families and to meet them not in a passive or detached way but in a realistic and compassionate one. It has not been and it did not have to be a simple repetition of prior doctrine. Pope Francis is asking for a Church that is journeying with all in need of God’s love and mercy. The Lord Himself first gave us the example. The Synod - with all its own limits - tried to embrace the heart of humanity’s problems and its families, wondering about how to respond to love. In my humble opinion, it is necessary to still continue listening to and looking for answers. The final text – with all its limitations - has opened a dialogue that must now continue in the local churches until next year’s Ordinary Synod which again will address the family. Like Jesus two thousand years ago, we cannot hide behind rigid norms and precepts.
Metropolitan William (left) poses with Archbishop Berhaneyesus Demerew Souraphiel, C.M. of Addis Abeba, president of the Council of the Ethiopian Church and president of the Assembly of Catholic Hierarchs of Ethiopia and Eritrea, and Archbishop Jan Babjak, S.J., metropolitan of Prešov for Catholics of Byzantine rite, and president of the Council of the Slovak Church at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome during the October 2014 Extraordinary Synod convocation.
BCW – Then, the logic of the “wall against wall” approach must be avoided? GDG – Certainly. This does not imply though that the debate be reduced. On the contrary, I would hope that the concern and the engagement be raised higher. Our task is to come out of the walls of sacristies and churches in order to encounter the real people in the street, as Pope Francis calls us to do. We should not waste time in safeguarding abstract positions. We are all called to the salvation of souls (salus animarum) more than to the preservation of mere principles. We must go out in the street with the Gospel and with that “immense sympathy” for our brothers and sisters that Blessed Paul VI called for. BCW – But isn’t there then, a cultural delay? GDG – I would say that there is a cultural and a spiritual delay, a delay in loving and understanding passionately our brothers and sisters in Christ. Today’s rampant individualism risks creating a society of loners. The Synod, through re-emphasizing the family as the animator of society, asks us all to re-discover the power found in the beginning of the Bible: “It is not good for man to be alone.” This biblical truth is under criticism by the cult of the “I.” Some writers speak of egoism (ego-latria), a cult on whose altar everything is sacrificed, even the dearest affections. To re-discover the “familiar” dimension of human life means to help society to be stronger and more solid, less “fluid” and more loyal. We all, no one excluded, are in need of a more generous and stronger love, a love that allows us to spread our arms, to open wide our hearts. On the cross Jesus did not look at Himself, did not pity Himself or his own troubles. He looked at the young Disciple and the elderly Mother. He still looks upon every one of us: from the young without hope to the elderly hardened by life. n
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Clergy offer service with a smile at annual Pasta Dinner estimated 500 dinners prepared, served at st. elias church oct. 19 Clergy of the Greater Pittsburgh Presbytery put on their chef’s hats and aprons to serve up heapin’ helpin’s of pasta at the second annual Pasta Dinner. Under the expert direction of “primo” chef Father George D. Gallaro of the Byzantine Catholic Seminary, priests and deacons prepared plates and waited on tables at St. Elias Church in Munhall, Pa. the afternoon of October 19, during which they served an estimated 500 dinners. Churches in the Greater Pittsburgh Presbytery include: St. John the Baptist Cathedral, Munhall (Father Dennis Bogda, Deacon Tim Corbett); St. Elias, Munhall (Father Eugene Yackanich, Protopresbyter); SS. Peter & Paul, Duquesne and SS. Peter & Paul, Braddock (Father John Cuccaro, Deacon Sean Petrisko); St. John the Baptist, Lyndora (Abbot Leo Schlosser, Deacon Paul Simko); Holy Ghost, McKees Rocks and Holy Ghost, North Side (Father Frank Firko, Deacon Michael Meaders); St. Pius X, Pittsburgh and Holy Spirit, Oakland (Monsignor Russell A. Duker); St. John the Baptist, South Side and St. John Chrysostom, Greenfield (Father Tom Schaefer); SS. Peter and Paul, Tarentum and St. Andrew, Gibsonia (Fr. Wesley Mash; St. Gregory, Upper St. Clair (Father Valerian Michlik). n
seated: Father Eugene Yackanich, Subdeacon Donald Bolls. standing: Father Dennis Bogda, Deacon Sean Petrisko, Deacon Tim Corbett (back), Father George Gallaro, Father John Cuccaro, Deacon Michael Meaders, Father Valerian Michlik, Father Frank Firko.
(left) A young parishioner is all smiles as she enjoys the fruits of the labor of Greater Pittsburgh Protopresbytery clergy and chef Father George Gallaro. (above) (below left) Tables were full of hungry faithful who were served promptly by their pastors and deacons. (right) An estimated 500 dinners were served at St. Elias Social Hall throughout the course of the event. (below right) Parishioners of of Holy Ghost, McKees Rocks Stephaine Herron, Daniel Rowe and Mary Kacsur are ready to dig into their delicious pasta dinners. photos by Nick Havrilla, Sr.
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(above) Father Michael Lenz, OFM demonstrates his fine expertise at juggling multiple plates of desserts.
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Prayers lifted at ‘40 Days for Life’ event
BSC
continued from page 1
the Archeparchy of Pittsburgh (pictured above, left to right) — Very Rev. Robert M. Pipta, rector of SS. Cyril & Methodius Seminary in Pittsburgh; Very Rev. Elias L. Rafaj, pastor of St. John Chrysostom Church in Houston, Texas; and Rev. Valerian Michlik, pastor of St. Gregory Church, Upper St. Clair, Pa. — enriched the participants with their presentations which highlighted the following qualities of St. John Chrysostom: • He used simple everyday examples instead of abstractions on how families can truly live a Christian life. • He taught that fervent prayer is expected of everyone and the Divine Liturgy is an opportunity to deepen one’s intimacy with God. • He was so steeped in Scripture that he easily saw connections with contemporary life, especially in areas of charity, peace and justice. • He tried to live the Gospel himself, never asking anyone to practice what he himself was not doing. • He used the best of secular education to hone the skills he applied in ministry.
Not bad from a distance of 1600 years! The day ended with table discussion followed by Vespers. For those who were unable to attend this spiritually enriching conference, following are the table discussion questions to answer for a personal reflection on the life of this great saint. Saint John Chrysostom’s life was marked by faithfully following the Gospel. Give some examples of how we can encourage Gospel living in young people today:
Pictured above (from left) are Rachel Burke, Ray Werthman, Karen Matichko, Pat Boboige, and Deacon Paul Boboige - some of those who participated in the chanting of the Moleben for the Victims of Abortion. On Tuesday morning, Oct. 28 at the offices of Planned Parenthood in downtown Pittsburgh, Pa., Deacon Paul of the Archeparchy Pro-Life Office celebrated the Moleben; responses were led by Karen Matichko of SS. Peter & Paul Church, Tarentum and Pani Pat Boboige of Nativity of the Mother of God Church, DuBois, along with others who were present to support the “40 Days for Life” event that day. n
Byzantine Catholic Seminary November 2014 Schedule of Services
What word, phrase or sentence from the Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom speaks to your heart today? If you were to meet St. John Chrysostom this evening, what would you ask him? The last words of St. John Chrysostom were “Glory be to God for all things.” What enables you to find God in your life? Sincere thanks to all who supported and participated in this and all of the enlightening programs sponsored by the Office of Religious Education. n
Byzantine Radio Ministry reaches out to shut-ins, evangelizes via Internet 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 810AM and via the Internet at www.holyghost-byzantinecatholic. org (click on the “Listen Live” link on main page). 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
3605 Perrysville Avenue | Pittsburgh, PA 15214 phone: 412-321-8383 | www.bcs.edu
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parish news page 6
Cathedral ‘tripleheader’
sunday, november 9, 2014
Triple-headers prove ‘Byzantine Theory’ three parishes share news of three events at each location
Lending credence to the ‘Byzantines do it in threes’ theory, three Pennsylvania parishes - St. John the Baptist Cathedral of Munhall, St. Anne Church in Clymer, and St. Gregory in Upper St. Clair - have each submitted news of three recent events in the life of their parishes. pages 6 & 7; more parish news on page 8
Three recent fundraising events at St. John the Baptist Cathedral have kept parishioners (and resident photographer Nick Havrilla, Sr.) quite busy. 1) First of the three occurred Saturday, Oct. 18 at St. John the Baptist Cathedral Center. The spacious Center was filled with craft vendors for the 6th annual Craft Show and Food Festival. A delicious array of foods and refreshments was prepared by Cathedral volunteers, as tables and tables of quality vendors offered their handiwork for sale. 2) On Sunday, October 26, following the morning Divine Liturgy, Greek Catholic Union Lodge #2 sponsored a Mini Health Screening during the usual parish Coffee Social. Parishioners who are nurses volunteered by taking blood pressures and providing related health literature. 3) Shortly following the health event, the Cathedral’s CAMEO Club members began making fresh hoagies to fill orders for a Halloween fund raiser benefiting the church. The hard-working club members made and sold over 250 hoagies for the sale. n
3X the excitement at St. Gregory’s, USC
(continued on page 7)
USC Bethany Ministry sponsors winter coat collection
Seton-La Salle Catholic High School visits St. Gregory’s
As a community outreach project, Bethany Ministry of St. Gregory’s in Upper St. Clair, Pa. focused their efforts on the many children and adults in Pittsburgh’s South Hills who are in need of a warm winter coat. In coordinating the collection of winter outerwear, parishioners were asked to donate new or gently used coats, jackets, winter hats, scarves, gloves, and mittens. The parish responded with an outpouring of items to the coat rack and collection bins set up in the Mother of God Chapel. Items were delivered to South Hills Interfaith Ministries (SHIM) in nearby Bethel Park, where SHIM volunteers will prepare them for distribution during their November food pantry dates. SHIM serves 1,800 individuals each year through their food pantry, clothing room, utility assistance, coat drivesupplies collection, and Angel Emporium gifts for Christmas. n
On Wednesday, Oct. 22, St. Gregory Byzantine Catholic Church in Upper St. Clair welcomed students from Seton-La Salle Catholic High School. Together with their teachers, the students had the opportunity to pray and participate in the celebration of the Divine Liturgy. Upon their arrival, an introductory class was given addressing the history, liturgy, and spirituality of the Byzantine Catholic Church. During the Divine Liturgy it was wonderful witnessing the participation and prayer of these students. At the end, a lively discussion took place during which the students had the opportunity to discover more of the rich heritage of the Byzantine Catholic Church. the byzantine catholic world
parish news
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sunday, november 9, 2014
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News from Clymer, Pa.
Giving back to the Community
Mary’s dreamcome-true by Renee Vargo
This is a story of a parishioner’s dream for the future that has come true after over a decade of patience and prayer. In 2002, a lot adjacent to St. Anne Church in Clymer, Pa. with a house slated to be demolished became available. Mary Ann Halady, a dedicated parishioner, urged the church to purchase the property. Her hope was for the future. Mary’s dream was that eventually a pavilion be built on the lot to be used for picnics and other activities. Much discussion for and against the idea occurred, since St. Anne never had a full-time pastor and was served as a mission.
Her vision finally became a reality with the “go-ahead” to purchase the property. This year - twelve years later - a lovely pavilion with tables was constructed along with an attractive LED Church sign next to the main street. Mary fell asleep in the Lord at age 86 in 2010; joyfully, her vision and dream finally lives! n
On September 13, St. Anne Church in Clymer, Pa. hosted a Women Wellness Day with the help of Indiana Regional Medical Center. The proceeds from this event were donated to Birdie’s Closet to help assist women during their cancer treatment. Father William Lascelles, Irene Midock and Renee Vargo are pictured presenting the check to the Indiana Regional Medical Center. n
Mystery of Reconciliation
On Sunday October 5, Travis and Trevor Midock, twin sons of Sonie and Larry Midock, grandsons of Irene Midock and the late William E. Midock, received the Holy Mystery of Reconciliation (Confession) for the first time. The young men were prepared by their Eastern Christian Formation teacher, Lois Anderchin. Trevor and Travis are Altar Servers and faithfully attend ECF classes at St. Anne, where Father William Lascelles is the pastor. n
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October 26 was a very busy Sunday . . .
Sunday, Oct. 26 was a busy day at St. Gregory Byzantine Catholic Church in Upper St. Clair. At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, our 3rd and 4th graders came forward to receive their Bibles as part of their Eastern Christian Formation. This year the focus of their studies is “Holy Scripture and How God Speaks to Us in the Bible.”
Following the Divine Liturgy, all gathered in the church hall for the parish “Trunk or Treat” event. This fun event began with the costume parade, followed by with the “Trunk or Treat” in the parking lot and concluded with games and refreshments in the church hall. We were truly blessed with great weather, the participation of our parishioners - who decorated the trunks of their
the byzantine catholic world
cars in order to pass out candy to the children - and the great big smiles on our children’s faces. n Photos by Jennifer Kehm
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sunday, november 9, 2014
ECF alive and well in Erie ss. peter & paul program uses ‘domestic church’ model to achieve success by Dr. Andrew J. Pushchak, catechist
The Eastern Christian Formation (ECF) program is alive and well at SS. Peter and Paul Parish in Erie, Pa., one of two Erie County parishes served by Father John Mihalco. The ECF program has evolved into a “Domestic Church” model of formation and instruction. According to the Second Vatican Council’s Dogmatic Constitution on the Church, “The family is, so to speak, the domestic church” (Lumen Gentium #11). This means that it is in the context of the family that we first learn who God is and to prayerfully seek His will for us. The ECF program at SS. Peter and Paul follows this approach by having the parents provide ECF instruction at home, the “Domestic Church,” as an integral part of our ECF program. Students along with their parents meet once per month for formal instruction at the Parish Social Center and then are provided with a schedule for home instruction in between the once per month meetings. Furthermore, Father John provides additional instruction for second grade ECF students and their parents preparing for First Reconciliation and Solemn Communion. Registrations for this 20142015 ECF school year reflect 41 students in pre-school through grade 12. With the largest numbers at the younger age levels, SS. Peter and Paul parish is looking to capitalize on the
Domestic Church model of ECF to build up the Byzantine Catholic faith in northwestern Pennsylvania. Mrs. Julie Groenendaal and Mrs. Laura Pushchak teach 14 pre-school and kindergarten students. Dr. Andrew Pushchak instructs six students in first grade. Mrs. Eileen Hinds has four students in second grade preparing for first reconciliation and solemn communion. Mrs. Pauline Foltz and Mrs. Kimberly Lupichuk co-teach seven third grade students. Mrs. Pauline Kowalski presents lessons for six students in grades four, five, and six. And, Mrs. Susan Kiddo instructs four students in grades seven through twelve. In previous years, the Domestic Church model was only used with the younger children. Building upon that success, Father John met with all of the instructors and discussed piloting the Domestic
SS. Peter and Paul Parish of Erie, Pa. concluded the ECF program year in May 2014 with the First Reconciliation and Solemn Communion celebration. Pictured with Catechist Dr. Andrew Pushchak and their pastor Father John Mihalco are (from left): Mate Csatlos, Isaac Foltz, Matthew Lupichuk (foreground), Ave Pushchak, Klayton Komisarski, David Lupichuk (foreground), Asher Plonski. John Heugel Photography
Church model for the entire ECF program starting this year. The ECF program catechists were excited to expand this model of parental involvement to all of our students in the program. Father John plans to
meet with the catechists upon conclusion of this ECF school year to discuss the pilot as well as seek enhancements or improvements for the following ECF program year. n
SS. Peter and Paul Parish ECF students and parents begin the new ECF program year by gathering for a photo prior to the first ECF class meeting in October 2014.
Bethany Ministry guest to speak to “The Grateful Life” st. gregory church in upper st. clair, pa. welcomes anne kertz kernion by Dorothy Mayernik
Please save the date and join the parish family of St. Gregory, Upper St. Clair, PA, on Sunday, Nov. 16 following the 9:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy. Bethany Ministry will have as their guest Anne Kertz Kernion, a speaker who is well-known in area retreat centers and churches as well as nationally. Anne’s topics invite the listener to nourish their spirituality as she calls attention to simple practices that can help us bring balance, joy, and yes, even peace, to our daily lives. Anne’s topic “The Grateful Life,” so appropriate as
we approach Thanksgiving and Christmas, will also offer some insights that can help us deal with life’s difficult situations. You may be familiar with Cards by Anne, which she started in Pittsburgh in 1986 and is now an international greeting card company. Before specializing in hand-calligraphied cards with inspiring messages, Anne was an environmental engineer at Gulf Research and used spare time at her desk to teach herself calligraphy. She left engineering after two years to work in youth and music ministry at a
city parish in Pittsburgh, along with her husband, who had also resigned from his engineering job. Anne later earned an MA in Theology, taught for years, and now enjoys a busy speaking schedule while continuing to design her greeting cards. Please join us on November 16 as we meet and welcome Anne Kertz Kernion to St. Gregory’s. n
Anne Kertz Kernion
Bethany Ministry is a ministry of caring for the sick, homebound, and bereaved and also seeks to promote health of body, mind, and spirit for all those in our parish family. For more information, contact Dorothy Mayernik at bethanyministry@verizon.net
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making a difference
Everyone deserves a home by Tony Magliano
J u s t imagine for a moment that you have no home. What will you do for meals today? Where will you shower? Where will you sleep? If you have children, how will you provide for them? And how will you cope with being homeless tomorrow, next week, next month? Such imaginations are distressing. Aren’t they? Last winter I took imagining what it would be like to be homeless one step further. I lived one day in Baltimore as a homeless man trying to stay warm and fed. From street, to soup kitchen, to shelter I ventured. I learned a lot that day about how rough it is to have no place to call your own. But later that night my experience as a homeless person ended. I got in my vehicle and headed for home. But for 100 million people throughout the world, not having a home to go to each night is a hard, sad reality (61st session of the U.N. Commission on Human Rights). And in the U.S., according to the National Coalition for the Homeless (www. nationalhomeless.org), 3.5 million people – 39 percent of which are children – have no place to call home. Recently I spoke with Ken Leslie, a former homeless alcoholic and drug addict, who is now a leading advocate for people who have no home. Based in Toledo, Ohio, Leslie founded 1Matters (www.1matters.org), an organization inviting each of us to “Be 1 that matters to 1 that matters.” As their motto indicates, 1-on-1 relationships help break down homeless stereotypes and build community. One major stereotype is the word “homeless” itself. Because the word “homeless” often conjures up negative images of people – which in most cases are completely untrue – Leslie prefers using the word “unhoused.” A model project of 1Matters is “Tent City.” Every year on
the last weekend of October, Tent City brings together doctors, nurses, medical students, social workers and over 500 other caring souls to serve the unhoused. Recently – Oct. 24-26, 2014 – Tent City celebrated its 25th anniversary. On Toledo’s Civic Center Mall, under several tents, approximately 1,000 unhoused and marginally housed fellow human beings received medical treatment, prescriptions, job and housing assistance, I.D. acquisition, haircuts, food, clothing, commitment to follow-up care and lots of love. To watch an inspiring video on Tent City go to www.1matters.org/tentcity. And then kindly consider how a Tent City could be started in your town or city. You can contact Ken Leslie for assistance at ken@1matters. org. Another outstanding program of 1Matters is “Veterans Matter.” According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs there are over 49,000 homeless veterans on the streets of America. And while many of them qualify for government rental assistance, they lack the upfront deposit needed to get an apartment. Veterans Matter has provided deposits for approximately 500 veterans to date in several states. You can help an unhoused veteran get off the street and into decent housing by making a donation at www.veteransmatter.org. Everyone deserves a home. And National Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week – Nov. 15-23 – is an ideal time to get started in helping to make a difference in the lives of unhoused people. The social doctrine of the Catholic Church clearly teaches that safe, decent housing is a basic human right. And that individuals, governments and society in general have a moral obligation to help end homelessness. In the spirit of the Beatitudes: “Blessed are those who help the unhoused, for they shall find a home in heaven.” n Tony Magliano is an internationally syndicated social justice and peace columnist.
ST. NICHOLAS CELEBRATION DEC. 7
focus on families repeat theme for 2014
Held annually in the month of December, the St. Nicholas Celebration benefits the Byzantine Catholic Seminary of SS. Cyril & Methodius. The 58th Annual St. Nicholas Celebration will take place on Sunday, Dec. 7 at Saint John the Baptist Cathedral and Center in Munhall, Pa. The theme for the 2014 St. Nicholas Celebration is “Celebrating Families.” The celebration begins at 3:00 p.m. with a special Moleben in honor of St. Nicholas, followed by a pre-dinner social, a short themed program, and ends with a festive dinner. Winners of the children’s St. Nicholas drawing and coloring contest (see below for information) and all other entries will be on display. There also will be “Kids Korner” activities, the collecting of new toys for the Salvation Army’s “Treasures for Children” gift drive, and of course live dinner music by the popular strolling entertainers, “The Continental Dukes.” All families and faithful of the Archeparchy are most enthusiastically encouraged to attend! Tickets are now available: Adult tickets are $35 and children (12 and under) are $15. Consider being a Contributing
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Sponsor and be recognized in the commemorative program! Please see your pastor for tickets or more information, or contact Christie Petty at cpetty@gcuusa.com or 724495-3400 ext. 3923. FORMS for ordering tickets or becoming a sponsor and other information for the 2014 St. Nicholas event and KIDS’ COLORING CONTEST RULES and KIDS’ COLORING CONTEST PAGE (for children grades 3 & under only who do not wish to draw their own St. Nicholas) are available online at www.archpitt.org/events/ stnick. n
‘LIKE’ the St. Nicholas Event on Facebook! Visit the official St. Nicholas Celebration page at www.facebook.com/ StNicholasCelebration.PGH to view comments and photos of past St. Nicholas events. Also check out photos from the 2012 and 2013 event in the Archeparchy’s website Photo Gallery.
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thoughts for our day by Archpriest David M. Petras
the sign of jonah One of the most moving experiences for any Christian visitor to Rome is a visit to the catacombs. Here one is in the physical presence of the burial places of the first followers of Christ, who were often persecuted for their faith. Even more moving are the images (true pictures of faith) that were painted on the walls of these underground caves where the bodies of the faithful, who hoped for resurrection, were buried. You feel as you are standing on holy ground, that contains the energy of faith until this present day. When I was a newlyordained priest, in the Fall of 1967, I returned to Rome to begin my studies in Liturgy. One of the first things I did was to celebrate the Divine Liturgy in the Catacombs of Priscilla, one of the best preserved in Rome. As I prayed the Liturgy, before me on the wall of the catacomb was an ancient icon of the prophet Jonah being thrown out of the belly of the “great fish,” sometimes called a “whale.” It actually looked more like a big green dragon! Images of the Prophet Jonah can be found in almost every catacomb in Rome, because it was revered by the early faithful as a prophecy of the Resurrection of Christ, and, therefore, of our own resurrections. The meaning of resurrection was given to the story of Jonah by Jesus himself. When the people demanded more and more miracles from him, Jesus responded, “An evil and
unfaithful generation seeks a sign, but no sign will be given it except the sign of Jonah the prophet.” (Matthew 12:39) He immediately explained that this was a sign of his resurrection, “Just as Jonah was in the belly of the whale three days and three nights, so will the Son of Man be in the heart of the earth three days and three nights.”
The meaning of resurrection was given to the story of Jonah by Jesus himself. (Matthew 12:40) The meaning of the prophecy is very clear, though it must be understood in broad terms, since Jesus rose in the second night. The church fathers consistently referred to the Resurrection as the sign of Jonah, for it was clearly about his burial in a tomb. The story of Jonah is that he tried to escape prophesying by taking a boat away from Niniveh, a great city in the Middle East, to which he was called to preach repentance. When a great storm arose, he sacrificed himself to save his fellow travelers. Thrown overboard, “... the Lord sent a great fish to swallow Jonah, and he remained in the belly of the fish three days and three nights.” (Jonah 2:1) However, the Lord rescued him and “commanded the fish to vomit Jonah upon dry land.” (Jonah 2:11) The sign of Jonah was more
than just the Resurrection. He was to fulfill his mission to preach repentance to the people of Nineveh. Jesus said, “Just as Jonah became a sign to the Ninevites, so will the Son of Man be to this generation.” (Luke 11:30) The story may have made some people very uncomfortable, since the Ninevites were Gentiles and not of the chosen race. This, too, might be a sign to us, that God loves and saves those who are “not ours.” The story of Jonah as a sign of the resurrection is heightened by the canticle that Jonah is depicted as singing in the belly of the great fish, “From the womb of Hades I cried for help, and you heard my voice” and “you brought my life up from the pit, O Lord, my God.” (Jonah 2:3.7) Christ likewise descended into Hades, the kingdom of death, and there destroyed the power of death, and arose on the third day. For all this, though, Jesus was not like Jonah. Jonah was a very reluctant prophet. He tried to escape his mission, because her was actually afraid of success. God, in his mercy, would have saved the people of Niniveh and Jonah would have been embarrassed. God had to correct Jonah, “Should I not be concerned over the great city of Nineveh, in which there are more than a hundred and twenty thousand persons who cannot know their right hand from their left, not to mention all the animals?” (Jonah 4:11) Besides being a parable of the Resurrection, the story of Jonah was about God’s universal salvation and his merciful loving kindness, which are, of course, a part of
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resurrection. Yet the reluctant Jonah did complete his mission, and he is perhaps like the son commended by Jesus, who at first said he would not go into his father’s vineyard, but later changed his mind and went. (Matthew 21:2832) Jesus said that this son did his father’s will. As an image of the Resurrection, the whole prophecy of Jonah, all four chapters, is traditionally read at the Paschal Vigil Liturgy. The story of Jonah is a very enchanting tale of a real human being with all of his strengths and weaknesses. Because of the fantastic elements of the story, most modern Scripture scholars do not think it happened historically. However, as Jesus’ parables, it is not necessary to accept it as an actual event to still accept it as a true sign of the resurrection. The book itself gives very few indications of Jonah’s history, except to say that he was the son of Amittai. The historical book, 2 Kings, refers to Jonah “... as the Lord, the God of Israel, had foretold through his servant, the prophet Jonah, son of Amittai, from Gath-hepher.” (2 Kings 14:25) Gath-Hepher was a town five miles north of Nazareth. Today it is called Mashad, which means “the grave of a holy man,” and there is still a tomb there which is said to be Jonah’s burial site. The prophet Jonah’s feast day on the Church’s calendar is September 22. In the life of the prophet read on this day in the Synaxarion, he is identified as the son of the widow of Zarephath who was raised from the dead by the great prophet Elijah. The reason for this attribution is probably because Jonah was always thought to be a sign of resurrection. The Orthodox Study Bible (p. 1020), without citing the source, gives a hymn about Jonah that very neatly summarizes the meaning of his story for our faith: “Jonah was enclosed but not held fast in the belly of the whale; for, serving as a figure of you who were buried in the tomb, he leapt forth from the monster as from a bridal chamber and he called out to the watch: O you who keep guard falsely and in vain, you have forsaken your own mercy.” n
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Sisters of St. Basil Announce new schedule for Mount St. Macrina House of Prayer UNIONTOWN, PA — The Sisters of St. Basil have announced the 2014-2015 schedule of programs to be presented at the Mount St. Macrina House of Prayer. The topics to be offered were carefully selected to meet the various spiritual needs of today. “We welcome everyone to come and experience any of our programs in the atmosphere of silence, solitude, serenity and spiritual refreshment,” said Sr. Carol Petrasovich, OSBM, Director, House of Prayer.
2014-2015 Program Schedule Christmas Preparation Morning Retreat Saturday, December 13, 9:15 a.m.-1 p.m. Presenter: Father Jim Hess Registration due: December 8. Offering: $30, includes lunch Christmas Preparation Afternoon Retreat Sunday, December 14, 1:15 p.m. - 5 p.m. Presenter: Deacon Tim Corbett Registration due: December 9. Offering: $30, includes supper Poustinia Weekend February 20-22, 7 p.m. Friday - 11 a.m., Sunday Registration due: February 13. Offering: $85 Lenten Morning Retreat Saturday, February 28, 9:15 a.m. - 1 p.m. Presenter: Rev. Thomas Dansak Registration Due: February 23. Offering: $30, includes lunch Lenten Afternoon Retreat Sunday, March 1, 1:15 p.m.-5 p.m. Presenter: Very Rev. Robert Pipta Registration due: February 24. Offering: $30, includes supper Healing Retreat Saturday, March 7, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Presenter: Father William Kiel Registration Due: March 2. Offering: $35, includes lunch
obituary
Cantor Michael Drabik Jr. Cantor Michael Drabik Jr., 91, of Churchill, Pa. fell asleep in the Lord Saturday, Oct. 18, 2014. Formerly of North Braddock, Pa. Cantor Michael was the beloved husband of Helen (Chirko) Drabik, to whom he was wed for 62 years; loving father of Michael J. (Carol) Drabik of North Braddock, Diane Popp, of Churchill, and Myron J. (Ruth) Drabik of East Pittsburgh; and is also survived by grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Cantor Michael faithfully served SS. Peter and Paul Byzantine Catholic Church in Braddock for more than 47 years as the parish cantor, and was a member of the Archieparchial Choir during its early formative years in the late 1990s. He also was a World War II Army veteran who served with the 82nd Combat Engineers Battalion, a retired employee of US Steel Edgar Thomson Works with 39 years of service and a member and vice-president of the local S.O.A.R., an association of retired steelworkers. Also numbered among his many activities, he was a member and president of the Board of Directors of the Monongahela Cemetery; a 4th degree member of the Knights of Columbus
since 1958 with Council No. 911 in Braddock; a member and past officer of the Slavonic Social Club in Braddock; and a lifetime member of the East Pittsburgh VFW Post 5008. Parastas was celebrated Tuesday, Oct. 21 at the Patrick T. Lanigan Funeral Home in East Pittsburgh. Office of Christian Burial was celebrated the following morning at SS. Peter and Paul Church. Interment with military honors followed at Monongahela Cemetery. n May God Grant to his servant the cantor Michael eternal memory and blessed repose. Vicnaja Pamjat!
QOHM in Warren offers Day of Spirituality father christiaan kappes is presenter
Monday Reading Series March 9, 16, 23, 30, 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Presenter: Sr. Barbara Jean Registration Due: March 2. Free will offering Praying with Scripture Tuesday, March 17, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Presenter: Sr. Carol Registration Due: March 12. Offering: $30, includes lunch Women’s Overnight Scripture Retreat April 24-25, 6 p.m., Friday - 4 p.m., Saturday Presenter: To Be Announced Registration Due: April 17. Offering: $85 Young Adult Weekend Retreat May 29-31, 7 p.m., Friday - 11 a.m., Sunday Presenter: Sr. Barbara Jean and Young Adult Team Men and Women - Ages 18-35 Registration Due: May 22. Offering: $100
The Benedictine Sisters of the Byzantine Church at Queen of Heaven M o n a s t e r y, Warren, Ohio, are offering a Day of Spirituality on Saturday, December 13 from 1:00 to 4:30 p.m. The event will be held at SS. Peter and Paul Parish Center at 180 Belvedere Ave. N.E., Warren. The presenter will be Reverend Christiaan Kappes, Professor of Liturgy and Patristics at SS. Cyril and Methodius Seminary in Pittsburgh, Pa. His timely topic
will explain the relationship of the Theotokos (Mother of God) to the Holy Eucharist and how this knowledge could transform us. There will be time for reflection, questions, refreshments, and an opportunity to receive the Mystery (Sacrament) of Reconciliation. All are welcome to pray Vespers with the sisters. To register, please call 330-856-1813 or e-mail qohm@netdotcom.com by Monday, Dec. 8. n
BYZANTINE DIVINE LITURGY
The Sisters ask that anyone interested to please register early. Early registrations help to avoid the cancellation of programs. To register to any of the above programs, contact the House of Prayer at 724-438-7149. n
Sundays at 9:00 a.m. WEDO Radio • 810 AM • McKeesport, Pa. Broadcast live from Holy Ghost Church, McKees Rocks
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sunday, november 9, 2014
Blessing of Pittsburgh Crèche Archbishop to join ecumenical leaders As a result of the work of the Christian Leaders Fellowship, an ecumenical group of local bishops and religious leaders of the Baptist, Byzantine Catholic, Episcopalian, Greek Orthodox, Latin (Roman) Catholic, Lutheran, Presbyterian, Salvation Army, United Church of Christ, and United Methodist Churches located in the Greater Pittsburgh area, the Pittsburgh Crèche was first erected in 1999 to preserve the true meaning of Christmas. It is the only authorized replica of the Nativity crèche which was displayed at St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City. Construction and maintenance of the Pittsburgh Crèche since its first appearance has been a community effort; a number of organizations,
around the archeparchy
businesses, and individuals donate materials, labor or funding to help keep the display beautiful. The stable alone - constructed from the plans of Vatican architect Umberto Mezzana and built annually at the “Steel Plaza” on the property of US Steel headquarters in downtown Pittsburgh - is 64 feet wide, 42 feet high, 36 feet deep, and weighs approximately 66,000 pounds. Most of the display figures are the work of Roman artist and sculptor Pietro Simonelli, who had been commissioned by local businessman Louis Astorino to replicate the original Vatican Nativity scene. The Pittsburgh Crèche features 21 life-sized figures, including the Infant Jesus, Mary, Joseph, angels, the
‘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. THANKSGIVING BINGO - St. Nicholas Church of Greensburg, Pa. 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. TAMBURITZANS SHOW - Special performance of the Duquesne University Tamburitzans Saturday Nov. 22 at 2:00 p.m. at the 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. Performing with the troupe are two Byzantine Catholics of the Archeparchy, Johnny Harbist (Holy Ghost, McKees Rocks, Pa.), and Alyssa Hrishenko (St. Michael, Hermitage, Pa.) and 3 former members of the Slavjane Folk Ensemble (Harbist, Lara KonefalShaer and Stephanie Bartus). $15 in advance - $20 at the door (reserved seating only). Call for tickets: 412-518-0405 or e-mail dkshaer@gmail.com. TURKEY BINGO - A paper “Turkey Bingo” (featuring paper bingo cards) will be held at St. Mary Byzantine Catholic Church, Route 981 in Trauger, Pa. on Sunday, Nov. 23, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at St. Mary’s Social Hall. Tickets may be purchased at the door. Admission is $5. Additional sets, Specials, & Quickies are extra. There will be a 50/50 Drawing and Door Prizes. The Kitchen will be OPEN! Doors open at 12:00 noon. Call 724-787-5631 with any questions. CHRISTMAS CONCERT - The Carpatho-Rusyn Society presents a Christmas Concert by The Singing Revilak Family, Saturday, Nov. 29 at 2:00 p.m. at the National Cultural Center, 415 Dickson Street, Munhall, Pa. Tickets are Adults $13 in advance, $15 at door; Children $6 in advance, $8 at door; Children under 5 years old - free. For more information contact Dean Poloka 412-877-9351 or Milan Revilak 412-805-5828.
Nick Fejka
Construction of the Pittsburgh Crèche began the last week of October in preparation for the Nov. 21 official blessing ceremony on Pittsburgh’s Steel Plaza.
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: november 30
submissions deadline: november 18
wise men, shepherds, a woman and child, and various animals. Clothing for the figures are designed, sewn and maintained by local communities of religious women. n
Archbishop William will be on hand along with fellow Christian Leaders for the noontime blessing Friday, Nov. 21 at Steel Plaza - US Steel Building, 600 Grant St, Pittsburgh, PA 15219.
dates to remember november 20 Ordination of Subdeacon Donald Bolls to the Diaconate
Cathedral of St. John the Baptist - Munhall, Pa.
november 21 Feast of the Entrance of the Theotokos into the Temple Blessing of the Pittsburgh Creche by Christian Leaders Fellowship
U.S. Steel Plaza, Pittsburgh, Pa. december 6 Feast of St. Nicholas of Myra
december 7 Annual St. Nicholas Celebration
Cathedral of St. John the Baptist - Munhall, Pa. december 8 Feast of the Maternity of Saint Ann december 21 ‘Christmas at the Cathedral’ with the Archieparchial Choir
Cathedral of St. John the Baptist - Munhall, Pa.
See more upcoming events at www.archpitt.org the byzantine catholic world