the official newspaper of the archeparchy of pittsburgh
parish wrap-up
Inside
A look back at the many endof-year events submitted by churches of the Archeparchy Pages 4 & 5, 8 & 9
Raising a family in the 21st century
challenging the faithful to become champions for families Deacon Dennis Prestash, who serves St. John the Baptist Church in Hawk Run, Pa. was the keynote speaker for the 2014 St. Nicholas Celebration at the Cathedral Center in Munhall, Pa. Dec. 7. His presentation, which ‘hit home’ with the hundreds in attendance, is a timely topic for the new year, especially with the upcoming World Meeting of Families in September 2015. by Deacon Dennis Prestash
WORLD MEETING OF FAMILIES 2015 PHILADELPHIA http://www.worldmeeting2015.org/
One of the greatest struggles we have in our Church today is preserving our families in the Byzantine Catholic faith. Too often, they seem not to be interested. The question is, “Can we somehow motivate our families to be excited about following Christ and being Byzantine Christians in the 21st Century?” Pope Francis believes there is a way. It takes commitment and hard work, but it’s worth it. In the fall of 2014, Pope Francis issued a letter to Catholic families to pray for the Synod of Bishops when they met to discuss the challenges of family in the life of the Christian Church. The Holy
Father wrote: “The Church will undertake a true journey of discernment and adopt the necessary pastoral means to help families face their present challenges with the light and strength that comes from the Gospel.” After meeting, the Synod of Bishops concluded that as the people of God, We must make a choice – between the demands of the world and the demands of Christian life. So the question remains, “How do we as Byzantine Catholic Christians incorporate Pope Francis’ message into our daily lives?” I think first we have to Family continued on page 3
vol. 60 no. 1
artistically yours
Two pages of artful and colorfully appointed depictions from the 2014 St. Nicholas art contest Pages 6 & 7
sunday, january 18, 2015
road to resurrection Father David Petras explains how Nativity, Theophany prepare us for the ‘Day of Days’ Page 10
Byzantine Divine Liturgy at 2015 Vigil for Life celebrated morning of annual march for life at national shrine basilica by Deacon Paul Boboige
The March for Life in Washington, D.C. is the East Coast pro-life event of the year, as several hundred thousand people attend the annual Pro-Life Rally sponsored by the National Right to Life Committee (NRLC). The March for Life is held annually on January 22, the anniversary of the infamous Roe v. Wade decision by the Supreme Court which legalized and protected abortion. Over the many years of the March, the USCCB (United States Conference of Catholic Bishops) has sanctioned the Vigil for Life, held at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in our nation’s capital. The 2015 vigil opens Wednesday, Jan. 21 with a Mass for Life at 6:30 p.m.; after the Mass, the Vigil moves to the Crypt Church, and starts with Byzantine Catholic night prayer celebrated by Bishop Kurt Burnette of the Eparchy of Passaic and other clergy, and followed throughout the night by Holy Hours led by various seminaries.
On the morning of the March (Thursday, Jan. 22), tens of thousands of people will arrive in busloads for refreshment and to tour the Basilica. There are dozens of chapels therein, donated by various ethnicities including our own Byzantine Ruthenian Catholics. In past years, pilgrims would pass the Byzantine Catholic Chapel and often ask, “What time is Divine Liturgy?” This year we will have a positive answer. It is in our beautiful Byzantine Catholic Chapel that a Divine Liturgy will be celebrated for the first time in many years for the pilgrims who are present. This Vigil continued on page 10
Metropolitan urges prayer that peace prevail in imperfect world
In the wake of yet more acts of terror throughout the world, from the high-profile murders of 17 in Paris, France Jan. 7 to the reported slaughter of over 2,000 in Baga, Nigeria just days after the French tragedy, Metropolitan William calls upon the faithful of the Metropolitan Church to pray for all victims of violence and their families: “Pray to our Lord, the Author of Life, that peace and understanding will prevail over hatred and intolerance within the hearts of those who seek to destroy the diversity of this good yet imperfect world in which we live.”
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SUNDAY, JANUARY 18, 2015
Byzantine Catholic Seminary JANUARY 2015 Schedule of Services UPS 081500 ISSN 07442289 Official publication of the Byzantine Catholic Archeparchy of Pittsburgh Serving parish communities in central and western Pennsylvania, Louisiana, eastern Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas and West Virginia Published every third Sunday (17 issues) by: Byzantine Catholic Press Associates 66 Riverview Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15214 Tel: 412.231.4000 Fax: 412.231.1697 E-mail: bcw@archpitt.org Web site: www.archpitt.org Archbishop William C. Skurla President Sister Elaine Kisinko, OSBM Copy Editor Darlene Fejka Layout / Graphics Donna Obsincs Subscription/Circulation Manager Gregory S. Popivchak Business Manager Annual Subscription Rates US $12 Canadian $14 International $16
3605 Perrysville Avenue | Pittsburgh, PA 15214 phone: 412-321-8383 | www.bcs.edu
Have you ever wondered what a religious brother or sister does all day? What would make a young man or woman give up family, home or career and dedicate his or her life to God? A nationwide invitation has been issued to visit religious houses across the country and learn more about religious communities as they open their doors on Sunday, Feb. 8 for the first ever national day of Open House with Religious. “I want to say one word to you and this word is joy. Wherever consecrated people are, there is always joy!” These words of Pope Francis capture the excitement of the religious men and women participating in this Year of Consecrated Life event. Visit the USSCB web site www. usccb.org/about/bishops-anddioceses/diocesan-locator.cfm to view Religious Open Houses happening in your community, or visit www.cmswr.org n
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Postmaster: send address changes to: The Byzantine Catholic World ATTN: Donna 66 Riverview Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15214 Please allow 2-3 weeks for address changes to take effect. Submissions deadline: 2nd Tuesday before publication date (12 days prior).
The Byzantine Catholic World is a member of the Catholic Press Association.
mission The mission of The Byzantine
Catholic World is to spread the Gospel message in the rich tradition of the Byzantine Catholic Church; to encourage faithful to reflect the image of Christ in everyday activities of life; to offer spiritual
MCI Saturdays 2015
Once each month, the Metropolitan Cantor Institute (MCI) holds a Saturday class in Pittsburgh on church singing and chant leadership. The classes run from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM and cover liturgy, proper use of the voice, cantorial leadership skills, and chant repertoire. All classes are held at SS. Cyril and Methodius Byzantine Catholic Seminary, 3605 Perrysville Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15214. Following are the remaining class dates and topics for 2015: • Feb. 7 – Reader Services and Typica • Mar. 14 – Feasts of the Mother of God • Apr. 11 – Vocal workshop for cantors • May 9 – Baptism, Wedding, Anointing • June 13 – Funeral Services, part 1 • July 11 – Funeral Services, part 2 • Aug. 8 – The Divine Liturgy, part 1 • Sept. 12 – The Divine Liturgy, part 2 • Oct.17 – Hierarchical Services • Nov. 14 – Liturgy, Chant, and Prayer (a one-day cantors’ retreat) • Dec. 12 – Christmas and Theophany All classes will include material for both novice and experienced cantors. Students may register for the entire year for $120 (includes lunch, materials, and 12 months of the MCI Online program see below). Students also may register on a pay-per-class basis ($20 per class, includes lunch and materials), but must do so at least one week (7 days) before the class date. A registration brochure can be found at www.metropolitancantorinstitute.org, or contact MCI Director Jeff Mierzejewski at 412-735-1676. n
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.
BYZANTINE DIVINE LITURGY Sundays 9:00 a.m. • WEDO Radio • 810 AM Broadcast live from Holy Ghost Church, McKees Rocks
Also view liturgical services (various times) at: www.holyghost-byzantinecatholic.org www.stjohnsbyzantinecathedral.com www.sjcbcc.com
the byzantine catholic world
MCI DISTANCE LEARNING To meet the needs of cantors and prospective cantors far from the Pittsburgh area – and to provide additional resources to local cantors – the Metropolitan Cantor Institute has created a distance learning program, MCI Online. Using a computer connected to the Internet, students will be able to view lessons on their own schedule, take quizzes to test their knowledge, and gain access to other instructional materials (including copyighted materials which cannot be posted on the MCI website). How do I get started? • Students who register for the full year of MCI classes are automatically enrolled. •Cantors outside the Pittsburgh area who wish to enroll in MCI Online only can do so for $60 per year. This registration fee allows access to all online cantor classes AND a certain amount of individualized instruction/coaching/assistance. n See the MCI website (www. metropolitancantorinstitute. org) for more information. Note: MCI Online requires a computer with access to the Internet, a Web browser, and speakers or headphones. Older computers may not support all MCI Online features.
SUNDAY, JANUARY 18, 2015
Family
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continued from page 1 supportive especially when they fail. It can be summarized in two words. “INVOLVED and INTERESTED.” In talking with Priests, Deacons, families, and friends, I found that there are some similar factors we all shared that enriched our faith and contribute to raising families who believe. Reiterating Pope Francis’ words, we must take a journey of discernment with the light and strength that comes from Scripture. So what does the Bible say about raising a family? St. John makes it clear when he said “I have no greater joy than to hear my children walk in truth.” (3 John 4) The opposite of that is also true. There is no greater heartache than when our children do not walk in truth. We’ve all had a few bumps in our family life. We have all had a few sleepless nights worrying about our families. Many of us have said, “Lord is there light at the end of this tunnel? And if there is a light, please Lord - turn it on soon.” As parents and/or guardians, we are encouraged to follow God’s Word to get to the end of that tunnel. Proverbs 22:6 says, “Train up a child in a way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” The phrase, “in a way he (or she) should go,” is not speaking of the way
Nick Havrilla, Sr.
answer the question, “What is family?” There are many who would say the answer is very simple. A family is a mother and a father and their children. That would be perfect, but in reality, the family cannot be so neatly packaged. So in a broader sense, a more truthful definition, you will discover that a family is a mother, a father, and children. It is also a single parent and children, couples who are unable to have children, couples with adopted children, foster families, husbands and wives in second marriages with families. The definition of family also includes grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins helping out throughout the family’s lifetime. So next we must answer the question, “What is the purpose of family?” Says Matthew Kelley, a Catholic Christian writer who hit the nail on the head when it comes to this definition: “The purpose of family is to help one another become the – Best – Version – Of – Ourselves, and in the process, contribute to the greater good of society and humanity and at the same time keep our God in the center of it all.” So how do we accomplish this goal? How do we build better families and raise amazing children? We must be interested in our family’s journey. We need to know their hopes, their dreams, their fears, and to be
The Prestash family: Patty, Denny Junior and Deacon Denny.
you want them to go. Rather, it’s the way God wants them to go. In other words, taking into account your child’s gifts, emotional makeup, personality, intellect, and calling, you can help discern the path God has for him or her. To repeat, our job as parents is to try to discern with our children what God wants them to do and then train them in that way. Whether their call is in automotive technology, business, teaching, engineering, law, or service to the Church and maybe even an Archbishop, we want our children to be the very best they can be, for the Glory of God. All of us are foster parents in the ministry of Christ by virtue of our Baptism. We are
ordained as His servants – lay or clergy, therefore, whatever we do, our goal is to do it for the Glory of God. I do believe as parents and/or guardians, we need to understand and fulfill the two words stated above - “INVOLVED and INTERESTED.” It’s a simple equation; being involved plus being truly interested in our children equals great family leaders. Thus is the challenge for our Church: to become champions for our families in the 21st Century. n
Deacon Denny’s presentation, featuring his “7 Challenges” will conclude in the Feb. 8 issue of The BCW.
‘9 Days for Life’ a time for healing
usccb-endorsed event unites faithful in prayer, action from the United States Conference of Cathoic Bishops
WASHINGTON — A period of prayer, penance, and pilgrimage, Jan. 17-25 marks the anniversary of the 1973 U.S. Supreme Court decision, Roe v. Wade, which legalized abortion throughout pregnancy. The “9 Days for Life” novena encourages nationwide solidarity in prayer for daily intentions, including for couples experiencing infertility, those mourning the loss of a child through abortion, children in need of adoptive homes, and for an end to abortion and use of the death penalty. Resources for the novena are available in numerous ways, including an app. The initiative is part of the 2014-15 Respect Life Program of the U.S. Conference of
Catholic Bishops (USCCB) with the theme “Each of Us is a Masterpiece of God’s Creation,” which is adapted from the words of Pope Francis’ 2013 Day for Life greeting. In addition to the prayer intentions, each day of the program raises awareness on issues such as domestic violence, postabortion healing, pornography addiction, and end-of-life matters. “Pope Francis reminds us constantly of the loving concern Christians have for all people at any stage of life who’ve been cast aside or forgotten by society,” said Cardinal Seán O’Malley, archbishop of Boston and chairman of the USCCB
Committee on Pro-Life Activities. “The 9 Days for Life novena offers a chance to join in prayer and solidarity with the unborn, victims of and other social media with violence, those suffering from the hashtags #9daysforlife addiction, and those whose and #9díasporlavida. hearts ache to be part of a Catholics also are encourfamily.” JANUARY 17 25, 2015 aged to participate in local There are four ways to events such as Masses participate in the program [liturgies], blessings for profor both English and Spanish life pilgrims, or a parish speakers: subscriptions to holy hour for reparation and daily content through email or healing for all affected by text messages; the “9 Days for abortion. Life” app; and downloadable More information is print materials. Content will available at www.9daysforlife. also be shared via a Facebook com and www.usccb.org/ event (accessible from www. respectlife. n facebook.com/peopleoflife)
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parish news PAGE 4
SUNDAY, JANUARY 18, 2015
St. George lights the way
aliquippa parish glows with luminaria
Wherever two or more . . .
liturgy travels to retirement community Gathered in the name of our Lord on Thursday, Dec. 18, Byzantine Divine Liturgy was celebrated at the chapel of Park Vista Manor in Youngstown, Ohio, where retired priest of the Archeparchy Msgr. Victor G. Romza resides. Father Kevin E. Marks, administrator of St. Michael Church in nearby Campbell (where Msgr. Romza served for over 40 years) celebrated the liturgy for the manor’s residents and also was joined by several parishioners. Father Kevin will offer the Divine Liturgy at the chapel on a monthly basis. n
Lighting the way to church on Christmas Eve, children of the Eastern Christian Formation (ECF) program at St. George Church in Aliquippa, Pa. decorated luminaria with messages praising the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Beginning the Compline Service, three of the ECF children then beautifully chanted the traditional psalm verses. “What an inspiring job they did!” ECF Coordinator Jo Ann Hersh said of Reaghan Cody, Alex Hersh, and Jackson Liller, photos: Louisa Hersh and Alex Hersh pictured below. n
Monsignor Victor Romza (seated), Father Kevin E. Marks (far left) and parishioners of St. Michael Church, Campbell, Ohio at the Park Vista Manor chapel, Youngstown.
In the spirit of St. Nicholas good deeds done at namesake parish
Mysty Krisiak
Directory Assistance To find information on-line for churches in the Archeparchy, go to www.archpitt.org and click on “Directories” on the drop-down
ECF students of St. Nicholas Church in Greensburg, Pa, where Rev. Regis Ducesina is pastor, prepared for the 2014 parish patronal feast day by keeping track of good deeds and earning money to purchase a Christmas gift for a child in need. Youth participating in the endeavor included (seated): Colt Krisiak, Tyler Gilpin; (left group): Saint Nicholas, Michael Gilpin, Rebeccah Pyo; (right group): Demetrius Pyo, Tyler Neffield, Brandon Meikle. n
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parish news
Holy Spirit parish events community winds down 2014
continued
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Sound of music in the Rox parishioners treated to gleeful show
Mary E. Kacsur
Father Frank Firko, pastor of Holy Ghost Church McKees Rocks and administrator of Holy Ghost North Side Pittsburgh poses with the Singing Revilak Family at the group’s musical holiday extravaganza presented at the McKees Rocks church hall.
The 8th Annual Boy Scouts “Ten Commandment Walk” to ten houses of worship in Pittsburgh’s Oakland neighborhood was held Nov 28. Parish pastor Monsignor Russell A. Duker (above left) and Holy Spirit Church have participated in the ecumenical event for all eight years. The walk is held each year on the day after Thanksgiving, as a friendly alternative to Black Friday, allowing the Scouts to learn more about the Commandments from pastors and representatives of the participating congregations.
The annual Holy Spirit parish St. Nicholas Dinner Party was held Sunday, Dec. 14. The event’s focus was on the parish children, who played games, sang Christmas carols and songs, and received gifts from St. Nicholas. A hearty covered dish dinner, prepared by church members, was enjoyed by all.
On Sunday, Dec. 21, Holy Spirit parishioner Chad Shokrollahzadeh received the Mysteries of Chrismation, Reconciliation, and Holy Eucharist. It was a joyous occasion for the parish to join in this celebration during the Divine Liturgy along with his family, sponsors, and friends. A reception was given by the parishioners afterward in the church hall. n photos: Mary Dzurichko
On the evening of Dec. 20, following the Saturday Vigil Divine Liturgy, a Christmas Concert was presented at Holy Ghost Church in McKees Rocks, Pa. The Singing Revilak Family performed a top-notch production that equaled any holiday show in Pittsburgh. The professionally orchestrated concert was inspirational and appropriate for the season. Prior to the performance, attendees were welcomed to participate in a “Chinese” auction, hors d’oeuvres, bake sale, and a grand selection of religious gifts from the Byzantine Seminary Press.
There was no charge for the concert, but a free-will offering was accepted. Proceeds from the event were donated to Meals-on-Wheels, which feeds McKees Rocks area Senior Citizens with at least one warm meal daily on a regular basis. The total amount presented to Meals-on-Wheels, located at Christ Community Methodist Church in nearby West Park, was $864. Sincere gratitude is extended to all who came to support this cause and to those who were instrumental in putting it all together. n
does your church plan to have lenten
PIROHY FOR SALE?
The BCW and www.archpitt.org are here to spread the word! If your parish or parish group is pinching pirohy for sale during the Great Fast, submit the following information and it will be printed beginning with the Feb. 8 edition of The BCW and on-line in the Upcoming Events section and Calendar on the Archeparchy’s official web site, www.archpitt.org. All other Lenten sales events such as soup, fish fry, etc. are most welcome as well. Please provide: 1) Parish Name / Pastor; 2) Location; 3) Name of food event; 4) Day, date, time of event; 5) Menu items for sale; 6) Contact person; 7) phone number (required) / e-mail address (optional); 8) any additional information. Remember, all submissions must be approved by the parish pastor or administrator! E-mail your information to bcw@archpitt.org by Tuesday, Jan. 27 for inclusion in the Feb. 8 BCW, or by Feb. 17 for inclusion in the March 1 and 22 issues. Submissions for web site calendar inclusion may be e-mailed anytime to web@archpitt.org. n
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SUNDAY, JANUARY 18, 2015
2014 St. Nicholas Drawing & Coloring Contest The St. Nicholas Celebration Committee received artwork entries to the 2014 St. Nicholas Coloring/Drawing contest from 61 young parishioners in grades Pre-K through 10 from eight churches within the Archeparchy, including five in Ohio and three in Pennsylvania. Winning entries were selected from each of four age divisions (Div. 1: Pre-K and Kindergarten; Div. 2: Grades 1-2-3 coloring (c) and drawing (d); Div. 3: Grades 4-7; Div. 4: Grades 8-12) via a “blind” consensus of the Committee, and were judged on a number of criteria such as neatness, completeness, creativity, and for following the contest rules and theme of “Miracles of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker.” Winners each received an icon of St. Nicholas and a gift card.
The Archeparchy of Pittsburgh, the Greek Catholic Union and the St. Nicholas Celebration Committee thank the pastors, ECF coordinators, parents and children of the participating parishes for taking part in this colorful activity!
Frank Bero (8) gr. 6
Entries below and on the facing page are arranged alphabetically. The parish of each participant is indicated by number in parentheses next to each participant’s name and grade. Winners in each group appear in GREEN. All entries also were displayed at the Dec. 7 St. Nicholas Celebration at St. John the Baptist Cathedral Center in Munhall, Pa. (1) Infant Jesus of Prague - Boardman, Ohio; (2) St. Michael - Campbell, Ohio; (3) Holy Ghost - McKees Rocks, Pa.; (4) St. John the Baptist Cathedral - Munhall, Pa.; (5) St. Gregory - Upper St. Clair, Pa.; (6) SS. Peter & Paul - Warren, Ohio; (7) St. Mary - Youngstown, Ohio; (8) St. Nicholas - Youngstown, Ohio.
Sarah Bero (8) gr. 2
Evan Bisel (6) gr. 9
Lauren Bero (8) gr. 4
Dylan Binion (6) gr. 2
Macala Blake (6) gr. 8
Ava Cerny (5) gr. 2
Andrej Campuzano (5) gr. K
Makayla Boes (5) gr. 1
Daniel Byers (6) Pre-K
Raquel Campuzano (5) gr. 3
Kyra Delahanty (5) gr. 2
Div. 2c WINNER
Michaela Douglas (6) gr. 7
Darren DeStefano (4) gr. 2
Kayleigh Cruz (2) Pre-K
Alexi Elbon (6) gr. 2
Div. 3 WINNER
Grace Ferency (5) gr. 2
Novena Ferency (5) gr. 4 Rebecca Falatic (6) gr. 2
Addison Giglione (4) gr. 2 John Heddleston (4) gr. 3
Matthew Harsh (3) gr. K
Paige Giglione (4) Pre-K
Gavin Hughes (5) Pre-K
Nathan Heddleston (4) gr. K the byzantine catholic world
Evan James (7) gr. 2
Gabriella Kassabov (3) gr. 2
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Div. 4 WINNER
SUNDAY, JANUARY 18, 2015
Christopher Krofcheck (5) gr. K
Jessica Kiss (5) gr. 4
Rachel Kiss (5) gr. 8
Mariella Kassabov (3) Pre-K Lindsay Krofcheck (5) Pre-K
Morgan Lewis (1) gr. 2
Jack Krysynski (4) gr. 1
Alexander Limber (6) gr. 5
McKenne Lewis (1) gr. K
Ivan Lindberg (2) gr. 3
Louis Mercolini (5) gr. K
Nika Michlik (5) gr. 10
Leighna Mitulinski (2) Pre-K
Blaze Miller (6) gr. 8 Nicholas Mitulinski (2) gr. 1 Gabriella Morgan (6) gr. 3
Katie Morris (2) gr. 2 Aidan Munsie (4) gr. 3
Dara Olexa (5) gr. 1
Emma Morris (2) gr. 3
Carmella Rippole (3) gr. K
Div. 2d WINNER
Div. 1 WINNER
Elias Olexa (5) gr. 4
Ray Rippole (3) gr. 5
Nathan Sandy (6) gr. K
Nicholas Rippole (3) gr. 2
Sophia Shuster (6) gr. 1
Steven Postlethwait (6) gr. 8
Nathan Simko (4) gr. 1
Isabella Shuster (6) gr. 5
Jessica Sinclair (4) gr. 2
Elizabeth Timko (5) gr. 6
Victoria Smolak (6) gr. 9
Kayla Uhrlen (5) gr. 5
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Juliana Uhrlen (5) gr. 2
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parish news
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SUNDAY, JANUARY 18, 2015
Bustling schedule closes 2014 Cathedral event calendar corporate communion
christmas breakfast
Members of the St. John Cathedral Cameo Club are pictured following their annual cooperate communion at the 9 a.m. Divine Liturgy Sunday, Dec. 21, at which Metropolitan William and Father Dennis Bogda concelebrated. n
The parish family of St. John Cathedral in Munhall, Pa. gathered Sunday, Dec. 21 at the Cathedral Center for their annual Christmas Breakfast and visit with St. Nicholas. Entertainment for the 2014 edition was provided by a local magician and enjoyed by both young and old. Funding for the event was graciously provided by Greek Catholic Union Lodge #2, headed by Robert Bodnar, president. n
photos: Nick Havrilla, Sr.
Surprise visit from St. Nick warren parish delights in celebration by Father Andrew J. Deskevich
On Sunday, Dec. 7, the Eastern Christian Formation students of SS. Peter and Paul Parish, Warren, Ohio enjoyed a surprise visit from St. Nicholas. In fact, the morning was full of surprises. Instead of their regular classes, the entire class session was dedicated to the life and miracles of St. Nicholas. The students met in the social hall and viewed the DVD entitled, “Nicholas, the Boy Who Became Santa.” An introduction to the film was read by ECF student Michaela Douglas. St. Nicholas is such a wonderful example of one who embodies the Gospel teachings of Our Lord. After the film, the children gleaned good examples from St. Nicholas that we can learn and imitate: his kindness and generosity, his courage and forgiveness, and his truthfulness, even when it put him in danger.
Several students told of the legends and miracles of St. Nicholas: Macala Blake gave her account of “How St. Nicholas became a Bishop.” Rebecca Falatic told the story of St. Nicholas’ first miracle on the day of his consecration as Bishop – “Fire Did Not Consume Baby.” Chucky Bako told of St. Nicholas’ “Pilgrimage to the Holy Land.” Blaze Miller spoke of the “Miracle of the Oil and Water.” Anthony Elbon told of the “Miracle of the Grain,” and Victoria Smolak gave her account of the “Miracle of the Pennsylvania Miners.” The morning ended with a surprise visit and wonderful treat from St. Nicholas. The children greeted St. Nicholas in song with an enthusiastic round of “O Kto Kto!” n
sharing tree Parishioners of St. John Cathedral once again responded very generously during the parish “Sharing Tree” drive in December, donating many gifts in support of the children at Pittsburgh’s Holy Family Institute. n
on christmas day in the morning Christmas morning’s Divine Liturgy at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist was celebrated by Metropolitan Archbishop William, Cathedral Rector Very Rev. Archpriest Dennis M. Bogda and Deacon Timothy Corbett. Metropolitan William delivered the good news in his Christmas homily to the faithful present as well as to those watching via internet. n
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Perry-O parish Feast Day
Preparing for the Holy Birth
Feast Day celebrations commenced following celebration of the Morning Divine Liturgy Sunday, Dec. 7 at St. Nicholas Church in Perryopolis, Pa., where parish pastor Father Robert Halus joined his parishioners in the festivities in honor of their patron saint. Pictured below are parish members enjoying the festivities: clockwise from left: Diane Hoenshel, Pauline Karbowsky, Margartet Machupa, Denis DeSimone, Francine DeSimone, Marlene Pritts. n
by Ruth Hanchin, ECF Coordinator
st. nicholas always a welcome guest
Maggie Rhoades, the parish’s youngest member, expressively relates her wish list to St. Nicholas. St. Nicholas (a.k.a. Chuck Deardorff) and his helper, Johnathan Markinack
monessen parish gives and receives During the month of November, Eastern Christian Formation students and teachers of St. Mary Church in Monessen, Pa. sponsored a Winter Wear Project for the students in need at Monessen Elementary School. Parishioners donated winter hats, scarves and gloves, which were delivered to the school and acknowledged with appreciation by the principal. On Sunday, Dec. 7, parents and grandparents attended the parish Christmas Program. Entitled “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” the program was produced by St. Mary’s teachers and presented by the parish children. Each student, grades Pre-K thru 12, colored pictures corresponding with each of the Twelve Days of Christmas. The younger students held up their artwork as the teachers and older students reflected on the
Twelve Days of Christmas and what each day, one through twelve, represented. Before the program concluded, parish pastor Father Stephen Wahal, Deacon John Hanchin, teachers and students joined parishioner Matthew Shorraw and three fellow California University students Laura Moeller, Charles Heiser and Kate Sickels, who are members of the Choral Group at the University – in singing the Twelve Days of Christmas. The singers then offered the traditional Hymn to St. Nicholas and several Christmas carols. St. Nicholas (portrayed by Elmer Andrachek) made his visit and gave each student a treat. Included in their treats were St. Nicholas cookies made by parishioner Joyce Seman. Following the program, light refreshments were served. n
photos: John Markinack
St. Gregory’s celebrates
front row: Evan Pohlot, Colton Berklovich, Isabel Corica, Mya Feher, Gina Green with Riley Jones. middle row: Father Stephen Wahal, Mitchell Pohlot, Tom Seman, Jr., Kara Tekavic, Frank Tekavic, Melissa Biksey, Arianna Seman, Barbara Spadafore, Rose Marie Lesovic and St. Nicholas. back row: Ruth Hanchin, Deacon John Hanchin, David Donohoe and Patrick Ace.
On the Sunday before Theophany, Jan. 4, the faithful of St. Gregory Church were treated to a performance of the 2014 parish Christmas play, “Is it really Christmas?” presented by the students of our Eastern Christian Formation Program. Through the transformation of a Christmas tree, the audience learned about the true gifts of Christmas and their importance to all of us today. The St. Gregory parish family expresses sincere thanks to all ECF students for presenting this Christmas play, and ask Christ our Savior born in Bethlehem to bless each one of them and their families as they continue their journey of faith throughout the new year as they display the true gifts of Christmas in their lives. To view a video of the play, visit St. Gregory’s YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/user/ StGregoryChurch. n photo: Jennifer T. Kehm
In addition to the Archeparchial celebration on Dec. 7, St. Nicholas also made a visit to St. Gregory’s in Upper St. Clair, Pa. At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, St. Nicholas entered the church as the faithful sang the beautiful hymn “O who loves Nicholas the saintly.” All of the children welcomed and accompanied St. Nicholas into the church hall, where the celebration continued. St. Nicholas was very busy distributing gifts to the children, all of whom play an important role in parish life. n photo: Jodi N. Hernandez
visit from st. nicholas, christmas play headline holiday events in upper st. clair
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SUNDAY, JANUARY 18, 2015
thoughts for our day by Archpriest David M. Petras
‘GOD WITH US’ COMES INTO THE WORLD: THE BEGINNING OF THE RESURRECTION The original E a s t e r n feast of the manifestation of Christ is the T h e o p h a n y. The feast of the Theophany probably originated in Egypt, because the beginning of the year (January 1) was also the beginning of the continuous reading of the Gospel of their apostle, Mark. We see even today. The Gospel of the Sunday that falls from January 1-5 is the first section of the Gospel of St. Mark (1:1-8). The second section (Mark 1:9-11), the Baptism of Jesus, is then read on January 6. Because the Gospel of St. Mark did not contain a Christmas story, the Church in Egypt celebrated the Baptism of Christ as His “theophany,” or “manifestation.” of the glory of the Trinity. It was, in fact, called the “Feast of Lights.” Since it is a feast of beginnings, this would explain why the Birth of Christ, and also the changing of water into wine at Cana would have been associated with this feast (the beginning of Christ’s life, and the beginning of his ministry in the Gospel of John). For Egyptian Christians, therefore, the Jordan became the Nile, the Temple becomes baptism, and the Feast of Lights becomes the Theophany. It is normal that the Egyptians would base their feast of the manifestation of Christ on His baptism. The apostle of Egypt was St. Mark, and he began his gospel with the baptism of Jesus. The baptism of our Lord already appears in the gospel as a liturgical event. It
Vigil
is a story of the whole meaning of the gospel in miniature. Jesus comes, he takes upon himself the sins of the world, he humbles himself to be baptized by John, and he is glorified by the witness of the Father, “This is my beloved Son.” In the original structure of the feast in Egypt, the feast of Theophany began a forty-day
The Feasts of Christ’s Birth and Baptism lead us on the road to Resurrection. fast in imitation of Jesus, who after His baptism fasted for forty days in the desert. At the end of this forty days baptisms were performed. This forty day fast has now become attached to Pascha, and ends with Lazarus Saturday. St. Athansius brought the practices of Egypt into conformity with the rest of the Church and moved the fast to before Pascha. During the Great Lent, therefore, the reading of the Gospel of Mark takes place, which would have begun at the beginning January and would have continued immediately after Theophany. It is interrupted by the Sundays inserted between Theophany and the Great Fast. All Christian Churches had a fast before the feast of Pascha. These fast ranged from 1 to 3 to 7 days. The idea of a 40 day fast belongs with the baptism of Jesus. The two fasts, a forty
day baptismal fast from Egypt, and pre-Pascha fast, were fused into one. We still have the characteristics of each: 1) a forty day fast ending with Lazarus Saturday, a day for baptisms, and 2) a one week intensive fast before Pascha. The Feasts of Christ’s Birth and Baptism lead us on the road to Resurrection. On Christmas Eve, we sing, “O swaddling clothes that carry God, the Life that they wrap shall break the bonds of death, for Christ our God shall lead us mortals to immortality.” (Christmas, Matins, Doxasticheron at the Praises) The gift of myrrh by the Magi represents the death and resurrection, “(they) offered him precious gifts ... myrrh to the immortal one, as if he were mortal, he who was to remain three days in the tomb.” (Christmas, Great Compline, Apostichera) The Resurrection, Christmas and Theophany share new creation in common, as can be seen from the reading of the beginning of Genesis and many stichera: “without changing, he took up his dwelling in a virgin womb, that he might fashion anew the corrupt Adam.” (Christmas, Great Compline, Litija stichera) The feast of Theophany emphasizes how water is now sanctified. Through water, the world is made new, we are sanctified through baptism, and it is through baptism that we die and rise in Christ. “Adam, who had previously fallen into corruption (i.e., the curse of death) was refashioned in the waters of the Jordan by the Lord, the King of Ages.” (Theophany, Matins, Canon,
Ode 1) “Christ baptizes in the fire of the Last Day those who are unfaithful and do not believe that he is God, but through the Spirit and by grace that comes through water, he bestows new birth and delivers from sin all those who confess his divinity.” (Theophany Matins, Canon, Ode 6) This is true faith, which transforms our lives, and not simply an intellectual opinion. “Christ will wash with the water of renewal those who run to him in faith, and he baptizes them with the Spirit who will provide them with eternal life.” (Theophany Matins, Canon, Ode 9) St. John the Theologian and St. Paul also have a theology of the manifestation of Christ. St. John does not tell the story of Christ’s birth, but his birth - the eternal Word of God becoming a human being “coming into his own” - is the subject of his preface to the entire Gospel. This Gospel is read on Christmas in the Western tradition, but on the Byzantine calendar it is read on the Sunday of Pascha itself. The Gospel of the Resurrection is read at the Vigil Divine Liturgy on Holy Saturday evening. In St. Paul’s letters, Christ’s birth is our adoption as children of God, and his epistle to the Galatians is read at the Liturgy of Christmas Day, “But when the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to ransom those under the law, so that we might receive adoption” (Galatians 4:4-5) The fullness of time would encompass the whole human life of Christ, from his birth to his resurrection. n
MARCH for LIFE 2015
For additional information, visit online: http://marchforlife.org/ march-for-life-2015/rallymarch-info/ http://www.usccb.org/about/ pro-life-activities/january-roeevents/national-prayer-vigilfor-life-schedule.cfm https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=pFRF8rY_zes (or search www.youtube.com for “March for Life 2011 Part II”)
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post-vigil/pre-March Liturgy will be celebrated at 9:30 a.m. by Very Rev. Bryan Eyman, pastor of St. Athanasius parish in Indianapolis, Ind. Deacon Paul Boboige, Coordinator of the Archeparchy of Pittsburgh Pro-Life Office will assist. Other clergy are invited to concelebrate and cantors are needed to lead the responses. Most pilgrims come in buses
and do not have control over the time schedule, but all who are near the Basilica at that time are warmly invited to attend and participate. Following the Divine Liturgy, participants may proceed to the National Mall for the Rally for Life via the Brookland/CUA Metro subway station. n
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SUNDAY, JANUARY 18, 2015
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Dignity defined
making a difference
downward trends in abortion a good sign by A.B. Hill
As we ring in the New Year, there is a reason for hope in Pennsylvania – the number of abortions in the state decreased seven percent. The year-end report shows nearly 2,500 fewer abortions occurred in 2013 than in 2012. The total of 32,108 is the lowest number on record to date. There were also fewer live births in Pennsylvania in 2013, but the decrease was less than two percent. I wish statistics could prove that respect is growing for the dignity of human life in the womb; but numbers alone cannot explain the downward trend in abortions. We can see that more mothers are choosing life for their babies, but the statisticians did not ask them why. Even if they did, would the average person understand what human dignity means? The dictionary defines dignity as a quality of being worthy of honor or respect. Being worthy means something is good and deserving respect, praise, or attention; having enough good qualities to be considered important or useful. If you have ever watched proud grandparents meet their first grandchild, you have seen the kind of praise and attention, and indeed the dignity and respect that all human life deserves. Respecting human dignity is an important precept of our Catholic faith. The Catechism of the Catholic Church says our dignity as human beings is rooted in our creation in the image and likeness of God. (CCC No. 1700) “The Gospel of God’s love for man, the Gospel of the dignity of the person and the Gospel of life are a single and indivisible Gospel,” wrote Saint John Paul II in Evangelium Vitae. “In the life of man, God’s image shines forth anew and is again revealed in all its fullness at
the coming of the Son of God in human flesh. ‘Christ is the image of the invisible God’ (Col 1:15), he ‘reflects the glory of God and bears the very stamp of his nature’ (Heb 1:3). He is the perfect image of the Father.” The presence of human life makes visible the invisible reality of God’s Holy presence. Every child conceived reflects God’s infinite love, his perfect justice, and his boundless mercy. This is the foundation of our zeal for protecting human life from conception to natural death. Catholic teaching affirms that every human being has inherent worth simply because they are human, regardless of their characteristics. The Church also affirms that human life begins at conception. The embryo is a new and unique life that must be recognized as a human being who possesses the rights and inherent dignity of a person. Most importantly, this developing human possesses the right to life. If God is worthy of our honor and respect and every human person is made in His image and likeness, then we all have His dignity, no exceptions. Downward trends in abortion are a good sign. Maybe our culture is beginning to understand human dignity a bit more. Despite this encouraging decrease, the fact that the lives of over 32,000 babies were destroyed through abortion in 2013 reminds us that much prolife advocacy needs to be done. By the mercy of God and determination, perhaps one day we will ring in a New Year with a 100 percent decrease in abortions. n Hill is Communications Director of the Pennsylvania Catholic Conference – the public affairs agency of Pennsylvania’s Catholic bishops and the Catholic dioceses/ eparchies of Pennsylvania.
Stay up-to-date with Catholic news and issues at www. pacatholic.org, www.facebook. com/pacatholic, and www. twitter.com/pacatholic.
Reflecting on Pope’s 2015 World Day of Peace Message by Tony Magliano
“Tragically, the growing s c o u r g e of man’s exploitation by man gravely damages the life of communion and our calling to forge interpersonal relations marked by respect, justice and love,” writes Pope Francis in his Jan. 1 World Day of Peace Message. But as the message’s title – “No Longer Slaves, but Brothers and Sisters” – indicates, the pope is reminding us of the Good News that Jesus has freed us from the slavery of personal sin and the structures of societal sin, and invites us to accept this divine freedom, to live it out in our lives, and to share it with all people. However, instead of offering freedom and fraternity, the exploitation of countless human beings by many who hold power, “leads to contempt for the fundamental rights of others and to the suppression of their freedom and dignity,” laments the pope. He writes that millions of people today – children, women and men of all ages – are forced to live in slave-like conditions. “I think of the many men and women laborers, including minors, subjugated in different sectors, whether formally or informally, in domestic or agricultural workplaces, or in the manufacturing or mining industry.” The 2010 West Virginia Upper Big Branch coal mine explosion, which killed 29 Massey Energy miners, is a clear example of what Pope Francis is talking about here. According to National Public Radio, the Governor’s Independent Investigation Panel charged that “Massey exhibited a corporate mentality that placed the drive to produce coal above worker safety.” Expressing his deep sympathy for the hardships faced by migrants Francis writes, “In a particular way, I think of those among them who, upon arriving at their destination after a grueling journey marked by fear and insecurity, are detained in at times inhumane conditions.” Consider how the pope’s
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words accurately apply to the thousands of unaccompanied children who have taken the dangerous journey to the U.S. to escape drug and gang violence in parts of Central America. Many of these children are detained for weeks in large cage-like conditions, while they face the threat of being deported back to the dangerous conditions they fled. Pope Francis adds, “States must ensure that their own legislation truly respects the dignity of the human person in the areas of migration, employment, adoption, the movement of businesses offshore and the sale of items produced by slave labor.” Many corporations like Wal-Mart reap huge financial benefits from merchandise made for them by desperately poor people laboring long hours, in unhealthy work conditions, for pennies an hour. There is an excellent remedy for this use of what the pope calls “slave labor.” Please email and call (Capitol switchboard: 202-224-3121) your two U.S. senators and House representative urging them to reintroduce and actively support the “Decent Working Conditions and Fair Competition Act,” which according to the highly reputable “Institute for Global Labor and Human Rights” (http:// www.globallabourrights.org/), would provide transparent corporate disclosure – enabling labor rights organizations to inspect factories producing products for wealthy retailers. If reintroduced and passed by Congress, this bill would also prohibit the import, export or sale of products that violate the International Labor Organization’s standards – which prohibit child labor, and guarantee workers’ rights to safe working conditions, to collective bargaining and protection against forced labor. Pope Francis pulls much of his message together in this one powerful sentence: “Every person ought to have the awareness that purchasing is always a moral – and not simply an economic – act.” n Tony Magliano is an internationally syndicated social justice and peace columnist.
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SUNDAY, JANUARY 18, 2015
O Come, Let Us Adore Him program inspires with readings, hymns
around the archeparchy ‘RUSYN SONG FEST’ - The Carpatho-Rusyn Society YoungstownWarren-Sharon chapter presents a sing-along of nostalgic “Old Country” songs of Slovakia, Poland and Ukraine by ethnic musicologist Jerry Jumba - 2:00 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 18 at the Byzantine Center, 3801 Shady Run Road in Youngstown, Ohio. Food and refreshments will be available. Donations gratefully accepted. For further information contact Jim Basista at 330544-0107 or Bob Democko at 330-758-1287. ICON WORKSHOP - Noted iconographer Peter Pearson will conduct and instruct an evening icon workshop at Mount Alvernia Convent in Milvale, Pa. Monday Jan. 26 to Friday Jan. 30. During the course of the 5 evenings, each participant will write an icon from start to finish. For information or to register, e-mail pfpbilltown@gmail.com. FUNNY FUNDRAISER - St. Gregory Church in Upper St. Clair, Pa. presents its 6th Annual Comedy Night parish fundraising event on Friday, Feb. 6. Master of Fun David Kaye has assembled a talented evening of entertainment including comedians Joe Bronzi and Matt Stanton for terrific night of laughter! Tickets for the Comedy Show are still only $20. Seating will be at a premium due to a bursting-at-the-seams crowd last year, so pastor Father Valerian Michlik and the Comedy Night Committee urge patrons to get tickets early! TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW. Contact Mike Kiss at 412-818-1295 or call the parish office at 412-835-7800 to purchase tickets. Doors open 6:30 p.m. for snacks, drafts and soft drinks/mixers. Show begins at 7:30. The venue is located at 2005 Mohawk Rd, Upper St. Clair, PA 15241; for detailed directions, visit www.stgregoryusc.org.
Rector Father Dennis Bogda welcomed a hearty crowd to St. John the Baptist Cathedral in Munhall as the Pittsburgh Byzantine Catholic Archieparchial Choir (PBCAC) presented their annual program of seasonal choral selections Sunday afternoon Dec. 21 in Munhall, Pa. Themed “O Come, Let Us Adore Him,” the beloved Christmas hymn by the same name seasoned the presentation throughout with verses in the original Latin, plus English and Slavonic. Cathedral Deacon Tim Corbett and Mrs. Cindy Corbett provided inspirational readings from biblical accounts of the Nativity between segments of hymns and carols sung by the choir under the direction of Darlene Fejka. Archbishop William offered blessings for the holy season as he addressed the audience at the end of the presentation, and welcomed all to join in the hopsitality reception following the program in the lower level of the Cathedral. n
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ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT BREAKFAST BUFFET - Sunday Feb. 8, sponsored by the youth group of St. Mary Church, Trauger, Pa. Held at St. Mary’s Center, Route 981 in Trauger, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Adults $6; Children (age 5-10) $3; ages 4 & under FREE. For information call Laurie at 724423-7396. IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF ST. PAUL - 11 days in Greece & the Greek Isles October 20–30, hosted by Father Charles Yastishock and Father Edward Cimbala (Eparchy of Passaic). Only $3399 per person from Newark ($2599 plus $702 taxes/airline fuel surcharges and $98 port charges). Travel in the footsteps of St. Paul … See the Acropolis in Athens …Visit Corinth, where Paul worked with Aquila and Priscilla …Take a Greek Isles cruise to Ephesus …Visit Thessaloniki and Philippi. Tour Includes roundtrip air from Newark, taxes/airline fuel surcharges, port charges, first class hotels, 3-day Greek Isles cruise, most meals, comprehensive sightseeing and much more. Join Fathers Charles and Ed for this trip of a lifetime! For a color brochure, call Father Yastishock at 732- 255-6272 or e-mail czarcmy@comcast.net.
dates to remember january 19 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (national observance) january 21-22 Prayer Vigil & March for Life National Shrine - Washington, D.C. january 30 Feast of the Three Holy Hierarchs february 2 Feast of the Presentation of our Lord CHANCERY CLOSED
FEBRUARY 8
february 15 Forgiveness Sunday / Cheesefare Sunday
submissions deadline:
february 16 Great Fast 2015 begins
JANUARY 27
See more upcoming events at www.archpitt.org
the byzantine catholic world