Byzantine Catholic World - Volume 60 - No. 3 - March 2015

the official newspaper of the archeparchy of pittsburgh

time to reflect

Inside

Retreats, workshops offer opportunity to heighten spirituality during the Great Fast and beyond Pages 4 & 5

U.S. Catholic Bishops Urgently call for greater protection of Middle East religious minorities emphasize discriminate, humanitarian use of military force WASHINGTON (USCCB) — In the wake of the brutal murders of twenty one Coptic Christians at the hands of the Islamic State (ISIS) in Libya, increased support to protect religious minorities and civilians should be combined with adequate humanitarian assistance and other assets, said the president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) and the chairman of the USCCB Committee on International Justice and Peace.

“Pope Francis and the Holy See have reiterated on a number of occasions that it is ‘licit’ to use force to stop these unjust aggressors and to protect religious minorities and

civilians from these horrendous attacks,” said Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz of Louisville, Ky., USCCB president, and Bishop Oscar Cantú of Las Cruces, N.M., chairman of the USCCB Committee on International Justice and Peace, in a Feb. 23 letter sent to President Obama and the U.S. House and Senate leadership.

“They have emphasized that the use of military force must be proportionate and discriminate, and employed within the framework of ‘international and humanitarian law.’”

As Congress considers the Authorization for Use Middle East continued on page 2

vol. 60 no. 3

lenten lessons

Columnists highlight the importance of repentance; lenten liturgical services; the icon of the resurrection Pages 6, 7 & 10

sunday, march 1, 2015

keeping the faith Parishes demonstrate and live faith, charity, love through events and community outreach activities Pages 7, 8 & 9

Pope to bishops of Ukraine: indicate the values that bind Ukrainian society group addressed at ‘ad limina’ visit VATICAN CITY (VIS) — “I welcome you to this house, which is also yours. And you are well aware of this, as the Successor of Peter has always welcomed his brothers from Ukraine with fraternal friendship,” begins the Pope’s written discourse to the bishops of the Ukrainian Episcopal Conference, at the end of their “ad Limina” visit.

The encounter takes place in the context of a serious and prolonged conflict within the country, which “continues to claim many innocent victims and to cause great suffering to the entire population.”

The Pope met with the bishops of the Ukrainian GreekCatholic Church, the bishop of Mukachevo of Byzantine rite [Bishop Milan Šašik and

auxiliary Bishop Nil Lushchak], and the bishops of the Conference of Roman Catholic Bishops in separate audiences in the Sala Clementina of the Apostolic Palace. The signed discourse was handed to the representatives of each the three Ukrainian ecclesiastical jurisdictions.

“In this period”, continues Francis, “I am particularly close to you in my prayers for the deceased and for all those who have been afflicted by violence, with my plea that the Lord might grant peace soon, and with my appeal to all interested parties to implement joint agreements and to respect the principle of international law, and especially to observe Ukraine continued on page 3

Prayerful visit

benedictine seminarians in eastern experience A group of 30-plus monastic and diocesan seminarians from St. Vincent Seminary in Latrobe, Pa. attended the Divine Liturgy at St. Mary Church in nearby Trauger on Sunday, Feb. 8, accompanied by Very Rev. Timothy Whalen, Rector of the Seminary and Rev. Cyprian G. Constantine, OSB, Director of Liturgical Formation.

Fathers Whalen and Constantine concelebrated the Liturgy with Rev. Paul-Alexander Shutt, Administrator of St. Mary parish. Following the Divine Liturgy, Father Paul-Alexander fielded seminarians’ questions. Everyone then proceeded to the parish hall to enjoy the breakfast sponsored monthly by St. Mary’s youth group. n

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UPS 081500 ISSN 07442289 Official publication of the Byzantine Catholic Archeparchy of Pittsburgh Serving parish communities in central and western Pennsylvania, Louisiana, eastern Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas and West Virginia Published every third Sunday (17 issues) by: Byzantine Catholic Press Associates 66 Riverview Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15214 Tel: 412.231.4000 Fax: 412.231.1697 E-mail: bcw@archpitt.org Web site: www.archpitt.org Archbishop William C. Skurla President Sister Elaine Kisinko, OSBM Copy Editor Darlene Fejka Layout / Graphics Donna Obsincs Subscription/Circulation Manager Gregory S. Popivchak Business Manager Annual Subscription Rates US $12 Canadian $14 International $16 Periodicals Postage Paid at Pittsburgh, PA

Postmaster: send address changes to: The Byzantine Catholic World ATTN: Donna 66 Riverview Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15214 Please allow 2-3 weeks for address changes to take effect.

Submissions deadline: 2nd Tuesday before publication date (12 days prior).

The Byzantine Catholic World is a member of the Catholic Press Association.

mission The mission of The Byzantine

Catholic World is to spread the Gospel message in the rich tradition of the Byzantine Catholic Church; to encourage faithful to reflect the image of Christ in everyday activities of life; to offer spiritual formation through changing times; and to celebrate community among Byzantine Catholics in the Archeparchy of Pittsburgh, throughout the Metropolitan Church in America, and around the world.

Middle East continued from page 1

of Military Force (AUMF), the bishops urged them to review it within the context of humanitarian law. “The United States should only use military force consistent with ‘international and humanitarian law.’ At the same time, we must deploy other assets in the struggle against terrorism.”

Quoting the post-9/11 statement of the U.S. bishops, they reiterated: “While military action may be necessary, it is by no means sufficient to deal with this terrorist threat.”

The bishops noted: “Inclusive governance and meaningful participation in political and economic life inoculate populations against the false promises of extremism.”

The letter also addressed the need for humanitarian and resettlement assistance.

Bishop Cantú witnessed the situation first hand during a recent solidarity visit to the Kurdish region of Iraq where the terror of the “Islamic State” has forced hundreds of thousands of Syrians and Iraqis –including Christians, Yezidis and Muslims– to flee their homes. “They arrive often with only the clothes on their backs.

Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is working with the local Church to assist the displaced without regard to creed, but the needs are overwhelming. More than one Catholic bishop begged us to urge our government to provide both protection and more humanitarian assistance,” the bishops wrote.

“Our delegation to Iraq also met with some very vulnerable refugees and displaced Syrians and Iraqis who will not be able to return to their homes.

Some have health conditions, Middle East concludes on page 3

Byzantine Catholic Seminary MARCH 2015 Schedule of Services All are welcome to join the Seminary community at liturgical services.

To access the Seminary Chapel, use the chapel doors facing Perrysville Avenue. Please call the Seminary Office (412-321-8383) a day in advance so that we may anticipate your arrival!

DAY

DATE

TIME

3605 Perrysville Avenue | Pittsburgh, PA 15214 phone: 412-321-8383 | www.bcs.edu

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SUNDAY, MARCH 1, 2015

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

Commemorating the 20th Anniversary

In Blessed Memory Ukraine

of the repose in the Lord of

Metropolitan Stephen J. Kocisko First Metropolitan Archbishop of Pittsburgh Born: June 11, 1915 Ordained: March 30, 1941 Episcopal Ordination: October 23, 1956 Fell asleep in the Lord: March 7, 1995

continued from page 1

the recently signed armistice and all other commitments that are conditions for avoiding a resumption of hostilities.”

“I know the historical events that have scarred your land and which are still present in your collective memory. These are issues that in part have a political basis, to which you are not required to respond directly; but there are also socio-cultural realities and human tragedies that await your direct and positive contribution. In such circumstances, it is important to listen attentively to the voices that come from the land, from the people entrusted to your pastoral care. Listening to your people, you are able to solicit those values that characterise them: encounter, collaboration, the capacity to resolve disagreements. In short: the search for a possible peace.

You are able to nurture this ethical heritage with charity, the divine love that stems from the heart of Christ.”

The Holy Father acknowledges that, “at local level, there are specific and practical agreements between you, heirs to two legitimate spiritual traditions – Oriental and Latin – as well as the other Christians among you. This, as well as a duty, is also an honour that must be recognised.” He also reiterates that the bishops, at national level, are full citizens of their country and therefore have the right to express their thought, also jointly, regarding its destiny, “not in the sense of promoting concrete political action, but in the indication and reaffirmation of the values that constitute the binding element of Ukrainian society, persevering in the tireless search for harmony and the common good, even when faced with serious and complex difficulties.” He emphasises, “The Holy See is by your side, also in international forums,

to ensure that your rights, concerns and the right Gospel values that inspire you are understood, and seeks also to help meet the pastoral needs of those ecclesiastical structures that also find themselves having to face new legal questions.”

The crisis unfolding in Ukraine has undoubtedly had “serious repercussions on family life. United with this is a misunderstood sense of economic freedom that has enabled a small group of people to become enormously rich at the expense of the great majority of citizens. The presence of this phenomenon has also contaminated public institutions, to varying degrees.

It has generated an inequitable poverty in a generous and rich land.” Therefore, the Pope exhorts the bishops to tirelessly remind their fellow citizens of “the considerations that faith and pastoral responsibility suggest to you. The meaning of justice and truth is first moral rather than political, and this is incumbent upon you as pastors. How much freer you will be as ministers of Christ’s Church, as, in spite of your poverty, you become defenders of families, of the poor, of the unemployed, of the weak, the sick, the elderly, invalids and displaced persons.”

After encouraging the Ukrainian bishops to renew their zeal for the constant announcement of the Gospel and to pay attention to vocations to the priesthood and to consecrated life, the Pontiff then goes on to consider the rapport between bishops, while aware of the “complex historical factors that weigh upon your mutual relations, as well as aspects of personal character.”

“The fact that both episcopates are Catholic and Ukrainian remains indisputable, in spite of differences of rites

and traditions. I am personally saddened to hear that there are incomprehensions and that harm has been done. There is a need for a doctor, and this doctor is Jesus Christ, whom you both serve with generosity and with all your hearts. You are a single body and, as both St. John Paul II and Benedict XVI have done in the past, I exhort you to find between you a way to accept each other and to support each other generously in your apostolic labours. The unity of the episcopate, aside from giving a good example to the People of God, represents an inestimable service to the nation at a cultural, social, and above all spiritual level”. You are united in fundamental values and have the most valuable treasure in common: faith and the People of God. Therefore, I regard joint meetings of the bishops of all the “sui iuris” Churches present in Ukraine to be of the highest importance.”

“Whether Greek-Catholics or Latins, you are sons of the Catholic Church, which has been subject to martyrdom in your land too”, remarks Francis. “May the blood of your witnesses, who intercede from Heaven on your behalf, be a further inspiration to a true communion of hearts. Unite your strength and support each other, transforming historical events into a reason for sharing and unity. Well-rooted in the Catholic community, you can also apply yourselves with faith and patience to ecumenism, so that all Christians may grow in unity and cooperation. I am sure that your decisions, in accordance with the Successor of Peter, will be able to take on board the expectations of all your People. I invite you all to govern the Communities entrusted to you ensuring as far as possible your presence and closeness to the priests and

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faithful. I hope that you may maintain respectful and fruitful relations with the public authorities.”

Finally, the Holy Father exhorts them to pay great attention to the poor. “They are your wealth,” he emphasises.

“You are the pastors of a flock entrusted to you by Christ; always be clearly aware of this, even within your internal organs of self-governance, which must always be understood as instruments of communion and prophecy. In this sense, I hope that your intentions and your actions will always be oriented towards the overall good of the Churches entrusted to you. … I impart with affection a special apostolic blessing to you, your communities and the dear population of Ukraine.” n V.I.S. -Vatican Information Service. www.vis.va Copyright © Vatican Information Service 00120 Vatican City

Middle East continued from page 2

others have lost a bread winner, and still others are orphaned,” the bishops wrote on the magnitude of the crisis.

“The most vulnerable of this population need to have the option of resettlement to a third country. The United States should accept its share of these vulnerable cases.” n The full text of the letter is available at www. usccb.org/issues-andaction/religious-liberty/ letters-president-obamacongressional-leaders-onreligious-freedom-violationsmiddle-east-2015-02-23.cfm.

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Seminary rector featured presenter in Warren, Ohio

Join Fr. Scott Seethaler at ‘L.E.N.T.’ retreat March 7

The Benedictine Sisters of the Byzantine Church at Queen of Heaven Monastery, Warren, Ohio, are offering a Day of Spirituality on Saturday, March 7 from 1:00 to 4:30 p.m. The event will be held at SS. Peter and Paul Byzantine Catholic Parish Center at 180 Belvedere Ave., N.E., Warren.

The presenter will be Very Reverend Robert M. Pipta, rector of the Byzantine Catholic Seminary of SS. Cyril and Methodius in Pittsburgh, Pa. Father Robert also serves on the Intereparchial Commissions for Sacred Liturgy and Music. His topic for the day is “Friendship with God through Worship, Stewardship and Fellowship.”

There will be time for reflection, questions, and refreshments, and also the opportunity to receive the Mystery (Sacrament) of Reconciliation (Confession).

All are welcome to stay and pray Vespers with the sisters at the end of the event.

To register, call 330-856-1813 or e-mail qohm@netdotcom. com by Monday, March 2. n

The Byzantine Catholic Serra Club of Pittsburgh invites the faithful for a mini-retreat (halfday) on the theme “L.E.N.T. = Let’s Eliminate Negative Thinking.”

This day of prayer and meditation will take place March 7 at the Byzantine Catholic Seminary, located at 3605 Perrysville Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15214. We are blessed this year to have with us Father Scott Seethaler, OFM Cap, a well-known motivational speaker who speaks in both religious and public forums concerning issues of stress, personal and professional excellence, and family values.

To register for this event, contact Frank Chiprich 724258-7122 or Richard Trankocy 412-672-4665. Offering for this retreat is $15. For directions to the Seminary, please visit www. bcs.edu. n

day of spirituality at ss. peter & paul parish center saturday, march 7

Very Reverend Robert M. Pipta

Day of Spirituality Schedule Saturday, March 7 1:00 Arrival 1:15 First presentation 2:00 Break / refreshments 2:30 Second presentation 3:15 Reflection / Confessions 4:00 Departure / Vespers

byzantine serra club sponsors ‘let’s eliminate negative thinking’ mini-retreat at seminary

Popular speaker, homilist, broadcaster Father Scott Seethaler, OFM Cap.

RETREAT SCHEDULE: 9:30 a.m. Registration 10:00 a.m. Moleben - Prayer Service to the Precious and Life-giving Cross First Presentation by Fr. Scott Seethaler, OFM Cap 12:00 noon Luncheon 1:30 p.m. Penitential Service Second Presentation by Fr. Scott Seethaler, OFM Cap At the conclusion of this presentation the faithful will have the opportunity to receive the Mystery of Reconciliation.

2:30 p.m. Conclusion

LUC lenten retreat: ‘Fellowship of the Holy Spirit’ father jerome wolbert, ofm retreat master for march 20-22 weekend The League of Ukrainian Catholics of America (LUC) once again is sponsoring a Lenten (Great Fast) Retreat for all faithful of the Eastern Catholic community. This year the retreat will be held March 20-22 at St. Mary’s Villa Retreat Center in Sloatsburg, N.Y. Everyone is invited to participate in this retreat, which is conducted in English.

The Journey to Pascha (Easter) through the Great Fast is a special time in our Liturgical year cycle for reflection, fasting, prayer and renewal: a time to ‘escape’ from the daily routine for a weekend to refresh oneself spiritually and physically.

League religious director, Sister Olga Faryna, OSBM has

engaged Father Jerome Wolbert, OFM of the Holy Dormition Friary in Sybertsville, Pa. to be the retreat master. His theme “Fellowship of the Holy Spirit” will lead us on an exploration of this “fellowship” from several perspectives. As Father Jerome relates, this theme impels us to open our Bibles (you may bring your own, or one will be provided) as we also open the Divine Liturgy for deeper, prayerful awareness and understanding.

The program begins with a conference at 7:00 p.m. on Friday evening March 20, and concludes with lunch on Sunday March 22. Ample time is provided for individual reflection, mediation, fellow-

ship, and for the Mystery (sacrament) of Reconciliation (confession) in preparation for Pascha (Easter). Registration form and a complete program are available.

Don’t miss this opportunity to prepare yourself for the most joyous day on the Christian calendar surrounded by the spacious, serene, lovely grounds of St. Mary’s Villa.

The Retreat Center houses a beautiful chapel designed in the Byzantine style, an outdoor Lourdes grotto, adjacent outdoor Stations of the Cross, and a meditation pool and garden with walking trails. It is our hope that you will be inspired to come and join others in prayer and fellowship. And

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Father Jerome Wolbert, OFM

don’t come alone, do bring a friend!

For further information and/ or registration, phone 570822-5354 or 570-759-2824. n

SUNDAY, MARCH 1, 2015

Answer Pope Francis’ call to Discipleship ...

ENCOUNTER!

REJOICE!

LEAD! Young Adult Catholic Retreat Weekend

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‘Love your neighbor as yourself’

focus on the art caring for others at bethany ministry workshop The Bethany Ministry of the Archeparchy of Pittsburgh - a ministry of caring - is an important part of parish life.

The gospel of St. Matthew 25:34-46 calls us to be more aware of the needs of the people around us and places great emphasis on the Works of Mercy. Join the Bethany Ministry staff for a miniworkshop on ways to reach out in love and support those in our parish families who are homebound, bereaved, coping with health problems, or experiencing other difficulties.

When: Saturday, April 18 Time: 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Where: St. Elias Church 4200 Homestead-Duquesne Rd. Munhall, PA 15120 This is a free workshop.

To register, contact Dorothy Mayernik at 412-310-0521, Becky Johnen at 304-904-3501, or email bethany-ministry@ verizon.net.

This workshop is a project of the Archeparchy’s Bethany Ministry, under the guidance of Father Andrew Deskevich. n

Ages 18-35

Mount St. Macrina House of Prayer 510 W. Main Street Uniontown, PA 15401

7 p.m. Friday May 29 thru 11 a.m. Sunday May 31 Both Singles AND Married Couples are welcome!

Sponsored by The Sisters of St. Basil the Great www.sistersofstbasil.org

Registration deadline: Friday, May 22 A $50 deposit is due at the time of registration.

Balance is due upon check-in at the retreat.

For further information, please contact Sister Barbara Jean at 724-438-7149

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Bethany Ministry is an organized way for parish members to reach out to offer support and practical assistance to those who are homebound, experiencing illness, bereavement, or other difficulties in life.

The ministry contributes to the mision of the church - to teach, preach, and heal - and is a way for individuals to live out the great commandment “Love one another.”

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Journey toward the solemnity of the Resurrection triodion a ‘great fast forerunner’

by Father George D. Gallaro

T h e Triodion (Liturgical book used b e f o r e P a s c h a / Easter) of the Byzantine Church can be considered the forerunner or preparatory time before Great Lent. It encompasses the religious services, beginning with the Sunday of the Publican and the Pharisee, and ending on Great Holy Saturday. The faithful are called to prepare their spiritual armor (through prayer, fasting, almsgiving, and forgiveness) in order to begin their spiritual battle and continue throughout Holy Lent, which leads to the Great Holy Week of the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of our Lord.

The first Gospel reading pertains to the two characters that went into the temple to pray, the Publican and the Pharisee. With this parable, our Lord teaches us the value of humility and says, “If you put yourself above others, you will be put down. But if you humble yourself, you will be honored.” (Luke 18:14) On the second Sunday, we hear the beautiful parable of the Prodigal Son and the Merciful Father. We are taught that our heavenly Father forgave the prodigal son who repented and, with tender love, awaits all who have sinned to return and be saved. There is great joy in heaven even if one sinner repents and returns to God. The Christian ideal of goodheartedness is the theme of the Gospel reading on Meatfare Sunday, as we prepare to begin the period of fasting before the penitential season of Great Lent. Christ foretells his second coming and the final judgment. The faithful servants of God shall be called blessed and shall inherit the eternal kingdom of God as their reward for their good deeds to the less fortunate: the hungry, the thirsty, the naked, the ill, and the prisoners.

They shall hear our Lord say to them, “Whenever you did it for any of my people, no matter how unimportant they seemed, you did it for me.”

(Matthew 25:40).

Cheese-fare Sunday follows.

Our Lord teaches us, “If you forgive others for the wrong they do to you, your Father in heaven will forgive you. But if you don’t forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.” (Matthew 6:14-15) This is what we pray for when we recite the Lord’s Prayer: “Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.”

Beginning with Clean (Pure) Monday, the first day of Great Lent, other religious services are held each week: the Great Compline, the Liturgy of Presanctified Gifts, and the beautiful Akathistos Hymn (Salutations to the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Theotokos).

The first Sunday of Great Lent is known as the Sunday of Orthodoxy or True Faith. The Byzantine Church commemorates the victories over her external and internal enemies. The Seventh Ecumenical Council (Nicaea in AD 787) decided to restore the holy icons back into the churches. However, the final decision was made in the year AD 842 when Empress Theodora and her son, Michael, were ruling.

During the Triodion, there are three Saturdays known as All Souls Saturdays. The faithful prepare and bring in Kolyva or Kutiya (blessed bread prepared in memory of the dead) to the church.

Prayers are offered for the forgiveness and repose of the souls of the departed. As Christians we maintain the bond between the living, the Pilgrim Church, and the dead, the Heavenly Church. We remember and pray for the souls of all who made our lives worth living: grandparents, parents, siblings, and all who have touched us.

On the Second Sunday, we read the Gospel of the Healing of the Paralytic. First Christ forgave him his sins, and then He cured his sick body to teach us that often diseases of the body are a result of illnesses of the soul.

The Third Sunday of Lent is known as the Sunday of the Holy Cross. The Cross is presented before the congregation, as we pray to receive strength to complete the Lenten Great Fast season and to be adequately prepared to enter into the Great and

Holy Week.

The Gospel reading for the Fourth Sunday presents Jesus healing a young man.

The disciples at that time were unable to help the ill man. Christ told them that this generation cannot go forth except with prayer and fasting, two important things necessary for progress in our spiritual life. (Mark 9:29)

On the five Sundays of Great Lent before Palm Sunday, we celebrate the beautiful Liturgy of Saint Basil the Great.

On the Fifth Sunday of Lent, we honor the memory of Saint Mary of Egypt. The Gospel reading tells us how Christ, prior to Great Holy Week, taught his disciples, as they ascended to Jerusalem, what would occur to Him. James and John asked our Lord for a privilege when He would be in his glory. But Christ told them and the other disciples that “If you want to be first, you must be the slave of the rest. The Son of Man did not come to be a slave master, but a slave who will give his life to rescue many people.” (Mt 20:28) On the five Sundays of Great Lent before Palm Sunday, we celebrate the beautiful Liturgy of Saint Basil the Great.

On the Saturday of Lazarus, we commemorate Christ’s raising of his dear friend Lazarus from the dead. When our Lord went to Bethany, He met Martha and Mary, the sisters of Lazarus, and said about Himself, “I am the one who raises the dead to life!

Everyone who has faith in me will live, even if they die. And everyone who lives because of faith in me will never die.”

(John 11: 25-26) The Gospel tells us that when many Jews witnessed the miracle, they believed in Christ.

On Palm Sunday, we commemorate the triumphant

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entry of Christ into Jerusalem.

Some people placed outer garments on the path; many cut branches from the palm and olive trees, and all praised Jesus loudly saying, “Hosanna!

[Hooray!] God bless the one who comes in the name of the Lord! God bless the King of Israel.” (John 12:13) Great Holy Week begins with the Service of the Bridegroom, (when Christ comes to his holy Passion). As Christians, we are deeply moved by the heartstirring events that occurred in the life of our Savior during Holy Week. The mystical supper with his disciples and the institution of Holy Eucharist, the betrayal by Judas, the capture of Christ, the denial by Peter, the trial before Pontius Pilate, and the crucifixion and death of our Lord upon the Cross, all reveal the deep love and supreme sacrifice of Christ, who took upon Himself the entire sins of mankind.

As the Triodion period ends on Great Holy Saturday, we anticipate the holy, glorious, and life-giving Resurrection of our Lord and Savior, the Feast of Feasts, the holiest day of Christianity, and we celebrate the victory of our Lord over death and proclaim: Christ is risen! Indeed He is risen! n Father George, a priest of the Melkite Eparchy of Newton, is Coordinator of Student Life and Professor of Canon Law and Ecumenism at the Seminary of SS. Cyril and Methodius in Pittsburgh, Pa.

BYZANTINE D I V I N E L I T U R G Y view liturgical services (various times) streamed LIVE online at:

St. John the Baptist Cathedral, Munhall, Pa. www. stjohnsbyzantinecathedral. com Holy Ghost Church McKees Rocks, Pa. www.holyghostbyzantinecatholic.org St. John Chrysostom Church - Pittsburgh, Pa. www.sjcbcc.com

SUNDAY, MARCH 1, 2015

making a difference

God is calling each person and every nation to repent

“

PAGE

Each of us has a vision of good and of evil.

We have to

encourage

what they think is

by Tony Magliano

“The kingdom of God is at hand.

Repent, and believe in the Gospel.”

With these two compelling sentences – as recorded in the Gospel of Mark – Jesus inaugurates his ministry and sums up what his mission is about: to break the shackles of sin that enslave humanity, to put us on the path of liberation from all oppression, and to teach us how to unconditionally love one another .

But what does it mean to repent?

Striving to avoid sin and living virtuously is certainly part of what it means. But there’s more.

In the Gospels the biblical word used for repentance is the Greek word “metanoia” – a radical change of mind, heart, soul and action. It happens when one changes course and turns around to walk in the right direction. Metanoia means a life-changing conversion.

That’s what Jesus is calling us to when he says “repent.”

Think of some of the great saints who deeply repented, who truly experienced a metanoia.

St. Paul did a complete about face. He went from persecuting the followers of Christ, to championing their cause and suffering with them.

St. Augustine of Hippo turned from fleeting unmarried sexual pleasure and unsatisfying philosophical pursuits to a totally fulfilling surrender to the will of God. In his famous autobiographical “Confessions” he sums it all up so well: “You [God] have made us for yourself, and our heart is restless until it rests in you.”

When we allow our heart to rest in God, we become a new creation, fully dedicated to advancing his kingdom. But this takes humility, honesty, much prayer and hard work.

Not for the faint-hearted.

The respected English writer and theologian G.K. Chesterton wrote, “Christianity has not been tried and found wanting; it has been found difficult and not tried.”

And making it even more difficult, a life dedicated to listening to the Holy Spirit concerns itself not only with

personal repentance/metanoia, but also with the conversion of the nation.

Sharing the good news that God desires to save all people from sin and all other forms of oppression, necessarily includes striving to dismantle what St. Pope John Paul called the “structures of sin.”

And sadly, “structures of sin” abound in every nation.

From the murder of unborn babies through legalized abortion, to the killing of the sick through assisted suicide, to the woefully inadequate response to poverty and hunger suffered by brothers and sisters throughout the world, to the insanity of war, to the statesanctioned murder of the death penalty and to environmental degradation nations need to repent, change course, and begin walking in the right direction.

Lent is that solemn time of the year when the church invites us to examine our conscience and honestly admit where we have sinned individually and as a nation.

Since Jesus has assured us that with God all things are possible, let us confidently take our petitions to him trusting that a far better world can be built with loving hearts and hands.

Let us pray: • God of life, inspire us to protect all human life from its beginning at conception to its earthly end at natural death.

• God of justice, inspire us to fairly share with all people the resources necessary to adequately sustain life with dignity.

• God of creation, inspire us to be good stewards of your wonderful world.

• God of peace, inspire us to finally put an end to war.

Amen. n

Tony Magliano is an internationally syndicated social justice and peace columnist.

7

people to move towards

good

...

Everyone

has his

choose to follow the good and fight evil as he

own idea of good and evil and must

conceives them.

That

”

would be enough to

the world a better place.

make

— Pope Francis

Great Fast Food Drive

oakland parish calls for donations On Sunday March 8 at the third week of Protopresbyteral Great Fast Vespers, Holy Spirit Church in Pittsburgh (Oakland), Pa. will conduct a Great Fast Food Drive. All faithful who plan to attend this liturgical celebration (which begins at 4:00 p.m.) are urged to bring nonperishable food items to donate to the local Food Bank. For additional information, phone the rectory at 412-687-1220. n See the entire schedule of Great Fast Vespers on page 12.

10th annual Eggstravaganza pysanky, pagach, pirohy-pizza and more The 10th Annual EGG EGGSTRAVAGANZA will be held at St. John the Baptist Byzantine Catholic Church Social Hall in Uniontown, Pa. Sunday, March 22, from noon to 5:00 p.m.

The Eggstravaganza is sponsored by Greek Catholic Union Lodge 81, local egg artists, and St. John’s Ethnic Craft Club. This yearly event has become a very popular and well-attended cultural activity for the St. John parish. Many of the egg artists and vendors come from long distances, and likewise many visitors – families and individuals - travel great distances to make this event a yearly Great Fast (Lenten) activity.

Twenty-five or more egg artists/vendors will demonstrate, display, and sell their particular art, which will include Eastern European pysanky, Polish drop-and-pull wax relief eggs, Hungarian-style eggs, onionskin-dyed etched or scratch-type goose eggs, vinegar-etched emu eggs, wood burned eggs, tie-

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dyed eggs, and other collectible Tiffany-style eggs. Many of the egg artists and/or vendors have participated annually, such as Julie Pillar, Bonnie Balas, Monica Sweet, Lois Winslow, and vendors Cathy Silvestri (Byzantine Seminary Press), John Righetti (Old World Catering), Ann Swanson, Maggie Uvjagi, Joseph Borytsky, Dee Ruckert, the Luschas family, Sister Ruth Plante (Mount St. Macrina Religious Gift Shop), Allen Krynicky, Linda Kortyna (Carpatho-Rusyn Society), and many others. Egg artists interested in participating in this year’s event may call the numbers listed below for registration information.

In addition to the egg artists, there will be an Egg Bazaar featuring egg dyes, beeswax, tools, books, videos, and pysanky kits for sale.

Traditional items used in ethnic Easter baskets such as embroidered Easter basket covers, candles, lamb butter Eggs continued on page 8

parish news PAGE 8

Fashengy! Party hearty! holy spirit parish dual celebration

SUNDAY, MARCH 1, 2015

Comedy & community

laughs and love at st. gregory church

Holy Spirit Parish in Pittsburgh (Oakland), Pa. celebrated Fashengy – the equivalent of Mardi Gras – on Meatfare Sunday, Feb. 8. The festivity was combined with a 90th birthday party for parishioner Stella Druga. Stella’s family and friends joined with parish pastor Monsignor Russell Duker in wishing her God’s blessings at the Divine Liturgy that day, as well as at the dinner party which followed. n

Eggs

On Friday evening, Feb. 6, over 240 people packed the social hall of St. Gregory Church in Upper St. Clair, Pa. for the Sixth Annual Comedy Night. This was an evening of huge laughs as all enjoyed three hilarious comedians, David Kaye, Matt Stanton and Joe Bronzi.

The parish kitchen was open, serving delicious ethnic food prepared

by St. Gregory’s parishioners. A 50/50 raffle was held to support the parish youth outreach ministry, who regularly serve at a local soup kitchen. Pittsburgh Penguins tickets and Sabika jewelry, donated by generous friends of St. Gregory’s, were also part of special fundraising activities throughout the evening.

Father Valerian and St. Gregory’s parish family express sincere thanks to all who attended and enjoyed this pre-Lenten event and look forward to another “packed house” for next year! n continued from page 1

molds, egg wraps, parish cook books, and much more also will be available for purchase, along with Easter crafts made by the St. John’s Ethnic Craft Club.

A cooking demonstration will include preparation of several traditional paschal dishes.

An extensive bake sale, managed by GCU Lodge 81 members, will include long rolls (nut, apricot, poppyseed, cottage cheese), paska bread,

correction The BCW apologizes for erroneously stating in the Feb. 8 issue that Father Robert Karl is Administrator of Nativity Church in DuBois, Pa. (page 6: “Joint celebration ushers out old but good year”). Father Simeon Sibenik is Administrator of Nativity of the Mother of God Church.

small nut rolls, honey hearts (medovniki) and other cookies, homemade candy, and many more delicious goodies.

Visitors can try a handson workshop to learn how to decorate eggs. There also will be a special Children’s Corner managed by Gerry Dorobish, featuring egg-related crafts, storytelling, cookie decorating, and a jigsaw puzzle area.

Basket raffles and single item raffles will be held, and door prizes will be awarded throughout the day.

A Lenten Luncheon Menu, including St. John’s “famous” pirohy, halushky, meatless soups, “pirohy pizza,” “pagach pockets” and more will be available for purchase.

Free admission. Handicapped accessible accommodations.

Come and experience the traditions of Pascha and enjoy an afternoon of family fun!

For further information, contact the church office at 724438-6027 Mon-Fri 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.), or phone Bonnie at 724-438-8412 (evenings). n

The Eastern Christian Formation (ECF) students of St. Gregory Byzantine Catholic Church in Upper St. Clair, Pa. - together with their pastor, Father Valerian Michlik and a number of faithful - traveled from their parish Thursday, Jan. 29 to once again assist the Hot Metal Bridge Faith Community, located on Jane Street in Pittsburgh’s South Side neighborhood. As part of St. Gregory’s outreach ministry, the ECF group lends their hands and hearts to The Table, “a community kitchen with a heart to serve the South Side community,” according to the organization’s web site, www.hotmetalbridge.com.

“The Table’s mission,” claims the site, “is to be a bridge between the Kingdom of God and those we serve by creating community, building relationships, and loving one another.” Every Tuesday and Thursday a free hot meal is served at the facility by volunteer groups, of which St. Gregory’s Youth Group is an eager participant. The group offers sincere thanks to all who came to help provide a hot meal to those in need on that cold winter day. n Photos by Jennifer Kehm

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SUNDAY, MARCH 1, 2015

parish news

SS. Peter and Paul parish celebrates 90th anniversary

continued

PAGE 9

PIROHY • PIROHY • and more!

vibrant, community-minded membership

ALIQUIPPA - St. George Byzantine Catholic Church, 1001 Clinton St., Aliquippa, PA 15001 will sell pirohy on Friday, Mar. 13. Potato, kraut, cheese, lekvar available at $9 per dozen ($4.50 per half-dozen). Order in advance Thursday the 12th from 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and Friday the 13th from 7:00 a.m. to noon. Pickup must be made Friday the 13th between noon and 2:00 p.m. To order call 724-375-6652.

AMBRIDGE - Saint Mary of the Protection Byzantine Catholic Church, 624 Park Road, Ambridge PA 15003 welcome the public to their Pirohy Sale every Friday from 9:00 a.m. until sellout. Four varieties include potato or sauerkraut ($9/doz) and cottage cheese or lekvar ($10/doz).

To place orders in advance, calls are taken on Wednesdays from 9:00 a.m. til noon and/or Fridays beginning at 9:00 a.m. at 724-266-8642.

WARREN, OHIO – On Sunday, Jan. 11, Metropolitan William joined Very Rev. Andrew J. Deskevich and the parish family of Saints Peter and Paul Church to commemorate the 90th anniversary of the founding of the parish. Founded January 7, 1925 by Deacon John Rommack during the episcopacy of Bishop Basil Takach, the old Central School on School Street in Warren was purchased in 1926 for their first house of worship.

As the parish grew, their church building became inadequate to celebrate the Divine Services. In 1947, during the pastorate of Msgr. Sylvester Hladky, a parcel of land was purchased at the corner of East Market Street and Belvedere Avenue to build a new church.

In 1950 the present structure was built. In the mid 1950s construction began on a parochial school. When completed and opened in 1957, the school was staffed by the Byzantine Benedictine Sisters and thrived. Unfortunately due to decline in enrollment, the school closed in June 2005.

The early 90s saw another addition to the parish complex with the construction of Infant of Prague Manor, an Independent Senior Living apartment complex. In 2006, under the pastoral guidance of Father Robert Karl, the church complex underwent a renovation and transformation.

Necessary repairs were made to the church from the wear and tear of the years. In addition, the interior was completely renovated, bringing it into

conformity with the decrees of Vatican II and the Instruction for Applying the Liturgical Prescriptions of the Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches as set forth by the Congregation for the Eastern Churches at the Vatican. A beautiful icon screen was installed for the proper celebration of the Divine Liturgy, in addition to icons and other church décor.

Additionally, the bus garage was converted into a social center and the rectory was completely remodeled.

Various Divine Services are celebrated throughout the Liturgical Year, ECF classes are offered for the youth of the parish, and adult Bible Study is conducted twice a week. Twice monthly the parish volunteers to cook at the Saint Vincent de Paul Kitchen and provides over 100 meals each time. During the Phillip’s Fast and the Great Lenten Fast they also have supported the Bella Women’s Center in Warren, the Warren Family Mission, the Beatitude House and various other local charities. Socially, the parish family comes together annually for their Parish Feast Day, summer picnic, and St. Nicholas celebration. At Christmas, a group visits shut-ins and serenades them with Christmas carols. The parish also has participated in the “Simply Slavic Festival” of Youngstown since its inauguration.

In 2010 Father Andrew Deskevich was appointed pastor and continues to build upon the foundation built by the parish’s previous pastors. n

BRADENVILLE - St. Mary Byzantine Catholic Church, 112 St. Mary’s Way, Bradenville, PA 15620 begins its “Great Fast Pirohy Sale” Fridays throughout the Great Fast (Feb. 20 theu Mar. 27, excludes Good Friday) from 11:00 a.m to 4:00 p.m. at St. Mary’s Center, above the church. Three homemade varieties include potato/cheese, lekvar(prune), and sauerkraut.

Pirohy may be ordered frozen and uncooked for $7 per dozen or cooked with butter and onions for $8 per dozen. Halušky in a take-out pan enough for two also will be sold for $4. Three ways to order: phone 724537-0310; text 724-640-2421; email catmac@wpa.net .

BROWNSVILLE - The Pirohy Workers of Saint Nicholas Church, located on 302 Third Avenue, Brownsville, Pa. are making pirohy for sale to the public every week after until Easter. Sales will take place in the church hall on Mondays, Tuesdays & Wednesdays, from 9:00 a.m. til 3:00 p.m. (weather permitting). Pirohi are made fresh, but are sold frozen, $7 per dozen. Orders may be placed by calling 724-785-5552. Walk-ins are welcome, look for the directional signs around the church. Homemade noodles also are available for purchase. Chairperson Rosemary Kordich and the St. Nicholas pirohy-pinching team will be waiting to serve you!

For further info parish pastor Father Jerome Botsko at 724-785-7573.

CARRICK - St. Pius X Byzantine Catholic Church, 2336 Brownsville Road, Pittsburgh (Carrick), PA 15210 offers homemade PIROHY and halušky for sale every Friday during the Great Fast (Lent), excluding Good Friday. Hours of sale are 12 noon to 5:00 p.m. Pirohy varieties are potato/ cheese, ($7/doz) cabbage or sauerkraut ($8/doz) and cottage cheese ($10/ doz). Eat-in or take-out; containers provided. Pirohy may be purchased cooked or frozen. Pre-ordering is not required but is helpful, especially for large orders. Questions or advance orders, phone the church at 412881-8344.

CHARLEROI - Holy Ghost Byzantine Catholic Church will sell pirohy and other homemade Lenten foods during the Great Fast on Friday Mar. 13 and Friday Mar. 27 (NOTE these dates have been changed from Mar. 6 & 20!) at the Holy Ghost Social Center, 828 Meadow Avenue near 9th Street, Charleroi, PA 15022. Eat-in or take-out (containers provided) menu includes pirohy (sweet cabbage or potato/cheese), cooked (w/butter & onion) and/or frozen; fish sandwich; lima bean or veggie barley soup; potato pancakes, coleslaw, halušky and other side item specials. Hot and cold beverages available. Event is “weather permitting.” Call ahead to order: 724-489-0500.

McKEES ROCKS - Holy Ghost Kitchen, 224 Helen Street, McKees Rocks, PA 15136 will sell freshly made pirohy on all Lenten Fridays. Three varieties include potato/cheese, sauerkraut and ricotta. Both take-outs and eat-ins are available. Call to place orders on the day of sales: Mar. 6, 13, 20 & 27 from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. The Pirohy Kitchen phone number is 412-331-5155.

MUNHALL - St. Elias Byzantine Catholic Church, 4200 HomesteadDuquesne Road, Munhall, PA 15120 will open their Lenten Kitchen every remaining Friday of the Great Fast: Mar. 6, 13, 20 & 27 (no sales on Good Friday). Hours are 11:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. MENU: Pirohy: potatocheese and lekvar; Dinners: baked fish, fried fish, fried shrimp; noodle halušky; fish sandwich. Take-out or Eat-in. Major credit cards accepted! $1-off-a-fish-dinner COUPON available. Phone the rectory 412-4611712 for details.

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SUNDAY, MARCH 1, 2015

thoughts for our day

by Archpriest David M. Petras

THE DESCENT INTO HADES - part one When we celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord, the icon that is placed in the center of the church is the scene of Jesus going down into Hades, where there are the souls of those awaiting salvation through the resurrection of our Lord. In this icon, then, the Lord takes hold of Adam and Eve, our first ancestors, who brought the power of sin into human society, and lifts them up again to life. This is the center of the faith of the Church.

The resurrection narratives in the gospels do not have any clear description of Jesus going down into Hades, the kingdom of death. The stories are quite simple: Jesus dies, is buried, and on the third day the tomb is found empty. This is followed by appearances of Jesus to his followers. There is possibly only one indirect reference: Matthew 27:5253. In this passage, at the death of Jesus, there was an earthquake, tombs were open and many of the saints arose.

They appeared to many after Jesus’ resurrection. While there is no graphic description of the descent into Hades, it has become a central article of our faith.

The Apostles Creed, used in the Western Church, professes that Jesus “descended into Hell.” The concept of the destruction of Hades likewise dominates the liturgical texts of Paschal time. Archbishop Hilarion Alfeyev enumerates this: “Christ’s descent into Hades is mentioned more than fifty times in the services of Good Friday and Great Saturday, more than two hundred times during the Pentecost period, and more than one hundred and fifty times in the Sunday and festal hymns throughout the church year.” (Christ the Conqueror of Hell, St. Vladimir’s Seminary Press, 2009, 155) The image is found subtly in the New Testament, through the idea of Christ as the new Adam, reversing the curse of

Adam and Eve is a theme found especially in Romans 5. How did the icon of the Descent into Hades, also called “the Harrowing of Hell,” that is, “the emptying of Hades” come about? From the seeds found in Scripture, the idea of the descent into Hades became common as early as the second century.

A very graphic description is

“When you descended to death, O Immortal Life, you destroyed Hades by the brilliance of your divinity.”

— Troparion Resurrection Tone 2 found in the apocryphal Gospel of Nicodemus (8 (24), 2), “And the Lord stretched forth his hand and made the sign of the cross over Adam and over all his saints, and he took the right hand of Adam and went up out of hell, and all the saints followed him. Then did holy David cry aloud and say: Sing unto the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things.”

This document also contains the dialogue between Satan and Hades about accepting Jesus who is to destroy the Kingdom of Death, and which is recorded in the Liturgy at the kontakion of the Third Sunday of the Great Fast, the Veneration of the Cross. The Gospel of Nicodemus also contains a passage about the gates of Hades, “And immediately ... the gates of brass were broken into pieces and the bars of iron were crushed and all the dead who were bound were loosed from their chains and we with them.” (5 ( 21), 4) It was this picture that influences all the Paschal texts where Jesus “tramples” upon death. Some of the elements of this picture were seen already

in the Old Testament: Psalm 87(88) describes it as a pit of an abyss, a place of darkness.

It is a prison (Isaiah 49:9). It has gates of bronze and bars of iron (Psalm 106:15 and Isaiah 45:2).

Our usual perception of the afterlife is that we are judged either good and go to heaven or bad and go to hell, or, in the Catholic schema, in need of purification and go to purgatory. The idea of Hades is quite different. It comes first of all from the Old Testament idea of Sheol, a very melancholy place where the dead go to either spend eternity or, later, to await resurrection.

It was not a joyful place, and the departed were not in God’s presence. In a way, it was a natural view of the kingdom of death. When we die, our bodies are buried in the ground, so the soul must also go to some kind of underworld. The Hebrew Sheol corresponds to the Greek Hades. Both the Greek Hades and the Hebrew Sheol are dismal, joyless places, but, of course, the Jews did not believe in the pagan gods. When the Apostles Creed professes that Jesus “descended into hell,” it means Sheol, which becomes by that very act defined as the holding place until God by his divine power through the Paschal mystery of the CrossResurrection, brings the just out of Hades into his presence.

With the resurrection of Jesus, therefore, the “after-life” is redefined. Jesus did not descend into “hell,” as we usually think of it, as the place where the unjust are condemned to eternal punishment. The tradition is that Jesus preached to the souls imprisoned there - Gentile as well as Jew - and those who believed were saved. Does this mean that there is no eternal punishment, and that even after death there is the possibility of conversion and salvation?

This does not seem to be the case - the possibility of freely rejecting Christ remains. What is clear is that by his descent into Hades Christ destroyed all the power of death and proclaimed resurrection to all

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people, so that all must rise, but not all, by their free will, accept God’s plan of salvation. The Liturgy of St. Basil proclaims this, “Descending by the cross into Hades to fulfill all things in himself, he freed us from Death’s despair, and rose on the third day, preparing the way for the resurrection of all flesh from the dead.” Archbishop Hilarion Alfeyev says that Hades is a mystery: “The services of Great Saturday raise the curtain of a mystery that cannot be solved. The answer to this mystery will be revealed only in the kingdom to come, in which we will see God as he is (1 John 3:2) and in which God will be ‘all in all. (1 Corinthians 15:28)’” (Ibid., 193.)

What are we to think of Hades today? Is it an actual place?

In discussing, the afterlife, Pope St. John Paul II described heaven, hell and purgatory more as states of being than places. St. John Chrysostom describes Hades by an allegory, “(Jesus) broke in pieces the gates of bronze in order to show that death is finite. They are called ‘of bronze’ not because they were made of bronze, but in order to demonstrate the cruelty and mercilessness of death.”

(Homily on the Cemetery and the Cross) I suppose you will have to admit that they may be called “places” in the sense that we are finite beings and therefore must be someplace as opposed to all places.

However, neither heaven, hell or purgatory, or Hades, has an “address” in our spatiotemporal universe.

Where Christ is now or where heaven or hell are is part of the mystery of salvation, which we do not or cannot fully understand as long as we are bound to life in this physical universe. For us, Hades is synonymous with the power of death. This power was destroyed by Christ’s resurrection, as the liturgy so often proclaims: “When you descended to death, O Immortal Life, you destroyed Hades by the brilliance of your divinity.” (Troparion, Resurrection Tone 2) n

SUNDAY, MARCH 1, 2015

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guest commentary

Whose Life is it anyway?

by Sister Constance Veit, l.s.p

In college I wrote a medical ethics paper on a play entitled “ W h o s e Life Is It Anyway?”

That old paper came to mind recently when I learned that the campaign for physician assisted suicide has been gaining momentum. The renewed push to legalize “aid in dying,” or “death with dignity,” as various groups euphemistically call it, is the result of positive media coverage in the wake of a young terminally ill woman’s decision to end her life on her own terms and at the precise moment of her choosing.

Whose life is it anyway? I can’t get this question out of my mind as I come to grips with the fact that assisted suicide legislation is currently being introduced in a dozen states and the District of Columbia.

While some persons faced with serious illness consider taking their lives because they fear they will be a burden to others or have no one to care for them, for others this choice is a declaration of personal autonomy. To the question, “Whose life is it anyway?” they answer, “It is mine to do with what I want.”

The claim that each of us is master of our own life, with the power to do with it whatever we choose, just doesn’t make sense.

After all, which of us chose the date, time or conditions of our birth? Who of us ultimately gets to choose the path that will lead to our death — will it be an accident, a random act of violence, a sudden heart attack or a prolonged illness? Human logic would tell us that we are never completely in control of our lives. God’s word should convince us of this as well.

Sacred Scripture reminds us that we are God’s creatures — made in his image and likeness — and that our lives are in his hands at every moment. From the psalmist’s confession that “every one of my days was decreed before one of them came into being” (Ps 139:16), to Saint Paul’s proclamation that “in him we live and move and have our being” (Acts 17:28), it is clear that God is the author of our existence.

Each of us is a steward — not the master — of our own life.

Statement on Pa. Governor Wolf’s Death Penalty Reprieve Harrisburg, Pa. - 13 Feb 2015

But God is a loving master, and that makes all the difference. In his landmark encyclical, The Gospel of Life, Saint John Paul II wrote, “If it is true that human life is in the hands of God, it is no less true that these are loving hands, like those of a mother who accepts, nurtures and takes care of her child.” Pope Francis shared similar sentiments in his 2015 Lenten message: God “is not aloof from us. Each one of us has a place in his heart. He knows us by name, he cares for us and he seeks us out whenever we turn away from him.”

In our sophisticated, materialistic society we easily turn away from God, denying him and his providence over us. Modern man, Saint John Paul II wrote, has “lost the sense of God,” and with it, the sense of the human person and his dignity as “mysteriously different” from the rest of creation. In this context we can easily succumb to the temptation to manipulate and dominate our lives rather than cherishing them as a gift.

Suffering is seen as a useless burden to be eliminated at all cost, even if this means suppressing life itself.

There is another path, however. Even as the media focused their attention on a dying woman from California late last year, a similarly ill college freshman in Ohio vowed never to give up. Despite the seeming hopelessness of her situation, she professed her belief that God has the last say.

This young woman has found a purpose in her suffering and insists that she still loves life.

She keeps on giving of herself and is an inspiration to many.

I pray for this young woman and for all the elderly, disabled and those with terminal illnesses, that they may find peace and courage in the conviction that God knows them by name and holds them close to his heart. Strengthened by the sacraments and assisted

by Our Lady and all the angels and saints, may they serenely abandon their lives into his hands.

Whose life is it anyway? God has given us this life as a gift and he expects us to cherish it as his good stewards. n

The Pennsylvania Catholic Conference welcomes Governor Tom Wolf’s announcement of a “reprieve to inmate Terrance Williams, who was scheduled to be executed on March 4, 2015. Governor Wolf will grant a reprieve – not a commutation – in each future instance in which an execution for a death row inmate is scheduled, establishing an effective moratorium on the death penalty in Pennsylvania.”

The Catholic Bishops of Pennsylvania have long been advocating for an end to the death penalty in Pennsylvania because the modern penal system provides alternatives to taking the lives of the guilty.

Punishment should reflect our belief in the inherent human dignity of each person, and taking a life to avenge the death of another does not create a culture of life.

People convicted of capital offenses must be punished effectively and appropriately for their crimes. Family and friends of victims, and society as a whole, demand this. Just punishment, however, can be attained without resorting to execution. Even the most violent offenders who commit heinous crimes still have a dignity given by God. In Living the Gospel of Life, the U.S. Bishops wrote, “Our witness to respect for life shines most brightly when we demand respect for each and every human life, including the lives of those who fail to show that respect for others. The antidote to violence is love, not more violence.”

In unity with Pope Francis and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, the PCC reaffirms absolute respect and protection for every human life, from conception to natural death, even when one of those lives has been responsible for a heinous crime.

Society will not benefit from imposing the death penalty, nor will it be harmed by showing mercy. By turning away from the death penalty, we are embracing hope, not despair. Today’s announcement breaks the cycle of violence that so plagues our society. We hope that this spirit of respect for human life is shown throughout all laws and policies of the Commonwealth. n See more at: http://www.pacatholic.org

Sister Constance Veit is director of vocations for the Little Sisters of the Poor. the byzantine catholic world

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SUNDAY, MARCH 1, 2015

around the archeparchy ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT BREAKFAST BUFFET - Sunday March 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 724-423-7396.

Pittsburgh Protopresbytery Great Fast Vespers schedule of services 4:00 p.m.*

Sunday, March 1 Cathedral of St. John the Baptist - Munhall, Pa. Father Frank Firko, homilist | Deacon Timothy Corbett Sunday, March 8 Holy Spirit Church - Pittsburgh, Pa. Father Dennia Bogda, homilist | Deacon Donald Bolls Sunday, March 15 Holy Ghost Church - McKees Rocks, Pa. Monsignor Russell Duker, homilist | Deacon Michael Meaders Sunday, March 22 St. Gregory Church - Upper St. Clair, Pa. Father Leonard Cornelius, homilist | Deacon Sean Petrisko * Mystery of Reconciliation (Confession) available at 3:30 p.m.

Lenten soup and bread will be served after Vespers in the social hall of each parish.

10th ANNUAL EGG EGGSTRAVAGANZA - St. John the Baptist Church Social Hall in Uniontown, Pa. Sunday, March 22, from noon to 5:00 p.m.

See page 7 for full article.

ICONOGRAPHY WORKSHOP - St. Michael Church in Hermitage, Pa. will sponsor a weekend iconography workshop for adults at the beginner’s level March 20-22. Participants will learn basic iconograpy techniques and will write an 8”x10” icon of the guardian angel or two archangels The theology of iconography and specifically angels also will be presented. Class begins Friday 3/20 at 6:00 p.m., continues all day Saturday 3/21, and Sunday morning 3/22 after 9:00 liturgy until completion. Participants must be able to attend all three days to have a completed icon. The cost of $100 will cover all supplies. Pastries, coffee and tea will be provided Saturday and Sunday morning. Lunch will be provided. A $25 deposit is required; class size limited to 20. For more information, call instructor Marylyn Barone at 412678-9453 or email mwbarone@comcast.net.

BETHANY MINISTRY WORKSHOP - Saturday April 18, 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at St. Elias Church, Munhall, Pa. See page 5 for full article.

SPAGHETTI DINNER - SS. Peter & Paul Church, 701 Foster Avenue in Duquesne, Pa. invites you to take a break from ham, kolbassi and paska and enjoy meatballs, sauce and pasta Sunday April 19 from 1 to 5 p.m. in the parish hall. Adults $8, children 10 and under $4; FREE for children 5 and under. Raffles and auction items too! Questions, phone 412-466-3578.

See page 9 for listing of Parish Pirohy Sales

2015 Year of Consecrated Life “Wake up the world! Be witnesses of a different way of doing things, of acting, of living! It is possible to live differently in this world.

We are speaking of an eschatological outlook, of the values of the Kingdom incarnated here, on this earth. It is a question of leaving everything to follow the Lord. No, I do not want to say “radical.” Evangelical radicalness is not only for religious: it is demanded of all. But religious follow the Lord in a special way, in a prophetic way. It is this witness that I expect of you. Religious should be men and women who are able to wake the world up.” — Pope Francis

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:

dates to remember march 7 ‘L.E.N.T.’ Mini-Retreat Byzantine Catholic Seminary - Pittsburgh, PA march 8 Daylight Saving Time (DST) begins (“spring ahead”) march 14 Catechist Day of Prayer Byzantine Catholic Seminary - Pittsburgh, PA march 25 Feast of the Annunciation of the Holy Theotokos CHANCERY CLOSED

MARCH 22

march 29 Palm Sunday

submissions deadline:

april 5 Pascha - Feast of the Glorious Resurrection of Our Lord

MARCH 10

See Pittsburgh Protopresbytery Great Fast Vespers schedule above View more upcoming events at www.archpitt.org

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