the official newspaper of the archeparchy of pittsburgh
appointments
Inside
Fine day for ‘Faith & Fun’
Metropolitan Archbishop William makes known official appointments, assignments Page 2
vol. 60 no. 12
o.r.e. - oh!
News of past and upcoming programs from the Office of Religious Education Pages 4 & 5
Happy new academic year! seminary welcomes back students, faculty
8th annual event draws 50 servers from archeparchy
Holding their official ‘Faith & Fun’ rally towels, Cathedral altar servers Aidan Munsie and Brady Bandik wait to enter PNC Park to see the Pittsburgh Pirates vs. the Chicago Cubs. The Aug. 20 ballgame and post-game Faith Night program completed a dayful of activities for the 50 servers and their chaperones.
Story, photos on pages 8 & 9
correction The BCW issues a sincere apology to Subdeacon Brian Norrell (left) and Subdeacon Gary Stafford (right) for incorrectly listing their home parish in the Aug. 16 edition (vol. 60 no. 11, ‘Final step’ toward holy Diaconate for three men, page 1). The new subdeacons serve the faithful of St. Basil the Great Church in Irving, Texas, where Father Daniel Forsythe is pastor, and not St. John Chrysostom in Houston, as was erroneously printed. n
sunday, september 6, 2015
happenings
It’s almost the end of Summer, but parishes keep the fun and fellowship going strong Pages 6 & 7
Counting down the days
pope francis due in states sept. 22
Metropolitan William, faculty and students of the Byzantine Catholic Seminary of Saints Cyril and Methodius celebrated the start of the 2015-16 academic year with a Divine Liturgy on Saturday, Aug. 29. Pictured following the service at the Seminary Chapel are: front row: Deacon Stephen Casmus; Deacon Joseph Wargacki; Rev. Vasyl Symyon; Rev. James Hess, OCarm; Metropolitan Archbishop William; Very Rev. Robert M. Pipta; Rev. Kristiaan Kappes; Seminarian Oliver Black; Rev. Valerian Michlik. back row: Seminarian Thomas Moses; Seminarian Tom Wells; Seminarian Neven Peša; Seminarian Nathan Adams; Subdeacon Bryan Scotton. n
As a busload of pilgrims from the Archeparchy of Pittsburgh plan to depart Sept. 26 for Philadelphia, where Pope Francis will make one of several stops on his first visit to the U.S., Very Rev. Andrew J. Deskevich is busy making final Pope continued on page 3
Family: In the Image of God catechetical sunday a ‘springboard to a fulfilling lifetime’ from the ECED - Eastern Catholic Eparchial Directors of Religious Education
Catechetical Sunday has its roots in a 1935 Vatican publication “On the Better Care and Promotion of Catechetical Education,” a document that asks every country to acknowledge the importance of the Church’s teaching ministry and to honor those who serve the Christian community as catechists. Beginning in 1971, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) Department of Education began producing materials to help parishes celebrate the event at the local
level. Now the Committee of Evangelization and Catechesis publishes Catechetical Sunday materials each year. The USCCB has designated the third Sunday in September as Catechetical Sunday. In the early years of the 21st century, educators of the various Eastern Catholic Churches began to provide posters, prayers, announcements and other related material reflective of the distinctive charisms of Eastern Christians’ faithECED continued on page 5
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SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2015
UPS 081500 ISSN 07442289
official appointments
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
by metropolitan archbishop william
Officially announced via the Office of the Metropolitan Archbishop September 1, 2015: Effective April 27, 2015 • Jared I. Goff PhD appointed to the faculty of SS. Cyril and Methodius Seminary. Effective May 14, 2015 • Helen S. Kennedy reappointed Director of the Seminary Self Study for a term of five years. Effective July 8, 2015 • Father R. Joseph Raptosh relieved as Director of Intellectual Formation (Academic Dean) of the Seminary. • Father Christiaan Kappes PhL appointed Director of Intellectual Formation (Academic Dean) of the Seminary. • Mrs. Susan Seiden Carlino appointed Director of Assessment for the Seminary. Effective July 10, 2015 • Father Vasyl Symyon appointed to the academic faculty of the Seminary. • Mr. Geoffrey Mackey appointed to the academic faculty of the Seminary.
Gregory S. Popivchak Business Manager
• Dr. Josephine Kocian Crame appointed to the academic faculty of the Seminary.
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mission The mission of The Byzantine
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• Father Donald Bolls appointed Personal Formation Advisor for the seminarians.
• Father Ivan Chirovsky, Very Reverend Ronald Larko, and Father Paul-Alexander Shutt, OSB appointed Spiritual Directors for Seminarians. Effective August 3, 2015 • Father William Lascelles relieved as administrator of St. Jude Thaddeus Church, Ernest, Pennsylvania. • Father Christopher Burke, at his own request, relieved as administrator of Infant Jesus of Prague Church, Boardman, and St. Nicholas Church, Youngstown, both in Ohio and appointed pastor, St. Nicholas Church, Brownsville and administrator, St. Mary Church, New Salem, both in Pennsylvania. • Father Jerome G. Botsko relieved as pastor, St. Nicholas Church, Brownsville and administrator, St. Mary Church, New Salem, and appointed pastor, Holy Protection of Mary Church, Homer City and administrator, St. Jude Thaddeus Church, Ernest, all in Pennsylvania. • Father Mykhaylo Farynets relieved as pastor, St. Mary Church, Herminie and administrator, Holy Trinity Church, Wall, both in Pennsylvania, and appointed pastor, Infant Jesus of Prague Church, Boardman and administrator, St. Nicholas Church, Youngstown, both in Ohio. Effective August 11, 2015 • Father Christiaan Kappes appointed to the Strategic Planning Committee for the ongoing accreditation of SS. Cyril and Methodius Seminary.
the Gospel message in the
Effective September 16, 2015
rich tradition of the Byzantine
• Deacon Thomas K. Klacik relieved as administrator of St. George Church, Aliquippa and St. Mary Church, Ambridge.
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
• Father James D. Hess, O. Carm. relieved as priest for the care of the spiritual needs of St. George Church, Aliquippa, and St. Mary Church, Ambridge and appointed priest for the spiritual needs of St. Nicholas Chapel, Beaver while continuing to fulfill his responsibilities at SS. Cyril and Methodius Seminary. • Father R. Joseph Raptosh relieved as administrator of the Church of the Resurrection, Monroeville, and appointed pastor of St. George Church, Aliquippa and administrator of St. Mary Church, Ambridge. • Father Donald M. Bolls appointed pastor of the Church of the Resurrection, Monroeville and administrator of Holy Trinity Church, Wall. • Father Leonard J. Cornelius, OFM relieved of liturgical duties at St. Nicholas Chapel, Beaver and appointed administrator of St. Mary Church, Herminie.
America, and around the world. the byzantine catholic world
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2015
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by wr
Past papal visits to the U.S.
Pope
upcoming visit will be tenth by a pope
continued from page 1
touches on the two-day crossstate trip. “The people who signed up for this trip are very, very excited about it,” said Father Andrew, who along with his duties as Protosyncellus for the Archeparchy, also is pastor of SS. Peter and Paul Church in Warren, Ohio. The group will make an overnight stay following a
Pope Francis is the fourth pope to visit the United States. His apostolic journey to the United States is scheduled to take place September 22-27, 2015; he will visit Washington, New York and Philadelphia. Pope Francis’ visit will be the tenth time a pope has made an apostolic journey to the United States. Other pastoral visits by previous popes: Pope Benedict XVI visited the United States in 2008. His apostolic visit, April 15-20, took him to Washington and New York. Pope John Paul II visited the United States seven times: • 1979 (10/1 – 10/7) Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Chicago, Washington and Des Moines, Iowa. • 1981 (2/27) Anchorage, Alaska – stopover/several hours • 984 (5/2) Fairbanks, Alaska – stopover/several hours • 1987 (9/10 – 9/19) Miami, Columbia, SC, New Orleans, San Antonio, Phoenix, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Detroit • 1993 (8/12 – 8/15) Denver (World Youth Day) • 1995 (10/4 – 10/8) Newark, NJ, New York (includng Brooklyn), Baltimore • 1999 (1/26 – 1/27) St. Louis
performance of “Joseph” at Sight and Sound Theater in Lancaster, Pa. and depart the next morning for Philadelphia and the Papal Liturgy . Please pray for our Byzantine Catholic pilgrims of the Archeparchy and all Eastern Catholics as they journey to Philadelphia be in the presence of Holy Father Francis. n
U.S. Papal Visit 2015 Online Resources The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) Papal Visit web page provides information and updates for the pope’s historic visit to the U.S. Visit http://www.usccb.org/about/leadership/holy-see/francis/papalvisit-2015/index.cfm Excitement is building for Pope Francis’s Apostolic Visit to the U.S. and the United Nations September 22-27. Information and resources for the public, including a new “virtual prayer pilgrimage” for the visit, can be accessed at www.uspapalvisit.org.
In October 1965, Paul VI became the first pope to visit the United States. His trip included a first time papal visit to the United Nations.
The Pennsylvania Cable Network (PCN) will provide extensive coverage of the 2015 World Meeting of Families and Papal Visit to Pennsylvania residents. Funded by Pennsylvania cable companies, PCN’s coverage is available to view on cable in Pennsylvania, and on the PCN Select mobile app. Smartphone users can download the free app by searching “PCN Select” in any app marketplace. Coverage is also available to stream online at pcntv.com at no cost. For a full schedule of coverage and network times, visit www.pcntv.com.
Pope Francis will be the third pope to meet with a U.S. president during a visit to the United States. Other popes who have met with a U.S. president during a U.S. visit are: Pope Benedict XVI: • April 16, 2008, on the occasion of Pope Benedict XVI’s 81st birthday, President George W. Bush welcomed Pope Benedict to the White House. This was the second time in history that a pope visited the White House.
Catechetical resources for the pope’s visit can be found http://www.usccb. org/about/leadership/holy-see/francis/papal-visit-2015/2015-papal-visitcatechetical-resources.cfm
Pope John Paul II met with a U.S. president during each of the following visits to the United States: • 1979 – President Jimmy Carter (The White House, Washington) • 1984 – President Ronald Reagan (Fairbanks, Alaska: first time a U.S. president and pope met outside of the White House or Vatican) • 1987 – President Ronald Reagan (Los Angeles) • 1993 – President Bill Clinton(Denver) • 1995 – President Bill Clinton (Newark, NJ) • 1999 – President Bill Clinton (St. Louis) United Nations visits: Pope Francis’ visit to the United Nations will be the fourth time a pope addresses the United Nations while visiting the United States. Pope Francis • United Nations Headquarters (New York),September 25, 2015 Benedict XVI • United Nations Headquarters (New York), April 18, 2008 John Paul II • United Nations Headquarters (New York), October 2, 1979 • United Nations Headquarters (New York), October 5, 1995 Pope Paul VI • United Nations Headquarters (New York), October 4, 1965 *Sources: www.usccb.org, www.vatican.va
www.prospecthillco.com
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SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2015
ECF and family life
catechists make connection at workshop by Sister Marion Dobos, OSB - Director, Office of Religious Education
catechist at St. Stephen Church in North Huntingdon, Pa. led the catechists in an interactive presentation entitled “Enriching Your Classroom and Instruction Through Technology.” Using the example of the Master Catechist, Jesus Christ, she led a discussion on the various ways Jesus taught during his time on earth. Leia talked about how technology has impacted the lives of our children today and the need for catechists to be able to connect faith formation and instruction to this innovative communication. Her PowerPoint presentation included Internet resources, music apps, iconography, Dropbox and YouTube sites which could enrich our God With Us curriculum. At the 2014 Catechist Workshop, all of the catechists present received The Catechist’s Toolbox, a book by Joe Poprocki. This talented catechist and author since has written a sequel to that book, Beyond the Catechist’s Toolbox. Marcia Harrer, catechist at St. John the Baptist Church in Uniontown, and Kristen Keleschenyi, Catechetical Coordinator at St. Stephen Church in North Huntingdon critiqued the new resource over the summer. Each of these talented catechists shared insights and reflections on how the catechists can take their catechesis “up a notch” so that it reaches learners at a deeper level. In their presentations they explored a number of practical, creative and effective ways to engage those we teach to encounter God’s presence in their lives. The Archeparchy is blessed to have dedicated catechists to help our children, youth and adults to encounter the risen Christ in their midst, transforming their minds and hearts so that they will live as true disciples of Jesus Christ. n
Ann Koshute, MTS addresses attendees at the Catechist Workshop during her presentation, which focused on God’s intention for marriage and family.
Archbishop William (left of center) graced the occasion with his presence at the 2015 Catechist Workshop, along with Archpriest Dennis Bogda (center), Rector of St. John the Baptist Cathedral, where the event took place Saturday, Aug. 22.
WORLD MEETING OF FAMILIES 2015 PHILADELPHIA http://www.worldmeeting2015.org/
The theme for the 2015 World Meeting of Families, Love is Our Mission: The Family Fully Alive, also brought catechists and interested adults of the Archeparchy of Pittsburgh together to discover new ideas on how to connect Eastern Christian Formation to family life. The Office of Religious Education (ORE) held its annual workshop Saturday Aug. 22 at St. John the Baptist Cathedral in Munhall, Pa. Principal presenter Ann Koshute of the Eparchy of Passaic laid a foundation by engaging the participants in a media presentation focusing on God’s intention for marriage and family. She presented examples on how we might follow Christ more intentionally at home, in the workplace and in our communities. Ann reminded us that St. Pope John Paul II was a tireless supporter and defender of the family. Throughout his twenty-seven year pontificate he authored groundbreaking works such as Familiaris Consortis (“On the Role of the Christian Family in the Modern World,” 1981) and Evangelium Vitae (“The Gospel of Life,” 1995.) In her closing remarks Ann reminded us that we all have the capacity to love as God loves. Our present Holy Father, Pope Francis said it like this: ”The life of a family is filled with beautiful moments: rest, meals together, walks in the park or the countryside, visits to grandparents or to a sick person . . . But if love is missing, joy is missing, nothing is fun. Jesus always gives us that love: he is its endless source. In the sacrament he gives us his word and he gives us the bread of life, so that our joy may be complete.” — Pope Francis, October 23, 2013. Leia Shilobod, President and CEO of InTech Solutions and
ORE ANNOUNCES 2016 PRE-CANA PROGRAM DATES The two-part Pre-Cana Program takes place at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, 210 Greentree Road, Munhall, Pa. Engaged couples will attend two all-day Saturday sessions. All couples must attend both Part I and Part II of the program. For more info, visit http:// www.archpitt.org/pre-cana/.
For information regarding any of the programs or services offered by the Office of Religious Education, phone ORE Director Sister Marion Dobos, OSB at 412-322-8773.
BYZANTINE DIVINE LITURGY
the byzantine catholic world
view liturgical services (various times) streamed LIVE online at: St. John the Baptist Cathedral, Munhall, Pa. www.stjohnsbyzantinecathedral.com Holy Ghost Church, McKees Rocks www.holyghost-byzantinecatholic.org St. John Chrysostom Church, Pittsburgh, Pa. www.sjcbcc.com
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2015
PAGE 5
The poster for Catechetical Sunday 2015
ECED
Posters are meant to attract attention. They convey a message, give information, and invite you to an activity. So it is with the poster for Catechetical Sunday. Its well-known biblical theme is colorful in places, monochromatic elsewhere and quite sparse in written information. “Family: In the Image of God” is prominent, “Catechetical Sunday 2015” and “Eastern Catholic Churches in America” — almost an understated second thought. Rather than be satisfied with glancing at it, thinking “that’s nice” or “that’s pretty” and walking on — stop, look, and wonder how it ties together. Before that, consider the circumstances of Noah. The account in the Book of Genesis (cfr chapters 6-10) are early in the revealed truths about God. This is before the Psalms, before great prophecies, before Christ’s birth as the Son of the Father — referred to as “Sun of Justice,” his life, death, resurrection — the sending of the Holy Spirit as Comforter; before the Apostles’ missionary work, the profession of faith — the Nicene Creed — and two thousand years of Church history. Yet Noah undertook a great task to safeguard his family, the basic unit of human society, made up of sacred personages, created in the Image of God, as noted in the first chapter of Genesis. He did this as an act of obedience to God — who he could not see, but could sense in his spiritual being. As reminded recently by Pope Francis, the family, too, is created “in the image of God” with the Holy Trinity its prototype. As Noah was commissioned to protect his family from peril, and to extend that protection to other living things in his environment, we have the same responsibilities. Stable families are under attack from outside sources, the environment is besieged by avoidable abuse by the “highest of God’s creatures” (humankind) through greed or even ignorance or carelessness. Our awareness as Eastern Christians of things gone awry should reflect the advantage we have through revelation of God’s reality — pre-eternal, omniscient, omnipotent, alive in omnipresence extending into eternity. That same God depicted on the poster as emitting rays of divine love looking over Noah’s fateful and faithful journey is the God
experience and expression for Catechetical Sunday. Annual themes have been developed to complement the concept of USCCB guidelines, but with a look and feel more attuned to a spiritual wavelength that speaks to their somewhat different approach to faith. One small point was opting to allow “Catechetical Sunday” to be observed on another date, acknowledging the fact that the “third Sunday in September” may be inconvenient for some. Some have chosen, for example, to tie the observance to the Feastday of St. John the Theologian, September 26 on the Byzantine calendar. This year’s theme “Family: In the Image of God” capitalizes on the notion that the family is the basic unit of society. It is the “domestic Church” where God’s presence is made known “where two or three are gathered” and consequentially encounter a model of the Triune God — united in substance [essence], distinct in persons. The family is the first schoolroom wherein the parents exercise their role as primary educators of their children. Here is where values are learned, virtues practiced and lessons of patience, sharing, compassion and tolerance put into action. As noted by Pope Francis, not only is each individual “made in the image of God,” each family is endowed with that “image of God” as well. As part of a family, each individual has worth as a human being - a contributor to the wellbeing and welfare of the rest of Creation. Catechetical Sunday is not meant to be a one-day experience, but a springboard to a fulfilling lifetime. It is a single step on a journey made new with each successive day. We have a mission, as did Noah’s family to restore God’s plan of salvation and renew the face of the Earth. Certainly that takes effort and dedication and focus. n
inspired by faithfulness of the obedient noah
we are to serve in our journey. Catechetical Sunday draws our attention to the need we have to learn to know and exercise our great gift of faith. And to teach it to others. We are, individually and collectively, Images of God.
Here is our opportunity to show our vocation as “other Christs” through faithfulness to the commands we receive from God, with an obedient Noah as an inspiration. That’s the message and invitation to act — all on this poster. n
Students of English
four from mukachevo study at laroche
continued from page 1
Materials available on web
Sporting their fashionable LaRoche College T-shirts are (from left) Father Vasyl Banyk, Father Mikhaylo Shkynda, Pani Katerina and Father Yuriy Oros of the Eparchy of Mukachevo in Ukraine. The quartet studied English as a Second Language (ESL) at the suburban Pittsburgh, Pa. college over the summer months. n the byzantine catholic world
Materials for Catechetical Sunday 2015 may be downloaded from the Office of Religious Education’s ECF page on the Archeparchy’s web site, www.archpitt.org/ ecf. These materials were created specifically for Eastern Catholics by the Eastern Catholic Eparchial Directors of Religious Education (ECED).
parish news PAGE 6
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2015
Picnic time at the Cathedral good times, good food, old acquaintances
New Salem says ‘welcome!’
father christopher burke’s new assignment
by Nick Havrilla, Sr.
St. John the Baptist Cathedral faithful once again celebrated the end of the summer season with their parish picnic, held August 16 on the cathedral campus. Attending members enjoyed hot dogs and hamburgers with the traditional picnic accompaniments. Pastor Father Dennis Bogda was not able to take part in this year’s festivities, but was there in spirit while recovering in a Pittsburgh hospital following surgery. Ever-mindful of his parish family, Father Dennis sent his well wishes to all for a fun and successful event. “Pinch hitting” for Father Dennis, Metropolitan William led prayers of thanksgiving and blessed the outdoor meal. Among those in attendance this year was lifelong parishioner John Kuklinca (pictured at left with his daughter Sue), now living in Grove City, Pennsylvania. A spry 94 years young, John enjoyed seeing and talking with many of his old friends during the picnic. Bingo games and children’s gifts were sponsored by Greek Catholic Union Lodge #2 with many Lodge officers in attendance. A good time was had by all despite the midAugust heat wave! n photos by Nick Havrilla, Sr.
Altar Server Christopher Kormanik is pictured with Father Christopher Burke during his Aug. 16 welcoming celebration.
On Sunday August 16, the parishioners of St. Mary - Assumption (New Salem, Pa.) celebrated their patronal feast day along with welcoming their new pastor, Father Christopher Burke. Cantor Rick Gaydos led the liturgical responses and was assisted by visiting cantor Mike Skapura. A delicious luncheon was held after the Divine Liturgy to mark this joyous occasion. Parishioners from St. Mary Holy Protection (Latrobe, Pa.), one of Father Christopher’s former assignments, joined the parishioners of St. Mary – Assumption in the celebration of the Divine Liturgy and luncheon, which made this day even more special. Mnohaja L’ita, Father Christopher Burke! n
Parish offers ‘Issues Facing the Modern Family’ part 2 st. gregory church partners with health professionals oct. 6 & 20 As a faith community, the Bethany Ministry of St. Gregory Byzantine Catholic Church in Upper St. Clair, Pa. is reaching out and offering an opportunity to learn about problems that exist in today’s world as well as in our local comminities. Do you really know “What’s cooking” in your neighborhood? Could there actually be a “meth” lab on your street? Find out the latest information on drug and alcohol uses and addiction at this informative program. What do you know about “process addition” a behavioral addiction which usually does not involve an addictive chemical? Do you know someone who has a compulsive behavior or addiction to activities such as gambling, eating, shopping, working, sex, or social media? Process addictions are often an
the byzantine catholic world
overlooked addiction. They too can cause suffering, loss of life and family, or other debilitating consequences. If these topics interest or even concern you, please join St. Gregory’s Bethany Ministry and the experts from Allegheny Medical / Integrated Health Services to discuss: Addictions Part 1 Tuesday Oct. 6 at 7:00pm Part 2 Tuesday, Oct. 20 at 7:00pm There is no cost to attend these sessions, which will be held at St. Gregory Church Hall, 2005 Mohawk Road (Brookside Farms), Upper St. Clair, PA 15241. For more information, call 412-494-4550. For directions call 412-835-7800 or visit www.stgregoryusc.org. n
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2015
parish news
St. Gregory parish reports by Father Valerian Michlik
heaven’s queen honored
‘fleas’ and thank-you! We were truly blessed on Saturday, August 8, with great weather and large crowd as we opened our doors for the 2015 St. Gregory’s Flea Market. Prior to opening, our hard working parishioners were in the church hall setting up, pricing, and donating their time and talents to make this a successful event. What a great and successful fundraiser it was, and a fabulous time of fellowship interwoven with hard work and many laughs! A huge THANK YOU to our dedicated parishioners and to all who came to support our efforts. n
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Byzantine ‘royalty’
judge, contestant meet in unlikely circumstances miles from home Since 1987, Wilber, Nebraska has been the place to see who get crowned Miss Czech-Slovak US. The Pageant is always held in conjunction with the Annual Czech Festival there, which has taken place during the first weekend in August for the past 54 years. Laurel Tombazzi, a parishioner at St. Emilian Byzantine Catholic Church, Brunswick, Ohio (Eparchy of Parma) and Director the Karpato-Rus’ performing ensemble, was present at a gathering of the Czechoslovak Genealogical Society in Independence, Ohio in 2009, where her young group performed. After the show, Olivia Buydos, Miss Slovak 2009 Ohio, suggested that perhaps some of the young ladies in the Karpato-Rus’ Ensemble might like to be part of the Miss Czech-Slovak US Pageant. Since the contestants had to be age 16 or older, Tombazzi knew that her female performers where too young at that time to participate in the pageant, but nonetheless perused an application form. Upon reading the contestant application, Tombazzi noticed that the nationality/heritage choices listed were Czech, Moravian, Silesian and Slovak. Since many Rusyns inhabit the Eastern part of Slovakia, Tombazzi then asked the pageant director – and every year since – if “Rusyn” could be added to the contestant application form as a choice of heritage. Tombazzi’s persistence paid off. In March 2015, not only was the selection “Rusyn” added to the contestant application form, but when Ms. Tombazzi merely thanked the pageant director for this addition, she was invited to be one of three judges to select the 2015-2016 Miss Czech-Slovak US Pageant winners. Besides choosing the 2nd Runner Up, 1st Runner Up and Queen, the judging panel also pick winners of the Talent, Oratory, Heritage and Kroj (costume) Awards, for which the contestants perform in a talent competition, answer questions in a private interview and on stage, and model the costume of their respective heritage. On Sunday, Aug. 2, pageant winners were announced; upon meeting the 2nd Runner Up - Christina Hochla of El Reno, Okla. - Tombazzi discovered that Christina was
the byzantine catholic world
www.facebook.com/MissCzechSlovakUS
On Friday evening, August 14, St. Gregory parish in Upper St. Clair, Pa. gathered as a family for the celebration of Great Vespers in honor of the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos. Every year, we look forward to this summer celebration as we assemble to honor, entreat, and pray to the Ever-Virgin Mary and Mother of God to intercede for us to her Son and our Lord Jesus Christ. As part of our celebration, we all participated in the procession with the Epitaphios of the Theotokos. The Epitaphios of the Mother of God - Dormition Shroud - is a richly embroidered cloth icon portraying the Theotokos lying in a state of sleep. Being blessed with wonderful weather, this procession led by children of our parish family took place outside as we chanted special hymns honoring the Holy Virgin Mary. At the conclusion of this Divine Service, we all approached the Tomb of our Lady in the center of our Church to venerate the holy EpitaphionDormtion Shroud with faith, reverence, and profound humility. n
continued
Christina Hochla, ready to compete in the Miss Czech-Slovak USA Pageant.
baptized by Father Phillip Seeton, administrator of the Byzantine Catholic Community of Oklahoma City, a mission of the Archeparchy of Pittsburgh. Christina’s mother, Margaret Hochla, is the cantor for the Byzantine Divine Liturgies celebrated there. In addition to Christina winning the title of 2015-2016 2nd Runnerup Miss Czech-Slovak, she also won the “Americanized” Kroj Award, the Sokol Award and the Grand Talent Award. Christina performed a ballet routine for the talent portion of the competition, choreographed to Anton Dvorak’s Opus 11 in F Minor. A graduate of Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School in Oklahoma City, OK, Christina will attend Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisc. this fall to pursue studies in Physical Therapy. “It truly was an eventful weekend in meeting a ‘fellow’ Byzantine Catholic in Nebraska,” said judge Laurel Tombazzi. “Christina stated on her official Miss Czech-Slovak US Pageant entry form that ‘I want to continue to stay strong in my faith ...’ We ask God to grant Christina many years, and the Holy Theotokos to protect her during her travels this year as the 2015-2016 2nd RunnerUp Miss Czech-Slovak US.” Currently 9 states – Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, and Wisconsin - have state pageants where a queen is crowned to represent her state at the Miss CzechSlovak US national event, which began in 1986 in the heavily Czech-populated town of Wilber, Nebraska. n
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SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2015
8th Annual ‘Faith & Fun Day’
altar servers of the archeparchy treated to a day of prayer and activities
Oh, what a glorious day this was . . . Thursday August 20 - the day of the 8th annual gathering for altar servers of the Archeparchy - began as a rainy, humid morning as participants opened their umbrellas or dodged the raindrops to enter Holy Ghost Church hall in McKees Rocks, Pa. to check in for Faith & Fun Day 2015. Thankfully, the rain subsided, and following a greeting from Father Kevin Marks and Darlene Fejka, Assistant Director and Coordinator for the Office of Vocations respectively, (and on behalf of Vocations Director Father Dennis Bogda, who was unable to attend the event), the near 100 in attendance filed out of the hall and walked across the parking lot to the church, where all were seated to hear a vocations presentation by Father Vasyl Symyon. A priest of the Eparchy of Mukachevo, Ukraine and now serving the Archeparchy of Pittsburgh, Father Vasyl’s personal story of discernment preceded the Divine Liturgy, which he concelebrated with Metropolitan Archbishop William, Father Kevin, Father Mykhaylo Shkynda, Father Vasyl Banyk, and Holy Ghost pastor Father Frank Firko, who graciously has hosted this first leg of the Faith and Fun event at his parish since 2012. Lunch by Hanlon’s of downtown Pittsburgh awaited the 50 hungry altar boys and their chaperones, who were served by volunteers from Holy Ghost parish. Leaving “home base” until the end of the day, everyone boarded the two buses engaged to chauffeur the group to all stops in between, which included: a tour of Consol Energy Center in Uptown Pittsburgh (home of the Pittsburgh Penguins NHL hockey team); a trip to Laser Storm in Pittsburgh’s North Hills for an afternoon of laser tag fun; shuttle to the Northshore and PNC Park to see Major League Baseball’s Pittsburgh Pirates play (and beat!) the Chicago Cubs; and the last event of the evening, “Faith Night” presentations at the ballpark by Manager Clint Hurdle and several Pirates players. And, the weather turned out to be picture perfect through day’s end. A surprise event of the evening was the Faith & Fun crew being selected by the Pirates front office to walk onto the warning track at PNC Park and be acknowledged as a participating group in the 3rd annual Faith Night. Twirling their souvenir “Faith & Fun Day” rally towels, the 100-strong group of Byzantine Catholic altar servers, clergy, and chaperones showed both their pride in the home team and their pride and belief in their Christian faith before a sellout crowd - a memory none will soon forget. n
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thoughts for our day by Archpriest David M. Petras
arguments for the existence of god Long ago, in the thirteenth century, St. T h o m a s A q u i n a s addressed the question of the existence of God. He did this as a part of his project to put together a complete science of God, a wholesome theology. As a part of this, he presented five “arguments,” that is, reasoned explanations of why there had to be a God. Many people today turn to these “arguments,” because they want proof that there is a God and that they are not wasting their life by trying to follow him in faith. So some people will not believe in God unless there is a fool-proof, mathematical demonstration that he actually exists. However, this was not Aquinas’ goal. He was not really trying to convince anyone about God. He simply wanted to have a complete system of knowledge about God, and also to comfort and strengthen those who had faith in God in their belief. The same is true today, we do not come to faith in God through rational arguments, but because faith was passed on to us by our parents, through their parents, through a whole community of faith to which we belong. We believe in God because so many have witnessed to his presence in their lives. We believe in Christ because the apostles witnessed the divinity present in him and have passed that faith on to their followers, and we still have that witness in the Gospels. The arguments for God tell us that this is all very reasonable. St. Thomas’ arguments for
the existence of God really rest on one reality. We cannot deny that there is existence, that there is stuff, that we are a part of a universe. That is absolutely certain, so that human beings, so far the only sentient creatures that we know of, ask the ultimate question, “Why is there something rather than nothing?” The problem is that nothing in the universe that we can sense with our eyes or ears or touch exists by necessity. Just like we ourselves, who came into life as one of many possible children our parents could have had, everything that is could have not been. This is known as the argument from “contingency,” that is, that since something may either be real or unreal, there must be some reason that it really exists. This means that there must be some principle, some foundation, some ground of existence. Everyone admits this, but atheists will affirm that it is simply “chance.” Things are the way they are because they just happened. There is no plan behind it. However, it is much more reasonable to suppose that because there is planning, goals and consciousness in the universe, that the principle of being is not simply “chance,” but aware and intentional, having a plan for creation. Bertrand Russell, the wellknown English atheist, was one of the few to encounter head-on what it would mean to believe only in chance: He wrote, “That Man is the product of causes which had no prevision of the end they were achieving: that his origin, his growth, his hopes and fears, his loves and beliefs, are but the outcome of accidental collocations of atoms
.... Only within the scaffolding of these truths, only on the firm foundation of unyielding despair, can the soul’s habitation be safely built.” On the contrary, as we have seen from the whole series on resurrection, we do not live in despair, but in hope. Despite all this, we do not come to faith in God only by reason. I also think that every one of us in our lives sometimes has an experience of the “transcendent,” of the ultimate reality behind all that there is. God reveals himself in some way to every one of us. We all receive this experience in different ways, though. Sometimes our life is so busy and so noisy that we cannot hear or sense the soft gentle whisper (the Prophet Elijah’s experience of God in 1 Kings 19:12) that is God “speaking” to us. Sometimes we have turned our minds against God, we don’t want to hear his voice either through the Gospels or in our own hearts. Sometimes we have our own preconceived ideas of faith that expect God to reveal himself in ways that he actually never would. How we respond to God then depends on our openness to the experience. St. Paul, on the road to Damascus, had an experience of Christ that completely changed his life, because he was open to accepting it. However, mystical events are not the only way we can meet God. We also can meet him in our prayers and worship in Liturgy. Through the Scriptures and the words of the prayers in Liturgy God can speak into our hearts. This is one reason, I believe, that the Liturgy should be in the vernacular, in the language we use in life, for they
are words that God does not need, but which are for us and our relationship with God. Finally, what can the arguments for God tell us? They can give us a certainty about a principle and foundation of being, but not necessarily that Yahweh, the God of the Scriptures, and his Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, are to be identified with this principle. However, if we listen carefully to the words of God in Scripture, we can make a connection and come to understanding. Our basic faith begins with the statement, “I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth and of all things, visible and invisible.” God is the Father in the sense that all that is comes from him, as St. Paul explains, “for this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named” (Ephesians 3:14), and “in him we live and move and have our being” (Acts 17:28). Jesus said, “Not one [sparrow] falls to the ground without your Father’s knowledge” (Matthew 10:29). And Jesus said, “No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son (Matthew 11:27) ... The Father and I are one” (John 10:30). Jesus is the image of God, and one cannot read his words with openness and not come to God. Militant atheists sometimes try to disprove God by the “straw man” argument. They create an image of God that no one could believe in and demolish this false image. For one who believes, however, the ultimate argument is not only a rational process, but the reality of our Lord Jesus himself. n
HAPPY ARE THE ONES YOU HAVE CHOSEN AND RECEIVED, O LORD; THEY ARE REMEMBERED FOREVER. ALLELUIA!
In Blessed Memory
Commemorating the 21st Anniversary of the repose in the Lord of
Bishop John M. Bilock Auxilliary Bishop of Pittsburgh Born: June 20, 1916 Ordained: February 3, 1946 Episcopal Ordination: May 15, 1973 Fell asleep in the Lord: September 8, 1994 the byzantine catholic world
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Byzantine Catholic Seminary SEPTEMBER 2015 Schedule of Services Guests are invited to join the Seminary community at liturgical services. To access the Seminary Chapel, please use the chapel doors facing Perrysville Ave. It is suggested that you call the Seminary Office (412-321-8383) a day in advance so we may anticipate your arrival. All are welcome!
(R) = Ruthenian tradition
(M) = Melkite tradition
3605 Perrysville Avenue | Pittsburgh, PA 15214 | www.bcs.edu
‘Come And See’
byzantine catholic seminary to host retreat of discovery oct 16-18 The Byzantine Catholic Seminary of Saints Cyril and Methodius is pleased to host the “Come and See” Retreat of Discovery Friday Oct. 16 through Sunday Oct. 18, 2015. Invited to this retreat are men ages 18 to 35, single or married, who may be considering a vocation to the priesthood within the Byzantine Catholic Church. The atmosphere will be prayerful, positive, and fraternal. Every young man eventually has to make some hard decisions – college, career, marriage, family, religious life. How do you know what’s right? Does God care what you decide? Do you have to give up everything to serve the Church? What questions do you have about the priesthood? “Come and See” will help you answer these questions and more as you witness a seminarian’s life of prayer, labor, and joy! “Come and See” is a retreat weekend hosted by the Byzantine Catholic Seminary (BCS) in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The retreat includes sharing liturgical services and meals
with the Seminary community and an introduction to the Seminary formation program. It will also include a tour of the Seminary, gatherings with the seminarians, witness talks, and guided reflections on discernment – how to listen to God’s plans for your future and your happiness. There is no charge for the retreat, meals, and lodging. More information can be found at the Seminary’s website www. bcs.org. Founded by God’s grace in 1950, the Byzantine Catholic Seminary of SS. Cyril and Methodius, the official seminary of the Byzantine Catholic Metropolitan Church of Pittsburgh, USA is open to all North American Eastern Catholic Eparchies, and welcomes all those seeking advanced knowledge of the Eastern ecclesial traditions. As a school of theology, the BCS is authorized by the Pennsylvania Department of Education and accredited by the Association of Theological Schools. The Seminary has operated as a non-profit 501(c)(3)
organization, incorporated in Pennsylvania, and governed by a Board of Directors under the leadership of the Metropolitan of the Archeparchy of Pittsburgh. As an Eastern Christian Center of Learning, the Seminary will continue to prepare men for priestly ministry, and also serve as a center for all others interested in theology, spirituality, liturgy, and scripture. Questions? Call the Seminary Office 412-321-8383 or e-mail office@bcs.edu. n
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Join Sisters of St. Basil for ‘A Morning of Spiritual Reflection’ Mount St. Macrina House of Prayer announces A Morning of Spiritual Reflection on Saturday, October 24, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Becky Johnen will lead the group using the theme “Lessons That I Learned from a Crayon Box.” Offering for the mini-retreat is $25 and includes lunch. The registration deadline is Saturday, October 17. To register, call the House of Prayer directly at 724-438-7149 or write to Sister Carol, Mount St. Macrina House of Prayer, 510 W. Main St. Box 878, Uniontown, PA 15401. The Sisters ask that anyone interested to please register early. Early registrations help to avoid the cancellation of programs. n
September St. Gregory Nazianzus Church Upper St. Clair, Pa.
EVENT: Parish Picnic (parish-only) DATE: Sun. Sept. 13 TIME: 11:30 a.m. INFO: Rev. Valerian Michlik 412-835-7800
Good food and music, BINGO, children’s games and activities. Listings provided by pastors/churches of the Archeparchy of Pittsburgh.
around the archeparchy RUMMAGE SALE – St. Pius X Church, 2336 Brownsville Road in Carrick, Pa. will hold its Annual Rummage Sale on Saturday Sept. 12 in the church basement from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Baked goods and other foods will be sold throughout the day. Organizers are still in need of rummage items for this sale; donations are much appreciated and will be accepted at the church through August (please call first). For more information, call 412-881-8344. VATRA – Carpatho-Rusyn Vatra - Rusyn & Slovak Picnic - Saturday Sept. 12 from noon to 8:00 pm. “Rain or shine.” Free admission, all are welcome! Infant of Prague Byzantine Catholic Church Grounds, 7754 South Avenue, Boardman, OH 44512. Divine Liturgy at 6:00 pm. Food ! Music! Genealogy sales tables! Kitchen opens at noon, featuring the best food of its kind this side of the Atlantic: pirohy, holupky, halushky, kolbassy, old-fashioned bacon fry (slanina). Presented by the Youngstown-Warren-Sharon chapter of the Carpatho-Rusyn Society. Vitajte! ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT BREAKFAST BUFFET – sponsored by St. Mary’s Youth Group. St. Mary’s Byzantine Catholic Center, Route 981 in Trauger, Pa. Sunday, Sept. 13 from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. Adults $6; Children 5-10 $ 3; 4 & under FREE. CHAMPAGNE LUNCH & BINGO – St. Elias Byzantine Catholic Church, 4200 Homestead-Duquesne Road, Munhall, Pa. will hold a “Champagne Lunch & Bingo” on Sunday, Sept. 20 in the parish Social Hall. Seating is limited and all seats are reserved. Advance tickets required – so please buy your tickets early. Donation of $35 includes lunch and a bingo packet with 9 cards for regular games and specials, and 3 for the Jackpot. Prizes range from $75 (regular) to $250 (“Round Robin”); Jackpot is $1,100. Additional regular game packets are available for purchase. Doors open at 11:00 a.m.; lunch from 12:00 Noon to 1:00 p.m.; early birds begin at 1:15 p.m.; regular games begin at 1:30 p.m. Two 5-minute intermissions. Lunch includes “champagne drink,” cheese & crackers, fruit, salad, chicken, Swedish meatballs, potatoes, vegetable, dessert, coffee, soda. “Chinese” auction, door prizes and Vera Bradley handbag raffles. For tickets, call 412-635-6104.
SS. Peter & Paul Church Erie, PA EVENT: Slavic Festival DATE: Sunday, Sept. 20 TIME: Noon to 7:00 p.m. INFO: Rectory 814-825-8140 Richard Vasil 814-864-6136
Ethnic foods (eat-in or take-out); bake sale; live polka music and dancing; gift basket raffles; cash prize drawings; unique gift shop; church tours. Public welcome!
FALL BINGO – St. Nicholas Church, 624 East Pittsburgh Street, Greensburg, PA 15601 will hold a Fall Bingo in the church Social Hall on Sunday, Sept. 27 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Doors will open at 12:30 p.m. Admission: $5 per person. Tickets may be purchased at the door. There will be regular bingos, quickie bingos, a “Chinese” Auction, 50/50 raffle, and several Food Basket raffles. Grocery Gift Cards will be issued to the winners of the regular bingos. Ethnic foods (halushky & pirohy) will be sold to eat before, during and after the bingos. Phone 724-832-8122 for questions or information. A TASTEFUL NIGHT – St. Gregory Byzantine Catholic Church, Upper St. Clair, Pa. will host a restaurant food-tasting fundraiser, “A Tasteful Night.” Held at Crowne Plaza-Pittsburgh South (164 Fort Couch Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15241), Friday, Oct. 30, 6:30–10:30 p.m. Have fun tasting and sampling dishes from more than a dozen Downtown Pittsburgh and South Hills restaurants and enjoy live entertainment by songstress “Antoinette.” Chinese, silent, and live auctions are sure to please. Tickets $60. Call now! For more information, contact Sharon Opal at 412-721-3799 or Barbara Stasiuk at 412- 885-2140. Come taste the fun!
dates to remember september 7 Labor Day - national observance CHANCERY CLOSED september 8 Feast of the Nativity of the Holy Theotokos CHANCERY CLOSED september 13 Grandparents Day - national observance Annual Celebration of Marriage St. Elias Church & Social Hall - Munhall, Pa. september 14 Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross CHANCERY CLOSED october 1 Feast of the Protection of the Holy Theotokos CHANCERY CLOSED See more upcoming events at www.archpitt.org
the byzantine catholic world
Byzantine Catholic Press Associates - The BCW
Official publication of the Byzantine Catholic Archeparchy of Pittsburgh
e-mail: bcw@archpitt.org web: www.archpitt.org
next issue DATE: SEPTEMBER 27
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