Byzantine Catholic World - Volume 60 - No.14 - October 2015

October is Respect Life Month the official newspaper of the archeparchy of pittsburgh

apple-licious!

Inside

Thank You! metropolitan grateful for prayers, wishes during recovery

May God grant to Metropolitan William peace, health and happiness for many blessed years!

creative contest

Calling all young artists, writers of the Archeparchy Page 8

Annual prayer service for Ruthenian hierarchs

moleben for causes of beatification, canonization nov. 1 PITTSBURGH — The Archieparchial Office of Beatification and Canonization will mark its 29th Annual Prayer Service for the Causes of Beatification and Canonization for the four Holy Hierarchs of Subcarpathian Ruthenia in Eastern Europe.

This commemoration has a long-standing tradition of being rendered on or near the last Sunday of October, and will be the 30th time since its inception in 1986 that an official celebration occur on an archieparchial level.

A Moleben to the Holy Virgin Mary will be offered at this year’s celebration, beseeching her continual intercession and assistance in this sacred work.

The 2015 liturgical celebration will take place at Holy Ghost Church, 225 Olivia Street, McKees Rocks, Pa. on Sunday, Nov. 1, at 3:00 p.m.

sunday, OCTOBER 18, 2015

experiencing god

Father David Petras continues his series on knowing the Almighty Page 10

Synod of Bishops continues

xiv ordinary assembly addresses family issues

Archbishop William is scheduled to be the principal celebrant; Father Frank A. Firko, STL, Archieparchial Postulator of the Causes and pastor of Holy Ghost Parish will deliver remarks. Attending clergy are invited to concelebrate.

Responses will be led by the Archieparchial Choir.

This annual event is held to perpetuate the bold and virtuous witness of the lives of these four blessed and holy servants of God and to encourage continual prayer for their beatification and canonization. During the Soviet Communist invasion of their homeland between 1945-50, they staunchly professed their Catholic faith with uncompromising loyalty and fidelity to the Vicar of Christ, the

Held in Vatican City October 4-25, 2015, the XIV Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops marks the 50th anniversary of the Synod and carries the theme “The vocation and mission of the family in the Church and in the contemporary world.” The purpose of the XIV Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops is to continue the work of the III Extraordinary General Assembly (Oct. 5-19, 2014) by “reflect[ing] further on the points discussed so as to formulate appropriate pastoral guidelines” for the pastoral care of the person and the family (Instrumentum Laboris, III Extraordinary

Moleben continued on page 2

Synod continued on page 3

Faithful of Archeparchy greet Pope Francis

Nick Havrilla, Sr.

PITTSBURGH — Archbishop William had been scheduled to attend the Synod of Bishops XIV General Assembly in Vatican City with departure at the beginning of October, when an unexpected medical issue sidelined His Eminence, making travel unadvisable.

Announcement from the Office of the Archbishop, sent Sept.

30 to all clergy and religious of the Archeparchy, related that “Metropolitan Archbishop William Skurla will undergo an outpatient eye treatment on Thursday October 1, 2015.”

Consequently, Bishop Kurt Burnette was designated to represent Archbishop William at the October 2015 Synod.

As he journeys through his recovery, Archbishop William conveys his sincere thanks to all who have kept him in their thoughts and prayers. He is most grateful for those prayers and asks that you continue to pray for his healing and for a productive Synod of Bishops. n

DuBois parish puts the squeeze on everyone’s favorite fall fruit Page 6

vol. 60 no. 14

On hand to bid welcome to Pope Francis during his visit to the U.S. Sept. 22-27 were faithful of the Archeparchy of Pittsburgh, led

by Archieparchial Protosyncellus Very Rev. Andrew Deskevich. The group departed Sept. 26 for Philadelphia, the last stop on the Holy Father’s historic tour. Additional photos on page 5.

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Divine Liturgy Vespers Divine Liturgy Great Vespers Festal Matins Matins Orthros Divine Liturgy Compline Divine Liturgy SUNDAY, Vespers Festal Matins Matins Psalm Service 11th K Divine Liturgy Hour of Silence Divine Liturgy Compline Divine Liturgy Great Vespers Festal Matins 9th Hour Matins Psalm Service 12th K Divine Liturgy 3rd Hour Divine Liturgy Vespers Divine Liturgy Great Vespers Festal Matins Divine Liturgy Orthros Divine Liturgy Akathist of Christ Divine Liturgy Vespers Divine Liturgy Great Vespers

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Byzantine Catholic Seminary of SS. Cyril & Methodius OCTOBER 2015 Schedule of Services

UPS 081500 ISSN 07442289 Official publication of the Byzantine Catholic Archeparchy of Pittsburgh Serving parish communities in central and western Pennsylvania, Louisiana, eastern Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas and West Virginia

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!

3605 Perrysville Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15214 www.bcs.edu

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

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(R) = Ruthenian tradition

Moleben

(R) (R) (M) (R) (R) (M) (R) (R) (R) (R) (R) (R) (M) (R) (R) (M) (R) (R) (M) (R) (M) (M) (R) (R) (M) (M) (R) (R)

(M) = Melkite tradition

National Bible Week

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Pope of Rome. They indeed demonstrated what it means to live a full life in Christ. This is why we must continue to work and have them officially recognized by the Universal Church as Canonized Saints.

These holy hierarchs were: Blessed Bishop-Martyr Theodore G. Romzha, eparch of Mukachevo, who was poisoned to death in the Mukachevo hospital on November 1, 1947; Blessed Bishop-Martyr Paul P. Gojdich, O.S.B.M., eparch of Prešov, who died as a result of unjust aggression on July 17, 1960, after spending ten years of hard labor in prison; Blessed Bishop-Martyr Basil Hopko, auxiliary of Prešov, who after spending many years of suffering physical and mental tortures in prison, and later released, died of complications arising from unjust aggression on July 23, 1976; and Servant of God Alexander Chira,

(M) (R) (R) (M) (R) (R) (M) (R) (R) (M) 18,(M) 2015

auxiliary and later ordinary of Mukachevo, who after suffering at the hands of the Communists, surrendered his life to God on May 26, 1983.

It would be excellent and a true demonstration of solidarity among our Byzantine Catholic faithful if each parish of the Archeparchy would ensure one or more representatives at this Moleben. The general public also is encouraged to attend.

Those interested in obtaining more information concerning this day of prayer may contact Holy Ghost Church at 412771-3324. The event also will be streamed online at www. ustream.tv/channel/holy-ghostchurch. Information on the lives of these holy prelates also will be available in the parish social hall following the 3:00 p.m. liturgical celebration, where light refreshments will be served. n

celebrating 50th anniversary of dei verbum

from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

WASHINGTON — Families, parishes, schools and other Catholic groups can participate in National Bible Week, November 15-21, with resources provided in English and Spanish and available on the website of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The theme of the observance is “The Bible: A Book for the Family.”

The Second Vatican Council’s Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation Dei Verbum will celebrate its 50th anniversary on November 18, 2015. National Bible Week logos and a variety of resources that highlight the Bible in Catholic life are available online: www.usccb.org/bible/ national-bible-week/index.cfm. n

mission The mission of The Byzantine

Catholic World is to spread

Nov. 1-7 is National Vocation Awareness Week

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 Darlene Fejka / BCW

community among Byzantine Catholics in the Archeparchy of Pittsburgh, throughout the Metropolitan Church in America, and around the world.

Office of Vocations Director Father Dennis Bogda and Assistant Director Father Kevin Marks answer questions for a video production on the campus of Franciscan University of Steubenville (Ohio) during the annual Vocations Awareness Day Oct. 9.

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National Vocation Awareness Week (Nov. 1-7, 2015) is an annual week-long celebration in Catholic Churches of the United States dedicated to promote vocations to the priesthood, diaconate and consecrated life through prayer and education, and to renew prayers and support for those who are considering a vocation in the Church. NVAW began in 1976 when the U. S. bishops designated the 28th Sunday of the year for NVAW. In 1997, this celebration was moved to coincide with the Feast of Theophany. Beginning in 2014, NVAW was moved to the first full week of November. n

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2015

‘Discerning the Family Vocation’

synod’s small groups conclude second session VATICAN CITY (Vatican Radio) — At the Synod on the Family on Wednesday (14 October) bishops presented the results of their second round of small group work, dedicated to the second theme of ‘discerning the family vocation.’ The discussions ranged from theological and biblical reflections to practical ways of supporting family life today. This second week of discussions on the vocation of the family is “the beating heart” of the whole three week Synod.

That statement from one of the small group presenters explains why discussions have been intense and feelings have been running high in recent days, as Synod participants struggle to find “clear,” “meaningful” and “inviting” language in which to define the Church’s vision of marriage and family life.

All of the 13 groups felt that significant changes must be made to the Synod’s working document if it is to serve as an effective ‘compass’ for families trying to live out their faith in their complex and often difficult daily circumstances. All groups agreed on the need to draw more deeply on Scripture, not just citing chapter and verse, but exploring both Old Testament sources – such as the exquisite love lyrics of the Canticle of Canticles – or the many stories of Jesus interaction with mothers, fathers, spouses and children contained in the New Testament.

Similarly, the bishops underlined the importance of encouraging parents to read the bible, to attend Mass and to pray together with their children in both formal and informal ways. While families are seen as the “seedbed” in which Christian faith and values take root, bishops stressed the importance of Catholic schools as the place where those seeds can grow, deepen and come to fruition.

While it is vital to support and encourage families who are living out their Christian vocation, the bishops also warned against over-simplifying the problems of people unable or unwilling to marry in Church.

Economic or cultural pressures weigh heavy on many young people who decide to delay or

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The Melkite Patriarch invited all of the Eastern hierarchs present for the XIV Synod (including Bishop Kurt Burnette of the Eparchy of Passaic, pictured fourth from left) to Santa Maria in Cosmedin for a prayer service and dinner on October 8, where each sang a hymn. photo courtesy of Bishop Kurt Burnette

Synod

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General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops). The XIII Ordinary General Assembly (on the New Evangelization for the Transmission of the Christian Faith) was held in 2012.

The bishops from the United States attending the Synod include Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz (Louisville, USCCB President), Cardinal Daniel DiNardo (Galveston-Houston, USCCB Vice President), Archbishop Jose Gomez (Los Angeles), Archbishop Charles Chaput (Philadelphia), Archbishop Blase Cupich (Chicago), Bishop George Murry (Youngstown), Cardinal Donald Wuerl (Washington, member of the Ordinary Council of the Synod of Bishops), Cardinal Timothy Dolan (New York, member of the Ordinary Council of the Synod of Bishops), and Archbishop William Skurla (Archeparchy of Pittsburgh, Byzantine Catholic). Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone (San Francisco) has been named as an alternate. [Bishop Kurt Burnette of the Eparchy of Passaic is representing Archbishop William, who was unable to attend.]

Released in December 2014, the Lineamenta “The Vocation and Mission of the Family in the Church and Contemporary World” contained the Relatio

Synodi (final report) of the Third Extraordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, together with an explanatory preface and a series of questions “aimed at knowing how the document is received and to generate an in-depth examination of the work initiated during the Extraordinary Assembly” (from the document preface).

As the Lineamenta explains, the results of the consultation based on the questions contained therein “will serve as the basis for the Instrumentum Laboris” for the Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops in October 2015.

In June 2015, the Instrumentum Laboris “The Vocation and Mission of the Family in the Church and Contemporary World,” which serves as the “working document” for the Ordinary Synod, was released. It contains the Relatio Synodi text from the conclusion of the III Extraordinary Synod, along with a summary of the responses to the questions in the Lineamenta (see above). As explained by Cardinal Baldisseri in the Presentation, the three sections of the Instrumentum Laboris “illustrate the continuity between the two Assemblies”:

reject marriage and family life.

Domestic violence was also discussed by a number of the groups, with a call for greater sensitivity to women who’ve suffered abuse. “We need to be realistic about marital problems,” one bishop said, “rather than simply encouraging people to stay together.”

Overall, the bishops called for

a more positive way of presenting marriage and family life, not as a burden or unrealistic ideal, but rather as a gift of self-giving, reflecting the love of God for his Church. Over the past ten days, there’s been much discussion of the seemingly opposing views of defending the doctrine of marriage or promoting mercy for the majority of people who

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the first part, “Considering the Challenges of the Family” draws more directly from the Extraordinary Synod, the first phase of the Synodal process, while the second and third parts, “The Discernment of the Vocation of the Family” and “The Mission of the Family Today” introduce the topic of the Ordinary Synod, which has the “intention of offering to the Church and the contemporary world pastoral incentives to spur renewed efforts in evangelization.”

The most recent Synod of Bishops on the theme of the family took place in 1980 (V Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops).

Pope St. John Paul II’s 1981 apostolic exhortation Familiaris Consortio, on the role of the Christian family in the modern world, was written at the request of that Synod’s Fathers. n Source: www.vatican.va Find the latest information and reports on the work of the XIV Synod at: http://synod15.vatican. va/content/salastampa/it/ special/2015/sinodo2015e n / t o p i c . d i r. h t m l / c o n t e n t / salastampaevents/it/2015/ sinodo2015-en.html . . . and also at: http://en.radiovaticana.va/news/

fail to follow Church teaching in one way or another. “Let’s not be closed into such false contradictions,” one bishop appealed, as he urged pastors and theologians to work together to open up new horizons for all people seeking direction on their journey of faith. n

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Byzantine Catholics in ‘40 Days for Life’

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2015

2015 Byzantine Spirituality Conference

planned prayer at pittsburgh’s planned parenthood offices

by Deacon Paul Boboige

The goal of 40 Days for LifePittsburgh is to organize prayers so that Planned Parenthood of Western Pennsylvania, 433 Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh will close and no longer kill future residents. On Friday, October 23 Byzantine Catholics will join this effort from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m.

We are shocked, but not surprised by the callousness with which executives of various Planned Parenthood facilities have spoken of selling dismembered aborted babies’ organs, including brains, livers and gonads. While they summarily tell women that the preborn life which they are aborting is “just a clump of tissue,” ironically they also have spoken of taking great care to preserve organs within that “clump of tissue” which are most valuable to potential buyers.

Vanessa Russo, compliance program administrator for Planned Parenthood Keystone in Central Pennsylvania dismisses the current laws that prohibit making a profit from aborted babies’ body parts, calling discussions around the issue “crap,” and tells another Planned Parenthood official that “... we can’t consent to be bullied by ridiculous laws ...” The exposé of Planned Parenthood’s policies are available for viewing at www. centerformedicalprogress.org/ Please join us on October 23; we will pray a “Moleben for the Sacredness of Life and Supplication for the Victims of Abortion” at 10:00 a.m. We also pray for those women and men who had or encouraged an abortion to ask for God’s mercy to relieve the pain of Post Abortion Syndrome (PAS) and to seek forgiveness through the Mystery of Reconciliation.

Healing information is available at www.rachelsvineyard.org/. n Deacon Paul Boboige is Coordinator of the Office of Pro-Life for the Archeparchy of Pittsburgh.

He serves Nativity of the Mother of God Church in Dubois, Pa.

NO REFUNDS. Mail check and make payable to: OFFICE OF RELIGIOUS EDUCATION 3605 Perrysville Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15214

NOTE: Parish registrations for a table of 5 or more are available at $25 per person, but all registrations must be submitted and prepaid together.

Setting the record straight In 2015, a series of undercover videos showed officials of the Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA) discussing how they perform abortions and traffic in the tissues and organs of abortion victims. The officials’ matterof-fact comments on destroying unborn human life, and on altering abortion methods to obtain more “intact” organs, have led to a public debate on Planned Parenthood’s role as a “women’s health” organization receiving large government subsidies.

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops researched the facts about the Planned Parenthood debate. Read the helpful fact sheet online at www.pacatholic.org/plannedparenthood-setting-the-recordstraight/ n

Office of Religious Education

EVENTS

2015 Spirituality Conference: November 7 Cathedral of St. John the Baptist - Munhall, Pa. For Great Fast 2016 Adult Faith Formation Sessions - Pope Francis’ Encyclical On Care For Our Common Home (Laudato Si’) Dates / Locations To Be Announced Catechist Day of Reflection: March 12, 2016 * NOTE: Location To Be Announced * “Looking at ‘Laudato Si’ (On Care For Our Common Home) Through Iconography” Presenter: Father Elias Rafaj Pre Cana Sessions: March 5 & 19, 2016 Cathedral of St. John the Baptist - Munhall, Pa. Women’s Spirituality Day: April 9, 2016 St. Elias Church - Munhall, Pa.

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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.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2015

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Archbishop, pilgrims share memories of Pope Francis’ Philadelphia visit

Archbishop William sits among fellow Eastern bishops at the Parkway Mass in Philadelphia September 27.

Welcome banners lined the streets of Philadelphia.

Eastern Catholic hierarchs from across Pennsylvania and neighboring states converged upon Philadelphia for Pope Francis’ visit.

Pilgrims Dana Tomcanin, Mary Ellen Dudick and Mary Frances Zadzilko patiently wait in line at a security checkpoint.

Pilgrim Mary Caryl Planiczki offered “thanks to my Venezuelan friend who helped me to get close and take pictures!”

Mary Ann Kostrubanic displays the welcome sign carried by each Pittsburgh pilgrim.

Pilgrimage leader Father Andrew Deskevich on the subway.

A young pilgrim was spotted in a tree, much like a modern-day Zaccheus, trying to get a better view of Pope Francis.

Cardinal Timothy Dolan enjoys a seated view from the unique “popemobile” as His Holiness Pope Francis waves to the throngs of faithful who traveled from around the world to greet him in Philadelphia and attend the outdoor Mass the weekend of September 26-27.

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The Holy Father delivers the homily during the Sept. 27 Parkway Mass.

parish news PAGE 6

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2015

‘Pressed’ into juicy duty

dubois parish enjoys sweet fall activity

Furry friends blessed

st. gregory parish welcomes beloved pets

by Deacon Paul Boboige

n

At the time of this activity, Father Simeon Sibenik was the administrator of Nativity parish, and Father Bob Karl the pastor of Holy Trinity Church.

Anja Michlik

Father Myron Kochaba must have been smiling from afar on Sunday, September 20, as parishioners of Nativity of the Mother of God Church, DuBois, Pa. picked apples. Father Myron was pastor of Nativity parish in the 1980s and it was he who planted an orchard of apple, pear, cherry and plum trees on the church property.

This year the apple crop was very productive, with the limbs hanging heavy with fruit. An invitation was issued for people to come and pick apples for their particular needs.

Deacon Luke Crawford of neighboring Holy Trinity parish in Sykesville graciously responded with an offer to bring his cider press to make apple cider.

An activity was quickly organized and we had great fun making and drinking homemade cider. We made about 12-15 gallons for the participants to take home.

by Father Valerian Michlik

In our Holy Church we have a number of Blessings which are associated with the needs, events, and tasks of human life. In celebrating these various blessings, the Church is constantly bearing witness to the presence and action of God in our lives.

The Church blesses individuals, events such as trips, and objects such as icons, Churches, flowers, fields, animals, and food. In so doing, the Church is not only expressing our thanks-giving, but also affirming that no gift, event, or human responsibility is secular or detached from God. On Tuesday evening, September 29, we observed the Blessing of Animals at St. Gregory Church in Upper St. Clair, Pa. This event reminds us that as stewards of God’s creation we are called to care for, nurture and bless each other, our environment and the animal kingdom. In our Eastern Church are number of saints who are considered patron saints of animals and livestock: St. Modestus, St. Mammas or St. George.

Even though the weather did not cooperate, a number of parishioners braved the rain and joined us with their pets for this prayerful event during which the cats and dogs were quite well-behaved. n

Tamburitzans tradition

former, current slavjane performers attend spirit-filled event

photos by Chris Witherow

Young Slavjane Folk Ensemble performers Mimi and Gaby Kassabov (standing) join SFE alumni Alex Hersh and Stephanie Bartus at the Sept. 27 Communion Mass and Breakfast at Epiphany Church in Uptown Pittsburgh, given by the Duquesne University Tamburitzans alumni as a spiritual gift to ask for blessings over the performers for the new 2015-16 performing season. Alex, a member of St. George Byzantine Catholic Church, Aliquippa, Pa. is a freshman Tamburitzans performer, while Stephanie is in her junior year of studies and performance with the world-renowned group. Mimi and Gaby are parishioners at Holy Ghost Church, McKees Rocks, Pa. n the byzantine catholic world

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2015

parish news

A dayful of events at St. John Cathedral catechetical sunday among observances

by Nick Havrilla, Sr.

The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Munhall, Pa. had quite a busy morning following the 9:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy on Sunday, Sept. 20.

The Liturgy was offered by Cathedral Rector Father Dennis Bogda in memory of all deceased members of the parish CAMEO Club.

Attending members received Holy Communion as a group, thus participating in a Corporate Communion during the Liturgy (photo, above).

Later, officers of the CAMEO Club presented Father Dennis with their annual contribution to the Cathedral of $20,000 (photo top right), earmarked for a new air conditioning system in the church. The funds had been earned by the club over the 2014-15 year.

Having given over $315,000 over the last 45 years, this check was the largest amount donated to date!

photos by Nick Havrilla, Sr.

Catechetical Sunday, which is observed in parishes across the country also was observed by the parishioners, catechists and youth of the Cathedral.

In our Sunday bulletin Father Dennis wrote: “Today our teachers and students witness the value of power of prayer.

The Church prays for their wisdom, understanding, knowledge of truth and love. As they are blessed we congratulate them, not with applause but with prayers and beseech God to grant them peace, health and happiness for many (spiritually fruitful) blessed years!�

Father Dennis spoke to the children briefly (photo, center right).

Each child then was blessed individually by Father Dennis (photo bottom right)after which each started their Eastern Christian Formation (ECF) classes for the year. n

Monroeville parish welcomes new pastor

newest priest of archeparchy begins pastorate at church of the resurrection On Sunday, September 27, 2015, Rev. Donald Bolls was installed as pastor of Holy Resurrection Church (Church of the Resurrection), Monroeville, Pa. Following the liturgical service, the clergy and faithful in attendance gathered for refreshments in the church social hall. Pictured in the commemorative photo from right to left are Rev. Donald Voss, St. Nicholas Church, McKeesport; Very Rev. Ivan Mina, Ascension of Our Lord Church, Clairton and Dean of the Clairton Deanery (Protopresbytery); Right Rev. Msgr. Russell Duker, Holy Spirit Church, Oakland and St. Pius X Church, Brownsville; Right Rev. Msgr. Lawrence Dominik, Vatican City; Subdeacon Raffaele Ruggiero; Server William Kerr. n the byzantine catholic world

continued

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SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2015

CREATIVE CONTEST! CALLING ALL YOUNG ARTISTS & WRITERS

“St. Nicholas & the Spirit of Giving” 2015 Creativity Contest

To many, St. Nicholas embodies the spirit of giving. Do you agree?

Show or tell us why! From traditional tales to modern accounts, choose your favorite St. Nicholas story of giving, then through your artwork or essay share your feelings on giving to help others!

Judging by the St. Nicholas Celebration Committee will take place shortly after the November 20th deadline, and winners will be announced during the St. Nicholas dinner program on December 6.

- 2015 Creativity Contest Rules -

USING THE THEME: “St. Nicholas & the Spirit of Giving”

Moleben — 3 PM

Social Hour & Kid’s Corner — 4 PM Dinner — 5 PM

• Only one entry per student.

• Entries must be RECEIVED by Friday, November 20, 2015.

Submissions received after the deadline will not qualify.

• Participants are encouraged to attend the St. Nicholas Celebration, but attendance is not mandatory to win.

• Any questions can be directed to Basil Wahal at 724-495-3924 or bwahal@gcuusa.com.

THREE Coloring & Art Divisions: 1) Grades Pre-K & K 2) Grades 1 & 2 3) Grades 3 & 4

For Coloring & Art Division Entries: o Original art submissions must be in color on WHITE paper or art board - maximum size 12” x 18”. o Children in this division may opt to color the Official St. Nicholas Coloring Page in place of creating original artwork on the contest theme. (see your pastor or ECF teacher for this page, or download from www.gcuusa.com or www.archpitt.org)

“Join me in the Kids Corner at the 2015 St. Nicholas Event December 6!”

r Corne

• A minimum of three entrants is required in all grade divisions.

If the minimum number of required entrants is not reached in an age division, then all participants of that division will receive a consolation prize.

Kids Corner columnist Sandy Simko and her husband, Deacon Paul Simko will be on hand Sunday, Dec. 6 at the St. John Cathedral Center in Munhall, Pa. to conduct a live “Kids Corner” activity during the 2015 St. Nicholas Celebration. The Simkos are well-noted for their “Vacation Bible Camp” expertise, and promise a fun activity for the youngsters in attendance. n

THREE Art & Creative Writing Divisions: 1) Grades 5, 6 & 7

2) Grades 8 & 9

3) Grades 10, 11 & 12

For Art & Creative Writing Division Entries: o Original art submissions must be in color on WHITE paper or art board - maximum size 12” x 18”. o Students in this division may opt to submit an original entry of Creative Writing (essay, poem or short story) of no more than 3 pages, front-side only and double spaced, on the contest theme.

For consideration, please mail your entry, a clear photo of yourself, and fully completed entry form (for entry form, see your pastor or ECF teacher, or download from www.gcuusa.com or www.archpitt. org) to:

St. Nicholas Celebration Committee Drawing & Coloring Contest 66 Riverview Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15214

Need help with ideas? Find books on St. Nicholas at the

Byzantine Seminary Press www.byzantineseminarypress.com or visit www.stnicholascenter.org/pages/stories-legends online.

The St. Nicholas Celebration is on Facebook!

“Like” us and view pictures and clips from previous events.

Since our event page is public, you may view its content without having a Facebook account.

https://www.facebook.com/StNicholasCelebration.PGH the byzantine catholic world

Beloved saint!

Created by St. Nicholas Celebration Commitee member Amanda Singel, the full-sized art contest coloring option page for children Pre-K through grade 4 is available from parish pastors or ECF teachers, or download from www. gcuusa.com or www. archpitt.org along with the necessary contest entry forms and official contest rules. n

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2015

PAGE

59th Annual St. Nicholas Celebration

‘family: the foundation of consecrated life’

What Laity can learn from Consecrated Lives (Part 2 of 4)

The theme for this year’s St. Nicholas Event is “Family: The Foundation of Consecrated Life.” This theme highlights two major overlapping events: the Year of Consecrated Life (celebrated from the First Sunday of Advent - the weekend of November 29, 2014 - until February 2, 2016, the World Day of Consecrated Life) and the World Meeting of Families, which took place this September in Philadelphia and included an historic visit from Pope Francis. The following four-part series reflects upon what laity can learn from those living consecrated lives.

by Chris Singel, M.A.T.

In Part One of these reflections [Sept. 27, 2015 BCW], we saw how religious communities are modeled after family. In this segment, we see how when those living consecrated lives choose the fundamental values of the gospel over other attitudes and philosophies predominant in our culture, they affirm their belief that Jesus’ teachings are the real truth that gives meaning to our lives. And, while consecrated persons also teach us the necessity of conversion, prayer, and fasting, we’ll focus on one element in particular: how living the values of the Gospels help them to put everything into the perspective of eternity.

These consecrated persons are witnesses to the basic Gospel vows of poverty, chastity, obedience and those values seem to go against how most people live in our mainstream culture. However, consecrated persons are content accepting these vows because they understand the “why” behind them: it puts their relationship towards possessions and their relationships with other people into the perspective of eternity.

Our religious communities know that only the Gospel teachings – something much greater than our personal beliefs and tendencies – have the real power to change us for the better. This concept is pointed out in the Apostolic Exhortation of the Consecrated Life Vita Consecrata: “A particular duty of the consecrated life is to remind the baptized of the fundamental values of the Gospel, by bearing splendid and striking testimony that the world cannot be transfigured and offered to God without the spirit of the Beatitudes. The consecrated

life thus continually fosters in the People of God an awareness of the need to respond with holiness of life to the love of God poured into their hearts by the Holy Spirit.” (cf. Rom 5:5) (cf. 33) Finally, consecrated lives demonstrate to us a major requirement related to the central theme of Eastern Christianity: theosis. In the journey of theosis, we set aside our wills and desires and trust that God’s will is best for us – truly an eternal perspective.

Having consecrated persons as role models for theosis is indispensable because through their living witness, we don’t need to learn about theosis abstractly through books. Yes, laity can read about purifying the soul or illumination, but they may still wonder, “Is this really possible?” We are given the answer, “Yes!” when we see others on their journey.

Yes, it is hard to tell some people that the mark of a successful life, marriage or family is not in possessions.

But, as Vita Consecrata points out, Christians who follow the lead of our religious communities understand that only following the Gospels can lead to true peace and freedom: “The prophetic task of the consecrated life is brought into play by three major challenges [that] relate directly to the evangelical counsels of chastity, poverty and obedience, impelling the Church, and consecrated persons in particular, to clarify and testify to the profound anthropological significance of the counsels. The decision to follow the counsels, far from involving an impoverishment of truly human values, leads instead to their transformation. The profession of chastity, poverty

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Join in the Celebration! st. nicholas event december 6

The Annual Saint Nicholas Celebration will be celebrating its 59th Anniversary this year. The annual dinner, which is held for the benefit of the Byzantine Catholic Seminary of Saints Cyril & Methodius, will take place on Sunday, December 6, 2015 at Saint John Cathedral & Center in Munhall, Pennsylvania.

Last year was a wonderful success as we saw more than 300 guests who attended and helped us to raise over $8,000 profit for the Seminary. We look forward to another successful year with a silent auction and items available for sale from the Seminary Press, promising to make this year’s event even more successful.

As with each year of the event, a theme is chosen to celebrate.

“Family: The Foundation of Consecrated Life” is the essence of this year’s gathering. We can all agree upon the steadfast importance of the family unit within our Church and society as a whole. We will feature a program dedicated to our current seminarians as well as celebrating families within our Byzantine Catholic Church which have provided multiple priests and/or religious from the same individual family. Children also will be incorporated into the event through our Creativity Contest, encouraging our youngest parishioners to demonstrate the theme “St. Nicholas & the Spirit of Giving” through coloring, drawing and creative writing. A coloring page for the younger children as well as a complete set of rules for all divisions of the children’s Creativity Contest have been sent to each pastor/administrator in the Archeparchy, who are encouraged to promote this activity with ECF teachers and in turn, encourage parish youth to participate.

In an effort to mirror previous years, special pricing has been set for children so their families can affordably attend this most special occasion. Tickets are priced at $40 per adult and $18 per child ages 12 and under.

In the spirit of St. Nicholas, we would be delighted to see each parish purchase at least one table for this event and thereby afford the opportunity for a record number of faithful of the Archeparchy to attend this fine social event for the benefit of our Seminary.

We truly look forward to celebrating with you at this exciting Archieparchial event on Sunday, December 6.

Fraternally yours in the Lord, St. Nicholas Celebration Committee

DEADLINE DATES TO REMEMBER for the St. Nicholas Celebration . . .

Please note that the deadline for both DINNER RESERVATIONS and CONTRIBUTING SPONSORSHIPS is FRIDAY NOVEMBER 13.

Creativity Contest entries must be received at the Chancery by Friday November 20. and obedience is a warning not to underestimate the wound of original sin and, while affirming the value of created goods, it relativizes them by pointing to God as the absolute good.

Thus, while those who follow the evangelical counsels seek holiness for themselves, they propose, so to speak, a spiritual ‘therapy’ for humanity, because they reject the idolatry of anything created and in a certain way they make visible the living God. The consecrated

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life, especially in difficult times, is a blessing for human life.” (cf.87) In Part Three of this series, we’ll look at a specific type of leadership model followed by religious communities and how it relates to following the will of God. n Second of a four-part series.

Chris Singel is a parishioner of Holy Ghost Church, McKees Rocks, Pa. and Emcee for the 2015 St. Nicholas Event.

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SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2015

thoughts for our day

by Archpriest David M. Petras

EXPERIENCING GOD The last a r t i c l e [Knowing God, BCW Sept.

27] was on how we know that there is a God. The reality, however, is that most of us do not come to a knowledge of God through argumentation and debate.

I think we come to God through the experiences of our life. To become personal for a moment, I remember that when I was in high school, an adolescent still in the process of “growing up,” for a while I became obsessed with the idea of proving that there is a God. Maybe it was because I didn’t want to waste my whole life on something that simply was not true.

I went through all the classic arguments, but none led me to what is the true knowledge of God: the gift of faith. This is an understanding given us by grace, which lifts us above all our human efforts to insights that we cannot obtain through the human reasoning process, which, after all, is very limited and subject to prejudices and false assumptions. This is why the traditional arguments are not designed to convince, but to strengthen the faith we already have, showing that it is not illogical, but based on solid premises. Through reasoning, we cannot come to the God to whom we relate in our existence, but only find confidence that we are not on the wrong road.

The sixth century Syrian theologian who wrote under the name “Dionysius,” explained that God is transcendent, that is to say, above all of our power of reasoning, but that we can know God insofar as he himself reveals himself to us.

Our primary experience of God is through this revelation. God has chosen to reveal himself in the first place to each of us individually but to us as a community. We come first to God through our family and through the community of faith

to which we belong. The Letter to the Hebrews describes this process of revelation: “In times past, God spoke in partial and various ways to our ancestors through the prophets; in these last days, he spoke to us through a son, whom he made heir of all things and

Even good Christians often come to church not to be part of and to support the community, but for their own particular share of God’s grace. through whom he created the universe.”(Hebrews 1:2) God has and does reveal himself in many ways, but the primary way is through our Lord Jesus Christ, who, the Letter to the Hebrews continues, is “the refulgence of his [God’s] glory, the very imprint of his being, and who sustains all things by his mighty word. (Hebrews 1:2)” Our Lord was to tell the apostle Phillip, “Whoever has seen me has seen the Father.”

(John 14:9) This knowledge of God through our Lord Jesus Christ comes to us through the apostles.

That is why we profess daily, “[I believe] in one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church.” The Son of God took our human nature in Jesus so that the Word of God could speak to us in human words, as St. John testifies, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God ....

No one has ever seen God. The only Son, God, who is at the Father’s side, has revealed him.” (John 1:1.18) We do not live our earthly lives at the same time as

Jesus lived his life among us.

We know Jesus through the testimony of the apostles, and we do experience him directly through his words proclaimed in the Gospel (which were written down by the apostles) and though his body and blood given us in Communion, so that, as St. Paul wrote, “yet I live, no longer I, but Christ lives in me; insofar as I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God who has loved me and given himself up for me.”

(Galatians 2:20) St. John sums up revelation, “What was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we looked upon and touched with our hands concerns the Word of life - for the life was made visible; we have seen it and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life that was with the Father and was made visible to us - what we have seen and heard we proclaim now to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; for our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.”

(1 John 1:1-3) This brings us to a problem that is particular to our modern culture, though it has never been absent from the human race, and that is the philosophy of individualism. We often don’t feel entirely comfortable with a relationship to God through a community, even though that is the primary way God reveals himself to us. He wants us to be one, as he told his disciples on the night he was arrested, “I pray not only for them, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, so that they may all be one, as you, Father, are in me and I in you, that they also may be in us.” (John 17:2021) Even good Christians often come to church not to be part of and to support the community, but for their own particular share of God’s grace. The well-known late atheist, Isaac Asimov, in a correspondence with me on this point, shows this “individualism,” “If I were to receive a direct experience

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of the existence of God ... then I would accept Him ... but I will not accept the experience of others in a matter such as this, where that experience is unamenable to reason.”

(January 1976) Our selfcenteredness trips us up.

For all that, I believe that God does relate to us individually in what we call “mystical experiences.”

Even atheists and agnostics have testified to these experiences and have sometimes been converted by them. The problem is that we often are not prepared to receive them, sometimes do not understand them, and so they are of profit to us only if we are able to receive them with our own free will in faith. There is no way whatsoever that we can demand these visions, God reveals himself to individuals only as and when he, God, chooses in his wise providence.

Sometimes, in our hubris, we think that our own concepts are a revelation of God. This can be very dangerous. We do see, however, real individual experiences of God in the Scripture: Moses heard God in the burning bush and on Mt. Sinai; Elijah heard God in the whispering voice on Mt. Tabor and Paul saw Jesus on the road to Damascus. Even in modern times, Mother Theresa of Calcutta had a vision of Christ who told her to serve “the poorest of the poor.” There are hundreds of stories of saints who have had an experience of God. In each of these cases, there is some relationship to the community, and the person who sees or hears God - and there can be no mistake when this experience is authentic is told to render some service to the community. In all of this, God is not silent nor deaf to us, but he is close to us, in our very hearts. This is the primary way we come to God, and not through mathematical arguments. n

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2015

34th Annual Rusyn folk festival st. john church in uniontown, pa. hosts event

The 34th Annual CarpathoRusyn Celebration will take place on Sunday, October 25, 2015 at St. John the Baptist Byzantine Catholic Church Social Hall, 201 East Main Street, Uniontown, PA. Hours are 12:00 noon to 6:00 p.m.

The day will feature the heritage of the CarpathoRusyns, and the day will highlight various aspects of Rusyn culture. Homemade foods such as pirohy, holubky, halushky, kolbasy and sauerkraut, nalesniki (potato pancakes), soup, and much more will be available for purchase. There also will be a variety of baked goods including kolachi (apricot, nut, poppyseed, and cottage cheese rolls), pagach, breads, cookies, candy.

Continuous entertainment includes music, folk dancing and singing, demonstrations, videos, displays and presentations. Folk musicians will perform at 1:00 and 4:00 p.m.

The Slavjane Folk Ensemble of Holy Ghost Church, McKees Rocks, Pa. will perform at 3:00 p.m.

Carpatho-Rusyn family customs - both secular and religious - genealogy and tracing cultural roots, and recent trips to the Carpathian homeland will be presented At 2:00 p.m. there will be a cooking demonstration, followed by a customs and culture presentation at 4:00 p.m. The children’s activities room invites children to experience Rusyn culture through storytelling and creating folk crafts such as wooden eggs, bookmarks, decorated cookies, coloring sheets, and more.

Church tours will be conducted at 2:00 and 4:00 p.m.; folk craft demonstrations will be held throughout the event, as well as raffles, basket auctions, and sales of cookbooks, contemporary crafts and much more.

St. John the Baptist pastor Father Ronald P. Larko welcomes all to this gala event, a day full of color, life, and music for great family entertainment.

There is no admission charge.

Handicapped accessible. For information call 724-4386027(M-F, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.) or 724-438-8412 (evenings). n

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Sister Dorothy Louise Balock, OSBM enters into new life god granted her wish for just one more pilgrimage UNIONTOWN, PA — God graciously granted Sister Dorothy Louise’s wish to attend the Pilgrimage one more time. Just a few days after it concluded, Sister Dorothy Louise (formerly Sister Joachim) peacefully fell asleep in the Lord Jesus at Mount Macrina Manor on Thursday, Sept 10, 2015.

The daughter of the late Michael and Barbara (Reyta) Balock, Sister Dorothy Louise was born in Patton, Pa. She entered the Sisters of St. Basil from SS. Peter and Paul Byzantine Catholic Church in Patton, Pa. on September 15, 1950. She pronounced her First Vows on November 27, 1952 and made her Perpetual Profession on January 1, 1956 in the presence of (the late) Very Rev. George Bonchonsky.

Sister Dorothy Louise spent the first years of her sixty-five years as a Sister of St. Basil in the teaching ministry. She then served a term on the Provincial Council and Coordinator of the monastery community.

From 1977 to the end of her life, Sister Dorothy Louise’s ministry was in one way or another involved in health care.

She served as the Administrator of Mt. Macrina Manor from 1977 through 1993. For the next few years, Sister resided at the monastery tending to personal health needs.

Probably what became her best-loved ministry began in 1997 when she worked as a Spiritual Counselor for what was then Albert Gallatin Hospice.

When declining health required that she limit her work hours, she continued to volunteer her services assisting patients and families with addressing their spiritual needs, especially those facing the crisis of terminal illness.

As a cancer survivor three times, she was well prepared to walk these paths with those who came within the sphere of her care and concern. Her empathy with her patients was

so well-regarded that she was named as Volunteer of the Year

by Amedisys (Albert Gallatin Hospice). Her nomination stated that she is “Albert Gallatin Hospice’s Angel on Earth.” In the last years of her life, she resided at Mt. Macrina Manor where she became the recipient of those services which she so ably offered to others.

In her personal request form, Sister Dorothy Louise noted that she would want to be remembered for the faith and trust she had in God’s love in overcoming physical challenges and for enjoying the good times in life. Her family, her relatives and her many friends would willingly attest to both. In her vocation story, Sister wrote, “Much of my inspiration comes from the quote from Isaiah 43: ‘I have called you by name and you are mine.’ It helps me have an attitude of gratitude – counting your blessings takes one across the valleys of life and builds confidence in God’s goodness, I have learned.”

In his homily, Father Michael Huszti, monastery chaplain, alluded to Sister Dorothy Louise’s work in health care, stating that it could not have been more in line and consistent with the emphasis St. Basil himself urged for his own community, when as bishop, he established homes for strangers and travelers and hospitals for the sick and infirm of his time.

Father Michael went on to state, “Sister Dorothy Louise’s vision and her contributions, along with her ongoing concern for health care improvements for the residents, involved providing care of a dual nature, enriching and vitalizing the whole person, body and soul, by sharing her love for Christ and instilling the same empathy among her peers, the health care nurses, aides and other employees.” He concluded his homily with the prayer, “Never setting Sun, we beseech you to intercede for the nun, Dorothy

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+ Sister Dorothy Louise Balock, OSBM

Louise, whom many have come to know and love, present her in the court of the saints, as heir to the treasure of heaven and for her eternal memory.”

Sister Dorothy Louise was preceded in death by her parents, her sisters, Elizabeth Somics, Ann Schaefer, and Catherine Pinksaw; and her brothers, Michael, John and George Balock. In addition to her Sisters in community, she is survived by her many devoted nieces and nephews and their families.

The Parastas Service was celebrated by Very Rev. Robert Pipta with Rev. James Ragan in attendance. The Funeral Divine Liturgy was celebrated by Very Rev. Andrew Deskevich; concelebrants were Rev. Michael Huszti, Rev. Vasyl Symyon, Rev. Vasyl Banyk and Rev. Mykhaylo Shkyndya.

In attendance were Very Rev. Dennis M. Bogda, Very Rev. Ronald P. Larko, Rev. James Spontak and Rev. Stephen Wahal. Interment followed in the Dormition Section of Mount Macrina Cemetery. n

May God grant to his handmaiden Sister Dorothy Louise eternal memory and peaceful repose.

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SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2015

around the archeparchy CRAFT SHOW & ETHNIC FOOD FESTIVAL - The CAMEO Club of St. John Cathedral, 210 Greentree Road, Munhall, PA 15120 will host its 7th Annual Craft Show and Ethnic Food Festival on Saturday, October 24 from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. Over 50 tables of crafters and vendors. Homemade stuffed cabbage, halushky, pirohy, “Baba Platter” and more delicious ethnic foods are available on the menu. A Crafters Showcase Auction will be held, and a raffle ticket will be sold to win two tickets to an upcoming Steelers game with $300 spending money included. For more information, contact Carol Lawson at 412-464-1666.

respect life month People discover their worth when they discover their true identity as created in God’s image and called to an eternal destiny with him, said Cardinal Seán P. O’Malley, OFM Cap, Archbishop of Boston and chairman of the Committee on Pro-Life Activities of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), in the annual Respect Life Month statement.

Catholics and all people of good will in the United States are invited to participate in Respect Life Month. Respect Life Month, observed in October, begins the new, yearlong cycle of the Respect Life Program, which continues through the following September. It is a time dedicated by the U.S. bishops for the Church nationwide to bring attention to, celebrate, and work and pray for the protection of the gift of human life.

The theme of the 2015-16 Respect Life Program is “Every life is worth living.” More information on the USCCB’s Respect Life Program, including resources and the full text of Cardinal O’Malley’s statement, is available online: www.usccb. org/respectlife. n

34TH ANNUAL CARPATHO-RUSYN CELEBRATION — Sunday, Oct. 25 at St. John the Baptist Byzantine Catholic Church Social Hall, 201 East Main Street, Uniontown, Pa. Noon to 6:00 p.m. (see page 11 for details) A TASTEFUL NIGHT – St. Gregory Byzantine Catholic Church, Upper St. Clair, Pa. will host a restaurant food-tasting fundraiser, “A Tasteful Night.” Held Friday, Oct. 30, 6:30–11:30 p.m. at Crowne Plaza-Pittsburgh South (164 Fort Couch Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15241), enjoy live entertainment featuring Songstress Antoinette and keyboardist David Crisci while tasting delicious samples from nine area restaurants. Take a chance on “Chinese,” silent and live auctions throughout the evening featuring a terrific assortment of items courtesy of fine local businesses. Plus, try your luck with a “Beer for a Year” raffle, sponsored by St. Gregory Men’s Club. Cash bar too! Tickets: $45. For more information and to purchase tickets, contact St. Gregory’s parish Office at 412835-7800 or Barbara Stasiuk at 412-835-7484. [NOTE: this information has been UPDATED from the announcement previously printed in the Sept. 6 BCW.] ICONOGRAPHY WORKSHOP – Adults at all levels of experience Nov. 5-8, St. Mary Romanian Catholic Church in McKeesport, Pa. by Marylyn Barone, Thursday and Friday evening, Saturday all day and Sunday, noon until finishing (must attend all four days to have a completed icon). Each participant will write an 8x10” icon of Our Lady of Kykkos. Participants from three or more of the instructor’s previous workshops may elect to write an icon of his or her choice. The $115 participation fee covers all supplies.

Snacks, coffee and tea will be provided on all days. Deposit of $25 required; class limited to 20. For further info, call Marylyn Barone at 412-678-9453 or e-mail mwbarone@comcast.net.

CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP SALE & FLEA MARKET - Saturday, Nov. 7, from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Greek Catholic Union Lodge 28 will hold a homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Sale and Flea Market at St. John the Baptist Church hall, 1720 Jane Street, South Side Pittsburgh. All proceeds will benefit the church. For more information, contact Kim at 412-469-0659.

ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT BREAKFAST BUFFET – sponsored by St. Mary’s Youth Group at St. Mary’s Byzantine Catholic Center, Route 981 in Trauger, Pa. Sunday, Nov. 8 from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. Adults $6; Children (5-10 yrs.) $3; 4 and under FREE. CHRISTMAS MARKET – Sunday Nov. 15. at St. Elias Church, Munhall, Pa. Event begins at noon until 7:00 p.m. Live Christmas music by local choirs and musicians, various vendors, St. Nicholas for the kids, homemade stuffed cabbage and chicken paprikas lunches and dinners. Entertainment schedule: 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. – George Batyi; 3:00 to 3:45 p.m. – Archeparchial Choir; 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. – Steel Valley Chorus; 5:15 to 6:15 p.m. – Jerry Jumba. For additional info call 412-461-5847.

THANKSGIVING TURKEY BINGO – St. Nicholas Church, 624 East Pittsburgh Street, Greensburg, PA 15601 will hold a Thanksgiving Turkey Bingo in the church Social Hall on Sunday, Nov. 22 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 in lieu of a turkey. Ethnic foods (halushky & pirohy) will be sold before, during and after the bingos. Phone 724-832-8122 or 724837-8299 (Social Hall) for questions or information.

TURKEY BINGO — St. Mary’s Turkey Bingo – Actual Turkeys awarded! Sunday, November 22 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Held at St. Mary’s Center Route 981 in Trauger, Pa. Doors open at 12:30. Admission is $5. Specials and Quickies are Extra. 50/50 raffle and Door Prizes. The Kitchen will be open!

FRIDAY BINGO — Held at St. Mary’s Center, Route 981 in Trauger, Pa. Doors open at 5:00 p.m.; games start with the Early Bird at 6:30. Single Card Package ($16) includes Mystery Number. 26 Games. Payout based on attendance of 100. Jackpot always $1000. Besides Specials and Quickies, there are 2 Door Prizes. Questions, call 724-423-8838.

dates to remember october 24 Morning of Spiritual Reflection Mount St. Macrina House of Prayer - Uniontown, Pa. november 1 Moleben for the Causes of Beatification & Canonization Holy Ghost Church - McKees Rocks, Pa. november 1-7 National Vocation Awareness Week november 7 Byzantine Spirituality Conference St. John the Baptist Cathedral - Munhall, Pa. november 15-21 National Bible Week november 26 Thanksgiving Day CHANCERY CLOSED (also closed the day after, Nov. 27) 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: NOVEMBER 8

submissions DEADLINE: OCTOBER 27