the official newspaper of the archeparchy of pittsburgh
notice!
Inside
Changes to BCW publication schedule, subscription rates Page 2
Drawing to the close of Year of Consecrated Life
vol. 61 no. 1
mci new approach Cantor Institute director gives overview of proposed program Page 5
sunday january 17, 2016
parish spotlight
Stories, photos of happenings over the winter holidays and holydays. Pages 6-7-8
‘Open unto us the doors of mercy, O blessed Theotokos’
st. nicholas celebration speaker shares reflections on her vocation
Nick Havrilla, Sr.
“When Pope Francis declared the Year of Consecrated Life, which ends on Feb. 2, 2016, the purpose was to have a renewed look at religious life, for Religious to Wake up the World, to be witnesses of a different way of doing things, of acting, of living. I do believe it has awakened people to Consecrated Life in a positive way, but also as something that has been taken for granted: thinking that priests and nuns would always be around.” by Sister Kathleen Hutsko, SSMI
I am grateful to Archbishop William and honored to have been asked to speak on the topic “Family: the foundation of Consecrated Life,” and to share my personal confirmation of this statement. I have been a member of the Sisters Servants of Mary Immaculate for 35 years, and my two brothers [Joseph and Basil] are priests of the Phoenix Eparchy and Parma Eparchy respectively. I am the youngest of the four children born to Mary and Basil Hutsko, grew up in Whiting, Ind., parishioners of St. Mary’s Byzantine Church. My parents are deceased as well as my sister MaryAnn, who died at the young age of 30. We were the typical family: 2 boys, 2 girls, a mom whose occupation was homemaker, as she had to give up her court stenographer job when she married my Dad, who worked at Standard Oil. My parents worked diligently to instill in us the importance of being honest, hardworking, loyal and always to do our best. But more importantly, we - along with other Catholic families in our neighborhood were reared with the values of Family and Church and they were the focus of how we lived our lives. Our neighborhood had many children on our block and we were always outside playing. However, on days when it rained, my brothers and I
Breaking the seal and signing the Door of Mercy with his staff, Archbishop William sings “Holy God, Holy and Mighty” at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Munhall, Pa. during the Dec. 13 Pilgrimage to the Holy Door for the Jubilee of Mercy, which began Dec. 8, 2015 and ends Nov. 20, 2016. Story, photos on page 3. n played Church. Of course, they were the altar boys and I was the priest (wish I had saved those pictures). We were roleplaying something familiar to us, something valuable in our family life. Church, family time and traditions were non-negotiables: we attended the parochial elementary school and were taught by the Sisters of St. Basil the Great. I acknowledge and extend my gratitude to them for their role in nurturing my vocation as a Sister. We attended Divine Liturgy every Sunday, holyday, Lenten services and Marian Devotions. The sisters and priests would come to our house for supper at times. We were always helping out around the church and school - and if that wasn’t enough spiritual stuff, we knew that summer was coming to a close and school would begin soon when it was time to sign up for the bus trip to Uniontown for Our Lady of Perpetual Help Pilgrimage. Like my sister and brothers, I began attending Pilgrimage at the young age of 7 years old, with $10 in my pocket Sr. Kathleen continued on pg. 9
March for Life Jan. 22 strong byzantine catholic presence
Annually hundreds of thousands of people make a pilgrimage to Washington, D.C. to speak up for the right to life of the defenseless, especially those in the sanctuaries of their mothers’ wombs. Part of this yearly pilgrimage is the ‘Vigil for Life,’ sponsored by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. The prayer begins with a Mass concelebrated by Cardinals and Archbishops. In the great Basilica is our Byzantine Catholic Chapel, which was dedicated in 1974. A Divine Liturgy with the ‘Respect for Life’ intention will be celebrated at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 22 for those who are passing through en route to the March for Life, which begins at noon. The main March continued on page 4
Great Fast 2016
begins Monday Feb. 8
PAGE 2
SUNDAY JANUARY 17, 2016
SECOND NOTICE:
BCW to adopt monthly publication UPS 081500 ISSN 07442289 Official publication of the Byzantine Catholic Archeparchy of Pittsburgh Serving parish communities in central and western Pennsylvania, Louisiana, eastern Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas and West Virginia Published every third Sunday (17 issues) by: Byzantine Catholic Press Associates 66 Riverview Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15214 Tel: 412.231.4000 Fax: 412.231.1697 E-mail: bcw@archpitt.org Web site: www.archpitt.org Archbishop William C. Skurla President Sister Elaine Kisinko, OSBM Copy Editor Darlene Fejka Layout / Graphics Donna Obsincs Subscription/Circulation Manager Gregory S. Popivchak Business Manager Annual Subscription Rates US $12 Canadian $14 International $16 Periodicals Postage Paid at Pittsburgh, PA
Postmaster: send address changes to: The Byzantine Catholic World ATTN: Donna 66 Riverview Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15214
In an effort to keep The BCW affordable for both subscribers and the publisher, Archbishop William, President of the Byzantine Catholic Press Associates, has made the decision to adopt a monthly publication schedule for The Byzantine Catholic World newspaper. With a decreased hard copy subscriber base (the number of parish and individual subscriptions has decreased with the advent and popularity of electronic news, and many now prefer to receive The BCW electronically), it now has become critical to either significantly increase the hard-copy subscription rate in order to continue delivering 17 issues of The BCW, or decrease the number of issues produced annually with a modest subscription price increase. The basic per-subscription price necessary to cover the ever-increasing expense of producing, printing, and mailing the newspaper every three weeks (17 issues) would be well over $20, a price which would be a financial burden to both parishes and individual subscribers. Therefore, The BCW now will be published monthly (12 issues) with two special editions for the major holy days of Pascha (Easter) and Nativity (Christmas), for a total of 14 hard-copy issues and electronic updates annually. The new subscription price will be $14, and will take effect with the July 2016 issue, which is the beginning of the new fiscal year, and following the 61st anniversary of the June 1955 establishing of the Archeparchy’s official newspaper. In addition to this published notification, current subscribers, both parish and individual, who wish to continue receiving The BCW via postal mail also will be reminded of this increase and publication schedule change when their annual subscription is up for renewal.
Submission deadlines also will change to the 15th of the month prior to the month of publication. Hence, the submission deadline for all materials will begin June 15, 2016 for the July 2016 issue. The remaining 8 issues on the 17-issues-annually schedule through June 2016 will be: Issue Date Submission Deadline Jan. 17 Jan. 5 Feb. 7 (Great Fast issue) Jan. 26 Feb 28 Feb. 16 Mar 20 (Pascha issue) Mar. 8 April 10 Mar. 29 May 1 Apr. 19 May 22 May 10 June 12 May 31 Then as of July 2016, The BCW will be published monthly: Issue Date Submission Deadline July 2016 June 15 August 2016 July 15 September 2016 Aug. 15 October 2016 Sept. 15 November 2016 Oct. 15 December 2016 Nov. 15 Special Christmas issue Dec. 5 (January 2017)
Dec. 15
This revised schedule results in 15 total issues which will be published in 2016. As of January 2017, the publication will produce 14 issues annually. For GUIDELINES and SUBSCRIPTION information, visit www.archpitt.org/publicationguidelines and www.archpitt.org/subscriptions
Please allow 2-3 weeks for address changes to take effect. Submissions deadline: 2nd Tuesday before publication date (12 days prior).
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Byzantine Catholic Seminary of SS. Cyril & Methodius JANUARY 2016 Schedule of Services 3605 Perrysville Avenue | Pittsburgh, PA 15214 www.bcs.edu
Guests are invited to join the Seminary community at liturgical services.
mission The mission of The Byzantine
Catholic World is to spread
To access the Seminary Chapel, please use the chapel doors facing Perrysville Ave.
the Gospel message in the rich tradition of the Byzantine Catholic Church; to encourage faithful to reflect the image of
It is suggested that you call the Seminary Office (412321-8383) a day in advance so we may anticipate your arrival.
Christ in everyday activities of life; to offer spiritual formation through changing times; and to celebrate community among Byzantine Catholics in the Archeparchy
All are welcome!
of Pittsburgh, throughout the Metropolitan Church in America, and around the world.
(R) = Ruthenian tradition
(M) = Melkite tradition
the byzantine catholic world
Byzantine Radio Ministry The Byzantine Divine Liturgy is broadcast live from Holy Ghost Church in McKees Rocks, Pa. every Sunday at 9:00 a.m. over WEDO Radio 810-AM and via the Internet at www.holyghostbyzantinecatholic.org (click on the “Listen Live” link on main page). Holy Ghost pastor Father Frank Firko is the usual celebrant with occasional guest celebrants. Contributions to help sustain this vital ministry are most welcome and needed year-round. Checks of support should be made payable to the Archeparchy of Pittsburgh and sent to: Chancery | 66 Riverview Avenue | Pittsburgh, PA 15214 | ATTN: Radio Liturgy Ministry. n
SUNDAY JANUARY 17, 2016
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YEAR MERCY
JUBILEE
OF
q
The Works of Mercy are actions we perform which extend God’s compassion and mercy to those in need. The Corporal Works of Mercy are kind acts by which we help with the material and physical needs of others: FEED the hungry GIVE DRINK to the thirsty CLOTHE the naked SHELTER the homeless VISIT the sick VISIT the imprisoned BURY the dead The Spiritual Works of Mercy are acts of compassion by which we help with the emotional and spiritual needs of others: COUNSEL the doubtful INSTRUCT the ignorant ADMONISH sinners COMFORT the afflicted FORGIVE offenses BEAR WRONGS patiently PRAY for the living and dead
Doors of Mercy officially opened at Cathedral “In our parishes, communities, associations and movements, in a word, wherever there are Christians, everyone should find an oasis of mercy.” — Pope Francis, Misericordae Vultus 12 MUNHALL, PA — Officially opening the Jubilee Year of Mercy in the Archeparchy of Pittsburgh, Metropolitan Archbishop William led a procession of clergy and faithful to the Holy Door on the afternoon of Sunday, December 13. After singing the Polyeleos, the faithful chanted “Open to me the doors of repentance, O Giver of Life . . .” and “Open unto us the doors of mercy, O blessed Theotokos . . .” then recited the Prayer of Pope Francis for the Jubilee.
At the solemn opening of the Holy Door, Metropolitan William proclaimed the indiction of the Jubilee Year of Mercy (see the Dec. 20 BCW pg. 3, or view online at www. archpitt.org), following which he broke the seal on the Holy Door, signing it with his staff in the form of a cross while chanting “Holy God, Holy and Mighty . . .” Clergy and faithful followed the Archbishop through the Holy Door as they sang the Thrice-Holy Hymn. n
On Faith, Hope, and Freedom in a time of fear from the Council of Bishops and Judicatory Executives of CASP
As Christians and Americans we give thanks that the United States has welcomed the hard journeys of millions, our families among them, who found here a new home. Let us do the same now, and so be true to our character as a nation. Let us not be tempted by recent calls to turn thousands away from our shores solely on the basis of their religion. We know many are rightly anxious about the security of our borders. But the specter of fear will never protect us; only by steadfast confidence in our deepest values will our beloved country remain truly secure. We stand with our fellow Americans of many faiths – Muslims, Jews, and many more – in a common commitment to religious liberty and civil public discourse. Finally, we ask prayer for all those whom violence in their homelands has driven onto a hard and unsought-for road. We pray God’s protection on them as they journey, that they may come to a safe and welcoming haven. And we pray for ourselves, that we may be gracious to all whom God sends us, knowing that when we do so, we welcome Christ Himself. (Mark 9:37) n Christian Associates of Southwest Pennsylvania (CASP) brings together 27 Protestant, Catholic, Anglican, and Orthodox church bodies in the 10 counties of Southwest Pennsylvania to work for the unity of the church and the wholeness of communities through collegiality, collaboration, and connectedness.
From Pope Francis’ Bull of Indiction of the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy (no. 6): “‘Patient and merciful.’ These words often go together in the Old Testament to describe God’s nature. His being merciful is concretely demonstrated in his many actions throughout the history of salvation where his goodness prevails over punishment and destruction. In a special way the Psalms bring to the fore the grandeur of his merciful action: ‘He forgives all your iniquity, he heals all your diseases, he redeems your life from the pit, he crowns you with steadfast love and mercy’ (Ps 103:3-4).” More information about the Jubilee Year of Mercy may be found online at http://wwwmigrate.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/how-we-teach/ new-evangelization/jubilee-of-mercy/
Procession to the Door of Mercy (from left): Martin Bovee; Very Rev. Robert M. Pipta; Deacon Sean Petrisko; Very Rev. Frank Firko; Very Rev. Archpriest Dennis M. Bogda; Very Rev. Andrew Deskevich; Deacon Timothy Corbett; Metroplitan Archbishop William, followed by faithful of the Archeparchy. photos by Nick Havrilla, Sr.
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SUNDAY JANUARY 17, 2016
March for Life 2016
friday, january 22 in nation’s capital The March for Life is the longest running public demonstration in American history. Begun in 1973 in response to the now infamous Roe v Wade U.S. Supreme Court decision decriminalizing and deregulating abortions, the March attracts tens of thousands of people committed to reinstating legal protections for unborn children, their parents as well as newborns with disabilities and preemies. The March for Life began in Washington, D.C., as a small demonstration and rapidly grew to be the largest pro-life event in the world. The peaceful demonstration that has followed on the somber anniversary of Roe v. Wade every year since 1973 is a witness to the truth concerning the greatest human rights violation of our time, legalized abortion on demand. The March for Life official program will be held on Friday, January 22, 2016 on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. at the Washington Monument. The program begins with a rally at 12 noon, and a time of musical reflection at 11:45 a.m. There will be jumbotrons for easier viewing. The march begins immediately following the rally at approximately 1 pm, proceeds east from the Washington Monument at 14th St. on Constitution Avenue, and ends in front of the U.S. Supreme Court. Marchers then are encouraged to visit their congressmen/women in the House and Senate office buildings. There are no reservations and no tickets required to participate in the March for Life. Information is available at http://marchforlife. org/mfl-2016/rally-march-info/. n March for Life Schedule - Friday, January 22 • 11:45 a.m. – Musical Opening • 12:00 p.m. – Rally: grounds of the Washington Monument, near the corner of 15th Street and Constitution Avenue • 1:00 p.m. – March: begins on Constitution Avenue between 15th and 17th Streets • 3:00 p.m. (approx) – Listen to “Silent No More” testimonies outside U.S. Supreme Court
March
continued from page 1 celebrant will be Very Rev. Bryan Eyman of the Parma Eparchy, with concelebrants Rev. Bob Kelly, also of Parma, and Rev. James Ragan and Deacon Paul Boboige of the Pittsburgh Archeparchy. All are warmly invited to attend. The Basilica is served by the subway system’s Brookland-CUA stop using the Red Line towards Glenmont. The Byzantine Catholic presence also will be felt the preceding evening, Thursday, Jan. 21 with Night Prayer (Compline) in the Crypt Church at 10:00 p.m., usually presided by the Bishop of Passaic, Bishop Kurt Burnette. An all-night vigil follows. Please contact Deacon Paul Boboige of the Archeparchy’s Pro-Life Office at bobovich@ verizon.net or check the ProLife Office’s “Eastern Pro Life” Facebook page for more information. n
below: Bishop Kurt Burnette of the Eparchy of Passaic celebrates a liturgical service in the Byzantine Chapel during the 2015 March for Life.
The Byzantine Chapel at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conceptino in Washington, D.C.
2016 Mount St. Macrina House of Prayer
Feb. & March Program Schedule Lenten Day of Prayer Presenter: Rev. John Chirovsky Saturday, February 27 9:15 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Registration Due: February 22 Offering: $30, includes lunch Lenten Day of Prayer Presenter: Rev. Thomas Dansak Sunday, February 28 1:15 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Registration due: February 22 Offering: $30, includes supper Tuesday Reading Series Presenter: Sr. Barbara Jean Mihalchick March 1, 8, 15, 22 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. Registration Due: February 23 Free will offering Spiritual Reflection Morning Presenter: Becky Johnen March 5 - 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Registration Due: February 29 Offering: $25
Archeparchy of Pitsburgh priest Father James Ragan is pictured at the Byzantine Chapel during the 2015 March for Life.
The Sisters kindly ask that anyone interested in participating in the House of Prayer programs please register early. Early registrations help to avoid the cancellation of programs. To register to any of the above programs, contact the House of Prayer at 724-438-7149. n the byzantine catholic world
SUNDAY JANUARY 17, 2016
PAGE 5
MCI: Why a new Cantor Education Program?
Intereparchial Liturgy Commission turns 20
by Jeffrey Mierzejewski, Metropolitan Cantor Institute Director
Early in November 2015 the Intereparchial Liturgy Commission (IELC) celebrated its 20th anniversary at the usual meeting in Phoenix, Ariz. In 1995, the late Metropolitan Judson (Procyk) and the Council of Hierarchs established the Intereparchial Commission for Sacred Liturgy and Music. The first meeting was called by the late Bishop George (Kuzma) in Phoenix in that same year. The bishop of each eparchy assigned two members to serve on the commission. After the
equipping cantors to better serve Over the course of this new year, Byzantine Catholic World readers will see several articles about a new cantor education program. In this issue, I’ll explain why we are creating a new program. In brief: the Church needs new cantors (Metropolitan William estimates we could use fifty new cantors right now). We need cantors who are comfortable leading all of our services. And we need cantors who don’t just sing the music in front of them, but cantors who show the faithful by example how to transform it into real meaningful prayer.
traditional cantor education
In Europe up until World War II, cantors typically served as village schoolteachers, and studied formally in cantor/ teacher schools for several years before receiving certification. Many of these trained cantors came to the United States, and taught cantors to succeed them. Unfortunately, in the years that followed, our liturgical life became narrower, and volunteer cantors (some of whom could not read music) succeeded those with formal training. Thus, the singing of services like Vespers and Matins became a lost art. On the other hand, attempts to start cantor schools in the “New World” were not always effective; the schools did not have a set curriculum, and were out of the reach of many potential cantors due to the distances involved. Even when they had the support of our bishops, cantors might “finish the program” without a firm grasp of the liturgical, musical, and leadership tools required to lead the singing at all the services of the church year.
enter the cantor institute
The Metropolitan Cantor Institute was founded in Pittsburgh in 1997. It taught quite a few new cantors, and equipped more experienced cantors for new challenges and greater responsibilities. But it still faced problems of geography (how many students actually can travel to Pittsburgh every month?) and pedagogy (what do you when the material is too advanced for some students, and too easy for others?).
In 2013, the decision was made to write a formal set of cantor certification standards, describing the knowledge and skills a cantor must have in order to lead church singing throughout the year. Meetings were held with several groups of long-time cantors, and some additions were made based on their input – but there was a general consensus that there are basic, essential concerns: a cantor who cannot lead a funeral service, or the hymns of Holy Week for example, needs to learn them. The standards are written so that the necessary material could be taught in 3-4 years, after which time any cantor who meets those standards could practically be parachuted into a parish and land on his or her feet, needing only to learn the particular traditions of that parish.
a metropolitan cantor institute
In January 2014, upon my appointment as director of the Metropolitan Cantor Institute, I was asked by Metropolitan William to orient the MCI toward serving all four eparchies of the Byzantine Catholic Metropolitan Church (Pittsburgh, Passaic, Parma, and Phoenix). It had become clear that much of what we were teaching in Pittsburgh could be taught online; in fact, for several years the MCI sessions were designed with that virtual, longdistance learning component in mind. But in real-time, how do we teach someone to sing? And how do we certify that a student can not only sing our chant, but also lead the services? The answer is to use both technology and our collective experience wisely. The MCI will offer vocal classes throughout all four eparchies, making these classes available in video format, and encouraging cantors to obtain some formal voice training in their own geographic area. (We also will provide those local voice teachers with information about exactly what it is that our cantors need to do!) Internetbased tools will allow students to learn pitch matching and accurate singing of intervals. In many cases, we will match up students with more experienced cantors and clergy in their area who can help them and assist the MCI with assessing their
entering twenty-first year of service work got underway the need was felt for a separate music commission to work with promulgated texts issued by the Council of Hierarchs. The Council does research, consultations, translations and evaluations in matters of worship in the Ruthenian Byzantine Catholic Metropolitan Church under the direction of the Council of Hierarchs. The current episcopal moderator is His Grace, Bishop Gerald (Dino) of Phoenix. n
Escaping the glare of the bright Arizona sun (almost!) last Nov. 20 are members of the Intereparchial Liturgy Commission as they take a break from their work for a photo. from left: Jeffrey Mierzejewski (Archeparchy of Pittsburgh); Rev. Michael Mondik (Eparchy of Passaic); Rev. Edward Higgins (Eparchy of Passaic); Rt. Rev. Stephen Washko (Eparchy of Phoenix); Bishop Gerald Dino; Very Rev. Robert M. Pipta (Eparchy of Phoenix); Very Rev. Archpriest David M. Petras (Eparchy of Parma); Very Rev. Elias L. Rafaj (Archeparchy of Pittsburgh); Very Rev. Archpriest Michael Hayduk (Eparchy of Parma). photo by Kathy Slonka
Music of the Great Fast
cathedral hosts seasonal workshop The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Munhall, Pa. will host a workshop on Music of the Great Fast on Thursday, Feb. 11, from 7 to 9 p.m. Featuring presentations by Metropolitan Cantor Institute director Jeff Mierzejewski, the evening will cover the music for the Sunday Divine Liturgy, Sunday evening Vespers, the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts, and Lenten devotions. Select Lenten hymns also will be taught. There is no charge for the workshop, but please register by calling 412-7351676 to ensure that enough materials will be prepared and available to all in attendance. n
progress. When this is not possible, students will be able to upload recordings of their own singing and receive feedback from MCI instructors. However, no student will be certified as a cantor without an in-person assessment by at least two experienced cantors at an actual parish service, during
the byzantine catholic world
which the prospective cantor to be certified demonstrates that he or she knows the liturgy, can properly sing the chant, and can compellingly lead the sung prayer of their parish. For more about the new cantor education, visit the new MCI web site at http://mci. archpitt.org/. n
parish news PAGE 6
SUNDAY JANUARY 17, 2016
A Warm Welcome in Warren
father simeon sibenik assumes pastorate by Sister Barbara Pavlik, OSB
The parishioners of SS. Peter and Paul parish in Warren, Ohio and the parishioners of St. Michael the Archangel Church in Newton Falls, Ohio are very happy with their new pastor, Father Simeon Sibenik. Although Father Simeon was greeted with a funeral the morning after his arrival in Warren, we have tried our best to show him that we are alive and well in Warren, Ohio. A “Meet and Greet” reception to officially welcome Father Simeon was held in SS. Peter and Paul Social Hall after the Divine Liturgies on the weekend of November 14 and 15. There was a very large gathering of parishioners from both parishes on both days, to help make our new pastor’s transition to Ohio a pleasant one. We pledged our help and support to Father Simeon as he leads us closer to our God. It didn’t take us very long to discover that Father Simeon has a great devotion to St. Nicholas. A catered St. Nicholas Dinner soon was provided by SS. Peter and Paul
Father Simeon Sibenik (standing behind St. Nicholas) is joined in welcome by parishioners of his new Ohio parishes, SS. Peter and Paul, Warren and St. Michael, Newton Falls. photos by William Maddox
Ladies Guild. Our Eastern Christian Formation students presented a wonderful program depicting the early life of St. Nicholas, his life as a bishop, (which included his many miracles), and ended with his journey to sainthood. At the conclusion of their program, the ECF students were delighted by a visit from St. Nicholas, who was greeted with an enthusiastic version of “O kto, kto.” We look forward to many happy times as we grow together in faith, love and spiritual understanding. n
A beautiful welcome cake was prepared for Father Simeon and his beloved canine companion Ralph, who sadly passed away only weeks after settling into his new home. Eternal Memory!
Holy Spirit Church: giving thanks, sharing the Faith by Mary Dzurichko
local boy scouts return for tenth year
partaking of the fruits of the earth
Holy Spirit Church, located in Pittsburgh’s Oakland neighborhood, once again participated in the community’s Ten Commandment Walk. Held the day after Thanksgiving as an alternative to the commercial aspects of “Black Friday” shopping, the Walk is an annual event in which Boy Scouts travel to various houses of worship in the Oakland area and are taught by representatives of a variety of faiths about each of the Ten Commandments. Holy Spirit Church is the only church to have participated in all ten years that this event has been held, an achievement for which Monsignor Russell Duker received a special commendation from the Scouts. n
The solemn blessing of the fruits of the earth was held at the Thanksgiving Day Liturgy at Holy Spirit Church, Pittsburgh. Parish pastor Monsignor Russell Duker blessed baskets of fruits, vegetables, and breads which were then enjoyed as part of the parishioners’ Thanksgiving dinners. photos by Julia Revilak
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SUNDAY JANUARY 17, 2016
parish news
continued
PAGE 7
Jesse, Jesus and Nicholas
st. mary monessen parish demonstrates, celebrates biblical heritage by Ruth Hanchin
For their 2015 Annual Christmas Program, the ECF (Eastern Christian Formation) Class at St. Mary Church in Monessen, Pa. decorated a Jesse Tree banner which was displayed in the church hall. The Jesse Tree is a study of Bible stories that trace the ancestors of Jesus from the creation of the world to his birth on Christmas Day. The Jesse Tree idea was inspired by God’s promise that “there shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse” (Is 11:1). Jesse was King David’s father and thus, an ancestor on Jesus’ family tree. A couple of weeks before the Sunday, December 20 program,
the ECF teachers and students made ornaments (symbols) from an assortment of brightly colored felt material. On the day of the program, the ECF students placed the ornaments on the Jesse Tree banner and the older students and teachers read a brief Bible story about the ancestors of Jesus. The first ornament to be put on the tree was the Sun (Creation), and the last was the Star (Visit of the Magi). A total of 24 ornaments were placed on the tree. Decorating the Jesse Tree was one way to learn how God prepared the hearts of his people for the coming of Jesus and to prepare our hearts
Breakfast with St. Nick at the Cathedral Fun-time images of St. John the Baptist Cathedral’s Christmas Breakfast, held Sunday morning Dec. 20 following the 9:00 Divine Liturgy, were snapped by parishioner Nick Havrilla, Sr., whose event photos appear regularly in The BCW. A hearty holiday breakfast was served at the Cathedral Center, after which adults and children enjoyed a visit from Saint Nicholas (Marty Bovee). n
Michelle Biksey, Deacon John Hanchin, Patrick Ace, Ruth Hanchin, Mia Feher, Colton Berklovich, Evan Pohlot, Mitchell Pohlot, Rose Marie Leskovic, Saint Nicholas (David Donohoe) and St. Mary Administrator Father Stephen Wahal pose before their parish “Jesse Tree” banner.
for the coming of Jesus on Christmas Day. Following the program, Saint Nicholas (David Donohoe) gave treats to all the students. Deacon John Hanchin led everyone
in singing several Christmas carols. Parish Administrator Father Stephen Wahal gave a blessing, and light refreshments were served before the afternoon came to a close. n
Season ends in sweet finale
10th annual christmas program, reception “Born of Mary,” the Archeparchial Choir’s 2015 Christmas program held at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist Sunday Dec. 20, was enjoyed by an appreciative audience who also was happy to welcome the day’s unseasonably warm weather. Following the presentation, a bounty of sweet treats in the lower level awaited guests who were greeted by Archbishop William, Cathedral Rector Father Dennis Bogda, and choir members with director Darlene Fejka. n
Nick Havrilla, Sr.
New generation of service
Standing before their pastor, Father Frank Firko, Nicholas Harsh and Nicholas Rippole of Holy Ghost Church in McKees Rocks, Pa. were installed as new altar boys at the Saturday afternoon Divine Liturgy Dec. 19. They are joined by veteran altar servers Ray Rippole (left) and Nicholas Nazak (right). the byzantine catholic world
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parish news
Father Andrew installed as pastor of St. Elias Greater Pittsburgh Protopresbyter Very Rev. Frank Firko (left) is pictured presenting the parish keys to Very Rev. Andrew J. Deskevich, newly-assigned pastor of St. Elias Church, Munhall, Pa. at the official installation service following the Thanksgiving Day Divine Liturgy Thursday, Nov. 26. Father Andrew succeeds longtime pastor Very Rev. Archpriest Eugene Yackanich, who retired. n
Better to give than receive
continued
SUNDAY JANUARY 17, 2016
A St. Gregory’s Christmas by Father Valerian Michlik, pastor
welcoming saint nicholas Following a special prayer for the Year of Mercy, the children of St. Gregory Church in Upper St. Clair, Pa. were ready to welcome St. Nicholas to our parish family on Sunday, Dec. 13. Many were wondering if St. Nicholas would be able to make it this year with such warm weather. He certainly did! As we sang the traditional hymn honoring this patron of children, St. Nicholas entered the church greeting everyone. After the welcome, St. Gregory’s kids accompanied the good saint into our parish hall where our celebration continued with wonderful fellowship and a luncheon for all. n
jump! jump! jump! On Wednesday, Dec. 30, St. Gregory’s ECF Kids were ready to jump for joy through a 15,000-square-foot floor filled with more than 50 interconnected trampolines at Flight Trampoline Park in nearby Bridgeville. This facility, complete with launching decks, dodge ball, and trampoline basketball gave everyone plenty of opportunity to bounce around and enjoy a fun Christmastime evening together. n
shut-ins treated to buckets of gifts
In lieu of entertainment for their 2015 St. Nicholas party, the children of St. Elias Church in Munhall, Pa. wanted to make the season brighter for the shut-ins of their parish, so they used the funds to purchase items to fill gift buckets to distribute to those parishioners. The children display the fruits of their sacrificial labor under the glance of St. Nicholas and their pastor, Father Andrew Deskevich. n
scenes from the holy nativity On Sunday, Jan. 3, 2016, Eastern Christian Formation students of St. Gregory Church were totally geared-up to present this year’s Nativity play. Based upon the Nativity narratives in the gospels of St. Matthew and St. Luke, this traditional play was written by Henri David von Brugge. In six different scenes our ECF students presented a wonderful performance about the Birth of our Savior. We are blessed at St. Gregory’s to continue the tradition of having an annual Nativity play, following the example of St. Francis of Assisi who is said to have created the first Nativity performance in Greccio, Italy, on Christmas Day in the year 1223. This Nativity play was very much enjoyed by all of our faithful who were present to witness the many talents of our ECF students. As we continue this New Year 2016, we ask Christ Our Savior to bless all of our children, who are the future of our St. Gregory parish. n
it was all in the cards . . .
Members of the Saint Elias Youth Organization (SEYO) of St. Elias Church in Munhall, Pa. sold parish Christmas cards as an end-ofthe-year fundraiser. In the spirit of St. Nicholas, the money raised was donated to a local charity. Pictured from left: Ryan Monahan, Becky Harhai, Patrick Conley and advisors Lois Maranowski and Patti Monahan. n the byzantine catholic world
photos by Jodi Hernandez
SUNDAY JANUARY 17, 2016
PAGE
Sr. Kathleen
Important Dates: Observations for 2016
continued from page 1
by Father Michael Hayduk
Liturgical notes and observations, based on the Petras “Typicon” as we enter 2016: • 2016 is a leap year. • Theophany occurs on Wednesday. Nick Havrilla, Sr.
for the weekend. I paid $2 a night at the retreat hotel (3 nights) $2 for any extra food I wanted and $2 for a souvenir. Although we didn’t want to always admit it, we enjoyed the rosary marathons on the 9-hour bus ride, the many blessings we received throughout the weekend and most of all, finding out ahead of our classmates which Sister would be teaching us that year. Another family tradition was the monthly Saturday trip to Confession, but my parents added a little twist to it: we had to go to each person in our family and ask forgiveness in case we hurt them that month. Some months were easy, some were not, but to this day I attribute this ritual to helping me to be able to ask forgiveness and to forgive more easily than others. Saturdays also had the highlight of watching Bishop Fulton Sheen on TV with his big cape, red shoes and fireand-brimstone speeches. All of these things were the fibers that helped weave the the Hutsko children’s fabric of faith. We experienced a strong family unit, not a perfect one, but we knew what was expected from us, we knew our parents loved us and were there for us - but they were not our friends. Did my parents force my brothers to become priests or me to become a sister? Not at all, but they laid the foundation and supported us every step of the way. The 50s through 80s were times when families prayed that one or more of their children would become a priest or a nun. I remember parishes being proud of bragging rights because they had many priests or sisters from their parish. Today, when I speak to the parents of someone who I think has a vocation to be a priest or sister, they almost have cardiac arrest: “Oh, noooo, I want them to have a life, I want them to have money, I want grandchildren, I want them to be famous,” because that is what our society calls successful. The culture no longer fosters vocations as it once did. For decades our society has been dealing with a family unit weakened by so many factors. Massive changes in U.S. family structure over the last 50 years may be America’s biggest problem for a variety of reasons, and unfortunately attempts by the Church to
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Sister Kathleen Hutsko, SSMI was the keynote speaker at the 2015 St. Nicholas Celebration, held Sunday, Dec. 6 at St. John the Baptist Cathedral and Center in Munhall, Pa.
strengthen the family unit have met with strong opposition. Several years ago, I read an article about the late Cardinal John O’Connor who was surrounded by reporters on TV, being hammered with questions about his opposition to a plan for the widespread distribution of condoms in public schools to curb AIDS and teenage pregnancy. One of the reporters stuck a microphone in Cardinal O’Connor’s face and said, “Cardinal, you’re expecting an awful lot from people, especially our young people, in thinking they can control themselves. That’s an awfully high standard. Isn’t it just better to admit that people can’t live up to this so they have to take precautions?” And the Cardinal, without blinking an eye, said to the reporter, “Oh no, the whole world is saying to our young people, ‘Be good, but – wink, wink – we know you can’t, so at least be careful.’ Somebody has got to say, ‘Be good; I know you can be,’ and that has to be the Church.” My sister, brothers and I, as well as many of you are products of a family life which was strong enough to not worry about being popular but being faithful to their beliefs and values. When Pope Francis declared the Year of Consecrated Life, which ends on Feb. 2, 2016, the purpose was to have a renewed look at religious life, for Religious to Wake up the World, to be witnesses of a different way of doing things, of acting, of living. I do believe it has awakened people to Consecrated Life in a positive way, but also as something that has been taken for granted, thinking that priests and nuns would always be around. Right now some of you may be thinking “yes Sister, it’s a nice story and you grew up when life was simpler, safer, not so many
• On January 4 the Epistles and Gospels of the Thirty-Second Week after Pentecost are read (Thus the Epistles and Gospels of the ThirtySecond Week are repeated). • During the week of January 11-17 the Epistles and Gospels of the Thirty-Third Week after Pentecost are read and continue in order from that point. • There is no Sunday of Zaccheus in 2016. • We start the Triodion on the Sunday of the Publican and the Pharisee which is January 17. • The First All Souls Saturday is January 30th. The Feast of the Three Holy Hierarchs is transferred to the day before. • The first day of the Great Fast is February 8. • The Feast of the Annunciation (March 25) falls on Good Friday, and the Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom is celebrated on this evening according to the Typicon. • PASCHA [Easter] is on March 27. Julian (old calendar) Pascha is on May 1, 2016. In 2017, Pascha is the same on both calendars (April 16, 2017).
• Mid-Pentecost is April 20. • The Feast of the Ascension is May 5. • Pentecost Sunday is May 15. • The Apostles Fast is from May 23 to June 28. • In September, the Gospel reading of St. Luke (the Lukan Jump) begins in the week of September 19-25 (the Nineteenth Week after Pentecost) and the Gospels of the Seventeenth Week are repeated in the Eighteenth Week. (The pastor may, at his option, repeat any of the weeks of the Matthean cycle, Bulgakov, Nastolnaja Kniga, 626) • The Feast of the Birth of our Lord (December 25) is on Sunday. • In the week after Christmas, Epistles of the Twenty-Eighth Week after Pentecost, and the Gospels of the Thirty-Second Week are read. A priest of the Eparchy of Parma, Father Michael Hayduk serves on the Intereparchial Commission for Sacred Liturgy.
options.” It’s tough for parents to instill counterculture values in their children. Today, kids have so much peer pressure and opportunities for whatever they want to do with their lives. This may be true. But, I truly believe that parents - today or 50 years ago - have a difficult yet powerfully influential role in their child’s life. But you should not have to do it alone; your family, parishioners and even the culture needs to support you, as they say, “it takes a village to raise a child.” We have an uphill journey in this, but it is one worth traveling. I will conclude with a story: In a city, there was a little girl who was walking from street to street. Finally, after a while of going and coming back almost to the same street, she got the attention of a police officer. He approached her and asked if he could help her. She replied saying that she was lost and
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couldn’t find her way back home. So the officer very gently asked her to get in his car and he would take her home. Driving for hours, she couldn’t recognize her street nor even her house. She finally said to the officer, “Please take me to my church and from there I’ll know my way home!” Wow! Let us teach our children, grandchildren, and our youth their way, to God, to Church so one day if they find themselves lost, they will find their way home, their way to God from their Church. n The Provincial Superior and a 35year member of the Congregation of the Sisters Servants of Mary Immaculate, a Byzantine Catholic Congregation, Sister Kathleen is a native of Whiting, Ind., She is a graduate of St. Mary Byzantine Catholic School and a graduate of Seton Hall University in South Orange, N.J. She also attended Regina Mundi in Rome, Italy and earned a certificate in Religious Studies.
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SUNDAY JANUARY 17, 2016
thoughts for our day by Archpriest David M. Petras
GOD OF MERCY AND JUSTICE God revealed himself to Moses on Mount Sinai as “The Lord, the Lord, a God gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in love and fidelity.” (Exodus 34:5-6) Yet in the conflicted and polarized world we live in, some might point out that this revelation is incomplete, for it continues, “continuing his love for a thousand generations, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion, and sin; yet not declaring the guilty guiltless, but bringing punishment for their parents’ wickedness on children and children’s children to the third and fourth generation!” (Exodus 34:7) St. John teaches us that “God is love.” (1 John 4:8), and certainly God’s relationship with his creatures is one of love and mercy for those he has brought into being, but we must also face the reality that he is completely just, and we cannot “sugar-coat” God as if he does not punish sinners justly. God’s strict justice is revealed frequently in the Scriptures, so much so that there were some early Christian teachers who felt that the God of the Old Testament had to be a different God than the one revealed in our Lord Jesus Christ. They were condemned as heretics. Jesus himself, who spoke very mercifully about sinners - publicans and prostitutes especially - sometimes also spoke harshly about those who were evil. He said, “And as for you, Capernaum: ‘Will you be exalted to heaven? You will go down to the netherworld.’ For if the mighty deeds done in your midst had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day.” (Matthew 11:23) For all that, the people who earned
his strongest condemnation were those who pretended to be good and did not need God’s mercy. What are we to think of this? We must first be aware of a reality which is beyond doubt: that for God, love and hate are not the same as for us physical human beings. We sometimes love another person, sometimes
God has only one eternal relationship for all his creation, that it reach the fulfillment for which it is destined, and this we call love. hate them, and we can change in our feelings toward them. Certainly our love or hatred comes from our mind and our soul and our wills, but it is expressed through our bodies, which can feel love or hatred through the hormones which course through our veins. This is evidently not true with God, who, as St. John again tells us, is spirit. God, as the very foundation of all being, is also the foundation of all love, which is the will for what is the best for all his creatures, for their life and the fulfillment of all their potentiality. Our loves and hatreds are a poor shadow of the absolute spiritual love that God has for all that he has created. Otherwise, why would they have been created? A wise man once said that God’s justice is his mercy. This is because God has only one eternal relationship for all his creation,
that it reach the fulfillment for which it is destined, and this we call love. In God it is absolute and unconditional. Sometimes God’s love is compared to human love, as, for example in the prophet Isaiah, where he compares God’s love to one of the most powerful human loves, that of a mother for her child. Isaiah proclaims the words of God, “Can a mother forget her infant, be without tenderness for the child of her womb? Even should she forget, I will never forget you.” (Isaiah 49, 15, read on the feast of Theophany). The love of a bridegroom for his bride is the model of the love of Christ for his Church in the New Testament. Yet human love cannot compare with God’s infinite love. There is, then, one relationship of God for the people he has created, and it is love, for “God is love.” However, a part of this relationship for love is hatred for sin. Sin is the negative reality of human existence, the consequence of the freedom of our wills, which can choose not-God. Sin is anything that destroys the destiny to which we are called, it is anything that brings death, and this God hates. St. Paul could not be more clear on this point, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23) Scripture tells us over and over again that God wishes the salvation of everyone, but the problem is that sometimes we will to be associated with sin, which is the abomination of death. If we freely hold on to our sinfulness, and do not accept God’s mercy, then we “feel” God’s wrath directed against the sin to which we cling. The writers of Scripture, those inspired by God, did not always make this subtle distinction, for sin brings
does your church plan to have lenten
Please provide:
If your parish or parish group is pinching pirohy for sale during the 2016 Great Fast, submit the following information and it will be printed beginning with the Feb. 7 edition of The BCW and on-line in the Upcoming Events section and Calendar on the Archeparchy’s official web site, www.archpitt.org. All other Lenten sales events such as soup, fish fry, etc. are most welcome as well.
1) Parish Name and Pastor 2) Location 3) Name of food event 4) Day, date, time of event 5) Menu items for sale 6) Contact person 7) Phone number (required) 8) Any additional information.
PIROHY FOR SALE?
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death, and if we are entangled with it, we “feel” our spiritual death. Pope St. John Paul II explained this reality in the same way. In a catechesis he gave on July 28, 1999, speaking about hell, he said: “God is the infinitely good and merciful Father. But man, called to respond to him freely, can unfortunately choose to reject his love and forgiveness once and for all, thus separating himself for ever from joyful communion with him. It is precisely this tragic situation that Christian doctrine explains when it speaks of eternal damnation or hell.” He quotes the Catechism of the Catholic Church, “To die in mortal sin without repenting and accepting God’s merciful love means remaining separated from him for ever by our own free choice. This state of definitive self-exclusion from communion with God and the blessed is called ‘hell.’” (Paragraph 1033) In the Gospel of St. Matthew (25:31-46), the Lord gives salvation to the just, to those who are loving to others because they can see the image of God in them. These are the sheep who enter into the joy of their destiny. The goats, on the other hand, who did not show love to others are condemned together with their sin. We see here that this was not the destiny that God intended for us mortals, describing hell as “the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.”(Matthew 25:41) The mercy of God, in his infinite love, is always open to those who freely accept it, as, for example, St. Paul did even after persecuting sinners, or as St. Mary of Egypt did, even after a life of flagrant prostitution. God’s wrath is a manifestation of love, destroying sin and the death associated with it for those who are being saved. n
Remember, all submissions must be approved by the parish pastor or administrator! E-mail your information to bcw@archpitt.org by Tuesday, Jan. 26 for inclusion in the Feb. 7 BCW, or by Feb. 16 for inclusion in the Feb. 28 issue. Submissions for web site calendar inclusion may be e-mailed anytime to web@archpitt.org.
SUNDAY JANUARY 17, 2016
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obituary
Father of deacon reposes Mr. Eugene W. White, father of Deacon Steven F. White, who serves SS. Peter and Paul Church in Punxsutawney, Pa., fell asleep in the Lord November 29, 2015. He was born Jan. 23, 1933 in Canoe Township, Indiana County, a son of the late Elda (Reeger) and Foster J. White, both deceased. On July 26, 1952, he married Joann O. “Peaches” Reitz, who preceded him in death in 2001. Mr. White earned several scientific degrees from Penn State University, and though he worked many jobs throughout his life, considered himself an inventor. He worked as a research assistant in Mineralogy at Penn State; a physicist at Picker X-Ray Corp., where he helped build and test new X-Ray Powder Diffraction and X-Ray Fluorescence Equipment; a research associate for Penn State with responsibility for setting up and operating the new Electron Microprobe lab; and was appointed Assistant Professor of Solid State Sciences, becoming a full tenured professor in 1976. With over 130 technical publications and books and 18 U.S. patents, after his working career ended, he continued to develop new inventions and
the commercial applications of existing patents. He also enjoyed the outdoors and had a great appreciation for nature. Mr. White is survived by four children, son Deacon Steven and wife Janice of Juneau, Pa.; daughter Genia White Heigel and husband Carl of Brookville, Pa.; son Leonard M. White of State College, Pa.; and son Carlton D. White and wife Laurie of Marion Center, Pa.; nine grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; four sisters; numerous nieces and nephews; and his dear friend and companion of 14 years, Phyllis Lopez. In addition to his wife and parents, step-mother Ora S. White and three brothers Forrest D. White, Donald J. White and Lawrence White preceded him in death. A memorial service was held at the First United Methodist Church of Marion Center, 204 Main Street, Marion Center, Pa. at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, December 19, 2015. Interment was in Lakelawn Memorial Park, Reynoldsville, Pa. n
May God grant to His servant Eugene blessed repose and Eternal Memory!
BYZANTINE DIVINE LITURGY Sundays 9:00 a.m. • WEDO Radio • 810 AM Broadcast live from Holy Ghost Church, McKees Rocks
Also view liturgical services (various times) at: www.holyghost-byzantinecatholic.org www.stjohnsbyzantinecathedral.com www.sjcbcc.com
obituary
Sister Eleanor Mary Horvat Sister Eleanor Mary Horvat (formerly Sister Vincentia) peacefully fell asleep in the Lord on Tuesday evening, December 8, 2015. As she had attended the Divine Liturgy earlier that day, and although she was having some discomfort, no one expected that this would have been her last day among us. The daughter of the late John J. and Mary (Petro) Horvath, Sister Eleanor Mary was born in Pottstown, Pa. She entered the Sisters of St. Basil from St. John the Baptist Byzantine Catholic Church in Pottstown on June 20, 1948. She pronounced her First Vows on August 15, 1950, and made her Perpetual Profession on January 1, 1956, in the presence of the late Very Rev. George Bonchonsky. For many of the 67 years of her religious life, Sister Eleanor Mary served in culinary arts for the community in the missions in New York, New Jersey, Indiana, Illinois, and Pennsylvania; also at the Byzantine Catholic Seminary, at St. Basil’s Home for Women and at the monastery in Uniontown. Her interest in the culinary arts led her to participate in Galand’s World – A Chef’s Perspective to Cooking, as part of the Continuing Education offered by the Pennsylvania State University for three consecutive years. Sister Eleanor Mary’s ministry underwent a change in 1986 when she became a familiar and pleasant figure in the Card and Prayer Department at the monastery. She would process the incoming mail and take care of keeping the files in order. Sister was assiduous in filling orders, packaging them, and assuring that they would be mailed in good time. She found great joy in doing this, and her dedication often led her to stay longer than was expected of her. As an “extracurricular” activity, Sister Eleanor Mary accompanied Sister Dolores Ann to the regular meetings of the Multiple Sclerosis Social Club of Fayette County. She offered her services in sending greeting cards for various occasions to the members, and she was so cheerful in doing this that she was named an honorary member and the “Sunshine Lady” of the club. She continued her participation even while she was at Mount Macrina Manor, where the
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+Sister Eleanor Mary Horvat, OSBM
meetings were held for some years. In his homily for Sister Eleanor Mary’s Funeral Divine Liturgy, Metropolitan William alluded to the gospel reading about Martha and Mary in speaking about Sister Eleanor Mary’s life. She spent a great part of her life being a “Martha” as evidenced by the ministries to which she was assigned. However, as with all those in religious life, there has to be and was time to be “Mary.” especially during her final years at Mount Macrina Manor. As we continue to celebrate Consecrated Life, all are called to take the good example of Martha and Mary and do both, do what needs to be done but also take time to pray and sit at the feet of Jesus. Sister Eleanor Mary was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Daniel and John Jr., and her sister Patricia Hassar. In addition to her Sisters in community, she is survived by nieces, cousins and their families. The Parastas Service was celebrated by Rev. Michael Huszti, Monastery chaplain. The Funeral Divine Liturgy was celebrated by Archbishop William C. Skurla Saturday morning December 12 at 10:30 in the Monastery Chapel with Rev. Michael Huszti as concelebrant and Deacon Raymond Zadzilko assisting. In attendance were Very Rev. Archpriest John Petro, Very Rev. Ronald Larko, and Rev. Stephen Wahal. Interment followed in the Dormition Section of Mount Macrina Cemetery. n
May God grant to his handmaiden Sister Eleanor Mary Eternal Memory and peaceful repose!
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SUNDAY JANUARY 17, 2016
Forgiveness Sunday Vespers cathedral welcomes faithful february 7 On Cheesefare Sunday (Feb. 7), Forgiveness Vespers for the beginning of the Great Fast (Lent) will be celebrated in churches across the Archeparchy. This powerful and moving service is a most meaningful way to enter into the days of the Great Fast. In many parishes, a traditional ‘Meager Meal’ of soup and bread is served following the service. The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, Archbishop William and Cathedral Rector Father Dennis Bogda invite the faithful to gather in Munhall to participate in this penitential opportunity at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 7. “We do realize that day is Superbowl Sunday,” says Father Dennis, adding that the Cathedral will be serving some delicious “Soup Bowls” of their own in the lower level
of the Cathedral following the Forgiveness Vespers sevice. “We hope everyone will come out and join us!” It is also urged of the faithful in all parishes of the Archeparchy to not only attend this and other Great Fast services, but also to invite and even bring family members and friends who may have fallen away from regular attendance - or from attending church at all - and bid them welcome to rejoin their parish family. n Please note that the Schedule for Great Fast Vespers in the Greater Pittsburgh Protopresbytery will be published in the Feb. 7 issue of The BCW and also will be available online at www.archpitt.org.
Forgiveness Vespers . . . “This is a beautiful and humbling prayer service that sets us on the proper path to begin our journey through the Great Fast – a time for prayer and fasting and almsgiving. We are called not only to ask for forgiveness for the neglects or hurts we have inflicted on one another throughout the year, we also must give others the peace of forgiveness they seek. And we do it face to face. To offer and receive forgiveness, and embrace. It is a powerful experience and a good beginning for renewal.” +Metropolitan Basil M. Schott
around the archeparchy ‘MASS MOB’ — Holy Spirit Church, 4815 Fifth Avenue in Pittsburgh, Pa. 15213 (Oakland), will host the Pittsburgh Mass Mob on Sunday, Jan. 24. The Pittsburgh Mass Mob is a group that studies the history and beauty of the area’s Catholic churches. Divine Liturgy will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m., followed by refreshments and a tour of the church. All are welcome! ANNUAL COMEDY NIGHT — The waiting is over and the stage is set for St. Gregory’s Comedy Night 2016. This funny event will take place Friday, Feb. 5 at St. Gregory Byzantine Catholic Church in Upper St. Clair, Pa. (2005 Mohawk Rd, 15241). Lovable funnyman David Kaye and his headliner Tom Anzalone return by popular demand. Tom last appeared 4 years ago and rocked the house, bringing the entire crowd to their feet. (Maybe David will finally find his Garage Key!) Tickets are $25 each. Groups of 10 or more can purchase tickets in advance and secure reserved tables. Beer and light snacks are included in the ticket price while ethnic food will be available for purchase while it lasts. Patrons also may wish to bring their own picnic basket with favorite foods and cheer. For tickets or more information, call the parish office at 412-835-7800. For directions, visit www.stgregoryusc.org. TREAT YOUR VALENTINE to an All-You-Can-Eat Breakfast Buffet sponsored by St. Mary’s Youth Group at St. Mary’s Center, Route 981 in Trauger, Pa. Sunday, February 14 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Adults $6; Children ages 5-10 $ 3; ages 4 & under FREE. TRADITIONAL COOKBOOK — Cooking Traditions is a 130-page cookbook featuring Lenten, Easter, and other holiday recipes according to the Rusyn-Slavonic cultural traditions within the Byzantine Catholic (Ruthenian) Church. This book also showcases many great recipes for other Eastern European foods and contemporary American favorites: halushky (potato dumplings and sweet cabbage), holubky (stuffed cabbage), soups, casseroles, baked goods and meat dishes. Cooking Traditions is available from St. Nicholas Byzantine Catholic Church of McKeesport, Pa. for $12 at the church or $15 per mail order. Please remit check or money order for $15 per book payable to St. Nicholas Church, 408 6th St., McKeesport, PA 15132. For more information call 412-664-9131 Mon-Fri from 9 am to 4 pm. Please allow 3 weeks for mail delivery. GAME ON! — St. Mary Church in Trauger, Pa. invites all to Friday Bingo, held at St. Mary’s Center, Route 981,Trauger. Total of 25 games beginning with Early Bird at 6:30. Single Card Package includes Mystery Number. Payout based on attendance of 100. Must-Go Jackpot always $1000. Note changes for 2016: “Monthly Mystery Game” takes the place of the Super 7 Special; one “Winner-Take-All Quickie” takes the place of the two regular “Quickies.” Happy New Year, everyone! Questions, call 724-423-8838.
dates to remember january 18 Martin Luther King Day - National Observance january 22 March for Life Washington, D.C. january 31 Meatfarefare Sunday february 2 Feast of the Encounter of our Lord with Simeon & Anna february 7 Forgiveness Sunday / Cheesefare Sunday february 8 First day of the Great Fast february 11 ‘Music of the Great Fast’ workshop St. John the Baptist Cathedral - Munhall, Pa.
Official publication of the Byzantine Catholic Archeparchy of Pittsburgh
Byzantine Catholic Press Associates 66 Riverview Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15214 Tel: 412.231.4000 Fax: 412.231.1697 E-mail: bcw@archpitt.org Web site: www.archpitt.org
next issue DATE: FEBRUARY 7
submissions DEADLINE: JANUARY 26
See more upcoming events at www.archpitt.org Also see page 9 for additional liturgical calendar dates info for 2016 the byzantine catholic world
See page 2 for important new BCW publication information.