Vol. 55, No. 11 15 MARCH, AD 2009

1 Vol. 55, No. 11 15 MARCH, AD 2009

PARISH WEEKLY NEWSLETTER SAINT JOHN THE BAPTIST UKRAINIAN CATHOLIC CHURCH Byzantine Rite

“Catholic” comes from the Greek words for “according-to- the-whole”

“Rite” or “Ritual Church” means “One of the twenty-one Eastern Catholic Sister Churches, who are simultaneously in Communion with the Church & Pope in Rome, while living their own distinctly non- Roman (non-Latin), & yet equally Apostolic Tradition (Theological, Spiritual, Liturgical & Canonical Heritage).”

THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT: FEAST OF THE HOLY CROSS DARK VESTMENTS Tone 3. Matins Gospel 11. Divine Liturgy of St. Basil the Great. The Typikon directs that the Liturgical Propers omit or transfer the memory of the saints of March 15: Holy Martyr Agapius and Six Martyrs with Him at Caesaria in Palestine (284-305): Timolaus, Alexander, Alexander, Romel, Dionisius & Dionisius.

5:00 PM – DIV. LIT. OF ST BASIL (all English, recited) SATURDAY, MARCH 14 +Gerald J. Bacasa (Fr. Ivan Chirovsky) (Family) +Anna Lessa (Fr. Canon Dr. John Ropke) (Greg Giancola)

7:45 AM – MATINAL LITURGY-MORNING PRAYER SUNDAY, MARCH 15 9:00 AM – EASTERN CHRISTIAN FORMATION (Catechism classes) 10:00 AM – DIV. LIT. OF ST BASIL (Ukr., Eng. & OCS / Sermon in Eng) God’s Blessings on Parishioners (Fr. Ivan Chirovsky) +Anna Hodiak (1st yr. Anniversary) (Fr. Canon Dr. John Ropke) (Family)

3:00 pm – Moleben for Church in Ukraine and Canonization of Metropolitan Andrey Sheptytsky with Fr. Monsignor George Appleyard preaching on “St. Paul and Recognizing the Body of Christ” at Sts. Peter & Paul Ukr. Cath. Church, 592 Melrose Ave., Ambridge, PA.

WORSHIP SERVICES and PARISH EVENTS IN THIS COMING WEEK

FOURTH MONDAY OF LENT - DARK (PURPLE) VESTMENTS MARCH 16 (Acts of penance including abstinence from meat and dairy are encouraged). The Holy Martyrs Sabinus and Pa- pas (284-305); The holy martyr Julian of Anazarbus (305); The holy priest-martyr Alexander, pope of Rome (119); Our venerable father Serapion, archbishop of Novhorod (1516). Fr. Ivan C., in Chapel, 7:00 PM PRESANCTIFIED DIVINE LITURGY for +Margarete Kowal (Gerald & Genny Mural) FOURTH TUESDAY OF LENT - DARK (PURPLE) VESTMENTS MARCH 17 (Acts of penance including abstinence from meat and dairy are encouraged). Our Venerable Father Alexius, Man of God (411); on the Celtic Calendar: our venerable Father Patrick, Enlightener of Ireland (461). Fr. Canon Dr. John Ropke, in Chapel, 9:00 AM, MATINS OR PARASTAS for +Michael Olynyk (Olynyk Family) 6:30 PM, Iconography class at St. George’s on the Northside

2 FOURTH WEDNESDAY OF LENT - DARK (PURPLE) VESTMENTS MARCH 18 (Acts of penance including abstinence from meat and dairy encouraged). Our Holy Father among the saints Cyril, Archbishop of Jerusalem (386). Fr. Ivan C., in Chapel, 7:00 PM, PRESANCTIFIED DIVINE LITURGY for +Anna Husar (Anna Suchy) FOURTH THURSDAY OF LENT - DARK (PURPLE) VESTMENTS MARCH 19 (Acts of penance including abstinence from meat and dairy encouraged). The Holy Martyrs Chrysanthus and Daria, his wife (253-60); Our venerable father Thomas, patriarch of Constantinople (610); Veneration of the miraculous icon of the Theotokos, "Compassionate." Fr. Canon Dr. John Ropke, in Chapel, 9:00 AM, MATINS OR PARASTAS for +John Grimm (Church Auxiliary) FOURTH FRIDAY OF LENT - DARK (PURPLE) VESTMENTS MARCH 20 (Acts of penance including abstinence from meat are obligatory, abstinence from dairy is encouraged). Our Venerable Fathers John, Sergius, Patrick and others martyred by the Saracens at the Monastery of St. Sabbas (796); the holy Cuthbert, wonderworker of Britain (687); the seven holy virgin-martyrs of Amisus: Alexandra (Lesia), Claudia, Euphrasia, Matrona, Juliania, Euphemia and Theodosia (310); The Holy Martyr Photina (Sveetliana) the Samaritan Woman, with whom the Savior conversed at Jacob's Well (John 4:5-42), her sons Victor (named Photinus) and Joses; and her sisters Anatola, Phota, Photis, Paraskeva, Kyriake; Nero's daughter Domnina; and the Martyr Sebastian are commemorated on the Slavic calendar today but on the Greek calendar on February 26. Fr. Ivan C., last week there were over 20 persons, so this week we will serve these services in the Church, 6:15 PM Parastas (Sorokousty) for ALL SOULS 7:00 PM, PRESANCTIFIED DIVINE LITURGY for +Emil Wojtechko (Roman and Sophie Kozak) FOURTH SATURDAY - ALL SOUL’S SATURDAY, DARK (RED) VESTMENTS MARCH 21 Our Venerable Father and Confessor of the Faith: James, Bishop of Catania (813-20). Fr. Ivan C., in Chapel, 9:30 AM, DIVINE LITURGY, FOR +ALL SOULS and +Nicholas Bohonek (Anonymous) 12:00 NOON – 3:00 PM – Pysanka Classes at our Parish, Mr. Michael Haritan

FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT: FEAST OF ST. JOHN CLIMACUS BRIGHT VESTMENTS Tone 4. Matins Gospel 1. Divine Liturgy of St. Basil the Great. The Typikon directs that the Liturgical Propers omit or transfer the memory of the saints of March 22: The Holy Priest-Martyr Basil, Presbyter of Ancyra (363); Passing into eternal life (1924) of Fr. Isidore Dolnytsky, hymnographer, professor and spiritual father of L’viv and the Greek College in Rome; The venerable Isaac, founder of the Dalmatian Monastery at Constantinople (383); The holy martyr Euthymius the younger of Mt Athos (1814).

5:00 PM – DIV. LIT. OF ST BASIL (all English, recited) SATURDAY, MARCH 21 +Amelia Makitka (Fr. Ivan Chirovsky) (Pat and Glenn Owens) +John Pergzola (Fr. Canon Dr. John Ropke) (Lawrence Pergzola)

7:45 AM – MATINAL LITURGY-MORNING PRAYER SUNDAY, MARCH 22 9:00 AM – EASTERN CHRISTIAN FORMATION (Catechism classes) 10:00 AM – DIV. LIT. OF ST BASIL (Ukr., Eng. & OCS / Sermon in Eng) God’s Blessings on Parishioners (Fr. Ivan Chirovsky) +Maria Polatajko (Fr. Canon Dr. John Ropke) (Family)

3:00 pm – Sunday Evening Lenten Vespers with BEGINNING OF LENTEN MISSION (RENEWAL) WITH HIERO-MONK TARAS (TERRY) KRAYCHUK, at our parish.

3 Vol. 55, No.11 15 MARCH, AD 2009 Continued from the cover

Icon of the Exposition and Veneration of the Holy Cross

About the main celebration of the day for the Third Sunday of the Great Lent or Great Fast: FROM THE SYNAXARION which is read at the Matinal Liturgy: The Third Sunday of Lent is that of the Exposition and Veneration of the Cross. The cross stands in the midst of the church in the middle of the lenten season not merely to remind men of Christ's redemption and to keep before them the goal of their efforts, but also to be venerated as that reality by which man must live IN ORDER TO BE SAVED. "He who does not take up his cross and follow me is not worthy of me" (Mt. 10:38). For in the Cross of Christ Crucified lies both "the power of God and the wisdom of God" for those who are being saved (1 Corinthians 1:24).

4 ЧИТАННЯ ІЗ СВЯТОГО ПИСЬМА — SCRIPTURE READINGS У Третю неділю Великого Посту: Виставлення й Поклін Святому, Чесному, й Животворному Хресту Господа, Бога й Спаса нашого Ісуса Христа. On the Third Sunday of the Great Fast we expose and venerate the precious relic of the Holy, Precious and Life-Giving Cross of our Lord, God and Savior, Jesus Christ. (1) На Вечірній Літургії, Трету Неділю Великого Посту: Старий Завіт: ПЕРШОЇ КНИГИ МОЙСЕЯ ЧИТАННЯ. Тими днями, коли Йосифові брати пішли пасти вівці свого батька, Ізраїля (Якова), в Сихем, сказав батько до Йосифа: « Чи не пасуть твої брати вівці в Сихемі? Йди лишень, я й тебе пошлю до них. » Він же відповів йому: « Я тут. » І сказав батько до нього: « Піди но, подивися, чи гаразд із твоїми братами, чи гаразд із вівцями, та принеси мені вістку. » Та й послав його з долини Хеврону, й він пішов у Сихем. Зустрів його якийсь чоловік, він бо блукав у полі. Цей же чоловік спитав його: « Чого шукаєш? » Він же відрік: « Братів своїх шукаю. Скажи мені, будь ласка, де вони пасуть? » А чоловік відповів: « Вони пішли звідсіля; чув бо я, як казали: Ходімо в Дотан. » І пішов Йосиф за своїми братами й знайшов їх у Датані. Вони ж угледіли його здаля і, заки він до них наблизився, змовилися на нього, щоб його вбити. Тож казав один до одного: « Он іде той сновида! Ходім та й убиймо його та й вкиньмо його в якусь копанку і скажемо: — лютий звір пожер його; тоді побачимо, що буде з його снів. » Почув це Рувим і врятував його з їхніх рук, — сказавши: Не вбиваймо життя! Далі Рувим сказав до них: « Не проливайте крови, вкиньте його в ту копанку, що в пустині, але руки на нього не накладайте. » Це так, щоб його врятувати з їхніх рук і повернути його батькові. І коли Йосиф прийшов до братів, вони здерли з нього квітчасту одежу, що була на ньому, взяли його та й вкинули в копанку, копанка ж була порожня, води не було в ній. І посідали вони їсти. Коли ж підвели свої очі, бачать — аж ось іде валка Ізмаїльтян з Гілеаду, а верблюди їхні несуть бурштин, бальсам та ладан; ідуть і везуть усе те в Єгипет. Тоді каже Юда до своїх братів: « Що нам з того, що вб’ємо нашого брата й прикриємо його кров? Нумо продаймо його Ізмаїльтянам, рука ж наша нехай не буде на ньому, бо він наш брат, наше тіло. » І послухали його брати. Ішли ж мимо мідіянські люди, купці, а вони витягнули Йосифа з копанки та й продали Ізмаїльтянам за двадцять срібняків; а ті повезли його в Єгипет. (Буття 37:12-28). (1) At the Vesperal Liturgy: For the Third Sunday of the Great Fast: Old Testament: A READING FROM THE FIRST BOOK OF MOSES. One day, when his brothers had gone to pasture their father's flocks at Shechem, Israel said to Joseph,

5 "Your brothers, you know, are tending our flocks at Shechem. Get ready; I will send you to them." "I am ready," Joseph answered. "Go then," he replied; "see if all is well with your brothers and the flocks, and bring back word." So he sent him off from the valley of Hebron. When Joseph reached Shechem, a man met him as he was wandering about in the fields. "What are you looking for?" the man asked him. "I am looking for my brothers," he answered. "Could you please tell me where they are tending the flocks?" The man told him, "They have moved on from here; in fact, I heard them say, 'Let us go on to Dothan.'" So Joseph went after his brothers and caught up with them in Dothan. They noticed him from a distance, and before he came up to them, they plotted to kill him. They said to one another: "Here comes that master dreamer! Come on, let us kill him and throw him into one of the cisterns here; we could say that a wild beast devoured him. We shall then see what comes of his dreams." When Reuben heard this, he tried to save him from their hands, saying: "We must not take his life. Instead of shedding blood," he continued, "just throw him into that cistern there in the desert; but don't kill him outright." His purpose was to rescue him from their hands and restore him to his father. So when Joseph came up to them, they stripped him of the long tunic he had on; then they took him and threw him into the cistern, which was empty and dry. They then sat down to their meal. Looking up, they saw a caravan of Ishmaelites coming from Gilead, their camels laden with gum, balm and resin to be taken down to Egypt. Judah said to his brothers: "What is to be gained by killing our brother and concealing his blood? Rather, let us sell him to these Ishmaelites, instead of doing away with him ourselves. After all, he is our brother, our own flesh." His brothers agreed. They sold Joseph to the Ishmaelites for twenty pieces of silver. Some Midianite traders passed by, and they pulled Joseph up out of the cistern and took him to Egypt. (Genesis 37:12-28). (2) На Вечірній Літургії, Трету Неділю Великого Посту: Старий Завіт: ПЕРШОЇ КНИГИ ЦАРІВ ЧИТАННЯ. Савло (Саул) же й ізраїльтяни зібрались і отаборились в долині Дуба й приготувались до битви проти філі- стимлян. Філістимляни стали на горі з одного боку, а ізраїльтяни стали на горі з другого боку, так що між ними була долина. І виступив з філістимлянського табору передовий борець, на ім'я Голіят, з Гату, ростом шість ліктів із п'яддю. На голові в нього був бронзовий шолом; одягнений був у лусковий панцер, що важив п'ять тисяч бронзових шеклів. На ногах у нього були бронзові наколінники й бронзовий спис за плечима. Ратище його було завгрубшки, як ткацький вал, а блискучий кінець його списа важив шістсот шеклів заліза. Попереду нього виступав щитоноша. Став він і загукав до лав ізраїльських: « Чого ви вийшли й стаєте до бою? Хіба я не філістимлянин, а ви не раби Савла? Виберіть собі одно- го, й нехай виступить проти мене! Коли він зможе боротися зо мною і мене вб’є, ми будемо вашими рабами, а коли я подужаю його та його вб’ю, ви будете на- шими рабами й будете нам служити. » ... Тоді Давид сказав до Савла: « Нехай

6 ніхто не падає духом заради нього! Слуга твій виступить і буде битися з тим філі- стимлянином! » ... І вів далі Давид: « Господь, що врятував мене з левиних та ведмежих лап, врятує мене і з рук цього філістимлянина. » Тоді Савло сказав до Давида: « Іди, й нехай Господь буде з тобою! » ... Узяв же в руку палицю, вибрав з потоку п’ять камінців гладеньких, поклав їх у пастушу торбу, що мав при собі, і з пращею в руці почав наближатися до філістимлянина. ... Споглянув-фі- лістимлянин і, побачивши Давида, погордував ним, бо був він ще хлопець, руся- вий, гарний з виду. ... Давид сягнув рукою до торби, взяв із неї камінь, метнув ним з пращі й поцілив у лоба філістимлянинові. Камінь застряг у нього в лобі, й він упав лицем об землю. Отак Давид подужав філістимлянина каменем і пращею, убив його на смерть: меча ж не було в руках Давида. Підбіг Давид і, ставши над філістимлянином, ухопив його меча, вийняв з піхви й завдав йому смерть, відтявши йому голову. Філістимляни ж, побачивши, що богатир їхній мертвий, метнулися втікати. (1 Самуїл 17: 2-9, 32, 37, 40, 42, 49-51). Читання із Першої Книги Царів можна замінити слідуючим: КНИГИ ІОВА ЧИТАННЯ. В другій серії розмов, заговорив Іов до Зоафара, кажучи: « Чи світло у безбожних раз-у-раз гасне і падає на них нещастя? Чи часто у своєму гніві Всемогутній їх губить, так, що вони стають, немов солома перед вітром, немов полова, що її здіймає вихор? А, може, Бог зберігає його кару для його дітей? Ні! Нехай відплатить йому самому, щоб сам теє відав! Нехай побачить власними очима своє горе, і з гніву Всемогутнього хай вип’є! Яка йому журба про дім свій після нього, коли число місяців у нього пораховане? Чи то ж нам Бога знання вчити, коли він судить щонайвищих? Один умирає повний сили, повнотою щасливий та безпечний. Стегна у нього повні ситі, кості його набиті шпигом. А другий умирає наболілою душею, не скуштувавши щастя. Разом лягають у порох, їх обох черва вкриває (хробаки їдять)! » (21:17-26). (2) At the Vesperal Liturgy: For the Third Sunday of the Great Fast: Old Testament: A READING FROM THE FIRST BOOK OF KINGS. Saul and the Israelites gathered and camped in the Vale of the Terebinth, drawing up their battle line to meet the Philistines. The Philistines were stationed on one hill and the Israelites on an opposite hill, with a valley between them. A champion named Goliath of Gath came out from the Philistine camp; he was six and a half feet tall. He had a bronze helmet on his head and wore a bronze corselet of scale armor weighing five thousand shekels, and bronze greaves, and had a bronze scimitar slung from a baldric. The shaft of his javelin was like a weaver's heddle-bar, and its iron head weighed six hundred shekels. His shield-bearer went before him. He stood and shouted to the ranks of Israel: "Why come out in battle formation? I am a Philistine, and you are Saul's servants. Choose one of your men, and have him come down to me. If he beats me in combat and kills me, we will be your vassals; but if I beat him and kill him, you shall be our vassals and serve us." … Then David spoke to Saul: "Let your

7 majesty not lose courage. I am at your service to go and fight this Philistine." … David continued: "The LORD, who delivered me from the claws of the lion and the bear, will also keep me safe from the clutches of this Philistine." Saul answered David, "Go! the LORD will be with you." … Then, staff in hand, David selected five smooth stones from the wadi and put them in the pocket of his shepherd's bag. With his sling also ready to hand, he approached the Philistine. … When he had sized David up, and seen that he was youthful, and ruddy, and handsome in appearance, Goliath held him in contempt. … David put his hand into the bag and took out a stone, hurled it with the sling, and struck the Philistine on the forehead. The stone embedded itself in his brow, and he fell prostrate on the ground. Thus David overcame the Philistine with sling and stone; he struck the Philistine mortally, and did it without a sword. Then David ran and stood over him; with the Philistine's own sword, which he drew from its sheath, he dispatched him and cut off his head. When they saw that their hero was dead, the Philistines took to flight. (1 Samuel 17:2-9, 32, 37, 40, 42, 49-51). The former reading from the First Book of Kings, may be substituted with: A READING FROM THE BOOK OF JOB. 1 Answering Zophar the Naamathite,

1 The Book of Job, named after its protagonist, is an exquisite dramatic poem, which treats of the problem of the suffering of the innocent, and of retribution. Job, an oriental chieftain, pious and upright, richly endowed in his own person and in domestic prosperity, suffers a sudden and complete reversal of fortune. He loses his property and his children; by the hand of Satan (“The Adversary”) a loathsome disease afflicts his body; and sorrow oppresses his soul. Nevertheless, Job does not com- plain against God. When some friends (Eliphaz, Bildad and Zophar) visit him to condole with him and their conversation turns from an argument about the reasons behind Job’s sufferings to a dispute on the origins of evil in general. Job protests his innocence and does not understand why he is afflicted. He curses the day of his birth and longs for death to bring an end to his sufferings. The debate, which ensues, consists of three cycles of speeches. Job's friends insist that his plight can only be a punishment for personal wrongdoing and an invitation from God to repentance. Job rejects their in- adequate explanation. He says that evil and the suffering it causes can also be a test from God, for cleansing or redemption, serving either as a warning or as a reward. This latter purpose of suffering, its compensatory or intercessory nature, when the suffering is offered in behalf of someone else, does not become clear in human thought until after the New Covenant reveals the Passion (sufferings) of Christ in behalf of the passions (vices, sins) of the people. Job calls for a response from God himself. At this point the speeches of a youth named Elihu (Job 32-37) interrupt the development. Elihu rejects everyone else’s ideas and submits that pain and suffering exist because they are only a catalyst for development and growth. In response to Job's plea that he be allowed to see God and hear from Him the cause of his suffering, God finally answers, not by justifying His action before men, but by referring to His own omniscience and almighty power. Job is content with this. He re- covers his attitude of humility and trust in God, which is deepened now and strengthened by his experience of suffering. Our Ukrainian Catholic Church considers Job’s sufferings to be an Old Cove- nant “type” of the innocent redemptive sufferings (Passion) of our Lord Jesus, and thus the Book of Job is also read during Holy and Great Passion Week. The obvious lesson is that even the just (righteous) may suffer here, and their sufferings are a test of their fidelity. They (and the objects of their sacrifice) shall be rewarded in the end. Man's finite mind cannot probe the depths of the divine om-

8 in the Second Cycle of Speeches, JOB said: “How often is the lamp of the wicked put out? How often does destruction come upon them, the portion He allots in His anger? Let them be like straw before the wind, and like chaff, which the storm snatches away! May God not store up the man's misery for his children; let Him requite the man Himself so that he feels it. Let his own eyes see the calamity, and the wrath of the Almighty let him drink! For what interest has he in his family after him, when the number of his months is finished? One dies in his full vigor, wholly at ease and content; his figure is full and nourished, and his bones are rich in marrow. Another dies in bitterness of soul, having never tasted happiness. Alike they lie down in the dust, and worms cover them both.” (21: 17-26). (3) На Вечірній Літургії, в Трету Неділю Великого Посту: Старий Завіт: КНИГИ ПРОРОКА ІСАЇ ЧИТАННЯ. Мовить Господь Ісаєві: « Через те, що цей народ устами тільки зближається до мене й губами тільки мене шанує, а серце своє віддалив від мене, і страх його передо мною — то лише вивчена заповідь людська, тому я і далі творитиму з цим народом дивне диво й чудовину, щоб мудрість їхніх мудрих пропала й розуму не стало в їхніх розумників. » Горе тим, що ховають глибоко свої задуми, щоб перед Господом їх затаїти, що чинять свої справи в темряві і говорять: « Хто нас побачить, хто взнає нас? » Яке ж то безглуздя! Хіба гончаря вважатимуть за глину? Чи виріб скаже про того, який його зробив: він мене, мовляв, не зробив? Чи скаже посуд до гончаря: він, мов- ляв, не розуміє? Хіба не трошки ще, не трошечки, і Ливан перестане бути садом, а сад не будуть вважати за ліс? Того дня глухі почують слова книги, очі сліпих прозріють із темряви та пітьми. І бідні дедалі більше у Господі веселитимуться, і вбогі між людьми радітимуть Святим Ізраїля (29:13-19). (3) At the Vesperal Liturgy: For the Third Sunday of the Great Fast: Old Testament: A READING FROM THE PROPHECY OF ISAIAH. The LORD is saying: “Since this people draws near with words only and honors me with their lips alone, though their hearts are far from me, and their reverence for me has become routine observance of the precepts of men, therefore I will again deal with this people in surprising and wondrous fashion: The wisdom of its wise men shall perish and the understanding of its prudent men shall be hid. Woe to those who would hide their plans too deep for the LORD! (Woe to those) who work in the dark, saying, "Who sees us, or who knows us?" Your perversity is as though the potter were taken to be the clay, as though what is made should say of its maker, "He made me not!" Or, the vessel should say of the potter, "He does not understand." But a very little while, and Leba- non shall be changed into an orchard, and the orchard shall be regarded as a forest! On that day the deaf shall hear the words of a book; and, out of gloom and darkness, the eyes of the blind shall see. The lowly will ever find joy in the LORD, and the poor niscience that governs the world. The problems we encounter can only be solved by a broader and deeper awareness of God's power, presence (Job 42:5) and wisdom.

9 rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.” (29:13-19). (4) На Утренній Літургії, Новий Завіт, Одинадцяте Утренне Євангеліє: ВІД ІВАНА СВЯТОГО ЄВАНГЕЛІЯ (БЛАГОВІСТУВАННЯ) ЧИТАННЯ: У той час, з’явився Ісус своїм учням, воскресши з мертвих, і каже Ісус Симонові Петрові: « Симоне Йонин ! Чи любиш () ти мене більш, ніж оці ? » Той йому відповів: « Так, Господи, ти знаєш (), що я люблю () тебе. » Каже йому: « Паси () мої ягнята () ! » І знову, вдруге каже до нього: « Симоне Йонин ! Чи любиш () мене ? » Відповідає йому: « Так, Господи, ти знаєш (), що я люблю () тебе. » І мовить йому: « Паси () мої вівці () ! » Тоді він утретє каже йому: « Симоне Йонин ! Чи любиш () ме- не ? » Засмутився Петро, що втретє його питає: чи любиш () мене? — і каже йому: « Господи, ти все знаєш (), ти знаєш (), що я люблю () тебе ! » Каже йому Ісус: « Паси () мої вівці () ! Істинно, істинно кажу тобі: Коли ти був молодший, підперізувався сам і ходив, куди сам хо- тів. А як постарієшся, простягнеш твої руки, і інший підпереже тебе і поведе, куди ти не хочеш. » Сказав він це, вказуючи, якою смертю прославить Бога. І промовивши те, сказав йому Ісус: « Іди за мною ! » Обернувшись, Петро бачить, що за ним іде учень, якого любив () Ісус і який під час вечері схилився був йому на груди і спитав: « Господи, хто той, що тебе зрадить ? » Побачивши його, Петро каже Ісусові: « Господи, а цей що ? » Каже до нього Ісус: « Якщо я хочу, щоб він лишився, поки прийду, що тобі до того ? Ти йди за мною ! » І розійшлось це слово між братами, що той учень не вмре. Та не сказав йому Ісус, що не вмре, лише так: « Якщо я хочу, щоб він лишився, поки прийду, що тобі до того ? » Це той учень, який те свідчить і який написав те, і знаємо, що його свідчення — правдиве. Є ще й багато іншого, що зробив Ісус, та якби воно було записане кожне зокрема, гадаю, що й самий світ не вмістив би написаних книг. Амінь. (21:15-25). (4) At the Matinal Liturgy: New Testament: Eleventh Matinal Gospel: A Reading from the Holy Gospel according to JOHN: [At that time,] when Jesus and the disciples had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love () Me more than these?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know () that I love () You.” He said to him, “Feed () my lambs ().” A second time He said to him, “Simon, son of John, do you love () me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; You know () that I love () you.” He said to him, “Tend () my sheep ().” He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love () me?” Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love () me?” And he said to Him, “Lord, You know () everything; You know () that I love () You.” [Jesus] said to him, “Feed () my sheep (). Amen, amen (truly, truly), I say to you, when you were young, you girded yourself and walked where you would; but when you are

10 old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish to go.” This He said to show by what death he wwas going to glorify God. And after this He said to him, “Follow me.” Peter turned and saw following them the disciple whom Jesus loved (), who had lain close to His breast at the supper and had said, “Lord, who is it that is going to betray You?” When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, “Lord, what about this man?” Jesus said to him, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? Follow me!” The saying spread abroad among the brethren that this disciple was not to die; yet Jesus did not say to him that he was not to, but, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, [what is that to you?]” This is the disciple who is bearing witness to these things, and who has written these things, and we know that his testimony is true. But there are also many other things which Jesus did; were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written. [Amen]. (21:15-25). (5) На Божественній Літургії, в Трету Неділю Великого Посту: Новий Завіт: ДО ЄВРЕЇВ (єврейських християн) ПОСЛАННЯ СВЯТОГО АПОСТОЛА ПАВЛА ЧИТАННЯ: Браття! Маючи великого архиєрея, що пройшов небо, Ісуса, Сина Божого, тримаймося твердо віровизнання. Бо ми не маємо такого архиєрея, який не міг би співчувати нашим недугам: він же ж зазнав усього, подібно як ї ми, крім гріха. Приступім, отже, з довірям до престолу благодаті, щоб отримати милосердя і знайти ласку на своєчасну поміч. Кожен бо архиєрей, узятий з-поміж людей, настановляється для людей у справах Божих, щоб приносив дари та жертви за гріхи; щоб міг співчувати нетямущим і тим, що заблудили, бо й сам він неміччю охоплений, і тому має як за людей, так і за себе самого приносити жертви за гріхи. Чести ж цієї ніхто не бере сам собі, лише той, хто покликаний Богом, як Арон. Так і Христос сам собі не присвоїв славу стати архиєреєм, бо вона від Того, який до нього мовив: « Ти мій Син, я сьогодні породив тебе. »(Пс. 2,7) Як і на іншому місці каже: « Ти священик навіки по чину Мелхиседека. »(Пс. 109,4) (4:14-5:6). (5) At the Divine Liturgy: FOR THE THIRD SUNDAY OF THE GREAT FAST: NEW TESTAMENT: A READING FROM THE LETTER OF SAINT PAUL, THE APOSTLE, TO THE HEBREWS (JEWISH CHRISTIANS): Brothers and Sisters! Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our

11 weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. For every high priest taken from among men is appointed for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins. He can have compassion on those who are ignorant and going astray, since he himself is also subject to weakness. Because of this he is required as for the people, so also for himself, to offer sacrifices for sins. And no man takes this honor to himself, but he who is called by God, just as Aaron was. So also Christ did not glorify Himself to become High Priest, but it was He who said to Him: "You are my son; today I have begotten you" (Psalm 2:7); as he also says in another place: "You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek." (Psalm 109:4). (4:14–5:6) (6) На Божественній Літургії, в Третю Неділю Великого Посту: Новий Завіт: ВІД МАРКА СВЯТОГО ЄВАНГЕЛІЄ (БЛАГО- ВІСТУВАННЯ) ЧИТАННЯ: Прикликавши народ разом із учнями, каже Господь: « Коли хто хоче йти за мною, хай зречеться себе самого, візьме на себе хрест свій та йде слідом за мною. Бо хто хоче спасти своє життя (свою душу), той його (її) погубить; а хто погубить своє життя (свою душу) мене ради та Євангелія (Благої Вістки — Доброї Новини), той його (її) спасе. Яка бо користь людині здобути світ увесь і занапастити своє життя (свою душу)? Що бо людина може дати взамін за власне життя (власну душу)? Хто, отже, буде соромитися мене й моїх слів перед цим родом перелюбним та грішним, того буде соромитися Син Чоловічий, коли прийде у славі Отця свого зі святими ангелами. » І сказав їм, « Істинно кажу вам: Є деякі з отут присутніх, що не зазнають смерти, аж поки не побачать Царства Божого, що прийде у могутності. » (8:34-9:1) (6) At the Divine Liturgy: FOR THE THIRD SUNDAY OF THE GREAT FAST: NEW TESTAMENT: A READING FROM THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MARK: At that time, when He had called the people to Himself, with His disciples also, Jesus says to them, “Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life (soul) will lose it, but whoever loses his life (soul) for My sake and the gospel’s will save it. For what will it profit a man if he

12 gains the whole world, and loses his own life (soul)? Or what will a man give in exchange for his life (soul)? For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him the Son of Man also will be ashamed when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels.” And He said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you that there are some standing here who will not taste death till they see the kingdom of God present with power." (8:34-38 and 9:1). **************************************************************************** ЗА-АМВОННА МОЛИТВА В ДРУГУ НЕДІЛЮ ВЕЛИКОГО ПОСТУ AMVON PRAYER FOR THE SECOND SUNDAY OF THE GREAT FAST: O Lord our God, though we are unworthy, you have deemed us worthy to stand in this holy place. Though we have no good works to offer you, we sacrifice a humbled heart and a contrite spirit to you who have no need of anything of ours. We seek forgiveness of sins from your goodness. Give heed to our simple prayer, for you did not turn away from the tax-collector who humbled himself before you, but proclaimed him justified! Banish from our hearts, however, the loathsome boasting and pompous speech of the self-righteous Pharisee. Instead, grant us the compunction of the tax- collector and humility that would draw us to you, for you exalt the humble and humble the exalted. Make us worthy of the (blessed) happiness of the kingdom of heaven prepared for the poor in spirit, through the mercies of your Christ, with whom you are blessed, together with your all-holy, good and life-creating Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen. **************************************************************************** НАСТУПНОЇ НЕДІЛІ: ЧИТАННЯ ІЗ СВЯТОГО ПИСЬМА: 22 березня, 2009 р.Б.: ЧЕТВЕРТОЇ НЕДІЛІ ВЕЛИКОГО ПОСТУ, КОЛИ ТВОРИМО ПАМ’ЯТЬ СВЯТОГО Й ПРЕПОДОБНОГО ОТЦЯ НАШОГО ІВАНА, ПРОЗВАНОГО « ЛІСТВИЧНИКА », БО ВІН Є АВТОРОМ « ЛІСТВИ (ДРАБИНИ) ДО НЕБА ». На Вечірній Літургії: ЧЕТВЕРТОЇ НЕДІЛІ: Книги Буття Читання 41:14-31; Книги Суддів Читання 16:4-21 або Книги Суддів Читання 16:23-30; Книги Пророка Осії Читання 14:1-9; СВ. ІВАНОВІ: Книги Мудрости Читання 3:1-9; Книги Мудрости Читання 5:15-6:3; Книги Мудрости Читання 4:7, 16-5:7, або Книги Приповідок Читання 2:1-9; На Утренній Літургії: НЕДІЛЬНЕ РЯДОВЕ: Від Матея святого Євангеліє Читання 28:16-20; СВ. ІВАНОВІ: Від Матея святого Євангеліє Читання 11:25-30; На Божественній Літургії (св. Василія Великого): ЧЕТВЕРТОЇ НЕДІЛІ: до Євреїв послання святого апостола Павла Читання 6:13-20; тa від Марка святого Євангелія читання 9: 17-31; СВ. ІВАНОВІ: до Ефесян послання святого апостола Павла Читання 5:9-19; тa від Матея святого Євангелія читання 4:25-5:12; За-амвонна Молитва: # 16. NEXT SUNDAY: Scripture Readings for March 22, 2009: (On the Fourth Sunday of the Great Fast (Lent), we commemorate our holy and venerable Father, John, nicknamed “Climacos-of the Ladder” because he is the author of “The Ladder of

13 Divine Ascent”): At the Vesperal Liturgy: for the 4th Sunday of Lent: GENESIS 41:14- 31; JUDGES 16:4-21 or JUDGES 16:23-30; HOSEA 14:1-9; or for St. John of the Ladder: WISDOM 3:1-9; WISDOM 5:15-6:3; WISDOM 4:7,16–5:7 or PROVERBS 2:1-9; At the Matinal-Orthros Liturgy: for Sunday: MATTHEW 28:16-20, and/or for St. John of the Ladder: MATTHEW 11:25-30; At the Eucharistic Liturgy (of Saint Basil the Great): for 4th Sunday of Lent: HEBREWS 6:13-20 and MARK 9:17-31; and, for Saint John of the Ladder: EPHESIANS 5:9-19 and MATTHEW 4:25-5:12; Amvon Prayer: # 16.

МОЛИТВА СЛУГИ БОЖОГО МИТРОПОЛИТА АНДРЕЯ ШЕПТИЦЬКОГО ПРО ДОБРЕ УКРАЇНСЬКЕ ДУХОВЕНСТВО, яку Проголошення вірним УГКЦ 2009 року Божого Роком християнського покликання з особливим наголосом на священичому покликанні поручає молитися усім вірним нашої Церкви Господи, Господи, поглянь з неба, подивись і відвідай виноградник, який насадила правиця Твоя. Нехай всемогутня Твоя Рука буде завжди над цим народом, що його Ти полюбив. Дай йому, Предвічний Боже, у кожному поколінні, аж до кінця світу, єпископів і священиків святих, повних Твого Духа, — пастирів й учителів Твого Закону, що вміли б незмінно зберігати правду Твого святого Об'явлення та з любов'ю навчати й вести цей великий нарід. Даруй українському духовенству ласку ніколи не боятися пожертвування, де тільки йде про Твою славу й добро цього народу. Розпали в серцях українських священиків духа ревності про спасіння душ. Відкрий перед їхніми очима премудрість Твого Об'явлення і дай їм високе почуття святості того діла, до якого Ти їх покликав. Благослови їхню працю і їхні наміри. Хорони від усякого лиха. І єднай їх Твоєю благодаттю, щоб любов'ю були одно, – як Ти, Отче, зі Сином і Син з Тобою. Амінь.

МОЛИТВА ЗА ПОКЛИКАННЯ - КОМІТЕТ ПОКЛИКАНЬ УКРАЇНСЬКА КАТОЛИЦЬКА АРХИЄПАРХІЯ В ФІЛАДЕЛЬФІЇ Всемогучий та милосердний Боже, надихни тих, кого ти вибрав почути та відгукнутися на твій поклик до священичого та релігійного життя. Подай їм відвагу бути пророками в наш час. Подай їм мудрість та відкритість жити своїм особливим покликом. Подай їм силу бути готовими свідками Твоєї любови та опіки над світом. Нехай вони знайдуть підтримку та заохочення в наших словах та в наших молитвах, через заступництво Марії, Матері Божої, та всіх святих. Амінь.

PRAYER FOR GOOD UKRAINIAN CLERGY by Servant of God Metropolitan Andrey Sheptytsky (+1944) recommended by the Synodal “PROCLAMATION TO THE FAITHFUL OF UKRAINIAN GRECO- CATHOLIC CHURCH: 2009 – THE YEAR OF CHRISTIAN VOCATION WITH A

14 PARTICULAR EMPHASIS ON THE PRIESTLY VOCATION” Lord, O Lord, look down from Heaven, behold and visit Your vineyard, which Your right hand has planted. May Your mighty hand be always upon this people, whom You have beloved. O Eternal God, grant Your people in every generation to the end of the world holy bishops and priests filled with Your Spirit – pastors and teachers of Your Law, capable of preserving unaltered the truth of Your holy Revelation and lo- vingly teaching and leading this great people. Grant to the Ukrainian clergy the grace to never fear any sacrifice, whenever it concerns Your glory and the good of this people. Ignite the hearts of Ukrainian priests with a spirit of zeal for the salvation of souls. Open before their eyes the wisdom of Your Revelation and grant them a deep sense of the holiness of the task to which You have called them. Bless their work and their intentions. Protect them from every evil. And unite them by Your grace so that in love they may be one – as You, Father, are with the Son, and the Son with You. Amen. PRAYER FOR VOCATIONS - Vocations Committee Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia Almighty and Merciful God, inspire those You have chosen to hear and answer Your call to the Priesthood and Religious Life. Give them the courage to be the prophets for our times. Give them the wisdom and openness to live their personal call. Give them the strength to be ready witnesses of Your love and сarе for the world. May they find support and encouragement in our words and in our prayers [through the intercession of Mary, the Mother of God, and all the Saints. Amen]

Special PETITIONS for the Insistent Litany (Ekteniya of Fervent Supplication) PETITION mandated by the Synodal Dec. 31, 2008 “Proclamation to the faithful of the Ukrainian Greco-Catholic Church in the year of God 2009 as the Year of Christian Vocations with Special Emphasis on Priestly Vocations”: Deacon: During this Year of 2009 when we have been asked by our Patriarch and Synod of Bishops to remember all Christian Vocations in our prayers but with a Special Emphasis on Priestly Vocations, we now also pray for all our priests, deacons and seminarians, that their vocations may be lived out in holiness, Lord, hear us and have mercy. Faithful: Lord, have mercy (3x).

PETITIONS requested by Church in Ukraine & Archeparchy of Philadelphia, 5-23-2008 Deacon: Uniting in fervent prayer with our brothers and sisters in Ukraine we also pray for Your blessings upon them, that they continue to strive to build their nation based on the principles of democracy and justice for all, Lord, hear us and have

15 mercy. Faithful: Lord, have mercy (3x). Deacon: Humbly beseeching You, the Almighty God, One in the Holy Trinity, we also pray that the government officials of Ukraine may be guided by and granted Your wisdom, peace, and charity, that in their service to the nation they will reflect the goodness and love of Your people which exist in You, +Father, Son and Holy Spirit, Lord, hear us and have mercy. Faithful: Lord, have mercy (3x).

PETITION mandated by His Grace Bishop Robert in a letter dated September 18, 2008, at the request of the League of Ukrainian Catholics: Deacon: We also humbly pray that You grant that Your faithful Servant Metro- politan Andrey Sheptytsky be numbered among the saints, Lord, hear us and have mercy. Faithful: Lord, have mercy (3x).

PRO-LIFE MESSAGE AND PETITION An Oregon court recently decided that a woman had the right to kill frozen embryos as part of the property in a divorce settlement. Commented a Catholic Medical Association physician, "It's where the culture of death has led our society — through the courts — to truly devalue human life." The Southern Cross, November, 2008. Deacon: We also pray that we may be moved to reach out to parents caring for disabled children, Lord, hear us and have mercy. Faithful: Lord, have mercy (3x).

A LENTEN PRO-LIFE PRAYER (modified for use in Byzantine Rite) O Father of all mercy, we thank you for this season of grace and light. We know that sin has blinded us. Draw us ever closer to you, in prayer and penance. Give all your people a clearer understanding of the profound dignity of every human life, including the children in the womb. As we prepare to celebrate the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Christ, strengthen our joy in the fact that life has already conquered death. As we prepare to renew the promises of our own Baptism and Chrismation at this Passover (Pascha) of our Lord from death to life, grant that we may live more faithfully as the Children of God and the People of Life. Through the grace and mercies of Your Only-Begotten Son, with Whom You are Blessed, together with Your (+) most Holy, Good and Life-Giving Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

On March 15, in the Byzantine Churches, we commemorate: (1) the holy Martyrs Agapius, Publius, Timolaus, Romulus, Alexander, Alexander, Dio-

16 nysius and Dionysius who suffered under the emperor Diocletian (284-305) in the city of Palestini- an Caesarea. During one of the pagan festivals they began to torture and execute Christians who refused to offer sacrifice to idols. The Martyr Timolaus (August 19) was sentenced to burning, and the Martyrs Agapius and Thekla (August 19) were sentenced to be torn apart by wild beasts. A group of young Christians: Publius, Timolaus, Alexander, another Alexander, Dionysius, and Romulus, the subdeacon of the Diospolis church decided to confess their faith and suffer for Christ. As a sign of their voluntary deed they tied their own hands behind their backs and appeared before the governor Urbanus. Seeing their youth, the governor tried to persuade them to reconsider their decision, but in vain. He then threw them in prison, where there were already two Christians, Agapius and his servant Dionysius. All these saints were subjected to terrible tortures and beheaded. (2) the holy Hieromartyr Alexander who was from Side, Pamphylia. He suffered for Christ during the persecution under the emperor Aurelian (270-275). The saint was interrogated by the governor Antoninus and given over to fierce tortures. Miraculously preserved by the Lord, the saint underwent all the tortures with surprising endurance, and finally, he was beheaded. Just as the torturer Antoninus went from the judgment place, he was possessed by demons and perished in frenzied convulsions. (3) the holy Martyr Nicander who suffered in Egypt under the emperor Diocletian (284-305). He was a physician and during a time of persecution he visited Christians in prison. He assisted them, brought them food, and buried the dead. Once, he came to the place where the bodies of the martyrs were thrown to be eaten by wild beasts. Fearing to bury them by day, he waited for night and buried the bodies under cover of darkness. They discovered St Nicander and subjected him to terrible tortures: they skinned him alive and then beheaded him in 302. In the Latin Rite, on March 15, both the tradional calendar before 1969 and the modern calendar after the reforms of 1971 list this day as a ferial day. Local churches had optional memorials of (1) Saint Clemens Maria Hofbauer, born Hansl (John) Dvorák, on December 26, 1751, who was a hermit. He was beatified on January 29, 1888, under Pope Leo XIII. He was canonized on May 20, 1909. In 1914, Pope St. Pius X gave him the title of “Apostle and Patron to Vienna”. Simplicity was the chief characteristic of his sanctity. He accepted the will of God as it came to him, and did all the good that he was capable of doing. He led a life of innocence and service devoting himself to glorifying God and drawing others to serve him. In the very simple way that he became holy, Saint Clement is considered a model. He was born to eternal life on March 15, 1820; (2) Saint Louise of Marillac, born August 12, 1591, who was the co-founder, with St. Vincent de Paul, of the Daughters of Charity. St. Louise emphasized a balanced life, as St. Vincent de Paul had taught her. It was the integration of contemplation and activity that made Louise's work so successful. The Sisters were encouraged to pray and work together, and to live every moment in the imitation of Christ by inwardly asking; "What would Jesus do in this situation?" The key for Louise was letting go of her personal ambitions and surrendering to God's will. She wrote near the end of her life, "Certainly it is the great secret of the spiritual life to abandon to God all that we love by abandoning ourselves to all that He wills." St. Louise continued her work with the Daughters of Charity until she was almost seventy years old. It is sometimes said that St. Vincent was the heart of the Daughters of Charity, while Louise was the head. This isn’t quite true for Louise had a big heart too but the statement was made to give tribute to Louise’s strong intellect, organisational skills and her ability to get things accomplished. Louise was positive and exuberant in her energy, always urging her Sisters to do more and do it well. But along with the activity, she also preached love. Nearing her death, she wrote to her Sisters: “Take good care of the service of the poor. Above all, live together in great union and cordiality, loving one another in imitation of the union and life of Our Lord. Pray earnestly to the Blessed Virgin, that she might be your only Mother.” After a time of increasing weakness and ill health, St. Louise de Marillac died on March 15, 1660, six months before the death of her great friend and mentor St. Vincent de Paul. It is said that her body remains incorrupt, and it remains on display in the chapel of the mother house of the Daughters of Charity in Paris to this day. She was beatified by Pope Benedict XV on May 9, 1920 and canonized by Pope Pius XI on March 11, 1934. She is the patron saint of disappointing

17 children, loss of parents, people rejected by religious orders, sick people, social workers (named as such by Pope Blessed John XXIII on February 2, 1960), Vincentian Service Corps, and widows; (3) Saint Leocritia, (also known as Lucretia) who was executed on March 15, 859. She was a young girl in Cordoba, Spain. Her parents were Muslims, but she was converted to Christianity by a relative. On the advice of St. Eulogius of Cordoba, and with his aid, Leocritia escaped her home and went into hiding. Once found, both were arrested. Eulogius, after years of being in and out of prison and encouraging voluntary martyrdom, was executed for proselytization, and Leocritia for apostasy. They are part of the Forty-eight martyrs of Cordoba; (4) Saint Longinus, the Roman soldier who pierced Jesus in his side with a lance while he was on the Cross. The name is probably Latinized from Greek longche (λόγχη), a spear. No name for this soldier is given in the Gospels; the name Longinus is found in the pseudepigraphal Gospel of Nicodemus that was appended to the apocryphal Acts of Pilate. Sabine Baring-Gould observed, "The name of Longinus was not known to the Greeks previous to the patriarch Germanus, in 715. It was introduced amongst the Westerns from the Apocryphal Gospel of Nicodemus. There is no reliable authority for the Acts and martyrdom of this saint.” The Byzantine Churches remember him on October 16. According to our Church’s Tradition, Longinus received healing from an eye affliction when blood and water poured forth from the wound. After the Crucifixion and Burial of the Savior, Longinus stood watch with his company at the Sepulchre of the Lord. These soldiers were present at the All-Radiant Resurrection of Christ. The Jews bribed them to lie and say that His disciples had stolen away the Body of Christ, but Longinus and two of his comrades refused to be seduced by the Jewish gold. They also refused to remain silent about the miracle of the Resurrection. Having come to believe in the Savior, the soldiers received Baptism from the apostles and decided to leave military service. St Longinus left Judea to preach about Jesus Christ the Son of God in his native land (Cappadocia), and his two comrades fol- lowed him. The fiery words of those who had actually participated in the great events in Judea swayed the hearts and minds of the Cappadocians; Christianity began quickly to spread throughout the city and the sur- rounding villages. When they learned of this, the Jewish elders persuaded Pilate to send a company of soldiers to Cappadocia to kill Longinus and his comrades. When the soldiers arrived at Longinus's village, the former centurion himself came out to meet the soldiers and took them to his home. After a meal, the soldiers re- vealed the purpose of their visit, not knowing that the master of the house was the very man whom they were seeking. Then Longinus and his friends identified themselves and told the startled soldiers to carry out their duty. The soldiers wanted to let the saints go and advised them to flee, but they refused to do this, showing their firm intention to suffer for Christ. The holy martyrs were beheaded, and their bodies were buried at the place where the saints were martyred. The head of St Longinus, however, was sent to Pilate. Pilate gave orders to cast the martyr's head on a trash-heap outside the city walls. After a while a certain blind widow from Cappadocia arrived in Jerusalem with her son to pray at the holy places, and to ask that her sight be restored. After becoming blind, she had sought the help of physicians to cure her, but all their efforts were in vain. The woman's son became ill shortly after reaching Jerusalem, and he died a few days later. The widow grieved for the loss of her son, who had served as her guide. St Longinus appeared to her in a dream and comforted her. He told her that she would see her son in heavenly glory, and also receive her sight. He told her to go outside the city walls and there she would find his head in a great pile of refuse. Guides led the blind woman to the rubbish heap, and she began to dig with her hands. As soon as she touched the martyr's head, the woman received her sight, and she glorified God and St Longinus. Taking up the head, she brought it to the place she was staying and washed it. The next night, St Longinus appeared to her again, this time with her son. They were surrounded by a bright light, and St Longinus said, Woman, behold the son for whom you grieve. See what glory and honor are his now, and be consoled. God has numbered him with those in His heavenly King- dom. Now take my head and your son's body, and bury them in the same casket. Do not weep for your son, for he will rejoice forever in great glory and happiness." The woman carried out the saint's instructions and returned to her home in Cappadocia. There she buried her son and the head of St Longinus. Once, she had been overcome by grief for her son, but her weeping was transformed into joy when she saw him with St Lon- ginus. She had sought healing for her eyes, and also received healing of her soul; (5) Saint Raymond of Fitero, also known as Ramon Sierra, who was a Cistercian monk, abbot, and founder of the Order of Calatrava. His birthplace is unknown. He was born to eternal life in 1163.

18 ACOLYTE ASSIGNMENTS 5:00 PM — SATURDAYS Joseph & Michael Levy; Richard Vargo; Richard Sawczak; David Sawczak; Stephen Sawczak

ACOLYTE ASSIGNMENTS 10:00 AM — SUNDAYS Abby & Drew Buckholt; Antony Chirovsky; Joseph & Michael Levy; Gregory Holowatyj; Alex & Andrew Hodowanec; Mark Rad

LECTOR ASSIGNMENTS

FEAST OF THE CROSS: THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT Hebrews 4:14-5:6 Saturday, March 14, 2009 – 5:00 PM – David Drapala Sunday, March 15, 2009 – 10:00 AM – Irene Borodycia

FEAST OF St. John Climacus: FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT Hebrews 6:13-20 and Ephesians 5:9-19 Saturday, March 21, 2009 – 5:00 PM – Stephanie Casey Sunday, March 22, 2009 – 10:00 AM – Joan Hess

FEAST OF St. Mary of Egypt: FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT Hebrews 9:11-14 and Galatians 3:23-29 Saturday, March 28, 2009 – 5:00 PM – Kathy Drapala Sunday, March 29, 2009 – 10:00 AM – Irene Borodycia

SATURDAYS at 10:00 am – RIDNA SHKOLA Ridna Shkola (School of Ukrainian Studies) has started its new semester on January 29, focusing mainly on learning the Ukrainian language and traditions. Children, ages first grade to twelfth grade, are welcome on Saturdays at 10:00am at Holy Trinity Ukr. Cath. Church, Carnegie. For more information please call Luba Hlutkowsky at 412-279-7377.

FEBRUARY 23 – APRIL 3, 2009 – LENTEN PRAYERS Father John (Ivan) Chirovsky asks that if anyone has any special dates throughout the year on which they would like to have prayers offered for the living or for the blessed repose of their loved ones, then they should please contact the parish office now to reserve that day. Remember that during the Great Fast and Holy Week (except Holy Thursday), the celebration of the Holy and Divine (Eucharistic) Liturgy of St John Chrysos- tom is not permitted on weekdays due to the fact that these are aliturgical days. The recent Popes of Rome and the Vatican insist (and in obedience our Bishops have already mandated) that we restore this ancient tradition of our Byzantine Ukrainian Catholic Church. We will be having the Holy and Presanctified Divine Liturgy on Wednesdays and Fridays (in effect this a Vespers Service with the distribution of the Eucharist which was

19 consecrated on the previous Sunday). (When the Divine Liturgy of the Presanctified was celebrated in our parish during Lent of 2006, it was served on Fridays in the mornings in the hope that this time was more suitable for Ukrainian speaking and elderly parishioners to attend. Unfortunately that was not the case by a long shot. Hardly anyone came. So this year, as we did last year, the service will be held at the proper time prescribed by church law, which also happens to be a time most convenient for those, about ten to twenty persons, who are actually willing to make the sacrifice and attend). On the other days of Lent we will serve either a Parastas Liturgy or a Matins Liturgy with prayers for the reposed, depending on who actually shows up in church to cantor & serve. These Presanctified Liturgies, the Parastases and Matins are appropriate to the penitential spirit of Lent. If any parishioners are interested in having an Akathist Hymn to the Passion of Christ or a Moleben to the Cross of Christ, please let Father know and he will be most happy to schedule these for you. Recently someone said that “The Latin Rite has the Stations (or Way) of the Cross and we have the Presanctified Divine Liturgy.” Although this is a true statement about “what we have”, it is inaccurate to compare a Divine Liturgy involving the distribution of Most Holy Eucharist, which is a sacrament, on the one hand, with a simple devotion or pa- ra-litugical service, which is not a sacrament, on the other hand. The table below is being offered to help us compare “apples to apples” and “oranges to oranges” as it were. Also attendance at a Latin Rite Mass on a weekday could be considered an act of piety, but there is usually no hint of it being “obligatory” for everyone. However, in the authentic spirituality of our Byzantine Church, attendance at the Presanctified was definitely more than just an expression of an “optional personal piety”. Some Byzantine theologians have been of the opinion that it is highly inappropriate to plan on completely missing or skip- ping all the Presanctified Divine Liturgies during the weekdays of Lent simply because “The Church says I don’t really have to be there.” So for example: if you are fasting on Fridays then it would make sense to attend the Presanctified on Fridays since the entire Friday is to be a day of penance for the entire person: spirit (heart), soul (thoughts & feelings) and body. Holistically speaking, greater all-around faithfulness to acts of fasting and almsgiving require simultaneously greater faithfulness at prayer. Otherwise, it’s like having a three-legged stool with one or two legs missing; it simply will not stand.

FOR THE SAKE OF GREATER ACCURACY: TABLE OF APPROXIMATIONS Byzantine Rite Latin Rite Normal Eucharistic service Presanctified Order of Mass for Lent during weekdays of Lent Divine Liturgy Normal Devotional Akathist Stations (or Way) practices of a semi-private to the Passion of Christ of the Cross and personal character Moleben or Akathist Normal Devotional to the Cross; Parastas; Ma- Stations (or Way) of the practices of a public and tins; Vespers Cross; Passion plays, etc. communitarian character

20 FEBRUARY 23 – APRIL 2, 2009 – AUXILIARY FOOD DRIVE The Church Auxiliary will be conducting a food drive during the Great Fast (Lent) for St. Paul's Monastery's Food Bank. Containers will be placed in the back of the church until April 2, 2009. If you prefer to donate cash or provide a gift certificate for a local grocery store, please see Margie Klimko.

Діла Милосердя для Душі й Духа: (1) грішника навернути, (2) невіжу навчити, (3) у сумніві порадити, (4) сумного потішити, (5) кривду терпеливо зносити, (6) образу з серця прощати, (7) за живих і померлих молитися, на приклад, принимати участь у Парастасі, чи Бож. Літургії в Задушні Суботи. Діла Милосердя для Тіла: (1) голодного нагодувати, (2) спраглого напоїти, (3) нагого зодягнути, (4) подорожнього в дім прийняти, (5) недужому послужити, (6) в'язня відвідати, (7) померлого похоронити. Чи не Найкращий Подарунок це зложити прошення на Службу Божу за здоровля ваших рідних і друзів? Не треба чекати аж вони помруть. Corporal Works of Mercy (in the Early Church, deacons modeled this for us) (1) feeding the hungry, (2) giving drink to the thirsty, (3) clothing the naked, (4) visiting the imprisoned, (5) sheltering the homeless, (6) visiting the sick and (7) burying the dead. Why wait until someone dies? Why not “feed and clothe” them spiritually, as well as bodily, by requesting a Divine Liturgy for the visitation of the Holy Spirit upon them for the sake of their health and salvation? Spiritual Works of Mercy (in the Early Church, priests modeled this for us) (1) counseling the doubtful, (2) instructing the ignorant, (3) admonishing sinners, (4) comforting the afflicted, (5) forgiving offences, (6) bearing wrongs patiently, (7) praying for the living and the dead (e.g. attending the Parastas and/or Divine Liturgy for an All Soul’s Saturday) !

GENERATIONS OF FAITH Sr. Ann Laszok, OSBM, has invited us to please check out their new GENERA- TIONS OF FAITH for Byzantine Churches website at www.gofbyzantine.org. She writes, “It's still in the state of construction but I would be happy to hear your comments and suggestions.”

MARCH 15, 2009 - THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT: NATIONAL COLLECTION FOR “CHURCH IN EASTERN EUROPE” On the First Sunday of the Great Fast, Catholic Churches throughout the USA conducted a Special Collection to Aid the “Church in Need”. On the Third Sunday of the Great Fast, Catholic Churches throughout the USA also conduct a Special Collection to Aid the “Church in Eastern Europe”. Please remember that the proceeds from both collections very much help our Ukrainian Catholic Church in Ukraine. To donate to these collections,

21 please use the blue envelope printed in your boxed sets, dated March 1, 2009 for “Church in Need”, or the orange envelope printed in your boxed sets, dated March 15, 2009 for “Church in Eastern Europe”, or the special envelopes which are available on the table as you walk into the Church.

MARCH 15, 2009 – MOLEBEN FOR UKRAINE On March 1, the New York Times ran an article that paints a very dismal and dan- gerous picture of the situation in Ukraine that could have repercussions across all of Eu- rope. Monsignor George Appleyard, the Protopresbyter of our Central Protopresbyterate of the the St Josaphat Eparchy has expressed the idea that, this being Lent, it makes for the opportunity for prayer and repentance even more timely. Therefore, a Moleben to pray for the Canonization of Metropolitan Andrew Sheptytsky and for the Church in Ukraine in the face of the present crisis will be held at 3:00 pm on Sunday, March 15th at Sts. Peter & Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church in Ambridge, PA (592 Melrose Avenue). Msgr. George Appleyard will preach on St. Paul and Recognizing the Body of Christ, and a coffee social will follow. Since His Grace, Bishop Robert, has designated this parish as a pil- grimmage site during this Year of St Paul, inviting Roman Catholics, as well the people of our own Church, to use their visit to Sts. Peter and Paul as an opportunity for gaining a plenary indulgence by reciting prayers there for the Pope of Rome (one “Our Father” and one “Rejoice, Theotokos” will suffice), if sacramental confession is made and Holy Com- munion received and the individual is free of all attachment to sin, even venial sin. PLEASE NOTE: It is true that concepts like “indulgences,” are unknown in authentic Byzantine spirituality. Also true is the fact that Byzantine spirituality does not use the concepts of “mortal sin” and “venial sin” but rather distinguishes between: (1) Sins-hreekhi which are malicious: committed deliberately and with knowledge; they damage us as well as others and lead to a weakening or termination of our communion with God, with our true self and with others; we ask for divine cleansing; (2) Transgressions-bezzakonnia which are a matter of weakness: committed inadvertently or in ignorance; they include unwilling, unknown or involuntary sins; we ask for divine forgiveness; and (3) Infirmities-nemochee are personality traits, attitudes, or weaknesses, which – while not sinful in themselves – nevertheless lead us into sinful situations; we ask for divine healing. This is clearly established in the often recited prayer “Presviataya Troytse – O Most Holy Trinity” in the “Nachalo Obichne-Usual Beginning”. It should be known that when it comes to restoring our church’s authentic theology, liturgy and spirituality, some choose to obey (“listen carefully to”) the Popes of Rome, our Patriarchs (Cardinals) and our Synod of Bishops in an uncompromising way. Like many, they wish to act in what they consider to be a responsible and disciplined way, as those who not only know well, but are secure in and proud of their Church’s own Byzantine theological, liturgical and spiritual tradition, but they are also ready to practice it and teach it AS SOON AS POSSIBLE to others unreservedly and without any constraints. This process was officially mandated by the Vatican in 1964. Others choose to do things differently, for reasons (perhaps dictated by local pastoral necessity or prudence) which they think are just as valid, even if they must – in the process – delay or temporarily differ from the official teaching of the hierarchy of the Catholic Church. In the end, we will all be held accountable for our thoughts, words and deeds by our Lord, God and Savior, Jesus Christ, on the last day. So, let us not condemn anyone. Let us not resent. Let us keep inner stillness. And may God, One in the Holy Trinity, have mercy on us all!

22 MARCH 15-22, 29, APRIL 5, 2009 – LENTEN VESPERS The Byzantine Catholic Seminary invites the faithful to participate in Sunday Ves- pers at 5:00 pm during the Great Fast, beginning on March 1 in the Seminary Chapel at 3605 Perrysville Avenue Pittsburgh. Each week, the homilist will focus on the theme of the particular Sunday to help participants reflect on their journey to the Feast of Pascha. DATE CELEBRANT HOMILIST March 15 Fr. John G. Petro Fr. Jason DelVitto March 22 Fr. David Bosnich Fr. David Bosnich March 29 Fr. Ron Larko Fr. Deacon Daniel Forsythe April 5 Fr. Stephen Wahal Fr. Stephen Wahal HOLY MYSTERY OF RECONCILIATION: 30 MINUTES BEFORE VESPERS We enthusiastically invite all to attend Sunday Vespers and “clothe themselves with the armor of light.” For information about attending any of the Sunday Vespers at the Byzantine Catholic Seminary, please call 412-321-8383 or check their website at www.byzcathsem.org.

MARCH 17-24-31, 2009 – ICONOGRAPHY CLASSES As part of our Lenten journey, St. George Ukrainian Catholic Church (3455 California Avenue, Pittsburgh) will be having an Iconography class for the faithful. Classes will be conducted in a prayerful, meditative and authentic way every Tuesday evening from 6:30 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. during the month of March. Tuition fee for these 5 classes is $150.00 and includes all materials needed and refreshments. These classes are for beginners and no prior experience in Iconography or painting is necessary. For further information and to register for these classes please contact St. George Ukrainian Catholic Church by calling Fr. Valerian (412) 766-8801 or e-mail [email protected]

THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2009- Byzantine Book Club A number of faithful from our local parishes, under the leadership of Holy Ghost Byz. Cath. Parish in McKees Rocks, have organized a Byzantine Book Club. The club meets at 7:00 p.m. on the first and third Thursdays of every month at Niko’s Coffee House in Robinson. The first book that is being discussed is “Ascending the Heights,” by Fr. John Mack. To order the book visit www.amazon.com. For more information about this wonderful initiative, please see Fr. Ivan Chirovsky.

MARCH 20-22, 2009 - BENEDICTINE MONASTIC LIFE WEEKEND The Byzantine Benedictine Sisters of Queen of Heaven Monastery, Warren, Ohio, invite single Catholic women to learn the life and work of the sisters through a weekend experience of Benedictine monastic life as it is lived in the Eastern Catholic Church. The weekend begins at 7:00 PM Friday evening, March 20, 2009 and concludes at 3:00 PM Sunday, March 22. There is no charge. For more information or to register please contact Sister Agnes at (330) 856-1813 or [email protected] by Sunday, March 15.

ПРИГАДКА ПРО ЗАДУШНІ СУБОТИ:

23 13-14 лютого припала перший раз в цьому році так звана «ЗАДУШНА СУБОТА». Наступнього дня, це М’ясопусна Неділя, коли наш Господь застерігає нас, що на Останньому Суді говоритиме: «Усе, що ви зробили одному з моїх найменших братів, ви мені зробили.» Часами, зокрема коли розходиться про здобуття признання й пошани, дуже легко нагодувати і напоїсти (не лише дарувати гроші), прийняти, одягнути, навідатися і відвідати звичайного незнанного, або когось в далекій країні, навіть на Україні. Але ж пословиця каже, « Любов починається з власного дому. » Отже, щоб остерегти нашу Великопосну аскезу від дволичності або гордості (наука неділі про митаря і фа- рисея), старовинна практика Візантійських Церков вказує, щоб ми доложили до молитов, пощення і милостині звичайного річного порядку, додаткову нашу відданість Великопосним Молитвам за Уснулих у Господі. Разом, ці зовнішні прояви свідчать про щирість нашого внутрішнього бажання (наука неділі про Закхея), щоб навернутися до правопорядку нашого життя, встановленого Богом Отцем (наука неділі про Блудного Сина). Наші моління за померших не лише починаються від член- ів наших родин, але й включатимуть когонебудь, з тих, що ми віримо є все ще, своєю вірою, між живими в Христі Ісусі. Отже, буде Парастас у п’ятницю вечером (13 лютого, 6, 13, 20 березня, й 29 травня) і Божественна Літургія в послідну суботу ранком. Збірка списків імен, разом із належним Даром Любови, продовжуватиметься підчас всього Великого Посту. Просимо користуватися жовтою конвертою 25 січня за заголовком СОРОКОУСТИ, що знаходиться між конвертами Збірки 4- тої неділі, 25 січня, й недільною збіркою, 1 лютого.

REMINDER RE: ALL SOULS’ SATURDAYS ENVELOPES MARCH 20-21 AND MAY 29-30 ARE ALL SOUL’S SATURDAYS Whereas Roman (Latin) Rite Catholics celebrate All Souls’ Day only once a year on October 31, the By- zantine Churches celebrate All Soul’s Day five (or four) times each year. In 2009, February 13-14 was the First such “All Soul’s Saturday”. The next day, Feb 15, is Meat-fare Sunday, when Our Lord forewarns us that at the Fearful Last Judgement He will declare: “Whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.” It seems easier to give food or drink (not just “money for”), or to welcome, clothe, care for or visit with a perfect stranger, or even someone in faraway Ukraine, especially if it gains acknow- ledgement and respect from others. But, as the saying goes, “Love begins at home.” Thus, to protect our Lenten asceticism from hypocrisy or pride (Sunday of the Publican and Pharisee), the ancient custom of the Byzantine Churches is for us to add a commitment of a Lenten schedule of Prayers for the Fallen Asleep in the Lord, to our normal daily (personal and communal) prayers, fasting and almsgiving. During Lent, our daily work may suffer by our becoming inefficient and stressed out, but our holiness may very well be given a chance to progress. Together, these external expressions testify to the genuineness of our internal DE- SIRE (Sunday of Zacchaeus) to RETURN to God’s (the Father’s) designated order for our lives (Sunday of the Prodigal Son). Our prayers for the dead would not only begin with one’s own family members, for the healing of our memories, but they ought not to exclude anyone whom we believe to be alive, in faith, in Christ Jesus. Thus, there will be a Parastas on Friday evenings (Feb. 13, Mar. 6, 13, 20, and May 29) and a Divine Liturgy on the following Saturday mornings (Feb. 14, Mar. 7, 14, 21, and May 30). The collection of lists of names along with the customary donations for this year’s Lenten Prayers, continues from now throughout all of Lent. Please make sure that you remove and use your beige-tan colored, dated “January 25”, envelope marked “Sorokousty” ASAP, to include your list of names of your loved ones for the All Soul’s Parastas. You will find this envelope in your packets between the envelopes for

24 the Fourth Sunday Collection for January 25 and the Regular Weekly Sundar Collection for February 1.

MARCH 21 and 28, 2009: CELEBRATING UKRAINIAN ART & HERITAGE Our Parish is offering a class in the Art of Pysanky Decorating. This is the perfect project for the Upcoming Lenten Season and to prepare your Easter Baskets with your own newly created Pysanky. Our instructor is Mr. Michael Haritan a local artist who is also a member of the Pastor’s Advisory Council of our St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Church. Mr. Haritan began decorating Pysanky in grade school with the encouragement of his mother. The intricate detail and beautiful representation of his work has been showcased at the Pittsburgh Folk Festival over the years. We are privileged to have Mr. Haritan. The classes will be held each Saturday in the Month of March at our Parish from 12:00 to 3:00 P.M. The classes will include an understanding of the symbols, egg blowing, design, dy- ing and polishing, as well as hands on experience. Supplies will be available for purchase at the church. The four-week series will cost $25.00. You may register by calling the Church Office on Mondays or Fridays between 9:00 amd and 1:00 pm at 412-431-2531. We encourage all members of the Ukrainian Community in Western PA to take advantage of this unique opportunity to reacquaint you with the Art of the Ukrainian Pysanka!

MARCH 22-30, 2009 - OUR LENTEN MISSION 2009 As your parish priest I am happy to announce the Pittsburgh Lenten Mission 2009, which will take place Sunday, March 22 – Monday, March 30, 2009. The parishes participating in this prayerful event are our own St. John UCC in Southside Pittsburgh, St. George UCC in Northside Pittsburgh, St. John UCC in McKees Rocks and Sts. Peter and Paul UCC in Aliquippa (near the PGH airport). Before we look into the schedule of our Lenten Mission and who our missionary father will be, let us answer a simple question: What is a parish mission? A parish mission is a preaching event conducted on consecutive evenings. This preaching centers on the Word of God as well as doctrine and practice of the Church. The preaching emphasizes on an individual’s personal relationship with the Lord, a deeper sense of the parish community, and a greater consciousness of service within this community. A parish mission allows you to take some time to look at your life, values, and direction. It encourages you to ask: “What is really important to me? What am I doing with my life? What values do I have? Where does God fit into my life? What does my faith, my Church, mean to me?” To accomplish this task we are truly blessed this year to welcome into our community of faithful the Hieromonk Fr. Taras-Terry (Kraychuk) from the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Edmonton, in Canada. Fr. Taras is well known as a retreat master, giving presentations on the Eastern Church at different conferences and academic institutions in the United States and

25 Canada. In 2004, Fr. Taras was invited by Marcus Grodi to be a guest on the EWTN program called “The Journey Home” where he discussed his personal conversion story from being a Hell’s Angels Motorcycle Club member to a priest-monk of our Church. You can view or listen to this program at http://www.ewtn.com/vondemand/audio/seriessearchprog.asp?pgnu=8&SeriesID=68922 8; it is under number 226 in the archives. At the present time, Fr. Taras is working hard to establish a monastery in the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy (Diocese) of Edmonton, Canada. The hope is to soon establish monastic life following the Studite rule in the western part of Canada. As a parish family let us begin to pray for a successful Lenten Mission that will be a time of physical and spiritual renewal for us all. Fr. Taras will be at our parish on March 22, 23 and 24. He will be at St. George’s on March 25 and 26; at St John’s in McKees Rocks on March 27 and 28; again at St. George’s on the morning of March 29; and then at Sts. Peter and Paul in Aliquippa, evenings of March 29-30. Please see flyer for more details.

MARCH 25, 2009 – FEAST OF ANNUNCIATION The Feast of the Annunciation is a Holy day of Obligation. The single Divine Liturgy with Vespers for the Feast of the Annunciation will not be celebrated here at St John’s, but rather it will be celebrated as part of the Lenten Mission at St George’s (Northside) at 6:30 pm on March 25. Because the Feast is occuring during the holy Forty days’ Fast, the Typikon forbids that a Divine Liturgy be served on the morning of March 25, because that is still considered a part of the penance of lent, not a part of the celebration of the feastday. Also, the Matinal Liturgy with Canon of St Andrew of Crete which will be served here at St. John’s on Tuesday, March 24, at 6:30 pm, is not a Vigil Divine Liturgy for the Annunciation and attendance at the Canon does not fulfill the obligation for gathering for the Annunciation.

MARCH 28 AND APRIL 5--PASKA SALES The Church Auxiliary will be selling Paskas on March 28, 2009 for those who attend the Saturday Evening Liturgy, and on April 5, 2009 for those who attend the Sunday morning Liturgy. We will be doing the baking on the preceding Fridays. Helpers are needed and welcome. There will be both plain paskas and paskas with golden raisins.

MARCH 29, 2009 - WALK THROUGH THE PASSION OF CHRIST IN SONG St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Church, 1907 Eden Park Blvd. in McKeesport, PA will be sponsoring the performance of “Walk Through the Passion of Christ in Song” performed by the Ukrainian Cultural Trust Choir of Western Pennsylvania under the direction of Dorothy Waslo. This performance will be held on Sunday, March 29, 2009 at 3:00 PM. The admission is free with donations accepted. A social will follow.

MARCH 30, 2009: SEPARATED AND DIVORCED CATHOLICS Separated and Divorced Catholics are invited to St. Benedict the Abbot Parish, 120 Abington Drive, McMurray, PA., on Monday, March 30 from 7:30 to 9 p.m. The speaker

26 will be Very Rev. Brian Welding. Father will discuss the Church’s process for a Declaration of Nullity. No fee to attend, but registration appreciated. For more information, call Dennis Gerlein @ 724-941-9406 at St. Benedict’s.

APRIL 4, 2009 - PUSSY WILLOWS Please bring your pussy willows to our upper church hall on the morning of April 4, 2009 for decoration that day and distribution on the next day which is Palm Sunday, the Feast of our Lord's Entrance into Jerusalem. We are reminded that the key to success in growing pussy willows as compact bushes for your landscaping lies in pruning them. Pruning pussy willows controls their size -- an important consideration in itself, since bushes with branches 20 feet high will be difficult to harvest. Pruning promotes vigorous new branches on the bushes, which will produce larger catkins. The simple method is to cut your pussy willows when they have reached the stage that you find most attractive, usually in late February or early March. As they are about to burst out of their brown caps (whether tight or more open) cut the pussy willows, but before the catkins yellow. Pick a day with temperatures above freezing. Cut a length of branch about 2 feet or more. Repeat for as many branches as available. Put them in a bucket - but without water, just an empty container. Bundle the branches loosely in bunches and hang upside down in a cool (60-65 degrees) dry room such as a closet celler or garage, up to a couple of weeks before you deliver them to our upper church hall. If your willows are not ready, you can force them. Immerse the cut ends imme- diately in cold water, set in a warm room. After about 4-5 days, watch for a swelling at the nodes along the branches of pussy willows. This is the first indication of the catkins to come (you'll just be hastening their arrival). When fuzzy catkins appear, you should remove your pussy willows from water before they develop yellow fuzz, bundle and hang in a dry cool area.

APRIL 18: 4TH ANNUAL GATHERING OF CATHOLIC MEN-PALUMBO CENTER This Year's Speakers include Bishop Zubik, Father Scott Seethaler, Larry Richert, Fa- ther Phillip Chavez, Chuck Neff, Monsignor Ed Burns and Mike Clark. For More details visit www.cmfpitt.org

APRIL 19, 2009 - TENTATIVE DATE FOR PARISH Easter Breakfast Our Paschal Sviachene (Easter Breakfast) is scheduled for April 19.

APRIL 19, 2009 - CHURCH AUXILIARY RAFFLE The Church Auxiliary is conducting their semi-annual 50/50 raffle. The drawing will be held at the Easter Dinner on April 19, 2009. The donation is $1.00 for 1 or $5.00 for 6.

APRIL 25, 2009 - SIXTH ANNUAL DAY OF REFLECTION FOR WOMEN from 9:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m. at Byzantine Catholic Cathedral of St. John, in Munhall, PA.

SATURDAY, MAY 2, 2009- ATTENTION: PARENTS AND GRANDPARENTS Inspired by the spiritual biography of Saint Nonna in the August 5, 2007 church bulletin, a number of men and women have created a special prayer group for satisfying the

27 need to intercede in prayer for the welfare of our children and grandchildren. Whenever he can, Father Ivan facilitates this prayer gathering for us. Currently we use the Akathist Hymn to the Mother of God in her miraculous icon, known as Vospitanie – Воспитание – Vikokhuvatel’ka Ditey – Викохувателька Дітей – Nurturer of Children (venerated on March 5) and then add spontaneous prayers, if necessary. If you are interested, then please call Irene Borodycia at 412-881-4635. For the time being, it has been decided that we will meet IN THE CHAPEL on the first Saturday of each month, at 10:00 am. The schedule of Lenten and Paschal worship services on Saturdays makes it necessary that the next meeting will be on Saturday, May 2.

MAY 17, 2009 - TENTATIVE DATE FOR FIRST HOLY CONFESSION First Holy Confession of our ECF children is tentatively scheduled for May 17.

MAY 29 & 30, 2009 - OVERNIGHT CATHOLIC MEN'S LEADERS CONFERENCE - GILMARY CENTER Whether you are a leader in your parish, in the marketplace, or in your community, join Bishop Zubik, Father Jim Farnan and other gifted teachers at this overnight conference geared toward leadership and personal vocation. For more information visit www.cmfpitt.org. Space is limited and they expect a sellout. Register early.

May 31, 2009 - TENTATIVE DATE(S) FOR OUR PARISH PICNIC Pentecost Sunday is the traditional church day for “memorial services” at our parish cemetery. A number of years ago, the Church Auxiliary asked, and Father Ivan Chirovsky agreed, prudish attitudes about portable toilets notwithstanding, that as an aid to foster community life and most especially for the sake of those who need to eat in order to take their medications and avoid diabetic attacks in the hot sun, that a parish picnic should be held afterwards. This year it would occur on May 31. For the last two years, we have had to move the picnic part to our church hall, due to very bad weather. Some persons have proposed to Father Ivan that since the traditional Ukrainian Army day for “memorial services” in Ukraine is the Feast of the Protection of the Mother of God on October 1, that maybe we should have a second picnic scheduled for the first Sunday in October. What do you think? Would you also like to have other picnic days during the summer months? Have a new idea? Let the Church Auxiliary know your thoughts, by calling Margie Klimko: 412-431-0430.

NEW WEEKEND AND LOCATION FOR PITTSBURGH FOLK FESTIVAL The 53rd Annual Pittsburgh Folk Festival will not be held at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center on May 1, 2, 3, 2009, as previously announced. Rather it has been moved to the Riverplex Park (next to Sandcastle Water Park) in West Homestead for September 18-19-20, 2009. This is a weekend-long multicultural celebration of more than 30 nationalities featuring traditional ethnic enter- tainment, food and refreshments. Shop in the international bazaar, learn a dance, see traditional crafts or visit the cultural exhibits to learn more about a country and its people.

28 There is something for everyone to enjoy.

OCTOBER 9-11, 2009 – WESTERN PA LEAGUE OF UKRAINIAN CATHOLICS IS HOSTING THIS YEAR’S ANNUAL LUC NATIONAL CONVENTION The convention will beheld at The Inn at Greentree, 412-922-8100.

MEMORIAL FLOWERS If you would like to provide flowers in memory of a loved one, in thanksgiving for blessings, or to celebrate an occasion, please call Margie Klimko: 412-431-0430.

PAINLESS FUNDRAISING FOR OUR CHURCH BY AUXILIARY As you purchase food, you can save money and help your church at the same time. GFS Marketplace is a store that offers a variety of food, cleaning products, paper items, etc. at prices comparable to the discount warehouses--except there is no membership fee and our church gets a rebate on the items that you purchase. There are flyers in the back of the church that describe the program. Also on this flyer is an application for a free membership card and a coupon for $10.00 off a $50.00 purchase. The closest GFS Marketplace store is on Route 51. There is also a store across from Costco’s in Robinson and another in Monroe- ville.

CHURCH AUXILIARY’s SARRIS “Candy Sales” The Church Auxiliary is once again selling Sarris chocolate covered pretzels and a variety of chocolate bars (including dark chocolate, plain milk chocolate, chocolate with almonds, crispies, peanut butter and caramel) for only $1.00 each. Normally sales are on Thursdays and Sundays after the Divine Liturgies. If you attend Saturday evening services, please see Margie Klimko or Diane Vargo if you wish to buy some of this delicious candy at a bargain price.

PYROHI SALES Pyrohy MAKING is held on Thursdays each week. Spare time on your hands? We need dough makers and especially MEN to help. The gross income for last Thursday was $ 3,046.00. (For those who might be confused, “gross” means BEFORE paying the bills for repairs, food and other supplies). We thank all of our wonderful and hard-working volunteers. May you keep up the great work and may God richly reward all of you. Please help to get the word out that to place an order for pyrohi, our customers need to please call 412-481-5022 either Tuesdays (8:00 AM – 12:00 NOON) or Wednesdays (10:00 AM – 12:00 NOON). Sales and pick-up on Thursdays are 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM.

TAXES Many people are under the false impression that churches do not pay taxes. That’s true as far as the worship space is concerned and we do not pay PA Sales Tax when we purchase certain items for church usage. However, some of the land and buildings we own are not used for worship, but for parking, living, gathering, kitchen, office, etc. As you very well know because you received these in the mail yourselves, all of us have to pay school taxes.

29 So, if you’re wondering why we need and very much appreciate our volunteers for Pyrohi production and sales to supplement our church’s income, just consider the recent bills we had to pay: Allegheny County Property Tax: $ 2,341.31 and Pittsburgh City and School District Tax: $ 11,475.63. Meanwhile, the City of Baldwin School and Property Tax (parish cemetery, which was $ 1,057.28 in 2008) usually arrives in the mail in July.

SAVINGS On a good note we are happy to announce that between the gas and electric bills our new chapel has saved us over $ 3,000.00 in expenses for December and January, even though this year the average temperatures were about ten degrees higher.

During the week why do we do PROSTRATIONS during the Divine Services? Prostrations are associated with penance, submission, and homage. Especially during the Great Fast-Lent, prostrations are signs of our repentance and sorrow. According to custom and tradition, prostration is assumed (or not assumed) at different times in the Services and Church calendar. The twentieth canon of the First Ecumenical Council forbids kneeling on every Sunday and on the fifty days between Pascha and Pentecost.

JANUARY 6, 2009 - ANNUAL CEMETERY MAINTENANCE ENVELOPE Reminders to those parishioners who have a cemetery plot at our St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Cemetery: since 2003, the annual Cemetery Maintenance Fee is $ 20.00 per year. Before 2003, it was less. If you are in arears & are not sure of what you should pay, please phone the office, Mondays and Fridays between 9:00am and 1:00pm and we will be more than happy to help you. Also, if you gave only 2.00 or 5.00 in the January 7, 2007 or January 6, 2008 envelopes, then please be advised that you need to bring it up to 20.00 for each of those two years ASAP. Thank you. If you were simply making a free will offering for our cemetery then a hearty “God bless” for that also. The annual 2009 Cemetery Maintenance Fee is marked in your new 2009 envelopes as being due on January 4, 2009. Please indicate the “lot name” on the outside of the envelope if it differs from your last name.

PARISHIONERS’ PRAYER LIST Our parish’s listing for people IN NEED OF OUR PRAYERS has been updated recently. This would include those who might be suffering from some illness, or who might simply - for whatever reasons - be unable to attend church services. This may be because they are caregivers at home, or may themselves have some temporary minor illness, or they may be shut-ins at home, or in hospitals and nursing homes due to age or infirmity. The names reported to us were: Anna Belz, Ahafia Berketa, Nancy Borodycia, Elsie Damas, James & Rose DePalma, Harry Drevna, Fran Gable, Katherine Gradnik, Ste- ven and Frances Hladonik, Vera Holubiak, Helen Hoskowicz, Maria Jacyszyn, Sis- ter Andrew Kallok, Thomas and MaryAnn Kasofsky, Helen Kostishack, Julia Kostiuk, Maria Mudrick, Aloisia Mural, Chrystyna Olijnyk, Helen Pergzola, Walter Popatak, Catherine Po-

30 piel, Joseph & Ruth Postol, Maria Pyptyk, Carol Ann Sulick, Anna Szmul, Helen Sywyj, Frances Trageser, Marie Turek, Olga Walko, Olga Walsko, Wasyl (Bill) Wanat, Anastasia Wolos, Mary Witkowsky, Julia Woytowich, Joseph & Julia Wuschunowski and Alberta Ya- nief. In the future, we would like to print these names in our church bulletin on a regular basis so that everyone may have a chance to keep these people and their families in their prayers. Please submit the information to Cathy Sawchak as soon as it becomes available.

UKRAINIAN COMMUNITY RADIO PROGRAM Serving the Ukrainian Community in the tri-state area since July 15, 1950, under the direction of Michael Komichak. One may listen to this program on Sundays 1:00-2:00 pm on WPIT 730 AM. For those who have a computer and an Internet connection, you may now listen to the Ukrainian Radio Program at home at your own convenience. Go to: http://www.wpitam.com/. The program is presented in Ukrainian and English and features music, news, commentaries, social announcements, anniversaries, commercials and obituaries. Its primary objective is to maintain the Ukrainian identity of its listeners through music, language and traditions. You can write to the radio program at P.O. Box 52, Pittsburgh, PA., 15230, or call: 412-937-1500. Or you can send an E-mail to: [email protected].

UKRAINIAN CATHOLIC RADIO PROGRAM “Christ Among Us” During his pastoral visits to the shut-ins, Very Rev. Msgr. Mitrat Michael Poloway, pastor of St. John Ukrainian Catholic Church on the Southside of Pittsburgh, was always overwhelmed by the response from his parishioners who could not attend Divine Services at the parish church due to their illness. There were always many faithful parishioners who were residents of nursing homes and assisted living facilities. In order to respond to their spiritual needs Msgr. Michael Poloway founded the Radio Program “Christ Among Us”, which would be a Sunday radio broadcast for the elderly, homebound and shut-ins of the tri-state area. The response was overwhelming. Now the shut-ins were able to tune in to listen to the Divine Word of Our Lord Jesus Christ and to sing our beautiful liturgical hymns. A great help in organizing this program was Mr. Michael Komichak, Director of the Ukrainian Radio Program, who with his professional experience was able to assist Msgr. Michael Poloway in getting the program on air. On Sunday, October 7, 1973, “Chr- ist Among Us” began its mission to the faithful on WPIT AM 730. For 31 years until his retirement in the year 2004, Msgr. Michael Poloway faithfully hosted this program which brought so much joy into the lives of God’s people. The faithful of various ecclesiastical jurisdictions in the tri-state area continue to tune in each Sunday at 2:00 p.m. on radio station WPIT, AM 730, to listen to this program. For those who have a computer and an Internet connection, you may now listen to “Christ Among Us” at home at your own convenience. Go to: http://www.wpitam.com/. The program is presented in Ukrai- nian and English and features liturgical hymns, Gospel reading, homilies and announce-

31 ments of church events. Today the program is brought to our listeners by the Central Deanery (protopresbyterate) of the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of St. Josaphat and the moderator is Fr. Valerian M. Michlik. You can write to the radio program at “Christ Among Us”, St. George’s Ukrainian Catholic Church, 3455 California Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA., 15212, 412-766-8801, or send an E-mail to [email protected].

BYZANTINE CATHOLIC RADIO PROGRAM One may listen to this program on Relevant Radio WZUM 1590 AM on Fridays at 10:30 am and on Sundays at 12:00 pm (noon). For those who have a computer and Internet connection, you may now listen to the Byzantine Catholic Radio Program “Light of the East” at home at your own convenience. Go to: http://www.byzantinecatholic.com/radio.htm.

DIOCESAN DEACON TRAINING PROGRAM Bishop Robert is considering reactivating the deacon training program. A final decision will be made when we see how many men are genuinely interested in enrolling in the program. If we have sufficient men to warrant it, the program could reopen in Septem- ber. The requirements for application are: applicants must be men 25 years of age if single, or 35 if married; baptized or formally received into the Catholic Church, be a practicing Catholic in good standing, be a citizen of the United States and in good health. Married applicants must have been legally and canonically married for at least five years and have the expressed consent of their wives. Deacons, married or single, cannot (re) marry after ordination and so applicants must agree to accept the Catholic discipline regarding Holy Orders and Marriage. If you have an interest in becoming a parochial deacon, please contact the director of the program, Monsignor George Appleyard, 730 Wash- ington Avenue; Carnegie, PA. 15106-4109, or at [email protected].

REGARDING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR 2008 The transfer of information from envelopes into a ledger for the calendar year of 2008 was maintained by the volunteer work and dedication of Rose Breen, for which we are very grateful. If you would like to have a statement, you may now ask our parish secretary, Cathy Sawchak, to send you one. Your patience is greatly appreciated.

REMINDER It is important, from time to time that the people of our Eparchy be reminded that if anyone has been the victim of sexual abuse by the clergy, he or she should come forward and make that known to our Bishop, His Grace Robert (Moskal), to our pastor, Father John (Ivan) Chirovsky, or to a member of the special Eparchial Review Board that handles such cases. The bishop can be reached at his Chancery by dialing (440-888-1522) or by writing to him at: P. O. Box 347180, Parma, OH. 44134-7180.

Leave something of yourself or your loved ones in THE PATRIARCHAL CATHEDRAL OF THE RESURRECTION OF CHRIST IN KYIV Bricks, inscribed with the name of the donor, will be set in the fabric of the building. Each brick is numbered, and its location will be listed as a link on the website of the patriarchal cathedral: www.kyivsobor.ugcc.org.ua. The portion of the certificate that accompanies each brick to Kyiv will be handed over to the clergy of the cathedral and prayers will be offered specifically, for the donor. Depending on the location of the brick, they are available for donations of $ 50, $ 100, $ 250, $ 1,000, $ 2,500 and $ 5,000. The first three denominations will be available at the monthly molebens.

MEMORIAL FUND All donations collected in this fund will be used to purchase new Liturgical items, including the new set of sanctuary furnishings (holy table, offertory table, servers table, tetrapod, gospel stand, epistle stand, cross and ripidia stand, missal stand), which were delivered two months ahead of schedule in September), necessary for worship services to occur in a more dignified manner. Our previous Holy Table was not made according to proper church rules and was actually not even a real table but three types of wood “structures” wrapped around a somewhat “table-looking” bottom, meanwhile the other furnishings were of a differing style and color. The new furnishings are canonically correct and of a matching style and color. It has been over three years, that we began to acquire new sets of burgundy (Penitential-Lenten) and white (Pascha) vestments for priest, deacon and altar servers, as well as green (Palm Sunday, Pentecost, June and July & certain “venerable” saints like Theodosius, Antony, Sabbas and Apostles’ Fast) for altar servers. We also received a set of gold (Ordinary Sundays and Major Feast Days) and dark blue vestments (Feast of the Mother of God in August, & certain Polyeleos rank saints: Nicholas, Elijah, John Chrysostom, etc.), as well as, just a few weeks ago, a set of vestments for priests for Sundays of penitential seasons (Lent, Advent, etc). Last year we received donations for a new Gospel book and a new Chalice, Diskos, Star, Spoon and Lance. The Epistle Book is still on order. Eventually, we will be needing a set of light blue vestments for general Feasts of Mother of God. In the meantime, as we use what we have for the greater glory of God, please remember that we are far from paying them off. Your generosity, as always, will be greatly appreciated.

IN MEMORY OF NICK PALASHOFF, LILLIAN KOSTEK, STELLA GRABEK & ANNA HODIAK: $30.00 – Olga Walko and Family IN MEMORY OF JOSEPH REFT (remembering his 90th birthday on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17th): $10.00 – Wife, Sophie and Children, Grandchildren & Great Grandchildren IN MEMORY OF GERALD JOHN BACASA: $20.00 – Godmother, Olga Giglio and Family

33 NOTE: FUNDS DONATED TO THE MEMORIAL FUND WILL NOT BE USED FOR expenses having to do with any other Fund.

CANDLE SPONSORS If you would like to sponsor a candle in front of the copy of the miraculous Pochayiv Mother of God Icon or in front of the Icon of the Cross of Our Lord, or four lamps at the iconostas icons, or seven lamps in the seven-branched candlestick at our Altar (Holy Table), for whatever intention you desire, at $5.00 per week, please contact Cathy, our parish secretary.

IN MEMORY OF GERALD JOHN BACASA: (copy of the miraculous icon of Pochayiw): $5.00 – Godmother, Olga Giglio and Family

IN MEMORY OF DMYTRO BOBURCZAK (seven branch candle stick on the altar): $20.00 – Family

BEST OF HEALTH FOR OLGA WALKO & MICHAEL KOSTEK (altar candles): $10.00 – Sophie Reft and Family UPPER CHURCH HALL FUND All donations collected in this fund will be used to update the upper church hall with modern media equip- ment. It has now been suggested to Fr. Ivan that our parish honor Fr. Deacon Michael’s memory by giving the hall a proper name, for example, “St Michael the Archangel’s Hall”, instead of just referring to it as “the upper church hall.” One might very well add that the two longest serving pastors of our parish were also named “Michael”: +Fr. Michael Kindey (1931-1955) and Fr. Michael Poloway (1966-2004). By naming it “St. Michael’s Hall” we would, of course, be honoring all of them. (No donors this week) NOTE: FUNDS DONATED TO THE UPPER CHURCH HALL FUND WILL NOT BE USED FOR expenses having to do with any other Fund

ROOF & POINTING REPAIR FUND Parishioners are advised that major holes and leaks in the roof of our church have been repaired. In late summer of 2008, we had to repair the roof of the building located at 95 South 7th Street (credit union building), at a cost of $ 23,514.00. We are continuing to collect funds for a new church roof; we have received two bids: cheapest new church roof would be circa $ 250,000, guaranteed not to leak for about five years and the most expensive church roof, circa $ 650,000, would have a fifty to one hundred year guar- antee. If any parishioners would like for someone they know and trust to make a bid for a new church roof, they are always welcome to speak with Father to arrange for this. In any case, we are still far away from making any final decisions about a new church roof. Meanwhile, parishioners should be advised that Monsignor Michael Poloway invested much of our parish’s money in STOCKS and that the expert advice is that this is no time to sell stocks at all. In December of 2007 the FACE VALUE of those stocks was $647,000; in February 2009 it was about $391,000. The only smart thing to do is to sit on those stocks until the market turns in the future. Only the dividends can be used as cash. Monsignor also placed lesser sums of

34 money into savings accounts. These would be used for purchasing a new church roof only if there was danger of imminent collapsing. Otherwise, we are saving these funds in order to safeguard our parish’s ability to use savings dividends to pay salaries & other major repair bills in the future. (No donors this week) NOTE: FUNDS DONATED TO THE ROOF FUND WILL NOT BE USED FOR expenses having to do with any other Fund.

THE SUMMARY OF SUNDAY COLLECTIONS For March 7TH & 8TH , 2009

NON-ENVELOPE WEEKLY SUNDAY OFFERINGS 20.00 ENVELOPE WEEKLY SUNDAY OFFERINGS 1,400.00 MONTHLY FUND FOR REPAIRS, IMPROVEMENTS & 30.00 REDEVELOPMENT (1st Sunday of every month) MONTHLY MEMBERSHIP DUES (2nd Sunday of each month) 575.00 MONTHLY UTILITIES & INSURANCE (3rd Sunday of each month) 25.00 MONTHLY DIOCESAN COLLECTION (4th Sunday of each month) 5.00 CHAPEL DONATION .00 CANDLE SPONSORS (see above) 30.00 MEMORIAL FUND 40.00 WEEKLY CANDLES 87.40 CEMETERY MAINTENANCE 200.00 HALL RENTAL (2/28/09) 50.00 1/1/09 - INITIAL OFFERING 12.00 1/25/09 – LENTEN PRAYERS FOR DEPARTED: SOROKOUSTY 100.00 2/1/09 – FLOWERS FOR THE LORD’S GRAVE 5.00 3/1/09 – ANNUAL U. S. CONFERENCE OF CATHOLIC BISHOPS’ 20.00 COLLECTION FOR “CHURCH IN NEED” 3/15/09 – ANNUAL U. S. CONFERENCE OF CATHOLIC BISHOPS’ 0.00 COLLECTION FOR “CHURCH IN EASTERN EUROPE” 3/25/09 – FEAST OF ANNUNCIATION TO THE THEOTOKOS 5.00 TOTAL $2,534.40 POPE BENEDICT XVI'S PRAYER INTENTIONS FOR MARCH

35 General prayer intention: "That the role of women may be more appreciated and used to good advantage in every country in the world".

Mission intention: "That, in the light of the Letter addressed to them by Pope Benedict XVI, the bishops, priests, consecrated persons and lay faithful of the Catholic Church in the Popular Republic of China may commit themselves to being the sign and instrument of unity, communion and peace".

ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST YOUTH MINISTRY Diane Vargo

UKRAINIAN CATHOLIC CHURCH CHURCH AUXILIARY & BEAUTY OF HOUSE OF OUR LORD 109 S. 7th STREET, Margie Klimko

PITTSBURGH,PA. 15203-1028 CATECHISTS (2007-2008), Sundays – 9:00 am Irene Borodycia Maria Chirovsky Motria Hodowanec PASTORAL STAFF Fr. John (Ivan) Chirovsky, Pastor LECTORS Irene Borodycia Robert Casey Stephanie Casey Fr. Canon Dr. John A. Ropke, Priest-in-Residence David Drapala Kathleen Drapala Joanne Giancola Cathy Sawchak, parish secretary Joan Hess Mary Ann Kasofsky Stephanie Vargo

PASTOR’S ADVISORY COUNCIL BAPTISMS - Holy Mysteries (Sacraments) of Initiation are normally administered Fr. John (Ivan) Chirovsky, Pastor on the Sunday nearest to the 40th day after the birth of the child. Please notify the Fr. Canon Dr. John A. Ropke, Priest-in-Residence parish rectory as soon as you are aware that you are expecting a child. Sister Irene Borodycia Michael Haritan Ann from the Diocesan Pastoral Ministry Office will conduct special baptismal And the head of each Parish organization/ministry preparation sessions. These two sessions are for all expectant parents, the Improvements and Redevelopment Godparents and grand-parents. Parents must be registered and active members of the parish. The two sessions will help you prepare FOR BIRTH and baptism Sub-Council the PAC of your child. It is normal that a saint’s name be chosen for the child. ELIGIBILITY Geoffrey Giancola Yaroslaw Hodowanec FOR GODPARENT - One sponsor must be a practicing Catholic, attend Liturgy re- Raymond Komichak Stephen Sawczak gularly, receive the Sacraments and fulfill all obligations and financial support to their Parish Financial Board parish, attested to by their pastor. Fr. John Chirovsky, Fr. Canon Dr. John A. Ropke, Cathy Sawchak MARRIAGES - Arrangements for the Holy Mystery of Crowning are to be made at least 9 to 6 months in advance of the date of marriage by contacting the parish rec- WEB-SITE: http://stjohnspittsburgh.com/ tory. Restating the obvious, clearly and loudly: under normal conditions, future E-MAIL ADDRESS: [email protected] Couples are expected to be active members of our parish for at least one year before the date of the marriage because the responsibility for marriage preparation takes PARISH TELEPHONE NUMBERS place at the parish level. It is also required that you attend the PRE-CANA PRO- Church Office 412-431-2531 GRAM offered by the Office of Religious Education (ORE) for the Byzantine Catholic Press NINE, to leave a message Archeparchy of Pittsburgh which contributes towards the usual preparations that occur on the parish level. For the past ten years, the ORE has helped hundreds of couples Press ZERO, to speak to an operator, or, prepare for the Mystery of Marriage by sponsoring lessons that address topics perti- if you have a rotary phone, stay on the line nent to their future Catholic Christian marital lifestyle. Currently it involves two separate Church Office Fax 412-431-2531 Saturdays per year, both days beginning at 9:30 a.m. and ending at about 6:00 or Lower Hall & PYROHI SALES 412-481-5022 7:00 pm. The location for the Pre-Cana Program is the Byzantine Catholic Cathedral Diocesan Pastoral Ministry Office 412-481-9778 of St. John the Baptist, 210 Greentree Road, Munhall, PA 15120. To print a Pre-Cana Program Registration Form, Please go to DIVINE LITURGIES http://www.archeparchy.org/pdfs/preCanaRegForm2009.pdf. You may also call the Mondays (Outside of Lent): usually 7:00 PM Office of Religious Education at 412-322-8773 for more information. Currently, the Other Weekdays, except Saturdays dates for 2009 are Part I on 2009-February-28 & Part II on 2009-March 28. Topics (Outside of Lent): usually 7:15 AM covered are: Eastern Spirituality & Traditions, Marriage Roles Today, Natural Family Saturdays (Anticipated): 5:00 PM Planning, Worship in the Byzantine Church, Finances and The Theology of Crowning, Sundays (Pentecost to Labor Day): 9:30 AM Sundays (Otherwise): 10:00 AM Communication, etc. They average 10-15 couples and there is usually a different Holy Day of Obligation: speaker for each topic. Registration for both lessons $175.00 paid by the couple. Our Evening before 7:00 PM Parish is billed another $175.00 afterwards. Marriages at St John’s Parish will not be Morning of 9:30 AM celebrated until all the normal spiritual requirements have been met to the Church’s satisfaction. So, do not order church halls or send out your invitations until you are HOLY MYSTERY OF CONFESSION absolutely sure of having done so !!! In fact, if the couple continues to choose to Saturdays: 4:00 PM and by request ignore the usual spiritual preparations after being warned about this, then Father Lenten Weekdays: before or after services Pastor reserves the right to cancel the service even as late as 24 hours before the wedding. MINISTRY TO SICK AND SHUT-INS Fr. Canon Dr. John A. Ropke (412) 432-7174 CREMATION - Burial is the preferred and traditional Christian funeral practice. Al- Sr. Olga Faryna, OSBM (724) 266-5578 though highly discouraged, cremation is permitted for economic reasons, esp. if it is NOT done for anti-Christian reasons. The cremation should occur after the funeral SPIR. DIR. OF CHURCH STUDY GROUP services are held in Church, since the presence of ashes in church is strongly discour- & JESUS FILES: Fr. John (Ivan) Chirovsky aged. The ashes are to be buried, with the pastor, or a delegated priest or deacon, CANTOR/CHOIR DIRECTOR Stephen H. Zinski performing the usual rite of interment.