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Official publication of the Eparchy of St Nicholas in Chicago Volume LIII, No. 3 March, 2018

New Bishop Faces New Challenges—and Raises Funds to Meet Them! ur new bishop arrived in Chicago ten months after his ”Jubilee of Gratitude and Unity” program, open to the public. predecesso r, Bishop R iChaRd (Seminack), died after a that January event began with a hierarchical divine Liturgy Olong illness. in St. nicholas Cathedral concelebrated by clergy from surround - Bishop B enediCt (aleksiychuk), formerly auxiliary bishop in ing parishes with responses sung by a combined choir. then fol - , , assumed the reins of the largest eparchy (geograph - lowed a sold-out banquet at the Ukrainian Cultural Center ically) in the Ukrainian Catholic Church. his flock of 12,000 souls attended by some 360 guests. worshiping in thirty-three parishes, ten missions and two monas - the entertainment consisted of performances by 80 young teries, is now in need of his ministry and attention. members of Chicago area parishes. St. nicholas Cathedral’s con - diving into his new environment, Bishop Benedict embarked tribution included instrumental performances by students from on an intense schedule of services, commemorations, celebrations the School of art. the St. nicholas Cathedral Choir sang “Oh and visits. a wedding at the cathedral? he offered to officiate. God, What Beauty.” Sts. Volodymyr and Olha Parish featured its a baptism? Glad to do it. an art auction, a parish festival, a “Cherubic Voices” ensemble commemoration? the bishop was there, as were and a violin solo composed by his predecessors. Myroslav Skoryk. immaculate as in the past, people on the neighborhood streets—and Conception Parish offered two around the eparchy—have an opportunity to form a first im - pieces by its Kobzaryk School pression upon encountering their new leader, and a chance of and Song. St. to respond to his approach, his sense of humor and his hu - Joseph the Betrothed Parish manity. fielded their “nadiya” choir While organizing the eparchy’s attributes, he noted a par - hoisting a spinning nativity car - ticularly serious challenge: the iconic St. nicholas Cathe - oling star. the grand finale fea - dral needed attention. Listed as one of the most beautiful tured the combined choral buildings in Chicago, 167 feet tall, it is a magnificent exam - groups singing “Joy to the ple of Byzantine Baroque architecture. its sky-blue and gold World” in Ukrainian. as a sur - interior is breathtaking. however, it is showing signs of nor - prise, the children rolled out a mal damage of 102 years of wear—a leaking roof, rusting birthday cake for the bishop. window frames, and peeling frescoes. the three-month drive was a the monetary figures cited for remediation are daunting. But great success. Contributions came from parishes all around the the problem also presented an opportunity for team-building and eparchy. Many not able to attend sent in donations, and totaled spiritual development for the entire wide-ranging eparchy. $310,000. this signals a bright future for the restoration of the ar - Bishop Benedict has already assembled a financial council, a cat - chitectural integrity and soundness of the Mother Church, ensur - echetical leadership group, a development advisory group and a ing its continued mission as a religious shelter for future pastoral team to bolster his administration. he has the basic struc - generations of the faithful. ture for moving forward. But lacks funds to launch the cathedral Bishop Benedict is taking a long-range view on his assignment. project. he told a reporter that he planned to establish a department in the the solution: his 50th birthday in January could be an opportu - eparchy that would be responsible for missions and strategy, not - nity to raise seed money for the campaign. in three short months, ing “this department will not deal with the routine challenges, an ad hoc banquet committee organized, promoted and executed a continue on next page

One parish has submitted a testimony to their vibrancy. Certainly this is not the only “Vibrant Parish” in the Eparchy of St Nicholas. Do you think people meet Christ in your parish? List a few reasons you think so, and send them in. (See “Bulletin Board” on page 15 for instructions.) 2 New Star Volume LIII, No. 3 March, 2018 continued from previous page You may follow Bishop Benedict on Facebook (under “Bene - but will look to the future, will keep its hand on the pulse and will dict Aleskiychuk”) , both on the Ukrainian and English sites for be constantly looking for new ways to talk to people about God— his daily homilies and his posts describing his Chicago activities the God they seek, sometimes unconsciously.” and his pastoral travels. See videos by visiting the eparchial By Maria Kulczycky website, esnucc.org and clicking on the YouTube link.

a steel sheet on the outside of a side en - thieves turn to Church trance, exposing a long-ago-covered-up window. they reached through the open - simple regular matter of checking ered the tabernacle gone. With it the chal - ing and unlocked the mechanism that had the status of the eternal Lamp in ice and other vessels for the liturgy—and been used to secure the door. athe church turned into a chore of the gold cup that held the holy eucharist. Several items were damaged, though major proportions on Friday, February 23. also missing were the seven-branch can - not taken—a small statue of St Volodymyr, Upon unlocking the building at the back delabra and the cross on the table of prepa - several globes for the large candles, a door door, nothing seemed out of place to Fr ration. too, in the other sacristy the censer closer and some glass votive candle hold - John Lucas—until he entered the sacristy. along with the stand that held it, even the ers. doors usually kept closed were open, cab - tongs used to light the charcoal were miss - hours were spent the following few inet doors and drawers were open, and the ing. every wall- or standing cross, every days with police, detectives, plumbers, se - floor was littered with service books, some candlestick had vanished. curity people and others. linens and the chairs along the wall were a call to 911 was made, and the police Compiling an inventory for the police misaligned. One step into the nave brought were quick to respond to make a run- report, one detective asked: “besides the a strange realization that some unwanted through check of the basement before Fr missing items, was anything broken?” intruders had been there: the John was allowed after mentioning the statue and candle - side tables were moved from to go further. Odd ware, Father added “...and the 7th and 10th against the wall, the tetrapod things were miss - Commandments.” was strangely devoid of its huge ing—trash cans in While the building was later secured, cross and the processional cross the restrooms, the the missing water meter was not able to be on the front pew was tilted at a hardware on all replaced in time for the weekend’s liturgi - strange angle, except that the the fixtures in cal schedule—which was able to be cele - cross was missing. them, including brated through a loan of minimal liturgical Further glances around made the door closers items from the cathedral parish. it evident that someone had bro - and brass kick Over the course of time the materials ken in, perhaps the day before, plates at the bot - taken will be replaced as circumstances as he was out tending to the tom of each door. and resources allow. Our prayers will con - business of having his car serv - Some un - tinue to sustain those spiritual gifts which iced and other errands that had known persons cannot be destroyed, as we profess: “Christ him return after dark. This cross is among had taken the is among us.” Checking further, he discov - the items taken. time to peel away

Fr Demetrius Wysochansky, OSBM, Reposed in the Lord asilian Father Demetrius Wysochansk y, 87, died Febru - His extensive publications in both ary 15. His most recent assignment within St Nicholas Ukrainian and English consisted of BEparchy began in 1994 at Nativity of the Blessed Virgin books, pamphlets and numerous arti - in Palos Park, Illinois. Born in Peckville, Pennsylvania in 1930, cles which contained not only the he entered the Basilian Order in 1948. Ordained in 1959, he was texts of Matins, Vespers and the Di - assigned soon to St Nicholas in Chicago. From 1962-1983 he vine Liturgy, but explanatory com - served Immaculate Conception, Hamtramck, Michigan, and until mentaries on these services, and other topics about our Church. 1994, St Josaphat in Warren, Michigan. His funeral was conducted in several places—part was cele - A student of liturgy, Fr Demetrius was instrumental in compil - brated in Nativity Parish in Palos Park, February 18; part in War - ing, translating and producing useful texts of various services for ren, Michigan, February 20; and burial February 24 in Holy Spirit use by the clergy and faithful. For many years his works were the Ukrainian Catholic Cemetery, Chapel Hall, New York . standard by which the Holy Mysteries were performed. May his memory be eternal! New Star Volume LIII, No. 3 March, 2018 3

Patriarch Tells Touching Story of Six-Year-Old Boy Who Invited Pope to Ukraine atriarch SViatOSLaV (Shevchuk) told a moving story of a “and, when i witnessed the meeting between danylko and the little Ukrainian and his communication with Pope Francis Pope," said his Beatitude Sviatoslav, “the boy said to him the fol - Pon Saturday, February 17, during the live lowing words: ‘i broadcast of the Open Church program on thank you for Zhyve tV. it was reported by the department of coming and hav - information of the UGCC. ing kept your Pope Francis, as many know, made a visit to word! Please, pray the Cathedral of St. Sophia in Rome in January, for Ukraine! You where he met with the Ukrainian community of know how bad it italy. Many then wondered if the pontiff would is when a mom come to Ukraine. a six-year-old Ukrainian boy, cries because her danylko, who now lives in Rome and has made son was killed.’” "friends" with the holy Father, knows exactly the the patriarch answer to this question. further said that his Beatitude added: "i will tell you the story the holy Father of little danylko. this boy first had an audience was very moved with the holy Father several years ago. there he was holding a by the boy’s deep words. then danylko responded: “i promise child's drawing depicting the Cathedral of St. Sophia. incidentally, you that i will pray for the mothers of Ukraine!" Without thinking there is even a picture of how Pope Francis embraces him. then much, in the end the boy confidently spoke to the leader of the the Roman Pontiff asked what the boy was drawing. danylko im - Catholic Church: “Come to Ukraine, okay? i invite you!” mediately replied: “this is our church in Rome. Come visit us!” his Beatitude added that when on the next day our priests asked and the holy Father made it clear that he accepted this invitation. danylko about his impression of the meeting with the Roman So the boy was convinced that Pope Francis came to St. Sophia's Bishop, the boy said: “i am convinced that the Pope will come to Cathedral in Rome in response to his invitation!” said his Beati - Ukraine, because he is able to keep his promise!” tude, smiling. “We are looking forward to this, since the children tell us that according to him, danylko and his mother have stayed in italy Pope Francis will definitely come. We really want this visit to take for several years and have been struggling with severe illness. place!” said his Beatitude Svi atoslav. however, as we see, the boy does not lose optimism and hope. RISU

national Catholic Sisters Week—March 8-14 ters don’t seek the spotlight,” Molly hazelton, who headed the national What is national Cath olic Sisters greater focus to the lives of these incredible Catholic Sisters Week team said. “But we Week? nCSW is an annual celebration that women. it’s our chance to recognize all know that raising awareness of their min - takes place from March 8-14. Created to they have done for us. it’s also our hope istries can inspire the masses, and that’s honor women religious, it is a series of that as more young women learn about what we’re aiming to do. in a time when events that instruct, enlighten and bring women religious, more will choose to fol - there isn’t much good news, we need more low their example. than ever to hear stories of how they help the week is intended to and heal a fractured country.” honor the nation’s 47,170 if you have had a good experience with Catholic sisters and all who a Sister in your life share the story with us, have gone before —found- write her a thank you note, do something ers of schools and hospitals, in her honor, write a news release, etc. artists and activists, leaders and spiritual guides for all Contact: Sr. ann Laszok, OSBM, walks of life. “Catholic sis - [email protected]

aithful who use the Gregorian Calendar complete the 40-day Great Lent one week before those who follow the Julian Calendar. Then follows Holy Week, with its moving services that help us complete our journey toward Pascha. Your parish should have a full contingent of people who attend the services. For that to Fhappen, you have to check the schedule your pastor provides, and make it a point to attend as much as possible, especially if is somewhat of a sacrifice. Don’t forget: Great and Holy Friday is to be meat- and dairy-free. 4 New Star Volume LIII, No. 3 March, 2018

rection of Christ. Wise words of the Patriarch meant a lot to millions of Ukraini - ans. even after retiring from his position in the Church, he re - mained a credible social leader, responding actively to important events in life of Ukraine and worldwide. From ukurier.gov.ua

TrYINg TO fIND aPPrOPrIaTE mEaT - aND DaIrY -f rEE UOC P rImaTE PraYS fOr PEaCE WITh DIPLOmaTS Of mEaLS ?: here’s a vers atile recipe. [try it, you’ll like it] fOrEIgN COUNTrIES : On the first Sunday of Lent, February 25, Metropolitan Onufry performed the celebration of the Feast Vegetarian Vegetable (Barley, Bean or Rice) Soup of Orthodoxy and the Liturgy at the Refectory Church of St. an - (Good for strict fast days) thony and theodosius of the holy dormition -Caves Lavra. 1 cup of chopped celery Representatives of embassies of foreign Orthodox states in Ukraine: Bulgaria, Greece, Macedonia, Moldova, Russia, Ro - 1 cup of diced carrots mania and Serbia, attended the divine Service on the occasion 1 cup of shredded cabbage of the celebration of the Feast of Orthodoxy, ac - 1 small can (6 oz.) tomato juice cording the information 1 cup of diced potatoes with peels on and educational depart - ment of the UOC (MP). 1 diced parsnip during the Liturgy, a 1 small can (8oz.) stewed tomatoes prayer for peace in Ukraine was offered. about ¼ cup of chopped parsley Metropolitan Onufry 1 small chopped onion greeted the attending ambassadors and representatives of the em - bassies of the countries. 1 bay leaf 2 quarts of cold water NaTIONaL BaNk mINTS COmmEmOraTIVE COIN Of LUBOmYr hUzar : the national Bank of Ukraine put into cir - 2 tablespoons of salt (more or less to taste) culation a silver 5 hryvnias commemorative coin dedicated to Pa - triarch LUBOMYR (huzar), with a circulation of 2,000 copies, add all ingredients to a large pot with a lid. Bring to a slow informs a press service boil and cook until vegetables are tender: (about 2 hours by of nBU. stove or 4 – 6 hours in a crock pot). May be served as is or over “this commemora - barley, beans or rice already prepared according to package di - tive coin is dedicated rections. to Patriarch Lubomyr Versatility is more one of the spiritual tha n a choice be - beacons of the Ukrain - tween barley, rice or ian nation. a person beans. You might who is fairly called [our] nation’s conscience”, it said in a mes - choose some of the sage.the varieties of (diced) On the obverse of the coin is an image of Patriarchal Cathedral stewed tomatoes. of the Resurrection of Christ (Kyiv) depicted on a mirror back - Or try using whole ground of a stylized cross-like ray, on the bottom is a small State stewed tomatoes. of Ukraine. On the reverse side of the coin is a por - there’s italian and trait of his Beatitude. On the left are the years of his life, 1933 Mexican styles with /2017, a quote below: “My dream is to be human”. differing spices. Or Lubomyr huzar was born in Lviv but in 1944 his family had switch dill, even car - to emigrate abroad. he studied and worked in austria, the USa, raway seeds for pars - italy and returned to his Motherland after Ukraine had got its in - ley. dependence. in 2001 he was elected Patriarch of the Ukrainian Lent need not be a Greek Catholic Church. through him it was agreed to transfer the drudgery, but a way of making the best of what you have. throne to Kyiv and build the Patriarchal Cathedral of the Resur - New Star Volume LIII, No. 3 March, 2018 5

forty days aftr his birth—beholding the Why?/Why: by Fr Denny Molitvy Messiah, Christ in the human person Jesus. that’s why people are encouraged to join I took a look at the Church calendar we as such most holidays are state-sanc - in prayer together on a holy occasion. received, and noticed groundhog Day tioned as a patriotic or civil measure. that’s the holy day, was marked as some special category of also, along the way old folk tales from new Year’s day, in itself is not a holy feast, and the liturgy is to be made eons ago have worked their way into cul - day, but a holiday in the classic definition. available for people to attend. tures, mostly whimsical ways of express - it marks the end of one year and the begin - I can understand Easter as a holy ing revelry, but without much official ning of another. throughout history soci - Day and a holiday, Christmas and New recognition from government. eties have attached all sorts of celebrations Years’ Day as holy Days and holidays. after all, holidays usually also come to the passage of time. But what is the significance of ground - with cessation of government work--and the day happens to coincide with two hog day as a holy Day and a holiday? curtailing public services, like mail deliv - commemorations on the Church calendar: ery and trash collection and bus schedules. first: the Circumcision of Jesus, which, ac - On the surface there is some logical Groundhog day comes under this cate - cording to the Jewish law under which he reason for your question. the days you gory. it is not really a holiday per se, even was born, was a ritual performed at the age mention have something in common: if a vast portion of the population joins in of eight days. this just so happens to be each has some special ritual or practice the fun aspects of the day. as such it is the eighth day after december 25. it is a associated with it. just a day that happens to be almost ex - holy day before it is a holiday. Second, Underlying the whole issue are several actly the half-way point between t he Win - January 1 is the commemoration of the principles tied closely to human culture ter Solstice (december 21) and the Spring death of St Basil the Great, archbishop of and even some historical implications. equinox (March 22). the natural rotaation Caesarea of Cappodocia. actually January We can separate the days you mention of earh around the sun allows us to quite 1 as new Year’s day is a rather recent in - into several categories. the two you accurately predict that Winter ends in six novation of the calendar. chose are “holiday” and “holy day”. weeks—irrespective of what any burrow - Of the other two days on your list are “holiday” carries some connotation of ing rodent sees or doesn’t see. easter and Christmas: easter, propeerly having time away from the regular it doesn’t qualify as a “holiday” but falls understood, is the day of Resurrection, workaday routine, taking a break from on a day that the Church calendar observes noting the passing from death to Life, pre - labor for rest or relaxation, as a morale- the meeting between God and man—in the figured in the Jewish feast of Passover builder for society. joy of Simeon and a Prophetess, anna commemoraing the salvation granted to those who followed the commandments of God, particularly his Chosen People. as such is is the holiest day of the Church cal - endar. Sisters Servants of Mary Immaculate Christmas, commemorating Christ’s 64th HOLY DORMITION PILGRIMAGE birth is a holy event, and a civillly recog - August 11-12, 2018 nized holiday, yet it pales in importance in His Beatitude Sviatoslav presiding comparison with theophany, which man - MARY, OUR MODEL OF PRAYER ifests the trinity—the triune God. it is a ´'R:KDWHYHU+H7HOOV

August 12th - ´+HU&KRLFH0DGH8V)UHHµ 8NUDLQLDQ  send questions to : 95HY'U,YDQ.DV]F]DNLVD&KXUFK+LVWRULDQZKRHQMR\VVKDULQJKLVH[WHQVLYHNQRZOHGJHRI Fr denny Molitvy WKHKLVWRU\RIWKH8NUDLQLDQ&DWKROLF&KXUFKLQWKH8QLWHG6WDWHV+HKDVVHUYHGDVDPLOLWDU\ [email protected] FKDSODLQ'LUHFWRURI5HOLJLRXV(GXFDWLRQ9RFDWLRQV'LUHFWRUDQG9LFH-5HFWRURIWKHPLQRUVHPL QDU\IRUIRXU\HDUV)U,YDQLVWKHDXWKRURIVHYHUDOERRNVDQGKLVODWHVWERRNLVHQWLWOHG0HWUR or: 2245 W Rice St SROLWDQ$QGUHL6KHSW\WVN\DQGWKH(VWDEOLVKPHQWRIWKH8NUDLQLDQ&DWKROLF&KXUFKLQWKH8QLWHG Chicago, iL 60622 6WDWHV)U,YDQLVSDVWRURI+RO\7ULQLW\3DULVKLQ.HUKRQNVRQDQG+XQWHU1< include name, and parish (not published, but for verification if necessary) . 6 New Star Volume LIII, No. 3 March, 2018

ing the logos of fancy stores frequented we go through life like “Panzer bub - Baggage by the equally-fancy local bourgeoisie. bles”—totally oblivious to anything, any - there is seemingly no end to the infinite one, or any concerns other than our own? o there i was, minding my own variety of merchandise being transported (Gulp!) business while taking public trans - publicly: boxes, shelves, pipes, ladders; in the Gospels, Jesus talked about how Sportation, when … BaM: i got you name it, they carry it! Why, just today difficult it would be for a camel to get whacked upside the head. “What hap - i was behind a man trying to negotiate a through the eye of a needle; i can't imag - pened?” you may well ask. Well, let me turnstile while carrying an easy chair on ine that the gates of the Kingdom are any tell you: the culprit was a clueless fellow his head! What will they think of next?!? easier for Panzer tanks or baggage-en - passenger effectively cut off from human the mind boggles!!! veloped wayfarers to negotiate. the Great contact not only by enormous head - thing is: like my backpack-wielding Fast is a time for us to take off the Mardi phones, but also by a huge backpack. it assailant, these public menaces are totally Gras masks we have gotten used to wear - was indeed this latter which made my unaware of the risk which they pose to ing, seeing ourselves as we really are and head ring like “the bells of St. Mary's”. others—and perhaps even to the existence realizing that, as Galileo and Copernicus Bing! Bing! Bing! (Older folks will un - of others except as obstacles which get in got into trouble for trying to tell us, we derstand the joke.) their way. i have take to referring to such are not the center of the universe. More - needless to say, it would have been people as “Panzer bubbles”— i.e. , as those over, let us dare to accept his invitation, fruitless for me to say “excuuuse you!” whose sensitivity and locomotion are not taking it as our Lenten project: “Come to as i have taken to doing lately; i merely so different from a Panzer tank's. then me, all of you who are weary and carry commend the aforementioned child of there are the Panzer bubbles who become heavy burdens, and i will God to the much-needed but totally unde - impediments by parking themselves in - give you rest. (Mt: 11: served divine Mercy! considerately: in doorways, on stairways, 28)” in so doing, let us Backpacks are not the only weapons right in the middle of the sidewalk of cor - set our sights on the Res - aimed at unwitting victims daring to fre - ridor: oy ! urrection icon, where quent public space. Rolling luggage is aren't you glad we're not like that—or Christ tramples the chains particularly dangerous to pedestrians as it are we? What “baggage”—emotional or which have here tofore aims at their means of locomotion. One otherwise — do we carry around with us, held us captive. should not, however, discount the threat thus weighing ourselves down and be - posed by shopping bags proudly display - coming a menace to those around us? do fr. Jim Karepin, op

the Pretzel the familiar shape even has a tie to the staff of life—bread—is nourish - prayer. Most people look at a pretzel ing, flavored with a bit of salt—which A plain, simple “perfect Lenten treat” with the top-heavy double loop at the is also a stabilizing element. Buoyed by top, and the single loop at the bottom. the reminder Christ gave: “you are the ften a question arises when one (it sort of resembles a Valentine heart.) salt of the earth,” a fasting person can hears the limitations of lenten however, some experts agree that have something to curb hunger pangs Ofasting—when done in the tra - that view is upside down, pointing to a and rely upon the simple ingredients to ditional Byzantine manner—no meat, or similarity of a more pyramid orientation automatically eliminate the eggs, milk, animal products: milk, eggs, cheese: with a figure of a person in prayer, head butter, cheese or meat that our regula - What can we eat? bowed, arms crossed, palms tions call for. While it may not substitute for against the chest. You might want to con - every meal, a pretzel may be the the bottom two sider munch - answer. loops mimic the ing on a Some historians report that this bent elbows, as the pretzel, and salty, twisty treat has its origin in praying hands reach co-workers monasticism. near the shoulders—and may not even Basically it is a bread stick made of the top loop signifies the notice you’re the same ingredients as the bread the bowed, cowled head. faithful to a Church uses for the holy eucharist, Some even see the three tradition in a consisting solely of flour, water, salt and loops as a symbolic refer - very special perhaps a bit of yeast. ence to th holy trinity. way. New Star Volume LIII, No. 3 March, 2018 7

the time for reception of the eucharist, some people moved for - ward, some moved out of the way and some moved away. the Pews open space allowed people to make profound poklony while [Amidst the services that our Church celebrates during the Holy some could make simple metanias . With all this movement, and Great Lent, ( e.g. The Liturgy of the Pre-Sanctified Gifts; with there was not time to sit. those who were elderly and disabled the prostrations) and the activity surrounding the unfolding dra - could sit in chairs along the walls. this seemed to first appear matic events of Flowery Sunday, the days of Holy Week, espe - in the 13th century. cially Holy Thursday, Great and Holy Friday, Holy Saturday and the origin of “reserved” sections can be seen in the earliest the Holy and Glorious Resurrection and the “‘standing-room’ days. For example in hagia Sophia there was the empress’ only” and various processions, Fr Jonathan Morse brings up a topic that might warrant some study in regard our approach to Loge. this is where royalty were situated above or separated our prayer practices. Things have changed over the centuries. from the people yet could see and hear everything. Later in Will it happen again? Ed. ] Western churches, especially in the english-speaking countries, there were boxes which may or may not have had benches that were reserved for very important people. hy do some Ukrainian Catholic Churches have pews Royalty always seemed to have the option of exclusive seat - and others do not? One of the arguments on why ing whether in the east or the West of the 4th century or the churches have pews is that many of our early W 18th, respectively. What happened to make the rest of the people churches were formerly Roman Catholic or Protestant church sit down? buildinngs, which already had pews. this does not explain why Some scholars point to the need of people to “participate.” later churches which were built by the parishes in the United this meant “restrict the walking around” and direct the people’s States predominately have pews. Why does St. nicholas Cathe - attention to the altar and the pulpit. the pulpit,which used to be dral and the three other Ukrainian Catholic cathedrals in the in the center of the Church, was repositioned. have you noticed United States have pews, while the contemporary Patriarchal and/or wondered why our Patriarch’s throne during the liturgy Cathedral of the Resurrection in Kyiv, the 18th century St. is not at the altar but in the center of the church? Simply: so George’s Cathedral in Lviv and the sixth century holy Wisdom people could hear him whether it was in prayer or in his preach - in Constantinople (hagia Sophia) do not? ing. this is not just a Ukrainian Catholic concern. even Roman But, in the West the pulpit moved to the front, so people sit - Catholics have some issues with pews: the national Basilica ting on benches or pews could have their attention directed to Shrine of the immaculate Conception. Others elsewhere have the preacher. Some scholars say that the use of pews was a form no pews: 17th century St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. Somee great of clericalism, in other words the clergy became the focus of all cathedrals (St Mark’s in Venice) have added chairs in recent liturgical and preaching life in the congregation. in the Byzan - times, which on occasion are seen in the Patriarchal Cathedral. tine tradition there is a notable resistance to this, in the use of Roman Catholic churches in the United States all seem to lay ministers and deacons moving in and around the church dur - have pews whether they be the Franciscan missions (San Miguel ing the liturgy causing attention to be drawn—if just for a short 1626) on the West Coast; to St. augustine’s in Florida, which time—away from the priest. has been in continuous operation since 1565; and Most Blessed Other scholars point to the Protestant Reformation as the Sacrament (Bally, Pennsylvania), the oldest Roman Catholic cause of the addition of pews. in the Reformation, Protestants, church in operation from the thirteen colonies, has had pews to show how non-Catholic they became, eliminated most of the since 1741. this seems to show that something happened in the liturgical elements. the eucharist became a statement of what 16th century that impacted church buildings in the new World. Jesus said at the Last Supper and the distribution of the ele - to see what happened we have to go back to the beginning. ments. What was left was the sermon. Sermons became longer Pews did not exist in the first 1,400 years of Christianity. and longer, so the desire of people to sit became stronger and Saints augustine, Basil the Great, John Chrysostom, Monica, stronger. and Macrina—to mention a few—all stood during the celebra - Real “participation” disappeared. Pews were added and pew tion of the Liturgy. Family members who came from different rent was an early feature in the United States. People would rent areas could gather in the church to pray as a family. their pew for the service or for the year. Whether this is the basis in the days before sound systems, people desirous of hearing for some people always sitting in the same place and not moving the sermon moved up to hear the preacher. Children sat on the for others would be an interesting historical study. floor near their parents since there were no cry rooms, (which Where does our Church stand on this issue? Where do we meant that sometimes parents had to walk their children around go from here? or go after their wandering waifs). Movement also occurred at Fr Jonathan Morse 8 New Star Volume LIII, No. 3 March, 2018

selfishness in pleasure seeking. What Is Love? philia love, as Lewis defines it, is that hrist our pascha states that the bond between friends who share common virtue of divine love is the most beliefs or values. it is like a brotherly or Cimportant virtue. it is God’s great - sisterly love. in Scripture, david and est gift to us. “Love has as its source God; Jonathan demonstrate that type of love. it is the Love of the Father revealed in the however, very few people actually expe - Son and granted to us in the holy Spirit. rience true friendship. anyone who participates in this kind of Perhaps you have not heard of Storge Love becomes capable, in the holy Spirit, love, which Lewis defines as liking some - of loving the Father as the Son loves one due to familiarity with that person. him” (845). he says that it is a love based on depend - God commands us to love him and one ency and can be lost if the needs in the re - another. Jesus says “You shall love the lationship are no longer met. Psycho- Lord your God with all your heart, and logists define this as co-dependency. this with all your soul, and with all your type of affection can go astray and many any benefit from the relationship. We can mind” and “You shall love your neighbor of us have experienced it. love God in this manner because he has as yourself.” (Mt 22:37, 39 naB). these Finally, the last type of love defined by qualities that we admire. he is all-know - are the greatest commandments and have Lewis is charity or Agape love. this is the ing and all-powerful. it is like a child’s nothing to do with emotions. God loves unconditional love that God has for us love for his parents (15). us unconditionally and so we are to love and that we should have for God. the “Personal” love may be hard to define. him in the same way. We are also called other loves are called “natural loves’ and it occurs out of an encounter with some - to love our neighbor in the same manner Lewis states that they are subordinate to one in which we experience that person. that we love ourselves. charity . We love God not because of what he does in the Gospel of John 21:15-17, Jesus Some different definitions of love were for us but simply because he is (16). asks Peter three times “do you love me?” described by Jules J. toner, S.J., in his during these days of the Great Fast let Peter responds in the affirmation each book Love and Friendship . Paul C. de - us show our love for God, ourselves, and time, bur Jesus’ reply varies in each case. Celles and M.F. Sparrow ( Burning With our neighbor through our Lenten practices. he says “Feed my lambs”’ “tend my Love for God, Greenlawn Press, 2016) in our prayer let us praise God and sheep,” and “Feed my sheep” (naB). the present toner’s analysis of love for use in offer ourselves to him as we pray for a Greek uses two different verbs for love, studying the Spiritual exercises of St. ig - closer relationship with him. two nouns for sheep, and it expresses two natius. the different types of love for an - Let us use our fasting to become more different ways of caring for the sheep/ other person—either another human spiritually close to our Father. lambs. being or God—can be called either “im - Our almsgiving can be a way of show - the Greeks had as least four different plemental love,” semipersonal love” or ing unconditional, practical love for our terms for love that i am sure many know. “personal love” (12). neighbor as we help others through their these are Eros, philia, Storge , and Aga- “implemental” love is love for a person financial (or other) struggles. pe . C. S. Lewis discussed these in his because they satisfy my needs. i think this i am in constant need of repentance. book The Four Loves . is similar to what the Greeks call Storge . the Great Fast is a good time to seek Eros means the sense of “being in We may love God implementally because God’s mercy. love” with someone and not necessarily he pleases us when he answers our Our prayer, fasting, and almsgiving in a sexual manner. Modern society has prayers. he does this without asking for “can be a time of spiritual joy during turned this type of love into a seeking for anything in return. But if we only have which we seek God and renew our lives” sexual pleasure above anything else and this type of love for God, it is difficult to (Great Fast Pastoral of the Ukrainian leads to an acceptance of “same-sex” re - have a personal relationship with him Catholic hierarchy of the U.S.a., New lationships. Lewis says that there is a ten - (13). Star, February, 2018). dency for Eros to become a god for “Semipersonal” love is defined as lov - people and a justification for complete ing someone as a person without gaining Henry J. peresie, ph. D., CECS New Star Volume LIII, No. 3 March, 2018 9

father Denny Was right and here’s the Background ecently the question of we express ourselves is cultur - pa, SSMi concerning religious the program of develop - why as Ukrainian Cath- ally oriented. the Church in education. the greatest need me nt and formation in the spirit Rolics do we need our africa needed a catechesis that in Ukraine was a catechism. of eastern Christianity fosters own Catechism was raised. it is spoke the “language” or the as the discussion continued, the creation of a special east - good to look at the why and culture of their peoples. the question raised by a priest ern-Christian witness in a man - how Christ our pascha was in response to this need, from the United States was ner, peculiar to the Kyivan developed. Vatican ii formulated the “de - what was going to go into that Church, and yet meaningful to as Fr denny pointed out we cree Concerning the Pastoral catechism. the idea for a Cat - the contemporary person (p. have our own theological tra - Office of Bishops in the echetical Directory [for our 70). dition, which at times varies Church” ( Christus Dominus ), Church) was born. Religious the Catechism, produced from Roman practices. in the which decreed: “there should educators from Ukraine and later than the directory guides, original draft of the Catechism be prepared also a particular abroad collaborated on this ef - should begin with the trinity [of the Catholic Church] it was directory concerning the pas - fort. in 1996 the Patriarchal (#12). it’s theological founda - stated that Christ becomes toral care of special groups of Catechetical Commission was tion should be: “49. the present in the eucharist at the the faithful as the different cir - formed. in 1999 the Catechet - Ukrainian Catholic Church is moment [of the “words of in - cumstances of individual na - ical directory of the Ukrainian stitution”] of the consecration. tions or regions require. an- Catholic Church was pub - due to the hard work of other directory should be com - lished. in 2001 our Synod Bishop PeteR (Stasiuk), that posed concerning the catechet - blessed the writing of our own Catechism did have a paren - ical instruction of the Chris- catechism of the Ukrainian thetical remark stating “some tian people; this directory will Catholic Church. Churches have the epiclesis consider the fundamental prin - the Catechism, Christ our following the Consecration”. ciples of such instruction, its pascha , turns to the Catechet - thus noting that the activity of disposition and the composi - ical Directory of the Ukrain - the holy Spirit is an integral tion of books on the subject. in ian Catholic Church (1999) element of the change. [the preparing these directories, for guidance in how best to ap - epiclesis is a prayer asking the special attention should be proach catechesis when it holy Spirit to “make this given to the views which have says: bread... this wine... the Body... been expressed both by the “Life is a pilgrimage in and Blood of Christ. [in the commissions and the council which we cooperate with God West a slightly different form Fathers.” in order to arrive at the future of this prayer goes before the there was a call for two kingdom. ... With our limited “words of institution”; in east - types of directories: one for abilities, we can never know ern Churches, the prayer fol - the universal Church and an - or love God enough. ... every lows Christ’s words: “this is other particular directory adult must come to an aware - My Body... My Blood”]. which addressed the needs of ness that, in order to attain sal - the Church of Kyiv. From the the need for a Catechism the faithful required by “the dif - vation, it is necessary to con- time of the baptism of Kyivan came out of a cry from those ferent circumstances of partic - tinue one’s education and Rus' in 988, she accepted her in the Catechetical ministry. ular nations or regions.” the growth in the faith (p.61).” Church tradition from the the last Catholic catechism one for the universal Church the journey of life and the Church of Constantinople, and came out of the Council of was called the General Cate - journey of faith merge. this is carefully nurtures it to the trent and dealt with theologi - chetical directory and was pub - a journey of growth into eter - present time. the theological cal issues arising out of the lished in 1971. nal life where human desire tradition of the Kyivan Church Protestant Reformation. the the Church in Ukraine had merges into limitless knowing developed in the light of the Church had spread into differ - a unique set of needs. they and loving of God. Further - decisions of the Seven ecu - ent sections of the world and had the need for one to address more, the directory stipulates menical Councils. it is rooted the cultures that it spread into the and the a general principle for the in Sacred Scripture, Sacred did not share the same Western need of the Greek Catholic shape of a program of devel - tradition, and in the teachings philosophical basis. Vatican ii Church. during the Patriarchal opment and formation in the of the Church Fathers, partic - saw the need, even though Synod of 1996 there was a dis - spirit of eastern Christianity ularly eastern. this theology human nature is the same, how cussion led by Sr. Luiza Ciu- (Bishop Stasiuk): (continued next page) 110 0 New Star Volume LIII, No. 3 March, 2018 is expressed in her liturgical life and catechism is never fully completed. as of 1996. these documents and others Church law. together, all this defines her life forms develop and change the cate - from the Vatican, including the publishing theological tradition. chism must continue to address and com - of the eastern Code of Canon Law in “1. deification or Theosis municate meaningfully with the world.” 1990, clearly urged us to rediscover our “50. God said: ‘Let us make a human (Bishop Stasiuk) own liturgy, our own traditions, and our being in our image and likeness’ (Gen in the Ukrainian Catholic Church since own customs. in other words, as the late 1,26). eastern theology teaches that di - 2000 we also have “directives for the holy Father said, “let the Church breathe vine life is a permanent inheritance, and Youth apostolate” issued by the Synod. with two lungs again, its eastern and it is inherent that humanity grow in God's the directive notes that "the youth of the Western lungs. in this way we will be ex - life. even when humanity turned away Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church are the pressing the true universality of the from God, God did not turn away from Church of today, not tomorrow...the pres - Catholic Church”. this is expressed in a humanity. God planned to send a re - ence of youth in our Church is a presence Catechism. deemer to return humanity to its original of Christ in his Church" in 2002 an editorial board was formed state. ‘God loved the world so much that as the UCC prepared its Catechism, and the title of the catechism was an - he gave his only Son, so that everyone the Catechism of the Catholic Church was nounced “ Christ–our pascha (easter)”. who believes in him may not be lost but issued. For other Catholics it was impor - in 2004 the Synod approved the structural may have eternal life’ (Jn 3,16). tant to note that in his introductory letter outline of “Christ—our Pascha”. then “51. deification is a process of trans - to this catechism, Pope John Paul ii says: about 50 theologians of our Church met forming and returning to the original gift “this catechism is not intended to replace in Ukraine to review the material already of being like God and growing in God. the local catechisms. it is meant to en - written. Our present Patriarch SViatOSLaV deification is the goal of human life.” courage and assist in the writing of new (Shevchuk) led the writing of the third Following the directory and in prepa - local catechisms which take into account section. ration for the Catechism: “this is an im - various situations and cultures, while the directory was written for the Bish - portant principle which establishes that carefully preserving the unity of faith and ops and catechetical leaders to assist them the Ukrainian Catholic Church which has fidelity to Catholic doctrine”. in carrying out their ministry. Just as in a specific identity, but which must con - Pope John Paul ii, realizing that some the Latin Church there was a second Cat - stantly reform its life in conformity with would say that the CCC is good enough echetical Directory , in 2017 Sister Luiza the Gospel. a catechism suitable for the for everyone, asked us to think about our Ciupa, SSMi, a member of the Patriarchal needs of the Ukrainian Church must re - own catechism. he pointed to the direc - Catechetical Commission presented the flect the particular form of the mother tives from the Vatican seen in such docu - needs for updating the Catechetical Di - Church of Kyiv, but it must also do so in ments as Lumen gentium, orientalium rectory of the Ukrainian Catholic Church . a language capable of being grasped by Ecclesiarum, and Unitatis Redintegratio thank you Fr denny, this provides the contemporary people. this challenge of Vatican ii, orientale Lumen and Ut historical process behind your insights. means that in one sense the work of the unum sint and the liturgical instructions Fr Jonathan Morse Want to read further? here are three sources of great Lenten reading, privately, or in a discussion group.

an in-depth manner of implementing the Catechism by Bishop Peter, this link will guide the faithful in living accordance with what the catechism teaches: https://catholicukes.org.au/we-have-the-catechism-what-next/

With this link, read the entire 42-page Catechetical Directory of the Ukranian Catholic Church : https://www.scribd.com/document/263603559/Catechetical-directory-of-the-UCC (may require subscribing to site)

as well, a searchable 388-page PDf of Christ Our Pascha is at this link: Bishop P eteR (Stasiuk) http://catechism.royaldoors.net/catechism/

additional sites may be found by searching: Catechetical Directory Ukranian Catholic Church New Star Volume LIII, No. 3 March, 2018 11 his Beatitude at Meeting with G7 ambassadors: We will win in the war with Russia, but the time of victory depends on the speed and quality of reforms. is Beatitude Sviatoslav, along war against the Russian aggressor. We are dinary Ukrainian people. But we know that with other members of the aUC - convinced that the Ukrainian people will they need to be done today, although they hCRO, met with the ambassadors win in that war. But the time of victory de - will yield their results in two, three or five of the G7 on February 6 in Kyiv to dis - pends also on the level and speed of inter - years. "therefore, the Church often acts as cuss issues of freedom of religion and nal reforms that the needs a good mother. When in our childhood we state-religious relations in the interna - to go through," said the Primate. had a toothache, then mom needed to per - tional dimension and partic - ipation of the united relig- ious community of Ukraine as part of a structured civil society in the process of re - forms in Ukraine. in his speech, the head of the UGCC noted tha t this is an interesting moment in the direct dialogue between dip- lomats of such a high level and representatives of ordi - nary , representa - tives of civil society. the head of the UGCC stressed that the religious environment of according to him, the reforms that are suade us to go to the doctor. i believe that Ukraine, heads of churches, heads of dif - facing us today are different. "Some, be - our social responsibility, as churches and ferent religious communities feel social re - lieves his Beatitude Sviatoslav, can give religious organizations, may be similar. We sponsibility for the fate of Ukraine, for the quick political dividends to our politicians, can be such a catalyst for reforming our so - fate of the Ukrainian people and our state. authorities and opposition, so they will be ciety in our ministry as a mother and "today, it's religious people, although it more likely to speak a lot about those top - teacher for our people. in particular, last may be strange to hear, have almost the ics. But often, our politicians do not see the year, churches and religious organizations greatest credit for the trust of Ukrainian cit - future, because they all think of the timing supported two important reforms. this is a izens. it increases our responsibility. For of the next election, which will be a year medical and educational reform", - said the every appeal, in particular, made by us all later. therefore, their programs are short- head of the Church. together as the all-Ukrainian Council of lived. But the vision we have as represen - in his opinion, it remains unclear what Churches, has an extremely great influence tatives of churches and religious organ- urgent reforms must be made in Ukraine on the destiny of our people, " said his izations is further. Because we know that this year. "We know that this year may be Beatitude Sviatoslav to the G7 ambassa - politicians come and go, and the Ukrainian turbulent for our society. We can work to - dors. people and Ukrainian churches and reli - gether for peace, stability, development of the head of the Church noted the im - gious communities remain." genuine democracy in Ukraine, so that in portance of the reforms that today need to there are, the head of the Church has the run-up to the elections, Ukrainian so - be experienced by Ukraine as a state and continued, other reforms that, in the opin - ciety really understands what needs to be Ukrainian society. "today we are very ion of the world community, are vital for done and on what path it is necessary to grateful to you that the world community Ukraine, but they will not bring rapid po - go, "said his Beatitude Sviatoslav. is on the side of Ukraine, which leads a litical dividends and can be painful for or - Department of Information of the UGCC Our Patriarchate Will help towards Joining the Churches after analyzing the topic of the importance of the Patriar - an open discussion “Patri - birth of Patriarch Joseph. One he word of Patriarch Joseph chate for the UGCC, listing the arch J OSePh (Slipy): Be Your - of the main topics of this dis - about what we should do myths and accusations associ - self!” was held in Kyiv on cussion was the theme of the today, he would tell us to build ated with this status, and hav - February 9, on the occasion of Patriarchate of the UGCC. a patriarchate,” said his Beat - ing expressed the views of the the 125th anniversary of the “if we really wanted to hear itude Sviatoslav. continue next page 12 New Star Volume LIII, No. 3 March, 2018 former UGCC heads on the need for the fore, i command you: pray for the Patri - to instrumentalize the issue of patriarchy patriarchy, his Beatitude Sviatoslav arch of Kyiv-halych and all Russia, for a political purpose can be discerned summed up: “i think it is a great mission anonymous and still unknown. the time here ... “in this letter,” says the head of the for our Church to witness to the Orthodox will come when the omnipotent Lord will Church, “his Beatitude Lubomyr says that Churches in Ukraine, and so to the Roman send him to our Church and declare his the ecumenical dimension is perhaps the apostolic See, how our patriarchate will name. But we already have our patriar - most important. Perhaps the most painful. help towards the unification of the chate ... “and it is on the words that we al - and let's say to ourselves frankly, this is Churches.” ready have a patriarchate that i would like the only reason why we still have no patri - We present the speech of the head of the to proceed discussing documents and let - archy today. “his Beatitude Lubomyr cited UGCC during an open discussion on the ters to the holy Father ...” added the Pri - five reasons, accusations, why we do not status of the patriarchy, provided by the mate. recognize patriarchal dignity. and, unfor - department of information of the UGCC. according to the head of the UGCC, Pa - tunately, the opponents of the patriarchy “i know that this topic is very delicate triarch Joseph saw the only patriarchate in are presented as an axiom and do not pro - and wide. For more than 50 years of its Ukraine. he understood its ecumenical sig - vide for any other points of view. the head maturation, understanding in our Church nificance and the ecumenical dimension. of the Church reminded these objections: has gained various dimensions: emotional, “this is a testament. and now we have a “First, the patriarchate of the UGCC will scientific, and even socio-political. i can - task, how to understand it and how to em - weaken the communion with the successor not now analyze all the arguments behind body it,” says the Pontiff. to St. Peter the apostle. and consequently, and against, but my task is to get you to the “Patriarch Joseph says that we are al - it will weaken the connection with the discussion, and therefore to the serious ready a patriarchal Church. he speaks whole Catholic Church. the second accu - work, so that the patriarchate that we were about various stages of the history of sation—the patriarchy will mean the cre - commanded by Patriarch Joseph, whom Ukrainian Christianity of the Kyivan ation of a nationalist colored Church that we have a duty to develop and build, could Church, mentions various kinds of discus - will sow hatred against all others. third, be grasped, as this crown in the head of our sions that were conducted by the Unitarian the patriarchate of the UGCC would be a Church, of which Patriarch Joseph wrote,” and Orthodox parts of the Kyivan Church. major obstacle to the unification of Chris - said his Beatitude Sviatoslav. Consequently, certain competitions, certain tians in Ukraine. Fourth, the creation of the the Pontiff presented the text of the tes - thoughts, intentions that emerged in vari - Patriarchate of the UGCC would mean ne - tament of Patriarch Joseph to the partici - ous european capitals, in particular the glecting the rights of the Moscow Patriar - pants of the discussion ... and he drew Vatican, to prove that we are a patriarchal chate, which considers Ukraine to be its attention to the four documents that, in his Church. We have all the necessary rights canonical territory. and the fifth—the pa - opinion, are extremely important and valu - and attributes that the Church, which can triarchy of the UGCC would have led to able in relation to the patriarchy of the be called patriarchal, corresponds to. and the preservation of Uniatism, which was UGCC. in particular, this is still a letter so he said: “therefore, holy Father, i beg condemned as an inappropriate way to from Metropolitan Joseph Slipy to Pope you to grant our church a patriarchate,” achieve unity among all Christians.” Paul Vi, dated august 19, 1963, in which said the Primate. “i think,” the head of the UGCC added, the then Metropolitan asks to grant our the head of the Church also noted the “this is an exhaustive analysis of all the ac - Church a patriarchate, and a document of absolute relevance of the pastoral letter of cusations that are so relevant today that our bishops, members of the Second Vati - his Beatitude Lubomyr (husar), dated au - they can be repeated as an axiom. You can can Council, who appeal to the pope in the gust 2004, about the formation of the struc - argue against each of these points. and context of the cathedral acts with a request ture of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic even his Beatitude Lubomir did not want for patriarchy. also, the head of the Church. “his Beatitude Lubomyr says in to do that. his Beatitude stressed that no - UGCC reminded of his Beatitude this letter. Our patriarchy is not an end in body even inquired who Greek Catholics Lubomyr Pastoral letter from 2004, which itself, our patriarchy is a way. What is the were. nobody liked this Church, which for us today is a bridge from the 60s to ultimate goal? the ultimate goal is the wants to be one. i would like to answer this ours. Church of Kyiv, flourishing and full life. only in the light of contemporary discus - his Beatitude Sviatoslav recalled that the patriarchate is a state of mind, as the sions about the creation of a single Local Patriarch Joseph wrote: “and i ask you, highest manifestation of the essence and Church in Ukraine. For then those five my dear children, never to give up the pa - calling of the Church. therefore, the desire points can be reduced to two, which, de triarchy of your suffering Church. You are of our people in the past and now to estab - facto, are repeated by the hierarchs of the alive existing children of her ...” this letter lish a patriarchal arrangement should be Orthodox Churches in Ukraine.” and further he already signed as “Patriarch considered in church, in God, and not as the first myth, according to the head Joseph.” “the next phrase is extremely im - an end in itself,” said the spiritual leader of of Church, says, “in principle, look, the portant, because it expresses the internal the Greek Catholics. Greek Catholic Church in unity with the ontological content of our Church: there - according to him, this tint of polemics inued bottom, page 14 New Star Volume LIII, No. 3 March, 2018 13

monastery. But our concept of “giving back to God” may be mis - a Tithe Is 10 %— but of what? takenly considered in what we’d call “formal prayer”. even a reg - he line at the top hints at a twist on a well-referenced tru - ular prayer before and after every meal—and a few thoughts at ism, indicating a principle of giving back one tenth of retiring and rising—probably might or might not consume as twhat ever you earn. it is a token of thanksgiving, a symbol much as a tenth of an hour—six minutes, total. of sacrifice, a notion of non-attachment to material things. So what can we do about that? Lent, now enveloping us, gives Some seem to grumble at the concept—others embrace it with us an opportunity to reflect upon a prayer life that is different. glee and gratitude. there are, after all, extra prayer services in the church to attend, Proponents of the idea point to the positive aspect of such a and a chance to look inward at our own relationship with God return; seeing in it an opportunity to keep 90% of what you have, and—quite importantly—fellow human beings. returning a pittance to the donor—in this case: God. even so, not only the captivating prayer of St ephrem with it’s spiritual some find tithing a bit of a struggle, noting that things cost money exercises of kneeling and standing, but the intensity of the prayers and money is needed for such essentials as food, clothing, shel - sung by the deacon and priest along with the responses of the ter—and giving away a seemingly sizable amount borders on ab - people, find a way to soak into the soul, stirring a desire to refresh surdity. commitment to the baptismal promises to follow Christ. a homily Perhaps there is too much emphasis on the dollar amount, but based upon the lessons contained in these centuries-old prayers that is a clear frame of reference. there are lists and charts advis - promote a sense of timelessness as we journey on toward eternity. ing how much of a weekly donation can be considered in line (if we listen to it). with the tithing concept; calibrated according to hourly wages, the Scripture readings, the prayers of the Sunday Liturgy of or weekly, monthly or annual income levels. these charts are St Basil the Great, focus us beyond our mortal existence and pro - sometimes even included in offertory envelope sets sent to every vide for us morality-boosting experiences that we might find use - parishioner. Some even suggest that considering other “charitable ful in dealing with the people we live with every day. the people contributions” of cash or goods can be put into an equation that we work with. the people with whom we share the highways and indicates an actual gift to the parish of 5% is a fair adjustment. byways, even the people we don’t really know need us to be il - Overall, the ten-percent goal is reached. luminated and enlightened by what we take from Perhaps we overlook that “all that we are given” the service. Remember, it is not just a prayer is not always gauged by dollar amounts. Long-stand - service to God, but a means of finding ways to ing tithing programs concentrate on what has come be of service to others’ wants, needs, expecta - to be known as the “three ‘t’s”, that’s “time, talent, tions, by sacrificing our own self-interests for and treasure” representing the 100% of all that we have at our thes sake of showing God’s goodness to others. disposal. the well-know phrase “You may be the only Gospel” people even that is couched in terms of accountability of material of read” can be a profound motivation for that one responsibility some sort. But as a way of examining the issue, we might look at you have: show Christ to others. You’ve got the gift—open it! these “t” issues to see if we can fin d an acceptable formula for that’s what Lent is about. the fasting is almost superficial if “our tithe” as we personally take responsibility for our own giv - it is done just to help our own self. it is more self-effacing to go ing back. But, can we speak of the things we have been given as out of your way to feed, clothe, give drink or shelter to those in “earnings”? is “given” or “earned” or a “free” gift to give back? need of care than to only push away a plate of meats and cheeses. time, for example, is measured in seconds, minutes, hours, Jesus fasted, and prayed, but he did it as an example to us. Re - days, weeks, months, years. it is a commodity. a calendar year member the Gospel lesson at the onset of the Great Lent recalling gives us 365.4 days a year, with roughly 52 seven-day weeks each the Last Judgment? totaling 168 hours. twenty-four hour days are composed of sixty after forty-days of pushing meats and cheeses away you may minutes of sixty-second bits. Calculators can spew out cold facts just find your arm pulling back, not an empty plate, but a soul and figures: ten percent of a year is about 36.5 days to “give touched by your gift of self, strengthened by knowing and show - back” to God. a week of 168 hours seems to require we “give ing that you tithed more than money, but spent on an unreplen - back” to God 16.8 hours. how does an hour-a-week attendance ishable gift of time, in peace and prayer for those who need to at church services stack up to that? even making allowance for see Christ in you, a Christian, a talent you shared because you time to get ready, to walk—drive—or take a bus—to the church, did take his example in expectation of his fulfilled promise, and return home might easily triple that time. the Liturgy is only brought about in the Resurrection awaiting. one aspect of that time frame, leaving still about twelve of those Lent is to prepare us for spiritual renewal, ours and those we sixteen hours available to be split up among the other six days. influence by how we treat others. even elementary-level mathematicians know twelve divided time waits for no one. if you waste an hour, you’ll never go by six equals two. is it safe, or accurate, to say we actually spend back to retrieve it. if you give someone an hour, you’ll never miss two hours actively praying to God? Maybe if we are in a it if was a part of the tithe of what you have been given. 14 New Star Volume LIII, No. 3 March, 2018

Parish Vibrancy Enunciated

ur Parish, nativity of the Blessed who are getting older prevail and have a nian ladies on various programs and Virgin Mary Ukrainian Catholic future in our Parish. they are continuing strengthened our children's knowledge of OChurch in Palos Park, illinois, re - with the same enthusiasm that previous our Ukrainian culture. they entertained cently had an article appear about a Parishioners had when they contributed in us in our Parish hall, singing old-time fa - woman who graciously opened her home building this Parish. vorite Christmas carols, reminding us to a wounded soldier from Ukraine. how - Last spring our landscaping was given how it is sung in Ukraine when they ever, this kindness doesn't end would go caroling house to there. Our Parish has been house. We learned about all the truly blessed with a group of wonderful traditions celebrated Ukrainian individuals who in the country of Ukraine. have extended their ideas, at - Planning ahead for the sum - tentiveness and skills to beau - mer, the men already built ten tify our Parish, building a very strong and durable picnic stronger Parish and, most of tables for our annual Picnic, all, giving us hope that our being held this year on Satur - Parish will endure; bringing day, June 23rd. i hope everyone us closer together in faith and purpose. a new fresh look, women creating most of will come to visit our Parish at this festive Conflicts and differences of opinion may the work. the men cleared out the trees, time to see all the beauty and hard work arise, but we are striving to overcome ob - branches and debris around the Church our invaluable Ukrai-nian friends con - stacles along the way through faith and and hall. eventually, the women showed structed for our dy- namic and growing devotion for the good of the Church. their cooking and baking skills by making Parish. Like other Parishes who are endeavor - pierohy, holubchi and babkas for our Working and praying together is impor - ing to do exceptional work in their com - fundraisers, bake sales and other events at tant in bringing us all closer and inspiring munity with caring and devoted parishi- the Parish. With their skills these men re - our next generation to continue the faith. oners, our Church isn't the only Parish paired almost everything that needed at - Let us continue praying together and for with exceptional people doing amazing tention. even though our maintenance each other. God Bless our Parish and all deeds, striving to make their Parish "vi - man does wonderful work, these Ukrain - other Parishes for having faith and hope brant." the wonderful Ukrainians who ar - ian men jumped in to help in every aspect in serving God's intentions. rived a few years ago have lifted up our of our Parish along with our men. Our after all, we all are servants of god . spirits to a new level. they were willing younger parishioners and the Sisterhood to help us right away, to help the members (formed in 2008) worked with the Ukrai- A parishioner

Vatican, as well as the UOC with the Moscow Patriarchate. that the Roman apostolic See in the first millennium there was the is, according to such polemics, there is absolute conformity, they antiochian Patriarchate, the Patriarchate of Jerusalem, the Pa - say, why do you say we are to be separated from the MP if the triarchate of Constantinople and all other local Churches,” Greek Catholics are successful in keeping the Vatican.” stressed the head of the UGCC. “and here,” said his Beatitude Sviatoslav, “an absolute mis - “the Moscow Patriarchate,” argues his Beatitude Sviatoslav, understanding of the role of the holy Father as the ecumenical “does not possess this ecclesial memory, because it took roots Patriarch is manifested. it is absolutely possible to see the pro - and arose after the so-called great schism. therefore, it is diffi - jection, i would say, of a yet not very developed Orthodox ec - cult for them to comprehend it. i have never heard that the clesiology for the concept of the Universal Church. there is one Ukrainian Orthodox Church competed for its Patriarchy. For no clear misunderstanding. therefore, i think our patriarchy has a of the present Orthodox patriarchs has ever claimed or claims great mission to explain to the Orthodox world the essence of to be the ecumenical hierarch.” the ministry of the successor of the apostle Peter, absolutely not according to him, the next axiological myth is that the only weakening our communion with him.” local Church in Ukraine can only be obtained when the Greek What is this testimony? “By addressing and explaining who Catholics renounce communion with the Roman apostolic See. we are as the patriarchal Church in communion with the Roman and only then can the unity of all the heirs of Kiyvan Christi - apostolic See, we must say: Orthodox brethren, we are not part anity take place. “and here, i think, is the great task of our of the Latin Patriarchy. We are building ours. We want to be in Church to testify to both the Orthodox Churches in Ukraine and communion with the Roman apostolic See as a full national the same to the apostolic See of Rome, as our patriarchate will Church of our own right, which witnesses the unity of the help the unification of the Churches,” the head of the UGCC Church of Christ in the first millennium, as in communion with stressed. New Star Volume LIII, No. 3 March, 2018 15

o you wonder who edits things you read on the internet?” dSomeone who knows grammar, spelling and millions of facts? about thousands of topics? Before believing everything Yet you find on line, cosider a few examples of statements made with another bold assertion that they are “true.” idea defining “Clean Monday” ( the first day of Lent, to be meat - comes to less, dairy-less ) one site affirms it as: “a Christian holiday that light. marks the end of carnival season and the beginning of Lent.” [Carnival means “farewell to meat” So, you question the veracity of this (fake?) news.] the day begins “carne vale” not ends it. “Bulletin Board” offers suggestions on how to Or, consider the headline “10 historical Paintings that Prove have a Vibrant Parish. a vibrant parish is aliens have already Visited Us in the Past” Upon flipping a chain reaction of one good deed causing another, through ten pages of religious art, you’ll see such examples as causing another, causing another, this painting of the annunciation, “explaining” that the rays of causing another... you get the idea! light are coming from the under - [Send your idea to side of a UFO. Oh! Oh? Oh. [email protected] subject line: “Vi brant ”]. editors should be able to read - ily catch such misinformation! Making a Difference WWJd, that is, “What would Jesus do?” tech swords? While some will surely say this is overly he would surely tell us to stop warring What Would Jesus Do? simplistic; i beg to differ. and so does the and preparing for war. and would add, “to as countless fellow human beings suf - Pontifical Biblical Commission. you who hear i say, love your enemies, do fer terribly in a myriad of ways, and much in their book, the Bible and Morality good to those who hate you, bless those of our planet groans from gaping human- they state that in judging the Christian who curse you, pray for those who mistreat induced wounds, our government, other morality of an action, the fundamental you.” governments, and many well-off people, question is: to what extent is this action What would Jesus—Who said “For i seem to hardly care. it is what Pope Fran - “inspired by the example of Jesus?” was hungry and you gave me food, i was cis calls a “globalization of indifference.” What would Jesus—through Whom all thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger Urgently needed is a creative new para - things were made, and Who was so at one and you welcomed me”—do regarding the digm—a fresh life-giving, life-protecting, with the natural world—do regarding our suffering of poor, hungry, thirsty and mi - life-enhancing model to guide us out the poisoning of the air, water and land with grant persons? he would condemn the selfish, violent, sinful darkness of religious toxic waste, and the profit driven burning tremendous inequality between the haves intolerance, nationalism, isolationism, ma - of oil, coal and gas that is causing global and have-nots. terialism, consumerism, racism, secularism warming? he would insist upon the establishment and militarism. Surely he would speak out against it. of fair and just corporate policies, laws, But we don’t need to keep stumbling and surely he is telling us to stop polluting and budgets to ensure that the basic needs around in the darkness trying to find our and dangerously warming the earth, to of all human beings are met. he would tell way out of all this muck. instead, the new clean it up, and be good stewards of his us to build bridges of welcome, not walls paradigm we desperately need to fully em - creation. of exclusion. and he would ask of us to brace is the ever-fresh ancient Gospel of What would Jesus—Who was an un - faithfully put into action the words en - Jesus. For in the Gospel we encounter the born baby—do regarding the annual shrined on the Statue of Liberty: “Give me living Christ and his ever relevant teach - 900,000 plus babies brutally aborted in the your tired, your poor, your huddled masses ings of compassionate, just, peaceful, non - U. S., and the more than 55 million plus yearning to breathe free.” violent, merciful, unconditional love for abortions worldwide? that’s what Jesus would do! all. Surely he would condemn it. and an honest, open-hearted, open-minded surely he is commanding us to end it. [Tony Magliano is an internationally syn - prayerful reflection on Jesus’ words and What would Jesus—Who said “Put your dicated social justice and peace actions will give us sure guidance on how sword back into its sheath, for all who take columnist. He is available to to morally respond to the life and death is - the sword will perish by the sword”—do speak at diocesan or parish sues facing our nation and world. and as regarding our fascination for making, pos - gatherings. Tony can be reached we do this, we should ask ourselves sessing, buying, selling, and using high at [email protected].] 16 New Star Volume LIII, No. 3 March, 2018

February Appointment Calendar of Bishop Benedict

Date Event 3 Austin, Texas Visitation, Apostolate

2-5 Houston, Texas, Visitation, Protection

11 Munster, Indiana Visitation, St Josaphat

18 Funeral Fr Demetrius Wysochansky, OSBM

24

Panakhyda, Heavenly Hundred, Cathedral

Published monthly with the permission and authority of his Permission is granted to reprint any original material, acknowl - Bishop’s Chancery Grace, Bishop BenediCt (a leksiychuk), by St nicholas edging New Sta r as source. (a courtesy copy is to be sent).

OFFICE HOuRS : Monday-Friday 9:00-4:00 Publications, official publisher of the: Published by : f Or NEW STar , a CONSOrTIUm [Central time zone] St nicholas Ukrainian Catholic eparchy with the assistance of: 2245 W. Rice St Chicago, iL 60622 TELEPHONE : 773-276-5080 Address manuscripts to: Editor, for New Star Subdeacon Petro Rudka, ( Ukrainian Editor) ; 2245 W. rice St. Fr James Karepin, OP ; Fr denny Molitvy; Fr Jonathan Morse; FAx : 773-276-6799 Chicago, IL 60622-6848 Just another Monk of the eastern Church; henry Peresie, Phd ; The office is closed on all major or: [Eng ] [email protected] nazar Sloboda; and Phyllis Muryn Zapraniuk. or: [Ukr ] [email protected] all e-mail to New Star must contain a “Subject Line” topic Church Holy Days and civic holidays all submissions are subject to editing for style, content or or it will be deleted, unread. length. electronic photos in JPeG format are preferable. hard copy photographs returned only when accompanied by a self- Deadline for the april issue addressed, postage-paid envelope. Photocopies, computer print of New Star is march 15 outs, newspaper or magazine clippings are not accepted. New Star Volume LIII, No. 3 March, 2018 17

Bishop Benedict announces new Commissions, Parochial administrator y decree, his Grace driy Maksymiv, Ms. Vasylyna Pas- atynska to the Commission for the OFFICIAL Bishop B enediCt (alek - ternak, Ms. Liliya Semko, Ms. Laity. Bsiyc huk) has named two inna Seshko, Ms. Liliya Popov- On February 1, Bishop Bene - new commissions and selected ych, Mr. Vasyl tretyak and Ms. dict appointed Rev Serhiy Ko - members to fulfill vital roles in the natalia Yasinska. valchuk Parochial administrator eparchy. Bishop has also appointed Mr. of Saint Josaphat Parish, Munster, to the Commission on Youth ihor Khudyk (Chair) Mrs. Olga indiana, as legitimately assigned, have been appointed the follow - Bozio, Mrs. iryna Klyuka, Mrs. he is given all authority, privileges, ing: Mr. Vitaliy Berezyuk (Chair) Marta Matwyshyn Fuoco, Mr. and responsibilities associated Mr. nazar Karabinovych, Mr. an - Vasyl nazar, and Mrs. Luba teli- with that position. in other matters of eparchial administration, the following are announced, and effective dates: February 15th Father Paul Popov is appointed acting Chairman of the eparchial Liturgical Commission,

February 19th Very Rev, archpriest Mychaylo Kuzma, has withdrawn from the Chancellor's post in the eparchy of St. nicholas,

Very Rev Father Serhiy Kovalchuk is appointed Chancellor of the eparchy of St. nicholas.

According to protocol, such sacred functions are attested to by taking an oath of office, while touching the Holy Gospel, as shown. Fr Serhiy Kovalchuk professes is faith, and accepts the responsibility enrtusted to him.

Ukraine Pays Tribute to Heavenly Hundred of the most massive shootings—the rom February 18 to 20, a series heavenly hundred alley. in the of memorable events was held center of the capital, for security at Kyivan Maidan—indepen - reasons, metal-detector frames F were installed, an ambulance was dence Square. On February 18, com - memorative events were held in Kyiv on call, and law-enforcement offi - in honor of the heavenly hundred, the cers ensured public order. On sev - anniversary of the shooting of partici - eral streets in the center of Kyiv the pants of Maidan. traffic was blocked. near the Memorial Complex of the heavenly hundred Remem - heavenly hundred, hundreds of brance day is celebrated every year prayers were said, with the participa - on February 20th. according to tion of families of those who perished decree no. 69/2015 of the Presi - on the Maidan. Families of deceased dent of Ukraine dated February 11, participants of the developments on 2015, “On honoring the feat of the Maidan, and sympathizing Kyivites participants in the Revolution of came to pay tribute to the heroes. dignity and perpetuating the mem - according to Ukrinform, order near ory of the heroes of the heavenly the Memorial was maintained by dozens of police officers. People hundred” and the order of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine were going to Khreshchatyk to participate in the march to the place dated august 23, 2017 no. 574-p. RISU