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Home , 330s, 340s, Basil Hopko, Milan Lach, Neal Buckon, Nicholas Samra

Eastern Life Official Publication of the Byzantine Catholic of Passaic

VOL. LIV, NO. 8 AUGUST 2018

Passaic,New NJ Iconography at Michael Cathedral

Saints Joachim and Anna, flanked by Saint Irene and Saint Michael the Archangel Zachary and Elizabeth, with their son, Saint John the Baptist, and

ith characteristic good saintly role models for married couples Mystical Supper to its proper place above Jesus Christ and His Church. These rows nature, the parishioners and young people; to include the Old the Royal Doors, a very meaningful series of Apostles and Prophets, often included of Saint Michael Cathe- Testament prophets; to celebrate spe- is created, linking the domestic table of ev- on a full, traditional iconostasis, remind us dralW in Passaic, NJ, put up with scaffold- cifically Ruthenian Greek Catholic saints; ery Christian home, the liturgical Table of of Saint Paul’s teaching that Christ’s Church ing for much of the summer of 2017 and and to improve upon a few details in the the Eucharist, and the table of the heavenly is built upon the foundation of the Apostles again in the spring of 2018. On Pentecost previous design. banquet where the Father, the Son, and the and Prophets (Ephesians 2:20). Sunday 2018, they were finally able to Holy Spirit keep open a space for us. contemplate twenty-nine new holy icons in On the iconostasis, new icons depict Above the Prophets, four circular the 116-year-old landmark. Saints Joachim and Anna, parents of the Eighteen images of Old Testament images commemorate more recent ; Saints Zachary and Elizabeth; figures were added above and alongside Ruthenian saints: Saint Josaphat (+1623), The project, which began as a much- their son, Saint John the Baptist; and the the beautiful stained glass windows of a for the reunion of Eastern needed repair and repainting of damaged Great Martyr, Saint Irene, a saint with the Apostles on the cathedral’s north and Christian Slavs with the ; plaster, expanded to include new carpeting special significance for the primary south walls. Among these, Daniel and the the to Communism, and new iconography thanks both to one benefactor, for Bishop Kurt, and for Father Three Holy Youths represent teenagers Theodore Romža of Mukačevo (+1947) generous bequest and to the enthusiastic Jack Custer, rector of the cathedral. while Melchizedek, Moses, and Aaron es- and Bishop Paul Gojdič of Prešov response of the parishioners. pecially illustrate the Old Testament roots (+1960); along with Blessed Miriam Te- Above the iconostasis, on the eastern of our liturgical worship. Each of the Old resa Demjanovič (+1927), baptized a The goals of the new iconography, wall, are large icons of the Wedding at Testament prophets holds a scroll Byzantine Catholic at Saint John the Baptist according to Father Jack Custer, rector Cana and the Holy of Saint Andrei containing a particular prophecy about in Bayonne, NJ, and beatified in 2014. of the cathedral, were several: to provide Rublëv. With the addition of an icon of the Continued on page 4 Youngest ordinary bishop in North America is ‘a gift’ to theBy Laura Ieraci; U.S. republished church with permission from Horizons he youngest ordinary bishop Francis has appointed to the United States. of a Catholic diocese in North America was enthroned . The Slovak-born bishop has visited T almost every parish and mission of the Bishop Lach, SJ, became the fifth eparchy since his arrival in the United Newly enthroned Bishop Milan Lach, S.J. in center in bright white vestments bishop of the Byzantine Ruthenian Epar- States last summer and has established build churches again. We were liquidated the fall of communism, now we can repay chy of Parma during a of pastoral priorities that include youth, for 18 years (under communism),” the with spiritual gifts.” Enthronement at the Cathedral of St. John evangelization, and parish reorganization. 60-year-old told Horizons. the Baptist, after having served as its apos- Bishop Chautur said he attended the Slovak Greek Catholic Bishop Milan tolic administrator since June 24, 2017. He But now, with the Slovak Greek Catholic enthronement because he realized the Chautur, CSsR, of Kosice, , who succeeds Bishop John Kudrick, who re- Church strongly re-established, there may importance of maintaining a connection was present for the enthronement, said signed in May 2016. be an opportunity to return the favor, he between the Byzantine Catholic churches his “wish for all the faithful” in the United said. in the United States and Europe. At 44, Bishop Lach is also the third- States is that they receive Bishop Lach “as a youngest Eastern Catholic ordinary in the gift from the Slovak church.” “We sense that, compared with us, there “There are people who came (to the world and the first foreign-born bishop is a certain crisis of vocations and in the United States) 10 years ago or 100 years “After the fall of communism, we for the eparchy that comprises 12 states in spiritual life (in the United States),” he said. ago, and they still carry within them immediately turned to the Greek Catholic the Midwest. He is among about a dozen “So, just as we received material gifts after the Gospel they received from their from other countries that Church in America for material needs, to Continued on page 4

Saint Nicholas Pilgrimage—p5 Parish News—pp6—7 Uniontown Pilgrimage—p9 The Culture Project—p16 Page 2 Eastern Catholic Life AUGUST 2018 I Lift Up My Eyes... Pastoral Reflections of Bishop Kurt Come Down From the Cross

haired old man who gave out rosaries on but is presented each time as indisputable The scriptures say that He was “tempted the public property in front of Planned science, that is, evidence interpreted by in every way, just as we are, yet He did not Parenthood. One man dropped off his clear logic. The godless leaders of today sin.” We might infer from this that temp- girlfriend for an abortion, then parked in a order us to worship their weather god, they tations continued throughout His life hidden area, and returned with a baseball inebriate us with terror, and order us to in many forms, but only a few more are bat and beat the old man to near death. The sacrifice to the new weather god with false recorded in the scriptures. local news media gave the incident not a promises of security and abundance. Even scintilla of publicity!) if sacrificing our children to their pagan god The most powerful and most impor- does produce food and wealth, do we really tant temptation came when our Lord was or we do not have a high There was a movie a few years ago about believe that they will share it with us? at His weakest in the human sense of the who is unable to empathize with a young lady who survived her mother’s word. After Jesus was mentally assailed and our“F weaknesses, but we have one who has abortion. As a teenager, she makes an Jesus confounded Satan with the scrip- beaten down in the Garden of Gethsemane, been tempted in every way, just as we are– odyssey to learn her history and to meet her tures, since He was Himself the Word made and then betrayed by one of His trusted yet He did not sin.” (Hebrews 4:15) biological mother. When she finally meets flesh, and He said, “Man shall not live by friends, and then abandoned by His other her mother, the mother is now a successful bread alone, but on every word that comes friends, and then challenged in debate by One of the most remarkable aspects of attorney who snubs her teenage daughter from the mouth of God.” Our first desires the religious experts and religious authori- the life of Jesus, is that He allowed Himself and drives off in her Mercedes SUV with are for food and survival. We imitate Jesus ties of the chosen people, then scoffed at to be tempted by Satan, by the Devil, just her new perfect baby in a car seat. I never when we fast, and in our tradition we fast by the Roman governor, and then severely as we are. What is sin? Sin is a transgres- saw a more poignant depiction of the deep every week on Wednesday and Friday, and beaten and exhausted and deprived of sion of the Law of God. How is it possible sorrow that follows with the false promises four times a year: before Easter, before sleep, as He hung on the cross there was that the Son of God, the Word who spoke of the tempter. The mother is “living the Christmas, before Saints Peter and Paul one final temptation. Satan who thought the Law to Moses on Mount Sinai, could be dream”, a dream she paid for with the blood (June 29), and before the Dormition (Au- he had won victory by convincing us to kill tempted? Christ’s temptation is one of the of her first infant. (The movie is called gust 15). By fasting and faith in the source the Son of God, had failed to make Jesus great mysteries of our faith, but it is one of October Baby, and is based on a true story. of life, we can overcome the terror of our ir- sin. And so, he made one last assault on the the most comforting of those mysteries. It was denounced by the entertainment rational fears. will of Jesus, and tried with the cleverest of establishment. The same establishment temptations to get Jesus to disobey the will The temptation of Jesus is not hidden was ecstatic about Million Dollar Baby in At the next temptation in the desert, of the Father. in the middle of His life, but appears at which a disabled woman is murdered. That Satan takes Jesus to the pinnacle of the the very beginning of his adult life, at the pro-death movie was nominated for seven temple and tells Him, “If You are the Son There is a popular Black Gospel hymn beginning of his public life in the Gospels Oscars™ and won four including best pic- of God, throw Yourself down. For it is that begins, “When Jesus hung on Cal- of Saint Matthew, Saint Mark, and Saint ture.) written: ‘He will command His angels vary, people came from miles to see.” Luke. Temptation appears at key moments concerning You, and they will lift You up in The Romans executed non-Romans by during his public life, and then temptation Indeed, for the last fifty years, western their hands, so that You will not strike Your crucifying them on highways near the is manifested again at the very close of his countries including our own have sung a foot against a stone.’” This temptation is city as a warning to other criminals. The earthly life: His final act of the will when He chorus of despair, teaching that the great- especially frightening because we see Satan humiliation was as public as possible. chooses to die for our sins, overcoming His est burden to the earth is the children of quoting the Scriptures and using as When our Lord hung on the cross, what last temptation. men—made in the image and likeness of a temptation to sin. Isn’t religion supposed did He see? As all kinds of people trav- God. They have told us there are too many to protect us from sin? Well, no. Religion is eled in and out of the city before the Pass- To start from the beginning as far as rev- of us to support, and that the key to survival supposed to introduce us to God. It is God over, He saw the sinners for whom He was elation allows us, we know that at his bap- is to sacrifice our children for our own suc- who blesses us, cares for us, and protects sacrificing His life, the very people for tism in the Jordan by John, the Father spoke cess and satisfaction. us from evil, not religion. In fact, our Lord whom He was suffering excruciating from Heaven and said, “This is my beloved answers these very pain. What did these people do? The Son in whom I am well pleased.” Did Jesus questions when He hymn continues, “They said, if you be the simply take His accreditation and start tell- quotes another scrip- Christ, come down and save your life.” The ing us what to do? No. He began showing ture to Satan and says, scriptures record this temptation in the us how to repent by going into the desert “It is also written, ‘You Gospels: “And those who passed by where he fasted for forty days and forty shall not put the Lord derided him, wagging their heads, and nights. The Scriptures tell us that, at the your God to the test.’” saying, ‘Aha! You who would destroy the end, He was hungry, and it is at this point of One of the great trials temple and build it in three days, save physical weakness that the tempter arrives. of today, is that many yourself, and come down from the cross!’” Satan shows up to offer Jesus all the same leaders who pre- (Mark 15:29). Oh, what a clever and pow- things that the tempter offers to us. tend to be Christian erful temptation for the One Who could re- The first inducement to sin that Satan of- leaders are teaching lease Himself from all that pain by His own fers to Jesus as an inducement to sin is food. sin and temptation. will. The very people who had caused His How many times have we believed that we When “Christian” suffering by their sins, and all the people will not have the basic necessities of life if leaders teach sin, we in history who had caused all the pain and we choose God and a life of virtue? In the have to remember that evil in the world by their sins were saying to ancient world, the chosen people, even af- Satan tempted Jesus Him, “We don’t care about You. We think ter God fed them every day for forty years in the same way, and You are a fraud. We wag our heads so You in the desert, feared that their crops would Jesus overcame the can see we were right and You were wrong. fail and they would starve to death. They temptation for us, and You are a joke. No one likes You. Show chose alliances with pagan nations, or even is still with us today. us one more miracle. Entertain us.” How worse, they began to worship the weather sweet must have been that suggestion: stop Finally, Satan gives god of the pagans. They believed that if the pain and save your life! his last try, he takes they sacrificed their children, their most Jesus up on a moun- The popular hymn goes on to say: precious treasure, they could win the favor tain and offers Him of the pagan god and guarantee the weather all the riches and Oh, but Jesus, my sweet Jesus, they needed for their crops. They traded power of the world. He never answered them, the lives of their children for the promise Icon of the Crucifixion of Our Lord You might say that these for He knew that Satan was tempting of their own satisfaction. However bizarre three temptations come Him. that seems today, isn’t it the state religion “What has been will be again, what has in the order that we find them growing now of our formerly Christian country? If He had come down from the cross, been done will be done again; there is up. Our first desires are for food, warmth, How many people have been duped into then my soul would still be lost. nothing new under the sun” (Ecclesiastes and survival. As we get a little older, we sacrificing their children for the promise of 1:9). The chosen people sacrificed their seek family and friendship—more spiri- worldly prosperity! It isn’t just the young So, Jesus recognized the voice of the children to the weather god. How many tual desires. Only as we become adults women who have been lied to, and told crowd for what it was. Jesus recognized, educated people nowadays would laugh at do we look out at the world and decide that their pregnancy was not really a child. “the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the idea! But these same people today have that we need to acquire and horde and If you spend time at an abortion clinic, the devil, or Satan” (Apocalypse 20:2). As come to worship the weather god again. gain power to survive. In order to achieve you will see how many young women are Jesus Himself said about the devil, “When Terror of the weather is deep in our blood wealth and power, we have to worship the dropped off by their selfish boyfriends who he speaks a lie, he speaks of his own: for he because so many of our ancestors died world, and Jesus answers us and Satan at don’t want a child to interfere with their is a liar, and the father of lies.” (John 8:22) when the crops failed, but today irrational the same time, “You shall worship the Lord selfish life choices, and who don’t want to fear dresses up as science. I call it irrational your God, and Him alone shall you serve.” When Satan saw that his temptation be burdened with child support payments. because the story changes every few years, was not working, the Son of God was not (In Albuquerque, NM, there was a white- AUGUST 2018 Eastern Catholic Life Page 3 disobeying His Father, he tried something to her, “Come down from the cross,” she The most unsettling of these modern fied by Jesus must be shattered for self-law. more devious than before. The religious embraced temptation, she kissed it on the temptations is when even the religious au- The sacredness of the Holy Eucharist is an authorities and the scripture scholars lips. Why should I die on a cross when thorities today, and the religious experts, affront to materialism. And Holy Orders, in joined in the chorus, “So also the chief instead they can put me to sleep like a dog tell us that the most basic laws of morality which men give up their lives and freedom mocked Him to one another with or a cat? She voted to come down from the are wrong. When I say, “religious experts,” in service, is called oppression. The world the scribes, saying, ‘He saved others; He cross. God told us to choose His law and they really are experts. Some of these looks at our sacred Mysteries and calls out, cannot save himself. Let the Christ, the choose life, and for the sake of comfort she are men who gave their lives to studying “Your Church is dying. Come down from King of Israel, come down now from chose her own law and the second death. ancient languages and every manuscript in the cross, and save yourself.” the cross, that we may see and believe.’” every library. They not only tell us that we How disturbing it is even today when the According to Saint Paul, the Church is are ignorant or backward or foolish, they The onlookers of the world jeer and cry religious authorities in so many Christian the Body of Christ. Every day, the spec- go even further than simply telling us that out to our Lord, and to the Church—His denominations tell us that sin is virtue. tators and critics call out to the Church, we should give in to temptations. They mystical body, “if you be the Christ, come They say, “come down from the cross of “Come down from the cross, and save tell us that unless we follow their new path down and save your life.” virtue and walk in the pleasant highway of yourself!!” They tell us that our contra- (which is really not new, which is as old as What a comfort it is to know that, even satiation and self-rule. Come down from diction to the world is why the Church is the serpent in the garden), they tell us that though we often believe the lie, Jesus the cross and rest awhile in this beautiful disappearing. I disagree. In my lifetime, we are cruel, heartless, loveless, and even recognizes these cries for what they truly garden. How happy you will be when you every concession that the Church has made oppressors. Anyone who loves the God of are: write your own laws.” So-called Christian to the world has led to defections. When infinite love is accused of hate. I wish I the clergy desacralize the Liturgy, and make religious authorities tell their flocks, “Your could tell you that the Catholic Church is Oh, but Jesus, my sweet Jesus, the Liturgy shorter, and don’t ask for sac- temptations are who you are. Don’t deny free of these people, but even in the Catho- He never answered them, them. That only leads to stress and mental rifices from the people, the congregation lic Church there are people in positions illness.” doesn’t grow. On the contrary, they ask, of authority or teachers who are deceived for He knew that Satan was tempting “Why bother?” There is no good answer to by the cry, “Come down from the cross, Him. One of the great scandals of our era their question. If the priest always takes the and save yourself.” Just as the religious was recent when the Catholic governor of easy way out, why should the people make authorities and scholars two thousand Unlike in the desert, our largest state signed a law allowing the sacrifices. If the priest says, you don’t need years ago told the Christ, “Come down Jesus did not answer Satan, for He knew that execution of sick people with drugs. He to fast, I won’t teach too long, let’s keep it from cross and we will believe in you,” there by obedience to the Father He was about to rationalized that he might choose to break short, then the people sing in chorus: why are religious authorities and scholars today conquer Satan, and evil, and death, and all the 5th commandment himself when he is bother? In addition, the spectators have who tell the Church, “Come down from the of our temptations and all of our sins by His old. A Catholic senator was visited by her been telling us since the 1960’s that the cross, and everyone will believe in you.” own free death. As the popular hymn says, bishop who begged her not to vote for this Church must conform itself to the world. evil law. She said to him, “All your argu- They tell us “Your Church is no longer Not content with defying God’s law, the If He had come down from the cross, ments make sense, but I have to vote for popular because you encourage chastity, sneering mob goes on to criticize all of our then my soul would still be lost. it.” When he asked her “Why?”, she replied, you discourage promiscuity, you encourage sacred rites. Why do they care about our He would not come down “Autonomy.” Autonomy is Greek for self- childbirth, your marriages are outdated. sacred rites, unless there is something in from the cross just to save Himself; law. Indeed, she told the truth. She voted Jesus said we can’t remarry, but that was in them that challenges their consciences? He decided to die just to save me. to deny the law of God, and choose self- a different time and a different culture. We They demand that all of the sacraments law. When Satan whispered seductively have advanced beyond that.” They tell the must be changed to satisfy the popular cul- to her, “Come down from the cross,” and Church, “Come down from the cross and ture. Confession has no point when there is when the crowds of dishonest voyeurs said save yourself.” no more sin. The bond of marriage sancti- From the Office of the Bishop Two to be tonsured and ordained to Minor Orders Ryan Liebhaber – Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, (and their respective parishes): Levittown, PA Seminarian Paul West – Saint Mary Parish, Hillsborough, NJ Reader John Reed – Epiphany Parish, Roswell, GA Seminarian Timothy Farris – Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, Reader Richard Terza – Saint Mary Parish, Wilkes Barre, PA Levittown, PA

Clergy Appointments Six to be ordained Subdeacons (and their respective At the invitation of Timothy Cardinal Dolan, of New parishes): York, and at his own request, Father Robert Hospodar has been Reader Richard Ballard – Saint Nicholas of Myra Parish, Orlando, released for service in the Archdiocese of New York. FL Reader John Harden – Saint Michael Parish, Mont Clare, PA Reader Robert Knapp – Resurrection Parish, Smithtown, NY

Immigrating Priest Reposes in the Lord Before Arrival 2018 A lta r S erv er C o n g r e ss August 4—8 2018 +Father Iurii Vishchak, a priest of the Eparchy of Mukachevo, recently assigned to serve Ages 6-17 in the Eparchy of Passaic as Parochial Vicar of Saint Michael the Archangel Byzantine Catholic Church, Allentown, PA, and Saints Peter and Paul Byzantine Catholic Church, Carpathian Village Canadensis, PA Palmerton, PA, fell asleep in the Lord on the morning of Saturday, June 30, 2018, in Mu- Come and experience a wonderful fun filled Event with fellow altar servers kachevo, Ukraine after a brief illness and hospitalization. from across the Eparchy of Passaic. Have fun while learning more about your important role as an Altar Server! This Event is underwritten by the He is survived by his wife, Nataliia; daughters, Anna Kristina and Nadiia; and son, Eparchy Antonii. Please keep the entire Vishchak family, especially Nataliia, Anna Kristina, Nadiia, Register by July 20th and Antonii, close in your prayers as we mourn his passing. http://www.eparchyofpassaic.com For questions and details contact In Blessed Repose, Grant O Lord Eternal Rest to the Soul of Your Servant, the Priest Stephen Russo: [email protected] +Iurii, and render eternal his memory!

EASTERN CATHOLIC LIFE 445 Lackawanna Avenue Father James Badeaux, Editor Woodland Park, NJ 07424 Father Ronald Hatton, Associate Editor (USPS 165-600) (ISSN 0894-9786) Phone: 973-890-7777 Fax: 973-890-7175 Father Lewis Rabayda, Layout Editor Official Publication of the Postage paid at Little Falls, NJ, and additional Mrs. Diane Rabiej, Copy Editor Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Passaic office at Bellmawr, NJ. Mrs. Maureen French, Circulation Editor Subscription Rate: $15.00 per year. ([email protected]) POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: News and Photo Services: Eastern Catholic Life E-Mail us at: Member of the Catholic Press Association of 445 Lackawanna Avenue [email protected] America. Woodland Park, NJ 07424 Eparchial Website: Published monthly by Bishop Eastern Catholic Press Association President and Publisher www.EparchyofPassaic.com Page 4 Eastern Catholic Life AUGUST 2018 New Iconography at Saint Michael Cathedral Continued from page 1 Seven holy persons complete the series of Church or the sacraments, there is some- historical paintings in the Cathedral’s thing here I can point to, something we can ceiling, depicting Saint Peter, Saints take in with our eyes and well as our ears, to Constantine and Helen, Saints Cyril and reinforce the Good News of Jesus Christ.” Methodius, and Saints Vladimir and Olga, respectively the foundation of the Universal Church, the first Byzantine Christian , and the founders of the Church among the Eastern Slavs.

These new icons, by the hand of Petro Dzyuba, do more than beautify the ca- thedral. “Whatever I’m preaching about,” Father Jack observed, “whether it’s the Old Testament, the New Testament, the Icon of the Mystical Supper Icons of the Prophets

Youngest ordinary bishop in North America is ‘a gift’ to the U.S. church Continued from page 1 forefathers,” he said. the letter of the pope appointing Bishop Lach to Parma, as well as a message from At the same time, he acknowledged the the prefect of the Congregation for Eastern mission of the Byzantine Catholic Church Churches, Cardinal Leonardo Sandri. in the United States to minister and to be open to the diversity in American society. Archbishop William C. Skurla, Metro- politan Archbishop of Pittsburgh, was the “It is important to understand the roots main celebrant and homilist. He urged (of the church), but it has to be open Bishop Lach in his to use his “ener- to everybody, all races, everyone is wel- gy to enliven the spiritual life of the church come,” he said. “The church has to fulfill its and protect it from the challenges of secu- Bishop Milan with the laity of the Eparchy of Parma vocation.” larism and materialism which undermine He underlined the need to offer more financial, to support the new missions and the faith of our people.” catechesis and faith formation to the faith- prayer communities that have developed in The Early “didn’t stay in the ful, and to nurture priestly vocations. the western part of the eparchy. ethnic ghetto, but they went to the whole At the end of liturgy, Bishop Sasik pre- world,” he said. “It is good to understand sented Bishop Lach with an icon of Blessed Due to the current priest shortage in “Perhaps we will have fewer parishes, but where we come from, but to spring up new Theodore Romzha, the Ruthenian bishop the eparchy, Bishop Lach has been inviting they will be more open (to welcoming oth- offshoots. This was the foundation we have of Mukachevo who was martyred by the priests from Slovakia to minister here. Two ers) and more vibrant,” he said. received, and now we need to build a new communists in the 20th century. Slovak priests are currently undergoing the church, with new growth, open to every- visa application process; one of them is ex- He said there is an urgent need to get the one.” Bishop Lach also spoke at the end of the pected to arrive this fall. eparchy in stronger financial shape, which liturgy. “I would like to express to the Holy includes reducing costs across the board, Bishop Chautur, who ordained Bishop Father my gratitude for his confidence in Bishop Lach said the recruitment of Slo- and has already reached out to the neigh- Lach a deacon in 2000 and a priest a year me as bishop of Parma. I will try my best to vak priests is a short-term measure to try boring Roman Catholic dioceses of Cleve- later, was one of three European bishops at be the successor of the Apostles, to govern to meet the urgent need for priests: two land and Youngstown to share resources.

Bishop Milan is greeted the lay faithful The Papal Bull of Appointment Bishop Milan and the Papal Nuncio Metropolitan William delivers the homily

In an interview with Horizons, the bishop the enthronement. The other concelebrat- and serve,” he said. priests retired this past year and at least ing bishops included Bishop Kudrick, Bish- another four are expected to retire in the of Cleveland said it has been a “a great bless- op Kurt Burnette of Passaic, Bishop John Bishop Lach told Horizons he intends to next 12 months. He said he hopes prospec- ing” to share resources with the eparchy Pazak of Phoenix, Bishop Bohdan Danylo develop action plans in various areas of pas- tive vocations to the priesthood will be and to get to know Bishop Lach, whom he of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Eparchy toral ministry and eparchial management nurtured and there will be American can- described as a “wonderful guy, young guy, of Saint Josaphat, Bishop Nelson Perez of to develop a more vibrant church. didates for seminary soon. The eparchy cur- very spiritual, very pastoral.” Cleveland, Neal Buckon rently has two men in seminary formation “The Eparchy of Parma is certainly of the Archdiocese for the Military Ser- “We are invited to be witnesses to the and a third who will be ordained a subdea- blessed to have him as their bishop,” said vices, Bishop Milan Sasik of Mukachevo, Gospel,” he said. “Our church must focus con in August. Ukraine, and Bishop Abel Socska of Nyire- on evangelization, have a spirit of openness Bishop Perez. and prayer.” Bishop Lach recently created an epar- gyhaza, Hungary. “It’s a great celebration for all of us, East- chial youth commission to try to jumpstart ern rite and Latin rite,” he said of Bishop Archbishop Christophe Pierre, apostolic His priorities include the “liturgy, the more youth ministry efforts. nuncio to the United States, presided at the sacraments, especially the Eucharist and Lach’s enthronement. “We all gathered to- enthronement, attended by 400 people. confession,” which are “part of our Eastern The bishop also said he will consider gether in an incredible liturgy and a great The liturgy was also live-streamed. He read ,” he said. reorganizing parishes, in order to shift al- moment of joy for the church.” ready limited resources, both pastoral and AUGUST 2018 Eastern Catholic Life Page 5 Degree Conferred at Byzantine 18th Annual Saints Cyril and Catholic Seminary Methodius Lecture sponsored Pittsburgh, PA ollowing a Moleben prayer service in honor of Saints Cyril and Methodius, by the Byzantine Catholic patrons of the Byzantine Catholic Seminary, Metropolitan William, Archbishop of Pittsburgh,F conferred a diploma upon Joshua Van Winkle as a magna cum laude graduate Seminary Held May 16, 2018 Pittsburgh, PA of the seminary’s School of Theology on May 17, 2018. Board members, faculty, alum- ni, staff, family, and friends were in attendance as Mr. Van Winkle received his diploma. is Eminence Alexander [Golitzin], Alumna, Helenanne Hochendoner, delivered a brief address. A luncheon honoring the Archbishop of Dallas, the South, graduate was held after the service. The seminary rejoices in the accomplishments of this andH the Bulgarian Diocese and a popular fine individual. speaker and gifted teacher, was the keynote speaker at the 18th annual Saints Cyril and Methodius Lecture of the Byzantine Cath- olic Seminary held on Wednesday, May 16, 2018, at 7:00 PM. Archbishop Alexander spoke on “The Place of the Presence of God: of Persia’s Portrait of the Chris- tian Holy Man.” The entire lecture can be viewed at the Seminary website: www.bcs. examine the portrait Aphrahat paints of the edu under “Latest News.” holy man in his fourteenth Demonstration. The idea of transformation, of becoming This year’s lecture, held at St. John Ca- divine, is clearly central to Aphrahat. thedral Center, was attended by almost 90 While the language of the Greek Fathers’ people including Metropolitan Wil- theosis is absent, he phrases it in an idiom liam Skurla, faculty, staff, seminarians, much more akin to that of Second Temple graduates, and members of the Board of - apocalypses, and of the later Jewish Ezekial rectors of the Seminary. chariot-throne mystics of whom he was a Aphrahat, the Persian sage, is the earli- likely contemporary. est writer in Christian Syriac of whom we The annual lecture series is sponsored by have proof. Writing in the and the Byzantine Catholic Seminary of Saints in the vicinity of modern Iraqi Kurdistan, Cyril and Methodius, a community of his works are notable for their relative free- mentors, teachers, and students dom from the lexicon and thought world forming leaders for the Church in an of Greek philosophy; neither does he ap- environment of Christian unity, integrity, and pear to know any prominent, pre-Nicene missionary spirit, with a commitment . Although unacquainted to . This year’s lecture was with Greek and Latin patristic literature, followed by a question and answer period. Aphrahat clearly possessed considerable A reception followed the lecture. authority in the Church of the Persian TRANSFIGURATION CELEBRATION Empire. Archbishop Alexander will ST. MARY’S BYZANTINE CATHOLIC CHURCH NEW YORK CITY YOUNG ADULTS Saint Nicholas Pilgrimage Sunday, August 5, 2018 Everyone is invited to join St. Mary’s Young Adults and their friends for a August 5, 2018 Transfiguration Celebration. We will come together with the parish community for th the 10:00 AM Sunday Divine Liturgy and a post Liturgy social followed by the 11 Sunday after Pentecost celebration of Transfiguration Vespers at 12:30 with the blessing of fruit. St. Prefestive of the Feast of the Transfiguration of Christ th th Mary’s is located at 246 East 15 Street, New York, New York. The 14 Street- Union Square Subway Station is a short walk to the church. For more information contact Fr. Ed Cimbala at [email protected].

47th Annual

Sunday, 9, 2018 12 Noon til’ 6:00 P.M.

Carpathian Village / Saint Nicholas Shrine 802 Snow Hill Road Cresco, PA 18326 Holupki • Potato Pancakes • Bake Sale • Haluski Music by • Kolbasi • Pirohi • Nutrolls/Kolachi • Farmers Market 11:00 AM Welcome and Blessing of Pilgrims Begins (Picnic Pavilion) John Stevens’ Doubleshot • Beer, Wine, Soda • Ice Cream • Hot Dogs 11:15 AM Devotion to Saint Nicholas (Shrine Altar) w/Panachida for Deceased Clergy and Pilgrims 11:30 AM Food Service Begins (Picnic Pavilion & Upper Tent) Silent Auction • NFL Football on TV Slavic Religious & Folk Art • Polka Lessons 12:30 PM Confessions Begin (Shrine Gazebo) • Bingo & Instant Bingo • Children’s rides, • Slavic Religious Books, Crosses & Jewelry 12:45 PM Healing Service with Anointing (Shrine Altar) games & face painting • Rummage Sale • Church Tours: 12:30, 2:30, 3:30, and 4:30 pm 1:00 PM Children’s Program (Lower Tent) • Fairfax Sheriff Child ID Cards Concert of Sacred Slavic Music at 1:30 pm 2:50 PM from Lower Tent to Shrine Altar Epiphany Slava Men’s Chorus 3:00 PM Hierarchical Divine Liturgy with Ordinations to Minor Orders (Shrine Altar) Saturday Sept 8th–5pm & Sunday Sept 9th-8:00 & 10:30 am Anointing with Oil of Saint Nicholas from Bari, Like us on Blessing and Distribution of Fruit Facebook Golf Club Car Service available for those with difficulty walking. Restroom Facilities for those with physical disabilities also available. Let’s pray that God blesses us with great weather and a beautiful day, through the intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos and Our Holy Father Nicholas, of course! Page 6 Eastern Catholic Life AUGUST 2018 People You Know In Annandale...

Four generations of Epiphany’s parishioners joined together for the Annual Crab Feast and overnight Camp-out. The Epiphany Men’s Club Father-Son Steak Night never fails to attract young men and their fathers!

Father Michael Kerestes, Vocations Director for the Eparchy of Passaic, spoke at the Men’s Club Father-Son Steak Night dinner. Presented with a certificate of appreciation, pictured here are Jeff Nashwinter, Epiphany Men’s Club President, Father Kerestes, and Epiphany’s The Annual Camp-out is an opportunity to burn palms and pussy willows from the year’s pastor, Father John Basarab. Flowery Sunday celebration! In Levittown... Our Lady of Perpetual Help Byzantine Catholic Church, Levittown, PA, celebrated its Patronal Feast on Sunday, June 24, with Father Vasyl Sokolovych, Parochial Vicar. The Divine Liturgy was held at 10 AM and was followed with a wonderful catered parish lun- cheon. Parishioner Margaret Churilla coordinated the event. The decorations for the party had a patriotic theme of red, white, and blue, and included children’s games. At this event, the parishioners welcomed Father Vasyl and Pan’i Olena and their children: sons, Vasyl and Andriy. At 1 PM, a Moleben to the Most Holy Theotokos and Ever- Mary in honor of our Patronal Feast was prayerfully celebrated. We are confident that Our Lady of Perpetual Help heard our prayers. The event concluded with a special treat: soft pretzels (Philadelphia , of course!) and ice cream sundaes. Father Edward Higgins is Adminis- trator of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish.

In Mahwah... Successful Yard Sale

Just about every able-bodied member of Holy Spirit parish in Mahwah, NJ, pitched in to host a yard sale on Saturday, June 9. The sale filled the parish basement, grounds, and garages with bargains and attracted neighbors and treasure hunters from around northern New Jersey and the Hudson Valley. Many guests took the time to visit the church and learn about their Byzantine Catholic neighbors. Holy Spirit Parish is served by Fathers Jody Baran and Jack Custer. AUGUST 2018 Eastern Catholic Life Page 7 Around the Eparchy In Myrtle Beach... (Below) Father Mykhaylo Prodanets recently celebrated The Divine Liturgy for the Blessed Basil Hopko Byzantine Catholic Mission in Myrtle Beach, SC.

(Right) Father Vasyl Polyak of Saints Peter and Paul in Patton, PA served the Divine Liturgy on Saturday, July 21.

In Charlotte... Cathedral Icons Find New Home in Mission

The recent renovation of Saint Michael Cathedral replaced four of the icons from the original iconostasis with new subjects. Cathedral parishioners, Ronald and Elaine Kapusta, volunteered to bring these icons of our Lord, the Mother of God, Saint Stephen and Saint Lawrence on a road trip to the Carolinas. Cantor Ron Somich of the Char- lotte mission outreach met the Kapustas and helped install the icons in their new home at Saint Philip Neri Parish in Fort Mill, SC, where the Byzantine Catholic community meets. Father Stephen Galuschik serves the Mission Outreach.

In Wilkes-Barre... Bazaar Preparation in Wilkes-Barre

Enthusiastic parish volunteers gathered recently to prepare stuffed cabbage rolls/ho- lupki for the upcoming annual Parish Bazaar. This event takes place the first weekend of August (August 3-5) and features a full menu of Slavic favorites: holupki, haluški, pirohi, kielbasi and sauerkraut, goulash, and kolácsi (nut and poppyseed rolls) – and more! Page 8 Eastern Catholic Life AUGUST 2018 51st National Melkite Convention Houston, Texas by Ana Villasana he 51st National Melkite on Saturday that the Mission had lives lived in prayer? But where are bandanas. Apparently, not know- Convention was held in raised more than $350,000 in order the monasteries? He spoke of the ing exactly how to tie and fasten a Houston,T Texas, from July 5th to purchase the acreage needed to need for guidelines for Byzantine bandana led some men to decide to through July 8th . The theme for build their church. A group head- Rite monasteries which would dif- have the material hang down from this year’s convention was “Lift up ed by the went to view fer from the guidelines present in the bottom of the cowboy hat to Your Eyes, the Fields are Ripe for the land and bless it even though it Latin Rite monasteries and his sug- their shoulders in the back of the the Harvest”, which was meant to meant sloshing through the mud as gestions have been presented to His head: interesting, but not exactly serve as a reminder of our call to a result of recent rains. Holiness . western. bring Christ to our world through our renewed spiritual vision of dis- Emphasis was given to the litur- His Eminence Daniel Cardinal Even though plans were made to cipleship. The attendees of the con- gical beauty of daily prayers in ad- DiNardo, Archbishop of Galveston- visit potential fledgling parishes in vention were honored to have His dition to the Divine Liturgy itself. Houston, attended the grand ban- San Antonio and Austin after the Beatitude Youssef Absi, Patriarch The mornings began with Orthros quet and was presented with a spe- Houston convention, Father Fadi of and all the East, in addi- and Confessions, followed by the cial recognition for his assistance to realistically spoke of the challenges tion to Archbishop Cyril Bustros of Divine Liturgy. Vespers and Con- the Melkite Community. When Fa- that still await the Melkite Mission Beirut, Archbishop Nicolas Antiba, fessions were offered in the eve- ther Fadi first arrived, it was the Car- of Saint Barbara both financially Patriarchal Vicar in , and ning. Nicholas gave several dinal who provided room and board and in the very gathering of Melkite Bishop Nicholas Samra, Eparchial talks and paid particular attention at the seminary as well as seeing that families residing in the extremely Bishop of Newton, as well as other to the importance of Father Fadi had the classes needed, large city of Houston. It is hoped notables. monasticism. He reminded his including English classes. that anticipated activities and edu- listeners that the modern world is cational opportunities will help at- The local community of Saint filled with millennials, agnostics A wide range of entertainment tract members to the community. Barbara under the leadership of and the “I’m spiritual, just not reli- was provided nightly with the coun- The convention itself, however, Father Fadi Al Mismass hosted the gious” who thirst, not for more pre- try western night presenting some gave proof that the present Melkite historical event and the fruits of sentations or intellectual lectures, challenges. What are you supposed Mission Church of Saint Barbara their countless hours of labor was but for true encounters with God. to do with a bandana? The Melkite is capable of great discipleship and evident everywhere. The Patriarch What better way to assist them in Women’s Group at Saint Barbara dedication to “glorifying God and himself was pleased to announce to their quest than to take them to ex- set out numerous cowboy hats on serving mankind He has loved”, for the attendees at the grand banquet perience a monastic life, to witness their tables and also distributed free which His Beatitude has prayed.

Is God Calling You to be a Deacon? —new class forming June, 2019—

Deacons represent a great and visible sign of the Father Nicholas Daddona working of the Holy Spirit through a life of service in 516-457-5617 the Church. [email protected]

If you or others perceive that God is calling you to serve the Church as a deacon and you would like to further explore the possibility of this vocation, please contact:

Pilgrimage to Romania & with Fr. Ed Cimbala and Fr. James Spera 12 Days October 14-25, 2019

For More Information Contact: Fr. Ed Cimbala [email protected] 908-872-2928 Select International Tours 800-842-4842, [email protected] We share your faith www.selectinternationaltours. com AUGUST 2018 Eastern Catholic Life Page 9

The Sisters of St. Basil the Great TheWarmly Sisters ofinvite St. Basil you tothe the Great Warmly84th Annual invite Pilgrimage you to the 84th AnnualIn honor Pilgrimage of Our LadyIn of honor Perpetual of Help OurSeptember Lady of Perpetual 1 & 2, 2018 Help September 1 & 2, 2018 Mary, Hope of All Generations Mary, Hope of All Generations

Come and participate in:

Come The beautiful and participate Divine Liturgy in:

  MysteryThe beautiful of Reconciliation Divine Liturgy

  TheMystery popular of Reconciliation Children’s Procession

  The inspiringpopular Children’sCandlelight Procession Vigil

  AdultThe inspiring Enrichment Candlelight Sessions Vigil

  FestalAdult Enrichment Icon Shrine WalkSessions

 Festal Icon Shrine Walk

Mount Saint Macrina • Uniontown, Pennsylvania Mount Saint Macrina724-438-8644 • Uniontown, Pennsylvania www.sistersofstbasil.org724-438-8644 www.sistersofstbasil.org Page 10 Eastern Catholic Life AUGUST 2018

Ask a Priest a QuestionFather Vasyl Chepelskyy What is the role of the parish priest in the 21st century? he role of the priest from the days The priest is to remember to manifest guiding people throughout their lives in God sees them. of the Early Church and until today in his daily contacts and solicitude to the their spiritual journey by leading them in remainsT the same. In his Encyclical Letter baptized and non-baptized, Catholic and prayers, assisting them in their spiritual The role of the priest is to be a witness Ad Catholici Sacerdotii Pope Pius XI states: non-Catholic, a truly priestly and pastoral searches, sharing their sorrows and joys, by of God’s love for them. He must serve them “The human race has always felt the need example of ministry, and to give the proper his ministry of presence to them in every by the ministry of presence: to meet them of a priesthood: of men, that is, who have witness of truth and life to all. As a good moment of their lives. The priest is the one where they are and to guide them to Christ, the official charge to be mediators between shepherd, he is to seek out those baptized who goes to find a lost sheep and bring it to personal encounter with God, to be with God and humanity, men who should con- in the Catholic Church who have absented back to the Church. He is the one through the people in their joys and sorrows. The secrate themselves entirely to this media- themselves from the reception of the sacra- whom God Himself unites two people in role of the priest is to be an apostle and to tion, as to the very purpose of their lives, ments or even fallen away from the faith (cf. the Sacrament of Marriage. He is the one share the Good News of the Gospel. While men set aside to offer to God public prayers CCEC, Canons §§ 279-303). who stays at the sick bed of a parishioner, he cannot and should not change the mes- and sacrifices in the name of human soci- offering his prayers for the sick person and sage of Jesus, he can and should find new ety” (cf. #8). In summary, celebration of the Divine providing the spiritual comfort for the ways how to deliver it in order to reach out Liturgies, providing the opportunity for the loved ones. He is the one who prepares to more people. The life of a priest should Pope Benedict XVI, reflecting on the faithful to receive the Sacraments and car- a person for his meeting with the Lord at always be consistent with the message of role of the priest, says: “The function of ing for their spiritual well-being, teaching the very evening of one’s life. The role of the Gospel. the [priest] is essential and irreplaceable in them about God and faith, providing nec- the priest is to accompany “the Christian As it is said, “No matter where he is lo- announcing the Word and celebrating the essary pastoral care and visiting the sick, throughout the pilgrimage of this life to cated, the priest must be the sharer of se- Sacraments, especially the Eucharist….” spiritual direction, along with taking care of the gates of Heaven.” He accompanies the crets, the carrier of burdens, the fountain the proper handling of all the parish regis- body to its resting place in the grave with According to Canon Law, the role of the of consolation, and the pillar of strength. ters and documents, overseeing the main- rites and prayers of immortal hope. Even priest is to carry out the functions of teach- Although solitary, he is called father by tenance of the physical parish buildings and beyond the threshold of eternity, he follows ing, sanctifying, and governing. In carrying thousands; poor, he enriches the lives of taking care of the legal matters of the parish the soul to aid it with Christian suffrages, out the function of teaching, he is bound thousands; weak, he gives strength to thou- are pastor’s duties and responsibilities. if need there be of further purification and by the obligation of preaching the Word of sands; unimportant, he does things each alleviation. Thus, from the cradle to the God to all the Christian faithful so that they Father Schöch, in his interview on The day whose importance cannot be told in grave the priest is ever beside the faithful, may grow in faith, hope, and charity, rooted Role of Priest in the 21 Century, states: “The any tongue on earth. He is never too busy a guide, a solace, a minister of , in Christ, and that the Christian commu- parish priest is not obliged to carry out all to hear another’s sorrows; often too busy to and dispenser of and blessing (cf. Ad nity may render that witness of love which parish activities personally, but rather, to realize his own burdens. He is a 24-hour- Catholici Sacerdotii, #19). the Lord commanded. see to it that they are performed oppor- a-day man. He is called from his dinner; tunely, in keeping with sound doctrine The role of the priest is to beAlter Chris- wakened from his sleep; disturbed at his In carrying out the function of sanc- and Church discipline, according to the tus – second Christ, to be everything for prayers. He is at the beck and call of any tifying, the priest is to take care that the particular circumstances and always under everyone (cf. 1 Cor. 9:22). He is the one of his people. He is the target of God’s en- celebration of the Divine Liturgy is the his own supervision. The ideal is not a par- through whom God works in the lives of emies, the magnet of God’s needy. Occa- center and culmination of the whole life of ish where the priest does everything. The the faithful, whom God has chosen to serve sionally, he attracts attention; but usually he the Christian community, and also to la- priest should help lay people discover and Him and His people, through whom God works unnoticed while he does the noblest bor that the Christian faithful are fed with fulfill their specific vocation in communion reveals His mercy to people today, through work on earth – keeping Christ in the lives spiritual food through devout and frequent with other faithful. The Holy Spirit is the whom God forgives…. The priest, in the of the people.” reception of the sacraments, and through one who brings about this communion and Sacraments, unseals the fountains of grace. conscious and active participation in the The priest is the one who plants the seed integrates the priest within God’s people in The priest must look after the faithful en- divine praises. He is also to be especially in the souls of the faithful and hopes and communion. As the Holy Spirit fills and trusted into his care by the bishop, to guide attentive to conferring the Sacrament of prays it will give fruit abundantly. He is motivates the entire sphere of existence, them and feed them spiritually. A young Penance to foster the Christian life. For the one who provides an opportunity for he also penetrates and shapes each person’s candidate at ordination is prostrated on the this reason, he is to make himself readily a person to meet God. He is the mediator specific vocation. That is how the particular floor, waiting for the Holy Spirit to come available to administer this Sacrament. between God and a person. He is to help spirituality of priests, religious, parents, en- and quicken him into a new form of life, life trepreneurs, catechists, etc. is molded and a person to create that sacred space, where In fulfilling the function of governing, of service to others. The priests speak for developed. Each vocation has a concrete the meeting of the person with God will the priest is first of all to know his flock. the voiceless, atone for the sinful, plead for and distinctive way of living its spirituality, happen. He helps a person to encounter Since he is the minister of all the sheep, the Judases, and intercede for those “who which gives depth and enthusiasm to the God through his ministry. He accompanies he is to foster growth in the Christian life do not know what they are doing.” The tasks performed. The apostolate of the la- a person in his/her spiritual journey by his both in individual members of the Chris- priest is only the branch, God is the vine. ity is mainly carried out within associations prayer, presence and availability. tian faithful and in associations, especially and movements that operate in full har- The role of a priest is to embody Christ’s those directed to the apostolate, and in the If I had to put it in one sentence I would mony with the Church and in obedience to presence and to bear witness to his saving entire parish community. Therefore, he is to simply say: the role of the priest today is pastors’ guidelines….” mercy. We can say the role of the priest is visit the homes and schools insofar as the to bring God closer to people and to bring to be God’s heart – to love and accept ev- pastoral function requires it; to look out people closer to God, not to change the The priest is meeting and holding in his erybody, to be God’s hands – to bless all, to zealously for adolescents and children; to message of Christ, but to find new ways hands a small baby, welcoming him or her be God’s feet – to go to those in most need, exercise paternal love for the poor and sick. how to deliver it to the people of the Twen- into the Church of Christ at the very morn- and to be God’s eyes – to see others the way ing of the child’s life. He is the one who is ty0Firstcentury.

Life, Love, and the Human Person By Ann M. Koshute, MTS Where Do You Lay Your Head? priest once preached on to lay His head.” In his homily, the enigmatic statement was really a and would be impossible without chapter 8 of Saint Matthew’s priest pointed out that while people question: “Are you ready and able relying on Him. gospelA – specifically on verses 18- may have been excited or intrigued to be ‘without a home’ because of 22, which find Jesus encountering by Jesus’ words and persona, and Me? Can you trust that if the world The priest’s preaching was in- potential followers. They promise inspired “in the moment” to fol- doesn’t accept you because of Me, structive to me, prompting deeper to follow Him, but with a tentative- low, they may not have been ready that I will be your place of rest?” reflection on Jesus’ words, and the ness that reveals their desire to do so (or entirely willing) to fully embrace Jesus isn’t saying that this way isn’t reality that though He gained many on their own terms. Jesus’ response what that following meant. Jesus worthwhile; His whole life and min- followers throughout His ministry, perhaps puzzled His listeners – and hinted to them in His words that to istry was about how His way would in the end – when it mattered most maybe us, too: “Foxes have their be His follower is to be somewhat bring ultimate joy, peace, and most – He truly didn’t have a place to lay dens and birds of the sky have nests, uncomfortable, sometimes misun- importantly, eternal life. But being His head, to rest and be comforted. but the Son of Man has nowhere derstood, and even rejected. Jesus’ His wouldn’t always be easy, Instead, He was deserted by all but AUGUST 2018 Eastern Catholic Life Page 11 a few followers (interestingly, all but wants His Word to be alive in us, to number of “Likes” our post receives. satisfaction (rest) in objects, one of them were women), finally be active and to activate us. If we Controversy, anger and generally behaviors, habits, and people laying His head against the wood are open to Him, and make time bad manners find fertile ground that actually sap our spiritual and of the Cross. This is what we, as for quiet reflection, the Holy Spirit when protected by the “virtual wall” emotional energy, and may even followers of Christ, must be will speak to our hearts through that separates us from each other. damage our relationships with prepared for, too. Most of us won’t Scripture, drawing us closer to Him, We lay our heads on piles of money others, and with God. Jesus warns be deserted by family and friends helping us to view problems in a and possessions, in sexual excess us about the cost of being a disciple; because of our faith in Christ, new light, and to be better follow- and pornography, and in gambling and He warns us of the dangers or be asked to endure a martyr’s ers of Christ. When we make space or drinking away our lives and our in pursuing fleeting moments of death, but we will be put into for the Holy Spirit to enter our families. Some of us lay our heads pleasure or self-satisfaction in favor uncomfortable positions on account prayer time, and influence our read- on titles, status and the adulation of what is truly good and beauti- of our faith. We find ourselves at ing or hearing Scripture, we may be of others. Finally, some of us lay ful – of what is meant for our ev- odds with the culture, perhaps even surprised at what insight or help our heads on the soft pillow of our erlasting good, not for a moment’s with family members, because of He has waiting for us. Jesus had own self-righteousness, fretting over gratification. No matter how many our unwillingness to compromise, something specific in mind when those around us who don’t love God times we lay our head in dark to be anything less than the men He said He had nowhere to lay His or “follow the rules” half as well as places, no matter how often we and women God created us to be as head. But those words, through the we do. return to the false comfort of sin, Je- His icons. Being a follower of Christ guidance of the Spirit, can be the sus is there, waiting. isn’t always the easiest way to “make catalyst for an important question A few chapters after saying He friends and influence people” – but we should ask ourselves: “Where do has nowhere to lay His head, Jesus Now, take a moment to reflect on it’s the only way to true happiness, I lay my head?” I don’t mean this lit- generously offers us what He does yourself and your life. Where do true peace and fulfillment – the only erally – like on a pillow or the couch not take for Himself: “Come to me, you lay your head? Perhaps more way to abundant Life. – but “where do I find myrest ?” all you who labor and are burdened, importantly, can you make room for and I will give you rest.” (Mat- Jesus to lay His head on your heart? I find the Holy Spirit to be rather For some, the place we lay our thew 11:28) It’s a fact of our fallen sneaky in my daily life, tucking away heads is in politics, 24-hour news human nature that we often seek messages meant for me in the most and talk radio. It’s important to be unexpected places, inspiring me to informed and engaged in local and look with fresh eyes at a word or national affairs; but we can become life event and finding new mean- so enthralled by our own opinions ing, new insight. This is especially that we think less about what’s Word of Life Institute’s true of the Scriptures, which are right and wrong, and more about inspired by God and through which whether everyone knows we’re right. He offers specific revelations about More and more of us lay our heads Eastern Catholic Himself and messages He wishes to on our laptops and smartphones, communicate for our salvation. We constantly checking email and tex- can’t just project our own thoughts ting, disengaging from the flesh Conference and feelings into the words of Scrip- and blood people around us and ture, each interpreting its mean- existing in an online world. Social ings for ourselves. We need the media is that place where we may November 9-10, 2018 authority of the Church to guide lay our heads, but find no rest. We us so that we don’t transform spend hours in a day mindlessly Holy Angels Byzantine Catholic Church – San Diego, CA the Word of God into our own scrolling newsfeeds, pinning our 2235 Galahad Road, San Diego, CA 92123 Ph: (858) 277- 2511 www.holyangelssandiego.org “infallible word.” That said, God hopes and our well-being on the

Sponsored by: Byzantine Catholic Christ the Light & Life Eparchy of Passaic A Walk Through the FatherSearching Jack Custer, S.S.L., S.T.D. the ScripturesArcheparchy of Pittsburgh

Eparchy of Parma Gospel of St. John A Pilgrimage Prayerbook: The Psalms of Ascent,The Fourth Gospel an nPartounces the com in2g of Eparchy of Phoenix Christ as the fulfillment of the Law and the ast month, we left our pilgrims, gath- David” (Matthew 21:9-15), “whose king- to the city of the living God, the heavenly A note of childlike humility in Psalm ered in . Not surprisingly, dom will have no end” (Luke 1:33). But Jerusalem, and to innumerable angels in 131Pro palsohets fcomplimentsor the children o fthe God prayerwho be liforeve infor - Melkite Greek Catholic JerusalemL itself is featured in many of the Jesus fulfilled the promises in unexpected festal gathering, and to the assembly of givenessHim. Co mine lPsalmearn ab o130.ut the EIta swastern Cperhapsatholic the Eparchy of Newton Psalms of Ascent (Psalms 120-134). ways. His Kingdom is “not of this world” the first-born who are enrolled in heaven, experienceapproach to tofhis tmeasuringext and the i mhimselfplication s againstfor the Church’s faith, worship and spirituality as (John 18:33-36) and His sacrifice on the and to Ea CjudgeED who is God of Sall,pe aandker tos the the splendor of the Temple, the majesty Psalm 125 takes the city’s geography as a Cross replaced the Jerusalem Temple with spirits of just men made perfect, and to Je- ofw itse w liturgyalk thro uandgh e athech s eexperiencection of the G ofos pbaskingel of sign of God’s care for His people. Set atop a Eastern Catholic Father Hezekias Carnazzo St John the Theologian! the temple of His own body (John 2:19- sus,Ep atherchi amediatorl Directors o fof a new covenant.” in a reflection of God’s glory that moved high mountain and built on solid, sparkling 21). Father Sebastian Carnazzo the psalmist to admit his own littleness. Religious Education limestone, Jerusalem enjoyed some impres- Along with this powerfulFather Dea cosensen Danie l Dofozi er Perhaps,Stude nsomewhatt and Clergy Dlikeisco uJobnts A (42:1-6),vailable! he sive natural defenses. If Jerusalem seems Psalm 133 celebrates the sense of unity family and community, something has been chastened by his encounter with “I think that John’s Gospel…is the firstfruits of the Gospels...We might dare say that the unshakable, how much more the trust that created when believers come together profoundly personal happens in the Psalms God’s “awesome” dwelling (Psalm 84:1). Gospels are the firstfruits of all Scripture but that the firstfruits of the Gospels is that God’s people should have in Him? Psalm to worship. It’s a feeling people who of Ascent. We see it most clearly in Psalms The pilgrimage described by the Songs of according to John whose meaning no one can understand who has not leaned on Jesus’ 125 is one of a number of Psalms that participate in our annual pilgrimages in 130 and 131. Psalm 130 cries out to the Ascent follows the path laid out by Christ breast or received Mary from Jesus to be his mother also.” specifically prays for “peace upon Israel.” Sloatsburg, Sybertsville, or Uniontown Lord “from the depths” with an aware- who “humbled Himself” (Philippians 2:5- – Origen of , 184-253, A.D. The word peace, in Hebrew,shalom , lies often express. The psalmist’s emotions may ness of sin that only God’s forgiveness can 8). Having left the external enemies behind at the heart of the city’s Hebrew name: be stirred by family, tribal or ethnic ties, or heal. The Jerusalem pilgrim seems to have in previous psalms, the pilgrim has now put Friday 6:30-9pm and Saturday 10am-4:30pm ($30 per participant) Yerushalayim. by the beauty of the Temple and its liturgy. kept a prayerful vigil all night seeking that to rest the interior enemies – the passions Saint Paul repeatedly calls for a unity in the forgiveness.A Ministry o f t he Byzantine Catholic pilgrim- that lead to sin. The heart of Jerusalem was the Temple Church (Romans 12; 1 Corinthians 12) ages alwaysEparchy of Pa ssaincludeic the opportunityREGISTE Rfor at ECBIBLEFALL2018.eventbrite.com and the focal point of the Temple, behind that is more than a feeling. The Church’s sacramental confession and absolution. Especially for our teens and young adults, the curtain in the Holy of Holies, was the unity is based on the example of Jesus’ self- the office of Compline late in the night is a Ark of the Covenant. Psalm 132 recounts effacing love and the fact that the baptized Psalm 131 may express the peace that highlight of pilgrimages. The final Psalm of how King David, who captured Jerusalem are adopted into the one family of the Holy comes from reconciliation with God. If Ascent, Psalm 134, captures this moment. and made it his capital, also brought the Trinity. the mood in Psalm 130 is anxiousexpecta- At the conclusion of Psalm 134, we find Ark of the Covenant into the City. Psalm tion, Psalm 131 describes an attitude of ourselves waiting hopefully and prayerfully 132 also recounts the promise made to The mention of Zion and Jerusalem contented calm with an unusual image from in the night. The Psalms of Ascent have King David that a descendant of his would always points beyond the earthly city family life. “A weaned child at its mother’s done their job, calling us out of exile and rule forever (2 Samuel 7:16). Only one to Saint John’s vision of the heavenly breast” needs and wants nothing more than gathering us together, at peace, in order, fo- “anointed” king could ever literally fulfill Jerusalem (Revelation 21). The Epistle to to be close to its mother. This is the pilgrim, cused and waiting for the Lord. this promise of “forever” – the Anointed the Hebrews (12:22-24) says to the bap- now reconciled and at peace with God, sim- One (in Greek: Christos), Jesus, the “Son of tized: “you have come to Mount Zion and ply delighting in God’s embrace. Page 12 Eastern Catholic Life AUGUST 2018

FatherUnderstanding Joseph Bertha, Ph.D. Icons Crimson Chiton: part 1 The crimson chiton/himation of Our Lord Jesus Christ The crimson clothed Christ figure in the north apse of the National Shrine of the , ashingtonW D.C. John Henryk De Rosen, installed 1959 Introduction hibits a comprehensive knowledge of both the prophecy of Daniel 7:14: “He received son colored chiton/himation of our Lord. western and eastern art, and details emerge dominion, splendor, and kingship; all na- But upon deeper examination it reveals De owering over the north apse in a in the pages about how exactly they arrived tions, peoples and tongues will serve him. Rosen’s intimate knowledge of the liturgy Tconcave conch, a glittering gold at the figure of Christ as it exists today. His dominion is an everlasting dominion of the Eastern Church. The scripture from background mosaic of Our Lord domi- that shall not pass away, his kingship, one Isaiah is that prescribed to be read during nates the north end of the National De Rosen employs all the tools neces- that shall not be destroyed,” by depicting the Vespers for the Feast of the Lord’s As- Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, the sary to his understanding and incorporates the Lord as being the Judge at the end of cension into heaven. so-called America’s Catholic Shrine located them into the design of this image. Initially, the world. This aspect lends an apocalyptic in the north eastern section of our nation’s the iconography committee discussed the vision of the figure of Christ. Four details in the image also indirectly capital in Washington D.C. possibility of a Pantocrator icon to fill the refer to the Ascension of Our Lord. First, the three angels at the feet of our Lord all represent our Lord’s dominion over the earth.

Second, the Lord is depicted rising above a river, then a mountain, and is seated on a rainbow arc. The rainbow arc is the earthly sign given to Noah to indicate God will never again punish the sinners on earth by wiping them out by a flood.

Christ Ascension National Basilica Nave Christ Ascension National Basilica Grand Cefalu Christ Third, the Lord shows the wounds of His Nave View crucifixion. The chiton/himation is draped over His left shoulder and exposes His north apse. De Rosen references the Byz- At the conclusion of his remarks, De wound in the side, and both hands bear the Our Lord shown vested in crimson antine antecedents of the Pantocrator imag- Rosen himself leaves a very mesmerizing wound marks in His hands. Our Lord does garments (both the chiton/himation), es found in both the western Roman cathe- Scripture from Isaiah 62: 10-12; 63: 1-9: not show His wounds in heaven, or when designed by Jan Henryk De Rosen and drals of Cefalu and Monreale. These images “Who is this that comes from Edom, in He is a Judge at the Last trumpet call. installed by the Basilica’s dedication in No- were used by the Normans to illustrate their crimsoned garments from Bozrah, he that vember 1959 was the first work of art in- perceived divine given right to rule Sicily. is glorious in his apparel, marching in the Fourth, in the original design of the cru- stalled in the newly completed basilica. This is a narrow perception of the Pantocra- greatness of his strength? It is I, announc- ciform double halo He wears, He is ap- tor image of . The Pantocrator ing vindication, mighty to save. Why is This majestic mosaic has been variously pearing in the glory of His victory of the icon of Our Lord actually derives from His your apparel red, and thy garments like his labeled “Pantocrator,” “Christ in Majesty,” earthly battle, trampling upon sinners as depiction as ascending in glory to heaven, that treads in the wine press? I have trod- or even “Christ at the Second Coming (Par- upon grapes. Out of the three-cross-beam usually located in the highest architectural den the wine press alone, and from the peo- ousia).” None of these titles actually gives flaming sword, spears flare outward. In feature of the church. Also, the word Panto- ples no one was with me; I trod them in my justice to the sophisticated and intricate this unique depiction, De Rosen recalls the crator is Greek for the Hebrew designation anger and trampled them in my wrath; their direct and indirect art historical references fiery unconsumed bush where God reveals El Shaddai, which means the “Provider” or lifeblood is sprinkled upon my garments, quoted within in the work itself by the artist His name as YHWH to Moses. Coinci- “Sustainer.” However, De Rosen seems to and I have stained all my raiment. For the Jan Henryk De Rosen. dently, the Hebrew tetragrammaton is usu- be quoting the Pantocrator of Cefalu, Jesus day of vengeance was in my heart, and my ally inscribed with the Greek lettersὁὢ η Gratefully, De Rosen’s unpublished man- resembles the Normans with his strands of year of redemption has come. I looked but in each of three bars of an icon of Christ. uscript entitled, The Iconography of the Na- blond/gold hair. (see illustration) there was no one to help; I was appalled, These flames also recall the words spoken tional Basilica of the Immaculate Conception but there was no one to uphold so my own by Jesus in Luke 12:49: “I came to cast fire Eventually the committee rejected the (1959), can be referenced at the Library arm brought me victory, and my wrath up- upon the earth; and would that it were al- Pantocrator image and rather selected of Congress. The notes are crammed with held me. I trod down the peoples in my an- ready kindled!” scenes of the Last Judgment depicted dur- many pertinent clues as to the process of ger, I made them drunk in my wrath, and ing the Romanesque period of western art, discerning the image which came to be in I poured out their lifeblood on the earth,” To be continued…. found on Western portals of many great ca- the north apse. In his remarks De Rosen ex- at the end of the discussion. At first strike, thedrals. This idea was then conflated with this scripture explains the dominant crim- ST. MARY’S Byzantine Catholic Church 310 Mifflin Ave. Scranton PA SLAVIC FESTIVAL FRI. & SAT., AUG. 17 & 18: 5-10 PM SUN., AUG 19: Noon-5 PM FEATURING: • Homemade Ethnic Foods & Soups FREE • Carnival Foods •Clams • Beer Tent ICE CREAM FRI: 6-8 PM • Raffles • White Elephant Sale Compliments of Fidelity Bank-Dunmore • Igor’s Russian Art Gallery

~ LIVE ENTERTAINMENT ~ FRI: Joe Stankey & His Cadets SAT: Doubleshot AUGUST 2018 Eastern Catholic Life Page 13

Sisters Servants of Mary Immaculate 64th Holy Dormition Pilgrimage August 11-12, 2018 His Beatitude Sviatoslav presiding MARY, OUR MODEL OF PRAYER “Do Whatever He Tells You…” e Sisters Servants joyfully announce that along with His Beatitude Svia- toslav Shevchuk, Head of the Ukrainian Catholic Church, His Eminence Most Reverend William C. Skurla, Metropolitan Archbishop of Pittsburgh and Most Reverend Kurt Burnette, Bishop of the Eparchy of Passaic, will also preside at this year’s pilgrimage. Archbishop William will be the main celebrant and homilist at the 5:00 pm Pontical Divine Liturgy on Satur- day, August 11th, and Bishop Kurt will be the celebrant and homilist for the 8:00 pm. Moleben to the Mother of God on Saturday night. PARISH BANNERS - We ask that parishes bring their banners and have a representative carry them in the procession to the Ponti cal Divine Liturgies on Saturday and Sunday. PRESENTATION: V. Rev. John Custer, Rector of the Cathedral of St Michael the Archangel, Passaic NJ and Syncellus for New Jersey will speak on the topic “Mary, Mother of the Word of God” on Saturday, August 11th. HOTEL RESERVATIONS - Sr. Michele has acquired the following great rate, and you must book through her for this rate: [email protected] , 845-753-2555 HOTEL: Fair eld Inn & Suites ADDRESS: 225 Ramapo Valley Rd. Mahwah, NJ 07430 PRICE: $115.00 per night (all inclusive room with breakfast) King / Queen / 2 Doubles room size

FatherSchool G. Scott Boghossian of Prayer Seeking God lessed are those who hun- You are my God; I shall seek You satisfies. Those who fail to seek God gizing, or learning basic Bible con- ger and thirst for righ- earnestly; My soul thirsts for You, find a foretaste of Hell even in this tent. Rather, “like newborn babies, teousness,“B for they shall be satisfied” my flesh yearns for You, In a dry and life. long for the pure milk of the Word, (Mt. 5:6). We are created by God weary land where there is no water” that you may grow thereby” (1 Pt. and for God. Saint Augustine prays, (Ps. 63:1). Be hungry for God for Make sure you are on your way to 2:2). The goal of this kind of Bible “You have made us for Yourself, O only God satisfies. Heaven. Get as close to God as you reading is to seek and to find God. Lord, and our heart is restless until it can here and now. “Seek the LORD rests in You” [Confessions Bk I. Par. God says to the hungry soul, while He may be found; call upon Seek God by praying. “Seek the 1]. Do you often experience a sense “Open your mouth wide, and I will Him while He is near” (Is. 55:6). Lord and his strength; seek His of frustration and dissatisfaction fill it” (Ps. 81:10). Know that in Jesus Christ is the only way to presence continually!” (Ps. 105:4). with life? You thought that reach- Heaven, and only in Heaven, will we Heaven. He says, “I am the way, Tell God about your spiritual hun- ing some goal, such as getting mar- “feast on the abundance of [God’s] and the truth, and the life. No one ger. Explain to Him that no earthly ried and having children, gaining house, and... drink from the river comes to the Father except through thing can satisfy your heart. Ask a certain level of financial security, of [His] delights” in full measure me” (Jn. 14:6). It is not enough Him for more of His presence, His or finding a bit of notoriety in your (Ps. 36:8). This comprehensive to have been baptized, to attend holiness, and His love. chosen field would lead to content- satisfaction is the essence of the church services, to do a few good Beatific Vision. The elect will see works here and there. While all of Seek and find God by purifying ment. But it didn’t. King Solomon your life. Set aside distractions and attained great fame and fortune. Yet God with the eyes of the mind. In these things are necessary, it is only seeing such an Infinite Good, they by a total consecration of your heart activities that waste your time so at the end of his life, he said: “Behold that you can have a heart that is pure all is vanity, and vexation of spirit” will be compelled to love Him with to Jesus Christ as Lord and Sav- their entire being, and in loving ior that you will begin to the live and prepared to encounter God. (Eccl. 1:14). Every worldly thing Ruthlessly root out sin and left Solomon empty. And those Him, they will be united to Him for out the salvation that Christ has eternity. Only by possessing this provided for you. Pray, “Lord, I am compromise, and strive after ev- who hunger and thirst for earthly ery virtue so as to make yourself things, such as prosperity, power, fountain of all Good, will our hearts all yours, and from today forward I be delighted, fulfilled, and blessed. will live for you.” pleasing to the God whom you popularity, and pleasure, are left fervently seek. “Break up your fal- empty and vexed as well. Why? What a tragedy to miss out on Heav- en. Imagine coming to the end of Get close to God through spiritual low ground, for it is the time to seek Because every human being was reading. The Bible is the book that the Lord, that He may come and made by God and for God and life, and realizing that every worldly accomplishment is empty and vain. is authored by God (2 Tim. 3:16), rain righteousness upon you” (Hos. only God satisfies! The Psalmist and in reading and meditating on 10:12). Seek hard after God, for expresses what lies beneath our Contemplate being sentenced to endure this agonizing abyss of depri- the words of the Bible, we can seek only God satisfies. frustration, dissatisfaction, and and find God. This is not reading discontent. He prays, “O God, vation forever. Hell is essentially be- ing deprived of the God who alone for academic knowledge, theolo- Page 14 Eastern Catholic Life AUGUST 2018

The Byzantine Liturgy By Archpriest David Petras, SEOD Knowing Reality ow do we know things? We are dence of his life than for anyone else who it and testify to it and proclaim to you the between the two. Since science deals with born into this world with physical lived two thousand years ago. After his eternal life that was with the Father and was the material world, many people begin to senses.H We can see the world with our eyes. death and resurrection, He appeared to His made visible to us – what we have seen and take a “materialistic” view of reality. What We perceive depth and color and shape. disciples for a short time in His glorified heard we proclaim now to you, so that you we cannot see and touch with our senses is With these same eyes we can read words, body to give them the mission to proclaim too may have fellowship with us; for our not real, and so self-consciousness and free and so learn about places far away that we His gospel to the world. We do not know fellowship is with the Father and with His will become an illusion. This leads some may never see directly, and even about re- the historical Christ by our senses, but Son, Jesus Christ” (1 John 1:1-3). militant atheists to try and find in physical alities that have no physical form, as justice, through the witness of the apostles. This is laws the entire reason for the existence of mercy, love, and hope. With another bodily why we profess our faith “in one, holy, cath- There is more to our knowledge of real- reality as such. Since in our daily lives, we sense, we can also hear the sounds that sur- olic and apostolic church.” Saint Paul knew ity. As human beings, not only do we know see and hear what is real through our senses, round us and connect us to this world in this well and asks, “But how can they call the universe through our senses, but we this approach becomes very alluring. The ways that our eyes cannot. With our ears on him in whom they have not believed? know that we know. This is very important problem with this is that a rigid materialism we can also learn from the voice of others, And how can they believe in him of whom because it is a sign of our ability to self- sucks all the meaning out of reality. as a message is passed on to us. The Psalm- they have not heard? And how can they reflect, and of self-consciousness and free ist tells us, “O God, we have heard with our hear without someone to preach? And how will. It is the image of God within us, and How we know is very important. A own ears; our fathers have told us the deeds can people preach unless they are sent? As St. Maximus the Confessor said that it is simple awareness of facts is not important. You did in their days, You Yourself, in days it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of by our free will that we are able to receive Saint James warns, “You believe that God long ago” (Psalm 43:2). Indeed, through those who bring the good news!’” (Romans the grace of God, and to know through rev- is one. You do well. Even the demons be- reading and hearing we learn of events that 10:14-15). elation what we cannot see by our physical lieve that and tremble” (James 2:19). Our happened in the past. We are also con- senses. Again, St. John tells us, “No one has knowledge must be with our whole being, nected to our world through other senses, Our Lord tells the Apostle Thomas, who ever seen God. The only Son, God, who not only the brain, but also the heart. In by touch, by taste, by smell. We have faith would not believe until he touched the is at the Father’s side, has revealed Him” church we hear the words of Jesus. He is that the information we receive through Body of Jesus, “Blessed are those who have (John 1:18). present to us and His words, as well as His our senses truly corresponds to the reality not seen (His glorified and risen body) and body and blood received in Holy Com- There is no real conflict between religion around us. have believed” (John 20:29). We know munion, transform our lives. Saint John Christ because of what we have been told and science, for reality is one. There is a dif- describes this: “No one has ever seen God. The Son and Word of God became a hu- by the Apostles, so later John writes to us, ference, however, in the ways that we can Yet, if we love one another, God remains in man being for our sakes, so that we could “What was from the beginning, what we know this reality. Science is limited to ob- us, and his love is brought to perfection in know the presence of God through our have heard, what we have seen with our servation of the physical world. Faith is the us” (1 John 4:12). Through what we see senses. Jesus, however, lived among us for a eyes, what we looked upon and touched ability to know beyond what our senses tell and hear, then, we come to a knowledge of short time. His human life on earth is well with our hands concerns the Word of life – us. Crossing this boundary, though, some- God through our Lord Jesus Christ. attested to historically. We have more evi- for the life was made visible; we have seen times brings conflict and misunderstanding

Spiritual Reflections Father Lewis Rabayda Liturgy: the Answer to Digital Intimacy he current state of detachment and It is all too popular now to point our desire a tangible connection with others profound expression of our humanity—to isolation of the modern man, and fingers at the dangers of experiencing that goes deeper than just simultaneously praise, thank, and worship the God who especiallyT the modern youth and young our world through pixel screens, through indulging in entertainment and repeating made us—that we not only experience a adult, leaves the most vulnerable of us second-hand emotions of streaming media, the talking points of the ideologies we think real and tangible intimacy with others, but feeling as if we do not really belong through simulated intimacy, and through we subscribe to. We desire very serious we also experience it from our Creator. anywhere. This lack of grounding and real identity politics, that the notion seems shared experiences of humanity, we desire We not only receive emotional and spiri- human interaction linked with a void of like just another huckster bidding for our to think, to ask questions, and to explore tual support from those around us, but we interpersonal responsibility, is not always five minutes of attention. But the growing the universe in the company of real people. receive graces from God. Through our consciously understood by the individ- popularity of exposing these real dangers liturgical worship, we do more than just ual. But the effects of these deficiencies does not negate the necessity of doing During His earthly ministry, the only think with our minds, we bend with our manifest in different types of vicious so. These newer experiences have slipped time Jesus was in isolation was for periods bodies, we move our arms, we sings with behavior. If one is truly vigilant about in to replace our older experiences of of intense personal prayer. But He always our voices, we kneel with our legs, we their state in life and how they respond to interaction. The ancient social struc- returned to be with His disciples and to smell with our noses, and we taste with different situations and stressful tures of local tribe, extended and share meals with them, to talk with them, our mouthes, and consume with our experiences, then one will notice parts of immediate family, and friends, has eroded to teach them, and even to wash their feet. bodies the real food, the real drink, that their life do not align with how they wish into groups that can spread the length of the Jesus needed to be with His disciples for is no longer bread and wine, but is now to behave—especially if they have any globe, with interaction being experienced real tangible interaction, and His disciples the full presence of Our Lord, God, and grounding in a Life in Christ. Thisrealiza- electronically. However wonderful and needed the same from Him. It is these Savior Jesus Christ. True intimacy with the tion can be startling at first because they exciting this promises to be, it leaves the first-hand experiences which create lasting only one that can satisfy our needs is met did not recognize the signs along the path ndividual with fewer real human memories and impressions and encouraged both spiritually and physically within the of their reactive behavior, and are now con- experiences in their physical location. them to persevere through the tribulations Eucharist, within His One, Holy, Catholic, fronted with a self image that is completely and martyrdom that was in store for many. and Apostolic Church. foreign to their ideals. But this image is for- As communal sons and daughters of The current state of detachment and eign; and the modern person is suddenly God, made in His image and likeness, we isolation of the modern man can be aware that aspects of their life have slipped take-on the image of the Holy Trinity and remedied through communal prayer. It out of control without their knowing it, and desire the same intimacy the Father, Son, is when we gather together for this most without knowing how or even why. and Holy Spirit have with each-other. We

New Byzantine Catholic Community Forming in Greater Charlotte, NC, Area Divine Liturgy on Saturdays at 4 PM: August 4, 11, 18, 25 Byzantine Catholic community is form- is now offering weekly Divine Liturgy in the area. like to participate in any way, or have questions ing at Saint Philip Neri Church, 292 Munn This community will serve the northern part of please contact Ron Somich at 440.477.6389 or Rd.,A Fort Mill, SC. Please join us as we grow our South Carolina as well as Charlotte, NC. Please [email protected]. The website https:// community and celebrate the Byzantine Divine share this information with your friends and fam- carolinabyzantine.com/ will be coming soon Liturgy. Father Steven Galuschik of All Saints ily – especially those who have moved “down – please check that out for news, upcoming Byzantine Catholic Church in North Fort Myers, South.” We will be celebrating the Byzantine Divine gatherings, and service times. FL, celebrated Liturgy at the end of October and Liturgy on Saturdays at 4 PM. If you would AUGUST 2018 Eastern Catholic Life Page 15 Germany; Lucerne, with its beautiful 14th Spera look forward to having you join them The Passion Play of Oberammergau and 15th century covered bridges; Inns- on this trip of a lifetime. It promises to be bruck and Salzburg (The Sound of Music a wonderful experience for all with time to 11 DAYS City), two picture postcard cities situated enjoy the fellowship of old friends and new. in the Austrian ; Munich, the capital of Bavaria; and Rothenburg, Germany’s best While August, 2020, may seem a long AUGUST 31 – SEPTEMBER 10, 2020 preserved medieval town. way away, NOW is the time to make plans and reserve your place on the tour as space Hosted by: The price of our tour includes roundtrip is limited. Don’t miss out on this opportu- FATHER EDWARD CIMBALA AND FATHER JAMES SPERA airfare, government taxes and airline fuel nity to experience the history and culture in surcharges, first class select hotels, most one of the most scenic areas of Europe! meals, the services of a professional tour $4099 PER PERSON FROM NEWARK director, and sightseeing in a deluxe motor- For more information or to request a bro- n opportunity that arises once ev- technicians, all of whom are residents of the coach. chure, please contact Father Ed Cimbala at ery ten years is an opportunity not village. 908-872-2928 or by email – Fredcimbala@ to Abe missed. A theatrical tradition since Father Ed Cimbala and Father James gmail.com. 1634, the world-famous Oberammergau In addition to experiencing the mag- Passion Play is a much-anticipated reenact- nificent Passion Play our tour will take us ment of the crucifixion of Christ – from to one of the most beautiful parts of the His entry into Jerusalem to the Resurrec- world: Switzerland, Austria, and Germany. tion – performed only once a decade in the Whether visiting medieval towns, driving quaint Bavarian village of Oberammergau. through the breathtaking Alps or simply The town vowed that if God were to spare relaxing at a sidewalk café, we will experi- them from the effects of the bubonic plague ence the unique atmosphere of this region ravaging the region, they would perform and its people. a play every ten years depicting the life Some highlights of the tour include visits and death of Jesus. The play, involves over to Heidelberg, the oldest university town in 2,000 performers, musicians, and stage

Seasonal ReflectionsFather Ronald Hatton “You were transfigured on the mountain, O Christ our God…” Christ our God, when I was struck by two themes, if see Him in all His glory. And, in the heavenly Spirit. We have found You willed to prefigure you will, of these vesperal stichera, our theology, they and we see the the true faith….” What is the pur- Your“O resurrection, You chose three as they pertain to Christ in His hu- “original beauty of Adam,” and the pose of the witness of the Transfigu- disciples, Peter, James, and John; manity and divinity, and as they also original beauty will be manifest also ration if we do not follow through and You went up with them to pertain to us. First, the author says, in our bodies at the Resurrection of by our own transformation: “Do Mount Tabor. At the moment of “…when You willed to prefigure the dead! “Through Your Transfigu- not be conformed to this world but Your Transfiguration, O Savior, the Your resurrection…”. We believe ration You returned Adam’s nature be transformed by the renewal of mountain was flooded with light, that the resurrection of Christ was to its original splendor, restoring its your mind, that you may prove what and Your disciples fell with their not merely a reanimation of His very elements to the glory and bril- is the will of God, what is good and faces to the ground; for they could body after His death, but that He liance of Your divinity.” Thus it is acceptable and perfect” (Romans not bear the sight of Your counte- was raised in an immortal, glorified that we see the eventual restoration 12:2). Everything we experience nance upon which no on may gaze, body. Here we see that this glori- of all of Mankind in His Transfigura- during our liturgical year is given O Word. Angels attended with fication is shown beforehand on tion! to us for our repentance, our trans- trembling and awe; the heavens Mount Tabor to His disciples. Pe- formation, and our salvation. The were afraid; and the earth shook to ter, James, and John saw Our Lord With His Transfiguration, we pray Transfiguration is a prefiguration of its very foundations when they saw as He would appear to them after in the Ambon Prayer for the Feast, the glorification that we will receive the Lord of Glory come upon the the resurrection, and saw distinctly “Open the eyes of our minds to a when He raises us from the dead, earth.” – At Psalm 140, Vespers for His divinity radiating through His sight of indescribable beauty, just as just as His resurrection is the prefig- the Feast of the Transfiguration humanity. No wonder our Tropar- your did for Your apostles…. Guide uration of our resurrection. God’s ion for the Feast says that He re- us also into higher things by Your promises are not to be shrugged off “When David, forefather of the vealed “as much of [His] glory to all-powerful right hand. …Give us as “spiritual talk” but as assurances Lord, foresaw in spirit Your com- [His] disciples as they could behold” an unfailing memory of the voice of that we were made for Him, and ing in the flesh, he invited the whole [emphasis added]. When Moses, Your eternal Father revealing You that, as we pray in the Anaphora creation to rejoice, crying out pro- on Mount Sinai, asked God, “Show as His beloved Son, so that, putting of the Divine Liturgy of Saint John phetically: O Savior, Tabor and Her- me Your glory, I pray,” God replies: Your commandments into action, Chrysostom, “You brought us out of mon shall rejoice in Your name, for “You cannot see My face; for no one we may shine forth among those nonexistence into being, and again indeed You ascended this mountain shall see Me and live” (cf. Exodus worthy of Your eternal kingdom….” raised us up when we had fallen, with Your disciples. Through Your 33:12-13). Thus, the disciples can- The Feast of the Transfiguration and left nothing undone until You Transfiguration You returned Ad- not bear to see but so much glory of brought us to heaven and gave us am’s nature to its original splendor, is also a call for us to conform our- the Son of God revealed to them on selves to the will of God, and to Your kingdom to come.” The Trans- restoring its very elements to the Tabor, “they could not bear the sight figuration is the revelation of what glory and brilliance of Your divinity. carry out our vocation to be lights of Your countenance upon which no in the darkness, bringing the Good He has in store for us. Therefore, Therefore we cry out to You: O Cre- on may gaze.” Yet, after the Resur- we glorify Him with our lives, and ator of All, glory to you!” News to our world today. “We have – Aposti- rection, they would now be able to thank Him for this great feast. cha for the Feast of the Transfiguration seen the true light; we have received

The Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Passaic subscribes to the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People

adopted by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. The Eparchy, within all its parishes, institutions and programs, is committed to assuring a safe environment in ministry for its children and young people that conforms to Charter requirements. For further information regarding the Eparchial Safe Environment Program please contact: Father David J. Baratelli, Ed.S., M.Div. • Safe Environment Program Coordinator • 973.890.7777 Dr. Maureen Daddona, Ph.D. • Victim’s Assistance Coordinator • 516.623.6456 Page 16 Eastern Catholic Life AUGUST 2018 friends. Being a witness to the diversity Q4) What do you hope to get out contained within the Catholic Church has of your commitment to the Culture Seminarian formed me into the Christian I am today. Project? During middle school and high school, Q2) What has helped develop your I searched for people who were striving to Reflections identity to serve others? live out their faith. I had good examples Seminarian Timothy Farris My involvement at my parish and at- at home, but didn’t find too many young tending a instilled the im- people in my community to look up to. The The Culture Project portance of serving others and provided Culture Project aims to change that. We are several opportunities to give my time and an organization of young adults who desire Entering the Mission with Laura Riebe talent. Although I had a strong foundation to be role models for students. Setting an in faith and service when I left high school, example for young people is essential in our hen we talk about vocations, our this moment and how she hopes to use her I quickly discovered that college would minds usually turn to the priest- gifts for this ministry. I hope by sharing a culture today. Starting from an early age, W present challenges I had not faced before. I society feeds the youth so many lies that it hood, to and ; sometimes, we piece of Laura’s story, that you, her church attended West Chester University of PA to think about marriage, too, but a vocation is family, will pray for her, the people she will is important that we counteract them with study early elementary and special educa- truth. The Culture Project’s focus on hu- simply a way in which we serve Christ. A be embracing, and for the success of her tion. This was my first exposure to school- priest serves Christ through offering the ministry. Laura’s endeavor also requires her man dignity and sexual integrity shed light ing that did not have faith at the center. Liv- on some of the most controversial topics sacraments to God’s people; brothers and to live on the generosity of others so that ing out the call to holiness was a choice I sisters offer prayers and often serve as cat- she may spend her time freely and fully en- in our world. Conveying that the Church had to make daily. Thankfully, I found the is showing individuals how to live freely echists and church leaders. Spouses serve gaged in the mission. I hope that her “Yes!” WCU Catholic Newman Center. A wom- Christ by caring for and nurturing a family to God inspires all of us to reflect on how through its teachings is a difficult thing to en’s group within the Newman community, do, but I believe it is a message worth fight- that loves Christ. These three vocations we serve our neighbor (as we discussed at Koinonia (Greek for “communion” or “fel- have distinct attributes and ornate ceremo- the Byzanteen Rally). Laura’s opportunity ing for. If I am able to plant a small seed of lowship”), provided a new outlet to serve truth in one student, I would consider my nies that make it easy to say: “The Church to offer God’s love to others is a great ser- college women pursuing the faith. When I needs more of those!” This can overlook an vice to our community. I asked Laura to commitment to The Culture Project worth- became an upperclassman, my roommate, while. You never know how your stories, incredible devotion that our Church also share some of her experiences that led to Maddie, and I led this group of women in desperately needs and that is missionary her decision to enter into the mission of The experiences, and witness will work on the monthly commitments to Liturgy, meet- hearts of others. I look forward to commit- disciples. serve in many capaci- Culture Project. ings, the rosary, adoration, and service. In ties, but it is usually associated to areas of ting myself to The Culture Project and call- Q1) What were some aspects or addition to the commitments, we would or- ing others join me on this journey. great need that are underserved. We are all ganize social events and book clubs to bring called to be disciples but some are called to events that helped form who you are as a Christian? women together on a regular basis. By the take a risk, a leap of faith, to follow where end of college, Maddie and I had success- Christ calls them. I was delighted to find Being brought up in the Byzantine Cath- olic Church has profoundly shaped my for- fully built up a sisterhood that transformed out through an alum at my alma mater that my faith journey. Surrounding myself with a recent graduate had taken this leap. I mation as a Christian. I grew up immersed in the Byzantine traditions and surrounded strong, faithful women sparked a fire in my wasn’t all too surprised to find out who it heart to serve in a way I had never consid- was. by a tight knit community at my home par- ish, Saint John the Baptist, in Pottstown, ered before: missionary work. I met Laura Riebe at a Theology on Tap PA. My siblings and I often joked that we Q3) Why the Culture Project? event where I had been invited to be a should set up cots in the basement of the During my time at West Chester Univer- presenter. Theology on Tap is a meeting church because we were there so often. sity I noticed the lack of young people purs- of young adults held around the country Baking paska and nut rolls, cleaning the ing a life of virtue. There is a need for faith- in different restaurants and “taprooms” church, and volunteering at events were ful, well-informed individuals to share the Laura Riebe where they gather to listen to a presenta- just a few of the ways my family and I par- truths of the Catholic Church in a culture tion about a spiritual topic over a beer or ticipated in parish life. Looking back, it was that thirsts for more than what is currently other refreshment. Then, there is time that constant presence at Saint John Parish I thank Laura for sharing a small, but offered. I desired to be a part of this move- inspiring, portion of her story with all for the young adults to ask questions and that fostered my dedication to service and ment and actively searched for a way to pur- discuss what was presented. Mention- prayer. of us. We had the opportunity to dis- sue this passion. From the first moment I cuss all the resources The Culture Proj- ing that I was Byzantine Catholic must encountered The Culture Project, I could have echoed throughout the room be- My parents sent me to a Catholic school ect has developed for their missionaries from preschool to high school so I could tell there was something different about it. and the methods that they use to reach cause, a moment later, people began The missionaries and staff members all -ex clamoring about another Byzantine Cath- have a faith-based education. Starting the youth which are too many to list in from a very early age, I noticed that I was pressed authentic joy in every interaction, this column, but I love two of them too olic in the room: Laura. She wasn’t shy and I immediately recognized that I wanted to introduce herself with a big smile. She a little different from my peers. The way much not to mention: the desire to be an I expressed my faith, the traditions I took to have that in my life. The more I learned example and to connect with each individ- would later invite me to join her Roman about The Culture Project, the more I real- Catholic friends in attending their first part in, and my church community were ual to establish a personal relationship with not the same as my classmates. I remember ized that the root of their joy was found in them. Divine Liturgy at her parish. Her joy and God and pursing Him through living a life energy to share Christ will surely be used struggling to explain what it means to be of virtue. Now that I am a missionary with There are many young people who desire by God in her missionary work with The Byzantine Catholic because it is something this nonprofit organization, I am able to to hear the message of The Culture Project, Culture Project, a Catholic missionary or- someone needs to experience. The sweet serve the youth by proclaiming truths about and Laura desires to reach them and she has ganization that evangelizes high school and smell of incense, the poetic prayers, and the the dignity of every human person and the offered herself to the mission. For more in- college students and encourages living a breathtaking icons – these are not things beauty of our sexuality. Nothing brings me formation, you can go to www.theculture- Christian life and the building of Christian easily conveyed through conversation. This more joy than living out this calling. Serving project.org. If you would like to hear more culture, especially a life of chastity and the inspired me to bring my friends to Liturgy alongside other young adults who have the about the mission or have any questions, gift of sexuality in order to use it according and church events. Doing this through- same passion will enable me to do this work you can e-mail Laura at lriebe@theculture- to God’s plan. I asked her to share in a few out the years has allowed me to share my that is desperately needed in America. project.org words her experiences that brought her to Byzantine roots with my Roman Catholic Upcoming Eparchial and Parish Events Eastern Catholic Life Circulation Department 445 Lackawanna Avenue August September Woodland Park, NJ 07424 4-8 Altar Server Camp 1-2 Annual Pilgrimage in Honor of Our Carpathian Village, Canadensis, PA Lady of Perpetual Help 5 Annual Saint Nicholas Pilgrimage Uniontown, PA Next Issue: Carpathian Village, Canadensis, PA September, 2018 6 Holy Transfiguration of Our Lord Solemn Holyday * Chancery closed Copy Deadline: 11-12 Annual Holy Dormition Pilgrimage Aug 17 Sloatsburg, NY The current issue of the ECL was printed at Evergreen 15 Dormition of the Most Holy Printing, Bellmawr, NJ, and Theotokos was distributed from the Holyday of Obligation * Chancery closed U.S. Post Office via second class mailing in 19 Wedding Jubilarians Celebration Bellmawr, NJ. 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