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Eastern Life Publication of the Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Passaic

VOL. LIII, NO. 11 NOVEMBER 2017 Congregation centennial: Supporting Eastern Catholics against all odds By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News Service

(from left to right) Father Yuri Oros, Father Michael Popson, Father Charles Yastishock, Kurt, Father Michael Yurista, Father Boniface Hicks, Father Iaroslav Korostil 2017 Annual Priest Retreat By Father Joseph Bertha, Ph.D.

Pope Francis addressing those gathered for the to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of or almost three decades, Vincent Benedictine Monastery, the Congregation of Eastern in Santa Maria Maggiore, our eparchial have Latrobe, PA (near Pittsburgh). As gathered together at the the evening conference began, one he Vatican is celebrating Syria. And Israeli-Palestinian ten- SanF Alfonso Retreat House in Long could sense a new development the 100th anniversary of sions continue. The Chaldean, Syr- Branch, NJ. Located directly sea- among our eparchial clergy. Join- the establishment of the iac Catholic, Coptic Catholic, Mel- side, the ocean breezes and waves ing us for the first time in our annual CongregationT for Eastern Church- kite, and Maronite churches have enhance and enrich the prayerful retreat were many of the newly ar- es, an office that supports the East- paid a high price. environment. The clergy, together rived European married clergy, who ern Catholic Churches and strives with our eparchial through presently constitute approximately to ensure that the universal Catho- “In all of this, the Eastern churches the years, have joined together here twenty percent of our eparchial lic Church treasures its diversity, suffer the most because they find for Bishop’s Appeal meetings; the priests. including in , spirituality, and themselves crushed in the struggle between bigger powers, both local inception of the Emmaus Program; even law. Father Boniface’s main theme and and global,” Vasil said and for the annual priest retreats. challenge for the retreatants was to Coincidentally established five in mid-August. Even those conflicts Typically, these occasions for not only reflect on, but to practice months before the Russian Revolu- that are not taking direct aim at and fellowship coincide with silence. Afterwards, his invitation to tion, the Congregation continually Christians in the Middle East make or complement the local Jewish sea- prayerful silence was echoed and re- has had to face the real persecution life extremely difficult for them, side communities’ celebration of the inforced by one of my favorite lines and threatened existence of some of and so many decide to seek a more high holidays of Rosh Hashanah and which was chanted the the Eastern churches it was founded peaceful life for themselves and Yom Kippur usually falling during : “O we see most to fortify. their families outside the . the latter half of September. These eloquent orators mute as fish before Until 1989-90, many of the Byz- One impact of the “exodus,” he Jewish holydays make an interesting you; for they are at a loss to explain antine Catholic churches – includ- said, is the greater globalization of parallel with our Byzantine liturgi- how you gave birth and yet abide a ing, notably, the Ukrainian Catholic the . While 100 cal calendar which commences on Virgin….” Church, the largest of all the Eastern years ago, when the Congregation for the first day of September, followed Throughout the ensuing thought- churches – were either outlawed or Eastern Churches was established, two weeks later by the solemn feast provoking presentations, Father severely repressed by the commu- only a few Eastern churches had of Exaltation of the Holy Cross. Boniface continually focused on nist governments of Eastern Europe, eparchies – – outside their Both First Covenant and New Cov- and stressed the virtue of apatheia, said Archbishop Cyril Vasil, a mem- traditional homelands, today they enant believers mirror one another passionlessness, as taught by the ber of the Slovak Catholic Church can be found in Australia, North in commemorating the start of a Desert Fathers. These em- and Secretary of the Congregation. and South America and scattered new year linked together with a day phasized and highlighted the need across Western Europe. of atonement for sin, a perfect op- No sooner had the Soviet Bloc portunity and environment for our for all followers of to empty disintegrated and once-persecuted “In Sweden today, a third of the annual priest retreat. their hearts of the passions, to allow churches begun to flourish, then Christians are Chaldeans or Arme- the refulgent light producing pres- the first Gulf War broke out and nians,” he added. “In Belgium and The first conference began on ence of our loving Savior to flow in, then there was the invasion of Iraq. Holland, where Catholicism has suf- Monday evening with the retreat heal and abide within us. And the turmoil of the Arab Spring fered a decline, communities are re- master: Dom Boniface Hicks, a hi- across North Africa and the war in born Continued on page 5 eromonk (priest ) from Continued on page 8

Slovak Festival of NJ—p4 Days of Spirituality and Trips Bishop’s Appeal 2018—p7 Theology of the Body with Eparchial Priests—p6 Conference—pp14 Page 2 Eastern Catholic Life NOVEMBER 2017 I Lift Up My Eyes... Pastoral Reflections of Bishop Kurt A Great Chasm is Fixed Between Us

studied advanced physics, emigrated to the When I was living in Southern California, I was United States, built and sold a highly successful called out by the police one night to a corpse ly- scientific company, and was comfortably retired ing in the middle of the street. A teenager was at- but still working as a consultant for Boeing. He tempting to rob a house, but the homeowner was was going to visit his relatives in Israel who now an off-duty policeman. The teenager shot at the spoke Hebrew, but they all shared the common homeowner, who was only standing in the door language of Russian. of his own home, and the homeowner then drew a weapon and killed the teenager. The young man e compassionate as your Father is com- He said that although he was Jewish, he was passionate.” For a month or so we have died in the very act of breaking one of the Ten “B not an orthodox Jew, and rejected most of the Commandments, and doing so for greed. The been reading from “The of Compassion”, teachings of the . He could not accept the that is to say, “ according to Saint Luke.” young man was of a Mexican-American heritage, violence and savagery of the early parts of the which is why the police called a Catholic priest Some people call Saint Luke’s Life of the Jewish Bible. I offered my own opinion, that all “Gospel of Compassion” because the word “com- to be present. However, the family had rejected of ancient history is extremely violent and sav- the Catholic faith in order to join a Pentecostal passion” appears so often. The most striking -ex age, that homicide was an accepted tool in every ample is in the verse where Jesus says, “Be compas- church. Their church had no or last ancient culture, and according to archeologists, and no for the dead, so they had to sionate as your Father is compassionate.” In Saint even more so before civilization. I believe that Matthew’s Gospel, the parallel verse says, “Be accept that there was nothing their could it is in the Jewish scriptures, or what we call the offer except comfort and soothing words. One perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” Some , that we can see God gradually translations use the word mercy instead of com- of my saddest memories of my life is leaving that trying to teach us NOT to act that way. I showed scene with the teenager dead in the street, the passion in the English language. Either way, you him examples from the scriptures how it was his get the idea. Not only does the word compassion phalanx of law enforcement vehicles with their own ancestors who taught the rest of us to live lights flashing, and the family that had left their appear a great deal, but several of our favorite by God’s law, and to give up murder, adultery, stories of God’s mercy are in the Gospel of Saint Catholic faith for the Church with no absolu- stealing, and all the other savagery of the ancient tion or prayers for the dead. Even though he was Luke and nowhere else, for example, the lost coin world. Even, for example, capital punishment and the prodigal son. struck down in the act of violating God’s law, I in the law of Moses was implemented in ways to don’t know what became of his soul, so I still pray As we read through the Gospel in the last few avoid sadism. The Jews were even required to for him today from time to time. weeks, the general thrust of the public life of Jesus show respect for the corpse of an executed crimi- was similar to the other . Jesus is iden- nal, because he was still made in the image and Getting back to the Gospel of Saint Luke, in a tified at His in the Jordan by the Holy likeness of God. Moving forward in the Bible, lengthy section on the mercy of God, Jesus tells Spirit and voice of —we call it the Jewish prophets taught that God was angri- us a series of stories about God’s search for the the Theophany or . Jesus then went on est at us when we mistreated the poor and help- lost. What man among you, He says, if he has to show His identity by His works, not by His less, and that mercy and compassion were more lost one of his sheep, will not leave the others and claims. He showed that He had power over all important than all the rituals of the temple. The search for the lost one? Just so I tell you, there disease whether physical, spiritual, or mental, Russian-American physicist said that he had nev- and that He had power over demonic entities, er looked at it that way before, and he was going power over the weather, and even the power to to reconsider his own heritage. call the dead back to life. This of events This Russian-American Jew then asked me an is summarized when Jesus says to the followers important question. He said, “Do you believe of Saint John the Baptizer, “Go tell John what that God will forgive any sin?” I told him that I you have seen and heard: the blind receive their believe that God can forgive any sin. He told me sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, and the he could not accept that. He said, “What about deaf hear, the dead are raised up, the poor have Stalin? How could God ever forgive a man who the good news preached to them.” Saint John the caused so much suffering and death to so many Baptizer would surely recognize these works as millions of people?” Well, I had to answer that the credentials of the Messiah, the One foretold even though I believe God can forgive that, I by Moses and the prophets. don’t believe that He does. In the case of Stalin, Having established his identity, and confirm- there is no evidence that Stalin ever repented of ing it at Caesarea Philippi and the Transfigura- his choices. Stalin rejected all of God’s laws and tion, Jesus begins to teach more extensively, and made himself a god, even the only god, not tol- Saint Luke’s Gospel does seem to have a special erating any rivals. Even up until his death, the emphasis on the mercy and compassion of God. most powerful men in Russia were terrified of his Nowadays, there is a lot of talk about God’s infi- bloody jealousy. I suppose we parted with mu- nite mercy, and the phrase “unconditional love” tual respect—he gave me his business card and said he would like to continue our discussion is very popular. How far does God’s mercy go? It of the is safe to say that God’s mercy goes further than someday. any of us can possibly imagine; after all, God So, we still have the question, does God forgive will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who Himself is so far beyond our comprehension or everything? I think that the answer to that repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons imagination. But, we still have the question, can question is related to another question, will God who need no repentance. Then Jesus talks about God forgive every possible sin, and will God for- ever take away your free will? All of our spiritual the woman who searches her house for the miss- give every possible sin? and moral tradition, from Moses to Jesus to ing coin, and joyously tells all her neighbors when she finds it. And then Jesus tells us the story of Some years ago, I took my first and only trip the great , agree that God always gives us the Prodigal Son. All of these stories are such to the Holy Land. I wore my clerical suit on the freedom, and sin takes away our freedom. It a comfort to us as we fall into sins of weakness long flight from Los Angeles to Tel Aviv. I sat seems to me the question is not will God always throughout our lives. Perhaps we fall briefly, like next to an older man who made it a point to tell forgive, but rather, do we have the power to reject the coin that rolled under the couch. Or perhaps me that, even though he was Jewish, he greatly God’s mercy. It seems to me that when someone we completely abandon the right path for a while, respected my beliefs and my life work. He had chooses evil as the final answer, that when like the Prodigal Son. He experienced the plea- an interesting story. He was a Russian Jew who someone definitively rejects God’s mercy, then final condemnation is respect for our free will. sures of some parties in his father’s house, and NOVEMBER 2017 Eastern Catholic Life Page 3 so he took all of his inheritance to the city where There is a traditional distinction between sins tion of fasting on almost all Wednesdays and Fri- he heard the parties never stop. When that party of weakness and sins of malice. When most peo- days, there are four periods in our Church when finally stopped, and his money ran out, he goes ple talk about sin; when they confess their sins; we are encouraged more serious fasting. There home with a changed heart and his father comes and when they talk about God’s limitless mercy, are smaller fasts before the Feast of Saints. Peter running out to meet him. they are talking about sins of weakness, and you and Paul on June 29 and before the feast of the could see a parallel in the stories told by Jesus. In Dormition on August 15. Then there are two But soon after, Jesus shocks us. Jesus tells us the stories with the happy ending, the sins may great fasts. The greatest is before and we the story of the Rich Man and Lazarus, the poor have been sins of weakness or ignorance or fool- call it by the ancient Anglo-Saxon word Lent. man. The rich man parties all the time in luxury ishness. In the final story, where the man is tor- And the other great fast is before and while the poor man sits outside the gate longing mented for eternity, he knew God’s law and was is called the Philipovka or the Saint Philip Fast. It to share just enough to eat. He is diseased from confronted with his selfish choice every day at his is called the Philipovka because it begins on No- malnutrition, and Jesus even adds the touching gate. Perhaps he was guilty of a sin of malice, not vember 15, the day after the feast of Saint Philip detail that the dogs came and licked his sores. a sin a weakness. the Apostle. The fast runs from November 15 This pitiful story has a happy ending for the poor through December 24. It is because of this an- man: when he dies, he is carried by the angels Even if God does treat sins of weakness with cient fast that December 24 is a day of strict fast, to the bosom of Abraham. What about the rich more mercy than He does sins of malice; even if and our ancestors served so many wonderful man? He is taken to a place of torment in the un- it is easier to repent from sins of weakness than vegetarian dishes at the Holy Supper on Christ- derworld, Hades. But can’t God forgive the rich from sins of malice; nevertheless, the great spiri- mas Eve. man? Jesus says definitively in the story, between tual masters warn us severely: sins of weakness the paradise of Lazarus and Abraham and the will inexorably lead to sins of malice! The teen- In the Gospels, we read that Jesus told the place of torment there is a barrier that cannot be ager who died in the street was led into his gang Pharisees that His followers would fast after He crossed. As Abraham says in the story, “between life by peer pressure. The rich man ended up self- was gone. We keep these traditional fasts in or- us and you a great chasm has been fixed, in or- ish from indulging his sensual pleasures. Even der to support and encourage each other in this der that those who would pass from here to you evil Stalin began in a , but was seduced holy practice. Fasting is one of the traditional may not be able, and none may cross from there by the glamor of revolution. There is no doubt ways to repent and discipline ourselves to avoid to us.” There are many people nowadays who do that sins of weakness, when they are indulged, sins of weakness. The disappearance of fasting not believe in an eternal hell, and many people will lead to sins of malice. from our culture has been in tandem with the who say that everything will be forgiven. But the loss of belief in sin and the loss of fear of hell. It’s words of Jesus in the Gospel of Saint Luke, some- In our Church, we are blessed with four fasting fascinating (sort of like the same fascination of a times called the Gospel of Compassion, are clear periods. Actually, by ancient tradition, Chris- train wreck) to watch our culture reject fasting, for anyone to read and understand. It seems from tians should fast two days out of every week reject sin, and reject fear of hell, while embrac- the teachings of Our Lord that God can forgive (except festal weeks). We know from the very ing every other strange diet or exercise based on any sin, but God does not have to forgive every beginning the Christians fasted on Wednesdays fads or ignorance or even pagan religion. It is a sin. He gave us free will, and He respects our free and Fridays. This tradition continued until re- great blessing to be in a Church that still encour- will. We can choose to reject His law right up to cently in our church. (I remember in seminary ages traditional fasting. The Saint Philip Fast is some of the guys laughing affectionately at lunch our last breath, whether we die in the act of com- coming soon. Make the most of it! mitting a murder, or whether we die a peaceful on Wednesday. “I know what my grandmother death surrounded by luxury, or whether we com- is eating.” Then others would finish his sentence, “…a cheese sandwich!”) But on top of the tradi- bine both sins by choosing euthanasia.

Parish Education Calendar 2017-2018 Education Calendar 2017-2018 (continued)

Saturday October 7, 2017 from 10 AM- 3 PM: Parish Education Day Saturday ParishFebruary Education 7, 2018 Calendarfrom 10 AM 2017- 3- 2018PM: Pysanky(continued) Workshop with Fr. John Zeyak, “Living As Disciples” taught by Maria Cicarelli and assisted by Keith Koshute. Fee: $5 per Saturday February 7, 2018 from 10 AM- 3 PM: Pysanky Workshop family, includes materials. October 15, 2017 at 9:30 AM: Presentation by Leslie Moyer taught by Maria Cicarelli and assisted by Keith Koshute. Fee: $5 per

“Because You’re worth it” for 7-8th & High School & Parents between Wednesdayfamily, includesParish February Educationmaterials. 21, 2018 Calendar Same 2017 sess-i2018on given (continued) at Noon AND 6 PM in the AV room in the ECF hall followed by prayer: Parish Lenten Education session with Fr. Jim Parish Education Calendar 2017-2018 Saturday ParishFebruary Education 7, 2018 Calendarfrom Same 10 AM 2017 sess- 3- i2018PM:on given Pysanky(continued) at Noon Workshop AND 6 PM SperaWednesday “Living February As Missionary 21, 2018 Disciples” (snow date Wednesday Feb 28) Wednesday November 29, 2017 at 5:30 PM: Meager Meal (Soup, followedtaught by by Maria prayer Cicarelli: Parish and Lenten assisted Education by Keith session Koshute with. Fee: Fr. Jim $5 per Saturday October 7, 2017 from 10 AM- 3 PM: Parish Education Day Saturday February 7, 2018 from 10 AM- 3 PM: Pysanky Workshop bread, PB & J) in the Parish Hall and Reflection by Kathy Szarko “On Sperafamily,Saturday “Living includes March As Missionarymaterials.3, 2018 from Disciples 11:30 AM” (snow - 3 PM date: Parish Wednesday Education Feb Day 28) with Fr. John Zeyak, “Living As Missionary Disciples” taught by Maria Cicarelli and assisted by Keith Koshute. Fee: $5 per the Nativity Icon,” followed by Emmanuel Moleben @ 7 PM on End-of-Life Issues and Ethics with Mr. Dominic Lombardi Wednesdayfamily,Saturday includes March February materials.3, 2018 21, from 2018 11:30 Same AM sess - 3ion PM given: Parish at Noon Education AND 6 Day PM Sunday October 15, 2017 at 9:30 AM: Presentation by Leslie Moyer from 10 AM- 3 PM: Parish Education Day followed by prayer: Parish at Lenten9 AM: Palm Education Sunday session & The with Feast Fr. of Jim the “BecauseSaturday DecemberYou’re worth 2, 2017it” for 7-8th & High School & Parents between WednesdayonSunday End- ofMarch-Life February Is25,sues 2018 and 21, Ethics2018 Same with Mr. sess Dominicion given Lombardi at Noon AND 6 PM with Basilian Sisters Sr. Joann & Sr. Ann and Ann Koshute & Marie SperaAnnunciation “Living As Liturgy Missionary followed Disciples by Parish” (snow Brunch date and Wednesday Easter Egg FebHunt 28) liturgies in the AV room in the ECF hall followedSunday March by prayer 25, 2018: Parish at Lenten9 AM: Palm Education Sunday session & The with Feast Fr. of Jim the Nester “Living As Missionary Disciples” SperaSaturdayAnnunciation “Living MarchJune As Liturgy 2 ,Missionary3, 2018 2018 followed from from Disciples 10 11:30 byAM Parish – AM ”3 (snowPM Brunch- 3: PMParish date: andParish WednesdayEd Easterucation Education Egg Day FebHunt withDay 28) Wednesday November 29, 2017 at 5:30 PM: Meager Meal (Soup, Sunday December 10, 2017 at 9 AM: Maternity of Anna & St. onFr. EndAlexei-of Michalenko-Life Issues and with Ethics Sr. Victoria with Mr. and Dominic Sr. Mary Lombardi Ann of the bread, PB & J) in the Parish Hall and Reflection by Kathy Szarko “On Saturday MarchJune 2, 3, 2018 2018 from from 10 11:30 AM – AM 3 PM - 3: PMParish: Parish Education Education Day withDay Nicholas Celebration with Parish Brunch Community of the Mother of God of Tenderness (CMGT), “Living As the Nativity Icon,” followed by Emmanuel Moleben @ 7 PM onSundayFr. EndAlexei- ofMarch Michalenko-Life Is25,sues 2018 and with at Ethics 9 Sr. AM: Victoria with Palm Mr. and Sunday Dominic Sr. Mary & The Lombardi Ann Feast of the of the Missionary Disciples” Wednesday December 13, 2017 at 5:30 PM: Meager Meal (Soup, AnnunciationCommunity of Liturgy the Mother followed of God by Parishof Tenderness Brunch and (CMGT) Easter, “Living Egg Hunt As Saturday December 2, 2017 from 10 AM- 3 PM: Parish Education Day Sunday March 25, 2018 at 9 AM: Palm Sunday & The Feast of the bread, PB & J) and Reflection by Fr. John Szada followed by Missionary Disciples” with Basilian Sisters Sr. Joann & Sr. Ann and Ann Koshute & Marie AnnunciationSaturday June Liturgy 2, 2018 followed from 10 byAM Parish – 3 PM Brunch: Parish and Ed Easterucation Egg Day Hunt with Emmanuel Moleben @ 7 PM Nester “Living As Missionary Disciples” Fr. Alexei Michalenko with Sr. Victoria and Sr. Mary Ann of the Saturday June 2, 2018 from 10 AM – 3 PM: Parish Education Day with Wednesday December 20, 2017 at 5:30 PM: Meager Meal (Soup, Community of the Mother of God of Tenderness (CMGT), “Living As Sunday December 10, 2017 at 9 AM: Maternity of Anna & St. AllFr. Alexei programs Michalenko take place with at Sr. St. Victoria Ann Byzant and Sr.ine Mary Catholic Ann ofChurch, the 5408 bread, PB & J) followed by Christmas Hymn Sing-a-long and Missionary Disciples” Nicholas Celebration with Parish Brunch LocustCommunity Lane, of Harrisburg, the Mother of PA God 17109. of Tenderness For more (CMGT) details, “Living on events, As Emmanuel Moleben @ 7 PM All programs take place at St. Ann Byzantine Catholic Church, 5408 location,Missionary orDisciples speakers,” please contact Angela Sedun at Wednesday December 13, 2017 at 5:30 PM: Meager Meal (Soup, Locust Lane, Harrisburg, PA 17109. For more details on events, at 8:30 PM: Christmas Pageant and [email protected] or at 717-490-1284. bread,Sunday PB December & J) and Reflection24, 2017 by Fr. John Szada followed by location, or speakers, please contact Angela Sedun at Liturgy Continued → Emmanuel Moleben @ 7 PM StAnnBy [email protected] or at 717-490-1284. All programs take place at St. Ann Byzantine Catholic Church, 5408 Locust Lane, Harrisburg, PA 17109. For more details on events, Wednesday December 20, 2017 at 5:30 PM: Meager Meal (Soup, All programs take place at St. Ann Byzantine Catholic Church, 5408 location, or speakers, please contact Angela Sedun at bread, PB & J) followed by Christmas Hymn Sing-a-long and Locust Lane, Harrisburg, PA 17109. For more details on events, StAnnBy [email protected] or at 717-490-1284. Emmanuel Moleben @ 7 PM location, or speakers, please contact Angela Sedun at [email protected] or at 717-490-1284. EASTERN Sunday December CATHOLIC 24, 2017 at 8:30 LIFE PM: Christmas 445Pageant Lackawanna and Vigil Avenue Father James Badeaux, Editor Liturgy WoodlandContinued 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 the Most Reverend Bishop Eastern Catholic Press Association President and Publisher www.EparchyofPassaic.com Page 4 Eastern Catholic Life NOVEMBER 2017 People You Know Around the Eparchy In Baltimore...

Father Conan Howard Timoney, receiving his doctorate at the Andover Newton is now in a pro- pastor of Patronage of the Mother of Andover Newton Theologicalcess of merger with Yale University God Parish, received an invitation to School in Boston, MA. His classes at the New Haven campus. The con- attend an academic convocation at there were taken at the Andover vocation was focused on the process the Yale University Divinity School Newton campus and the Harvard of its merger with Yale University. in New Haven, CT. Father Conan University Graduate School of was celebrating forty years since Business.

In Binghamton... Members of GCU Lodge #47 and parishioners of Byzantine Church in Binghamton, NY, have been meeting weekly for Pan’i Michelle Tomas’ Crochet Club. Beginners and experts have enjoyed the tutoring and leadership that Pan’i Michelle has to offer. The ladies have crocheted lovely hats for the oncology department of our local hospital. These hats are available to chemotherapy patients free of charge. In the future, the Crochet Club is looking forward to stitching other items, such as lap afghans, for nursing home residents. This is a wonderful way to spend an evening!

40th Annual Slovak Heritage Festival of New Jersey By Father John Zec, photos by Pan’i Anna Vavrak

he Slovak Heritage Festival of Traditional Slovak food was of- NJ celebrated a milestone of fered as well as souvenirs and items 40T years this September. This year’s from the “Old Country.” The pro- festival was held on the 16th of Sep- gram included the national anthems tember at the Middlesex County, of and USA; greetings, per- Fairgrounds in East Brunswick, NJ. formances by children from Lipka As has been the custom for many Academy; folk ensemble Limbora; years, Slovaks and Rusyns from a Slovak singers: Nika Karch and Bea- wide area of the Northeast gath- ta Dubasova, Arian Lem Joy Trio; ered to honor the Slovak and Rusyn and Vox Ethnika. culture, language and heritage with songs, dances and most importantly Editor’s Note: John Duch, Esq., faith, prayer, and thanks to God. parishioner of Saint Michael Cathedral in Passaic; a leader in NJ’s The day began with Divine Slovak and Rusyn Community; and Liturgy concelebrated at 11:00 AM former Deputy Mayor of Garfield, NJ, by Bishop , SJ, Ad- was a co-chairman of this event. He ministrator of the Eparchy fell asleep in the Lord before this year’s of Parma, and Bishop Kurt, festival. May his memory be eternal! Bishop of Passaic, and various Vičnaja jemu pamjat’! clergy from the Eastern and Western churches. Among the clergy were Father John Zec, Father Richard Baker, Father Jozef Krajnak, Father Stefan Chanas and Father Martin Vavrak and two seminarians: My- ron Kerul-Kmec, Jr., and Michael Kunitz. Among the more than 3,000 thousand people in attendance, and at least 500 just at Hierachical Di- vine Liturgy, was Miroslav Lajcak, of Foreign and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic and President of the 72nd UN General Assembly, and other dignitaries from the Slovak Republic. Left to Right: Mrs. Nina Holy, chairperson of the Slovak Heritage Festival; Father Richard Baker; Bishop Milan Lach, SJ, Administrator of the Eparchy of Parma; Father Stefan Bishop Milan delivers remarks. Chanas; Bishop Kurt Burnette of Passaic; Seminarian Michael Kunitz; Father Martin Vavrak; and Seminarian Myron Kerul-Kmec, Jr. NOVEMBER 2017 Eastern Catholic Life Page 5 Congregation Centennial ...Continued from page 1

Archbishop Vasil said others risk losing their Eastern Catholic identity through assimilation. Some of the blame, at least before the , lies with the Vatican and the - hierarchy and religious orders, who, for decades encouraged Eastern Catholics to be more like their Latin-rite brothers and sisters. Vatican II urged a recovery of the Eastern Catholic traditions, liturgy and spirituality. But, especially for Eastern Catholics living far from their churches’ homelands, uprooting vestiges of the “Latinization” can prove difficult, Archbishop Vasil said. Using his own Slovak Catholic Church as an example, he said have been asked, begin- ning September 1, to return to the Eastern Cath- olic tradition of administering baptism, chrisma- tion () and the together at the same liturgy, even for infants. In Slovakia, (standing, from left to right) Bishop Milan ŠaŠik of Uzhorod, Ukraine (facing away); as in some parishes in North America, East- Metropolitan Archbishop Jan Babjak, SJ, of Presov, Slovakia; and Metropolitan Archbishop William Skurla of Pittsburgh. (seated, from left to right) Cardinal Angelo Bagnasco of Genoa, ; Cardinal Péter Erdő, of Hungary; ern Catholics adopted the Latin-rite Church’s and Svjatoslav Shevchuk, Archbishop of Kiev, Ukraine. practicing of withholding the Eucharist until a with the arrival of new Christians, which is a re- gregations for Bishops, Clergy, Religious, Divine child is about 7 and then celebrating the child’s minder of the importance of immigrants bringing , and Education. It supports the Pon- first . their faith with them.” tifical Oriental Institute, which offers advanced Especially for Eastern Christians whose degrees in Eastern , spirituality, ancestors immigrated two or three or four In countries like Italy, where thousands of and . And it also coordinates the work generations ago, the archbishop said, maintaining Ukrainians and Romanians have come to work, of a funding network known by the Italian acro- their specific identity as Chaldean, Ruthenian or they add ritual diversity to the expressions of nym ROACO; the U.S.-based Catholic Near East Syro-Malankara Catholics is a challenge. Catholicism already found there, he said. Welfare Association and Pontifical Mission for The growing movement of people around the Palestine are part of that network. “The greatest danger in the coming years is ex- tinction,” Archbishop Vasil said. “We don’t know globe means that part of the Congregation’s job The Congregation’s approach in some areas is what history has in store for us, but we make is to work with the Latin-rite bishops and dio- different than its Latin-rite counterparts because sure we have done everything possible to avoid ceses, “sensitizing church public opinion” to the it follows the Eastern Catholic traditions and the this danger.” existence, heritage, needs, and gifts of the East- Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches. For in- ern Catholics moving into their communities, stance, some of the Eastern churches ordain mar- the archbishop said. Where an Eastern Catho- ried men to the priesthood. lic hierarchy has not been established, the local Latin-rite bishop has a responsibility “to accept, And, like the Congregation for Bishops, the welcome and give respectful support to the East- Congregation for Eastern Churches helps prepare ern Catholics” as their communities grow and be- the nomination of bishops by Francis, but come more stable. only for dioceses outside the Eastern churches’ traditional homeland. The Eastern Catholic The idea, Archbishop Vasil said, is to help the synods of bishops elect new bishops closer to local Latin-rite bishop seriously ask himself, home and submit their names to the pope for his “How can I help them free themselves of me and assent. get their own bishop?” But the Congregation’s primary concern is the Although it has only 26 employees – count- survival of the Eastern Catholic churches, which ing the , Cardinal Leonardo Sandri, and is an issue not only in places where Eastern Cath- the receptionist – the Congregation for East- olics are threatened with death or driven from ern Churches works with 23 Eastern Catholic their homelands by war. churches and communities, fulfilling the same Metropolitan Archbishop William Skurla of Pittsburgh is tasks that for Latin-rite Catholics fall to the Con- greeted by at the Wednesday Papal Audience

Eat In Slavic Food Carryout Festival and Bake Sale

—Featuring Eastern European ethnic foods— Holupki, Pirohi, Haluški, Kielbasi, & Sauerkraut

—Bake Sale—Including “our own” Kolachi/Kalãcsi: nut, poppyseed, lekvar/prune, apricot, and raspberry Plus a wide selection of cakes, pies, cookies, and many other sweet treats

—Raffle—1st Prize: Apple iPad 32bg, 2nd Prize: $250, plus 4 additional prizes Saturday, November 4th, 2017 10AM to 3PM

St. Byzantine Catholic Church 12420 Old Gunpowder Road Spur, Beltsville, MD 20705 For information, call: (301) 953-9323 or (301) 474-2219 Page 6 Eastern Catholic Life NOVEMBER 2017 Day of Spirituality Saturday, December 9, 2017 Saints Peter and Paul Parish Center, Warren, OH

The Benedictine Sisters of the Byzantine Church at Queen of Heaven Monas- The presenter will be Bishop John M. Kudrick, Bishop Emeritus of the Eparchy of tery, Warren, Ohio, are a Day of Spirituality in preparation for Christmas on Parma. His presentation considers answers to the questions: “Where should we seek the Saturday, December 9, 2017, from 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM. It will be held at Saints Peter Lord?” and “Why do we need to seek Him? Why doesn’t He just show himself?” and Paul Parish Center at 180 Belvedere Ave., N.E., Warren, OH. To register, please call 330-856-1813 or e-mail [email protected] by Friday, December 1, 2017. There will be time for reflection, questions, and refreshments, and an opportunity to receive the Mystery () of Reconciliation. You are welcome to pray with the sisters.

Benedictine Sisters of the Byzantine Church Queen of Heaven Monastery • 169 Kenmore Avenue NE #301 Warren, Ohio 44483 • 330-856-1813

Annual Circulation Report

Join Father Jim Badeaux on a faith and fun-filled trip! The Best of Eastern Canada July 31 - August 7, 2018 “From elegant cities to Mother Nature’s Wonders”

8 Day, 7 Night trip featuring: Montréal, Québec City, Ottawa, Toronto, Miraculous Shrine of Sainte-Anne-de- Beaupré, Basilica of Notre-Dame-du-Cap, Niagara Falls, the 1000 Islands. Includes: Full itinerary with 4-star accommodations, airfare, transfers, transportation to the airport, many meals and much more. Double rate: $3,059 ------Trip Presentation - January 18! ------Please call Fr Jim for a full itinerary or to RSVP for presentation Father Jim Badeaux +1(908)725-0615

Danube River Cruise 14 DAY CRUISE and LAND Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Poland Hosted by Fr. Ed Cimbala Pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Byzantine Catholic Church Levittown, PA October 31 – November 13, 2018 For more information, please contact Fr. Ed Cimbala at 908-872-2928 [email protected] Susan Prendergast Select International Tours - 800-842-4842 [email protected] Trip Web-page For More Details & Brochure http://www.olphbyz.com/Pg/DanubeCruise.html

Danube River Cruise – Join Fr. Ed Cimbala for a 14 day river cruise and land adventure to Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, and Poland - October 31 to November 13, 2018. For more information, please contact Fr. Ed Cimbala at 908-872-2928 or [email protected]. You can contact the travel agency direct by calling Susan Prendergast at Select International Tours, 800-842-4842, [email protected]. For a complete presentation of the trip and an online brochure visit the Trip Web-page at http://www.olphbyz.com/Pg/DanubeCruise.html.

NOVEMBER 2017 Eastern Catholic Life Page 7 nnua 2017 ’s A l A p pp o e h a s i l

B

O Most Holy Theotokos

October, 2017 You are the Gardener of the Gardener of Life. You are the Soil whose Fruit My dear friends, shall not perish, You are the Key to Par- Glory to Jesus Christ! adise. You are the mother of both Lamb If we look around in our society now, it seems and Shepherd, You are the Protection as though the news gets worse and worse. It against unseen enemies, You are more Spa- seems as though a spiritual darkness is descend- I cious than the Heavens. You are the trust of ing on our country, what the scriptures call, “the thank mortals before God, You are the Unfading Rose. web that is woven over all nations, the that God that I ties a reasonable distance away. Even now, God all people”. If we ignore the news, and focus have our Church for support in these times. I can has sent us young dedicated priests with families on our own community and family, we cannot receive the Body and , and I can to renew our communities, and two young men escape it. I asked a local priest the other day how go to to a priest. In our Church, we in the seminary preparing for the priesthood. I he was doing, and he said he had a rough week, have the light of Jesus Christ to guide us through am in awe of the dedication and hard work of so a thirteen year old girl committed suicide in his the darkness. We are guaranteed the truths of the many of our priests, both young and old. God parish—bullied by schoolmates. In my own fam- Gospel in times of doubt. The ancient comfort has been so generous to our Eparchy that we in ily, a young enlisted man has buried too many of the Gospel is preserved from Apostolic times turn have been able to help others. of his close friends in the military—all suicides. fresh and always new. The prophecies about the These were not returning warriors with trauma Messiah are fulfilled today as they were 2000 Every year, I ask you to help with the financial from battle. These were healthy young men who years ago, “The deaf shall hear the words of a support of the integral Eparchy. Your generosity seemed to have everything in life, but found no book, and out of the gloom and the darkness, the allows us to support struggling parishes and to happiness or purpose in this world. eyes of the blind shall see. The lowly shall find establish new missions. Even this summer prom- fresh joy in the Lord, and the poor will rejoice ising new missions have been established in the in the Holy One of Israel.” The Word of God is South to accomodate our faithful moving there. spoken to us in the Holy Scriptures and in our Your support also aids eparchial activities such as sublime Liturgy, filling up the emptiness in our pilgrimages and education, to educate seminar- souls and giving us eyes to see beyond the ma- ians, to bring new priests from Eastern Europe, to terialism and false friendship of this world. God care for priests who are unable to work, and even has blessed our Church on the east coast so abun- to be generous to our Church in Eastern Europe. dantly in the past 125 years. And the generous You make it possible to bring the Light of Christ and faithful people of our Church have built a to the east coast. system of parishes from the north to the south so that we can usually find one of our communi-

Pledge now Through December 31, 2017

In gratitude to God and to honor my commitment to the Church, I have prayerfully BISHOP’S ANNUAL APPEAL 2017 considered my gift to the Eparchy of Passaic this year and faithfully pledge: BYZANTINE CATHOLIC EPARCHY OF PASSAIC One Time Pledge Amount or: 5 Monthly Payments ☐ $ 5,000.00 or: ☐ $ 1,000.00 per month ☐ $ 2,500.00 or: ☐ $ 500.00 per month ☐ $ 1,000.00 or: ☐ $ 250.00 per month ☐ $ 500.00 or: ☐ $ 100.00 per month ☐ $ 200.00 or: ☐ $ 40.00 per month ☐ Other______

Please make check payable and mail to: Address corrections or new donor information: EPARCHY OF PASSAIC, 445 Lackawanna Av., Woodland Park, NJ 07424

Name: or: Address: PLEDGE online at www.eparchyofpassaic.com Parish/City/State:

PRAYERFULLY PLEDGE & RETURN THIS FORM TO THE EPARCHY BY DEC. 31. All Money received after Dec. 31 will be credited to your 2018 tax year. Page 8 Eastern Catholic Life NOVEMBER 2017

2017 Priest Retreat ...Continued From Page 1

Of course, silence was interrupted during the social events which punctuated the three days of recollection: meals, free time periods, and rest; the priest brothers practiced the virtue of gra- cious hospitality by welcoming, and becoming acquainted with our recent arrivals from Europe. The interaction between the clergy came to a dramatic climax one day during the celebration of the . In a quiet moment in the middle of the Liturgy, one could hear the faint cooing of a priest’s baby echoing through the oth- erwise silent chapel! An historic event occurred during our annual retreat normally populated with celibate clergy; a child’s voice, for the first time ever at our priests’ retreat, rang out to the glory of God. In the United States of America, a country where married Catholic clergy was pro- hibited since 1929, out of the mouth of a Byzan- received the Anointing with Holy Oil. The spec- This remarkable act of reconciliation, and the tine Catholic “PK” (priest’s kid) came the praise tacular setting of the San Alfonso Retreat House restoration of the married priesthood in the Unit- of God! on the Jersey shoreline combined both God and ed States, served as a clarion call to Byzantine Ru- sea. Above the continual crescendos and rhythm thenian Catholics, indeed all Eastern Catholics to Throughout the retreat, we were invited to con- of the Atlantic waves, the washing, rolling and en- the New Evangelization of the 2000 Jubilee year. fess our sins in the Mystery of Reconciliation. We countering the American shore; these very same swells which carried our first Byzantine Ruthe- As the retreat drew to a close, our hearts nian Bishop, Basil Takach, to our country; you abounded with the joy of this opportunity of the could hear the voices of the Rabbis petitioning Twenty-first century! The married priesthood is the Lord to pardon transgressions mingled with now restored in the United States. The honored the similar request for reconciliation from the tradition of our Eastern Church not only enriches mouth of Cardinal Keeler on October 3, 1999: our eparchy, but allows us as Byzantine Catholic Latin Catholics ask for pardon as we recall the to evangelize in our own unique way this beloved suffering, pain and loss experienced by our broth- country in which we live. ers and sisters from Eastern Catholic Churches! NOVEMBER 2017 Eastern Catholic Life Page 9

83rd Pilgrimage in Honor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Uniontown, PA — Photos continued from October Issue Page 10 Eastern Catholic Life NOVEMBER 2017

Catechetical Reflections Father Robert F. Slesinski, Ph.D. Man Before God Selfhood as Understood in the Slavic East—Installment 2/3 V. S. Solovyov’s “Syllogism” On the Occasion of the 100th Anniversary of the Bolshevik Revolution

a Father,” he proffers the thought that “the sons Landmarks, The Philosophy of Freedom (1911), of revolution are parvenus,” noting that “revolu- and The Worldview of Dostoevsky (1923). In the tion according to its nature is a rupture with the mocking words of Solovyov, “the Russian intelli- fatherly and sonly hypostases [persons].” He gentsia always reasons according to a strange syl- returns to this imagery when he expounds upon logism: man is descended from the apes, there- culture in contrast with civilization. “Culture,” fore we ought to love one another.” Berdyaev affirms, “is of noble origin;” it “was born from [religious] cult.” In effect, he implies Now what are we to make of this reasoning? that culture is “aristocratic,” whereas civilization What does the first affirmation have to do with suffers from “democratization,” levelling it among the second one? Indeed, there seems to be some the masses, thus insisting that “civilization always incoherence here. But, Solovyov would boldly has the air of the parvenu.” Culture, on the other proclaim that the reasoning found here is, in fact, hand, is always rooted in the past, steeped in the the ethical reasoning of the typical intellectual of traditions that undergird its creative openness to his time. Let us examine the “syllogism”—more a the future, heralding new values. In this perspec- witticism than anything else—in closer detail. The tive, “the revolutionary principle,” to Berdyaev’s first assertion “man is descended from the apes” mind, “by nature is hostile to culture, is anti-cul- is pure Darwinism. It is the thesis of scientific tural,” adding that, given civilization’s accent on materialism and positivism; we need not quibble the present and the acquisition of benefits, “it is on this point. The second one, the conclusion of not by accident, you revolutionaries so love to a “reasoning process,” “therefore we ought to love talk about the bourgeois-ness of culture.” Con- one another” is of an entirely different order; it is Christ in the Garden with Adam and Eve trasting the two again, Berdyaev pointedly states: a thesis of liberal humanism. The two sets of “be- lief” simply do not belong together; a misconnect ar from denying the personhood of revo- “Culture has soul. Civilization only has methods is at work. In a word, one cannot leap from the lutionaries, Berdyaev aptly tags them as and instruments of production.” materialist, scientific order into the realm of the “step-childrenF of God” and not as “children of In this fashion, Berdyaev willingly admits the ethical, i.e., spiritual order. If man is one with the God,” eluding to the fact that somehow they view revolutionaries of his time had caught the spirit apes, there is no reason why one cannot expect themselves as beyond the ken of God, bereft of of the age, itself being the fruit of the positivist humans to act like brute animals, the survival of the loving blessings of Divine Providence. In line outlook on life of nineteenth-century scientists the fittest being the one true implacable reality. with Dostoevsky’s character Ivan Karamazov, and seers, smug in their stance that the religious one of the protagonists of The Brothers Karam- worldview is by now passé and only reflective of This late nineteenth and early twentieth-cen- azov, who, in face of the tears of a child, could not humankind’s alienation from the truly important turies debate, not surprisingly, is not outdated; it but return his “admission ticket” back to God, in life, namely, economic well-being and prosper- is supremely relevant to our own times, wherein thus consciously rejecting Him, the social revo- ity owing to advances in science and technology. the vanguard cry of secular humanism seems to lutionaries of Berdyaev’s time were of the same hold sway: “Science will produce the reign of love ilk. But, for his part, Berdyaev could not but At this juncture, Berdyaev is wont to appeal among men.” The Bolsheviks were clearly wrong bemoan an undeniable Bolshevik social reality, to a philosopher-forebear of his, V. S. Solovyov on this point; the moral truth of the likes of So- scornfully observing “and when the hour of your (1853–1990), the father of Russian philosophy. lovyov, Dostoevsky, and Berdyaev has perdured. domination came, you manifested an unheard-of He too was unmoved by all the positivist currents Indeed, the clash of worldviews is before us right severity, you transformed your country into a sea reigning in intellectual circles of the time, indeed, now. It is a question of the empirical versus the of tears and harmed your people with a limitless openly abhorring them as antithetical to true hu- empyrean (heavenly). quantity of sufferings.” man development and enhancement. Decrying this rampant positivism, Solovyov deftly captures Another imagery for the revolutionary comes the intellectual spirit of his age in an inartful syl- into play with Berdyaev. Affirming once again that logism that Berdyaev was to quote with relish “in the revolution sonship without fatherhood is in a number of his own works like his essays in affirmed” and that “the Son of Man does not have

Life, Love, and the Human Person By Ann M. Koshute, MTS Humble Gratitude t’s happened to all of us on occasion at Di- Himself with us, His lowly creatures). “I wonder Christ. We receive, and make our way back to the vine Liturgy: we step into line to receive the why he/she isn’t going to Communion?” is more , perhaps joining others who didn’t make the Eucharist,I preparing our hearts to receive our often the thought that pops into our heads. As journey through the line with us. “Why didn’t Savior. Our attention is drawn away, noticing we make our way to the , we can’t help but they go to Communion?” we think to ourselves. the people who leave the pew to let others get in notice others not presenting themselves, and we The better question is, “Why amI going to Com- line, but step back in without joining them. With wonder, “What did they do that prevents them munion?” every step, we draw closer to our encounter with from receiving?” These thoughts flow in and out the Living God, but our thoughts aren’t on the of our consciousness, until finally we reach our Two words describe the reality of partaking in miracle about to take place (our Creator uniting destination and come face to face with the risen the Holy Mystery: Communion and Eucharist. NOVEMBER 2017 Eastern Catholic Life Page 11 Both tell us something about the One Whom we Eucharist is the other word to describe the Among the many beautiful in our Byz- receive, and about ourselves. We stand in lines communion between Jesus and us, and it’s par- antine tradition, one of my favorites contains this all the time: at the store, outside a stadium or ticularly apt to consider at this time of year. The line: “Lord, in this Holy Mystery, we give our love theatre, or in any number of situations that take word comes from the Greek “eucharistia,” and it to You, Offering our lives completely, humbly in us outside of the home. The “Communion line,” means “thankfulness.” The Gospels tell us that gratitude.” This sums up the transformative pow- however, is nothing as mundane as any of those. before Jesus instituted the Eucharist (Commu- er of the Eucharist in us, and what should be our Each step forward in that line brings us closer to nion), He first gave thanks. Saint John (17:24) attitude each time we approach Him. Commu- our Lord, God and Savior, Jesus Christ. Christ is clues us in on what Jesus is thankful for: “Father, nion is not merely our duty to fulfill; nor is it a as present to us as He was on this earth two mil- they are your gift to me.” What happened at the reward or “prize” for good behavior. We have no lennia ago. The One Who allowed Himself to be institution of this Holy Mystery – and happens “right” to receive Communion. Nor do we have a contained in the womb of Mary allows Himself to each time the Mystery is re-presented in the Lit- right to make assumptions about those who don’t be contained once again in the as a means urgy – is truly remarkable. “They” refers to us, present themselves. The Eucharist is our person- of meeting each of us here and now. The “com- believers in Jesus. Jesus is thankful for the self- al encounter with Christ, shared with each other munion” taking place is between Him and us, and sacrifice given on our behalf. He is thankful for in the communal experience of the Liturgy. It is it’s a union more intimate than between husband each one of us, and for the gift that we are to Him. the Holiest of Mysteries, the greatest of gifts, and and wife, or a mother and the child she carries in Imagine yourself having to go through something should inspire awe, wonder and humility in us. her womb. It is a union of body and soul – crea- difficult or hurtful, and being grateful for the op- ture and Creator – and it is a miracle that happens portunity it affords you to help a loved one, or Next time we “get in line,” let’s keep our eyes, in our presence at every Divine Liturgy. By His draw closer to God through suffering. If you’re and our minds, on the One waiting to meet us. generosity and the grace given us to approach, like me, it’s pretty much unimaginable! We do If we notice some of our fellow worshippers not Christ permeates every inch of our being: every our best to escape suffering, and even little incon- approaching for Communion, let’s not pass judg- cell in our body, every thought and memory, fill- veniences often seem monumental. But Jesus, ment, but offer a prayer for them. Ifwe’re busy ing us with Himself. Communing with Christ our God, shows us the depth of His love and His asking why others are staying in the pew, we’ll opens us to be transformed by Him, to be re-cre- high regard for us as His by willingly and have little appreciation for why we’re leaving it. ated, to be changed. This change is a conversion thankfully embracing the suffering and death that Let’s approach the chalice – vessel con- of heart that must be on-going; one which calls sets us free. By His example of selfless sacrifice taining the awesome God – with a renewed sense us to not just “get in line” out of habit, but teaches and humble gratitude, Jesus teaches us the mean- of wonder, and Christ’s own “humble gratitude.” us to approach Him, and others, with reverence ing of our humanity: to make a gift of ourselves, and love. Communion with Christ must lead us and to receive others as gifts with gratitude. to deeper communion with each other.

Searching the Scriptures Father Jack Custer, S.S.L., S.T.D. How to Buy a Bible

re you considering giving someone a new version rather than from the Hebrew. Bible this Christmas? Whether you do yourA shopping in a bookstore or online, you will You should choose a readable English be overwhelmed with options. What should a translation. The style of the King James version Byzantine Catholic look for in a Bible? is majestic but does not always make immediate sense Americans four hundred years removed. At THE TEXT: Make sure your Bible is complete. the other extreme, the “Good News” Bible is less Protestant editions lack seven Old Testament a translation than a paraphrase into a very simple books and some portions of others. Make sure form of English for use in mission countries where books treat the same themes. It should have the index lists: Tobit, Judith, 1 and 2 Maccabees, English is not the first language. Some translators information about the author, date and context Baruch, the Wisdom of Solomon and Sirach. stay very close to the original word order, which of each book. Many study include a Some Bibles may call these “Deuterocanonical” can produce clumsy English sentences. Some concordance, which lists words in alphabetical or “Apocryphal” books and include them in an translators try harder than others to translate the order and directs you to every place these words appendix. same Greek or Hebrew word by the same English occur. Many Bibles also include a thematic index, word every time. to help you do extended study on specific topics. THE TRANSLATION: Bibles are marketed with all sorts of names. What really matters is One handy test is to look at a few key passages These study aids are where you will find any the particular English translation. Look for an in any Bible you’re thinking of buying. Try particular preferences and prejudices. The acronym like NAB (New American Bible), RSV Genesis 1 and Psalm 51 (Psalm 50 in translations biblical basis for the Liturgy, the , the (Revised Standard Version), KJV (King James from Latin or Greek), the first chapter of St. role of the Mother of God and the saints will not Version), NKJV (The New King James Version) or John’s Gospel and Jesus’ Eucharistic teaching in be highlighted in Protestant study guides. Bibles NIV (New International Version). There are two John 6. If you’re comfortable with how those marketed as “Catholic” will contain all sorts of questions to ask about any translation: 1. What read, you’ll probably be comfortable with the rest references to specifically Latin practices that are language is the Bible translated FROM? 2. What of the translation too. not part of our life and worship. TheOrthodox kind of English is the Bible translated INTO. Study Bible reflects the Byzantine liturgical and STUDY OR DEVOTION? Will the Bible spiritual Tradition better than any other current Translations from the original languages are be used primarily for prayerful reading or for English edition. Its preference for the Greek preferable. That means Hebrew (with some study? A devotional Bible should have as few version allows us to read the Old Testament as Aramaic) for most of the Old Testament, Greek distractions as possible (subject headings, the Fathers of our Church would have read it. Its for a few Old Testament books, and Greek extensive footnotes, etc.). It should be easy to study guides sometimes take a partisan tone. for the entire . Most modern hold and easy to read. The RSV edition found in translations (beginning with King James) do the in every parish of our Eparchy is a good In the Eparchy of Passaic, you hear two different just that. The “” edition or the example of a devotional Bible. translations in liturgical services. The and “Douay-Rheims” translation, the Bible of choice Gospel are taken from the New American Bible in Catholic homes for decades, does not. It A study Bible will be bulkier. It should include (, 1970) while the are rather puts into English a Latin translation of the notes explaining unfamiliar persons, places and the Grail version produced in England in 1963. Hebrew and Greek original. Some Orthodox things. It should have cross references showing Some altar Gospels contain the translation of Bibles (like the Orthodox Study Bible) translate how Old Testament texts are quoted or fulfilled Baron Jose de Vinck (, 1979). the Old Testament from the pre-Christian Greek in the New Testament or how different biblical Page 12 Eastern Catholic Life NOVEMBER 2017

FatherUnderstanding Joseph Bertha, Ph.D. Icons The Art History of the Pantocrator The Baroque Period Pantocrator Icons he Baroque period encompasses the 16th -17th-18th centuries. During this artistic period,T the Pantocrator icon in churches of Byz- antine design moved their location from the apex of the to the topmost part of the floor-to- ceiling . Our Lord still maintains His position at the very highest location in the church Pantocrator at the Basilica of the National Shrine of architecture. However, Jesus is now shown as an the in Washington, DC enthroned, crowned sovereign, an Some final thoughts and considerations which not so subtly stresses His power as the All- After the careful analysis of the origin and Mighty, or Ruler over all. This change in empha- development of the Pantocrator icon, several sis seems to occur because of the lack of central Pantocrator of Luba Yatskiv in Liviv, Ukraine thoughts immediately come to mind. The single dome or central planned . It Contemporary use of the Pantocrator icon most indication and qualification of the Panto- also coincides with the rise of European kings, The brand-new Luba Yatskiv’s Christ crator icon is the location of the icon! It is almost leaders, and emperors who displayed and wield- Pantocrator in Lviv, Ukraine, shows Our Lord taken for granted that the Pantocrator image of ed their rule and power over their populace. The surrounded by seraphim in the original Byzantine Christ is inserted in the central dome of the Byz- Baroque period is also the period during which location. As can be seen in this photograph, the antine church. the occurred, the challenging of installation scaffolding for the iconographer rises Catholic doctrine; followed by the Counter- to the central dome of the church. The scaffolding Many art historians through the years have Reformation and the emphatic demonstration, in this photograph recalls Jacob’s Ladder from attempted to isolate individual characteristics bolstered by the Jesuit order, of the Catholic faith Jacob’s dream of a ladder reaching from heaven to which display the Pantocrator aspect of Jesus and doctrine defined at the . earth with angels descending and ascending. Luba Christ. As we have read over the past articles Yatskiv, a present-day iconographer, borrows the these include: The Baroque period is also the era when the depiction of the flowing hair of Our Lord, from (Greek Byzantine) Catholic churches were Vasnetsov. Our Savior’s flowing hair, animated 1. two strands of hair over the forehead of Jesus initiated. At the union of Brest-Litovsk in 1596; 2. the arrangement of the fingers of Our Lord by blowing wind of the Holy Spirit, reaches out in the tetragrammaton IC XC and fifty years later at the Union of Uzhorod from heaven in the dome in the Lviv church, in 1646, we witness the beginning of the Greek 3. the arrangement of the right and left eyes of this magnificent Pantocrator. (see image above) Our Savior, right eye directly at the viewer, the left Catholic Church. Greek Catholics continued the eye gazing off to the distance Baroque use of the Pantocrator, which imitated After Vatican II, with the urge to return to the 4. the three-quarter positioning of the head of their Orthodox counterparts, with the depiction origins of Byzantine usage taught by the docu- Our Lord of Our Lord as the Sovereign ruler enthroned 5. the open/closed and located at the apex of the iconostasis. This 6. the bust figure compared with the full figured location continued through the ensuing centuries enthroned 7. whether the figure is labeled Pantocrator in and was even brought over to the USA as the Greek Greek Catholics arrived in North America. In an art history review, all of the above characteristics of the icons of Our Lord Jesus Christ are common to every icon of Our Lord and Savior, however, none of them can be isolated to demonstrate the specific Pantocrator- ness of the icon. Only a single characteristic, which many scholars have curiously overlooked, is the location! Whether in the central area of the interior of the Byzantine Church, the central dome, the apex of the sanctuary apse, or even the Pantocrator in Trumbull, Coneticut heights of the iconostasis, the location within church architecture determines and serves as the ment on the Eastern Churches, we begin to see delineation and designation of the Christ icon the use of Pantocrator in American Byzantine- entitled the Pantocrator. Ruthenian churches. For instance, in Saint John Parish in Trumbull, CT, the Pantocrator is situat- Also necessary for the title and delineation ed in the central dome surrounded by the Apoca- of the Christ Pantocrator icon is the scriptural definition of the Hebrew origin of the Greek word Pantocrator of Vasnetsov lypse text: “I am the alpha and the omega, Who is and Who was and Who is to come, the Almighty.” Pantocrator, El Shaddai. At the establishment At the turn of the twentieth century the Art (see image) of the First Covenant with Abram, God refers Nouveau style of icon painting, especially the to Himself as El Shaddai. This Hebrew term, iconographers Vasnetsov and Nesterov, produced Contemporary Roman Catholics also have besides meaning the All-Powerful or Almighty the softer, less intense models of icons exhibited used the Pantocrator image into their churches as One, also connotes the Sustainer, the Provider. It in the Pantocrator of Vasnetsov (see image well. Most notably the Basilica of the National is in this latter definition that the icon of Christ above). Here Christ is shown as the Byzantine Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Wash- Pantocrator derives it fullness of meaning. Merciful Pantocrator, the Sustainer, the Provider, ington, DC. This Roman Catholic Basilica, built with hair and himation freely flowing in the in Byzantine style architecture, features Jan de In the (Testament), God sus- winds of the Holy Spirit. He holds an open Rosen’s Christ Pantocrator in the eastern sanctu- tains us the through the Eucharist, which enables, gospel book, with the pericope from John 8:12: ary apse . De Rosen, a Polish nobleman strengthens, and sustains us through our earthly “I am the ; he who follows Me who painted many churches in the US, draws his sojourn. Therefore, the Christ Pantocrator will not walk in darkness, but will have the light inspiration from William Blake’s God the Father icon, wherever it is located inside the Byzantine of life.” This style of portrayal places emphasis on iconography for this depiction of the Pantocra- Church portrays God’s role as the Sustainer and the merciful aspect of the All-Powerful Godhead. tor, which evokes the apocalyptic imagery of the Provider of Abraham’s descendants! in the same vein as the Nor- man Sicilian churches discussed earlier. NOVEMBER 2017 Eastern Catholic Life Page 13

Ask a Priest a QuestionFather Vasyl Chepelskyy Can Catholics Attend a Non-Catholic ? Dear Father, and in whom God has reconciled all things to Himself. common, or to find differences and divisions? Is there At the same time, non-Christian religions also contain a sense of respect for persons of other faiths? Is this a We have non-Catholic friends and non-Catholic family elements that are not true. So while Catholics respect family situation where a Catholic has a non-Catholic members. I would like to ask them to attend Liturgy with and affirm the truths of other religions, we do not spouse or family member? us sometimes, but if they should respond by suggesting affirm error. they would if the next time we go with them to a non- Certain services are not appropriate for Catholics Catholic service, I’m not sure how to respond without The question here of course is more complex as it to attend. Catholics should not attend any service sounding offensive. involves members of the same family (and/or close that is explicitly anti-Christian. For example, friends). I think one has to be very prudent and has to activities associated with the New Age movement We received at least three more questions about at- have the feeling of the situation and great sensitivity or the occult should be avoided (cf. Catechism of the tending non-Catholic Church services. So, it appears as to how to deal best with it, as it may differ from case Catholic Church, nos. 2115-17). to be a question and many people look for it to be to case, and it is not possible to give just one answer answered. which would apply to each case. Nevertheless, there Catholics may attend other churches’ services and are some general guidelines which I will discuss here, may sing, pray, etc., but they cannot and should not ur world is marked by ever-increasing com- ever receive communion in a non-Catholic church. Omunication between diverse groups of peo- which come from the teachings of the Church. ple. In Nostra Aetate, the Second Vatican Council’s No Church law prohibits a Catholic from attending So, attending non-Catholic prayer services is not Declaration on the Relation of the Church to Non- a non- service, but certain forbidden. Receiving any sacrament or alleged Christian Religions, the Council Fathers recognized considerations should be kept in mind. sacrament in a non-Catholic church is forbidden. that we are in an age “when men are drawing more Catholics also cannot consider other church’s worship closely together and the bonds of friendship between While considering the attendance of non-Catholic service as fulfilling their Sunday obligation. different peoples are being strengthened” (no. 1). In services, Catholics must use their own prudential our daily lives, we are more likely than ever before to judgment in making the decision, keeping in mind the As human beings, we constantly search, our human encounter a mix of people from different religious necessity to uphold the Catholic understanding of the minds always wondering about things, trying to backgrounds. As a result, the opportunity may arise sanctity of Divine Liturgy. There is also a difference find explanation and understanding. The quest for for Catholics to attend non-Catholic worship services. between attending as a non-participating guest and integral human fulfillment and our own destiny, other actively involving yourself in the service. They must more-or-less important matters can leave us with Non-Christian religions contain elements of the evaluate a given situation and make the best decision many questions. In our lives, it is very important to truth, and the Church “rejects nothing of what is they can. find right answers to all the questions we have. It is true and holy” in non-Christian religions (Nostra especially important when it concerns our faith and Aetate, no. 2). Church regards with sincere reverence The Church urges her sons and daughters to our spiritual journey. Finding the truth and getting a those ways of conduct and of life, those precepts and enter with prudence, charity, and humility into right answer is always liberating and helps us to make teachings which, though differing in many aspects discussion and collaboration with members of other better choices, it brings us inner peace. It can be life from the ones She holds and sets forth, nonetheless religions (cf. Nostra Aetate, no. 2). Before deciding changing. often reflect a ray of that Truth which enlightens all whether to attend a non-Christian worship service, men. Indeed, She proclaims, and ever must proclaim a Catholic should evaluate his reasons for attending. If you have ever wondered what Catholics really believe Christ “the way, the truth, and the life” (cf. John 14:6), For example, is he motivated by a desire to better or just questioned “why is that” about a certain topic, you in whom men may find the fullness of religious life, understand another faith? Is the intent to find what is now have the opportunity to find out. We look forward to your many questions....so ask away!

School of Prayer Father G. Scott Boghossian “Our” Father

ur Lord Jesus Christ gave us the perfect pat- tony, wrath or sloth is born out of a disordered love tern for prayer in the Our Father. In this of self. modelO prayer, He teaches us that God is the Father of all and that we are His children through faith, repen- The whole project of the Christian life is to over- tance, and baptism. Therefore, our fellow believers come our inner selfishness. Our Lord says, “If anyone are closely related to us. They are our spiritual broth- would come after me, let him deny himself and take up ers and sisters. In the Our Father, we use the plural his cross daily and follow me” (Lk. 9:23). Frequently pronoun “our” to remind us that we are part of the throughout his writings, Saint refers to the “flesh.” This term does not necessarily refer Family of God and that we do not pray only for our- time, we must not neglect to pray for others, and we to the physical body, but rather to our fallen human selves as individuals, but we pray for one another, all should ask others to pray for us. Let us bring to God nature, our sinful selfishness. He writes, “those who of our brothers and sisters in Christ. prayers on behalf of our family, our friends, our bish- belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its op, our priests, our nation, our civil authorities, our One of the devastating results of the sin of our first passions and desires” (Gal. 5:24). Praying for others military, the poor, vulnerable, and defenseless unborn parents is that each one of us comes into the world helps us to engender a spirit of generosity and service children, as well as our enemies, those who mistreat turned in on ourselves. We are born with a strong in- and crush our excessive self-love. us, or have injured us in the past. Let us re-member clination to-ward self-centeredness. It seems natural to pray for our deceased relatives and friends, and all to put ourselves before others, to look out for our- When we pray in accord with the spirit of the Our of the deceased members of the . Let selves first, and to assume that everyone else’s lives Father, we pray for others. What we pray for ourselves, us lift up in prayer the One, Holy, Catholic, and Ap- revolve around our own. Depending on the condi- we also simultaneously intend to pray for all. When ostolic Church in communion with the Successor of tions of our own childhood, family life, and personal we present prayers of adoration, contrition, thanks- Peter, the Bishop of Rome. Because there is nothing history, we are all more or less narcissistic and self- giving or petition, we offer them together with, and more important than eternal salvation (Mt. 16:26), absorbed. This tendency toward selfishness is at the on behalf of, our brothers and sisters in Christ, and all let us beg the grace of conversion for everyone who root of our sin problem. Any violation of the law of of humanity in need of God’s saving grace provided does not yet know, love and serve Jesus Christ, the God as found in the Ten Commandments is rooted in for by the death and Christ. only savior of mankind. When we pray the “our” of our distorted egocentrism. Selfishness is at the root of There is nothing wrong with praying for our own the Our Father, we step out of our self-centered con- idolatry, blasphemy, murder, adultery, theft, and lying. individual needs, and our Heavenly Father wants us to cerns and embrace the self-emptying servanthood of Every vice, whether it be pride, greed, lust, envy, glut- come to Him with our personal concerns. At the same Christ (Phil. 2:7). Page 14 Eastern Catholic Life NOVEMBER 2017

The Byzantine Liturgy By David Petras, SEOD What God Desires is Mercy ur Lord once said, “Go and His love for us in that while we were tegrity of our faith. All Christians, clothed me, ill and you cared for learn the meaning of the still sinners Christ died for us” (Ro- both those who are more rigorous, me, in prison and you visited me. words,O ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ mans 5:8). In the (the and those who are more open, know ...Amen, I say to you, whatever you I did not come to call the righteous Prayer of Offering) of Saint John that the God in Whom we believe is did for one of these least brothers but sinners” (Matthew 9:13). The Chrysostom, we quote John 3:16: a God of mercy. Psalm 102:8 pro- of mine, you did for Me’” (Matthew evangelist here has listened to Je- “For God so loved the world that claims: “Merciful and gracious is the 25:34-36.40). Mercy must be the sus quoting the prophet Hosea: He gave His only Son, so that every- Lord, slow to anger, abounding in mark of a Christian life. “For I desire mercy, not sacrifice” one who believes in Him might not merc y.” (Hosea 6:6). Our Lord is truly in perish but might have eternal life.” Some may say that God is just and the prophetic tradition of the Old In His last discourse with His disci- Mercy does not deny the reality punishes sin. This is true, but we see Testament. The Hebrew word that ples, Jesus teaches them, “This is My of sin, but seeks to overcome it by in the story of the Last Judgment in Hosea uses is khésedh, which means commandment: love one another as love. We pray Psalm 50 in our wor- the Gospel of Saint Matthew, chap- “merciful loving kindness.” We see I love you. No one has greater love ship services frequently, it is a cen- ter 25, the greatest sin is the absence this word repeated in every verse than this, to lay down one’s life for tral psalm in , and it begins, of mercy, love, compassion, and of Psalm 135: “...for His mercy en- one’s friends” (John 15:12-13). “Have mercy on me, God, in accord kindness toward others. It is the ab- dures forever,” which is sung in with Your merciful love; in Your sence of love that condemns the sin- the Church at Festal Matins, and When we celebrate the Liturgy, abundant compassion blot out my ner goats. The Christian principle is called by the the “poly- we live in God’s mercy and love. At transgressions. Thoroughly wash is to hate sin, which brings death, eleos psalm,” that is, the “psalm full the very beginning of the Anaphora, away my guilt; and from my sin but to love the sinner, for love is the of mercy.” The Greek word iseleos , the says, “Let us be attentive cleanse me” (Psalm 50:3-4). Holy fountain of life. We must have a true which is repeated often in our Litur- to offer the holy Anaphora in peace.” Communion is the gift of God to us, concept of Who God is. Theologi- gy. It is the refrain for most , We respond, “Mercy, peace, a sacri- it brings us life and also wipes out cally, we must understand that God “ eleison,” “Lord, have mercy.” fice of praise,” which means: “This our sins, as the priest prays when is the loving Creator, Who has given Commenting on this passage, John anaphora is mercy; this anaphora giving Communion, “The servant existence to all that is, and life to us Chrysostom preaches, “Great is the is peace, this anaphora is a sacrifice of God receives the holy Body and who are capable of faith, hope and principle of mercy to God. Not only of praise.” The Divine Liturgy that precious Blood of our Lord for the love. In God, all is one, and His jus- His to us, but also that issuing from we offer is both mercy and sacrifice. remission of sins and life everlast- tice is His mercy. Cardinal Walter us to our fellow servants. In the Old The cross, in fact, reveals to us the ing.” When we are united in Christ, Kaspar helps explain: “The call for Testament and the New, God lays true meaning of sacrifice; it is the we are able to see the image of God mercy surpasses the cry for justice down innumerable laws pertaining fulfillment of all prophecies. We of- in every person, and God’s judg- in the Bible. The Bible understands to this matter. He orders us to be be- fer it, therefore, for communion in ment is about our mercy, “Then the mercy as God’s own justice. Mercy nevolent continually in all quarters, the Holy Spirit, for the fullness of king will say to those on his right, is the heart of the biblical message, through words, money and deeds.” God’s kingdom of mercy and peace, ‘Come, you who are blessed by My not by undercutting justice, but by ( on Repentance and - and “not judgment or condemna- Father. Inherit the kingdom pre- surpassing it.” (Mercy: The Essence giving 10.5.22). tion” ( of the Anaphora of pared for you from the foundation of the Gospel and the Key to Christian Saint ). When we of the world. For I was hungry and Life). Sin is its own punishment, Does this mean that our Divine leave the Divine Liturgy, we “go you gave me food, I was thirsty and because it closes us to God’s mercy. Liturgy, the true sacrifice of Christ forth in peace, in the name of the you gave me drink, a stranger and present in our worship is of lesser Lord.” In Holy Communion, we you welcomed me, naked and you value than per- have been united in God’s merciful Why did God create us male and female? formed in our social lives? By no loving kindness, and as followers means. The Divine Liturgy is the and imitators of Christ, we are to solemn of the carry this mercy into the world. Cross and Resurrection of Christ. M a n & W o m a n The salvation of our Lord is truly In our own time, the importance present. As such, it is an act of mer- of mercy has again been placed at H e Created Th em : cy, for the cross and resurrection is the center of our faith. Pope Fran- Jesus’ mercy and loving compas- cis has actively sought ways that the T h e o l o g y o f t h e B o d y sion. Saint Paul wrote, “God proves Church can be more merciful in its laws, in this way defending the in- How do we know What is God’s plan how God is calling for human love and us to live? sexuality? The Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Passaic subscribes to the

Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People Saturday November 4 at 10am Holy Dormition Friary, PA-93, Sybertsville adopted by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. The Eparchy, within all its parishes, institutions and programs, is com- How do we know God’s plan for human love and sexuality? How does the Church’s mitted to assuring a safe environment in ministry for its children and teaching help us to find true happiness, discover our mission and live according to young people that conforms to Charter requirements. God’s design for our life? Fr Vasyl Chepelskyy, pastor of St John’s in Lansford and adjunct lecturer at DeSales For further information regarding the Eparchial Safe Environment University, will help us look for these answers in the teaching of Pope St John Paul. Program please contact: With prayer and trust, God’s grace will help us to continue to grow in our relationship with God.

Father David J. Baratelli, Ed.S., M.Div. “The human body includes right from the beginning … the capacity of Safe Environment Program Coordinator • 973.890.7777 expressing love, that love in which the person becomes a gift – and by means of this gift – fulfills the meaning of his being and existence.” St. John Paul II Dr. Maureen Daddona, Ph.D. Eparchial Victim Advocate • 516.457.5684 H o l y D o r m it io n F r ia r y This free program is sponsored 712 Hwy 93, Sybertsville, PA 18251 by the 570-788-1212 / [email protected] Bishop Michael Dudick Center. byzfranciscan.org NOVEMBER 2017 Eastern Catholic Life Page 15

to us through the Divine Revelation of His One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church, then we will not be discerning in vain, and Spiritual Reflections we will be properly equipped to apply the Father Lewis Rabayda correct response to this chaotic experience in our society. When God builds the house, it is Courage Through Christ perfect, it is just, it is merciful, it is loving, it is life-giving, and it is courageous. As faithful eople often pine for and search their to their ideals. But the question to be asked Catholics, we should never be afraid to stand whole lives for perfection in humanity. is: Are their ideals the same ideals as God’s? up for the divinely-revealed Truths present in TheyP usually have an ideal in mind of how Are the current popular social efforts in line . As faithful Catholics, it is the best possible human culture and society with the laws of God given to us through our obligation and our joy to share with the should function; they are searching for and Sacred Tradition? Surely, if all of this human entire world and especially with our flawed striving to help create this utopia by their energy were given towards the direction of society the Laws of God that have been own power. However, there has never been God and His laws for humanity, then peace given to us for OUR benefit, for our earthly evidence of this utopia through all the stages would abound and all of humanity would happiness, and ultimately, for our eternal of human history. This utopia cannot exist be experiencing this sought after utopia — salvation. Utopia, and earthly happiness and in our time—or in any time yet to come— but this is not our experience.Our current justice, are only possible in a system that is until the world as we know it passes away experience is a state of complete social based on unconditional love and free will, at the second coming of Christ. As Psalm upheaval, complete rejection of God’s laws, the two fundamental gifts that God so richly 127 says, “Unless the Lord builds the house, and a complete inversion of the application of pours out upon us. It is how we use these gifts those who build it labor in vain” (Ps. 127:1). justice in human systems. This house is poised that will determine the state of our house, There is a lot of vain building going on these to fall because it has not been built by the and as Christ taught us, “the tree is known by days. People all over Western Civilization are Lord, but rather, it has been built by the Great its fruit.” We must have courage to soak up attempting to create what they see as a utopia Deceiver, the Great Adversary, the Father of the nutrients of our faith, to bear good fruit to correct presently perceived injustices and Lies, the Devil.It is up to each of us to discern so beautiful and bright, that when hanging imbalances. Men and women are currently the truth of our current situation, and it is up from our limbs, it is admired by all who see it. expending immeasurable amounts of human to each of us to act accordingly. Referring back “Unless the Lord builds the house, those who energy and capital to create their vision of a to Psalm 127, if we discern our situation from build it labor in vain.” perfect world, or at least, a world that adheres the perspective of God and His Laws given Seasonal Reflections Father Ronald Hatton Touched by an Angel?

your glory, and I have often driven you away by my sleep, while we worship and while we work or play. sins. I pray and beseech you, most holy guardian, “Leaders of God’s armies and ministers of divine be merciful to me, your sinful and unworthy ser- glory, commanders of angels and guides of mor- vant. Be my defender and aid me against my ene- tals, plead on our behalf for what we need and for mies. Through your , make me worthy great mercy, since you are the leaders of the heav- to be a partaker of the kingdom of God with all the enly host” ( for the Feast). saints forever. Amen.” During our Divine Liturgy, we constantly identify ourselves with the angels, The of the Theotokos into the Temple who celebrate the heavenly liturgy: “Around the is an historical feast. According to Tradition, the throne, and on each side of the throne, are four liv- Theotokos was taken – presented – by her parents ing creatures, full of eyes in front and behind: the Joachim and Anna into the Jewish Temple in Jeru- first living creature like a lion, the second living salem as a young girl, where she lived and served creature like an ox, the third living creature with a as a Temple virgin until her betrothal to Saint ith November, we celebrate the Feast of face like a human face, and the fourth living crea- Joseph. One of the earliest sources of this tradition Wthe Holy Archangel Michael and all the ture like a flying eagle. And the four living crea- is the non-canonical Proto-evangelion of James, also Heavenly Hosts (November 8), the Entrance of tures, each of them with six wings, are full of eyes called the Infancy Gospel of James. Mary was sol- the Theotokos into the Temple (November 21), all around and inside. Day and night without ceas- emnly received by the temple community which and prepare ourselves to enter into the time of ing they sing, ‘Holy, holy, holy, the Lord God the was headed by the priest Zachariah, the father of Saint Philip’s Fast and the season. At this Almighty, who was and is and is to come.’” (Rev. . She was led to the holy place to time, I will confine myself to the two feasts, and 4:6-8, NRSV:CE). “Let us, who mystically repre- become herself the “holy of holies” of God, the liv- speak about Advent in my next installment. sent the cherubim, and sing the thrice-holy hymn ing sanctuary and temple of the Divine child who to the life-creating , now set aside all earthly was to be born in her. The Church also sees this Angels are an integral part of the Christian life. cares., that we may receive the King of All, invisibly feast as a feast which marks the end of the physical In the Eastern Churches we acknowledge their escorted by angelic hosts. ! Alleluia! Alle- temple in as the dwelling place of God. role in our daily lives, and even identify ourselves luia!” ( ). We acknowledge that Many hymns are offered for the Vespers and Mat- mystically with them in our liturgical life. Our lives The Cherubic Hymn they are worshiping with us at the priest’s prayer ins of this feast, but I will offer only one for you begin with the baptismal prayer which includes at the Entrance with the Gospel Book: “O Lord, here, which highlights the glory of the Theotokos the line, “During (his-her) lifetime, give (him-her) our Master and God, Who established orders and replacing the glory of the Temple: “O faithful, let the companionship of an angel of light to rescue armies of angels and archangels for the service of us leap for joy today, singing psalms and hymns (him-her) from every snare lying in (his-her) path, your glory in heaven, make this our entrance an of praise in honor of Mary, His Mother, the holy from the encounter of the evil one, from the noon- entrance of holy angels, concelebrating with us Tabernacle and Ark that contained the Word day demon and every evil imagination” (The Rite and glorifying Your goodness.…” We even have Whom nothing can contain. She is offered to of Christian Initiation). In our Morning Prayers, symbolism in the liturgical role of our , God as a child in a marvelous way, and Zechariah there may be this prayer, which I learned during from the flowing of their orarion reminiscent of the high priest receives her with great joy, for she my time in seminary: “O holy Angel of Christ! angels’ wings, to their moving from the Holy of is the dwelling place of the Most High” (Vespers, In homage I come to you, my holy guardian who, Holies (the Altar) to the Holy Place (the Nave), At Psalm 40). How fitting that we celebrate this since my baptism, has been assigned to me to pro- being a symbol of angels moving between heaven feast in the midst of the Philippian Fast as a deep- tect my body and soul. I beseech your powerful and earth (cf. Gen. 28:12, John 1:51). So, angels er preparation for the Feast of the Nativity of our intercession. I have often offended you by my in- are with us, every waking moment and while we Lord. dolence and bad habits. You are without stain in Page 16 Eastern Catholic Life NOVEMBER 2017

Seminarian Reflections Seminarian Paul Varchola West Through the Eyes of a Child lthough seminary formation is. The concepts of bells, akadilnitsa His eyes wide with amazement, he is of time, our logical brains keeps us is extremely demanding and [censer], , candles, light, and not in a church nor is he in this mate- firmly grounded in time, on earth and doesA require me to spend a great deal singing; all of these things have ab- rial world. He is not seeing icons and focused on the tangible nature of our of time away from my family, I am solutely no meaning to you. These smoke, nor is he hearing bells, but reality. fortunate that families are welcomed standard components of any liturgical rather, he is simply experiencing what and encouraged to attend the liturgical service are not tangible or explicable these things create. It seems as if he is As children of God, we must view services held at the seminary. One of in any concrete way, they are purely completely removed from his reality these physical aspects of our liturgical our new “family-time activities” since experiential. This is the level at which of mashed sweet potatoes and being life as simply that, children. We must my entering seminary is attending my son is currently experiencing these forced to play with his older sister’s try to remove ourselves from what Great Vespers on Saturday evenings concepts. There is no point of refer- dolls and is transported to a place of these objects are and allow them to to a communal meal held at ence. He does not care about the awe and wonder in which he truly has be pure experience. Allowing these the seminary. This has proven to quality of the singing. These objects no earthly cares. This is the transfor- things to be what they truly are–the become a greatly anticipated event are merely part of this “world” he hap- mative experience that prayer is sup- shimmering comfort of the saints for our four-year-old daughter and is pens to be in at that moment. posed to have on each of us; however, bringing us into the presence of a wonderful opportunity to gain some is that always the case? God, the Almighty Father–will assist extra prayer time together as a family. As we enter the dimly lit seminary us in finding that place snuggled in Not only does this give me a precious chapel, the bells toll and shake the How often do we enter a church, our parents’ arms that we grew out extra hour with my children, it has room. The golden icons are delicately bless ourselves, go to the same pew of so long ago. Approaching liturgy granted me an opportunity to gain shimmering in candle light, with the that our family has occupied for gen- through the eyes of a child will grant tremendous insight in regard to prayer setting sun providing less and less il- erations, sit down, and look at our us the much-needed rest from our by watching my children throughout lumination. As we take our place, my watch anticipating the end of the ser- worldly lives that we all so desperately these services. son will interact with those imaged in vice because we have other things we need. Entering into prayer with child- the icons before him. He will coo and need to get done such as deadlines for like innocence, feigning the physical As my eight-month-old son blos- giggle, conversing with the icon of St. work or fixing that leak in the roof? I nature of the world around us, will soms into a little boy and is becoming Nicholas directly in front of him as if know I fall into this trap all the time! It liberate us and bring us closer to more and more aware that there is in- he is interacting with one of us. As seems to me, because we have assigned being in the presence of our Heavenly deed a world around him in which he the chapel is incensed, he becomes names and meanings to the various Father. may fully participate, his interactions captivated by the jingling of the bells items I mentioned earlier, they tend to with the vespers service itself have of the kadilnitsa and enthralled by the become material things and perhaps been extremely enlightening. For a incense rising from it, reaching out to lose some of their transcendent quali- moment, I ask you to imagine that you touch the smoke as if he could eas- ties. Rather than allowing the liturgi- know nothing of what an icon screen ily contain it within his tiny fingers. cal items to bring us to a place outside When traveling to the south this winter please visit our churches All Saints Epiphany of Our Lord Holy Dormition Coconut Creek, FL 33073 10291 Bayshore Road 2030 Old Alabama Road 17 Buckskin Lane 1-954-429-0056 North Fort Meyers, FL 33917 Roswell, GA 30076 Ormond Beach Fl 32174 Saint Nicholas of Myra 1-239-543-6363 1-770-993-0973 1-386-677-8704 5135 Sand Lake Road Saint Anne Saint Basil the Great Saints Cyril and Methodius Orlando, FL 32819 7120 Massachusetts Ave. 1475 N.E. 199th Street 1002 Bahama Avenue 1-407-351-0133 New Port Richey, FL 34653 Miami, FL 33179-5162 Fort Pierce, FL 34982 Saint Therese 1-727-849-1190 1-305-651-0991 1-772-595-1021 4265 13th Avenue North Our Lady of the Sign , Fl 33713 7311 Lyons Road 1-727-323-4022 Upcoming Eparchial and Parish Events

Eastern Catholic Life November 23 Circulation Department 1 Feast of Holy Martyr Theodore Happy Thanksgiving! 445 Lackawanna Avenue Romzha, Bishop of Mukachevo Woodland Park, NJ 07424 7 Election Day 23-24 Thanksgiving Holiday Remember to vote. Chancery closed 8 Holy Archangel Michael and All Holy Bodiless Powers of Heaven Next Issue: Solemn Holy Day December, 2017 11 Veteran’s Day Copy Deadline: Civic Holiday November 17 13-16 USCCB Fall Plenary Session Baltimore, MD * Bishop Kurt in attendance The current issue of the ECL 21 Entrance of the Virgin Theotokos was printed at Evergreen Printing, Bellmawr, NJ, and into the Temple was distributed from the Solemn Holy Day U.S. Post Office via second class mailing in Bellmawr, NJ.