Eastern Catholic Life Publication of the Byzantine Catholic of Passaic

VOL. LI, NO. 6 JUNE 2015

ByBishop Kurt Announces Year of the Epistle

ou see with what to say, he explains the Cosmos, and In the letters of Peter, we revealing than an eloquent volume large letters I write sometimes he does so in passages read the testimony of an impulsive from someone more literary. The to you with my own of surpassing beauty and poetry. At and passionate man who was seared straightforward affection and dig- hand.”“Y These very personal words other times, he provides us with en- in his soul by meeting Our Lord. He nity of this fisherman shine from the appear at the end of Saint Paul’s let- couragement in words equally beau- witnessed the Transfiguration him- page. ter to the Galatians. For two thou- tiful, “I am convinced that nothing self, as he mentions in his letter, and sand years, people have argued over can ever separate us from the love then denied Christ at the crucifixion The fierce words of Saint James the exact meaning of this verse. Did against gossip and discrimination Saint Paul use a secretary, and then are so powerful that if they were add his own note at the end? (If read publicly every day most of our you would like to show off your vo- social problems would disappear. It cabulary, this secretary is called an would certainly transform our par- “amanuensis.”) Did Saint Paul suffer ishes if those words were read at ev- from partial blindness or some oth- ery service. In these days in which er physical problem that caused him many Christians, and even entire to write in large letters? Almost all churches, have decided that sins of of the epistles of Saint Paul contain lust are now virtues, the prophetic little clues like this one that show words of Saint Jude are just as fright- that we are reading real letters to real ening today as when he wrote them, people, people just like us. Many of “These dreamers pollute their own his personal notes are very affection- bodies, reject authority, and slander ate, such as “Every time I remember celestial beings. … These men speak you I thank my God!” and in an- abusively against whatever they do other letter, “Recalling your tears, not understand. … They have cho- I long to see you, so that my heart sen the path of Cain … These men may be filled with joy!” Sometimes are blemishes at your love feasts, his emotions are more complicated eating with you without the slight- as when he tells a he won’t est qualms—shepherds who feed visit them right away because he is only themselves. They are clouds upset with them and doesn’t want to without rain, blown along by the see them while he is angry. wind; autumn trees, without fruit and uprooted—twice dead. They Sometimes Saint Paul includes ex- are wild waves of the sea, foaming tra greetings at the beginning or the up their shame; wandering stars, for end of a letter. “Say hello to Priscilla whom blackest darkness has been and Aquila, who risked their lives reserved forever.” for me. … Say hello to Epaenetus, who was the first convert to Christ And finally, we come to the sub- is Asia. … Say hello to Herodion, lime letters of Saint John the Be- my kin. … Say hello to Rufus and loved Disciple. From the very first his mom.” If you spend some time of Peter and Paul words of this eyewitness and inti- looking up these people on the in- mate friend of our Lord, it is over- powering to hear him talk about see- ternet, you will be amazed to find of God!”; “We carry these treasures and experienced the love and for- out how much we know about the ing, hearing, and actually touching in earthen vessels”; and “The peace giveness of Christ personally after the Son of God made flesh. And it is early Christians. In fact, a stone in- of God which surpasses all under- the resurrection. His letters are just scription was found in Corinth in in these letters that we learn the cul- standing will guard your heart and as passionate in their enthusiasm mination of all of God’s revelation, recent years that may name one of mind in Christ Jesus.” How many for the gospel as they are in their the people Saint Paul mentions. “God is love, and he who abides in greeting cards have been printed indignation at those who disgrace love, abides in God, and God in he.” At other times, Saint Paul explains over the years from these kind of it. As is often the case, a few blunt the doctrines of our faith, which is quotes from the epistles! words from a simple man are more Continued on page 2

Obituaries—p3 100th Anniversary of Saint World Meeting of Presbyteral Days—pp 8-9 Michael Church—p5 Families—p7 Page 2 Eastern Catholic Life JUNE 2015

provide our with material for The Year of the Epistle preaching. I pray to God that during Pastoral Letter of Bishop Kurt this Year of the Epistle, everyone in Continued from page 1 the Eparchy will be attentive to the reading on Sunday, and more im- It seems to me that if you were to . So starting on Pen- portantly to read the entire Epistles ask a devout Catholic, “What were tecost Sunday, May 24, 2015, I am for themselves. I pray everyone will the most important things in your declaring this year to be “The Year of read the Epistles, and pray on them, life this past week?”, most weeks the the Epistle”. Our Eparchy of Passaic and allow the Word of God to enter answer should be: the Eucharist, will work together to improve our their hearts. God wrote these letters and the Gospel reading, and the appreciation and knowledge of the to you. Epistle reading. Because of limited Epistles. Our Word of Life Institute time, we only read a tiny slice of is preparing bulletin inserts to help these amazing letters at our Sunday educate us about the Epistles, and to

Bishop Kurt announces the members of the Eparchial College of Consulters as well as the results of the Presbyteral Council elections.

College of

Very Reverend Marcel Szabo Very Reverend Robert Hospodar Very Reverend John Basarab Very Reverend Robert Evancho Very Reverend Peter Hosak Very Reverend Michael Popson Very Reverend Gary Mensinger Very Reverend Mykhaylo Prodanets

Presbyteral Council Central Pennsylvania Syncellate Other on the Presbyteral Council by Very Reverend Edward Higgins virtue of their office: Very Reverend Michael Popson Right Reverend Mitred James G. Hayer, Protosyncellus of the Eparchy

Middle States Syncellate Very Reverend John Basarab, Reverend Michael Kerestes Syncellus of the Middle States Syncellate Very Reverend Conan Timoney Very Reverened Robert Evancho, Syncellus of the Southern States Syncellate

New Jersey Syncellate Very Reverend Robert Hospodar, Reverend Edward Cimbala Chancellor of the Eparchy and Syncellus of the New York-New England Syncellate Reverend Charles Yastishock Very Reverend Michael Mondik, Syncellus of the New Jersey Syncellate

Southern States Syncellate Reverend John T. Sekellick, Reverend Vincent Brady Very Reverend Sal Pignato Very Reverend Marcel Szabo

Susquehanna Valley Syncellate Very Reverend Gary Mensinger, Syncellus of the Susquehanna Syncellate Very Reverend Mykhaylo Prodanets Very Reverend Michael Salnicky

From the Office of the Bishop To be Ordained to the Order of Thomas Shubeck Subdeacon Peter Turko Sunday, June 14th at 3 p.m. Sunday, June 21st at 10:30 a.m. Saint Thomas Byzantine , Epiphany of Our Lord Byzantine Catholic Church, Rahway, NJ Annandale, VA JUNE 2015 Eastern Catholic Life Page 3

+Robert Barusefski ’s Called to Eternal Repose

obert Barusefski, 60, Born in Scranton, son of the late gotta Funeral Home, 511 Church died unexpectedly at his Robert and Martha Barusefski, he Street, Jessup, PA. The Funeral Lit- home+R in Virginia on Friday, May was educated in the Hackettstown, urgy was celebrated at 9:30 a.m. on 15. He is survived by his wife of 35 NJ, public schools. He graduated Thursday, May 21, at Holy Ghost years, Susan; son, Robert Edward, of from VA Tech in 1977 with a degree Byzantine Catholic Church, 313 Washington, D.C.; daughter, Jamie, in electrical engineering and was First Avenue, Jessup, PA, followed of North Carolina; and brother, Fa- employed as a civilian for 37 years by internment at the cem- ther Ronald Barusefski, Vice-Chan- for the US Navy. etery. May his memory be eternal! cellor of the Eparchy and of Vičnaja jemu pamjat’! Saint John the Baptist Church in A Parastas was celebrated on Bayonne, New Jersey. Wednesday evening, May 20 at Mar-

+Father Gary Francisko Called to Eternal Repose After Battling Illness By Loretta Nemeth, courtesy of Horizons of the Eparchy of Parma

n April 25, 33 years to the Saint John the Baptist. day, April 25. Archpriest Michael date after the ordination of Hayduk served as master of ceremo- FatherO Gary Francisko for the Ep- Father Francisko’s assignments nies. Concelebrants were Mitred archy of Parma, Bishop John, included the parishes of Saint Mary, Dennis Hrubiak and and faithful of the eparchy gathered , OH; Saint Stephen, Eu- John Kachuba; Fathers James Bat- for Father Francisko’s funeral Lit- clid, OH; Christ the King, Taylor, cha, Andrey Kovalenko, Michael urgy at Holy Spirit Church. Father Mich.; Saint Eugene, Bedford, OH; Lee, Thomas Loya, Richard Plishka, Francisko died on April 18, follow- and the Shrine of Our Lady of Mar- Bruce Riebe, Robert Stash and Ste- ing a lengthy battle with cancer. He iapoch, Burton, OH. phen Titko. Robert Cripps was 61. During his years of priestly ser- and Daniel Surniak and Subdeacon Eugene Senderak assisted at the Lit- Father Francisko was born in vice, for a time he also was for the Boy Scouts and the Byzan- urgy. Father Andrew Nagrant and Cleveland on Oct. 30, 1953, to +El- fertile imagination. His willingness tine of Saint Clare and type- Deacon Gregory Loya served as eanor (nee Gladdish) and +Andrew to serve God was actually very cou- setter forHorizons . Father Francisko cantors. Fathers Miron Kerul-Kmec Francisko and attended Nativity of rageous.” Bishop John said Father was retired due to his health. and Joseph Radvansky were in at- the Blessed Virgin Mary Elemen- tendance. Francisko’s acceptance of his diag- tary School and Parma Senior High He is survived by sisters Elaine nosis was “truly a witness of faith.” School. He entered Saints Cyril and Jones (Allen, deceased), Patti Ka- In Bishop John’s homily he spoke “Father Gary’s last days remind us Methodius Seminary and received pusinski (Wesley) and Judy Grocky. of Father Francisko as an icon of that we, too, can embrace God’s call: a Bachelor of Arts degree from La God in the midst of the world. “All ‘come to me.’” Roche College. Priest’s services were held Thurs- Christians, by baptism, are called day and Friday evenings, April to witness to God – to the power After the Liturgy interment took He was ordained to the priest- 23 and 24, at Holy Spirit church. of God,” he said. “Father Gary re- place at Holy Spirit Cemetery and hood on April 25, 1982, by Bishop Bishop John celebrated the funeral sponded to a call, to a challenging was followed by a repast in the par- Emil J. Mihalik at the Cathedral of Liturgy there at 10 a.m. on Satur- life—challenges he faced with a ish social hall. Vičnaja jemu pamjat’!

50th Jubilee of Sister Elizabeth Dawn Gear, GNSH 1965-2015 Article courtesy Spring Newsletter of the Grey Nuns of the Sacred Heart

tion in 1965, Sister Dawn devoted in the Atlanta Archdiocese: Saintt pal’s Award. In 2001, she moved to forty-four years of her religious life John Neumann Regional Catholic New Jersey to serve first as Assistant to the education of youth, an inte- School and Donnellan Superintendent and then Superin- gral ministry of the GNSH. In Jack- Elementary School. Sister Dawn tendent of Catholic Schools in the son Heights, NY, she served at Our also played a dominant role in build- Diocese of Camden. The year 2008 Lady of Fatima and Blessed Sacra- ing, creating the academic program, saw her elected to the Leadership ment parish schools. Returning to and opening of Our Lady of Mercy Council of the Grey Nuns of the Sa- her home state, she taught at Saint High School in Fayetteville, GA. She cred Heart; the additional responsi- Norbert School in Paoli before mov- earned a BS/Education/English bility of Congregational Treasurer native of Mont Clare, PA, ing to Atlanta, GA where she served from D’Youville College; an M.Ed. was added in 2010. She is currently Awhere she was a member of at the elementary and secondary in Administration and Supervision serving a second five-year term on Saint Michael Byzantine Catho- school levels. For seven years she and an Education Specialist degree the Leadership Council. We con- lic Church, Sister Elizabeth Dawn taught at Saint Pius X High School from Georgia State University. She gratulate and thank Sister Dawn as Gear met the Grey Nuns of the where she was also Assistant was the recipient of several profes- we celebrate her 50 years of service Sacred Heart at Mother of Divine of Studies and Students. Follow- sional awards, including the NCEA as a Grey of the Sacred Heart! Providence Parish, King of Prussia, ing this Sister Dawn was Founding Distinguished Principal’s Award and May God grant to Sister Dawn many PA, where she was employed as a Principal of two Catholic Schools the National Distinguished Princi- years! Na mnohaja i blahaja l’ita! teacher. Entering the Congrega- Page 4 Eastern Catholic Life JUNE 2015

Lenten Bible Study Series in Central New Jersey By Father John Zec n response to the generous gift of Bibles given by Bishop Kurt to the trator of Saint George in Linden. Father Zeyack presented themes from the parishes of the Eparchy, some central New Jersey parishes organized a prophets, especially Isaiah, in regard to their use in the Divine Liturgy and seriesI of five Lenten Scriptural Reflections. These programs consisted of the their relation to and salvation in Jesus Christ. He also referred celebration of a Moleben, presentations and reflections on seasonal Books to the importance of the writing of the early and their great of the Bible, and concluded with a light Lenten fellowship repast. Clergy— theological and spiritual tradition. pastors, priests, and deacons—serving in the parishes of Saint Nicholas and Saint Michael in Perth Amboy, Saint George in Linden, Saint Elias in Cart- All five sessions were followed by a period of questions and answers eret, Saints Peter and Paul and Saint Joseph in Somerset and New Bruns- which gave the participants an opportunity to further inquire into the top- wick, respectively, and Saint Thomas the Apostle in Rahway, met before the ics presented and their relationship to Christian life. beginning of Great Lent to discuss, plan, organize, and develop the overall The incorporation of the Bible sessions within a worship service, a Mole- program. The guiding principle behind the sessions was the presentation ben, was purposely planned so as to emphasize the importance of the Scrip- of Old Testament selections, their origins and meaning, their relationship tures for worship at Liturgy. Likewise, in planning the sessions it was de- to what we do in liturgy making them present, and how to relate this to cided that in order to build a greater relationship and interaction among the our Christian life. The session began each Sunday of Great Lent within the members of the various Byzantine parishes of the area, the sessions would various churches to emphasize the place of Scripture within worship and be held each week at the individual churches. liturgy. The five week program was successful in the presentation of the Scrip- On February 22, Deacon Charles Laskowski of Saint Thomas the Apostle tures, the gathering of the parishioners of the different communities into Parish opened the first session entitled, “Why You Can Believe in the Bible” a more cohesive family, and offering time to solidify further this family in Saint Michael Church in Perth Amboy, which was an introduction to the though a shared Lenten meal during which they had the opportunity to Bible, Old and New Testaments, its history and format, and important facts share their lives, experiences, and faith with one another. Plans are being on its validity for faith. Father Martin Vavrak, Pastor of Saint Michael Par- discussed to continue the program with a series of Scriptural sessions for ish, presented the second session in which he offered theological reflections Christmas. and images on “The Story of Creation” in Saint George Church in Linden, taken from the first eleven chapters of the Book of Genesis. Father Martin concentrated on the creative power of God on which all things depend, the loving relationship with Adam and Eve that was affected by the Fall, and the constancy of God’s love for his creation in spite of the Fall and alien- ation from God by mankind. The third session was a presentation of the later chapters of Genesis, concentrating on God’s initiative in His loving call and covenant promise to the Patriarchs. Father John Zec, a bi-ritual priest in Perth Amboy, offered reflections on the patriarchal covenants in rela- tionship to the history of the Israelites and the fulfillment of them in Jesus Christ in New Testament theology and the theology of the early Fathers of the Church in Saint Elias Church in Carteret. Deacon Mark Koscinski of Saint Mary Church in Hillsborough, NJ, gave the fourth reflective presenta- tion in Saints Peter and Paul Church in Somerset on the history and devel- opment of the Mosaic Covenant as recounted in the Book of Exodus from the plagues and departure out of Egypt through the desert experience and the giving of the Ten Commandments. The final session was given at Saint Parishioners gather for a Lenten meal after the Bible Study. Thomas the Apostle Church in Rahway by Father John Zeyack, Adminis-

EASTERN CATHOLIC LIFE 445 Lackawanna Avenue, Reverend James Badeaux, Editor Woodland Park NJ 07424. Reverend Ronald Hatton, Associate Editor (USPS 165-600) (ISSN 0894-9786) Phone: 973-890-7777. Fax: 973-890-7175. Deacon 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. (mfrench@eparchyof passaic.com) 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. Published monthly by the Most Reverend Bishop Kurt Burnette, Eparchial Website: Eastern Catholic Press Association, President and Publisher www.EparchyofPassaic.com JUNE 2015 Eastern Catholic Life Page 5

100th Anniversary of Saint Michael Church Perth Amboy, NJ By Stephen Kermondy

n Sunday, November 9, 2014, Bishop Kurt joined the parishioners The children of the parish made presentations made to Bishop Kurt, of Saint Michael Byzantine Catholic Church of Perth Amboy, NJ, Bishop Milan, and Father Vavrak. Father Vavrak presented Certificates of toO celebrate the 100th Anniversary of their parish. Appreciation to the Anniversary Committee. We give thanks to the Blessed through the Most Holy and Saint Michael the Archangel Concelebrating the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy of Thanksgiving with for the many blessings bestowed on our parishioners over these 100 years. Bishop Kurt were Bishop Milan Sasik, CM, Bishop of the Eparchy of Mu- kachevo in Uzhorod, Ukraine; Father Michael Mondik, Pastor of Saint Thomas the Apostle Byzantine Catholic Church, Rahway, NJ; Fathe Greg- ory Noga, Pastor of Saint Mary Byzantine Catholic Church, Trenton, NJ; Father Edward Semko, Pastor of Saint Elias Byzantine Catholic Church, Carteret, NJ; Father Martin Vavrak, Pastor of Saint Michael Parish; and Deacon Charles Laskowski, Saint Thomas the Apostle Byzantine Catholic Church, Rahway, NJ. Father Edward Higgins, Pastor of Holy Ghost Parish in , PA, served as Master of Ceremonies for the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy. Clergy and parishioners enjoy the banquet. In May 1914, the charter of the parish was approved and signed by Bish- op Ortynsky and Father Victor Kovaliczky was appointed Pastor. The first Divine Liturgy was celebrated in the newly decorated hall on Amboy Av- enue which was purchased for use as the church and a house was purchased next door for use as the rectory. Building of a new church was authorized in May 1936. Upon completion in May 1937, the new church was blessed by Bishop Basil Takach. The church was refurbished in 2014 to celebrate the 100th Anniversary. Area clergy, parish families, friends, and city dignitaries joined Saint Mi- chael Parish in a celebratory dinner at The Forge Inn in Woodbridge, NJ. 250 adults and children enjoyed the celebration. Mayor Wilda Diaz of the City of Perth Amboy presented Father Vavrak with a proclamation from the city. Bishop Kurt, Bishop Milan, Father Martin, and young parishioners. Young Adult Marian Pilgrimage Sponsored by the Orientale Lumen Foundation Now Open to The Orientale All Lumen Ages Foundation, a “grass roots” non- Europe, will be the pilgrimage Chaplain. The Tour Direc- to and from Vienna is not included, but can be arranged profit organization that promotes Eastern , will tor will be Lector Jack Figel, who has been traveling to this through the OL Foundation office. sponsor a Marian Pilgrimage to Slovakia, , and area for more than 30 years. He also successfully arranged Austria on August 7-18, 2015. Byzantine Catholic young the Ecumenical Pilgrimage in October 2014 that had pri- A registration deposit of $500 is due by May 1, 2015, adults, age 20-29, from across the US, are invited to par- vate audiences with Francis and Ecumenical Patri- with monthly payments due until August 1st. Only a limit- ticipate in this exciting trip to religious sites, churches, and arch Bartholomew. He is directly arranging events for this ed number of spaces are available, so register early to insure cultural centers of Eastern Europe. In addition to learning pilgrimage. your place in this wonderful spiritual and cultural experi- more about their “roots,” they will meet other Byzantine ence. Parents and grandparents of young adults might want Catholic young adults in Presov and Bratislava, and expe- The pilgrimage will include attending the large outdoor to consider this pilgrimage as a gift for graduation, or some rience the vibrant, growing Churches in that region. This gathering on Zvir Mountain near Litmanova, Slovakia other purpose, to help younger generations learn about pilgrimage is designed to provide those who attended the where an apparition of Mary appeared to several Greek their religious background in Eastern Europe. ByzanTeen Rallies, and are now in their twenties, with an Catholics 20-25 years ago. This year is the 25th anniversary Visit the website for more details, to download a flier or enjoyable and educational way to keep involved in the Byz- of the last apparition. It will also include touring wooden detail itinerary, or to register online. Click on the Pilgrim- antine Catholic Church. Similar to the seminary Concert churches of the Carpathian Mountains, visiting the cathe- age button at www.olconference.com. Or call 703-691- Tours organized by the OL Foundation, this pilgrimage drals of our , and traveling to the famous Mar- 8862 for more information. will also promote further direct communication between iapocs in Hungary and Vienna, Austria. young American and European Byzantine Catholics. Local transportation, accommodations, and some meals August 7-18, Father Andrew Deskevich, Protosyncellus of the are included in the pilgrimage package for only $1,995 per Archeparchy of , and frequent visitor to Eastern person, double occupancy. Any who do not register with another person will be assigned a roommate. Air travel 2015 Page 6 Eastern Catholic Life JUNE 2015 The Eparchy of Passaic is participating in the 8th Annual World Meeting of Families in a profound way. Bishop Kurt believes this will be a life-chang- ing spiritual event, and in order for as many as possible to attend and benefit from this meet- ing, the Eparchy of Passaic is sponsoring our chil- dren, teens, and full-time students, at $125 per day. September 22-27 Love is Our Mission The Family Fully Alive The World Meeting of Families will take place in Philadelphia, PA, from September 22-25, 2015. This gathering will offer an Adult Congress and a Youth Congress for ages 6 to 17. The Adult Congress, for ages 18 and older, will consist of keynote presentations and breakout sessions that address the many ways in which families can strengthen their bonds, especially in the face of significant challenges facing the family globally in the 21st century. The Youth Congress will provide interactive programs designed for young people to play, listen, serve, build and embrace the mission of love in a fam- ily. Held every three years and sponsored by the ’s Pontifical Coun- cil for the Family, the World Meeting of Families is the world’s largest Cath- olic gathering of families. Each World Meeting of Families has a theme that ! ! ! ! ! energizes and enlivens the event while adding great depth of meaning to our understanding of families. The theme of the World Meeting of Families now now now now now –Philadelphia 2015 is “Love Is Our Mission: The Family Fully Alive,” em- phasizing the impact of the love and life of families on our society.

registerregisterregisterregisterregister We are hopeful that many of our families of the Eparchy of Passaic will Families will be reim- participate. Please go to http://www.worldmeeting2015.org for more infor- bursed after they regis- 1 mation and to register. Once you have registered, please forward a copy of your registra- ter on the official website 2 tion to the Eparchy of Passaic at [email protected]. Bishop Kurt is planning a special event that will bring together everyone who will be attending. The Eparchy will also be offering a partial registra- for the world meeting. tion reimbursement to families who attend with children. If you have any questions, please e-mail Bishop Kurt invites all Father Ed Cimbala at: [email protected] those attending to join him for a special dinner. More details will be pro- vided after you register. worldmeeting2015.org JUNE 2015 Eastern Catholic Life Page 7 World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia Celebrate the Family By Ann M. Koshute, MTS

Ann M. Koshute, M.T.S. is Adjunct Instructor in Theology at Immaculata University and Saint Joseph’s College of Maine. She obtained her Master of Theological Studies from the Pontifical John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and Family at the Catholic University of America. She is a writer and speaker, offering parish and retreat presentations on marriage and family issues, the Theology of the Body, and spirituality. Ann and her husband, Keith, are parishioners of Saint Ann Byzantine Catholic Church in Harrisburg, PA.

he world is rapidly changing: new tech- WMOF will be held in Philadelphia on Septem- Watch these pages, and your parish bulletins, for nologies, internet and social media, scien- ber 22-25, 2015. People from across the globe details. We will also have an Eparchy-wide op- tificT discoveries that just 10 years ago would have will gather for conferences, engage in dialogue, portunity to celebrate the Family in a series of seemed to be science fiction, and human limits and meet each other to celebrate and pray for the 5 regional Days of Recollection. These one-day are being tested and pressed biologically, social- Family. Pope Francis will join the gathering on gatherings will take place in Connecticut, Penn- ly and culturally. Some of the changes are good Saturday the 26th, and celebrate the closing Lit- sylvania, New Jersey, Virginia, and Florida, and and beneficial, but others are proving to be mor- urgy on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Cen- will focus on the themes for the WMOF. The ally and ethically problematic. There is one thing, ter City on Sunday afternoon. Days will include conferences for adults, activi- however, that doesn’t change: our need for love ties for children and “Byzanteens,” and the op- and human community. This need comes from As Byzantine Catholics, we have a lot to con- portunity to meet, learn, and pray. The Days of deep within us because the God who is Love tribute to the discussion of family life. Compara- Recollection are free of charge and will include placed it there. We long for Love because we long tively speaking, our Church is small. Our parishes continental breakfast and lunch. The Days are for Him. are not “mega-churches,” but they are tight-knit open to families with children, married, dating communities. Our parishes truly are “families,” and engaged couples, widows/widowers, single Pope Saint John Paul II loved love! He thought and this is our gift to the Universal Church, and persons – everyone! We all come from a family about it, wrote poetry, plays and books about the world. Tight-knit does not, however, mean – with all the joy and the brokenness that entails it, and pastored his people (as priest and Pope) closed. It is our baptismal call to live the Gos- – and we all have a stake in the flourishing of the with love. He is also rightly called “the Pope of pel and invite others to experience the love of Family. the Family,” having spent most of his life devoted Jesus Christ through our Liturgy and spiritual- to protecting and proclaiming the goodness of ity, as well as our generosity and hospitality. The To stay up-to-date with the latest WMOF news Family. He even founded a Pontifical Institute for WMOF is an opportunity for us to strengthen “Like” us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ Studies on Marriage and Family, which bears his our families and our relationship with Christ, and EparchyPassaicWMOF. Read the ECL and watch name. Why would Saint John Paul II devote so to invite the world to experience the family that is your bulletins for news, spiritual reflections and much of his personal study and Pontificate to the the Byzantine Catholic Church. event information. Visit the official WMOF web- Family? Because, as he once wrote, the family is site at WorldMeeting2015.org for news about the “the natural, primary cell of society.” The Family, Over the remaining months leading up to the events surrounding the Meeting, and beautiful comprised of a communion of persons, images WMOF, you will be hearing a lot about the Fam- reflections on marriage and family life. God (who is a communion of Persons) in their ily: marriage, raising children in the world and love for each other, and in the ways that this love in the Faith, discerning one’s vocation, and the In 1981, Pope Saint John Paul II wrote, “Each reaches beyond them to the world. many social, economic and spiritual challenges family finds within itself a summons that cannot facing us today. This information and items for be ignored, and that specifies both its dignity and In 1994, Pope Saint John Paul II declared the reflection will be found right here in theECL , as its responsibility: family, become what you are.” Family such an important community of life well as in your Sunday bulletins, pastors’ homi- This summons comes from God, and it is a re- and faith that it should be studied, nurtured and lies, and updates on social media. There will sponsibility and a mission: to love as God loves, celebrated in a particular way. That year the first also be two special opportunities for us to listen, to see each other with His eyes, and to thrive and World Meeting of Families (WMOF) was held learn, pray and celebrate as a Church Family. flourish as His icons. Let us together, as a Byzan- in , and six more meetings followed since Bishop Kurt invites those attending the WMOF tine Catholic Church – as a Family – take up that then. These meetings have been held all over the Congress for an evening of food, fellowship and summons and become who we are: witnesses to world, except for in America – until now. The 8th prayer on Wednesday, Sept. 23 In Philadelphia. the love and mercy of Jesus every day! Byzan-Teen Rally: We Are Family!!! Sponsored by the Eparchy of Passaic July 26-29, 2015 Faith, Fun, Food, Fellowship, and of course Family! This years Eparchial Byzan-Teen Rally will focus on knowing who we are as people of God, by engaging in personal prayer, loving ourselves, building self-confidence, building good relationships with others, and learning how we fit into God’s family. An emphasis will be placed on how the Byzantine expression of Christianity experiences this understanding of family and calls us to focus our everyday lives on Jesus Christ. There will be a lot of fun activities, good food, a field trip, and new friends to be made by all. The Byzan-Teen Rally will be held at the Carpathian Village in Cresco, PA. For more information contact: Father Steven Galuschik [email protected] Page 8 Eastern Catholic Life JUNE 2015

Front Row, L to R: Fathers Sal Pignato, Jody Baran, Charles Yastishock, Alex Shuter, John Cigan, Conan Timoney, Peter Tomas, Gary Mensinger, Michael Salnicky, Jerome Wolbert, OFM, James Demko, Robert Hospodar, Michael Yurista, Marcel Szabo, Msgr. John Sekellick, Fathers Richard Rohrer, Vasyl Chepelskyy, James Hayer. Second Row, L to R: Fathers Mikhaylo Pro- danets, Michael Kerestes, John Basarab, Robert Lozinski, CSC, Frank Hanincik, Michael Popson, Vincent Brady, Bishop Kurt, Fathers Steve Galuschik, ohn Zec, Edward Semko, James Car- roll, OFM. Third Row, L to :R Fathers Eduard Shestak, Robert Evancho, Edward Higgins, James Badeaux, Scott Boghossian, Edward Cimbala, Deacon Robert Shalhoub, Frank Twardzik, SDB, Deacon Daniel Dozier, Fathers Peter Donish, Joseph Bertha, Gregory Noga, Martin Vavrak, Ronald Barusefski, Leonard Martin, SJ, Francis Rella, Gregory Hosler, Peter Hosak, Nicho- las Kraynak, and Deacon Lewis Rabayda. Eparchial Presbyteral Days 2015 Marriottsville, MD By Father James Badeaux

s is their custom, the that are helping them to reinvigo- Priests of the Eparchy rate their parishes. On Tuesday, the of Passaic gathered with priests were informed and updated theirA Chief Shepherd, Bishop Kurt, about the ongoing business of our at the Retreat and Conference Cen- Eparchy, with reports from the new ter at Bon Secours in Marriotts- Eparchial Finance Officer, Deacon ville, MD, from Monday, April 27, Robert Shalhoub. Msgr. John Sekel- through Thursday, April 30, 2015, lick explained policies and proce- for a time of prayer and reflection dures of the Eparchial Tribunal and on parish ministry. Family Life Office; Father Scott Boghossian spoke about the Re- The Retreat and Conference spect Life Office. Father Ed Higgins Center at Bon Secours is a minis- gave a report from the Eparchial Li- try of the Sisters of Bon Secours. turgical Commission; Father James Since their religious order officially Hayer, kept the priests informed formed in 1824, the Sisters have about the Eparchial Building Com- strived to provide “good help” (bon Bishop Kurt welcomes the priests mission. Father James Badeaux ex- secours) to those in need, and com- plained the new policies and proce- passionate care and concern for all dures for the Eastern Catholic Life; people. This was an appropriate set- and finally, Father Robert Hospodar ting for the Presbyteral Days gath- spoke about procedures and poli- ering of 2015. The grounds of the cies for communicating with the retreat center were absolutely ablaze chancery on issues related to with bursts of spring color: redbud Law. Father Ed Cimbala and Ann trees, dogwoods, forsythia, tulips, Koshute, a parishioner of Saint Ann and all sorts of flowering trees and Deacon Robert Shalhoub, Monsignor John Sekellick Parish in Harrisburg, PA, spoke to plants provided beautiful scenery to Eparchial Finance Officer the assembled priests about the up- sit and contemplate God’s creation coming World Meeting of Families or to take a walk through the exten- in Philadlephia in September and sive paths on the grounds. the involvement of the Eparchy and Presbyteral Days opened with a our parishes in that important event. dinner Monday evening, followed In between conferences, the priests by a Presbyteral Council and Pen- had a schedule of liturgical services. sion Board meeting. The priests Morning Prayer was celebrated on Father G. Scott Boghossian Father Edward Higgins were then invited to relax catch up Tuesday, with Father Vincent Brady with each other at a social gather- as the celebrant and Father Michael ing. With parishes scattered along Salnicky as the Cantor. On Thurs- the East Coast, this occasion is one day morning, Matins was celebrated of the few where many priests have a with Father Ron Hatton as Cel- chance to see each other. It was nice ebrant and Father Michael Salnicky for them to share their Paschal joy. as Cantor. While renewing fraternal contacts One of the highlights of - and reminiscing about days gone Archpriest James G. Hayer Father James Badeaux al Days 2015 was the celebration of by, they shared ideas and programs the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy by JUNE 2015 Eastern Catholic Life Page 9

Bishop Kurt on Wednesday at Saint brant parishes Wednesday afternoon Byzantine Catho- and explained that they are places lic Church in Beltsville, MD, where to encounter the Living Christ. Father Michael Kerestes is Pastor. Vibrant parishes, he explained, ex- Concelebrating with Bishop Kurt hibit these six characteristics: Word, were Father Joseph Bertha, Father Worship, Service, Unity, Missionary Father Robert Hospodar Ann Koshute, Peter Donish, who were celebrat- Spirit, and Stewardship. There were World Meeting of Families ing special ordination anniversaries, also “break out” sessions among the and Father Steven Galuschik, our clergy for each topic. Each table of most recently ordained priest. Quite priests was asked to explain how a few parishioners were on hand to these characteristics are being made welcome the Bishop and the clergy manifest in their parishes. He also and to participate in the celebration talked about a new catechetical pro- of the Divine Liturgy, and also to gram in the Eparchy called “Advent offer their gracious hospitality be- of Salvation,” which will seek to Bert Reimann, Father John Cigan Employee Benefits Services fore and after the Liturgy. The cler- incorporate our beautiful Eastern gy were very grateful for the warm Christian perspective on the Scrip- welcome they received from the tures. Pastor and faithful of Saint Gregory Parish. In his homily, Bishop Kurt Presbyteral Days 2015 was a time especially encouraged his priests to of bonding between the Bishop and preach on the Epistles and really en- ; renewing old friend- couraged everyone to read the Acts ships; reflecting on pastoral insights; of the Apostles. Afterwards, Bishop but most importantly reigniting Ann Dicks, Deacon Daniel Dozier, Kurt also thanked the parish can- the transforming power of Word Employee Benefits Services Guest speaker tors, who led the clergy with prayer- of God, especially the Epistles, in ful singing, and he thanked Father the hearts of all present and in the Kerestes and the parishioners for parishes they serve. The clergy owe their hospitality. thanks also to Father Gregory Noga, who organized this year’s Presbyter- Guest speaker Deacon Daniel al Days. Dozier gave a presentation about vi-

Father Edward Cimbala Father Gregory Noga, Presbyteral Days 2015 Facilitator Page 10 Eastern Catholic Life JUNE 2015

Searching the Scriptures Father Jack Custer, S.S.L., S.T.D. Simon the Rock: The Making of a Saint

his month, our Church cel- fruitless night’s work. This miracle brandishes a sword, earning yet an- tles also come from his last days in ebrates the memory of the frightened Peter, who begged Jesus, other rebuke from our Lord (John Rome (1 Peter 5:13; 2 Peter 1:14). PrimeT Apostles, Peter and Paul. “Depart from me, for I am a sinful 18:10-11). This month and next, we will ex- man” (Luke 5:1-9). This is a critical Unlike the way politicians and ce- plore what the New Testament tells moment: Peter has finally realized Throughout the Gospels, Peter is lebrities manage their public perso- us about how these men grew into that associating with Jesus would repeatedly singled out as the leader nas, the New Testament is refresh- the saints we honor. change his life radically and he re- of the Twelve. With James and ingly honest about the strengths sisted. Is his claim to be a sinner an John, he witnesses Jesus transfigura- and the weaknesses of Jesus’ closest Simon, son of Jona (Matthew expression of humility or an excuse? tion (Matthew 17:1-9) and His ago- disciples. This honesty serves as en- 16:17) worked as a fisherman in the In any case, Jesus persisted and Pe- ny in Gethsemane (Luke 22:39-46). couragement for us. Peter’s great- lakeside town of Bethsaida in Gali- ter’s life did change. Peter, Andrew, Jesus renames him Cephas (“rock” est strengths were sometimes also lee (John 1:44), together with his James and John left everything to in Aramaic; “Petros” in Greek) and the source of his temptations and brother Andrew. The future Apos- follow Jesus and become “fishers of announces that “upon this rock I failures. What is most edifying is tles, James and John, the sons of men” (Luke 5:10-12). will build my Church” (Matthew Peter’s willingness to repent, to pick Zebedee, were his business partners 16:18). Peter is likewise given pre- up and to move on in his journey (Luke 5:10) and, jointly or alone, Peter’s personality emerges very cedence in the events following Je- with the Lord. Peter accepts all the Peter owned his boat (Luke 5:3). clearly. He is impetuous, even sus’ Resurrection (Mark 16:7; Luke Lord’s rebukes; he never walks away We hear about Peter’s mother-in-law brash. He is almost always the first to 24:12 and 34; John 21:7-19). In in a huff with his pride wounded. (Mark 1:29-32) but never about his speak and is repeatedly humbled for John 20:1-10 it is noteworthy how Peter and Judas both betray Jesus wife or children, so he was probably what he says. It is Peter who speaks the “other” disciple defers to Peter. on Holy Thursday. The difference widowed very early. The impression up to answer Jesus’ question “Who is that Peter can shed tears of re- we get is of a comfortable, self- suf- do you say I am” by asserting, “You Peter was clearly the leader of the pentance (Matthew 26:75) and can ficient working man. are the Christ, the son of the living original Jerusalem Church. He ar- allow Jesus to humble him (John God” (Matthew 16:15-16) but in ranged Judas’ replacement (Acts 21:15-22), while Judas falls victim Peter’s path to discipleship was the same breath he reveals how little 1:15-26), was the first to preach at to despair (Matthew 27:3-10). gradual. He may have been among he still understands when he objects Pentecost (Acts 2: 14-41) and dom- the followers of John the Baptist to Jesus’ prediction of His passion inates the first twelve chapters of the Simon the Rock’s long and twist- when Andrew first introduced him and is rebuked by Jesus as a “satan” book of Acts. He helped found the ed road toward sainthood was not to Jesus (John 1:40-42). Apparent- (Matthew 16:21-23). Peter alone Church in Samaria (Acts 8:14-25), easy but it is exemplary for us all. ly, he traveled back to Galilee with objects to having his feet washed ministered in Galilee (Acts 10) and Our strengths and weaknesses, our Jesus; he witnessed the first miracle at the Last Supper (John 13:1-9). eventually moved to Antioch (Gala- life experiences, our family and our at Cana (John 2:1-12). In Galilee, Moments later he swears he will tians 2:11), leaving James as head of friendships are the arenas in which the fishermen returned to their nor- never abandon Jesus but then de- the Jerusalem Church (Acts 15:13). we will grow in virtue or fall into mal life. It was there that Jesus bor- nies Him three times before that He spent his last years in Rome, temptation. Our real, daily life is rowed Peter’s boat to preach from Thursday night is over (Mark 14:27- where Saint Mark recorded his rem- where we can expect to find God’s and rewarded Peter with a miracu- 31 and 66-72). In Gethsemane, he iniscences in the first written Gospel call to us and the grace to respond. lous catch of fish after a long and (see 1 Peter 5:13). Peter’s two Epis-

Guest Columnist Father G. Scott Boghossian The Power of Prayer

e serve a great God who our faith in God’s promises to hear fact that our God, the God of the you ask in my name I will do it… If hears and answers prayer. and answer prayer. Should we ask Bible, the God who reveals Himself you ask anything in my name I will WeW know that there are four dif- for things from God in prayer (the in Christ, is a God who wants us to do it” (John 14: 13,14).And there ferent kinds of prayer: adoration, prayer of petition)? Isn’t it better to ask for things from Him and wants are many more promises found in confession, thanksgiving, and sup- just accept things as they are and not to hear and answer our prayers! God’s Word just like this. So instead plication. Any kind of prayer is com- expect God to do anything for us? of complaining and lamenting about munication with God. Saint Grego- Isn’t this more spiritual and more Its important to look at God’s our problems, let’s turn to God in ry of Nyssa says, “prayer is a familiar humble? Word in the Holy Bible and see what prayer. conversation with God.” Sometimes He says about prayer: “Ask, and it prayer doesn’t require words at all, If so, then why would Our Lord, will be given you; seek, and you will But to get results we must pray as Saint says, in the Gospels, urge us to pray, and find; knock, and it will be opened to with faith! “Whatever you ask in “prayer is a lifting up of the heart promise to hear and answer prayer? you. For everyone who asks receives, prayer, believe that you receive it, and mind to God.” Granted, we must not ask for things and he who seeks finds, and to him and you will” (Mark 11:24). When that would harm us spiritually, or who knocks it will be opened” (Mat- the Apostles failed to cure a boy There is an excitement and dyna- that would allow us to indulge our thew 7:7-9). “Whatever you ask in who was demonized, they asked Je- mism to our spiritual lives that is lusts or evil desires. Nevertheless, prayer, you will receive, if you have sus why that had failed. Our Lord lost if we neglect prayer, or waver in we need to get excited about the faith” (Matthew 21:22). “Whatever Continued on opposite page. JUNE 2015 Eastern Catholic Life Page 11

Catechetical Reflections Father Robert F. Slesinski, Ph.D. OMG: A Shout in the Street? Installment 4 of 6

he lament of the poet T. S. and through marked by wonder— his poem “On the Grasshopper and The earth, and every common sight, Eliot that we have “knowl- wonder before the actuality of be- Cricket” (1816) directly writes: edgeT of words, and ignorance of the ing. To the mind of the ancients and “The Poetry of earth is never dead,” To me did seem Word” is one well-taken. In the past later the medieval Schoolmen, won- thus expressing his marvel before Apparelled in celestial light, there was certainly a greater rever- der—and not doubt as in modern the beauty of nature, a theme he ence shown to the Name of God. philosophy—is the mark of the phi- returns to in his poem “Endymion” The Glory and the freshness of a Indeed, in numerous languages we losopher. “All men by nature desire (1818): dream. see the Name of God pronounced to know” writes Aristotle in the first It is not now as it hath been of yore;-- when taking leave of someone. The sentence of his treatise Metaphysics, A thing of beauty is a joy for ever.Its loveliness increases; it will never French say “adieu,” the Spanish “adi- and the knowledge that is desired Turn wheresoe’er I may, os,” the and other Slavs “S is truly meta-physical, i.e., “beyond Pass into nothingness; but still will By night or day, Bohom”—“Go with God” or, more all physical appearances” to the very keep simply, “Godspeed,” even if this causes or source of all being itself. The things which I have seen I now A bower quiet for us, and a sleep term has a somewhat archaic ring can see no more. to it. The point of the matter is that Great poets and playwrights as Full of sweet dreams… the Name of God properly speaking well as philosophers have all appre- Another poem from the same collec- ciated this truth. Who, for instance, is an essential accompaniment to all In a similar vein, his compatriot, tion is similarly melancholic: cannot be struck by the words of the language, hence the need for it to be William Wordsworth (1770–1850) soothsayer in Anthony and Cleopatra The world is too much with us; late duly reverenced. But, alas, in our pens similar verses. In his “Lines, (Act 1, Scene 2) of William Shake- and soon, time many have taken leave of the Composed a Few Miles Above Tint- speare (1564–1616), who seeks Name of God; it no longer resonates ern Abbey” of July 13, 1798, we read to underscore the importance of a Getting and spending, we lay waste in many a heart. It no longer instills the following moving words: our powers; awe in us. more reflective mode of human dis- course: While with an eye made quiet by the Little we see in Nature that is ours; More pervasive than this specific power fault is the general loss of childlike In nature’s infinite book of secrecy We have given our hearts away, a Of harmony, and the deep power of wonder on the part of so many in A little I can read. sordid boon! our society. In this regard, it be- joy, This Sea that bares her bosom to the hooves us to recall the words of the There is surely no pretension in We see into the life of things. moon, Lord to his disciples: “‘I assure you, these humble words, but they are unless you change and become like an expression of true human yearn- He equally waxes eloquent when The winds that will be howling at all little children, you will not enter the ing: we seek to penetrate the secrets he bemoans the intrusion, as it hours, kingdom of God’” (Mt 18:3). The of human being beyond the imme- were, of the Industrial Revolution loss of a sense of wonder is aptly sur- diacy of the merely empirical—the on simpler, sylvan living, overtak- And are up-gathered now like sleep- mised in one hackneyed expression blunt facts of humdrum, everyday ing its beauty with the new “ways of ing flowers; life, as it were. of “not being able to see the forest the world.” For instance, in his ode For this, for everything, we are out for the trees.” Plato and Aristotle, “Intimations of Immortality from For their part, two English roman- of tune; the grandees, as it were, of ancient Recollections of Early Childhood” tic poets proffer their own thoughts Greek philosophy both, on the oth- (1807), we read the following open- It moves us not… on the primacy of wonderment in er hand, stressed how all true philos- ing regretful words: grasping the true reality behind the ophy not only begins with the act of real we encounter in life. Beauti- wonder, but on principle is through There was a time when meadow, fully, John Keats (1795–1821) in grove and stream,

Continued from opposite page. you.” Saint Gregory the Wonder- Remember the Parable of the Commit to prayer! Prayer is not worker (213-268) by prayer moved Widow and the Unrighteous Judge? something that we should do only replied, “because of your little faith. a mountain that prevented the con- See Luke 18:1-8. Jesus told this par- when we find ourselves in a desper- For truly, I say to you, if you have struction of a Church! Saint Ger- able of the widow who would not ate situation. We need to make time faith as a grain of mustard seed, you trude the Great said, “Confidence give up asking the judge for help, every day to pray. Set aside some will say to this mountain, ‘Move (faith) obtains all things.” and received what she asked be- time every day to talk to God, to from here to there,’ and it will move; cause of her relentless persistence, express your love for Him and your and nothing will be impossible to If we don’t receive the answer to make one point: that we “ought commitment to do His will. Stop right away, the Scriptures teach us always to pray and not lose heart.” and think about all the blessings He to persevere in prayer. Don’t give up. Keep praying! has given you, and thank Him for Saint Monica, the mother of Saint His gifts. Think back to those prayers Augustine, prayed for the conver- All of us face many challenges and that God has already answered and sion of her wayward son (who was difficulties in our own personal lives. thank Him for answering. Then ask living in sin with his girlfriend and Our family members are struggling. God for all that you need. Ask in had a child out of wedlock) for sev- Our friends have difficult trials. Ill- faith, believing, and don’t give up. enteen years before she saw him sur- ness, lack of financial resources, render his life to Christ. Seventeen children who have left the Church, “When the righteous cry for help, years! Most of us would have given and so many other things. Yet we the LORD hears, and delivers them up after a few months. If we want to often forget to go to God in prayer, out of all their troubles” (Ps. 34:17). see miracles we must never give up! asking with faith, and not giving up. Page 12 Eastern Catholic Life JUNE 2015

Understanding Icons Father Joseph Bertha, Ph.D. The Holy Family Icon he oldest depictions of the phasizes the role of the Jewish High place, by portraying the three fig- mally posed. She is portrayed ar- Holy Family date back to the Priest, that of atonement of sins. ures in front of church architecture. chitecturally, her womb has served earlyT Christian centuries, and depict This is derived from the careful in- Therefore we have visualized for us as the Byzantine poet calls her the the Holy Family in different poses struction from God to Moses in Ex- in this image eternity, with inter- throne of Mercy. i.e., Jesus, to enter in the Flight to Egypt. The Coptic odus 29 for the color choice of the mingled with references to tempo- the world. Christians painted icons of this jour- priestly robes. The Lord specifies rality. This only adds to the beauty ney showing the Virgin Mother on that they be made of purplish blue, of the icon of the Holy Family, and Interestingly, the earliest surviv- horseback, while Saint Joseph with scarlet red or white. highlights the supernatural nature of ing depictions of the Holy Virgin Jesus tenderly poised on his shoul- family life as lived here on the face of show her enthroned and pointing ders lead the procession. Within the The deep blue color of the sky il- the earth. or indicating her Son with her arm. last 50 years, the Holy Family icon lustrates the beginning of a new day, This prototypical arrangement is Saint Joseph showing the three Holy figures in the day of salvation. The ground on called the Hodegetria (Shower of a family pose at home has become which Saint Joseph stands is green In icons he is shown as an gray- the Way) type of icon. It is thought very popular. grass, the color of the meadow re- haired, elderly, bearded man, wear- to originate from the Visitation of ceiving the gentle rain of the Eternal ing a blue himation, over a light blue the Magi to the New Born Christ In our icon of the Holy Family Godhead, Jesus being born by the chiton, with a gold clavus over his Child. The Virgin demurely shows several indirect references highlight Holy Theotokos. Psalm 72:6 typi- right shoulder. His two arms and them (and by extention, the viewer) family life. The entire background cal of Old Testament prophecies de- hands crossed over his upper chest the Way to live our lives. of the scene is an elaborate system picts the Messiah as coming down form a gesture of meekness and of architecture which depicts styl- to earth as gentle showers on the humility. Haloed he stands with a The Holy Mother wears a mapho- ized church architecture: columns, newly mown meadow. slightly bowed head gazing at the rion (her veil) in the priestly color ways, roofs, even a parted enthroned Virgin Mary, while the of atonement, scarlet. Through her The entire background of the Holy red curtain leading to the holy of ho- Christ Child stands on her right leg. intercession she expiates sin and lies are shown. Family icon portrays a Church, the leads us to Christ her son. Saint Joseph, who does not ut- Our Lord Emmanuel ter one word in Sacred Scripture, is described as a righteous man in our Our Lord is shown in Holy Fam- liturgical commemorations. Ac- ily icons as a youth in body, but his cording to the Jewish Encyclopedia, facial expressions and demeanor are a righteous man is one who is meek that of an adult and the pre-existent and humble and follows the will of Godhead. the Lord. He exemplifies these vir- He wears a himation radiating tues, as he learns in the three dreams with gold highlights, which indicate he has, like his namesake in Genesis, the manifold mercies of God the Fa- by seeking to protect the chastity of ther. the Virgin Mary. He stands on the right leg of his He follows the instructions given mother fully frontally engaged with by the angel during these nightly encountering the world to bring sal- commands, this is meekness, to lis- vation, while simultaneously hum- ten and obey to the word of God. bly obedient to his parents submit- Saint Joseph exemplifies this two ting to their authority. great virtue needed by fathers, he determines, listens to, and follows Making myself present to the will of God. the Holy family This wonderful icon portrays the As Jesus becomes of the age of life of the Christian family. The wisdom as depicted here in the icon, Catholic Catechism teaches us: The Joseph inclines his head in respect Christian family is a communion and honor, not only to the Messiah, of persons, a sign and image of the but his Chaste Spouse, the Virgin communion of the Father and the Mary. Son and the Holy Spirit (CC 2205). His clothing is penetrated with We all come from a family. How the blue color of the waters of God’s can I make myself present to the mercies flowing in every direction, Holy Family, how can I model my seemingly without beginning or family on that holy group? We can Icon of the Holy Family end. On his right shoulder Joseph follow the example of Saint Joseph is designated as teacher by the cla- who as the Byzantine poets write: Stretched over the background domestic church of the family. In vus, the ribbon inset with gold high- proclaims the wonders, gives glory roofs is a crimson red cloth with the Catholic Catechism we read: lights. Joseph, through his obedi- and worships God. By following the parallel gold embroidery stripes. (2204 CC) The Christian family ence to Words of God the Father, fourth commandment, Honoring Typically, this cloth indicates that constitutes a specific revelation and himself serves as a fatherly example our mother and father, we pray for, the scene is situated indoors, in this realization of ecclesial communion, for his son Jesus to emulate. support, visit, offer gratitude and instance it also proclaims by its simi- and for this reason it can should be The Holy Virgin worship God we are obedient to the larity to the tallit, the Jewish prayer called a domestic church. will of the Father. We together with shawl, that this is a house of prayer. The Holy Theotokos is shown en- Nazareth is the location where throned, her slipper clad feet rest on the Holy Family continually entreat Furthermore, the scarlet color of the Holy Family is depicted, but the a foot stool. Her posture imitates Christ God to save our souls. the shawl with its embroidery em- icon transcends temporal time and that of the Byzantine Empress, for- JUNE 2015 Eastern Catholic Life Page 13

Seasonal Reflections Monsignor John. T. Sekellick, JCL The Holy Spirit

Name of the Father, of the Son and also that as Father of the only Son, Holy Spirit assured us by Christ at of the Holy Spirit.” he is, with the Son, the single prin- the Mystical Supper: “…I will ask ciple from which the Holy Spirit the Father, and He will give you an- Saint Patrick, the Enlightener of proceeds” (No. 248). other Counselor to be with you for- Ireland, used the simple example of ever … the Spirit of Truth, Whom a shamrock (three-leaf clover) to at- All the same, the Trinitarian Mys- the world cannot receive because it tempt an explanation of the Triune tery defies human explanation and neither sees Him nor knows Him; God: just as the three leaves of the exacts our faith in the knowledge Icon of Pentecost you know Him, for He dwells with clover exist on one single stem, so of God as One in nature, Three in you and will be with you” (John ay the Holy Spirit come the Three Persons of the Trinity are Person. A hymn from our Vespers 14:16). upon you and the Pow- united as One by nature but Three as for Pentecost exclaims: “…How er Mof the Most High overshadow separate Persons. Saint John tells us wonderful and awesome is this The Holy Spirit is the product, you.” This rather short but compel- in his Gospel (15:26) that the Spirit great mystery! Therefore, O Lord as it were, of the love between the ling hymn is sometimes sung for a “…proceeds from the Father….” and Creator of all, we cry out: Glo- Father and the Son, and this love is bishop, priest or deacon to his This simple declaration through the ry to You!” The Holy Spirit down shared with us through grace which homily in our Church. It recalls the ages has stirred much discussion through the centuries has been raises us to that divine Family and stirring event of Pentecost which is and such great enmity resulting in called the “forgotten God” because makes us partakers in the very na- solemnly celebrated ten days after part for the tragic schism between of what seems to be a greater, more ture of God. In theological terms, our Lord’s Ascension and fifty days the Eastern and Western Churches prominent, role set for Jesus, the this is called Theosis or divinization. following His Holy Resurrection. in 1054 down to our present time. Son as Redeemer and the Father as The evangelist John tells us how It is recorded in chapter two of the Creator. God comes to illumine everyone The Catechism of the Catholic Acts of the Apostles and is the ful- born into the world so that all who Church offers this explanation: “… Some Christian sects in recent fillment of Jesus’ promise recorded receive His Son, who believe in His the Eastern tradition expresses the times in an effort to appear politi- by Saint John in Chapter 16 of his Name, He gives power to become Father’s character as first origin of cally correct when baptizing use the Gospel. children of God” (Cf. John 1:12). the Spirit. By confessing the Spirit formula “I baptize you in the Name Our Church teaches that the Holy as He “who proceeds from the Fa- of the Creator, of the Redeemer Another Vesper hymn tells us, Spirit is the Third Person of the ther,” it affirms that he comes from and of the Sanctifier” – clearly in- “The comforting Spirit has now Blessed Trinity, a mystery so pro- the Father through the Son. The validating terms since these iden- been poured out on all flesh; for found, it is beyond human compre- Western tradition expresses first tify the work done by the Father in beginning with the rank of the apos- hension. How can One God exist in the consubstantial communion be- creating, the Son in redeeming the tles, He extended grace through the Three Divine Persons? Many who tween Father and Son, by saying fallen human race, and sanctifica- communion of believers. He con- are not Christians are truly puzzled that the Spirit proceeds from the Fa- tion wrought by the Spirit. In truth, firmed the truth of His presence by about our claim that although God ther and the Son (filioque). It says all Three Persons co-create, redeem the distribution of fiery tongues to is One, He is also Three – Father, this, “legitimately and with good and sanctify, expressing the perfect the disciples for the praise and glory Son and Holy Spirit – revealed at reason” (citing the Council of Flor- unity among the Three Persons. of God. With the spiritual light that the baptism of our Lord by John ence) for the eternal order of the di- enlightens our hearts, and strength- We can surely count very person- in the Jordan River. Jesus commis- vine persons in their consubstantial ened in the faith by the Holy Spir- ally gratifying among the teachings sions the apostles as His earthly communion implies that the Father, it, let us beseech Him to save our of our Catholic Faith the mystery ministry ends to “…make disciples as “the principle without principle,” souls.”—Aposticha, Pentecost Sun- of the very divine indwelling of the of all nations, baptizing them in the is the first origin of the Spirit, but day Vespers Holy Dormition Friary Contact: Father Carmen at [email protected] or 570-788-1212 x406

Guardian Angel Icon Retreat Icon Retreat with Marylyn Barone Having studied under Phil Zimmerman, Marylyn has written icons since 1997. She gives workshops in parishes from Ohio to New Jersey. She has written icons for many parishes and individuals, also teaching individuals and groups of all ages and abilities. Cost: $250 July 23-26, 2015 Thursday—Sunday Each Student will write a 10”x12” icon of a Guardian Angel on a gesso covered board, us- ing a prepared prototype and 23k gold-leaf gilding, learning techniques for painting details. All supplies included. Housing and other meals available at added charge: room & board $50/night, shared bath Page 14 Eastern Catholic Life JUNE 2015

Faith and Community Issues By Father Carmen Scuderi, OFM, Ed.D., P.C.C. Understanding Suicide: Statistical Analysis

here is a barrier of major proportion in the survivors own qualities which significantly differ is 4/100,000. Stack and Wasserman (2009) are study of suicide, namely, the subjects of from the victims. cited by Comer presenting as a possible reason theT study are no longer in this world! The ques- for the differences in suicide rate as the differing tion, then, is begged, how can any conclusion re- One speculation Comer (2011) considers is methodologies used by men and women in the garding the emotional, sociological, psychologi- the desire of the survivor to ultimately live and act of committing suicide. cal, and spiritual aspects be accurate when the not die. Such desire notwithstanding, research individuals most expert in answering these issues analysts find the study of survivors useful and Men attempting suicide tend to more violent are no longer available for comment? According through it, add to the body of knowledge regard- methods, e.g. shooting, stabbing or hanging; con- to Comer (2011) Research scientists have de- ing suicide and those who commit suicide. versely women are less violent, drug overdose; guns, found at the scenes of suicides, have a male vised two methodologies in attempting to answer The Statistics these questions, albeit with only partial success in person as the victim nearly two-thirds of the time each of them. According to Comer (2011), suicide does not as compared to females which account for 40% of happen in isolation; there is a larger setting so- suicides committed by women using guns (Com- Comer identifies the methodologies as retro- cially speaking within which the act occurs. There er 2011, citing Maris 2001). Comer cites from a spective analysis and the study of suicide survi- is much statistical evidence that researchers have study by Cutright and colleagues (2007) that a vors. In his text, Comer (2011) quotes Wetzel and gathered that shed light on the social contexts in correlation exists between suicide and social sup- Murphy (2005) in defining retrospective analysis which suicides occur. Comer cites the studies of port and marital status. In one such study it was as “a kind of psychological autopsy in which cli- Sadok and Sadok (2007) that the rates of suicide found that approximately 50% of the individuals nicians and researchers piece together data from vary countrywide: Russia, Hungary, Germany, committing suicide had no close extra-familial the suicide victim’s past (Comer, 2011, p. 233). Austria, Finland, Denmark, China and Japan social support system in place. Another study The subjects of the research are the people who are cited as possessing very high rates (>20 an- discovered that even fewer had close familial re- had interaction on the long term basis with the nually/100,000 persons) as opposed to Egypt, lationships among parents and siblings and rela- suicide victim, family, friends, relations, psycho- Mexico, Greece and Spain with rates of fewer tives (Comer, 2011). Research has discovered therapists, family physicians and or psychiatrists than 5/100,000 persons; England cited as having that persons who have undergone a divorce in whose recollections of the victim provide mean- a rate of 9/100,000. The placement of the U.S. their relationship have higher suicide rates than ingful data on the suicidal circumstances. If there and Canada fall in between both having a rate of married or people living together (Comer 2011 are any notes left behind by the victim they may 12/100,000 persons (Comer, 2011 citing Sadok citing Stolberg and Colleagues 2002). shed some light providing some circumstantial & Sadok 2007). evidence or modus for the act. Comer, citing According to Walker and colleagues (2008) Sudak and colleagues (2008), cautions however One possible factor influencing the suicide as well as Oquendo and colleagues (2005) as that such data often suffer credibility deficits due stats with regard to differences on a national lev- cited by Comer (2011), the suicide rate varies ac- to lack of availability or reliability of the sources el appears to be religious affiliation and beliefs. cording to race. They state that overall, the rate researched. Again, citing Sudak and Stolberg and Comer, again citing Sadok and Sadok (2007) that of suicide among the Caucasian Americans is colleagues (2002) as well as Maris (2001), Com- countries that boast a large Catholic, Jewish or 12/100,000; twice as high as found among Af- er reveals that approximately 50% of all suicidal Muslim population, concomitantly tend toward rican Americans, Hispanic Americans and Asian victims have never participated in psychothera- lower suicide rates than other countries without Americans. Native Americans form a sizable ex- peutic modalities and less than one-third leave these influences. Comer cites Stack and Kposowa ception in that the rate of suicide among the Na- suicide notes. (2008) that the strict prohibitions around the is- tive American population is overall one and a half sue of suicide due to the long-standing strict tra- times the national average (Hill, 2009 as cited Responding to the challenges set by the afore- ditions these Religions of the Book maintain may by Comer, 2011). The extreme poverty found said limitations, researchers have recourse to a be a fors d’ jure discouraging people from suicide; among Native American Populations serves as second strategy, namely studying suicide survi- yet Comer is quick to add the fact of exception to partial explanation, factors as alcohol, parental vors. Comer cites Maris (2001) in the estima- the rule citing, Austria as having a large Roman example being lived out in the children and the tion that for every fatal attempt at suicide, 8 to 20 Catholic Population yet conversely owning one readily availability of firearms and for survive. There is reason for speculation that the of the highest suicide rates worldwide. the firearms may also play a role (Goldston et al. 2008 as cited by Comer, 2011). The situation of One response to the apparent conundrum is the Native American in Canada reveals similar the trend research seems to point namely, that results (Matsumoto & Juang, 2008 as cited by it is not so much religious affiliation but the de- Comer, 2011). votion on the part of the individual that offsets the suicidal trends, particular Church or belief Comer cites Leach and Leong (2008) as stating notwithstanding. According to Comer (2011) that some of the stats on suicide have been ques- the appearance of the stat evidence is that people tioned with some results stating that actual rates who are highly devoted to their particular reli- of suicide among the African American popula- gious affiliation are less likely to commit suicide tion may be 15 percent higher and that according (Comer, 2011 citing Stack & Kposowa, 2008) as to Phillips and Ruth (1993) as cited by Comer are people who hold life in great esteem and rev- (2011) women are 6 percent higher than gen- erence (Comer, 2011 citing Lee, 1985). erally reported. The rationale behind these dis- crepancies is that the method of suicide utilized Comer cites the studies of Humphrey (2006) by people of these groupings can be mistaken as in stating that the rates of suicide between men causes for accidental death, e.g., poisoning, drug and women differ in that three times as many overdose, single-car crashes and pedestrian acci- women as men attempt suicide although the suc- dents. cess rate at suicide is more than three times great- er than that of women. Comer cites the study of In light of all these parameters, the question is Levi and colleagues (2003) stating that world- raised, what triggers a reaction such as Suicide? wide, 19 out of every 100,000 men successfully The answer to this is the subject of our next in- commit suicide yearly while the rate for women stallment in this series. JUNE 2015 Eastern Catholic Life Page 15

The Byzantine Liturgy By Archpriest David Petras, SEOD Who is God? at every Liturgy we begin our profession of faith pher Hitchens, and Daniel Dennett. These four with the words, “I believe in one God, the Father are sometimes called “the Four Horsemen” of the Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth and of all New Atheist Movement. They often label believ- things, visible and invisible.” The teachers of the ers as fools or children. They champion scientific Church tried to say who God is. Saint Gregory knowledge and hold that faith is incompatible the Theologian writes, “As far as we can tell, “He with it. Actually, many famous scientists were be- who is” and “God” are the special names of His lievers. Werner von Heisenberg, who formulated divine essence, particularly “He who is,” because Heisenberg’s Uncertainty Principle, which some this is the name that He revealed to Moses...and atheists hold disproves the existence of God, was also the one that is most appropriate...Here we himself a pious Lutheran. Gregor Mendel, who Icon of the Fathers of the First are inquiring into a nature whose being is abso- pioneered the field of genetics, was a Catholic ecent surveys have shown that the num- lute and not into a being that is bound up with . The “Big Bang” theory for the beginning ber of atheists and agnostics has nearly something else. In its proper sense, being is pe- of the universe, was first formulated by a Catholic doubled,R while the number of Christians has culiar to God and belongs entirely to him. It is priest, Msgr. Georges Lemaître. One of the most dropped drastically. This is all around us, and not limited to before and after, because in Him prominent Christian scientists, Francis Collins, probably most of us know a friend or relative who there is no past or future” (On the Son, Theologi- head of the National Institutes of Health, said, has lost faith. This is important also for our faith cal Oration 4 (30).18 ). The sixth-century Syrian “most importantly to my Christian faith is the in resurrection, for if there is no God, there is cer- writer who called himself Dionysius gave, in my literal and historical Christ tainly no resurrection. I am reminded of the verse opinion, the best description of God, “Nor can from the dead, which is the absolute cornerstone from the Psalms: “The fool has said in his heart: any words come up to the inexpressible Good, of what I believe.” Saint John Damascene ob- ‘There is no God above’ (Psalm 13:1). A Jesuit this One, this Source of all unity, this supra-ex- served, “God is ineffable and incomprehensible ... poet from the nineteenth century made a pow- istent Being, Mind beyond mind, word beyond but He has not left us in absolute ignorance...He erful statement about God’s presence in creation speech, it is gathered up by no discourse, by no has implanted the knowledge of His existence in and echoed the foolishness of not believing: The intuition, by no name. It is and it is as no other everyone by nature [“The world is charged with world is charged with the grandeur of God. It will being is. Cause of all existence, and therefore it- the grandeur of God ...”] (On the Orthodox Faith flame out, like shining from shook foil; it gathers to self transcending existence, it alone could give an 1.1). a greatness, like the ooze of oil crushed. Why do men authoritative account of what it really is” (The Di- vine Names, 1,1). God is truly unity. This is why it is so crucial then now not reck His rod? [“reck His rod” means to confess the oneness of God. God is not “dis- “recognize His scepter”] Resurrection has no meaning or basis of faith persed” in space and time, but is the one ground The Acts of the Apostles tells us, “The God who unless there is God. Many theologians have of- from which all being exists, explaining our hope made the world and all that is in it, the Lord of fered rational arguments for why there is God, for “being in God.” Jesus taught: “I pray not only heaven and earth, does not dwell in sanctuaries but not to force minds to believe, but for the sup- for them (the disciples), but also for those who made by human hands, nor is He served by hu- port of the faithful, to show that faith in God is will believe in me through their word, so that they man hands because He needs anything. Rather reasonable and sound. Generally, people are may all be one, as You, Father, are in me and I in it is He who gives to everyone life and breath and not convinced by argumentation, and, at any You, that they also may be in Us, that the world everything. He made from one the whole human rate, God, in whom we are interested, is God may believe that You sent me. And I have given race to dwell on the entire surface of the earth, who revealed Himself and His plan of salvation them the glory You gave me, so that they may be and He fixed the ordered seasons and the bound- to us. Since there is existence, it is reasonable one, as we are one, I in them and You in me, that aries of their regions, so that people might seek to presuppose a “principle of existence,” but for they may be brought to perfection as one, that the God, even perhaps grope for him and find him, our purposes, some abstract, unconscious “prin- world may know that You sent me, and that You though indeed He is not far from any one of us. ciple” is not sufficient, God is a dynamic, creat- loved them even as You loved me” (John 17:20- For ‘In him we live and move and have our being,’ ing, conscious Creator of all, who loves us and 23). This helps also to explain the nature of our as even some of your poets have said, ‘For we too reveals Himself to us. Today, the attack upon the consciousness, the possibility of deification, and are His offspring’ (Acts 17:24-28).” concept of God’s existence continues, it is noth- the hope of resurrection. We find our center in ing new. Most prominent and popular today are the one God, who is closer to us than we are to As Christians, however, our faith is in God, and Sam Harris, Richard Dawkins, the late Christo- ourselves. 11 DAYS GREECE & THE GREEK ISLES IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF Saint PAUL OCTOBER 20—30, 2015 Hosted by Rev. Father Charles M. Yastishock & Rev. Father Edward Cimbala ONLY $3399 PER PERSON FROM NEWARK (Air/land tour price is $2599 plus $702 govt. taxes/ airline fuel surcharges and $98 port charges) Travel in the footsteps of Saint Paul…See the Acropolis in Athens…Visit Corinth where Paul worked with Aquila and Priscilla…Take a Greek Isles cruise to Ephesus, see Patmos…Visit Thessaloniki and Philippi Tour Includes: Roundtrip air from Newark, $702 govt. taxes/airline fuel surcharges, $98 port charges, first class hotels, 3-day Greek Isles cruise, most meals, comprehensive sightseeing & much more! For a full color brochure, call Father Yastishock at (732) 255-6272 Or Email at [email protected] JOIN US FOR THIS TRIP OF A LIFETIME! SPACE IS LIMITED AT THIS SPECIAL PRICE! Page 16 Eastern Catholic Life JUNE 2015

Spiritual Reflections Deacon Lewis Rabayda Peacefullly Resisting the World

o truly take on this pleasure news networks, we are persuaded to other examples, Jesus confronts mal- council the doubtful, admonish the of following Christ, the Tradi- accept what we are shown and experi- ice and vice with simple acts of non- sinner, bear wrongs patiently, forgive tionT of the Church and Scripture tell ence as normal. We are persuaded to acceptance. He does this so well, that offenses willingly, and comfort the af- us that we have been chosen by God accept that the thoughts we encoun- those being confronted and bystand- flicted. By participating in this fight to be outside of the normal workings ter, the ideas we are offered, and the ers are forced to take notice at Jesus’ against the world, we can by the Grace of the world. This is not a concept that “morality” that is being supported is response to the evil of the world. Je- of God heal those who are influenced we have not heard before, for it per- not only not bad, but is indeed good sus acted with confidence and author- by the evil in this world. They may not meates the whole body of Scripture. and is to be celebrated. This is the ity over these situations, because He experience it immediately, but when However, it is indeed both a concept slyness of Lucifer, this is how we as a alone was able to properly judge the we continue to show them the Face of and ideology to which it is very dif- culture lose our sense of morality and situation and apply the solution for Christ, they will see the pain in their ficult for us to adhere. We are sur- devotion to God’s commands: very the benefit of the souls involved. actions, and God willing, they will rounded by the world, the world that slowly, over decades. This deteriora- turn their hearts away from evil and has been crafted and influenced by the tion happens until there remains little By living in the world and being fol- towards the true God. devil and his demons. Why such stark reason for us to have faith in God, be- lowers of Christ, we have this great op- language? How have the culture and cause our faith, has then shifted to be- portunity to resist its temptations and society we live in been demonized? lieving in and accepting the vulgarity, to respond to its deformation of reali- Everything that is bad, destructive, vice, and sin of the world as normal ty with a confident, non-violent act of deviant, and especially that which is and good. peace. It is important for us to not ac- slyly deceptive is from “the father of cept the wrong happening all around lies” (John 8:44). For God can do So what are we to do, how are we to us, but at the same time, we must not nothing contrary to His nature, which act against this deformation of God’s despair. The example Jesus gave us is is absolute love. But God has placed plan that is called the world? It seems our encouragement to fight against us in this world, and requires us to en- that Jesus gave us His example of how these evils; sometimes with swords, gage it and to withstand its evils and to interact with the world while not sometimes with kind gestures, and blasphemy. being swept up in its chaos. Yes, there other times with our simple example was the incident in the Temple when of acting contrary to the evil. When But when do these occasions for Jesus overturned the tables of the we do this, when we fight actively or withstanding the temptations of the money changers in a rage, but He was passively, we experience the joy that world occur? Constantly. Every time protecting the one sanctuary people Christ gave us. We experience peace we go to work, school, or other public had, the Temple, or for us, the Church. in ourselves because we know that we places, turn on our television, every But when Jesus confronted the Devil are acting according to God’s plan. By time we turn on the radio, visit web- during His temptation, He recited taking on this fight against the world, pages, watch YouTube videos, browse Scripture to Satan and gave him the we are practicing six of the spiritual Facebook pages, even watch the major words of God to refute his lies. In works of mercy: instruct the ignorant,

Glory to Jesus Christ! Upcoming Events for June Glory to Him forever! Eparchial and Parish Events

6 Induction of Catechists into the Order of Saints Cyril and Methodius Saint Michael the Archangel Cathedral Chapel, Woodland Park, NJ, 11 a.m. 7 100th Anniversary Celebration Saint Joseph Byzantine Catholic Church, New Brunswick, NJ, 9:30 a.m. 14 Ordination of Subdeacon Thomas Shubeck to the Diaconate Saint Thomas Byzantine Catholic Church, Rahway, NJ, 3 p.m. Eastern Catholic Life 20 Induction of Catechists into the Order of Saints Cyril and Methodius Circulation Department Epiphany of Our Lord Byzantine Catholic Church 445 Lackawanna Avenue Annandale, VA, 11 a.m. Woodland Park, NJ 07424 21 Ordination of Subdeacon Peter Turko to the Diaconate Epiphany of Our Lord Byzantine Catholic Church Next Issue: Annandale, VA, 10:30 a.m. July, 2015 24 Nativity of the Holy Forerunner and Baptist, John Copy Deadline: June 12th Chancery closed 29 Holy, Glorious, Illustrious, and Prime Apostles, Peter and Paul The current issue of the ECL Chancery closed * was printed at Evergreen Print- ing, Bellmawr, NJ and was distributed from the U.S. Post Office via second class mailing in Special Announcement: 2015 Women’s Retreat in the Poconos Bellmawr, NJ. has been cancelled. Please look for information about next year’s retreat.