HOLY GHOST BYZANTINE CATHOLIC CHURCH “Everyone must give according to whatever he has inwardly decided; 225 OLIVIA STREET McKEES ROCKS, PA 15136 not sadly, not grudgingly, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Cor 9:7) 1437 SUPERIOR AVENUE PITTSBURGH, PA 15212

Holy Ghost Church, McKees Rocks th

THE 29 SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST Regular Offering ($1,821.50) YP ($9) ...... $1,830.50 rd Holy Days ….…………………………...….…...... …...... …… 170.00 3 Sunday of the Philippian Fast — December 4, 2016 Thanksgiving ($324) Archdiocesan Charities ($25) Coll. for Poor ($10) …. 359.00

Votive Candles ($130) Christmas Décor ($20) ...... 150.00

______$2,509.50

Holy Ghost Church, Northside Regular Offering ...... $382.50

Holy Days ……………………………………………...…...….……. 25.00 Thanksgiving …………..……………………………………………. 20.00 Utilities ……………………..……………………………………….. 25.00

Votive Candles ...... 70.00 ______

Church Attendance Last Week $522.50

(MR) Sat., 4:00 pm (43); Sun., (MR) 9:00 am (88); (NS) 11:00 am (32) Catholics of the Ruthenian – Byzantine Rite in full communion with the Pope of Rome

Entrance of Theotokos into Temple — (MR) 9:00 am (12); (NS) 6:00 pm (22) The Very Reverend Father Frank A. Firko, Pastor Thanksgiving Day — (MR) 9:00 am (40) The Reverend Deacon Michael Meaders (NS) Rectory: (412) 771-3324; Church Fax: (412) 331-1870 MR School Hall: (412) 331-5155

Web-site: www.holyghost-byzantinecatholic.org – E-Mail: [email protected]

SUNDAY RADIO (9:00 am WEDO 810 AM) & INTERNET DIVINE LITURGY All Liturgical Services LIVE on UStream: www.UStream.tv/channel/holy-ghost-church

Sunday Divine Liturgies Holy Day Divine Liturgies Daily Divine Liturgy DESIGNS BY NANCY Valerian F. Szal Saturday (MR) 4:00 pm w/Great Vespers (Oblig) M-F (MR) 8:00 am 238 Helen St., 235 McCartney Drive, Sunday (MR) 9: 00 am (MR): 7:00 pm Sat. (NS) 9:00 am. McKees Rocks, PA 15136 Moon Township 15108 Holy Ghost (NS) 11:00 a.m. Holy Day (MR) 9:00 am; (NS) 6:00 pm Phone: (412) Phone: (412) 262-9141 [email protected] 331-9713 Holy Mystery of Reconciliation: Sat (MR): 3:15 to 3:40 pm & Sun (MR) 8:15 to 8:40 am.; (NS) 10:30 am Fax: (412) 331-6688 Nancy C. Debranski Holy Mysteries of Initiation: Contact Church Office for Baptism, Chrismation and Eucharist. Michael P. Ferrell, Holy Mysteries of Anointing: Ask especially prior to surgery or any other time. Supervisor, CFSP Sewing, Alternations, Custom Holy Mystery of Matrimony: Contact pastor one year in advance; Pre-Cana Classes required. Our Family Still Serving Yours Since 1953 Embroidery and Unique Gifts Sponsor of Christian Initiation: Godparents must be practicing Catholics. 225 OLIVIA STREET PETTIT & SPONTAK, LLC THRIFTY DRY Religious Education Classes: (MR) Coordinator: Steve Puluka (412) 897- 4650. CLEANERS GCU Lodge 390: (MR) Contact Margaret Beliunas (412) 331-3577 for membership requirements.

ATTORNEYS AT LAW Sunny Tailoring Slavjane Folk Ensemble: (MR) Membership requirements contact Dean Poloka (412) 877-9351. ww.pettitspontak.com Dry Cleaning/Laundry Carpatho-Rusyn Radio Broadcast: Every Sunday from 2:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. WPIT 730 AM. US Steel Tower, Services/ Alterations/Repairs Social Hall Rental: (MR) Contact Church Office. New & Returning Parishioners: Welcome! Lodge 390 offers Insurance and Pittsburgh Gregory Stilwell & Please register by phoning the Church Office. Annuity Benefits greater than [email protected] Sunny Van Horn Remember the Church in Your Will: Please be so kind as to remember the Church in your most financial institutions. Info 429 Broadway Ave. 412.246.0111 last will and testament. This helps to secure its future & a Byzantine Catholic witness to all! call Marge (412) 331-3577 McKees Rocks, PA 15136

(412) 771-3311

General Announcements THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH All Birthdays will be published in SOT each week so that prayers may be offered on

When the Most High descended and confused tongues, He scattered the people; but when He distributed the these special occasions. Please advise the Church office if your special day does not tongues of fire, He called all men to unity. Therefore, with one voice, let us glorify the Most Holy Spirit (Matins of appear or if you wish your name and date not be published. Pentecost Sunday)

December 4, 2016 Seasonal Greeting Volume VI, Number 49 Note: Capitalized Names designate North Side parishioners Birthdays: Dec 4 – William Bell; Dec 5 – Lee Feldman; Dec 9 – Alice Sejka, Daniel Glory to Jesus Christ! — Glory Forever! Skreptach. Slava Isusu Christu!! — Slava Na Viki! Pray For the Ill, Infirm & Shut-ins of Our Parishes Liturgical Services for the Week HOME: Margaret Beliunas, Irene Bordas, MARY ANN CONTI, Mary Date Time Intention Requested By Culan, Ilona Goyda, Beverly Harsh, MARTHA LUCAS, OLGA th MANFREDO, Debra Palahunik, Elizabeth Petruna, MARLENE PFEIFFER, 29 Sunday after Pentecost Agnes Rosko, MARY SAHAYDA, GERARD SLAGLE, ANNA TOTH, rd EVELYN VENTO, JOHN VEREB, Claudia Verner, Julia Wovchko. 3 Sunday of the Philippian Fast SUN., Dec 4 (20) 9:00 a.m. (MR) For the Parishioners of Both Parishes MAPLEWOOD PC HOME (461 Maplewood Ave. Ambridge, PA 15003): Susan Dragosh, 11:00 a.m. (NS) + Margaret Peggy Krulac Joan Senchyshyn Doris Naughton, Linda Reiger. MASONIC VILLAGE (1000 Masonic Drive, Sewickley, PA 15143): Helen M. Kriska, Mon, Dec 5 (21) 8:00 a.m. (MR) + Cifrulak + Kulka Families Kathy & John Kulka Marjorie Preganz.

MARIAN MANOR (2695 Winchester Dr., Pgh, 15220): MICHAEL BARBUSH, Irene Bednar. Feast of Our Holy Father, Nicholas the Wonder-Worker CHIPPEWA PLACE (7005 Stadium Dr., Apt 427, Brecksville, OH 44141): Stephen Katrenich. Patron of the Byzantine Catholic Church — Mirovanije VALENCIA WOODS OF ST. BARNABAS (85 Charity Place, Valencia, PA 16059): Eleanor Kapko. TUE, DEC 6 (22) 9:00 a.m. (MR) + Br. Felix, O.F.M. (1st ann of passing) Pirohi Workers THE RESIDENCE AT WILLOW LANE (30 Heckel Rd., MR, PA 15136): Andrew Drukalsky. SUNRISE OF EAST COBB (1551 Johnson Ferry Rd., Marietta, GA 30062)): AGNES KNOLL. 6:00 p.m. (NS) For the Parishioners of both Parishes ALLEGHENY GENERAL HOSPITAL (320 E. North Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15212): Norma Kacsur.

RECOMMENDED SIMPLE ABSTINENCE (no meat) or Equivalent Penance (your choice) Public questions on Catholic spirituality, moral & spiritual problems for the intention of the return of our beloved to Church Q. I was baptized in a Lutheran church as a baby and would now like to enter the Catholic Wed, Dec 7 (23) 8:00 a.m. (MR) + John J. Savulchak (1st ann of passing) Wife: Gloria & Family Church. Because I have not been living a Christian life until recently, I very much want to be re-baptized but have been told that the Catholic Church does not re-baptize. Why? A. Feast of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Answers Apologist: Baptism is a once-for-all sacrament that washes away original Solemn Feast: Pure Conception of St. Anne — Patroness of Our Country — Mirovanije sin, gives sanctifying grace, and imparts a supernatural character upon the soul that makes a THRS., Dec 8 (24) 9:00 a.m. (MR) For the Parishioners of both Parishes person a Christian. An attempt to "redo" a valid baptism would be useless: The second 6:00 p.m. (NS) + Bishop Andrew Pataki (5th ann of pass)& + Fr. John Kasarda (8th ann of pass) baptism would not "take" because the first was valid. Furthermore, it would be an objective

sacrilege because it would cast aspersion on the validity of the first baptism. Even if you have REQUIRED SIMPLE ABSTINENCE (no meat) or Equivalent Penance (your choice) for the intention of the return of our beloved to Church not lived a Christian life until recently, if you were validly baptized then you are a Christian. Fri, Dec 9 (25) 8:00 a.m. (MR) + Ann Lubas (3rd ann of passing) Kathy & John Kulka Your status as a Christian does not depend upon how well you have lived. The proper sacrament to wash away personal sins you have committed since your baptism is Confession. Final Day of the Immaculate Conception

Sat., Dec 10 (26) 9:00 a.m. (NS) Health of Jacob Minsinger Anna Marie Demianczyk

************************************************************************************************* Sunday anticipated Divine Liturgy for the Old Testament Forefathers This Week’s Sanctuary Lamps Continue to burn before the real presence of our Lord, God & Savior Jesus 4:00 p.m. (MR) + Joseph F. Pospychala (birthday 12/5) Sister: Bunny Zavidny

Sunday of the Old Testament Forefathers December 4 — December 10, 2016 th 4 Sunday of the Philippian Fast — 2nd Sunday before Christmas (MR): In memory of Nicholas Kapko (birthday 11/27) SUN., Dec 11 (27) 9:00 a.m. (MR) Health & Welfare of Dgtr: Debbie & Sister: Irene offered by Dgtr: Claudia & George Verner Florence Charochak (90th Birthday) (NS): In memory of Dolores & Anthony Nee 11:00 a.m. (NS) For the Parishioners of Both Parishes (MR) NONE AVAILABLE 2017 offered by Alice Slagle (NS) STILL AVAILABLE 2017

McKees Rocks Announcements Meditation on today’s Gospel CHURCH DECORATING THIS WEEK — We will begin decorating the Church for Christmas tomorrow evening, December 5, 2016 @ 6:00 p.m. Please make Showing Gratitude for healing the leprosy of Sin! an effort to come and give a helping hand. We’re going to need muscle power Like 17:12-19 for the heavy work of setting up the trees. Luke observes that the one grateful leper “was a Samaritan” (v.16). LAST WEEK FOR REMAINING ANGELS FOR THE ANGEL TREE — GCU Lodge 390 is Why are no observant Jews – the chosen people of God, the people of the holding this fraternal activity to help area children who may not be getting convent – among the grateful? No, the much for Christmas this year. This project is the ANGEL TREE located near the elevator in the side vestibule. If you would like to participate and make a grateful leper is the one who is doubly child’s Christmas a little brighter this year you are asked to take an angel from outcast. He is both a leper and a Samaritan. the tree. It will have a child’s age listed on the back. You are asked to This “Untouchable” is the one who stops to purchase a gift and bring it back to the tree UNWRAPPED with the angel praise God in Jesus’ healing. Luke has given taped on it no later than next Sunday, December 11. Children from Holy us a picture of another “good Samaritan” (cf. Family Social Services and Family Foundation will distribute these gifts to the children in time for Christmas. Let’s send this entire tree of angels in the form of gifts to these under-privileged 10:25-27). The story foreshadows the coming children. Once again, we thank Barbara & Peter Stecko for continuing this project in memory of the kingdom of God to the Gentiles (cf. of Margaret “Peggy” Krulac who for several years made this project a reality. Also “this foreigner” in v.18), a major theme

DECEMBER FOOD DRIVE FOR TWO MORE WEEKS — In our love for the less throughout both Luke and Acts (e.g., 24-47 fortunate, we are collecting and dispersing nonperishable food items to Focus On and Acts 1:8). In the cleansing of these Renewal in time for Christmas. Please bring non-expired items to the Church and lepers God was acting through Jesus, and so place them at the 9093. For additional information contact Elaine Kurtanich (412) 370-9092. God must be thanked through Jesus. As a BANNS OF MARRIAGE II — This is the first announcement of the upcoming marriage of form of prayer, Christian gratitude must be offered through Jesus Christ. The Subdeacon Vitalik Stashkevych (Uzhhorod) and Mary Elizabeth Kacsur (Holy Ghost salvation of the grateful leper represents more than physical healing. The Church) later in the year on October 20, 2017. The early announcements of these Banns come at the request of the Mukachevo Eparchy. If anyone knows why these individuals lepers’ salvation reflects his awareness through faith of God’s gracious cannot contract marriage, please notify the rectory office and ask to speak to the pastor presence. As Christians we are called to follow the example of this grateful leper and let the grace of gratitude transform our daily lives.

Northside Announcements Our Holy Father’s General Audience LAST WEEK’S TURKEY BINGO WAS SEMI-PROFITABLE — A special thank you is extended to all who worked and contributed to making our Turkey Bingo fairly Vatican City State — November 30, 2016 profitable last week. Figures in parenthesis are last year’s totals: There were Dear Brothers and Sisters: Today we conclude our series of catechesis on the corporal 61 (68) adults not including the children. The total profit generated following and spiritual works of mercy. The last of the corporal expenses from the Bingo $651 ($675) plus a $80.00 ($75) donation from the works of mercy, burying the dead, is not untimely, when Kunsak Funeral Home for which we are grateful, Kitchen $75 ($376) Total we think of the many people who risk their lives in order was $641 ($750). Congratulations to all our winners! Thank you for your support. A to give decent burial to the victims of war and armed SPECIAL THANK YOU is extended. Congratulations to all our winners! Thank you for your conflict in various parts of our world. Like Joseph of support. A SPECIAL THANK YOU is extended to Irene and Milan Jugan of Tionesta $250; Arimathea, who offered his own tomb for the burial of Anonymous - $80; & Joyce Smiechowski - $25; also the others who contributed baked goods Jesus, we Christians devoutly bury our dead in hope of who wish to remain anonymous. The Baked Goods totaled $494 ($235) & the Basket Raffles the resurrection. The last of the spiritual works of donated by (NS) Leonard Kallop, Jr. Family and (MR) Jan Herczak totaled $250 ($165). The mercy, praying for the living and the dead, is especially meaningful in this month of 50/50 Raffle profited $309 with donations from Nancy Cifrulak (MR) $50 and (NS) Anna Marie November, when we commemorate all the faithful departed. Prayer for the living and the Demianczyk $35. Thank you to all our workers who wish to remain anonymous, and the Spontak & Meaders Families who worked the Bingo! We couldn’t have done it without you! dead is an eloquent expression of the communion of saints. Let us open our hearts to the May the Lord Jesus remember the sacrifices you make for His Church!! Holy Spirit, who knows our deepest desires and hopes, and embrace in our prayer all Thanks to all who remained after Last Sunday’s Divine those in any kind of need. May the corporal and spiritual works of mercy on which we have meditated throughout the Holy Year continue to inspire and guide our Christian lives Liturgy to decorate the Christ for Christmas! on the path of God’s mercy.

Calendar of Upcoming Events General Announcements December 4 ……………. ECF St. Nicholas Party & Archieparchial St. Nicholas Charity Dinner. THE 3rd SUNDAY OF THE PHILIPPIAN FAST PRIOR TO CHRISTMAS — As we continue December 5 ……………………..…… Decorating the (MR) Church for Christmas @ 6:00 p.m. this minor penitential period we are directed to follow Mary and Joseph to December 6 …Solemn Feast of St. Nicholas the Wonder-Worker — (MR) 9:00 a.m.; (NS) 6:00 p.m. Bethlehem by preparing ourselves for the spiritual meaning of Christmas. December 11 …….…..……….………….. Holy Mystery of Reconciliation (Confessions) for ECF Students. Not only prior to Christmas but always through our earthly pilgrimage, we December 17 ……………………………………… Installation of new altar servers at Divine Liturgy. must carry Him reborn in our souls by sanctifying the temple of our Body. ……..……Slavjane Christmas Party following the Saturday afternoon Divine Liturgy. It is through prayer, abstinence, almsgivings, frequent confession of sins, December 18 ……….……….………….. Holy Mystery of Reconciliation (Confessions) for ECF Students works of virtue and additional participation in Divine Liturgies, we can …………… (MR) Extra Confessor for Holy Mystery of Reconciliation @ 3:00 p.m. accomplish this end. Together as a parish, let us collectively practice December 20 ………………………………………………. (NS) Holy Mystery of Reconciliation @ 6:00 p.m. December 24 …..…… (MR) 8:00 a.m. Royal Hours; (MR) 1:00 p.m. Divine Liturgy of St. Basil the Great. simple abstinence (no meat) or an equivalent penance on Wednesdays (recommended) and .…. 8:00 p.m. (MR) Great Compline followed by Christmas Carols; 9:00 p.m. Christmas Divine Liturgy. Fridays (required) for the intention for the return of our beloved back to Church. The color December 25 ……... 9:00 a.m. (MR) Christmas Divine Liturgy; 11:00 a.m. (NS) Christmas Divine Liturgy. PURPLE is worn as a sign of ROYALITY of the One to be born in Bethlehem. December 26 ..……2nd Day of Christmas: Synaxis of the Theotokos — (MR) 9:00 a.m. (NS) & 6:00 p.m. December 27 ……….….... 3rd Day of Christmas – Feast of St. Stephen DL – (MR) 9:00 a.m. & 6:00 p.m. THE FEAST OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION THIS WEEK — The soul of the December 30 ………………..……….…….. Volunteer Appreciation Dinner, Golden Corral @ 6:00 p.m. Virgin Mary whom God had chosen from all eternity to be the December 31 ……..…..…..... Final Day of Christmas — New Year’s Eve Divine Liturgy – (MR) 4:00 p.m. Mother in the flesh of the Incarnate Word was created full of January 1 ……... New Year’s Day: Feast of Circumcision & St. Basil - (MR) 9 :00 a.m. & (NS) 11:00 am. …………………..………(NS) Pot-Luck Luncheon following the Divine Liturgy at Social Center. grace and free from original sin, united to a body formed according to the laws of nature through the operation of love of Saint of the Week — December 6 her parents, Joachim and Anne. This privilege, accepted Feast of St. Nicholas of Myra, the Wonder-Worker throughout the centuries, was officially proclaimed as a dogma by Pope Pius IX in the year 1854. It is known in the Catholic This glorious saint, was the only son of his eminent and wealthy parents, Theophanes and Nona, citizens of the city of Patara in Lycia. Since he was Church as the Immaculate Conception. Come join us as we the only son bestowed on them by God, the parents returned honor the Holy Theotokos’s Most Pure Conception in the womb the gift to God by dedicating their son to Him. St. Nicholas of her mother, St. Anne this week (cf. liturgical schedule}.

learned of the spiritual life from his uncle Nicholas, Bishop of Patara. Following the death of his parents, Nicholas 2017 CONTRIBUTION ENVELOPES IN (MR) CHURCH BASEMENT & (NS) NARTHEX — distributed all his inherited goods to the poor, not keeping Your 2017 Contribution Envelopes are ready for distribution anything for himself. As a priest in Patara, he was known for today. Please look for your name and not your current his charity, even though he carefully concealed his charitable number. If you were inadvertently missed or would like a box of works, fulfilling the words of the Lord: Let not thy left hand envelopes, please call the Church office. The Church Calendars have still not arrived! Please do not use your 2017 until January! know what thy right hand is doing (Mt 6:3). By God's wondrous providence, Nicholas was chosen as the EXTRA-CONFESSOR FOR THE HOLY MYSTERY OF RECONCILIATION — A special date archbishop of the city of Myra in Lycia. Merciful, wise and and time have been set for the Holy Mystery of Reconciliation prior to Christmas. It will take fearless, Nicholas was a true shepherd to his flock. During the persecution of Christians under place in MR on Sunday, December 18, 2016 @ 3:00 p.m. & on the NS, Tuesday, Diocletian and Maximian, he was cast into prison, but even there he instructed the people in December 20, 2016 @ 6:00 p.m. Our pastor is conscripting a priest-confessor for this the Law of God. He was present at the First Ecumenical Council of Nicea [325] and, out of purpose. Please make every effort to make a good and worthy confession of sins before great zeal for the truth, struck the heretic Arius with his hand. For this act he was removed Christmas! Prepare the Bethlehem of your soul and the manger of your heart for Our Lord’s from the Council and from his archiepiscopal duties, until the Lord Christ Himself and the Holy Holy Nativity. If you have not made a Confession of sins in many years, please do so at this Theotokos appeared to several of the chief hierarchs and revealed their approval of Nicholas. time! You may, also, make your Confession at the ordinary times listed on the front page of A defender of God's truth, this wonderful saint was ever bold as a defender of justice among the S.O.T. the people. On two occasions, he saved three men from an undeserved sentence of death. ARCHIEPARCHIAL CHOIR “CHRISTMAS AT THE CATHEDRAL” — The AC invites you to Merciful, truthful, and a lover of justice, he walked among the people as an angel of God. He share the spirit and joy of the Nativity season as they present “Christmas appeared both in dreams and in person to those who called upon him, and he helped them at the Cathedral.” This annual choral event takes place Sunday, easily and speedily, whether close at hand or far away. In old age he became ill for a short December 18, 2016 @ 2:00 p.m. at the Cathedral, 210 Greentree Road, time and entered into the rest of the Lord, after a life full of labor and very fruitful toil, to rejoice Munhall. Following the sing-along finale, a hospitality reception with eternally in the Kingdom of Heaven, continuing to help the faithful on earth by his miracles and refreshments and Christmas treats will be held in the lower level of the to glorify his God. He entered into rest on December 6, 343. Cathedral. Let us support the Choir, since many of our parishioners are members.