BEFORE THE THEOPHANY OF OUR LORD, GOD AND SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST

Icon of the Baptism of Christ in the Jordan – January 6th 2 Vol. 60, No. 1 JANUARY 4, 2015 AD

SUNDAY BEFORE (AND FORE-FEAST OF) “ENLIGHTENMENT”, ALSO KNOWN AS “THEOPHANY” JANUARY 4 BRIGHT . We transfer to another day, or omit, the memory of the saints of January 4: Synaxis (Gathering-Собор-Sobor) in honor of the Seventy Holy Apostles; Our Venerable Father Theoctistus (800), Hegumen (Abbot) of the Cucomo Monastery in Sicily. For the liturgical propers for an English , we use the of Tone 5 in the blue Anthology: p. 345; in Ukrainian: p. 470, continuing with prop- ers for the Sunday before Theophany, pp. 765-768. Since the Pre-Feast of Theophany (Jan. 2-5) propers are omitted in the Anthology, we will print them in the bulletin.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 3 4:00-4:30 PM – Fr. Ivan will be available for Holy Mystery of Confession for those who wish to make use of it. Of course, one may confess in the presence of any other Catholic priest, as well; and, if anyone should be in need of an additional time slot, all you have to do is ask any priest.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 3 5:00 PM – DIVINE LITURGY (English, recited) +Mykola Durkacz (Birthday remembrance) Fr. Ivan Chirovsky

There will be no 7:45 am MATINAL LITURGY on the morning of SUNDAY, JANUARY 4

9:00 AM – DIV. LIT. (English, Ukrainian & O. C. Slavonic; choir) +John & Mary Witkowsky, Florence & Bob Burlando (Mary & Tony Burlando) Fr. Ivan

10:45 AM – 11:30 AM – ECF CLASSES. Although EASTERN CHRISTIAN FORMA- TION CLASSES resume on January 11, 2015, parents are reminded that their children’s presence at Christmas and Theophany worship services still remains as an integral and vital part of “Eastern Christian Formation.”

11:30 AM - DIVINE LITURGY (English; congregational) God’s Blessings on Parishioners Fr. Ivan

2:00-3:35 PM - JANUARY 4 - “Royal Hours-Office of Readings” for Theophany of our Lord. (all English, cantored). This most important Liturgy of the Word teaches us how to meditate properly on the scriptures implied by the Feast of the Theophany, namely, using Septuagint Greek text and numbering for O.T.: (1 hour) 5, 22 and 26, 35:1- 10, and Acts of the Apostles 13:25-33 with Matthew 3:1-11; (3 Hour) Psalms 28, 41 and 50, Isaiah 1:16-20, and Acts of the Apostles 19:1-8 with Mark 1:1-8; (6 Hour) Psalms 73, 76 and 90, Isaiah 12:3-6, and Romans 6:3-11 with Mark 1:9-15; and (9 Hour) Psalms 92, 113 and 85, Isaiah 49:8-15, and Titus 2:11-14 and 3:4-7 with Matthew 3:13-17. Attendance at this Office of Readings does not satisfy the obligation to gather for Theophany.

3 WEEKDAY SERVICES AND EVENTS

Theophany Eve. (MONDAY) JANUARY 5 Holy Martyrs Theopemptus and Theonas (284-305); the Venerable Syncletica of Alexandria (c. 350) NO DIVINE LITURGY on this day in the morning

THE OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED ON MONDAY, JANUARY 5 and opened instead on THURSDAY, JANUARY 8

ABSTINENCE FROM MEAT on Jan. 5 is OBLIGATORY, while ABSTINENCE FROM DAIRY PRODUCTS is ENCOURAGED

All are invited to come and join our parish family for the Supper of Generous-Bountiful Eve (Щедрий Вечір) on January 5th. We ask that everyone start arriving no sooner than 5:00 pm, but also so that we may begin the Dinner no later than 5:30 pm. In this way we hope that the volunteers/responders may be ready to clean up at 6:15 pm and thus be able to participate in worship services by 7:00 PM

THE FEAST OF THE “ENLIGHTENMENT”, ALSO KNOWN AS “THEOPHANY” IS ONE OF THE TWELVE MAJOR FEASTDAYS AND A HOLY DAY OF OBLIGATION

ALL SHOULD DO THEIR BEST TO ATTEND THE “ROYAL HOURS” ON SUNDAY AFTERNOON AT 2:00PM.

ATTENDING ONE OF THE FOLLOWING TWO SERVICES IS OBLIGATORY:

MONDAY EVENING (mostly English, cantored) JANUARY 5th 6:45 PM – Altar servers are asked to arrive by this time. 7:00 PM – Segment of Great Compline. 7:15 PM – 9:45 PM – First Divine Liturgy of Theophany will be the Vigil Service (first part of of Theophany with , and remainder of the Divine Liturgy of St. Basil the Great for Theophany, ending with First (Great) Water Blessing. According to St , we should come prepared for this service by having read at home and by reflecting upon the scriptures of this day: (1) Genesis 1:1-13; (2) Exodus 14:15-18, 21- 23, 27-29; (3) Exodus 15:22-16:1; (4) Joshua 3:7-8 and 3:15-17; (5) 2[4] Kings 2:6-14; (6) 2[4] Kings 5:9-14; (7) Isaiah 1:16-20; (8) Genesis 32:1-10; (9) Exodus 2:5-10; (10) Judges 6:36-40; (11) 1[3] Kings 18:30-39; (12) 2 [4] Kings 2:19-22; (13) Isaiah 49:8-15; (Prokeimenon verses) Ps 26[27]:1; (14) Epistle: 1 Corinthans 9: 19-27; ( verses) Ps 44 [45]:1a, 3a; (15) Luke 3:1-18. At the water blessing: (16) Isaiah 35:1-10; (17) Isaiah 55:1-13; (18) Isaiah 12:3-6. (Prokeimenon verses) Ps 26[27]:1; Epistle: (19) 1 Corinthans 10:1-4; (Alleluia verses) Ps 28 [29]:3, Ps 113 [114]:5; Gospel: (20) Mark 1:9-11.

God’s blessings on Parishioners (Fr. Ivan Chirovsky)

NOTE FOR ROMAN (LATIN) RITE CATHOLICS: the vespers part of the Monday evening service is not a “prelude to the .” The vespers at the beginning & the water blessing at the end are both integral parts of this special “First Mass” of this very holy and very great feast day.

4 TUESDAY MORNING (mostly Ukrainian, cantored) JANUARY 6th In last week’s church bulletin the lector announcements and the weekday services schedule gave two different sets of times for this liturgy; the 2012 schedule was copied into the weekday services schedule, without noticing that the times needed to be corrected to go back to the regular schedule which was lsited in the lector announcements. We apologize for the confusion. The correct times are now listed in both places: 9:00 AM – Altar servers are asked to arrive by this time. 9:15 AM – Segment of Great Compline. 9:30 AM – Second Divine Liturgy of Theophany will be the Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, with heavily shortened Second (Lesser) Water Blessing, if it is deemed necessary. According to St John Chrysostom, we should come prepared for this service by having read at home and by reflecting upon the scriptures of this day: (Mat- ins) Mark 1:9-11; (Divine Liturgy) (Prokeimenon verses) Ps 117 [118]:26,27,1; (Epistle) Titus 2:11-14,3:4-7; (Alleluia verses) Ps 28:1,3; (Gospel) Matthew 3:13-17. LaVerne LeRose (Priscilla Fello) (Fr. Ivan Chirovsky)

Post-feast of Theophany (no fasting or abstinence) (WEDNESDAY) JANUARY 7 Коли хтось, бажаючи святкувати Різдво за старим (Юліянським) календарем, прибуде на цю службу, отець Іван радо відслужить Літургію із змінними частинами Різдва. В іншому випадку, служба буде за новим (Григоріянським) календарем. If someone who celebrates Christmas on the Julian (old) Calendar comes to attend this Divine Liturgy, then Father Ivan will gladly celebrate using the propers for December 25 for them. Otherwise, the propers for Jan. 7 on the Gregorian (New) Calendar are those of the Synaxis (Synaxis- Собор / Sobor-Gathering) in honor of the Holy and Glorious Prophet, Forerunner and Baptizer of our Lord, John. 9:30 AM, in Chapel: +Lubomyr Kuzmak (Roxana Kuzmak) (Fr. Ivan Chirovsky)

31ST THURSDAY AFTER PENTECOST (Post-feast of Theophany) JANUARY 8 Our Venerable Father George the Chosebite (610-41); Our Venerable Mother Dominica (474- th 91); and the holy Father Emilian, Confessor of the Faith (9 century) BRIGHT (WHITE) VEST- MENTS. No Divine Liturgy on this morning

31ST FRIDAY AFTER PENTECOST (Post-feast of Theophany) JANUARY 9 Normally, for the Feast of Theophany, from January 6 until January 14, inclusive, there is a general dispensation from all abstinence & fasting; also we do not kneel or prostrate for prayers, either at home or at church. However, although some Byzantine Typikons may prescribe that January 9 should also be a fast free day, the rule currently be- ing observed in our Ukrainian Greco-Catholic Church considers today to be a day of abstinence from meat, or equivalent penance. Holy Martyr Polyeuctus (249-51) No Divine Liturgy on this morning

SATURDAY AFTER THEOPHANY (Post-feast of Theophany) JANUARY 10 Our Holy Father Gregory, Bishop of Nyssa (after 394) BRIGHT (LIGHT BLUE) VESTMENTS; the Ven. Dometian, Bishop of Miletene (582-602); Our Ven. Fr. Marcian, Presbyter and Econome of the Great Church (450-457); Holy Theosebia the Deaconess (385) who was the sister of Sts Basil the Great, , and Peter, Bishop of Sebaste; holy Hierarch Theophan the Recluse, Bishop of Tambov (1894) No Divine Liturgy on this morning. 10:00 am- HYMN TO MOTHER OF GOD for children and grandchildren, in chapel 5 SUNDAY AFTER (AND POST-FEAST OF) “ENLIGHTENMENT”, ALSO KNOWN AS “THEOPHANY” JANUARY 11 BRIGHT VESTMENTS. According to the of Fr. I. Dolnystky, the January 11 comemoration of Our Venerable Father Theodosius, Founder of the Cenoebitic Monastic Life (529) is combined with the Post-Feast. For the liturgical propers for an English Divine Liturgy, we use the Troparion of Tone 6 in the blue Anthology: p. 349; in Ukrainian: p. 472, combining with prop- ers for the Sunday after Theophany, pp. 796-799; and, for January 11, St Theo- dosius, pp. 799-800.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 10 4:00-4:30 PM – Fr. Ivan will be available for Holy Mystery of Confession for those who wish to make use of it. Of course, one may confess in the presence of any other Catholic priest, as well; and, if anyone should be in need of an additional time slot, all you have to do is ask any priest.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 10 5:00 PM – DIVINE LITURGY (English, recited) +Peter Hodowanec – 40th Day Liturgy (Family) Fr. Ivan Chirovsky with Panakhyda (pp. 1036 ff)

There will be no 7:45 am MATINAL LITURGY on the morning of SUNDAY, JANUARY 11

9:00 AM – DIV. LIT. (English, Ukrainian & O. C. Slavonic; choir) +Osyp Polatajko (Marika Zaliszczuk) Fr. Ivan

10:45 AM – 11:30 AM – ECF CLASSES resume today.

11:30 AM - DIVINE LITURGY (English; congregational) God’s Blessings on Parishioners Fr. Ivan

ЗМІННІ ЧАСТИНИ НА ЛІТУРГІЯХ дня 2015 – 01 – 04

ЧИТАННЯ ІЗ СВЯТОГО ПИСЬМА у неділю між 2-5 СІЧНЯ: НЕДІЛЯ ПЕРЕД ПРОСВІЩЕННЯМ (Богоявлінням):

На Вечірній Літургії: ЧИТАННЯ: головний священослужитель вибирає

Три (А, Б, В), що знаходяться у мосулському синаксарійоні, або Два (1, 2), що пов’язані тематично із Євангелієм цієї неділі: від Марка 1:1-8. отже (А) П’ЯТОЇ КНИГИ МОЙСЕЯ ЧИТАННЯ (LXX: Второзаконня 31:7-13). (Б) КНИГИ ПСАЛМІВ ЦАРЯ ДАВИДА ЧИТАННЯ (Псалом: LXX-42:1-5, Євр.-43:1-5). (В) КНИГИ ПРОРОКА МІХЕЯ ЧИТАННЯ (LXX: Міхей 7:14-20) або (1) КНИГИ ПРОРОКА ІСАІЇ ЧИТАННЯ (LXX: Ісаїя 40:1-11). (2) КНИГИ ПРОРОКА МАЛАХІЇ ЧИТАННЯ (LXX: Малахія 3:1-5) *************************************************************** 6 На Утренній Літургії: (3) Восьме Утренне Євангеліє: ВІД ІВАНА СВЯТОГО ЄВАНГЕЛІЯ (БЛАГО- ВІСТУВАННЯ) ЧИТАННЯ: У той час, Марія (Магдалина) стояла назовні при гробі і плакала. І плачучи, вона нахилилась до гробу, і бачить двох ангелів у білій одежі, що сиділи — один у головах, другий у ногах, де лежало тіло Ісуса. І кажуть їй: « Жінко, чого плачеш? » Вона їм каже: « Узяли мого Господа, і не знаю, де його поклали. » Сказавши це, обернулась і бачить — стоїть Ісус. Та вона не знала, що то Ісус. Каже їй Ісус: « Жінко, чого плачеш, кого шукаєш? » Вона, думаючи, що це садівник, каже йому: « Пане, як ти взяв його, скажи мені, де ти його поклав, і я його візьму. » Мовить до неї Ісус: « Маріє! » Вона, обернувшись, каже до нього по-еврейському: « Раввуні ! », що у перекладі означає Учителю. Ісус їй каже: « Не затримуй мене, бо я ще не зійшов до Отця мого, але йди до моїх братів і скажи їм: « Я йду до Отця мого й Отця вашого, до Бога мого й Бога вашого. » » І пішла Марія, щоб звістити учням, що вона бачила Господа і що він те сказав їй. (20:11-18). *************************************************************** На Божественній Літургії, подаємо лише те, що бракує в Антології, на стор. 388-460.

На Першому Антифоні: Зображальний Псалом 102 (103): стор. 394, 396.

На Третьому Антифоні: Блаженства: стор. 400, 402.

Tропарі й Кондаки оспівують тему дня.

Тропар Воскресний, глас 5: стор. 470.

І відразу: Тропар передпразденства, глас 4: Готуйся, Завулоне, красуйся, Нефталіме, * Йордане ріко, стань, * радісно прийми Владику, що йде хреститися. * Веселися, Адаме, з праматір’ю, * не скривайтесь, як колись у раю, * бо той, що бачив вас нагими, явився, * щоб зодягнути в первісну одежу. ** Христос явився, хотячи оновити всю твар. Слава Отцю, і Сину, і Святому Духові, * і нині, і повсякчас, і на віки віків. Амінь. Кондак передпразденства, глас 4: У струях днесь Йорданових був Господь, * каже Йоанові: * Не бійся мене хрестити, ** я бо прийшов спасти Адама первозданного.

Щоб приготовитися на читання із Апостола, співаємо: Прокімен Неділі перед Просвіщенням, глас 6: Спаси, Господи, людей Твоїх і благослови насліддя Твоє (Пс. 27,9). Стих: До Тебе, Господи, взиватиму, Боже мій, щоб не відвертався Ти мовчки від мене (Пс. 27,1).

On page 410 of the “Blue Book”, this Reading is taken: АПОСТОЛ В НЕДІЛЮ ПЕРЕД ПРОСВІЩЕННЯМ: (Апостол, Рим – 1991, стор. 393, зачало 298, 4:5- 8)

ДО ТИМОТЕЯ ДРУГОГО ПОСЛАННЯ СВЯТОГО АПОСТОЛА ПАВЛА ЧИТАН- НЯ. (4) Сину Тимотею ! 7 [ Заклинаю тебе перед Богом і Христом Ісусом, який має судити живих і мертвих з ЙОГО “приходом” (ЯВЛІННЯМ) і його Царством. Проповідуй слово, наполягай вчасно і невчасно, картай, погрожуй, напоумляй із усі- єю терпеливістю і наукою. Бо буде час, коли люди не знесуть здорової науки, але за своїми похотями зберуть навколо себе вчителів, щоб упри- ємнювати собі слух, і від правди відвернуть вухо, а повернуться до ба- йок. ] [4:1-4]) Ти ж будь тверезим 1 у всьому, знось напасті, виконуй працю “євангелис- та” (благовістуючого), виконуй твою службу. Бо мене вже приносять у жертву, і час мого відходу настав. Я боровся доброю борнею, біг закін- чив, віру зберіг. Тепер же приготований мені вінок справедливости, що його дасть мені, того Дня, Господь, справедливий Суддя; та не лише мені, але й всім тим, що з любов'ю чекали на ЙОГО “появу” (ЯВЛІННЯ). (4:5-8) Щоб приготовитися на слухання Святого Євангелія, співаємо “Алилуя” за гласом ВОСЬМИМ, або на іншу мелодію.

Стих Неділі перед Просвіщенням, перший: Боже, ущедри нас і благослови нас (Пс. 66,2).

Стих Неділі перед Просвіщенням, другий: Просвіти лице Твоє на нас і помилуй нас (Пс. 66,2).

On page 412 of the “Blue Book”, this Reading is taken: Читання “Євангелії” (БЛАГОВІСТУВАННЯ) В НЕДІЛЮ ПЕРЕД ПРОСВІЩЕННЯМ: (Святе Євангеліє, Рим – 1990, стор. 163-164, зачало 1, Марко 1:1-8)

ВІД МАРКА СВЯТОГО ЄВАНГЕЛІЄ ЧИТАННЯ: (5) Початок євангелія Ісуса Христа, Сина Божого. Як написано в пророка Ісаії: “Ось я посилаю мого посланця перед тобою, який приготує” тобі “дорогу. Голос вопіющого в пустині: готуйте дорогу Господеві, вирівняйте стежки його (Малахія 3, 1; Ісаія 40, 4; Вихід 23, 20).” Так виступив Іван, хрeстячи у пустині та проповідуючи хрeщення покаяння гріхів. І вихо- дили до нього вся країна юдейська та всі мешканці Єрусалиму, хрeстились від нього в ріці Йордані і визнавали гріхи свої. Іван був одягнений в одежу з верблюжого волосу, носив ремінний пояс на бедрах і їв сарану й дикий мед. Він проповідував, кажучи: “Слідом за мною йде сильніший від мене, якому я недостойний, нахилившись, розв'язати ремінця його сандалів. Я вас хрeс- тив водою, а він хрeститиме Духом Святим.”

ON PAGE 414, THE FOLLOWING MAY BE INSERTED: PETITIONS FOR THE MONTH OF JANUARY 2015, FROM UNIVERSAL and EVANGELIZATION PRAYER INTENTIONS ENTRUSTED BY POPE FRANCIS TO APOSTLESHIP OF PRAYER Диякон: Ще молимось: Мир. щоб люди котрі походять із відмінних релігійних традицій, разом із всіма людьми доброї волі, працювали об’єднанно на благо світу; тa… Богупосвячене життя. у цьому році коли відзначаємо життя богу- посвячених осіб, щоб саме оці монахи й монахині, брати й сестри, зуміли в собі відродити радість

1 nepho=sober; nepsis=sobriety. This is precisely what the prayer at the epiclesis of the Divine Liturgy of St John Chrysostom asks for the Eucharist to become for communicants: sobriety of soul - тверезість душі. 8 слідування за Христом, і щоб вони прагнули служити бідним із відновленою завзятістю, … молимось Тобі, Господи, вислухай й помилуй.

AND TWO PETITIONS DUE TO THE CURRENT CIRCUMSTANCES IN UKRAINE: FROM HIS GRACE BISHOP JOHN BURA: SEE BELOW FOR ENGLISH: Ще молимося, Милосердний Христе Чоловіколюбче, зглянься на народ України і почуй наші щирі молитви, бо Ти сказав: “Що би ви не просили в молитві, вірте, що отримаєте”. Даруй своє благословення народу України в його пошуку миру та єдності; зміцненні суверенітету й здійсненні добрих намірів з шукання та розпізнання шляхів будівництва свобідної та процві- таючої держави; збережи людей своїх до кінця їхніх днів в добробуті та здо- ров’ї, молимося, Господи, вислухай й помилуй. Ще молимося, Добрий і милосердний Господи, просимо Тебе вислухай наші молитви за Україну та її людей. Зішли свого Святого Духа на українсь- кий народ, щоб Твоє божественне провидіння наділило його стійкою лю- бов’ю, згуртованістю, взаємоповагою й зрозумінням, щоб в єдності він до- мігся спільних цілей та ідеалів. Нехай ці зусилля досягнуть успіху, подола- ють всі перешкоди на славу Твою, молимося Тобі, Господи, вислухай нас й помилуй. * * * ON PAGE 446, перед “Вірую”, Причасний Стих на “Алилуя”: неділі: заради Воскресіння Хваліте Гóспода з небéс, * хваліте Йогó во ви́шніх. (Пс. 148,1) Алилуя, Алилуя, Алилуя. В разі потреби можна співати решта стихів псалмів, як слідує тут: Псалом 148-мий, (In English in Anthology on pages 1080-1081) Хваліте Йогó, всі Ангели Йогó, * хваліте Йогó, всі Си́ли Йогó. Хваліте Йогó, сóнце й місяцю; * хваліте Йогó, всі зóрі і світло. Хваліте Йогó, небесá небéс і водá пóнад ви́ссю небéс: хай восхвáлять Ім’я́ Госпóднє, бо Він сказáв – і вони́ ви́никли, * Він повелів – і були́ ствóрені. Поставив їх повік і повік-віку, * повеління віддáв – і не минéться. Псалом 33-тий (In English in Anthology on page 1081) Благословлю́ Го́спода на вся́кий час, * завжди́ хвала́ Його́ в уста́х моїх. У Го́споді похва́литься душа́ моя́, * неха́й почу́ють ла́гідні і возвеселя́ться. Возвели́чте Го́спода зо мно́ю * і вознесімо Ім’я́ Його́ вку́пі. Я шука́в Го́спода, і Він ви́слухав мене́, * і від усіх скорбо́т моїх ізба́вив мене́. Приступіть до Ньо́го і просвітіться, * і ли́ця ва́ші не постида́ються. Отсе́й убо́гий візва́в, і Госпо́дь ви́слухав його́, * і від усіх скорбо́т його́ спас його́. Ополчи́ться Ангел Госпо́день навкру́г тих, що боя́ться Його́, * і ізба́вить їх. Вкусіте і ви́діте, що благи́й Госпо́дь; * блаже́н муж, що упова́є на Ньо́го. Бійтеся Го́спода, всі святії Його́, * бо нема́ недоста́тку в тих, що боя́ться Його́. Бага́ті збідніли і зголодніли, * а тим, що шука́ють Го́спода, не забра́кне нія́кого добра́. * * * * * * * ON PAGE 456: IT IS TO BE NOTED THAT PRESENT DAY BOOKS, SUCH AS THE ANTHOLOGY, PRINT ONLY THE CUSTOMARY PRAYER ATTRIBUTED TO SAINT BASIL THE GREAT, EVEN WITHIN CHRYSOSTOM’S 9 LITURGY. HOWEVER, FR DAVID PETRAS, IN HIS BOOK, AMBON PRAYERS, PROVIDES US WITH THAT PRAYER WHICH IS ATTRIBUTED TO ST. JOHN CHRYSOSTOM (SEE PAGES 1-2 OF HIS BOOK), AS WELL AS A NUMBER OF ALTERNATES THAT CAN BE USED IF THE DIVINE LITURGY IS EVER SERVED ON A SATURDAY EVENING (PAGE 3) OR SUNDAY MORNING. * * * * * * * ONE OF THE FIRST THINGS THAT FATHER PASTOR DID UPON ARRIVING AT ST JOHN’S IN SEPTEMBER OF 2005 WAS TO PRINT A UKRAINIAN-ENGLISH VERSION OF THE PREPARATION PRAYERS BEFORE COMMUNION (ENGLISH IN ANTHOLOGY ON PAGES 29-44) AND THE THANKSGIVING PRAYERS AFTER COMMUNION (ENGLISH IN ANTHOLOGY ON PAGES 324-326) AND PLACE THEM INTO THE PEWS. IN VARIOUS HOMILIES, IT WAS BROUGHT TO OUR ATTENTION THAT WE ARE ALL SUPPOSED TO REFLECT UPON AND LEARN THE DISCIPLINE OF US- ING PRE COMMUNION AND POST COMMUNION PRAYERS, AS A RESULT OF THE “YEAR OF THE EUCHARIST” (OCT 2004 TO OCT 2005) WITH THE SPECIFIC MANDATE FROM ST. JOHN PAUL THE GREAT, POPE OF ROME, THAT THIS REFLECTION LEAD TO PRACTICAL RESULTS OF “PROVIDING THE NECESSARY STRENGTH TO CARRY OUT THE "CHARGE" GIVEN AT THE END OF EACH MASS TO SPREAD THE GOSPEL.” THE BYZANTINE CUSTOM OF HAVING A DESIGNATED CHANT THESE PRAYERS OUT LOUD (OR ONE OF THE HOURS BEFORE A LITURGY, SEE AN- THOLOGY PG. 11 AND 54), BEFORE AND AFTER THE DIVINE LITURGY, WHILE NOT A UNIVERSAL OR OBLIGATORY PRACTICE, REMAINS A MINISTRY OF SERVICE TO THE FAITHFUL, WHICH THE PARTICIPANTS OF THE DIVINE LIT- URGIES OF 5 PM ON SATURDAY AND 11:30 AM ON SUNDAY HAVE GLADLY PUT INTO PRACTICE; THE CANTORS AT THOSE TWO LITURGIES, RESPONDING TO THE PASTOR’S INVITATION, HAVE CALLED FORTH AND EMPOWERED READERS TO THIS TASK, WHO THEN TAKE TURNS SHARING THIS LABOR OF LOVE AMONG THEMSELVES.

PROPERS (changeable parts) AT LITURGICAL WORSHIP SERVICES FOR 2015 – 01 – 04

SCRIPTURE READINGS FOR THE SUNDAY BETWEEN JANUARY 2-5: SUNDAY BEFORE “ENLIGHTENMENT”, ALSO KNOWN AS “THEOPHANY OF OUR LORD”:

ON SATURDAY EVENING: At a Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, with Vespers:

The priest vests in all of his vestments, serves the Proskomydia as usual and then the incensation (method 2) occurs in silence.

We begin on pg. 5 in the Vespers Booklet. The priest says, “Blessed be the kingdom…” instead of “Blessed be our God …” or “Glory be to the holy,…”

The rest as indicated in the Vespers Booklet, pp. 5-8.

We shorten Psalm 103 by going to pp. 13-16, and then pp. 19-26, as usual.

On pg 27, intro verses to Psalm 140, and then pp. 36-37.

On pp. 38-40, the Liturgical Propers for the Lamp-lighting Psalms are: In ancient times, the way to emphasize that something was important was to sing it two or three times. This also made sense when the choirs were divided up to sing in such a way that the Christ side of the Church sang the even numbered stikhera and the side of the church sang the odd numbered stikhera. In Tone FIVE, for the RESURRECTION, from the “-Book of the Eight Tones” edited and partially authored by St. John Damascene: 10. Lead my soul forth from prison * that I may give thanks to Your name. 10. With Your precious Cross, O Christ, * You have put the Devil to shame. * With Your Resurrection You have deadened the sting of Death. * We, therefore, glorify You, O only-begotten Son of God. 10 9. The just shall gather around me * when You have been good to me. 9. O Christ, Who granted resurrection to mankind, * You were led like a lamb to the slaughter. * Then the princes of Hades were struck with terror * as they saw the gates of their tearful domain being lifted up; * for Christ, the King of Glory, entered therein * and exclaimed to those in chains: Go forth from here! * And to those in darkness: Go forth into the light! 8. Out of the depths I cry to You, O Lord, * O Lord, hear my voice. 8. What a great wonder! * The Creator of invisible beings suffered in the flesh for mankind, * and rose from the dead as immortal. * Come, therefore, all you nations and adore Him; * for through His compassion we have been freed from the snares of the Devil, * and we have learned to praise the one God in three Persons. 7. Let Your ears be attentive * to the voice of my prayer. 7. We offer to You our evening worship, * O Light Whom the darkness of night can never extinguish. * For in these latter days Your radiance has appeared to the world, * shining in Your flesh as light reflected in a mirror. * Your brilliance has descended even to the depths of Hades and dissolved its gloom. * O Lord, Giver of Light, glory to You; * for You have shown the radiance of Your Resurrection to all the nations. In Tone FOUR for January 4, the Feast of the holy 70 Apostles: 6. If You mark iniquities, Lord, who can stand? * But with You is forgiveness that You may be revered. 6. O faithful, let us bless with sacred hymns: * Cleophas, Andronicus, Silvanus, and Agabus; * Ananias and Philip; * Prochorus, Nichanor, Rufus, and Sostenes; * Linus, and then Stachius, Stephen, and Timon, * Hermas, Phlegontus, and Mark, * together with Luke, Sosipater, Jason, and Gaius; * and Tychius and Philemon ! 5. I have waited for You, as You have commanded; * my soul patiently relies on Your promise, for it has trusted in the Lord. 5. May Narcissus and Trophimus be worthily venerated, * together with Caesar, Zenus, and Aristarchus; * Mark, Silus, and Gaius; * Hermas and Asyncritus; Apollo and Cephas; * Clement and Justus; Quartus, Erastus, and Luke; * Onesiphorus, Carpus, and Evodius; * Matthias and James; Urban and Aristobulus; * Tychius and Aristarchus ! 4. From the morning watch until night * from the morning watch let Israel trust in the Lord. 4. Let us venerate the honourable preachers of God: * Pudens, Herodionus, and Artemis; * Philologus, Olympus, and Rhodion; * Apellus and Amplius; Patrobus and Mark; * Tertius and Thaddeus; * the wonderful Epenetus, Achaicus, and Aquila; * Lucius, Barnabus, and Fortunatus; * and the glorious Apollo and Crispus ! In Tone TWO for January 4, the holy and venerable Father Theoctistus: 3. For with the Lord there is mercy and with Him there is plentiful redemption; * and He shall redeem Israel from all its iniquities. 3. When you pierced your souls with divine yearning, O all-blessed one, * you rejoiced and took up your cross and followed Christ. * Through self-discipline, you mortified the desires of your flesh. * By the warmth of your prayers, you received the life-giving energy of the Spirit, * to put an end to the winter of illnesses. * Therefore, we willingly bless you ! 2. Praise the Lord, all the nations, * proclaim His glory, all you people. 2. O Father, through assiduous prayer and continual fasting, * you purified the 11 cravings of the soul. * You were the temple of the Divinity, * and you received the holy, divine anointing of the priesthood; * you entered into the sanctuary to offer as a sacrifice * the One who was sacrificed out of His great love for us ! 1. Strong is the love of the Lord for us, * eternally will His truth endure. 1. You revealed yourself to be meek and innocent * in living the rule, O Father Theoctistus. * You truly followed the way of the meek. * Having become deified through communion with God, * you savoured the joy and happiness of the True One. * Do not cease to remember those who sincerely venerate you * and who observe your divine falling asleep ! In Tone THREE, Doxastikheron for the Pre-Feast of THEOPHANY: + Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the . Resplendent is the feast which has passed; * but more glorious is the present day. * On that day the Magi adored the Saviour; * on this, the glorious servant baptizes the Master. * There, the shepherds sang in amazement; * here, the voice of the Father proclaims Him to be the Only-begotten Son. For the Resurrection, the DOGMATIKON, 2 from the Octoechos, in the Tone of the Week: now and ever, * and unto ages of ages. Amen. (Tone Five): A symbol of the undefiled Virgin and Bride * was revealed in the Red Sea. * There, Moses divided the waters; * here, Gabriel is the messenger of the miracle. * There, the Israelites crossed the deep and their feet were not even wet; * here, the Virgin gives birth to Christ without human seed. * There, the sea remained uncrossed after the passing of Israel; * here, the immaculate remained incorrupt after giving birth to Em- manuel. * Therefore, O immortal God, Who appeared in the flesh as true Man, ** have mercy on us!

Go back to pg. 40-44 of Sunday Vespers Booklet for Saturday evenings.

OPTIONAL READINGS, choose either three ancient (A, B and C), or two contemporary (1 and 2):

The following optional THREE Readings are meant to open a fuller reading of the Old Testament for the Saturday evening Vigil. They are taken from the Syrian Catholic Synaxarion of Mossoul (researched by A. J. Vermeulen, "Pericopes bibliques des Églises de langue syriaque," L'Orient Syrien 12 (1967), 211-240, 371-388, 525-548) originally from the tradition of the Syro-Antiochean Church, which exhibits certain an- cient features, and are recommended for use in the 2015 Typicon of Rev. Dr. David Petras SEOD. (A) A READING FROM THE FIFTH BOOK OF MOSES (Deuteronomy 31:7-13). (B) A READING FROM THE PSALMS OF DAVID (Psalm 42:1-5). (C) A READING FROM THE PROPHECY OF MICAH (7:14-20).

The following optional TWO Readings are meant to open a fuller reading of the Old Testament for the Saturday evening Vigil. They are a contemporary proposal by the Priest Theodore Pulcini, based on the Sunday Gospels (Old Testament Lectionary for Use in the Byzantine Tradition at Great Vespers on Saturday Evening, 2005): In the Gospel reading of Mark 1:1-8 for the Sunday before Theophany which may occur between January 2-5, we read about St. John the Baptizer. In the 1st OT lesson the Holy Spirit inspires the holy prophet Isaiah to say that St. John the Baptizer will preach: “Prepare the way of the Lord…” In the 2nd OT lesson, the Holy Spirit inspires the holy prophet Malachi to describe St. John the Baptizer as the “messenger, or angel, of the Lord”: (1) A READING FROM THE PROPHECY OF ISAIAH (40:1-11).

2 These English dogmatika are from Byzantine Daily Worship (Alleluia Press, 1969), which was set to the Galician Znamenny chant found in the L’viv Heirmolohion, by Archpriest Roman Galadza and published most recently in the third edition of Great Vespers with Propers for Saturday Evening (Sheptytsky Institute, 1999). The “stars” were inserted here by Steve Zinski as a convenience for those who would rather sing them instead in the usual Samohlasny melodies. 12 Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and cry to her that her “warfare” (time of service) is ended, that her iniquity is pardoned, that she has received from the LORD’s hand double for all her sins. A voice cries: “In the wilderness prepare the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain. And the glory of the LORD shall be re- vealed, and all flesh shall see it together, for the mouth of the LORD has spoken.” A voice says, “Cry!” And I said, “What shall I cry?” All flesh is grass, and all its beauty is like the flower of the field. The grass withers, the flower fades, when the breath of the LORD blows upon it; surely the people is grass. The grass withers, the flower fades; but the word of our God will stand for ever. Get you up to a high mountain, “O Sion, herald of good tid- ings” (O herald of good tidings to Sion); lift up your voice with strength, “O Jerusalem, herald of good tidings” (O herald of good tidings to Jerusalem), lift it up, fear not; say to the cities of Judah, “Behold your God!” Behold, the Lord GOD comes with might, and his arm rules for him; behold, his reward is with him, and his recompense before him. He will feed his flock like a shepherd, he will gather the lambs in his arms, he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young. (2) A READING FROM THE PROPHECY OF MALACHI (3:1-5). “ “Behold, I send my messenger to prepare the way before me, and the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant in whom you delight, behold, he is coming,” says the LORD “of hosts” (Sabaoth). But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears? For he is like a refiner’s fire and like fullers’ soap; he will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, till they present right offerings to the LORD. Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasing to the LORD as in the days of old and as in former years. “Then I will draw near to you for judgment; I will be a swift wit- ness against the sorcerers, against the adulterers, against those who swear falsely, against those who oppress the hireling in his wages, the widow and the orphan, against those who thrust aside the sojourner, and do not fear me,” says the LORD “of hosts” (Sabaoth). ”

Continue with Little Ekteniya in Anthology on pages 106-107.

Instead of the Third Antiphon Prayer on page 107, the priest says the Prayer “of the ” which is on page 117. The Trisagion is sung today.

The Divine Liturgy of St John Chrysostom continues, using the propers as indi- cated in this church bulletin on p. 16, and following.

Whenever Great Vespers is being served without the Divine Liturgy, the following propers would be inserted into the Sunday Great Vespers booklet:

ON PP. 53-54, AT THE APOSTIKHERA, FOR THE RESURRECTION, IN TONE 5, THE FOLLOWING: O Christ our Saviour, * we lift up our voices to glorify You. * For, in Your love for mankind, * You became incarnate without leaving heaven; * You accepted the Cross and death; * You cast down the gates of Hades; * and on the third day You arose from the dead * for the salvation of our souls. The Lord reigns, He is clothed in majesty. Robed is the Lord, and girt about with strength. O Giver of Life, * streams of forgiveness, life, and salvation * poured forth from Your pierced side upon us all. * By accepting physical death, You granted us immortality; * by lying in the tomb, You freed us from Hades, * and as God, by rising from the dead, * You raised us with Yourself in glory. * Therefore, we cry out to You: * O Lover of mankind, glory to You ! For He has made the world firm, which shall not be moved ! O Lover of mankind, * Your crucifixion and descent into Hades are most wondrous. * For, as God, You thereby conquered the power of Hades, * and raised up in glory, with Yourself, 13 those who were long imprisoned there. * You reopened Paradise and enabled them to enter. * Grant forgiveness of sins to us * who glorify Your Resurrection on the third day, * for You alone are all-merciful. Holiness befits your house, O Lord, for the length of days! O Lover of mankind, * You accepted suffering in the flesh * and rose from the dead on the third day. * Therefore, heal the passions of our flesh, * raise us from our dreadful iniquities, and save us. FOR THE PRE-FEAST OF THEOPHANY, THE FOLLOWING: IN TONE 6, Glory… Now… Christ the Truth is coming to the Jordan * to be baptized by John, * and the Baptizer says to Him: * I should be baptized by You, but You are coming to me. * I do not dare to put straw to the fire. ** O Master, sanctify me by Your divine Theophany. ON P. 56, THE FOLLOWING TROPARIA: For the Resurrection: Tone 5, Anthology, pg. 345: Let us, the faithful, acclaim and worship the Word* co-eternal with the Father and the Spirit,* and born of the Virgin for our salvation.* For He willed to be lifted up on the cross in the flesh,* to suffer death and to raise the dead,* by His glorious Resurrection For January 4, Tone 3: O holy apostles, intercede with the all-merciful God,* that he may grant us forgiveness of our sins. For January 4, Tone 8: In you, O holy father Theoctistus, the faithful image of God shone forth,* for you carried your cross and followed Christ.* You taught by your deeds how to spurn the body, for it passes away;* and how to value the soul, for it is immortal.* Therefore, your soul is forever in happiness with the angels. For Pre-FEAST OF THEOPHANY, Tone 4: Glory… Now… Make ready, O Zabulon,* and prepare yourself, O Nephtali;* O River Jordan, stop and receive with joy* the Master coming to be baptized.* O Adam, rejoice with the first mother, Eve,* and do not hide yourselves as before in paradise.* For, having seen you unclothed,* Christ has appeared to clothe you with the first robe;* He has appeared to renew all creation.

At the Matinal Liturgy: Propers for Tone 5 from “Octoechos” – Book of Eight Tones along with those for the Sunday between January 2-5 from the monthly (3) MATINAL GOSPEL READING: Gospel # 8: John 20:11-18, Divine Liturgy: an Anthology for Worship, pp. 49-50. At the Katavasiae, during the : From the Canon of the Theophany of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on January 6: Irmos 1 The Lord, powerful in battle, separated the foundations of the sea and led His servants across on dry ground. But, He covered their enemies with the waters, for He is covered with glory. Irmos 3 The Lord, Who bestows powers to Kings and raises up the strength of His Anointed, is born of a Virgin and now draws near for baptism. Therefore, let us the faithful, cry out: “No one is as holy as our God, and no one is as righteous as You, O Lord.” Irmos 4 O Lord, he whom You have called the voice of one crying in the wilderness, heard Your voice when you thundered upon the waters, bearing witness to Your Son. Having been filled with the spirited he cried out: “You are Christ! The Wisdom and Power of God.” Irmos 5 Jesus the Prince of Life, has come to set free Adam, the first created, and although as God he has no need of cleansing, for the sake of the fallen human race He is cleansed in the Jordan. He destroyed the enemy in the waters and grants the peace that is beyond all understanding. Irmos 6 The voice of the Word, the candlestick of the Light, the morning Star, and Forerunner of the Sun, proclaimed 14 in the wilderness to all peoples: “Repent and be purified while time still remains. For behold, Christ is at hand, the One Who delivers the world from corruption.” Irmos 7 As they walked about in the fiery furnace, the three youths were preserved from all harm by the presence of an angel of God, strengthened with these helps, they gratefully cried out: “Blessed are You and praised above all God of our Fathers. Irmos 8 As the Babylonian furnace poured forth dew, it prefigured a wondrous mystery: How the Jordan received in its streams the Immaterial Fire and encircled the Creator when He was baptized in the flesh. All you faithful, glorify and praise Him above all forever. (Anthology, musical notation, pp. 793-795) Refrain: O my soul, magnify Christ the King, baptized in the Jordan. Irmos 9: Every tongue is at a loss to praise you as is your due, * O Mother of God. * Even a spirit from above is filled with dizziness * when seeking to sing your praises. * But since you are good, accept our faith, * for, you know well our love inspired by God. * For it is you who protect all Christians; * therefore, we magnify you. For the , after the Third Ode, during the Canon: Kontakion of Pre-feast, Tone 4: When the Lord descended today into the waters of the Jordan, * He cried aloud to John: * “Be not afraid to baptize Me: ** for I am come to save Adam, the first-formed man.” Instead of a Synaxarion reading, after the Sixth Ode of the Canon, the following two readings may suffice: A READING FROM THE PROLOGUE OF OCHRID: “Besides the Twelve Greater Apostles, the Lord chose Seventy Lesser Apostles and sent them to preach the Gospel, “After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place He intended to visit, He said to them, ` The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest.’ Go on your way: behold, I am sending you like lambs among wolves. Carry no money bag, no sack, no sandals; and greet no one along the way. Into whatever house you enter, first say, `Peace be to this household’ ” (St. Luke 10:1-5). But, as Judas, one of the Twelve, fell away from the Lord, so it was with some of the Seventy who abandoned the Lord not with the intention of betrayal but because of human weakness and faintheartedness. “As a result of this, many of His disciples returned to their former way of life and no longer accompanied Him” (St. John 6:66). As Judas’ place was filled by another apostle, “So they [The Apostles] proposed two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also known as Justus, and Matthias. Then they prayed, `You, Lord, Who know the hearts of all, show which one of these two You have chosen to take the place in this apostolic ministry from which Judas turned away to go to his own place’. Then they gave lots to them, and the lot fell upon Matthias, and he was counted with the eleven apostles” (Acts of the Apostles 1:23-26); so also were the places of these lesser apostles filled by others that were chosen. These Seventy Lesser Apostles labored at the same work as did the Twelve Great Apostles; they were co-workers with the Twelve in spreading and establishing the Church of God in the world. They endured many sufferings and malevolent acts from men and demons, but their strong faith and fervent love for the resurrected Lord made them victors over the world and inheritors of the Kingdom of Heaven.” “Saint Theoctistus founded a monastery in the city of Cucomo on the island of Sicily, where he became igumen (abbot). At his monastery were some Greek monks who fled persecution by the iconoclasts. He died in the year 800.” (http://oca.org/saints/lives/2015/01/04/100088- venerable-theoctistus-abbot-at-cucomo-in-sicily) By the prayers of the holy apostles of the Seventy in whose honor we form a synaxis (gathering, sobor) on this day, and by the prayers of Our Venerable Father Theoctistus, Hegumen of the Cucomo Monastery in Sicily, whose day it also is, O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on us and save us. Amen. A READING FROM “THE YEAR OF GRACE OF THE LORD”: “The time of Bethlehem and Nazareth is drawing to a close. After about thirty years of hidden life, which were made holy by humble work with his hands and by obedience, Jesus is soon to be revealed to the world, In the same way that, in spirit, we went to the manger at Bethlehem, we shall go, guided by the angels, towards the river where the Father will manifest his Son. 'Go ye, O angelic powers, moving on from 15 Bethlehem to the flow of the Jordan.' This is sung by the Church at for the Sunday which precedes Epiphany. Not only does the Church associate herself with the joy of the angels who will be present at the baptism of Christ, as they were present at the Nativity, but she invites men, too, to draw near to the Jordan, and tells them what it is that they will receive there. For, at vespers on the Saturday evening, she sings: 'Let us, the faithful, prepare with just praise for the coming feast of the baptism of our God. Behold he has put on our flesh . . . and asks for the baptism of salvation so that he might regenerate all those who, in purity, have been illumined by faith, all those who share in his Spirit'. And again: 'In truth Christ our God comes to be baptised in the Jordan, and through his coming takes upon himself the cleansing of our sins'. These words indicate briefly and precisely the double purpose of the grace which Epiphany brings to men. On the one hand, it is a grace for purification and for the remission of sins; on the other, a grace for illumination and participation in the Holy Spirit. We draw near to the Jordan desiring and humbly asking for this double grace. We would not, however, be true to the genius of the eastern Church (and of the universal Church) if we reduced the meaning of Epiphany to these gifts of pardon and light which it offers to sinful men. Even before offering us these special graces, it is an objective glorification of Christ. We should be capable of selfless joy in the presence of this mystery of Epiphany. Our hymn of praise must take precedence over our prayer of petition. The gospel and epistle read at the liturgy for the Sunday before Epiphany are devoted to the memory of John the Baptist and Precursor who, at Epiphany itself, is the one who, in a way, presents Jesus Christ to the world. The gospel (Mark 1, 1-8) brings us the austere figure of John, preparing the way, crying in the wilderness, preaching the baptism of repentance; John, clothed with camel's hair, feeding on locusts 51 and wild honey; John, announcing that another will come after him, the latchet of whose shoes he is not worthy to unloose, who will baptise not with water but with the Holy Ghost. In the epistle (2 Tim. 4. 5-8), the apostle Paul urges his disciple to watch, to endure afflictions, to do the work of an evangelist; he reminds Timothy that he himself is ready to depart, to 'be offered', having fought the good fight and run his course, and that a crown of righteousness awaits him. These words are suited to Paul, but they apply just as well to John the Precursor, whose life will be 'offered', that is to say ended in a bloody way, soon after he has baptised Jesus. Paul's exhortation to Timothy: 'make full proof of thy ministry', is also the call that the Church addresses to John: prepare thyself, Precursor, to accomplish the chief act of thy ministry, which is to baptise Jesus and to proclaim to the world: 'Behold the Lamb of God'. We shall come back later — in connection with the feast of January 7th — to the significance of the person, the message, and the baptism by St John the Baptist. Today, it is enough to say this: the, best preparation for the baptism that Jesus confers is John's baptism, in the same way that John's preaching is the best preparation for Jesus's preaching. 'The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. ... The baptism of repentance for the remission of sins ... .' Moral uprightness and repentance for our sins, these are the two lessons that we can learn today at the feet of the Precursor. Austerity and justice in our conduct, inner and outward penitence, and, also, exultation at the coming of the Saviour — 'There cometh one mightier than I after me' — let us listen to these themes which make up John's call; let us listen to the voice which cries in the wilderness.” 3

FOR THE LITURGICAL PROPERS AT TODAY’S DIVINE LITURGY: AS WE PREPARE FOR THE DIVINE LITURGY, WE MAY PRAY ALONG WITH THE READER / LECTOR, AS HE/SHE: (A) READS THE PRE-COMMUNION PRAYERS ON PAGES 29FF, OR (B) 35FF, OR (C) HEEDING THE DIRECTIONS ON PAGE 54 - RECITES ONE OF THE HOURS. AFTER THE HOLY DOORS ARE OPENED, WE MAY SING ONE OF THE HYMNS ON PAGES 958-963, OR A CHRISTMAS CAROL (SUCH AS THE ONES ON PAGES 982-999), OR ANOTHER HYMN CAN ALSO BE

51 In Palestine one finds certain dry fruits called 'locusts'. It seems that these fruits are what John ate, rather than the creatures we call 'locusts'. 3 This commentary and its footnote are excerpted from: A Monk of the Eastern Church [Hieromonk Lev (Gillet)], The Year of Grace of the Lord, (ISBN 0-913836-68-0), (Crestwood, N.Y.: St. Vladimir's Seminary Press, 1980, pp. 77-78). Fr. Lev (Gillet) explains the meaning of today's Gospel and Epistle for the Sunday before Theophany in light of our U- krainian Greco-Catholic Church's liturgy and calendar. (Fr. Lev, a French convert to Ukrainian Catholicism, was a Stu- dite monk in L'viv, ordained to the priesthood by the Servant of God, Metropolitan Andrey Sheptytsky, in 1924. (For more information about Fr. Gillet, please read: Brian R. Keleher, “Sheptyts’kyi and Three Converts from the West”, in Paul Magosci, et. al., ed., Morality and Reality: The Life and Times of Andrei Sheptyts’kyi, (Edmonton, Alberta: Cana- dian Institute of Ukrainian Studies, University of Alberta, 1989), pp. 227-243). 16 SUNG. USING THE “BLUE BOOK”, THE ANTHOLOGY: WE BEGIN ON PAGE 97.

ON PAGES 100-103 AND 108-113: ON ANY ORDINARY “SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST”, FOR THE ANTIPHONS, WE USE THE SUNDAY PROPERS THAT ARE KNOWN AS “TYPICAL” OR “ЗОБРАЖАЛЬНІ”, MEANING WE GO FROM PAGE 99 TO “PSALM 102 (103)” ON PAGE 102, FOR THE FIRST, AND THEN WE GO FROM PAGE 107 TO “THE BEATITUDES” ON PAGE 111, FOR THE THIRD. THE SUNDAY USAGE OF PSALM 65 (PAGE 100) INSTEAD OF PSALM 102-TYPICA AND OF PSALM 94 (PAGE 108) INSTEAD OF THE BEATITUDES IS AN OPTION IN TIMES OF NECESSITY, AND NOT SOMETHING TO BE DONE ON A REGULAR BASIS FOR THE SAKE OF CONVE- NIENCE.

ON PAGE 114-115: For the Hymn we sing the usual “Come let us worship,…” (p. 114).

ON PAGE 115: FOR THE TROPARIA, KONDAKIA, WE SING:

Troparion of Resurrection, Tone 5: Let us, the faithful, acclaim and worship the Word * co-eternal with the Father and the Spirit, * and born of the Virgin for our salvation. * For He willed to be lifted up on the cross in the flesh, * to suffer death and to raise the dead, ** by His glorious Resurrection (music on page 345).

Troparion of Jan. 2-4: Pre-Feast of Theophany, Tone 4: Make ready, O Zabulon, * and prepare yourself, O Nephtali; * O River Jordan, stop and receive with joy * the Master coming to be baptized. * O Adam, rejoice with the first mother, Eve, * and do not hide yourselves as before in paradise. * For, having seen you unclothed, * Christ has appeared to clothe you with the first robe; ** He has appeared to renew all creation. (omitted in Anthology).

GLORY…NOW and EVER, Tone 4: (music on page 343).

Kondakion of Jan. 2-4: Pre-Feast of Theophany, Tone 4: When the Lord descended today into the waters of the Jordan, * He cried aloud to John: * “Be not afraid to baptize Me: ** for I am come to save Adam, the first- formed man.” (omitted in Anthology).

ON PAGES 120-122: FOR THE SUNDAY BEFORE THEOPHANY:

Prokeimenon of Resurrection, Tone 6: page 780 or 352. Verse of Resurrection: page 780 or 352.

ON PG. 123, At the Divine Liturgy: FOR THE EPISTLE READING: FOR THE SUNDAY BEFORE THEOPHANY WE ALWAYS READ: pericope 298; 2 Tim. 4:5–8.

A READING FROM THE SECOND LETTER OF SAINT PAUL THE APOSTLE TO TIMOTHY (Paul is on death row in Rome; if we accept that he was executed in June 17 of AD 66, then this letter was written circa late summer or early autumn of AD 65) (4) “Timothy, my Son!” [ I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus who is to judge the living and the dead, and by HIS APPEARING and his kingdom: preach the word, be “urgent” (persistent) whether it is convenient or inconvenient, convince, “rebuke” (reprimand), and “exhort” (encourage), be unfailing in patience and in teaching. For the time is coming when people will not “endure” [tolerate] sound teaching, but having “itching ears” [insatiable curiosity] they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own desires, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander into myths. As for you, ] always be “steady” (sober, vigilant, self-possessed), 4 endure suffering, do the work of an “evangelist” (proclaimer of the Good News), fulfill your ministry. For I am “already being poured out like a libation” (on the point of being sacrificed); the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved HIS APPEARING. (Antiochian “Book of ”). 5

ON PAGE 124: WE SING THE GOSPEL HYMN “ALLELUIA” IN TONE EIGHT (p. 360), OR IN ANY ONE OF THE MELODIES GIVEN ON PAGES 124-125 AND 210-211: We use the verses for the Gospel “Alleluia” of the Sunday before Theophany (p. 780)

ON PG. 127, AT THE DIVINE LITURGY: FOR THE GOSPEL READING: FOR THE SUNDAY BEFORE THEOPHANY WE ALWAYS READ: pericope 8, Mark 1:1-8.

A READING FROM THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MARK (according to some scholars: in its present form, this is a Greek work written by the “John Mark” of Acts 12:12, in the late 60’s AD., who was a disciple and chief interpreter of the preaching of the holy chief apostle Peter, while they were both in Rome..) (5) The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. As it is written in Isaiah the prophet, “Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, who shall prepare thy way; the voice of one crying in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.” (Malachi 3, 1; Isaiah 40, 3; Exodus 23, 20) John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. And there went out to him all the country of Judea, and all the people of Jerusalem; and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. Now John was clothed with camel's hair, and had a leather girdle around his waist, and ate locusts and wild honey. And he preached, saying, "After me comes he who is mightier than I, the thong of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. I have baptized you with water; but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit." (NKJV) ON PAGE 128, THE FOLLOWING MAY BE INSERTED AT the INSISTENT LITANY

4 nepho=sober; nepsis=sobriety. This is precisely what the prayer at the epiclesis of the Divine Liturgy of St John Chrysostom asks for the Eucharist to become for communicants: sobriety of soul - тверезість душі. 5 It is so easy for us to take offense where none was intended. So perhaps a note of clarification needs to be given here. The clarifications and translations in italics with parenthesis is given not because the editor presumes that the reader does not know what the translation in “quotations” means. Rather, either translation could have been meant by the original author. As has been stated many times before, the often uses words that have a much richer meaning than does the English language. Any text in brackets, such as verses 1-4, has been added here for the sake of clarity and context. May this be a help for those who wish to keep the scriptures in their hearts and ponder more deeply upon them.” 18 (EKTENIYA OF FERVENT SUPPLICATION): PETITIONS FOR THE MONTH OF JANUARY 2015, FROM UNIVERSAL and EVANGELIZATION PRAYER INTENTIONS ENTRUSTED BY POPE FRANCIS TO APOSTLESHIP OF PRAYER

Deacon: We also pray: Peace. That those from diverse religious traditions and all people of good will may work together for peace; and… Consecrated Life. That in this year dedicated to consecrated life, religious men and women may rediscover the joy of following Christ and strive to serve the poor with zeal, … we implore You, O Lord, hear us and have mercy.

AND PETITIONS DUE TO THE CURRENT CIRCUMSTANCES IN UKRAINE: FROM HIS GRACE BISHOP JOHN BURA: We also pray, O merciful Master and Lover of Mankind, look upon the people of Ukraine and hear our prayers offered in faith, for You Yourself said, “Whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you will receive it.” Grant Your blessings to the Ukrainian nation as they seek to find peace and unity, strengthen their sovereignty, fulfill their good intentions in their quest and discernment to build a free and prosperous state and preserve them for the rest of their days in goodness and health, hasten to hear us, O Lord, and have mercy.” We also pray, O good and compassionate Lord, asking You to listen to our prayers for Ukraine and its people. Send down Your Holy Spirit upon the Ukrainian people that through Your divine guidance they may find lasting love, unity, mutual respect and understanding, as they work together for common goals and ideals. Make their endeavor successful, overcoming all obstacles, for the glory of Your name: we pray to You, O Lord, hear us and have mercy.”

ON PAGES 158-159: AT THE COMMUNION HYMN: As Catholics, we believe that the Lord Jesus Christ, our God and Savior, feeds us with His Word and with His Body and Blood. Thus, the same hymn is used for both the Gospel Read- ing and for receiving Holy Communion: “Alleluia”, a superlative expression of thanksgiving, joy, and triumph, which means literally: “Let us Praise God”. However, the psalm verses in between the “Alleluia” do vary between Gospel and Communion, and with the saint of the day, or the feast / season, or the Tone of the Week. TODAY, WE USE THOSE PSALM/SCRIPTURE VERSES FOR THE COMMUNION HYMN “ALLE- LUIA” WHICH ARE FOR THE RESURRECTION, NAMELY PSALM 148:1, ON PAGE 158. IF SUPPLEMENTAL VERSES FROM PSALM 148 ARE NEEDED, THEY CAN BE FOUND ON PAGES 1080-1081. IF SUPPLEMENTAL VERSES FROM PSALM 33 (34) ARE NEEDED, THEY CAN BE FOUND ON PAGE 1081.

ON PAGES 162-163: AS WE PARTAKE OF THE HOLY EUCHARIST, WE MAY SING THE HYMNS ON PAGES 964-973, OR ANOTHER HYMN.

ON PAGE 170, REGARDING THE AMVON PRAYER: IT IS TO BE NOTED THAT PRESENT DAY BOOKS, SUCH AS THE ANTHOLOGY, PRINT ONLY THE CUSTOMARY PRAYER ATTRIBUTED TO SAINT BASIL THE GREAT, EVEN WITHIN CHRYSOSTOM’S LITURGY. HOWEVER, FR DAVID PETRAS, IN HIS BOOK, AMBON PRAYERS, PROVIDES US WITH THAT PRAYER WHICH IS ATTRIBUTED TO ST. JOHN CHRYSOSTOM (SEE PAGES 1-2 OF HIS BOOK), AS WELL AS A NUMBER OF ALTERNATES THAT CAN BE USED, IF THE DIVINE LITURGY IS EVER SERVED ON A SATURDAY EVENING (PAGE 3) OR SUNDAY MORNING. 19

AS WE CONCLUDE THE DIVINE LITURGY, WE MAY SING THE HYMNS ON PAGES 958-963, 974-976, OR A CHRISTMAS CAROL (SUCH AS THE ONES ON PAGES 982-999), OR ANOTHER HYMN. WE SHOULD ALSO PRAY ALONG WITH THE READER AS HE OR SHE READS THE THANKSGIVING PRAYERS AFTER COMMUNION ON PAGES 324-326.

PRAYER FOR BISHOPS (BYZANTINE STYLE) Heavenly Father, in these trying times when the spirit of the age threatens Christian values, give our bishops holiness of life and wisdom to direct and guide our eparchial/diocesan families so that we may grow in Your love. We pray that You grant them strength and power in prudently guiding Your spiritual flocks en- trusted to them, and that they may enrich those over whom they watch, that together with the flocks com- mitted to their care, they may attain eternal life through Your Only-begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, with Whom You are blessed, together with Your all-holy, good and life-giving Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

PROPOSAL for ACOLYTE ASSIGNMENTS If servers would like this to be modified, they are asked to notify the office: 5:00 PM — SATURDAYS: (sometimes Michael Levy, Joseph Levy) 9:00 AM — SUNDAYS: Mark Rad; (sometimes Antony Chirovsky, Joseph Levy; Michael Levy;) 11:30 AM — SUNDAYS: Antony Chirovsky; (sometimes Joseph & Michael Levy); Andrew McCauley; Peter McCauley

LECTOR ASSIGNMENTS FOR JANUARY 2015

SUNDAY BEFORE THEOPHANY: 2 Timothy 4:5-8 Saturday, January 3, 2015 - 5:00 PM – Stephanie Vargo Sunday, January 4, 2015 – 9:00 AM – Irene Borodycia, Lesya Jurgovsky Sunday, January 4, 2015 – 11:30 AM – TBA

MAJOR FEAST OF THE THEOPHANY OF OUR LORD: Titus 2:11-14 & 3:4-7 Sunday, January 4, 2015 – 2:00 – 3:30 PM – readers are needed to volunteer for the “Royal Hours-Office of Readings” for Theophany of our Lord. Monday, January 5, 2015 - 5:30 PM – “Generous Eve” Supper in Church Hall Monday, January 5, 2015 - 7:00 PM – readers are needed to volunteer for The First Divine Liturgy of Theophany which will be the Vigil Service (first part of Vespers of Theophany with Epistle, Gospel & remainder of the Divine Liturgy of St. Basil the Great, with First Water Blessing). Tuesday, January 6, 2015 - 9:30 AM – The Second Divine Liturgy of Theophany will be the Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, with (if necessary) a second Water Blessing.

CHRISTMAS ON JULIAN CALENDAR Wednesday, January 7, 2015 – 9:30 AM – TBA as in previous years, if the people who come to this liturgy would wish to do so then Father Ivan will most gladly serve a Julian calendar Christmas Liturgy for them; if they do not come, then the celebration will be that of the SYNAXIS OF ST JOHN: Acts 19:1-8.

SUNDAY AFTER THEOPHANY: Ephesians 4:7-13 COMMEMORATION OF ST. THEODOSIUS: 2 Corinthians 4:6-15 6 Saturday, January 10, 2015 – 5:00 PM – Joanne Giancola Sunday, January 11, 2015 – 9:00 AM – Irene Borodycia, Lesya Jurgovsky Sunday, January 11, 2015 – 11:30 AM – Linda Chomko

6 The Typikons of Dolnytsky, Mykyta and Petras indicate that if the memory of St. Theodosius (Jan 11) occurs on a Sunday, then it transferred to another day or dropped, but only if that Sunday already has two other commemora- tions: the Sunday after Theophany AND one of the Sundays within the Lenten Triodion. Otherwise, we observe the usual practice of a “Sunday with a postfestive Day and a rank saint” just as we would for the memory of St. Antony (Jan 17), St. Euthymius (Jan 20), St. Gregory (Jan. 25) and St. John Chrysostom (Jan 27), if they should occur on a Sunday. 20 ARCHEPARCHIAL – ARCHDIOCESAN NEWSPAPER: Our Philadelphia Archdiocesan newspaper, The Way, is available in both languages; Ukrainian and English but is no longer printed and sent out to people’s homes. However, those who wish, may access it at www.ukrarcheparchy.us or you can sign up to receive it in your emails by writing to [email protected]

CULTURE-HERITAGE BOOTH - Please see Diane Vargo. The Culture-Heritage glass cases in the upper church hall by the stage, are available for parishioners to view the selection of spiritual books, Pysanky, Easter cards, gifts, etc.

HELP SUPPORT ST. JOHN’S LEGAL DEFENSE FUND While it is true that we were successful in defending our parish’s position against the building of a gas station at 700 E. Carson Street by LEAH Holdings, LP, this effort did not come for free. Between 8/13/2012 and 7/14/2014 our parish incurred an expense of $ 28,187.15 to retain the legal services of Babst, Calland, etc. To help offset this unforeseen expense, one of our parishioners, Andrew McCauley, developed a fundraising video, with Fr. Alex’s assistance, which can be viewed online at www.gofundme.com/SaintJohnBaptist. Please view this video online and consider making a donation online to help offset our legal fees. If you don’t have internet access and you would like to make a donation, please feel free to include your gift in a separate envelope in our Sunday collection. You may mark the envelope with your envelope number, name, and also please write “St. John Legal Defense” on the envelope and in the memo line of the check.

Beginning November 30 – COMMEMORATION OF THE HOLY AND GLORIOUS APOSTLE ANDREW, THE FIRST-CALLED – Special collection: АНДРІЇВ ГРІШ - АNDREW’S PENCE У кожну неділю грудня можна зложити пожертву на благочинну збірку «Андріїв гріш», щоб допомогти нашому Синодові “огорнути духовною опікою всіх вірних нашої Церкви, хоч би на якому континенті вони перебували і хоч би з яких причин покинули батьків- щину, … забезпечуючи опіку нашим вірним там, де ще немає тривалих структур нашої Церкви.” Просимо використати спеціяльні конверти із датою 30-го листопада. On every Sunday of December, and afterwards, please feel free to make your dona- tion for the charitable collection of our Synod of Bishops, known as “Andrew’s Pence”. It is our desire to envelop all the faithful of our church with their own Church’s spiritual care, no matter what continent or for whatever reasons they emigrated from Ukraine. To that effect our Church is col- lecting funds especially “TOWARDS SUSTAINING EXARCHATES IN EASTERN UKRAINE AND LIVING IN TERRITORIES WITHOUT OFFICIAL CHURCH STRUCTURES.” Please use the Green Enve- lope in your boxed sets for November 30 which is marked “Andrew’s Pence”. If you wish you can also use a plain envelope but please clearly mark your name on that envelope. Thank you and God bless you for your generosity.

SARRIS “Candy Sales” The Church Auxiliary is selling a variety of Sarris chocolate bars (Dark Chocolate, Pretzel Rods and Caramel bars) are $2.00 each. (Milk Chocolate, Almonds, Peanut Butter and Crispy chocolate bars) are $1.00 each. Normally sales are on Thursdays and Sundays after the Divine Liturgies. If you attend Sat- urday evening services, please see Margie Klimko or Diane Vargo if you wish to buy some delicious candy at a bargain price. ENJOY BOOKS The Auxiliary is selling Enjoy coupon books for 2015. The cost is $30.00.

“HERE AND THERE” The Church Auxiliary will again conduct its Christmas charity drive for "Here and There". We will be collecting food for the food bank at St. Paul's Monastery. Please leave non perishable items in containers in the back of the church. We will also be raising money for our special needs orphans in Ukraine. Envelopes are available in the back of the church.

PYROHY MAKING AND SELLING AT OUR OWN ST. JOHN’S PARISH All PYROHY related questions are handled by phone at 412-481-5022 or please visit us on TWITTER: twitter.com/StJohns_Pyrohy, or on FACEBOOK: facebook.com/stjohnspyrohy. 21 Висловлюємо глибоке й сердечне “ДЯКУЄМО” й признання нашим “Вареникоробам” котрі цими останніми тижнями, серед часами неспокійних і виснажливих обставин, все ж таки об’єднаними силами і відданістю на благо нашої спільноти довершили такий чудовий осяг. Хай Господь Бог благословить вас усіх стократно! Many deep and heartfelt “THANK YOU” and recognition to our devoted Pyrohy-making team for com- ing these past weeks! It was hectic and tiring but your dedication pulled you together and such a wonderful result for the good of our community was achieved. May the Lord God bless you all a hundredfold ! CHRISTMAS BREAK: December 19, 2014 - January 12, 2015. Orders will be taken again on January 13/14, 2015. Making/selling season resumes January 15, 2015. To place an order please call: 412-481-5022 on Tuesdays (EIGHT am – NOON) and Wednesdays (TEN am – NOON). If anyone would like to respond to the Lord’s calling by volunteering for this ministry, please contact Donna Shanno at 412-885-4391. The Pyrohy making season lasts from SEPTEMBER thru MAY. Pyrohy Sales occur on Thursdays from 11:00 am; last pickup at 4:00 pm.

MONDAY, JANUARY 5, 2015 – 5:30 PM – THEOPHANY EVE “SHCHEDRYJ-GENEROUS” MEAL/EVE On Monday, January 5, 2015, we would like to gather together as a parish family to share a special meal in celebration of the Theophany, the second holiest feast of the year after Pascha (Easter). Since this feastday is a holy day of obligation/privilege, one may of course stay for the worship services afterwards which will begin at 7:00 PM. We are asking people to bring a covered dish from the traditional items listed below. It is very important that you tell us ahead of time what you will be bringing so that we can properly plan. The eve of Theophany (Jan 5) is a day of obligatory abstinence from meat products. If you are unable to prepare one of the items listed below, a cash donation would be appreciated, however, everyone is welcome at this feast, so please join us. 1 dozen holubtsi made with kasha / buckwheat or rice; 1 quart of mushroom gravy; 1 quart of mushroom soup; ½ gallon of borshch; 1 quart of kapusta (your specially prepared sauerkraut dish); ½ gallon mashed potatoes – homemade – not instant; 1 dozen Ukrainian “pampushky” (similar to Polish pąc- zki) – plain or fruit filled; ½ gallon fresh fruit cocktail; fresh fruit; dried fruit; One 12 inch nut roll or apricot roll or poppy seed roll; “Kutya” – recipe made using about 1/2 pound of wheat with poppy seeds and honey; Braided bread centerpiece; Fish; Herring; Shrimp; Nuts; Khrustyky (fried pastries); Fruit filled pastries; Makivnyk (poppy seed cake); Medivnyk (honey cake); Chocolate candy; Halushky; Pop; Uzvar (Fruit Com- pote); 2 bags of ice cubes. Our church will provide the pyrohy, , honey, garlic, holy water, tea, coffee, utensils, plates, cups, napkins and wax candle. Please call Irene Borodycia at 412-881-4635 or Margie Klimko at 412-431- 0430 by January 3, 2014 to tell them if you will attend and what you will bring

JANUARY 9 - ST. JOHN CHRYSOSTOM ACADEMY COURSE REGISTRATION DEADLINE The Registration Deadline for the St. John Chrysostom Academy Spring Semester Course Offerings for 2015 is January 9. The courses offerred are: Introduction to the , History of the Church, Park II, The Clergy Wife, Part II: Life, Mission, and Service. For more information about these courses visit their website at chrysostomacademy.org and click on "Courses" tab.

JANUARY 14, 2015 - ST. PETER and PAUL in AMBRIDGE Every year the parish of Sts Peter and Paul organizes a special pro-life vigil for the defense of the un- born that begins with a short service at town center at 6 pm and then and a procession to their church. For more info please call their parish office.

BIBLE STUDY AT ST. SYLVESTER’s R. C. CHURCH If you are interested in attending this Bible Study at 3754 Brownsville Road, Brentwood, PA 15227, please register/contact Dr. Ross Cafaro at 412-885-1625. Classes will resume on TUESDAY, Jan. 6, 2015 - 6:30-8:30 pm. SUNDAYS - ECF CLASSES ECF (Eastern Christian Formation) classes began on Sunday, September 21, 2014. A calendar for the whole year is hanging on the wall downstairs. If you have any questions, please call Irene Borodycia at 412-881-4635. There will be no ECF classes on January 4.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 10, 2014: ATTENTION: PARENTS, GRANDPARENTS AUNTS AND UNCLES, BROTHERS AND SISTERS, ETC. Inspired by the spiritual biography of Saint Nonna in the August 5, 2007 church bulletin, a number of men and women have created a special prayer group for satisfying the need to intercede in prayer for the welfare of our children and grandchildren. Whenever he can, Father Ivan facilitates this prayer gathering for 22 us. Currently we use the Akathist Hymn to the Mother of God in her miraculous , known as Vospitanie – Воспитание – Vikokhuvatel’ka Deetey – Викохувателька Дітей – Nurturer of Children (venerated on March 5) and then add spontaneous prayers, if necessary. If you are interested, then please call Irene Boro- dycia at 412-881-4635. For the time being, it has been decided that we will meet IN THE CHAPEL on first or second Saturday of each month, at 10:00 am.

JAN. 11, 2015 - UKRAINIAN CULTURAL TRUST CHOIR CONCERT The Ukrainian Cultural Trust Choir of Western Pennsylvania, directed by Dorothy Waslo, will perform two concerts for the Christmas season. The first was held on December 28, 2014. The second concert will be held at Ascension Ukrainian Orthodox Church, Nanty Glo, PA at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 11, 2015. The choir will perform tradition Ukrainian koliadky and schchedrivky. Refreshments will be served after the concert, and there is no admission fee. For more information, please contact Dorothy Waslo at 412-487- 0208 or George Honchar at 412-215-3303. THE SUMMARY OF INCOME: 12/24-25/2014

We will now be printing in the church bulletin not only the info for the Sunday Collec- tions received at the various Divine Liturgies, but also any income that arrives in the mail or is brought to the church office on a weekday. As our ability to transfer to using the church office computer program for all parish finances progresses towards its goal of full compliance with Canon Law and Eparchial Policy, we will one day soon, God-willing, be able to include in the chart below, all of our income and expenses, including the St John’s Pyrohy, St John’s Church Auxiliary and St John’s Stewardship Council bank accounts. In the sense that the latter two are being recorded and reported separately we are in compliance, but since they are not yet fully integrated into the one computer program at the church office, we have yet to reach our goal. RE: Sunday Collection. We ask that if you are submitting a BLANK ENVELOPE instead of using your assigned envelope that you INCLUDE YOUR ENVELOPE NUMBER. Thank you.

WEEKLY SUNDAY OFFERINGS 295.00 WEEKLY CANDLES, including MEMORIAL CANDLES 82.15 REPAIRS & MAINTENANCE (1st Sunday) 1,145.00 MEMBERSHIP DUES (2nd Sunday) 146.00 UTILITIES & INSURANCE (3rd Sunday) 40.00 DIOCESAN OBLIGATIONS & ASSESSMENTS (4th Sunday) 60.00 BOOKS/JOURNALS 0.00 DIVINE LITURGY STIPENDS 105.00 CEMETERY MAINTENANCE 75.00 RETIRED CLERGY – 12/6/2014 25.00 CONCEPTION OF ST. ANNA – 12/9/2014 20.00 NATIVITY OF OUR LORD – 12/25/2014 2,472.00 SEMINARY COLLECTION (CHRISTMAS) – 12/25/2014 452.00 TOTAL 4,917.15 THE SUMMARY OF INCOME: 12/27-28/2014 WEEKLY SUNDAY OFFERINGS 1,248.00 WEEKLY CANDLES, including MEMORIAL CANDLES 69.00 REPAIRS & MAINTENANCE (1st Sunday) 0.00 MEMBERSHIP DUES (2nd Sunday) 60.00 UTILITIES & INSURANCE (3rd Sunday) 0.00 DIOCESAN OBLIGATIONS & ASSESSMENTS (4th Sunday) 319.00 BOOKS/JOURNALS 10.00 PROPERTY USE INCOME (HALL RENTAL) 200.00 NATIVITY OF OUR LORD – 12/25/2014 500.00 SEMINARY COLLECTION (CHRISTMAS) – 12/25/2014 210.00 LEGAL DEFENSE FUND (STOP THE GAS) 395.00 TOTAL 3,011.00

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MEMORIAL CANDLES If you would like to sponsor a candle in front of the copy of the miraculous Pochayiv Mother of God Icon or in front of the Icon of the Cross of Our Lord, or four lamps at the iconostas , or seven lamps in the seven-branched candlestick at our Altar (Holy Table), for whatever intention you desire, at $5.00 per week, please write to or call the parish office at: 412-431-2531. IN MEMORY OF MY PARENTS, KAROL & MARY BODZIUCH (Icon of the Cross of Our Lord): $5.00 – John Bodziuch HEALTH & RECOVERY OF LISA MATHEWS (Copy of the Miraculous Icon of Pochayiv): $5.00 – Mary & Tony Burlando and Family

Many thanks to Steve Zinski for providing the following reflections for us:

SUNDAY BEFORE THEOPHANY Repentance A great many words, both written and spoken, have been used on the subject of repentance in the Christian life. Perhaps a certain dull feeling comes in the heart at the sound of the word because I know only too well how little I have repented of. Or perhaps there is a certain impatience when the subject is mentioned because I don't really care to go too deeply into my own unrepentant life. We all suffer from word fatigue these days, and it is hard to sweep away the past accumulations and associations. Yet it is possible to do this, because our understanding and acceptance of the message of the Lord does not depend on us alone but on the presence, the active presence, of the Spirit of the Lord Who will work inside us if we but allow it. Refreshed with the Spirit, we can tackle any part of the Word of God without any sorrowful or guilt-ridden feelings springing up from deep inside ourselves. That John the Baptist was a figure of repentance is certainly clear from the Gospel today. He comes across as a rather wild man, given to living in harsh places and saying harsh things about people's lives. There appears to be a certain lack of compassion in what he says. Perhaps that was the style of the day. Apparently it was a way of living and speaking that seemed normal to people and to which they responded. It is interesting to see that the repentance of which John spoke is not related to some horrible moral crisis or outstanding example of spiritual defection from the Law of Moses. Rather it seems that John was talking about an ongoing practice, a continuing process which had to do with the long-term preparation of the Jews for the coming of the Messiah. One of the most persistent energies in the life of the Chosen People is the spirit of repentance which was constantly brought to the people's attention by the prophets. By repentance of course is meant a serious examination of the actions and attitudes of living in light of God's Word coupled with a serious and practical effort at change. The cleansing with water was an obvious symbol of the process, a symbol which has been kept in Christian baptism even though it really has to do with the coming of the Holy Spirit. It is the willingness to redirect my life, to challenge what I have done and am doing, to accept the Spirit of the Lord in new ways—these are the basic building blocks of the Christian life. This is what repentance is all about. Fr. Philip Merdinger JANUARY 6: THE THEOPHANY +Rev. Vladimir G. Vancik, S.T.D. There are four great feasts of the Church and the Baptism of Christ (Epiphany), is 24 one of them. In our this feast echoes as much solemnity, celebration and joy as does Christmas, Easter or Pentecost. Initially there was no separate holyday of the Baptism of Jesus. Under the name of Theophany the Christian East celebrated both Christ's birth and His baptism. The celebration of Christmas on December 25th was introduced in Antioch by Saint John Chrysostom in the year 380 A.D. With this, the central theme of Theophany became the Baptism of Christ. On Christmas, Jesus was not made known to many, it is on the day of His baptism that He is presented to Israel and to the world. The Theophany inaugurates Christ's public life as God's messenger, prophet, Messiah and the Son of God. At His baptism the mystery of the Holy is revealed. God the Father is signified by His declaration that Jesus is His beloved Son, while the Son is being baptized as He became Man and the Holy Spirit appears in the shape of a dove. This revelation, however, is a Christian projection and insight into the event. Those present could not understand it. It was for Jesus to gradually reveal this supreme truth of our faith. The event itself is shrouded in mystery. Why should Jesus be baptized and be identified with those who needed repentance for their sins and who were readying themselves for the coming into their midst of "the One Who is greater" than John the Baptist? No wonder that Saint John at first refused to baptize Jesus. When the baptizer said: "I should be baptized by You, yet You come to me." Jesus replied, "Give in for now. We must do this if we would fulfill all of God's demands."Then Jesus humbly joined the repentant crowd and was baptized. The witnessing of the Father follows immediately. The heavens "opened and he saw the Spirit of God descend like a dove and hover over Him." With that, a voice from the heavens said: "This is My beloved Son. My favor rests on Him." The apostolic church understood many things in this event and our Byzantine li- turgical tradition expanded on it. As Jesus is here publicly called the Son of God, so do we become children of God when we are baptized. Through Jesus, the true Son of God, we become the adopted sons and daughters of God. This event concerns everyone of us. New and great things were happening as the Son of God appeared on this earth as Man. Saint John, as the last prophet of the Old Testament, is the official witness of the fulfillment of God's promises that He would send salvation to Israel and to mankind. The icons of the baptism in the River Jordan depict Saint John placing his right hand upon the head of our Lord. Saint Ephraim and other Syrian Fathers interpret this as an act by which Saint John, as the last prophet and representative of the Old Testament, transfers the prophetic office upon Jesus Who is the fulfillment of all prophecies given to Israel. To the question of which prophet was the first to receive this "ordination" and appointment, they say it was Moses. God placed His hand upon Moses on the mountain of Sinai and called him to receive the Law and other instructions. Thus we see how in this moment and in this place there is that great meeting of the two covenants of God: the Old and the New. There is Jesus as the fulfillment and Saint John as the rejoicing witness. The new age was inaugurated. The expectations of many through the ages are being fulfilled. The Savior is here; the Son of God is among us. No more a messenger or a mediator on the human level but God Himself is with us. Our Church displays its spiritual excitement and ecstasies when the celebrating priest, as he is praying over the water to be blessed, says: "Great are You, O Lord, and marvelous are Your works; no words can adequately sing the praise of Your wonders." 25 This feast is also called the Illumination or Enlightenment. It is Saint Matthew who sees in the coming of Christ into the region of Zebulun and Naphtali, the fulfillment of the prophet Isaiah who said: "A people living in darkness have seen a great light. On those who inhabit a land overshadowed by death, light has arisen." The kontakion of this holyday says: "Today You manifest Yourself to the universe and Your light, O Lord, shines upon us. And in our understanding, rightly do we sing out to You: O Light inaccessible! You have come and manifested Yourself."

BLESSING OF HOMES P.: Let us pray to the Lord. R.: Lord, have mercy. P.: O God our Savior, the true Light, Who was baptized in the river Jordan by John to renew all men by the waters of regeneration, and Who condescended to enter under the roof of Zacchaeus to bring salvation to him and to all his house, keep safe also from all harm those who dwell here; grant them Your blessing, purification and bodily health, and all their petitions for their salvation and life everlasting: For blessed are You, together with Your eternal Father, and Your all-holy, gracious, and lifegiving Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. R.: Amen. P.: This home is blessed by the descent of the Holy Spirit which is signified in the sprinkling of this holy water, + in the name of the Father, + and of the Son, + and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

WATER CLEANSES Water means washing oneself and becoming clean again. People all over the world get into a bathtub or a lake or a river or even under a "natural shower", e.g., a small waterfall, and wash the dust and dirt from their bodies. They come out of the water looking and feeling very clean. Many people all over the world also use water to clean themselves in a different way. They "wash" themselves spiri- tually and we call this "washing" Baptism. This can be done by sprinkling the person with water, by "dunking" him in it or by pouring water on his forehead. Most Byzantine Catholics now have reinstated the custom of immersing the person in water. But whether we are "sprinkled, dunked, or washed", Baptism still cleanses us of sin. Even in the Old Testament God used water to clean the earth of sin. At the time of Noah, the world was very sinful. In the region where he lived, Noah was the only man who was holy in the sight of God. So God unleashed a great flood against this part of the world to clean it of the filth of sin. Noah and his family were the only ones who were saved. Baptism is like this great flood. Before we receive this , we are part of the world of sin. It is hard for us to be good. We are very close to the material things of the world rather than to God. When we are baptized, the Holy Spirit gives us "a bath" in the waters of salvation (Titus 3:5). This is what the word baptism means, to wash. We are now new people, clean people, and we have a new life in union with Christ! 26 LET’S DRESS ACCORDINGLY During the winter months, our church and chapel will be heated for Divine Worship Services to 63˚F/17˚C. Otherwise, the buildings will be at about 50˚F/10˚C. Please re- member to dress accordingly. Meanwhile, the Pyrohy making area poses more difficulty. The people where the Pyrohy are being cooked find it too hot; the people doing the pinching find it too cold. Meanwhile, the thermostat is two floors above this entire area. We kindly ask our Pyrohy workers to please be patient as we experiment on Thursdays in December to see which temperature setting will work best.

ABOUT THEOPHANY, FROM FR. IVAN CHIROVSKY

The full name of the feast celebrated on January 6 could also sound like this:

“The Holy Theophany of our Lord, God and Savior, Jesus Christ, together with His beginningless Father and His All-Holy, Good and Life-Giving Spirit, which occurred during the Lord’s baptism in the River Jordan.”

Why?

ABOUT THE NAME OF THE FEAST: The current name of the feast, Theophany-Boho-Iavlinnia, comes from the Greek words, theo (God), and phainein (to show forth). It means the “showing forth of God”, the Trinity, to mankind, or the Divine Disclosure. The variant current name of the feast, Epiphany-Iavlinnia-Na- Nas, also comes from two Greek words, epi (on, upon), and phainein (to show forth). This means "appearance" or "manifestation" of Jesus, the Son of God, upon humankind. The ancient names of the Feast included such names as “Feast of Lights” or “Feast of Enlightenment-Prosveeshchennia“. ABOUT THE ORIGINS OF THE FEAST: The observance of this feast had its ori- gins in the fourth century in the Eastern Christian Churches, and was originally a general celebration of the fulfillment of the Incarnation of Jesus Christ, and included the com- memoration of four things: (1) of his birth; (2) of the visit of the Magi or "Wise Men", who arrived in Bethlehem; (3) of all of Jesus' childhood events, up to and including his baptism in the Jordan by John the Baptist; and (4) of the miracle at the Wedding of Cana in Galilee. In the East, after the Pascha of our Lord on Easter Sunday, Theophany is the second greatest feast-day of the church year. ABOUT THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE FEAST IN THE WEST: The trend began perhaps even in the fourth-fifth century in Rome, but by the year AD 534, all areas of the Western Church had fully separated out the celebration of the Nativity of Christ into a separate feast-day of Christmas, setting that date as December 25, while reserving Jan- uary 6 for the commemoration of the coming of the Magi, alone. Thus in the West, Jan. 6 is not only known as Epiphany, but also as the Twelfth Day of Christmas or Three Kings Day. The reforms after Vatican II in the Latin/Roman Church allow the feast to be transferred to a Sunday. ABOUT THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE FEAST IN THE EAST: In the East, January 6 is still a composite feast, but not of all four original events. The celebration of Christmas (item 1) on December 25th was introduced in Antioch by St. John Chrysostom in the year 380 A.D. (The East celebrates Christmas for eight days, ending on Dec. 31; Jan. 1 being our Lord’s Circumcision on the eighth day after His birth.) Eventually the rest of the East began to commemorate both Jesus' birth (# 1) and the coming of the 27 Magi (#2) on Dec. 25, but it still left January 6 as the day for commemorating the manifestation of the Holy Trinity at Jesus’ Baptism, together with all of His other childhood events (#3) and the miracle at the Wedding of Cana in Galilee (#4). In the East, the Feast of Theophany was originally also an eight-day festival, so that until January 14, inclusive, all the normal penitential and fasting laws of Wednesdays and Fridays used to be suspended. But when the fasting rules were mitigated for the after- feast of Christmas (Dec 26-31, including Jan 1-4), then it seemed to make sense not to duplicate this mitigation. So, in our times, we celebrate Theophany until January 14, but the usual fasting rules for any Wednesday or Friday that would occur (between January 7-14) are still applied. The Saturday and Sunday after Theophany (if Easter Sunday does not occur too early) have special Epistle and Gospel Readings assigned to them, which relate to the Temptation of Christ and to penance and perseverance in the Christian struggle. There is thus a liturgical continuum between the Feast of Theophany and the Great Fast ().

ABOUT WHAT EAST AND WEST HAVE IN COMMON: However, in both cases the essence of the feast is the same: the manifestation or showing forth of Christ to the world (whether as an infant in Bethlehem to the Magi, or as an adult in the Jordan at His baptism), and the continued celebration of the Mystery of the Incarnation, begun at the Annunciation (which was originally celebrated during the forty days before Christmas and is now celebrated on March 25), which is now brought to completion in the Nativity and saving ministry of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Furthermore, for Eastern Christians, this celebration of the Lord’s Incarnation ends with the celebration of our Lord’s Encounter with Simeon and Anna (Feb. 2 and following).

“Unceasing prayer is born of love, but fault-finding, idle talk and self-indulgence are the death of prayer.” – St. Silouan the Athonite.

Please remember the “Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of St. Josa- phat”, as well our own “St John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Church”, in your last will and testament. Будь ласка, пам’ятайте про свою “Українську Католицьку Єпархію св. Йосафата”, та нашу “Церкву/Парафію св. Івана Хрестителя”, в своєму заповіті. 28 Vol. 60, No. 1 JANUARY 4, 2015 AD PARISH WEEKLY NEWSLETTER SAINT JOHN THE BAPTIST UKRAINIAN CATHOLIC CHURCH Byzantine Rite

109 S. 7th STREET, PITTSBURGH, PA. 15203-1028 412-431-2531 E-MAIL ADDRESS: [email protected] WEB SITE: stjohnspittsburgh.com “Catholic” comes from the Greek, meaning: “according-to-the-whole” or “universal”

“Rite” or “Ritual Church” means “One of the twenty-one Eastern Catholic Sister Churches, who are simultaneously in Communion with the Church & Pope in Rome, while living their own distinct- ly non-Roman (non-Latin), and yet equally Apostolic Tradition (Theological, Spiritual, Liturgical & Canonical Heritage).”

The Baptism of the Lord and Our Baptism The prophet proclaimed, "He never wears out. It is a womb that desires mercy," thereby announcing conceives without passion, a tomb in from on high the mystery of baptism and which those who are buried are born the immeasurable grace of the Crucified. again. It is the ocean in which sins are It is Christ who desires mercy, and this drowned, the element that witnesses to was His reason for becoming man. He the devil's defeat. who was born without opening the It is the seal of Him who takes virginal womb "will turn again and take possession of the fortress, the unfailing pity on us." Indeed, He has taken pity advocate before the Judge. It is the on us by freeing us from error. Upon the stream that extinguishes the fires of hell, cross He triumphed over all sin. "He has the grace that gives admission to the cast our sins into the depths of the sea," supper of the Lord. It is a mystery, both for He has washed them away in the old and new, foreshadowed even in the saving waters of Baptism. time of Moses. To Christ our God be Consider what Baptism is and glory forever, through endless ages. proclaim its grace. All blessings are Amen. contained in it. It purifies the world; it restores nature. It is a speedy Basil of Seleucia redemption, a simple remedy, a liquid fire that burns away sin, a sponge that For more information on Eastern spirituality, visit www.mytheosis.com purifies the conscience, a garment that

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