Eastern Catholic Life Official Publication of the Byzantine Catholic of Passaic VOL. XLIX, NO. 4 APRIL 2013

The Resurrection of Our Lord Christ is Risen! Indeed He is Risen!

To the Dear People of the Eparchy of Passaic, Too often we think Resurrection is about what happens to us after we die. We limit Resurrection to nothing more than a promise of life after death. The Christ is Risen! Indeed He is Risen! power and gift of Resurrection is not so much in what happens after death but friend of mine was telling me about when her son was a young right here, now, today. Perhaps we should worry less about whether there is life boy and, on occasion, would call out in the middle of the night, after death and more about whether there is life before death. “Mom! I heard something!” Or, “Mom, I saw something!” When The joy of Easter is not only that Christ is risen! Easter joy is also about that would happen, she would go into his room, turn on the light, and together A the possibility and the promise that, regardless of what our lives are like now, they would look all around the room - under the bed, in the closet, and behind new life is available to each one of us here the door. After a little while, she would say to and now. Christ is risen from the dead and her son, “There’s nothing here,” and her son we are now free to claim His life as our own. would happily climb back into bed knowing all is well. What matters most about Easter is not the empty tomb but what we do tomorrow, That, my friends, is the message of Easter the day after, and the day after that. How and the empty tomb of Our Lord! “There’s will we now live differently? Jesus did not nothing here! Do not be afraid. All is well!” die and rise so that we might continue life That story is not just a story about a little as usual. If this news does not change us we boy. It’s our own personal story. It’s the story might as well put the stone back over the of life lived in fear of darkness and death. It tomb. is a story, I suspect, each of knows well. We If we leave our churches on Easter Sun- fear for ourselves and we fear for those we day and don’t think about Easter again until love. Something is there - something more next year then we’ve entirely missed the gift. powerful than ourselves. The lives we live are the evidence of the Res- As we read in the Gospel at Matins - urrection. three women, two named Mary and Salome, How will you live differently this year go to see the tomb of Our Lord. They know after singing “Christ is Risen!” I challenge something is there. They saw it all. They you to shout out to everyone you see during watched the crucifixion. They saw Jesus die. the Pascal season – “Christ is Risen!” You They saw Joseph take Jesus’ body, wrap it in a may receive strange looks from people – but cloth, and put it in the tomb. They saw him who cares – you know the Good News and roll a great stone to the door of the tomb. you don’t want to keep it to yourself. They were there, sitting opposite the tomb. They know what to expect as they go to the Please know that you all are always in tomb. Death, fear, pain, loss, sorrow. my prayers and I humbly ask you to remem- ber me in yours. “Do not be afraid,” the angel announces. “You are looking for Jesus of Nazareth who was crucified. He has risen, He is not here” The empty tomb proclaims that Sincerely Yours in the Service of Christ and His People, all is well. This is the Church’s story. It is the same old story told every year. Some of you have heard this story only a few times. Others have heard it 60, 70, maybe 80 times. The story never changes. Instead, it changes us. Each year we gather Very Reverend Edward G. Cimbala, D.Min to hear this story for only one reason: so that we can leave our churches; so Eparchial Administrator that we can leave the darkness and tombs of our lives and live. We want to be reminded, “There is nothing here. Do not be afraid. All is well.”

Habemus Papam Franciscum!

Pope Francis Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, SJ

Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, SJ of Argentina was elected the 266th Successor of Saint Peter. He is the first Jesuit to become Pope. He is the first Pope from the Western Hemisphere. And, he is the first Pope to take the name “Francis.” God grant him many blessed years!

See special articles on pages 8-9. Page 2 Eastern Catholic Life APRIL 2013

Statements on the Election of Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio as 266th Successor to Saint Peter Congratulations Pope Francis!

From Metropolitan William... Bishop Gerald Dino of Phoenix and I were in Rome to represent our Metropolitan Church of Pittsburgh Byzantine Catholic Metropolitan Church at his enthronement at Saint Peter’s Basilica on Tuesday, March 19. You can already feel the joy, hope Congratulations to our newly-elected Pope Francis. The first mod- and excitement for the future. ern-day Pope born outside of Europe, the first Jesuit, and the first to be As we begin to remember his name in the litanies of the Divine Lit- named after Saint Francis, Pope Francis has been very supportive of the urgy and in our daily prayer, we ask that our new Pope receives strength Eastern Catholic Churches in Latin America during his tenure as Arch- from the Father and wisdom from the Holy Spirit. bishop of Buenos Aires in his native Argentina. For this, we are especially thankful. As he assumes his place as our Holy Father, we wish him peace, health, and happiness for many blessed and happy years.

From Father Edward... eryone was praying for our new Pope. The church needs someone like Administrator of the Eparchy of Passaic a Saint Francis – as someone said, “a saint that transcends the and is loved by all people, a saint who reached out in simplicity Jorge Mario Cardinal Bergoglio of Buenos Aires had just been elect- ... poverty and care for the poor.” I believe that this will be the touchstone ed as the 266th pope of the Catholic Church, taking the name Francis. of Pope Francis’ ministry. I am also encouraged that Pope Francis has While not being familiar with the cardinal, his name is the name of one a knowledge and love of the Eastern Catholic Churches as he served as of my favorite saints. In my travels, one place I enjoy visiting time and ordinary for Eastern Catholics in Argentina, specifically those who do time again is Assisi, the hometown of Saint Francis. When you step off not have members of their own hierarchy the bus on your arrival you a sense of peace overwhelms you. This was This a blessed time for the Church, I along with the priests, deacons, the same sense I felt when I saw and heard Pope Francis for the first time. religious and laity of the Eparchy of Passaic, rejoice in the election of His first message was one of prayer – I was moved when he asked Jorge Mario Cardinal Bergoglio. As an Eparchy we offer our prayers, that the people in the square, and by extension all of us watching and support, fidelity, and love, as he begins his ministry as the Successor to listening, to pray for him before he imparted his blessing. The silence the Chair of Saint Peter and the universal pastor of the Catholic Church. in Saint Peter’s Square and in my living room was awe-inspiring as ev-

From the Office of the Eparchial Administrator

Eparchial Stewardship Appeal and Hurricane Sandy Relief THANK YOU!

he people of the Eparchy of Passaic are truly generous. In the tions totaling $50,000.00 from hundreds of people in 59 parishes and past few months you have been asked to make donations to the 18 people who sent their gifts directly to the chancery. I am happy to annualT Eparchial Stewardship Appeal and for the special collection for report that we have been able to help a number of people. Funds are still Hurricane Sandy Relief. I want to express my sincere appreciation for available. If you or anyone you know has suffered from Hurricane Sandy, your contributions. please contact me at the Chancery office by letter, stating the need and the name of the parish attended. By your gifts to this fund you truly live The theme of our 2013 Stewardship Appeal was “from generation the gospel message of helping those in need. to generation” and your gifts help to insure the life of the Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Passaic into the next generation. Almost 100% of Please know that you are in my prayers and I ask that you remember our parishes have participated in this campaign resulting in the cam- me in yours. paign reaching 98% of our goal in gifts and pledges – but we are still Sincerely yours in the service of Christ and His people, $6,000.00 short of our objective. If you have not made a contribution to this appeal, may I ask you to consider doing so? Your gifts play a major role in assisting the Eparchy of Passaic in doing its work. I also want to thank you for your recent gifts to the Hurricane San- Very Rev. Edward G. Cimbala, D.Min. dy Relief Fund. We are blessed you have responded to our need for help with such compassion and generosity. Your kindness resulted in dona- Administrator of the Eparchy of Passaic APRIL 2013 Eastern Catholic Life Page 3

History of the Eparchy of Passaic Preparing for the 50th Anniversary of the Eparchy of Passaic - November 10, 2013

Part 6 - A Bright New Day Dawns The First Bishop of Passaic is Appointed By Father Jody J. Baran

he date is September 10, He graduated from De La Salle cred Theology and was ordained to 1963. The place is the new- Catholic High School and then the Holy Priesthood through the ly-createdT Cathedral of Saint Mi- went to Nazareth Preparatory Semi- imposition of hands of the Most chael the Archangel in Passaic, NJ. nary in Saint Paul. When Bishop Reverend Alexander Evreinoff, the A colorful procession of archbish- Takach became the first Bishop of ordaining prelate for Byzantine ops, bishops, and clergy and reli- Pittsburgh, he sent the young semi- Catholics in Rome, on March 3, gious makes its way into the church. narian to Saint Josaphat’s Seminary 1941. This all took place before his A bystander may ask, “Why is this return to the United States and the impressive display taking place?” For beginning of his priestly ministry. Byzantine Catholics of the day, the Upon his return to the U.S., answer is obvious - it is to establish Most Rev. Stephen Kocisko, DD he was appointed pastor in De- the new Eparchy of Passaic and for First Bishop of Passaic troit, and then Lyndora, the canonical enthronement of the Pennsylvania. While in Lyndora, Protosyncellus (Vicar General) of first Bishop, the Most Reverend he served on the Matrimonial Tri- the Eparchy. Stephen J. Kocisko, D.D. Prior to bunal of the Eparchy of Pittsburgh his enthronement as first Bishop of Within a few years, Bishop Ko- and later, with the establishment of Passaic, the Most Reverend Stephen cisko was called to come to New the Byzantine Catholic Seminary, J. Kocisko, D. D. was the Auxiliary Jersey and establish a brand new he served as Professor of Patrology Bishop of the Eparchy of Pittsburgh Eparchy. He would now have the re- (the study of the Church Fathers). and its bishop, the Most Reverend sponsibility of acquiring a residence, In 1956, he was named as Chancel- Nicholas T. Elko. It was now the sa- a chancery office and setting up the lor of the Eparchy by Bishop Elko. cred mission of Bishop Stephen to administration of the Eparchy. Be- Later in that year, in October, Bish- build this new Eparchy of Passaic ing a person with great insight, he op Elko was faced with a growing from the ground up. soon gave his fledgling eparchy a eparchy and petitioned for an Aux- Cathedral of Saint Michael means of communication with the Stephen J. Kocisko was born in iliary Bishop. In response to this, people and established the Eparchial , Minnesota on June and on October 23, 1956, Father in Rome to continue his philosophi- newspaper, The Eastern Catholic Life. 11, 1915 to immigrant parents. His Kocisko was ordained to the episco- cal and theological studies. After He established his chancery office early education was in the Catholic pacy at Saint Paul’s Roman Catholic his years of study he was granted a in the maze of the Cathedral com- schools of Saint Paul, Minnesota. Cathedral in Pittsburgh. He took up Licentiate (Masters) Degree in Sa- plex in Passaic. He also established residence in Holy Ghost Parish various eparchial commissions and on the city’s North Side. During agencies. the next seven years, he served as Auxiliary Bishop, of the (To be continued) Byzantine Catholic Seminary, and Page 4 Eastern Catholic Life APRIL 2013

People You Know Around the Eparchy

Saint Therese Church - Saint Petersburg, FL First Annual Chili Cook-Off!

aint Therese Byzantine Catholic Church of Saint Petersburg, FL heldS its 1st Annual Chili Cook-Off in February, 2013. Al Hvozdovich took 1st Place with his low fat turkey chili. Pierangela Gerke took 2nd and Con- nie Sernulka took 3rd place. Father Ken Bonadies, a retired priest, also participated in the cook off. All monies raised were do- nated to the parish. Saint Therese Church is served by Father Robert Evancho.

Resurrection Church - Smithtown, NY Community Churches Feed the Hungry

wenty eight years ago, Resurrection Byzantine CatholicT Church in Smithtown, NY was one of the seven local Christian congregations that joined together to respond to the needs of the area’s poorer residents. The face of poverty on Long Is- Parishioners from each of the Saint Thomas of Canterbury Epis- land has changed along with a chang- seven participating congregations copal Church, on a monthly basis. ing economy, and the Smithtown regularly bring non-perishable food Over the years, most of Resurrection Emergency Food Pantry continues to items as part of their weekly offer- Church’s adults and teens have taken provide nutritious and varied grocer- ings when they come to worship. a turn in serving the Pantry. Alexis ies to dozens of families each week, as Each of the seven participating Cahill coordinates Food Pantry ac- well as full holiday meals at Thanks- congregations takes turns staffing tivities for Resurrection Church. giving and Christmas. the Food Pantry, which is housed at

EASTERN CATHOLIC LIFE Saint John Church - Wilkes-Barre Twp., PA (USPS 165-600) Assistant Cantor Honored (ISSN 0894-9786) Official Publication of the Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Passaic Subscription Rate: $15.00 per year. Father Mykhaylo News and Photo Services: Catholic News Service, CNS Picture Prodanets presents Service and Member of the Catholic Press Association of America. an icon of the Mother Published monthly by the Eastern Catholic Press Association, of God to Joe Dobash 445 Lackawanna Avenue, Woodland Park NJ 07424. to mark 50 years of Phone: 973-890-7794. Fax: 973-890-7175. service as Postage Paid at Little Falls, NJ and additional office at Bellmawr, NJ. Assistant Cantor. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Eastern Catholic Life 445 Lackawanna Avenue, Woodland Park, NJ 07424. special presentation by Fa- Joe has been serving sharing his Very Rev. James G. Hayer, Editor ther Prodanets, Adminis- musical talents as Assistant Cantor Mrs. Diane Rabiej, Associate Editor tratorA of Saint John Parish, Wilkes- for mote than 50 years! He received Barre Township (Georgetown), PA a standing ovation by all there in at- E-Mail us at: [email protected] of a beautiful icon called “Mary the tendance and the church bells rang Eternal Bloom” was made to Assis- while everyone sang “Many Years” Eparchial Website: www.EparchyofPassaic.com tant Cantor Joseph Dobash. for Joe! APRIL 2013 Eastern Catholic Life Page 5

Called to Eternal Repose: +Father Robert Kemeter

signment at the time of his death tendance were Father Marcel Szabo, tions in the church because, as he was Saints Peter and Paul Byzantine Father Gregory Noga, Msgr. Nich- often said, “God deserves the best.” Catholic Church in Somerset where olas Puhak, Father Peter Donish, Therefore, Father Gregory noted, it he served for over ten years. and Father James Hayer. Responses was both special and symbolic that were led by Cantors Al Zareva and +Father Robert’s final celebration of Father Kemeter was preceded Ken Dilks. The Altar Server was Mr. the was for Christ- in death by his parents, Edward and George Leshko. mas, when the church was filled with Stella Kemeter. He is survived by his faithful people, joyful singing and SOMERSET, NJ – Father brothers, James Kemeter of Bethle- many beautiful decorations. Robert F. Kemeter, 68, fell asleep hem, PA; and Daniel Kemeter and in the Lord on February 7, 2013 at his wife Christine also of Bethlehem. The priest is a living icon of Robert Wood Johnson University He is also survived by his nephews: Christ, Father Gregory said. As such, Hospital in New Brunswick, NJ. He Jeffrey, David, and Michael Keme- the ministry of the priest is a reflec- was Pastor of Saints Peter and Paul ter and great nephews; Jackson and tion of the ministry of Christ the Byzantine Catholic Church in Som- Ryan Kemeter. High Priest. In this regard, he noted how much +Father Robert loved to erset, NJ. The Office of Christian Burial preach and celebrate the Divine Lit- Father Robert was born in Al- for a Priest was celebrated on Friday, urgy. Moreover, he would often visit lentown, PA, son of Edward and February 15, 2013 at Saints Peter and cemeteries and pray for the deceased, Stella Kemeter. He received his Paul Byzantine Catholic Church in especially his own parents whom he primary education at Sacred Heart Somerset, NJ where +Father Robert’s missed very dearly. “Today,” Father School in Allentown and was gradu- body lie in state. The Very Reverend Gregory said, “we commend +Fa- ated from Central Catholic High Edward Cimbala, D.Min, Eparchial ther Bob back to the hands of God” School in Allentown. His under Administrator, was the principal cel- where there is no pain, sorrow or graduate work was completed at ebrant at the Funeral Service for a Father Gregory Hosler mourning, but life everlasting. Priest. Concelebrants included Fa- Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, preached the homily. PA, after which he attended Saints ther Harry Untereiner, Father John At the conclusion of the service, Cyril and Methodius Byzantine Zeyack, Father David Baratelli, Fa- The Very Reverend Edward Cimba- Catholic Seminary in Pittsburgh ther Scott Boghossian, Father John la, Eparchial Administrator, offered In his homily, Father Gregory and Saint Francis Seminary in Lo- Cigan, Father J. Michael Venditti, condolences to the family of +Father Hosler spoke of the ministry of reto, PA. He was Ordained to the Father Gary Mensinger, Father Robert in behalf of the Eparchy of the priesthood and commented Priesthood of Jesus Christ on July 4, Martin Vavrak, and Father Gregory Passaic. on how much +Father Robert en- 1972 by Bishop Michael J. Dudick. Hosler, who also served as homilist. joyed his priestly service. He was Interment was at Saints Peter Following his ordination, he served Liturgical Masters of Ceremony consumed with “zeal for the Lord’s and Paul Cemetery in New Bruns- in several parishes throughout the were Father Michael Mondik and house” (Psalm 69) and often gave wick, NJ. May his memory be eternal! Eparchy of Passaic. His parish as- Father Edward Higgins. Also in at- great attention to holiday decora-

The chalice veil is placed over the face Father Edward offers condolences Cantor Al Zareva (right) leads the of the departed priest. to +Father Robert’s family in behalf of the Eparchy. singing with Cantor Ken Dilks.

The priests gather in prayer for +Father Robert. +Father Robert’s casket in escorted from the church. Eternal memory! Page 6 Eastern Catholic Life APRIL 2013

Theophany River Blessing The Raritan River in Central New Jersey

the Raritan River and connects the municipalities of Hillsborough and Raritan, NJ. The park was not only a delight to the eye, but had many ben- efits that facilitated the events of the day. The large paved parking area directly adjacent to the bridge allowed easy access to the procession at the begin- bobbed up and down in the rapid current, but trav- ning of the Blessing. And, the stylized park bench- eled downstream at a crisp pace. Father Ed Cim- es, overlooking the flowing river, provided a resting bala and Father Ron Hatton finished the service by place for those in attendance while waiting for the sprinkling everyone with copious amounts of the Blessing to begin. newly blessed holy water! The weather also cooperated nicely. One could Approximately one hundred parishioners and friends of Saint Mary Parish attended this year’s (l. to r.): Father Ed Cimbala, Father Ron Hatton and not have asked for a better January day to conduct Blessing Service. Following the service, the faithful Deacon Mark Koscinski. an outdoor blessing. The early afternoon sun was high in the sky and shone brilliantly! Only a few returned to Saint Mary Social Center for refresh- he scenic Nevius Street Bridge Park in puffy clouds hung lazily in the deep blue sky above, ments and a light lunch. As always, the success of Raritan, NJ was the site of the annual while the temperature was unseasonably warm for the day’s proceedings was secured by the tireless BlessingT of the Raritan River by the Very Rever- an early January day. As a result of such auspicious work of many parishioners, who generously volun- end Edward G. Cimbala D.Min., pastor of Saint weather, the river current was rapid, adding to the teered their time to do such things as prepare the Mary Byzantine Catholic Church, Hillsborough spectacular scenery and the joy of the day. location, direct traffic, and prepare the reception afterwards. NJ and Administrator of the Eparchy of Passaic. The clergy began the Blessing Service at the The blessing took place on Sunday, January 6, 2013, midway point across the bridge span, directly over Saint Mary’s Choir, under the direction of the Feast of the Theophany of Our Lord. the fastest part of the river. The prayers of the Bless- Cantor Elias Zareva provided the responses. Fa- The location was “picture perfect” for the Great ing Service were, as always, deeply moving. To the ther Ronald J. Hatton, Deacon Alexander Kubik Blessing of Water, as the recently renovated walk- delight of those present, the Blessing Cross hurled and Deacon Mark Koscinski assisted at the service. ing bridge spans one of the main channels feeding into the river near the end of the service not only

Preparing for Marriage in 2013?

Pre Cana Classes will be held on Sundays, April 14th and April 21st, from 2 to 5 PM at Saints Peter and Paul Byzantine Catholic Church, Route 93 in Beaver Meadows, PA 18216. Participants are asked to arrive at least 15 minutes early on April 14th in order to fill out a registration form. Cost is $40 per couple for the two weeks. Couples planning to attend should inform their pastor. Pastors are asked to let Father James Demko know by Easter how many couples from their parish will be attending. APRIL 2013 Eastern Catholic Life Page 7

Theophany River Blessing The French Creek in Phoenixville

Above: Father James Badeaux blesses the water. At right: A crowd gathers near the French Creek.

n Sunday, January 13, 2013, the Pastor, The idea for the blessing was born when Fa- the Feast of Theophany. Needless to say, the pa- Father James Badeaux, and parishioners ther James Badeaux and Father Stepan met at the rishioners of both parishes were very excited of SaintO Michael Byzantine Catholic Church in Eastern Churches Encounter in Hillsborough, NJ about this first joint endeavor and their presence Mont Clare, PA; and the Pastor, Father Stepan this past fall. At that time they realized that they at the blessing gave witness to their enthusiasm. Bilyk, and parishioners of Saints Peter and Paul were neighbors but had ever met! As a result of Everyone commented on the beauty of the Ukrainian Catholic Church in Phoenixville, PA what they learned and shared at this conference, celebration and expressed hope that it would be jointly blessed the French Creek, which flows they decided that their parishes collaborate in repeated next year, with more collaboration be- through downtown Phoenixville, PA. The bless- many areas. They decided to begin with the cus- tween the two parishes to come! ing marked the first occasion in many years that tom common to both Ukrainian and Byzantine the two parishes held a joint celebration. Catholics: the blessing of bodies of water around

The Blessing Cross Father Stepan Bilyk floats atop the Byzantine Catholics and Ukrainian Catholics gather for a blesses the people gathered on the bridge! French Creek. joint celebration of the blessing of the French Creek. Theophany River Blessing The Susquehanna River in Wyoming Valley

n Sunday, January 20, 2013, the priests singing, usually attracts quite a crowd as well as of the Wyoming Valley parishes gath- media coverage. This year, however, was quite dif- eredO around the ice-encrusted banks of the ferent. Susquehanna River for the 10th annual Blessing Due to a construction project on the bridge, of the River. The river is usually blessed from the the blessing was relocated to a boat launch in a Veteran’s Memorial Bridge. The annual gathering local park. However, due to an extended cold snap of faithful and clergy on the bridge, coupled with of sub-freezing weather, and an accumulation of a police escort, processional banners, and much ice and snow on the boat launch, the blessing Father James Hayer chants the needed to be postponed several times. Seeing that prayer of blessing of water. the cold weather was not about to break anytime time residents who recall the Great Flood of 1972 soon, the clergy decided to tread carefully to the as a result of Hurricane Agnes. Even today, the boat launch by themselves for a private blessing banks of the Susquehanna typically overflow from on Sunday, January 20th. time to time, and the prayers of the faithful for a The priests told their parishioners earlier that calm to the “raging waters” are a great source of Sunday morning that they would be venturing to comfort. the boat launch at 2PM later that afternoon. They The five Byzantine Catholic Parishes of then asked all parishioners to join their voices in Pennsylvania’s Wyoming Valley are served by Fa- unified prayer on Sunday afternoon. No matter ther Joseph Bertha, Father James Hayer, and Fa- where they were or what they were doing, all were ther Mykhaylo Prodanets with the assistance of asked to pause and pray at 2PM. Deacon Edward Frey, Deacon Basil Soroka, Dea- Father Mykhaylo Prodanets (left) and con Lawrence Worlinsky, and the ministry of the Father Joseph Bertha (right). The annual River Blessing in the Wyoming Valley area has special significance for long- Sisters of Saint Basil the Great. Page 8 Eastern Catholic Life APRIL 2013

Meet Pope Francis 266th Successor to Saint Peter

rgentine Cardinal Jorge Mario Ber- tinuously to confirm the election. goglio, 76, was elected the 266th At 8:12 p.m., French Cardinal Jean-Louis pope and took the name Francis. Tauran, the senior cardinal in the order of dea- The election on March 13, 2013 came on the A cons, appeared at the basilica balcony and read first full day of the conclave on the conclave’s out in Latin: “I announce to you a great joy: We At right: fifth ballot. His formal installation as Supreme have a pope! The most eminent and most rever- An undated photo Pontiff and Bishop of Rome was on Tuesday, end lord, Lord Jorge, Cardinal of the Holy Ro- of the Pope as march 19, 2013. man Church, Bergoglio, who has taken for him- a young priest The Latin American pope, a Jesuit, was cho- self the name Francis.” with his family. sen by at least two-thirds of the 115 cardinals The crowd in the square responded with from 48 countries, who cast their ballots in se- cheers, applause and the waving of national flags. cret in the Sistine Chapel. His election was an- A respected Italian journal said he was the car- nounced in Latin from the balcony of Saint Pe- dinal with the second-highest number of votes ter’s Basilica, to a massive crowd in the square on each of the four ballots in the 2005 conclave. below and millions watching around the world. Cardinal Bergoglio has had a growing repu- ple. He rides the bus, visits the poor, lives in a White smoke poured from the Sistine Cha- tation as a very spiritual man with a talent for simple apartment and cooks his own meals. To pel chimney at 7:05 p.m. signaling that the car- pastoral leadership serving in a region with the many in Buenos Aires, he is known simply as dinals had chosen a successor to His Holiness largest number of the world’s Catholics. Since “Father Jorge.” Benedict XVI, Pope Emeritus. At 7:07 p.m., the 1998, he has been archbishop of Buenos Aires, bells of Saint Peter’s Basilica began pealing con- He also has created new parishes, restruc- where his style is low-key and close to the peo- tured the administrative offices, led pro-life ini- tiatives and started new pastoral programs, such as a commission for divorcees. He co-presided over the 2001 Synod of Bishops and was elected to the synod council, so he is well-known to the world’s bishops. The cardinal has also written books on spirituality and meditation and has been outspoken against abortion and same-sex marriages. At right: Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople with Bishop Brian Farrell at the Papal Installation.

It was the first time since the Great Schism of 1054 AD that an Ecumenical Pa- triarch attended a Papal Installation.

In 2010, when Argentina became the first Latin American country to legalize same-sex marriage, Cardinal Bergoglio encouraged cler- gy across the country to tell Catholics to pro- test against the legislation because, if enacted, it could “seriously injure the family,” he said. He also said adoption by same-sex couples would result in “depriving (children) of the human growth that God wanted them given, by a father and a mother.” In 2006, he criticized an Argentine proposal to legalize abortion under certain circumstances as part of a wide-ranging legal reform. He ac- cused the government of lacking respect for the values held by the majority of Argentines and of trying to convince the Catholic Church “to wa- ver in our defense of the dignity of the person.” His role often forced him to speak publicly about APRIL 2013 Eastern Catholic Life Page 9

elected Superior of the Jesuit province of Argentina. In 1980, he returned to San Miguel as a teacher at the Jesuit school, a job rarely taken by a former provincial superior. In May 1992, he was appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Buenos Aires. He was one of three aux- iliary bishops, and he kept a low profile, spending most of his time caring for the Catho- An immense crowd gathers for the Pope’s Installation. lic university, counseling priests and preaching and hearing con- In 1967, he returned to his theological stud- fessions. On June 3, 1997, he the economic, social and political problems fac- was named Coadjutor Archbishop. He was in- ing his country. His homilies and speeches are ies and was ordained to the Priesthood of Jesus Christ on December 13, 1969. After his per- stalled as the new Archbishop of Buenos Aires filled with references to the fact that all people on February 28, 1998. (CNS) are brothers and sisters and that the church and petual profession as a Jesuit in 1973, he became the country need to do what they can to make Master of Novices at the Seminary of Villa Bari- May God Grant him many blessed years! sure that everyone feels welcome, respected and lari in San Miguel. Later that same year, he was cared for. While not overtly political, Cardinal Bergo- glio has not tried to hide the political and social impact of the Gospel message, particularly in a country still recovering from a serious economic crisis. Since becoming archbishop of Buenos Ai- res in 1998, Cardinal Bergoglio has created new parishes, restructured the administrative offices, taken personal care of the seminary and started new pastoral projects. He has mediated in al- most all social or political conflicts in the city; the newly ordained priests are described as “the Bergoglio generation”; and no political or social figure misses requesting a private encounter with him. Jorge Bergoglio was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina’s capital city, Dec. 17, 1936. He stud- ied and received a master’s degree in chemistry at the University of Buenos Aires, but later decided to become a Jesuit priest and studied at the Jesuit seminary of Villa Devoto. He studied liberal arts in Santiago, Chile, and in 1960 earned a degree in philosophy from the Catholic University of Buenos Aires. Between 1964 and 1965 he was a teacher of literature and psychology at Immacu- lata High School in the Province of Santa Fe, and in 1966 he taught the same courses at the prestigious Colegio del Salvador in Buenos Ai- res.

The Pope receives his ring from Cardinal An- gelo Sodano, Dean of the College of Cardinals. The ring is a symbol of Papal authority. Page 10 Eastern Catholic Life APRIL 2013

ByThe Archpriest Byzantine David Petras, SEOD Liturgy How Our Lord is Present

e can think of the See of Rome. The mystery of the not passive, not just “being there,” presence of our Lord Eucharist became more passive, but acting for our salvation. The in CommunionW in either an ac- and we said things like, “the Lord power of his love in his death on tive way or a passive way. In the reposes in the Eucharist,” and His the Cross, His descent into Hades first centuries of the Church, the presence was venerated from afar. and His resurrection are present in faithful encountered the Lord in The presence of our Lord in our lives, as we receive Commu- pels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and Communion very actively. It was the Eucharist is active. It helps nion, “for the remission of sins and John. The proclamation of this expected that all the baptized who to remember that the Body and life everlasting.” This is why it was word is another way in which the were present would receive the Blood we receive is the “bread of so important that all the baptized Lord is truly present. We hear Body of Christ and drink from the life,” of Jesus who is risen from who were present received the and absorb his words of life into cup of His blood. What happened the dead. Through His Resurrec- Eucharist so that all who partook our being. This was foretold in the after the conversion of the an- tion, the body of Jesus was glori- thereof could be sanctified. In the Old Testament, when the prophet cient Roman empire, however, is fied. Though it bore the marks of Divine Liturgy, we “remember” Ezekiel is told, “Son of man, eat that there often was not as strong the wounds of His sacrifice on what Jesus did for us in the histor- what is before you; eat this scroll, a commitment to the faith in the the Cross, it was touched by the ical events of the crucifixion and then go, speak to the house of Is- new Christians as in those who Apostle Thomas. Place and time resurrection, but, more than that, rael.” (Ezekiel 3:1) When we eat converted in times of persecution. were no longer limitations to the we “commemorate” these events Holy Communion, we are united The fathers had to preach the need presence of the Lord. He appeared because the reality of the mystery with God who is actively accom- for a stronger faith, but more often to two disciples on the road to is present in the mind of “God plishing our salvation, bringing us than not, it meant people stopped Emmaus, explained the scriptures with us.” Forgetting this, some life and filling us with His teach- receiving Communion frequently relating to Him, and revealed say, “Christ rose,” or “Christ has ing. For all these reasons, the con- because of fear of unworthiness. Himself to them in the breaking risen,” but the truth is that “Christ secrated bread and wine of the The Church continued to believe of the bread. is risen.” Liturgy must be truly the Body that the bread and wine we offer He is present now in glory, truly became the Body and Blood He came to his apostles, even and Blood of the risen Lord. though the doors were locked. He saving us and sanctifying us in of Jesus, and that the Son of God This is also why Church is nec- breathed on them and gave them the sacramental mystery of Holy is present in the mystery of the essary. God comes to us in com- the gift of the Holy Spirit. He ate Communion. As Saint John Eucharist, but not all the faithful munity, in a meal that we share to- with them, even preparing fish for Chrysostom said, “It is always regularly participated in Commu- gether. In an age of individualism, them, to show that He was truly Pascha.” The salvation accom- nion. people deceive themselves to be- life. He was glorified before their plished by our Lord in Jerusalem lieve that they can find God better In the East, this meant that eyes at the Ascension, fulfilling in the past and His coming again in isolation, that they do not need the faithful would attend the Lit- the promise of the Transfigua- in glory to judge the living and the the community of the Church, urgy, but that they would only tion. In the Divine Liturgy, Jesus dead are both present now mysti- which is the “Body of Christ.” watch the ritual. In the West, the comes to us in our own Emmaus, cally,” that is by way of sacramental (Ephesians 1:22-23) To claim that same thing happened, but there and in the breaking of the bread representation which goes beyond we are a “self-made man or wom- was less interactive ritual. Instead, before Communion, we recognize historical times and places. Our an” means that we are not made by new rites were created in which the presence of God incarnate, not faith in Communion must, there- God. We can find union with God the presence of the Lord was wor- bound by the limits of space and fore, be active and not passive. only if we sing, “Let us who mys- shiped in the exposition of the time, but “present everywhere and In every Divine Liturgy, we tically represent the Cherubim ... Host. These new rites were called filling all things,” and in a particu- also read from the apostolic writ- now set aside all earthly cares, that “benediction,” and were also in- lar and mystical way the conse- ings (the Acts of the Apostles and we may receive the king of All (in troduced in some of the Eastern crated mystery of the Eucharist. the Epistles of Paul, Peter, James, Churches that united with the Holy Communion).” In this presence, the Lord is John and Jude) and from the Gos-

“Faith in the Bible” - Wednesdays in April Franciscan Friary, Sybertsville, PA Led by Father Jerome, OFM

Explore what the Bible says about faith. Choose morning cans, is located on State Hwy 93 at Main Street in Syb- (10-11:30am) or evening (7-8:30pm) sessions. ertsville, PA 18251. Please register in advance; pay at first Faith is a mystery. Faith is a gift. Why do some people session. have faith and not others? Four classes looking at what the Bible tells us about Faith. Holy Dormition Friary, 712 State Highway 93 – PO Box Cost: $20. Please bring a Bible (available in Gift Shop). 270 – Sybertsville, PA 18251 For information or registration, contact Father Jerome: 570-788-1212 website: http://hdbfm.com [email protected]; 570-788-1212 ext 402. Holy email: [email protected] Dormition Friary, the home of the Byzantine Francis- APRIL 2013 Eastern Catholic Life Page 11

“Lord I Believe and Profess” A Parish Mission for the “Year of Faith” Presented by Father Frank Hanincik Sponsored by the Eparchy of Passaic

s part of its commemoration of the Year of Faith, Who is invited to the Mission? the Eparchy of Passaic is offering a parish mis- In a word: everyone! The Mission is not limited to sionA to be preached in the parishes of the eparchy. parishioners. You are encouraged to invite family and What is a Parish Mission? friends, churchgoers and non-churchgoers, Catholics A Parish Mission is a time of personal renewal, where and non-Catholics. The Mission is an opportunity for we are challenged to “commit ourselves and one another us to meet Jesus again or for the first time. and our whole life to Christ our God.” (Liturgy of Saint About the Mission Preacher John Chrysostom) During three evenings of prayer and The Mission will be preached by preaching we are invited by the Lord Jesus to renew our Father Frank Hanincik. Father Frank faith in Him and in the teachings of His Church. is a graduate of the Pennsylvania State The Mission will consist of three weeknight sessions University and obtained his Master of in church. Each session will begin with a brief prayer Divinity degree from Saints Cyril and service and include a 35 to 45 minute sermon. There will Methodius Byzantine Catholic Semi- be an opportunity for you to participate in the Mystery nary. He is a member of the Youth of Reconciliation both before and after the service. You Secretariat of the Eparchy of Passaic and of the Inter- are warmly encouraged to receive the Mystery of Rec- eparchial Evangelization Commission. He has given a onciliation (Confession) This Mystery is an encounter number of retreats and talks for the Eparchy of Passaic with the Lord’s merciful love and can be a wonderful and the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. He is currently first step in renewing our decision to follow Him. pastor of Saint John the Baptist Byzantine Catholic Church in Trumbull, CT and administrator of Holy Trinity Byzantine Catholic Church in New Britain, CT. Upcoming Mission locations: • Saint Mary Church, Trenton, NJ Mission Highlights from April 16th, 17, and 18th, 7PM Saint Ann Church in Harrisburg • Saint John, Lansford, PA Saint Mary, Nesquehoning, PA May 21, 22nd, and 23rd, 7PM To Schedule a Mission, Pastors may contact Father Frank at 203-377-5967 or email him at [email protected] YOUR parish can be NEXT! Page 12 Eastern Catholic Life APRIL 2013

Faith and Community Issues By Father Carmen Scuderi, OFM, Ed.D. Fear and its Results

ne of the most primal and at times, over- the caves when creatures like saber-toothed tigers One concept we can derive from the above whelming of emotions is fear (Worth- stalked us as prey and we needed to survive. In definition is that fear is a visceral response to a ing Herald,O 2013). Within the family structure it that case, fear was a good thing. It got us to hide threat either perceived or imagined. Such a per- can cause suspicion, dividing members of families or defend ourselves so we had another day to live ception has the power to paralyze to keep one undermining family unity. It has the power to set reproduce and so live on into tomorrow. There is from moving in any direction. Change in one’s life, one member against another, resulting in positive another kind of fear however that deals with dan- personal or communal, in this case within the fam- activity being brought to a standstill. Fear can feed gers that are imagined (Psychology Today, 2013). ily structure, can be perceived as a genuine threat into frustration and a sense of powerlessness in the to the stability of that family structure. face of real or supposed danger and/or crisis. The Even though the change may be needed, pro- frustration, if unresolved develops into anger and “From the Spiritual perspective, vide an opportunity to deepen and mature the fa- resentment and if still unresolved, transforms into the antidote for fear is Truth.” milial relationships and challenge growth and ma- rage. turity. The family membership may, out of a sense What is this “thing” that can exercise such There is nothing threatening our lives that of fear, simply dig in and refuse to budge. At this power over the family, the most powerful unit we our physical senses can detect, but we still feel a point a paralysis has set in. External pressure to have in the world? One definition of fear reads, sense of dread. Unresolved past issues with fam- move into change can spawn resentment, acting “Fear is a vital response to physical and emotional ily or friends, hurtful experiences with significant out, even rage if pushed far enough. Answers are danger” (Psychology Today, 2013). The response others that lay dormant in our subconscious, inse- needed to the silent questions about the unknown. comes from deep within us; it affects both the curities about how and what we know about our- According to Karl Albrecht, Ph.D. (2012, mind and the body. Studies have shown that fear is selves, how others perceive us and what they think Psychology Today), there are 5 basic fears common found in the earliest times in our lives even within about us; whether or not we will be accepted or to all humankind. Dr. Albrecht lists them as: “Ex- the womb (Brown, K., 1999). rejected by the individual or group we have just tinction - fear of annihilation, of ceasing to exist; encountered all set up a defensive posture within Fear has many faces; it is a warning system of Mutilation - fear of losing any part of our precious our mind and body that signals fear to the brain impending danger and sets us on alert so we are bodily structure; Loss of Autonomy - fear of being and sets the body on alert status (Brown, K., 1999; not caught unaware. This comes from our days in Psychology Today, 2013). Continued on next page.

The Eparchy of Passaic and the Invite All to Attend “Byzantine Catholic Family Day” Knoebles Amusement Park, Elysburg, PA Sunday, June 2, 2013

Open to all Parishioners, Family, Friends, GCU Members and Guests - Rain or Shine!

Tentative Schedule 12:00 pm Park Opens 1 pm - 2 pm Catered Lunch! (optional) 3:00 pm Bingo / Games for Adults (with prizes!) 4:00 pm PRAYER SERVICE (Moleben) 4:30 pm Kids Games with prizes! 5:30 pm Evening Entertainment / Sing-A-Long! 7:00 pm Park Closes - hope you had a great day!

Discounted ride-all-day passes and tickets! Free admission! Free Parking! Lunch ticket purchase will not be required to join us in Pavilion “O” Families may instead bring a picnic lunch or buy food in the park. Questions? Call Christie Petty: 1-724-495-3400 x209. APRIL 2013 Eastern Catholic Life Page 13

Seasonal ReflectionsMsgr. John. T. Sekellick, JCL

The Holy and Glorious Resurrection

t was late November, 1917 in Russia. Snow was poured over those stones and was buried in died the horrible death of Roman crucifixion and had begun to fall as the Russian Winter be- the grave. Through the power of nature, that seed was hurriedly buried. A squadron of Roman sol- gan. IA man died. He had been an ardent believer, germinated and started to grow. The mass of heavy diers was assigned to stand guard for three days but that changed in October when the chaos, fol- stones could not stop life from bursting forth out to ensure that no one would attempt to remove lowing the assassination of Czar Nicholas II and of that dead man’s grave. Life had risen from his the Body and claim He had risen from His grave the royal family, touched and changed the lives of as He had foretold. Very early on the morning of the Russian people calamitously. the third day, some women were on their way to the tomb hoping to anoint the Body properly but The man who died left strict orders for his were also concerned to be able to roll that heavy burial. There was to be no religious service what- stone away from the entrance to the tomb. soever. He no longer believed in the “opium of the people” – religion. Upon his burial according to When they arrived there, the squadron of sol- his strange request, heavy stones were to be piled diers was gone. The stone had been rolled away. on top of his grave and cemented in place to as- They saw the tomb was empty. Only the cloth sure that the body placed in that grave would not in which the Body had been wrapped lay neatly rise as the Christian faith so fervently declared. folded inside. The women ran away frightened and confused and returned to report what they As fate would have it, while he was being found to the others who were His followers, two buried, it started to snow fiercely, and the work- of whom, Peter and John by name, ran to the tomb ers hurried to fill in the grave and pile stones over to verify the account. Indeed, the Body was gone. it cementing them in place. As they left the site, That evening, however, the dead Man, now in fact they could hardly see the fresh grave which was risen as He promised, appeared to His followers now completely covered in snow. Winter passed, who were in hiding in fear of retaliation from the and the snow melted away. local authorities. News of His resurrection was Visitors came to the cemetery. Many had quickly spread by them. heard about the unusual burial. What was dis- His name is known throughout the world – covered was absolutely startling. All the heavy Jesus. The name of the unbeliever in old Russia stones that had been piled and cemented to seal has long been forgotten. Jesus lives today and has the grave were pushed away. How could that have grave. Everything that he had vehemently dis- kept His promise of life after death. We, His fol- happened? claimed about life after death was forcefully and dramatically contradicted. lowers, jubilantly proclaim, “Christ is risen from In place of the stones, a vine had pushed up the dead. By death, He trampled death, and to A huge, heavy stone sealed the entrance to from the grave and was growing alive and strong. those in the tombs, He granted life!” A tiny seed had fallen into the wet cement as it another Man’s tomb many centuries ago. He had

Fear and its Results In so doing, limits are given to some- you will upon which relationships of Continued from previous page. thing which was limitless, a positive trust can and must be built. The fam- identification is made and through ily that is in relationship with Jesus family support, a plan of action can and through Him to the Father in immobilized, paralyzed, restricted, compensatory behavior to neutral- be developed to overcome the object the Spirit has the foundation upon enveloped, overwhelmed, entrapped, ize the effects of fear, consumes a of fear. Once the unknown becomes which helpful and healing commu- imprisoned, smothered, or controlled tremendous amount of energy. And, known fear vanishes (Albrecht, K., nication takes place. by circumstances; Separation - fear if stressed, we find ourselves out of 2012, Psychology Today). of abandonment, rejection, and loss coping energy, due to the compensa- The question left is whether or of connectedness - of becoming a tory drain put on the human system. From the Spiritual perspective, not the family unit is healthy enough, non-person - not wanted, respected, Hence we simply shut down, pull in the antidote to fear is Truth. The and in a covenant relationship with or valued by anyone else; Ego-death and refuse to move. temptation is to ask, as did Pontius Jesus, to garner the trust to be able - fear of humiliation, shame, or any Pilate, “What is Truth?” More prop- to provide high-level support. This From the psychological stand- other mechanism of profound self- erly, the question is “Who is Truth?” support is needed for the individual point, one of the greatest weapons disapproval that threatens the loss of Truth is Jesus Christ who tells us in member to approach the family unit we have to conquer those fears, para- integrity of the Self; fear of the shat- Luke, “Do not be afraid any longer, for help in identifying the fear and doxically, is also one of the causes of tering or disintegration of one’s con- little flock, for your Father is pleased in effect, conquer it. In the next ar- many of our fears - the family unit structed sense of lovability, capability, to give you the Kingdom” (Lk. 12: ticles the family structure will be dis- itself. The solution, effective com- and worthiness. 32). That Kingdom is one of Peace cussed and the kind of qualities that munication, is both direct and com- and Love, which John states, “Per- a healthy family unit expresses to- Looking at this list, one can see plex. Being able to sit with family fect love drives out all fear therefore, ward its members in bringing about that many of our fears about each members, talk about what is scaring Love is not perfected in one who is growth, maturity and freedom from other, whether individual or familial, us and being listened to in an open- still afraid” (I Jn 4:18 ff ). The Pres- fear. can find their root in that list. Accord- ended, non-judgmental manner al- ence of Jesus within the family struc- ing to Kathy Brown, M. Ed. (1999), lows the unknown to become known. ture is the basis, the “cornerstone” if

govt. taxes/airline fuel surcharges, Italy Pilgrimage First Class/Select Hotels, most Meals, Comprehensive Hosted by Father Charles M. Yastishock Sightseeing. Visit Venice, Ravenna, Florence, Assisi, 11 Days: November 11 - 21, 2013 and Rome with Vatican City and the Papal Audience $2999 per person from New York For a brochure and more information contact Tour Includes: Roundtrip Air from New York, $600 Father Yastishock Phone: (732) 255-6272 Page 14 Eastern Catholic Life APRIL 2013

Respect Life Guest Forum By Deacon Robert Behrens, Holy Ghost Church, Jessup, PA The Growing Influence of the Pro-Life Movement in Russia

offered families and single women Research Institute, Family Research consultations to avoid abortion and Council, Focus on the Family, Con- lift the birthrate. At the onset, the cerned Women for America, and Russian pro-life movement began several others. in parish-based activism within the With the high rate of abortion, . This Russia has serious demographic was the initiative of pro-life activist problems. Between 1992 and 2008, priest Father Dmitry Smirnov. The the population has decreased by parishes involved became part of a more than 12 million, down to 143 network that provided healthcare to million. Both President (then Prime pregnant women, and psychological Deacon Robert Behrens (second from left) with Minister) Vladimir Putin, and Prime counseling to women in distress. Be- Bishop John of Parma (left) and the ByzanTEENS Minister (then President) Dmitry tween 1994 and 2010, the number of during the recent Pro-Life rally in Washington, DC. Medvedev are quoted as seeing the pro-life organizations in Russia has need to strengthen the family and grown from three to over 100. increase the birthrate for the good uring the January, 2013 their advertising to warn potential In 2010, the Orthodox Church of the country. The World Congress March For Life in Wash- clients of the possible health haz- began to coordinate pro-life ac- of Families website (www.world- ington,D DC, I happened to encoun- ards of the procedure. In addition, tivities under its centralized social congress.ru) provides downloadable ter some pro-life marchers from the bill also stipulates that mothers service departments. This all came copies of letters welcoming the sum- Russia. I remember having read re- who don’t want to keep their babies about with the elevation of Metro- mit by the Russian legislative body, ports, some twenty years ago, about will be able to leave their newborn politan Kirill of Smolensk to the Pa- The Duma (which letter focuses pri- a fledgling pro-life movement in children anonymously in special triarchate of the Russian Orthodox marily on demographic issues) , and Russia. Father Paul Marx, OSB, of adoption centers. Ria Novosti, the Church. by Russian Orthodox Patriarch Krill blessed memory, the founder of Hu- Russian international news agency, (whose letter focuses on Christian One American website cites, in man Life International, had written reported on July 15, 2011, that “the morality as well as on demographic horror, that “one extremely harm- that his pro-life message had been parliament might soon pass a new issues). well-received, even by Russian me- anti-abortion bill that could limit ful aspect of American political life dia, government figures, and medical Russians’ access to abortion services has traveled to Russia: the pro-life While, in the US, the culture professionals. and toughen criminal punishment movement”, and “predictably, the appears to be moving in a pro-life for doctors who carry out illegal anti-abortion movement in Russia is direction, based on recent polls, the I decided to do a little research abortions”. heavily tied to Religion…..the driv- decline in numbers of abortions, and to determine what type of prog- ing force is the Russian Orthodox the increasing crowds at the annual ress had been made in Russia since The pro-life movement in Rus- Church.” March for Life, there is still a “dis- that time. On one hand, in 2004, a sia has a friend in the wife of Prime connect” at election time. We have Amazingly, the thing which ap- United Nations survey indicated Minister Dmitry Mevedev, Svetlana a harshly pro-choice government in pears to have spurred the govern- that Russia had the world’s high- Medvedeva. Through her Founda- Washington, D.C. est abortion rate, at 53.7 per every tion for Social and Cultural Initia- ment to pass the aforementioned 100 women. On the other hand, on tives, she has launched a nationwide legislation in July, 2011 was the or- In Russia, the Church, the State, July 15, 2011, then President Dmi- pro-life campaign entitled “Give ganizing, on June 29, 2011, of the the medical profession, and the try Medvedev, had signed a new law Me Life.” Writing for the New York “Moscow Demographic Summit” by populace appear to be moving in the that somewhat restricts abortion in Times, Sophia Kishkovsky reports the Rockford, Illinois-based World right direction—a cause for Ameri- the country by requiring abortion that state-run medical centers, in Congress of Families, whose part- can pro-lifers to be jealous. providers to devote at least 10% of support of the Medvedeva campaign, ners include Human Life Interna- tional, Priests for Life, Population

each person can become a living stone in the growing Church. Encounter 2012 in Review Even though Encounter 2012 was designed to be held in three locations to ncounter 2012—Together in Christ—has happened. In three locations, maximize its impact upon a geographically large country, there was a call one theme relevant to the Eastern Catholic Churches in America, by many to bring its message to an even larger number of people. With this hasE been presented to about seven hundred people. At a meeting in early in mind, another venue has been added to accommodate the need to “Go, February 2013, the co-chairs reviewed results of the evaluation forms each make disciples of all nations.” participant was asked to submit. Based upon the comments, it is evident Encounter will be continued with a fourth session—but logistically not un- that Encounter 2012 is not over. People asked for updates, for suggestions til early next year. Planning the theme is easy: scheduling might take time. and for follow-up to their experience. A place to house a large group has to be found, and vendors contacted. Encounter 2012 has to continue—not necessarily with more presentations, These items require a period of at least six months to negotiate. A regional but in providing a format to put in place a means for implementing the committee is to be formed and a thousand details addressed to be able to principles of understanding and exercising the role of the “Royal Priest- provide you a worthwhile program. Orlando, Florida seems the most likely hood” each baptized person has through virtue of baptism. place at this time. Although in the Southeast, anyone from any area of the country may sign up for this Encounter session in 2014 after the forms Email in-boxes of those who responded to the call to find out “Who” and are available. Encounter 2012 will be extended beyond the confines of a “What” the Body of Christ (the Church) is, will be filled with information calendar year, proving that it provided a springboard of action to bring the on “How” the Church becomes a vital force, through Evangelization by the Church to the People of God in the 21st Century. “Hands of Christ”—those who have put on Christ—the faithful of every walk of life, of every age, of every place. Each is a builder as well as a build- Encounter 2012 is not over—but a necessary first step in strengthening our ing block of faith. Look for information from the Encounter 2012 com- relationship with Christ and His Church—together as His unique People, mittee that will give guidelines for growth, add suggestions for on-going embarking on this Year of Faith. And forever. commitment to its precepts, and ask questions to discern who and how APRIL 2013 Eastern Catholic Life Page 15

Are You Searching? Discernment Retreat for Women at Mount Saint Macrina

Opening the Doors of Faith - Discerning One’s Path the vocation of each baptized person, and on her own thru Life” is the theme for the upcoming discern- path in life. “ment weekend for women at Mount Saint Macrina on For more information, or for registration, contact Sister Friday evening, April 5 through 1PM Sunday, April 7, 2013. Barbara Jean, OSBM at (724) - 438-7149 or email her at The Sisters of Saint Basil invite single women, ages 18-45 [email protected]. Attendance is free.” to meet together with the Sisters to reflect deeply about Page 16 Eastern Catholic Life APRIL 2013

Seminarian Lewis Rabayda Reflections

Disciples of the Resurrection­

f we were faithful to the spirit of journeying at a disposition where Pascha was just another day humanity. Of all humanity? Yes, but Christ specifi- through the Great Fast, then the celebration among many special days through the year. I would cally offered Himself for Your sins and for My sins. of Jesus’I Resurrection from the Dead is for us the not experience any extraordinary purpose behind When we are true believers in Christ, when most joyous day of the year. But is it really that joy- it beside it being an important family and church we have no doubt about His existence, and when ful, so much so that it is greater than any personal tradition. But as I began to involve myself more in we follow His commands and teachings, then we milestone or family event? Only if we have truly the Church, Scripture, and spiritual reading, I be- can be called His “disciples.” Being a disciple of died with Christ will we be able to rise with Him Jesus’ life and teachings would transform us in a at the celebration of Pascha and at the final resur- way where we would no longer be ourselves, the rection. persons we were several years ago, or in our youth. I am not suggesting that this day is a superficial We would be transformed into a better version of joy that as good Christians we are obliged to feel ourselves, a more perfect version. We would have or experience because the Church tells us to. But let Jesus take our old self with Him to Hades and rather, if as true followers and disciples of Christ, rise up with Him through His resurrection. It is be- we have voluntarily accepted the trials and tribula- cause of the resurrection that we are Christians to- tions of the Fast, then we will experience the great day. So, in a sense, if we are true disciples of Christ, joy that a victor has over their enemy. We will then then we are disciples of His Resurrection—disci- partake of the joy that Christ experienced when ples and believers in everlasting life. He endured the Cross and conquered death (sin) By following Jesus’ example of spending these by rising from the dead. This joy is experienced past 40 (plus) days traveling through the desert through the acceptance of our salvation, knowing with our grumbling stomachs, heightened temp- that Christ became man to bring the human race tations, Lenten hymns & somber melodies, and up to heaven with Him, to correct the sin of Adam deeper prayer, we have emerged purified. We have and Eve that will allow us entry back into paradise. had a true experience of subjecting ourselves to It is the joy of knowing that our sins have been for- death so that after we have celebrated Jesus’ rising given, and that we too, will experience life for all of from the dead, we have celebrated our own rising eternity, that through believing in Christ, we have from sin to glorification. What other day in the beaten death. year could be more joyous than the day we realize However, it is possible that Pascha is not the gan to understand the process and journey of the that our sins are forgiven, and that we, wretched most joyous day of our year. Each one of us is on Great Fast. That journey leads to the most joyous sinners, are granted entrance into the Kingdom of a different path towards God, and we are each at climax of human history, when God freely offered Heaven because of the love of Jesus Christ? different places along that path. I myself was once himself as a sacrifice to take away the sins of all of

EparchialUpcoming and Parish Events Events for April

April, 2013 9-11 Father Edward attending Eastern Catholic Associates Meeting in St. Louis 1 Bright Monday - Chancery Closed Solemn Holyday 14 Sunday of the Ointment-Bearers

2 Bright Tuesday 16 50th Anniversary of Eparchy Simple Holyday Committee Meeting

7 Thomas Sunday 21 Sunday of the Paralytic

23 Feast of George the Great-Martyr Eastern Catholic Life Simple Holyday Circulation Department 445 Lackawanna Avenue 25 Youth Secretariat Meeting Woodland Park, NJ 07424 28 Sunday of the Samaritan Woman Next Issue: May, 2013 28 Father Edward on Copy Deadline: Old Calendar Pilgrimage April 15th to the Old Country Returning May 10 The current issue of the ECL was printed at Ever- green Printing, Bellmawr, NJ and was distributed from the U.S. Post Office via second class mailing in Christ is Risen! Bellmawr, NJ. Indeed He is Risen!