Eastern Catholic Life Official Publication of the Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Passaic VOL. XLIV, NO. 2 FEBRUARY 2013

The Great Fast 2013 A Message from the Eparchial Administrator

My Dear People of the Eparchy of Passaic, against our own selfish and sinful deeds, and understanding in a new Happy Great Fast! way how gracious is God’s love for us. any people associate the season of the Great Fast, the During the Great Fast we are invited to “re-turn” to God’s grace time of spiritual preparation for the Easter celebration, and turn away from the old wounds and hurts that afflict us. The Great with sadness and grief. And sometimes people actually Fast begins with the celebration of Vespers of Forgiveness in order think the Great Fast is a season that is to be avoided, or at best, to be to remind us that to receive God’s forgiveness, we must be willing to M share that forgiveness with others. In our daily prayers, especially dur- patiently endured. But it is not like that at all. The Great Fast can be the most joyful and enriching time of the church year us as Eastern ing the Great Fast, we should examine our life honestly and ask God Catholics! to forgive us and lead us into new ways of loving Jesus and neighbor more deeply. If there is conflict or tension between us and someone That is because the Great Fast is not simply a “giving up” or a else in our life, we should seek to resolve it so that it does not become “turning away” from the things that make us happy, but rather it is a stumbling block to our faith and spiritual growth. a “re-turn” toward the life of joy that our Creator intended for us We are also called to offer to have. The Great Fast does not sacrifice during the Great Fast. turn us away from life, but it turns We might consider going out of us towards God, so that we might our way to do something nice for become more fully the person He somebody at least once a week wishes us to be. during the Great Fast. Or we might make a donation for the The time of the Great Fast is needy through the church. We an opportunity for us to take stock could volunteer an extra portion of ourselves, our feelings, and our of our time, or say a special prayer lives. It is an opportunity for us for someone in need. Whatever to do some “spring cleaning” of we choose to do, we should recall the compulsions, bad habits, and the words of Our Lord Who said, the things that we think make us “As you do it for the least of My happy but really lead us away from brothers or sisters, you do it for God. It is an occasion to find the Me.” (Matthew 25:40) real happiness of knowing that our life has deep meaning in God’s The Great Fast is full of many eyes, and that our relationship opportunities to “re-turn” to the with God - and neighbor - are life of joy that God wants us to primary to who we are. have. God calls each of us to a closer and deeper relationship We are reminded of this with Him. We fast for a reason through faithful participation and for a purpose, and that is to in the special services and fast- “re-turn” to a life of joy in the ing regulations of the Great Fast. Lord. It is my prayer for you that During this time, we are invited to take on the special “disciplines” of you live your journey of the Great Fast with happiness, and that it will prayer, fasting and sacrifice not as a punishment, but as an opportunity bring you to a Joyful Pascha! to deepen our relationship with God. Participation in the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts and other services, as well as the weekly ab- Please know that you are always in my prayers and I ask that you stinence from meat on Wednesdays and Fridays, are an invitation to keep me in yours. reorient our priorities away from ourselves, and to re-focus our sights on God and neighbor. Sincerely yours in the service of Christ and His people, This is all part of the “re-turn” toward the life of joy that God wants us to have. It isn’t easy and it takes work. But, the work we are called to do is a work of joyful sacrifice of repentance, fasting, prayer, and acts of love. Repentance means a “turning around,” changing course, leaving Very Rev. Edward G. Cimbala, D.Min. sin behind to walk toward God. We do this through an honest exami- Administrator of the Eparchy of Passaic nation of our lives, by holding the mirror of God’s grace and mercy up

+Sister Mary John Semon, OSB Bishop Šašik Visits Kingston and History of the Eparchy of Seminarian Reflection “How does Reposes in the Lord—p3 Georgetown Parishes Passaic, continued—p7 the Great Fast Bring God into Our Story and Photos—p6 Hearts?”—p16 Page 2 Eastern Catholic Life FEBRUARY 2013

+Sister Mary John Semon, OSB Called to Eternal Repose

WARREN, OH – Sister Mary She also worked with the young Semon Moe. John Semon, OSB, a member of the children at the Benedictine Early A Parastas was celebrated Benedictine Sisters of the Byzantine Learning Center on the property Wednesday evening, December 26, Church at Mon- of Queen of Heaven Monastery in 2012 at Saints Peter and Paul Byz- astery in Warren, OH, fell asleep in 1989. When the BEL Center closed, antine in War- the Lord following a brief illness on she volunteered as a teacher aide at ren by Father Andrew J. Deskevich, December 20, 2012 at The Assump- the Children’s Rehabilitation Cen- Chancellor of the Archeparchy of tion Village in North Lima, OH. ter in Warren from 1999 to 2007. In Pittsburgh and Pastor of Saints Pe- 2009, she was one of the two hon- She was born in Glen Campbell, ter and Paul Church in Warren, OH. orary co-chairs for the Retirement PA on May 10, 1916, the daughter Responses were led by Mary Beth Fund for Religious appeal in the Di- Besides the Sisters of her Religious of the late Peter Semon and Susan Byers, Cantor. ocese of Youngstown. She celebrated Community, Sister Valeria Evanyo, Franko Semon and the oldest of her silver jubilee of religious profes- The Office of Christian Burial OSBM and Sister Elaine Kisinko, eleven children. At the age of 17, she sion in 1985 and her golden jubilee with Divine Liturgy was concel- OSBM of the Sisters of Saint Basil left home to work in New York City. in 2010. Sister was a member of the ebrated at Saints Peter and Paul the Great, Uniontown, Pennsylva- She joined Saint Mary Byzantine Greek Catholic Union, the Society Church on Thursday, December nia attended, as well as Sister Mary Catholic Church there and became of Saint John Chrysostom, the Car- 27th by Metropolitan William, Fa- Ann Diersing, OSU of the Ursuline active in the and the patho-Rusyn Society, and Howland ther Andrew J. Deskevich, and Ab- Sisters of Youngstown. Also pres- Sodality of Our Lady, attending the Scope. bot Leo R. Schlosser of Holy Trinity ent were members of Saint Bene- Divine Liturgy frequently. Monastery, Butler, PA and Pastor dict’s Auxiliary, the Oblates of Saint Sister Mary John enjoyed life Encouraged by friends, she en- of Saint John the Baptist Byzantine Benedict, the Carpatho-Rusyn So- and God’s blessings. She was a tered the newly-formed community Catholic Church, Lyndora, PA. Also ciety, and the Society of Saint John strong-minded, gifted woman, en- of the Sisters of Christ the Teacher present were Monsignor Alexis E. Chrysostom, as well as parishioners joying books, quiz shows, word in Pittsburgh, PA on December 7, Mihalik, pastor emeritus of Infant of and friends. The committal service puzzles, opera, ballet, art museums, 1959, and made her final profes- Prague Byzantine Catholic Church took place at Saints Peter and Paul sports, plants, vegetable gardening, sion of vows on January 6, 1964. She in Boardman, OH; Father Robert Cemetery in Warren, OH. yoga, arts and crafts, traveling with taught at Byzantine Catholic parish J. Karl, Pastor of Saint Andrew the Scope, the annual pilgrimage to Sister Mary John had a deep schools in McKees Rocks, PA; Cart- Apostle Byzantine Catholic Church, Uniontown, and the activities of the spirituality and love for prayer. Al- eret, NJ; and Lakewood, OH. When Gibsonia, PA; and Father Christo- Carpatho-Rusyn Society. She also though her last days were often filled the community of Sisters of Christ pher R. Burke, Pastor of Infant Jesus volunteered at the Saint Vincent with pain, she took comfort from the the Teacher disbanded, she trans- of Prague Church, Boardman, OH. DePaul Dining Hall in Warren, OH. Sacraments, which she asked to re- ferred to the Benedictine Sisters of Wiley Byers, Bill Catlin, and Jacob ceive as often as possible. As Father the Byzantine Church at Queen of Sister Mary John leaves behind Mosko served as acolytes. Mary Deskevich remarked in his homily, Heaven Monastery in Warren, OH four brothers, Edward, Albert, John, Beth Byers cantored the Liturgy and “she left a mark on the lives of many.” in 1973 where she taught elementary and David Semon, and three sisters, Stephen Byers chanted the epistle. grade students at Saints Peter and Irene Semon Verbiak, Dorothy Ann Grant, O Lord, to the nun, Sister Family members present in- Paul School, Warren until 1989. Semon Callaghan, and Margaret Mary John Semon, blessed repose and cluded Edward and David Semon; Semon Rudin. She was preceded in eternal memory! For many summers, Sister Mary Irene, Frank, Cathy and Bob Ver- death by two brothers, Joseph and John also volunteered with the Ap- biak; Margaret Rudin; Karen and Michael Semon, and a sister, Mary palachian Project in Vanceburg, KY. Kerrie Riegel; and Tonda Gaddy.

Lenten Vespers and Confession Schedule Northeast Pennsylvania

Scranton Area - 3PM Wyoming Valley Area - 3PM

Sunday, February 17 Holy Ghost – Jessup Sunday, February 17 Saint Mary – Wilkes-Barre Sunday, February 24 Saint Nicholas – Old Forge Sunday, February 24 Saint John – Wilkes-Barre Twp Sunday, March 3 Saint Michael – Dunmore Sunday, March 3 Saint Nicholas – Swoyersville Sunday, March 10 Saint Mary – Scranton Sunday, March 10 Saint Michael – Pittston Sunday, March 25 Saint John – Forest City Sunday, March 17 Saint Mary – Kingston

All services begin at 3PM and will include the celebration of Vespers, the opportunity to receive the Holy Mystery (Sacrament) of Reconciliation, and will conclude with a Social Hour. All are welcome to attend! FEBRUARY 2013 Eastern Catholic Life Page 3

Forgiveness in the life of the Church Forgiveness Vespers 3pm - Cheesefare Sunday February 10, 2013 Franciscan Friary, Sybertsville, PA Most Rev. Joseph Bambera, Bishop of Scranton, homilist

he Franciscan friars welcome those who do not have Cost: Free-will donations accepted. As the prophet Isa- forgiveness vespers in their parish to join and pray iah says: come without money, without cost... If you would theseT moving prayers to start the Great Fast. Let us turn like to bring baked goods for the reception, please let to God our Father with repentant hearts and strive to us know by email at [email protected] – or by reconcile with our brothers and sisters that we will be- phone: 570-788-1212 x 400. come ever more people of mercy and peace.

Holy Dormition Friary, 712 State Highway About the homilist: Bishop Joseph Bambera, a native of 93 – PO Box 270 – Sybertsville, PA 18251 Carbondale, PA, has served the Diocese of Scranton as 570-788-1212 website: http://hdbfm.com priest since 1983, becoming the bishop email: [email protected] of Scranton in 2010. Among his for- mer assignments, he served as pastor of nearby St John Bosco Parish in Conyn- gham and as diocesan director of ecu- menism and interfaith affairs. Bishop Bambera will preach on the theme: Forgiveness in the Life of the Church.

Forgiveness Vespers is the traditional preparation for the Great Fast in the Byzantine Church. With the regular vespers Psalms, we sing hymns to prepare our hearts for reconciliation with God and neighbor that is the mo- tivation for all our penitential acts. We exchange peace and reconciliation, asking those we pray with to forgive us of the ways we may have hurt them in the past. Please encourage your neighbors and fellow parishioners to at- tend with you. Reception following vespers.

Franciscan Father Michael Derbish, OFM Reposes in the Lord

SYBERTSVILLE, PA – Father Michael (Charles) Der- The Office of Christian Burial was held Monday Decem- bish OFM fell asleep in the Lord on Sunday, December 2, ber 10th at 5:30 PM at Holy Dormiton Monastery in Syb- 2012. Father Michael was a member of the Byzantine Fran- ertsville. Divine Liturgy was celebrated the following day on ciscan Friars and served for many years at Saint Peter and Tuesday, December 11, 2012. Father Michael was interred at Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church in Aliquippa, PA, until de- the motherhouse of the Franciscan Province in Pulaski, WI. clining health prompted his move to the Vincentian Home In blessed repose, grant, O Lord, eternal rest to your servant in Pittsburgh. the Friar-Priest Michael and remember him forever! Before his service in Aliquippa, he served Ukrainian Catholic parishes in Pennsylvania and Connecticut, and he served in various capacities in the monasteries of the Byz- antine (Sybertsville, PA and New Canaan, CT). Page 4 Eastern Catholic Life FEBRUARY 2013

People you know...... Around the Eparchy

In Freeland... In Rahway... ..Welcome, Saint Nicholas! ...Community Service Donation

FREELAND, PA – Saint Nich- event was sponsored by the Saint olas of Myra visited the children Nicholas Apostolate and organized of Saint Mary Byzantine Catholic by Lee Ann Baskin. Church in Freeland, PA on Sunday, December 2, 2012 and filled all present with the joy of the Christmas spirit! To honor their pa- tron saint, the parish chil- dren enjoyed a Christmas celebration and lunch, fol- lowed by a greeting from Saint Nicholas himself!

Monsignor Nicholas (l. to r.): Sandy Yelenovsky, Tricky Tray Co-Chairman; Puhak hosted the visit and Vivian Cappolla, Children’s Specialized Hospital’s Community led the children in song Engagement Coordinator; Mary Bannworth, GCU Lodge 340 President; before the arrival Saint and Barbara Mytrowitz, Altar President. Nicholas, who had many smiles – and gifts – for all RAHWAY, NJ – The parish- make the table a wonderful suc- the children present! The ioners of Saint Thomas the Apos- cess. Over 300 people attended this tle Byzantine Catholic Church in parish event. At the conclusion of Rahway NJ, recently held their an- the event, $2,535 was collected for nual Tricky Tray Auction in support Children’s Specialized Hospital for Children’s Specialized Hospital in purchasing gifts for the children for Mountainside, NJ. Christmas. GCU Lodge #340 and Saint Saint Thomas Parish is served by Thomas the Apostle Altar Rosary Father Michael Mondik. Society once again teamed up to

EASTERN CATHOLIC LIFE (USPS 165-600) (ISSN 0894-9786) Official Publication of the Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Passaic Subscription Rate: $12.00 per year. News and Photo Services: Catholic News Service, CNS Picture Service and Member of the Catholic Press Association of America. Published every three weeks by the Eastern Catholic Press Association, 445 Lackawanna Avenue, Woodland Park NJ 07424. Phone: 973-890-7794. Fax: 973-890-7175. Postage Paid at Little Falls, NJ and additional office at Bellmawr, NJ. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Eastern Catholic Life 445 Lackawanna Avenue, Woodland Park, NJ 07424.

Very Rev. James G. Hayer, Editor Mrs. Diane Rabiej, Associate Editor E-Mail us at: [email protected] Eparchial Website: www.EparchyofPassaic.com FEBRUARY 2013 Eastern Catholic Life Page 5

Florida’s Ormond Beach Parish Bustling with Activity!

oly Dormition Byzantine Catholic meal brings the parishioners together in honor of acknowledged the dedication of Cantor Robert Church in Ormond Beach, FL has been Saint Nicholas of Myra, Patron of the Byzantine and spoke of the virtues of charity and generos- bustlingH with activity over the past few weeks. Catholic Church and beloved by children and the ity in imitation of Saint Nicholas of Myra. He Among the many activities, the parishioners re- young at heart everywhere! This year, there was a also spoke of Saint Romanus the Hymnographer, cently held their annual Chinese Auction (Tricky special occasion at the annual Saint Nicholas cel- patron of cantors, who authored the Christmas Tray), which is the primary fundraiser for the ebration as the parish honored their Cantor, Rob- Kontakion and other hymns that are sung on a parish. The church hall is full-laden with an as- ert Shihinski, for his 25 years of dedicated service regular basis, as a model for cantors and all who sortment of donated prizes that are raffled off to to the church. are dedicated to singing the praises of the Lord. patrons eager to win that special gift! After the services, all present broke bread Parishioners come out in full force to as- together, sang Christmas Carols, and wel- sist at the auction by selling tickets, calling the comed their special patron, Saint Nicholas, winning numbers, and delivering prizes to the who was present with gifts for the children lucky winners. Other parish volunteers make and good cheer for everyone. sure that refreshments, such as hot dogs and The year closed with the celebration of a homemade cakes, are readily available and milestone of a special parishioner - Anna Kri- plentiful! tak, who recently celebrated her 90th birthday. Among others, one parish volunteer stand In joyful celebration, the parishioners hon- out in a special way – his name is Tommy, and, ored her with a birthday cake and rendition although he is diagnosed with cerebral palsy, of Happy Birthday at the weekly coffee hour he happily volunteers his time to sell red tick- following the Divine Liturgy. The parish looks ets at the event. He even goes so far as to wear forward to a blessed New Year and invites any- his lucky red shirt so people will know he is one traveling to to join them for the the one who is selling the red tickets. All and celebration of the Divine Liturgy! all, the Tricky Tray auction is a tiring, but fun Saint Nicholas, Father Vincent Brady, Cantor Robert Father Sal Pignato of Saint Nicholas and rewarding day thanks to Tommy and all Shihinski and the children of Holy Dormition Parish Church, Orlando, FL is Administrator of Holy the dedicated volunteers like him! At the conclusion of the Sunday Divine Lit- Dormition Church, in Ormond Beach, with the As the calendar turned to December, on the urgy, a Moleben Service was celebrated offered for assistance of Father Vince Brady, Associate Pastor first Sunday of the month, the parish then held the intentions of Cantor Robert and in thanksgiv- in Residence. its annual Saint Nicholas Dinner. The pot luck ing for his years of service. Father Vincent Brady

Ann Kritak celebrates her 90th birthday Saint Nicholas loves visiting Tommy and Grandpa with a surprise cake and a blessing Florida in the winter! share a moment of laughter while selling tickets. from Father Vincent Brady.

Cantor Robert Shihinski and his family Cantor Robert Shihinski Cantor Robert Shihinski, Father Vince Brady honoring him for 25 years of service. calls the lucky number . and Server Dave Lizanich. Page 6 Eastern Catholic Life FEBRUARY 2013

Kingston and Wilkes-Barre Township Parishes Welcome Bishop Šašik

in Georgetown. The Bishop graced the parishes with his visit on the Sunday before Christmas, Christ- mas Eve and on Christmas Day be- fore his return to Ukraine. The parishioners of both par- ishes were honored not just by the Bishop’s visit, but by his homilies and warm expression of friendship from our Mother Church in “the Old Country.” The parishioners were also spiritually uplifted by the Bish- op’s account of both the spiritual and physical growth of our Greek Cath- special visitor graced Saint olic Church in Eastern Europe. AMary Byzantine Catholic As a special treat for the Bish- Bishop Milan with the parish children following the Christmas Play. Church of Kingston, PA and Saint op, the ECF teachers and students John the Baptist Byzantine Catholic presented a Christmas Play on De- ners supplied refreshments after the Liturgy, much to the delight of the Church in Wilkes-Barre Township cember 22nd at Saint Mary Church presentation. Bishop and all present! (Georgetown), PA for the Christmas Hall in Kingston, PA, entitled The holidays. His Grace, Bishop Milan The ECF Children also por- Truly, it was a celebration of the Way Home – authored by parishioner trayed the Birth of Jesus Christ in Nativity of Our Lord that the faith- Šašik of the Greek Catholic Epar- Jason Marcin. chy of Mukachevo, Ukraine, paid their Annual Christmas Pageant on ful of both parishes will not soon a special visit to one of his priests Participating Teachers included Christmas Eve before the Divine forget! - Father Mykhaylo Prodanets, who Marlene Williams (Angel); Laure is currently assisting in the Eparchy Marcin (Temptor); Jason Marcin of Passaic and serving as Pastor of (Narrator). Participating children Saint Mary Church and Saint John included: Haley Habrach, Gabriele Church. Rakowski, Alyssa Rakowski, Ivan Prodanets, Stepan Prodanets, Jason Bishop Milan arrived before Marcin, Thea Seasock, Paul Sea- Christmas and visited both parishes sock, John Seasock. Panni Ivanna served by Father Mykhaylo. The par- Prodanets served as Music Director ishes were pleased and honored to and Ivan Prodanets and Stepan Pro- have the Bishop serve as the prin- danets also served as soloists. ECF cipal celebrant at not just one, but Teachers Laura Seasock, Barbara four Hierarchical Divine Liturgies Zelnick, Mary Ann Evans were in at Saint Mary Church in Kingston, charge of rehearsals and decorations and two Hierarchical Divine Litur- and GCU Lodge 182 and parishio- gies celebrated at Saint John Church Angels, shepherds and wise men, all with smiling faces!

Bishop Milan, Father and Panni Prodanets with the ECF students. People watch the children’s play attentively the in the Church Hall.

Old Calendar Easter in the Old Country A Pilgrimage Tour - April 28 - May 10, 2013 Join Father Ed Cimbala and Father Charles Yastishock for a pilgrimage to the “Old Country.” During this thirteen day tour (April 23 to May 3, 2013) we will visit Poland, Slovakia, Ukraine and Czech Republic. The trip cost includes airfare, hotel accommodations two meals daily, special performances, English speaking guide, and admissions. Taxes, fees and tips will be extra. Spend “Old Calendar” Easter in Uzhorod on Sunday, May 5. This will certainly be a memorable experience.

Cost will be announced shortly. For a brochure and detailed information, please contact: Father Ed Cimbala, St. Mary Byzantine Catholic Church, 1900 Brooks Boulevard, Hillsborough, NJ 08844 Or call 908-725-0165 email: [email protected]. FEBRUARY 2013 Eastern Catholic Life Page 7

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

Part 4 - Decisions, Decisions A new bishop and a new seminary By Father Jody J. Baran

of future priests. In this regard, Bish- pressing. Therefore, in a pastoral let- op Ivancho was to decide whether ter to the clergy and faithful of the or not to establish a new seminary Exarchate, dated June 14, 1950, the for the training of future priests, or Bishop laid the plans for the con- to build a new cathedral in order to struction and operation of the first truly establish the place of the Ex- Byzantine Catholic Seminary on archate in the ranks of the Church these shores of America. in America. The decision was not an On a beautiful Fall morning, easy one. The Bishop’s Consultors October 18, 1951, Bishop Daniel found it necessary and reasonable Ivancho presided over the consecra- to push for the building of a new tion and blessing of the brand new cathedral; however, the Bishop felt seminary building. The building was the need for a seminary was more Bishop Basil Takach complete with the golden onion-

he world became embroiled in the Second World War withT Bishop Takach at the helm of Bishop Daniel Ivancho our Byzantine Catholic Church in shaped dome, mosaics, and chapel America. At the end of the war, a in the Byzantine Style. The seminary change in leadership became neces- was placed under the patronage of sary for our church. Bishop Takach Saints Cyril and Methodius, the two was diagnosed with terminal cancer brothers who were the first to bring and became increasingly incapable Christianity to the Slavic peoples. of discharging his many official du- ties as Bishop. This prompted a pe- Also, under Bishop Ivancho’s tition to the Holy See to appoint Saints Cyril and Methodius Byzantine Catholic Seminary. direction, new religious orders were an Auxiliary Bishop to help in the established. An order of Byzantine administration of the Exarchate. On Catholic monks who followed the November 5, 1946 Father Daniel Rule of Saint Benedict was estab- Ivancho was ordained as the new lished in the late 1940’s. They be- Coadjutor (having the right of suc- gan their first independent friary in cession) Bishop of the Exarchate. Saint Nicholas Byzantine Church in He did not have long to be Coadju- McKeesport, PA, and then later in tor. On May 13, 1948, Bishop Basil the Monroeville area of Pennsylva- Takach lost his valiant battle with nia. In 1954, a group of Benedictine cancer and died at Saint Francis’ Sisters from Lisle, IL established a Hospital in Pittsburgh. Because of Byzantine Catholic order of Sisters his position as Coadjutor, Bishop at Saints Peter and Paul Byzantine Ivancho assumed the responsibilities Catholic Church in Warren, OH. of leading the Pittsburgh Exarchate. The Byzantine Franciscans also ar- rived with monasteries in New Ca- With his new position came the naan, Connecticut and Sybertsville, daunting task of making a signifi- The original Chapel of the Byzantine Catholic Seminary. PA. (To be continued) cant decision regarding the training

Visiting Myrtle Beach this Winter? If so, plan on attending the Divine Liturgy at the new Blessed Basil Hopko Byzantine Catholic Mission! The Divine Liturgy is celebrated two or three Saturdays each month at 5:00 PM. To find out a schedule of Liturgies, call the Parish Office at 843-347-6750. Or, call Don and Jean Wirth at 843-249-9502. The Basil Hopko Mission is located at 3059 Highway 90, Conway, Myrtle Beach, SC. It is located between Routes 22 and 501 on Highway 90. Visiting clergy are the celebrants of the Divine Liturgies. For further information, call Father Conan Timoney at 410-247-4936. Page 8 Eastern Catholic Life FEBRUARY 2013

“Lord I Believe and Profess” - A Parish Mission for the “Year of Faith” Presented by Father Frank Hanincik * Sponsored by the Eparchy of Passaic * All Parishes Invited to Participate!

s part of its commemoration of the Year of Faith, us and knows our suffering. His answer to suffering on Athe Eparchy of Passaic is offering a parish mis- the Cross was faith in His Father (He is the pioneer of sion to be preached in the parishes of the eparchy. faith) and the Risen Christ leads us to faith (He is the What is a Parish Mission? perfecter of our faith). On this night we are encour- aged to come to a relationship of trust with Jesus who A Parish Mission is a time of personal renewal, loved us and gave His life for us. where we are challenged to “commit ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God.” (Lit- Third Night - Mary, the Model of Faith. We will urgy of Saint John Chrysostom) During three evenings meditate on examples of Mary’s trust in God through- of prayer and preaching we are invited by the Lord out her life: The , the birth of Jesus, the Jesus to renew our faith in Him and in the teachings of Presentation, the marriage at Cana, the Cross and the His Church. ways in which Mary trusted God in all these situations. On this night we are encouraged to take Mary as our The Mission will consist of three weeknight ses- model of trust in God. sions in church. Each session will begin with a brief prayer service and include a 35 to 45 minute sermon. Who is invited to the Mission? There will be an opportunity for you to participate in In a word: everyone! The Mission is not limited to the Mystery of Reconciliation both before and after the parishioners. You are encouraged to invite family and service. You are warmly encouraged to receive the friends, churchgoers and non-churchgoers, Catholics Mystery of Reconciliation (Confession) This Mystery and non-Catholics. The Mission is an opportunity for is an encounter with the Lord’s merciful love and can us to meet Jesus again or for the first time. be a wonderful first step in renewing our decision to About the Mission Preacher follow Him. The mission will be preached by Fa- Mission Schedule: ther Frank Hanincik. Father Frank is First Night - What is The Year of Faith? Some of a graduate of the Pennsylvania State the Holy Father’s reflections inPorta Fidei and his up- University and obtained his Master of coming encyclical on faith. What is faith - belief in the Divinity degree from Saints Cyril and things revealed by God in scripture and through the Methodius Byzantine Catholic Semi- teaching of the Church but also faith is trust in and re- nary. He is a member of the Youth Sec- lationship to a person, Jesus Christ. On this night we retariat of the Eparchy of Passaic and are encouraged to commit ourselves to the teachings of the Inter-eparchial Evangelization Commission. He of the Church. has given a number of retreats and talks for the Epar- Second Night - Faith as Trust. The primary object chy of Passaic and the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. of faith as trust is a person, Jesus Christ, who loves He is currently pastor of Saint John the Baptist Byzan- us and whom we can trust because He is like us in all tine Catholic Church in Trumbull, CT and administra- things but sin. He is the “author and perfecter of our tor of Holy Trinity Byzantine Catholic Church in New faith.” (Hebrews 12:12) He is God and yet suffered like Britain, CT.

YOUR parish can be NEXT! To Schedule a mission, pastors may contact Father Frank at 203-377-5967 or email him at [email protected].

Upcoming Mission locations: • Saint Ann Church, Harrisburg, PA - February 5th, 6th, 7th • Saint John Church, Forest City, PA - March 17th, 3PM FEBRUARY 2013 Eastern Catholic Life Page 9

“Lord I Believe and Profess” - A Parish Mission for the “Year of Faith” Presented by Father Frank Hanincik * Sponsored by the Eparchy of Passaic * All Parishes Invited to Participate!

Photos from the recent Mission in the Wyoming Valley Father Frank preached at Saint Mary Church in Wilkes-Barre, Saint Mary Church in Kingston, and Saint Nicholas Church in Swoyersville, PA during the week before Christ- mas. The evening began with a brief moleben service celebrated by Father Frank, followed by a 45-minute mission talk, and concluded with the opportunity to receive the Holy Mys- tery of Confession. Following this, all were invited to a fellowship social where the conver- sation could continue! The Parish Mission was very well received by all who attended!

YOUR parish can be NEXT! To Schedule a mission, pastors may contact Father Frank at 203-377-5967 or email him at [email protected].

Upcoming Mission locations: • Holy Ghost Church, Jessup, PA - March 18th, 6PM • Saint Ann Church, Harrisburg, PA - February 5th, 6th, 7th • Saint Michael Church, Dunmore, PA - March 19th, 6PM • Saint John Church, Forest City, PA - March 17th, 3PM • Saint Mary Church, Scranton, PA - March 20th, 6PM Page 10 Eastern Catholic Life FEBRUARY 2013

ByThe Archpriest Byzantine David Petras, SEOD Liturgy Receiving Communion

hen it is time to receive the deacon again invites the faithful. one must receive first and then give Communion, the priest Holding the chalice which contains the Communion to another. firstW invites us with the words, “Holy the holy Body and Blood of Christ There were actually many ways gifts for holy people.” The “holy in the form of bread and wine, now in which the equality in Communion people” referred to here are those mixed together, the deacon intones, was symbolized. In the early history who have been baptized. Saint Paul “Approach with the fear of God and of the Church, no one actually took charist) with complete power over it, calls all baptized Christians “holy,” with faith.” The faithful then come Communion for themselves, but al- and so lifts it to his lips with his own because they have renounced the forward and receive Communion ways had to receive it from another. hand.” (Letter 93) This custom was evil one and have accepted Christ. by way of a spoon, which is dipped Even the bishop received from the practiced as late as the eighth centu- The reception of Communion is a into the chalice and used to place the hand of a priest and a priest from ry (Saint John of Damascus witness- renewal of our faith in Christ, be- Holy Body and Blood of the Lord the hand of a deacon. Later this was es), but then was restricted, possibly cause it is in faith that we receive into the individual’s mouth. In the simplified so that distribution was to prevent abuses in the handling of the body of blood of the Lord in the Melkite and Romanian Church- done according to rank. The dis- the Eucharist. form of bread and wine. If we ap- es, the distributor does not use a tributor of Communion is our Lord There was also an equality in proach sincerely, and if there is any spoon, but with his hand places the Himself. At the Last Supper, it was where Communion was received. further unworthiness, this is healed holy Body, in the form of bread and Jesus who gave the bread that He Even to the present day, the Ortho- by Communion itself which is given dipped into the chalice, into the had blessed to His disciples, explain- dox faithful generally receive Com- “for the forgiveness of sins and life mouth of the recipient. The clergy ing that it was His body, and he gave munion right at the Royal Doors in everlasting.” After the priest’s invita- and the faithful, therefore, receive the cup to His disciples to drink. front of the Holy Table (altar). This tion, the priests and deacons receive Communion in different ways. Mystically, it is the Lord Who dis- signifies their right to enter the holy the body of Jesus under the form of There is much that can be said tributes Communion to all, through of holies, since if Christ is present bread into their hands, and then the about this practice, which is now the human hands of one blessed for within our bodies through Commu- whole community together recites firmly established tradition. Saint the task. The Lord is the host of the nion, how could the sanctuary be a aloud the prayer, “O Lord, I be- John Chrysostom taught clearly that banquet of life. This is why the priest holier place than our bodies them- lieve and profess that you are truly in Communion, all who receive are receives first, because if he, the priest, selves. Saint Paul writes, “Do you Christ (“Christ” is the Greek word equal in dignity. He said, “All things were the host, like a good host, he not know that your body is a temple for “Messiah”), the Son of the living are equal between us and you, even should receive last. of the Holy Spirit within, whom you God, who came into the world to to the very chief of our blessings. have from God, and that you are save sinners, of whom I am the first Originally, too, all received in I (as bishop) do not partake of the not your own.” (1 Corinthians 6:19) ....” We again protest our unworthi- the same way. Saint Cyril of Jerusa- holy Table with greater abundance (Note that after Communion we ness, which God heals by accepting lem, in the fourth century, gave an and you with less, but both equally sing, “we have received the heavenly us as partakers in His mystical sup- instruction to the newly-baptized participate of the same .... With us Spirit.”) Though it is customary now per. The priests and deacons then about care in receiving the Eucha- all things are equal. The saving life to receive before having to climb the partake of the Body of Christ and rist, “When you approach, do not that sustains our souls is given with steps of the solea, perhaps this im- drink from the cup containing His go stretching out your open hands equal honor to both. I do not indeed agery could be partially restored. We blood in the form of wine. The Body or having your fingers spread out, partake of one Lamb and you of an- have servers who are considered wor- and Blood of Christ that we receive but make the left hand into a throne other, but we partake of the same.” thy to serve within the icon screen, is His glorified, risen body which for the right which shall receive the (Homily 4 on 2 Thessalonians) This would it not be a form of clerical- brings life, as our Lord promised, King.... but take care that no parti- is reasonable, for Christ is the Son of ism to expel them from the altar just “whoever eats My flesh and drinks cles fall, for what you lose would be God, infinitely greater than all of us, because they are not ordained? At My blood has eternal life .... whoever to you as if you had lost some of your and if we are all united in Him, how least those who serve within the al- eats My flesh and drinks my blood members.” (Mystagogy 5.1) Saint is it possible for anyone to be greater tar should also be able to receive our remains in Me and I in him.” (John Basil the Great likewise wrote, also than another. The method of recep- Lord within the altar area. 6:54.56) in the fourth century, that “the recip- tion does not signify greater honor, ient takes it (the portion of the Eu- After the clergy have received, but it is merely practical, since some-

Letters from the Editor Compiled by Father James Hayer, Editor America’s Drug Problem

he other day, someone at a store in our town read that a metham- I was drug to the homes of family, friends, and neighbors to help out phetamine lab had been found in an old farmhouse in the adjoining some poor soul who had no one to mow the yard, repair the clothesline, or countyT and he asked me a rhetorical question, “Why didn’t we have a drug chop some firewood; and, if my mother had ever known that I took a single problem when you and I were growing up?” dime as a tip for this kindness, she would have drug me back to the wood- shed. I replied: I had a drug problem when I was young: I was drug to church on Sunday morning. I was drug to church for weddings and funerals. I was Those drugs are still in my veins; and they affect my behavior in every- drug to family reunions and community socials no matter the weather. I was thing I do, say, and think. If people today had that kind of “drug” problem, drug by my ears when I was disrespectful to adults. America would be a better place! If you have an inspiring story or I was also drug to the woodshed when I disobeyed my parents, told a lie, [Many thanks to Sister Regina, article you wish to share you may brought home a bad report card, did not speak with respect, spoke ill of the OSBM for sharing this story!] send it to Father James at: “Let- teacher or the preacher, or if I didn’t put forth my best effort in everything Yes, this story has been around ters from the Editor” c/o: that was asked of me. before, but its message, like God, is Saint Mary Church, 695 N. Main St., Wilkes-Barre, PA I was drug to the kitchen sink to have my mouth washed out with soap timeless! 18705. or E-Mail him at if I uttered a profane four-letter word. I was drug out to pull weeds in mom’s [email protected]. garden and flower beds and cockleburs out of dad’s fields. FEBRUARY 2013 Eastern Catholic Life Page 11 Father Nil Yuriy Luscak, OFM Ordained as Auxiliary Bishop of Mukachevo

Father Nil Luscak, OFM processes into the Cathedral prior to his ordination as a Bishop.

the Lord. To his people, and to all around him, the new Bishop must always and faithfully show the image of Christ, the Archbishop said. Metropolitan William with the newly-ordained Bishop Nil and other hierarchs at the episcopal Bishop Nil was born on May 22, 1973 in ordination in Mukachevo. Metropolitan William was a Co-consecrator of the new Bishop. Užhorod. He completed his studies for the priest- hood at the Mukachevo Eparchial Seminary and, UŽHOROD – On Saturday, January 12, on July 2, 1996 was ordained to the Priesthood of 2013 in the Greek Catholic Cathedral of Holy Jesus Christ by the late Bishop Ivan Semedi. Fol- Cross of the Eparchy of Mukachevo, Father Yuriy lowing his ordination, he worked in various par- Nil Luscak, OFM was ordained to the episcopa- ishes and later continued his education in cy and appointed Auxiliary Bishop of the Greek where he received a Licentiate in Philosophy. Fol- Catholic Eparchy of Mukachevo. lowing his advanced studies, he began his novi- The principal consecrating bishop was Bishop Milan Šašik, Bishop of the Eparchy of Mukache- vo. Co-consecrators included Archbishop Cyril Vasyl, Secretary of the Congregation of Eastern Churches, and Metropolitan William Skurla of the Byzantine Catholic Church of Pittsburgh, USA.

The newly-ordained Bishop blesses Father Edward Cimbala, Eparchial Ad- with the trikirion and dikirion. ministrator (left) looks on at the ordination.

Greek Catholic Church. Also in attendance was tiate with the Franciscans and took the monastic Father Edward Cimbala, Administrator of the name Nil. In 2012, the made his Temporary Pro- Eparchy of Passaic, as well as numerous Byzan- fession of Vows and, during that same year, be- tine Catholic clergy and faithful from the United gan teaching Philosophy in the Blessed Theodore Bishop Milan congratulates his new Auxiliary States and other countries for which the Eparchy Romzha Seminary. Bishop as Metropolitan William looks on. of Mukachevo is the “Mother Church”. May God grant him many blessed years! In his homily, Archbishop Cyril Vasyl noted Axios! that, as a Franciscan, the new Bishop is a spiritual Many other hierarchs were in attendance, in- son of Saint Francis. He commended Bishop Nil (Excerpted from the website of the Mukachevo cluding Archbishop Thomas Edward Gullickson, to always keep Christ in the center of his life so Eparchy. Translation by Father Mykhaylo Prodanets. Apostolic Nuncio of Ukraine, and Major Arch- that he may faithfully guide his people, encourage Photos courtesy of the Mukachevo Eparchial website.) bishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk of the Ukrainian them, and represent the entire humanity before

Father Nil is escorted by Archbishop Bishop Milan (center), Metropolitan William (left) and The newly-ordained Bishop and Cyril Vasyl and Metropolitan William. Archbishop Cyril (right) invoke the Holy Spirit. other hierarchs receive the Bread of Life. Page 12 Eastern Catholic Life FEBRUARY 2013

Msgr.Seasonal John. T. Sekellick, JCL Reflections

Walking the Year of Faith

physical therapist once wondered how Writing to the Corinthians for the second far the average American walks in a life- time, Saint Paul tells them (and us), “We walk time.A According to his calculations, most people by faith, not by sight” (5:7). Our focus then is walk about 65,000 – 70,000 miles which would be on spiritual matters through discipline over the almost the equivalent as trekking from New York physical body by abstinence. Among the hymns to California and back again thirteen times – all of the Matins for Cheese-fare Sunday leading us on the same pair of feet! into the lenten season, we find this exhortation: “…Prepare yourselves for the struggle of the Fast: Our feet are remarkable structural master- those who strive valiantly will receive the crown! pieces. Each one contains no less than 26 bones, Let us put on the armor of the Cross to combat linked through 33 joints, secured together by 107 the Enemy, taking faith as our unshakable ram- ligaments and supported by 19 muscles. This does part. Let us put on prayer as our breastplate and not include the miles of blood vessels traversing charity as our helmet. As our sword, let us use fast- each foot and the sensitive nerves connected to ing, for it cuts out all evil from our hearts. Those strong muscles which move our feet. The intricacy who do this shall truly receive the crown from the not only of our feet but of the whole human body hands of Christ, the almighty One on the day of is cause for marvel at the design of its Creator. judgment.” (Matins, at the Praises) Such charity goes beyond faith to reach the For centuries walking was the usual mode of This short hymn from Matins gives us tools to One in Whom we believe. From this, love for God transportation. How accustomed we are in mod- succeed in the spiritual struggle of a lenten disci- and neighbor reaches out to all whom His provi- ern times to the use not only of bicycles, automo- pline: the strength and power of the Cross, belief dence places, even so casually, into our lives. In so biles, buses, trains, subways, but of huge airplanes in its graces, prayer to quench the soul’s need for doing, our walk through Lent will surely follow as well to take us on our way. In a spiritual sense, nourishment and outreach in charity towards oth- Him Who is the way, the truth and the life ( John our Church has us walk now the spiritual pathway ers. We are to practice what we profess and live 14:6): “Let us walk with a light step on the path of the Great and Holy Fast (Lent). During this our faith through our love of God for Whose sake that leads to heaven, where the choirs of angels Year of Faith, our journey through this holy lenten we are to love our neighbor in whom we must see sing unceasingly and praise the indivisible Trinity, season has us focus spiritually on the support and Christ Who tells us, “As long as you did it for one so that we may contemplate the striking beauty use of faith as our body is physically supported on of these, the least of My brethren, you did it for of the Lord….” (Matins, Cheese-fare Sunday, at our feet. Me” (Matthew 25:40). the Praises).

The Presentation of Our Lord in the Temple Father Joseph Bertha, Ph.D. February 2nd he icon used to portray the Presentation/ picted as unfolding in the inner sanctuary, where The importance of the gesture of offering/ Encounter/Purification of the Lord in Je- a baldachino covered altar is shown. Recall that in encountering/presentation, as Simeon awaits re- rusalemT derives from the gospel account found in the gospel account Simeon is not called a priest, ceiving from the Virgin the Christ Child into his Luke 2:22-40. Saint Luke the iconographer uses but is described as a ‘pious man, awaiting the con- embrace, highlights the intensity and duration his words to ‘paint’ the details of this event, which of time spent in anticipation of this encounter. takes place forty days after the Nativity of Christ. Simeon was promised by the Lord that he would Saint Joseph offers two turtledoves, prescribed by see the Messiah before he died. Jewish law (Exodus 13:2), while the Virgin holds The always offers her Divine Son and offers the Christ Child to Simeon. The gospel to Simeon. This gesture is replicated even today in describes this encounter occurring in Jerusalem. the Byzantine Churching ceremony administered The earliest surviving depiction of this scene to mother and child after Baptism 40 days after can be found in a fifth century mosaic at Santa the birth. The priest receives the first born son into Maria Maggiore Church in Rome, where it is his arms and bears him into the sanctuary while depicted in the triumphal arch. This architec- praying Simeon’s canticle. tural feature of the church, the triumphal arch, As Simeon prays his great canticle, which stretched from the floor and above the apse and the Byzantine church uses at every Vesper service over the sanctuary like an inverted ‘u’, and recalls the “Now you may dismiss your servant O Lord.” the pagan custom of erecting magnificent elabo- Simeon appeals to the sense of sight/vision three rately ornamented gateways to the city, which times during his prayer. This mention is signifi- welcome the returning victorious emperors and cant for the world of icons in that through icons his armies. The very same meaning has been uti- we can see with our earthly eyes, just as Simeon lized by the Christian mosaicists at Santa Maria did, the Son of God, present here on the face of Maggiore. Christ the Lord is victoriously pre- the earth. sented into the holy temple (city of Rome) and welcomed into the world. He is also present in Anna, the prophetess, constantly in the tem- the Eucharistic sacrament on the altar below and ple worshipping day and night in fasting and in meeting the world as the Messiah. prayer is shown head bowed and covered with a maphorion, usually standing alongside Simeon. There is a wide gap in the portrayal of the Presentation of the Lord between this early solation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon After Simeon blesses Him, he offers a dire Christian monument in Rome and its subse- him.’ He typically stands on the right of the image prophecy to the Theotokos: Luke 2:34-35: “This quent form as portrayed today. We have to wait and is shown wearing the vestments of the high child is destined to be the downfall and the rise of five hundred years before we recognize the famil- priest, sometimes even wearing a mitre and twelve many in Israel; a sign that will be opposed and you iar type of Presentation icons that we use today. stones, representing the twelve tribes of Israel, on yourself shall be pierced with a sword so that the Already by the eleventh century this scene is de- the front of his tunic. thoughts of many hearts may be laid bare.” FEBRUARY 2013 Eastern Catholic Life Page 13

Understanding Icons By Father Joseph Bertha, Ph.D. Holy Icon Commemoration - The First Sunday of the Great Fast

of this Great Church for its rules on to the heavens, at the threshold of celebration of the services. the sanctuary of the church, intricate and complex ranks or tiers of icons The Byzantine Church typified populate the icon screen, which lit- in Hagia Sophia depicts to the world erally and physically places skin on the spiritual cosmology: the soaring the bone structure of the church central dome displays the heavenly architecture. The icon screen can be sphere, the piers (the four support viewed as the living genealogy of the columns for the central dome, which growth of faith. From the Holy Vir- are not visible in Hagia Sophia) gin giving birth to Jesus Christ dis- communicate and serve as the lad- played at the very origin in the hori- ders between heaven and earth as zontal dimension of the icon screen, they rest on the earth and reach to then growing vertical through the the heavenly expanse. Hagia Sophia articulation of the life of the Holy brilliantly portrays this ladder (expe- Virgin and the Savior Jesus Christ, rienced by Jacob the Patriarch while the growth of faith is proclaimed he slept at Beersheba as he flees his and disseminated throughout the brother Esau and he fears retribu- world by the Holy Apostles. It is tion) as mystically unseen giving preached by the Holy Prophets, and The Great Church of Hagia Sophia in Constantinople. the viewer inside the jaw dropping crowned by the Crucifixion of Our experience of perceiving no visible ne of the unique com- Byzantine Church has, as one of its Lord, the apex of the interior space means of support between heaven memorations made on many resources, the surviving archi- of the Temple, accomplishing the and earth. This vertical dimension is the OFirst Sunday of the Great Fast tecture of ancient Byzantine church- expiation of sins before God. typical and common to all Byzan- in the Byzantine Catholic Church es, as well as hundreds of icons in tine architecture, the descent of the is that of the Triumph of the Holy the multiform media, perhaps most Through a sophisticated elabo- Son of God in the incarnation from Icons. On this day, our Church re- notably mosaics. In this tremendous ration of architecture and art, the heaven down to the face of the earth. calls the re-establishment of icons catalogue of inventory, the church Byzantine Church evangelizes this world. As Byzantine believers we in their churches, from the Seventh can reach out to educate and evange- The pagan, tenth-century Kiev need to become more deeply aware Ecumenical Council held in Nicea lize the faith to the local community Rus delegates who traveled to Byz- of this great teaching dimension al- in the eighth century (787). Typi- and indeed to the world at large. antium and witnessed the Divine ready displayed for our education. cally, parish students process carry- Liturgy there upon their return are This is indeed what the Byzan- Let us not only plumb the depths of ing icons into the nave of the church known to have remarked: “we did tines accomplished. Emperor Justin- the wisdom which we so richly have to observe this event. While this not know whether we were in heav- ian was known to have stated at the at hand, but also let us invite those concept of a themed Sunday dates en or on earth, the whole experience dedication of the Hagia Sophia (the around us to enter this Kingdom of back centuries, the original intent was so captivating.” Further exami- Great church) that he cried out on Splendors! and purpose has become somewhat nation of this historical remark pre- Christmas day, “O Solomon, I have obscured by the proliferation of supposes that the Byzantines invited outdone you!” Closer examination images from contemporary media non-Christians to their celebration of these words reveal not only idle sources. The Byzantine ancestors not of the Liturgy. One of the most im- boasting of a Byzantine emperor, only intended to commemorate the portant components and character- but the incarnation of God’s mer- re-introduction of icons to churches istics of our Christian faith is that of ciful, expiating Temple (the fulfill- after a century of iconoclasm, during invitation, asking people to come to ment of the great Jerusalem Temple) the eighth and ninth centuries, but God’s house to see, smell, taste, hear or Church as a physical reality, and also sought to underscore the evan- and be touched by this earthly ex- it still exists in its Justinian shape gelization properties inherent in im- perience, to be lead to the spiritual to this very day in Istanbul! While ages which are of great benefit in the dimension already portrayed here in the emperor solemnly proclaimed teaching and passing on the faith. magnificent churches. these words on the day on which The faith is proclaimed through ar- the “en-flesh-ment” of the Son of The Byzantines also devised a chitecture and art simultaneously. God takes place, His Nativity the sophisticated and elaborate method Basically, the argument can be 25th of December; every Byzantine of displaying icons within the in- boiled down to a simple theologi- church world-wide strives to imitate terior of their churches. Seemingly cal precept, since the Son of God not only the style of architecture, growing up out of the floor, and thus became a man, we can represent iconographic display in the interior, replicating a living tree rooted in the Him using art and architecture. The the iconostasis, but also the typikon earth and reaching with its branches Interior of Hagia Sophia Church.

Jersey City Choir Offers CD’s and Cassettes Saint Mary Choir announces the sale of their four Compact Disc (CD) recordings and their four stereo cassette recordings. Compact Discs are $12.00 each, or any four for $43.95. Stereo cassette recordings are $7.95 each or any four for $29.95. All order are postage and handling free. Select from: Great Fast and Resurrection; Divine Liturgy in Old Slavonic; Divine Liturgy in English; or Christmas caroling. To order, contact: Saint Mary Choir, 231 Pacific Ave., Jersey City, NJ 07304 Page 14 Eastern Catholic Life FEBRUARY 2013

Hillsborough Parish Presents Lenten “Munching & Learning” Fridays During the Great Fast at Noon and 7 PM

“Beholding The Face Of God” Presented By The Institue For Christian Spirituality At Seton Hall University

n the first four Fridays of Beholding the Face of God Beholding the Face of God the Great Fast 2013 (Feb- Beholding the Face of God ruaryO 15, 22, March 1 and 8) a short in the Mirror in Your Work, Co-creating in People who are in the Vineyard Difficult to Love Lenten Service will be celebrated at February 22 Noon and 7:00 PM in St. Mary’s Church. The service will be fol- Noon and 7:00 PM March 1 March 8 Noon and 7:00 PM Noon and 7:00 PM lowed by a Lenten fasting meal with Presented by Stephen a series of guest speakers in the St. Mary’s Parish Center. The service, Kass, M.A Presented by Carol C. Presented by Marie program and meal are scheduled to Keilp-Tobin, M.A. Harwanko, M.A.P.M last 90 minutes. The speakers will stay for a while if the conversation wishes to continue. St. Mary’s is located at 1900 Brooks Boulevard, Hillsborough, New Jersey. For more information call 908-725-0615.

Beholding the Face of God in Scripture February 15 Noon and 7:00 PM When you look in the mirror, “Work”, as described by our for- Most of us have people in our Presented by Jennifer what do you see? Do you like what mer , John Paul II, is any pro- lives that are difficult to love. Marie Kaalund, M.H.A., M.A. you see? What do you see in your ductive activity. Whether any one will use a three-step process to help own reflection? Steve will help us of us is out of work, in a full-time us behold the Face of God in people understand that the image staring job, a parent or a student, we are all who are difficult to love. The life of back at us is nothing short of a trace engaged in “work” in this world. And Jesus was filled with people who are of the divine in ourselves. Using so is God. But how do we see God difficult to love. Yet, Jesus looked be- examples from the life of Jesus and in that work? By reflecting on the yond their human limitations, loved the Saints, Steve will challenge us to activities at the Wedding Feast at them and did not abandon them. look at our reflection in the mirror as Cana, Carol will explore the differ- Beholding the Face of God in peo- a reflection of God’s unconditional ent expressions of the Face of God ple who are difficult to love will help love for us. in our everyday activities. you look at others with the eyes of faith and love others as Jesus loved About the presenter: Stephen About the presenter: Carol re- them. Kass is director of the STEPS pro- ceived her Master of Arts in Moral To behold an object/person is gram, which is a graduate theol- Theology in 2006 from Immaculate About the Presenter: In 2006, very different from simply seeing ogy program for lay students that is Conception Seminary School of Marie earned her Master of Arts in it. Jennifer will share four Bible run out of Theology and is certified as a Spiri- Pastoral Ministry from Immaculate stories that demonstrate four ways Seminary at Seton Hall University. tual Guide. For over 15 years, she has Conception Seminary School of in which we can behold the face of Prior to that, he spent 11 years in served her parish, Our Lady of the Theology with a concentration in God. These stories will teach us that the energy industry in various sales Mount in Warren, N.J., in spiritual Christian spirituality. She is com- we behold the face of God in for- and marketing positions. Steve also enrichment, parish planning, RCIA pleting her training as a Spiritual giveness, in conversation or prayer, spent five years on active duty and and Pre-Cana. Carol is currently the Director at the Quellen Spiritual in instruction, and finally, in love. nine years in the active reserves as Principal of Via Veritas, LLC, and Center in Mendham NJ. Marie has an officer in the U.S. Navy. He has a consults in the areas of leadership a business background with exten- About the presenter: Jennifer is bachelor’s degree from the Universi- development, organizational align- sive experience as a corporate trainer. currently pursuing her doctorate in ty of Rochester, a master’s degree in ment and formation retreats. She She is a member of St. Bernard of Biblical studies at Drew University nuclear engineering from NC State helped launch the Micah Leader- Clairvaux in Bridgewater, N.J. where and holds a Master of Arts in Theol- University and a master’s degree in ship Project at Seton Hall as a series she serves in ministry as an RCIA ogy with a concentration in Biblical theology from Seton Hall. Steve is of Ignatian retreats for executives teacher; part of the IHN network studies at Immaculate Conception currently in formation for the Per- and students, and spent 14 years in and a Eucharistic Minister to local Seminary School of Theology. Be- manent Diaconate in the Diocese program management, product de- nursing homes. fore pursuing a career in theology, of Paterson, NJ, and is also working livery, and governance with AT&T. Jennifer was a healthcare executive. on his Ph.D. He is the director of Carol also holds a master’s degree in She earned her Master of Arts in adult faith at St. Mary’s in Pompton electrical engineering and a project Healthcare Administration at Vir- Lakes, NJ, and has given numerous manager certification. She is married ginia Commonwealth University retreats, lectures and workshops on and enjoys all interchanges of spiri- and a Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry our faith over the years. tuality and life that bring each of us at the University of North Carolina one step closer to God. at Chapel Hill. She lives with her husband Sekou and their son and daughter in the New York City met- ropolitan area. All Welcome! FEBRUARY 2013 Eastern Catholic Life Page 15

Respect Life Forum By Susan E. Wills Over-the-Counter Contraceptives: A Terrible Idea

Catholic governor who describes himself nity for doctors to test for and treat STDs. About for “free” under the mandate, OC failure rates as “an unapologetic pro-life Republican” sixty million Americans have an STD (including are openly discussed as justification for getting recentlyA announced his support in the Wall Street 40 percent of sexually-active teens) and 19 million women to switch to the more effective LARCs … Journal for making oral contraceptives (OCs) new cases occur annually. Many STDs are asymp- more effective mainly because of their significant available over-the-counter (OTC). He cited two tomatic and if not treated early can cause pelvic abortifacient mode of action, by making the uter- reasons. inflammatory disease, infertility and tubal preg- ine lining so atrophied that the week-old human nancies. Some strains of human papillomavirus, embryo is deprived of nutrients to survive, even if First, he thinks it would take the issue of birth the most common STD—found in 25 percent of she succeeds in implanting there. control out of the political arena where, he claims, teens and 45 percent of people aged 20-24—cause Democrats insulted Republicans by saying they’re Research also shows that by increasing ac- genital warts; other strains cause cervical cancer. against birth control and “demagogued” the issue cess to OCs, rates of unintended pregnancies and during debates over the HHS contraceptive man- OCs cost $9/month at the big discount chain abortions do not decline. In Spain, for example, a date. stores. How much cheaper can they get? But con- 63 percent increase in contraceptive use between sumer savings should not dictate policy any more 1997 and 2007 was accompanied by a 108 percent The HHS mandate, you’ll recall, tramples on than avoiding insults should. increase in the abortion rate. Greater availability the religious freedom of Catholics, Catholic in- leads to more young singles becoming sexually ac- stitutions and others who object to birth control, The Governor states OCs “are safe” per the tive because they think they’re protected from the by forcing virtually every employer to provide all “research.” Really? The World Health Organiza- consequences. A Google search for “risk compen- forms of birth control—including $1,000 IUDs— tion declared synthetic estrogen to be carcino- sation” will show why. “free” in the health insurance plan they offer em- genic in humans, raising risks of breast and cervi- ployees and their families. Surely he’s not suggest- cal cancer. OCs can also significantly increase the Instead of basing public policy on insult- ing that political leaders capitulate on matters of risk of blood clots that can lead to heart attacks, avoidance and reducing the price of a harmful principle or policy simply to avoid insults? strokes and pulmonary embolisms. product, wouldn’t it be refreshing for policy to be based on sound science and the true good of our Second, the Governor claims making OCs Research shows that OCs are not very effec- citizens? available OTC will reduce the costs of healthcare tive in preventing pregnancy, especially as used and of OCs themselves, as women would no lon- by teens: Almost half of low-income cohabiting [Susan Wills is Assistant Director for Education ger have to visit a doctor once a year to get a new teens using OCs will become pregnant within and Outreach, U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ prescription. But that annual visit saves lives. OCs 12 months. True failure (i.e., pregnancy) rates Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities. To learn more are contraindicated for many women due to their were rarely admitted publicly, but now that very about the bishops’ pro-life activities, go to www.us- increasing the risk of cancer, heart attacks and expensive long-acting reversible contraceptives ccb.org/prolife.] strokes. The visit may also be the only opportu- (LARCs)—implants and IUDs—are available

our Father, Giver of Life, we entrust the United States of Through the intercession of Mary Immaculate, Patroness of our Land, grant America to Your loving care. You are the rock on which this na- us the courage to reject the “culture of death” which now tionGod was founded. You alone are the true source of our cherished rights to Life, prevails. Lead us into a new millennium of life. Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness. Reclaim this land for Your glory and dwell again among Your people. Send Your Spirit to touch the hearts of our For every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, Nation’s leaders. coming down from You, the Father of lights of heaven, and we render glory, thanksgiving and worship to You, Father, Open their minds to the great worth of Human Life and the responsibilities Son, and Holy Spirit, now and ever and forever. that accompany Human Freedom. Remind Your people that true happiness is rooted in seeking and doing Your will. (Ambon Prayer) Page 16 Eastern Catholic Life FEBRUARY 2013

Seminarian Lewis Rabayda Reflections

The Path Towards Discipleship­

hen I travel to different parishes and life. He is also going to be a spiritual leader and books as well as introducing myself to the New meet the faithful of our Church I am will be responsible for the souls of his portion of Testament. I had heard the passages from at- oftenW greeted with excitement and wonder. They Christ’s flock. But this does not mean that the tending Divine Liturgy, but the words of Christ ask me what it is like to live at the seminary rest of us are not called to a similar devotion to came alive for me and touched my heart when I and they treat me with a respect that is usu- the spiritual life—all of us are called to radical read them at my own pace and in my own space. ally reserved for bishops. They are glad to see discipleship. I began to become more comfortable with who a young person devote himself to the Church Jesus is; I now know Him as a close friend and All of God’s children are called to devote in an age when our society thinks very differ- I no longer see Him as a distant law-giver. By their lives to following Christ as one of His dis- ently about that decision. They are also proud getting close to Jesus through reading his words, ciples. This is our job as Christians. If you are and happy to meet someone who—God will- parables, and what happened to Him and His reading these words, know that you have been ing—will be a spiritual father to them and their disciples, I see His courage, wisdom, and I un- called by Jesus Christ to lay aside your worldly children through the office of ordained priest- derstand His gift of salvation. Without a dili- life and to follow Him by the example He gives hood. These encounters are uplifting and sup- gent reading of His words and an open heart to us in Sacred Scripture. The call to holiness and port me and other seminarians in our vocational God’s will I would not have written these words to worship God in heaven has been addressed to discernment. you are reading now, I would not be in the semi- YOU. And the path to answering this call is an nary, I would not have offered my life to Jesus, But in these encounters there is something active reading of Sacred Scripture and participa- and I would not have experienced this joy that more that is not always verbally communicated. tion in the life of Christ’s Church. When this God has given me. Some people have a reverence for the devotion path is worn-in, travelers will find themselves in a seminarian has to God and think that they are a greater joy, their lives will fill-up with virtue Most every priestly & religious vocation, ev- not able to attain the same grace and holiness. and their vices & evil passions will be muted— ery saint, martyr, and pope began their lives in It is true that as seminarians, we pray at least an unending love will permeate all. the same place—the pews. These planks of wood hour of liturgical services each day—on Satur- and padded kneelers are not restrictions to our But what does the moment of this transi- days it could be as much as three hours. We also holiness; they are the indicators of where God tion, no, transformation, into a disciple feel like? keep our individual prayer-life each day, and we pours His merciful love. We, the people of God, When will I know if I have begun to let God re- have been given the opportunity to study every those called to be His disciples, have no bound- write the actions in my heart with His love and aspect of God and His Church. To some people, aries between us except for our sins—which are understanding? When will I, the person in the and to us seminarians, this life is a blessing. taken away by Christ’s sacrifice of Love. Let us pew, begin to feel the same love and devotion to follow Jesus by freely sacrificing our own wills However, I question this separation of de- God that the priest has? and desires so that He can replace them with votion to God between priest (seminarian) and I know for myself, that God was calling me His divine Will, thereby making us His disci- laity (the rest of us). It can be argued that the for service to Him for several years, but I did not priest/seminarian has the free time—because ples. accept God’s call to the priesthood until I had in essence, this is his job—to devote to intense accepted His call to a more spiritual life first. study of Sacred Scripture, theology, and a prayer- I then began to read theological and spiritual

EparchialUpcoming and Parish Events Events for February

February, 2013 10 Sunday of Cheesefare

2 Encounter of Our Lord with 11 First Day of the Great Fast Simeon and Anna (Solemn) (no meat, egg or dairy)

3 Sunday of Meatfare Each Wednesday and Friday of the Great Fast Fast Day - No meat Liturgy of the Presantified Gifts

Eastern Catholic Life st Circulation Department 17 1 Sunday of the Great Fast 445 Lackawanna Avenue Woodland Park, NJ 07424 18 Chancery Closed President’s Day Next Issue: March, 2013 23 Second All-Souls Saturday Copy Deadline: February 11th 24 2nd Sunday of the Great Fast 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 Encounter with Simeon Bellmawr, NJ. and Anna