Official Publication of the Ukrainian Archeparchy of VOL. 78 - No. 03 FEBRUARY 19, 2017 ENGLISH VERSION GREAT FAST PASTORAL OF THE UKRAINIAN CATHOLIC HIERARCHY OF THE U.S.A.

TO OUR CLERGY, tax collector, Zacchaeus In many ways, the story us out, always calling HIEROMONKS it means one thing for of Zacchaeus mirrors us by name, but many AND BROTHERS, certain: the liturgical our own personal story times the concerns and RELIGIOUS SISTERS, season of Great Lent will because each of us sits, comforts of our life SEMINARIANS AND be upon us before we mired in the morass of stifle His voice from BELOVED FAITHFUL know it! our sins and temptations, reaching our ears, much much like Zacchaeus like Zacchaeus, whose The details of his at his money table. short stature prevented encounter with Jesus Unfortunately, many him from seeing Jesus are familiar to all of us. people today remain in through the crowd of Zacchaeus, a sinful and this deplorable state for people. avaricious tax collector, a lifetime, content to be despised by everyone, so. But something wonderful hears Jesus passing by. and unexpected He experiences a sudden But the story of happens to Zacchaeus. desire to see him in the Zacchaeus demonstrates He suddenly feels a tug flesh and climbs up a tree to us that it does not of desire at his heart. in order to catch sight of have to be this way. He realizes that he must, him. Jesus notices him We are not necessarily at all costs, see Jesus for “Zacchaeus, come down perched on a branch doomed to live out our himself, up close. And, quickly, for today I must and orders him to climb lives in sin and despair. leaving his personal stay at your house.” (Lk. down and take him to his Jesus Christ came to this dignity at his table, he 19:5) house where Jesus dines earth as man and God, makes a spectacle of with him. As a result, to change the direction himself as he clambers, For many of us, on the Zacchaeus undergoes a of our lives and to make like a child, up a tree and Sunday when we hear total conversion from his them better. onto an overhanging the Gospel reading of sinful ways. the ‘vertically challenged’ Jesus is always seeking (continued on next page)

Highlights inside this issue:

Metropolitan Stefan Celebrates Children’s Liturgy at Cathedral - Pg. 3 GREAT FAST PASTORAL OF THE UKRAINIAN CATHOLIC HIERARCHY OF THE U.S.A. (continued from previous page) branch in order catch a achieving this goal: us, always embrace us, a personal conversion in glimpse of Jesus, passing prayer, alms-giving and always enter into our Him so that we, along by. And the rest, as they fasting. During the time of homes, always forgive with Zacchaeus, would say, is history. Lent we are encouraged us, always renew us. hear the voice of Jesus to be more devoted to saying to us: “Today What was this strange our prayer life, through Zacchaeus’ journey of has come to desire that suddenly private meditation and conversion climbing this house”. (Lk. 19:9) came over him? And, by attending the beautiful up a tree towards a more importantly, can and unique Lenten personal encounter with + we also experience this services celebrated in Jesus is a symbol of our of same feeling that would our churches. We own Lenten journey of Philadelphia for enable us to leave are also encouraged to conversion towards our Ukrainians our sins at the side of pay special attention to own encounter with Our Metropolitan of the road and radically our brothers and sisters Lord during the time of Ukrainian Catholics in change our lives and around us, who may Great Lent; a journey the United States devote them to Jesus, as be suffering physical, towards the moment well? The answer is: yes, emotional, or spiritual when we recognize Jesus +, we can, but not alone! distress, and serve as Lord and Master of OSBM (author) them in their needs. our lives. Eparch of Stamford Fortunately for us, the And finally we are Church realizes that we encouraged to fast, in For each of us the place + need help in hearing the order to attain humility of encounter is personal Eparch of St. Josaphat in voice of Jesus, we need through the taming of and unique. For Parma help in experiencing the our physical appetites, Zaccheus, the encounter desire to see Jesus, we our thoughts, our actions took place in a very + need help in climbing and especially our unruly unlikely place, in the Auxiliary of the tree of our personal tongue. branches of a Sycamore Philadelphia conversion, and we are tree. For us it could be helpless if we attempt Standing on these three when we are immersed Very Rev. Richard this with our own limited tall pillars of Great Lent, in prayer, or when we Janowicz, Apostolic powers alone. This is we will be able to rise offer a helping hand Administrator why the Church, in her above the crowd just like to someone in need, St. Nicholas Ukrainian wisdom, offers us the gift Zacchaeus climbing the or when we choose to Catholic in of the holy forty days of tree. Like Zacchaeus, speak good of someone Chicago Great Lent each year nothing will be able rather than evil, or at before the celebration of to impede our vision, some other time and Our Lord’s Passion and nothing will be able place when we least Resurrection, as a divine to block our hearing. expect it. Great Fast, 2017 aid in attaining personal Zacchaeus shows us conversion. that, when we take the Our sincere prayer is first, sometimes difficult that each of us, during During Great Lent the step towards Jesus, He this blessed time of presents us will always quickly hasten Lent, may experience an with a sure formula for to us, always beckon encounter with Jesus and FEBRUARY 19, 2017 2 Metropolitan Stefan Celebrates Children’s Liturgy at Cathedral

On Sunday, February 5, 2017, Metropolitan- Archbishop Stefan Soroka was the Main Celebrant and Homilist at the 11:00 AM Children’s Divine Liturgy at the Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral of the , Philadelphia, PA.

During his homily, Metropolitan Stefan used a candle, similar to the homily during the 2014 Archieparchial Sobor, to demonstrate how we walk with the light of life and shine brightly with the light of faith. Metropolitan Stefan offers the Homily (Photo: Lisa Oprysk) In his homily, Metropolitan Stefan talked of how when we are careless and lose our faith, it is as if our candle turns sideways. However, when the candle is turned sideways, the flame still faces up and shines towards heaven. The Lord continues to be part of us; even when our candle goes sideways. Metropolitan Stefan then blew out the candle and said sometimes our candle goes out and the church seeks to restore that light and rekindle Metropolitan Stefan offers the Homily (Photo: Lisa Oprysk) (continued on next page)

FEBRUARY 19, 2017 3 Metropolitan Stefan Celebrates Children’s Liturgy (continued from previous page) that light of life. Metropolitan Stefan then relight his candle with another candle that was being held by the faithful.

(Photos: Teresa Siwak)

FEBRUARY 19, 2017 4 Spiritual Regulations for the Great Fast

Although our Church traditionally prescribed abstention from meat and dairy products in days gone by for the entire duration of the Great Fast, the following are the minimal Lenten regulations today:

Abstinence from meat and all dairy products on the First Day of the Great Fast and on Good Friday.

Abstinence from meat only on all Fridays of the Great Fast as well as Holy Saturday. It is also traditional to abstain from meat on Wednesdays during the Great Fast.

Reception of the Holy Mysteries of Reconciliation and Holy Eucharist during the period from the onset of Great Fast to the Wednesday before Ascension Thursday.

The Fasting and Abstinence regulations are not binding on persons 60 or older, the very poor, sick, nursing or pregnant women, children below the age of 14, and those who engage in physically very hard labor. However, all are urged, if able to do so, to observe the fasting and abstinence regulations.

All the faithful are urged to attend the Lenten services such as the Presanctified Liturgy and the Commemoration of the Deceased (Sorokousty).

Such good deeds as almsgiving, visitation of the sick, Bible reading and praying for vocations to the priesthood and religious life are most earnestly recommended to all the Faithful.

Great Fast Liturgical Guidelines

The weekdays of the Great Fast are aliturgical meaning no Divine Liturgy, even for funerals, should be celebrated except for the Feast of the Annunciation. On Wednesdays and Fridays of the Great Fast, the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts is to be celebrated. Typika may be used the other days. For funerals, the liturgical text used by the New Jersey Protopresbyterate or St. Michael Church in Frackville may be utilized. The Divine Liturgy of St. Basil the Great is to be celebrated for Sunday Liturgies during this time.

During Holy Week, the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts is to be celebrated Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. There is no Divine Liturgy celebrated on Good Friday and Holy Saturday. On Holy Thursday evening, Vespers with Divine Liturgy of St. Basil the Great should be celebrated. On Holy Saturday evening, Vespers with the Divine Liturgy of St. Basil the Great is to be celebrated. FEBRUARY 19, 2017 5 (On Cheesefare Sunday, all the clergy and faithful have been asked to conduct the Forgiveness Service after the homily during the Divine Liturgy. While this service has been traditionally part of Forgiveness Vespers on Sunday evening, by observing this rite of humility and love at the Divine Liturgy, more of the faithful will experience this moving service as the Christian community prepares to begin the journey through the Great Fast. The following article, written by Protopresbyter Alexander Schmemann, explains the significance of the services of Cheesefare Sunday.)

Forgiveness Service on Cheesefare Sunday

In the Orthodox (and ask forgiveness from and, therefore, true a return to it, a growth in Eastern Catholic) Church, each other, we perform reconciliation. The it, that we seek in Great the last Sunday before the rite of forgiveness Church spares no Lent, in fasting and Great Lent – the day on and reconciliation. And effort in warning us prayer, in the entire spirit which, at Vespers, Lent as we approach each against a hypocritical and the entire effort of is liturgically announced other with words of and pharisaic fasting, that season. Thus, truly and inaugurated – is reconciliation, the choir against the reduction of forgiveness is both the called Forgiveness intones the Paschal religion to mere external beginning of, and the Sunday. On the morning hymns, filling the church obligations. As a Lenten proper condition for the of that Sunday, (also with the anticipation of hymn says: Lenten season. known as Cheesefare Paschal joy. Sunday, at the Divine In vain do you rejoice in One may ask, however: Liturgy, we hear the What is the meaning of no eating, O soul! Why should I perform words of Christ: this rite? Why is it that For you abstain from this rite when I have no "If you forgive men the Church wants us to food, "enemies"? Why should their trespasses, your begin the Lenten season But from passions you I ask forgiveness from heavenly Father will also with forgiveness and are not purified. people who have done forgive you, but if you reconciliation? These If you persevere in nothing to me, and forgive not men their questions are in order sin, you will perform a whom I hardly know? trespasses, neither will because for too many useless fast. To ask these questions, your Father forgive your people Lent means is to misunderstand trespasses..." (Mark 6:14- primarily, and almost Now, forgiveness stands the Church teaching 15) exclusively, a change of at the very center of concerning forgiveness. It diet, the compliance with Christian faith and of is true, that open enmity, Then after Lenten ecclesiastical regulations Christian life because personal hatred, real Vespers – after hearing concerning fasting. They Christianity itself is, animosity may be absent the announcement understand fasting as an above all, the religion from our life, though if of Lent in the Great end in itself, as a "good of forgiveness. God we experience them, it Prokeimen: "Turn not deed" required by God forgives us, and His may be easier for us to away Thy face from Thy and carrying in itself its forgiveness is in Christ, repent, for these feelings child for I am afflicted! merit and its reward. His Son, Whom He sends openly contradict Divine Hear me speedily! Draw But, the Church spares to us, so that by sharing commandments. But, near unto my soul and no effort in revealing in His humanity we may the Church reveals to deliver it!", after making to us that fasting is but share in His love and us that there are much our entrance into Lenten a means, one among be truly reconciled with subtler ways of offending worship, with its special many, towards a higher God. Indeed, Christianity Divine Love. These are memories, with the prayer goal: the spiritual renewal has no other content but indifference, selfishness, of St. Ephraim the Syrian, of man, his return to love. And it is primarily with its prostrations – we God, true repentance the renewal of that love, (continued on next page) FEBRUARY 19, 2017 6 Forgiveness Service on Cheesefare Sunday (continued from previous page) lack of interest in other by God with another, midst of us, transforming hymns of that Feast, which people, of any real makes us feel that mutual our mutual alienation once a year, "opens to us concern for them -- in "recognition" which is so into brotherhood. As l the doors of Paradise." short, that wall which terribly lacking in our advance towards the We know why we shall we usually erect around cold and dehumanized other, as the other fast and pray, what we ourselves, thinking that world. comes to me – we begin shall seek during the by being "polite" and to realize that it is Christ long Lenten pilgrimage. "friendly" we fulfill God’s On that unique evening, Who brings us together Forgiveness Sunday: the commandments. The listening to the joyful by His love for both of day on which we acquire rite of forgiveness is Paschal hymns we us. the power to make our so important precisely are called to make a fasting – true fasting; our because it makes us spiritual discovery: to And because we make effort – true effort; our realize – be it only for taste of another mode this discovery – and reconciliation with God one minute – that our of life and relationship because this discovery is – true reconciliation. entire relationship to with people, of life that of the Kingdom of other men is wrong, whose essence is love. God itself: the Kingdom makes us experience that We can discover that of Peace and Love, of encounter of one child always and everywhere reconciliation with God of God with another, Christ, the Divine Love and, in Him, with all of one person created Himself, stands in the that exists – we hear the SUNDAY OF MEATFARE SUNDAY OF CHEESEFARE FEBRUARY 19, 2017 FEBRUARY 26, 2017 “If you did it for the least of My brethren, you did it for Me.” (Mt. 25:40) “Where your treasure is, there all will be your It is important for us to realize that how we live heart.” (Mt. 6:21) here and now on earth helps determine our final What is our perspective in this life? What and eternal destination. For the Christian, our is really important to us? Is it the temporal, earthly stay is but a pilgrimage, preparation, to the material goods of this world or are our eyes heavenly city. We are called created by God and gazed heavenward? Do we remember that redeemed by Christ the Lord. Jesus has become there is a God Who knows and sees all and our , making us all brothers and sisters in will repay all according to one’s deeds. There Christ. As such, God wants and expects us to truly is no need to broadcast to others the good we care for one another, especially those in need. do. “Your Father Who sees what is hidden (the Jesus, perfect God and perfect man, has give us good done in secret) will repay you.” (Mt. 6:6) all an example to follow. He has given us His Body In so doing, each of us will give glory to God and Blood in the Sacred Mystery (sacrament) of the Himself. Eucharist as spiritual nourishment lest we tire before arriving at our final destination – heaven. May we truly care and help those in need so that each one of us might hear the words of Christ: “Come, you Submitted by: Fr. Worshak who are blessed by My Father. Inherit the Kingdom prepared for you.” (Mt. 25:34)

FEBRUARY 19, 2017 7 FIRST DAY OF THE GREAT FAST FEBRUARY 27, 2017

The Church has designated a period of prayer and fasting to prepare us for the joyous celebration of the Feast of feasts, the Resurrection of Our Lord God and Savior, Jesus Christ. This time of preparation is known as the “Great Fast.” In our Ukrainian , the Great Fast begins on the Monday after the Sunday of Cheesefare.

Hopefully, we have continually throughout the year prayed and fasted. May this be just more intense and communal. Special liturgical services will be scheduled in the respective parishes so that each parish community can grow more deeply in the faith. May this spiritual journey be a closer walk with the crucified and Risen Lord.

Submitted by: Fr. Worshak

Corporal and spiritual PRAYER OF ST. EPHRAEM works of mercy The seven corporal works of mercy and the seven (A prayer of the spiritual works of mercy are ways that we can do Great Fast) a good deed for “the least of our brethren,” our brother or sister in Christ in need. O Lord and Master of my life, keep from me The corporal works of mercy are: the spirit of indifference and discouragement, To feed the hungry. lust of power and idle chatter. (Prostration) To give drink to the thirsty. Instead, grant to me Your servant, the spirit To clothe the naked. of wholeness of being, humble-mindedness, To shelter the homeless. patience and love. (Prostration) To visit the sick. To visit the imprisoned. O Lord and King, grant me the to To bury the dead. be aware of my sins and not to judge my brother; for You are blessed now and ever The spiritual works of mercy are: and forever. Amen. (Prostration) To admonish the sinner. To instruct the ignorant. To counsel the doubtful. To comfort the sorrowful. To bear wrongs patiently. To forgive all injuries. To pray for the living and the dead.

Submitted by: Fr. Worshak FEBRUARY 19, 2017 8 Myasopusna 2017 - Nanticoke, PA

Transfiguration of our Lord Ukrainian Catholic Church announces its 11th annual Myasopusna Celebration, a pre-lenten event, to be held on Meatfare (Myasopusna) Sunday, February 19, 2017. A dinner of holubtsi (stuffed cabbage), kobasa, roast pork, varenyky (Transfiguration pierogies), kapusta, blackbread, and dessert will be served at the church’s banquet hall at 240 Center Street, Hanover Section of Nanticoke, from 12:30 to 2:00pm, with borscht also for sale, as well as Ukrainian and other beverages. Dinner is followed by entertainment until 4:00pm from the Holy Year Choir, Kazka Ukrainian Folk Ensemble, and Mary’s Traditional Ukrainian Dancers. Doors will open at noon, with Ukrainian crafts on display and for sale throughout the event. Dinner tickets are $15 and are available at 570-735-4654.

Sunday Devotions Schedule during the Great Fast in the Parishes of the South Anthracite Deanery

During this Lenten season, the faithful of the South Anthracite Protopresbytery of the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia will continue the decades-old tradition of gathering for Lenten devotions on Sunday afternoons in the churches of the deanery. During the services, the host pastor will also give a sermon.

The Lenten devotions begin each Sunday at 3 p.m. and are coordinated by the Protopresbyter Very Rev. Michael Hutsko and the clergy of the South Anthracite Deanery. After the services, a cake and coffee social is held in the respective parish halls. The proceeds from the weekly collection benefit the St. Josaphat Ukrainian Catholic Seminary in Washington, D.C.

Forgiveness Vespers Cheesefare Sunday February 26 3 p.m. Protection of the Mother of God Church, McAdoo, Pa..

1st Sunday of the Great Fast, March 5 3 p.m. Holy Transfiguration Church, Shamokin, Pa.

2nd Sunday of the Great Fast, March 12 3 p.m. St. Michael’s Church, Shenandoah, Pa,

3rd Sunday of the Great Fast, March 19 3 p.m. St. Michael’s Church, Frackville, Pa.

4th Sunday of the Great Fast, March 26 3 p.m. Ss. Peter and Paul Church, Mt. Carmel, Pa.

5th Sunday of the Great Fast, April 2 3 p.m. St. Michael’s Church, Hazleton, Pa.

Flowery (Palm) Sunday, April 9 3 p.m. St. Nicholas Church, Minersville, Pa.

FEBRUARY 19, 2017 9 Great Fast Vespers - Philadelphia Deanery Swarthmore, PA

The Clergy of the Philadelphia Protopresbyterate "Pierogie Hotline Established” - (Deanery) will again celebrate Vespers in various Orders Now Being Accepted! parishes in the area every Sunday of the Great Fast. Each Sunday, besides Vespers, priests will The word is out! Freshly-made Potato/Cheese be available to hear Confessions beginning at filled Pierogies are back at Holy Myrrh-Bearers 4:00PM. Parish and you can get them for only $8.00 per dozen. March 5th Wilmington, St. Nicholas Please place your order by calling our March 12th Philadelphia, St. Nicholas “Pierogie Hotline” at (267) 623-8602 or send us an email at [email protected]. March 19th Fox Chase, Holy Chapel, Please leave your name, phone #, and # Sisters of St. Basil the Great of dozen requested. All pickups are made in the Parish Hall located at 900 Fairview Road March 26th Philadelphia, Cathedral of the in Swarthmore/Ridley Township. Pickups at Immaculate Conception other times arranged based on request.

April 2nd Jenkintown, St. Michael

FEBRUARY 19, 2017 10 Former General Manager of Ascension Manor, Marie J. Hanusey, Enters into Eternity Marie Jo Ann Hanusey, former owner of Hanusey Music and Gift Shop in the Northern Liberties section of Philadelphia, died Friday, January 27, 2017 in Voorhees, NJ. She was 81.

Born in Philadelphia, Marie was the daughter of the late Joseph and Mary (Surma) Hanusey. She was a graduate of St. Basil Elementary School and St. Basil Academy.

Marie was a professional photographer, working for a time for Carl Wolf Studios. She was also the Photo: Marie Hanusey, pictured left, in General Manager for Ascension Manor, a non- the office of Ascension Manor I with staff profit affordable apartment complex operated by members. (1995) the Ukrainian-Catholic Archdiocese of Philadelphia; she retired from her post due to health issues. While working at Ascension Manor, she managed to run the gift shop as well as directing the long-running 'Ukrainian Voice Radio Program'.

Marie was proud of her Ukrainian heritage and was a friend to all and will be greatly missed.

Funeral Services were held on Saturday, February 4, 2017 at the Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Philadelphia, PA. Burial followed at St. Mary's Ukrainian Catholic Cemetery, Elkins Park, PA. Photo: Marie Hanusey, pictured standing center, at 4th of July Barbeque with staff at Ascension Manor.

Photo: Marie Hanusey, pictured seated center, with residents and friends at an Photo: Marie Hanusey at the Cathedral Ascension Manor Thanksgiving Celebration. Christmas Bazaar FEBRUARY 19, 2017 11 Anna Wolensky, Mother of Rev. Paul Wolensky, Enters into Eternity

Article submitted by Rev. Paul Wolensky

Please pray for the blessed repose of our dear parishioner, friend, and my Mom, +ANNA WOLENSKY, 91, who fell asleep in the Lord in the early hours of Tuesday, January 24, 2017, after an almost month- long struggle with cardio-pulmonary issues due to pneumonia. Mom loved St. Vladimir's Parish, Edwardsville, PA, so much and devoted herself to it in so many ways. I am grateful to God that she lived to see me ordained a priest, and that she was a part of my priesthood for these 23 years. Please join me in daily prayers for her soul during these traditional 40 days of mourning. May Our Lord Jesus receive her into eternal rest and joy, which He has promised to all who have loved Him during their lifetime on earth. Eternal Memory to you, Mom! Vichnaya Pam'yat! We will always remember your beautiful smile. Anna Wolensky in church On behalf of my sisters Joan and Margie, and myself, I extend Christmas 2016 heartfelt thanks to all of you who prayed for Mom during her illness; to you who came to church during her visitation and funeral to pray for her and bring comfort and consolation to our family during this very sad time; to everyone who sang the services so beautifully in her honor; to all my brother Clergy who, despite their busy schedules, supported us by their presence and prayed for Mom; to all who offered Divine Liturgies for her soul and donated to our church in her memory, and who sent such beautiful flowers; to our Women's Society and their helpers, who stood in Honor Guard at the funeral, and who organized and prepared the coffee and refreshments in our social hall during the funeral days; and to Sacristan Rick and helpers who cleaned and prepared the church and hall for the funeral. If I have forgotten anyone, please forgive me and let me know. This period of time is very difficult for me, and I am taking one day at a time, leaning on Our Lord and the Blessed Mary to help me through. I am grateful to have my two parishes to keep me busy and focused. And now, more than ever, I ask your help and support during this challenging period of adjustment in my life. Please help me in whatever way you can. I miss Mom so much that it hurts.

Mom always told me, "Accept it." So, with the grace of God, I will try my best to accept it and keep moving forward. God bless you all.

Fr. Paul Wolensky at his mother’s funeral Father Paul Wolensky

FEBRUARY 19, 2017 12 Mark Your Calendar: LEAGUE OF UKRAINIAN CATHOLICS OF AMERICA ANNUAL LENTEN RETREAT ST. MARY’S VILLA EDUCATIONAL & RETREAT CENTER SLOATSBURG, NEW YORK 10974 1-845-753-5100 League of Ukrainian Catholics of RETREAT DIRECTOR: ARCHIMANDRITE GEORGE APPLEYARD America THEME: “ THE EXODUS—THEN AND NOW ” DATE: MARCH 31, APRIL 1, 2, 2017 Annual Lenten Retreat During Holy Week, the prescribed readings at Vespers are taken from the Book of Exodus. During retreat, we can explore this Book for lessons to be applied to us today. Exodus ST. MARY’S VILLA RETREAT CENTER, means “to leave”…. We will discuss what we are called to leave and where are we heading and how do we get there. SLOATSBURG, NY Bring your Bibles with you so you have the text in hand. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Archimandrite Appleyard is a priest of the Eparchy of St. Josaphat, Parma, OH where he serves MARCH 31, APRIL 1 and 2, 2017 as Vicar General and Vicar for Religious. Retired as a resident pastor, he has served the Eparchy in many positions, chief among them organizing and directing its training program. He is the author of two books: Light of the East: A guide to Eastern Catholicism for Western Catholics; and You are Gods: An introduction to the concept of Deification in the Byzantine Tradition. He is currently prelate for American Priory of the Order of St. Lazarus.

------REGISTRATION FORM FOR LUC LENTEN RETREAT 2017 ------Retreat begins on Friday at 7:30 pm (arrivals by 7:00pm)

NAME: ______

ADDRESS: ______

CITY: ______STATE: ______ZIP:______

I WILL ARRIVE ON: ______AT APPROXIMATELY: ______P.M.

Please note: There will be no meal served Friday evening. Be sure to have your supper before you arrive. As always, there will be hot and cold beverages, snacks and fruits available at all times.

RETREAT COST: $ 175.00 Per Person DEADLINE: MARCH 17, 2017 The League of Ukrainian Catholics

MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO: LEAGUE OF UKRAINIAN CATHOLICS is the sponsor of this Annual Lenten Complete and Mail to: Marion C. Hrubec 400 Dewey Avenue Retreat which is open to anyone who Saddle Brook, NJ 07663 Paid: ______Questions - Phone: 201-843-3960 or would like to take some time out of Email [email protected] or Sr. Olga - [email protected] Ck. # ______their busy lives to come to pray and refresh. Know it is open to all.

Saint Basil Academy Seventh Grade Practice Exam

SAINT BASIL ACADEMY will offer the Seventh Grade Practice Exam on Saturday, March 4 at 8 AM. Register online: https://www. you elong here... stbasilacademy.org/product/7th- grade-practice-exam-registration/ To schedule a Shadow Day Visit or for more information, please contact Mrs. Kimberley Clearkin, Director of Admissions; (215) 649-9083;

[email protected] Register Online at Come and see for yourself all that www.stbasilacademy.org/Admissions SBA has to offer! You belong here…

FEBRUARY 19, 2017 13 A SPECIAL GIFT TO TREASURY OF FAITH MUSEUM By Metropolitan Stefan A special gift was recently presented to our Treasury of Faith Museum from John and Anna Siwak and family. In the picture, their daughter, Teresa Siwak presents a piece of artwork from the first Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral in Philadelphia. The artwork hung on the Choir Loft Balcony.

The artwork is of the former faith of our first Cathedral. It depicts a candle, a Gospel book and a scale. Its beauty and significance lies in reminding all of the Light of Christ in the Gospels.

Teresa shared an interesting story as to how the family came to have this piece of artwork from the first Cathedral. The old stone Cathedral was demolished in 1968. Teresa’s parents were dating that year, and were also members Teresa Siwak presents a piece of of our Cathedral Choir. Her mother understandably was artwork from the first Ukrainian upset when the old Cathedral was being demolished given Catholic Cathedral in Philadelphia. her memories attached to the Cathedral since coming to Philadelphia in 1949. Her father, John Siwak went into the pile of rubble and pulled out this artwork to present to Anna as a remembrance of her beloved former Cathedral.

John and Anna Siwak were married in our new Cathedral on September 19, 1970. They and their children, Tanya, John and Teresa grew up participating in the choir. John Siwak died on November 14, 2000. The Siwak family remains as active and faithful members of the Cathedral choir.

This artwork is truly a “treasure” reflecting love and faith. We appreciate this gift presented by the Siwak family to our “Treasury of Faith” museum.

John and Anna Siwak were married in our The artwork hung on the Choir Loft new Cathedral on September 19, 1970. Balcony of the first Cathedral. FEBRUARY 19, 2017 14 Save the Date

FEBRUARY 27TH GREAT FAST BEGINS (GREGORIAN AND JULIAN CALENDARS) DAY OF STRICT FAST/A GIFT OF RENEWAL OF FAITH IN YOUR PARISH

MARCH 19 FEAST OF ST. JOSEPH CELEBRATING 75 YEARS OF ST. JOSEPH ADULT CARE HOME - 11:00 AM SLOATSBURG, NY

APRIL 1ST SYMPOSIUM ON BISHOP , OSBM SPONSORED BY SHEVCHENKO SOCIETY. MANOR COLLEGE, JENKINTOWN, PA 2-5 PM

APRIL 9TH PALM SUNDAY – DISTRIBUTION OF BLESSED PUSSY WILLOWS IN PARISHES, FAITHFUL ANOINTED.

APRIL 14TH GOOD FRIDAY – A MUST TO PARTICIPATE AND VENERATE EXPOSITION OF HOLY SHROUD IN PARISHES

APRIL 15TH EASTER (GREGORIAN AND JULIAN CALENDARS) RESURRECTION MATINS AND DIVINE LITURGY – YOU DARE NOT MISS!

APRIL 21ST CONCERT – MUSIC FROM THE UKRAINIAN SACRED CHORAL TRADITION A COMBINED MALE CHORUS OF 50 SINGERS OF CHOIRS FROM , CANADA AND USA. 7:00 PM - UKRAINIAN CATHOLIC CATHEDRAL OF IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, PHILADELPHIA

APRIL 23RD HIERARCHICAL DIVINE LITURGY AND BLESSING OF NEWLY INSTALLED ELEVATOR AND NEW SIGN AT UKRAINIAN CATHOLIC CHURCH OF ANNUNCIATION OF BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, MELROSE PARK, PA.

APRIL 25-27TH SPRING CLERGY CONFERENCE, UKRAINIAN CATHOLIC ARCHEPARCHY OF PHILADELPHIA

MAY 14TH MOTHER’S DAY. OFFERING THANKSGIVING FOR YOUR MOTHER IN PRAYER AT CHURCH

MAY 21ST 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF PRIESTHOOD OF VERY REV. MSGR. RONALD POPIVCHAK, SS. PETER & PAUL UKRAINIAN CATHOLIC CHURCH, BRIDGEPORT, PA 12:00 NOON.

JULY 30TH ANNUAL SEMINARY UKRAINIAN DAYS AT MINERSVILLE, PA

AUGUST 13TH ANNUAL PILGRIMAGE OF DORMITION OF BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, SLOATSBURG, NY, SPONSORED BY SISTERS SERVANTS OF MARY IMMACULATE

AUGUST 19, 20TH UKRAINIAN FESTIVAL AT UKRAINIAN HOMESTEAD, LEHIGHTON, PA

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FEBRUARY 19, 2017 15 Save the Date (continued from previous page)

AUGUST 27TH 2ND ANNUAL PILGRIMAGE AT ASSUMPTION OF BVM UKRAINIAN CATHOLIC CHURCH, CENTRALIA, PA

AUGUST 27TH UKRAINIAN FESTIVAL AT TRYZUB, HORSHAM, PA

AUGUST 18-21ST UKRAINIAN CATHOLIC CLERGY OF PHILADELPHIA RETREAT, LONG BRANCH, NJ

OCTOBER 1ST ARCHIEPARCHIAL PILGRIMAGE OF FEAST OF PROTECTION OF MOTHER OF GOD, MONASTERY GROUNDS OF ORDER OF SISTERS OF ST. BASIL, FOX CHASE, PA DIVINE LITURGY AT 11:00 AM; MOLEBEN AT 4:00 PM

OCTOBER 15TH MOLEBEN, ANOINTING FOR HEALING AND VENERATION OF HOLY RELICS OF BLESSED JOSAPHATA HORDASHEVSKA, SSMI, CELEBRATION OF 125TH ANNIVERSARY OF FOUNDING OF SISTERS SERVANTS OF MARY IMMACULATE. 3:00 PM - UKRAINIAN CATHOLIC CATHEDRAL OF IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, PHILADELPHIA, PA

NOVEMBER 12TH HIERARCHICAL DIVINE LITURGY CELEBRATING 400TH ANNIVERSARY OF FOUNDING OF ORDER OF BASILIAN FATHERS OF ST. JOSAPHAT, 80 YEARS OF MINISTRY IN USA AND 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF CANONIZATION OF BISHOP MARTYR JOSAPHAT, OSBM. 10:00 AM – WARREN, MI.

DECEMBER 25TH CHRISTMAS – NATIVITY OF OUR LORD AND SAVIOR, JESUS CHRIST YOUR PRAYERFUL PARTICIPATION IN LITURGY IS YOUR BEST GIFT TO JESUS, TO YOURSELF AND TO OTHERS!

Scranton, PA

Fresh Pyrohy/Pierogi for the Great Fast

St. Vladimir Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church is sponsoring a Lenten potato and cheese pierogi sale on Saturday, March 4, 2017 from 2:00 to 6:00pm in the parish center, 428 North Seventh Avenue, Scranton. These are freshly made that day and are not frozen. Cost is $7.00 per dozen. Orders should be placed no later than Monday, February 27 and are being taken by Leslie at 570 342-3749

FEBRUARY 19, 2017 16

Відділ в Філядельфії Philadelphia Chapter

“MARTYRDOM REDEFINED”

SYMPOSIUM ON THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE PASSING OF BISHOP STEPHEN SOTER ORTYNSKY, OSBM

FIRST BISHOP OF UKRAINIAN CATHOLICS IN THE U.S. (1907-16)

Manor College, Fox Chase, PA Saturday, April 1, 2017, 2:00 – 5:00 p.m.

Registration 1:30 – 2:00 p.m.

Program Welcome Dr. Jonathan Peri, President, Manor College

Benediction Most Reverend Stefan Soroka, Metropolitan Archbishop, Ph.D., D.D.

Introduction Bishop Soter Ortynsky Re-Examined Andrij V.R. Szul, Ph.D., J.D.

First Session Moderator – Iryna Ivankovych, Ph.D.

Challenges for a Bishop in a Missionary Land Most Rev. Basil H. Losten, Bishop Emeritus, D.D., LLD (Hon.)

The Real Stephen Soter Ortynsky Very Rev. Ivan Kaszczak, Ph.D.

Discussion Intermission – Refreshments

Second Session Moderator – Nicholas Rudnytzky, M.A.

Bishop Ortynsky’s Lifeline: The Sisters of St. Basil The Great Sister Ann Laszok, OSBM, M.A.

The Tragic End of Bishop Ortynsky – Resolved or Solved? Alexander Lushnycky, Ph.D.

Discussion Reception with Wine and Cheese

FEBRUARY 19, 2017 17 PRAYER FOR PEACE IN UKRAINE

Heavenly Father, Your Son taught us: God, Our Father, we beseech you "Blessed are the Peacemakers for to comfort the suffering, heal the wounded they shall be called Children of God." and accept the souls of the departed into At this hour, we fervently pray Your Heavenly Kingdom. that Your Holy Spirit may inspire men and women in Ukraine And may the Most Holy Mother of God, to become Peacemakers; extend her Blessed Mantle of Protection over Ukraine. May they seek reconciliation and dialogue And may each ofus always live our lives and end the violent confrontation and killing. as instruments of Your Peace May they restore tranquility to their nation in Ukraine and around the world. and restore human rights, democratic principles Amen. and religious liberty to their troubled land. Perth Amboy police, firefighters and EMS honored at Assumption , Perth Amboy, NJ

On Friday morning, February 3rd, 2017 police officers, firefighters and EMS visited (ACS) Assumption Catholic School, Perth Amboy, NJ, for special breakfast as part of the school’s activities for national Catholic School Week. The good work they do is not often mentioned in the papers or on the evening news, but they are the unsung heroes of our communities. Thank you for your service and we ask God’s blessing and protection on each of you.

Fr. Turyk, center, poses for a picture with special guests to Assumption Catholic School, Perth Amboy, NJ during Catholic School Week

FEBRUARY 19, 2017 18 Catholic Schools’ Week at St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic School, Passaic, NJ, equals FUN!

CSW @ SNUCS = FUN! by Lecia Stec-Peltyszyn

Another successful and fun-filled Catholic Schools’ Week (CSW) was celebrated at Saint Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic School (SNUCS) in Passaic, New Jersey. The week started on Saturday evening with a bilingual Divine Liturgy celebrated by Reverend Andriy Dudkevych, Pastor, who asked for God’s blessings for the good health and well-being of the entire student body, for the principal, Sr. Eliane Ilnitski, SSMI, and faculty.

Throughout the week a few favorite events took place, as well as some new ones. A long time favorite is Sr. Eliane, SSMI, pictured center, participates Comfy-Cozy Day which has students, teachers, and in Favorite Sports Jersey Day staff arriving at school dressed in pajamas, slippers, and robes.

Trivia and Games Day was another anticipated event.

Grades Pre-K through 4 spent the afternoon playing board games or assembling jigsaw puzzles, while grades 5-8 participated in an academic trivia contest.

On Favorite Sports Jersey Day, the SNUCS students showed their support and loyalty to their beloved sports teams.

Souper-Movie Day required each student to bring Movie Night in cans of soup as “admission” to a popcorn and movie event. The soup was then donated to a local food pantry.

One of the week’s highlights was Aloha Day. The students and staff donned Hawaiian clothing and accessories and spent the entire afternoon in appreciation of our 50th state. The students played Hawaiian bingo and jeopardy, did the limbo, competed in coconut bowling matches, and hula hooped to their heart’s content.

(continued on next page) Aloha Day FEBRUARY 19, 2017 19 Catholic Schools’ Week at St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic School, Passaic, NJ, equals FUN!

(continued from previous page)

The other super fun event was Visiting Artist Day. With guidance from a guest art instructor, each student and teacher painted a seasonal picture. The students were very excited to put paint on canvas and create a masterpiece of their own making. The paintings consisted of smiling winter snowmen, blooming spring flowers and butterflies, Hawaiian summer sunsets, and autumn sunsets in the Serengeti.

CSW concluded with Family Movie Night. After the 5:00 P.M. Divine Liturgy, students and their parents made themselves comfortable in the church basement and enjoyed a family-friendly movie and all kinds of tasty treats. The smiles on the students’ faces were proof enough that Catholic Schools’ Week at SNUCS was most enjoyable.

For more pictures, please visit our website www.stnicholaschool.com .

Visiting Artist Day FEBRUARY 19, 2017 20 SAINT STEPHEN UKRAINIAN CATHOLIC CHURCH, TOMS RIVER, TRADITIONAL PROSFORA CELEBRATION

On Sunday, January 29, 2017, a glorious Prosfora Dinner Celebration was held in the Parish Community Center of Saint Stephen Ukrainian Catholic Church, located at 1344 White Oak Bottom Road, Toms River, New Jersey, 08755. Following the Second Liturgy in Ukrainian, over one-hundred and twenty parishioners and guests gathered in the beautifully decorated Church Hall. Spokesperson, Gerry Tchir, presented in the English language, the rich traditions that place during Prosfora. There is a special religious emphasis on this Ukrainian Christmas Eve Supper, or Sviata Vecheria. This event brought together the Saint Stephen Ukrainian Catholic Church parish family and guests to partake in rich traditions and customs, special foods, carols, and memories that reach back to antiquity.

To start the Prosfora celebration, pastor Rev. Volodymyr Popyk and two Church elders accompanied by twelve ladies dressed in embroidered Ukrainian attire entered the Church hall singing Ukrainian Christmas carols. Orest Popovich, a church elder, carried the “ZIRKA, Star of Bethlehem, and John Bortnyk, the second church elder, carried the “DIDUKH,” a sheaf of wheat. The twelve ladies in procession carried the “KOLACHI,” specially-made Christmas breads, that were later placed on each guest table, with a lighted candle, that served as the centerpieces. The Procession entered the Church hall singing “Boh Predvichnij “ and “Dobryj Vechir Tobee, Pane Hospodaryu”, Ukrainian Christmas carols.

Father Volodymyr led the audience in prayer, and then the Blessed Prosfora bread, dipped in honey, was passed to each member of the table with best wishes for good health and prosperity in the coming year. The twelve course Prosfora Dinner started with kutya, boiled wheat mixed with poppy seeds and honey, and is considered the most important food of the entire Christmas Eve dinner, and is also called “God’s Food”. The guests were then served the traditional dishes such as Borshch a beet soup with vushka, mushroom filled little dumplings, freshwater fish, varenky, boiled dumplings filled with potatoes, holubtsi, stuffed cabbage, mushroom gravy and bean salad. The Prosfora dinner ended with “uzvar” compote, a sweet combination of dried fruits mixed with honey, spices, and boiled water, pampushky, little deep-fried pastries containing poppy seed and dried fruit, makyvniky, poppy seed rolls and a variety of Ukrainian cookies and other sweets, followed by coffee, tea, etc.

We are blessed with this opportunity of sharing our beautiful Ukrainian Christmas traditions to express family and parish closeness and unity within our personal lives and that within our church communities!

We reach out to all our brothers and sisters throughout the world, especially those in Ukraine, to wish everyone Peace, love, good health and contentment!

FEBRUARY 19, 2017 21 Sisters Servants of Mary Immaculate Celebrate 125 Years of Blessings

On August 27, 1892 in Zhuzhel, Ukraine, the Con- January IIntenttiion:: Almighty God, through the intercession of gregation of the Sisters Ser- Blessed Josaphata, bless our Ukrainian and Byzantine Hierarchy, with vants of Mary Immaculate, whom we have so closely worked in the United States, the first active women’s con- gregation in the Ukrainian throughout these 125 years. Bless, also, the clergy Greek Catholic Church, was of these who haved labored closely founded. Our co-founders with us in serving Your people--the people Blessed Josaphata Horda- of God. shevska, Rev. Jeremiah Lomnitsky, OSBM and Rev. Kyrylo Seletsky, listened to their hearts and the needs of Heavenly Fa- their people to courageously February IInttenttiion:: The painting shows Sr. Josaphata with her pos- make this dream a reality. ther, through the intercession of Blessed Jos- tulants sharing their first meal together. The paint- It is with great joy that the aphata, we remember and pray for the ing captures the deep peace shared by Sr. Sisters Servants announce deceased and priests of our Ukrainian Josaphata and her in spite of the stark the 125th Jubilee of our Con- poverty around them. and Byzantine eparchies throughout the United gregation in 2017. Our hi- erarchy, clergy and laity, with whom we have worked, prayed and served these States. Together we labored to build up your king- 125 years, are a very special part of our reason for celebrating. Beginning with dom here on earth, for Your greater glory. May they continue to enjoy the this January edition, we ask you to join us in reciting or singing the prayer to fruit of their labors as they rest in your heavenly kingdom. Blessed Josaphata for the special intention listed each month. Glory to God! Honor to Mary! Peace to Us! Plleasse JJoiin UUs aass WWe PPrray:: Blessed Josaphata, you are crowned by Sr. Kathleen, SSMI in heaven with the praise of the Blessed, intercede for us before God for the grace we so ardently plead for the greater glory of God, honor to Mary and peace throughout the world.

who wrote letters of gratitude. Sr. Oksana’s quiet behind the scenes life affected the lives of many so loudly and profoundly. Sr. Oksana was preceded in death by her parents, her sisters Ann Finiak and Eva Soltis, her brothers Frank, John and Tony Iwasczyszyn. In addition to Sr. Oksana (Mary Ann) Iwasczyszyn her Sisters in community, she is survived by her sisters Barbara Brown and Mar- entered into eternal life on Dec. 31, 2016 garet Goda, and her nieces, nephews and their families. after living a life of prayer and service as On Jan. 2nd, relatives, lay associates and friends joined the sisters at St. a Sister Servant for 70 years. Mary’s Villa in the afternoon to welcome the body of Sr. Oksana. Rev. Ivan Ty- After retiring from active ministry due hovych, Pastor of Holy Ghost Church in Brooklyn, NY, blessed the casket and to health issues, Sr. Oksana resided at celebrated the panahyda. In his homily, Fr. Ivan shared the concepts that we are Nyack Manor Nursing Home for the past born for this eternal life and we prepare for it each day by the way we live. In the several years. Her infectious smile and evening Msgr. John Terlecky, Chaplainof the Sisters Servants and Pastor of SS. quiet acceptance was an inspiration to all Peter & Paul Church in Spring Valley, NY, celebrated the parastas. In his homily, who visited and cared for her. Msg. John read the story of ”One Solitary Life” and related it to Sr. Oksana’s life She was born in Wilkes Barre, PA, the daughter of the late Nicholas and as a consecrated woman, all of her attributes were not known to humans, but to Barbara (Shevchuk) Iwasczyszyn. In 1946 she entered the Sisters Servants of Mary God. Immaculate from Peter & Paul Church, Wilkes Barre, PA. On Jan. 3rd, Bishop Paul Chomnycky, OSBM, celebrated the Funeral She is best known throughout her religious life as a teacher of the young Divine Liturgy. In his homily, Bishop Paul spoke about God ever holding together for nearly 20 years, dedicated to her students who loved her very much. Then, as birth and death, intertwining birth and death. “Spiritually, Jesus is born and dies most Sisters Servants, she had a career change from educating the hearts and minds in our hearts, in the heart of every sincere Christian every day. Sr. Oksana knew of the young to being a care giver for the elderly for many years at our Home of Di- this and lived this conviction with grace throughout her life, and especially during vine Providence in Chestnut Hill, PA and at St. Joseph’s Home in Sloatsburg. Sr. her final years of illness and incapacity.” Eternal Memory! Interment followed Oksana’s loving care and compassion for the elderly was noted by family members in the cemetery of the Sisters Servants.

FEBRUARY 19, 2017 22 MEMO: Ukrainian Catholics in America: A History by Bohdan P. Procko, Edited by Ivan Kaszczak, Graphics by Oleh R. Stecyk

December - 2016

DEAR FRIENDS: Слава Ісусу Христу! Dear Clergy:

This month we announce the publication of a new edition of the book by Bohdan P. Procko: Ukrainian Catholics in America: A History. This book is printed with a hard cover, approximately 320 pages and close to 150 illustrations. It will become a cherished book for those interested in the history of our church. It was prepared for printing at MAAR Printing Service in Poughkeepsie, NY. It will be ready for shipment as of January 1, 2017. Bohdan P. Procko, Ph.D. is the son of the first rector of St. Basil Seminary in Stamford, CT., Very Rev. Paul Procko. Dr. Procko lives with his family in North Carolina. Self-Reliance Credit Union (NY), Providence Association of Ukrainian Catholics, Very Rev. Mitred Archpriest John Terlecky and Bishop Basil H. Losten made generous contributions for this publication. More importantly, they saw the need to have a history of our church available for all.

The book costs $25.00 plus $5 dollars for shipping and handling. Please make your check out to Rev. Ivan Kaszczak and mail it to the following address:

Holy Trinity UCC 211 Foordmore Road Kerhonkson, NY 12446.

FEBRUARY 19, 2017 23 The Great Fast—A Time of Prayer, Good Works and Fasting

Once again we are in the presence of Jesus what is our attitude about to embark the Christ. He wanted to when we pray to God, season of the Great Fast, see Jesus and he took when we really have a the time in the liturgical extraordinary measures conversation with God? year when the faithful to achieve his goal. And are asked to reflect upon what does Jesus say One of the most beautiful their relationship to God. to Zacchaeus when he images from the Bible is It is a time traditionally looked up and saw him? presented to us on the characterized by “Zacchaeus, come down Sunday of the Prodigal increased prayer, good quickly, for today I must Son, when the father, works and fasting since stay at your house.” (Lk. seeing his estranged son, the earliest days of 19:5) When we come coming toward him, “ran inactive members once Christianity. to be in the presence to his son, embraced again become active of Jesus, during our him and kissed him.” He members of our parish In addition to these church services, often says we must celebrate, families. ascetical practices, the expending extra efforts because “this son of faithful are asked to with children, the mine was dead, and has On the Sunday of heal their relationship weather, health issues, come to life again; he Meatfare, the Last with God through distance, let us not forget was lost, and has been Judgment from Chapter the Holy Mystery of to bring Jesus home with found.” But remember, 25 of the Gospel of Reconciliation. And it us, in His Word and in the parable begins with Matthew is presented is also a time when the our bodies and soul, the words, “A man had to us. This passage faithful are encouraged through the His Body. two sons.” What was the tells how all that nations to participate in the attitude of the second son will be separated as a special services observed The Sunday of the on seeing all of this? He shepherd separates the in our churches, the Publican and Pharisee became angry, jealous sheep from the goats. Liturgy of Pre-Sanctified reminds us of the proper and indignant. During The criterion for entering Gifts, Lenten Vespers, attitude of prayer, an the Great Fast, we are into eternal life will be Sorokousty Services for attitude of humility. The called to reconcile with how one practiced the the Deceased. Gospel begins with the God through the Holy Corporal Works of words, “Two men went Mystery of Reconciliation, Mercy, feed the hungry, The Sundays preceding up to the temple area Penance, to heal our give drink to the thirsty, the Great Fast, in the to pray. . . . (Lk. 18:10) strained relationship with shelter the homeless, Gospel readings, present and then the contrast God occasioned by our clothe the naked, care many of these themes is made between the sinfulness. It is also a for the sick, visit the from Sacred Scripture. way each man prayed time to welcome into our imprisoned. Jesus to God. While the parishes, our brothers reminds us, Amen I say On the Sunday Pharisee related all the and sisters, who, for to you, what you did not of Zacchaeus, the wonderful things he did, whatever reason, may do for one of these least transitional Sunday the Publican, the tax have drifted away from one, you did not do for before the Lenten collector, simply beat his active participation in me.” During the Great Triodion begins, St. Luke breast and prayed, “O our parish communities. Fast, we are asked to do tells us about the short God, be merciful to me As a welcoming parish, good works, extra acts in stature man named a sinner.” (Lk. 18:13). it is a time of joy and of charity and almsgiving Zacchaeus, who literally During the Great Fast, celebration when new went out on a limb to be and really at all times, members join and (continued on next page) FEBRUARY 19, 2017 24 The Great Fast—A Time of Prayer, Good Works and Fasting (continued from previous page) and really should instructions on fasting. the faithful as they begin prayer, good works and perform the corporal “But when you fast, their journey through the fasting and reception works of mercy through anoint your head and Great Fast. of the blessings and the entire year. wash your face, so that grace received from you may not appear May these Sundays of participation in the Finally, on the Sunday to be fasting, except preparation and the liturgical services and before the Great Fast to your Father, how is Great Fast be a time the Holy Mystery of begins, Cheesefare hidden.” (Mt. 6:17-18). for all to experience the Penance. Sunday, the Gospel The Gospel is a word spiritual enrichment from of Matthew gives of encouragement to the ascetical practices of Submitted by: Fr. Fields

The Golden-domed Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral—A Glittering Gem in the Skyline of Philadelphia

Submitted by: Fr. Fields

First in a series of articles about the Golden- domed Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception)

Motorists on Interstate 95, a highway that extends from Florida to Maine passing through eastern edge of Philadelphia, the City of Brotherly Love, among the rooftops see a large, circular golden dome rising majestically in the Photo of Cathedral: Teresa Siwak urban skyline. That same experience is shared are now part of center Catholic Cathedral wide and rises 106 feet by those riding Amtrak city Philadelphia, one of the Immaculate high. trains approaching the can see the large golden Conception, mother city from the north. dome situated among the church of the Ukrainian Designed by architect And looking out over buildings of the Northern Catholic Church in the Julian K. Jastremsky, the the city of Philadelphia Liberties neighborhood United States. Situated cathedral reflects the to the northeast from of Philadelphia. between Franklin and Byzantine architectural the higher floors and Eighth Streets, this observation areas of the This golden-domed impressive edifice is 172 modern skyscrapers that edifice is the Ukrainian feet in length, 128 feet (continued on next page) FEBRUARY 19, 2017 25 The Golden-domed Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral—A Glittering Gem in the Skyline of Philadelphia (continued from previous page) style of the Hagia Sofia, the Great Cathedral from Constantinople, now the city of Istanbul, Turkey. The exterior of the structure is composed of limestone and architectural concrete. The central dome, 100 feet in diameter is covered on the exterior with 1/4 inch square Venetian tile made of 22 karat gold fused in glass.

The Cathedral cornerstone which was laid on October 16, 1966 includes within a stone from St. Peter’s tomb in the Vatican, a gift from Paul VI to Metropolitan- Archbishop Photo of Cathedral: Marie J. Hanusey and the Ukrainian Catholic Church in the United States.

In this series of article the exterior and interior features and liturgical appointments of the Golden- domed Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral will be examined. The layout and floorplan of the building will be explained. The symbolism and details of the many distinctive mosaics and icons will also be discussed and how the structure of the building relates to liturgical worship.

As you read this and future articles in this series, always remember that this religious edifice is more than a building. In the prophet Archbishop Ambrose Senyshyn, OSBM, with priests holding Isaiah we read “For my house rending of the cathedral with ongoing construction in the shall be called a house of prayer. background. Kneeling (l. to r.):Rev. Robert Moskal, Rev. . . ” (Is 56:7), words repeated by John Beckage; Standing (l. to r.): Rev. David Clooney, Rev. Our Lord Himself in the Gospel of Basil Holowinsky, Rev. Myroslaw Charyna, Rev. Michael Matthew (21:13). Fedorowich, Archbishop Senyshyn, Rev. Michael Poloway, Rev. Basil Losten, Rev. Augustine Molodowitz. (ca. 1965). (to be continued) FEBRUARY 19, 2017 26 METROPOLITAN STEFAN’S SCHEDULE FOR FEBRUARY AND MARCH 2017

FEBRUARY 4 VIEWING VISITATION – MARIE HANUSEY, UKRAINIAN CATHOLIC CATHEDRAL OF IMMACULATE CONCEPTION -ATTENDED PRESENTATION OF DEBUTANTS BANQUET & BALL, SPONSORED BY UKRAINIAN ENGINEER’S SOCIETY, PHILADELPHIA, PA 5 CHILDRENS DIVINE LITURGY, UKRAINIAN CATHOLIC CATHEDERAL OF IMMACULATE CONCEPTION 6 INSPECTION OF CONSTRUCTION OF NEW CHANCERY. 8 MEETING WITH SR. KATHLEEN HUTSKO, SSMI, PROVINCIAL AND SR. MICHELE YAKYMOVITCH, SSMI WITH PLANNING COMMITTEE FOR CELEBRATION OF 125TH ANNIVERSARY OF SISTERS SERVANTS OF MARY IMMACULATE, SUNDAY, OCTOBER 15TH, 3:00 PM AT THE UKRAINIAN CATHOLIC CATHEDRAL OF IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, PHILADELPHIA 10 REVIEW OF “TREASURY OF FAITH” MUSEUM - MEETING WITH ARCHITECTS OF NEW CHANCERY FACILITY 13 MEETING WITH COMMITTEE PLANNING “SPEAKING OUT FOR THE VOICELESS” PROGRAM WITH AMERICAN JEWISH COMMITTEE OF PHILADELPHIA (FOCUS ON PERSECUTION OF MINORITIES, PARTICULARLY CHRISTIANS) 14 MEETING OF CONSULTORS OF UKRAINIAN CATHOLIC ARCHEPARCHY OF PHILADELPHIA - - MEETING OF ARCHIEPARCHIAL ADMINISTRATIVE COMMITTEE 15 VIEWING VISITATION - +IHOR SMOLIY, ST. MICHAEL UKRAINIAN CATHOLIC CHURCH, CHERRY HILL, NJ 16 VISIT WITH VERY REV. ARCHPRIEST DAVID CLOONEY - VISIT WITH FAMILY OF DEPARTED +HORACE HITCHENS, FATHER OF OUR SEMINARY RECTOR, FR. ROBERT HITCHENS. 17 40 DAY LITURGY WITH CHANCERY STAFF FOR SOUL OF DEPARTED +MRS. JOAN HUTCHINS 20 FUNERAL DIVINE LITURGY FOR +HORACE HITCHENS, FATHER OF FR. ROBERT HITCHENS, STS. PETER & PAUL UKRAINIAN CATHOLIC CHURCH, BRIDGEPORT, PA. 25, 26 DIVINE LITURGY CELEBRATION AND VISITATION TO ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST UKRAINIAN CATHOLIC CHURCH, NORTHAMPTON, PA 27 GREAT FAST BEGINS

MARCH 3 40 DAY LITURGY - +MRS. ANNA WOLENSKY 8-15 HOLIDAY BREAK 19 FEAST OF ST. JOSEPH, SLOATSBURG, NY, CELEBRATING 75 YEARS OF ST. JOSEPH HOME 1942- 2017, LITURGY OF THANKSGIVING +REMEMBRANCE AT 11:00 AM. 21 MEETING OF PRIEST BENEFICIAL FUND BOARD 22 MEETING OF ARCHIEPARCHIAL PILGRIMAGE COMMITTEE, BASILIAN SISTERS MONASTERY, FOX CHASE, PA 25 RE-DEDICATION OF SANCTUARY, ST. MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE SYRO-MALANKARA CATHOLIC EPARCHY IN USA & CANADA, ELMONT, NY 28-30 MEETING OF BISHOPS OF EASTERN CATHOLIC CHURCHES IN USA IN ST. LOUIS.

FEBRUARY 19, 2017 27 MESSAGE OF HIS HOLINESS FOR LENT 2017

"The Word is a gift. Other persons are a gift"

Dear Brothers and need to do in order to Sisters, attain true happiness and eternal life. It exhorts us Lent is a new beginning, to sincere conversion. a path leading to the certain goal of Easter, 1. The other person is Christ’s victory over a gift death. This season urgently calls us to The parable begins conversion. Christians by presenting its two are asked to return to main characters. The God “with all their hearts” poor man is described (Joel 2:12), to refuse to in greater detail: he is settle for mediocrity and wretched and lacks the to grow in friendship strength even to stand. Parable of the rich man and Lazarus (Photo: with the Lord. Jesus is Lying before the door http://uk.radiovaticana.va) the faithful friend who of the rich man, he fed never abandons us. Even on the crumbs falling when we sin, he patiently from his table. His body awaits our return; by that is full of sores and dogs a human being whom for opening the doors patient expectation, he come to lick his wounds God loves and cares to all those in need and shows us his readiness (cf. vv. 20-21). The for, despite his concrete recognizing in them the to forgive (cf. Homily, 8 picture is one of great condition as an outcast face of Christ. Each of January 2016). misery; it portrays a man (cf. Homily, 8 January us meets people like this disgraced and pitiful. 2016). every day. Each life that Lent is a favourable we encounter is a gift season for deepening our The scene is even more Lazarus teaches us that deserving acceptance, spiritual life through the dramatic if we consider other persons are a respect and love. The means of sanctification that the poor man is gift. A right relationship word of God helps us offered us by the Church: called Lazarus: a name with people consists in to open our eyes to fasting, prayer and full of promise, which gratefully recognizing welcome and love life, almsgiving. At the basis literally means God their value. Even the especially when it is of everything is the word helps. This character poor person at the weak and vulnerable. of God, which during this is not anonymous. His door of the rich is not a But in order to do this, season we are invited to features are clearly nuisance, but a summons we have to take seriously hear and ponder more delineated and he to conversion and to what the Gospel tells us deeply. I would now like appears as an individual change. The parable about the rich man. to consider the parable with his own story. While first invites us to open of the rich man and practically invisible to the the doors of our heart 2. Sin blinds us Lazarus (cf. Lk 16:19-31). rich man, we see and to others because each Let us find inspiration in know him as someone person is a gift, whether The parable is unsparing this meaningful story, familiar. He becomes it be our neighbour or an in its description of the for it provides a key to a face, and as such, a anonymous pauper. Lent understanding what we gift, a priceless treasure, is a favourable season (continued on next page) FEBRUARY 19, 2017 28 MESSAGE OF HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS FOR LENT 2017 (continued from previous page) contradictions associated solidarity towards others, the slave of two masters: until this moment there with the rich man (cf. v. money can chain us and he will either hate the first had been no mention of 19). Unlike poor Lazarus, the entire world to a and love the second, or his relation to God. In he does not have a name; selfish logic that leaves be attached to the first fact, there was no place he is simply called “a rich no room for love and and despise the second. for God in his life. His man”. His opulence was hinders peace. You cannot be the slave only god was himself. seen in his extravagant both of God and of and expensive robes. The parable then shows money” (Mt 6:24). The rich man recognizes Purple cloth was even that the rich man’s Lazarus only amid the more precious than silver greed makes him 3. The Word is a gift torments of the afterlife. and gold, and was thus vain. His personality He wants the poor man reserved to divinities finds expression in The Gospel of the rich to alleviate his suffering (cf. Jer 10:9) and kings appearances, in showing man and Lazarus helps with a drop of water. (cf. Jg 8:26), while fine others what he can do. But us to make a good What he asks of Lazarus linen gave one an his appearance masks preparation for the is similar to what he could almost sacred character. an interior emptiness. approach of Easter. The have done but never The man was clearly His life is a prisoner to liturgy of Ash Wednesday did. Abraham tells him: ostentatious about his outward appearances, invites us to an experience “During your life you had wealth, and in the habit to the most superficial quite similar to that of your fill of good things, of displaying it daily: and fleeting aspects of the rich man. When the just as Lazarus had his fill “He feasted sumptuously existence (cf. ibid., 62). priest imposes the ashes of bad. Now he is being every day” (v. 19). In him on our heads, he repeats comforted here while we can catch a dramatic The lowest rung of this the words: “Remember you are in agony” (v. 25). glimpse of the corruption moral degradation is that you are dust, and to In the afterlife, a kind of of sin, which progresses pride. The rich man dust you shall return”. As fairness is restored and in three successive dresses like a king and it turned out, the rich man life’s evils are balanced stages: love of money, acts like a god, forgetting and the poor man both by good. vanity and pride (cf. that he is merely mortal. died, and the greater Homily, 20 September For those corrupted by part of the parable takes The parable goes on 2013). love of riches, nothing place in the afterlife. The to offer a message for exists beyond their own two characters suddenly all Christians. The rich The Apostle Paul tells us ego. Those around them discover that “we brought man asks Abraham to that “the love of money do not come into their nothing into the world, send Lazarus to warn is the root of all evils” (1 line of sight. The result of and we can take nothing his brothers, who are Tim 6:10). It is the main attachment to money is out of it” (1 Tim 6:7). still alive. But Abraham cause of corruption and a sort of blindness. The answers: “They have a source of envy, strife rich man does not see We too see what happens Moses and the prophets, and suspicion. Money the poor man who is in the afterlife. There let them listen to them” can come to dominate starving, hurting, lying at the rich man speaks at (v. 29). Countering the us, even to the point of his door. length with Abraham, rich man’s objections, becoming a tyrannical whom he calls “father” he adds: “If they will not idol (cf. Evangelii Looking at this character, (Lk 16:24.27), as a sign listen either to Moses or Gaudium, 55). Instead we can understand why that he belongs to God’s to the prophets, they will of being an instrument the Gospel so bluntly people. This detail makes not be convinced even at our service for doing condemns the love of his life appear all the good and showing money: “No one can be more contradictory, for (continued on next page) FEBRUARY 19, 2017 29 MESSAGE OF HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS FOR LENT 2017 (continued from previous page) if someone should rise our brothers and sisters. and serve Christ present and share to the full the from the dead” (v. 31). in our brothers and sisters joy of Easter. Dear friends, Lent is the in need. I encourage all The rich man’s real favourable season for the faithful to express this problem thus comes to renewing our encounter spiritual renewal also the fore. At the root of with Christ, living in his by sharing in the Lenten From the Vatican, 18 all his ills was the failure word, in the sacraments Campaigns promoted October 2016 to heed God’s word. As and in our neighbour. by many Church a result, he no longer The Lord, who overcame organizations in different FRANCIS loved God and grew to the deceptions of the parts of the world, and despise his neighbour. Tempter during the forty thus to favour the culture The word of God is alive days in the desert, shows of encounter in our one https://w2.vatican.va/ and powerful, capable us the path we must human family. Let us pray content/francesco/ of converting hearts and take. May the Holy Spirit for one another so that, en/messages/lent/ leading them back to lead us on a true journey by sharing in the victory documents/papa- God. When we close our of conversion, so that we of Christ, we may open francesco_20161018_ heart to the gift of God’s can rediscover the gift of our doors to the weak messaggio- word, we end up closing God’s word, be purified and poor. Then we will quaresima2017.html our heart to the gift of of the sin that blinds us, be able to experience

Caritas providing life-saving aid to civilians in Avdiivka

02/02/2017 people in need on the frontline. () At least 10 people have Linda Bordoni spoke been killed and dozens to Jorge Nuño Mayer, wounded this week Secretary General of in renewed fighting in Caritas Europa about eastern Ukraine. the humanitarian emergency. Fighting in the frontline town of Avdiivka has left Due to the escalation thousands of residents in violence and the without water or power increased humanitarian in freezing conditions. needs, Jorge Nuño The Catholic Church’s aid Mayer explains, Caritas organization, Caritas, is Ukraine has sent more Photo: Caritas Ukraine providing food to in place in Donetsk - the people to the city of civilians trapped in the eastern Ukraine city most affected region - Adviivka which has of Avdiivka - RV and has sent extra teams of aid workers to the city of Adviivka to help (continued on next page) FEBRUARY 19, 2017 30 Caritas providing life-saving aid to civilians in Avdiivka (continued from previous page) been suffering the most He expresses gratitude degrees Celsius below funds through the in the last days starting for the support of the zero, it’s really very from the night between whole Caritas family difficult to survive. mechanisms to Caritas Saturday and Sunday around the world that Ukraine and to Caritas with intensified shellings. is supporting Caritas Looking to the future, SPES-Ukraine and they He explains that out of Ukraine as it struggles Nuño Mayer says “we can be sure the money some 25,000 inhabitants to be there for people hope for peace, we hope will reach the people in of the city only about caught in the crossfire for dialogue, we hope need. 15,000 are left including where the war is re- that people can return to “some 2,000 children igniting. their homes, that people Nuño Mayer concludes and 10,000 elderly and can start living their lives, recalling the successful disabled people who The Secretary General caring for their children, collection for the people have it very difficult says the media hoping for a future” he of Ukraine called for to flee from this war has ‘forgotten’ the said. by Pope Francis and scenario so Caritas is predicament of the organized by the there to help, even in people in the area but He points out that bishops and said that the these difficult conditions, “we have to remind Caritas is not a political initiative is still bearing also because the winter everyone that that region organ “but we are trying fruit, and in anycase, he in eastern Ukraine is very of eastern Ukraine more to bring tenderness, as says: “prayer will also harsh”. than 5 million people are Pope Francis would say: help very much”. affected, nearly 3 million we have to implement a (Linda Bordoni) Notwithstanding the people have fled from the revolution of tenderness danger for Caritas area, nearly 1.7 million everywhere and in http://en.radiovaticana. people he says the main are living in the central this difficult situation va/news/2017/02/02/ concern is for the people and western parts of of conflict and hatred. caritas_providing_life- who are suffering, mainly Ukraine and others have Tenderness has to be saving_aid_to_civilians_ the children and the fled to Russia and other there because only on in_avdiivka/1289981 elderly. neighboring countries.” this tenderness can we rebuild the society”. “Caritas Ukraine has “So Ukraine, as a whole, distributed in the last is facing an enormous Nuño Mayer appeals to days 1,000 food packs; challenge, relocating listeners and especially the idea is to distribute people and helping to politicians to not 10 tons of food in these people to find a new forget Ukraine, to not days to the population future in other parts of forget this part of Europe so they have enough for the country” he said. that is under threat and 2/3 weeks of food” he And, he says, coming that has the right to live said. back to Avdiivka, it is in peace. necessary to take into Nuño Mayer says Caritas account how difficult it is He also asks for support is also distributing for people there because and says that people can medical kits because the “the electricity lines have send their contribution medical services are not been destroyed, heating to help Ukraine through functioning in that part of is not working and with every national Caritas the country. temperatures of 17 which will then channel

FEBRUARY 19, 2017 31 Head of the UGCC urged the faithful to pray for Ukraine

Monday, 13 February 2017

Father and the Head of the UGCC appealed to all the faithful on Ukrainian religious pilgrimage which took place in Drohobych on February 11th.

"I want to urge all of our and faithful of the Church to persevere in prayer for Ukraine, because, as you know, last week was marked by bloody fighting in the east of Ukraine in the war, Saturday - for all the last two years", - he said. victims in this war, Sunday - for peace in Ukraine. He reminded the faithful "Each of our dioceses and about the call of the exarchates has defined strict Synod of Bishops of fast day for Ukraine. We Kyiv-Galician Major fasted in Kiev on Monday, Archbishopric of the starting this chain. Please UGCC to continuous pick up and do not neglect prayer and fasting for it!"- the urged to the peace in Ukraine, dated faithful. June 17, 2014. ""Every day at nine o'clock According to the Head of every son and daughter the UGCC, consecrated of the Church prays for persons must be an example Ukraine. Please do not for faithful and teacher of neglect this standing! tireless prayer and fasting "- said the preacher. for Ukraine. In addition, every day of the week is devoted Press service of Sambir- to a separate prayer Drohobych Eparchy intentions: Monday - for power, Tuesday - for the sde.org.ua enemies, Wednesday - for the army, Thursday http://news.ugcc.ua/en/ - for the police, Friday news/head_of_the_ugcc_ - for migrants, wounded urged_the_faithful_to_pray_ and injured during the for_ukraine_78682.html FEBRUARY 19, 2017 32 Pope Special Olympics: be a heartbeat for the world

16/02/2017 the theme of this year’s and solidarity.” This is your message event says, a “heartbeat for the world, the Pope (Vatican Radio) Pope for the world”. Together, he added, underlined, “for a world Francis on Thursday athletes and helpers without borders, which meeting with a delegation In a way, the Pope told show us that there excludes no one.” from the Special those gathered, “at the are no obstacles or Olympics International heart of all sporting barriers which cannot be The Special Olympics in the Vatican, said they activity is joy: the joy overcome. World Winter Games were “a sign of hope of exercising, of being 2017 will take place for all who commit together, of being alive Pope Francis told the between March 14th themselves to a more and rejoicing in the gifts delegation, made up and 25th. inclusive society.” the Creator gives us each of athletes, organizers day. He continued, “the and representatives, that http://en.radiovaticana. This March the Special sweetest victory is when they were, “a sign of va/news/2017/02/16/ Olympics World Winter we surpass ourselves – hope for all who commit pope_special_olympics_ Games, takes place in we realize what true and themselves to a more be_a_heartbeat_for_ Styria, Austria and on well-deserved joy feels inclusive society. Every the_world/1292924 Thursday Pope Francis like.” life is precious, he said, met a delegation from every person is a gift and the Special Olympics Sport, the Holy Fathered inclusion enriches every International telling noted, “helps us to spread community and society.” them “you will be, as a culture of encounter

His Beatitude Sviatoslav: "The Ukrainian power hasn't fully estimated the importance of relations with Vatican for national interests yet"

Monday, 06 February might even think that we declaration regarding witnesses of how actively 2017 do it too often and too it. Let us remind you, our northern neighbor courageously. If we don't that the meeting of Pope imposes itself on the Unfortunately I don't see have our own policy, Francis and and tries to today a clear strategy for then we will be imposed Kiril and their signing a use it as a tool for its development of relations a foreign one! joint declaration stirred own advantage." In his between Ukraine up the Ukrainian society. opinion, "Those who and the Vatican. The This was declared by are trying to oppose state policy is beyond the Head and Father The Primate of the Ukraine to the Holy See the competence and of the Ukrainian Greek Church observed that the or make an impression influence of the Church, Catholic Church, His Ukrainian power has not in the society that although it doesn't mean Beatitude Sviatoslav, realized the importance Vatican 'makes friends that we cannot have our in an interview for the of relations with the with Moscow' against own civil position in this Religious-Informational Vatican. For national Ukraine, is the force matter. And we speak Service of Ukraine (RISU), interests fully enough: out on it. Someone analyzing the Havana "We are becoming (continued on next page)

FEBRUARY 19, 2017 33 His Beatitude Sviatoslav: "The Ukrainian power hasn't fully estimated the importance of relations with Vatican for national interests yet"

(continued from previous page) working against our seeking to destroy the we need to make added. The Head of national interests." UGCC, saving tens of every effort to develop our Church also said thousands of Ukrainian relations between our that after the declaration In his interview, the Head emigrants from state and the Holy See. was signed, he spoke to of the Church explains 'repatriation' to Siberia. "Strategically our biggest Cardinal Kurt Koch, the that unity of the UGCC Then in a short period desire is to move towards head of the Pontifical with the Holy Father is not of time, Rome created concluding a concordat – Council on Promoting based only on political eparchies and exarchates comprehensive interstate Christian Unity: "I hope or diplomatic reasons. for Ukrainians on various agreement – between that our ecumenical Rather, it is an object of continents, which have Ukraine and the Vatican" position will be taken our faith and an integral become crucial for saving In analyzing points of into account by their part of the identity of Ukrainians throughout the Havana declaration, experts in the future, and our Church. "I remember the world. After World signed by Pope Francis studying the ecumenical how in the Soviet times, War II, the Vatican and Patriarch Kiril, the context of Ukraine will when communistic and Roman Catholics Head of the UGCC, His be seriously considered." propaganda sought to supported not only Beatitude stated: "The convince our people church structures and Pope confirmed that its The UGCC Department that the Vatican and the charity work, but also text isn't unmistakable, of Information Pope are enemies of the became the advanced it's not 'a page from Ukrainian nation. One patrons of Ukrainian the Gospel'. It cannot http://news.ugcc. elderly woman said very culture in Europe…" be diminished but we ua/en/news/his_ simply: "Let them speak Thus, Pope Saint John shouldn't overestimate beatitude_sviatoslav_ whatever they like, but ХХІІІ took efforts to it either. We can and the_ukrainian_power_ we have always been release Patriarch Josyf should criticize it. What hasnt_fully_estimated_ and will always be with Slipyj. Also, Pope Saint matters here is not the_importance_of_ the Pope." I understand John Paul II, as the most abstract agreements relations_with_vatican_ only now that it was venerable world leader, or schemes, but the for_national_interests_ an authentic people's was systematically fate (destiny) of the yet_78660.html manifestation of Christian speaking Ukrainian for Church and my personal faith," he went on. "We 27 years. Pope Benedict responsibility before the all need to remember XVI continued this faithful and society." this testimony especially tradition, clearly speaking today." regarding totalitarianism "When a year ago I was and historic truth about speaking about the pain, He also recalled the the events in Ukraine. I was not speaking on role of the Roman This line is also kept by my own behalf, but had Hierarchs regarding the Pope Francis. become the voice of the contemporary Ukrainian Ukrainian society, whose history: "Pope Pius ХІІ His Beatitude Sviatoslav wounds were touched sharply decried Soviet is convinced that at this by the declaration or atheistic propaganda difficult time for Ukraine its interpretation," he

FEBRUARY 19, 2017 34 The Apostolic to Ukraine Archbishop Claudio Gugerotti visited recently shelled Avdijivka 16 February 2017 Archbishop Claudio On February 14-15, 2017 Gugerotti arrived in the Apostolic Nuncio Donetsk region to show in Ukraine Archbishop solidarity, to bring the Claudio Gugerotti prayer and the blessing together with bishop Jan of Pope Francis to the Sobilo, President of the people who stayed Technical Committee of without water, heat, and the Initiative ‘The Pope lights in harsh frost. His for Ukraine’ were on a goal was to hear directly two-day visit to Donetsk from local residents region, during which about the needs which they visited Sviatohirsk, constitute their current Kramatorsk, Avdiyivka priorities. and other inhabited settlements of Donetsk The representatives of region recently affected the Holy Father tried to by shelling, "Pope for spend as much time as Ukraine" action web possible communicating page informs. with children. That is why First, the Apostolic meetings at schools were Nuncio met children and the longest and most families that had moved heart-stirring. during the period of intensification of military Children are the future actions in Avdiyivka to of Ukraine, and the come to know personally conditions in which with which the respective is assistance provision to from them about the they are grown up and Agreement was children of the affected circumstances under developing today will concluded on February region for the amount of which they left their determine Ukraine’s 15th. 200 thousand Euros’, – houses as well as to see future for years and indicated the Vatican’s the conditions in which generations to come’, When the Pope heard Envoy in his talk with the children are staying – stresses Archbishop about Avdiyivka, he the representatives now. Gugerotti. That is why wanted his representative of the military-civil emergency assistance to go as soon as administration of On February 15 the provided by Pope Francis, possible to the place Avdiyivka. Apostolic Nuncio met the besides the projects where such tragic events children and teachers of which are already under had taken place, for him During his meeting with local comprehensive implementation, has to personally see to the the representatives of the schools, visited the been directed at the needs of local residents authorities, the Apostolic local hospital, several rehabilitation of children. and transfer assistance Nuncio stressed that the residential houses This assistance will be from millions of people Catholic Church is open located in the area of supplied to the region from the whole world to old Avdiyivka that had through SAVE THE them. One of the specific been most affected. CHILDREN organization, gestures we want to show (continued on next page) FEBRUARY 19, 2017 35 The Apostolic Nuncio to Ukraine Archbishop Claudio Gugerotti visited recently shelled Avdijivka (continued from previous page) to assistance provision to all the people, regardless of their religious beliefs, and it primarily takes into account real needs of people.

‘We do our best to come closer and to support all the people in need of help, through ‘The Pope for Ukraine’ Committee headed by Bishop Jan Sobilo, and we are willing and have a lot of opportunities for providing further assistance’, the diplomat assured.

‘The aim of our work an immense variety of important for you not to for the war to finish in is not just to be the Ukrainian traditions feel alone and deserted. the nearest future’, – administrators of the and cultures. And that Since there is a great said Archbishop Claudio money the whole Europe meeting offered great danger that the world Gugerotti in conclusion, and personally Pope hope to us. By the way, may simply forget about addressing the residents Francis have collected we were highly impressed those military conflicts. It of Avdiyivka. for Ukraine. Our goal is by the fact that children is necessary to support to show the support of and teachers at school the realization of the http://risu.org.ua/ millions of peoples from spoke only Ukrainian’, – whole world about what en/index/all_news/ all over the world, to the Nuncio shared. is happening here, for catholics/apostolic_ show our spiritual affinity the sake of joint effort, nunciatura/66103/ to Ukrainians who are ‘Generally, we see that suffering a lot today. We people are emotionally are also encouraging very much exhausted, Ukrainians to learn to and to rebuild dwelling love, respect and support is much easier than to each other more’, – restore the mind tired archbishop Claudio of the war. We will Gugerotti added. keep on doing our best, starting with prayer up ‘At school we met junior to specific gestures of students who made help, to be as close to us acquainted with you as possible. It is very

FEBRUARY 19, 2017 36 IS GOD CALLING YOU TO CONSIDER RELIGIOUS LIFE?

I invite women and men who have given thought to considering religious life to meet with me, so as to help me understand thoughts and hopes cherished by candidates. What are the perceptions of religious or monastic life today? What are women and men considering religious life today anticipating from choosing and ministry? Are there challenges faced by potential candidates which we as a Church do not fully understand? It would assist me to consider what I as Archbishop may facilitate to assist men and women to choose religious life. I propose to meet as a group at a place, time and day most convenient to those who respond, or individually, if preferred.

If you would like to participate, kindly send an email to my attention at [email protected]. Please provide your name, address, phone number, and indicate a preferred time to meet; that is, weekday or weekend, and time of day. Your interest and information will remain completely confidential with me. I will then suggest a time and place to meet most convenient to respondents.

Thank you for your anticipated assistance in helping me to understand and nurture God’s call to religious life today.

Archbishop Stefan Soroka

FEBRUARY 19, 2017 37 March 2017 - Áåðåçíÿ 2017 Happy Birthday! Congratulations on your Anniversary of Priesthood! Ç Äíåì íàðîäæåííÿ! ³òàºìî ç г÷íèöåþ Ñâÿùåíñòâà! March 3: Rev. Msgr. James Melnic March 6: Rev. Leonid Malkov, C.S.s.R. March 5: V. Rev. Archmandrite Joseph Lee March 7: Rev. Walter Pasicznyk (47th Anniversary) March 12: Rev. Volodymyr Baran, C.S.s.R. March 14: Rev. Vasyl Vladyka March 13: Rev. Msgr. Peter Waslo (25th Anniversary) March 19: Rev. Vasyl Vladyka March 20: Rev. Mykola Ivanov (12th Anniversary) * Happy Birthday to Rev. Mykola Bychok, March 24: Rev. Deacon Paul Makar C.Ss.R., his birthday was February 13. (30th Anniversary) March 30: Very Rev. Archpr. David Clooney May the Good Lord Continue to Guide (53rd Anniversary) You and Shower You with His Great March 31: Rev. John Wysochansky Blessings. (60th Anniversary) Mnohaya Lita! May God Grant You Many Happy and Íåõàé Äîáðèé Ãîñïîäü Blessed Years of Service in the Vineyard of ÒðèìຠÂàñ ó Ñâî¿é Our Lord! Îï³ö³ òà Ùåäðî Áëàãîñëîâèòü Âàñ. Íåõàé Áîã Îáäàðóº Áàãàòüìà Ìíîãàÿ ˳òà! Áëàãîñëîâåííèìè Ðîêàìè Ñëóæ³ííÿ â Ãîñïîäíüîìó Âèíîãðàäíèêó!

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