Official Publication of the Ukrainian Archeparchy of Philadelphia VOL. 78 - No. 08 APRIL 30, 2017 ENGLISH VERSION Chicago Announcement

The hierarchy, clergy, religious and faithful of the Ukrainian in USA joyfully rejoice with the good news of the Holy Father Francis’ appointment of the Most Reverend Venedykt (Valery) Aleksiychuk, M.S.U., as the Bishop of the Ukrainian Catholic of Nicholas in Chicago. Bishop Aleksiychuk has up until now served as of Lviv, Ukraine. He will be the 5th Bishop of St. Nicholas Eparchy, succeeding the Most Rev. , an American born bishop who served the St. Nicholas Eparchy for 13 years until his death on August 16th, 2016 from illness. The St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy includes most of central and western USA, including Hawaii and Alaska.

Most Rev. , M.S.U., was born in Ukraine on January 16th, 1968 and is a Ukrainian Studite . He was ordained a priest in Lviv, Ukraine twenty-five years ago and as a Bishop on September 5th, 2010. Bishop Venedykt Aleksiychuk will be installed as the Bishop of St. Nicholas Eparchy in the coming months. Let us offer prayers of thanksgiving to Almighty God for the blessing of a new chief shepherd for the St. Nicholas Eparchy. Let us offer prayers for Bishop Venedykt as he joyfully undertakes this new journey, under the protection and guidance of the Mother of God.

+ Most Reverend of Philadelphia for Ukrainians Metropolitan of Ukrainian Catholics in the United States

April 20, 2017

Highlights inside this issue:

Pascha Sunday at - Pg. 3 Pastoral Assignments by Metropolitan Stefan Soroka - Pg. 32 NAMES BISHOP ALEKSIYCHUK AS HEAD OF CHICAGO EPARCHY

April 20, 2017 The appointment He was named auxiliary priests and was publicized in bishop of Lviv on August serve the eparchy in 46 WASHINGTON—Pope Washington, April 20, by 3, 2010, and ordained a parishes and mission Francis has named Archbishop Christophe bishop on September 5, stations in 16 states Bishop Venedykt (Valery) Pierre, apostolic nuncio 2010. throughout the United Aleksiychuk, M.S.U., as to the United States. States. bishop of the Eparchy of The Eparchy of St St Nicholas in Chicago Valery Aleksiychuk Nicholas in Chicago for Ukrainians, in Illinois. was born January 16, for Ukrainians has https://www.usccb.org/ to the appointment, 1968, in Borshchivka, been a sede vacante news/2017/17-070.cfm Bishop Aleksiychuk was Ukraine. He pursued since August 2016; it an auxiliary bishop of seminary studies and has a population of the Archeparchy of Lviv, was ordained a priest about 11,000 Ukrainian Ukraine. on March 29, 1992. Catholics. About 70

Appointment of bishop of the eparchy of Saint Nicholas of Chicago of the Ukrainians, United States of America

20.04.2017 region of Rivne, Ukraine. of Univ (2000 and re- following 5 September. He attended the major elected in 2005); member The Holy Father has seminary of Drohobych of the commission of appointed as bishop and on 29 March 1992 the of the eparchy of Saint he was ordained a priest. for Monasticism (2004); http://press.vatican.va/ Nicholas of Chicago of In 1993 he was and administrator of content/salastampa/ the Ukrainians (United received in the Univ the of St. Nicola en/bollettino/ States of America) Holy Dormition Lavra of Peremyshlany (2004). pubblico/2017/ His Excellency Msgr. the Studite Rite and on Since 2007 he was 04/20/170420b.html Venedykt (Valery) 21 December 1995 he head of the secretariat Aleksiychuk, M.S.U., gave his first vows. He of the Council of transferring him from obtained a doctorate in of the Ukrainian the titular see of spiritual theology from Greek Catholic Church; Germaniciana and the the Catholic University of president of the liturgical office of auxiliary of the Lublin, Poland. council and president of archieparchy of Lviv of the major superiors of the Ukrainians. He exercised his ministry male religious institutes in the parish of Bystrytsia of the Ukrainian Greek Msgr. Venedykt (Valery) (deaconry of Drohobych); Catholic Church. Aleksiychuk, M.S.U. in Belarus in Polock, Msgr. Venedykt (Valery) and in the in parish of He was elected as Aleksiychuk, M.S.U. Vitebsk (1994-1996); auxiliary bishop of Lviv was born on 1 January and in Canada (1996- of the Ukrainians on 3 1968 in the village 1999). He has served August 2010, and was of Borshchivka, in the as Igumeno of the Lavra consecrated on the APRIL 30, 2017 2 Pascha Sunday at the Cathedral, Philadelphia

Metropolitan-Archbishop Stefan Soroka was the Main Celebrant at the Hierarchical Paschal Divine Liturgy at the Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral of the , Philadelphia, PA on Easter Sunday, April 16, 2017. Concelebrants included Michael Waak, Fr. Roman Sverdan and Fr. Roman Pitula, Cathedral Rector. Resurrection Matins began at 8:30AM, Hierarchical Paschal Divine Liturgy was held at 10 AM with Metropolitan Stefan as the Homilist. After the Liturgy, the Blessing of Proclaiming the Holy Gospel Paschal Baskets was held on the the Cathedral See more photos in the “Photos” section of the Cathedral website grounds. http://www.ukrcathedral.com/

APRIL 30, 2017 3 Good Friday at the Cathedral, Philadelphia

Metropolitan-Archbishop Stefan Soroka and Fr. Roman Pitula

Brother Helps in the City of Brotherly Love

Older brother Petro Pitula literally gives his younger brother Yuriy a lift to enable him to venerate the Holy Shroud during Good Friday services in the golden-domed Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Philadelphia, Pa. The two altar boys are sons of Father Roman PItula, cathedral rector. (Photo: Teresa Siwak)

APRIL 30, 2017 4 Metropolitan Stefan Soroka Leads Traditional Holy Thursday Services in Trenton, NJ Church Friday, 14 April 2017

On Holy Thursday, April 13 Metropolitan Stefan Soroka was the main celebrant at the Vesperal Divine Liturgy of St. Basil the Great together with priests of the Philadelphia Archeparchy. The traditional Holy Thursday services were held at St. Josaphat Ukrainian Catholic Church, Trenton, New Jersey. Very Reverend Taras Lonchyna is the pastor of the parish and also serves as Protopresbyter of the New Jersey Deanery.

The Holy Thursday service commemorates the institution of the Holy Eucharist and the priesthood of Jesus Christ at the Last Supper. During the service, Metropolitan Stefan consecrated the Holy Myron (Chrism) and performed the traditional Washing of the Feet of 12 priests reenacting the washing of the feet of His apostles by Jesus as recounted in the Gospel of John. Metropolitan Soroka, archbishop of the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia was also the homilist.

Since he became Metropolitan-Archbishop, Archbishop Stefan, besides conducting these services in the cathedral parish, has also conducted these Holy Metropolitan-Archbishop Stefan Soroka Thursday services over the years in various deaneries consecrates Holy Chrism (Myron) of the expansive Philadelphia Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy, which includes eastern Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, Virginia, Delaware, and the District of Columbia.

Fr. John Fields http://news.ugcc.ua/en/news/metropolitan_stefan_ soroka_leads_traditional_holy_thursday_services_ in_trenton_nj_church_79229.html

Watch a video from Holy Thursday on our YouTube Channel

https://www.youtube.com/user/ thewayukrainian/videos Washing the Feet Ceremony APRIL 30, 2017 5 St. Michael The Archangel Ukrainian Catholic Church, Jenkintown, PA

Photos: Parish Facebook Page

Fr. Volodymyr Kostyuk

APRIL 30, 2017 6 St. Vladimir Ukrainian Catholic Church Edwardsville, PA

Photo: Parish Website

Good Friday Vespers at St. Michael Ukrainian Catholic Church, Frackville, Pa. Photo: Facebook

Rev. Deacon Paul Spotts and Fr. Petro Zvarych APRIL 30, 2017 7 St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Church Maizeville, PA

Matins of the Passion of Christ--The Reading of the Twelve Gospels (Strasti) were sung at St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Church, Maizeville, Schuylkill County, Pa. on Holy Thursday evening at 6 p.m. Father Petro Zvarych was the celebrant.

(Photo: Facebook)

St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church Millville, NJ

Fr. Roman Sverdan

(Photos: Parish Facebook Page) APRIL 30, 2017 8 The Holy Shroud at the Lord's Tomb in Ss. Peter and Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church, Mt. Carmel, Pa. (Photo: Facebook)

Blessing of Paschal Foods at SS. Cyril and Methodius Ukrainian Catholic Church, Olyphant, PA (Photo: Lauren Telep)

Fr. Nestor Iwasiw APRIL 30, 2017 9 St. John Ukrainian Catholic Church, Newark, NJ Photos: Parish Facebook Page

Fr. Taras Svirchuk, CSsR

APRIL 30, 2017 10 St. Nicholas Ukrainian Church, Passaic, NJ Photos: Parish Facebook Page

Fr. D. George Worschak and Fr. Andriy Dudkevych

APRIL 30, 2017 11 Assumption Ukrainian Catholic Church, Perth Amboy, NJ Photos: Facebook

Fr. Ivan Turyk and Fr. Roman Dubitsky

APRIL 30, 2017 12 Nativity of the Blessed Mary, Reading, PA Submitted by: Debbie Marco

CHILDREN OF THE READING PARISH HAD A VERY BUSY HOLY SATURDAY AND EASTER SUNDAY!

On Holy Saturday afternoon, the children of the Nativity of the BVM Parish in Reading, PA, stood guard and kept vigil at Jesus’ grave. They took turns kneeling in prayer and guarding the Plaschtyanytsya with candles honoring Our Savior’s Passion. Later The children of the parish kept vigil and adoration at that day, the children Jesus’ grave! What a blessed site! joined their families as Pastor Father blessed Easter baskets. After the basket blessing, the parish hosted an Easter egg hunt for the children, where they collected lots of goodie-filled eggs, won prizes and made crafts!

Easter Sunday morning saw the children joining their families for Resurrection Matins and Divine Liturgy, with several of the boys of the parish serving at the altar.

It was beautiful and inspiring to see the children participate in the services and to see their faces light up with God’s love as they collected their goodies at the egg hunt!

Fr. Andriy Rabiy APRIL 30, 2017 13 Ascension of Our Lord, Sayre PA Photos: Parish Facebook Page

Fr. Teodor B. Czabala, Jr. and Rev. Deacon John Hobczuk

APRIL 30, 2017 14 Peter and Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church, Phoenixville, PA Photos: Parish Website

Fr. Ihor Royik

APRIL 30, 2017 15 The Replica of the Shroud of Turin was on display March 31 through April 6, 2017 at Holy Ukrainian Catholic Church, Silver Spring, MD Photos: Parish Facebook Page

Fr. Alexander Dumenko

Transfiguration of Our Lord Ukrainian Catholic Church,

Shamokin, PA Photos: Parish Facebook Page

Fr. Mykola Ivanov APRIL 30, 2017 16 Blessing of the Paschal food in St. Stephen Ukrainian Catholic Church, Toms River, NJ

Parishioners and guests of St. Stephen Ukrainian Catholic Church in Toms River, NJ gathered in the church community center on Holy Saturday, April 15th, for the traditional blessing of Easter Baskets.

With a hall filled to capacity, the Rev. Volodymyr Popyk, pastor, graciously welcomed the congregation and then recited the ritual prayers. The ceremony was done in both Ukrainian and English languages. Father Popyk and the altar boys then processioned to all the tables and blessed the gathered faithful with their beautifully prepared Easter baskets, ladened with the traditional Easter foods! Father wished all a blessed Easter and reiterated that this is the season of the joy exemplifying Christ’s love for us. All were invited back to the church for the Service at the Grave of Jesus and then there was a 6:00pm Resurrection Divine Liturgy (in English).

On Easter Sunday there were Processions and Resurrection Matins before the Resurrection Divine Liturgy (in Ukrainian) plus the Blessing of the Artos and Paschal foods and Myrovania

Easter Egg Hunt at St. Stephen Ukrainian Catholic Church in Toms River, NJ

On Holy Saturday, April 15th, all the children of the St. Stephen Ukrainian Catholic Church parish and guests were invited to an Easter egg hunt on the spacious church grounds. The weather was perfect and the laughter and joy of all the children was echoed throughout the whole area. Pastor, Father Volodymyr Popyk and parish parents organized the event. They made sure all the children had an abundance of Easter eggs in their baskets for their “hunt’. After the fun filled affair, all the families and friends congregated back in the church hall for the Easter Basket blessings. Fr. Volodymyr Popyk talking to the children at the start of the Egg Hunt

APRIL 30, 2017 17 Holy Ghost Ukrainian Catholic Church, West Easton, PA Photos: Facebook

Fr. Daniel Troyan

APRIL 30, 2017 18 Faithful celebrate the Resurrection of Christ Resurrectional Matins and Divine Liturgy in St. Michael Ukrainian Catholic Church, Shenandoah, Pa By John Usalis tomb (a table with the Holy Shroud that depicts Republican-Herald, Jesus in the tomb) were Pottsville, Pa. April 16, held in subdued lighting 2017 in the church in front of the icon wall, or SHENANDOAH, PA — iconostasis, which had The celebration of the the Royal Doors and Deacon Doors closed. Christ on Easter Sunday Grabowsky and Spotts was first held in many wore dark red vestments churches as a vigil service during the prayers, Rev. Deacon Paul Spotts and Saturday. While Roman with both prostrating Msgr. Myron Grabowsky Catholic churches could themselves several times. celebrate the Easter The symbolism is of a change into bright white great mercy.” Vigil Masses no earlier funeral, somber in tone. and gold vestments. All than 8 p.m., Eastern Rite the doors in the icon wall The procession Catholics were able to “God, our Savior, hope were opened and kept participants walked hold the Divine Liturgies of all the ends of the earth open. clockwise around the in the afternoon on Holy and of those afar at sea, church, symbolizing Saturday. The first Divine hear us!” Grabowsky The procession began the procession of joy Liturgy to remember said. “Merciful Master, in the center aisle. by the myrrh-bearing Jesus Christ rising from have pity on us sinners Parishioners carried the women proclaiming the the dead almost 2,000 and have mercy on us, processional cross and resurrection after they years ago was at St. for you are a merciful processional lanterns; the found Jesus’ tomb empty. Michael Ukrainian God and you love icon of Mary, the Mother After prayers before Catholic Church, mankind, and we give of God; church banners; the closed front doors, Shenandoah. Monsignor glory to you, Father, Son the three-branch candles Grabowsky tapped the Myron Grabowsky, and Holy Spirit, now and called trikiri; the Book of doors with the hand pastor, began at 3:30 forever and ever.” the Holy Gospels; the cross he held and the p.m. with a prayer service Icon of the Resurrection; doors were opened, called “Resurrection Prayers continued until and the holy bread symbolizing the opening Matins of the Great and it was time to remove called artos, which is of the gates of heaven Holy Sunday of Easter.” the Holy Shroud, which Greek for “leavened through Jesus’ death and Grabowsky was assisted represents the body of loaf.” They left the church resurrection. Everyone by the Rev. Deacon Paul Christ. Grabowsky kissed and walked around it re-entered the church M. Spotts, who serves it and picked up the before returning to the to complete the matins at St. Michael Ukrainian shroud, carrying it on his front doors, which had service. The Divine Liturgy Catholic Church, back into the sanctuary been closed. Throughout began immediately Frackville. and placing on the altar, the procession, the afterward. where it will remain for participants sang in Before matins began, 40 days until Ascension Ukrainian, “Jesus rose Grabowsky said before a short prayer service Thursday. The Royal from the grave as he the homily, “I wish to was held by Grabowsky. Doors were closed for foretold. He gave us The prayers before the Grabowsky and Spotts to ever lasting life and (continued on next page) APRIL 30, 2017 19 Faithful celebrate the Resurrection of Christ (continued from previous page) greet each of you on has died for us, and “In each of our lives, cross,” Spotts continued. this day of our Lord’s through his resurrection there are Easter “So let our commitment holy Resurrection. As you all our fears and anxiety moments. Our Lord visits be expressed through make an effort to come has turned to love, hope, us each moment of the our words and actions in and partake of this Feast peace and joy,” Spotts day,” Spotts said. “There our life. Allow our love of Feasts, may you walk said. “Hope that letting are moments like today for Christ richly express from here with the joy Jesus into our hearts, when we feel closer itself in our faithful of this day. Being the we will experience the to God. We feel him worship. May our faith first (Eastern Rite) church love, peace and joy touching our lives. We help others to shed their in America, we are he has shown through can hear him. And there blindness and deafness preserving our heritage his crucifixion and his are times when we are to the visits of our Lord and love of God and the resurrection. Just as blind and deaf to God’s and Savior Jesus Christ way that we celebrate Jesus has made himself visits. We are insensitive in our daily life. Live the these special feasts, available to the Father, to his approaches. These peace, love, hope and especially the Holy we must make ourselves are missed opportunities joy of Jesus Christ and Resurrection. May you available to Jesus’ love for us. We find ourselves share it with others who have a blessed Easter.” for us. We must open hiding within ourselves need to hear of Christ’s Grabowsky turned the our hearts and make us and within our day-to- promise of unending pulpit over to Spotts, totally available to Jesus’ day concerns, hesitant to joy and peace with him who gave the homily. love.” risk ourselves to respond for all who believe and He began by reading to Jesus Christ’s presence follow his ways.” a sermon from St. John Spotts referred to the and his inviting love. Chrysostom on Easter, Palm Sunday message http://republicanherald. and continued with his from Metropolitan Stefan “Remember that the first com/news/faithful- own words. Soroka, using some of commitment was made celebrate-the- his words and fitting it to by Jesus for you and resurrection-of- “Today is the greatest day the Easter celebration. for me with his complete christ-1.2181371 of the year for us. Christ love and sacrifice on the Cathedral Paschal Food Blessing, Philadelphia, PA

Fr. Roman Pitula, Fr. Roman Pitula and Fr. Roman Sverdan, Holy Saturday 1pm Easter Sunday APRIL 30, 2017 20 SHROUD OF TURIN REPLICA A SOURCE OF REFLECTION AND INSPIRATION FOR THE READING PARISH AND SURROUNDING COMMUNITY! Submitted by: Debbie Marco Reading, PA - For twelve days during the Great Lent, The Nativity of the BVM Parish in Reading, PA hosted the Replica of the Shroud of Turin. The church introduced the Shroud to the faithful on Thursday evening, March 16, with an Akafist to the Passion of Jesus Christ, celebrated by Father Dan Troyan, pastor of Holy Ghost Ukrainian Catholic Church in Easton, PA. Reading’s pastor, Father Andriy Rabiy, and a few Passion. Parishioners this time, including the pleasure for the Reading of the choir members of the Reading church children of the Reading parish to be able to host led the responses. After took turns sitting with parish, who were given the Replica of the Shroud completion of the service, the Shroud so that the their own special lesson of Turin and provide Father Dan provided church could be open for in the presence of the inspiration to the parish a very informative and those who wished to visit Shroud as part of their and the community inspirational lesson on and venerate the Shroud Catechetical program. through the of the Shroud, explaining and a Lenten service Our Savior! that there is no doubt the was celebrated every It was an honor and Shroud was the burial evening to allow the cloth of Our Savior, faithful to pray together Jesus Christ. in the presence of the Shroud. Visitors included Many people attended school groups, families, the opening evening and former parishioners service, not only of Saint Anthony’s parishioners of the Roman Catholic Reading church, but Church, who called the also people from Summit Avenue church the community and location their home for neighboring parishes! many years before the Over the following Nativity of the BVM twelve days, hundreds moved there in January of people came to 2016. Parishioners and view the Replica of the visitors learned a lot Shroud and spent time about Jesus’ sufferings in reflection of Jesus’ and the Shroud during APRIL 30, 2017 21 Ukrainian Choral Concert Presented in Philadelphia Ukrainian Cathedral Photo: Teresa Siwak Philadelphia, Pa.- --A Concert-- Music from the Ukrainian Sacred Choral Tradition was presented in the golden-domed Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Philadelphia, PA on Friday, April 21, 2017 at 7 pm. Metropolitan- Archbishop Stefan Soroka was among those in attendance and gave remarks during the program. Michael Zaugg, was the guest conductor of the combined male chorus of over 50 singers from the following choirs: Pro Coro After a brief intermission, 14 years, completed this Music is a language Canada, Axios Men's selections from the liturgical work in 2014. that can positively and Ensemble Edmonton, Resurrectional Divine instantaneously act as Boyan Ensemble of Kyiv, Liturgy, composed by The program notes state: a bridge for truth and Ukrainian Bandurist Rev. John Sembrat, "This concert series was faith, much in the same Chorus, Detroit, OSBM were sung by organized to showcase way that the emissaries Vydubychi Church Choir the combined a capella the compositional talents sent by Prince Volodymyr Kyiv, Chorus of the choir. of Father John Sembrat. over 1025 years ago Armed Forces of Ukraine, OSBM, and other from Rus-Ukraine Homin Municipal Choir Father Sembrat, born in Ukrainian composers, as were convinced upon of Lviv, Ukrainian Male 1943 to Joseph and Olga well as the choral abilities witnessing the splendour Chorus of Edmonton, Wysochansky Sembrat, of this unique male choir and beauty of the Ukrainian Dnipro is a native of Peckville, and its conductor Michael Byzantine Divine Liturgy. Ensemble of Edmonton, a village in Lackawanna Zaugg. This collaborative We can but hope that our National Philharmonic of County in northeastern effort was undertaken to attempt will reach and Ukraine. Pennsylvania. At the age inspire and encourage convert souls through of 16, he entered the the cultivation of Eastern the redemptive power of The first half of the the Basilian Fathers sacred music, as well as the Resurrection of Jesus program featured Sacred in Glen Cove, N.Y. to encourage listeners Christ." Ukrainian liturgical music to strengthen their faith. from the Paschal liturgy, Father Sembrat including works by began composing his This is a link to a video clip of Christos Dmytro Bortniansky and Resurrectional Divine Voskres sung during the concert Artem Vedet. Liturgy in 2000 and after https://youtu.be/dRrmqvrAa6Y?t=1m58s APRIL 30, 2017 22 Resurrection Concert Greeting 2017 by: Metropolitan Stefan Soroka Photo: Teresa Siwak Christ is Risen! Христос Воскрес!

As you entered this golden domed Cathedral today, you undoubtedly noticed something very different. The doors of the iconostas are wide open. It signifies the openness of the heavenly kingdom to all who love and serve the Lord. It vividly reveals the hope we all share - the of our souls, to be forever in the presence of the Risen How grateful we are myrrh-bearing women, Liturgy Project, Damien Christ! to the choral director, “He is Risen!” will sing in Zakordonski and to Michael Zaugg and to our ears! all who assisted him in Today’s presentation of the choir members of organizing this concert sacred music proclaiming many different ensembles God grant to the choral of sacred music. the Resurrection of Our from Canada, America director and to all of the Lord and Savior Jesus and Ukraine for your choir members much We are grateful to all Christ gives you and me timely and exceptional joy and contentment in who are participating a taste of the heavenly gift of presenting this knowing how richly you in this joyous and bliss, the joy and peace inspiring sacred music raise our hearts and inspiring journey with which surpasses all of the Ukrainian Sacred minds to God. Thank the Resurrected Lord understanding which Tradition. Today, the you for inspiring us! Jesus Christ! Welcome! we will realize in the proclamation of the heavenly kingdom. angel who announced We are grateful to the Christ is Risen! Христос Jesus’ resurrection to the chair of the Resurrection Воскрес!

Combined Choir of over 50 singers from Ukraine, Canada and USA (Photo: Tanya Bilyj) APRIL 30, 2017 23 The Ukrainian Cultural Center from Jenkintown PA enjoys an informative visit and tour of St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Church, Northampton, PA during Bright week.

APRIL 30, 2017 24 Replica of Shroud of Turin on display in Swarthmore, PA until May 5, 2017

APRIL 30, 2017 25 Pascha, the Great Day: How did you prepare for it?

Sloatsburg, NY - For all Christians the day of the Resurrection is the Great Day. We prepare in many ways for this Day; this celebration. As Ukrainians we have many traditions; we tidy our homes, we write pysanky, we bake paska breads. But how many of us prepare our spirit and our soul for the Great Day?

On March 31, April 1 Archimandrite of retreatants have participate in structured and 2, 2017, the League Appleyard took the attended annually for prayers that are rarely of Ukrainian Catholics retreatants through the decades. For the newer offered in our parish once again sponsored an readings from the Book guests the experience (Akathist to the Mother opportunity for us to ‘tidy of Exodus and explored has been unforgettable of God and Morning up’ our souls and renew the lessons found there and deeply moving. Psalms, for instance). The our spirits during their and their applications to So much so, that in the educational aspect, with Lenten Retreat in serene, us today. Most intriguing subsequent year they Msgr Appleyard was bucolic Sloatsburg, NY. was a review of the have brought along especially deep this year Ten Commandments; a family members and as we explored how the This year the League topic that for many may even friends not of the culture and life of Israel was privileged to have not have been revisited Eastern Catholic Rite to in the Exodus should Archimandrite George since our childhood share in the experience. frame our understanding Appleyard as retreat catechism days. Like of The Christ. One of the master; his theme, “The all of the conferences One of this year’s best moments for me this Exodus – Then and Now”. that weekend, it sparked retreatants, Andrea, has year was the ability to With the beginning of lively and enlightening agreed to share her receive three Mysteries Holy Week the Vespers discussions well into the thoughts: in one day; Confession, readings are taken evening. Holy Communion, and from the Old Testament “After my first retreat the Anointing with Holy books of Exodus and One of the many (in 2016) I immediately Oil. The reception of Job. Exodus is the story rewards of being a marked the dates in my Anointing, a Mystery we of Israel’s liberation from retreat participant is the 2017 calendar. As soon might not otherwise have Egyptian slavery, of their opportunity to question, as the Great Fast began the opportunity to receive, Passover. It prepares us to explore, and to discuss this year, I looked forward is an especially beautiful for the understanding of the information presented to my time together rite when we participate Christ’s exodus to His with the retreat master my fellow League of in it communally. I Father, of His fulfillment and fellow faithful, and Ukrainian Catholics at recall praying for each of the whole history of to better understand this year’s retreat. This individual as he or she salvation. our faith beliefs and special weekend gives traditions. The majority us an opportunity to (continued on next page) APRIL 30, 2017 26 Pascha, the Great Day: How did you prepare for it?

(continued from previous page) opened their palms and going “home” … a place the Great Fast at St. Pascha. And perhaps received this special warm, familiar and filled Mary’s Villa Retreat an equally important grace. It’s a touching with the best people Center, on the grounds opportunity for fellowship few moments – words imaginable. I plan to of the provincial home with friends – old and cannot adequately return every year.” of the Sisters Servants new. capture the experience! “ of Mary Immaculate. The desire to share a Retreatants are invited Even now plans are “In addition to prayers, deeper understanding to ascend this tranquil underway for next year’s catechesis, and the of our Lord and Savior, mountain location in Retreat weekend. All are reception of Mysteries, Jesus Christ and God’s Sloatsburg, NY, to a invited resolve to take we enjoyed fellowship love for us is innate in place of peace, prayer, the time – that all too over delicious food our being. Daily we are and reflection far from brief time – to step away served by the lovely bombarded by media the haste of weekday life. from their everyday lives Sister Servants of Mary reports of the tragedies Sadly, few individuals, and to prepare their Immaculate who open brought about by those proportionate to our spirit and their soul for their beautiful retreat who have abandoned all entire metropolitan the Great Day. house doors to us warmly faith in God. The flood of Ukrainian Catholic each year. It’s not an information is relentless. diaspora choose to exaggeration to say that Rarely do we take the take advantage of this Contributed by Helen as I drove up the long time to ‘retreat’ from the golden opportunity. Fedoriw, LUC National lane past the grotto, I noise and confusion and In addition to the VicePresident could feel myself relax. to renew and refresh our conferences, retreatants In a strange way, even spirit and our soul. avail themselves of the after only two years of opportunities for prayer, attending these retreats, For over 40 years, the mediation, confession, opening the side door League of Ukrainian and reception of into the retreat house Catholics has sponsored the Eucharist; all in somehow feels like I am such a ‘retreat’ during preparation for the

LUC CONVENTION

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

78th Annual National Convention League of Ukrainian Catholics October 6-8, 2017 Hosted by the North Anthracite Council Genetti Best Western Hotel and Convention Center Wilkes-Barre, PA Theme - "Diakonia: Serving One's Neighbor - Serving Christ" CoChairpersons - Dorothy Jamula and Janina Everett Details forthcoming

APRIL 30, 2017 27 Mark yyour CCallendar:: 63rd Annual Holy Dormition Pilgrimage

August 12-13, 2017

St. Mary’s Villa Sloatsburg, NY

Theme: Sisters Servants of Mary Immaculate: 125 Years - Glory to God! Honor to Mary! Peace to Us!

APRIL 30, 2017 28 Archbishop Stefan Soroka Delivers Remarks during American Jewish Committee of Philadelphia - Annual Murray Friedman Memorial Lecture on Monday, April 24, 2017

Philadelphia, PA- religious persecution are -On Monday, April Christians in countries 24th, the Ukrainian where they comprise a Catholic Archeparchy of significant part of the Philadelphia shared in population. a program, “Speaking out for the Voiceless: The following are Protecting the Human the remarks given by Rights of Religious Metropolitan Stefan Minorities and Women Soroka to those who Worldwide”. attended the AJC sponsored Murray This was the second Friedman Memorial annual Murray lecture: Friedman Memorial through pouring out, especially remember on Lecture organized Good Afternoon! emptying ourselves for this Day of International by the American others, and trusting God Remembrance, no Jewish Committee of Something we all share to fill us back up. one gave voice to the Philadelphia. in common in humanity suffering of the millions is a restlessness to be Our guest speaker, Judy of victims. The world was Trudy Rubin, foreign more complete as human Rubin’s presentation silent. affairs columnist for The beings. The major faith richly reflects the core Philadelphia Inquirer was traditions emphasize values of the person As a Ukrainian-American, the keynote speaker. She this reality of human being honored this I know too well how 7 has traveled around the existence. The active care day, Murray Friedman, to 10 million Ukrainians world and has written for others with a sense of giving testimony to his were starved by Stalin extensively on the issue of a ‘dare not’ commitment commitment to human in the forced famine or women who are without is at the core of Jewish rights, religious freedom 1932-33 and the world resources and who have tradition as a people. and interfaith dialogue. was silent. suffered unimaginable One of the fundamental We leave today atrocities. teachings of Muhammad reminded that we cannot In 1945-46, our Ukrainian stresses that a person choose to be willfully Catholic Church was The intent of the cannot be a complete blind to the plight of the liquidated by Stalin with program is to inform and believer unless he loves voiceless throughout the , priests, religious stimulate advocacy for for his brother what he world. Each is challenged and faithful sent to those suffering religious loves for himself. In the to speak loudly and with the gulags of Siberia; persecution and denial Christian tradition, true conviction for the victims faithful were forced to of human rights. joy and fulfillment comes of religious persecution practice their faith in from sacrificing oneself and the women and men the catacomb church, We commend the for others, to lay down denied basic human only emerging from their American Jewish one’s life for another. rights. underground existence Committee’s emphasis It comes through being with the collapse of the on citing that the vulnerable even to those During the Holocaust, largest minority suffering who reject us. It comes the victims of which we (continued on next page) APRIL 30, 2017 29 Archbishop Stefan Soroka Delivers Remarks during American Jewish Committee of Philadelphia...

(continued from previous page)

Soviet Union – the world to assist the voiceless was silent. enduring persecution for their faith and the denial Our historical experience of human rights. commands us to speak out. We cannot remain I conclude with expressing silent. heartfelt gratitude to the organizers of this In the process of program. God bless all speaking out, daring not for your participation to ignore this obligation today. or leaving it to others to “We need to draw the Ukraine, Soroka speak for the voiceless During an interview with more attention to those explained the value of suffering persecution the Jewish Exponent who are persecuted. It’s the discussion. and the denial of human newspaper, Archbishop important for all of us to rights, we ourselves Soroka made the stand together and share “Today brings out very become more complete following comments: that voice.” much the human story, in our humanity. We the human suffering,” he become more God-like, “I really admire AJC After noting how said. “There are personal reflecting the desire of the gathering different Vladimir Putin and the stories, and that kind of Heavenly Creator who parts of the community Russian government emphasis on the personal enables our becoming to speak up for those have persecuted suffering that is occurring more vulnerable, so that who are voiceless,” religious groups and and gives them voice we may grow in our Ukrainian Archbishop systematically eliminated for that allows for public trust in God as we strive Stefan Soroka said. any form of dissent in outcry.” Icon Writing Workshop

WEDNESDAY, MAY 17 - SUNDAY, MAY 21, 2017 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM Father Damian Higgins FEE: $525.00 ($100 deposit) Registration required by May 1, 2017

Basilian Spirituality Center 710 Fox Chase Road, Fox Chase Manor, PA 19046

In this icon writing experience, Fr. Damian incorporates the study of traditional techniques, the theology and history of the Byzantine Icon, and adequate time to complete your icon. Beginning students as well as students who have completed an icon in the past are welcome. The workshop includes instruction as well as all the supplies needed. Lunch included.

APRIL 30, 2017 30 Save the Date

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.

JUNE 18th FATHER’S DAY. OFFERING THANKSGIVING FOR YOUR FATHER IN PRAYER AT CHURCH

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

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

AUGUST 27TH UKRAINIAN FESTIVAL AT TRYZUB, HORSHAM, PA

SEPTEMBER 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 22nd 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

OCTOBER 29TH HIERARCHICAL DIVINE LITURGY AT ST. PAUL UKRAINIAN CATHOLIC CHURCH, RAMSEY, NJ AT 12 NOON CELEBRATING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE PARISH

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!

APRIL 30, 2017 31 PASTORAL ASSIGNMENTS BY METROPOLITAN STEFAN SOROKA

Effective June 1st, 2017, Effective August 1st, Minersville, PA and Catholic Church in Rev. Volodymyr Popyk 2017, Very Rev. John Nativity of the Blessed Minersville, PA and assumes responsibilities Seniw assumes the duties Virgin Mary Ukrainian Nativity of the Blessed as the Archieparchial and responsibilities Catholic Church in Virgin Mary Ukrainian Representative for the as Pastor of St. John Middleport, PA. Catholic Church in Vision 2020 Program of the Baptist Ukrainian Middleport, PA. our Church. Catholic Church in Effective August 1st, Northampton, PA. 2017, Very Rev. Mark Effective August 1st, Fesniak assumes the 2017, Rev. Roman Effective July 31st, 2017, duties and responsibilities Sverdan assumes the Very Rev. John Seniw as Pastor of Ss. Cyril and duties and responsibilities is relieved of his duties Methodius Ukrainian as Pastor of St. Michael and responsibilities as Catholic Church in Ukrainian Catholic Protopresbyter (Dean) Berwick, PA and St. Church in Cherry Hill, of the North Anthracite Nicholas Ukrainian NJ.and St. Nicholas Protopresbytery. Catholic Church in Glen Ukrainian Catholic Lyon, PA. Church in Millville, NJ. Effective August 1st, Rev. Volodymyr Popyk 2017, Very Rev. Mark Effective July 31st, Rev. Fesniak assumes the Paul Makar is relieved responsibilities as of his pastoral duties Effective July 31st, 2017, Protopresbyter (Dean) and responsibilities for Very Rev. John Seniw is of the North Anthracite St. Michael Ukrainian relieved of his pastoral Protopresbytery. Catholic Church in duties and responsibilities Cherry Hill, NJ. for Ss. Cyril and Effective July 31st, 2017, Methodius Ukrainian Rev. Mark Fesniak is Effective August 1st, Catholic Church in relieved of his pastoral 2017, Rev. Paul Makar Berwick, PA and St. duties and responsibilities assumes the duties and Nicholas Ukrainian for St. Nicholas Ukrainian responsibilities as Pastor Catholic Church in Glen Catholic Church in of St. Nicholas Ukrainian Lyon, PA.

Very Rev. John Seniw Very Rev. Mark Fesniak Rev. Paul Makar Rev. Roman Sverdan APRIL 30, 2017 32 Annual Spring Clergy Conference for Philadelphia Archeparchy Hosted by Saints Peter and Paul Parish in Bridgeport, Pa.

Bridgeport, Pa.- the financial report of and proper placement -The Annual Spring the Archeparchy and of icons in our Ukrainian Clergy Conference St. Josaphat Ukrainian Catholic Churches. for the Philadelphia Catholic Seminary. Archeparchy was held Sister Ann Laszok, here Tuesday and Archbishop Stefan gave a OSBM outlined the Wednesday, April 25-26. status report on the plans structure and uses for The two-day meeting of to move the Chancery the text “Christ Our clergy was hosted by into the renovated school Pascha—The Catechism pastor Rev. Dr. Msgr. building and the plans of the Ukrainian Ronald P. Popivchak and to generate funds from Catholic Church” as a the parishioners of Ss. the rental of the existing catechesis resource for Peter and Paul Ukrainian chancery building. our parishes. Mr. Christopher Lukach Catholic Church. Father Paul Makar, The concluding topic Tuesday afternoon, Mr. Vocations Director, gave of the conference was Christopher Lukach. a summary of plans for a presentation by from the Anne Klein the May 7 World Day Rev. Msgr. Myron J. Communications Group of Prayer for Vocations Grabowsky on evil and made presentations and how it should be the use of exorcisms in on the following topics, observed in the parishes the church. “The Realities of Today's that weekend. Media Landscape” and The conference ended “Navigating the Social Rev. Archpriest Michael with the celebration of Media Landscape.” Hutsko gave a detailed the Divine Liturgy with report of the weekly Metropolitan Stefan During the evening Divine Liturgy attendance as main celebrant and Mr. John Drozd dinner, prepared by in all the parishes of the homilist. Bishop John the parishioners of Ss. Archeparchy, together Bura, together with Peter and Paul Church, with the number of the deans Very Rev. Metropolitan Soroka registered faithful in Andriy Rabiy, vicar presented certificates both the parishes and general; Very Rev. to the clergy who are combined archieparchial Taras Lonchyna, Very celebrating significant enrollment. Rev. John Seniw, Very anniversaries of their Rev. Archpriest Michael priestly ordination this After a short break, Hutsko, and Very Rev. year. Auxiliary Bishop John Robert J. Hitchens were Bura presented a celebrants. The Wednesday talk “Understanding morning session Iconography in Our During his homily began with Mr. John Church” which included Metropolitan Stefan Drozd, Archieparchial power-point slides as he discussed the encounter Rev. Archpriest Finance Officer developed the history and Michael Hutsko (Econome) presenting stylistic developments (continued on next page) APRIL 30, 2017 33 Annual Spring Clergy Conference for Philadelphia Archeparchy Hosted by Saints Peter and Paul Parish in Bridgeport, Pa.

(continued from previous page) with Jesus on the Road vineyard of Christ. Liturgy was distributed to Emmaus as related in to all the pastors to the Gospel of Luke and At the conclusion of use in administering the how our hearts should the Divine Liturgy, Holy Holy Mysteries in their also be burning with Chrism (Myron), which parishes. desire as we serve our was consecrated at the faithful as priests in the Holy Thursday Divine

Auxiliary Bishop

Sister Ann Laszok, OSBM

Metropolitan-Archbishop Stefan Soroka, Bishop John Bura, Rev. Msgr. Myron J. Rev. Taras Lonchyna, and Rev. Dr. Msgr. Ronald P. Popivchak Grabowsky APRIL 30, 2017 34 St. Nicholas first grade helps change her corner of the world

BY JOHN E. USALIS along the walkway mind so that they were 04/19/2017 from the sidewalk to the integrated.” porch. Window boxes MINERSVILLE — A were painted and will Johnson took that first grade student at soon have flowers, as instance and asked his St. Nicholas School in with the area around the students about what Minersville provided an school sign in the yard. they could do to not important lesson about necessarily change the the best way to help Johnson explained that world, but instead what change the world is to the discussion began with could be done to change change your own little an article in Scholastic the school to make it a corner of it. News magazine about better place. someone who was “Erica took it from there Erica Miller, 7, of interested in changing a and suggested about Erica Miller (Photo: Pottsville seems to have societal condition. doing something to make John E. Usalis) a perpetual smile and it prettier and brighten it a positive attitude that “There was a girl who up by cleaning up our Stephanie said. “So that’s resulted in her idea to participated in sit-ins front,” Johnson said. where it all started.” beautify the front of her during the time that school for her classmates desegregation was On that day Erica left Erica did have a birthday and others to enjoy as the issue,” Johnson school early and told her party, and instead of they entered and left explained. “Now, this mother, Stephanie Miller, getting presents, her the building. It all came girl was 12, which is about what happened in friends and others gave about with a discussion older than our kids, class and her idea. her money for her idea. in her classroom started but the article was Overall, she raised $250 with a story by her about a restaurant “She said the class in cash and gift cards for teacher Neil Johnson. that didn’t allow any learned about a little girl the project. Stephanie African-Americans, who changed the world,” spoke to her home The work done included and the students kept Stephanie Miller said. gardener, Scott Siket, some landscaping in the going in day after day “And I asked Erica what who looked over the lawn area with shrubs until the restaurant she would do to change school site and came up and decorative rocks owners changed their the world, and she said with some ideas. she wanted to make the school prettier so the kids “He came over and are happy when they go looked and said how to school.” about some rocks here and some new plants. Erica’s birthday was Erica loved all those coming up and her ideas,” Stephanie said. mother asked what she “He painted the window wanted for presents. boxes and the students are going to be planting “She said I don’t want in the window boxes presents. I want to make my school pretty,” (continued on next page)

APRIL 30, 2017 35 St. Nicholas first grade helps change her corner of the world (continued from previous page) and underneath the Stephanie said. said. “In first grade we’re Holland. St. Nicholas sign on still introducing writing, Monday for Earth Day “Are you happy and she is one of our “This is such a wonderful to make it pretty.” everything turned out better writers.” thing,” Holland said. good?” Johnson asked “She’s a wonderful kid, The work was done on Erica, who is someone of On Wednesday when and for someone at that a Saturday and Erica few words. she showed off the age to have it done like helped pull weeds, but landscaping work, Erica that is just terrific. She’s needed to give space “Yes,” she said. was presented with a a great kid at school when big equipment large handmade card and is a tribute to her came in to deliver the “Are you disappointed signed by everyone in family, her school and rocks. with anything?” Johnson the school thanking her her community. She’s asked. for the project. an inspiration to young “She wasn’t able to help people to think of with that part, but she “No,” Erica replied. “Wow! This is one giant something like that for told them where she card!” Erica said with the school.” wanted everything. She “She is a writer. She does delight when it was given was a little foreman,” love to write,” Johnson to her by Principal David

HOLY MYRRH-BEARERS PARISHIONERS IN SWARTHMORE, PA, FEED THE HUNGRY DURING THE GREAT FAST

“For I was hungry and you gave me food…” Matthew 25:35

Holy Myrrh-Bearer parishioners lived out the Gospel call to feed those in need. On Saturday, April 1st parishioners gathered to prepare turkey dinners to be distributed to the hungry in their local community. Twenty five (25) dinners were prepared through donations of food made by parishioners. The dinners were then given to Saint Matthews Lutheran Church in Ridley Township, which runs the local food back, to which Holy Myrrh-Bearers parish regularly provides food through its Lenten and Advent food drives.

APRIL 30, 2017 36 Baby Daniela Maria Myronyuk is Welcomed into Christ’s Church

Scranton, PA - On Bright Monday, April 17, 2017, Daniela Maria, the newborn daughter of Father Myron and Pani Irena Myronyuk, was baptized and chrismated by Metropolitan Stefan Soroka at Scranton’s St. Vladimir Church. Assisting were Father Volodymyr Klanichka of St. Nicholas Church, Wilmington, Delaware; Father Eric Bergman of St. Thomas More Roman Catholic Church, Scranton: Father Gregory Maslak, (Front Row) - left to right: Mathew Myronyuk, Tonia Myronyuk, Retired; and her father, Pani Irena holding Daniela Maria and Damian Myronyuk; (Back Rev. Myron Myronyuk. Row): Sofiya Myronyuk, Lisa Myronyuk, Father Myron, Godmother Dr. Olenka Chandoha and Godfather Rev. John Seniw (Photo: The beautiful sacred Lauren Telep) ritual and Divine Liturgy were witnessed by her mother, her brothers and sisters, friends of the family and Father Myron’s many parishioners of both the Scranton church and SS. Peter and Paul Church of Simpson PA.

A bountiful reception followed in the parish center where guests were able to admire Baby Daniela Maria, congratulate her beaming parents and mingle with one another. Metropolitan Stefan blessing Pani Irena (Photo: Paul Ewasko) APRIL 30, 2017 37 THE MYRRH-BEARING WOMEN

Christ is Risen is the witness of the Church to the world. The discovery of the empty tomb by the Myrrh- bearing Women was the first sign of the Resurrection. These women were present when Joseph of Arimathea placed the lifeless body of Jesus in the grave. They watched him roll the large stone over the mouth of the cave in which Jesus was buried. Early in the morning, on the first day of the week, they brought spices to anoint the body of Jesus. As they approached the grave, it occurred to them that the large stone would have to be rolled back if they wanted to enter the grave. As they were discussing this, they came to the grave and saw the stone rolled back. They entered the tomb and found an Angel seated there. They were afraid, but the Angel said to them, "Do not be frightened. I know you are looking for Jesus the Crucified, but He is not here. He has been raised, exactly as He promised. Come and see the place where He was laid. Then go quickly and tell His Disciples." (Mt. 28: 5-6)

Our Church remembers these holy women on the second Sunday after Easter. The Icon of the Myrrh- bearing Women witnesses the Resurrection of Christ as it follows the Gospel account. The cave represents the burial place, originally belonging to Joseph of Arimathea. Now there only remains the empty sepulchre and linen cloth. The faithful women stand by it as the Angel of the Lord tells them, "He has been raised."

Unlike Lazarus, who was called from his grave when the stone was rolled back, Christ was not called forth from His tomb. The Angel moved the stone to show that He was no longer there. He has risen! The image is sung over and over in the Resurrectional verse:

The Myrrh-bearing Women arrived just before the dawn at the tomb of the Giver of Life and found an Angel seated on the stone who spoke these words to them: "Why do you seek the living among the dead? Why do you mourn the Incorruptible among those subject to decay? Go, announce the good news to His Disciples. "

The message of the Icon of the Myrrh-bearing Women touches us. Christ is not in the tomb. He is risen!

TROPARION — The Angel stood by the tomb and cried out to the women bringing ointment: "Ointments are for the dead, but Christ has shown Himself not subject to corruption; so now cry out: 'The Lord is risen, bestowing great mercy upon the world.' "

God-with-Us Icon series

APRIL 30, 2017 38 Head of UGCC on Easter Sunday: “Slogan “Heroes don’t die” is a paschal song of Ukrainian people”

Monday, 17 April 2017 is a holiday of a transformation, a holiday of a transfer, emergence Today a hope is risen from a reality related to for those who have lost pain, suffering, weakness it. Today those rejoice of a human, sin and who gave their lives for death. It is a holiday of their own people and entering an absolutely homeland. Today we different reality related understand that slogan to brightness, life, “Heroes don’t die” means happiness, peace and nothing but a paschal joy, what is endless”, the song of Ukrainian people Archbishop said. on their way of following Christ. Head of Church marked that this Pasch we Father and Head of experience changes in a us. He is our way, and optimism festive Ukrainian Greek Catholic special way here in our truth and life”, Head of day, His Beatitude Church His Beatitude Patriarchal Cathedral in Church asks everyone to Sviatoslav congratulated Sviatoslav said it in his Kyiv, what is a cathedral think carefully about it. everybody. “When homily on the Day of of Resurrection of Christ. “Today we are singing we congratulate each Resurrection of Christ And during exactly these a song of Christ, the other, saying “Christ is on 16th of April 2017 at days we celebrate its triumpher over sin and risen”, we spread this Patriarchal Cathedral of parish festival. death, so we feel we life strength we get from Resurrection of Christ in can cultivate a life where a resurrected Christ”, Kyiv. His Beatitude Sviatoslav somebody cultivates added a spiritual leader Bishop Bohdan Dziurakh, assumes that today, death; build where of Greek Catholics. Secretary of the Synod thinking about somebody destroys. We He congratulated of Bishops of UGCC, Resurrection of Christ, feel we have enough people all over bishop Josef Milian, we understand that the strength to change, Ukraine and abroad. Bishop-auxiliary of Kyiv last word in a human’s reform, give a new life He congratulated our Archeparchy and priests history doesn’t belong and breath to our country migrant workers who of Kyiv Archeparchy co- to the human and their when some want to seek an honest bread served His Beatitude malice, neither to a sin, reckon us it is impossible. beyond their own Sviatoslav during the nor to a death. The last “Nothing is impossible to country. Liturgy. word goes to God only. those who believe”, Jesus The last word takes a Christ says. We see that Our brothers and sisters Describing this day, resurrected Christ. A life, today for the one who from the occupied Head explained that not a death. “Risen from believes in Resurrection, territories and Crimea today we are celebrating a grave, Jesus Christ there are no boundaries coast, hostages and the greatest, the most tells us: there are no or reasons for mourning captives were also important holiday of desperate situations, I over the impasses”, the congratulated. “Christ is all, a feast of feasts – am your way out. Christ preacher assured. your Rescuer, be sure”, Resurrection of Christ. is our way, the one who “This Paschal holiday open new doors before On this full of joy (continued on next page) APRIL 30, 2017 39 Head of UGCC on Easter Sunday: “Slogan “Heroes don’t die” is a paschal song of Ukrainian people” (continued from previous page)

Head of Church said. everything what prevents at the frontline, who see asking our resurrected Ukraine from being free death with their own Savior about is to grant ‘I am sending my democratic European eyes every day. And I paschal peace to our paschal greetings state is possible to am telling you: believe in land”. to our government, conquer”, His Beatitude Resurrection, be not the and I am saying you: Sviatoslav assured. bearers of death, but life The UGCC Department don’t be sad, don’t and resurrection, since for Information lose faith. Those good “I am sending my paschal you defend it and give intentions and reforms greetings to our soldiers your life for it”, Head you are starting God who are defending our of Church appealed to will support. Corruption, Pasch, who consume our soldiers and added the old system and Paschal food in trenches that what we are mostly

Pope delivers his Urbi et Orbi message

the Pope's Urbi et Orbi ourselves be mastered love – He draws us to Ap;ril 16, 2017 message by sin, lose the right way follow Him on his way, and end up straying like the way of life. Today () Pope Dear Brothers and lost sheep. But God too, He places upon His Francis on Easter Sunday Sisters, Happy Easter! Himself, our shepherd, shoulders so many of delivered his traditional has come in search our brothers and sisters Urbi et Orbi (to the city Today, throughout of us. To save us, He crushed by evil in all its and the world) message the world, the Church lowered Himself even varied forms. from the central loggia echoes once more the to accepting death on of St Peter's Basilica. He astonishing message of the cross. Today we can The Risen Shepherd prayed that the Risen Lord the first disciples: “Jesus proclaim: “The Good goes in search of would walk beside those is risen!” – “He is truly Shepherd has risen, who all those lost in the who are marginalized risen, as He said!” laid down his life for His labyrinths of loneliness and who are victimized sheep, and willingly died and marginalization. by old and new forms of The ancient feast for His flock, Alleluia” He comes to meet them slavery. The Holy Father of Passover, the (Roman Missal, IV Sunday through our brothers also prayed the Lord commemoration of the of Easter, Communion and sisters who treat would bring peace to liberation of the Hebrew antiphon). them with respect and the Middle East, come to people from slavery, here kindness, and help them the aid of Ukraine, shed finds fulfillment. By His In every age, the Risen to hear His voice, an his blessing upon the resurrection, Jesus Christ Shepherd tirelessly unforgettable voice, a continent of Europe and has set us free from the seeks us, His brothers voice calling them back build bridges of dialogue slavery of sin and death, and sisters, wandering to friendship with God. in Latin America. and has opened before in the deserts of this us the way to eternal life. world. With the marks Below is the English of the passion – the language translation of All of us, when we let wounds of His merciful (continued on next page) APRIL 30, 2017 40 Pope delivers his Urbi et Orbi message (continued from previous page)

He takes upon Himself all the efforts of all those rule of law. Dear brothers and those victimized by old actively engaged sisters, this year and new forms of slavery, in bringing comfort May the Good Shepherd Christians of every inhuman labor, illegal and relief to the civil come to the aid of confession celebrate trafficking, exploitation population in Syria, prey Ukraine, still beset by Easter together. With and discrimination, and to a war that continues conflict and bloodshed, one voice, in every part grave forms of addiction. to sow horror and death. to regain social harmony. of the world, we proclaim He takes upon Himself May he grant peace to May He accompany the great message: “The children and adolescents the entire Middle East, every effort to alleviate Lord is truly risen, as he deprived of their carefree beginning with the Holy the tragic sufferings of said!” May Jesus, who innocence and exploited, Land, as well as in Iraq those affected by the vanquished the darkness and those deeply hurt by and Yemen. conflict. of sin and death, grant acts of violence that take peace to our days. place within the walls of May the Good Shepherd The Risen Lord continues their own home. remain close to the to shed His blessing upon Happy Easter! people of South Sudan, the continent of Europe. The Risen Shepherd Sudan, Somalia and the May He grant hope http://en.radiovaticana. walks beside all those Democratic Republic to those experiencing va/news/2017/04/16/ forced to leave their of Congo, who endure moments of crisis and pope_delivers_ homelands as a result continuing hostilities, difficulty, especially due his_urbi_et_orbi_ of armed conflicts, aggravated by the grave to high unemployment, message/1306109 terrorist attacks, famine famine affecting certain particularly among and oppressive regimes. parts of Africa. young people. Everywhere He helps these forced migrants to May the Risen Jesus encounter brothers and sustain the efforts of all sisters, with whom they those who, especially can share bread and in Latin America, are hope on their journey. committed to ensuring the common good of In the complex and often societies marked at times dramatic situations of by political and social today’s world, may the tensions that in some Risen Lord guide the cases have resulted steps of all those who in violence. May it be work for justice and possible for bridges of peace. May He grant dialogue to be built, by the leaders of nations continuing to fight the the courage they need scourge of corruption to prevent the spread and to seek viable and of conflicts and to put a peaceful solutions to Pope Francis delivers his Urbi et Orbi (to halt to the arms trade. disputes, for progress the city and the world) message - AP and the strengthening of Especially in these democratic institutions in days, may He sustain complete respect for the APRIL 30, 2017 41 "When you think that there is no way out – do not believe it!" – His Beatitude Sviatoslav

Tuesday, 18 April 2017 With such words the think that everything is now, may He give hope Father and Head of the lost and ended – don't to those who have lost Dear brothers and sisters UGCC his Beatitude believe! Since every it, give power to those in Ukraine and in the Sviatoslav greeted the end is in its essence the who feel powerless. settlements, on this bright faithful and all people of beginning. Easter – is Christ is risen and death Feast, solemnity of all good will with the Feast the turning point for the is overcome and there is solemnities, let me greet of Resurrection of Our whole mankind. And this no single sorrow. Christ you all with the Holiday Lord Jesus Christ. day is our new strength, is risen and Ukraine will of the Resurrection of our renewal, our hope rise, too." Our Lord Jesus Christ. Today, according to the for the better tomorrow," This paschal mystery words of the Head of the emphasized his Beatitude The UGCC Department that we are experiencing UGCC, the Resurrected Sviatoslav. of Information has two parts. One of Christ is telling us that them is filled with sorrow there are no hopeless Besides, the Head http://news.ugcc.ua/en/ since the Lord's tomb situations. "Our way of the Church invited news/when_you_think_ where Jesus's body was out is He Himself – all the faithful to step that_there_is_no_way_ put is a symbol of end the Resurrected Savior. confidently after Christ out__do_not_believe_ and hopelessness. But He is the source of our into His Resurrection: it__his_beatitude_ behold, Jesus resurrects faith, our hope, He is "May the Resurrected sviatoslav_79258.html and breaks the gates of our peace. So, greeting Christ stretch His hand death and victoriously you, I long to bring you of hope and help to comes out of the grave. good news: when you those who are grieving

The Head of the UGCC greeted Pope-Emeritus Benedict XVI with his 90th jubilee

Saturday, 15 April 2017 In his letter the Head Resurrected Christ.” the mission of the global of the UGCC noted: Church,” observed the On April 16, on the “A joyful coincidence His Beatitude Sviatoslav Head of the UGCC. day of the Feast of of your jubilee with the also thanked Pope Christ's Resurrection, day when the whole holy Emeritus for his ministry Secretariat of the Head Pope Emeritus Benedict Church is celebrating the for the Ukrainian Greek of the UGCC in Rome XVI celebrates his 90th Resurrection of the Lord Catholic Church and birthday. The Head of is symbolic because you “pastoral closeness to http://news.ugcc.ua/ the UGCC greeted the were born and baptized the Ukrainian nation.” en/news/the_head_ jubilant. on Holy Saturday. During “Working daily for the of_the_ugcc_greeted_ all your life, especially new evangelization popeemeritus_benedict_ On this occasion his while serving as the coming true, you inspired xvi_with_his_90th_ Beatitude Sviatoslav, the successor to the Apostle not once our Church and jubilee_79256.html Head and Father of the Peter, you testified to the other Eastern Churches UGCC, sent his Holiness world about paschal joy to make our own a greeting letter. and beauty of faith in the spiritual contribution to APRIL 30, 2017 42 The Eucharistic Themes in the Sanctuary Mosaics of the Golden-domed Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.

The sanctuary is the most sacred place of a cathedral or church, which is separate from the nave of the church by the iconostas..

In the sanctuary are located the Holy Table (altar), upon which rests the tabernacle which contains the reserved Holy Eucharist, he Gospel Book, over the antimension, and a prepares the Holy Gifts. handcross. The Proskomedia from the Greek word meaning The antimension, comes “offering or proskomide, from the Greek word is the Office of Oblation meaning "instead of the celebrated by the priest table." It is a rectangular prior to the Divine Liturgy piece of cloth, of during which the bread either linen or silk, and wine are prepared typically decorated with for the Holy Eucharist. representations of the The Proskomedia is entombment of Christ, a prerequisite for the the , Divine Liturgy. and scriptural passages related to the Eucharist. To the right of the altar, A small relic of a martyr is the Vesting Table is sewn into it. The or Diaconicon. This is Eucharist cannot be the table upon which celebrated without an are placed the priestly antimension. vestments and where the priest vests himself prior To the left of the Holy to the beginning of the Table behind the Divine Liturgy. Iconostasis is the Table of Oblation or Table of In the golden-domed Preparation, also known Ukrainian Catholic as the Prothesis, or Cathedral of the Proskomide. It is the table (continued on next page) upon which the priest Apsidal wall APRIL 30, 2017 43 The Eucharistic Themes in the Sanctuary Mosaics of the Golden-domed Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. (continued from previous page)

Immaculate Conception, His apostles. Rather, it The composition of the This icon has been four mosaics are found represents the timeless, mosaic was inspired by described as “nothing on the apsidal wall. eternal, and mystical the 15th iconographer less than the image The dominant mosaic of event being celebrated Andrei Rublev. The of divine revelation the Mother of God, is celestially. The Eucharist three angels are seated concerning the nature of noticed by the faithful as is not restricted to a around a table which God.” they enter the cathedral, particular time or place. represents an altar upon towering above the which are a chalice and Above the vesting table, iconostas. Above the Proskomide loaves of bread. The the Diaconicon, is a table is a mosaic icon Three Angels lean toward mosaic of the breaking However, in this article known as the Hospitality each other in mutual of the bread at Emmaus. we will describe the three of Abraham. It is love, their hands held Bright Tuesday is mosaics that are placed sometimes called the in a blessing directed sometimes called in the lower level of the "Old Testament Trinity" toward the focal point at Emmaus Tuesday apsidal wall. These because of its relationship the center of the table. because the Gospel three mosaics all have a to Genesis 18:1-15. In The Three Angels, whilst read at the Divine Liturgy Eucharistic theme since Genesis 18:1-15 three distinct persons, possess on this day is the Gospel they are located in the individuals appear to a striking similarity to of Luke (24:13-32). most sacred place of the Abraham at the Oak of each other, producing a cathedral, the sanctuary, Mamre. harmony between Them. (continued on next page) where the Holy Altar is found and upon which the gifts of bread and wine become the Holy Mysteries, Body and Blood of Jesus Christ, during the celebration of the Divine Liturgy.

Directly behind the Holy Table is a mosaic of the Mystical Supper, the Heavenly Banquet. Jesus Christ is depicted with six apostles to his left and six apostles to his right. Two angels are on either side of Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ has in his hands a chalice and bread. This mosaic icon does not depict an event Trinity from the life of Christ or Emmaus APRIL 30, 2017 44 The Eucharistic Themes in the Sanctuary Mosaics of the Golden-domed Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. (continued from previous page) The Road to Emmaus St. Luke describes this appearance refers to one climactic moment. As of the early resurrection they approached the appearances of Jesus village to which they after his crucifixion and were going, he gave the the discovery of the impression that he was empty tomb. going on farther. But they urged him, “Stay The evangelist Luke in with us, for it is nearly his Gospel describes evening and the day is the encounter on the almost over.” So he went road and the supper, in to stay with them. and states that while a And it happened that, Mystical Supper named Cleopas while he was with them was walking towards at table, he took bread, the scriptures to us?”(Lk. in our sacred places Emmaus with another said the blessing, broke 24:28-32) during the celebration of disciple, they met Jesus. it, and gave it to them. the Divine Liturgy. Not They did not recognize With that their eyes The sanctuary of the only are we, the faithful, him, and discussed their were opened and they golden-domed Ukrainian spiritually nourished on sadness at recent events recognized him, but he Catholic Cathedral of the hearing the Word of with him. They persuaded vanished from their sight. Immaculate Conception, God, but we receive the him to come and eat Then they said to each through the Eucharistic Food of Eternal Life, the with them, and in the other, “Were not our themes incorporated into Body and Blood of Our course of the meal they hearts burning [within the mosaics, designed Savior, Jesus Christ. recognized him in the us] while he spoke to us by Chrystyna Dochwat, breaking of the bread. on the way and opened reminds us what happens (to be continued)

Sisters Servants of Mary Immaculate Celebrate 125 Years of Blessings May IInttenttiion:: Ювіілейний Наміір ССНДМ -- ТТравень:: Heavenly Father, You have graced our life with Mary, the Небесний Отче, ти дав нам Марію, Матір Твого Сина, Mother of Your Son, Jesus. Ісуса. Покровителько нашої Американської Провінції Се- Patroness of our American Province of Sisters Servants and стер Служебниць та Покровителько Сполучених Шта- Patroness of the United States of America, we devote our- тів Америки, поручаємо себе Твоєму заступництву та selves to Your patronage and commit ourselves to honor- зобов’язуємося прославляти Тебе нашим щоденним ing You with our daily living. життям.

Pllease JJoiin UUs aas WWe PPray:: Blessed Josaphata, Будь лласка,, пприєднуйтесь ддо ннас,, you are crowned in heaven with the praise of the Blessed, у ммолитвіі:: Блаженна Йосафато, що увінчана в intercede for us before God for the grace we so ardently plead небі славою блаженних, заступайся за нами перед Богом for the greater glory of God, honor to Mary and peace through- про ласку, яку так гаряче просимо тебе, щоб усе співдіяло на out the world. більшу славу Божу, честь Марії і мир по всьому світі.

APRIL 30, 2017 45 AN EASTER SHARING OF HOPE FOR THE ‘CONFRONT THE DEFICIT PROGRAM’ + Stefan Soroka, Metropolitan-Archbishop Easter is a celebration To date, $152,821 in of hope. I invite our donations has been clergy and faithful to received, of which generously share in the $41,915 came from just successful achievement less than half of our of hope in the major parishes. The costs have transition happening been very reasonable at our Chancery and to cover expenses of Cathedral complex. The installing telephone, Cathedral Offices and internet, air conditioning, Rectory have already and some office walls. A crane being used to renovate the new moved into the former The installation of one Chancery location. (Photo: Ken Hutchins) convent building next elevator to serve both to our Cathedral. Our buildings presents the other sources to cover to our Archeparchy, so ‘Treasury of Faith most significant cost. rising costs, so that we that our ministry can be Museum’ has moved into may operate without fruitful and creative in newly developed facilities We ask your heartfelt a deficit and without serving the faithful. I offer in the basement of the consideration to offering burdening the parishes. my heartfelt gratitude to Cathedral. The former a generous gift of The potential savings all who have and will school building beside love to enable the for parishes may be assist us in enabling the the Cathedral is now successful completion significant. successful fulfillment of being accommodated as of this major transition. this relocation benefiting the new location of our The consolidation of I beg your financial the ministry of our Church Chancery. The library our Chancery and help at this time with and the financial well- has already relocated. Cathedral operations a generous Easter Gift being of our parishes. We anticipate moving in underutilized space of Love. Share in the into the new Chancery will enable a significant achievement of this hope God bless you richly in space in May of this year, amount of building space to bring financial stability ways only He can! vacating our existing to be revenue producing. Chancery facilities by This is being done to “Go Fund Me” Page for June 1st. Some 26,250 benefit the parishes, ‘Confront the Deficit Program’ square feet of space to lessen their burden will be available for in subsidizing costs of A "Go Fund Me" page has lease to generate rental Chancery administration. been created for the Ukrainian income which will fund During the past 12 years, Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia's "Confront a significant portion of no increase of Chancery the Deficit" Campaign. Please help in whatever way the Chancery expenses. administrative costs has you can by contributing via the “Go Fund Me” page A number of potential been passed on to the https://www.gofundme.com/confront-the-deficit or renters have already parishes. All are facing by sending an offering to the Ukrainian Catholic walked through our increasing costs and Archeparchy, 827 N Franklin Street, Philadelphia, facility to see if it would diminishing revenues. PA 19123. Thank you for your anticipated generous meet their rental needs We needed to take assistance. in this rapidly developing this radical approach area of the city. to derive income from https://www.gofundme.com/confront-the-deficit APRIL 30, 2017 46 May 2017 - Tðàâíÿ 2017 Congratulations on your Happy Birthday! Anniversary of Priesthood!

Ç Äíåì íàðîäæåííÿ! ³òàºìî ç г÷íèöåþ Ñâÿùåíñòâà!

May 16: Subdeacon Alex Bricki May 1: Subdeacon Alex Bricki (1st Anniversary) May 22: Rev. Msgr. Ronald May 3: Rev. Mykola Bychok, C.Ss.R. (12th Anniversary) Popivchak May 5: Rev. Vasyl Putera (21st Anniversary) May 23: Rev. Alexander Dumenko May 11: Very Rev. Archpr. John M. Fields (31st Anniversary) May 12: Very Rev. Archpr. Daniel Gurovich (43rd Anniversary) May the Good Lord Continue May 14: Rev. John Ciurpita (28th Anniversary) to Guide You and Shower May 14: Msgr. James Melnic (39th Anniversary) You with His Great Blessings. May 16: Rev. Paul J. Makar (7th Anniversary) Mnohaya Lita! May 16: Rev. John Seniw (35th Anniversary) May 16: V. Rev. Archpriest Daniel Troyan (35th Anniversary) Íåõàé Äîáðèé Ãîñïîäü May 20: Very Rev. Archpr. Michael Hutsko (33rd Anniversary) ÒðèìຠÂàñ ó Ñâî¿é Îï³ö³ May 22: Rev. Robert Hitchens (23rd Anniversary) òà Ùåäðî Áëàãîñëîâèòü Âàñ. May 25: Rev. Msgr. Myron Grabowsky (50th Anniversary) Ìíîãàÿ ˳òà! May 25: Rev. Msgr. Ronald Popivchak (50th Anniversary)

May God Grant You Many Happy and Blessed Years of Service in the Vineyard of Our Lord!

Íåõàé Áîã Îáäàðóº Áàãàòüìà Áëàãîñëîâåííèìè Ðîêàìè Ñëóæ³ííÿ â Ãîñïîäíüîìó Âèíîãðàäíèêó!

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THE WAY Staff Ms. Teresa Siwak, Editor; Rev. D. George Worschak, Assistant Editor; Very Rev. Archpriest John Fields, Director of Communication

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