Eastern Catholic Life Official Publication of the Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Passaic

VOL. LIV, NO. 7 JULY 2018 Bishop Lach accepts Parma appointment as

By‘will Laura Ieraci; republishedof God’ with permission from Horizons

ARMA, Ohio — Bishop Milan “We ask in the Our Father that the will of Lach, SJ, will be enthroned as God be done,” Bishop Lach told Horizons. the fifth bishop of the Eparchy of “I believe that this (appointment) is the will ParmaP during a Divine Liturgy at the Ca- of God and I accept it, to do my duties as thedral of SaintJohn the Baptist June 30. bishop and to shepherd my flock with the He succeeds Bishop John Kudrick, whose help of our priests and deacons.” resignation was accepted by the Vatican May 7, 2016. Last June, Pope Francis had appointed Bishop Lach, then auxiliary bishop of the Bishop Lach’s appointment as eparch Archeparchy of Presov, Slovakia, as the ap- was announced June 1. Up until then, he ostolic administrator sede vacante of Parma. had served as apostolic administrator, an His appointment came after Archbishop appointment he received June 24, 2017. Skurla had already served as the administra- tor of Parma for more than a year. Archbishop Christophe Pierre, apostolic nuncio to the United States, will preside Bishop Lach said the new appointment at the enthronement liturgy. Archbishop “does not change anything for the faithful.” Bishop Milan Lach, SJ, celebrates Divine Liturgy for Pentecost at the Church of Saint Anthony the Abbot in Rome, two weeks before being named the fifth bishop of Parma. William C. Skurla of Pittsburgh will be the The spiritual care and guidance he offered (Photo: Horizons/Pavel Vavilin) main celebrant. prior to his appointment will continue. certain ecclesial matters, including par- Byzantine Catholic faithful, both in Bishop Milan Lach, SJ, said he has re- From a canonical point of view, how- ish closures and mergers, the alienation of the United States and in Slovakia, took to ceived his appointment as the fifth eparch ever, the appointment grants full powers of property and the reorganization of dioc- social media to express their joy and con- of Parma as “the will of God.” episcopal governance, as canon law places esan structures. gratulations to the 44-year-old bishop upon limitations on an administrator regarding Continued on page 3

InterviewBeing by Raul Botha,Teen photo and andarticle used withByzantine the kind permission of Unirea Canton, the official publication of the Romanian Catholic Diocese of Canton. This article originally appeared in the spring 2018 issue of Unirea Canton magazine, available at www.unirea.org.

was baptized into the Romainian Catholic To be Byzantine is to have commu- answer their questions. I’m not afraid to Church. nity. To be Byzantine is to know every- answer their questions. So, yes it takes some one in your church and to love everyone work on my own. For example, I ask my fa- I view my faith as a love affair. I view and to see everyone as your brother and ther questions, to study on my own. When all that I do as a way to show how I love sister in Christ. To be Byzantine is to be I go to these gatherings, since I do go to a God and how I love the traditions that he persecuted. To know that overseas and Roman Catholic University, people do ask has given us. I demonstrate that through here we are struggling to survive, but yet, me what it is like to be Byzantine and what the fact that I am a cantor at our church; I we do. To be Byzantine is difficult. To be does that mean. So, I just start from a posi- lead catechism classes with our youth; I try Byzantine is to be alone. But there is such tion of honesty, and a position of truth, and every day to say the Jesus Prayer, which is strength that comes from that. The fact that a position of love. I want to share with them a very important part of my life. Practicing we have survived when we were persecuted the totality and beauty of what it means to that has definitely directed me and helped by our own brethren and yet here we are, be Catholic, which means universal. Yes, my faith grow. What has helped me at we are standing for something that would there have been some difficult interactions. this point now, and how I am growing in be otherwise lost. We represent who Christ The fact that people don’t understand, or it my faith, is being able to read more of the was and where he came from, and that is gets them out of their comfort zone, or the Church fathers. I really use these beauti- what it means to be a Byzantine for me. It fact that I will never give up on my fellow ful resources in order to really understand is the constant identity of the past, to real- Roman Catholic friends and I will never what it means to be a Byzantine Catholic ize that the blood of countless martyrs is say no in answering their questions—that’s and how I can live that through every mo- on our shoulders. And so, every time I go where patience comes in. But also, ulti- ment of my entire life. to Divine Liturgy, that is what I think about mately, I don’t have to answer to anyone when I look at our icons, our gold vest- for who I am. I also ask people to come to Q. What does it mean to be a Byzantine Sânziana Tamiian is the eldest daughter of ments, our decorations—this feeling that a Byzantine Divine Liturgy at my parish Catholic? What does it feel, smell, taste like? Father Calin Tamiian and Sarah Tamiian. you are walking into paradise. that is nearby in Weirton (WV). Or I will She is curently a first-year student of Clinical A: To be a Byzantine Catholic is to be in loan people some of my books, such as The Q. How do you relate to friends and others Psychology at Franciscan University of Steu- love with all aspects of who Christ is, from Pilgrim. Or I will sit down, and I will show who are not Byzantine, and how do you let benville. In her free time, she loves to read, what our faith is as Christians. For me what others the difference between our chants to them know about your faith? travel, knit, and meeting new people. She is so it smells like (to being Byzantine) is just the theirs. Or I will sit down and use the inter- excited to be helping and serving the Roma- net to show them what it means to have an smell of our past, of the antiquities of being A: First and foremost, I always start from nian Greek Catholic Church in America. icon screen. a Byzantine Catholic. The minute you walk a position of patience, of love, and take the into a Byzantine Church you know exactly Q: Sânziana, can you tell me about your approach of not being afraid or trying to Most of the time people are dumb- what it is through the smell of the incense, faith and your faith journey? hide who I am. Being Byzantine Catholic is founded; they get excited and are so happy through the smell of the old foods that we what dictates and what drives my every mo- to see that the Catholic Church is not just have, and to hear the laughter of our chil- A: I am a priest’s daughter. Being born tive. The way I represent that to my lovely this one, mainstream, “this is what it is.” I dren. into that role has a big influence in who I brethren, to my Roman Catholic friends, is discuss that we actually represent what it am and what I believe. I would say that my that I learned what it means to be Byzan- Continued on page 4 faith journey started from the moment I tine. I learned our tradition so that I could Altar Server Congress and Clergy Annual Novena and Pilgrimage— Deacon class forming—p5 Parish News—pp6—7 Appointments—p3 p9 Page 2 Eastern Catholic Life JULY 2018 I Lift Up My Eyes... Pastoral Reflections of Bishop Kurt Prayer: A Conversation with a Good Friend

talked to Him at all: He doesn’t expect you The presentation of the prayer cards erately put fear into our lives to get us to to talk the right way. I think our prayers are to the clergy was scheduled for our last pray? I don’t know, but I have heard that like the crayon drawings that children make Presbyteral Days. Father Michael Hayduk boys take their girlfriends to scary movies for their parents. Even if your mother is found us an Akathist Hymn to the Unburnt so that they will hug them. If the only way an artist or an art critic, she still loves your Bush. The Akathist has an interesting sto- that God can get a hug out of us is to scare crayon drawings and puts them on her re- ry. Do you remember only a few months us, then who knows? Perhaps if we gave frigerator. ago the wildfires in Northern California? God more hugs, He wouldn’t have to take Fires swept unexpectedly through subur- us to scary movies. What are some of the things that we can ban neighborhoods, and the fires went so hen I was a seminarian in Pitts- pray for? The things that we might pray fast that many well-informed people were I tried putting “prayer” into Google to Wburgh, one of our teachers was a for depend on the times and who we are. trapped, and many barely escaped with find out what people are searching for. Roman-rite pastor, and he invited the semi- Last year around Christmas, it seemed that only the clothes on their backs. An Or- The only phrase that came up was “prayers narians to sing vespers at his Roman-rite many people in different parishes told me, thodox bishop in that area translated this for strength.” It seems that many people parish. He promoted the event with his “Bishop, I’m so afraid.” A few people said, old Akathist from Church Slavonic for the around the world are praying for “strength.” parishioners, and quite a crowd turned out “I’m afraid to leave my home.” I’m not sure people of northern California to ask for Many people are discouraged or lacking to pray with us. At the end of the service, why so many people said those things at protection from the fires. We printed the in hope, and they believe that they need one of the women said to me, “I always the same time, but I decided to print some Akathist for our Presbyteral Days and sang strength to carry on with what they have to said, ‘the Byzantines pray more than we prayers for protection for the parishes. It it one evening. Father Jack Custer cantored do. do!’” When I was living in Rome, someone made sense to pray to the Mother of God the Akathist beautifully. Now here is the as- Searching the Scriptures, there are any was going to Slovakia for Christmas. A Slo- and to Saint Michael, so I searched our lit- tonishing part of the event. At the last min- number of lists that can give us a spiritual vak warned him, be prepared that the only urgies for protection prayers, and I found ute, I asked Father Joseph Bertha to give an program. For example, Saint Peter tells us thing you will do is eat and go to church. them in the hymns we sing on October 1 explanation of the icon. This particular one to “supplement your faith with virtue, and When I went to Ukraine for Christmas, I and on November 8. Then I needed an icon has Mary and the infant Jesus in the center, virtue with knowledge, and knowledge can say the same thing: the only thing we to put on the card, and I chose a magnifi- surrounded by eight angels and four proph- with self-control, and self-control with did for two weeks was eat and go to church. cent icon of the Mother of God, that also ets. Father Bertha stood up and told us, steadfastness, and steadfastness with god- It does seem like prayer is a big part of the included angels. It must be one of the many this particular icon is a “protection” icon. liness, and godliness with brotherly affec- life of our church, at least public prayer is. I valuable icons that Bishop Michael Dudick Our people kept this icon in their wooden tion, and brotherly affection with love.” If also believe from talking to people, that pri- purchased in his time here. It is called homes in the old country for protection you pray for each one of those things you vate prayer is a big part of life for people in the “Unburnt Bush.” The unburnt bush, from fires—remember our tradition calls it would have found a path to very advanced our church. People often tell me that they of course, is the bush that Moses saw on the “unburnt bush,” not the “burning bush.” holiness. pray for me. Mount Sinai. Remember that Moses was He went on to say that the eight angels pro- fascinated to see a bush that was on fire but vide protection from the different things What is prayer? Are there different kinds Should we use prayer books? There are was not consumed. When he went closer we pray about in our liturgies: protection of prayer? How should we pray? There are many prayer books, and many of them are to look at it, the voice of God called out to from flood, fire, civil war, plague, etc. Each more books written on these subjects than excellent and appropriate for our own tradi- him from the bush, and his special relation- angel is holding some appropriate symbol. you can read in a lifetime. The answer to tion. However, the prayer book that I rec- ship with God began. As Christians we see The Akathist that we sang did pray for pro- the first question is that prayer is talking to ommend is the one you already have inside God. There are as many different ways to your Bible. Almost half way through your talk to God, as there are ways to commu- Bible you will find a book called “Psalms.” nicate with other people, or for that mat- This book is 150 prayers written for you ter, with animals. When we talk to other by God Himself. Why would we need any people, we can ask questions for informa- other prayer book? Almost every situation tion, we can ask questions for favors, we can you might find yourself in — whether joy- ask questions as challenges. When we talk ous or sorrowful, whether you are aston- to our pets, sometimes we ask questions ished by beauty or by betrayal — there is that we don’t expect them to answer, and already a prayer in the Psalms for you. sometimes we say silly affectionate things Many people love to say the Rosary. to them that we would never say to another Did you know that the Rosary has 150 human being, at least not in public. Pretty “Hail Marys” because the Book of Psalms much any of these conversations are good has 150 psalms? In the Middle Ages, the ways to converse with God too. monks prayed the Psalms but most of the Over the years I have heard people say common people were unable to read, so that there are certain kinds of prayers we they began the practice of saying 150 Hail should never say. Some people say you Marys instead of the Psalms. Nowadays al- should never ask for anything for yourself; most everyone knows how to read, so why you should only ask for things for others. don’t they say the Psalms? In my first par- I can’t agree with that. In the prayers that ish, I encouraged my people to at least try God has given us in the scriptures, many of out the Psalms, to just say one in the morn- them ask for particular things for ourselves. ing, and then go on to the next one the next Some people say you should never pray for morning. A few weeks later a woman came something bad to happen to someone else. to me and said, “Father, I tried out what But again, there are prayers in the Bible in you said. I say one Psalm each morning. which we ask for God to hurt someone else. It’s like a miracle! Each day, that psalm was Asking God to hurt someone else seems exactly what I needed for that day!” If you like the opposite of the Christian faith. On read a psalm every morning, you will find the other hand, we all feel that way some- deep wisdom, deep passion, blessings and times, so when you take your request to curses, drama and excitement, and also rest God, you are only being honest. It doesn’t and tranquility. If you don’t say the Psalms, do any good to lie to God. Taking your feel- there is an unopened treasure chest sitting ings to God, like a child having a tantrum, Icon of the Unburnt Bush in your house waiting for you. is better than taking out the tantrum on the Finally, though, after all these prayers person you are angry at. There is no point tection from all sorts of terrors, poetically the unburnt bush as a prefiguring of Christ that are written down for us to read, wheth- in hiding it from God; He already knows linked to the scriptures and the Mother who contained the full fire of divinity in our er alone or with others, another kind of how I feel and what I think. The point is of God. Why do I call that astonishing? flesh, without the flesh being destroyed. prayer that is important is the kind we make that, when we take it to God, we can leave When I chose the icon, I had no idea it was We also see it as a prefiguring of the Mary up ourselves. I don’t mean like writing our it with God. I would not be so bold as to a protection icon! When Father Bertha because she held God in her womb, even own poems. I mean when we tell God in give you this advice except that there are began to speak…I was speechless. I hope sharing His blood with Him, and she was our own words what we think and what we many Psalms in the Bible that do exactly that all of you have received at least one of not burnt nor destroyed. So, there is a par- feel and what we desire. The only rule is that. They call them Psalms of execration these prayer cards from your pastor. If you ticular icon of the Mother of God called the never to lie. God already knows everything or cursing. Remember, when you take it to have not, ask him for one, or write to the “Unburnt Bush.” The icon often has four about us, so there is no use in putting on God you can leave it with God, and not act Chancery. prophets in the corners prophesying about an act. Saint Teresa of Avila is considered on it yourself. I don’t think there is a wrong the miraculous birth of the Son of God So, one of the things we can ask for in one of the great teachers of prayer. The way to pray. God is just happy that you from the Virgin. prayer is protection. Would God delib- Pope declared her one of the first women to JULY 2018 Eastern Catholic Life Page 3 receive the title “Doctor of the Church.” people on earth, and maybe even some un- Bishop Lach Accepts Parma Appointment... She describes prayer as a conversation be- important people don’t return your phone Continued from page 1 tween two good friends, or in another place call right away, but you have instant access she says, “mental prayer is nothing more to the all-powerful Creator at all times and hearing about the appointment. He was ordained a deacon of the Society than an intimate sharing between good in all places. Why talk to anyone else? of Jesus Nov. 11, 2000, and was ordained a friends.” Saint Teresa encourages you to Bishop Lach was born in Kezmarok, Slo- priest July 1, 2001. He was appointed aux- spread your wings and soar to great heights To pray from your heart, you don’t need vakia, in 1973. In 1992, he was admitted to iliary bishop of Presov and titular bishop of in prayer. As she put it, “some people try to the right words, and you don’t need to hear the Greek Catholic seminary in Presov and, Ostracine April 19, 2013. He was ordained get you to walk around like chickens with an answer with your ears. An interviewer in 1995, entered the novitiate of the Society as auxiliary bishop of Presov and titular their feet tied, when you have the power once asked (Saint) Mother Teresa of Cal- of Jesus in Trnava, Slovakia. He continued bishop of Ostracine, June 1, 2013. to soar like an eagle.” Talking to God from cutta, “What do you say to God when you his studies at Trnava University and also your own heart is a power that every one of pray?” She answered him, “I don’t say any- studied at the Pontifical Oriental Institute Tickets are limited, so those unable to at- us has. We have that power no matter what thing at all. I just listen.” So he asked her, in Rome, where he obtained a master’s tend may watch the enthronement live on our position, or education, or intelligence. “Well what does God say, when you are lis- degree and a doctorate. In 2009, he began social media. For up-to-date information We have that power even if we can’t speak tening?” She answered, “Oh He just listens, working at the Center of Spirituality East- on the live stream, go to www.parma.org. well with other people. It is a power that too.” West of Michal Lacko in Kosice, Slovakia. no one can every take away from us. You may not have immediate access to powerful

2018 A lta r S erv er C o n g r e ss August 4—8 2018 Ages 6-17 Carpathian Village Canadensis, PA Come and experience a wonderful fun filled Event with fel- low altar servers from across the Eparchy of Passaic. Have fun while learning more about your important role as an Altar Server! This Event is underwritten by the Eparchy Register by July 20th http://www.eparchyofpassaic.com For questions and details contact Deacon Stephen Russo: [email protected]

From the Office of the Bishop Clergy Appointments

Father Frank Hanincik – relieved as Pastor of Saint Michael the Archangel, Al- lentown, Pennsylvania, and as Parochial Administrator of Saints Peter and Paul Church in Palmerton, Pennsylvania. He is appointed Pastor of Saints Cyril and Effective June 11, 2018 Methodius Church in Fort Pierce, Florida. Father Peter Hosak – appointed Parochial Administrator of Saint Michael the Deacon James Smith – relieved as Administrator of Epiphany of Our Lord Archangel Church, Allentown, Pennsylvania and as Parochial Administrator of church, Roswell, Georgia. Saints Peter and Paul Church, Palmerton, Pennsylvania. Father Lewis Rabayda – relieved as Parochial Vicar of Saint Gregory of Nyssa Father Iurii Vishchak – appointed Parochial Vicar of Saint Michael the Archan- Church in Beltsville, Maryland, and is appointed Parochial Administrator of gel Church, Allentown, Pennsylvania and Parochial Vicar of Saints Peter and Paul Epiphany of Our Lord Church in Roswell, Georgia. Church in Palmerton, Pennsylvania. Father Sergij Deiak – appointed Parochial Vicar of Saint Gregory of Nyssa Father Francis Rella – relieved as Parochial Administrator of Saint Joseph Church, Church, Beltsville, Maryland. New Brunswick, New Jersey, and as Parochial Administrator of Saints Peter and Father Edward Cimbala – relieved as Pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Paul Church, Somerset, New Jersey. He is appointed Pastor of Our Lady of Per- Church, Levittown, Pennsylvania, and appointed Pastor of Saint Mary Church, petual Help Church, Toms River, New Jersey. New York, New York. Also appointed Parochial Administrator of Holy Cross Father Mykhaylo Kravchuk – relieved as Parochial Administrator of Saints Cyril Church, New York, New York. and Methodius Church in Fort Pierce, Florida. He is assigned as Pastor of Saints Father Vasyl Sokolovych – appointed Parochial Vicar of Our Lady of Perpetual Peter and Paul Church, Somerset, New Jersey and as Parochial Administrator of Help Church, Levittown, Pennsylvania. Saint Joseph Church, New Brunswick, New Jersey.

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Woodland Park, NJ 07424 Eparchial Website: Published monthly by the Most Reverend Bishop Kurt Burnette Eastern Catholic Press Association President and Publisher www.EparchyofPassaic.com Page 4 Eastern Catholic Life JULY 2018 stant who just will go to a Sunday service youth conferences which can change peo- tive, but youth nowadays can see what has Being Teen and Byzantine and they’re done. Being Catholic means ple’s lives. From my experience of watch- happened in the past and there is this feel- Continued from page 1 how do you live every breath of your entire ing youth come and go, what really turns ing of wanting peace— that is what young means to be human—we are all different, life as a Catholic. These will all promote the people off is this sense that “Oh, we’re just people want today. I feel truthfully, the but we are all unified in what means to be youth to get involved. coming in on Sunday”. This is not what it is. only way to find peace is to appreciate human. This is our life. So, when I’ve seen people the small things and see that God is in I think that it is very important for us that get active, tasked with a job, educated, and the small things, because God is every- Q: How can a teenager or young adult fit we are Romanians, so what does it mean to in the Byzantine Church if they did not have learn what it’s like to be Byzantine Catholic, where. be Romanian Catholic? Do the youth know then you see where the love comes in. Just a strong upbringing in the tradition? What how to make sarmale for the Church fun- Q: You mentioned youth and their phones. would you tell them? think about human relationships and how draiser? Those are the questions and the you become best friends with someone. Can we find God in technology? Can we find A: What I would tell them is that first changes that I would make because I know You become best friends when you realize God in the “digital continent” as Pope Benedict and foremost you must be open, to be com- from myself, that is one of the reasons why that “oh, wow” this person is a living and XVI had said? Is there an opportunity for us to fortable while being uncomfortable. At the I am so in love with my tradition’s faith. It is breathing person. This person is someone be missionary disciples in the online world? the fact that I was so active in my own par- who has loves and interests. The Byzantine same time there are so many resources out A: Definitely. I would say that the inter- ish and the fact that I helped my father or Church, like the Roman Catholic Church, there. Gone are the days when we could net has been a great tool for me in showing my family with every activity that we did. is not just people that go there, say a couple not communicate with people easily across my friends and people who have questions of words and oh, yeah, we’re done. It’s a liv- the country. For example, as a young adult Q: What are the Romanian Byzantine what it means to be a Byzantine. Now I ing, breathing part of the Church of Christ. I have my own personal phone, which is Catholic elements that attract you personally can just Google and I find music, photos, I think that is something that is so beautiful, a little computer in my hand, and on that and that you think others may find attractive? videos and lots of information about be- and anyone who fully understands that will I have countless resources. For example, ing Byzantine. What I have noticed is that fall in love. They will want to be active and using Wikipedia, I can say, “What is Byz- A: The joy! When you walk into a Byz- people love their social media. Facebook live their faith. antine Catholic?” We have so many Byzan- antine Church community you just feel this is kind of going out, but Facebook is defi- tine churches across the area—Romanian overwhelming sense of joy. The tradition. nitely a tool. People now love Instagram, and others. Although we are small, and al- The minute I walk into our church I always which is a great opportunity to show that, though we do not have a lot of “shout out,” cry, I always tear up, because I’ve never felt for instance, today we’re making prescura it’s not that hard to find us if you just have so close to God. My entire body is just en- (Romanian for prosphora—the leavened an inquisitive nature. So, I would suggest to amored with God. All my senses are tanta- bread for the Eucharist), or this is our icon someone who does not have the privilege of lized—my smell, my sight, my touch, my screen. My parish in Weirton is now broad- a priest as a father is to say to them, “Don’t everything. That is what it means to be a casting a Facebook livestream of their Di- be afraid to jump on the bus that somebody Byzantine—that you know where you are vine Liturgy which people watch. I would has already offered to you.” as soon as you walk into the church. It’s also think that every church needs an ac- also the community. It’s the fact that after tual website, with the homilies posted, the I feel like what really needs to be done is the Liturgy everyone goes down for cof- that the people who do have my privilege, readings of that Sunday, or music to listen fee and doughnuts, and there are children to. But I also think that podcasts are great, and the other Byzantine children who were and elderly and everyone is talking to one born into this tradition, need to take the it could be a youth podcast. One of my fa- another—no one is allowed to leave until vorite apps on my phone is Pray As You Go, initiative and actually let people know that they have some food. It’s the fasting and the this exists. Let them know when a Divine which is a Jesuit mission and it’s the read- feasting. We actually try to practice what ings of the day, then there is a reflection. I Liturgy is being celebrated nearby and in- we preach. I would definitely say the ser- vite people. That is what I feel really needs listen to it when I work out, or if I’m going vices themselves—the fact that there is so to class, or if I just want some quiet medita- to be done—encourage this desire for truth much beauty in our services, even just the and not just lie back on what you know and tion. It’s just 12 minutes long, and so it’s not wording. I just love to read the Divine Lit- that big of a deal. what is comfortable. urgy. If you just open the book and listen Q: Do you get a chance to interact with to the words, they will speak to your soul. I would also say that we should continue other Byzantine Catholic youth? It gives me such a sense of refreshment be- to use the tools that we have and in that way cause as a young person nowadays we are we can let people know [about our church]. constantly bogged down, with pressure. We People are ready to go, but they need to A: When I was in Romania I did interact Q: Another aspect of this is that maybe are constantly having to do well with mate- have it easy in the beginning. So, there is with some Byzantine youth. [In the US] I people only see the visible, and don’t see God rial things, to do well with education, trying definitely God on the internet and it can be mostly interact with my siblings, but here in all that. Where do you find God in your day to get married and have children—all good used as a tool for our mission on this earth on campus there is also a Byzantine club. to day life? I’m also part of a couple Byzantine Catho- things. But it reminds me of the Gospel as Byzantines. lic youth Facebook groups such as Searcher of the men who had all those different ex- A: Something that Saint John Paul II said Q: How do you, who’s been born and raised for the Lost Byzantine group and Byzantine cuses, but the wedding feast was the most is really close to my heart. He said that we here in the U.S., interact with Romanian Byz- singles. And those are just easy ways that we important thing. So, what really attracts me have to train our eyes to see the invisible antine Catholics that immigrated here to the can talk about what it’s like to be Byzantine the most, and why I have chosen to remain before we see the visible. I think that is very U.S.? How do you handle that culturally dif- nowadays—to share articles. For example, Byzantine Catholic, and why I would die beautiful and I think that is definitely what ferent understanding of what it means to be here on campus we have a book club and a for this Church, is because I love it so much. being Byzantine means. So, for me, I see Byzantine Catholic? little prayer time that we have on Sundays God when I walk to my classes in the morn- Q: So, from your very first breath you were where we are reading The Pilgrim. Then, at ing; I see a tree and some moss growing on Byzantine, but also grew up in a Byzantine A: A lot of the lovely immigrants that my parish in Weirton, there’s a couple of a tree; I see just the way the sky is, the way way. Yet, there are people who may have been come here do get upset. For example, when youth as well that serve on the altar. Those the tree is positioned—it’s awe striking and born and baptized Byzantine but for some they realize that the music is not the same are the places that I interact with other Byz- beautiful. For me, God is there. I also see reason they are not practicing Byzantines, exact music that would be in their village antine youth the most. God in every single person I meet. I may hence do not possess this experiential knowl- back home. Or the fact that the priests here not know their names, and I may not ever edge that you do. How would you try to encou- are not like the priests back home. That is Q: Do you see any opportunities that are meet them again, but I see God in them. rage people who have not had this powerful the biggest difficulty for me and helping currently not explored at the Eparchial level Anything with beauty, anything with regarding your fellow youth? experience? this generation realize that something they truth, is where I see God. When I read loved so much is not exactly the same here. A: First and foremost, what is really im- A: For my brethren who were baptized Shakespeare and the words speak to my But, we come back to the question—what’s portant is the fact that we need people to Byzantine but for some reason or another soul, I feel God’s presence. That is how I more important? For me, it’s more impor- know about our traditions, because the do not understand what is happening all never feel alone or never forget that He is tant to be Byzantine, to be Catholic. But the older generation is getting older. Who the way, first and foremost I would have there. But that took practice and that took way I handle it is simply finding similarities is going to be sacristan, who is going to patience on them. But I would also invite prayer. What really led me to that was just and learning from these people, because I make the sarmale (Romanian for “cabbage them and have open conversations about putting away my phone, putting away all the do not want to lose my cultural identity. rolls”), who is going to make the flower ar- what it means to be Byzantine for you? busyness of the world, spending time out- So, it is very helpful when we have sarmale rangements, or who is making the bread for Many of our youth do not understand what side two minutes a day and really appreciat- (cabbage rolls) night, or we make mămăliga the church? We want our traditions. The it’s like to be Byzantine in the sense of the ing everything. (polenta), or for Easter we sing old Roma- fasting, the feasting, or our Saints stories. nian hymns, or celebrating other old tradi- youth do not want our traditions to change. Also, saying the Jesus prayer, trying to So, the first thing I would do is educate tions such as greeting each other with Hris- The youth are attracted to what our tradi- practice and saying it constantly, that really them on our past and explain what makes us tos a Înviat! Christ is Risen! We need to find tion is. But the problem is that they need helped me—and that’s how I see God ev- kind of cool, what makes us different. Then the similarities that we do have, and learn something to do. So, if I was in a position ery day. And I’m still working and practic- I would give them a job in the church, a rea- from these immigrants who are coming in, of change I would actually teach my people ing on this, while hoping and praying that I son to make them feel needed and active, so that I can understand and get the feel of how to make the prescura. In our mission get stronger in it, because I think it is some- and part of that community. So, then it’s not what it would be like if I had lived in Ro- back home, my sister makes the prescura, thing very, very important. and we learned how to do it. I would have just “Oh, I’m going because grandma wants mania. a choir of the youth and teach them how me to go”. No, I’m going because this is who The world nowadays is not created for Q: In our Church there is also another to sing. Also, today the Catholic youth are I am. I would suggest that a conference of that kind of personal prayer. The world is group that, although not born or baptized in very involved in the pro-life movement. I some kind would be helpful where we can constantly flashing distractions. They our Church, they fin something attracts them. believe that we should have a pro-life group bring all our youth together. may not all be bad, but you do have to sit Can you name what those elements may be? that is very active, because that creates the back a second and say, ok, what is the most I’m going to the Franciscan University in community. That creates what it means to important thing right now. And I know I Steubenville and we have the Steubenville A: Yes. Some of these may be the fact that be Catholic. Catholic is not like the Prote- may be speaking from a different perspec- we have not changed the Liturgy and our JULY 2018 Eastern Catholic Life Page 5 services. It is the fact that we go to Liturgy Q. Is there a message you would like to share body and blood of Jesus Christ, and you see in the way of what’s really important. Just and it’s the same Divine Liturgy that was to people of all ages who may be completely what’s going on and hear the music from remember you are not alone on your jour- celebrated a thousand years ago. They love disconnected from our Church either for un- the choir, you’ll realize why you are there. ney—there are countless others that are the beauty, the music and the tradition of fortunate reasons or they did not benefit of You will realize that being Byzantine is the there for you, want to help you, and who our Byzantine Church. The also love the fact your upbringing and nurturing of your faith? only place where you can find that experi- are working on the same goals themselves. that they can speak to a priest one on one, Any message of hope to those who may not ence, where you can have all your senses and not have to go through all the hoops even realize that they belong to this Church feel why they were created. Third of all, For the youth of today, I just want to say and the loops. They feel like their spiritual and went astray? don’t let the material things of the world that we have the most energy, the most time health matters, and there’s a consequence. get in the way — things that are passing, and the most passion than we will ever have They’re not drowning from a feeling of just A: First off, know that whenever you things that may seem really important for the rest of our lives. So, we need to use being a number that might happen in larger come to a Byzantine church you will be right now but ultimately at the end, fade. that to actually do something meaning- Roman Catholic parishes. They also love loved, and you will be greeted with open ful on this Earth and to continue what the the fact that they can go to the Divine Lit- arms. You will be cared for, that people will Because being Byzantine Catholic, we martyrs have started and to not let our own urgy and people will know them by name. genuinely want to care for you and show constantly look both at the Resurrection pride, our own distractions get in the way They love the fact that they can bring their that God is bursting for you, and that God and the Crucifixion, during Lent we sing of that goal—why we were baptized, why children who will be interested in what’s loves you. Second of all, what you can expe- Alleluia, and during the Easter season we we were put on this Earth—which is ulti- going on, and will have the freedom to be rience at a Byzantine church is wonderful. still remember that Christ died. So, our mately to love and glorify Jesus Christ. children in that environment. I like to call If you just go inside when everything’s qui- whole entire life is one of joy and sadness Interview by Raul Botha them our “Roman refugees” (smiling), it’s et and smell the incense, you can feel God’s at the same time because we are constantly the term I coined for these lovely people. presence. When you look and see the priest reminded that we are mortal. Therefore, transforming the bread and wine into the don’t let the material things of today get

Is God Calling You to be a Deacon? —new class forming June, 2019—

Deacons represent a great and visible sign of the working of the Holy Spirit through a life of service in the Church.

If you or others perceive that God is calling you to serve the Church as a deacon and you would like to further explore the possibility of this vocation, please contact:

Father Nicholas Daddona 516-457-5617 [email protected]

Sisters Servants of Mary Immaculate 64th Holy Dormition Pilgrimage August 11-12, 2018 His Beatitude Sviatoslav presiding MARY, OUR MODEL OF PRAYER “Do Whatever He Tells You…” e Sisters Servants joyfully announce that along with His Beatitude Svia- toslav Shevchuk, Head of the Ukrainian Catholic Church, His Eminence Most Reverend William C. Skurla, Metropolitan Archbishop of Pittsburgh and Most Reverend Kurt Burnette, Bishop of the Eparchy of Passaic, will also preside at this year’s pilgrimage. Archbishop William will be the main celebrant and homilist at the 5:00 pm Pontical Divine Liturgy on Satur- day, August 11th, and Bishop Kurt will be the celebrant and homilist for the 8:00 pm. Moleben to the Mother of God on Saturday night. PARISH BANNERS - We ask that parishes bring their banners and have a representative carry them in the procession to the Ponti cal Divine Liturgies on Saturday and Sunday. PRESENTATION: V. Rev. John Custer, Rector of the Cathedral of St Michael the Archangel, Passaic NJ and Syncellus for New Jersey will speak on the topic “Mary, Mother of the Word of God” on Saturday, August 11th. HOTEL RESERVATIONS - Sr. Michele has acquired the following great rate, and you must book through her for this rate: [email protected] , 845-753-2555 HOTEL: Fair eld Inn & Suites ADDRESS: 225 Ramapo Valley Rd. Mahwah, NJ 07430 PRICE: $115.00 per night (all inclusive room with breakfast) King / Queen / 2 Doubles room size Page 6 Eastern Catholic Life JULY 2018 People You Know In Lansford...

n Sunday, May 20th, the students of Saint John the Baptist Church in Lansford, PA, celebrated the end of their ECF school year. For the last class, the students, theirO families, and members of the parish joined for a fellowship brunch. The gathering honored the second grade students who received First Penance the week before. As a gift from the parish, all of the students and instructors received customized t-shirts with the message “Our faith can move mountains.” The surprise was enjoyed by all. Father Vasyl Chepelskyy is the Administrator of Saint John the Baptist Parish.

In Miami...

eacon Michael Opalka of Saint Basil Byzantine Catholic Church in Miami, FL, was asked to speak at the Archdiocese of Miami weekend Pre-Cana retreat program “Camino”.D The archdiocese requires couples seeking to receive the sacrament of marriage to attend a 2 dayCamino retreat. Deacon Michael spoke to more than 50 couples on the sacraments of Confession and Holy Eucharist and provided a personal testimony regard- ing his 33 year marriage to his wife, Suzanne. Father Michael Kane is the Administrator of Saint Basil Parish.

In Minersville... In New Port Richey... Priest’s Mother, Veronica Verbosh Sekellick, Celebrates her 100th birthday Bishop Kurt Visits New Port Richey July 14, 2018 n May 29, 2018, Bishop Kurt made a pastoral visit to Saint. Anne Parish and om, today we are celebrating you on your Ocelebrated the Divine Liturgy for the parishioners. Refreshments and a “meet 100th birthday remembering all the lives you and greet” with Bishop Kurt followed in the church hall. Father Olexiy Nebesnyk is touchedM and the memories you made over the years. A Administrator of Saint Anne Parish.—by Anne Marie Prokopiak most loving and blessed birthday wish goes out to you from your extended family and children: John and Irene Gombola; Bret and Therese Bennett; grandchildren, RJ and Valerie Bennett.

Veronica is the mother of the late Reverend Mon- signor John T. Sekellick prior pastor of the Holy Ghost Byzantine Catholic Church, Jessup, PA. She is the eldest member of Saints Peter and Paul Byzan- tine Catholic Church, 107 South 4th Street Miners- ville, PA. Divine Liturgy in honor of Veronica Sekel- lick will be offered Saturday July 14, 2018 at Saints “Save Your people, O God, and bless Your inheritance!” Peter and Paul, by celebrant Father Gregory Noga, Pastor.

Happy Birthday, Mom! We are thankful to have you as our mother: daughters, Irene and Therese. God Bless. Mnohaja l’ita!

Bishop Kurt meeting with members of the Juhasz family and Richard Arcoleo Pattie Wellman and Mary Macht welcoming Bishop Kurt JULY 2018 Eastern Catholic Life Page 7 Around the Eparchy In Beltsville... Parish Welcomes New Priest and Says Farewell to Outgoing Priest n June 10th Father Lewis Rabayda, Parochial Vicar of Saint Gregory of Nyssa in Beltsville, Maryland said farewell to the first parish he was assigned to serve. The newO Parochail Vicar, Father Sergij Deiak arrived in the United States the evening before, and concelebrated the Divine Liturgy after only being in the US for 14 hours! Father Ser- gij, his wife, Pan’i Luba; son, Mykhaylo; and daughter, Sophia, were welcomed by all at a reception. It was a bittersweet moment for all involved; there were many emotional good-byes, and many excited welcoming handshakes. Father Conan Timoney remains the Parochial Administrator.

Anna Wrobleski (the parish’s oldest parishioner) greets Father Sergij Deiak

Peter Wingerter (altar server), Father Sergij, Father Lewis, and Deacon William Szewczyk In Myrtle Beach... New Icon and Visiting Priest

ather Vitaliy Pukhayev, Pastor of Saint George Byzantine Catholic Church, Linden, NJ, visited Blessed Basil Hopko Byzantine Catholic Mission in Conway (Myrtle Beach),F SC, on Sunday, June 24, and blessed an icon of Blessed Basil Hopko. The icon was donated to the Mission by Father Joseph Bertha, pastor of Saint John the Baptist Byzantine Catholic Church in Trumbull, CT.

The parish is blessed to receive this beautiful icon and it will be one of the four major icons placed behind the altar in the church. Father Conan Timoney is Administrator of Blessed Basil Hopko Mission.

(Below) Father Martin Vavrak was the celebrant for two Sundays at the Blessed Basil Hopko Byzantine Mission in Conway (Myrtle Beach), SC.

Father Vitaliy Pukhayev blesses the icon of Blessed Basil Hopko

Father Martin Vavrak and congregation

Comprehensive Singing Program by the Metropolitan Cantor Institute ver the past two years, the Metropolitan Cantor Pittsburgh. All classes are taught each year (some twice student work and provide feedback. Institute has been experimenting with ways to per year), allowing students to complete the work at We recommend that ALL cantors consider taking provideO cantor education throughout the United States. their own pace. New students can enter the program in the initial class, Introduction to Church Singing, which Based on our experiences, we are inaugurating a com- January or July, and complete the entire program in as starts in July. This class covers the essentials of vocal prehensive program beginning in 2018, aimed at ensur- little as two years. production, the basics of music theory for cantors, and ing that every parish in the Byzantine Catholic Church Two classes are free, open to the public, and can be the fundamentals of reading music, and also provides has a cantor who can lead the liturgical singing of the taken at any time: Introduction to Liturgy and Introduc- an essential introduction to rhythm and duch (spirit) of parish well, to the glory of God, and in support of the tion to the Typikon. Students can register for further our plain chant. prayer of the faithful. courses by submitting a registration form and the course Details and registration: The new program consists of online classes using the tuition (usually $75.00 for each eight week course, with http://mci.archpitt.org/classes Internet combined with local mentoring where avail- discounts available). Course tuition allows us to engage able, and an optional week-long summer program in trained voice teachers who are also cantors to review Page 8 Eastern Catholic Life JULY 2018 Father Conan Timoney Celebrates 50 Years of Ordination Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

n June, 3rd Bishop Kurt made his Community of the Blessed Basil Hopko ordained on May 31, 1968, by Bishop were in attendance. Following the Liturgy, a first visit to Blessed Basil Hopko Mission in Myrtle Beach for a Divine Litur- Quentin Olwell, CP, Bishop of Marbel, Ko- coffee and cake reception to welcome Bish- MissionO in Conway (Myrtle Beach), SC, gy with Bishop Kurt Burnette to celebrate rondal Cotabato, Philippines. op Kurt and to honor Father Conan on his on the occasion of the 50th Anniversary of his 50th Anniversary of priestly ordination. golden jubilee of priestly ordination. The the ordination of our administrator, Father On the previous evening, a dinner recep- Concelebrating at the Divine Liturgy parishioners of Blessed Basil Hopko Mis- Conan Timoney. Father Conan Howard tion was celebrated at the Myrtle Beach with Bishop Kurt were Father Conan and sion have been blessed by Father Conan’s Timoney joined the Byzantine Catholic Golf and Yacht Club. Father Conan was Deacon Anthony Kotlar. Over 50 people priestly ministry.

Monsignor George Dobes Celebrates 50 Years a Priest Annandale, VA

ifty years is a long time. And when And so that’s what the parishioners at active service as a Navy Chaplain, where he Naval Chaplain School in Newport, RI. 37 of them have been spent as a Epiphany of Our Lord parish in Annandale, served 24 years. “memberF of the family” at one Byzantine VA, did! Monsignor George Dobes, JCL, Epiphany Parish is not the only Byzan- Catholic parish, that’s cause for celebrating was ordained a Roman Catholic priest in Following retirement from naval service, tine Catholic Church with which Monsi- the half-century mark together. 1968 by the Archbishop of Chicago, John he pursued a degree in canon law at the gnor Dobes is familiar. With the illness of Cardinal Cody, and three years later began Catholic University of America, but it was Father Michael Shear in 2006, Monsignor while assigned to the Navy Chief of Chap- frequently assisted at Saint Ann Byzantine lains Office in 1980, without a chapel con- Catholic Church in Harrisburg, PA, for gregation, that he first associated himself more than a year. With the death of Father with Epiphany. This was his introduction Michael, Monsignor Dobes was assigned to to the Divine Liturgy and the Ruthenian Saint Ann Church as “priest in residence,” Catholic Church in October, 1980. He tasked with caring for the pastoral and sac- then received his bi-ritual indult, requested ramental duties of a parish priest. by Cardinal Cody, with the concurrence of Bishop Michael Dudick, in February 1981. In addition to currently assisting at Epiphany Parish, Monsignor continues his For the next 37 years, Father Dobes as- work with the Tribunal of the Archdiocese sisted on a weekly basis and participated in of Washington: a busy man for a retired baptisms, weddings, funerals, Liturgy of the priest! Pre-Sanctified Gifts, and parish social func- tions. He even returned on federal holiday May God Grant Him Many Years! weekends when he was assigned to the

Bishop John Michael Botean of the Romanian Catholic Eparchy of Canton, Monsignor George Dobes, Bishop Kurt Burnette, and Father John Basarab, Pastor of Epiphany of Our Lord JULY 2018 Eastern Catholic Life Page 9

Saint Nicholas Pilgrimage August 5, 2018 11th Sunday after Pentecost Prefestive of the Feast of the Transfiguration of Christ

Divine Liturgy to be held at Saint Ann Basilica, Scranton: Monday, July 23, 2018

Byzantine Divine Liturgy will be prayer services with inspirational preach- celebrated during the annual nove- ing. This year’s Passionist preachers are naA to Saint Ann on Monday, July 23, at 4:30 Father Don Ware, CP, and Father Michael PM, at the Basilica of the National Shrine of Rowe, CP.

Saint Ann, Scranton, PA. Over four decades, every bishop of the This annual novena draws thousands Eparchy of Passaic since Bishop Michael Carpathian Village / Saint Nicholas Shrine of faithful pilgrims from July 17 through J. Dudick, has visited the monastery and 802 Snow Hill Road July 26, the feast day of Saint Ann on the celebrated Liturgy at the Basilica. Through Latin calendar. Bishop Kurt will be the the vision of Bishop Dudick, the Byzan- Cresco, PA 18326 main celebrant at this year’s Liturgy, with tine Liturgy during novena week became area priests and deacons as concelebrants, an established tradition at the Shrine. The 11:00 AM Welcome and Blessing of Pilgrims Begins (Picnic Pavilion) and area altar servers and choir members entire Passionist community, staff, and par- 11:15 AM Devotion to Saint Nicholas (Shrine Altar) w/Panachida assisting. The Liturgy will be in the up- ish family at the Monastery have continued for Deceased Clergy and Pilgrims per main church. All are invited to at- to be gracious hosts and friends. It is a gift 11:30 AM Food Service Begins (Picnic Pavilion & Upper Tent) tend in witness to the beauty and expres- and blessing to be united as Catholics in 12:30 PM Confessions Begin (Shrine Gazebo) sion of our Eastern Catholic traditions worship to God and with reverence to Saint 12:45 PM Healing Service with Anointing (Shrine Altar) at this blessed and historic site. Every- Ann. 1:00 PM Children’s Program (Lower Tent) one attending will receive the traditional 2:50 PM Procession from Lower Tent to Shrine Altar blessing with a relic of Saint Ann following Opportunities for Sacrament of Recon- 3:00 PM Hierarchical Divine Liturgy the Liturgy. ciliation are available before and after the with Ordinations to Minor Orders (Shrine Altar) regular daily novena services. It is recom- Anointing with Oil of Saint Nicholas from Bari, Italy Pope Saint John Paul II elevated Saint mended to arrive very early for parking; or Blessing and Distribution of Fruit Ann Monastery Church and National to have time for a visit around the Shrine; Shrine to the rank of Minor Basilica on or prayer time in the lower church before Golf Club Car Service available for those with difficulty walking. October 27, 1997. The novena has a long the icon of Saint Ann and the Holy The- Restroom Facilities for those with physical disabilities also available. history dating back to the early 1900’s when otokos, an icon presented by the Eparchy Let’s pray that God blesses us with great weather and a beautiful day, through the the monastery was founded by the Passion- of Passaic. A food stand is located at the intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos and Our Holy Father Nicholas, of course! ist order and the Roman Catholic diocese lower end of the Shrine grounds, courtesy of Scranton. Novena week is observed with of Saint Ann’s Parish volunteers. multiple daily Latin rite Masses and novena The BIBLE Take and Read Whether you are a Bible “novice” or read every For I know well day … the plans I have in mind for you, plans for your welfare and not for woe, so as to give you a future of hope. Saturday June 30 Jeremiah 29:11 10am-3pm Holy Dormition Friary, Sybertsville, PA

Cost for this one-day Retreat: $25 includes lunch overnight stays available at additional cost

The Bible sometimes presents God’s anger and judgment—such images are often disturbing, but challenge us to see God’s fidelity, compassion, and mercy. Brother John Barker, OFM, of Catholic Theological Union in Chicago will explore some of these images to help us to deepen our understanding of the Bible and its great story of God's enduring commitment and love.

“If you believe what you like in the Gospel, and reject what you don't like, it is not the Gospel you believe, but yourself.” — St. Augustine of Hippo

Holy Dormition Friary 712 Hwy 93, Sugarloaf, PA 18249 // mail: PO Box 270, Sybertsville, PA 18251 register by phone or email: 570-788-1212 // [email protected] byzfranciscan.org Page 10 Eastern Catholic Life JULY 2018

Ask a Priest a QuestionFather Vasyl Chepelskyy Is it a Mortal Sin Not to Attend the Divine Liturgy on Sunday? Is Traveling a Good Excuse?

Dear Father, sary travel, etc., would excuse a person cumstances, offer further guidance, and, if I would like to kindly thank you for asking on particular occasions. Even if a person necessary, give dispensation, which usually these questions and to encourage all the read- Is it a mortal sin to miss Liturgy on Sun- is required to work on Sunday, the day could be given on individual case by case ers of the ECL to use this opportunity to ask days? Can travelling excuse one from attend- should nevertheless be lived as the day of basis. Those who have continuing reasons the questions you have. ing Mass? our deliverance, which lets us share in this to be excused should also consult their pas- “festal gathering,” this “assembly of the first- tor. t is our obligation as Catholics to at- born who are enrolled in heaven (cf. CCC, tend Divine Liturgy on Sundays and I 2188). Sunday is traditionally consecrated by major Feast Days. This is reflected in the Christian piety to good works and humble Catechism of the Catholic Church: “On If through no fault of our own, we discov- service of the sick, the infirm, and the el- Sundays and other holy days of obligation er that we are unable to attend the Liturgy, derly. Christians will also sanctify Sunday the faithful are bound to participate in the due to a valid and good reason, then we by devoting time and care to their families Mass. The precept of participating in the haven’t deliberately violated this precept of and relatives, often difficult to do on other Mass is satisfied by assistance at a Mass the Church. In these circumstances we still days of the week (cf. CCC, 2186). which is celebrated anywhere in a Catholic need to engage in private prayer for an ap- rite either on the holy day or on the evening propriate amount of time personally or in a of the preceding day” (cf. CCC, 2180). family (cf. CCC, 2183). We always need to keep in mind that Furthermore, the Catechism declares: We always need to make the best effort our attendance of Divine Liturgy should “On Sundays and other holy days of obli- possible to avoid the situations which result be within the context of us living our faith, gation, the faithful are to refrain from en- in our inability to attend Divine Liturgy. doing deeds of mercy; it should be an en- gaging in work or activities that hinder the The following link could be very helpful to counter with the living God, and not mere- worship owed to God, the joy proper to the locate the nearest Catholic Church and the ly a fulfillment of obligation. Pope Francis Lord’s Day, the performance of the works time of services, when we travel: https:// challenged all of us in our understanding of mercy” (cf. CCC, 2185). masstimes.org of our Sunday/ Holy Day obligation, when he spoke to young residents of Guidonia, a We should make every effort to attend When travelling on Sundays/ Holy Days village near Rome, in 2017, where he said: Divine Liturgy on Sundays/ Holy Days of of Obligation, some of the important ques- “If I say I am Catholic and go to Mass, but Obligation. Since a “grave cause” is needed tions to be asked are: is the traveling work then don’t speak with my parents, help my to excuse one from this obligation it would related and unavoidable or for vacations? grandparents or the poor, go and see those be a serious or mortal sin to willfully skip Could it be postponed/ scheduled differ- who are sick, this does not prove my faith, Divine Liturgy on Sunday or a Holy Day ently? What is the frequency of missing Di- there’s no point…” This means that we of Obligation, as the Church has always vine Liturgy due to travels? Are there any should attend the Divine Liturgy not only taught (cf. CCC, 2181). other surrounding circumstances which to fulfill the obligation, but first and fore- may impact the moral responsibility of most – because we desire to meet the Lord There are a few legitimate reasons when one who is not being able to attend Divine in the holy temple and have a dialogue with the faithful could be excused from partici- Liturgy? When we travel for vacations, we our loving God, we want to continue to pation in Eucharist on Sundays/ Holy Days are not excused from attending the Divine build our personal relationships with Him of Obligation, which include: illness or Liturgy on Sundays/ Holy Days of Obliga- and to receive Him into our hearts in the disability; serving as the sole caregiver for tions. Holy Sacrament of Eucharist. Every time someone in need of constant attention; the we come out of the church after the service, absence of a priest (cf. CCC, 2180-2188); Every time one finds himself/ herself we should be changed. And if we are not, or a natural disaster like a flood or a bliz- in doubt about his/her situation – it is we need to start asking ourselves about the zard, sufficient to put one’s safety at risk. prudent to consult his/her parish priest, reasons and work on our spiritual progress spiritual director or confessor, who will Reasons such as the necessity to work and growing closer to God every day. help them to evaluate the situation and cir- to support one’s family, child care, neces-

Life, Love, and the Human Person By Ann M. Koshute, MTS Give it a Rest any people reading this remember hours, and more people than ever before day from all the work He had undertaken. Lord. Actually, we should worship, praise a time when Sundays began with had to be available to work anytime during God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, and thank Him every day, but on this day, DivineM Liturgy, followed by either a family the week – including Sundays. Of course, because on it He rested from all the work He we must do as the Cherubic Hymn exhorts breakfast at home or a trek to Baba’s house there have always been professions that re- had done in creation (Genesis 2: 2-3). These us and “set aside all earthly cares” – even if for Sunday dinner. The table was laden with quire work on Sundays and holidays: law words in the Creation story may strike us it’s only for an hour or two. On Sunday we food, and conversations flew in multiple di- enforcement, health care workers, fire fight- as a bit odd – or we might gloss over them are even more intentional in our praise of rections. Kids played, Dzedos napped, and ers, etc. Without the sacrifice of their time entirely. Was God really tired after creating God, sacrificing a couple hours of sleep to no one was worried much about the week and willingness to be inconvenienced, our the world? The answer of course is “no,” but make it to church, and making an effort to ahead; at least not for most of the day. Even safety, health and security would be jeopar- the writer of Genesis calling our attention avoid distractions and thoughts of what we as I was growing up, this routine began to dized. Of course, there are also people who to the activity of work (in this case, creat- have to do later in the day or in the upcom- change, and our options for spending a not- must work Sundays because it’s required of ing the world and all things in it), surveying ing week. When we really think about it, so-lazy Sunday multiplied. With the advent them, and they need to meet those require- what has been accomplished, should make God asks so little of us in comparison to all of the shopping mall, more people spent ments in order to care for themselves and us take notice. It is no mere literary device, He has given us. Yet two hours (though it’s their time buying what they needed, and their families. Still, the fact remains that an important message for us. God is the Al- usually much less) of our time and atten- what they became convinced they wanted. Sunday has become just another day for mighty One, and He doesn’t need to rest; tion to Him is often felt by us as a burden, Eventually, malls, grocery stores, and other many of us – even if we faithfully attend we do. Not only that, we must make of it a something to get through; or like punching businesses added hours on Sunday. With Liturgy. holy rest. It goes without saying that Sunday the time clock to receive “credit” for time the convenience of Sunday shopping came (the day we have designated for rest) must served. Some weeks we have a lot on our the necessity for people to work those On the seventh day God completed the work minds, or we’re especially tired or not feel- He had been doing; He rested on the seventh first and foremost be a day to worship the JULY 2018 Eastern Catholic Life Page 11 ing well, and God understands our short at- I found myself making more stops, doing tention spans – or our impatience. If we’re things I could easily have done on Saturday, finding ourselves feeling this way every or left to Monday. The fact is I, perhaps like week, or viewing the Liturgy as the obli- some of you, take Sunday for granted, use gation we have to fulfill, it’s time to reflect it as a “bonus day,” and rationalize it by the honestly about our relationship with God. fact that I “did my duty” and went to Lit- The Liturgy shouldn’t be a chore, but an urgy. Don’t misunderstand: God won’t act of love; and opportunity to spend time smite us because we stopped to pick up with Someone special to us, Who loves us some eggs and bread or decided to buy that deeply. Like a parent or grandparent (or new couch because the sale ends today and anyone we love), God wants to be with the furniture store is on the way home. But us, not because He needs us, but because the more we do on Sundays, the less we can Danube River Cruise He loves us. Every day should be an op- let ourselves just be: be with Him, be with 14 DAY CRUISE and LAND portunity to love Him with all our hearts. loved ones and friends, and be at peace Sunday should be a day for us to allow Him with our own thoughts. Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Poland to love us with the gift ofholy rest. Hosted by Fr. Ed Cimbala Holiness is the perfection of charity – Our lives are so fast-paced, and time is that is, love. To be holy, then, is to love, and October 31 – November 13, 2018 a precious commodity. There are never God (who is Love) both teaches us how to WorFord of moreLife I ninformation,stitute’s please contact enough hours in a day, or days in the week, love and gives us the grace to grow in love. Fr. Ed Cimbala at 908-872-2928 for everything we want or need to do. Time He invites us to take one day each week [email protected] Catho lic drags when we’re engaged in activities we away from work and worry and enjoy some Susan Prendergast dread, and flies by when we are enjoying holy rest. God knocks on the door of our Select International Tours - 800-842-4842 ourselves, or when we’re on a tight dead- hearts in the Eucharist, asking to rest there Bibsusan@selectle Con-fintl.comeren ce line. As a result, we often utilize every mo- within us. He invites us to spend the day See Trip Web-page For More Details & Brochure ment of every day to accomplish all we can taking a break from our struggle to accom- http://www.olphbyz.com/Pg/DanubeCruise.html – including on Sunday. I’m just as guilty plish, and simply rest in Him. November 9-10, 2018 as anyone of squeezing in a few errands Additional Cabins Now Available! after Liturgy, but one Sunday in particular, Holy Angels Byzantine Catho lic Church – San Diego, CA 2235 Galahad Road, San Diego, CA 92123 Ph: (8 58) 277- 2511 www.holyangelssandiego.org

Sponsored by: Byzantine Catholic Christ the Light & Life Eparchy of Passaic A Walk Through the Archeparchy of Pittsburgh Word of Life Institute’s Gospel of St. John Word of Life Institute’s Eparchy of Parma The Fourth Gospel announces the coming of Eparchy of Phoenix Christ as the fulfillment of the Law and the Eastern Catholic Prophets for the children of God who believe in Eastern Catholic Melkite Greek Catholic Him. Come learn about the Eastern Catholic Eparchy of Newton approach to this text and the implications for Speakers the Church’s faith, worship and spirituality as ECED we walk through each section of the Gospel of Eastern Catholic Father Hezekias Carnazzo St John the Theologian! Bible Conference Eparchial Directors of Bible Conference Father Sebastian Carnazzo Religious Education Father Deacon Daniel Dozier Student and Clergy Discounts Available!

“I think that John’s Gospel…is the firstfruits of the Gospels...We might dare say that the Gospels are the firstfruits of all Scripture but that the firstfruits of the Gospels is that November 9-10, 2018 according to John whose meaning no one can understand who has not leaned on Jesus’ November 9-10, 2018 breast or received Mary from Jesus to be his mother also.” Holy Angels Byzantine Catholic Church – San Diego, CA – Origen of Alexandria, 184-253, A.D. 2235 Galahad Road, San Diego, CA 92123 Ph: (858) 277- 2511 www.holyangelssandiego.org Friday 6:30-9pm and Saturday 10am-4:30pm ($30 per participant) 2235 Galahad Road, San Diego, CA 92123 Ph: (858) 277- 2511 www.holyangelssandiego.org A Ministry of the Eparchy of Passaic REGISTER at ECBIBLEFALL2018.eventbrite.com

Sponsored by: Sponsored by: Byzantine Catholic Byzantine Catholic Christ the Light & Life Eparchy of Passaic Christ the Light & Life Eparchy of Passaic A Walk Through the Archeparchy of Pittsburgh A Walk Through the Archeparchy of Pittsburgh FatherSearching Jack Custer, S.S.L., S.T.D. the Scriptures Eparchy of Parma Gospel of St. John Eparchy of Parma Gospel of St. John The Fourth Gospel announces the coming of The Fourth Gospel announces the coming of Eparchy of Phoenix A PilgrimageChrist as the ful fiPrayerbook:llment of the Law and the The Psalms of Ascent Eparchy of Phoenix Christ as the fulfillment of the Law and the or Byzantine Catholics, summer- unbelieversProphets fo rin th ea c hforeignildren of Gland.od w h oHe bel ieorve ishen ments in Israel’s shared history: specifically, God. Only God could authorize the Tem- Melkite Greek Catholic Prophets for the children of God who believe in Melkitimete Gree kis C apilgrimagetholic time. Pilgrimage longsHim .for Co mpeace,e learn aandbout tpeacehe East ewillrn C abetho lfoundic the Exodus (Psalm 124), the Babylonian ple (1 Chronicles 17,4-12) and choose the FEparchy of Newton Him. Come learn about the Eastern Catholic isn’tE psomearchy o f Nquaintewton Old Country custom at atheppr oendach t oof th isthe tex tjourney and the i mtopl ictheatio nTemples for captivity (Psalm 129) and the return of the house of David to rule (2 Samuel 7). Only tahpep Crohauchrc tho’s t fhaiist hte, xwt oarnsdh itph ae nimd pspliicraittuioanlist yfo ars or somethingECED your baba did Sbecausepeakers she (Psalmthe Ch u131).rch’s f a itTheh, wo rsemphasiship and sp iriontua lpeaceity as in exiles to Jerusalem (Psalm 126). The pil- God can create life; He chooses human par- couldn’tE affordCED a “real” vacation.Spe aIt’ske rsomes - thesewe w Psalmsalk thro uultimatelygh each secti opointsn of the Gtoos pChrist,el of grims recognize, at least in retrospect, how ents to be co-creators Him. Each of these Eastern Catholic Father Hezekias Carnazzo we walk through each section of the Gospel of thingE basicastern C toat hhowolic God wants us to encoun- theS tPrince John th ofe T Peaceheologi a(Isaiahn! 9,6), who “is our the Lord has been with them even in their institutions is an earthly image of God: the Eparchial Directors of FFaatthheerr SHeebzaesktians Caarrnnaazzzzoo St John the Theologian! ter EHimparchi aandl Dir eitct orunsrs of through the Bible as an peace” (Ephesians 2,14), having reconciled darkest moments. Can you tell your fam- Temple as God’s earthly throne, the king as Religious Education FFaathtehre rD Seeabcaosnt iDana nCiaelr nDaozzzioer Student and Clergy Discounts Available! insistentReligio utheme.s Education Father Deacon Daniel Dozier us withStu God.dent and Clergy Discounts Available! ily’s story with that insight? the reflection of God’s Lordship and hu- man parents as images of God’s life-giving In the Old Testament, God“I think commanded that John’s Gospel…is the Psalmfirstfruits 122of the Gospels...Wedescribes might an dareindividual’s say that the ex- Psalms 127 and 128 celebrate the fam- “I think that John’s Gospel…is the firstfruits of the Gospels...We might dare say that the Fatherhood. the Israelites to make pilgrimageGospels are and the firstfruitsgather of allcitement Scripture but as that the the journey firstfruits ofbegins the Gospels and is thata group ily itself as the fundamental building block Gospels are the firstfruits of all Scripture but that the firstfruits of the Gospels is that in Jerusalem for three annualaccording feasts: to John Passwhose- meaningcomes no one together can understand as whofellow has not pilgrims. leaned on Jesus’ Instead of God’s plan for humanity. Psalm 128, Psalm 127 likewise dismisses any illusion according to John whose meaning no one can understand who has not leaned on Jesus’ over, Pentecost, and thebreast harvest or received feast Mary of from ofJesus the to be “lying his mother lips” also.” and “deceitful tongues” the entrance hymn in the Byzantine rite that we can ultimately rely on ourselves breast or received Mary from Jesus to be his mother also.” Booths (Deuteronomy 16:16). Jesus Him- (Psalm 120:2)– ofOrigen their of Alexandria, exile, the 184 -pilgrims253, A.D. of Matrimony, describes every blessing alone to survive and prosper. Beyond all – Origen of Alexandria, 184-253, A.D. self made these pilgrimages (Luke 2:41- now share words of prayer and blessing. a new family could desire. It also teaches our natural (God-given!) human capabili- 50). Notice that God’s commandmentFriday 6:30-9 topm anTheird Sat uprayerrday 1as0a theym-4 :travel30pm is($3 0for per papeace:rticipant) for that such blessing comes only through ties, there lies the mystery of God’s provi- Friday 6:30-9pm and Saturday 10am-4:30pm ($30 per participant) make pilgrimageA Ministry of the has two aspects: God’s their loved ones and for the Holy City itself. “fear of the Lord.” The Liturgy helps us to dence, which demands our loving trust. peopleE Ap aMshouldrcinhiys torfy P oafs tshaei c gather togetherRE GandIST EtheyR a t ECBIBLEFALL2018.eventbrite.com understand this term correctly by expand- This psalm is not an argument for laziness Eparchy of Passaic make Him the goal of their journey.REGISTER at ECBInI BPsalmLEFA 123,LL2 the018 pilgrims.eventbr expressite.com a con- ing it into “faith, reverence and the fear of or fatalism or despair, but it does provide scious choice: to serve the Lord and be set God.” It emerges out of the realization that an antidote to much that is neurotic and The Book of Psalms includes what was free from the “contempt of the proud.” The I depend on God for existence and will be controlling about so many contemporary probably the songbook for these pilgrim- turning point for the Prodigal Son (Luke called to account by Him for how I spend lifestyles. ages. Psalms 120-134 all share the same 15:17) comes when he realizes his quest to my life. The Theotokos offered the same title: “Song of Ascent” and, all together, be his own master has alienated him from a advice at the wedding in Cana: “Do what- We’ll continue our exploration of the they trace the pilgrims’ journey from wher- father who loves him and enslaved him to ever He tells you” (John 2:5). Psalms of Ascent next month. ever they may be living all the way to Jeru- a new master who will let him starve. That salem and up the hill to the very heart of the slave driver is sin. Psalm 127, credited to Solomon, plays Temple. on three senses of the word “house.” The Pilgrimages are typically family events Temple, the monarchy and the individual Psalms 120 and 121 describe the pilgrim where old stories are shared. Some of the family are only firm if their foundation is feeling alone and threatened, living among remaining Psalms of Ascent review mo- Page 12 Eastern Catholic Life JULY 2018

FatherUnderstanding Joseph Bertha, Ph.D. Icons A Spectacular Location for a Byzantine Icon The Annunciation in the Triumphal arch at Saint Luke’s Mission of Mercy, Buffalo, New York

Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God. The fourth aspect is the accep- tance of the Virgin Mary: Behold I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me ac- cording to your word.

The Location of the Annunciation within church architecture The triumphal arch, an architectural structure found at the eastern end of a basilica-type church, consists of an enor- mous arch stretching across the upper part of the sanctuary of the church, supported on either side by pillars which reach to the ground. Immediately below, a concave bulge leaves an empty space directly above the altar table.

This architectural feature delineates– portrays in physical dimensions–the spiri- tual reality of the moment of the Annun- ciation, that the Virgin conceives in her womb the Son of the living God. How is this accomplished? The concave shape of the apse dome replicates the shape of the Holy Mother’s womb and bears the Son of God. Since it is represented directly above the main altar it, signifies doubly the action of the Incarnation of the Son of God every time the Liturgy is celebrated on the altar below. Saint Luke’s Annunciation is one of The Triumphal Arch at Saint Luke’s Mission of Mercy, Buffalo, New York the rare instances of the remarkable corre- spondence between architecture and ico- nography. aint Luke’s Mission of Mercy, a ba- triumphal arch completed in 1955. After he apse of the sanctuary. silica-type church over one hundred completed the Buffalo ensemble, De Rosen Architecture visualizes the bones, sinews, S De Rosen, a Polish-born artist, arrived years old, is located on the east side of Buf- was commissioned to design the mosaics and the musculature of the human body, in exile into the United States from 1939 falo, New York. One of the outstanding at the National Basilica of the Immaculate and in the case of the church, the Body of and remained here until his death in 1982. highlights of the interior painting is Jan Conception in Washington DC., most no- Christ. Interiorly, the iconography on the He painted extensively around the United Henryk de Rosen’s Annunciation on the tably the “Christ in Majesty,” in the north walls depicts the skin. When both architec- States, the Catholic Basilica in Saint Louis, ture and iconography are choreographed in and many other churches around the coun- conjunction, the church structure becomes try. He was imbued with Byzantine iconog- a literal incarnation or en- flesh-ment which raphy, which many of his works manifest. depicts in mortar, paints and color the In- The Liturgical celebration of the carnation of the Son of God in the flesh of Feast the Virgin Mary. The subject matter for Buffalo’s Saint History of the Triumphal Arch Luke’s, the Annunciation, (Evangeliza- In the pre-Christian era the Triumphal tion in the original Greek, meaning Good arch was erected in order to pay tribute to News) is the pivotal feast of the entire the Caesar as a decorated entrance gate as Christian liturgical year. This event, pre- he returned from battles in victory with cisely described in Luke’s gospel (1:26-38), booty, treasures and received the acclaim of elaborates through four moments the un- his citizens. folding of the Announcement of the Good News of the Birth of the long awaited Mes- As Christians began to use the basilica siah. In the Byzantine Church, the Annun- architecture as their churches, they incor- ciation is an immovable feast day. Even if porated the triumphal arch into the eastern this feast coincides with Great and Holy end of the building. One of the most no- Friday, because of its significance, that is, table and ancient survivals of this feature the moment of the Incarnation of the Son can be found in the triumphal arch of Santa of God, it is joyously and elaborately cel- Maria Maggiore in Rome, dating from the ebrated on this date. 5th century. It is the earliest surviving basil- ica church dedicated to the Holy Mother of The Scripture account of the An- God, where the Annunciation is depicted nunciation just above the sanctuary. Centuries later in When the Luke Scripture account found 1143, the Annunciation scene is shown in in chapter 1:26-38 is examined, four dis- the triumphal arch in the Norman Palatine tinct periods can be discerned in this event. Chapel in Palermo dating from 1143. First, archangel’s greeting: Hail Mary, full of grace; secondly, the angel proclaims: Do The Saint Luke’s Triumphal Arch An- not be afraid, Mary, for you have found fa- nunciation vor with God, and behold you will conceive The scene encompasses the upper east- in your womb and bear a son, and you shall ern end of Saint Luke’s sanctuary. On the call his name Jesus. Thirdly, the Virgin says left is the Virgin Mary and to the right the to the angel, “How can this be since I do not Archangel Gabriel. The whole scene is a know man?” Fourthly, the angel continues dark moonlit desert landscape. De Rosen with the actual Good News: The Holy Spir- has painted the sky as the dawning of a new Detail of the Theotokos it will come upon you, and the power of the day. From behind Archangel Gabriel, the JULY 2018 Eastern Catholic Life Page 13 ever so subtle gradations from dark night A banner waving in the wind is inscribed being pierced by teals, indicate the first with the text from Luke 1:38: “Behold the light piercing the dark and shows the dawn Handmaid of the Lord; be it done to me ac- of salvation. The silvery quarter moon cording to your word.” above the Virgin signals the transition be- tween the Jewish rendering of feasts by the The Figure of the Archangel Gabriel lunar cycle, to the refulgent sun shining of The Archangel is dressed as a Byzantine the light of salvation in the Messiah, the warrior with the ‘x’ criss-cross of an orar Son of God, Jesus, the Light of the World. over his chest. He displays one wing out- stretched as if just arriving on the face of the The figure of the Virgin, pre-figu- earth. The banner streaming from his left rations of the Virgin, And Birth of hand is inscribed with the angelic saluta- the Messiah tion found in Luke 1:26: “Hail Mary full of The Virgin, dressed in both whitemapho - Grace the Lord is with you!” rion (veil) and chiton (tunic), stands before The Conch of the Apse a closed gate. The closed gate is one of the Old Testament prophecies of the Virgin God the Father overshadows the sun in Birth found in Ezekiel 44:2: “And he said to the concave shape immediately above the altar. God the Father is shown with a tri- me, This gate shall remain shut; it shall not Detail of the Archangel Gabriel Detail of the Apsidial Icon be opened, and no one shall enter by it, for angle halo inscribed with the Greek agios the Lord, the God of Israel, has entered by From the mountain rocks behind the (Holy) three times in honor of the Holy womb of the Virgin. There is perhaps no it; therefore it shall remain shut.” Virgin, water gushes from the barren rock, Trinity. He is surrounded by cherubim; other church interior where the display of a reference to Moses striking the rock in the His garments billow with the movement of theological, scriptural, iconographic, spiri- She holds a round piece of cloth, Gide- desert at Massah, Exodus 17:6: “Behold I the wind, the Holy Spirit, as He raises His tual, and liturgical coalesce and integrate on’s fleece, another Old Testament prefig- will stand before you there on the rock at right hand in blessing/greeting extended to into such an ensemble of beauty and integ- uring found in Judges 6:37: “Behold, I am Horeb, and you shall strike the rock, and the Holy Virgin. His whole figure is shown rity as the Annunciation scene by Jan Hen- laying a fleece of wool on the threshing water shall come out of it, that the people overshadowing the Holy of Holies with His ryk De Rosen. floor, if there is dew on the fleece alone, and may drink.” flowing white robes. it is dry on all the ground, then I shall know that you will deliver Israel by my hand, as These three references in the Hebrew scrip- This sophisticated interplay depicts the you have said.” tures provide many of the details portrayed by dawn of a New Day of Salvation as the Re- De Rosen in the Annunciation scene. deemer, Jesus Christ, is conceived in the

FatherSchool G. Scott Boghossian of Prayer Deliver us from the Evil One

n seventh petition of the Our Father, of John doesn’t recount any specific exor- fears, depression, enslavement to bad hab- stroying marriages, families, churches, and we pray “deliver us from evil.” In this cisms, but presents the entire life, death, its and grave sins, indicate the reality of the souls. In prayer, we humbly appeal to God, petition,I we are asking our Heavenly Fa- and resurrection of Jesus as one supreme spiritual battle in which we find ourselves. the One infinitely more powerful than the ther for protection from the Satan and his and cosmic exorcism (Jn. 12:31, 1 Jn. 3:8). devil, to come to our aid. The seventh peti- demons. The original Greek word for “evil” Bishop Sheen wrote, “Very few people tion of the Our Father is our guarantee that that we find in the Our Father isponerou , Saint Peter warns us, “be sober-minded; believe in the devil these days, which suits He will hear and answer. which some scholars translate as “the be watchful. Your adversary, the devil, the devil very well. He is always helping to evil one.” The Catechism of the Catholic prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking circulate the news of his own death. The es- Let us strive to live a life of prayer, and Church states, “in this petition, evil is not someone to devour” (1 Pt. 5:8). Saint Paul sence of God is existence, and He defines be found “praying at all times in the Spirit, an abstraction, but refers to a person, Satan, tells us that we are in a pitched battle against Himself as: ‘I am Who am.’ The essence of with all prayer and supplication” (Eph. the Evil one, the angel who opposes God the devil: “We do not wrestle against flesh the devil is the lie, and he defines himself 6:18). Prayer creates around us an invisible and blood, but against the rulers, against as: ‘I am who am not.’ Satan has very little wall of protection that repulses the constant (CCC 2851). Saint Basil the Great, Saint EASTERN CATHOLIC DEACON CONGRESS John Chrysostom, and Saint Augustine un- the authorities, against the cosmic powers trouble with those who do not believe in attacks of our spiritual foes. Enough of tele- derstood the seventh petition of the Our over this present darkness, against the spiri- him; they are already on his side.” vision, foolish novels, worldly music, the Father as a prayer requesting deliverance tual forces of evil” (Eph. 6:12). casino, hours lost on Facebook or brows- This seventh petition of the Our Father from the devil, the evil one. ing the internet, and wasting precious time. The great monastic fathers of the fourth teaches us that our primary defense against The devil is real. The battle is raging. Prayer The Gospels, the historical biographies and fifth centuries experienced and testi- the devil is prayer. Saint James tells us, is the weapon. Pray “deliver us from evil,” of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, conclu- fied to the reality of the devil and the evil “Submit yourselves to God, resist the devil, with attention, faith, and devotion and “the sively demonstrate the reality of the devil spirits. The great saints of all ages knew and he will flee from you” (James 4:7). Sa- God of peace will soon crush Satan under and demons. In the three synoptic gospels intimately the brutal conflict of spiritual tan, a powerful fallen angel, cannot be de- your feet” (Rom. 16:20). (Matthew, Mark, and Luke), Jesus cast out warfare. We all can relate stories of how feated by human ingenuity. He is a spirit evil spirits (performed exorcisms) on at the devil has attacked us. Discouragement, being of vast intelligence, who never sleeps, least seven different occasions. The Gospel anxiety, despair, hopelessness, irrational with thousands of years of experience in de-

For Eastern Catholic: Deacons of EASTERN CATHOLIC DEACON CONGRESS Deacons’ Wives LIVING ICONS Minor Clerics Deacon Candidates The Discerning CHRIST t h e SERVANT Deacon Directors The Diaconate in the Eastern Catholic Churches September 20-22, 2018 Scranton, PA St. Mary Byzantine Catholic Church 310 Mifflin Avenue, Scranton, PA 18503 This three-day Congress on the Diaconate in the Eastern Catholic Churches will be an opportunity for those serving in, preparing for and supporting diaconal ministry in our churches to come together for a time of fellowship and formation across the jurisdictions! Cost: $200 per person ($250 per couple) Local Accommodations available. Sponsored by: All meals and materials included. EASTERN THIS EVENT IS IN HONOR OF THE 50th ANNIVERSARY OF THE RESTORATION OF CATHOLIC THE PERMANENT DIACONATE IN THE UNITED STATES ASSOCIATES WWW.EASTERNDEACONCONGRESS.COM

For Eastern Catholic: Deacons of Deacons’ Wives LIVING ICONS Minor Clerics Deacon Candidates The Discerning CHRIST t h e SERVANT Deacon Directors The Diaconate in the Eastern Catholic Churches September 20-22, 2018 Scranton, PA St. Mary Byzantine Catholic Church 310 Mifflin Avenue, Scranton, PA 18503 This three-day Congress on the Diaconate in the Eastern Catholic Churches will be an opportunity for those serving in, preparing for and supporting diaconal ministry in our churches to come together for a time of fellowship and formation across the jurisdictions! Cost: $200 per person ($250 per couple) Local Accommodations available. Sponsored by: All meals and materials included. EASTERN THIS EVENT IS IN HONOR OF THE 50th ANNIVERSARY OF THE RESTORATION OF CATHOLIC THE PERMANENT DIACONATE IN THE UNITED STATES ASSOCIATES WWW.EASTERNDEACONCONGRESS.COM Page 14 Eastern Catholic Life JULY 2018

The Byzantine Liturgy By Archpriest David Petras, SEOD The Call to Holiness n the last week of May this year, I was served, people who are “timid, morose, us, and in whom the grace and love of God The saints are a model for us. Saint Paul, privileged to participate in the North acerbic or melancholy, or who put on a shines forth in joy and love. a great saint, wrote, “Be imitators of me, as AmericanI Orthodox-Catholic Theological dreary face.” We don’t want to be holy, be- I am of Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1). Most Consultation held in Contoocook, New cause we think that does not bring us happi- One summer, I taught at the John XXIII of us will not be famous and heroic saints Hampshire. In the first session, we dis- ness. In fact, we insult others by saying that Institute in the Bronx, NY, together with held up as models for the people of God, cussed Pope Francis’ recent apostolic ex- they are judgmental, “holier than thou,” Father Walter Ciszek, who is a recognized but we all have to let God work in our souls; hortation, Gaudete et Exsultate (“Rejoice that you can’t be holy and happy. This is a Servant of God, a candidate for canoniza- we’ve got to set aside our own pride and and Be Glad”). An apostolic exhortation problem we have, for when we judge others, tion as a saint. He suffered for Christ in ideology to let God’s living Word into our is different from an encyclical. An encyc- we judge ourselves. prison in Russia, and wrote a book about hearts. In His last talk with His disciples, lical explains some dogmatic theme or his life, With God in Russia. I had heard that Jesus told them, “I am the way, I am the point, but an exhortation is, very basically, This is not holiness. In my lifetime, I he was a holy man, so I asked him to hear truth, I am the life” (John 14:6). If we want a sermon. In this exhortation, Pope Francis have had the privilege of meeting people – my confession. As he spoke to me, I could truth, if we want life, we must follow the helps us to see how to be a Christian in a saints and blesseds – that the Church has feel the love of Jesus pouring out through way of the Lord, for He Himself is the way, world in which there is little faith, a world recognized officially as holy. The charac- him. He was so open to God that divine the true path to holiness, which is whole- that can be very strange and confusing. teristic of all of them is their humility, not grace flowed through him. I could feel that ness. He alone can make us be the people humility as self-abasement, but as a realistic God loved me, and after the confession on we were created to be, only in this way will The challenge to holiness is difficult. awareness of the grace of Christ making us my way back to my room, I simply sat on we find fulfillment and joy. One of the problems comes from our own holy. In fact, we cannot and do not do it the stairs and began to cry. ideas of what makes us holy. We think of ourselves. Holy people are simply those saints as sad people, as Pope Francis ob- who are open to the presence of Christ in

Spiritual Reflections Father Lewis Rabayda Owning Our Spiritual State

hen we follow a good rule of their own personal desires? Do these actors tice, and [His] word is truth.” No. Many of God’s healing grace to effect their lives in an prayer in our personal lives, and have a properly formed conscience? Do our wounds are self-made and we allow to uplifting way. In another Psalm of Matins whenW we participate in the public services these actors and shifters take the necessary fester. But through the grace of God and we pray, “It is He who forgives all your guilt, of the Church, we end up chanting a lot of time in prayer to allow the Word of God through our proper discernment of His Who heals every one of your ills” (Psalm Psalms. This is in part because there are so and the Will of God to wash over them and truth, we can curb the festering of those 102 [103]:3). We create our own state of many of them—150 in all—but also be- to heal them? Is there true wisdom in their wounds and allow Christ to heal them. sin—not the others around us, but it is God cause they encapsulate the totality of the actions, or is it just emotional disturbance? who forgives and heals us, when we come moral teachings of God. The Psalms are It seems that many people who participate Those who wish to make a difference to Him in sorrow for our sins. categorized as Wisdom Literature because in this shift and help in creating this chaos in the world for the better will not do so of their instructive nature. But it takes a dis- have failed to discern the true power of by passivity. Rather, there is much action cerning person to listen to what the Psalms their own responsibility. needed on the part of every individual, es- have to say to us, and to contemplate on pecially the individual who embarks on the that wisdom, and then hopefully that per- “Through Your anger all my body is sick: path of discerning God’s Will. son can apply that wisdom to their every- through my sin, there is no health in my When we take the time to discern the day lives. limbs. My guilt towers higher than my head; it is a weight too heavy to bear. My wounds Word of God and to discern how our ac- All around us we see the bad fruit of are foul and festering, the result of my own tions and motivations influence the qual- people who lack an understanding of wis- folly” (Psalm 37[38]: 3-5). ity of our lives, we can see that there is no dom, and worse yet, who lack the ability to one else to blame for our current state. contemplate and discern civility, much less We pray this Psalm at Matins, at the be- When we contemplate the Psalms, when how to apply the economy of God to their ginning of the day, because it reminds us we ascent to the wisdom of God that is lives. And when we encounter this void in that we are ultimately responsible for the contained in them, and when we check that our society and culture, we recognize the state of our lives and that we should be care- against our own lives, we will begin to see chaos that it produces. We may not exactly ful of how we conduct ourselves through- that our spiritual state is the result of “MY know the source of this chaos but we can out the day. We cannot blame others, we OWN folly,” and not the folly of the other. definitely recognize the great shift in our cannot even blame the laws of God for the Yes, others are prone to folly, all man- cultural fabric. emotional and spiritual pain we encoun- ter in our lives; because, as the Psalm says, kind is prone to the fall of Adam and Eve This shift is happening because of move- “through MY sin…MY guilt…MY OWN and the state of chaos that the first sin has ment. There is no lack of action from the folly.” Our wound are not “foul and fester- allowed. But we each have the power and individual, and the individual believes they ing” because of the folly of others, they are responsibility to make choices for our own are acting for the benefit of all. But what is not “foul” because of the laws of God we lives, and to reject the bad influence of oth- the real motivating force behind their ac- feel are unjust—as we say in the Litany for ers. The individual would do much better tion? Is it the Will of God? Is it the whim of the deceased, God’s “justice is eternal jus- to discern the wisdom of God, and to allow

New Byzantine Catholic Community Forming in Greater Charlotte, NC, Area Divine Liturgy on Saturdays at 4 PM: July 7, 14, 21, & 28

Byzantine Catholic community is form- is now offering weekly Divine Liturgy in the area. like to participate in any way, or have questions ing at Saint Philip Neri Church, 292 Munn This community will serve the northern part of please contact Ron Somich at 440.477.6389 or Rd.,A Fort Mill, SC. Please join us as we grow our South Carolina as well as Charlotte, NC. Please [email protected]. The website https:// community and celebrate the Byzantine Divine share this information with your friends and fam- carolinabyzantine.com/ will be coming soon Liturgy. Father Steven Galuschik of All Saints ily – especially those who have moved “down – please check that out for news, upcoming Byzantine Catholic Church in North Fort Myers, South.” We will be celebrating the Byzantine Divine gatherings, and service times. FL, celebrated Liturgy at the end of October and Liturgy on Saturdays at 4 PM. If you would JULY 2018 Eastern Catholic Life Page 15 and 15th century covered bridges; Inns- on this trip of a lifetime. It promises to be The Passion Play of Oberammergau bruck and Salzburg (The Sound of Music a wonderful experience for all with time to City), two picture postcard cities situated enjoy the fellowship of old friends and new. 11 DAYS in the Austrian Alps; Munich, the capital of Bavaria; and Rothenburg, Germany’s best While August 2020 may seem a long way preserved medieval town. away, NOW is the time to make plans and AUGUST 31 – SEPTEMBER 10, 2020 reserve your place on the tour as space is The price of our tour includes roundtrip limited. Don’t miss out on this opportunity Hosted by: airfare, government taxes and airline fuel to experience the history and culture in one FR. EDWARD CIMBALA AND FR. JAMES SPERA surcharges, first class select hotels, most of the most scenic areas of Europe! meals, the services of a professional tour director, and sightseeing in a deluxe motor- For more information or to request a $4099 PER PERSON FROM NEWARK coach. brochure, please contact Fr. Ed Cimbala at n opportunity that arises once every all of whom are residents of the village. 908-872-2928 or by email – Fredcimbala@ ten years is an opportunity not to be Father Ed Cimbala and Father James gmail.com. missed.A A theatrical tradition since 1634, In addition to experiencing the mag- Spera look forward to having you join them the world-famous Oberammergau Passion nificent Passion Play our tour will take us Play is a much-anticipated reenactment of to one of the most beautiful parts of the the crucifixion of Christ – from His entry world: Switzerland, Austria, and Germany. into Jerusalem to the Resurrection – per- Whether visiting medieval towns, driving formed only once a decade in the quaint through the breathtaking Alps or simply Bavarian village of Oberammergau. The relaxing at a sidewalk café, we will experi- town vowed that if God were to spare them ence the unique atmosphere of this region from the effects of the bubonic plague rav- and its people. aging the region, they would perform a play Some highlights of the tour include visits every ten years depicting the life and death to Heidelberg, the oldest university town in of Jesus. The play, involves over 2,000 per- Germany; Lucerne, with its beautiful 14th formers, musicians, and stage technicians,

Seasonal ReflectionsFather Ronald Hatton “Take Heed Lest You Forget the Lord…”

ake heed lest you forget the Lord seen our Lord risen from the dead; placed time to worship Him, and to do all things in not to cease doing good, being there for your God, by not keeping His our fingers in the nail-prints and our hand His name and to His glory. As much as we one another, and gathering together in our commandments“T and His ordinances and in His side and believed. We have watched want to leave all this aside for the summer, local parish (or the nearest parish to where His statutes, which I command you this as He ascended to His Father and our Fa- we are obliged to continue along the path we are vacationing) at least every Sunday to day: lest, when you have eaten and are full, ther. And we have received the heavenly on which we started out; we are still to take worship Him and sing His praises. “Take and have built goodly houses and live in Spirit. up our cross daily and follow Christ. “But heed lest you forget the Lord your God, by them, and when your herds and flocks mul- Jesus answered them, ‘My Father is work- not keeping His commandments and His tiply, and your silver and gold is multiplied, Now, though, we may feel spiritually ex- ing still, and I am working’” (John 5:17). ordinances and His statutes, which I com- and all that you have is multiplied, then hausted, and just want to “get on” to other God does not cease His work during this mand you this day.” your heart be lifted up, and you forget the things in our lives. All the “heavy stuff” is season, and we, in concert with Jesus, are Lord your God, Who brought you out of behind us, and it is the traditional time of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bond- year for vacations, cook-outs, and just en- age, Who led you through the great and ter- joying the warmth of summer. And yet, we rible wilderness, with its fiery serpents and have to remember that, as our Lord’s earthly scorpions and thirsty ground where there ministry has ended, our ministry as Church was no water, Who brought you water out has begun. At His ascension, our Lord of the flinty rock, Who fed you in the wil- told us, “It is not for you to know times or derness with manna which your fathers did seasons which the Father has fixed by His not know, that He might humble you and own authority. But you shall receive power test you, to do you good in the end. Beware when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; lest you say in your heart, ‘My power and and you shall be My witnesses in Jerusalem the might of my hand have gotten me this and in all Judea and Samaria and to the end wealth.’ You shall remember the Lord your of the earth” (Acts 1:6-8). We are so wont God, for it is He who gives you power to get to set aside all spiritual cares, to paraphrase wealth; that He may confirm His covenant the words of the Cherubic Hymn, but the which He swore to your fathers, as at this Church reminds us at this season that we day” (Deut. 8:11-19). are to be about our Father’s business, and to now put into action all that the Lord has I love our liturgical year, in all its rich- taught us over these past months. We have ness; how it guides us in all the things of received our Lord’s teachings and are now God. We have been led through so much to put them into practice. It is not enough so far this year in the things of the salvation to have dutifully attended all the services of God given to us: we have witnessed His and done all the prostrations and sung all incarnation at the Feast of the Nativity; we the praises: we must now follow through have been brought successfully through the on our promises to God: “Make vows to the Red Sea of the Great Fast; we have wept Lord your God, and fulfill them” (Psalm 75 at His betrayal, arrest, at the foot of His [76]: 11) we sing in the Sunday Prokeime- cross, and as He was laid in His tomb. We non for Tone 8. At our Baptism, our spon- have also risen early on the first day of the sors made vows in our name, or we made week and gone out with the Myrrh-bearers those vows ourselves: “Have you united and found the huge stone rolled away, and yourself to Christ?” “Yes, I have united heard the words of the angel, “Why do you myself to Christ.” “Then worship Him.” seek the living among the dead?” We have During this season, we have been given the

The Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Passaic subscribes to the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People

adopted by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. The Eparchy, within all its parishes, institutions and programs, is committed to assuring a safe environment in ministry for its children and young people that conforms to Charter requirements. For further information regarding the Eparchial Safe Environment Program please contact: Father David J. Baratelli, Ed.S., M.Div. • Safe Environment Program Coordinator • 973.890.7777 Dr. Maureen Daddona, Ph.D. • Victim’s Assistance Coordinator • 516.623.6456 Page 16 Eastern Catholic Life JULY 2018

Seminarian Reflections Seminarian Paul Varchola West My Former Life

ecently it has come to mind that ferent scales! This is no longer the case, at well. Ultimately, my paper concluded that there is something most of you least in our mainstream culture. My stud- in order for modern scholarship to under- probablyR do not know about me: prior to ies led me to become an expert in the 20th stand Harry Partch, the scholarly commu- attending seminary, I had an entirely differ- Century American composer Harry Partch, nity needs to think of him in terms of his ent life. This is actually the case for many who, inspired by Ancient Greek philoso- Ancient Greek philosophical counterparts, of us who have been called to attend semi- phers, music theorists and artists, decided not his music theory contemporaries of the nary. One may spend a good portion of the Western world needed to return to its 20th Century. Then, in May of this year, I one’s life trying to make it doing what they roots. He re-envisioned how to compose was blessed to travel to the University of want to do and not necessarily what God music, even building (with his own hands) Washington to present this paper to a siz- wants from their life. This idea of a com- 21 extremely specialized instruments to able crowd. The paper was very well re- plete change in one’s life is not a foreign one perform his music. My studies have been ceived by both the academic community as even Saint Paul speaks of his “former life so in-depth that I hold a specialized certifi- and enthusiasts alike. Publication of this in Judaism” prior to becoming a champion cate in his music that only two or three peo- paper is forthcoming! I still cannot believe of early Christianity (Gal 1:13). For those ple in the country posses. Needless to say, I how my current studies have revived my of us who are coined as a “second career painted myself into a corner and for a long old studies and have actually caused me to vocation,” we are in rather good company! time expanding on this research became ex- begin to embark into uncharted scholarly Granted, my former life was not in Judaism, tremely frustrating. I needed a break! research. Additionally, I am thrilled to see but rather, it was spent in music theory. I what further connections I can make as When I decided to discern attending bring this up because this past May I was Icon of Saint Romanos the Melodist my current studies continue. To say I feel blessed to have an experience where my seminary, I thought I would be getting a blessed does not cut it. I never thought previous studies in music collided with my much-needed respite from thinking about end up revitalizing my academic pursuits in something like this would be happening, current studies in theology and philosophy music – boy, was I wrong! As I began to music theory and my studies at Saints Cyril but after all, this plan was not my doing. with quite wonderful results. take my introductory philosophy courses and Methodius Seminary. in my first year, I realized something. All This can also apply to one’s spiritual life. I have two degrees in music. I hold a the works we were reading were making In December of last year, I received a We cannot place ourselves into the boxes in Bachelor’s degree in Music Theory from complete sense to me. How could this phone call from a very good friend who is which we think we belong. Just because we Montclair State University (NJ) and a Mas- be? While I have heard of names such as a professor at the University of Washing- are struggling does not mean we will strug- ter of Fine Arts in Music Composition from Plato and Aristotle, I never read any of their ton in Seattle. He told me he was putting gle forever. Even though a path may seem the California Institute of the Arts (Los An- works. I was a musician, how on earth was on a music festival centered around Harry long, unconventional, or downright fool- geles). I spent my entire academic career I all of a sudden completely understanding Partch and that he would like me to be one ish, we must always keep faith that events researching Ancient Greek forms of music classical philosophy? Then it hit me: all my of the guest speakers. I was overwhelmed are unfolding on God’s time, not ours. In as well as how non-Western cultures tune studies of Ancient Greek music, and specifi- to receive such an honor; however, this times of uncertainty we must not forget their instruments and how they create mu- cally the work of Harry Partch, talked about meant I would have to write a paper and to pray and place our trust in God that, al- sic. The long and short of it is that the way all these classical philosophic concepts, just what on earth was I going to write about? I though we may have no clue what is hap- we think of music today, limiting ourselves in different terms. I was overjoyed to be needed to rethink everything I knew about pening to us, the truth of the matter is He to those notes found only on the keys of a ahead of the curve, and my mother was re- Harry Partch and Ancient Greek music does. Placing our trust in God can lessen piano, is a relatively recent phenomenon lieved to know that my years of training in theory and look at it from the new angle the burdens on our hearts and we may be that seems to coincide with the Industrial music were not for naught! What started I was afforded by my greater understand- pleasantly surprised with the results! Revolution. Prior to this modern innova- out as me thinking I would have to work ing of classical philosophy. Immediately, I tion, music would sound different from a little less to get an A turned out to com- knew I was on to something as my old frus- one village to another even so much so that pletely change the way I viewed all of my trations with music melted away and I was different church organs were tuned to dif- previous studies, and furthermore, would able to expand on a topic that I knew all too When traveling to the south this summer please visit our churches All Saints Epiphany of Our Lord Holy Dormition Our Lady of the Sign Saint Therese 10291 Bayshore Road 2030 Old Alabama Road 17 Buckskin Lane 7311 Lyons Road 4265 13th Avenue North North Fort Myers, FL 33917 Roswell, GA 30076 Ormond Beach, FL 32174 Coconut Creek, FL 33073 Saint Petersburg, FL 33713 1-239-599-4023 1-770-993-0973 1-386-677-8704 1-954-429-0056 1-727-323-4022 Saint Anne Saint Basil the Great Saints Cyril and Methodius Saint Nicholas of Myra 7120 Massachusetts Ave. 1475 N.E. 199th Street 1002 Bahama Avenue 5135 Sand Lake Road New Port Richey, FL 34653 Miami, FL 33179-5162 Fort Pierce, FL 34982 Orlando, FL 32819 1-727-849-1190 1-305-651-0991 1-772-595-1021 1-407-351-0133 Upcoming Eparchial and Parish Events July September Eastern Catholic Life 4 Independence Day 1-2 Annual Pilgrimage in Honor of Our Circulation Department Civic holiday* Chancery closed Lady of Perpetual Help Uniontown, PA 445 Lackawanna Avenue 5-8 Byzantine Youth Rally Woodland Park, NJ 07424 Saint Vincent College, Latrobe, PA 20 Holy Great Prophet Elias Next Issue: Simple Holyday August, 2018 23 Divine Liturgy at Basilica of the National Shrine of Saint Ann Copy Deadline: 4:30 PM Hierarchical Divine Liturgy * July 20 Bishop Kurt will be the main celebrant The current issue of the ECL was printed at Evergreen August Printing, Bellmawr, NJ, and 4-8 Altar Server Camp was distributed from the Carpathian Village, Canadensis, PA U.S. Post Office via second class mailing in 5 Annual Saint Nicholas Pilgrimage Bellmawr, NJ. Carpathian Village, Canadensis, PA 11-12 Annual Holy Dormition Pilgrimage Sloatsburg, NY