BCW VOL. 65 NO. 3 MARCH 2020

THE OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE ARCHEPARCHY OF PITTSBURGH

Inside

VOL. 65 NO. 3

preparing pirohi

“road to the gold”

The Great Fast means pirohi is on the menu at Archeparchy churches Page 7

Father Kevin Marks of St. Michael in Campbell, Ohio journeys through the Great Fast Page 10

“Ad Limina” visit 2020

MARCH 2020

thanksgiving in guatemala Parshioners at St. John Chrysostom in Houston, Texas perform mission work Page 12

Seminary earns “A” byzantine catholic seminary receives 10-years reaccreditation from association of theological schools

By Father Robert Pipta and Helen Kennedy

Archbishop William Skurla (right) meets Pope Francis Feb. 20 in Rome during a week-long “Ad Limina” visit by the U.S. Eastern Catholic bishops. For more photos, see pages 3 and 5.

“I am the good shepherd” metropolitan archbishop william skurla ordains father thomas wells to priesthood in houston, texas Deacon Thomas Wells was ordained a priest forever by Metropolitan Archbishop William C. Skurla during the Divine Liturgy on Saturday, Jan. 18 at his home parish of St. John Chrysostom in Houston, Texas.

Concelebrating with the Metropolitan were Very Rev. Elias L. Rafaj, administrator of St. John; Very Rev. Robert M. Pipta; Rev. Father Janucz A. Ihnatowicz of the Latin Archdiocese of Kraków, Poland; and the Rev. Father Fadi Al Mimass of the Melkite Mission of St. Barbara in Houston.

The parish Deacon Andrew Veres; Deacon Brian Norrell of St. Basil in Irving, Texas;

Father Robert Pipta, Rector of the Byzantine Catholic Seminary of SS. Cyril and Methodius in Pittsburgh, Pa., has received from the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) a letter stating that their Board of Commissioners “voted to reaffirm the accreditation of Byzantine Catholic Seminary of SS. Cyril and Methodius for a period of 10 years.” This news was received after an ATS evaluation team conducted a three-day comprehensive evaluation of the Seminary in Nov. 2019.

Father Robert stated, “The visit from the ATS comprehensive evaluation team was an uplifting and affirming experience which left me thankful to God for such talented Seminary leadership and faculty. The team spoke of our Seminary community as hospitable and congenial.

I couldn’t be more delighted Story continued on page 5

Correction

Father Thomas Wells was ordained to the priesthood for the Archeparchy of Pittsburgh by Metropolitan Archbishop William Skurla Jan. 18 at his home parish of St. John Chrysostom in Houston, Texas.

Sub-deacon Bryan Scotton of the Passaic Eparchy; and Subdeacon Jamil Daaboul of the Melkite Mission assisted.

Deacon Jeffrey Mierzejewski served as cantor. Also serving at the altar were Father Story continued on page 4

The SS. Peter and Paul Parish Club of Duquesne, Pa. collected 430 hats, gloves and scarves, which were donated to charities Beverly’s Birthdays amd Pearl’s Serenity House.

The total published in the February issue was incorrect.

The Byzantine Catholic World regrets the error. n

PAGE 2

MARCH 2020

UPS 081500 ISSN 07442289 Official publication of the Byzantine Catholic Archeparchy of Pittsburgh Serving parish communities in central and western Pennsylvania, Louisiana, eastern Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas and West Virginia Published monthly (12 issues) plus two seasonal special issues Byzantine Catholic Press Associates 66 Riverview Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15214 Tel: 412.231.4000 Fax: 412.231.1697 E-mail: bcw@archpitt.org Web site: www.archpitt.org Archbishop William C. Skurla President David Mayernik Jr. Editor Sister Elaine Kisinko, OSBM Copy Editor Deacon Robert J. Shalhoub Business Manager Annual Subscription Rates US $14 Canadian $17 International $20 Periodicals Postage PAID at Pittsburgh, PA

Postmaster: send address changes to: The Byzantine Catholic World 66 Riverview Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15214 Please allow 2 to 3 weeks for address changes to take effect.

Submissions deadline: 23rd of the month prior to the month of publication.

The Byzantine Catholic World is a member of the Catholic Press Association.

mission The mission of The Byzantine

Catholic World is to spread the Gospel message in the rich tradition of the Byzantine Catholic Church; to encourage faithful to reflect the image of Christ in everyday activities of life; to offer spiritual formation through changing times; and to celebrate community among Byzantine Catholics in the Archeparchy of Pittsburgh, throughout the Metropolitan Church in America, and around the world.

Bulletin Board Events at the House of Prayer The following events will take place at Mount St. Macrina House of Prayer, 510 W. Main St., Uniontown, Pa. To register for programs or more information, call 724-438-7149 or email hpmsm@verizon.net.

Lenten Bible Study n 9:30-11:30 a.m. Thursdays, March 5 to April 2. Presented

by Sister Melita Marie, OSBM. Free will offering. Registration due Feb. 20. Bible Study sessions will develop Great Fast themes and include appropriate prayer of praise and petition.

Bring your favorite Bible.

Lenten Prayer Morning 9:15 am – 1 p.m. March 7. Father Valerian Michlik presents “O Lord, I Cry Out to You, Hear Me!” Offering of $35 includes lunch.

Registration due March 3. The Sacrament of Reconciliation will be offered along with a conference and prayer service. n

There is No Time Limit on Grieving n 10 a.m.–1 p.m. March 14. Patty Clemmer, LPN Retired Volunteer Hospice Coordinator, discusses dealing with the loss of a loved one before, during and after their passing. Offering of $35 includes lunch. Registration due March 10.

An Evening of Prayer, Praise and Fellowship with Kim Show n 7–8:30 p.m. March 24. Come and give thanks to our Creator, make your requests be known to God and sing joyfully from your hearts! Free-will offering Registration due March 22.

Greater Pittsburgh Protopresbytery Penitential Vespers The Sundays of the Great Fast schedule of services at 4 p.m.

Mystery of reconciliation precedes vespers March 1 St. Andrew 235 Logan Road, Gibsonia, Pa. Homilist: Father Tom Schaefer March 8 SS. Peter and Paul, Duquesne 701 Foster Ave., Duquesne, Pa. Homilist: Father Christiaan Kappes March 15 SS. Peter and Paul 429 George St., Braddock Homilist: Father Robert Karl March 22 St. John the Baptist Cathedral 210 Greentree Road, Munhall, Pa. Homilist: Father Frank Firko March 29 Holy Ghost 225 Olivia St., McKees Rocks, Pa. Homilist: Very Rev. Andrew Deskevich

15th annual Egg Eggstravaganza The 15th annual Egg Eggstravaganza will be held noon-5 p.m. March 29 at St. John the Baptist, 201 E. Main St., in Uniontown, Pa. The event will include: egg artists will display, demonstrate and sell decorated eggs; and a marketplace with pysanky supplies, Easter items and crafts, basket covers and other ethnic items.

Children’s activities include storytelling, making Easter eggs and other projects.

There will also be videos showing the making of

pysanky, a display of Easter basket covers, explanation of traditional Easter foods and a pysanky jigsaw table.

A Lenten lunch menu and bake sale will be available for purchase.

The event is sponsored by GCU Lodge #81, local egg artists and St. John’s Ethnic Craft Club.

No charge for admission.

Handicapped accessible.

For information, call 724438-6027 (9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Monday to Friday, leave message.) n

Harlots, Myrrhbearers and Disciples: The Women in John’s Gospel with Helenanne Hochendoner n 10 a.m.-1 p.m. April 4 Offering of $35, includes lunch. Registration due March 31.

Candlelight Dinner for Married Couples n 6:30–9 p.m. April 25.

Offering of $70. per couple.

Registration due April 18.

Experience an evening of music, dining, a basket auction and a heartwarming presentation. n

Christine Luschas (left) participates in the 2019 Egg Eggstravaganza

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MARCH 2020

PAGE 3

Audience with Pope Francis archbishop william skurla joins eastern bishops of the united states in ad limina visit with the holy father

By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service

VATICAN CITY — In January, when Cardinal Robert Sarah, prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Sacraments, published a book supporting mandatory priestly celibacy — a book, which included an essay by retired Pope Benedict XVI – it was "painful," said Bishop John M. Botean of the Ohio-based Romanian Catholic Eparchy of St George.

The majority of Bishop Botean's two dozen priests are married, he said, and the book seemed to question their vocations and ministry.

"The culture of married priests is still part of our culture, and our people, especially from Romania, expect it," the bishop told Catholic News Service and the National Catholic Reporter Feb. 18 during his "ad limina" visit to Rome.

The U.S. bishops' last round of "ad limina" visits was in 2012 with Pope Benedict XVI. At that time, Bishop Botean said, the Eastern Catholic bishops requested official recognition of their churches' tradition of married priests.

In the late 1800s, at the request of the Latin-rite bishops of the United States, who said they were worried about the confusion the practice caused, the Vatican prohibited married Ruthenian priests from living and ministering in the United States. And in 1929 to 1930, the Congregation for Eastern Churches extended the ban to all Eastern-rite priests throughout North America, South America and Australia.

In the 1970s and 1980s, some Eastern Catholic bishops in North America sent married candidates for the priesthood to their churches' homelands for ordination. When they returned to minister in the United States or Canada, many of them received suspension notices from the Vatican.

By the mid-1990s, some Eastern Catholic bishops were ordaining married men in Canada and the United States, and while Vatican officials continued to restate the rules against it, eventually, the suspensions stopped.

But the bishops continued to ask for respect for their churches' traditions, including by officially allowing them to ordain married priests and to

bring married priests from their homelands to minister in the United States and Canada.

The requirement of celibacy for priests in North America was "a huge, huge problem for us, and it just evaporated" in the first year of Pope Francis' pontificate when he dropped the prohibition, Bishop Botean said.

A married priesthood is not "a panacea," he said, explaining that besides financially supporting a married priest and his family, the church also must work out assignments and transfers that consider the fact that many of the priests' wives have careers and their children are in school.

"It's not in the code (of canon law), but a priest's wife has veto power" over assignments, "because you are not going to split people up or put the relationship at risk," he said.

Catholics cannot say they know their church unless they know at least something about the 23 Eastern Catholic churches that enrich the universal church with their own spiritualities, liturgies and disciplines, Bishop Botean insisted.

"A Catholic who wants to know the Catholic Church needs to know us because we are a part of it," he said.

In the United States, there are 17 eparchies — dioceses — that belong to one of nine Eastern Catholic churches: the Ukrainian, Ruthenian, Maronite, Chaldean, Melkite, Syriac, Syro-Malabar, Armenian and Romanian Catholic Churches.

Except for the two U.S. Chaldean Catholic bishops who made their "ad limina" visits with the world's Chaldean bishops in 2018, the U.S. Eastern Catholic bishops were in Rome Feb. 16 to 22 for the visits, which include praying at the tombs of SS. Peter and Paul, visiting the offices of the Roman Curia and meeting with Pope Francis.

Each wearing the liturgical vestments of his own church, the bishops were scheduled to concelebrate the Divine Liturgy according to the rites of the Syro-Malabar, Armenian, Melkite and Ukrainian Catholic churches.

While the bishops were more familiar with each other's liturgies than most Catholics

Archbishop William Skurla (right) presents Pope Francis with an icon.

Very Rev. Andrew Deskevich Protosyncellus, (right) meets Pope Francis.

Eastern bishops and priests of the United States in Rome.

Story continued on page 5 the byzantine catholic world

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MARCH 2020

Father Thomas Wells ordained to priesthood in Texas continued from page 1 Tom’s son, Michael; his sonin-law William Peacock; and parishioners Ryan Black, Will Colbert, Phillip Kaye, David Dominguez and Angelo Luna.

In his homily Archbishop William noted that “I am the good shepherd. A good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. A hired hand, who is not a shepherd and whose sheep are not his own, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away, and the wolf catches and scatters them. This is because he works for pay and has no concern for the sheep. I am the good shepherd, and I know mine and mine know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I will lay down my life for the sheep.

“Father Thomas Wells has been called to follow the example of the Good Shepherd.

Unlike the hired worker, Father Tom is to lay down his life for the people of God, to be a good shepherd and servant of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Father Tom was well-prepared for his ordination. He studied theology and catechetics at the University of St. Thomas in Houston, earning an undergraduate degree in Religious Education and a Master’s degree in Pastoral Studies.

He served as the Director of Religious Education for a large urban parish for 12 years in the Latin Diocese of GalvestonHouston.

Later, he studied information technology and software development, completing a successful IT career in the oil and gas industry from which he retired.

Tom then responded to the call of the Lord by entering SS. Cyril and Methodius Seminary in Pittsburgh, Pa. in August 2015 as a candidate for the priesthood.

After four years of study and formation, Father Tom received a Master in Divinity.

Tom was ordained a deacon on Sunday, June 3, 2018, by Metropolitan Archbishop William at his home parish of St. John Chrysostom Now again, in the presence of family, friends and his fellow parishioners of St. John, Deacon Thomas became Rev. Father Thomas at the hand of his Archbishop.

Especially rejoicing with him were his wife Mary, his son Michael and wife Alicia, his daughter Teresa and husband

William, his brother David and wife Vickie, Father Tom’s sisters-in-law, grandchildren and nieces.

A lunch-reception followed the Divine Liturgy of Ordination.

May God grant to the Priest Thomas peace, health and happiness for many blessed years! Axios! n

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MARCH 2020

PAGE 5

Seminary earns “A” continued from page 1

with the outcome.”

Ten years is the longest period ATS affirms accreditation to a theological school.

The Seminary previously held accreditation for seven years.

The importance of being an accredited institution, according to ATS, is to “ensure that institutions of higher education function according to standards of institutional and educational quality.”

ATS grants accreditation to theological schools in the United States and Canada.

The mission of ATS is to promote the improvement and enhancement of theological schools to the benefit of communities of faith and the broader public.

Included with the ATS Board report was the approval for the Master of Divinity and Master of Arts in Theology (MAT) degree programs. The MDiv degree program currently has 12 seminarians, three of whom are married. The MAT program currently has 21 students enrolled, most of whom take all of their courses online.

Father Christiaan Kappes, Academic Dean, stated, “I cannot overstate how pleased I am. Not only were the professionalism and scholarship of our academic program affirmed, but the mature collaboration of our administration and faculty was praised as a Seminary hallmark. I could not have tranquilly welcomed our visitors save for the fact that our faculty, administration, and

students were already living in a culture of transparency and collaborative assessment.”

During the visit, the ATS team met with the MDiv students and stated they were impressed by their maturity and centeredness.

Timothy Farris, student representative said, “I had the opportunity to share my four years’ experience of growing through the Seminary with the evaluation team. It was interesting to hear the experiences they brought from visiting other seminaries.

In return, I shared some of the recent developments that occurred in the master’s program and seminary life.”

Metropolitan William Skurla announced the Seminary had “passed another milestone by completing the Association of Theological School audit.” He also stated, “everyone at the Seminary worked hard for two years preparing for this visit.”

Mrs. Helen Kennedy, Director of Accreditation, led the twoyear preparatory efforts. The Seminary was required to complete a comprehensive selfstudy. This was accomplished with the dedication of three sub-committees working with dedicated laity, students, faculty, alumni, staff, and administrators.

Seminary professor, Dr. Matthew Minerd, who was the primary reviewer of the report, stated, “My work editing and organizing the content of our Seminary’s self-study helped me see a truly encouraging fact: we have deeply integrated

Ad Limina

their languages and cultural expressions. Councils -- first of the apostles, then of the bishops -- were held to clarify the essential points of faith and doctrine, but a huge variety of religious expression flourished.

"Christianity has many forms outside of Western Christianity," Bishop Botean said. Too many people get stuck "thinking in binary, kind of 'Catholic-Protestant' terms," and miss the history and spirituality of the Christian East, which includes the Orthodox and Eastern Catholics.

People, including Eastern Catholics themselves, need to stop thinking of the Eastern Catholic churches as "cultural relics that somehow became appendages of the Roman church" and begin to see that they are integral parts of the Catholic Church and "instruments of the new evangelization," he said. n

continued from page 3 would be, they still were given booklets or sheets with all the prayers written out in English so they could concelebrate.

"You don't have to be an Eastern Catholic to enjoy the richness" of the Eastern liturgies, Bishop Botean said, highlighting as an example the harmonized plainsong sung by four Armenian seminarians at the bishops' liturgy Feb. 18 at the tomb of St. Peter.

Asked why the Catholic Church has so many different liturgies for celebrating the Eucharist, Bishop Botean responded, "Why do we have different languages?"

In the first centuries of Christianity — without the internet and other quick forms of communication — Christianity spread out from the Holy Land and took root in local communities with

Father Ivan Chirovsky teaches Spirituality Class at the Byzantine Catholic Seminary of SS. Cyril and Methodius in Pittsburgh, Pa.

the various requirements of ATS through this process of accreditation. In looking at the results of the shared labor of all those who were involved in drafting our self-study it was edifying to see a unified picture of the spiritual, academic, and professional policies in place here, and I am heartened that the health of our institution has been recognized by ATS in this manner.”

The ATS Board report also identified other distinctive strengths of the Seminary including its commitment to be a center of learning for the Eastern Catholic Churches that encourages collegial, ecumenical, and collaborative engagement; and the implementation of a culture of comprehensive, data-driven assessment, committed to quality improvement across all sectors of seminary life.

Mrs. Kennedy stated that

“during these past seven years, the Seminary has shown significant scholarship and commitment to excellence.

These qualities reflect the commitment of Father Robert Pipta, Father Christiaan Kappes, and all the staff and faculty.”

The next comprehensive evaluation visit is to occur in fall 2029, one term before the period of accreditation expires on March 31, 2030.

“Coinciding with the beginning of our 70th anniversary year, this announcement reminds us that we are forever accountable,” stated Father Robert, “and I’m eager to work with our team to develop a new strategic plan that will challenge and strengthen us over the next decade. I desire that BCS be second-to-none when it comes to preparing future leaders for Eastern Catholic parishes in America.” n

Bishop Kurt Burnette, Archbiship William Skurla, Pope Francis and Bishop Milan Lach SJ

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MARCH 2020

reflection from mount st. macrina

Long-suffering is being patient

by Sister Barbara Jean Mihalchick, OSBM Sisters of St. Basil the Great Mount St. Macrina, Uniontown, Pa.

Sister Barbara Jean Mihalchick posts videos of her reflections each week at the Facebook of the Sisters of St. Basil the Great.

View them at: https://www. facebook.com/sistersofstbasil. uniontown/.

This is a transcript of her Aug. 2, 2019 reflection and is Part 6 of her “Fruits of the Holy Spirit” series.

Glory to Jesus Christ!

Today, as we continue this series on Fruits of the Spirit we talk about one we wonder if it belongs here; it's called "longsuffering."

It's considered something good in the Catholic tradition; in the

spiritual tradition, actually, because we are a church of martyrdom and a people who are faithful to the end.

Long-suffering is often a need for us to live faithfully.

We certainly have plenty of examples in life of those who have gone to great extremes.

We think of somebody like St. Paul, who suffered many, many things at the hands of enemies; at the hands of those who felt threatened by his teachings.

We have plenty of martyrs, of course. And we have examples in our own history in contemporary times.

Particularly, think of St. John Paul II, who remained in his role as a Holy Father even in his old age and even in his infirmity.

I think of Mother Teresa, who expanded her ministry to many countries where governments were in opposition to the

Catholic faith. But she stood up to them and demanded: If you want my help, you must have these things available for the Sisters and for the ministry.

They weren't for these things but she persevered until these things were arranged.

Long-suffering is being patient when somebody is working against you. It's patience under stress. It's patience when somebody is being unjust to you, when life's circumstances aren't what you want.

It means all the way from putting up with when someone is bumping your seat from behind on an airplane to the grouchy neighbor who threatens to sue you for everything.

Can you, in fact, ask for the grace of the Holy Spirit then to be patient?

Can you pray for the one who opposes?

These are the ways the Holy Spirit can work in us, in these Fruits of the Spirit, to keep us on track to be people of faith, hope and love.

We see examples of this in the prayer of St. Francis: "that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console." To be caring about others and recognizing others need our prayer, need the offering of our sacrifice of inconvenience.

It's an age where we're used to being treated well. But these moments that try us — try our virtue, try our patience, — can be moments when grace can flourish in us and make us stronger. These things develop our "spiritual muscles."

Not on our own. We must ask for the Lord's help, we must ask for Mary's help as we go through the journey on this path of holiness.

May God bless you. n

text messages

“Spiritual junk food”

by David Mayernik Jr. Editor

As I write this, about a week before the start of the Great Fast, I’m thinking about what to give up over the coming 40 days.

Truth be told, for the past few weeks, I've cut back on my intake of junk food containing way too many grams of sugar.

And let me be the first to tell you this: regular Rice Krispies don't hold a proverbial candle to the Cocoa Krispies version.

Sure, they have Snap, Crackle and Pop but with only 4 grams of sugar per serving, that's about it.

I attended the Feb. 16 Saturday evening vigil at St. Gregory in Upper St. Clair, Pa. and Father Valerian Michlik's homily concerned Meatfare Sunday.

He talked about the importance of food in the Bible, as many different types are mentioned throughout its pages: n Jesus performed his first miracle during the wedding at Cana, changing water into wine. n Jesus satisfied the hunger

of multitudes with only five loaves of bread and two fish. n And there are numerous verses containing allusions to food: "Then Jacob gave Esau some bread and some lentil stew. He ate and drank, and then got up and left. So Esau despised his birthright” (Genesis 25:34 34).

Father Valerian then switched gears and went on to talk about the role of "spiritual junk food" in our lives, or those things which do not bring us closeer to Christ.

I started thinking about instances of "spiritual junk food" in my life and how I could attempt to remove it.

So much of it comes from the Internet in the form of computers and cell phones we (myself included) perpetually have attached to out hands.

Specifically, the comments section on Facebook and YouTube and reply posts on Twitter.

There you will never find a more wretched hive of scum and villainy, as Obi-Wan Kenobi tells Luke Skywalker in the original "Star Wars."

That's why I rarely post personal musings on social media: to cut down on the vitriol.

Because I know this would

Junk food

happen: Me: I like oranges.

Anonymous Person Full of Hate: I hate oranges! What kind of person are you to like oranges?! What about kumquats? Kumquats taste so much better! #Kumquats4Ever Everyone has an opinion, I suppose.

Oranges are very tasty and full of Vitamin C but this reply is pure "spiritual junk food."

As demonstrated, it is often found in the most innocuous of places.

the byzantine catholic world

I read daily comic strips online and people even post the most hate-filled comments to criticize the writers and artists of strips such as “Beetle Bailey,” “Hagar the Horrible” and “Hi and Lois.”

Comic strips, I say again for emphasis!

I am going to endeavor to cut down on my consumption of all forms of “spiritual junk food,” such as viewing the millions of internet comments which are posted each day.

Once you dive into this rabbit hole — like Alice on her journey to Wonderland — it’s nearly impossible to climb out. n

parish news MARCH 2020

PAGE 7

Preparing pirohi st. john the baptist in scottdale, pa.

Pirohi making has started at St. John ithe Baptist n Scottdale, Pa. Catherine Catalina (below) offers a final inspection before placing pirohi in freezers. Father Oleh Seremchuk is pastor. n

st. elias in munhall, pa.

Pirohi workers are hard at work preparing for the Lenten Fish Fries at St. Elias in Munhall. Pa. Father Vitalii Stashkevych is pastor.

Fish Fries are held Fridays

Displaying a perfect pirohi is Andy Lipko. Barb Zaksek, Marge Ondus and Janet Janet Whittaker, Marge Ondus and Barb Whittaker. Mike Lashiasky (back), is Zaksek are in back. cleaning dishes.

Pirohi making has started at St. John ithe Baptist n Scottdale, Pa. Placing the pirohi dough through the sheeter are John Osnusko and Terry Frederick.

the byzantine catholic world

during the Great Fast from 11:30 a.m, to 6 p.m. starting Feb. 28.

For more information, see “Around the Archeparchy� on page 16.

PAGE 8

parish news

continued

MARCH 2020

st. gregory in upper st. clair, pa.

Celebrating St. Gregory’s Day

“Sweet” outreach

by Father Valerian Michlik St. Gregory, Upper St. Clair, Pa.

In anticipation of St. Valentine’s Day, St. Gregory’s Women of Faith organized a “sweet” outreach to assist the Light of Life Mission located

in the Northside of Pittsburgh, Pa. For a number of weeks, we collected donations of candy and Valentine cards for the women and children’s program.

We are grateful to all who participated in this outreach. n

by Father Valerian Michlik St. Gregory, Upper St. Clair, Pa.

The weekend of Jan. 25 to 26 was special in our parish family as we honored our patron saint, St. Gregory of Nazianzus.

Following the Divine Liturgy, we gathered in our Church hall for a potluck luncheon prepared by our faithful. n

Fore!

by Father Valerian Michlik St. Gregory, Upper St. Clair, Pa.

On Sunday evening, Feb. 9, members of our St. Gregory’s Men’s Club gathered at Top

Golf in Bridgeville, Pa. for an evening of fellowship and fun.

We all enjoyed this PreLenten outing of camaraderie that brought us together. n

Book Club discussion

by Father Valerian Michlik St. Gregory, Upper St. Clair, Pa.

St. Gregory’s Library Ministry sponsored a Jan. 28 morning and evening Book Club Discussion on “Carnegie’s Maid” written by local Pittsburgh author Marie Benedict.

At both sessions our

the byzantine catholic world

parishioners engaged in a lively and interesting discussion about “Carnegie’s Maid” who may have spurred Andrew Carnegie's transformation from ruthless industrialist into the world's first true philanthropist. n

MARCH 2020

parish news

ascension of our lord in clairton, pa. st. john the baptist cathedral in munhall, pa.

Giving back to veterans

by Sydney Cochran Ascension of Our Lord, Clairton, Pa.

Ascension of Our Lord in Clairton, Pa., along with St. John the Baptist Cathedral in Munhall, Pa., collected personal care items, clothing, books and magazines, and snacks to donate to the Veterans Hospital in Pittsburgh, Pa. during the months of November and December.

Bill and Karen Kerr and the GCU SEP #602 spearheaded this drive. Bill is a retired Marine.

Volunteers came out to help Bill load his van for delivery.

“As the daughter of a retired lieutenant colonel of the United States Army, I know firsthand

the sacrifices these brave men and women make to protect this great nation.

That is why I am especially proud of our Church’s outreach to the veterans,” Sydney Cochran said.

The response was wonderful!

Thank you to everyone who helped with our successful event!

We urge you, if the opportunity arises, to donate to the VA and thereby help give back to those who have given so much to us.

If you have any questions about donating items, you can contact VA Pittsburgh Voluntary Services and speak to Anthony Lesesne at 412360-3990. n

continued

PAGE 9

Feast of the Encounter st. john the baptist cathedral in munha,ll, pa.

Very Rev. Andrew Deskevich blessed candles following the Feb. 2 Divine Liturgy at St. John the Baptist Cathedral in Munhall, Pa. in celebration of the Feast of the Encounter. n

st. elias in munhall, pa.

by Mary Caryl Planiczki St. Elias, Munhall, Pa.

Father Vitalii Stashkevych blessed candles Feb. 2 at St. Elias in Munhall, Pa. The blessing of candles on the Feast of the Presentation is closely related to the Gospel narrative introducing Jesus as the “Light of the people” (Luke 2:32).

The burning candle symbolizes the abiding presence of Jesus Christ in the midst of the Christian community as He, Himself, had promised: “Where two or three are gathered in My Name, there I am in their midst “(Matthew 18:20).

Burning candles also creates a prayerful atmosphere. They remind us that our prayers should come from a heart burning with love of God and they should be directed to heaven where God abides in the “inaccessible light.” n

Altar server Luke Jordan

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Father Vitalii Stashkkevych

PAGE 10

parish news

continued

MARCH 2020

st. michael in campbell, ohio

“Road to the Gold”

by Father Kevin Marks St. Michael, Campbell, Ohio

On Jan. 26, we began our 12-week "Road To The Gold" with the first Pre-Lenten Sunday of Zacchaeus.

Each week, the special Easter Olympic Gym Bag will be opened, so we can take what's inside with us through the Great Fast — our spiritual Olympics — and arrive at Easter Sunday winning our spiritual gold medals.

This past Sunday, "Binoculars"

by Father Kevin Marks St. Michael, Campbell, Ohio

The "Road to the Gold" continued Feb. 2 with The Feast of the Encounter of Our Lord as well as the Sunday of the Publican and Pharisee.

Inside the special Easter Olympic Gym Bag was a candle.

We take with us a candle to our spiritual Olympics — the

were inside the gym bag.

The binoculars remind us to always seek out the Lord in our life and not let any obstacle get in the way.

Zacchaeus had to seek out the Lord by climbing a tree and did not let the crowd prevent him from getting to Jesus.

Everyone is invited to join us each week on the "Road To The Gold" and let us start to prepare ourselves for the Great Fast by seeking out the Lord. n

Great Fast— to remind us that Jesus is the Light of the World, He is the Light of our life, and to share that Light with others.

The Pharisee made himself out to be the Light while the Publican acknowledged his own darkness and knew it was only Jesus that can bring him Light. The Elder Simeon shared the Light of Jesus with others. n

by Father Kevin Marks St. Michael, Campbell, Ohio

The "Road to the Gold" continues Feb. 9 with the third Pre-Lenten Sunday of the Prodigal Son. Inside the special Easter Olympic Gym Bag this Sunday was a baseball. In order to score a run in baseball, the player must come to home base. Our Merciful Father God calls all of us to come back home.

by Father Kevin Marks St. Michael, Campbell, Ohio

The "Road to the Gold" continues with the fourth Pre-Lenten Sunday of MeatFare. Inside the special Easter Olympic Gym Bag this Sunday was a measuring cup.

The measuring cup is meant to ask ourselves, "How do

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If we find ourselves like the younger brother, He welcomes us back with His mercy, forgiveness, and love.

If we find ourselves like the older brother, we must not judge, criticize, or talk bad about others because God already gives us His mercy, forgiveness, and love.

So we take a baseball to the Great Fast to remind us to "Come Home." n

we measure up to our Lord's command in the Gospel of the Last Judgment?"

Do we measure our life by building ourselves up and tearing others down? or do we measure our life by living it for others? How are we going to measure up this upcoming Lent? n

MARCH 2020

parish news

continued

st. michael in campbell, ohio

holy ghost in mckees rocks, pa.

Steak Fry

Volunteer dinner

The annual Steak Fry at St. Michael in Campbell, Ohio was held Feb. 1. It was hosted and prepared by the men of the parish’s Civic Club. Father Kevin Marks is pastor. n

Father Frank Firko held the annual appreciation dinner for the volunteers at Holy Ghost in McKees Rocks, Pa. and Holy Ghost North Side parishes Jan. 3 at the Golden Corral

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Restaurant in Robinson, Pa. Volunteers enjoyed a buffet dinner and fellowship all while being assured their parishes appreciate their efforts. n

Youth Group outing The Youth Group at Holy Ghost in McKees Rocks, Pa. had their annual winter outing Feb. 8.

The evening began by attending Divine Liturgy together and continued with bowling and a dinner buffet.

Alumni and siblings were invited along with parents.

Father Frank Firko joined the group to cheer them on and bless their meal. n

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parish news

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MARCH 2020

st. john chrysostom in houston, texas

Thanksgiving in Guatemala

by David Dominguez St. John Chrysostom, Houston, Texas

Guatemala City, the capital of the Central American country of Guatemala, is divided into zones. Zone 18, on the outskirts of the city, has a reputation of being one of the more difficult areas to live in, given its high rate of crime and extreme poverty.

A common occurrence in Zone 18 is seeing children raised by older siblings because economic hardship has driven many parents to seek employment in other areas of the city or country.

Another ordinary reality of this place is fatherless families.

The violence that continues to plague Guatemala even 24 years after the civil war ended has taken many of the young male adult population.

These issues are what motivated Father Thomas Goeckler to start up a new program in Guatemala he initiated in neighboring Honduras with great success.

The focus of the association, Caminando Por La Paz (Walking for Peace), is the children of this neighborhood.

It strives to provide the neighborhood children with a chance at a better future and to break the cycle of gang violence.

The association accomplishes this by encouraging education and positive values through on-site tutoring, meals, and extracurricular activities such as soccer and movie nights.

Volunteers run instruction and activities, some of whom themselves participated in Caminando Por La Paz when they were children.

In 2010, Father Tom passed away, and Maryknoll lay missionary Ron Covey now heads the association. Sister Sandra Atha, a parishioner of St. John Chrysostom in Houston, Texas, has also been intimately involved with the association, and she introduced this project to St. John.

This past summer, Father Elias Rafaj, pastor of St. John Chrysostom, and members of the parish began to prepare to travel to Guatemala during Thanksgiving week to assist the association in its work and learn what the needs of the association are. Our small group from Houston, with the added support of a small group sent by Bishop Milan Lach,

TOP: Father Elias Rafaj (left) and Eparchy of Parma and Houston missionaries with some of the local volunteers at Caminando por la Paz. Father Marek Visnovsky is in vestments on right.

MIDDLE: Getting a tour of the neighborhood of the project led by local volunteers.

BOTTOM: Houston missionaries share a meal with children. From leftNimio and Marcela Tristan, David Dominguez, Ron Covey and Aly Lopez Dominguez.

RIGHT: Father Marek Visnovsky prepares to celebrate the Divine Liturgy in the roof top chapel overlooking the neighborhood where we served. Father Elias cantored and led the singing in Spanish.

SJ, of Parma and led by Father Marek Visnovsky, traveled to Guatemala City to witness the hard work undertaken by this association.

The call to participate in

missionary work is a universal call to all Christians and even for Byzantines. While there, the Houston and Parma missionaries assisted the regular volunteers in providing

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extracurricular activities for the children as they were on break from school.

Activities included a dance class, an arts and crafts class, and an English lesson where children learned how to pray the Our Father in English and the Trisagion prayer in Spanish.

In addition to this, missionaries assisted in the kitchen, preparing meals and snacks for the children. One of the highlights of the mission was a riveting game of soccer played on a parking lot where everyone — children and adults — participated.

Without a doubt, the high point of the trip was serving the Divine Liturgy in English and Spanish for the local community on two occasions.

The rooftop of the association house overlooking the entire neighborhood of Zone 18 became a chapel for Divine Liturgy. The first Liturgy commemorated Father Tom on the exact day of the ninth anniversary of his passing.

As locals heard that Liturgy would take place near them, they jumped at the opportunity to join us in prayer, filling the small area.

After the Liturgy, the Byzantine missionaries presented the community with a gift, a large icon of Christ the Bridegroom (Christ of the Passion) written by the hand of Father Elias.

This image is closely related to another image of Christ, highly venerated across Latin America; Jesus el Nazareno; a richly ornamented image which depicts Christ carrying His cross along the Via Dolorosa.

The work of Caminando Por La Paz is truly a local community effort. Parents, grandparents, and neighbors all assist the association in whatever way they can to help the children of Zone 18 break the cycle of violence and poverty.

The missionaries left Guatemala motivated to continue to assist the association from the United States.

Plans are underway to organize fundraisers to collect money and provide it to Caminando Por La Paz. This Thanksgiving forged a long-lasting bond between these two communities, the Byzantine Catholic Church and Caminando Por La Paz. n

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eternal memory joseph raptosh

Mr. Joseph Raptosh, father of Very Reverend R. Joseph Raptosh, fell asleep in the Lord on Saturday, January 18, 2020 at St. Michael rectory in Canonsburg, Pa. where he had been living with his son, Very Reverend Joseph, pastor of the parish.

Mr. Raptosh was born to Andrew and Mary Wargo Raptosh on April 20, 1927 in Portage, Pa. A member of SS. Peter and Paul Church there, he was a cantor and a member of the choir since 1961. He and his brothers were all proud members of the United States Military Forces, and he served in the Navy during World War II. Surviving him are his sons, Very Reverend Joseph and David B. Raptosh with his wife Danelle of Enola, Pa.;

his sisters, Agnes Mietta of Greenville, Pa. and Dolores Tillman of Lake City, Michigan; a grandchild Anna Myers with her husband Shawn; and 44 nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Dorothy Perich Raptosh, his brothers: Andrew, Paul, John, George, Edward and Stephen; and his sisters Mary Havrilak, Julia Afton, Anna Raptosh, and Catherine Weshalek The Great Panachida was celebrated by Reverend Father Valerian M. Michlik on Tuesday morning, January 21 at St Michael Church.

Concelebrants were Very Reverend Joseph Raptosh, Archpriest John G. Petro, and Deacon Lance D. Weakland.

On Wednesday, January 22, friends were received at the

Serenko-Claar funeral home in Portage where the Parastas service was celebrated. The funeral Divine Liturgy was celebrated by Very Reverend Joseph on Thursday, January 23 at Sts. Peter and Paul Church in Portage. Archbishop William C. Skurla presided. Concelebrants were Very Reverend James A. Spontak, and Reverend Fathers Robert J. Karl and Edward J. Pyo, and Deacons Lance D. Weakland and Daniel F. Perich.

In attendance were Very Reverends Vasyl Polyak and Ronald P. Larko, and Reverend Fathers Robert F. Oravetz and Michael J. Huszti. The homily was offered by Mr. Raptosh’ nephew, Reverend Ronald Raptosh, pastor of Faith United Methodist Church, Delmont, Pa. Mr. Mark Serenko, parish cantor, and members

Joseph Raptosh

of the church choir led the congregational responses.

Interment followed in the parish cemetery.

In Blessed Repose, grant Eternal Rest to the soul of your servant Joseph and render Eternal His Memory! n

eternal memory patricia boboige

Mrs. Patricia Ann Boboige, wife of Deacon Paul Boboige who serves the Nativity of the Mother of God Church in Du Bois, Pa., fell asleep in the Lord in Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh on February 12, 2020.

Mrs. Boboige was born in Du Bois on May 15, 1950, a daughter of the late Leroy T. and Mary Kelly McMinn. A 1968 graduate of Brockway, Pa. High School, she and Deacon Paul were married on August 16, 1969. She had been active as a catechist and President of the Nativity Church Ladies Auxiliary, and a member of the Du Bois Area Band Boosters.

In addition to her husband Deacon Paul, she is survived by two sons: Brian (Stephanie) Boboige and Michael J. Boboige, both of Falls Creek, Pa.; one daughter, Deborah (Matt) Hoyt of Reynoldsville, Pa.; three sisters: Helen (Thomas) Boboige of Reynoldsville, Kathy McMinn of Brockway, and Barbara (Richard) Swink of Anniston, Alabama; three brothers: John (Jeanne) McMinn of Du Bois; Daniel (Maria) McMinn of Falls Creek, and Paul McMinn of Brockway; and four grandchildren: Joseph Boboige of Boise, Idaho, Brianna Boboige of Maryland, and Stefanie and Tyler Hoyt of Reynoldsville.

Friends were received at the Snyder d’Argy Funeral Home in Reynoldsville on February

Patricia Boboige

13 and 14 when the Parastas Service was celebrated by Father Vasyl Banyk. Her husband Deacon Paul concelebrated.

The funeral Divine Liturgy was celebrated by Father Vasyl Banyk at Nativity Church on Saturday, February 15.

Concelebrants were Very Reverend David A. Bosnich, Father James A. Ragan, Deacon Paul and Deacon Luke M. Crawford. In attendance were Fathers Vasyl Kadar and Very Reverend Mark Meholick, and Deacons Dennis M. Prestash and Steven F. White. Shawn Daly cantored and Patricia’s grandson Tyler Hoyt served at both services.

Interment followed in Holy Trinity Byzantine Catholic Cemetery in Sykesville, Pa. In Blessed Repose, grant O Lord Eternal Rest to the soul of your servant Patricia and render Eternal her Memory! n

BYZANTINE DIVINE LITURGY Sundays 9:00 a.m. • WEDO Radio • 810 AM Broadcast live from Holy Ghost Church, McKees Rocks

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Also view liturgical services (various times) at: www.holyghost-byzantinecatholic.org www.stjohnsbyzantinecathedral.com www.sjcbcc.com

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MARCH 2020

thoughts for our day

by Archpriest David M. Petras

the fourth and fifth gifts of the epiclesis The fourth gift of the Holy Spirit in the epiclesis is “the fullness of the heavenly kingdom.”

This action of the Spirit transforms the people who partake in the Liturgy both as individuals and as a community, and empowers them, both as individuals and as a community, to similarly transform the world.

The earliest manuscripts have only "the fullness of the kingdom."

The word "heavenly" was added later, and obscures somewhat the meaning, since the "fullness" of the "heavenly" kingdom cannot come until the second coming of our Lord. In the prayer before the Our Father, we ask for the "inheritance of the heavenly kingdom," here properly in the future.

The "fullness of the kingdom" here, then means that the Church might fulfill all its potential for salvation in the world in which we live, through the power of the Holy Spirit. In St. Paul's Letter to the Ephesians, it is applied to the Church, as fulfilling all things in Christ, "And he put all things beneath his feet and gave him as head over all things to the Church, which is his body, the fullness of the one who fills all things in every way."

This same concept is found in Colossians 2:9: "In Christ the fullness of deity resides in bodily form. Yours in a share of this fullness, in him who is the head of every principality and power." Thus we are praying that the Church becomes completely Christ, which is

symbolized by the eucharist itself, and that it becomes full in numbers, encompassing every human being, and that it becomes complete in its mission to sanctify the world.

Athanasius links it with John 1:16, "From his fullness we

This action of the Spirit transforms the people who partake in the Liturgy both as individuals and as a community, to similarly transform the world. have all received, grace in place of grace." The "grace" of the Lord Jesus Christ, his "gift" to us, is the Holy Spirit.

Therefore, we "have the grace of the Spirit, receiving it from [Christ's] fullness” (Oratio contra Arianos 1.51). In his commentary on the Liturgy, St. Maximos the Confessor says that "in the [Holy Spirit] are found the fullness of all goodness and the treasures of knowledge and the secrets of wisdom” (The Church’s Mystagogy 7). " F u l l n e s s " translates one of the richest Greek theological concepts, the pleroma. We will meet it again in the Liturgy, for at Communion time, when the celebrant unites the body with the cup, he says, "The fullness of the Holy Spirit."

It should become abundantly clear that one who receives communion in the Holy Spirit cannot be a wimp. The

Spirit is the wisdom and the power of God. He drives out all sin, purifies the soul and conscience and empowers the mission of the Church to bring about the fullness of all creation. We no longer live in fear and doubt. The anaphora is the commemoration of the resurrection of the Lord, which filled the apostles with confidence after the fearful days of the passion and burial. The Acts of the Apostles describes the effect this had on the disciples, "And now, Lord, take note of their [Herod, Pontius Pilate, the Gentiles and the people of Israel] threats, and enable your servants to speak your word with all boldness, as you stretch forth {your] hand to heal, and signs and wonders are done through the name of your holy servant Jesus" (4:29). Thus, the last gift we pray for in the epiclesis is for "boldness," or "confidence," (Greek, parresia).

For the fathers, "confidence," was one of the gifts of Adam in Paradise, and which was lost by sin. With the coming of Christ, this confidence is regained. Thus St. Paul wrote, "In Christ and through faith in him we can speak freely to God, drawing near him with confidence" (Ephesians 3:12).

Parresia is often identified with "freedom of speech."

The Christian is the one who fearlessly proclaims the truth and salvation of Christ.

The gift of "confidence" is often connected with the Lord's Prayer. In Christ, we can now "make bold" to call God our Father. So parresia is also needed to pray the "Our Father." The Byzantine Rite introduces the Lord's Prayer with the words, "And make

us worthy, O Master, that we may with confidence, without condemnation dare call you “Father,” God of heaven, and say." A similar introduction is found in almost all rites. The epiclesis now ends with the words, "and not for judgment or condemnation."

This negative petition seems to be in apposition to the final fruit, "confidence."

Father Juan Mateos thinks that it was originally in the Our Father introduction, and was added later into the epiclesis. The epiclesis in the Anaphora of St. John Chrysostom is exactly paralleled by its Prayer before the Our Father. I think this is because the Lord's Prayer was added into the Liturgy later, and the epiclesis prayer, ending with a petition for "confidence," was naturally seen as a good introduction to it. However, I think "not for judgment or condemnation," may be original here.

St. Basil's epiclesis has the same idea, "that none of us partake of the holy Body and Blood of your Christ for judgment or condemnation," and may be founded on St. Paul's admonition, "who eats and drinks without recognizing the body eats and drinks a judgment on himself" (1 Corinthians 11:29).

The epiclesis, then, is certainly one of the most significant points of the Divine Liturgy.

It is found in some form in the most ancient liturgical texts we have, because they are based on Jewish prayer form, which always included an invocation.

Theologically, of course, all actions of God toward his Creation are the work of the Trinity. n

BYZANTINE DIVINE LITURGY View Liturgical Services (various times) streamed LIVE online at: St. John the Baptist Cathedral, Munhall, Pa. www.stjohnsbyzantinecathedral.com

St. John Chrysostom, Pittsburgh, Pa. www.sjcbcc.com

Holy Ghost, McKees Rocks, Pa. www.youtube.com then type Holy Ghost Church Live Stream

St. Gregory, Upper St. Clair, Pa. www.facebook.com/stgregoryusc

SS. Peter and Paul, Braddock, Pa. https://www.facebook.com/SSPeterPaulBraddock/

St. Michael, Campbell, Ohio www.facebook.com/st.michaelsbyz.campbell

St. Elias, Munhall, Pa. www.facebook.com/St-Elias-Byzantine-Catholic-Church-157868411675213

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Catholic News Service Newswire True sorrow for sins leads to renews love for God, others, pope says “to understand (one’s) sin is a gift from god, it is the work of the holy spirit”

by Carol Glatz Catholic News Service

VATICAN CITY — Recognizing and repenting for one's own sins and errors is difficult, but essential, Pope Francis said.

"To understand (one's) sin is a gift from God, it is the work of the Holy Spirit" who helps each person realize "the evil I have done or that I may do," the pope said Feb. 12 during his weekly general audience.

The pope continued a new series of talks on the Eight Beatitudes by reflecting on Jesus' second "paradoxical" proclamation, "Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted."

This kind of mourning is more than mere grief, he said; it is "an inner sorrow that leads to a new relationship with the Lord and with each other."

The Bible distinguishes between two types of sorrow, the pope said. One is the pain felt when facing the suffering or death of someone else and is a pain that comes from a place of love and empathy. The second is sorrow for one's sin.

Just as there are sorrows to be comforted, he said, sometimes there are people who are too

comforted, and they need some sorrow to "wake up" and remember how to cry for their brothers and sisters.

Mourning for another is a "bitter" but important journey that reveals "the sacred and irreplaceable value of every person" and is a reminder of how fleeting life is.

The sorrow people should experience over their sins is not the same thing as getting angry when they make a mistake.

That, he said, is pride.

Instead people should truly mourn for what they have done, for their failure to do what was right or for betraying God by not living the way indicated by the Lord, "who loves us so much."

"This is the sense of sin -- it makes us sad knowing the good was not done," he said. It is the sorrow of realizing "I have hurt the one I love," leading to the precious "gift" of tears.

This lies at the heart of facing one's own errors, which is "difficult, but vital," he said.

"Look at the tears of St. Peter, which led him to a new and more authentic love," versus Judas, who did not accept he did anything wrong, "and poor

Pope Francis speaks as he leads his general audience in Paul VI hall at the Vatican Feb. 12, 2020. Catholic News Service photo by Paul Haring.

thing, he commits suicide."

Mourning purifies and renews the heart and one's relationship with God, the pope said, highlighting St. Ephraim the Syrian, who spoke of the beauty of a face washed with tears of repentance.

The pope asked people to pray for the grace to grieve for their sins and to be open to the healing grace of the Holy Spirit.

"Do not forget. God always forgives, even the worst sins.

The problem is us who tire of

asking forgiveness," he said.

At the end of the audience, the pope led a moment of silence after he asked people to pray for Syria, which has been "shedding blood for years."

"So many families, so many elderly people, children have to flee from war," he said.

He also asked for prayers for people in China who are suffering from illnesses caused by the "vicious" coronavirus.

"May they find the path to healing as soon as possible." n

Pope adds year of missionary service to Vatican diplomats’ training “the mission to which you will be called one day to carry out will take you to all parts of the world”

by Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service

VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis, adopting a suggestion made at the Synod of Bishops for the Amazon, has decided that every priest preparing for service in the Vatican diplomatic corps must spend a year in ministry as a missionary.

In a letter to U.S. Archbishop Joseph S. Marino, president of the Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy, which trains Vatican diplomats, Pope Francis said the year of missionary service should be added to the academy's curriculum beginning with students entering in the 2020-2021 academic year.

"I am convinced that such an experience could be helpful to all young men who are preparing for or beginning their priestly service," Pope Francis wrote in the letter released Feb. 17. In a special way, he continued, mission experience would be helpful "for those who in the future will be

called to collaborate with the pontifical representatives and, later, could become envoys of the Holy See to nations and particular churches."

Currently students -- all already ordained priests -- usually spend four years at the academy in central Rome. They earn a license in canon law from one of the pontifical universities in the city and then a doctorate in either canon law or theology. If they already hold a doctorate, then their time at the academy is only two years.

In addition to their university courses, the students study diplomacy, Vatican diplomatic relations, languages, international law, papal documents and current affairs.

Vatican diplomats represent the Holy See to individual countries around the world as well as to international organizations, such as the United Nations. But they also represent the pope to the local Catholic Church and coordinate the search for new bishops.

At the end of the Amazon synod, Pope Francis said he had "received in writing" a suggestion that "in the Holy See's diplomatic service, in the curriculum of the diplomatic service, young priests should spend at least one year in mission territory, but not doing an internship at the nunciature as happens now, which is very useful, but simply at the service of a bishop in a mission area."

In his letter to Archbishop Marino, the pope quoted from a speech he gave to students at the academy in 2015 when he reminded them of the missionary focus of all that the church does, including its diplomatic activity.

He had told the students, "The mission to which you will be called one day to carry out will take you to all parts of the world: To Europe, in need of an awakening; Africa, thirsting for reconciliation; Latin America, hungry for nourishment and interiority; North America, intent on rediscovering the

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Pope Francis meets with nuncios from around the world at the Vatican in this June 13, 2019, file photo. The pope has asked the Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy, which trains Vatican diplomats, to add a year of missionary service to the priests' training. Catholic News Service photo/Vatican Media.

roots of an identity that is not defined by exclusion; Asia and Oceania, challenged by the capacity to ferment in diaspora and to dialogue with the vastness of ancestral cultures."

Pope Francis told Archbishop Marino that he was certain that, "once the initial concerns" about changing the formation program are overcome, "the missionary experience that it aims to promote will be useful not only for the young academicians, but also for the individual churches they will collaborate with.” n

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liturgical schedule at the Seminary “Come, let us sing joyfully to the Lord” Join the Byzantine Catholic Seminary community for liturgical services at 3605 Perrysville Ave, Pittsburgh, Pa. Enter through the chapel door that faces Perrysville Avenue. It’s recommended visitors call 412-321-8383 in advance so that we may be awaiting your arrival. For more information about the Seminary: go to www.bcs.edu.

Schedule of Services for March: 1 1st Sunday of the Great Fast

7 a.m. Orthros with Divine Liturgy (M), 5 p.m. Vespers (R) 2 8-9 a.m. Communal Silence in Chapel, 9 a.m. Third Hour (R) 3 7 a.m. Third Hour (R) 4 7 a.m. Midday Office (R), 5 p.m. Presanctified Liturgy (R),

8 p.m. Great Compline (R) 5 9 p.m. Great Compline (M) 6 7 a.m. Akathist Part II (M), 4 p.m. Presanctified Liturgy (M) 7 2nd All Souls Saturday

9 a.m. Divine Liturgy for the Deceased with Panachida (R),

5 p.m. Great Vespers (R) 8 2nd Sunday of the Great Fast

7 a.m. Matins (R), 5 p.m. Vespers (R) 9 40 Martyrs of Sebaste

9 a.m. Orthros (M), 5 p.m. Presanctified Liturgy (M) 10 7 a.m. 6th Hour (R) 11 7 a.m. Midday Office (R). 5 p.m. Presanctified Liturgy (R),

8 p.m. Great Compline (R) 12 9 p.m. Great Compline (M) 13 7 a.m. Akathist Part III (M), 4 p.m. Presanctified Liturgy (M) 14 3rd All Souls Saturday

9 a.m. Divine Liturgy for the Deceased with Panachida (R),

5 p.m. All-Night Vigil (R) 15 3rd Sunday of the Great Fast

5 p.m. Vespers (R) 16 8-9 a.m. Communal Silence in Chapel, 9 a.m. Third Hour (R) 17 7 a.m. Akathist to St. Alexis (R) 18 7 a.m. Midday Office (R), 5 p.m. Presanctified Liturgy (R),

8 p.m. Great Compline (R) 19 9 p.m. Great Compline (M) 20 7 a.m. Akathist Part IV (M), 4 p.m. Presanctified Liturgy (M) 21 4th All Souls Saturday

7 a.m. Divine Liturgy for the Deceased with Panachida (R),

5 p.m. Great Vespers (M) 22 4th Sunday of the Great Fast

7 a.m. Matins (R), Divine Liturgy (R) (time TBA), 5 p.m. Vespers (R) 23 8-9 a.m. Communal Silence in Chapel, 9 a.m. Third Hour (R) 24 Great Canon of Andrew of Crete

7 a.m. Matins (R) 25 Annunciation

7 a.m. Festal Matins (R), 5 p.m. Vespers with Divine Liturgy (R) 26 6 p.m. Presanctified Liturgy (M) 27 to 28 No services 29 5th Sunday of the Great Fast

8 p.m. Great Compline (R) 30 8-9 a.m. Communal Silence in Chapel, 9 a.m. Third Hour (R) 31 7 a.m. Orthros (M) (M) Melkite

(R) Ruthenian

around the archeparchy ST. PIUIS X PYROHY AND HALUSKA SALE — Noon-5 p.m. Fridays during Lent (except for Good Friday), St. Pius X, 2336 Brownsville Road, Carrick, Pa. Varieties of pyrohies include potato/cheese, sauerkraut, and cottage cheese. To place an order in advance, or for more information, call the church at 412-881-8344.

ST. ELIAS LENTEN KITCHEN — 11:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Fridays during Lent (except for Good Friday), St. Elias, 4200 Homestead-Duquesne Road, Munhall. Pa. St. Elias will once again be offering their popular fish and shrimp dinners, including French fries and coleslaw; fish sandwiches; and macaroni and cheese. Delicious baked goods will also be available to purchase. Eat in or take out. Orders are available. Call 412-461-9271.

HOLY GHOST PIROHI SALE — Pick up 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Fridays through April 3, Holy Ghost, 225 Olivia St., McKees Rocks, Pa. Whether you spell it pierogi, piroghi or pierogie, it’s authentic homemade pirohi.

Handmade, fully cooked, made fresh, ready to eat. Potato, sauerkraut and cheese. Voted no. 1 for the second year in a row at Kennywood Pirohi Fest. To order, call ahead Wednesday prior to sale at 412-3315155 9 a.m. to noon.

ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT BREAKFAST BUFFET — 9 a.m.-1 p.m. March 8, St. Mary’s Center, Route 981, Trauger, Pa. Cost: $6 for adults, $3 for ages 5 to 10. No cost for age 4 and under. Sponsored by St. Mary’s Youth Group.

SPIRITUALITY DAY — 1:30-4:30 p.m. March 15, SS. Peter and Paul Parish Center, 180 Belvedere Ave., NE, Warren, Ohio. Sponsored by the Benedictine Sisters of the Byzantine Church Queen of Heaven Monastery in Warren, Ohio. Rev. Thom Dansak’s topic will be “THE I AMs of JESUS,” which will explore a number of the statements from the Gospel of John that Jesus speaks to identify himself to us and invites us to discover who He is for us: “I am the gate…”, I am the good shepherd…”, “I am the resurrection…” and others. The goal of the presentation is to enable us to grow in our love and friendship for Him who loves us eternally. There will be time for reflection, questions, and refreshments, and an opportunity to receive the Mystery (Sacrament) of Reconciliation.

To register, call 330-856-1813 or e-mail qohm@byzben.org by March 8.

ANNUAL SPAGHETTI DINNER — 1-5 p.m. April 26. SS. Peter and Paul, 701 Foster Ave., Duquesne, Pa. Cost: $9 for adults, $5 for age 10 years and under. No cost for age 5 and under. There will also be raffles and auctions. Sponsored by the SS. Peter and Paul Parish Club.

20th ANNUAL SS. CYRIL AND METHODIUS LECTURE — 7 p.m. May 7, St. John the Baptist Cathedral Center, 210 Greentree Road, Munhall, Pa. The Very Rev. Dr. John Behr, author of “John the Theologian and His Paschal Gospel: A Prologue to Theology” will present “The Gospel of St. John as a Paschal Gospel.” The annual celebration of the Resurrection seems to have originated in the circles around John, who looked back to him as the high priest of the mystery. Looking again at this gospel in the light of Pascha, Father John will consider what is meant

by Christ’s last word from the cross (“It is finished”) and show how the mystery of the incarnation includes us, today. This event is at no charge but due to space limitations registration is required by April 24. Register online at www.bcs.edu, call 412-321-8383 or email office@bcs.edu.

dates to remember MARCH 2 to 4 Archbishop William and the Eastern Catholic Bishops meet at the Maronite Center in St. Louis, Mo. MARCH 15 Third Sunday of the Great Fast Veneration of the Holy Cross MARCH 20 First day of Spring MARCH 21 and 28 Pre-Cana 2020 Byzantine Catholic Seminary of SS. Cyril and Methodius, Pittsburgh, Pa.

Official publication of the Byzantine Catholic Archeparchy of Pittsburgh

Byzantine Catholic Press Associates 66 Riverview Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15214 Tel: 412-231-4000 Fax: 412-231-1697 E-mail: bcw@archpitt.org Website: www.archpitt.org

next issue: APRIL 2020

submissions DEADLINE: MARCH 20

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