SS Peter & Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church

January 11, 2026 A. D.

 Khrystos Razhdayetsia! Slavyte Yeho!

January 11, 2026 A. D. 

Saturday, January 10 SUNDAY AFTER THEOPHANY

            4:00 PM           God’s Blessings & Good Health for All Parishioners

Sunday, January 11       SUNDAY AFTER THEOPHANY

            8:30 AM             UBernard Sulzen & Family- Becker Family

Saturday, January 17 SUNDAY OF ZACCHEUS

            4:00 PM           God’s Blessings & Good Health for All Parishioners

Sunday, January 18       SUNDAY OF ZACCHEUS

            8:30 AM             UFrank Udiski Sr.- Udiski Family

 PRAYER TO ST. MICHAEL

St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle; be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the devil.  May God rebuke him, we humbly pray; and do you, O prince of the heavenly host, by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan and the other evil spirits who prowl about the world for the ruin of souls.  Amen.

ASK FATHER A QUESTION?  Father………… How do you pronounce and what is Sabboath?  Is that the Sabbath-OR different?  

Firstly, the “correct” spelling is Sabaoth.  It is pronounced  Greek “Saba’-oath” or “Sab’-a-oth” or “Sab’-a-yoth”.  The prayer we pray on page 30 of the little black book says “Lord of Sabaoth” and this is a name for God.  Sabaoth literally means heavenly hosts, the angels, and the angels are God’s Heavenly Army.    Yes, this is different from the Sabbath.  The Sabbath is the seventh and last day of the week, same as the seventh day of creation when the Lord rested.  This is the Holy Day of prayer that when God tells us to keep Holy the Lord’s day- this is the day.  Both words are transliterated from Hebrew.  Keeping the Sabbath Holy means to put first amongst all things- God.

ASK FATHER A QUESTION?  What is the Liturgy of the Hours?  Does it require a priest to lead in prayer?  Or can it be said like the Rosary before Liturgy or as a separate service?   Liturgy of the Hours is a prayer service primarily of the psalms recited at the 1^st(6AM), 3^rd(9AM), 6^th(noon), and 9^th(3PM) hour of the day.  

The Liturgy of the Hours is intended to be led by a priest, however it can be led by a Cantor in the absence of a priest, by not reciting the priestly prayers.

There are two kinds of prayer in the Church, Private Devotions and Liturgies.  Liturgy is from the Greek word meaning a “public work” which is recited by the whole Church, priest and people.  Liturgy of the Hours falls into the category of Liturgies- “public works.”  The Liturgical Cycle of daily prayers in the Church are all meant to be led by a priest; in the absence of a priest there are ways that all of the Liturgies of the Church can be said led by a deacon or a cantor.  The Rosary and Stations of the Cross are private devotions that do not require a priest and can be recited by the Parish.  Copies of the Hours are in the Blue Book; The Divine Liturgy, An Anthology for Worship.

If you want to know about God, there is only one way to do it; get down on your knees.  – Venerable Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen 1946

 Petitions & Prayers for Our Parishioners:  Jewel Johnstone, John Ostrum,Donna Winsock, Sonia Dempsey, Catherine Halloway, Charles Hallaway, Paul Hoover & James Bencho.  Keep them in your prayers.  If anyone would like to be included in the prayer list drop a note in the basket, email the church or text Michalene Ostrum at 570-704-7079.

FESTIVAL OF THE CAROLS:  Festival of Ukrainian Christmas Carols to be held at the Cathedral in Philadelphia on January 11, 2026, at 3:00pm.  

LITURGY INTENTIONS:  If you are offering a Divine Liturgy for a specific day for your beloved or other intentions for 2026, please make sure you turn it into the rectory in order to make sure that you get the exact time that you would like.

BOOK(S) OF THE MONTH FOR JANUARY:

As It Was In The Beginning Is Now And Ever Shall Be

By Bishop Roman Danylak, Titular Bishop of Nissa

ISBN:  978-0986534300

The Altar Candles for the month of January are given by Michaelene Ostrum IMO her brother, Michael B Sirak.

The Sanctuary Light for this week is requested by Michaelene Ostrum IMO her brother, Michael Sirak.

THANK YOU:   Thank You for all your prayers, cards and gifts during the Christmas Season.  They are deeply appreciated!  I also thank all of the Parishioners for their generous donations to the Parish during the year, and this Christmas Season.  I deeply appreciate  your sacrifice to St. Peter & Paul Parish in your time & efforts and monetary donations.    I am certain that all the Parishioners have a heartfelt “Thank You” to God as well for this past year.  Fr. Walter Pasicznyk

CHURCH CALENDARS:  The church calendars are on the way.   They should be here next week.  The company never received our order.  My apologies to you.

BLESSING OF HOUSES:   If you would like your house blessed, please put a note in the basket or contact the rectory.

CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS:  The Christmas decorations will be taken down on Saturday, January 24th at 10AM.  Help is needed to complete this task.

FIRST SATURDAY LITURGY:  Twelve Liturgies were given for the first Saturday of each month starting February 7 for any parishioner or family experiencing troubles in their lives and seeking God’s help.  If you have such a petition, please feel free to share it with Fr. Walter to be included in the Saturday’s liturgy intention. The first Saturday Liturgies are celebrated at Tranfiguration of Our Lord Church at 8:00 AM.  No additional donations are required to submit a petition.

 MYOSOPUSNA 2026

The Myasopusna Dinner Celebration at Transfiguration of Our Lord Church is scheduled for February 8, 2026, the date of our Meat-fare Sunday.  This event combines a delicious ethnic meal (Ham, kobasi, Halupki, pyrohy, kapusta, bosch, & dessert) with cultural dance, singing and art.  This year will feature the St. Mary’s Ukrainian Dancers.  Ukrainian Beer and wine will be available. Ticket price is $25 and kids are $12. Doors open at noon. Cocktail 1/2 hour is noon-12:30. Serving starts at 12:30PM and stops at 2:00PM.  Tables are not reserved ahead of time.  Program will start approximately 1:30PM.  For tickets call 570-735-4654 or 570-735-1901(leave message) to order advance tickets.  No Tickets Will Be Sold At the Door.

    Take-outs are available.

PIGGIE DINNER:  “Saints Peter & Paul Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, Wilkes- Barre will hold a take-out Piggie / Holubtsi Dinner on Saturday, January 31^st, 2026.  Dinners may be picked up between 12:00 (noon) and 4:00 pm in our school hall, corner of North River and West Chestnut Streets, Wilkes-Barre.  Dinners include; Piggies (meat & rice stuffed cabbage), mashed potatoes, vegetable, bread and butter and dessert.  Dinners will be $15.00 for adults and $9.00 for children (12 and under).  Walk-in customers will be welcomed, but reservations are Strongly Encouraged, (570) 829-3051.”

VISITING THE SICK:  Do you know a homebound Parishioner who can’t make it to church and would like a visit?  Please contact Father Walter at the rectory at 570-735-2262.

“If you are discouraged it is a sign of pride, because it shows you trust in your own powers.

 – Mother Teresa

Slava Isusu Christu!  Slava Na Viki!

Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory Forever!

Prayer For Peace in Ukraine

Heavenly Father, Your Son taught us “Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the sons of God.”  We fervently pray in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, that you inspire men to become peacemakers.  May mankind seek reconciliation and peace in this world, as is Your Will.  May tranquility be restored to all nations, and especially Ukraine.  God, Our Father, we beseech You to comfort the suffering, heal the wounded, and accept the souls of the dearly departed into Your heavenly kingdom.  May the Most Holy Mother of God extend Her Mantle of Protection over Ukraine, and the whole world.  May each of us always live our lives as instruments of Your peace, in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.  Amen.

January 4, 2026 A. D.

 Saturday, January 3 SUNDAY BEFORE THEOPHANY

            4:00 PM           UElizabeth Suscavage – Joe & Rose Mazur

Sunday, January 4 SUNDAY BEFORE THEOPHANY

            8:30 AM             God’s Blessings & Good Health for All Parishioners

Monday, January 5 THEOPHANY EVE – (w/Myrovania)

    4:00 PM UHugh Hughes- Nancy Marshall

Tuesday, January 6 THEOPHANY – (w/Myrovania)

      8:30 AM God’s Blessings & Good Health for All Parishioners

Saturday, January 10 SUNDAY AFTER THEOPHANY

            4:00 PM           God’s Blessings & Good Health for All Parishioners

Sunday, January 11       SUNDAY AFTER THEOPHANY

            8:30 AM             UBernard Sulzen & Family- Becker Family

 ASK FATHER A QUESTION?  Father, is Epiphany and Theophany the same Feast Day?  Epiphany and Theophany are two different feasts that are celebrated on the same day.  One Holy Day and two events are remembered on that day.  The Western Church (Roman Catholic) emphasizes the manifestation of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles (Magi or Three Kings) and they do recognize the baptism of Jesus Christ on the same day- the Western Church calls it Epiphany from the Greek {to reveal}.  The Eastern Church (Ukrainian Church is one of the Eastern Churches) emphasizes the baptism of the “Adult” Jesus Christ in the Jordan River at the beginning of his ministry and the three kings are remembered –the Eastern Church calls this Feast Day Theophany, from the Greek {to show us God}.

 Father I have a question for you, how long is the “Christmas Season?” 

Like Easter, Christmas is the only other feast that has a 40 day long Preparation Period (Phillip’s Fast) and 40-day Festal Period.  Also, like Easter, Christmas is an eight day feast.  You might remember that on Easter Sunday and the entire week following, the Royal Doors and Deacon Doors are open because it is seven days of Sunday.  In our church, there are Feasts that are 1, 3, or 8 days long.  On the Feasts that last more than one day, the final day of the Feast is called the Leave-Taking.   The Leave-Taking of Christmas is December 31.  If you pay attention to the Liturgies, Daily and Sunday, throughout the course of the year, you will notice that for the Feast Day itself, there are multiple special prayers for the Feast, Old Testament Readings, Antiphons, Tropars, Kondaks, Prayers to the Theotokos (God Bearer, a.k.a. Mother of God), Communion Hymns and Ambvon (Priest’s) Prayers.  For the Feasts that last several days, you will notice that some of the special prayers will be included during this period.  Possibly, the Antiphons, Tropars, Kondaks, and Prayers to the Mother of God-(It is Truly Right…).  For the forty day Festal Period, we don’t include all of those prayers liturgically, but you know it is the forty day Festal Period because of the greeting Christ is Born! Glorify Him!  Part of the confusion with Christmas is that we have the Feast of Theophany, Synaxis of the Mother of God, Synaxis of St. John the Baptist, and the Feast of St. Stephen, in the middle of the Christmas Season, this does not negate the Christmas Festal Period that concludes with the Encounter of Our Lord with Simeon on February 2^nd.

 PRAYER TO ST. MICHAEL

St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle; be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the devil.  May God rebuke him, we humbly pray; and do you, O prince of the heavenly host, by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan and the other evil spirits who prowl about the world for the ruin of souls.  Amen.

BOOK(S) OF THE MONTH FOR DECEMBER:

ST. EPHREM THE SYRIAN

Hymns on Paradise  

ISBN:   978-0881410761

 Petitions & Prayers for Our Parishioners:  Jewel Johnstone, John Ostrum,Donna Winsock, Sonia Dempsey, Catherine Halloway, Charles Hallaway, Paul Hoover & James Bencho.  Keep them in your prayers.  If anyone would like to be included in the prayer list drop a note in the basket, email the church or text Michalene Ostrum at 570-704-7079.

The Jesus Prayer

Господи Ісусе Христе, Сину Божий, помилуй мене грішного.

Hospodi Isuse Khryste, Synu Bozhe, pomiluy mene, hrishnoho.

“Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner.”

This prayer is central in The Eastern Catholic and Orthodox hesychasm, a form of 

contemplative prayer focused on continual invocation of Jesus’ name.

FESTIVAL OF THE CAROLS:  Festival of Ukrainian Christmas Carols to be held at the Cathedral in Philadelphia on January 11, 2026, at 3:00pm.  

LITURGY INTENTIONS:  If you are offering a Divine Liturgy for a specific day for your beloved or other intentions for 2026, please make sure you turn it into the rectory in order to make sure that you get the exact time that you would like.

MYASOPUSNA 2026 at Transfiguration of our Lord Church is February 8^th, 2026.  Please SAVE the date.

The Altar Candles for the month of January are given by Michaelene Ostrum IMO her brother, Michael B Sirak.

The Sanctuary Light for this week is requested by Mariya Palashchuk IMO Evhen Slobodian.

NEW ALTAR SERVER:  God Bless Jude Michael Schappert, our new Altar Server.

 CHURCH ENVELOPES:  Church envelopes are in the vestibule to be picked up.  PLEASE do not use any until after January 1, 2026. There were a few envelopes used for the coming new year, they will be added to next week’s report. 

BLESSING OF WATER & HOMES:   On Monday, January 5 in the afternoon, we will have the Vesperal Liturgy with the Blessing of Water in celebration of Theophany.  Please remember to bring your containers in order to bring water home. Please note this is a Holy Day of Obligation.  If you would like your house blessed, please put a note in the basket or contact the rectory.

VISITING THE SICK:  Do you know a homebound Parishioner who can’t make it to church and would like a visit?  Please contact Father Walter at the rectory at 570-735-2262.

PRAYERS BEFORE SLEEP

O Lord our God, forgive all the sins I have committed this day in word, deed or thought, for thou art good and lovest mankind.  Grant me peaceful and untroubled sleep, and send thy guardian angel to protect and keep me from every evil; for thou art the guardian of our souls and bodies, and to thee we send up glory, to the Father and the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

A Prayer to the Mother of God

For Someone who has Forsaken the Path of Salvation

By Saint Gabriel of Novgorod

All-Merciful Lady, Virgin Mistress and Theotokos, Heavenly Queen: by thy birth giving thou didst save mankind from the eternal torment of the devil, for Christ our Savior was born from thee.  In thy mercy look down even now upon N., Who is deprived of God’s mercy and grace, and intercede before they Son, Christ our God, by thy maternal boldness and thy prayers, that from on high He might send down His grace upon him[her], for he[she]is perishing.  O most Blessed Lady, thou hope of the hopeless and salvation of the despairing, may the enemy never rejoice over his[her] soul!  Amen.

For those who have died Unbaptized, and without Repentance or by Suicide

By Saint Leonid of Optina

O Lord, seek the soul of thy servant N.:  if it be possible, have mercy.  Thy judgements are unfathomable.  Do not count this prayer of mine as a sin, but rather may thy holy will be done.

On New’s Day

O Lord, God of all creation both visible and invisible, thou Maker and Creator who hast established the times and seasons:  do thou thyself bless the new year which beginneth today, (for January 1^st):  which we reckon according to thine Incarnation for the sake of our salvation.  Allow us to pass this year and many years afterward in peace and harmony with our neighbors.  Strengthen and propagate the Holy Catholic Church, which thou has established and sanctified through the saving sacrifice of thy Holy Body and most precious Blood.  Exalt our earthly homeland, keep it and glorify it.  Grant us long life, health, abundance of the fruits of the earth and seasonal weather.  As our true and chief Sheperd, save and guard us, thy sinful servants, together with all our relatives and friends, and all right-believing Christians, and confirm us on the path of salvation, so that by following it, we may lead a good and long life in this world and afterwards attain to thy heavenly kingdom and there partake of eternal blessing together with all thy saints.  Amen.

Slava Isusu Christu!  Slava Na Viki!

Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory Forever!

Prayer For Peace in Ukraine

Heavenly Father, Your Son taught us “Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the sons of God.”  We fervently pray in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, that you inspire men to become peacemakers.  May mankind seek reconciliation and peace in this world, as is Your Will.  May tranquility be restored to all nations, and especially Ukraine.  God, Our Father, we beseech You to comfort the suffering, heal the wounded, and accept the souls of the dearly departed into Your heavenly kingdom.  May the Most Holy Mother of God extend Her Mantle of Protection over Ukraine, and the whole world.  May each of us always live our lives as instruments of Your peace, in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.  Amen.

December 21, 2025

DIVINE LITURGY for PHILLIPS FAST(11/15-12/25)

Saturday, December 20 TWENTY EIGHTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

            4:00 PM           Ed Schwartz- Ann Beshada

Sunday, December 21 TWENTY SEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

            8:30 AM             God’s Blessings & Good Health for All Parishioners

Wednesday, December 24 VIGIL OF CHRISTMAS- CHRISTMAS EVE

           4:00 PM John Phillips- brother, Peter Phillips

Thursday, December 25 CHRISTMAS DAY

             8:30 AM God’s Blessings & Good Health for All Parishioners

Friday, December 26 SYNAXIS OF THE MOTHER OF GOD

             8:30 AM Peter, Anna & John Phillips-Peter Phillips

Saturday, December 27 TWENTY EIGHTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

            4:00 PM           UOlga Morgenfruh- June Meyers

Sunday, December 28 TWENTY EIGHTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

            8:30 AM             God’s Blessings & Good Health for All Parishioners

The Altar Candles for the month of December are given by the Youells Family in loving  memory of Mary Ann Youells.

The Sanctuary Light for this week is requested by Rosemarie Kachinko IMO all the deceased Kachinko family members.

CHURCH ENVELOPES:  Church envelopes are in the vestibule to be picked up.  PLEASE do not use any until after January 1, 2026.

THANK YOU!:  Thank you to everyone who came last week and helped decorate and clean the church.

THE ENGLOT SISTERS CHRISTMAS CD:  You can now listen to the Englot Sisters CD  “An American Ukrainian Christmas “on YouTube and Spotify. [ CD’s are also still available for purchase- you can find them in the back of the church for a freewill donation.] To locate the account on You Tube search by “THE ENGLOT SISTERS” and it will bring up the account.  (Joanne & Christine are parishioners of Transfiguration of Our Lord Church.  They sing with their sister, Mary a selection of Ukrainian Christmas Carols.)

Petitions & Prayers for Our Parishioners:  Jewel Johnstone, John Ostrum,Donna Winsock, Sonia Dempsey, Catherine Halloway, Charles Hallaway, Paul Hoover & James Bencho.  Keep them in your prayers.  If anyone would like to be included in the prayer list drop a note in the basket, email the church or text Michalene Ostrum at 570-704-7079.

PYROHY SALE:  Transfiguration of Our Lord Church is having a potato pyrohy sale.  The cost is $12.00 per dozen.  Contact the church rectory or call Lisa at 570-574-1016.

 FATHER A QUESTION?  Father, is Epiphany and Theophany the same Feast Day?  Epiphany and Theophany are two different feasts that are celebrated on the same day.  One Holy Day and two events are remembered on that day.  The Western Church (Roman Catholic) emphasizes the manifestation of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles (Magi or Three Kings) and they do recognize the baptism of Jesus Christ on the same day- the Western Church calls it Epiphany from the Greek {to reveal}.  The Eastern Church (Ukrainian Church is one of the Eastern Churches) emphasizes the baptism of the “Adult” Jesus Christ in the Jordan River at the beginning of his ministry and the three kings are remembered –the Eastern Church calls this Feast Day Theophany, from the Greek {to show us God}.

Who are the Fore-Fathers and the Fathers of the church that we are remembering these two Sundays before Christmas?  In short, the Holy Fore-Fathers, also called Patriarchs, are the Saints of the first period of the Old Testament prior to the law being given to Moses.  These are Saints such as Abel, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph and Melchisedek who served God.  The Holy Fathers are those Saints of the Old Testament mostly after the law is given to Moses and who had an earthly relation to the origin of Christ’s birth.  These are the great Saints and Prophets who prophesied the coming of the Messiah.  Such as Joshua, King David and Isaiah.  We remember them because, by honoring them, Holy Church reminds us of their faithfulness to God who is always watching over them, and us, who keep his Law and serve Him.  

CHRISTMAS SING-ALONG:  “YOU ARE INVITED to join Saints Peter & Paul Ukrainian Greek Catholic Parish for their 31^st Annual Christmas Carol Sing Along in the church at 635 North River Street in Wilkes-Barre,  Sunday, December 28^th, 2025 starting at 2:00p.m.  Join in the singing of some very sacred, joyful and inspiring Christmas Carols.  Afterwards, please join us in the lower church hall for a Christmas Fellowship Social.  Please bring a friend or family member, and share the joy of Christmas with them, as we all welcome the Newborn Son of God into our hearts and homes.

BOOK(S) OF THE MONTH FOR DECEMBER:

ST. EPHREM THE SYRIAN

Hymns on Paradise  

ISBN:   978-0881410761

Christ is coming…Are you ready?

DID YOU GO TO CONFESSION?  SET ASIDE TIME TO PRAY…. PLAN TO ATTEND SERVICES?   TEACH YOUR CHILDREN & GRANDCHILDREN ABOUT CHRIST??  There’s still time.

Prayer For Peace in Ukraine

Heavenly Father, Your Son taught us “Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the sons of God.”  We fervently pray in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, that you inspire men to become peacemakers.  May mankind seek reconciliation and peace in this world, as is Your Will.  May tranquility be restored to all nations, and especially Ukraine.  God, Our Father, we beseech You to comfort the suffering, heal the wounded, and accept the souls of the dearly departed into Your heavenly kingdom.  May the Most Holy Mother of God extend Her Mantle of Protection over Ukraine, and the whole world.  May each of us always live our lives as instruments of Your peace, in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.  Amen.

December 14, 2025

DIVINE LITURGY for PHILLIPS FAST(11/15-12/25)

Saturday, December 13 TWENTY SEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

            4:00 PM           God’s Blessings & Good Health for All Parishioners

Sunday, December 14 TWENTY SEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

            8:30 AM             UMary Ann & Christine Youells-Youells Family

Saturday, December 20 TWENTY EIGHTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

            4:00 PM           UEd Schwartz- Ann Beshada

Sunday, December 21 TWENTY SEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

            8:30 AM             God’s Blessings & Good Health for All Parishioners

Gospel of Luke 14:16-24

 The Lord told this parable: “A certain man gave a great supper, and he invited many.  And he sent his servant at supper time to tell those invited to come, for everything is now ready.  And they all with one accord began to excuse themselves.  The first said to him, ‘I have bought a farm, and I must go out and see it; I pray you hold me excused.’  And another said, ‘I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I am on my way to try them; I pray you hold be excused.’  And another said, ‘I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.’  And the servant returned, and reported these things to his master.  Then the master of the house was angry and said to his servant, ‘Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in here the poor, and the crippled, and the blind, and the lame.’  And the servant said, ‘sir, your order has been carried out, and still there is room.’  Then the master said to the servant, ‘Go out into the highways and hedges, and make them come in, so that my house may be filled.  For I tell you that none of those who were invited shall taste of my supper.  ‘For many are called but few are chosen.”

Overcoming Evil Thoughts: The Battle of the Mind

One of the most significant challenges in spiritual combat is dealing with evil thoughts that constantly influence our minds. These thoughts can be either good or evil, impacting our spiritual lives in diverse ways. The account of Adam and Eve’s fall in the book of Genesis serves as a poignant reminder of the power of temptation. The devil deceived our ancestors by suggesting that they could become like God if they rejected His commandment.  This temptation resulted in personal responsibility for sin. Likewise, in our lives, we face continuous temptations to sin, but it is our response that defines the outcome.

The stages of dealing with evil thoughts are a progression: suggestion, internal conversation, struggle, assent, and passion. It begins with a suggestion, which can manifest through images, fantasies, or recollections, and if not dismissed, the evil thought proceeds to penetrate our hearts. The internal conversation with the thought presents us with a choice – to succumb or resist. The struggle to dismiss the thought requires effort, relying on the Word of God and prayer and fasting to achieve victory. If we give assent to the evil thought, accepting and intending to act on it, we have already sinned, even if the action is not realized. This sequence culminates in the state of passion, where a person becomes enslaved by their sinful desires if we do not constantly pray and fast.

The Altar Candles for the month of December are given by the Youells Family in loving  memory of Mary Ann Youells.

The Sanctuary Light for this week is requested by Anna Magill for her deceased parents and siblings.

SAINT NICHOLAS TEA:  Thank you to everyone who made the Saint Nicholas Tea a success.  We are grateful for Saint Nicholas making an appearance!

THE ENGLOT SISTERS CHRISTMAS CD:  You can now listen to the Englot Sisters CD  “An American Ukrainian Christmas “on YouTube and Spotify. [ CD’s are also still available for purchase- you can find them in the back of the church for a freewill donation.] To locate the account on You Tube search by “THE ENGLOT SISTERS” and it will bring up the account.  (Joanne & Christine are parishioners of Transfiguration of Our Lord Church.  They sing with their sister, Mary a selection of Ukrainian Christmas Carols.)

Petitions & Prayers for Our Parishioners:  Jewel Johnstone, John Ostrum,Donna Winsock, Sonia Dempsey, Kathrine Halloway, Charles Halloway, & James Bencho.  Keep them in your prayers.  If anyone would like to be included in the prayer list drop a note in the basket, email the church or text Michalene Ostrum at 570-704-7079.

PYROHY SALE:  Transfiguration of Our Lord Church is having a potato pyrohy sale.  The cost is $12.00 per dozen.  Contact the church rectory or call Lisa at 570-574-1016.

WYOMING VALLEY BAND COINCERT:  The Wyoming Valley Concert Band presents “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year”, a concert of Christmas music, on Tuesday, December 16 at 7:30 p.m. at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Pro Cathedral, Franklin Street in Wilkes Barre. Admission is free. A non-perishable food item for the food pantry is appreciated. This concert is a gift of the musicians to you to celebrate the holidays. Donations to the band are always welcome.

CHRISTMAS SING-ALONG:  “YOU ARE INVITED to join Saints Peter & Paul Ukrainian Greek Catholic Parish for their 31^st Annual Christmas Carol Sing Along in the church at 635 North River Street in Wilkes-Barre,  Sunday, December 28^th, 2025 starting at 2:00p.m.  Join in the singing of some very sacred, joyful and inspiring Christmas Carols.  Afterwards, please join us in the lower church hall for a Christmas Fellowship Social.  Please bring a friend or family member, and share the joy of Christmas with them, as we all welcome the Newborn Son of God into our hearts and homes.

BOOK(S) OF THE MONTH FOR DECEMBER:

ST. EPHREM THE SYRIAN

Hymns on Paradise  

ISBN:   978-0881410761

James 1:19-27; Mark 10:17-27

Someone turned to the Lord with a question:  Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?(Mark 10:17)  What neccessitated this question?  Was there no Scripture?  Was the law not read every Saturday for everyone?  There was everything—both the Scripture and its interpreters—but differences of opinion went around in society and muddled everyone.  The Pharisees said one thing, the Sadducees another, the Essenes had their own opinion, and the Samaritans theirs.  In Galilee, perhaps even pagan teachings were heard, and each side put forth its own teachings with a tone of conviction.  Anyone who was zealous for salvation naturally came to the question:  What should I do?  What should I follow, so as to not lose my soul?  Our situation now is very similar to that of those times.  How many teachings are circulating in our schools, in society, and in literature!  For the indifferent it is nothing, but those concerned over which teaching to follow cannot help but seek a resolution; “What should I do?”  And so what is the solution?  The one which the Savior gave:  Believe and live as God commanded,  and do not listen to people’s talk; let them talk.  The talk of scholars too is like rumors and fashion; today one thing, tomorrow another.  But you should heed only God’s Word, which abides onto the ages.  What Lord commanded, no philosophizing can revoke.  Everything must done, and cannot be put of.  The Judgement indeed will be according to the Word of the Lord, and not according to our philosophizing.

– St. Theophan the Recluse

-+—

TWENTY SEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

December 14, 2025 A. D.

Slava Isusu Christu!  Slava Na Viki!

Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory Forever!

Prayer For Peace in Ukraine

Heavenly Father, Your Son taught us “Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the sons of God.”  We fervently pray in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, that you inspire men to become peacemakers.  May mankind seek reconciliation and peace in this world, as is Your Will.  May tranquility be restored to all nations, and especially Ukraine.  God, Our Father, we beseech You to comfort the suffering, heal the wounded, and accept the souls of the dearly departed into Your heavenly kingdom.  May the Most Holy Mother of God extend Her Mantle of Protection over Ukraine, and the whole world.  May each of us always live our lives as instruments of Your peace, in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.  Amen.

 Liturgy Schedules

Transfiguration of Our Lord, Nanticoke

Wednesday, December 24 –  Christmas Eve

8:00 PM Great Compline and Divine Liturgy with Myrovania

Thursday, December 25 – Christmas

10:30 AM Liturgy with Myrovania

Friday, December 26 – Synaxis of the Holy Mother of God

10:30AM  Liturgy with Myrovania

Saturday, December 27 Feast of St. Stephen, Protomartyr

8:00 AM Liturgy with Myrovania

 Ss. Peter and Paul (Plymouth)

Wednesday, December 24 –  Christmas Eve

4:00 PM Great Compline and Divine Liturgy with Myrovania

Thursday, December 25 Christmas 

 8:30AM Liturgy with Myrovania

Friday, December 26  Synaxis of the Holy Mother of God 

8:30AM Liturgy with Myrovania

Saturday, December 27 Feast of St. Stephen, Protomartyr

8:00 AM At Transfiguration of Our Lord, Nanticoke.

Christ is coming…Are you ready?

DID YOU GO TO CONFESSION?  SET ASIDE TIME TO PRAY…. PLAN TO ATTEND SERVICES?   TEACH YOUR CHILDREN & GRANDCHILDREN ABOUT CHRIST??  There’s still time.

“You fool, this night your life will be demanded of you; and the things you have prepared, to whom will they belong?” (Luke 12:20)

The rich man in today’s Gospel was indeed “foolish”. He concentrated on the acquisition of temporal, earthly goods. No matter how good or needful it may be for our earthly sustenance or survival, our focus should remain on what lasts forever, on what is eternal. Our personal relationship with Our Lord. God and Savior. Jesus Christ is to be our first and primary concern. The final and eternal destination of one’s soul depends upon that.

        The rich man most definitely had his priorities all messed up. He wasn’t preparing himself for Heaven as his future destination, but was overly concerned and spent his time and effort on the acquisition of the temporal goods of this earthly life. He was looking to acquire a surplus of harvest so that he’d be able to take it easy and say to himself: “Now as for you, you have so many good things stored up for many years, rest, eat, drink, be merry!” (Luke 12:19) And in order to store that surplus of grain, the plan was to “tear down my barns and build larger ones. There I shall store all my grain and other goods.” (12:18)  St. Augustine comments on this selfish outlook of the rich man who gathered much material goods for only himself. He was planning for himself to eat, drink, and be merry. St. Augustine shares his insight: “At the same time, many (thousands of) people around him suffered from hunger. The rich man never understood that the bellies of the poor, the houses of the widows and the mouths of orphans were much more reliable granaries than those he planned to build.”

The rich man in today’s parable and the rich man in the parable of the rich man and the beggar Lazarus is presented to us as one who is totally centered on himself. There is no thought, no compassion, no plan of action to do something to alleviate the hunger, the suffering, of another. And if we recall another parable, that of the Last Judgment, we are instructed that if a person fails to help “the least of the brethren in need,” one fails to do it for Christ.

These parables are calling us to recognize that we all have a Heavenly Father. We all are children of God whom He created in His own image and likeness. We Christians are called to do the good deed in a timely manner. For none of us knows how many tomorrows remain before being called before Christ, the Just Judge.  Hopefully, we all have celebrated Thanksgiving Day with loved ones and given thanks to the Almighty Lord God for all the blessings and good things that we have thus far received this year and throughout one’s life. May we have the spirit of Christ within us as we continue to prepare to gloriously celebrate the Nativity of Our Lord, His Incarnation among us. May this same spirit of love, compassion, and a desire to make previous wrongs right guide and protect us. This we do so that we may all live in peace and harmony with one another, giving the Lord God continual thanks, glory, and praise.

– Father D. George Worschak

December 7, 2025

DIVINE LITURGY for PHILLIPS FAST(11/15-12/25)

Saturday, December 6 TWENTY SIXTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

            4:00 PM           UMaryAnn Kachinko- Sts. Peter & Paul Woman’s Society

Sunday, December 7 TWENTY SIXTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

            8:30 AM             God’s Blessings & Good Health for All Parishioners

        NOON SAINT NICHOLAS FELLOWSHIP-Everyone is Welcome!

(@ Transfiguration of Our Lord Church)

Tuesday, December 9 MATERNITY OF THE HOLY ANNA (w/ Myrovania)

           8:30 AM UGerri Adamchak- Steve Udiski

Saturday, December 13 TWENTY SEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

            4:00 PM           God’s Blessings & Good Health for All Parishioners

Sunday, December 14 TWENTY SEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

            8:30 AM             UMary Ann & Christine Youells-Youells Family

The Altar Candles for the month of December are given by the Youells Family in loving  memory of Mary Ann Youells.

The Sanctuary Light for this week is requested by Rosemarie Kachinko in memory of John and Mildred Starzet.

SAINT NICHOLAS JOINT PARISH TEA AT TRANSFIGURATION OF OUR LORD CHURCH :  IT’S THIS WEEK!  Everyone is welcome!

THE ENGLOT SISTERS CHRISTMAS CD:  You can now listen to the Englot Sisters CD  “An American Ukrainian Christmas “on YouTube and Spotify. [ CD’s are also still available for purchase- you can find them in the back of the church for a freewill donation.] To locate the account on You Tube search by “THE ENGLOT SISTERS” and it will bring up the account.  (Joanne & Christine are parishioners of Transfiguration of Our Lord Church.  They sing with their sister, Mary a selection of Ukrainian Christmas Carols.)

BOOK(S) OF THE MONTH FOR DECEMBER:

ST. EPHREM THE SYRIAN

Hymns on Paradise  

ISBN:   978-0881410761

Petitions & Prayers for Our Parishioners:  Jewel Johnstone, John Ostrum,Donna Winsock, Sonia Dempsey, Kathrine Halloway, Charles Halloway, & James Bencho.  Keep them in your prayers.  If anyone would like to be included in the prayer list drop a note in the basket, email the church or text Michalene Ostrum at 570-704-7079.

You are invited to a

JOINT PARISH

Saint Nicholas Day

CHRISTMAS TEA, COFFEE

& FELLOWSHIP (Lunch)

Transfiguration of Our Lord Church Hall

240 Center Street, Nanticoke, PA

DATE:   December 7^th, 2025 A.D.

Time:  Noon

Guest Appearance: St. Nick

 Children welcome 

Christmas Carols with

  guitar accompaniment 

       by Christine Ferrato 

November 9, 2025

Saturday, November 8 TWENTY SECOND SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

            4:00 PM           Lawrence & Janice Lee- Deliverance from Demonic 

Influence- Rita, Diane & Janice

Sunday, November 9 TWENTY SECOND SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

            8:30 AM             God’s Blessings & Good Health for All Parishioners

Saturday, November 15 TWENTY THIRD SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

            4:00 PM           UHelene Sirak- Gayle & Bobbie Miles

Sunday, November 16 TWENTY THIRD SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

            8:30 AM             God’s Blessings & Good Health for All Parishioners

Transfiguration of Our Lord Church

Saturday Liturgy is 6:00 PM

Sunday Liturgy is 10:30 AM

Phillip’s Fast 

St. Philip’s Fast This fast begins forty days before the Nativity of our Lord on November 15, the day after the feast of St. Philip, and that is why it called Saint Philip’s Fast (or the Philipian Fast – Pilipiwka in Ukrainian).  The Philipian Fast is a time to prepare us to receive Christ into the world and into our hearts.  On each Sunday of the fast in our church we celebrate a different figure who has helped to show us the way. 

1. The first holy person we encounter is the Evangelist St. Matthew whose feast is celebrated on November 16.  St. Matthew is the first Evangelist to give us the infancy narratives in the Gospels, the first to announce the “Good News” of salvation. He begins us on our journey. 

2. Next we celebrate the entrance of the Theotokos (The God bearer – Mary) into the temple.  Mary goes into the Temple to prepare her heart for God.  She is the Temple where the Son of God will make His home until His birth.  She shows us how to be a true servant of the Lord so we may give our entire life, so that we may also become a worthy dwelling place for our Savior. 

3. St. Andrew who is celebrated on Nov. 30, was the first apostle called by Jesus.  Tradition tells us that he travelled to Slavic territories to bring the light of Christ’s message to the Slavic people.  He encourages, us to be the bearers of the light of Jesus to others. 

4. The Feast of St. Nicholas, the Wonderworker, is on December 6. The account of this Saint is well known.  St. Nicholas’ life is an example to us all of preparing our hearts by loving acts for one another. 

5. This week we commemorate the ancestors of our faith; the great men and women of the Bible who kept the promise of the Messiah alive through the ages; the prophets, and we especially admire the Prophet Daniel and the faith and courage of the three children who went into the fiery furnace.  They teach us to be courageous in our faith. 

6. This week, we remember the ancestors of Jesus.  These holy people waited and prayed with hope in their hearts that God would send the promised Savior to the world.  They remind us to wait for the Savior with hope in our hearts.

(excerpt from the Edmonton Eparchy)

PRAYER FOR THE PROTECTION OF THE CHURCH

O glorious St. Michael, guardian and defender of the Church of Jesus Christ, come to the assistance of the Church, against which the powers of hell are unchained, guard with especial care her august Head, and obtain that for Him and for us the hour of triumph may speedily arrive.  O glorious Archangel St. Michael, watch over us during life, defend us against the assaults of the devil, assist us especially at the hour of death; obtain for us a favorable judgement, and the happiness of beholding God face to face for endless ages.  Amen.

 Ask FATHER a question?  During the Liturgy, the priest comes twice through the door which is on the left side as we face the iconstasis.  What is the meaning of these two entrances?  Do they signify events in Our Lord’s life?  Yes, but they are more than just signaling events in  our Lord’s life.  Note that the entrance is not out of the Altar area but into the Altar for both of these entrances.  The entrance with the Gospel Book, the Logos, is the entrance of Christ himself, the Son of God into the very midst of His people and reposing on His Throne.  The second entrance with the Gifts which are Holy Communion and become the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, likewise is Christ entering into the midst of His people and enthroned on the Altar.  The word Logos in Greek as used by the Church Fathers means an active spoken and living Word Who is Christ Himself, Who created all things by speaking in the beginning and Who offers us salvation by speaking.  The entrance from the Proscomedia Table into the midst of Christ’s people is also Christ, the Son of God, active in His church, offering the fullness of His graces for the salvation of man, “For He who eats My Flesh and drinks My Blood, lives in Me and I in him, and shall obtain everlasting life.”  So these entrances are much more than signaling events in our Lord’s life, they are critical parts in the salvation of man.  Books could be written about these entrances alone, some commentary can be found in various books on the Divine Liturgy such as “The Heavenly Banquet;” Understanding the Divine Liturgy,” by Father Emnmanuel Hatzidakis.

“Do not let pass any opportunity to pray for anyone, either at his request or at the request of his relatives, friends, of those who esteem him, or of his acquaintances. The Lord looks favorably upon the prayer of our love, and upon our boldness before him. Besides this, prayer for others is very beneficial to the one himself who prays for others; it purifies the heart, strengthens faith and hope in God, and enkindles our love for God and our neighbor. When praying, say thus: ‘Lord, it is possible for Thee to do this or that to this servant of Thine; do this for him, for Thy name is the Merciful Love of Men and the Almighty.’”    + St. John of Kronstadt, My Life in Christ

Remembrance Day for the Victims of Holodomor (Stalin imposed Genocide) in Ukraine this year is NOVEMBER 22, 2025.

In 1932–1933, a man-made famine, known as the Holodomor, killed 3.3–6 million people in the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic (as part of the Soviet Union), included in a total of 5.5–8.7 million killed by the broader Soviet famine of 1930–1933. At least 3.3 million ethnic Ukrainians died as a result of the famine in the USSR.  

BOOK(S)  OF THE MONTH FOR NOVEMBER:

Achieving Your Potential in Christ:  THEOSIS

Anthony M. Conaris

ISBN: 0-937032-93-X

The Altar Candles for the month of November are requested by Geri Kolotelo in loving memory of Ann Kolotelo.

Petitions & Prayers for Our Parishioners:  Jewel Johnstone, John Ostrum,Donna Winsock.  Keep them in your prayers.

VETERAN’S DAY: On Tuesday, November 11, we celebrate Veteran’s Day, please keep all THE veterans who served the United States in your thoughts and prayers.  Remember, freedom is not free.  Thank a Veteran!!

FLEA MARKET/RAFFLE/DONATION TO UKRAINE:  Through the rummage sale basket raffle, poor box and Women’s Society contribution, the society gave Father Walter a $1000 donation to send to the Ukraine.

Thank you to all who contributed and worked to make the rummage sale a success.  The financial report will be given at the Women’s Society’s meeting on Tuesday, November 11th at 6PM in the church hall.  New members are always encouraged to join. 

Congratulations to all the rummage sale basket raffle winners: Lori, Tyler B.,Christie Riscant, Betty, Mary Neeley, Traci Frisbee, Lisa Endress, Mary Ann Huback, Jones, Bob Tensa, Tom Ostrouwski, Lisa Placek, Judy Luchinno, Becky Molecavage, Brenda Bonk, Johanna Longenberger, Joyln Bartoli, Louise Hubiack, Erica Riscart. 

 MOVIE SUNDAY:  As fall looms ahead and the days get shorter & cooler……   It’s Movie Time at Transfiguration of Our Lord Church this Sunday, November 9th!  The movie is, “The Inspector General, a funny, light hearted and touching story.  You do not have to stay for the movie, everyone is welcome to come for a light lunch and fellowship.  Come for the lunch – don’t stay for the movie- come for the movie, have no lunch – that’s okay!  

 CHRISTMAS FLEA MARKET:  Transfiguration of Our Lord Church will hold their Christmas Flea Market on Saturday, November 29^th and Saturday, December 6^th from 9am to 2pm.  There will be a variety of ethnic foods to eat-in and potato pyrohy for sale.

  Prayer For the Departed 

We should not only pray for our neighbors who are alive, but also for those who have departed into the other world.  Prayer for the departed is necessary first of all because, when someone who is close to us departs, we have a natural feeling of loss, from which we suffer deeply. But that person continues to live: only he lives in another state of being, because he has left for the other world. So that our connection with him who has departed might not be broken, we should pray for him. Then we will feel his presence, feel that he has not left us, and that our living connection with him has been preserved.  But the other person, of course, also needs prayer for the departed, because when someone dies they pass into another world, where they meet God to answer for everything they did in their earthly life, good and bad. It is very important that such a person be accompanied on his way by the prayers of his loved ones, of those who have remained here on earth, who keep his memory. We, who remain on earth, can ask God that He lighten this person’s lot. And the Church believes that the departed’s posthumous lot is lightened by the prayers of those who pray for him here on earth.  The hero of Dostoevsky’s novel The Brothers Karamazov, the Elder Zosima (whose prototype was St. Tikhon of Zadonsk) says this about prayer for the departed: “Remember also: every day and whenever you can, repeat within yourself: ‘Lord, have mercy upon all who come before you today.’ For every hour and every moment thousands of people leave their life on this earth, and their souls come before the Lord – and so many of them part with the earth in isolation, unknown to anyone, in sadness and sorrow that no one will mourn for them, or even know whether they had lived or not. And so, perhaps from the other end of the earth, your prayer for his repose will rise to the Lord, though you did not known him at all, nor he you. How moving it is for his soul, coming in fear before the Lord, to feel at that moment that someone is praying for him, too, that there is still a human being on earth who loves him. And God, too, will look upon you both with more mercy, for if even you so pitied him, how much more will he who is infinitely more merciful and loving than you are. And he will forgive him for your sake.” .   (Excerpt from https://www.pravmir.com/prayer/)

November 2, 2025

Saturday, November 1 TWENTY FIRST SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

            4:00 PM           Bernie Kachinko- Kachinko Children

*********************** Daylight Savings Time*****************

Sunday, November 2 TWENTY FIRST SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

            8:30 AM             God’s Blessings & Good Health for All Parishioners

Saturday, November 8 TWENTY SECOND SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

            4:00 PM           Lawrence & Janice Lee- Deliverance from Demonic 

Influence- Rita, Diane & Janice

Sunday, November 9 TWENTY SECOND SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

            8:30 AM             God’s Blessings & Good Health for All Parishioners

The Holy Eucharist 

(an excerpt) By Fr. Alexander Schmemann

The Eucharist is Christ, himself. The Eucharist is his Eucharist, and he is the Eucharist. It is he who offers, and it is he who is offered. Christ is the perfect man, who stands before God. Christ, alone, is the perfect Eucharistic being. He is the Eucharist of the world. In and through this Eucharist, the whole creation becomes what always was to be, and yet, failed to be.

. . . .

The Eucharist is communion with the whole Church. It is the supreme revelation of the communion of the saints, of the unity and interdependence of all the members of the Body of Christ. It is judgment and condemnation to people who do not see Christ in the Church, but see in it merely human pride and arrogance, selfishness, and the spirit of this world. It is the breaking of the [body of Christ], the one source of life that brings all to it, and redeems the unity of all men under one head, Christ, the mystery of forgiveness, the mystery of reconciliation achieved by Christ, and eternally granted to those who believe in him. It is the essential food of the Christian, strengthening his spiritual life, healing his diseases, affirming his faith, making him capable of leading a truly Christian life in this world, the gift of eternal life, an anticipation of the joy, peace and fullness of the Kingdom, a foretaste of its light. It is both partaking of Christ’s suffering, the expression of our readiness to accept his way of life, and sharing in his victory and triumph—a sacrificial meal, and a joyful banquet. His body is broken, and his blood is shed, and partaking of them, we accept the cross. Yet, by the cross, joy has entered the world, and this joy is ours when we are at the Lord’s table. It is given to me, personally, in order to transform me into a member of Christ, to unite me with all those who receive him, to reveal the Church as a fellowship of love. 

The Eucharist is the mystery of the Kingdom, the fullness and manifestation of the Church as the age to come. 

The Eucharist is our secret joy and certitude, the source of inspiration and growth, the victory that overcomes evil, the presence that makes our whole life, life in Christ. 

The Eucharist is the beginning, and things that were impossible are again revealed to us as possible. The time of the world has become the time of the Church, the time of salvation and redemption.

Ancient Faith Radio transcript, reprinted with permission; The Holy Eucharist, Fr. Alexander Schmemann.

Other Resources:  THE EUCHARIST by Alexander Schmemann

Video:  “The Holy Eucharist; God’s Lamb”   (Souls & Liberty URL:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KIuDay7t0wA)

ASK FATHER A QUESTION?  I have a question about Phillip’s Fast which I see begins Saturday, November 15^th.  Father, didn’t the Church mitigate Phillips fast?  Is it still obligatory?  Let me begin with a question back to you.  Suppose you are an athlete, a marathon runner, is it obligatory that you train?  I could answer, no, it is not obligatory that you train.  You could lie around eating, watching television, going to parties, reading or whatever else your heart desires and then on the day of the marathon show up and run.  What do you think will happen on that day?  You will very likely lose to someone else who did train.  So now let us apply this to fasting.  Why do we fast?  We fast to grow stronger spiritually.  Why do I need to be spiritually strong?  It is because the devil, Lucifer, who was the highest ranking angel in heaven before his sin, is stronger than any man.  Lucifer uses all his power to lead mankind, that is each of us, into sin so that we will fail to succeed to inherit heaven and as a result we would inherit hell and be forced to worship him (Lucifer), not God.  If you desire heaven, and not hell, then you need to be strong enough to thwart the attacks of Lucifer when they come.  If you are weak you will fail.  How then do you grow in strength?  You grow in strength by applying the gifts Jesus left us which do not make sense to a fallen world that does not believe in God.  The primary gifts are prayer, fasting and almsgiving.  The highest form of prayer is the Divine Liturgy every Sunday.  Fasting is critical too so that we can learn to become stronger in controlling our human desires and not letting Lucifer lead us astray through bodily desires.  Fasting from food is one of those ways, to learn to be in control of all your appetites.  So yes, the fast is obligatory if you desire heaven.

BOOK(S)  OF THE MONTH FOR NOVEMBER:

Achieving Your Potential in Christ:  THEOSIS

Anthony M. Conaris

ISBN: 0-937032-93-X

Remembrance Day for the Victims of Holodomor (Stalin imposed Genocide) in Ukraine this year is NOVEMBER 22, 2025.

In 1932–1933, a man-made famine, known as the Holodomor, killed 3.3–6 million people in the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic (as part of the Soviet Union), included in a total of 5.5–8.7 million killed by the broader Soviet famine of 1930–1933. At least 3.3 million ethnic Ukrainians died as a result of the famine in the USSR.  

The Sanctuary Light for the week of November 2^nd to 9^th is requested by Rosemarie Kachinko in loving memory of Ronald Kachinko, Rita Renyko, and Sandra Elko.

The Altar Candles for the month of November are requested by Geri Kolotelo in loving memory of Ann Kolotelo.

PRAYERS:  Please keep in you prayers Jewel Johnstone, for her health, who is presently in the hospital.  Keep in your prayers John Ostrum 

VETERAN’S DAY: On Tuesday, November 11, we celebrate Veteran’s Day, please keep all THE veterans who served the United States in your thoughts and prayers.  Remember, freedom is not free.  Thank a Veteran!!

 STANDARD TIME:   Don’t forget Daylight Savings Time Ends Sunday, November 2^nd.  Set your clocks back one hour Saturday night before you go to bed on November 1st.

PRAYER LIST:  We would like to start a prayer list for the church.  If you would like to be included, or know of someone who should be included, on the prayer list, please email the church or drop a note in the Sunday Basket.

 PRAYER TO ST. MICHAEL  FEAST DAY :  Saturday, November 8^th. 

St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle; be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the devil.  May God rebuke him, we humbly pray; and do you, O prince of the heavenly host, by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan and the other evil spirits who prowl about the world for the ruin of souls.  Amen.

Every Evil Screams Only One Message:  I am good. – Alexander Schmemann

 HALLOWEEN MOVIE DATE CHANGE:  As fall looms ahead and the days get shorter & cooler……   It’s Movie Time on next Sunday, November 9th!  The movie is, “The Inspector General, a funny, light hearted and touching story.  You do not have to stay for the movie, everyone is welcome to come for a light lunch and fellowship.  Come for the lunch – don’t stay for the movie- come for the movie, have no lunch – that’s okay!  IF ANYONE WOULD LIKE TO DONATE POTATO CHIPS, POPCORN OR PRETZELS, or anything else, just give Lisa a call.  Also, any potluck dish or volunteers are welcome! Everyone is welcome! Lisa 570-574-1016.  Please sign the list if you think you might come.

CHRISTMAS FLEA MARKET:  Transfiguration of Our Lord Church will hold their Christmas Flea Market on Saturday, December 6 and Saturday, December 13^th from 9am to 2pm.  There will be a variety of ethnic foods to eat-in and potato pyrohy for sale.

  Prayer For the Departed 

We should not only pray for our neighbors who are alive, but also for those who have departed into the other world.  Prayer for the departed is necessary first of all because, when someone who is close to us departs, we have a natural feeling of loss, from which we suffer deeply. But that person continues to live: only he lives in another dimension, because he has left for the other world. So that our connection with him who has departed might not be broken, we should pray for him. Then we will feel his presence, feel that he has not left us, and that our living connection with him has been preserved.  But the other person, of course, also needs prayer for the departed, because when someone dies they pass into another world, where they meet God to answer for everything they did in their earthly life, good and bad. It is very important that such a person be accompanied on his way by the prayers of his loved ones, of those who have remained here on earth, who keep his memory. We, who remain on earth, can ask God that He lighten this person’s lot. And the Church believes that the departed’s posthumous lot is lightened by the prayers of those who pray for him here on earth.  The hero of Dostoevsky’s novel The Brothers Karamazov, the Elder Zosima (whose prototype was St. Tikhon of Zadonsk) says this about prayer for the departed: “Remember also: every day and whenever you can, repeat within yourself: ‘Lord, have mercy upon all who come before you today.’ For every hour and every moment thousands of people leave their life on this earth, and their souls come before the Lord – and so many of them part with the earth in isolation, unknown to anyone, in sadness and sorrow that no one will mourn for them, or even know whether they had lived or not. And so, perhaps from the other end of the earth, your prayer for his repose will rise to the Lord, though you did not known him at all, nor he you. How moving it is for his soul, coming in fear before the Lord, to feel at that moment that someone is praying for him, too, that there is still a human being on earth who loves him. And God, too, will look upon you both with more mercy, for if even you so pitied him, how much more will he who is infinitely more merciful and loving than you are. And he will forgive him for your sake.” .   (Excerpt from https://www.pravmir.com/prayer/)

October 26, 2025

 Saturday, October 25 TWENTIETH AFTER SUNDAY PENTECOST

     6:00 PM UJohn Skordy- Lipowski Family

Sunday, October 26 TWENTIETH AFTER SUNDAY PENTECOST 

   10:30 AM UHelen Bogdan- Ponko Family

Wednesday, October 29

     9:00 AM God’s Blessings for America- Tom & MaryAnn Potsko

Thursday, October 30

     9:00 AM U Anna Kutsup – Donna Wurster

Friday, October 31

     9:00 AM U Anna Kutsup – Leona Kobela & Ellen Alqrainy

Saturday, November 1

     8:00 AM God’s blessings for James Campbell Sr. – Ulana Campbell

Saturday, November 1 TWENTY-FIRST AFTER SUNDAY PENTECOST

     6:00 PM U John Lipowski – Virginian Palermo

***************** Daylight Savings Time Begins***************

Sunday, November 2 TWENTY FIRST AFTER SUNDAY PENTECOST 

   10:30 AM UTamara Newton – Becker Family

OCTOBER IS THE MONTH OF THE THEOTOKOS, MARY

PLAN TO SPEND SOME TIME WITH YOUR MOTHER!

Saint Peter & Paul Church (Plymouth)

Divine Liturgy:   Saturday 4:00PM; Sunday 8:30AM

LOCAL CHURCH NEWS….

Ss. PETER & PAUL CHURCH (Plymouth)FLEA MARKET:  WOMEN’S SOCIETY BAKE, SOUP & RUMMAGE SALE:  Friday, October 24^th (9am-4pm) and Saturday, October 25^th (9am -2pm) ½ Price Day, and FINAL DAY Sunday October 26^th (12Pm-2PM) Bag Day.  If have questions contact Anna Magil at 570-239-9263.  The Raffle Drawing is 1:00 PM on Sunday, October 26^th.

 HOAGIE SALE:  St. Nicholas Church, Glen Lyon, will be holding a Turkey, Ham & Cheese, and Italian Hoagie Sale on Thursday, October 30 from 11:00am to 4:00pm.  The cost of each hoagie is $8.00 and a quart of vegetable soup is $8.00.  Orders can be placed by calling Debbie at 570-736-6908 by Sunday, October 26.  Additionally, a Raffle Basket will be held to benefit Ukraine & St. Nicholas Church.

 “ANNUAL TURKEY-FEST DINNER- Saints Peter and Paul Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, will host their annual Turkey Fest Dinner as a take-out only event on Saturday, November 1^st in their school hall on the corner of West Chestnut and North River Streets in Wilkes-Barre.  Pick-ups will be from 12:00(noon) to 4:00pm.  The event will feature our traditional turkey dinner and basket raffle.  Dinners will be $15.00 for adults and $9.00 for children.  Call (570) 829-3051 to make your reservation.  Walk-in customers will be welcomed, but reservations are strongly encouraged.  Tell your friends and family.  Non-perishable food items will be collected for donation to a local food pantry.”

HARVEST DINNER:  St. Vladimir’s Ukrainian Catholic Church, 430 N. 7th Ave, in Scranton will be holding their annual Harvest Dinner on Sunday, November 2nd beginning at Noon in their Hall.  Dine-in only.  Roast Beef, Mashed Potatoes, Gravy, Vegetable, Roll w/Butter, Dessert and Beverage.  Only $15 per person.  By reservation only! For reservations, call Maria at 570-503-1514.  Deadline is Tuesday, Oct. 28th.  There will also be Basket Raffles and a 50/50 Drawing! You are cordially invited to join us for an afternoon of good food, fun and fellowship! Bring your family!  Bring a friend!  All are welcome!  We hope to see you there!

BOOK(S)  OF THE MONTH FOR OCTOBER:

Lectures on the Christian Sacraments

Saint Cyril of Jerusalem

ISBN: 978-0-88141-564-3

CHURCH NEWS ….      

 HAPPY BIRTHDAY:  A Very Happy Birthday to Brian Kawczenski who celebrates his birthday on November 1^st! May God grant Him & his Family Many Happy, Healthy, Blessed Years!  Mnohaya Lita!  

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!:   A Very Happy Anniversary to Arden and Michelle Miller who celebrated their Wedding Anniversary on October 21^st.  Mnohaya Lita!  May God grant them and Their families – Many Happy, Healthy, Blessed Years!  

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY:  A Very Happy 52^nd  Wedding Anniversary to Mike & Mary Oresick who celebrated their Anniversary on Monday, October 27^th!  Mnohaya Lita!  God Bless Them with Health and Many Happy Joyful Years!!!

STANDARD TIME:   It’s next week!!! Don’t forget Daylight Savings Time Ends Sunday, November 2. Set your clocks back one hour Saturday night before you go to bed on November 1^st.

THANK YOU:  A Very Sincere “Thank You” to Bobby Miles who donated his time cutting the church grass!  Thank You!  Thank You to the Men’s Group who for the second year in a row worked on the cemetery fence posts to repair our fence!  Thank You!

CLOTHING & “STUFF” FLEA MARKET:  The profit from the weekend sale was $1898.00

Thank you to everyone who donated, helped & organized!  We appreciate YOU!

PYROHY SALE:  There are potato pyrohy for sale in the church basement.  The cost is $12.00 per dozen.  If you would like to purchase pyrohy please contact the church rectory or call Lisa at 570-574-1016.

 HALLOWEEN MOVIE DATE CHANGE:  As fall looms ahead and the days get shorter & cooler……   It’s Movie Time on Sunday, November 9th!  The movie will be fun and light hearted.  The people have spoken.  Everyone is welcome.

CEMETERY:  As the weather is getting cooler, please make sure that summer items are removed from the cemetery prior to the ground freezing in preparation for the Feast of the Nativity.  The water is being shut off soon- the men’s work group is finished with the cemetery posts for the season.

Saturday, October 18 NINTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

            4:00 PM           God’s Blessings & Good Health for All Parishioners

Sunday, October 19 NINTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

            8:30 AM             Geri Kolotelo- Steven & Gloria Udiski

Saturday, October 25 TWENTIETH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

            4:00 PM           God’s Blessings & Good Health for All Parishioners

Sunday, October 26 TWENTIETH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

            8:30 AM             Geri Adamchak- Steven Udiski

The Sanctuary Light was not requested for this week.

WOMEN’S SOCIETY BAKE, SOUP & RUMMAGE SALE:  Friday, October 24^th (9am-4pm) and Saturday, October 25^th (9am -2pm) ½ Price Day, and FINAL DAY Sunday October 26^th (12Pm-2PM) Bag Day.  If have questions contact Anna Magil at 570-239-9263.  The Raffle Drawing is 1:00 PM on Sunday, October 26^th.

CEMETERY:  As the weather is getting cooler, please make sure that summer items are removed from the cemetery prior to the ground freezing in preparation for the Feast of the Nativity.

STANDARD TIME:   Don’t forget Daylight Savings Time Ends Sunday, November 2. Set your clocks back one hour Saturday night before you go to bed on November 1st.

HALLOWEEN MOVIE:  As fall looms ahead and the days get shorter & cooler……   It’s Movie Time at Transfiguration of Our Lord Church on Sunday, November 2nd!  The movie will be fun and light hearted.  Everyone is welcome!  Any questions, call Lisa at 570-574-1016. 

CLOTHING & “STUFF” FLEA MARKET, Nanticoke:  Transfiguration of Our Lord Church will hold a Clothing and “Stuff” sale on Friday, October 17 and Saturday, October 18 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday October 19 “Bag Day” from noon until 2 p.m.  Pierogies, Clam Chowder, Sausage & Peppers, Hot Dogs and Wimpies will be served for eat in or take out.

PYROHY SALE:  Transfiguration of Our Lord Church is selling potato pyrohy (frozen).  The cost is $12.00 per dozen.  If you would like to purchase pyrohy please contact the church rectory or call Lisa at 570-574-1016.

 HOAGIE SALE:  St. Nicholas Church, Glen Lyon, will be holding a Turkey, Ham & Cheese, and Italian Hoagie Sale on Thursday, October 30 from 11:00am to 4:00pm.  The cost of each hoagie is $8.00 and a quart of vegetable soup is $8.00.  Orders can be placed by calling Debbie at 570-736-6908 by Sunday, October 26.  Additionally, a Raffle Basket will be held to benefit Ukraine & St. Nicholas Church.

“ANNUAL TURKEY-FEST DINNER- Saints Peter and Paul Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, will host their annual Turkey Fest Dinner as a take-out only event on Saturday, November 1^st in their school hall on the corner of West Chestnut and North River Streets in Wilkes-Barre.  Pick-ups will be from 12:00(noon) to 4:00pm.  The event will feature our traditional turkey dinner and basket raffle.  Dinners will be $15.00 for adults and $9.00 for children.  Call (570) 829-3051 to make your reservation.  Walk-in customers will be welcomed, but reservations are strongly encouraged.  Tell your friends and family.  Non-perishable food items will be collected for donation to a local food pantry.”

EIGHTEENTH AFTER SUNDAY PENTECOST 

October 12, 2025

Saturday, October 11 EIGHTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

            4:00 PM           Anna Dempsey- Anna Magill

Sunday, October 12 EIGHTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

            8:30 AM             God’s Blessings & Good Health for All Parishioners

Saturday, October 18 NINTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

            4:00 PM           God’s Blessings & Good Health for All Parishioners

Sunday, October 19 NINTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

            8:30 AM             Geri Kolotelo- Steven & Gloria Udiski

 ASK FATHER A QUESTION?  Father, I am a Roman Catholic and I am curious about the Eastern definition of an Icon and their spiritual and religious purpose.  Can you educate me on them?  Answering your question is difficult, yet easy, simple yet obtuse.  How do we know God?  Is it not with our minds?  Why this way?  Because we have sinned, God does not presently walk the surface of the earth as He did prior.  God who is immaterial, can be known by our immaterialness.    Our thoughts are immaterial and happen in our souls which are immaterial.  Prior to our sin, God walked with man every day, physically present to us.  We encounter God with all our senses, not merely with our minds.  So too we pray with all our senses in the Eastern Church-including our eyes.  Icons are windows into heaven, they are story in image, they are sacramentals and not, I repeat, not religious art that is they are writings of things not of this world.  The icon makes present the person or event just like the Jewish sense of “memory.”  When Jesus says “Do this in memory of me,” we do not merely have a mental thought of something now gone, but rather, we are transported across creation to be present at that one event for all time.  Now we are transported to heaven, the Eternal Sacrifice and Banquet.  Likewise, the icon transports us into this one event for all time and hence to heaven.  Icons help us pray because it makes heaven present to us visually and mentally, helping us to focus on divine things.  We are taught to transform ourselves, not to reject our physical life, but to transform our life to match God’s will for us, just as the holy people in the icons have done.  This is why we venerate the icon, venerate literally means to ‘bow in front of.’ We venerate icons and we worship only God; Father, Son and Holy Spirit.   Since icons are story in image and they show us heaven then there are rules, or language of icons, which need to be obeyed and understood.  For example; the color blue tells us this creature is human and red tells us divine.  So, we see to our left on the iconostas Mary holding Jesus, her inner robe is blue because she is man, and her outer cloak is red because when she says yes to the Angel Gabriel’s message she puts on divinity. To our right is Jesus.  His inner robe is red because He is divine, He is God, and when He was born, He put on mankind, i.e. became man.  These colors cannot be changed because to change the color is to change the meaning.  Mary is a created creature like us and is not divine in and of herself like Jesus is, being God.

        Icons are not created to force an emotional response. When portraying historical scenes, the faces don’t show emotion, but instead portray virtues such as purity, patience in suffering, forgiveness, compassion and love. An example of this would be the portrayal of Christ on the cross. Christ is always shown as God. Even the icons of Christ seated on His mother’s lap show Him with an adult face [and adult proportions], revealing that even though Christ lived as a child among us He is also God ( Forest,1997).[i]   Icons depict silence. There are no actions displayed, no open mouths. The icon invites the Christian to enter into contemplation, prayer, and silence (Ware,1979). Space is not defined in three axis and time is insignificant. The story told by the icon precludes time and space. An example would be the icon of the Nativity, which shows the cave where Christ was born in the background with those who came to adore in small vignettes. Lighting proceeds from the character portrayed in the icon. There are never shadows in icons. This shows us that the saint portrayed is “glorified” having completed the race and entered into heaven (Quenot,1991). Symbolism is used in icons and details are used minimally. For example, when showing John the Baptist baptizing in the river, the grown man he baptizes is shown as an infant because the baptism is a rebirth. Colors are also symbolic. Blue reveals heaven and mystery. Green is youth, fertility and the earth’s vegetation. Red, the color of blood, suggests life, vitality and beauty. White is purity, the divine world and innocence. Gold indicates sanctity, splendor, and the glory of God and life in the heavenly kingdom [eternity]. Purple reveals wealth, power and authority.

 [i] From the website www.antiochian.org, Eastern Orthodox Christians and Iconography, By Cindy Egly.

BOOK(S)  OF THE MONTH FOR OCTOBER:

Lectures on the Christian Sacraments

Saint Cyril of Jerusalem

ISBN: 978-0-88141-564-3

The Sanctuary Light this week was requested by Anna Magill in loving memory of her mother, Anna Dempsey.

Additional Days;  WOMEN’S SOCIETY BAKE, SOUP & RUMMAGE SALE:  Friday, October 24^th (9am-4pm) and Saturday, October 25^th (9am -2pm) ½ Price Day, and FINAL DAY Sunday October 26^th (12Pm-2PM) Bag Day.  If have questions contact Anna Magil at 570-239-9263.  

PYROHY SALE:  Transfiguration of Our Lord Church is selling potato pyrohy (frozen).  The cost is $12.00 per dozen.  If you would like to purchase pyrohy please contact the church rectory or call Lisa at 570-574-1016.

CLOTHING & “STUFF” FLEA MARKET, Nanticoke:  Transfiguration of Our Lord Church will hold a Clothing and “Stuff” sale on Friday, October 17 and Saturday, October 18 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday October 19 “Bag Day” from noon until 2 p.m.  Pierogies, Clam Chowder, Sausage & Peppers, Hot Dogs and Wimpies will be served for eat in or take out.

CEMETERY:  As the weather is getting cooler, please make sure that summer items are removed from the cemetery prior to the ground freezing in preparation for the Feast of the Nativity.

 STANDARD TIME:   Don’t forget Daylight Savings Time Ends Sunday, November 2. Set your clocks back one hour Saturday night before you go to bed on November 1st.

HALLOWEEN MOVIE:  As fall looms ahead and the days get shorter & cooler……   It’s Movie Time at Transfiguration of Our Lord Church on Sunday, November 2nd!  The movie will be fun and light hearted.   

 Ask Father a Question…..?  If heaven is striving for perfection and man is imperfect how can anyone get in?  The answer to this question is in actually quite short and simple.  We can get into heaven by following our Father’s instruction who came into this world; Jesus Christ.  A feeling of helplessness comes if a person has a malformed sense of mankind, i.e. their own human condition.  Where does this come from and what are the 2 opposing views of mankind?    The errant view of mankind comes from the false concept of; we are here on the earth by pure random chance (Chemical soup to mankind Evolution).  If we are here by pure chance and there is no God who created us, then our sense and grasp of Anthropology [study of mankind] will be flawed.  “Evolution” says we are here by chance, therefore there is no God, you can do what you want, maximize pleasure and minimize pain {Nihilism}, and so on.  If you operate under this concept and yet hold on to the idea of God’s existence then there will be a conflict between a false sense of man and God’s message to us.  This false sense comes from people who stubbornly try to deny God’s existence because they don’t want to accept that there is a concrete moral code we are called to live up to and they desire to have a subjective, everything can change, sense of morality.  This cannot be.  Even from our human experience we can grasp there is one objective morality, i.e. concrete and unchangeable.  The other view of our human experience in the here and now is informed by God’s self-revelation to mankind.  God tells us of how we were created perfect but we hurt ourselves with our own sin in the Garden of Eden; Adam and Eve’s sin is our sin.  Is there anyone alive who has not sinned?  We have been expelled from the Garden, but God knew we would do this and He prepared a way for our return.  Because of God’s immeasurable love for us he gave Himself, Jesus Christ, to pay our debt on the cross and God gives us what we need to get to heaven, His gifts to us which the Church calls God Graces.  If we enter the church, are Baptized and Chrismated and receive Jesus Christ in the Eucharist and take full advantage of these and apply all of God’s teaching to our living, yet recognizing my sinfulness, I can enter heaven.  This is what The Divine Liturgy, a public prayer, is all about.  Take the time to read all the priest’s silent prayers that you normally do not read during the liturgy and you will notice this strong theme, “Lord forgive me my sins and have mercy on me so that I may enter into Your kingdom.”  We recognize our sins and while may fall into the occasion of sin we know we should not do this, so we go to confession and try to clean ourselves up once again.  All the time while we do this we recognize it is Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who is God, who paid our debt.  Be true to Him and do not fail to receive Him in the Eucharist the mystical medicine which heals our sins and is the mystical food which is Christ Himself that nourishes our lives through this corrupt age to give us strength to battle our own sins in this world.  Your question has the same sense of Isaiah’s reply to the angel who gave God’s message to Isaiah that Lord would send Isaiah to prophecy.  Isaiah said, “”Woe to me!  I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty.  How can I go being a sinful man?”  The angel went to the fire and took a hot coal from the fire with tongs and touched Isaiah’s lips saying, “See now, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for.”  This is the same prayer the priest says for himself and the people after the Eucharist is distributed to the people.  So the ultimate question is am I stubborn and demand things my way; or do I grasp my sinfulness and the need for God’s assistance?  Accepting God’s graces I therefore accept His gifts and do not stay away from God and His Church and the company of the saints.