SS Peter & Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church

August 9, 2026 A. D.

14 08 2026

Saturday, August 8 ELEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

4:00 PM Irene Frisbie – Anna Magill

Sunday, August 9 ELEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

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

Saturday, August 15 TWELFTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

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

Sunday, August 16 TWELFTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

8:30 AM God’s Blessings for Jordan & Quinby Finch

-Owen Family

WHY COOK WEDNESDAYS!: “Saints Peter & Paul Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church will hold the 3^rd and last of their Why Cook Wednesday Dinners for the Summer with a Ukrainian Festival Food, Take-Out Dinner on Wednesday, August 12^th. Order from a menu of festival foods including; a Holubtsi Dinner with 2 piggies, 3 pyrohy and green beans for $12.00, a Kovbasa Dinner with Kielbasa & Sauerkraut, Hard Roll and 3 Pyrohy for $10.00, Pagash – 3 Cuts for $6.00 or a whole tray of 12 for $22.00, Pyrohy – 6 for $6.00 or a dozen frozen for $10, Cabbage and Noodles for $4.00 a pint, and Piggie 6-Packs for $18.00. Desserts available at our bake sale. Pick-Ups from 4:00 to 7:00pm in their school hall on the corner of North River and West Chestnut Streets, near the General Hospital Parkade in Wilkes-Barre. Take-Out Only and Pre-Orders are strongly encouraged. Place your order by calling the School Hall Kitchen (570) 829-3051. Tickets will also be sold for a Basket Raffle. Remember…When Baba Cooks, Everybody’s Happy!”

Fasting

Christian fasting is the most effective weapon we have, especially along with prayer. The two together do wonders. One day, His disciples asked Jesus why they could not heal a boy by expelling the demon from within him, “Why could we not cast it out?” The Lord’s reply was, “This kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.”

Fasting makes us realize that we are dependent on God and trains us to control our appetites, which devils use to tempt us to sin. We are reminded that without God, we can do nothing. It also has the potential to increase our spiritual strength, true obedience to God, and total patience with our fellow man. It assists us to take control of our appetites that involve the physical senses. We fast from food to help us build up our self control “muscles” so to speak – so that ultimately we can resist the temptation to sin and live according to God’s will.

As with all fasting, please remember that abstaining from food during this period of preparation does us no good if we do not also, as St. John Chrysostom teaches us, fast with:

“… the eye and the ear and the feet and the hands and all the members of our bodies. Let the hands fast, by being free of avarice. Let the feet fast, by ceasing to run after sin. Let the eyes fast, by disciplining them not to glare at that which is sinful. Let the ear fast, by not listening to evil talk and gossip. Let the mouth fast from foul words and unjust criticism.
For what good is it if we abstain from birds and fishes, but bite and devour our brothers?”— -St John Chrysostom

-From AsceticLifeofMotherhood

UKRAINIAN INDEPENDENCE FOLK FESTIVAL: On Sun., Aug. 23, at 12:00 PM, the Ukrainian American Sport Center Tryzub(County Line and Lower State Rds., Horsham, PA) invites you to the Ukrainian Independence Folk Festival 2026. Commencing at 1:30 PM, , a BBQ and cool refreshments for all ages will be plentiful. Admission: $20; Free for children to age 14. Info: 267-664-3857; info@tryzub.org; www.tryzub.org. $2 of each paid admission goes to Humanitarian Relief in Ukraine. Review the website for possible offsite parking instructions.

Prayer to the All-Holy Theotokos

By One Who is in Trouble and Affliction

O mine all-good Queen, mine all-holy hope, receiver of orphans and assister of strangers, helper of the unfortunate and protection of the afflicted! Thou seest my peril, Thou seest my tribulation: I am beset by temptations on every side, but there is no one to help me. Wherefore, do Thou Thyself help me, for I am sick; feed me, for I am a stranger; guide me, for I am lost; heal and save me, for I am beyond hope. I have none other help, I have none other intercession or consolation, save Thee, O Mother of all who are troubled and heavily burdened. Wherefore, look upon me, a sinner in affliction, and cover me with Thine all-holy omophorion, that I may be delivered from the evils which compass me round about, and may continually praise Thine all-hymned name. Amen -From the Akathist to the Protection of the All-Holy Theotokos

The Altar Candles were requested by Michaelene Ostrum IMO her mother Helene Sirak and her brother Michael B Sirak.

The Sanctuary Light is requested by Anna Magill IMO her sister Irene Frisbie.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!: Birthday wishes to David Youells (Aug 1st), Paul Hoover (Aug 3rd) and Mary Oshirak (Aug 15th) who are celebrating their birthdays. God grant them many years of good health.

WOMEN’S SOCIETY RUMMAGE SALE: The Women’s Society will be holding a rummage sale in October. They are collecting good condition household items, which can be dropped off at the church hall. For more information call Anna Magill 570-239-9263. Thank you to everyone who helped with the Clothes & Book Sale.

CHURCH WEEDING: Thanks to all the ladies who did the weeding around the church last week. Also, to David Youells, for trimming all the shrubs by the hall.

LABOR DAY FOOD FESTIVAL:

Transfiguration of Our Lord Church is holding a one day Food Festival on Saturday, September 5^th from 11-4pm. Homemade Pyrohy, Haluski, Potato Pancakes, Clam Chowder, and Sausage sandwitches. Can you hear the polka music playing!! Save the date.

ELEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

The Lord concluded the parable about the two debtors with the following words: So likewise shall My Heavenly Father do also unto you, if you from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses (Matt. 18:35). It would seem that such a small thing is required: forgive and you will be forgiven. When you are forgiven, you are received into mercy; and when you are brought into mercy, you have become a participant in all the treasures of mercy-salvation, and Paradise, and eternal bliss. What great acquisition for such a small thing as forgiving! Yes, it is a small thing, but for our self-love there is nothing more difficult that forgiving. We might forgive some unintentional annoyance dealt us in private that no one sees. But if the offense is just a bit more sensitive, and takes place in front of people, don’t even ask-there is no forgiveness. There are circumstances when, whether you want to or not, you are not allowed to express your displeasure-and so you remain silent. However, only your tongue is silent. Meanwhile, your heart speaks and builds evil plans. Raise the annoyance yet another degree, and there is no restraint. Neither shame, nor fear, nor loss, nor any other thing will restrain you. Egoism which has reached the boiling point makes a person as though insane, and he who gives into it begins to talk foolishly . The people most subject to this unfortunate state are usually not just anyone. The more civilized one is, the more sensitive he is to insults, and the less forgiving. Relations will often remain smooth on the surface, but inwardly there is clearly discord. Meanwhile, the Lord requires that we forgive with our whole hearts.

Petitions & Prayers for Our Parishioners: Donna Winsock, Sonia Dempsey, Catherine Halloway, Charles Hallaway, Louise Hubiack, Frank Udiski, 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.

Ask Father a Question. Father, I recall speaking with you about fruit for blessing on the Feast of Transfiguration of Our Lord, you specified that I should obtain grapes and apples. Why? Wasn’t the apple the fruit the servant tempted Adam and Eve with? Is there a symbolism to this? First, the fruit with which the Devil tempted Adam and Eve was the fruit of the the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, it was not an apple. Grapes are the prime fruit to be blessed on this Feast Day, for the servants of God are called for the Gathering of the Fruits of the Vineyard. For as one sows, another reaps. God uses in parable vineyards (grapevines), grapes in all it’s many meanings to remind us of the perfection of creation before mankind’s sin. We are called to be good stewards of the garden. Jesus also tells us He is the Vine and we are the branches and we are to produce good fruit in the world., hence, the vines on the Iconostasis. So we are reminded, not just to bring grapes but as good stewards we are reminded that we are the fruits and Jesus is the Vine. No one can produce good fruit who is separated from the vine, Jesus Christ. Now, in Ukraine, apples are plentiful and grape vines are not. So in Ukraine it is common to bring the first fruits from your garden which are apples, just as we bring pussywillows instead of palms on Palm Sunday. So bring to the Lord, the best of your first fruits.

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August 2, 2026 A. D.

14 08 2026

Saturday, August 1 TENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

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

Sunday, August 2 TENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

8:30 AM Olha Zherebetska – Mariya Palashchuk

Thursday, August 6 TRANSFIGURATION OF OUR LORD

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

Blessing of Fruit(Myrovania)

Saturday, August 8 ELEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

4:00 PM God’s Blessing & Good Health for All Parishioners Sunday, August 9 ELEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

8:30 AM God’s Blessing & Good Health for Jordan & Quinby Finch

-Owen Family

ASK FATHER A QUESTION? Father, what is the Antimension? A little background for you, you have probably seen or heard about a priest having a white cloth-which is the minimum necessary to have on an impromptu altar. An example you have commonly heard about or seen in pictures is during World War II or Korea, using the hood of a jeep or a tailgate of a truck or a large boulder as the impromptu altar and you can see the Antimension laying on it. The Roman Catholic practice for an altar is a stone. The Roman Catholic priest at time of war would have had to carry a large stone with him and this is not practical. Roman Catholic bishops permitted their priests serving as chaplains in the army to us an Antimension which is part of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church practice in lieu of carrying around a stone for an altar. These Antimensions were blessed by the Roman Catholic Bishop for the Roman Catholic priests. A little piece of history you might find interesting. (or not.)

The Antimension is a rectangular silk or linen cloth, (white or slightly tan in color), with the Icon of Christ lying in the Tomb and the instruments of His Passion (crucifixion). The instruments of Christ’s passion are the spear, the Cross, sponge on a reed, and the crown of thorns. In the corners are the four evangelists, a Holy relic is sewn into the cloth, by which we are reminded that in the early Church the Divine Liturgy was celebrated over the tomb of a (Martyr). The Antimension is permanently on the Holy Altar under the Gospel Book in all Ukrainian Greek Catholic Churches. At the opening of the Liturgy, the priest makes the sign of the cross with the Gospel the Book over the Antimension. When the priest intones, “Blessed is the Kingdom of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, now and forever and ever. Amen.”

Likewise, after communion, when the priest intones, “For You are Our sanctification and we give glory to You, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and forever and ever. Amen.” Now after the reading of the Gospel, when the priest puts the LOGOS, (Jesus Christ- the Word of God, the Book of Gospels), on the altar upright in front of the Tabernacle, he is preparing the altar space where the Antimension has been laying folded in three’s, to be unfolded after the Homily as the Liturgy continues in preparation for the Great Entrance with the Gifts which will become the Body and Blood of Christ which will be placed and consecrated on the unfolded Antimension. This same cloth was used by the Bishop during the consecration of the Holy Altar of the Church and it bears the Bishop’s signature. It is deemed necessary for the celebration of the Divine Liturgy and indicated that the priest acts under the proper authority of and in union with his Bishop. There are no “independent” churches or priests in the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church. When a new Bishop is enthroned, the Antimension will be replaced with a new Antimension with the current Bishop’s signature.

Without the Antimension is there is no Divine Liturgy. Please keep in mind that the Antimension remains on the Holy Altar and most parishioners never see it and are not allowed to touch it. The Antimension is NOT the cloth covering the communion cup. (I did have to explain this to a parishioner.)

ASK FATHER A QUESTION? Why do we bless flowers for the Feast of the Dormition of Our Blessed Lady? The historic origin of the custom seems to have been from the blessing of first fruits of olives by the Patriarch of Constantinople. The Slavic Church titles this a “Blessing of Herbs,” and the intention of the prayers seems to be the blessing of herbs (and spices) that were used for medicinal purposes in the summer heat which is conducive to many infectious diseases, which is apparent from the reading of the prayers. In more recent times, the tradition concerning the death of the Theotokos, that flowers were discovered in her empty tomb after her body was taken into heaven, this has influenced this office and it has largely become a blessing of flowers.

St Isaac the Syrian says we should:

• Pray with attention – so that we can have a true encounter with God

• Pray with humility – because this sort of prayer goes straight to God’s ear

• Pray with affection and tears – with joy and

thanksgiving, but also with true repentance and purity.

• Pray with patience and ardor – ‘to deny oneself’ is

courageously to persevere in prayer.

• Pray from the depths of the heart – even if we pray

using ‘the words of another’ they should be uttered as if

they are our own. St. Isaac says this is especially true of the Psalms.

• Pray with faith and absolute trust in God – because He knows our life

Prayer to Our Lady during Times of Personal Illness

Blessed Mother, through the countless miracles attributed to your intercession, you have evidenced a generous and compassionate heart and a great love for the sick. Be with me during this time of ill health, and accompany me as I face sickness and infirmity.

Help me to experience God’s healing power through your prayers, as well as my own. Lead me to unite myself to the Cross of Jesus Christ, so that this suffering brings spiritual benefit to me and to others. May my bearing the cross of illness here on earth, prepare me for the eternal joys of perfect happiness and fullness of life with God forever in heaven. Amen.

The Altar Candles were requested by Michaelene Ostrum IMO her mother Helene Sirak and her brother Michael B Sirak.

The Sanctuary Light is requested by Michaelene Ostrum IMO her brother Michael B Sirak.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!: Birthday wishes to David Youells (Aug 1st), Paul Hoover (Aug 3rd) and Mary Oshirak (Aug 15th) who are celebrating their birthdays. God grant them many years of good health.

WOMEN’S SOCIETY CLOTHES & BOOK SALE: The Women’s Society will be holding a Clothes and Book sale on Friday July 31st from 9-4 and Saturday Aug 1st from 9-2. If you know of a business that can display this announcement, please take a flyer from in the back of the church. Your help in getting this information out to the public is greatly appreciated.

LABOR DAY FOOD FESTIVAL:

Psalm 18 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. Let Israel say: “His love endures forever.” Let the house of Aaron say: “His love endures forever.” Let those who fear the Lord say: “His love endures forever.” When hard pressed, I cried to the Lord; he brought me into a spacious place. The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me? The Lord is with me; he is my helper. I look in triumph on my enemies. It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in humans. It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes. All the nations surrounded me, but in the name of the Lord I cut them down. They surrounded me on every side, but in the name of the Lord I cut them down. They swarmed around me like bees, but they were consumed as quickly as burning thorns; in the name of the Lord I cut them down. I was pushed back and about to fall, but the Lord helped me. The Lord is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation. Shouts of joy and victory resound in the tents of the righteous: “The Lord’s right hand has done mighty things! The Lord’s right hand is lifted high; the Lord’s right hand has done mighty things!” I will not die but live, and will proclaim what the Lord has done. The Lord has chastened me severely, but he has not given me over to death. Open for me the gates of the righteous; I will enter and give thanks to the Lord. This is the gate of the Lord through which the righteous may enter. I will give you thanks, for you answered me; you have become my salvation. The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes. The Lord has done it this very day; let us rejoice today and be glad. Lord, save us! Lord, grant us success! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. From the house of the Lord we bless you. The Lord is God, and he has made his light shine on us. With boughs in hand, join in the festal procession up to the horns of the altar. You are my God, and I will praise you; you are my God, and I will exalt you. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.

“If anyone does not wish to have Mary Immaculate for his Mother, he will not have Christ for his Brother.” -Saint Maximilian Kolbe

Quotes from St. Francis de Sales:

Have patience with all things – but first with yourself. Never confuse your mistakes with your value as a human being. You are perfectly valuable, creative, worthwhile person simply because you exist. And no amount of triumphs or tribulations can ever change that.

Do not look forward to what may happen tomorrow; the same everlasting Father who cares for you today will take care of you tomorrow and every day. Either He will shield you from suffering, or He will give you unfailing strength to bear it. Be at peace, then, put aside all anxious thoughts and imaginations, and say continually: ‘The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart has trusted in Him and I am helped. He is not only with me but in me and I in Him.’

Anxiety is the greatest evil that can befall a soul, except sin. God commands you to pray, but He forbids you to worry.

Faith is like a bright ray of sun light. It enables us to see God in all things as well as all things in God.

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NINTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

14 08 2026

July 26, 2026

Saturday, July 25 NINTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

4:00 PM Theodore Hoas- Monica Bergin

Sunday, July 26 NINTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

8:30 AM Ihor & Olympia Pasicznyk- Placek Family

Saturday, August 1 TENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

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

Sunday, August 2 TENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

8:30 AM Olha Zherebetska – Mariya Palashchuk

ASK FATHER A QUESTION? What is the Dormition Fast and when did it start?

Just like the Feast of Resurrection (Easter), there is a preparation period which lasts 40 days (The Great Fast). The preparation period for the Feast of the Dormition of Holy Mother of God is a two week preparation/penitential period, which begins August 1^st of each year. As the Great Fast ends with the Dormition of Christ on the Cross (Good Friday), we prepare for our Blessed Lady’s Dormition and her resurrection and ours, even though we don’t experience it yet in time. This preparation period is not only for her feast, but also to prepare us for our dormition and resurrection and to lead us to heaven. BUT Father, can you explain this in English? The Dormition of the Mother of God is the day that she died. The Blessed Mother was put in a tomb. Thomas-aka Doubting Thomas, the Apostle, was not present at her death and burial, he asked to see where she was laid and when they arrived at the tomb they found it was empty and filled with the aroma of roses. Roman Catholics call this day the Assumption of the Mother of God because her body was taken to heaven. HOW DO WE KEEP THIS FAST PERIOD? The traditional fast is a period of 14 days no meat and dairy. The fast is voluntary. Just like Lent we can omit meat perhaps on Wednesdays and Fridays, if we choose.

NINTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

The Holy Apostle Peter, with the Lord’s permission, gets out of the ship and walks on the water; then he yields to the movement of fear and begins to drown. The fact that he decided upon such a singular act, hoping in the Lord, deserves no reprimand-otherwise the Lord would not have allowed him to do this. The reprimand came because he did not sustain the original state of his soul. He was filled with inspired hope in the Lord’s ability to do anything, and this gave him the boldness to entrust himself to the waves. Several steps were already made along this new path-it was necessary only to stand more firmly in hope, gazing at the Lord, Who is near, and at the experience of walking in His strength. Instead, he gave himself over to human thoughts:“ The wind is strong, the waves are great, and water is not solid”- and this shook loose and weakened the strength of his faith and hope. Because of this he broke away from the Lord’s hands and, left to the operation of nature’s laws, began to drown. The Lord rebuked him: O you of little faith, wherefore did you doubt? Matthew (14:31), showing that in this lay the entire reason for his danger. Behold a lesson for all who undertake something, great or small, with the aim of pleasing the Lord! Keep your first state of faith and hope, from which a great virtue is born-patience in doing good which serves as the basis for a God-pleasing life. As long as these dispositions are maintained, inspiration for laboring on the path begun does not go away, and obstacles, no matter how great they may be, are not noticed. When these dispositions weaken, the soul is filled with human reasoning about human methods of preserving one’s life and conducting the affairs one has begun. But since these human methods always turn out to be powerless, fear enters the soul, how should one act? From this comes waverings about whether or not to continue and in the end one completely turns back. Here is what you must do: If you begin, persevere-chase away troubling thoughts, and be bold in the Lord, who is close. –From St. Theophan the Recluse

There are no Altar Candles for this month.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!: God’s Blessings to David Youells, Paul Hoover and Mary Oshirak who are celebrating birthdays this month.

LABOR DAY FOOD FESTIVAL:

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SUNDAY OF THE FATHER OF THE SIXTH ECUMENICAL COUNCILS

14 08 2026

EIGHTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

July 19, 2026

Saturday, July 18 EIGHTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

4:00 PM God’s Blessings & Good Health for the Colbe Family

Blessing of Chariots

Sunday, July 19 EIGHTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

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

Blessing of Chariots

Monday, July 20 ELIJAH- GREAT PROPHET- No Liturgy

Saturday, July 25 NINTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

4:00 PM Theodore Hoas- Monica Bergin

Sunday, July 26 EIGHTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

8:30 AM Ihor & Olympia Pasicznyk- Placek Family

^{Originally published in The Way on February 8, 1941 A. D.}

During the month of February our minds inevitably turn to two of America’s greatest leaders, to Washington and Lincoln. Thinking of leaders, we think of some of the necessary qualities of a leader. We think of some of our own leaders of the present day and wonder if they have the qualities necessary for a leader.

Too many people when thinking of the attributes of a leader think first of the honor of it. They may think of the monetary benefits. They think of everything but the responsibility of a leader. It has well been said that many “think of leadership as the spire of the cathedral, not as its foundation.”

It would be well for leaders, and would-be leaders, to remember that there is a compulsion about success. It is not enough to be useful and active until leadership is won.

The liner which has made a fast crossing of the ocean, ever afterwards lives under obligation of its own record. Each successive voyage is compared and should the liner descent into the ruck of the six or seven day vessels there would gather around its name something of disappointment, even a tinge of shame.

So it is with high achievement in any sphere. The football team which is at the top of the league and succumbs to one almost beneath the horizon of popular knowledge becomes a target for the wits and cynics. The boxer who has had world honors and goes down to a jab from a novice becomes an object of derision. The novelist who has produced a notable work of art and then perpetrates a pot-boiler has to endure the barbs of comparative criticism. The leader who “falls down on his job” meets scorn not honor. There lies upon every man the obligation to achieve the highest and to live up to it.

To think of leadership only for the honor is to think superficially and unsoundly. Such thinking takes into consideration only the leader, and not the people to be led.

Most people need leaders, but good, sincere leaders, leaders with a sense of responsibility. They hunger for leaders as they hunger for food, for light and air. They drink the inspiration they get from a leader as the thirsty will drink cold water. The need, the desire of men and women for inspirational leadership is the fact by which all the qualities of a leader must be estimated. The need is not for someone to honor, but for someone who can give them inspiration, who can serve their needs.

Men and women often want guidance in making up their opinion. They have a deep instinctive need of someone who can touch in them the springs of action, who can make their heart beat faster or their mind work quicker.

There is not one of us but, looking back, we can see that the formative things in our life were little phrases either of criticism or approval from those above us, glimpses of action in them which became for us an example, a model upon which consciously or unconsciously our character was shaped. These things remain a need for most people to the end of their lives. Civilization and education may disguise it; but they cannot eliminate it.

This inspirational leadership was never desired and needed more than it is today. We feel the lack of good leaders. Let us help raise them for the future through the influence of our own Church, our schools and our own press.

PRAYERS: Please Pray for our leaders of today that God will lead them

and guide them.

A Spiritual Psalter
or Reflections on God

from the writings of
Saint Ephraim the Syrian

94
If you force yourself to be vigilant in prayer, you will gain mercy when the end comes.

Praise to the All-good One, Who because of His love has revealed glory to the sons of men!

From dust did He create a voiceless being and adorn him with a soul, a proprietress of heavenly treasures.

He gave these lips of dust the capacity to magnify Him, so that through them all creation might sing praise unto Him.

Come, ye who are endowed with speech, let us sing praise unto Him until we repose in the sleep of death.

Every night shall we contemplate death which will stop our lips and lay silence upon us.

The righteous who spent their nights in vigilance live even after death; but the lawless, who reject the glory of the Son of God, are already dead while they yet live.

Let us rouse our bodies with psalms and spiritual hymns that we might join the wise virgins whom our Lord praised, and in vigilance behold His glory in the night that will cause the world to tremble.

Let us not wallow in pleasures, that we might behold His glory in the day of His coming. Let us stand before Him as watchful servants, ready for the hour when He will bring the sons of men to the judgment.

The body that burdened itself with prayer shall soar through the air on the day of the resurrection; without shame shall it behold its Lord; with Him shall it enter into the habitation of light, where it will be cherished by the angels and by those who here burdened themselves with vigilance and prayer.

Blessed is He Who made us instruments of His glory and put exaltation in our unworthy lips! Praise be to His compassion, for He has made those who were of dust concelebrants with the angels, that every night and at all times they might sing His holy name.

There are no Altar Candles or Sanctuary light for this week.

Thank you to David Shipula for his donation to the church IMO John Ostrum.

SYMPATHY: Our heartfelt sympathy to Anna Magill and her family on the passing of her grandson, James Mahon V.

LABOR DAY FOOD FESTIVAL:

“Entrust your works to the LORD, and your plans will succeed.” Proverbs 16:3.

“If God is for us, who can be against us?” Romans 8:31

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” John 1:5.

ASK FATHER A QUESTION? Father, when I was reciting the Communion Prayer before Holy Communion, “Remember me O Lord, when you come into Your Kingdom”- I, Began to think (perhaps too much), Isn’t God in His Kingdom? I thought He was already there? The prayer is talking about Judgement Day, so there is a lot more involved then there is space in the bulletin. When a King was returning to His Kingdom after defeating an enemy, the look-outs on seeing the King at a distance would call out to the city, “The King is returning in Triumph!” The citizens and his army who remained at home would go out to meet Him and the army on the road BEFORE they got to the city. All of them would enter in triumph into the kingdom. Likewise, Yes, Jesus, Father, and Holy Spirit are in Heaven. In the worldly battle against Lucifer and his evil ones, the war is not yet complete. At the end of time, when all the dead shall rise from the grave and those still living are called to judgement-Heaven or Hell, those who inherit Hell are cast into Hell. The war is now complete and the triumphant King, Jesus Christ will return into His Kingdom surrounded by His army and citizens for all Eternity, just as the worldly King returns to His Kingdom. God remembering you into His Kingdom is calling you as a citizen to Heaven. Along with that prayer, you are asking for many things: the graces of God to battle sin in this life, to remain virtuous, to grow in humility, to grow in purity and innocence, and that your “will” will align with the Will of God for you.

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SEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

14 08 2026

July 12, 2026

Saturday, July 11 SEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

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

Sunday, July 12 SEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

8:30 AM Jewel Johnstone- Niznik Family

Monday, July 13

9:00 AM John Ostrum(40^th Day)- Niznik Family

Saturday, July 18 EIGHTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

4:00 PM God’s Blessings & Good Health for the Colbe Family

Blessing of Chariots

Sunday, July 19 EIGHTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

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

Blessing of Chariots

Monday, July 20 ELIJAH- GREAT PROPHET- No Liturgy

^{Originally published in The Way on February 1, 1941}

What is a great life? In answer to this question there are many definitions. One of them claims that a great life “is a thought in youth carved out in ripened years.”

Yes, there is a joy in making dreams come true, but whether your life is great or not after they have come true, depends upon the dreams. Young people whose rule of life is to avoid what is difficult and go through with those projects only which appeal to their sense of ease are the raw material from which the failures of life are formed.

Much of our success, our achievement depends upon whether in performing our task our eyes are upon the minimum or upon the maximum. People who look to the minimum are all too common. They expend a great amount of energy thinking of plans to do as little as possible and yet “get away with as much as possible,” or else they justify themselves by thinking of the amount of effort others would put into it.

Whenever the minimum is given, the effects are always the same. The undertaking is done with the minimum of satisfaction. This minimum is always done with the hope that luck or circumstances will come along to provide a brilliant result and high commendation for the small effort. Sometimes this happens, but that is not the path to a great life. You can fool some people all the time, some people some of the time, but certainly not all the people all the time, and certainly you, yourself, are not fooled. You know the truth.

Usually, people with their eye on the minimum are dull for such action cuts the roots of enthusiasm, enfeebles the will, and clogs the brain. Pre-occupied with the minimum means they are not thinking of the undertaking, but of themselves, and that indicates an undertaking which is perfunctorily done and a self which is clouded and dissatisfied.

A person with his eyes on the maximum is invigorating. He is an inspiration, for his high aim not only holds his will to the higher performance, but inspires his faculties to make the highest possible. It not only makes his own work better, but also improves the work of those around him. Such a person is not thinking of “how to get by”, but how to improve and that makes life great.

Yes, our reach is no higher than our aim; our success no greater than our effort. Our life is what we make it! With our eyes on the highest ideals possible, our minds on the finest achievement within the power of man, we can achieve excellence, and our life can be great.

PRAYERS: Please remember in your prayers all who are in need of God’s help. Remember those in the nursing facilities, hospital and at home, all the sick and the suffering. Please say a special prayer for all of our nation’s soldiers and their families at home and abroad, our Ukrainian soldiers and their families and for all of our priests at home and abroad.

There is no Altar Candle donation or request for the month of July.

The sanctuary light for this week is requested by John M. Ostrum IMO his father John J Ostrum

FINANCIAL REPORT: Last week’s financial report will be included in next week’s bulletin.

WEEDING HELP: Help is needed to weed around the church grounds on Wednesday, July 15th at 9AM.

MEMORIAL DONATIONS: We gratfully acknowledge the $1,000 donation to our church by Helene Skopek-Krygier in memory of her mother Helene Sirak and the $500 donation in memory of her brother in law John Ostrum. Our appreciation to Gordon Krut, Monica Bergin and Marie Dalessandro for their monetary donations to our church IMO John Ostrum.

LABOR DAY FOOD FESTIVAL:

PRAYER BEFORE COMMENCING WORK

O Lord, Jesus Christ, only begotten Son of Thine eternal Father, Thou hast said with Thy holy lips: “Without Me you can do nothing.” My Lord, I embrace Thy words with my heart and soul, and bow before Thy goodness and say: Help me, Thy unworthy servant, to complete this my present undertaking in the name of the Father, and the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Ask Father a Question? Father, I was on the internet and there was an article that was titled “Ten things that are thought to be in the Bible, but are not’” I clicked on this article and the first item was the Trinity. The article stated that the Trinity was not specifically named in the Bible. Is this true? In short, God as a Triune God is in the Holy Scriptures (i.e. The Bible). The game that someone is playing is that the “word” is not in the Bible, therefore the Catholic Doctrine of the Trinity is wrong. Some places in the Bible that you will find God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit is in Matthew Chapter 28 Verse 19. The first time in the Holy Scriptures that there is an indication that God in His Oneness, is Plural, is in Genesis Chapter 1 Verse 26, when God told Moses to write these words, “Let Us create man in Our Own Image and Likeness.” The scribes were incredibly careful not to make any errors in transcribing a new copy of the Holy Scriptures. Even the scribes who knew God to be One, clearly used the Plural, Us; even though they did not understand at the time what that meant. From New Advent (Catholic Encyclopedia) –“In Scripture there is as yet no single term by which the Three Divine Persons are denoted together. The word trias (of which the Latin trinitas is a translation) is first found in Theophilus of Antioch about A.D. 180. He speaks of “the Trinity of God [the Father], His Word [the Son] and His Wisdom (To Autolycus II.15). The term may, of course, have been in use before his time. Afterwards it appears in its Latin form of trinitas in Tertullian (On Pudicity 21). In the next century the word is in general use. It is found in many passages of Origen– a Church Father (“In Ps. xvii”, 15). The first creed in which it appears is that of Origen’s pupil, Gregory Thaumaturgus. In his Ekthesis tes pisteos composed between 260 and 270, he writes: There is therefore nothing created, nothing subject to another in the Trinity: nor is there anything that has been added as though it once had not existed, but had entered afterwards: therefore the Father has never been without the Son, nor the Son without the Spirit: and this same Trinity is immutable and unalterable forever (P.G., X, 986).” In Matthew Chapter 3, at the Baptism of Jesus, we see the Holy Trinity. The Voice of the Father is heard from Heaven, the Spirit of God descends like a dove, while Jesus, the Son, submits Himself to Baptism by John. In addition, there are many times when Jesus teaches the Apostles about God the Father and God the Holy Spirit, while of course, talking about Himself as the Son of God. In short, Trinity is in the Bible.

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FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

27 06 2026

June 28, 2026

Saturday, June 27 FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

4:00 PM God’s Blessings on Macrina Bogusky- Micca Family

Sunday, June 28 FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

8:30 AM God’s Blessings & Good Health Tom & Mary Ann Potsko

Monday, June 29 PETER & PAUL-PRIME APOSTLES (Myrovania)-Obligation

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

Saturday, July 4 SIXTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – NO LITURGY

Sunday, July 5 SIXTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

***7:30 AM**** God’s Blessings & Good Health Tom & Mary Ann Potsko

-Lisa Placek

Transfiguration of Our Lord Church

Saturday Liturgy is 6:00 PM, July 11

Sunday Liturgy is 10:30 AM, July 12

Rescheduled Liturgy for Families, Saturday, July 11 at 8:00AM

Saturday, July 4^th Liturgy is 7:00 PM

A Spiritual Psalter
or Reflections on God

from the writings of
Saint Ephraim the Syrian

117
Life’s lessons — eight evil thoughts

Know that there are eight evil thoughts that bring about all that is vile: those of sensuality, lechery, love of money, anger, inappropriate grief, despondency, vainglory, and pride. All these conduct warfare with every man.

If you want to conquer sensuality, cherish restraint, have fear of God; and you will conquer it.

If you want to conquer lechery, cherish wakefulness and thirst, ever contemplate death, never converse with women; and you will conquer it. If you want to conquer love of money, cherish non-acquisitiveness and frugality.

If you want to conquer anger, acquire meekness and generosity, and keep in mind how much evil the Jews did to our Lord Jesus Christ; yet He, the man-befriending God, did not become angry with them; but on the contrary He prayed for them, saying: Father, forgive them this sin, for they know not what they do.

If you want to overcome inappropriate grief, never grieve for anything that is transient. If people injure you with words or upset you or dishonor you, do not grieve; but, on the contrary, rejoice. Grieve only when you sin, and even in this case do not go to extremes, that you might not fall into despair and perish.

If you want to overcome despondency, take up some handiwork for a short while, or read, or pray frequently.

If you want to conquer vainglory, love not praise, nor honor, nor fine clothes, nor precedence, nor favor; but on the contrary, cherish occasions when you are reprimanded and dishonored, when false charges are brought against you; and reproach yourself for being more sinful than any sinner.

If you want to conquer pride, then whatever you do, say not that you do it by your own labors, or with your own strength. But if you fast, or stand vigil, or sleep on the bare ground, or sing psalms, or serve in the altar, or do a great number of prostrations, say that it was done with God’s help and protection, not by your own strength and effort.

114
Grace approaches and, finding the heart impure, withdraws — so keep your heart pure.

The good God grants us the enlightenment of knowledge, and His grace ever visits our hearts. If she finds peace there, she enters and dwells constantly in the soul. But if she does not find the heart pure, she immediately withdraws. Yet compassion encourages her to descend anew and visit us sinners, for we are all inconstant because of our free will, but not by nature.

We are always distracted and weak, envious, and wicked; often do we think evil of one another; we occupy ourselves with wicked ideas, and are always plunged in a mire of unclean thoughts. Thus when grace comes to visit us and encounters in our hearts the stench of unclean thoughts, she immediately withdraws without seeking an entrance, that she might make her habitation there and dwell in us, as is pleasing to her. She leaves only a trace of her radiant sweetness in the heart, so that one might recognize that grace has visited him but not found an entrance, and, having delighted in grace’s radiance, might seek her out.

Do you see God’s Providence? Do you see Christ’s loving-kindness? Do you see how God Who is Holy ever loves us and wants us to be saved?

Blessed is the man who ever strives to prepare a pure heart for grace, that when she comes she might find the fragrance of virtues and a sacred place in the soul and reside therein unto the ages of ages.

ASK FATHER A QUESTION? Recently, I was talking to a Parishioner about the Sacred Heart of Jesus and I realized, as a Ukrainian Catholic I really know nothing about the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Could you please help me?

The Sacred Heart of Jesus and the devotional icon of the Lord’s Merciful love came from the Polish nun Saint Faustina Kowalska. Jesus appeared to her on February 22, 1931, with His right hand bestowing blessings and His left hand pointing towards His Sacred Heart, which emitted two rays: one pale; the other a bright red. These rays represent the Water and Blood that came out of Jesus’ pierced side while on the Cross. This symbolizes the purifying virtues of Baptism and Confession and the regenerative virtue of the Holy Eucharist. The words of Jesus to St. Faustina: “I desire that this image be venerated by the entire world. I promise that the souls of those who attribute veneration to this image will not perish. I even promise victory over their enemies, already here on earth, but especially at the hour of death. I will defend that soul in the name of glory.” Jesus, Himself explained the significance of this devotion: “My daughter, tell all that I am love and mercy personified. The wound in my Heart signifies the unlimited living waters of Mercy. Tell all the souls that I protect them with my shield of Mercy; it is for them that I fight, bearing the just umbrage of my Father. My daughter, tell suffering mankind to secure itself to the Mercy of my Heart and I will fill them with peace. Souls are perishing, regardless of my sorrowful Passion. I concede to them the last table of salvation, meaning my merciful feast, this icon is a sign of the end days, after such, the day of judgment is upon you.” After showing His Infinite Mercy, the Lord also showed St. Faustina “hell”. “Today, under the guide of an angel, I went into the abyss of hell. It is a place of extreme torments in the entire, huge, terrifying surroundings. These are the various tortures and torments that I have seen: First torture: This consists of hell as being the loss of the Presence of God; Second: the continuous remorseful conscience; Third: the knowledge that such a destiny will never change; Fourth: This torture is a pain that penetrates the soul, but does not nullify it; it is a terrible torture and it is a purely spiritual, living fire lit only by God’s wrath. Fifth: This is the torture of eternal darkness, a horrible suffocating, putrid odor; even if it is dark, the demons and the condemned souls can see each other among themselves and see all the evil that others have done as well as their own evil. Sixth: This torture is the knowledge of having Satan as a constant companion-Seventh and last: This torture is the incomparable desperation of God’s wrath, in blasphemy, cursing and swearing. The sinner should realize the same ways that he sins is the way he is going to suffer for all eternity. I am writing this by the Lord’s direction, so that no one can say that there is no hell, or that no one has ever been there or that no one knows how it is. I, Sister Faustina, under the Lord’s direction, have been in the abyss of hell, for the simple reason of being able to tell everyone and to witness that hell does exist. What I have written is only a weak shadow of what I have actually seen.” The grave error amongst Catholics that would be perpetrated in the 20^th Century, and beyond, is the lie that there is no Hell and/or “we have a reasonable hope hell is empty.” Hell is real and especially those who do not believe in hell will end up there. In addition to the general torments suffered by all in Hell, St. Faustina further saw particular sufferings there: “There are special tortures destined for particular souls. These are the torments of the senses. Each soul undergoes terrible and indescribable sufferings related to the manner in which it has sinned.” The visit to Hell moved St. Faustina to pray ardently for the conversion of all sinners. “Consequently, I pray even more fervently for the conversion of sinners,” she said. “I incessantly plead God’s mercy upon them.” Mercy is not God ignoring mankind’s sins but rather it is God accepting the repentant sinner into His eternal dwelling, Heaven.

The Altar Candles for the month of June are given by John M. Ostrum IMO

John J. Ostrum, Jr.

The is no request for the Sanctuary Light this week.

Cemetery 2 envelopes $30.00

RETREAT: Father Walter will be away from Thursday, July 2^nd to Friday, July 10^th. Father Paul Makar will substitute for the Sunday Liturgies. In case of emergency where a priest is needed, please give Father John Seniw a call at 570-204-2532, he will be substituting for Father Vasyl Putera in Berwick at this time. The first Saturday Liturgy will not be said on July 4th, the Liturgy for Families will be on Saturday, July 11^th at 8:00AM.

PLEASE NOTE THERE IS A CHANGE IN LITURGY SCHEDULE.

Liturgy on Saturday, July 4^th will be at Holy Transfiguration at 7:00PM only.

Liturgy on Sunday will be at St. Peter & Paul Church at 7:30 AM only.

There will be no Saturday Liturgy at St. Peter & Paul Church on Saturday, July 4^th. There will be no Sunday, July 5^th Liturgy at Transfiguration of Our Lord Church.

MEMORIAL DONATIONS: We gratfully acknowledge the $1,000 donation to our church by Helene Skopek-Krygier in memory of her mother Helene Sirak and $500 donation in memory of her brother in law John Ostrum. Our appreciation to Gordon Krut, Monica Bergin and Marie Dalessandro for their monetary donations to our church IMO John Ostrum.

CHICKEN DINNER: Saints Peter & Paul Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church will hold a Chicken Dinner as their Why Cook Wednesday Dinner for July. The dinner will be on Wednesday, July 8^th, 2026 in their school hall on the corner of North River and West Chestnut Streets, near the General Hospital Parkade in Wilkes-Barre. This dinner will be Take-Out Only and Pre-Orders are strongly encouraged. Dinners will be $15 and will include; a brined and roasted half-chicken, baked potato, corn, macaroni salad, roll and dessert. Place your order by calling the School Hall Kitchen (570) 829-3051. Pick-Ups will be from 4:00 to 7:00pm. Tickets will also be sold for a Basket Raffle. Remember…When Baba Cooks, Everybody’s Happy!

LABOR DAY FOOD FESTIVAL: Transfiguration of Our Lord Church is holding a one day Food Festival on Saturday, September 5^th from 11-4pm. Homemade Pyrohy, Haluski, Potato Pancakes, Clam Chowder, and Sausage sandwitches. Can you hear the polka music playing!! Save the date.

PRAYER BEFORE COMMENCING WORK

PRAYER TO THE GUARDIAN ANGEL (From Saint Peter, the Strudite.)

O Holy Angel of Christ! With homage I come to thee, my holy guardian, who, since my baptism, hast been assigned to me to protect my sinful body and soul. I beseech thee for thy intercession, I have offended thee by my indolence and bad habits, who art without stain in glory, and I have driven thee away from myself through my shameful acts, lies, calumnies, jealousies, rash judgement, haughtiness, pride, uncharitableness, malice, cupidity, miserliness, impurity, hate, gluttony in food and drink, evil and wicked thoughts, insolent habits and evil tendencies, possessing n myself desire for carnal lust. Prostrating myself before thee, my holy guardian, I will implore thee, be merciful to me, thy sinful and unworthy servant; be my defender and aid me against my enemies and with thy intercessions make me worthy to be a participant in the Kingdom of God and with the Saints forever. Amen.

FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

June 28, 2026 A. D.

Slava Isusu Christu! Slava Na Viki!

Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory Forever!

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.

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FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

27 06 2026

June 21, 2026

Saturday, June 20 FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

4:00 PM For All Fathers Living & Deceased

Sunday, June 21 FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

8:30 AM For All Fathers Living & Deceased

Saturday, June 27 FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

4:00 PM Macrina Bogusky, God’s blessings, – Micca Family

Sunday, June 28 FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

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

Birth of St. John the Baptist, Wednesday, June 23 at 9:00 AM

A Spiritual Psalter
or Reflections on God

from the writings of
Saint Ephraim the Syrian

131

All my hope is in God’s mercy.

Thy grace has made it possible for me to call upon Thy name, O Lord. O only good One, Who hast created us all, forgive the transgressions and sins of Thy sinful and ungrateful servant. I know, O Lord, that my sins exceed those of all other men, but I have as my refuge the abyss of Thy compassions which exceeds all things. I am confident that Thou wilt accept and have mercy on all who approach Thy goodness, for it pleases Thee to behold repentance, and Thou rejoicest at the ascetic struggles of Thy servants.

Grant me, Thine unworthy servant, tears, that with an enlightened mind, with love and faith, I may entreat Thine incomparable goodness and be cured of my hidden sores. Show miserable me Thy charity. Deliver me from the torment I deserve. May Thy grace be preached all about, to the benefit both of the countless multitudes who are careless, and me as well.

As Thou didst fill the waterpots with Thy blessing, so likewise fill my heart with Thy grace and Thy goodness. When a caring mother is rejected by her child, she does not scorn him, for her motherly care triumphs over all; may my sins likewise not surpass Thy grace.

I know that I will be punished even for idle words, for evil thoughts, for mere desire. Yet as soon as an opportunity to satisfy my pleasures presents itself, I immediately forget everything, and like a fool indulge in all manner of sin. I am a vainglorious, wrathful cripple, a lazy, dissolute glutton, a sensualist covered with impurities who hourly strays into error; and I do not realize it.

Only hope in the manifestation of Thy grace, O man-befriending Master, consoles me and keeps me from despair. Whether Thou so desirest or not, save me, O all-good Lord, according to Thy great kindness.

146
To whom shall I run? Save me for Thy name’s sake.

Woe is me, burdened with unprecedented sins! The number of my transgressions exceeds the number of grains of sand in the sea and they afflict me like so many iron shackles, for I lack the boldness to gaze upon the heights of heaven.

To whom shall I run, if not to Thee, O Lover of mankind? Have mercy on me, O God, according to Thy great mercy, and according to the multitude of Thy compassions blot out mine iniquity.

To Thee do I run, according to Thy great goodness and Thy charity.

Thee have I angered, yet to Thee do I run, according to Thy great capacity to forget evildoing.

Thee have I offended, yet to Thee do I run, according to Thy great love for mankind, and I entreat and cry to Thee: Turn Thy face from my sins and blot out all mine iniquities. Create a clean heart in me, O God, and renew a right spirit within me!

I have nothing to offer Thee, neither a good deed, nor a pure heart; but hoping in Thy compassion I lay myself down, that Thou mightest bring me to contrition and unwavering observance of Thy commandments, and that I might not fall so easily into sin again, but serve Thee from henceforth in reverence and truth all the days of my life

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.

The Lord resists the proud; but He gives grace to the humble. (Proverbs 3:34)Particularly remember these words when you go to Confession. Nothing binds your tongue to keep it from saying, “I am a sinner,” as does pride. Humble yourself before the Lord, do not spare yourself, do not fear the face of man. Reveal your shame for it to be washed; show your wounds for them to be healed; tell of all your unrighteousness, that you may be justified. The more merciless you are with yourself, the more compassion the Lord will show toward you, and you will leave with a sweet feeling of forgiveness. This is the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,given by Him to those who humble themselves through sincere confessin of their sins.- St. Theophan the Recluse

ASK FATHER A QUESTION? Being that it is Father’s Day, I was thinking about where was Joseph (St. Joseph the Betrothed) when Christ was being crucified? Where was St. Joseph during the crucifixion you ask? Many of the Church Fathers speak to us about St. Joseph and remind us that he was a righteous man. Righteousness means caring to be good with God. Everything Joseph did in his life was living the virtues and the Church Fathers tell us that he was the most righteous man in Israel at the time of the birth of Christ which is why God entrusted Mary and Jesus to his care. Tradition tells us Joseph was about 40 years old and Mary was about 16 years old when Jesus was born. Jesus was about 30 years old when He began His public ministry. Just some simple math for you, Mary is about 46 years old and Joseph would have been about 70 years old when Jesus began His ministry. Many of the Church Fathers talking about St. Joseph remind and inform us that St. Joseph being most righteous was also full of an abundance of compassion. Because of his great compassion, Joseph would not have been able to witness the crucifixion of the Son of God without dying in pain himself from this spectacle. God the Father in His compassion and mercy for St. Joseph took him before Christ began His public ministry. The Church Fathers remind us that in the scriptures the last time we hear of St. Joseph is when Jesus is 12 years old in the temple and he is not present at the wedding of Canna with Christ and St. Mary. Is this why Jesus gives Mary to St. John as mother because St. Joseph is deceased? Yes, there are no “social” services to take care of someone who is unable to provide for themselves. Slavery in Judaism is this social service. The master of the slave is supposed to be like God to the slave and care for the slave who is working for the master. Human sinfulness didn’t always lead to this actually taking place. A widow with no sons would have become a slave to another simply to have means of living. Why would a living God permit His mother to be a slave?

BOOK(S) OF THE MONTH FOR JUNE:

BIBLE
KINGS 1 & KINGS 11

HAPPY FATHER’S DAY TO ALL OUR LIVING FATHERS AND VICHNAYA PAMYAT TO ALL OUR DECEASED FATHERS!!

The Altar Candles for the month of June are given by John M. Ostrum IMO

John J. Ostrum, Jr.

The Sanctuary Light for this week is requested by Anna Magill IMO Donald Magill.

Cemetery 8 envelopes $125.00

Building Fund 1 envelope IMO John Ostrum $50.00

MEMORIAL DOANTIONS: We gratefully acknowledge the donations made to our church in memory of John Ostrum: M/M Robert Desciak, Louise Hubiack, Kocuba Family, M/M Antony Stefanoski, David Youells, Bevan Family, M/M Robert Turinski, Brien Kelly Family, M/M Nicholas Pappas, M/M Paul Hoover, M/M Joseph Kelly, Helen Harabin, Jason Woloski Family, M/M Donald Winsock & Family, M/M Thomas Potsko, Anna Magill, Donna Warren, M/M Keith Zinn, Gloria Elston, M/M William Sharkness, M/M Paul Richelmi, Stephen Udiski, M/M Bernard Kosek, M/M Robert Longenberger.

ORDINATION ANNIVERSARY: On June 22^nd, Father Walter will celebrate 12 years of his priestly ordination. Mnohaya Lita! Thank you Father for your dedication and service!

RETRERAT: Father Walter will be away from Thursday, July 2^nd to Friday, July 10^th. Father Paul Makar will substitute for the Sunday Liturgies. In case of emergency where a priest is needed, please give Father John Seniw a call at 570-204-2532, he will be substituting for Father Vasyl Putera in Berwick at this time. The first Saturday Liturgy will not be said on July 4th, the Liturgy for Families will be on Saturday, July 11^th at 8:00AM.

Just a thought to contemplate…. What would you sell to get to heaven?-Father Walter

Certain Pericopes are read during the Weekday Liturgies and are missed if you do not read the readings for the day as a habit, (a very good habit to get into), here are two such important parables that you may have missed this Friday.

Matthew Chapter 13:44-54

The Parables of the Hidden Treasure and the Pearl

At that time Jesus spoke to them, “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.”

The Parable of the Net

“Once again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was let down into the lake and caught all kinds of fish. When it was full, the fishermen pulled it up on the shore. Then they sat down and collected the good fish in baskets, but threw the bad away. This is how it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous and throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Have you understood all these things?” Jesus asked. “Yes,” they replied. He said to them, “Therefore every teacher of the law who has become a disciple in the kingdom of heaven is like the owner of a house who brings out of his storeroom new treasures as well as old.”

Prayer to Saint John the Baptist

O Martyr invincible, who, for the honor of God and the salvation of souls didst with firmness and constancy withstand the impiety of Herod even at the cost of thine own life, and didst rebuke him openly for his wicked and dissolute life; by thy prayers obtain for us a heart, brave and generous, in order that we may overcome all human respect and openly profess our faith in loyal obedience to the teachings of Jesus Christ, our divine Master.

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THIRD SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

27 06 2026

June 14, 2026

Saturday, June 13 THIRD SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

4:00 PM Olga Morgenfruh- Parishioners of St. Vladimir’s Church

Sunday, June 14 THIRD SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

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

Saturday, June 20 FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

4:00 PM For All Fathers Living & Deceased

Sunday, June 21 FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

8:30 AM For All Fathers Living & Deceased

A Spiritual Psalter
or Reflections on God

from the writings of
Saint Ephraim the Syrian

138
God will Himself give all that is necessary; yet one must also pray.

The kindhearted God gives us what we ask for not because of our prayers; rather He nourishes us according to His compassion, for it is He Who created us.

Without our asking, the Supreme Majesty granted us His own Son Who for our sake appeared on earth and, although we did not ask Him to do so, He offered

Himself as a sacrifice for our salvation.

For who asked the Father to give His own Son up to death on the Cross?

Or who entreated the Son to die for sinners?

To which righteous man did the thought occur to ask the Father to give up

His Son for transgressors?

It is truly an unprecedented event, and the thought occurred to no one.

The Father gave up His Son to death on the Cross, and through His death sinners obtained life. And if He gave away His greatest treasure, can there be any obstacle to prevent a man who asks such a Lover of mankind from receiving all that he needs?

So let us ask Him, for He does give. Let us announce to Him our wishes, for He will not refuse us. Let us entreat Him, for

He wants to satisfy our needs in every way possible.

But in accordance with His justice, He expects our prayer to come to His door, and this prayer has reconciled justice and sinners.

If kindness were to forgive transgressions without prayer, it would be a violation of justice, and no one would contemplate justice any more.

Mankind would gradually be given up to lawlessness, for the Judge would fail to apply the staff of correction. Each man would joyfully continue to sin, for

there would be no one to correct him.

Such kindness, however beneficial it might be for us, would soon turn to harm, for it would give sinners cause to ever multiply their sins.

And it is a good thing that in the world also, justice prompts the use of punishment. For punishment causes the sinner to shudder and put an end to his sinful ways. It brings the sinner to contrition of heart, for it is he who has brought punishment upon himself. And thus the sinner puts aside his iniquities, if only for a short while, and seeks forgiveness for his sins.

Who will not thank Thee, O our Lord? For Thy justice is good and Thy punishment is a gift of grace. Thou art truly good in all Thy doings.

With the staff of justice dost Thou humble the heads of sinners who sin with shameless arrogance and cannot be converted without extraordinary inducement.

May Thy punishment, O Lord, united with Thy loving-kindness, be our mentor. May Thy right hand help us to take advantage of Thy punishment.

A Spiritual Psalter
or Reflections on God

from the writings of
Saint Ephraim the Syrian

129
The enemy is cunning, but we are careless — let us be attentive so as not to lose the kingdom.

Come, let us make an effort; come, let us fall down before God; let us steadfastly lament and shed tears before Him, that He might grant us spiritual enlightenment.

Discern the wiles of our enemy, the adversary who hates all good, who places in our path pitfalls and seductions, ruinous acquisitiveness, commendation of this age, carnal pleasure, as well as the expectation that this life will last for long, fear of ascetic struggles, a slothful attitude toward prayer, drowsiness when psalms are sung, and bodily rest.

We are as apathetic and careless as he is assiduous. We are as inattentive as he is crafty, even though we know that our days have been shortened, that the time has come and the Lord of glory will come in the majesty of His beauty with the terrible powers of His kingdom to reward everyone according to his deeds.

I fear that the Lord’s promise might be fulfilled with respect to us: that many shall come from the east and the west, from the north and from the sea, and shall sit down with Abraham and Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven; but we shall be driven out.

I beseech Thee, O Christ, light of truth, born of the blessed Father, being His image and the radiance of His hypostasis, Who sittest at the right hand of His majesty, Who art my life and the praise and joy of those who love Thee: save me, a sinner, in Thy kingdom and reward me not according to my deeds, but save me according to Thy grace and have compassion on me according to Thy kindness, for Thou art blessed and glorified unto the ages.

THIRD SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

“If therefore thine eye be single thy holy body shall be full of light. But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness.” MATT (6:22-23) Here the mind is called the eye, and the entire composition of the soul is called the body. Thus, when the mind is simple the soul is bright; but when the mind is evil, the soul is dark. What are a simple mind and an evil mind? A simple mind is one that accepts the Word of God as it is written, and is convinced beyond a doubt that all is indeed as is written. It has no deceit, no wavering or hesitation. An evil mind is one which approaches the Word of God with slyness, artful disputing, and questioning. It cannot believe directly, but subjects the Word of God to its’ sophistry. It approaches the Word not as a disciple, but as a judge and critic, to test something stated there, and then either scoffs at it or says in a haughty manner, “Yes, not bad.” Such a mind has no firm tenets because it clearly does not believe the Word of God, and it’s own philosophizing is always unstable—today one way, tomorrow another. Hence it has only wavering, confusion, and questions without answers. Everything is out of place with it, and it walks in the dark, fumbling along it’s way. A simple mind sees everything clearly: Everything in it has a definite character, determined by the Word of God. That is why everything in it has it’s place, and it knows exactly how to behave with relation to things—it walks along open, visible roads, with complete assurance that they lead to the true God. -St. Theophan the Recluse

The Altar Candles for the month of June are given by John M. Ostrum IMO

John J. Ostrum, Jr.

The Sanctuary Light for this week is requested by RoseMarie Kachinko IMO

Michael & Katherine Kachinko.

Cemetery 1 Envelope $10.00

FATHER’S DAY REMEMBRANCES: Father’s Day is June 21^st, don’t forget to remember your Father at our Father’s Day Divine Liturgy.

PRAYER FOR THE CHURCH

We pray You, O almighty and eternal God! Who through Jesus Christ has revealed Your glory to all nations, to preserve the works of Your mercy, that Your Church, being spread through the whole world, may continue with unchanging faith in the confession of your name, we pray in the name of the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Thoughts from St. Theophan the Recluse

The Nazarenes did not believe the word of the Lord, because when He lived among them He had no attractive luster or outward dignity that might have commanded involuntary [human] respect. “We know who He is.” They said; “There can’t be anything extraordinary about Him.” Their reaction, however, did not induce the Lord to assume an imposing appearance. He remained extremely simple in appearance. Later, the Apostles bore themselves the same way, as did all those who truly followed and emulated them. Why is this so? Because there is no man-made luster that could fully correspond to the light of life in Jesus Christ. Moreover, we recognize to relegate external appearance to the lowest value, so that it does not obstruct what is within. Let him who has eyes to see look directly at the latter without arresting his attention upon the former. The Holy Apostle Paul expressed it like this: We have this treasure in earthen vessels. (IICor. 4:7). If we could see the outward appearance of those persons whom we now revere and call upon in prayer we would not believe our eyes—they were so simple. But to this day, those who have come to know the life in Jesus Christ abandon what is outward and turn fully within. That is why the former falls away on its own, but the latter is raised up and grows. It often happens that no one even notices this inner brightness, not even the one who possesses it. The human eye is evil; it is not shown what is truly good, as long as it is capable of harming it.

The power of prayer

Once a person has become humble, straightaway mercy encircles and embrace him; and once mercy has approached, immediately his heart becomes aware of God helping him, since he discovers a certain powerful assurance stirring within him. When someone has become aware of the coming of divine help, and that it is this which aids and assists him, then at once his heart is filled with faith, and from this he understands that prayer is: the haven of help, the fountainhead of salvation, a treasury of assurance, a saving anchor in time of storm, an illumination to those in darkness, a staff for the weak, a shelter in time of trials, a source of recovery at the time of sickness, a shield of deliverance in war, an arrow sharpened in face of enemies. Having found an entry to all these excellent things through prayer, henceforth that person will rejoice in the prayer of faith his heart exulting in confidence—no longer blindly, or through lip-service only, as had previously been the case. Once aware of this, he has acquired prayer in his soul, like a treasure. Out of the joy he experiences, he will change the direction of his prayer, turning it into utterance of thanksgiving. –St. Isaac the Syrian

PRAYER TO SAINT MICHAEL: Holy Michael, the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our safeguard 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 cast into hell Satan and all the evil spirits who wander through the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.

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SECOND SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

27 06 2026

June 7, 2026

Saturday, June 6 SECOND SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

4:00 PM Fred & Olga Yuhas – Michalene Ostrum

Sunday, June 7 SECOND SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

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

Saturday, June 13 THIRD SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

4:00 PM Olga Morgenfruh- Parishioners of St. Vladimir’s Church

Sunday, June 14 THIRD SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

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

If you have not yet become mightily inflamed with the Holy Spirit, avoid listening to the thoughts of others, that what you hear might not arouse passions not yet dead and pervert your soul. If you are an ardent reader, seek not brilliant and erudite texts; otherwise the demon of haughtiness will strike your heart. But like a wise bee that gathers honey from flowers, through your reading obtain also healing for your soul.

Blessed is he who preaches virtue by means of his deeds. But if you say something that pertains to virtue, but do the opposite, this will not save you. When you see people dissipated in acts of unclean love, look not at them in amazement, that you might not be seduced by rosy skin which will soon turn to dust. Rather sigh to yourself and cry out: Remember, O Lord, that we are dust — and God’s grace will prevent you from becoming a prisoner of the Evil One. Pray diligently to the Lord, that He might grant you the spirit of perfect chastity, that even as you dream at night you might evade the wiles of the Evil One as a person runs when he sees a wild beast chasing after him; or as a man whose pursuer carries a burning torch runs from room to room, that the fire might not burn him. Just as one cannot buy education or artistic skills for any price without working at it, so one cannot attain the habit of exercising the virtues without zeal and diligence.

Just as your head takes priority over all other members of your body, and if a stone, stick or sword is aimed at you, you raise other members of your body to deflect the blow from your head, knowing that you cannot live in this life without your head — so may you give priority over all things to faith in the Holy Trinity Which is One in essence, for without this faith no one can live the true life. With all your heart hope on the Lord, and you will easily evade the wiles of the wicked one, for the Lord does not forsake those who work for Him. Excerpt from A Spiritual Psalter or Reflections on God, compiled from the works of Saint Ephraim the Syrian

Blessed is he who has found a treasure hidden in a field, and cast aside all, and acquired this one piece of land.

Blessed is he who ceaselessly remembers the day of his departure and strives to be ready and fearless in that hour.

Blessed is he who finds boldness in the hour of his leave-taking, when the soul with fear and trembling bids farewell to the body, for the angels shall come to take his soul, to separate it from the body and place it before the throne at the immortal and terrible judgement place.

– 14^th Kathisma Excerpt from the First Stasis of Saint Ephraim the SyrianPetitions & Prayers for Our Parishioners: Donna Winsock, Sonia Dempsey, Catherine Halloway, Charles Hallaway, Louise Hubiack, Frank Udiski, 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.

ASK FATHER A QUESTION? Father, the world seems hopeless. Sometimes I feel- “Where is God in the world?” Why are many of the things happening allowed? I try to keep “my own house in order – meaning my soul” but often I lose hope. Maybe I fail to see God in the world. Can you offer me any reading or advice? I believe that the world seems hopeless to you because everything surrounding you in world: the media, television, radio, newspaper, magazines, books, movie, theater and much stuff on the internet – the people providing these things are not offering you God. These people are trying to lead you astray and this has been going on in the world since the time of Adam & Eve. All these things you are encountering in your daily lives today are identical to what was happening in Russia and Ukraine 100-150 years ago. Where is God in the world? God is everywhere. You may feel that God is not doing anything, but God is always at work in His providence, if HE were not, total chaos would be reigning this very second. The fact that we can openly pray as Church tells us that chaos is not reigning, that God is at work providing for His faithful ones. Despair is a sin and the devil loves to lead people there. Why are things allowed to happen? Because God is always calling all men to Him. When men choose to stay away from God, God “PERMITS” them to have the desires of their fancy which destroys themselves, with the intent that as they destroy themselves they come to their senses like the Prodigal (sinful) Son. Seeing that they are destroying themselves they recognize that all good things came from God, so they recognize that they should return to God. God is indeed at work today in His Providence as He always has, read 1Kings and 2Kings and notice how God works in the world.

Sending the Holy Apostles to preach, the Lord commanded them to call everyone, saying, The Kingdom of heaven is at hand (Matthew 10:7). That is, the Kingdom has come—go toward it. What ought we to preach? We should cry to all, “ Sons of the Kingdom! Don’t run from the Kingdom into bondage and slavery”—for they are in fact running. Some are captivated by freedom of mind. They say, “We don’t want the bonds of faith and the oppression of authority, even Divine authority’ We’ll figure things out and make up our minds for ourselves.” So they have made up their minds. They have built fables in which there is more childishness than in the mythology of the Greeks—and they magnify themselves… Others are enticed by the broad path of the passions. They say, “We don’t want to know positive commandments or the demands of conscience—this is all abstract: We need tangible naturalness.” And they have gone after it. What has come of it? They have bowed down before dung beasts. Has not the [idea] that man originated from animals originated from this moral fall? This is where they have gone! And everyone runs from the Lord, everyone …

-St. Theoophan the Recluse

There are no requests for the Sanctuary Light this week.

SYMPATHY: Please remember in your prayers the soul of John Ostrum who fell asleep in the Lord on Wednesday, June 3^rd, he will be sorely missed. May Our Lord grant him rest in the bosom of Abraham, may he be numbered among the saints, and may his memory be eternal, Vichnaya Pamyat. Our deepest sympathies are extended to the Ostrum & Schappert Families. Visitation is Monday, June 8^th from 5-7PM at Grontkowski Funeral home. Parastatas will be at 7:00PM. The Funeral Liturgy is Tuesday at 10:30AM.

FATHER’S DAY REMEMBRANCES: Father’s Day is June 21^st, don’t forget to remember your Father at our Father’s Day Divine Liturgy.

WALKING PILGRIMAGE: FOOTSTEPS OF OUR ANCESTORS: Save the date Saturday, June 13. A Seven Mile Walking Pilgrimage from St. Mary’s Church in Mocanaqua through the Pinchot State Forest, Mocanaqua Tract to St. Nicholas Church, Glen Lyon. Divine Liturgy offered and lunch served at the end of the walk. Register by June 6, 2026 at www.tinyurl.com/foapilgrimage26. For more information call/text 570-301-9253 or email foapilgrimage@gmail.com. The faith lives on in Glen Lyon……….

LASAGNA DINNER: Saints Peter & Paul Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, (WB) will hold a Lasagna Dinner on Wednesday, June 10, 2026 in their school hall on the corner of North River and West Chestnut Streets, near the General Hospital Parkade in Wilkes-Barre. This dinner will be Take-Out Only and Pre-Orders are strongly encouraged. Dinners will be $15 and will include; a generous portion of two-meat lasagna, garden salad, bread and dessert. Place your order by calling the School Hall Kitchen (570) 829-3051. Pick-Ups will be from 4:00 to 7:00pm. Tickets will also be sold for a Basket Raffle. Remember…When Baba Cooks, Everybody’s Happy!”

ASK FATHER A QUESTION? Father, what is a Tropar and a Kondak? A troparion (plural troparia; Slavonic tropar, tropari) is a stanza of liturgical poetry. In the Byzantine Church, the troparion began as a repeated refrain during the singing of psalms. Over time it developed a life of its own, to become the troparion of today. Troparia are sung at most liturgical services. The most important is the troparion of the day, which is sung: at Vespers, just before the dismissal – hence the alternate name dismissal troparion (Greek: apolytikion); at Matins, at the beginning and the end of the service; (on great feasts) at the Divine Liturgy, as a refrain after each verse of the Third Antiphon – an echo of the troparion’s original role in the liturgy; at the Divine Liturgy, at the Little Entrance; at each of the Hours. The troparion of the day thus serves as a “thread” that links the different services on a particular day. If several commemorations coincide (for example, when a feast falls on a Sunday), there may be several troparia “of the day”; the Typikon provides rules for such combinations. Like stichera, troparion may be given special names based on their content, such as:

• theotokion – a troparion in honor of the Mother of God

• stavrotheotokion – a troparion commemorating the suffering of the Mother of God at the Cross

• triadikon – a troparion in honor of the Holy Trinity.

The “middle” stanzas of each ode of a canon (following the irmos) are also called troparia. Kontakion comes to us from fifth or sixth century Constantinople, where popular preachers were well-known for their festival sermons – orations or homilies which recounted in detail the events of a feast or saint whose day was being kept. These sermons were considered examples of rhetorical art in God’s service – icons for the ear rather than the eye. The original kontakia were essentially festival sermons in poetic form, set to music. They consisted of an initial stanza called a proemium or “prelude”, and up to twenty-four additional stanzas or oikoi (oikos is the Greek word for “house”), having the same meter and all ending with the same final line as the proemium.The proemium served as an introduction, establishing the topic to be presented. The oikoi developed this topic, sometimes in story form, using dialog or contrast. The repeated final line served as a refrain, tying the entire hymn together. In many kontakia, the initial letters of the oikoi formed an acrostic. For example, they might spell out the letter of the alphabet (in Greek), or give the name of the poet who wrote the kontakion. Kontakia were sung by skilled soloists, who stood at the ambo – not the solea or raised area before the iconstasis as we have it today, but a raised pulpit in the middle of the church. Due to their length, kontakia were written on scrolls, and unrolled as they were sung. The scrolls were wrapped around a pole (kontax), and the hymn was said to be sung “from the pole”. (This is the origin of the word “kontakion”, whch dates from the ninth century.) The singer was often a deacon, and there is some evidence that the choir or even the entire body of the faithful joined in singing the refrain which concluded each stanza. Unfortunately, the music used to sing kontakia has been lost.

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27 06 2026

May 30, 2026

Saturday, May 30 SUNDAY OF ALL SAINTS

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

Sunday, May 31 SUNDAY OF ALL SAINTS

8:30 AM Jewel Johnstone- Mr. & Mrs. Rossi

Saturday, June 6 SECOND SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

4:00 PM Fred & Olga Yuhas – Michalene Ostrum

Sunday, June 7 SECOND SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

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

SS. PETER AND PAUL FAST

(June 1-June 28)

The Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church fasts before the celebration of the feast of SS. Peter and Paul which is celebrated on the 29th of June. The fast begins Monday following All Saints Sunday and continues until the feast day. This year the fast begins on Monday, June 1st and will end at the Vespers for the Feast Day celebration Sunday evening the 28th of June for a total of 28 days this year. Because the finding of The Resurrection of Our Lord (Easter) varies, so too does the fast period for this minor fast period on our Church Calendar.

Most people do not follow this fast today because bishops have claimed it is not obligatory, but this does not mean that it is not observed. Some Popes have said on occasions that even though the fasts of the Church are not identified as obligatory in every instance, it does not mean that people should not fast. We have the opportunity to enter freely into the fasting periods. One may ask why fast now at the beginning of summer vacation time? Let us say, first, this is not an easy time to fast; but we should remember that fasting is never easy. The very purpose of fasting is to discipline ourselves and this requires hard work and sacrifices. We are always called by God to be in control of our appetites, what most secular society calls “passions” today. We are always to train ourselves to be in control of our appetites rather than letting our bodily and human appetites rule us.

The discipline of fasting leads one to hear and follow God’s Spirit and His Word and then to truly live God’s call. We look for consolation to today’s problems and difficulties and we seek answers in many places. The only true and lasting place to find meaning to the cris that face us is to return to God (repentance); but it is only in silent waiting for God to speak to us through His Spirit that we can find this consolation.

Many of us turn to the world for answers, but it rebuffs us each time. For example, people today teach us to seek personal convenience at all costs, telling us, “If it feels right, do it!” We are not permitted to ask whether what we seek is good for us; our health, our relationship with God or neighbor. “Save time, steps, energy! But this newest and latest item! It will make you happy!” It is easy to see where this emphasis on personal convenience has led us.

Isn’t it strange that many of us are held under the sway of this worldly wisdom more than following God’s Wisdom? Fasting and discipline asked of us by the Church, during this period of preparation for the feast of SS. Peter and Paul, is a teacher to seek out true goods. We can learn how to free ourselves from the sway of convenience by fasting at the beginning of summer. The free avoidance of foods on certain days along with prayer can give us the strength and insights to see what things are really needful for our lives. At a time when prices keep soaring what a helpful insight fasting can be. The wisdom of this world can be met with a spiritual wisdom that can build our character and make us holier in the eyes of God.

For Unfailing Strength

Do not look forward to what may happen tomorrow; the same everlasting Father who cares for you today will take care of you tomorrow and every day. Either He will shield you from suffering, or He will give you unfailing strength to bear it. Be at peace, then. Put aside all anxious thoughts and imaginations, and say continually: “The Lord is my strength and my shield. My heart has trusted in Him and I am helped. He is not only with me but in me, and I in Him.

Petitions & Prayers for Our Parishioners: John Ostrum, Donna Winsock, Sonia Dempsey, Catherine Halloway, Charles Hallaway, Louise Hubiack, Frank Udiski, 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.

ASK FATHER A QUESTION? Father, I am confused- can you please explain to me what the Beatific Vision is? The Beatific Vision is the immediate knowledge and vision of God (the Holy Trinity-Father, Son and Holy Spirit) which the angelic spirits, angels, and the souls of the just see and enjoy in the heaven. N.b. This is the soul alone of the person separated from their body, this is not yet entering eternally into heaven. It is called “vision” to mark this as different from the knowledge of God which man can attain in this life. Is the God the Father portrayed in iconography? Yes and No. Yes in the sense of Rublev’s Icon of the Trinity depicts the three angels who visited Abraham and the colors in the icon tell you which is Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Also, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are depicted in the Icon of Jesus’s baptism in the Jordan. The Son of God, Jesus Christ being baptized, the Holy Spirit in the image of a dove, and God the Father depicted as a breath coming from the clouds. In some iconography a hand coming from the clouds blesses the Son. God the Father is not to be depicted in iconography or statuary as an old man with a white beard according to ancient church law, even though you have seen this it is not supposed to be done. Ancient Church Canons

The Holy Church commemorates Saints every day. However, because there have been God-pleasers who struggled in obscurity and where not revealed to the Holy Church, the church has established a day on which we glorify all those who have pleased God throughout the ages. So that not one might be left unglorified by the Church. The Church established that this be done immediately after the Feast of the Descent of the Holy Spirit, since it is by the grace of the Holy Spirit that all the saints have been made and continue to be made. The grace of the Holy Spirit brings repentance and the forgiveness of sins. It leads one into battle against the passions and lusts. And crowns this labor with purity and passionlessness. And thus a new creature appears, fit for a new heaven and a new earth. Let us be zealous to follow the saints of God. Today’s Gospel reading teaches us how to do this: it demands fearless confession of faith in the Lord and preferential love for Him, the raising of the cross of self-denial and heartfelt renunciation of everything [else]. Let us place a beginning according to these instructions.

-St. Theoophan the Recluse

There are no requests for the Sanctuary Light this week.

Cemetery 2 envelopes $10

PLYMOUTH 250^th ANNIVERSARY OF OUR NATION PARADE IN PLYMOUTH: The Auspice of Maria will participate in the parade from; St. Mary’s, St. Stephan’s & St. Vincent’s Catholic Church and welcomes parishioners of Saint Peter & Paul Church to participate. If you are interested please call Nancy Restraino at 570-239-3363. There is a flyer in the back of the church and they will be parking at St. Peter & Paul Church and assembling at the Family Dollar at 10:30 am.

The Borough of Plymouth has asked Parishes to ring their bells at Noon on Saturday, May 30 in celebration of our nation’s 250^th Birthday. Any parishioner who is willing to ring the bells, please feel free to come and ring the bells.

FATHER’S DAY REMEMBRANCES: Father’s Day is June 21^st, don’t forget to remember your Father at our Father’s Day Divine Liturgy.

The Fifth Kathisma

The first stasis

Do you seek mercy? Be merciful yourself.

The debts of those who ask for pardon are forgiven. But see that you do not harbor hatred for your brothers when you ask forgiveness of your debts. Prayers that are offered up to God remain behind closed doors if they do not contain love, for only love can open the doors for prayer. If your brother is angry with you, then the Lord is also angry with you. And if you have made peace with your brother below, then you have made peace with the Lord on high. If you receive your brother, then you also receive your Lord. Thus, make peace with the Lord in the person of those who are offended; give Him cause to be glad in the person of those who sorrow; visit Him in the person of those who are infirmed; feed Him in the person of those who hunger. In the person of a weary traveler, prepare a soft bed for Him, wash His feet, seat Him at the head of your table, break your bread and share it with Him, and give Him also your cup. He has already shown His great love for you; He has broken His body for you and given you His blood to drink. – St. Ephreim the Syrian

Psalm 91 NIV- Assurance of God’s Protection

You who live in the shelter of the Most High, who abide in the shadow of the Almighty, will say to the LORD, “My refuge and my fortress; my God, in whom I trust.” For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence; he will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler. You will not fear the terror of the night, or the arrow that flies by day, or the pestilence that stalks in darkness, or the destruction that wastes at noonday. A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. You will only look with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked. Because you have made the LORD your refuge, the Most High your dwelling place, no evil shall befall you, no scourge come near your tent. For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. On their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone. You will tread on the lion and the adder, the young lion and the serpent you will trample under foot. Those who love me, I will deliver; I will protect those who know my name. When they call to me, I will answer them; I will be with them in trouble, I will rescue them and honor them. With long life I will satisfy them, and show them my salvation.

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SS Peter & Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church

August 9, 2026 A. D.

August 2, 2026 A. D.

NINTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

SUNDAY OF THE FATHER OF THE SIXTH ECUMENICAL COUNCILS

SEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

The Parables of the Hidden Treasure and the Pearl

The Parable of the Net

THIRD SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

SECOND SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

Related Websites

Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia

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