SS Peter & Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church

Saturday, March 21 – 4:00 PM
John Pstrak – 2nd Anniversary – Wife Irene Pstrak

Sunday, March 22 – 8:30 AM – FOURTH SUNDAY OF THE GREAT FAST
God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners
4:00 PM Deanery Stations of the Cross – Transfiguration of Our Lord – Nanticoke

Tuesday, March 24 – 9:00 AM – Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts
Generation of Faith Meeting – 6:30 PM – All parishioners are asked to attend

Wednesday, March 25 – 10:00 AM- HOLY DAY
ANNUNCIATION OF THE HOLY MOTHER OF GOD
Anointing of Holy Oil and Myrovania
Bishop Soter Ordynsky – First Bishop of the United States –
Anniversary of his death – Requested by Archeparchy of Phila.

Friday, March 27 – 7:00 PM – The Way of the Cross & Sorokousty

Saturday, March 28 – 4:00 PM
All Living and Deceased Member of the Women’s Society – Blessing of Sticharion (White robe under Priest Vestment) Donated by the Women’s Society

Sunday, March 29 – 8:30AM – FIFTH SUNDAY OF THE GREAT FAST
God’ Blessing and Good Health for all Parishioners.
1. HOLY DAYS OF OBLIGATION
For the Year 2009
a) All Sundays of the year
b) Theophany of Our Lord, Jesus Christ Jan. 6th
c) Annunciation of the Mother of God March 25th
d) Ascension of Our Lord, Jesus Christ May 21st
e) The Apostles, SS Peter & Paul
June 29th
f) Dormition of the Mother of God August 15th
g) Nativity of Our Lord, Jesus Christ Dec. 25th

2. OTHER FEASTS
a) Circumcision of Our Lord, Jesus Christ – Jan. 1st
b) Three Holy Hierarchs – Jan. 30th
c) Encounter of Our Lord, Jesus Christ – Feb. 2nd
d) Bright Monday – April 13th
e) Bright Tuesday – April 14th
f) ST. George the Great Martyr – April 23rd
g) St. John the Theologian – May 8th

h) Pentecost Monday – June 1st
i) Nativity of St. John The Baptist – June 24th
j) Bl. Nykolai Charnetsky & Others –
June 27th
k) St. Volodymyr the Great – July 15th
l) St. Elias the Prophet – July 20th
m) Transfiguration of Our Lord, Jesus Christ Aug. 6th
n) Beheading of St. John the Baptist
Aug. 29th
o) Nativity of the Mother of God
September 8th
p) Exaltation of the Holy Cross – Sept. 14th
q) Falling Asleep of St. John The Theologian – Sept. 25th
r) Protection of the Mother Of God
October 1st
s) St. Demetrius the Great Martyr
October 26th
t) St. Michael the Archangel – Nov. 8th
u) St. Josaphat the Hieromartyr – Nov. 12th
v) Entrance into the Temple of the Mother of God – Nov. 21st
w) St. Nicholas the Wonderworker – Dec. 6th
x) Conception of St. Anne (Immaculate Conception) Dec. 9th
y) Synaxis of the Mother of God – Dec. 26th

Transfiguration of Our Lord Weekend Liturgies:
Saturday 6:00 PM – Sunday 10:30 AM
Wednesdays-Stations of the Cross 7:00 PM-Fridays-
Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts 9:00 AM

Don’t forget – Your Confession for the Easter Season
The weekdays of the Great Fast are aliturgical whereas no Divine Liturgy should be celebrated except for the Feast of the Annunciation.
Liturgy of Presanctified Gifts are celebrated on Wednesday and Friday of the Great Fast

THE FEAST OF THE ANNUNCIATION
OF THE MOST HOLY MOTHER OF GOD
The mystery of the Annunciation has fundamental significance, for with it begin the New Testament and our salvation. Mankind had waited thousands of years for the good new of the Archangel concerning the incarnation of the son of God. Heaven, earth, and the righteous souls in limbo awaited this good news. On this day God fulfilled his promise to send a redeemer, for on this day the “Word was made flesh and dwelt among us.” In a sermon on the Annunciation, attributed to St. John Chrysostom, we read: “Gabriel was sent to reveal the salvation of the world. Gabriel was sent to bring to Adam the promise of his return from slavery to sin. Gabriel was sent to the Virgin, to restore the honor of womanhood. Gabriel was sent to prepare a worthy bridal chamber for the pure Bridegroom. Gabriel was sent to espouse creature with the Creator. Gabriel was sent to the Virgin betrothed to Joseph, but preserved for the Son. The bodiless servant was sent to the pure Virgin. The one who was free from sin was sent to one exempt from corruption. A lamp was sent to point out the Sun of truth. Morning was sent to precede the light of day. Gabriel was sent to announce Him, who is in the bosom of the Father and in the arms of the Mother. Gabriel was sent to announce Him, Who is seated on a throne at God’s right hand and, at the same time, rests in a lowly manger on earth.”
At the moment of the angel’s annunciation, the Son of God begins the first moments of earthly life in the womb of the Most Pure Virgin Mary. From this momentous fact the privileges of Mary – those of divine motherhood and virginity – clearly emanate.
The celebration of the feast of the Annunciation began in the Eastern Church at the end of the fourth or the beginning of the fifth century. At first, both in the East and the West, it was considered a feast of the Lord as is evident from the names by which it was first known: “The Conception of Christ”, “The Annunciation concerning Christ”. “The Beginning of Redemption”, “The Annunciation”, “ The Annunciation of the Angel to Mary”, “The Day of the Salutation”, “The Day or Feast of the Annunciation”.
In the seventh century, the name was formally established for the entire Eastern Church as “The Annunciation of the Most Holy Mother of God”, and it was decreed that this feast be celebrated as a Marian feast.
The date March 25, was selected for this feast because it occurs just nine months before the feast of the Nativity of our Lord on December 25. In addition to this, there existed an ancient tradition that March 25th marked not only the incarnation of the son of God, but also both the creation of the world and the death of Christ on the Cross. The Alexandrian Paschal Chronicle of 624, and also the Paschal Chronicle of Constantinople, from the start of the seventh century, places the feast of the Annunciation on the 25th of March.
GENERATIONS OF FAITH: WHY? WHAT? WHERE?
A meeting will be held in the Church Hall on Tuesday, March 24th at 6:30 PM. We look forward to your participation in this new lifelong faith formation.

SANCTUARY LIGHT: The Sanctuary Light is requested to burn this week March 21 – 28 by Michaelene Ostrum in memory of Fred Uhas.

BUILDING FUND: Our thanks for the donation received from Frank Stankunas to our Building Fund in memory of Peter Pstrak.

WOMEN’S SOCIETY: The Divine Liturgy Saturday, March 28th will be celebrated for all living and deceased members of the Women’s Society. President Irene Frisbie asks all members to be present by 3:15 PM to recite the rosary.

THANKS: Your participation in making our fellowship after the Stations of the Cross last Sunday is very much appreciated. Our thanks to those who donated monetary gifts, good food, desserts and helping with the preparations and serving at the fellowship.
God’s blessing on you for your time and effort to help.

SVIACHENE: Our Sviachene (Easter Dinner) is being planned for Sunday,
May 3, 2009 – 2:00 PM in our Church Hall Tickets will be
available soon. The cost is $12 for adults and $5 for children
under 12. Donations of Gift items for the Chinese Auction
will be greatly appreciated. Save the date to attend this
Church function – bring your family and friends.

Saturday, March 14
4:00 PM Rev. Nick Kostiuk – Mr. & Mrs. Thomas J. Stires

Sunday, March 15 THIRD SUNDAY OF THE GREAT FAST
8:30 AM God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners
4:00 Deanery Stations of the Cross – SS Peter & Paul, U.C.C., Plymouth

Wednesday, March 18
9:00 AM Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts

Friday, March 20 Lenten Services
7:00 PM The Way of the Cross & Sorokousty

Saturday, March 21
4:00 PM John Pstrak – 2nd Anniversary – Wife Irene Pstrak

Sunday, March 22 FOURTH SUNDAY OF THE GREAT FAST
8:30 AM God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners
4:00 PM Deanery Stations of the Cross – Holy Transfiguration

TRANSFIGURATION OF OUR LORD
Saturday 6:00 PM – Sunday 10:30 AM
Wednesdays-Stations of the Cross 7:00PM Fridays-Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts – 9:00 AM

PYROHY’S: Orders for Pyrohy’s can be picked up after 10:30 AM Tuesday, March 17th . Workers for Monday will be 11:00 AM -Tuesday at 8:00 AM.

VENERATION OF THE HOLY CROSS
LENT IS THE HALF WAY TO EASTER
Today on the Third Sunday of the Great Fast, we venerate the Holy Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, and we mark the halfway point of Lent. The Cross stands before us today as a symbol and source of power and inspiration to help us make it through the rest of this holy season of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. By showing us our Crucified Lord Jesus on the Cross today, the Church announces to us that Holy Week – the week of our Lord’s Passion – is just three weeks away. At the beginning of Divine Liturgy today, the Cross is carried by the priest in procession from the altar to the tetrapod table in the middle of the church, where the faithful come to kiss and venerate it for the entire week. The following anthem is sung all during this week: “Before Thy Cross we do humbly bow, O Master, and Thy Holy Resurrection we glorify!” (Slavonic: “Krestu Tvoyemu poklanyayemsia, Vladiko, i Svyatoye Voskreseniye Tvoye Slavim!”

UKRAINIAN DISTRIBUTOR: The Cataract Ukrainian Book Distributors will be visiting our Parish Sunday, March 15th. There will be a collection to purchase of Ukrainian books, in both English and Ukraine, including Religious Academic History Literature, Dictionaries, Arts and Crafts and some children’s articles. Also available will be Greeting Cards, CD’s, Embroidery, T Shirts and Scarves. This display will be in our Church Hall between 4:00 – 6:00 PM. A percentage of the proceeds will be donated to the Parish. By Oles & Lyubov Cheren

SANCTUARY LIGHT: The Sanctuary light is requested to burn this week March 14 – 21 by Arlene Jones for a Special Intention.

UKRAINIAN CULTURAL EXHIBIT & CRAFT SALE: Sponsored by League of Ukrainian Catholics, North Anthracite Council this Sunday, March 22, 2009 at St. Vladimir Parish Center 428 N. 7th Ave, Scranton PA 18503 – 10:30 AM to 3:00 PM. Lunch will be available, along with a variety of homemade ethnic food and baked goods. Everyone is cordially invited to attend SUNDAY DIVINE LITURGY at St. Vladimir Church at 9:00 AM. For any additional information call Janina Everett 570-759-2824

STATIONS OF THE CROSS: The Deanery Stations of the Cross:
March 22 – 4:00 PM – Transfiguration Of Our Lord, Hanover Section
March 29 – 4:00 PM – St. Vladimir’s, Edwardsville

PUSSY WILLOW BRANCHES: Just a little reminder that Pussy willows will be needed for Palm Sunday, April 5th.

THANKS: Our thanks to Gary Pstrak for his donation for one of the plaques in the Hall Vestibule $50 and $50 to the Building Fund in memory of his Godfather Peter Pstrak Also a donation to the Building Fund from Constance Hrycenko in memory of Peter Pstrak.

Saturday, March 7
4:00 PM Anna Puchalski – Mrs. Theresa Levanda

Sunday, March 8 SECOND SUNDAY OF THE GREAT FAST
8:30 AM God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioner
4:00 PM Deanery Stations of the Cross – St. Nicholas, Glen Lyon

Wednesday, March 11
9:00 AM Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts

Friday, March 13
7:00 PM Stations of the Cross – Sorokousty Service

Saturday, March 14
4:00 PM  Rev. Nick Kostiuk – Mr. & Mrs. Thomas J. Stires

Sunday, March 15 SECOND SUNDAY OF THE GREAT FAST
8:30 AM God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners
4:00 PM Deanery Stations of the Cross – SS Peter & Paul, U.C.C. Plymouth, PA

TRANSFIGURATION OF OUR LORD
Saturday 6:00 PM – Sunday 10:30 AM
Wednesdays-Stations of the Cross 7:00 PM
Fridays-Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts – 9:00 AM

PRAYERS: Please remember in your prayers the sick of the parish. If you have anyone in the hospital or nursing home you should call Father Roman because he has no way of knowing otherwise.

WOMEN’S SOCIETY: SS Peter & Paul Women’s Society will meet Tuesday, Mar. 10th – 6:30 PM in the Church Hall. This is the first meeting after the long cold winter. Please try to attend as Geri Kolotela has some interesting explanation of the Generation of Faith. Geri Kolotelo and Catherine Halloway attended the course given in Philadelphia a few weeks ago.
President Irene Frisbie will preside. New members are always welcome.

LENTEN MEATLESS FOOD SALE: Borscht, Manhattan Clam Chowder, Vegetarian Vegetable Soup, Halushky and Bread all homemade by parishioners. St. Vladimir Parish Center 428 North Seventh Avenue, Scranton Thursday, March 12, 2009 Pick-up 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Take-outs only. Advance orders by Monday, March 9th.
Contact Kathleen Izak at 346-2414
PYROHY SALE: Transfiguration of Our Lord Church. 240 Center Street in Nanticoke will hold a homemade POTATO Pyrohy sale. Cost is $5.00 per dozen and they can be order by calling Gerri at 824-3880. The deadline for orders is March 11. Pickup days are March 13 & 14. We have Ukrainian women waiting at tables pinching as you order-we feed them occasionally….order Pyrohy’s and set them free.

MARCH: The Patron for March is St. John the Apostle. St. John was one of the most beloved Apostles of Christ. His Gospel is a sublime book of Divine Love. He teaches us to love God with our whole heart.
Virture: Love of God. “I shall exercise myself in loving God with my whole heart. I will do everything, fulfill all my duties, and accept all sufferings for the love of my God. In all circumstances of my life I will always repeat: ‘O my Dear God, I love You!”

PYROHY’S: Plans are in the making for a Pyrohy Project. The date will be Monday, March16 to prepare the potatoes and Tuesday, March 17 for the making. This Project can only be done if there is enough help. If you can help, please sign your name in the vestibule. Without help we cannot do it. Orders will be taken for a limit of 400-450 dozen only. If you wish to order, you must have your order in by March 11th. No orders will be taken after the deadline. An order form is in the vestibule. Please try to come out to help.

SANCTUARY LIGHT: The Sanctuary Light is requested to burn this week March 7-14 by Helen Sawka in memory of Sawka and Decker Families.

FLOWERS: Our thanks to Catherine and Charles Halloway for their donation of one Bouquet of flowers this week in memory of the Halloway Family.

CALENDAR LOTTERY: The May Lottery tickets are available and you are asked to be cooperative in buying and trying to sell some of the tickets.

SUNDAY STATIONS OF THE CROSS: Next Sunday, March 15th, the Deanery Stations of the Cross will be held in our Parish. If you can possibly help with some baked goods or desserts of any kind for the fellowship following the Stations, it would be greatly appreciated.

BUILDING FUND: We would like to thank Joseph and Irene Pstrak and Alice Stankunas for their donation to our Building Fund in memory of Peter Pstrak.

PLASHCHANYCIA (HOLY SHROUD): A new Plashchanycia has been purchased for our Church. This Shroud was made possible by Mrs. Florence Kloap and family with the donations she received in memory of her husband Mr. William Kloap by her family and friends. It is a beautiful painting on Canvas by an artist in Ukraine and brought to us by Rev. Vasyl Repela when he visited the USA in December. Father Roman will have the blessing of the Plashchanycia on the Saturday of Palm Sunday, April 4th, after the 4:00 PM Divine Liturgy. A cabinet to place the Shroud into after it is removed from the Altar after the Easter Season is being built by Holoviak’s in Berwick. This Cabinet is made possible by the generous donation of Catherine & Charles Halloway and the donation made to our Building Fund in memory of Peter Hubiak, John Smiga, Jr. and Frank T. Wido.

CONFESSIONS: Father Roman invites you to make your most important confession for the Easter season. Father will be available before all the services, Wednesday, before Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts, Friday, before Stations of the Cross and before both Saturday and Sunday Divine Liturgies.