SS Peter & Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church

Saturday, July 25
4:00 PM ✞Josephine Petro – Sister – Julia Wido

Sunday, July 26 NINTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
8:30 AM God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners
Saturday, Aug. 1
4:00 PM ✞Dorothy Wujcik – sister-in-law Helen Pstrak

Sunday, Aug. 2 TENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
8:30 AM God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners

Prayers: Please remember in your prayers all the sick of the parish, those in nursing facilities, hospitals and at home. Especially for Mary Ann Youells and Helen Youells daughter Patricia.

SANCTUARY LIGHT: The Sanctuary Light is requested to burn this week July 25 – August 1 by The Halloway Family in memory of the deceased members of the Halloway Family.

UKRAINIAN SEMINARY DAY: The 73rd Annual Ukrainian Seminary Day will be held this Sunday, July 26, 2015 at St. Nicholas Picnic Grove, Route 901, Primrose, PA. The festival will begin at 11:00 AM with Hierarchical Divine Liturgy. 11:30 – 1:30 WPPA Live Polka Broadcast. 1:00 – 3:00 PM – Kaska Ukrainian Folk Ensemble. 4:00 – 8:00 PM – John Stevens Doubleshot Polka Band. The outside Festival begins at 12:00 noon – Food, Arts & Crafts, Cold refreshing drinks, and other activities are available.

UKRAINIAN FESTIVAL: On August 15 – 16th, 2015 a Ukrainian Festival will be held at the Ukrainian Homestead of ODWU, 1230 Beaver Run Drive, Lehighton, PA. Sat., Aug. 15th 2:00 – 3:30 PM Stage show, 4:30 – 6:30 PM Stage show, 8:00 PM Zabava ( Dance). Sun., Aug, 16th 11:00 AM Divine Liturgy celebrated by Metropolitan Stefan Soroka. 2:30 – 4:30 PM Stage show. Festival admission is $5 per person for 1day and $7 per person for 2 days ages 14 and under are free. Traditional Ukrainian food, folk art and exhibitions, children’s games, swimming and gifts & craft venders. Posters available in the vestibule.

Saturday, July 18
4:00 PM God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners

Sunday, July 19 SUNDAY OF THE FATHERS OF THE
SIX ECUMENICAL COUNCILS
8:30 AM God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners
Saturday, July 25
4:00 PM Josephine Petro – sister Julia Wido
BLESSING OF NEW PRIEST VESTMENTS
Sunday, July 26
8:30 AM NINTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners

What is happening to our parish????
The attendance has been so down, Saturday Divine Liturgy averages about 30-35 attending and Sunday 12-16. Does anyone have any suggestions as to how we can heal this situation and become more alive? If you wish to make suggestions please do so by placing them in the collection basket, contacting the priest or the office. You are the Parish, it is your church – see what we can do to better the way.

WHAT IS THE UKRAINIAN CATHOLIC CHURCH?
The Ukrainian Catholic Church has the following attributes:
It is in full communion with the Holy See
It is an Eastern Catholic Church, following the traditions passed on from the Church in Constantinople
It has over 5 million members worldwide
It is the largest Eastern Catholic Church in communion with Rome
It has its own hierarchy (bishops, cardinal) that are subject to the leadership of
the Holy Father in Rome.
Although Christianity was officially recognized as the “state religion” in Ukraine in 988 AD, St. Andrew, the first apostle of Christ, preached in the hills presently known as Kiev around 50 AD.
St. Olga accepted Christianity in 945 and was baptized by the Patriarch of Constantinople. Her grandson, St. Vladimir the Great, Prince of Kievan Rus, accepted Christianity from Constantinople in 988 and proclaimed it the “state religion”.
Thus, religion in Ukraine was rooted in Eastern theology and liturgical traditions. Also, St. Cyril and St. Methodius, Apostles of the Slavs, were responsible for introducing the Cyrillic alphabet.
It is interesting to note that Ukraine, through the efforts of Prince Yaroslav the Wise during the 11th century, became the first European nation to be consecrated to the protection of the Mother of God – Pokrov.
During the “Great Schism” of 1054, Pope Leo XI of Rome and Patriarch Michael of Constantinople excommunicated each other. The Ukrainian Church thus, over time, became separated from the Holy See in Rome.
However, the Union of Brest, in 1596, brought the Ukrainian Catholics back in full union with Rome. The Ukrainian Church was allowed to keep its customs and was given full autonomy as a “Particular” Church within the Byzantine rite.
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SUMMER DAY OF FUN AT KNOEBELS
Ss. Peter & Paul Church in Wilkes-Barre is sponsoring a Summer Bus Trip to KNOEBEL’S GROVE AMUSEMENT PARK, Elysburg, Pa., on Wednesday, August 15, 2015. Round-trip cost per seat is $25. Departure will be at 8:30 a.m. from Ss. Peter & Paul’s Church, 635 N. River St., Wilkes-Barre; and 8:45 a.m. from St. Vladimir’s Church, 70 Zerby Ave., Edwardsville. Evening departure from the park will be at 6 p.m. The luxury air-conditioned Martz Coach is equipped with a DVD player, restroom, and WIFI internet.
We will have free use of a pavilion at the park. Please bring your own lunch, food, drink, cooler, etc. Food and drink ARE allowed on the bus, but NO GLASS bottles or glass containers are allowed. Admission to Knoebel’s Park is FREE. The cost of ride tickets will be the responsibility of each individual. For lots of information about Knoebel’s, please visit their website at: http://www.knoebels.com. There are ticket discounts available online.
This trip is open to all of our churches that participate in the Cross-Valley CCD Religious Education Program: Ss. Peter & Paul, Wilkes-Barre; St. Vladimir, Edwardsville; Ss. Peter & Paul, Plymouth; Transfiguration of Our Lord, Nanticoke; and St. Nicholas, Glen Lyon. We especially hope that the children of our parishes will be making this trip to Knoebels. It will be up to each individual parish as to how they wish to handle the cost of the children’s round trip.
Seat reservations are accepted on a first-come, first served basis. Your reservation is non-refundable, and confirmed only with advance payment in full. No reservations accepted without payment. Reservation deadline is Sunday, August 9.
To reserve your seat, please send your name and payment of $25 per seat (payable to Ss. Peter & Paul Church, WB),by U.S. Mail to: Ss. Peter & Paul Parish Office, 635 N. River St., Wilkes-Barre, PA 18705 – Attn: Bus Trip. Phone reservations will not be accepted. And please join us in praying for good weather for Wednesday, August 12th! God bless!
Do not forget to pray tonight
GOD
did not forget to wake you up this morning.
SANCTUARY LIGHT: The Sanctuary light is requested to burn this week July 18 – 25 by An Anonymous friend for Good Health on all Parishioners of SS Peter & Paul.

NEW PRIEST VESTMENTS: A set of new white priest vestments have been purchased from Ukraine for $600 and were donated by Paul & Dolores Hoover. Father Popyk will have the blessings of the new vestments after this Saturdays Divine Liturgy. Many thanks and God’s blessing to Paul & Dolores for their generosity.

BUILDING FUND: Our thanks for the donations to our Parish Building Fund in memory of Ann Beshada’s sister Elizabeth Ruddy – from Dorothy Manley, Bernice Burke and Charles & Catherine Halloway – friends of Ann. Your donations are greatly appreciated.

DIVINE LITURGY: Saturday Divine Liturgies are available for your requests. Your intention for a loved one living or deceased, a friend and birthday or any request you would like to have remembered. Envelopes are available in the vestibule for your convenience.

LUC MEETING: The League of Ukrainian Catholics will meet this Sunday, July 19th at St. Vladimir’s Ukrainian Catholic Church, Edwardsville, PA. Moleben in the church at 3:00 PM and business and social to follow. New members are always welcome.

Saturday, July 11
4:00 PM ✞Helen Lee – Sandy Epak

Sunday, July12 SEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
8:30 AM God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners

Saturday, July 18
4:00 PM God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners

Sunday, July19 SUNDAY OF THE FATHERS OF THE
8:30 AM SIX ECUMENICAL COUNCILS

SANCTUARY LIGHT: The Sanctuary light is requested to burn this week July 11 – 18 by Albert Piston in memory of Dan Piston.

Many dates are available for the Sanctuary Lights. If you are interested in a week please enter your intention on the chart in the vestibule.
Flowers are also available for your intentions.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY: Birthday wishes are extended to Ayla Schappert who is celebrating her 3rd Birthday on this Saturday, July 11th requested by her Mommy, Daddy, Grandma, Grandpa and Great Grandmother Helen Sirak and all parishioners. May God Bless Ayla today and always through her growing years. Mnohya Lita!

UKRAINIAN SEMINARY DAY: This year the 81st Annual Ukrainian Seminary Day will be held on Sunday, July 26, 2015 at St. Nicholas Picnic Grove, Route 901, Primrose, PA. The festival will begin at 11:00 AM with Hierarchical Divine Liturgy. 11:30 – 1:30 WPPA Live Polka Broadcast. 1:00 – 3:00 PM – Kaska Ukrainian Folk Ensemble. 4:00 – 8:00 PM – John Stevens Doubleshot Polka Band. The outside Festival begins at 12:00 noon – Food, Arts & Crafts, Cold refreshing drinks, and other activities are available.

LUC Meeting: North Anthracite Council – League of Ukrainian Catholics will meet on Sunday, July 19, 2015 at St, Vladimir Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, 70 Zerby Avenue, Edwardsville, PA.  Moleben prayer service is scheduled for 3:00pm., business session at 3:30pm followed by reception and fellowship.

Saturday, July 4
4:00 PM ✞All Deceased members of the Popyk Family

Sunday, July 5 SIXTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
8:30 AM God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners

Saturday, July 11
4:00 PM ✞Helen Lee – Sandy Epak

Sunday, July 12 SEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
8:30 AM God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA!
On July 4th, 1776
This great nation, the United States of America,
In a struggle for what was right and free,
Was proudly born…
May we celebrate that precious freedom
For which our forbears fought so bravely…
The freedom that is inherent
In the Stars and Stripes, our revered flag…
Celebrate Freedom
This Fourth of July! correctly folding the American flag 13 times? 
I’ve known how the 21 gun salute was determined (adding the individual digits of 1776), but only recently learned why the flag was folded 13 times when it is lowered or when it is folded and handed to the widow at the burial of a veteran. 
HERE IT IS: The first fold of our flag is a symbol of life. 
The second fold is a symbol of our belief in eternal life. 
The third fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veterans departing our ranks who gave a portion of their lives for the defense of our country to attain peace throughout the world. 
The fourth fold represents our weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in time of war for His divine guidance. 
The fifth fold is a tribute to our country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, “Our Country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right; but it is still our country, right or wrong.” 
The sixth fold is for where our hearts lie. It is with our heart that we pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States Of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all. 
The seventh fold is a tribute to our Armed Forces, for it is through the Armed Forces that we protect our country and our flag against all her enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of our republic. 
The eighth fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day, and to honor mother, for whom it flies on Mother’s Day. 
The ninth fold is a tribute to womanhood; for it has been through their faith, their love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great has been molded. 
The tenth fold is a tribute to the father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of our country since they were first born. 
The eleventh fold, in the eyes of a Hebrew citizen represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon, and glorifies in their eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. 
The twelfth fold, in the eyes of a Christian citizen, represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in their eyes, God the Father, the Son, and Holy Spirit.
When the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost reminding us of our nation’s motto, “In God We Trust”. After the flag is completely folded and tucked in, it takes on the appearance of a cocked hat, ever reminding us of the soldiers who served under General George Washington, and the sailors and marines who served under Captain John Paul Jones, who were followed by their comrades and shipmates in the Armed Forces of the United States, preserving for us the rights, privileges, and freedoms we enjoy today. There are some traditions and ways of doing things which have deep meaning. You will see many flags folded in the coming weeks, and now you will know why.

Statue of Liberty
In New York Harbor stands a lady On lonely Golgotha stood a cross,
With a torch raised to the sky; With my Lord raised to the sky;
And all who see her know she stands for And all who kneel there live forever,
Liberty for you and I. As all the saved can testify
I’m so proud to be an American, I’m so glad to be called a Christian,
To be named with the brave and the free. To be named with the ransomed
I will honor the flag and our trust in God, And whole.
And the Statue of. Liberty As the Statue liberates the citizen,
So the Cross liberates the soul.

Oh, the Cross is my Statue of Liberty,
It was there that my soul was set free.
Unashamed I’ll proclaim that a rugged cross
Is my Statue of Liberty.
The secret to peace with God is to discover, accept, and appreciate God’s perfect timing.

SANCTUARY LIGHT: The Sanctuary light is requested to burn this week July 4-11 by Albert Ferkel in memory of Parents.
Many weeks are available on the new card for your requests for Sanctuary Lights.
ALTAR CANDLES: The month of July is requested to burn for the month of July by an anonymous parishioner in memory of the Slabinski & Stadulis Families.

LUC Meeting: North Anthracite Council – League of Ukrainian Catholics will meet on Sunday, July 19, 2015 at St, Vladimir Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, 70 Zerby Avenue, Edwardsville, PA.  Moleben prayer service is scheduled for 3:00pm., business session at 3:30pm followed by reception and fellowship.
Main agenda items include the heritage outing to the August 23rd Tryzub Festival in Horsham PA; the annual August Council picnic; the October LUC Convention in Lansdale PA; and, the suggested pre-Christmas trip to Sight and Sound Theater in Lancaster, PA. Former members and new members are warmly invited to become involved in the LUC as active participants in the Vibrant Parish movement throughout our worldwide Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church as envisioned by Patriarch Sviatoslav Shevchuk.For additional information contact Dorothy Jamula, President  at 570 822-5354  or any LUC member of the parish.
UKRAINIAN SEMINARY DAY: Every year, for the past 81 years on the last Sunday of July, members of the Ukrainian Catholic churches in the South Anthracite Deanery, host an annual social to raise funds for the support of St. Josaphat Ukrainian Catholic Seminary in Washington, DC and to highlight Ukrainian spiritual and ethnic heritage. This year the 81st Annual Ukrainian Seminary Day will be held on Sunday, July 26, 2015 at St. Nicholas Picnic Grove, Route 901, Primrose, PA. The festival will begin at 11:00 AM with Hierarchical Divine Liturgy. 11:30 – 1:30 WPPA Live Polka Broadcast. 1:00 – 3:00 PM – Kaska Ukrainian Folk Ensemble. 4:00 – 8:00 PM – John Stevens Doubleshot Polka Band. The outside Festival begins at 12:00 noon – Food, Arts & Crafts, Cold refreshing drinks, and other activities are available.