SS Peter & Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church

Saturday, April 8 ✞Steve Kowalick – Mike & Helen Kowalick
4:00 PM Blessing of Palms & Willow Branches
Myrovania – Anointing with Holy Oil

Sunday, April 9 PALM SUNDAY – Myrovania – Anointing with Holy Oil
8:30 AM God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners

Wednesday, April 12
4:00PM Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts – Plymouth, PA

Thursday, April 13 HOLY THURSDAY
3:00 PM Matins of the Passion of Our Lord
Reading of the 12 Passion Gospels

Sunday, April 16 EASTER SUNDAY – EASTER DIVINE LITURGY
11:30 AM Myrovania – Anointing with Holy Oil and Food blessing.

God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners

Appreciation: We thank all who brought the Willow branches and all who helped tie the Palm & Branches. Your help is always appreciative. God’s blessing to all.

SATURDAY OF LAZARUS Saturday before Palm Sunday
Every day of the Great Fast has its special liturgical features. The same must be said of its Saturdays and Sundays which are dedicated to some event in the life of Jesus Christ, His Blessed Mother and the Church or the Saints.
The special characteristic of the sixth week of the Forty Days Fast is that it spiritually prepares us for two great and glorious events in the life of Jesus Christ: the resurrection of Lazarus from the dead to which are dedicated the Saturday before Palm Sunday, and the triumphal entry into Jerusalem of our Lord Jesus Christ, which the Church celebrates on Palm Sunday, also known as Flowery Sunday.
In our liturgical books this week bears the name – the Week of Palms (i.e., palm branches), flowers or blossom-bearing week. The dominant theme of the services of this week is the ending of the Great Fast and the preparation of the faithful for the great miracle of the raising of Lazarus from the dead and Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday.
May this great and wonderful miracle of the resurrection of Lazarus strengthen also our faith in the divinity of Christ and our sharing in Jesus’ resurrection. That same Christ, who raised the four-day Lazarus from the dead, in His own time, will raise us also to a life of eternal happiness. He Himself assured us of this when He said: “I am the Resurrection and Life. Whoever believes in me, even though he dies, shall live!”

The spiritual meaning of Palm Sunday
The Jews wanted to see their messiah in power and glory. Accordingly, Jesus Christ, by raising Lazarus from the dead and by His triumphal entry into Jerusalem, gave them clear proof of His Divinity. When He entered Jerusalem, the entire city was thrown into commotion saying: “Who is this?” But the crowds kept on saying: “This is Jesus from Nazareth of Galilee.’”
The honor given to Christ lasted for only a brief moment, for His betrayal by Judas, His rejection by the people, His condemnation by the Jewish leaders, His passion, the way of the cross and crucifixion followed in quick succession. These very same people who, on Sunday cried out, “Hosanna”, within a few days would be crying out: “Crucify Him.”
Palm Sunday teaches us the instability of worldly glory and the vanity of earthly happiness. Joy and sadness here on earth are two inseparable sisters. Therefore, if we wish one day to have a share in the triumph of Christ in heaven, we must first undergo a Passion Week and a Golgotha with Him here on earth. Only then, will we be able, like Him, to joyfully enter into everlasting triumph.

Finally, my brothers, your thoughts should be wholly directed to all that is true, all that deserves respect, all that is honest, pure, admirable, decent, virtuous, or worthy of praise. Live according to what you have learned and accepted, what you have heard me say and seen me do. Then will the God of peace be with you.

Transfiguration of Our Lord (Nanticoke) HOLY WEEK
Holy Monday, April 10, 6:30PM The Presanctified Divine Liturgy.
Holy Tuesday, April 11 6:30PM The Presanctified Divine Liturgy.
Holy Thursday, April 13 6:30PM Matins of the Holy and saving Passion of our Lord.
Passion Friday, April 14 5:30PM Vespers with the Placement of the Holy Shroud.
Holy Saturday, April 15 3:00PM Blessing of Paschal Food (in parish hall).
Resurrection of our Lord – Pascha, April 16 7:00AM Service at the Grave, Resurrection Matins, Divine Liturgy, Blessing of Artos, Myrovania.
Bright Tuesday, April 18 9:00AM Divine Liturgy, Myrovania.
Bright Thursday, April 20 9:00AM Divine Liturgy, Myrovania

A Prayer For Palm Sunday
On this day of great rejoicing, Lord Christ, when we welcome You as our King and Savior, we also walk in the shadow of Your cross. Hosanna! We cry. Blessed are You who comes in God’s name to save us. Hosanna!
Strengthen our faith on this Palm Sunday so that when the time comes to carry the cross we might still call out to You with heartfelt praise. Give us the grace and the courage to follow You this Holy Week from death to resurrection, from darkness to the fullness of light. We need You, O Christ, our Savior. Hosanna! Amen.
SANCTUARY LIGHT: The Sanctuary Light is requested to burn this week April 4 – 15 by Geri Kolotelo in memory of her mother Anna Kolotelo.

DONATION REQUEST: Father Walter had to purchase a new Stichar (Alb, the white garment for under vestments). The cost is $170. If anyone would like to make a donation toward the cost it would be greatly appreciated.

HOLY WEEK – Please remember that help is needed to participate in the Holy Week services. Holy Thursday, 3:00 PM, Good Friday, 1:00 PM and Resurrection Services Holy Saturday, 6:00 PM. Help will be needed to set up the grave after the Holy Thursday evening services. Try to lend a helping hand. Sign up sheet is in the vestibule for Adoration. Time to spend with God. Give an hour of your time for HIM.

ROAST BEEF DINNER: Our parish family will sponsor a Roast Beef dinner on Sunday, May 7, 2017 in the Church Hall. Tickets are available and reservations must be made. No tickets will be sold at the door. The dinner will consist of Roast Beef, mashed potatoes, mixed vegetable, kilbosi, red beets, mushrooms, dessert and beverage. Our request for desserts of any kind will be appreciated. Chinese Auction gifts are also needed. Tickets are $15 Adults and $8 ages 8-12. Hope to see all our parishioners, their friends and family there to share a day of friendship.