SS Peter & Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church

Saturday, March 24 – 4:00 PM Blessing of Palms & Willow Branches
Myrovania Anointing with Holy Oil
✞Ronald Kachinko – Rebecca Molecavage

Sunday, March 25 – 8:30 AM PALM SUNDAY Blessing of Palms & Willow Branches Myrovania Anointing with Holy Oil
God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners

Thursday, March 29 HOLY THURSDAY – 3:00 PM Matins of the Passion of Our Lord – READING OF THE 12 GOSPELS

Friday, March 30 – 1:00 PM – Vespers– Procession – Entombment of Jesus Christ

Saturday, March 31 HOLY SATURDAY
1:00 PM Blessing of Easter Food Baskets
6:00 PM Resurrection Matins / Procession /
Easter Divine Liturgy – Myrovania – Anointing of Holy Oil

Sunday, April 1 – 11:00 AM EASTER SUNDAY – RESURRECTION OF OUR LORD EASTER DIVINE LITURGY Blessing of Artos and blessing of Easter food Myravania Anointing with Holy Oil
God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners

Transfiguration of Our Lord
Holy Thursday – 6:30PM – Good Friday – 5:30PM –
Saturday 3:00 PM Blessing of Easter Basket Food. Easter Sunday –
7:00 AM – Resurrection Matins, Procession Divine Liturgy
SIGN UP SHEET IS IN THE VESTIBULE FOR ADORATION OF THE GRAVE.PLEASE TRY TO SPEND AN HOUR WITH THE LORD
WE NEED THE MEN OF THE PARISH TO SIGN UP FOR HOLY THURSDAY EVENING, PROCESSION ON GOOD FRIDAY And RESURRECTION PROCESSION. YOUR HELP IN DOING THIS WILL BE GREATLY APPRECIATED.

SATURDAY OF LAZARUS
Jesus Christ wrought many miracles during His lifetime but none is so deep in its effects and as a sign of abundance as the resurrection of Lazarus.
This miracle marks the apex of Christ’s self-revelation. The magnitude of this miracle and the publicity attending it were the immediate causes of Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday.
May this great and wonderful miracle of the resurrection of Lazarus strengthen also our faith and hope, in the divinity of Christ, and in our own resurrection. That same Christ, who raised the four-day dead Lazarus, in His own time, will raise us also to a life of eternal happiness. Jesus assured us of this when He said: “I am the Resurrection and Life. Whoever believes in me, even though he dies, shall LIVE!”

PALM SUNDAY
The festival of the triumphant entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem is one of the oldest feast days in the Eastern Church.
In our liturgical books this day is called, “Sunday of the Palms”, “Flowery or Blossom Sunday”, “Flower or Blossom-bearing Sunday”. Our people call this Sunday the “Sunday of Pussy-Willows or Willow Sunday.” All these names are associated with the custom of blessing and distributing palms on that day in church. Because no palm or olive trees grow in our country, we have the custom of using willow branches, a tree that is the first to blossom in the spring.
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 power and glory. When He entered Jerusalem, all the city was thrown into commotion saying: “Who is this?” But the crowds kept on saying: “This is Jesus the prophet 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 enter into everlasting triumph, joy and resurrection.

SANCTUARY LIGHT: NO REQUEST.

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 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.

DONATION: Our sincere thanks for the donation of $665 for the payment of the water heater replaced weeks ago. To the anonymous donor, your gift is greatly appreciated. May God’s blessings be with you always.

SVIACHENE: The Joint Parish Sviachene (Easter Dinner) will be held Sunday, April 15, 2018 in Transfiguration of Our Lord Hall serving at 1:00 PM. Tickets are available. The cost is $12 for adults, children 10 and under free. Please, if you plan to attend this dinner, purchase your tickets early so the preparations can be made. The two parishes, SS Peter & Paul and Transfiguration will sponsor this affair to have the Parish Families come together and share with the Easter blessings and good food. Gifts for the Chinese Auction are needed. Your donations of gift items will be greatly appreciated. Save the date to attend this Church function, bring your family and friends

THANKS: Our thanks to those who donated and brought the Willow branches and all who helped tie the Palm & Branches. Your help is always appreciative. We also would like to thank all the women and men who came out to lend their time to clean the church. God’s blessing to all.

LUC MEETING: The North Anthracite Council of the League of Ukrainian Catholics will meet at 6:00pm, Thursday, April 12, 2018 at Grotto Pizza, 36 Gateway Shopping Center, Edwardsville/Kingston PA. Agenda items will include the schedule for spring and summer meetings and the upcoming October National Convention in Amherst/Buffalo, New York.
Building Fund: Many thanks for the donation received in memory of Michael Hubiack by Norman Price.

Anointing of the Sick on Holy Wednesday
The general Anointing of the Sick is done for all baptized Christians present at the Liturgy of Presanctified Gifts.  If there are two blessings, the first blessings is done at the end of The Litany of Peace and the second is after the Litany of Supplication.  If more than one priest is present the people should be anointed by each of the priests present, up to seven priests in total.  The Prayer of Anointing is said first for all present, then each is anointed on the forehead, cheeks and palm of the hands with the formula, “The servant of God is anointed for the healing of soul and body, for the forgiveness of sins and life everlasting.” Then the Gospel Book is imposed by holding it open in front of the congregation, while saying the prayer,
”O Holy King, compassionate and most merciful, look down from heaven and, with your powerful right hand anoint your sick servants with holy oil. Forgive them their sins and grant them health to both body and soul, that with love and gratitude they may glorify You.“
This is the one time each year that this Mystery (Sacrament) is provided to all the faithful in attendance and forgives all sins so that even one who has not “gone to confession” is now freed from sin and if the person remains free from sin, is free to receive of the Eucharist, the Holy Body and Blood of Christ.

Saturday, March16
4:00 PM ✞ Anna Dempsey – Dempsey Children

Sunday, March 17 FIFTH SUNDAY OF THE GREAT FAST
8:30 AM God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners
4:00 PM Stations of the Cross
ST. VLADIMIR’S – EDWARDSVILLE, PA

Wednesday, March 21
6:30 PM Stations of the Cross – Sorokousty Service

Saturday, March 24 SATURDAY OF LAZARUS
Blessing of Willow branches and Palm
Myrovania – Anointing of Holy Oil
4:00 PM ✞

Sunday, March 25 PALM SUNDAY-
Myrovania – Anointing of Holy Oil
8:30 AM God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners

Monday, March 25 – 4:30 PM Annunciation of the Theotokos – Myrovania-Anointing of Holy Oil HolyConfessions at 4:00 PM
Tuesday, March 26 – 6:30 PM – Stations of the Cross & Sorokousty Service.
Holy Confession 5:30 PM

St. Mary of Egypt

The Fifth Sunday of Lent recalls the memory of St. Mary of Egypt, the repentant harlot. Mary tells us, first of all, that no amount of sin can keep a person from God if the sinner truly repents. In addition, St. Mary tells us that it is never too late, either in life or in lent, to repent. Christ will gladly receive all who come to Him, even at the last minute of their lives. However, their coming must be in serious and sincere repentance
❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖

This schedule is for Holy Week
Monday – 4:30 PM Annunciation of the Theotokos – Confessions at 4:00 PM Myrovania – Anointing of Holy Oil
Tuesday, March 26 – 6:30 PM Stations of the Cross & Sorokousty Service.
Holy Confession 5:30 PM
Holy Thursday – 5:00 PM Matins of the Passion of Our Lord – READING OF THE 12 GOSPELS Holy Confession 4:00 PM
Good Friday – 3:00 PM – Vespers– Procession – Entombment of Jesus Christ
Congregational Praying of the Rosary after Services – Confession 2:00 PM
HOLY SATURDAY – 1:00 PM Blessing of Easter Food Baskets
7:00 PM – Resurrection Matins / Procession Easter Divine Liturgy Blessing of Artos – Myrovania – Anointing of Holy Oil
EASTER SUNDAY – 11:00 AM Divine Liturgy – Myrovania – Anointing of Holy Oil



SANCTUARY LIGHT: The Sanctuary Light is requested to burn this week, March 17– 24 by the Dempsey Children in memory of Parents Anna & Joseph Dempsey, son Frank Dempsey and daughter Liza Burke.

PALM SUNDAY: Palm Sunday is next week and we are in need of Willow Branches to distribute. Since Easter is so early this year and the weather is still very cold, the pussy willows may not be sufficiently in bloom. If you have them growing in your yard, please check their progress. If you bring any, please put them at the Hall entrance. Thank you.

SVIACHENE: The joint Sviachene (Easter Dinner) is being planned for Sunday, April 15, 2018 at1:00 PM, in Transfiguration of Our Lord Parish Hall, Nanticoke, PA.
Tickets will be available. The cost is $12 and children under 10 free. A Ukrainian Auction will be available and donations of baskets or gifts are welcome for those who wish to contribute. Also our good bakers are asked for desserts of any kind to help with this affair. Your family & friends are always welcome to attend.

LOTTERY TICKETS: Mike Sinko announced that the May Lottery tickets are available. If you can possibly take at least 5 or 10 and try to sell them to your family and friends it would be a great help to sell all the tickets. Whatever you do is appreciated.

BUILDING FUND: Our thanks for the donations to our parish Building Fund in the amount of $50. IMO Michael Bigus and Claire Ann Grandi.

Easter Eggs-Pysanky

Ukrainian Easter Eggs are beautiful expression of mystery, magic and love. Ukrainian ancestors believed that the Easter Eggs bring good fortune, wealth, health and protection from lightning and fire, possess curative power.

Saturday, March 10
4:00 PM ✞Michael Hubiack – 8th Day – SS Peter & Paul
Parishioners

Sunday, March 11 FOURTH SUNDAY OF THE GREAT FAST
8:30 AM God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners
4-00 PM Stations of the Cross – Transfiguration of Our Lord

Wednesday, March14
4:00 PM Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts

Saturday, March 17
4:00 PM ✞Anna Dempsey – Dempsey Children

Sunday, March 18 FIFTH SUNDAY OF THE GREAT FAST – St. Mary of Egypt
8:30 AM God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners
4:00 PM Stations of the Cross – St. Vladimir’s, Edwardsville, PA

SANCTUARY LIGHT: The Sanctuary Light is requested to burn this week,
March 10 – 17 Halloway Family in memory of John & Josie Halloway.

WOMEN’S SOCIETY: The first meeting of the Women’s Society after the long cold winter will be held Tuesday, March 13th, 6:30 PM in the Church Hall. All members please try to be in attendance.

BUILDING FUND: Our thanks to all who donated to the Church Building Fund in Memory of Michael Hubiack; Norberta Garbor, Mike & Dolores Sinko, Anna Magill, Ann Beshada, Carol & Bernie Kosek, Mary Ann Hubick, James Cleveland. Your generosity is greatly appreciated.

LOTTERY TICKETS: Mike Sinko announced that the May Lottery tickets are available. If you can possibly take at least 5 or 10 and try to sell them to your family and friends it would be a great help to sell all the tickets. Whatever you do is appreciated.

SVIACHENE: The joint Sviachene (Easter Dinner) is being planned for Sunday, April 15, 2018 at1:00 PM, in Transfiguration of Our Lord Parish Hall, Nanticoke, PA.
Tickets will be available. The cost is $12 and children under 10 free. A Ukrainian Auction will be available and donations of baskets or gifts are welcome for those who wish to contribute. Also our good bakers are asked for desserts of any kind to help with this affair. Your family & friends are always welcome to attend.

Saturday, March 3
4:00 PM ✞ Alyssa Baumann from Donna and Nelson Warren

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

Wednesday, March 7 – Liturgy of the Presanctified Gift
6:00 PM Mission Service

Saturday, March 10
4:00 PM ✞Micahel Hubiack – 8th Day

Sunday, March 11 FOURTH SUNDAY OF THE GREAT FAST
8:30 AM God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners
4:00 PM Stations of the Crosss – St. Nicholas, Glen Lyon, PA

REMINDER: Please remember that Wednesday and Friday of this week the schedule for Liturgy of Presanctified Gifts will be at 6:00 PM instead of 4:00 PM. Friday, March 9th the Liturgy of Presanctified Gifts will be at St. Vladimir’s UCC, Edwardsville, PA instead of Transfiguration of Our Lord.
THE CROSS IS…

The Sunday of the Veneration of the Holy Cross, indeed, teaches us to understand the great significance the Holy Cross has for us, not only during the Lent, but also throughout our whole life. This Sunday tells us that wherever we find the Cross, there will we find strength, victory, salvation and the pledge of resurrection to eternal life of bliss.
To arouse ourselves to a greater veneration and love for the Holy Cross, let us frequently call to mind those profound thoughts expressed by the great venerator of the Holy Cross, St. Ephrem the Syrian in the following hymn:
The Cross is – the resurrection of the dead.
The Cross is – the hope of Christians.
The Cross is – the staff of the lame.
The Cross is – the consolation of the poor.
The Cross is – the dethronement of the proud.
The Cross is – the hope of the hopeless.
The Cross is – the helm of those who sail.
The Cross is – the harbor of the storm-tossed.
The Cross is – the father of orphans.
The Cross is – the comfort of the afflicted
The Cross is – the protector of youth.
The Cross is – the glory of men.
The Cross is – the crown of the aged.
The Cross is – the purity of virgins.
The Cross is – the bread of the hungry and
the fountain of the thirsty.
…Therefore, let us make the sign of this Life-Giving Cross on our forehead, lips and breast…Let us not leave the Cross even for on hour, even for one moment, and let us not do anything without it, but whether we are going to sleep, or getting up; on land, sailing the sea, or crossing rivers, we should adorn all the members of our body with the sign of the Life-Giving Cross.”

Mission Schedule
 
Sun.     March 4……   4 p.m. GLEN LYON, St. Nicholas, 153 Main St. (Confessions @ 3:30 p.m.)
Mon.     March 5……  6 p.m. NANTICOKE, Transfiguration Parish, 240 Center St.
Tue.      March 6……  6 p.m. WILKES-BARRE, Ss. Peter & Paul, 635 N. River St.
Wed.     March 7……  6 p.m. PLYMOUTH, Ss. Peter & Paul, 20 Nottingham St.
Thu.      March 8……  6 p.m. BERWICK, Ss. Cyril & Methodius, 706 N. Warren St.
Fri.        March 9……  6 p.m. EDWARDSVILLE, St. Vladimir, 70 Zerby Ave.
After each evening’s service and talk, everyone is invited
to remain for a reception with the opportunity for questions and answer session during the reception.

The Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) will be available
each weekday evening, beginning at 5:30 p.m.   Sunday at 3:30 p.m.
Please welcome . . Father Protodeacon Michael Waak, LCSW
  Fr. Deacon Michael is from Holy Protection Parish (St. Mary’s Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church) in McAdoo, PA.  He was ordained to the Diaconate by Metropolitan Stephen Sulyk in 1989, and is presently assigned to the Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Philadelphia, PA.     Fr. Deacon received his BA in Philosophy and Psychology from the Catholic University of America, Washington, DC.  He also attended St. Basil College in Stamford, Conn, and St. Josaphat Seminary in Wash, DC. 
   He graduated with a Masters Degree in Social Work from New York University, and at the same school he achieved a certificate in Advanced Clinical Social Work.

SANCTUARY LIGHT: The Sanctuary Light is requested to burn the week of
March 3 – 10 by The Halloway Family in memory of their mother Catherine Halloway.
ALTAR CANDLES: The Altar Candles will burn for all services during the month of March in memory of Mary & Elias Valadja reqested by John & Claudia Bosack.

SYMPATHY: We extend our sincere sympathy to the families of Michael Hubiack and Michael Bigus who were called to their eternal rest. May their memory be eternal. Vichnya Pomat.

THANKS: A very sincere thanks to all who donated food, dessert, monetary and all those who helped with the set up and preparation for a very nice fellowship after the Stations of the Cross last Sunday. God’s blessing be with you all.

BIRTHDAY GREETING: We the parishioners of this parish wish Father Walter a Blessed Happy Birthday for his day on March 7th. Mnohya Lita!

BUILDING FUND: Donations received for our Parish Building Fund are greatly Appreciated: IMO Michael Bigus –Nancy Crake, Jane Neff, Anna Magill, William & Carol Egglestoen
IMO Michael Hubiack – John & Michaelene Ostrom, Rosemarie Kachinko, Catherine & Charles Halloway.

SOUP & HOAGIE SALE: St. Nicholas UCC, Glen Lyon, PA is sponsoring a Vegetable soup, turkey & Italian hoagie sale on Thursday, March 15, 2018 from 11 am to 5 pm in the church hall. The cost for the soup is $6 a quart & hoagies $6 each. A Bake Sale will also be available. Orders should be placed by March 11th by calling Debbie at 570-736-6908.

REMINDER: make your reservation for Scranton’s St. Vladimir parish sponsored Saturday, May 19 New York City bus trip to the 911 Memorial Museum at Ground Zero and the 42nd Annual St. George Ukrainian Street Festival. A good number of seats have already been requested, so please don’t be disappointed by waiting too long. Contact Dave Pietryka at 570 954-8517 or Paul Ewasko at 570 563-2275 for information and to reserve a seat.

PEQUINS GAME: The parishioners of Transfiguration of Our Lord, Nanticoke and Ss. Peter and Paul, Plymouth are going to attend the W-B Penquins game on 7 April as a group.  I, Fr. Walter, am presently finalizing the number of tickets to purchase.  If you or any of your parishioner desire to attend with the group, please call Fr. Walter at (570) 735-2262 before Tuesday the 6th of March to reserve a ticket for yourself.

Please remember in your prayers all the sick of the parish, those in nursing facilities, at home, hospitals, etc. Marion Rose is recuperating from a Hip Operation and should be going home soon.

Saturday, Feb. 23
4:00 PM ✞Edmund Bircsak – Irene Bircsak

Sunday, Feb. 24 SECOND SUNDAY OF THE GREAT FAST
8:30 AM God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioner
4:00 PM Stations of the Cross – SS Peter & Paul, Plymouth, PA

Wednesday, Feb. 27
4:00 PM Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts

Saturday, March 3
9:00 AM ✞ Sorokousty – All Souls Saturday
4:00 PM ✞Alyssa Baumann – Donna and Nelson Warren

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

LENTEN MISSION COMING TO OUR AREA: You are cordially invited to a 6-day Lenten Mission being held at local Ukrainian Greek Catholic Parishes in the beginning of March.  Please see the special flyer for all the details.  The Missionary Preacher will be Fr. Protodeacon Michael Waak from the Immaculate Conception Cathedral in Philadelphia.  The spiritual purpose of the Mission will be that together we grow in closeness to God and learn our Faith.  After each Lenten service and talk, there will be a reception, during which there will be a question and answer period between the people and the clergy. Bring any questions you may have about Jesus, our Faith, our church, and why we worship the way we do.  Remember, there is no “dumb” question, except the one you have but didn’t ask.  Don’t be shy!  The more we know about our Jesus Christ and our Faith, the stronger our Faith will become.  Hope to see you at our Mission!

Second Sunday of Lent
The second Sunday of Lent is called “Sunday of the palsied Man.” Men must repent for their sins, if they want to be forgiven. Christ cannot heal our soul if we do not repent (turn back to God) for having offended God by our iniquities. The Church leads us in pious exercises of prayer and fasting because our weakness can be healed by them.
First and Second finding of John The Baptist’s head, the symbol of all the prophets. Wednesday commemorates the Theotokos, the Mother of God, and the beginning of His passion and also venerates the life-giving Cross on which He died. On Thursday, the Church venerates the holy Apostles and St. Nicholas. On Friday, she celebrates the memory of the passion of Christ and His death on the Cross. In short, every week is a ‘little Holy Week’ and every Sunday is a ‘little Resurrection of the Lord.’

SANCTUARY LIGHT: The Sanctuary Light is requested to burn this week Feb. 24-Mar. 3 by Daughter Dolores & Paul Hoover in memory of Mother Anna Soppeck.

SOUP & HOAGIE SALE: St. Nicholas UCC, Glen Lyon, PA is sponsoring a Vegetable soup, turkey & Italian hoagie sale on Thursday, March 15, 2018 from 11 am to 5 pm in the church hall. The cost for the soup is $6 a quart & hoagies $6 each. A Bake Sale will also be available. Orders should be placed by March 11th by calling Debbie at 570-736-6908.

SVACHENE: Our Parish council decided to have a joint Svachene (after Easter Dinner) with Transfiguration of Our Lord Parish, Nanticoke, PA. A meeting of both parishes will meet on Tuesday, Feb. 27th, 6:30 PM in Transfiguration of Our Lord Church basement to discuss the menu, etc. All are invited to attend this meeting to have a choice in this affair.
Other subjects discussed are – New lights for the parking lot and patching of parking lot.

THANKS: Our thanks to Fred from Precision Tree Removal for his donation of $1,000 worth of tree removal in memory of Ron Kachinko. Fred did most of the tree removal in our Parish Cemetery. His generous offer is greatly appreciated.

WATER HEATER: The water heater had to be replaced in the Church recently. The cost of this replacement is $665. If you would like to make a donation toward this expense please place it in the collection basket.

Saturday, February 17 – 4:00 PM
✞Ronald Kachinko – Michael & Dolores

Sunday, February 18 – 8:30 AM – First Sunday of the Great Fast
4:00 PM – STATIONS OF THE CROSS at SS Peter & Paul, Wilkes-Barre, PA
☸☸☸☸☸☸☸☸☸☸☸☸☸☸☸☸☸☸☸

Wednesday, February 21– 4;00 PM
Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts

Saturday, February 24 – 4:00 PM
✞Edmund Bircsak – Irene Bircsak

Sunday, February 25 – 8:30 AM – SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT
God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners
4:00 PM Stations of the Cross, SS Peter & Paul, Plymouth, PA

The first Sunday of the Great Fast is called the Sunday of Orthodoxy. What do we mean by “orthodoxy”? The word “orthodoxy” stems from the Greek word “orthodoxia” (orthos=right; doksa=thought) which signifies the true faith and the true worship of God. We are not speaking here of orthodoxy as we understand it today as being a separated from Rome, but orthodoxy as applied to the whole Church of Christ until the schism between the Western and Eastern Church which occurred in the eleventh century under the patriarchs Leo IX and Cerularius (1054). The orthodoxy that we celebrate this Sunday is universal-catholic orthodoxy, professed by the entire Church of Christ of the first millenium in the battle against the heresy of Iconoclasm (Gr – eikon=image; klastes=a breaker; – an image breaking heresy). The Sunday of Orthodoxy is a festival for the whole Church, both Eastern and Western. It is the festive celebration of the decisive victory over Iconoclasm and other heresies and is the origin or birthday of the Iconostas (wall of icons).
The purpose of this feast is to pay solemn public homage (veneration – lit. bow before) to the holy icon of Jesus Christ; but not only Christ but also the Blessed Birthgiver (Theotokos) of God, and all the Saints.
The Church of Christ deeply respects and honors the holy icons as it also does holy relics. She places them in church for public veneration and recommends that we venerate them privately in our homes, and wear small icons around our necks in the form of little crosses or medals.

SUNDAY LITURGIES DURING LENT:
WHY DO THEY SEEM LONGER?
Our Byzantine Church prescribes that the Liturgy of St. Basil the Great is to be celebrated on all of the Sundays of The Great Fast, instead of the Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, which is celebrated throughout the rest of the year.  St. Basil’s Anaphora prayers are older and are longer prayers than St. John Chrysostom’s Anaphora prayers (which were derived from of St. Basil the Great’s), and is celebrated ten times during the church year:  the five Sundays of The Great Fast (Palm Sunday is not part of the Fast), Holy Thursday, Holy Saturday, Christmas Eve, Epiphany Eve, and on the actual Feast of St. Basil which we celebrate on January 1.

SANCTUARY LIGHT: The Sanctuary light is requested to burn this week February 17 – 24 by Michael Kane in memory of Joseph Kane

The Altar Candles that burn for all the services during the month you request is available. The donation is $40 and the candles will burn during all the services of the month desired for your intentions.

DEANERY STATIONS OF THE CROSS: Our Parish will be the host for next Sunday, February 25th at 4:00 PM for the Deanery Stations of the Cross. A Fellowship will follow in the church hall. We are asking all parishioners to please try to attend this beautiful service. Desserts, food, etc. are in need for the fellowship. If you can help in this matter, please sign in on the paper in the vestibule. Your generosity is always very appreciated.

Schedule for the Deanery Station of the Cross
Sunday, Feb. 18 4:00 PM – SS Peter & Paul, Wilkes-Barre, PA
Sunday, Feb. 24 4:00 PM – SS Peter & Paul, Plymouth, PA
Sunday, March 4 4:00 PM – St. Nicholas, Glen Lyon, PA
Sunday, March 11 4:00 PM – Transfiguration of Our Lord, Nanticoke, PA
Sunday, March 17 4:00 PM – St. Vladimir, Edwardsville, PA

Please remember all those who are in Nursing Facilities, at home or in the hospital.