SS Peter & Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church

September 14, 2025

Saturday, September 13 EXALTATION OF THE HOLY CROSS (w/Myrovania)

            4:00 PM           Ann Beshada- Judy Lucchino 

Sunday, September 14 EXALTATION OF THE HOLY CROSS (w/Myrovania)

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

Saturday, September 20 SUNDAY AFTER THE EXALTATION OF THE CROSS

            4:00 PM           Barnett Kurtz- Nancy Marshall 

Sunday, September 21 SUNDAY AFTER THE EXALTATION OF THE CROSS           8:30 AM            God’s Blessings & Good Health for All Parishioners

The honorable Cross is brought out for veneration in the middle of Great Lent in order to inspire those who toil in fasting to patiently bear to the end the yoke they have taken. Why is it done in September?  Is it accidental? But there are no accidents for the Providential Wisdom that arrange all things.  This is why:  The harvest is taken from the field in September-at least.  And so, in order that some Christians might not feel too satisfied and say, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine wase, east, drink, and be merry! [Luke 12:19] and so that others might not become fainthearted because of the elevated Cross is brought before all.   It reminds the former that the support of well-being is not in possessions, but in the bearing of the cross in a Christian, inner way, if God’s goodness should bring external plenitude; and it inspires the latter to possess their souls in patience, through the certainty they will go from the cross directly to heaven.  Therefore, may some endure, knowing that they are traveling a smooth path to the Heavenly Kingdom; and may the others enjoy outward comforts with fear; not sealing the entrance to Heaven against themselves. – St. Theophan the Recluse

Worthless is the charity of the man who bestows it unwillingly, because material charity is not his, but God’s gift, while only the disposition of the heart belongs to the man. This is why many charities prove almost worthless, for they were bestowed unwillingly, grudgingly, without respect for the person of our neighbor. So also the hospitality of many persons proves worthless because of their hypocritical vain-glorious behavior to their guests. Let us offer our sacrifices upon the altar of love to our neighbor, with heart-felt affection: ‘for God loves a cheerful giver’ – St. John of Kronstadt

A Prayer to Sweetest Jesus

 Lord Jesus Christ, my God, Who dost visit Thy creature, and to Whom are known my passions, the weakness of our human nature, and the strength of our adversary: Protect me from his malice, for his power is strong and our nature is weak and fraught with passions. Wherefore, O Good One Who knowest our weakness and dost bear the burden of our weakness, preserve me from the tumult of my thoughts and the deluge of my passions, and make me worthy of Thy holy ministry, that in my passions I may in nowise defile its delight and so appear shameless and presumptuous before Thee. O my Jesus, most sweet Lord, have mercy on me, and save me!  Amen.

“How precious the gift of the cross, how splendid to contemplate! In the cross there is no mingling of good and evil, as in the tree of paradise: it is wholly beautiful to behold and good to taste. The fruit of this tree is not death but life, not darkness but light. This tree does not cast us out of paradise, but opens the way for our return.” – St. Theodore the Studite

SISTERS OF THE ORDER OF ST: BASIL THE GREAT 94th ANNUAL PILGRIMAGE:  This year’s 92^nd Pilgrimage honoring the Mother of God will be held on Sunday, October 5, 2025 on the grounds of the Motherhouse of the Sisters of St. Basil the Great in Fox Chase Manor.  The theme of this year’s Pilgrimage is “Mary, Mother of Hope.” 

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.

REVIVED SOLDIERS OF UKRAINE PRESENTATION:  An invitation is extended to the public on September 29 at 6:30PM on Railroad Street, Room 105 Lock Haven University Campus.  Ukraine at War:  A Personal Perspective from a severely wounded Ukrainian soldier.  For more information contact Dr. Rick Schulze, Retired Professor, Lock Haven, fschulze@comcast.net.

  ASK FATHER A QUESTION?  Father, when you prepare The Gifts in preparation for communion, there is a “particle” or square for the deceased or living person that we have a Liturgy Intention for…….Why?   I thought it was the Body of Christ? Who gets THIS particle?  Yes, there is a particle during the Preparation of “The Gifts” for the person whom the Liturgy is Intended, as there are for all the parishioners, many of the Saints as well as the Theotokos and Jesus Christ.  We pray as we believe and part of our prayer of Holy Communion is that we become “like” Christ.  So that we the Church are the Body of Christ.  This is part of the symbolism of the prayer of Holy Communion.  Because we truly believe and follow Christ’s Word, “that he who eats my flesh and drinks my blood lives in me and I in him.”  Those who partake of Holy Communion truly receive Christ and become like Christ.  The food we partake of changes us.  This is recognized in all of the prayers around Holy Communion.  As to who receives that particle, as those of you who come to the adult discussion group learned, one of the parishioners will receive this particle, because it is co-mingled with all the particles in the chalice.  All the particles originate from the one loaf that IS the Body of Christ.

The Altar candles for September were requested by Michaelene Ostrum and Helene Skopek-Krygier IMO their mother Helene Sirak.

 SYMPATHY:  Please remember in your prayers the servant of God, Mrs. Helene Sirak who fell asleep in the Lord on Sunday, August 24, 2025. May Our Lord grant her rest in the bosom of Abraham, may she be numbered among the saints, and may her memory be eternal.  Vichnaya Pamyat.  Our deepest sympathies are extended to the Sirak Family. 

WOMEN’S SOCIETY RUMMAGE SALE:  The Women’s Society is collecting items for the annual rummage sale that will be held in October.  Household items and gently used clothing can be dropped off at the church hall, or contact Anna Magil at 570-239-9263.  If you are able to help or don’t how you can help, give Anna Magil a call and ask her how you can help her, and the ladies, with the Rummage Sale.  There will also be a Basket Raffle and donations of baskets are needed.  Any questions, please contact Anna Magil.

PYROHY SALE:  Transfiguration of Our Lord Church is selling potato pyrohy (frozen).  The cost is $12.00 per dozen.  If you would like to purchase pyrohy please contact the church rectory or call Lisa at 570-574-1016.

“PASTIE SALE.  Saints Peter & Paul, Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, North Wilkes-Barre is taking orders for Pasties for pick-up on Saturday, October 4^th, 2025.  Our Pasties are made with seasoned ground beef and potatoes wrapped in a pie crust pastry and are available with or without onions.  Pasties are $9.00 each and Gravy is available for $1.00 for an 8 oz. cup.  Call (570) 829-3051 to place your order.  (Please specify with or without onions.)  Pick-up from 2:00 to 4:00pm in our School Hall, corner of North River and West Chestnut Streets, Wilkes-Barre.  Remember, when Baba cooks… everybody’s happy!”

Remember 9/11 Prayer-Let Us Not Forget

Almighty God, the year 2001 will be indelibly inscribed in our memories.

We looked with horror on the terrorist attacks of September 11th.

But we looked with honor on acts of courage by ordinary people

who sacrificed themselves to prevent further death and destruction.

We shed our tears in a common bond of grief for those we loved and lost.

We journeyed through a dark valley,

but your light has led us to a place of hope.

You have turned our grief into determination.

We are resolved to do what is good, and right, and just.

Help us to remember what it means to be Americans—

a people endowed with abundant blessings.

Help us to cherish the freedoms we enjoy and inspire us to stand

with courage, united as one Nation in the midst of any adversity.

We pray in the name of the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit .  Amen.

 Baba’s Babushka

Announcing a new book written by Denise Kaminsky, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Theodore O’Bremski, members of Transfiguration of Our Lord Church for more than 100 years, and she now resides in State College, PA.  Having a caring and loving family gave Denise a good foundation for life and she wishes to share this with others.

The book is about a loving Ukrainian Baba and her granddaughter.  Denise grew up in a warm loving family that included a Ukrainian Baba who was very close with her and taught her Ukrainian words which are sprinkled throughout the story.  

If you are interested, you can order books by contacting Denise at dlk618@yahoo.com or through Amazon

BOOK(S)  OF THE MONTH FOR SEPTEMBER:

Angels (and Demons) What do we really know?

by Peter Kreeft

ISBN:  978-0-89870-550-8

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 as is Your Will in this world.  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.

September 7, 2025 A. D.

Saturday, September 6 SUNDAY BEOFRE THE EXALTATION OF THE HOLY CROSS

THIRTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST 

            4:00 PM           Mary Ann Kachinko- Blannard Family 

Sunday, September 7 SUNDAY BEOFRE THE EXALTATION OF THE HOLY CROSS

THIRTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

           8:30 AM            Mildred Kane- Udiski Family

Monday, September 8 NATIVITY OF THE MOTHER OF GOD (Myrovania)

8:30 AM Dennis Kachmarsky-  Mariya Palashchuk

Saturday, September 13 EXALTATION OF THE HOLY CROSS 

            4:00 PM           Ann Beshada- Judy Lucchino 

Sunday, September 14 EXALTATION OF THE HOLY CROSS

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

Vespers will be held on Saturday, September 13 at 6:00PM

The Feast of the Nativity of the Theotokos;  September 8, 2017    By Tenny Thomas

The Feast of the Nativity of the Theotokos is the first major feast of the new Church Year, which begins on September 1st. Why was this day selected since it is not in the Holy Scripture? History shows that St. Helena, the mother of Emperor Constantine, built a Church in Jerusalem, which was dedicated to the Nativity of our Lady. It was said to be consecrated on the date of her nativity: September 8th. The birth and early life of the Virgin Mary is found in a work dating from the second century known as the Book of James, or Protevangelion.  According to the account found in this book, Mary’s parents, Joachim and Anna, were childless for many years. They remained faithful to God, but their prayers for a child were unanswered. One day, when Joachim came to the temple to make an offering, he was turned away by the High Priest who chastised him for his lack of children. To hide his shame, Joachim retreated to the hill country to live among the shepherds and their flocks. Joachim was frustrated that he was turned away by the High Priest in the temple but he submitted his emptiness to the Lord. At the same time his wife Anna was also praying at their house in Jerusalem. An angel appeared to both of them and announced that Anna would have a child whose name would be known throughout the world. Anna promised to offer her child as a gift to the Lord. Joachim returned home, and in due time Anna bore a daughter, Mary.  Joachim was of the lineage of David, and Anna of the lineage of Aaron. Thus, Mary was of royal birth by her father and of priestly birth by her mother. In this, Mary foreshadowed Christ who would be born of her as King and High Priest.“  Mary, Full of grace, Blessed among women, the Temple of the Holy Spirit, the Altar of the Living God, the Table of the Heavenly Bread, the Ark of God’s Holiness, the Tree of the Sweetest Fruit, the Glory of the race of man, the Praise of womanhood, the Fount of virginity and purity – this was the daughter given by God to Joachim and Anna. She was born in Nazareth, and at the age of three, was taken to the Temple in Jerusalem. In her young womanhood she returned again to Nazareth, and shortly thereafter heard the Annunciation of the Holy Archangel Gabriel concerning the birth of the Son of God, the Savior of the world, from her most-pure virgin body”.  Romanos, who lived in the 5th century, was a native of Syria and later a deacon of Hagia Sophia in Constantinople. He is known to have composed and written many prayers and hymns now in use in the Eastern Church. He was probably the first one who brought this day to the attention of the Church leaders. He wrote a hymn in honor of her birth and spread the knowledge of it among the people. Both St. Andrew of Crete and St. John of Damascus also wrote much about this event. Andrew of Crete said: “This day is for us the beginning of all holy days. It is the door to kindness and truth. Today is arranged for the Creator of all, an inspired Church and creation prepares itself to become the divine dwelling place of its Creator”.  John of Damascus says, “The day of the Nativity of the Theotokos is the feast of joy for the whole world, because through the Theotokos the entire human race was renewed and the grief of the first mother Eve was changed into joy”.  “From Apostolic times and to our days all who truly love Christ give veneration to Her Who gave birth to Him, raised Him and protected Him in the days of His youth. If God the Father chose Her, God the Holy Spirit descended upon Her, and God the Son dwelt in Her, submitted to Her in the days of His youth, was concerned for Her when hanging on the Cross then should not everyone who confesses the Holy Trinity venerate Her?”  “The Redeemer of mankind willed to arrange a new birth and re-creation of mankind: like as under the first creation, taking dust from the virginal and pure earth, wherein He formed the first Adam, so also now, having arranged His Incarnation upon the earth, — and so to speak, in place of dust — He chooses from out of all the creation this Most Pure Virgin and, having re-created mankind within His Chosen-One from amidst mankind, the Creator of Adam is made the New Adam, in order to save the old”.  The Church gives a special place to the honor and veneration of the Virgin Mary the Mother of God. The Third Ecumenical Council in Ephesus (431 A.D.) officially adopted the term Theotokos, God Bearer.  There is a period of fasting (the first 14 days of August) and numerous feasts and hymns dedicated to her. Her image is traditionally painted above the Sanctuary and called “more spacious than the heavens” (Platytera).  The Virgin Mary, being the mother of God, earnestly intercedes for us, for she gave her flesh to Christ in all humility and obedience, so that the Word of God would become man.  The image of the Hodegetria holds a privileged place in the iconography of the Mother of God. “Hodegetria” means “She who shows the Way”.  Mary, the Mother of God always shows us the way to God. May the prayers of the Theotokos be a stronghold to us.

PRAYER TO SAINT MICHAEL (Feast Day September 6)

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.

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.

“To the Theotokos: a request for guidance in life and help in death”

 (Saint Ephraim the Syrian)

To the Theotokos: a request for guidance in life and help in death

 Virgin Lady and Mother of God, thou who didst bear Christ our Savior and God in thy womb, I place all my hope on thee; in thee do I trust, for thou art higher than all the powers of heaven. Thou, who art All-Pure, protect me by thine all-powerful prayers.  Direct my life and lead me on the path indicated by the holy will of thy Son and our God. Grant me remission of sins, be to me a refuge, a protection, a defense, and a directress, guiding me along the path to eternal life.  Do not leave me in the terrible hour of death, O my Lady, but rush to mine aid, rescue me from the bitter torments of the demons. For if thou so choosest, thou hast the power to do this, for thou art truly the Mother of God who reignest over all.

Cease not to pray for all of us, thine unworthy servants, that we might be delivered from all the wiles of the Evil One and from all extremity, and that we might remain unwounded by all his venomous attacks.  Preserve us uncondemned to the end by thy prayers that, saved by thy help and intercession, we might forever send up glory, praise, thanks and honor to the One God in Trinity, to the Creator of all.

The Altar candles for September were requested by Michaelene Ostrum and Helene Skopek-Krygier IMO their mother Helene Sirak.

The Sanctuary Light for this week was requested by the Mrs. Mariya Palashchuk in loving memory of Olga Zherebetzka.

WOMEN’S SOCIETY RUMMAGE SALE:  The Women’s Society is collecting items for the annual rummage sale that will be held in October.  Household items and gently used clothing can be dropped off at the church hall, or contact Anna Magil at 570-239-9263.  If you are able to help or don’t how you can help, give Anna Magil a call and ask her how you can help her, and the ladies, with the Rummage Sale.

AIR CONDITIONING REPLACEMENT:  The hall’s air conditioner has been successfully repaired, thanks to the kindness of numerous donors who contributed to offset this cost and we are very thankful for their kindness.   There is still time to donate for this expense.  We appreciate the donations made these last few weeks towards the repair bill for the hall’s air conditioner.

REVIVED SOLDIERS OF UKRAINE PRESENTATION:  An invitation is extended to the public on September 29 at 6:30PM on Railroad Street, Room 105 Lock Haven University Campus.  Ukraine at War:  A Personal Perspective from a severely wounded Ukrainian soldier.  For more information contact Dr. Rick Schulze, Retired Professor, Lock Haven, fschulze@comcast.net.

VESPERS:  On Saturday, September 13^th we will have Vespers at Transfiguration of Our Lord Church (instead of Divine Liturgy) at 6:00pm for the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. Keep in mind that Vespers will count as your Sunday obligation, just a reminder there is no Holy Communion.

 ASK FATHER A QUESTION?  Father, explain to me what are Vespers?  

Everything a person does has a beginning, a middle and an end.  Liturgically (liturgy meaning a public work of the people) speaking the beginning of the day is at sundown.  Every holy day, and every Sunday, which is a little Pascha, begins when the sun sets Saturday evening and Sunday begins at the singing of “O Joyful Light.”  Every Catholic, if possible, should attend the three main liturgical services of every holy day and Sunda,y which are Vespers (Evening Prayer), Matins (Morning Prayer) and the Liturgy.  Vespers begins the day, Matins is at the middle and public works finishes with the Liturgy and the reception of the Body and Blood of Christ, Holy Communion.  So, just as you should attend every Great Vespers each Sunday morning (in secular time, Saturday evening) so too you should to attend the Vespers which begins every day, especially Major Holy Days.  Also, when you attend all three of the services of a Holy Day, all the unique prayers for that day will tell you what is happening and teach you the Catechism of the Church.  The Great Fast is focused on preparing us for the Holiest of Holy Days, Pascha, and Forgiveness Vespers  begins that story, and prayer, ordering us toward the center of our salvation, we should do our best to make an honest effort toward spiritual healing of our entire body and the entire body of Christ, His Church.  The focus of Forgiveness Vespers at Lent is us looking at ourselves honestly and trying to grow in love for one another, and so too every Vespers.  This is because we are all created in the image and likeness of God and we will succeed together and need one another to conquer sin.  

 Baba’s Babushka

Announcing a new book written by Denise Kaminsky, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Theodore O’Bremski, members of Transfiguration of Our Lord Church for more than 100 years, and she now resides in State College, PA.  Having a caring and loving family gave Denise a good foundation for life and she wishes to share this with others.

The book is about a loving Ukrainian Baba and her granddaughter.  Denise grew up in a warm loving family that included a Ukrainian Baba who was very close with her and taught her Ukrainian words which are sprinkled throughout the story.  

If you are interested, you can order books by contacting Denise at dlk618@yahoo.com or through Amazon

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 as is Your Will in this world.  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.