SS Peter & Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church

SUNDAY OF THE PUBLICAN AND PHARISEE

Saturday, January 17 SUNDAY OF THE PUBLICAN AND PHARISEE

            4:00 PM           God’s Blessings & Good Health for All Parishioners

Sunday, January 18       SUNDAY OF THE PUBLICAN AND PHARISEE          

            8:30 AM             UYaroslava Piyonzko – Mariya Palashchuk

Saturday, January 24 SUNDAY OF THE PRODIGAL SON

            4:00 PM           God’s Blessings & Good Health for All Parishioners

Sunday, January 25      SUNDAY OF THE PRODIGAL SON        

            8:30 AM             UMaryAnn Youells-Paul & Dolore Hoover

“Whosoever shall not receive the Kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein.” (Luke 18:17).  How is one to receive it as a little child?  Here is how:  in simplicity, with a full heart, without a moment’s thought.  A rational analysis is not applicable in the realm of faith.  It can have a place only on it’s threshold.  As an anatomist divides the whole body into it’s parts but does not see life, so also reason, no matter how much it deliberates, does not comprehend the power of faith.  Fath itself provides contemplations which on the whole, show that faith completely satisfies all the requirements of our nature, and obliges our consciousness, conscience and heart to receive faith.  They receive it, and having received it, do not want to break from it.  The same thing happens here as with someone who has tasted pleasant and healthy food.  Having tasted it once, he knows that it is suitable, and he accepts it among the substances that nourish him.  Chemistry is not help to him in the conviction, either before or after he tastes it.  His conviction is based on personal, direct experience.  In the same way a believer knows the truth of the Faith directly.  Faith itself instills in him the unshakeable conviction that it is faith.  How, then, could faith be rational faith?  The rationality of faith is to directly know that faith is faith.  The intellect only ruins things.  Cooling faith and weakening life according to faith; but the main thing is that it is arrogant, and chases away God’s grace—and in Christianity this is an evil of the first degree.  -St. Theophan the Recluse

“When a strong man armed keepeth his palace, his goods are in peace:  But when a stronger than he shall come upon him, and overcome him, he taketh from him all his armor wherein he trusted, and divideth his spoils (Luke 11:21-22).”   This allegory explains how demonic power over souls is destroyed by the Lord.  While a soul is in sin, its evil spirit possesses it, although it may not always be clearly demonstrated.  The evil spirit is stronger than the soul, and this is why it does not fear an uprising on the soul’s part.  It rules and tyrannizes it without resistance.  But when the Lord comes to a soul, attracted by faith and repentance, He tears apart all of Satan’s bonds, casts out the demon and deprives it of all the power over this person’s soul.  While this soul serves the Lord, the demons cannot prevail over it, for the soul is strong through the Lord, Who is stronger than they are.  When the soul takes a false step and roams away from the Lord, the demon again attacks and overcomes it, and for the soul, the poor thing, the last state is worse than before.  This is the general, unseen order of phenomena in the spiritual world.  If only the eyes of our mind were opened, we would see the worldwide battle of spirits against souls:  First one side, then the other overcomes, depending upon whether the soul communes with the Lord through faith, repentance, and zeal for good works, or falls back from Him through carelessness, lack of concern, and coolness toward doing good.  -St. Theophan the Recluse

THIRTY THIRD SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

SUNDAY OF THE PUBLICAN AND PHARISEE

 LENT:  Remember, the first day of Lent is a fast from Meat and Dairy Products.  Lent begins with Forgiveness Vespers, Sunday, February 15^th at 3:00PM at Transfiguration of Our Lord Church.  The first full day of Lent will begin on Monday, February 16 and is a day of abstinence from Meat and Dairy Products for everyone who is able to do so.  All Fridays are always a day of fast.  Traditionally, Wednesdays are a day of fast during the Great Fast.  Anything you can do extra is also indicated.  Remember there are no weekday Liturgy during the Great Fast.

The Altar Candles for the month of January are given by Michaelene Ostrum IMO her brother, Michael B Sirak.

 SYMPATHY:  It is with deep sorrow that we remember in our prayers Jewel Johnstone who fell asleep in the Lord on Thursday, January 22^nd.  May Our Lord grant her rest in the bosom of Abraham, may she be numbered among the saints, and may her memory be eternal.  Jewel was very active in the Women’s group and Church activities, she will be sorely missed.  Vichnaya Pamyat.  May Her Memory Be Eternal.  The funeral will be Thursday January 29^th at 11 am from the church.

CHURCH CALENDARS:  The church calendars are here in the church vestibule.

BLESSING OF HOUSES:   If you would like your house blessed, please put a note in the basket or contact the rectory.

CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS:  Thank you to everyone who helped take down the decorations.  Your help is greatly appreciated.

FIRST SATURDAY LITURGY:  Twelve Liturgies were given for the first Saturday of each month starting February 7 for any Families experiencing troubles in their lives and seeking God’s help from both Transfiguration of Our Lord & Saints Peter & Paulk Churches.  If you have such a petition for a family  please feel free to share it with Fr. Walter to be included in the Saturday’s liturgy intention. The first Saturday Liturgies are celebrated at Tranfiguration of Our Lord Church at 8:00 AM.  No additional donations are required to submit a petition.  You also may call Lisa to submit a petition to add to the list, 570-574-1016.

MYASOPUSNA 2026

 Myasopusna Dinner Celebration is fast approaching!  The Myasopusna Celebration is scheduled for February 8^th, 2026, the date of our Meat-fare Sunday.  This event combines a delicious ethnic meal (Ham, kobasi, Halupki, pyrohy, kapusta, bosch, & dessert) with cultural dance, singing and art.  This year will feature the St. Mary’s Ukrainian Dancers.  Ukrainian Beer and wine will be available. Ticket price is $25 and kids are $12. Doors open at noon. Cocktail 1/2 hour is noon-12:30. Serving starts at 12:30PM and stops at 2:00PM.  Tables are not reserved ahead of time.  Program will start approximately 1:30PM.  For tickets call 570-735-4654 or 570-574-1016 (leave message) to order advance tickets.  No Tickets Will Be Sold At the Door.  Take-outs are available.  Lisa will be selling tickets prior to Saturday & Sunday Liturgies at Transfiguration of Our Lord Church and Saints Peter & Paul Church.

PIGGIE DINNER:  “Saints Peter & Paul Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, Wilkes- Barre will hold a take-out Piggie / Holubtsi Dinner on Saturday, January 31^st, 2026.  Dinners may be picked up between 12:00 (noon) and 4:00 pm in our school hall, corner of North River and West Chestnut Streets, Wilkes-Barre.  Dinners include; Piggies (meat & rice stuffed cabbage), mashed potatoes, vegetable, bread and butter and dessert.  Dinners will be $15.00 for adults and $9.00 for children (12 and under).  Walk-in customers will be welcomed, but reservations are Strongly Encouraged, (570) 829-3051.”

PSANKY CLASSES:  St. Cyril & Methodius are holding Psanky classes. These classes are artistically taught by TAMMY BUDNOVITCH on February 22 & March 1^st.  Pick either 12:00 or 3:00 for classes.  All supplies are provided.  Fee: $25.  All proceeds support SS. Cyril & Methodius, Ukrainian Catholic Church.  For reservations: Call Tammy 570-766-1919.

VISITING THE SICK:  Do you know a homebound Parishioner who can’t make it to church and would like a visit?  Please contact Father Walter at the rectory at 570-735-2262.

LITURGY INTENTIONS:  If you are offering a Divine Liturgy for a specific day for your beloved or other intentions for 2026, please make sure you turn it into the rectory in order to make sure that you get the exact time that you would like

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 in this world, as is Your Will.  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.

SUNDAY OF ZACCHAEUS

January 18, 2026 A. D. 

Saturday, January 17 SUNDAY OF ZACCHEUS

            4:00 PM           God’s Blessings & Good Health for All Parishioners

Sunday, January 18       SUNDAY OF ZACCHEUS

            8:30 AM             UFrank Udiski Sr.- Udiski Family

Saturday, January 17 SUNDAY OF THE PUBLICAN AND PHARISEE

            4:00 PM           God’s Blessings & Good Health for All Parishioners

Sunday, January 18       SUNDAY OF THE PUBLICAN AND PHARISEE          

            8:30 AM             UYaroslava Piyonakjo – Mariya Palashchuk

FIVE SATURDAYS OF THE DECEASED (SOROKUSTY)

The Five Saturdays of the Deceased (Sorokousty) The Church Typikon designates the five Sorokousty/ Saturdays of the Deceased for 2026 as February 21st; February 28^th, March 7th and 14^th, and May 23^rd.. It is a tradition of our Holy Church to commemorate the memories of our beloved deceased at Matins of the Deceased (Parastas) on these five Saturdays of the year.  Sorokousty Services will be celebrated at 8:00am at Transfiguration of Our Lord.

ANSWERS TO PRAYER:  If God is slow to grant your request and you do not receive what you ask for promptly, do not be grieved, for you are not wiser than God.  When this happens to you, it is either because your way of life does not accord with your request, or because the pathways of your heart are at odds with the intention of your prayer.  Or it may be because you inner state is too childish by comparison with the magnitude of the thing you have asked for.  It is not appropriate that great things should fall easily into our hands, otherwise God’s gift will be held in dishonour, because of the ease with which we obtain it.  For anything that is readily obtained is also easily lost, whereas everything which is found with toil is preserved with care.- St. Isaac of Syria

Woe to those who are rich, who are full, who laugh, and who are praised. But good shall come to those who endure every wrongful accusation, beating, robbery, or compulsory difficulty. This is completely opposite to what people usually think and feel! The thoughts of God are as far from human thoughts as heaven is from the earth. How else could it be? We are in exile; and it is not remarkable for those in exile to be offended and insulted. We are under a penance; the penance consists of deprivations and labors. We are sick; and most useful for the sick are bitter medicines. The Savior Himself all of His life did not have a place to lay His head, and He finished his life on the cross — why should his followers have a better lot? The Spirit of Christ is the spirit of preparedness to suffer and bear good-naturedly all that is sorrowful. Comfort, arrogance, splendor, and ease are all foreign to its searching and tastes. Its path lies in the fruitless, dreary desert. The model is the forty-year wandering of the Israelites in the desert. Who follows this path? Everyone who sees Canaan beyond the desert, boiling over with milk and honey. During his wandering he too receives manna, however not from the earth, but from heaven; not bodily, but spiritually. All the glory is within. – St. Theophan the Recluse

PRAYER TO ST. MICHAEL

St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle; be our defense 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, thrust into hell Satan and the other evil spirits who prowl about the world for the ruin of souls.  Amen.

THIRTY SECOND SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

SUNDAY OF ZACCHAEUS

LENT:  Remember, the first day of Lent is a fast from Meat and Dairy Products.  Lent begins with Forgiveness Vespers, Sunday, February 15^th at 3:00PM at Transfiguration of Our Lord Church.  The first full day of Lent will begin on Monday, February 16 and is a day of abstinence from Meat and Dairy Products for everyone who is able to do so.  All Fridays are always a day of fast.  Traditionally, Wednesdays are a day of fast during the Great Fast.  Anything you can do extra is also indicated.  Remember there are no weekday Liturgy during the Great Fast.

The Altar Candles for the month of January are given by Michaelene Ostrum IMO her brother, Michael B Sir

CHURCH CALENDARS:  The church calendars are here and in the church vestibule.

BLESSING OF HOUSES:   If you would like your house blessed, please put a note in the basket or contact the rectory.

CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS:  The Christmas decorations will be taken down on Saturday, January 24th at 10AM.  Help is needed to complete this task.

FIRST SATURDAY LITURGY:  Twelve Liturgies were given for the first Saturday of each month starting February 7 for any Families experiencing troubles in their lives and seeking God’s help from both Transfiguration of Our Lord & Saints Peter & Paulk Churches.  If you have such a petition for a family  please feel free to share it with Fr. Walter to be included in the Saturday’s liturgy intention. The first Saturday Liturgies are celebrated at Tranfiguration of Our Lord Church at 8:00 AM.  No additional donations are required to submit a petition.

MYASOPUSNA 2026

 Myasopusna Dinner Celebration is fast approaching!  The Myasopusna Celebration is scheduled for February 8^th, 2026, the date of our Meat-fare Sunday.  This event combines a delicious ethnic meal (Ham, kobasi, Halupki, pyrohy, kapusta, bosch, & dessert) with cultural dance, singing and art.  This year will feature the St. Mary’s Ukrainian Dancers.  Ukrainian Beer and wine will be available. Ticket price is $25 and kids are $12. Doors open at noon. Cocktail 1/2 hour is noon-12:30. Serving starts at 12:30PM and stops at 2:00PM.  Tables are not reserved ahead of time.  Program will start approximately 1:30PM.  For tickets call 570-735-4654 or 570-574-1016 (leave message) to order advance tickets.  No Tickets Will Be Sold At the Door.  Take-outs are available.  Lisa will be selling tickets prior to Saturday & Sunday Liturgies at Transfiguration of Our Lord Church and Saints Peter & Paul Church.

PIGGIE DINNER:  “Saints Peter & Paul Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, Wilkes- Barre will hold a take-out Piggie / Holubtsi Dinner on Saturday, January 31^st, 2026.  Dinners may be picked up between 12:00 (noon) and 4:00 pm in our school hall, corner of North River and West Chestnut Streets, Wilkes-Barre.  Dinners include; Piggies (meat & rice stuffed cabbage), mashed potatoes, vegetable, bread and butter and dessert.  Dinners will be $15.00 for adults and $9.00 for children (12 and under).  Walk-in customers will be welcomed, but reservations are Strongly Encouraged, (570) 829-3051.”

VISITING THE SICK:  Do you know a homebound Parishioner who can’t make it to church and would like a visit?  Please contact Father Walter at the rectory at 570-735-2262.

ST.VLADIMIR’S CHURCH PRESENTATION:  The Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy is hosting a screening of Making NEPA Home, an original documentary from WVIA Public Media, highlighting the immigrant communities of Northeastern PA on Sunday, January 18^th at 2pm at St. Vladimir Ukrainian Catholic Church, 430 N. 7th Avenue, Scranton, PA 18503.  The screening is followed by a question & answer period with Kara Washigton, Promotions Coordinator, WVIA.  All are welcome.

LITURGY INTENTIONS:  If you are offering a Divine Liturgy for a specific day for your beloved or other intentions for 2026, please make sure you turn it into the rectory in order to make sure that you get the exact time that you would like.

January 11, 2026 A. D.

 Khrystos Razhdayetsia! Slavyte Yeho!

January 11, 2026 A. D. 

Saturday, January 10 SUNDAY AFTER THEOPHANY

            4:00 PM           God’s Blessings & Good Health for All Parishioners

Sunday, January 11       SUNDAY AFTER THEOPHANY

            8:30 AM             UBernard Sulzen & Family- Becker Family

Saturday, January 17 SUNDAY OF ZACCHEUS

            4:00 PM           God’s Blessings & Good Health for All Parishioners

Sunday, January 18       SUNDAY OF ZACCHEUS

            8:30 AM             UFrank Udiski Sr.- Udiski Family

 PRAYER TO ST. MICHAEL

St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle; be our defense 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, thrust into hell Satan and the other evil spirits who prowl about the world for the ruin of souls.  Amen.

ASK FATHER A QUESTION?  Father………… How do you pronounce and what is Sabboath?  Is that the Sabbath-OR different?  

Firstly, the “correct” spelling is Sabaoth.  It is pronounced  Greek “Saba’-oath” or “Sab’-a-oth” or “Sab’-a-yoth”.  The prayer we pray on page 30 of the little black book says “Lord of Sabaoth” and this is a name for God.  Sabaoth literally means heavenly hosts, the angels, and the angels are God’s Heavenly Army.    Yes, this is different from the Sabbath.  The Sabbath is the seventh and last day of the week, same as the seventh day of creation when the Lord rested.  This is the Holy Day of prayer that when God tells us to keep Holy the Lord’s day- this is the day.  Both words are transliterated from Hebrew.  Keeping the Sabbath Holy means to put first amongst all things- God.

ASK FATHER A QUESTION?  What is the Liturgy of the Hours?  Does it require a priest to lead in prayer?  Or can it be said like the Rosary before Liturgy or as a separate service?   Liturgy of the Hours is a prayer service primarily of the psalms recited at the 1^st(6AM), 3^rd(9AM), 6^th(noon), and 9^th(3PM) hour of the day.  

The Liturgy of the Hours is intended to be led by a priest, however it can be led by a Cantor in the absence of a priest, by not reciting the priestly prayers.

There are two kinds of prayer in the Church, Private Devotions and Liturgies.  Liturgy is from the Greek word meaning a “public work” which is recited by the whole Church, priest and people.  Liturgy of the Hours falls into the category of Liturgies- “public works.”  The Liturgical Cycle of daily prayers in the Church are all meant to be led by a priest; in the absence of a priest there are ways that all of the Liturgies of the Church can be said led by a deacon or a cantor.  The Rosary and Stations of the Cross are private devotions that do not require a priest and can be recited by the Parish.  Copies of the Hours are in the Blue Book; The Divine Liturgy, An Anthology for Worship.

If you want to know about God, there is only one way to do it; get down on your knees.  – Venerable Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen 1946

 Petitions & Prayers for Our Parishioners:  Jewel Johnstone, John Ostrum,Donna Winsock, Sonia Dempsey, Catherine Halloway, Charles Hallaway, Paul Hoover & James Bencho.  Keep them in your prayers.  If anyone would like to be included in the prayer list drop a note in the basket, email the church or text Michalene Ostrum at 570-704-7079.

FESTIVAL OF THE CAROLS:  Festival of Ukrainian Christmas Carols to be held at the Cathedral in Philadelphia on January 11, 2026, at 3:00pm.  

LITURGY INTENTIONS:  If you are offering a Divine Liturgy for a specific day for your beloved or other intentions for 2026, please make sure you turn it into the rectory in order to make sure that you get the exact time that you would like.

BOOK(S) OF THE MONTH FOR JANUARY:

As It Was In The Beginning Is Now And Ever Shall Be

By Bishop Roman Danylak, Titular Bishop of Nissa

ISBN:  978-0986534300

The Altar Candles for the month of January are given by Michaelene Ostrum IMO her brother, Michael B Sirak.

The Sanctuary Light for this week is requested by Michaelene Ostrum IMO her brother, Michael Sirak.

THANK YOU:   Thank You for all your prayers, cards and gifts during the Christmas Season.  They are deeply appreciated!  I also thank all of the Parishioners for their generous donations to the Parish during the year, and this Christmas Season.  I deeply appreciate  your sacrifice to St. Peter & Paul Parish in your time & efforts and monetary donations.    I am certain that all the Parishioners have a heartfelt “Thank You” to God as well for this past year.  Fr. Walter Pasicznyk

CHURCH CALENDARS:  The church calendars are on the way.   They should be here next week.  The company never received our order.  My apologies to you.

BLESSING OF HOUSES:   If you would like your house blessed, please put a note in the basket or contact the rectory.

CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS:  The Christmas decorations will be taken down on Saturday, January 24th at 10AM.  Help is needed to complete this task.

FIRST SATURDAY LITURGY:  Twelve Liturgies were given for the first Saturday of each month starting February 7 for any parishioner or family experiencing troubles in their lives and seeking God’s help.  If you have such a petition, please feel free to share it with Fr. Walter to be included in the Saturday’s liturgy intention. The first Saturday Liturgies are celebrated at Tranfiguration of Our Lord Church at 8:00 AM.  No additional donations are required to submit a petition.

 MYOSOPUSNA 2026

The Myasopusna Dinner Celebration at Transfiguration of Our Lord Church is scheduled for February 8, 2026, the date of our Meat-fare Sunday.  This event combines a delicious ethnic meal (Ham, kobasi, Halupki, pyrohy, kapusta, bosch, & dessert) with cultural dance, singing and art.  This year will feature the St. Mary’s Ukrainian Dancers.  Ukrainian Beer and wine will be available. Ticket price is $25 and kids are $12. Doors open at noon. Cocktail 1/2 hour is noon-12:30. Serving starts at 12:30PM and stops at 2:00PM.  Tables are not reserved ahead of time.  Program will start approximately 1:30PM.  For tickets call 570-735-4654 or 570-735-1901(leave message) to order advance tickets.  No Tickets Will Be Sold At the Door.

    Take-outs are available.

PIGGIE DINNER:  “Saints Peter & Paul Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, Wilkes- Barre will hold a take-out Piggie / Holubtsi Dinner on Saturday, January 31^st, 2026.  Dinners may be picked up between 12:00 (noon) and 4:00 pm in our school hall, corner of North River and West Chestnut Streets, Wilkes-Barre.  Dinners include; Piggies (meat & rice stuffed cabbage), mashed potatoes, vegetable, bread and butter and dessert.  Dinners will be $15.00 for adults and $9.00 for children (12 and under).  Walk-in customers will be welcomed, but reservations are Strongly Encouraged, (570) 829-3051.”

VISITING THE SICK:  Do you know a homebound Parishioner who can’t make it to church and would like a visit?  Please contact Father Walter at the rectory at 570-735-2262.

“If you are discouraged it is a sign of pride, because it shows you trust in your own powers.

 – Mother Teresa

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 in this world, as is Your Will.  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.

January 4, 2026 A. D.

 Saturday, January 3 SUNDAY BEFORE THEOPHANY

            4:00 PM           UElizabeth Suscavage – Joe & Rose Mazur

Sunday, January 4 SUNDAY BEFORE THEOPHANY

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

Monday, January 5 THEOPHANY EVE – (w/Myrovania)

    4:00 PM UHugh Hughes- Nancy Marshall

Tuesday, January 6 THEOPHANY – (w/Myrovania)

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

Saturday, January 10 SUNDAY AFTER THEOPHANY

            4:00 PM           God’s Blessings & Good Health for All Parishioners

Sunday, January 11       SUNDAY AFTER THEOPHANY

            8:30 AM             UBernard Sulzen & Family- Becker Family

 ASK FATHER A QUESTION?  Father, is Epiphany and Theophany the same Feast Day?  Epiphany and Theophany are two different feasts that are celebrated on the same day.  One Holy Day and two events are remembered on that day.  The Western Church (Roman Catholic) emphasizes the manifestation of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles (Magi or Three Kings) and they do recognize the baptism of Jesus Christ on the same day- the Western Church calls it Epiphany from the Greek {to reveal}.  The Eastern Church (Ukrainian Church is one of the Eastern Churches) emphasizes the baptism of the “Adult” Jesus Christ in the Jordan River at the beginning of his ministry and the three kings are remembered –the Eastern Church calls this Feast Day Theophany, from the Greek {to show us God}.

 Father I have a question for you, how long is the “Christmas Season?” 

Like Easter, Christmas is the only other feast that has a 40 day long Preparation Period (Phillip’s Fast) and 40-day Festal Period.  Also, like Easter, Christmas is an eight day feast.  You might remember that on Easter Sunday and the entire week following, the Royal Doors and Deacon Doors are open because it is seven days of Sunday.  In our church, there are Feasts that are 1, 3, or 8 days long.  On the Feasts that last more than one day, the final day of the Feast is called the Leave-Taking.   The Leave-Taking of Christmas is December 31.  If you pay attention to the Liturgies, Daily and Sunday, throughout the course of the year, you will notice that for the Feast Day itself, there are multiple special prayers for the Feast, Old Testament Readings, Antiphons, Tropars, Kondaks, Prayers to the Theotokos (God Bearer, a.k.a. Mother of God), Communion Hymns and Ambvon (Priest’s) Prayers.  For the Feasts that last several days, you will notice that some of the special prayers will be included during this period.  Possibly, the Antiphons, Tropars, Kondaks, and Prayers to the Mother of God-(It is Truly Right…).  For the forty day Festal Period, we don’t include all of those prayers liturgically, but you know it is the forty day Festal Period because of the greeting Christ is Born! Glorify Him!  Part of the confusion with Christmas is that we have the Feast of Theophany, Synaxis of the Mother of God, Synaxis of St. John the Baptist, and the Feast of St. Stephen, in the middle of the Christmas Season, this does not negate the Christmas Festal Period that concludes with the Encounter of Our Lord with Simeon on February 2^nd.

 PRAYER TO ST. MICHAEL

St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle; be our defense 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, thrust into hell Satan and the other evil spirits who prowl about the world for the ruin of souls.  Amen.

BOOK(S) OF THE MONTH FOR DECEMBER:

ST. EPHREM THE SYRIAN

Hymns on Paradise  

ISBN:   978-0881410761

 Petitions & Prayers for Our Parishioners:  Jewel Johnstone, John Ostrum,Donna Winsock, Sonia Dempsey, Catherine Halloway, Charles Hallaway, Paul Hoover & James Bencho.  Keep them in your prayers.  If anyone would like to be included in the prayer list drop a note in the basket, email the church or text Michalene Ostrum at 570-704-7079.

The Jesus Prayer

Господи Ісусе Христе, Сину Божий, помилуй мене грішного.

Hospodi Isuse Khryste, Synu Bozhe, pomiluy mene, hrishnoho.

“Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner.”

This prayer is central in The Eastern Catholic and Orthodox hesychasm, a form of 

contemplative prayer focused on continual invocation of Jesus’ name.

FESTIVAL OF THE CAROLS:  Festival of Ukrainian Christmas Carols to be held at the Cathedral in Philadelphia on January 11, 2026, at 3:00pm.  

LITURGY INTENTIONS:  If you are offering a Divine Liturgy for a specific day for your beloved or other intentions for 2026, please make sure you turn it into the rectory in order to make sure that you get the exact time that you would like.

MYASOPUSNA 2026 at Transfiguration of our Lord Church is February 8^th, 2026.  Please SAVE the date.

The Altar Candles for the month of January are given by Michaelene Ostrum IMO her brother, Michael B Sirak.

The Sanctuary Light for this week is requested by Mariya Palashchuk IMO Evhen Slobodian.

NEW ALTAR SERVER:  God Bless Jude Michael Schappert, our new Altar Server.

 CHURCH ENVELOPES:  Church envelopes are in the vestibule to be picked up.  PLEASE do not use any until after January 1, 2026. There were a few envelopes used for the coming new year, they will be added to next week’s report. 

BLESSING OF WATER & HOMES:   On Monday, January 5 in the afternoon, we will have the Vesperal Liturgy with the Blessing of Water in celebration of Theophany.  Please remember to bring your containers in order to bring water home. Please note this is a Holy Day of Obligation.  If you would like your house blessed, please put a note in the basket or contact the rectory.

VISITING THE SICK:  Do you know a homebound Parishioner who can’t make it to church and would like a visit?  Please contact Father Walter at the rectory at 570-735-2262.

PRAYERS BEFORE SLEEP

O Lord our God, forgive all the sins I have committed this day in word, deed or thought, for thou art good and lovest mankind.  Grant me peaceful and untroubled sleep, and send thy guardian angel to protect and keep me from every evil; for thou art the guardian of our souls and bodies, and to thee we send up glory, to the Father and the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

A Prayer to the Mother of God

For Someone who has Forsaken the Path of Salvation

By Saint Gabriel of Novgorod

All-Merciful Lady, Virgin Mistress and Theotokos, Heavenly Queen: by thy birth giving thou didst save mankind from the eternal torment of the devil, for Christ our Savior was born from thee.  In thy mercy look down even now upon N., Who is deprived of God’s mercy and grace, and intercede before they Son, Christ our God, by thy maternal boldness and thy prayers, that from on high He might send down His grace upon him[her], for he[she]is perishing.  O most Blessed Lady, thou hope of the hopeless and salvation of the despairing, may the enemy never rejoice over his[her] soul!  Amen.

For those who have died Unbaptized, and without Repentance or by Suicide

By Saint Leonid of Optina

O Lord, seek the soul of thy servant N.:  if it be possible, have mercy.  Thy judgements are unfathomable.  Do not count this prayer of mine as a sin, but rather may thy holy will be done.

On New’s Day

O Lord, God of all creation both visible and invisible, thou Maker and Creator who hast established the times and seasons:  do thou thyself bless the new year which beginneth today, (for January 1^st):  which we reckon according to thine Incarnation for the sake of our salvation.  Allow us to pass this year and many years afterward in peace and harmony with our neighbors.  Strengthen and propagate the Holy Catholic Church, which thou has established and sanctified through the saving sacrifice of thy Holy Body and most precious Blood.  Exalt our earthly homeland, keep it and glorify it.  Grant us long life, health, abundance of the fruits of the earth and seasonal weather.  As our true and chief Sheperd, save and guard us, thy sinful servants, together with all our relatives and friends, and all right-believing Christians, and confirm us on the path of salvation, so that by following it, we may lead a good and long life in this world and afterwards attain to thy heavenly kingdom and there partake of eternal blessing together with all thy saints.  Amen.

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 in this world, as is Your Will.  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.