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 15th 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 22nd. 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 29th 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 8th, 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 31st, 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 1st. 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.
SS Peter & Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church 