SS Peter & Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church

 FEBRUARY 15, 2026

Saturday, February 14 SUNDAY OF CHEESEFARE

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

Sunday, February 15       SUNDAY OF CHEESEFARE      

            8:30 AM             UJames Dalton- Udiski Family

Friday, February 20 LITURGY OF THE PRESANCTIFIED GIFTS

            4:00 PM            

Saturday, February 21 FIRST SUNDAY OF THE GREAT FAST

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

Sunday, February 22       FIRST SUNDAY OF THE GREAT FAST

            8:30 AM             UJoseph Kane- Udisky Family

LENTEN FOOD (TAKE-OUT ONLY)

Transfiguration of Our Lord Church

240 Center Street, Nanticoke, PA , Church Basement

Friday, February 20, 2026 from 3PM-5PM

SOUP & PIEROGI SALE

Featuring home-made clam chowder $15 a quart and church made potato pierogi $12 a dozen.

 THE 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 7th; 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.

BOOK(S) OF THE MONTH FOR FEBRUARY:

St. John of Damascus; On the Divine Images

By St. John of Damascus/Translated by David Anderson

ISBN:  0-913836-62-1

SUNDAY LITURGIES DURING LENT: WHY DO THEY SEEM LONGER?

Our Church prescribes that the Liturgy of St. Basil the Great is to be celebrated on all of the Sundays of Great Fast, instead of the Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, which is usually celebrated throughout the rest of the church year.  St. Basil’s Liturgy is older and has longer priestly prayers at the Anaphora than the Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom (which was derived from the Liturgy of St. Basil the Great), and is celebrated ten times during the church year:  the five Sundays of Lent (not Palm Sunday), Holy Thursday, Holy Saturday, Christmas Eve, Epiphany Eve, and on the actual Feast of St. Basil which we celebrate January 1.

 PRAYER TO SAINT MICHAEL:  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.

The Prayer of St. Ephraim the Syrian

O Lord and Master of my Life, keep from me the spirit of indifference and discouragement, lust of power and idle chatter.  Instead, grant to me your servant the spirit of wholeness of being, humble-mindedness, patience, and love.  O Lord and King, grant me the grace to be aware of my sins and not to judge my brothers; for You are Blessed now and forever and ever.  Amen.

Concupiscences:  def. Our choosing the easy way of sin.

LENTEN RETREAT:  SAVE THE DATE we will have a Lenten Retreat on Sunday, March 22 at 4:00PM, beginning with Lenten Vespers/Retreat given by Father Paul Makar at Transfiguration of Our Lord Church.  A light social will follow.

FROM FASTING TO FEASTING

Fast from judging others;
Feast on seeing the best in people.

Fast from emphasis on differences;
Feast on the unity of life.

Fast from despair;
Feast on hope.

Fast from thoughts of illness;
Feast on the healing power of God.

Fast from words that destroy;
Feast on phrases that are encouraging.

Fast from discontent;
Feast on gratitude.

Fast from anger;
Feast on patience.

Fast from being negative;
Feast on being positive.

Fast from worry;
Feast on trust.

Fast from complaining;
Feast on appreciation.

Fast from hostility;
Feast on peacemaking.

Fast from bitterness;
Feast on forgiveness.

Fast from constant activity;
Feast on slowing down.

Fast from disrespect;
Feast on recognizing the sacred in all life.

Fast from self-concern;

Feast on compassion for others.  ~Author Unknown

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.  Confessions will be from at 2:15PM until 2:45PM.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.

PRE-SANCTIFIED LITURGY:  Pre-Sanctified Liturgies will be on Wednesdays at 6:30PM at Transfiguration of Our Lord Church in Nanticoke and on Fridays at 4:00PM at Saints Peter & Paul Church in Plymouth.

 Petitions & Prayers for Our Parishioners:  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.

DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME:  Please keep in mind that Daylight Savings time begins Sunday, March 8.  Please set your clocks ahead one hour on Saturday, March 7^th before you go to bed.  Clocks will “spring “ forward.

MYASOPUSNA:  Thank you to everyone who bought tickets and supported/helped out at  Transfiguration of Our Lord’s Meat-Fare Dinner!

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.

 HOAGIE & SOUP SALE:  St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church, 153 East Main Street, Glen Lyon is holding a vegetable soup & Hoagie Sale (Turkey, Cheese, & Italian Hoagie) and bake sale on Thursday, March 12^th from 11AM to 4PM in the church hall.  The cost of each hoagie is $8.00 and a quart of vegetable soup is $8.00.  Orders can be placed by calling Debbie at 570-736-6908 by Sunday, March 8^th.  A basket raffle will also be held at this time to benefit Ukraine and the church.

FIRST SATURDAY LITURGY:  Twelve Liturgies were given for the first Saturday of each month, the next liturgy is March 7 for any Families experiencing troubles in their lives and seeking God’s help from both Transfiguration of Our Lord & Saints Peter & Paul 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 can call Father to add a petition to the list at 570-406-5882.

“If you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses…” (Mark 6:14-15)

Begin your examination with the time of your last confession. Try to recall whether you omitted anything from fear of embarrassment that needs to be confessed. With the help of the self-examination provided, call to mind all the sins you have committed since your last confession.

THE TEN COMMANDMENTS

1. Putting God First: I am the Lord your God; you shall not have other gods before me.

Has God been the source, center and hope of my life? Have I put myself, anyone or anything before God? Have I given to anyone or anything the love, honor and worship that belongs to God alone? Have I made an idol of any person, idea, occupation or thing? Have I failed to trust in God, His love and mercy? Have I failed to pray to God and to worship Him faithfully? Have I been thankful for God’s blessings? Have I doubted the Christian faith? Have I tried to serve God and keep His Commandments faithfully? Have I murmured or complained against God in adversities?  Do I give “respect” to gods of other of other religions?

2. Respect for God: You shall not take the Name of the Lord your God in vain.

Do I have a deep and sincere respect for God and His Holy Name? Have I shown disrespect to God, either in word or deed? Have I dishonored God’s Name in any way? Have I sworn a false oath? Have I broken any solemn promise or vow that was done before God? Have I cursed or used foul language?  Do I use God’s name uselessly to draw attention to myself or derivatives such as Jeez, Jesus, Gee, or Oh my goodness, etc.?

3. Respect for the Lord’s Day: Remember to keep holy the Sabbath day.

Have I worshiped God faithfully on Sundays and major holy days? Have I helped others to do the same, or have I discouraged them? Have I worked or shopped unnecessarily on Sundays or major holy days? Have I caused others to do so? Have I spent the Lord’s Day in wholesome and edifying ways? Have I made time for family and friends?

4. Respect for Parents and Authority: Honor your father and mother.

Have I loved and respected my parents as I should? Have I neglected them, or failed to help them? Have l disobeyed them, deceived them or caused them pain by my words and deeds? Have I treated my family members with patience and love? Have I respected my teachers, superiors, employers (those who are in authority) as I should? Have I disobeyed or deceived them by my words or deeds? Have I treated fairly all those who have worked for me?

5. Respect for Human Life: You shall not murder.  Have I caused the harm, injury or death of anyone? Have I wished my own or anyone’s harm or death? Have I caused others to sin? Have I abused my health or the health of others by evil and intemperate living (i.e. drugs, alcohol, over-eating, etc.)? Have l given way to vengeance or hatred? Have I failed to forgive anyone or harbored evil thoughts against them? Have I been cruel to anyone? Have I encouraged someone in procuring an abortion? Have I had an abortion?  Have I spread news about someone in order to damage their reputation?

6. & 9.  Respect for Marriage: You shall not commit adultery. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife.  Have I committed any sin of lust, alone or with others (masturbation, fornication, pornography, adultery, cohabitation)? Have I caused others to commit impure acts? Have I sinned by giving way to impure thoughts, words or conversations? Have I read immoral books or magazines, romance novels, or delighted in obscenity of any kind? Have l associated with bad company or frequented placed of ill-repute? Do I maintain modesty and decency in dress? Have I practiced birth control/contraception?  Have I repeated obscene/impure jokes?

7. & 10. Respect for Private Property: You shall not steal. You shall not covet anything that belongs to your neighbor.  Have l taken or kept anything that was not mine? Have l cheated anyone? Have I caused others to steal or cheat? Have I tried to find the owners of lost things I have found? Have I damaged or destroyed anything that belonged to another? Have I defrauded anyone of their rightful wages? Have I paid my debts? Have I worked honesty and conscientiously for my wages? Did I spend beyond my means? Do I give alms according to my capacity? Have I looked with envy, jealousy or hatred toward the possessions, talents or achievements of others? Have I desired the downfall or loss of others out of evil intent that I might benefit? Have I grieved that God has bestowed greater blessing on others than on me?

FEBRUARY 8, 2026

Saturday, February 7 SUNDAY OF MEATFARE

            4:00 PM           UHelene Sirak – Donald & Donna Winsock

Sunday, February 8       SUNDAY OF MEATFARE      

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

Saturday, February 14 SUNDAY OF CHEESEFARE

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

Sunday, February 15       SUNDAY OF CHEESEFARE      

            8:30 AM             UJames Dalton- Udiski Family

Transfiguration of Our Lord Church

 Father, I was looking at the unique prayers for the Holy Days as you suggested and keep seeing the words “Menaion” and “Pentecostarion”, what is the difference between these and what are they?  The Menaion is the Annual Fixed Feastal Cycle of the Church AND the books with all the special prayers for each day.  There are actually 12 volumes in the complete set of books (one book for each month) but you may find only one in use at your parish which is called; the Feastal Menaion, which includes all the special prayers for the Major Holy Days, this way a parish, a person, doesn’t need to have 12 books.  The Pentecostarion, or Flowery Triodion, is the time of the Church Year from the Feast of Christ’s Resurrection through to the Feast of All Saints, (the Sunday after Pentecost) and the book with all the special prayers for the days in that period.  Okay; thank you Father, now then that reminds of the Triodion, what is the Triodion?  The Triodion, or Lenten Triodion, covers the time from the Sunday of the Publican and Pharisee through to Holy Week, Holy Saturday inclusive, and the book with all the prayers you need for this time.

Prayer to the Holy Archangel Michael

O Holy Archangel Michael, luminous and awesome captain of the heavenly King!  Before the fearsome Judgment, set me free, that I may repent of my sins; deliver my soul from the snares of the pursuers and lead it to God, Who created it, Who sitteth upon the cherubim, and do thou earnestly pray in its behalf, that by thy mediation He may send it to a place of rest.  O dread captain of the hosts of heaven, intercessor for all at the throne of Christ the Master, steadfast protector of all men and wise warrior, mighty general of the heavenly King, have mercy on me, a sinner, who am in need of thine assistance; protect me from all enemies, visible and invisible, and, still more, fortify me against the fear of death and the vexation of the devils; and make me worthy to stand unashamed before our Creator at the hour of His dread and righteous Judgment.  O most holy and great Michael, supreme commander, disdain me not, a sinner, who entreat thee for thy help and aid in this world and in that which is to come, but vouchsafe me there to glorify with thee the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, unto the ages of ages.  Amen.

Prayer to the Holy Archangel Gabriel

O Holy Gabriel, great archangel, who standest before the throne of God, art illumined with splendor by divine light and enlightened by the knowledge of unapproachable mysteries of His eternal wisdom!  With full earnestness I beseech thee: Guide me to repentance, away from evil deeds, and to the confirmation in my faith; strengthen and preserve my soul against deluding temptations, and entreat our Creator for the remission of my sins.  O great and holy Archangel Gabriel, disdain me not, a sinner, who beg thee for help and aid in this age and that which is to come; but ever show thyself to be a helper for me, that I may unceasingly glorify the dominion of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, and thine intercession, unto the age of ages.  Amen.

FEBRUARY BOOK OF THE MONTH

St. John of Damascus; On the Divine Images

By St. John of Damascus/Translated by David Anderson

ISBN:  0-913836-62-1

 ASK FATHER A QUESTION?  Father, why should I fast for Lent?  Why not eat?  What purpose does that serve?  Can’t I just pray?  I am a good person, why is fasting needed?  The reason we fast during Lent and indeed and not just fast, but to pray more and to give alms to the poor, is because we are not good unless we do these things.  If I love the God who created me and I desire to be with Him eternally, then I need to grow spiritually in strength and in virtue.  I need to do more than merely avoid sin, but also need to do good works in the world.  The appetite of food is the most basic human appetite.  If I cannot control my appetite for food and drink, then I will have even greater difficulty being in control of my other human appetites.  I will be easy prey to fall into the seven deadly sins:  Gluttony, Sloth, Avarice (Anger), Lust, Greed, Despair, & Pride.  The Seven Virtues are:  Temperence, Prudence, Fortitude, Courage, Faith, Hope, & Charity.  If you desire to be spiritually strong; fast, pray and give alms.

Now, forgiveness stands at the very center of Christian faith and of Christian life because Christianity itself is, above all, the religion of forgiveness. God forgives us, and His forgiveness is in Christ, His Son, Whom He sends to us, so that by sharing in His humanity we may share in His love and be truly reconciled with God. Indeed, Christianity has no other content but love. And it is primarily the renewal of that love, a return to it, a growth in it, that we seek in Great Lent, in fasting and prayer, in the entire spirit and the entire effort of that season. Thus, truly forgiveness is both the beginning of, and the proper condition for the Lenten season.  One may ask, however: Why should I perform this rite when I have no “enemies”? Why should I ask forgiveness from people who have done nothing to me, and whom I hardly know? To ask these questions, is to misunderstand the Orthodox teaching concerning forgiveness. It is true, that open enmity, personal hatred, real animosity may be absent from our life, though if we experience them, it may be easier for us to repent, for these feelings openly contradict Divine commandments. But, the Church reveals to us that there are much subtler ways of offending Divine Love. These are indifference, selfishness, lack of interest in other people, of any real concern for them — in short, that wall which we usually erect around ourselves, thinking that by being “polite” and “friendly” we fulfill God’s commandments. The rite of forgiveness is so important precisely because it makes us realize – be it only for one minute – that our entire relationship to other men is wrong, makes us experience that encounter of one child of God with another, of one person created by God with another, makes us feel that mutual “recognition” which is so terribly lacking in our cold and dehumanized world.  – Father Alexander Schmemann

THE 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 7th; 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.

The Sanctuary Light  is given by Michalene Sirak IMO Fred Uhas.

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.  Confessions will be from at 2:15PM until 2:45PM.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.

 Petitions & Prayers for Our Parishioners:  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.

FIRST SATURDAY LITURGY:  Twelve Liturgies were given for the first Saturday of each month, the next liturgy is March 7 for any Families experiencing troubles in their lives and seeking God’s help from both Transfiguration of Our Lord & Saints Peter & Paul 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 can call Father to add a petition to the list at 570-406-5882.

MYASOPUSNA:  The Myasopusna Celebration is scheduled for this Sunday, February 8^th, 2026.  This year will feature the St. Mary’s Ukrainian Dancers.  Ukrainian Beer and wine will be available. Doors open at noon. Cocktail 1/2 hour is noon-12:30. Serving starts at 12:30PM and stops at 2:00PM.  Program will start approximately 1:30PM.  No Tickets Will Be Sold at the Door.  Take-outs are available.

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.

A Spiritual Psalter or Reflections on God

from the writings of Saint Ephraim the Syrian

140
There is no hiding — God sees all. Hurry to cleanse yourself while there is still time.

I sin and hide so that no man will see me; but the Lord sees me when I do evil.  If a man sees me I am ashamed; but I feel no shame before God.  Have compassion and mercy on us, O Judge and Master of judges!  If a man be converted, whether sooner or later, Thou wilt accept him.  What shall I do with my sins?  I do not know.  My mind cannot imagine what I might use to wash and cleanse myself.  If I took it into my head to wash with water, then the seas and the rivers would not be sufficient to cleanse me.  Yet if I wash myself with the blood and water that flowed from the rib of the Son of God, then will I be cleansed, and compassion will be showered upon me.  Tremble, O sinner, at the coming judgment; with tears and sorrow run to repent.  While prayer is still accepted, pray here, that you might be accepted there.  Pray, while death has not yet come and carried away your soul, for then all prayer and supplication will be in vain, then even tears will be of no avail.

Prayer to the Twelve Holy Apostles of the Lord

O holy, glorious and all-laudable apostles, ye chosen disciples and confessors of the great High Priest, our Lord Jesus Christ, and initiates of His mysteries: Peter and Andrew, James and John, Philip and Bartholomew, Thomas Matthew, James and Jude, Simon and Matthias!  Entreat Christ God, that He vouchsafe that we may pass from our vain sojourn in this world to stand at His right hand in His kingdom, that He may transform us from children of disobedience to children of obedience, and that, having put off the old man, we may clothe ourselves in the new man, fashioned after God in righteousness and the sanctity of truth: that, walking in rightness of faith, we may approach the heavenly Father in the inheritance of everlasting dignity, may contemplate heavenly things, and may most clearly behold the Holy Trinity in glory, unto endless ages.  Amen.

FEBRUARY 1, 2026

Saturday, January 31 SUNDAY OF THE PRODIGAL SON

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

Sunday, February 1      SUNDAY OF THE PRODIGAL SON        

            8:30 AM             UMaryAnn Youells-Paul & Dolores Hoover

Monday, February 2 ENCOUNTER OF OUR LORD WITH SIMEON

Blessing of Candles (Myrovania)

             8:30 AM             UWasyl Laczkoskie- Becker Family

Saturday, February 7 SUNDAY OF MEATFARE

            4:00 PM           UHelene Sirak – Donald & Donna Winsock

Sunday, February 8       SUNDAY OF MEATFARE      

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

Transfiguration of Our Lord Church

Saturday Liturgy is 6:00 PM

Sunday Liturgy is 10:30 AM

Saturday, February 7:    Sorokousty 8:00 AM

Saturday, February 7:    First Saturday Liturgy:  9:00 AM

 ASK FATHER A QUESTION?  Father, why should I go to the Forgiveness Vespers?  After all, I did go to the Divine Liturgy this morning, why do I have to go again today?  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. Sunday begins at the singing of “O Joyful Light” Saturday evening during vespers.  Every Catholic, if possible, should attend the three main liturgical services of every Holy Day and Sunday, which are Vespers (Evening Prayer), Matins (Morning Prayer) and the Liturgy.  Vespers begins the day, Matins is at the middle and public works finish with the Liturgy and the reception of the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ, Holy Communion.  So, just as you should attend every Great Vespers each Sunday morning (in secular time, Saturday evening) so too should to attend the Forgiveness Vespers which begins The Great Fast.  Also, when you attend all three of the services of a Holy Day, all the unique prayers for that day will tell what is happening and teach you about Salvation.  The Great Fast is focused on preparing us for the Holiest of Holy Days, Pascha, and Forgiveness Vespers begins that account and prayer orders 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 is us looking at ourselves honestly and trying to grow in love for one another.  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.  So, Forgiveness Vespers is a very important and critical first step in beginning The Great Fast.  These services could also be considered to be working in us for healing (beginning), working (middle) and succeeding (end) when we receive the Risen Christ in Holy Communion, we are in Heaven on Earth, and the first step on this path is The Forgiveness Vespers.  The call to love one another as God loves us often first entails forgiving one another for wrongs we have done to others, or forgiveness we have not granted to those who ask us.  If we cannot forgive or accept forgiveness, we cannot be like God, for as St. John tells us, “God is love” (agape, 1 John 4:8).  If we begin with forgiving others and accepting their offers of apology for hurting us, our offerings of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving will be more authentic and meaningful.  One last comment that is always true, every Holy Day, and every day, all the services are an opportunity to be with God.  Take advantage of this opportunity to turn to God and be with God.

THE 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 7th; 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.

FEBRUARY 1, 2026 Petitions & Prayers for Our Parishioners:  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.

 ASK FATHER A QUESTION?  Father, I have always been perplexed by the Parable of the Prodigal Son…..  it really seems like the older son got “cheated” because the younger son had a good time and then came back and said “I’m sorry.”  I know there is a lesson to be taught but I do not fully understand it.  Can you help me?  The word prodigal means “sinful.”  You are in error thinking the younger son was off having fun.  He was deceiving himself that he was having fun.  His so called friends were no friends at all.  The people he was spending time with did not love him one bit at all.  They took advantage of his father’s money, living a sinful, frivilous life.  The proof of this comes when he runs out of money and famine hits the area.  Would a friend abandon another friend?  You know the answer to that question is:  “No.”  Friends never abandon each other.  Yet all of these people who had a non-stop party provided for them by the prodigal son’s Father, who is clearly God, even in their sinfulness and had been receiving blessings from the Father, whether they recognize it or not, they only begin to learn their lesson when famine hits and the sinful son is forced to consider the future, perhaps for the first time.  In his contemplation of the future,  he starts to think correctly and recognizes finally what he thought was “fun” was no fun at all.  In contemplating what might happen to him in the famine, and recognizing that the man he is slaving for, working much harder than he ever did for his father, he recognizes this man does not love or care for him even the tiniest bit.  That’s when he realizes the only way out of all this trouble is to go home to his father who he now realizes loves him and to beg for forgiveness.  The father because he truly loves him, forgives the son, and accepts him back,  The older son was always with the father and always had the pleasure to be with his father.  Every evening meal with older son is a little celebration, the son never suffered or sinned.  The younger son was actually miserable and didn’t realize it.  You take the parable at face value, but it is about God the Father and what it truly means to love and forgive.  The parable shows what an authentic love actually is, not a modernistic, heretical concept of love.  The sinful son has truly repented, that is to change how he lives, he is with the Father for all eternity, not just in the parable.  You will also notice that because he already spent his inheritance, it is gone.  I don’t understand Father, is the repentance complete for the younger son? Yes, the repentence is complete.  If the repentence is complete then why does it seem like the younger son is still being punished?  Are we still punished after repenting?  The younger son is not being punished.  But he only has one bedroom? The son inherited a great reward and frivilously threw it away in this life, because he did not value his father’s love.  To be blunt he was stupid.  He lived a stupid life because he chose to understand things only in his own way.  The older son, whether he understood what he ws doing or not, in being faithful to the father, was saving his inheritance for eternal life, the great reward you receive in heaven. This does not completely answer the parable, the question or both.  Come to the adult discussion group, if you still have trouble understanding this parable.

He who does not confess receives no forgiveness.– St. John Chrystostom.

Do not feel embarrassment when you confess, feel embarrassment when you sin.

–  St. John Chrystostom.

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

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

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.  Confessions will be from at 2:15PM until 2:45PM.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.

SOROKOUSTY SERVICES & 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 & Paul 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.  The first Saturday Liturgy is February 7 – it will start about 9:00 AM immediately following Sorokousty Services which will begin at 8:00AM.  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.  

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.

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.