SS Peter & Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church

June 28, 2026

Saturday, June 27                   FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

        4:00 PM                           God’s Blessings on Macrina Bogusky- Micca Family                                      

Sunday, June 28                     FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

        8:30 AM                            God’s Blessings & Good Health Tom & Mary Ann Potsko

Monday, June 29                      PETER & PAUL-PRIME APOSTLES (Myrovania)-Obligation

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

Saturday, July 4                      SIXTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – NO LITURGY

Sunday, July 5                         SIXTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

     ***7:30 AM****                 God’s Blessings & Good Health Tom & Mary Ann Potsko

                                                -Lisa Placek

Transfiguration of Our Lord Church

Saturday Liturgy is 6:00 PM, July 11

                                                                   Sunday Liturgy is 10:30 AM, July 12

Rescheduled Liturgy for Families, Saturday, July 11 at 8:00AM   

Saturday, July 4^th Liturgy is 7:00 PM

A Spiritual Psalter
or Reflections on God

from the writings of
Saint Ephraim the Syrian

117
Life’s lessons — eight evil thoughts

Know that there are eight evil thoughts that bring about all that is vile: those of sensuality, lechery, love of money, anger, inappropriate grief, despondency, vainglory, and pride. All these conduct warfare with every man.

If you want to conquer sensuality, cherish restraint, have fear of God; and you will conquer it.

If you want to conquer lechery, cherish wakefulness and thirst, ever contemplate death, never converse with women; and you will conquer it. If you want to conquer love of money, cherish non-acquisitiveness and frugality.

If you want to conquer anger, acquire meekness and generosity, and keep in mind how much evil the Jews did to our Lord Jesus Christ; yet He, the man-befriending God, did not become angry with them; but on the contrary He prayed for them, saying: Father, forgive them this sin, for they know not what they do.

If you want to overcome inappropriate grief, never grieve for anything that is transient. If people injure you with words or upset you or dishonor you, do not grieve; but, on the contrary, rejoice. Grieve only when you sin, and even in this case do not go to extremes, that you might not fall into despair and perish.

If you want to overcome despondency, take up some handiwork for a short while, or read, or pray frequently.

If you want to conquer vainglory, love not praise, nor honor, nor fine clothes, nor precedence, nor favor; but on the contrary, cherish occasions when you are reprimanded and dishonored, when false charges are brought against you; and reproach yourself for being more sinful than any sinner.

If you want to conquer pride, then whatever you do, say not that you do it by your own labors, or with your own strength. But if you fast, or stand vigil, or sleep on the bare ground, or sing psalms, or serve in the altar, or do a great number of prostrations, say that it was done with God’s help and protection, not by your own strength and effort.

114
Grace approaches and, finding the heart impure, withdraws — so keep your heart pure.

The good God grants us the enlightenment of knowledge, and His grace ever visits our hearts. If she finds peace there, she enters and dwells constantly in the soul. But if she does not find the heart pure, she immediately withdraws. Yet compassion encourages her to descend anew and visit us sinners, for we are all inconstant because of our free will, but not by nature.

We are always distracted and weak, envious, and wicked; often do we think evil of one another; we occupy ourselves with wicked ideas, and are always plunged in a mire of unclean thoughts. Thus when grace comes to visit us and encounters in our hearts the stench of unclean thoughts, she immediately withdraws without seeking an entrance, that she might make her habitation there and dwell in us, as is pleasing to her. She leaves only a trace of her radiant sweetness in the heart, so that one might recognize that grace has visited him but not found an entrance, and, having delighted in grace’s radiance, might seek her out.

Do you see God’s Providence? Do you see Christ’s loving-kindness? Do you see how God Who is Holy ever loves us and wants us to be saved?

Blessed is the man who ever strives to prepare a pure heart for grace, that when she comes she might find the fragrance of virtues and a sacred place in the soul and reside therein unto the ages of ages.

ASK FATHER A QUESTION?  Recently, I was talking to a Parishioner about the Sacred Heart of Jesus and I realized, as a Ukrainian Catholic I really know nothing about the Sacred Heart of Jesus.  Could you please help me? 

The Sacred Heart of Jesus and the devotional icon of the Lord’s Merciful love came from the Polish nun Saint Faustina Kowalska.  Jesus appeared to her on February 22, 1931, with His right hand bestowing blessings and His left hand pointing towards His Sacred Heart, which emitted two rays: one pale; the other a bright red. These rays represent the Water and Blood that came out of Jesus’ pierced side while on the Cross. This symbolizes the purifying virtues of Baptism and Confession and the regenerative virtue of the Holy Eucharist.  The words of Jesus to St. Faustina: “I desire that this image be venerated by the entire world. I promise that the souls of those who attribute veneration to this image will not perish. I even promise victory over their enemies, already here on earth, but especially at the hour of death. I will defend that soul in the name of glory.” Jesus, Himself explained the significance of this devotion: “My daughter, tell all that I am love and mercy personified. The wound in my Heart signifies the unlimited living waters of Mercy. Tell all the souls that I protect them with my shield of Mercy; it is for them that I fight, bearing the just umbrage of my Father.  My daughter, tell suffering mankind to secure itself to the Mercy of my Heart and I will fill them with peace.  Souls are perishing, regardless of my sorrowful Passion. I concede to them the last table of salvation, meaning my merciful feast, this icon is a sign of the end days, after such, the day of judgment is upon you.”  After showing His Infinite Mercy, the Lord also showed St. Faustina “hell”. “Today, under the guide of an angel, I went into the abyss of hell. It is a place of extreme torments in the entire, huge, terrifying surroundings. These are the various tortures and torments that I have seen: First torture: This consists of hell as being the loss of the Presence of God; Second: the continuous remorseful conscience; Third: the knowledge that such a destiny will never change; Fourth: This torture is a pain that penetrates the soul, but does not nullify it; it is a terrible torture and it is a purely spiritual, living fire lit only by God’s wrath. Fifth: This is the torture of eternal darkness, a horrible suffocating, putrid odor; even if it is dark, the demons and the condemned souls can see each other among themselves and see all the evil that others have done as well as their own evil. Sixth: This torture is the knowledge of having Satan as a constant companion-Seventh and last: This torture is the incomparable desperation of God’s wrath, in blasphemy, cursing and swearing.  The sinner should realize the same ways that he sins is the way he is going to suffer for all eternity.  I am writing this by the Lord’s direction, so that no one can say that there is no hell, or that no one has ever been there or that no one knows how it is.  I, Sister Faustina, under the Lord’s direction, have been in the abyss of hell, for the simple reason of being able to tell everyone and to witness that hell does exist. What I have written is only a weak shadow of what I have actually seen.”   The grave error amongst Catholics that would be perpetrated in the 20^th Century, and beyond, is the lie that there is no Hell and/or “we have a reasonable hope hell is empty.”  Hell is real and especially those who do not believe in hell will end up there.  In addition to the general torments suffered by all in Hell, St. Faustina further saw particular sufferings there: “There are special tortures destined for particular souls. These are the torments of the senses. Each soul undergoes terrible and indescribable sufferings related to the manner in which it has sinned.”   The visit to Hell moved St. Faustina to pray ardently for the conversion of all sinners. “Consequently, I pray even more fervently for the conversion of sinners,” she said. “I incessantly plead God’s mercy upon them.”   Mercy is not God ignoring mankind’s sins but rather it is God accepting the repentant sinner into His eternal dwelling, Heaven. 

The Altar Candles for the month of June are given by John M.  Ostrum IMO 

John J. Ostrum, Jr.

The is no request for the Sanctuary Light this week.

Cemetery   2 envelopes  $30.00

RETREAT:  Father Walter will be away from Thursday, July 2^nd to Friday, July 10^th.  Father Paul Makar will substitute for the Sunday Liturgies.  In case of emergency where a priest is needed, please give Father John Seniw a call at 570-204-2532, he will be substituting for Father Vasyl Putera in Berwick at this time.  The first Saturday Liturgy will not be said on July 4th, the Liturgy for Families will be on Saturday, July 11^th at 8:00AM. 

PLEASE NOTE THERE IS A CHANGE IN LITURGY SCHEDULE.

Liturgy on Saturday, July 4^th will be at Holy Transfiguration at 7:00PM only.

Liturgy on Sunday will be at St. Peter & Paul Church at 7:30 AM only.

There will be no Saturday Liturgy at St. Peter & Paul Church on Saturday, July 4^th.   There will be no Sunday, July 5^th Liturgy at Transfiguration of Our Lord Church.

MEMORIAL DONATIONS:  We gratfully acknowledge the $1,000 donation to our church by Helene Skopek-Krygier in memory of her mother Helene Sirak and $500 donation in memory of her brother in law John Ostrum.  Our appreciation to Gordon Krut, Monica Bergin and Marie Dalessandro for their monetary donations to our church IMO John Ostrum.

CHICKEN DINNER:  Saints Peter & Paul Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church will hold a Chicken Dinner as their Why Cook Wednesday Dinner for July.  The dinner will be on Wednesday, July 8^th, 2026 in their school hall on the corner of North River and West Chestnut Streets, near the General Hospital Parkade in Wilkes-Barre.  This dinner will be Take-Out Only and Pre-Orders are strongly encouraged.  Dinners will be $15 and will include; a brined and roasted half-chicken, baked potato, corn, macaroni salad, roll and dessert.  Place your order by calling the School Hall Kitchen (570) 829-3051.  Pick-Ups will be from 4:00 to 7:00pm.  Tickets will also be sold for a Basket Raffle.  Remember…When Baba Cooks, Everybody’s Happy!

LABOR DAY FOOD FESTIVAL:  Transfiguration of Our Lord Church is holding a one day Food Festival on Saturday, September 5^th from 11-4pm.  Homemade Pyrohy, Haluski, Potato Pancakes, Clam Chowder, and Sausage sandwitches.  Can you hear the polka music playing!!  Save the date.

PRAYER BEFORE COMMENCING WORK

O Lord, Jesus Christ, only begotten Son of Thine eternal Father, Thou hast said with Thy holy lips:  “Without Me you can do nothing.”  My Lord, I embrace Thy words with my heart and soul, and bow before Thy goodness and say:  Help me, Thy unworthy servant, to complete this my present undertaking in the name of the Father, and the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.  Amen.

PRAYER TO THE GUARDIAN ANGEL   (From Saint Peter, the Strudite.)

O Holy Angel of Christ!  With homage I come to thee, my holy guardian, who, since my baptism, hast been assigned to me to protect my sinful body and soul.  I beseech thee for thy intercession,  I have offended thee by my indolence and bad habits,  who art without stain in glory, and I have driven thee away from myself through my shameful acts, lies, calumnies, jealousies, rash judgement, haughtiness, pride, uncharitableness, malice, cupidity, miserliness, impurity, hate, gluttony in food and drink, evil and wicked thoughts, insolent habits and evil tendencies, possessing n myself desire for carnal lust.  Prostrating myself before thee, my holy guardian, I will implore thee, be merciful to me, thy sinful and unworthy servant; be my defender and aid me against my enemies and with thy intercessions make me worthy to be a participant in the Kingdom of God and with the Saints forever.  Amen.

FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

June 28, 2026 A. D.

Slava Isusu Christu!  Slava Na Viki!

Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory Forever!

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.

June 21, 2026

Saturday, June 20                   FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

         4:00 PM                          For All Fathers Living & Deceased

Sunday, June 21                     FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

        8:30 AM                            For All Fathers Living & Deceased

Saturday, June 27                   FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

         4:00 PM                          Macrina Bogusky, God’s blessings, – Micca Family

Sunday, June 28                     FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

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

Birth of St. John the Baptist, Wednesday, June 23 at 9:00 AM    

A Spiritual Psalter
or Reflections on God

from the writings of
Saint Ephraim the Syrian

131

All my hope is in God’s mercy.

Thy grace has made it possible for me to call upon Thy name, O Lord. O only good One, Who hast created us all, forgive the transgressions and sins of Thy sinful and ungrateful servant. I know, O Lord, that my sins exceed those of all other men, but I have as my refuge the abyss of Thy compassions which exceeds all things. I am confident that Thou wilt accept and have mercy on all who approach Thy goodness, for it pleases Thee to behold repentance, and Thou rejoicest at the ascetic struggles of Thy servants.

Grant me, Thine unworthy servant, tears, that with an enlightened mind, with love and faith, I may entreat Thine incomparable goodness and be cured of my hidden sores. Show miserable me Thy charity. Deliver me from the torment I deserve. May Thy grace be preached all about, to the benefit both of the countless multitudes who are careless, and me as well.

As Thou didst fill the waterpots with Thy blessing, so likewise fill my heart with Thy grace and Thy goodness. When a caring mother is rejected by her child, she does not scorn him, for her motherly care triumphs over all; may my sins likewise not surpass Thy grace.

I know that I will be punished even for idle words, for evil thoughts, for mere desire. Yet as soon as an opportunity to satisfy my pleasures presents itself, I immediately forget everything, and like a fool indulge in all manner of sin. I am a vainglorious, wrathful cripple, a lazy, dissolute glutton, a sensualist covered with impurities who hourly strays into error; and I do not realize it.

Only hope in the manifestation of Thy grace, O man-befriending Master, consoles me and keeps me from despair. Whether Thou so desirest or not, save me, O all-good Lord, according to Thy great kindness.

146
To whom shall I run? Save me for Thy name’s sake.

Woe is me, burdened with unprecedented sins! The number of my transgressions exceeds the number of grains of sand in the sea and they afflict me like so many iron shackles, for I lack the boldness to gaze upon the heights of heaven.

To whom shall I run, if not to Thee, O Lover of mankind? Have mercy on me, O God, according to Thy great mercy, and according to the multitude of Thy compassions blot out mine iniquity.

To Thee do I run, according to Thy great goodness and Thy charity.

Thee have I angered, yet to Thee do I run, according to Thy great capacity to forget evildoing.

Thee have I offended, yet to Thee do I run, according to Thy great love for mankind, and I entreat and cry to Thee: Turn Thy face from my sins and blot out all mine iniquities. Create a clean heart in me, O God, and renew a right spirit within me!

I have nothing to offer Thee, neither a good deed, nor a pure heart; but hoping in Thy compassion I lay myself down, that Thou mightest bring me to contrition and unwavering observance of Thy commandments, and that I might not fall so easily into sin again, but serve Thee from henceforth in reverence and truth all the days of my life

Petitions & Prayers for Our Parishioners:  Donna Winsock, Sonia Dempsey, Catherine Halloway, Charles Hallaway, Louise Hubiack, Frank Udiski, 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.

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.

The Lord resists the proud; but He gives grace to the humble. (Proverbs 3:34)Particularly remember these words when you go to Confession.  Nothing binds your tongue to keep it from saying, “I am a sinner,” as does pride.  Humble yourself before the Lord, do not spare yourself, do not fear the face of man.  Reveal your shame for it to be washed; show your wounds for them to be healed; tell of all your unrighteousness, that you may be justified.  The more merciless you are with yourself, the more compassion the Lord will show toward you, and you will leave with a sweet feeling of forgiveness.  This is the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,given by Him to those who humble themselves through sincere confessin of their sins.- St. Theophan the Recluse

ASK FATHER A QUESTION?  Being that it is Father’s Day, I was thinking about where was Joseph (St. Joseph the Betrothed) when Christ was being crucified?  Where was St. Joseph during the crucifixion you ask?  Many of the Church Fathers speak to us about St. Joseph and remind us that he was a righteous man.  Righteousness means caring to be good with God.  Everything Joseph did in his life was living the virtues and the Church Fathers tell us that he was the most righteous man in Israel at the time of the birth of Christ which is why God entrusted Mary and Jesus to his care.  Tradition tells us Joseph was about 40 years old and Mary was about 16 years old when Jesus was born.  Jesus was about 30 years old when He began His public ministry.  Just some simple math for you, Mary is about 46 years old and Joseph would have been about 70 years old when Jesus began His ministry.  Many of the Church Fathers talking about St. Joseph remind and inform us that St. Joseph being most righteous was also full of an abundance of compassion.  Because of his great compassion, Joseph would not have been able to witness the crucifixion of the Son of God without dying in pain himself from this spectacle.  God the Father in His compassion and mercy for St. Joseph took him before Christ began His public ministry.  The Church Fathers remind us that in the scriptures the last time we hear of St. Joseph is when Jesus is 12 years old in the temple and he is not present at the wedding of Canna with Christ and St. Mary.  Is this why Jesus gives Mary to St. John as mother because St. Joseph is deceased?  Yes, there are no “social” services to take care of someone who is unable to provide for themselves.  Slavery in Judaism is this social service.  The master of the slave is supposed to be like God to the slave and care for the slave who is working for the master.  Human sinfulness didn’t always lead to this actually taking place.  A widow with no sons would have become a slave to another simply to have means of living.  Why would a living God permit His mother to be a slave?  

BOOK(S)  OF THE MONTH FOR JUNE:

BIBLE
KINGS 1 & KINGS 11

HAPPY FATHER’S DAY TO ALL OUR LIVING FATHERS AND VICHNAYA PAMYAT TO ALL OUR DECEASED FATHERS!!

The Altar Candles for the month of June are given by John M.  Ostrum IMO 

John J. Ostrum, Jr.

The Sanctuary Light for this week is requested by Anna Magill IMO Donald Magill.

Cemetery         8 envelopes      $125.00

Building Fund    1 envelope IMO John Ostrum  $50.00

MEMORIAL DOANTIONS:  We gratefully acknowledge the donations made to our church in memory of John Ostrum:  M/M Robert Desciak, Louise Hubiack, Kocuba Family, M/M Antony Stefanoski, David Youells, Bevan Family, M/M Robert Turinski, Brien Kelly Family, M/M Nicholas Pappas, M/M Paul Hoover, M/M Joseph Kelly, Helen Harabin, Jason Woloski Family, M/M Donald Winsock & Family, M/M Thomas Potsko, Anna Magill, Donna Warren, M/M Keith Zinn, Gloria Elston, M/M William Sharkness, M/M Paul Richelmi, Stephen Udiski, M/M Bernard Kosek, M/M Robert Longenberger.             

ORDINATION ANNIVERSARY:  On June 22^nd, Father Walter will celebrate 12 years of his priestly ordination. Mnohaya Lita!  Thank you Father for your dedication and service!

RETRERAT:  Father Walter will be away from Thursday, July 2^nd to Friday, July 10^th.  Father Paul Makar will substitute for the Sunday Liturgies.  In case of emergency where a priest is needed, please give Father John Seniw a call at 570-204-2532, he will be substituting for Father Vasyl Putera in Berwick at this time.  The first Saturday Liturgy will not be said on July 4th, the Liturgy for Families will be on Saturday, July 11^th at 8:00AM.

Just a thought to contemplate…. What would you sell to get to heaven?-Father Walter

Certain Pericopes are read during the Weekday Liturgies and are missed if you do not read the readings for the day as a habit, (a very good habit to get into), here are two such important parables that you may have missed this Friday. 

Matthew Chapter 13:44-54

The Parables of the Hidden Treasure and the Pearl

At that time Jesus spoke to them, “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.   Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.”

The Parable of the Net

 “Once again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was let down into the lake and caught all kinds of fish. When it was full, the fishermen pulled it up on the shore. Then they sat down and collected the good fish in baskets, but threw the bad away. This is how it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous and throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.  Have you understood all these things?” Jesus asked.  “Yes,” they replied.  He said to them, “Therefore every teacher of the law who has become a disciple in the kingdom of heaven is like the owner of a house who brings out of his storeroom new treasures as well as old.”

Prayer to Saint John the Baptist

O Martyr invincible, who, for the honor of God and the salvation of souls didst with firmness and constancy withstand the impiety of Herod even at the cost of thine own life, and didst rebuke him openly for his wicked and dissolute life; by thy prayers obtain for us a heart, brave and generous, in order that we may overcome all human respect and openly profess our faith in loyal obedience to the teachings of Jesus Christ, our divine Master.

June 14, 2026

Saturday, June 13                   THIRD SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

         4:00 PM                          Olga Morgenfruh- Parishioners of St. Vladimir’s Church

Sunday, June 14                     THIRD SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

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

Saturday, June 20                   FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

         4:00 PM                          For All Fathers Living & Deceased

Sunday, June 21                     FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

        8:30 AM                            For All Fathers Living & Deceased

A Spiritual Psalter
or Reflections on God

from the writings of
Saint Ephraim the Syrian

138
God will Himself give all that is necessary; yet one must also pray.

The kindhearted God gives us what we ask for not because of our prayers; rather He nourishes us according to His compassion, for it is He Who created us.

Without our asking, the Supreme Majesty granted us His own Son Who for our sake appeared on earth and, although we did not ask Him to do so, He offered 

Himself as a sacrifice for our salvation.

For who asked the Father to give His own Son up to death on the Cross?

 Or who entreated the Son to die for sinners?

To which righteous man did the thought occur to ask the Father to give up 

His Son for transgressors?

It is truly an unprecedented event, and the thought occurred to no one.

The Father gave up His Son to death on the Cross, and through His death sinners obtained life. And if He gave away His greatest treasure, can there be any obstacle to prevent a man who asks such a Lover of mankind from receiving all that he needs?

So let us ask Him, for He does give. Let us announce to Him our wishes, for He will not refuse us. Let us entreat Him, for 

He wants to satisfy our needs in every way possible.

But in accordance with His justice, He expects our prayer to come to His door, and this prayer has reconciled justice and sinners.

If kindness were to forgive transgressions without prayer, it would be a violation of justice, and no one would contemplate justice any more.

Mankind would gradually be given up to lawlessness, for the Judge would fail to apply the staff of correction. Each man would joyfully continue to sin, for

 there would be no one to correct him.

Such kindness, however beneficial it might be for us, would soon turn to harm, for it would give sinners cause to ever multiply their sins.

And it is a good thing that in the world also, justice prompts the use of punishment. For punishment causes the sinner to shudder and put an end to his sinful ways. It brings the sinner to contrition of heart, for it is he who has brought punishment upon himself. And thus the sinner puts aside his iniquities, if only for a short while, and seeks forgiveness for his sins.

Who will not thank Thee, O our Lord? For Thy justice is good and Thy punishment is a gift of grace. Thou art truly good in all Thy doings.

With the staff of justice dost Thou humble the heads of sinners who sin with shameless arrogance and cannot be converted without extraordinary inducement.

May Thy punishment, O Lord, united with Thy loving-kindness, be our mentor. May Thy right hand help us to take advantage of Thy punishment.

A Spiritual Psalter
or Reflections on God

from the writings of
Saint Ephraim the Syrian

129
The enemy is cunning, but we are careless — let us be attentive so as not to lose the kingdom.

Come, let us make an effort; come, let us fall down before God; let us steadfastly lament and shed tears before Him, that He might grant us spiritual enlightenment.

Discern the wiles of our enemy, the adversary who hates all good, who places in our path pitfalls and seductions, ruinous acquisitiveness, commendation of this age, carnal pleasure, as well as the expectation that this life will last for long, fear of ascetic struggles, a slothful attitude toward prayer, drowsiness when psalms are sung, and bodily rest.

We are as apathetic and careless as he is assiduous. We are as inattentive as he is crafty, even though we know that our days have been shortened, that the time has come and the Lord of glory will come in the majesty of His beauty with the terrible powers of His kingdom to reward everyone according to his deeds.

I fear that the Lord’s promise might be fulfilled with respect to us: that many shall come from the east and the west, from the north and from the sea, and shall sit down with Abraham and Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven; but we shall be driven out.

I beseech Thee, O Christ, light of truth, born of the blessed Father, being His image and the radiance of His hypostasis, Who sittest at the right hand of His majesty, Who art my life and the praise and joy of those who love Thee: save me, a sinner, in Thy kingdom and reward me not according to my deeds, but save me according to Thy grace and have compassion on me according to Thy kindness, for Thou art blessed and glorified unto the ages.

THIRD SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

“If therefore thine eye be single thy holy body shall be full of light.  But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness.” MATT (6:22-23)  Here the mind is called the eye, and the entire composition of the soul is called the body.  Thus, when the mind is simple the soul is bright;  but when the mind is evil, the soul is dark.  What are a simple mind and an evil mind?  A simple mind is one that accepts the Word of God as it is written, and is convinced beyond a doubt that all is indeed as is written.  It has no deceit, no wavering or hesitation.  An evil mind is one which approaches the Word of God with slyness, artful disputing, and questioning.   It cannot believe directly, but subjects the Word of God to its’ sophistry.  It approaches the Word not as a disciple, but as a judge and critic, to test something stated there, and then either scoffs at it or says in a haughty manner, “Yes, not bad.”  Such a mind has no firm tenets because it clearly does not believe the Word of God, and it’s own philosophizing is always unstable—today one way, tomorrow another.  Hence it has only wavering, confusion, and questions without answers.  Everything is out of place with it, and it walks in the dark, fumbling along it’s way.  A simple mind sees everything clearly:  Everything in it has a definite character, determined by the Word of God.  That is why everything in it has it’s place, and it knows exactly how to behave with relation to things—it walks along open, visible roads, with complete assurance that they lead to the true God.  -St. Theophan the Recluse

The Altar Candles for the month of June are given by John M.  Ostrum IMO 

John J. Ostrum, Jr.

The Sanctuary Light for this week is requested by RoseMarie Kachinko  IMO 

Michael & Katherine Kachinko.

Cemetery                1 Envelope      $10.00

FATHER’S DAY REMEMBRANCES:  Father’s Day is June 21^st, don’t forget to remember your Father at our Father’s Day Divine Liturgy.

PRAYER FOR THE CHURCH

We pray You, O almighty and eternal God!  Who through Jesus Christ has revealed Your glory to all nations, to preserve the works of Your mercy, that Your Church, being spread through the whole world, may continue with unchanging faith in the confession of your name, we pray in the name of the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit.    Amen.

Thoughts from St. Theophan the Recluse

The Nazarenes did not believe the word of the Lord, because when He lived among them He had no attractive luster or outward dignity that might have commanded involuntary [human] respect.  “We know who He is.” They said; “There can’t be anything extraordinary about Him.”  Their reaction, however, did not induce the Lord to assume an imposing appearance.  He remained extremely simple in appearance.  Later, the Apostles bore themselves the same way, as did all those who truly followed and emulated them.  Why is this so?  Because there is no man-made luster that could fully correspond to the light of life in Jesus Christ.  Moreover, we recognize to relegate external appearance to the lowest value, so that it does not obstruct what is within.  Let him who has eyes to see look directly at the latter without arresting his attention upon the former.  The Holy Apostle Paul expressed it like this:  We have this treasure in earthen vessels. (IICor. 4:7).  If we could see the outward appearance of those persons whom we now revere and call upon in prayer we would not believe our eyes—they were so simple.  But to this day, those who have come to know the life in Jesus Christ abandon what is outward and turn fully within.  That is why the former falls away on its own, but the latter is raised up and grows.  It often happens that no one even notices this inner brightness, not even the one who possesses it.  The human eye is evil; it is not shown what is truly good, as long as it is capable of harming it. 

The  power of prayer

Once a person has become humble, straightaway mercy encircles and embrace him; and once mercy has approached, immediately his heart becomes aware of God helping him, since he discovers a certain powerful assurance stirring within him. When someone has become aware of the coming of divine help, and that it is this which aids and assists him, then at once his heart is filled with faith, and from this he understands that prayer is: the haven of help, the fountainhead of salvation, a treasury of assurance, a saving anchor in time of storm, an illumination to those in darkness, a staff for the weak, a shelter in time of trials, a source of recovery at the time of sickness, a shield of deliverance in war, an arrow sharpened in face of enemies. Having found an entry to all these excellent things through prayer, henceforth that person will rejoice in the prayer of faith his heart exulting in confidence—no longer blindly, or through lip-service only, as had previously been the case.  Once aware of this, he has acquired prayer in his soul, like a treasure. Out of the joy he experiences, he will change the direction of his prayer, turning it into utterance of thanksgiving. –St. Isaac the Syrian

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.

June 7, 2026

Saturday, June 6                     SECOND SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

         4:00 PM                          Fred & Olga Yuhas – Michalene Ostrum

Sunday, June 7                       SECOND SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

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

Saturday, June 13                   THIRD SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

         4:00 PM                          Olga Morgenfruh- Parishioners of St. Vladimir’s Church

Sunday, June 14                     THIRD SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

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

If you have not yet become mightily inflamed with the Holy Spirit, avoid listening to the thoughts of others, that what you hear might not arouse passions not yet dead and pervert your soul.  If you are an ardent reader, seek not brilliant and erudite texts; otherwise the demon of haughtiness will strike your heart. But like a wise bee that gathers honey from flowers, through your reading obtain also healing for your soul.

Blessed is he who preaches virtue by means of his deeds. But if you say something that pertains to virtue, but do the opposite, this will not save you.  When you see people dissipated in acts of unclean love, look not at them in amazement, that you might not be seduced by rosy skin which will soon turn to dust. Rather sigh to yourself and cry out: Remember, O Lord, that we are dust — and God’s grace will prevent you from becoming a prisoner of the Evil One.  Pray diligently to the Lord, that He might grant you the spirit of perfect chastity, that even as you dream at night you might evade the wiles of the Evil One as a person runs when he sees a wild beast chasing after him; or as a man whose pursuer carries a burning torch runs from room to room, that the fire might not burn him.  Just as one cannot buy education or artistic skills for any price without working at it, so one cannot attain the habit of exercising the virtues without zeal and diligence.

Just as your head takes priority over all other members of your body, and if a stone, stick or sword is aimed at you, you raise other members of your body to deflect the blow from your head, knowing that you cannot live in this life without your head — so may you give priority over all things to faith in the Holy Trinity Which is One in essence, for without this faith no one can live the true life.  With all your heart hope on the Lord, and you will easily evade the wiles of the wicked one, for the Lord does not forsake those who work for Him.  Excerpt from A Spiritual Psalter or Reflections on God, compiled from the works of Saint Ephraim the Syrian

Blessed is he who has found a treasure hidden in a field, and cast aside all, and acquired this one piece of land.

Blessed is he who ceaselessly remembers the day of his departure and strives to be ready and fearless in that hour.

Blessed is he who finds boldness in the hour of his leave-taking, when the soul with fear and trembling bids farewell to the body, for the angels shall come to take his soul, to separate it from the body and place it before the throne at the immortal and terrible judgement place.

– 14^th Kathisma Excerpt from the First Stasis of Saint Ephraim the SyrianPetitions & Prayers for Our Parishioners:  Donna Winsock, Sonia Dempsey, Catherine Halloway, Charles Hallaway, Louise Hubiack, Frank Udiski, 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, the world seems hopeless.  Sometimes I feel- “Where is God in the world?”  Why are many of the things happening allowed?  I try to keep “my own house in order – meaning my soul” but often I lose hope.  Maybe I fail to see God in the world.  Can you offer me any reading or advice?  I believe that the world seems hopeless to you because everything surrounding you in world:  the media, television, radio, newspaper, magazines, books, movie, theater and much stuff on the internet – the people providing these things are not offering you God.  These people are trying to lead you astray and this has been going on in the world since the time of Adam & Eve.  All these things you are encountering in your daily lives today are identical to what was happening in Russia and Ukraine 100-150 years ago.  Where is God in the world? God is everywhere.  You may feel that God is not doing anything, but God is always at work in His providence, if HE were not, total chaos would be reigning this very second.  The fact that we can openly pray as Church tells us that chaos is not reigning, that God is at work providing for His faithful ones.  Despair is a sin and the devil loves to lead people there.  Why are things allowed to happen?  Because God is always calling all men to Him.  When men choose to stay away from God, God “PERMITS” them to have the desires of their fancy which destroys themselves, with the intent that as they destroy themselves they come to their senses like the Prodigal (sinful) Son.  Seeing that they are destroying themselves they recognize that all good things came from God, so they recognize that they should return to God.  God is indeed at work today in His Providence as He always has, read 1Kings and 2Kings and notice how God works in the world.

Sending the Holy Apostles to preach, the Lord commanded them to call everyone, saying, The Kingdom of heaven is at hand (Matthew 10:7).  That is, the Kingdom has come—go toward it.  What ought we to preach?  We should cry to all, “ Sons of the Kingdom! Don’t run from the Kingdom into bondage and slavery”—for they are in fact running.  Some are captivated by freedom of mind.  They say, “We don’t want the bonds of faith and the oppression of authority, even Divine authority’  We’ll figure things out and make up our minds for ourselves.”  So they have made up their minds.  They have built fables in which there is more childishness than in the mythology of the Greeks—and they magnify themselves…  Others are enticed by the broad path of the passions.  They say, “We don’t want to know positive commandments or the demands of conscience—this is all abstract:  We need tangible naturalness.”  And they have gone after it.  What has come of it? They have bowed down before dung beasts.  Has not the [idea] that man originated from animals originated from this moral fall?  This is where they have gone!  And everyone runs from the Lord, everyone …

 -St. Theoophan the Recluse

There are no requests for the Sanctuary Light this week.

SYMPATHY:  Please remember in your prayers the soul of John Ostrum who fell asleep in the Lord on Wednesday, June 3^rd, he will be sorely missed.   May Our Lord grant him rest in the bosom of Abraham, may he be numbered among the saints, and may his memory be eternal, Vichnaya Pamyat.  Our deepest sympathies are extended to the Ostrum & Schappert Families.  Visitation is Monday, June 8^th from 5-7PM at Grontkowski Funeral home.  Parastatas will be at 7:00PM.  The Funeral Liturgy is Tuesday at 10:30AM. 

FATHER’S DAY REMEMBRANCES:  Father’s Day is June 21^st, don’t forget to remember your Father at our Father’s Day Divine Liturgy.

WALKING PILGRIMAGE: FOOTSTEPS OF OUR ANCESTORS:  Save the date Saturday, June 13.  A Seven Mile Walking Pilgrimage from St. Mary’s Church in Mocanaqua through the Pinchot State Forest, Mocanaqua Tract to St. Nicholas Church, Glen Lyon.  Divine Liturgy offered and lunch served at the end of the walk.  Register by June 6, 2026 at www.tinyurl.com/foapilgrimage26.  For more information call/text 570-301-9253 or email foapilgrimage@gmail.com.  The faith lives on in Glen Lyon……….

LASAGNA DINNER:  Saints Peter & Paul Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, (WB) will hold a Lasagna Dinner on Wednesday, June 10, 2026 in their school hall on the corner of North River and West Chestnut Streets, near the General Hospital Parkade in Wilkes-Barre.  This dinner will be Take-Out Only and Pre-Orders are strongly encouraged.  Dinners will be $15 and will include; a generous portion of two-meat lasagna, garden salad, bread and dessert.  Place your order by calling the School Hall Kitchen (570) 829-3051.  Pick-Ups will be from 4:00 to 7:00pm.  Tickets will also be sold for a Basket Raffle.  Remember…When Baba Cooks, Everybody’s Happy!”

ASK FATHER A QUESTION?  Father, what is a Tropar and a Kondak?  A troparion (plural troparia; Slavonic tropar, tropari) is a stanza of liturgical poetry. In the Byzantine Church, the troparion began as a repeated refrain during the singing of psalms. Over time it developed a life of its own, to become the troparion of today.  Troparia are sung at most liturgical services. The most important is the troparion of the day, which is sung: at Vespers, just before the dismissal – hence the alternate name dismissal troparion (Greek: apolytikion); at Matins, at the beginning and the end of the service; (on great feasts) at the Divine Liturgy, as a refrain after each verse of the Third Antiphon – an echo of the troparion’s original role in the liturgy; at the Divine Liturgy, at the Little Entrance;  at each of the Hours.  The troparion of the day thus serves as a “thread” that links the different services on a particular day. If several commemorations coincide (for example, when a feast falls on a Sunday), there may be several troparia “of the day”; the Typikon provides rules for such combinations.  Like stichera, troparion may be given special names based on their content, such as:

•          theotokion – a troparion in honor of the Mother of God

•          stavrotheotokion – a troparion commemorating the suffering of the Mother of God at the Cross

•          triadikon – a troparion in honor of the Holy Trinity.

The “middle” stanzas of each ode of a canon (following the irmos) are also called troparia.  Kontakion comes to us from fifth or sixth century Constantinople, where popular preachers were well-known for their festival sermons – orations or homilies which recounted in detail the events of a feast or saint whose day was being kept. These sermons were considered examples of rhetorical art in God’s service – icons for the ear rather than the eye.  The original kontakia were essentially festival sermons in poetic form, set to music. They consisted of an initial stanza called a proemium or “prelude”, and up to twenty-four additional stanzas or oikoi (oikos is the Greek word for “house”), having the same meter and all ending with the same final line as the proemium.The proemium served as an introduction, establishing the topic to be presented. The oikoi developed this topic, sometimes in story form, using dialog or contrast. The repeated final line served as a refrain, tying the entire hymn together. In many kontakia, the initial letters of the oikoi formed an acrostic. For example, they might spell out the letter of the alphabet (in Greek), or give the name of the poet who wrote the kontakion.  Kontakia were sung by skilled soloists, who stood at the ambo – not the solea or raised area before the iconstasis as we have it today, but a raised pulpit in the middle of the church. Due to their length, kontakia were written on scrolls, and unrolled as they were sung. The scrolls were wrapped around a pole (kontax), and the hymn was said to be sung “from the pole”. (This is the origin of the word “kontakion”, whch dates from the ninth century.) The singer was often a deacon, and there is some evidence that the choir or even the entire body of the faithful joined in singing the refrain which concluded each stanza. Unfortunately, the music used to sing kontakia has been lost.

May 30, 2026

Saturday, May 30                   SUNDAY OF ALL SAINTS

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

Sunday, May 31                     SUNDAY OF ALL SAINTS

        8:30 AM                            Jewel Johnstone- Mr. & Mrs. Rossi

Saturday, June 6                     SECOND SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

         4:00 PM                          Fred & Olga Yuhas – Michalene Ostrum

Sunday, June 7                       SECOND SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

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

         SS. PETER AND PAUL FAST

(June 1-June 28)

            The Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church fasts before the celebration of the feast of SS. Peter and Paul which is celebrated on the 29th of June.  The fast begins Monday following All Saints Sunday and continues until the feast day.  This year the fast begins on Monday, June 1st and will end at the Vespers for the Feast Day celebration Sunday evening the 28th of June for a total of 28 days this year.  Because the finding of The Resurrection of Our Lord (Easter) varies, so too does the fast period for this minor fast period on our Church Calendar.

            Most people do not follow this fast today because bishops have claimed it is not obligatory, but this does not mean that it is not observed.  Some Popes have said on occasions that even though the fasts of the Church are not identified as obligatory in every instance, it does not mean that people should not fast. We have the opportunity to enter freely into the fasting periods.  One may ask why fast now at the beginning of summer vacation time?  Let us say, first, this is not an easy time to fast; but we should remember that fasting is never easy. The very purpose of fasting is to discipline ourselves and this requires hard work and sacrifices.  We are always called by God to be in control of our appetites, what most secular society calls “passions” today.  We are always to train ourselves to be in control of our appetites rather than letting our bodily and human appetites rule us.

            The discipline of fasting leads one to hear and follow God’s Spirit and His Word and then to truly live God’s call. We look for consolation to today’s problems and difficulties and we seek answers in many places. The only true and lasting place to find meaning to the cris that face us is to return to God (repentance); but it is only in silent waiting for God to speak to us through His Spirit that we can find this consolation.

            Many of us turn to the world for answers, but it rebuffs us each time.  For example, people today teach us to seek personal convenience at all costs, telling us, “If it feels right, do it!”  We are not permitted to ask whether what we seek is good for us; our health, our relationship with God or neighbor. “Save time, steps, energy! But this newest and latest item! It will make you happy!” It is easy to see where this emphasis on personal convenience has led us. 

            Isn’t it strange that many of us are held under the sway of this worldly wisdom more than following God’s Wisdom?  Fasting and discipline asked of us by the Church, during this period of preparation for the feast of SS. Peter and Paul, is a teacher to seek out true goods. We can learn how to free ourselves from the sway of convenience by fasting at the beginning of summer. The free avoidance of foods on certain days along with prayer can give us the strength and insights to see what things are really needful for our lives. At a time when prices keep soaring what a helpful insight fasting can be. The wisdom of this world can be met with a spiritual wisdom that can build our character and make us holier in the eyes of God.  

For Unfailing Strength

Do not look forward to what may happen tomorrow; the same everlasting Father who cares for you today will take care of you tomorrow and every day. Either He will shield you from suffering, or He will give you unfailing strength to bear it. Be at peace, then. Put aside all anxious thoughts and imaginations, and say continually: “The Lord is my strength and my shield. My heart has trusted in Him and I am helped. He is not only with me but in me, and I in Him.

Petitions & Prayers for Our Parishioners:  John Ostrum, Donna Winsock, Sonia Dempsey, Catherine Halloway, Charles Hallaway, Louise Hubiack, Frank Udiski, 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 am confused- can you please explain to me what the Beatific Vision is?  The Beatific Vision is the immediate knowledge and vision of God (the Holy Trinity-Father, Son and Holy Spirit) which the angelic spirits, angels, and the souls of the just see and enjoy in the heaven.  N.b. This is the soul alone of the person separated from their body, this is not yet entering eternally into heaven.  It is called “vision” to mark this as different from the knowledge of God which man can attain in this life.  Is the God the Father portrayed in iconography?  Yes and No.  Yes in the sense of Rublev’s Icon of the Trinity depicts the three angels who visited Abraham and the colors in the icon tell you which is Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  Also, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are depicted in the Icon of Jesus’s baptism in the Jordan.  The Son of God, Jesus Christ being baptized, the Holy Spirit in the image of a dove, and God the Father depicted as a breath coming from the clouds.  In some iconography a hand coming from the clouds blesses the Son.  God the Father is not to be depicted in iconography or statuary as an old man with a white beard according to ancient church law, even though you have seen this it is not supposed to be done. Ancient Church Canons 

The Holy Church commemorates Saints every day.  However, because there have been God-pleasers who struggled in obscurity and where not revealed to the Holy Church, the church has established a day on which we glorify all those who have pleased God throughout the ages.  So that not one might be left unglorified by the Church.  The Church established that this be done immediately after the Feast of the Descent of the Holy Spirit, since it is by the grace of the Holy Spirit that all the saints have been made and continue to be made.  The grace of the Holy Spirit brings repentance and the forgiveness of sins.  It leads one into battle against the passions and lusts.  And crowns this labor with purity and passionlessness.  And thus a new creature appears, fit for a new heaven and a new earth.  Let us be zealous to follow the saints of God.  Today’s Gospel reading teaches us how to do this:  it demands fearless confession of faith in the Lord and preferential love for Him, the raising of the cross of self-denial and heartfelt renunciation of everything [else].  Let us place a beginning according to these instructions.

-St. Theoophan the Recluse

There are no requests for the Sanctuary Light this week.

Cemetery    2 envelopes    $10

PLYMOUTH 250^th ANNIVERSARY OF OUR NATION PARADE IN PLYMOUTH:  The Auspice of Maria will participate in the parade from; St. Mary’s, St. Stephan’s & St. Vincent’s Catholic Church and welcomes parishioners of Saint Peter & Paul Church to participate.  If you are interested please call Nancy Restraino at 570-239-3363.  There is a flyer in the back of the church and they will be parking at St. Peter & Paul Church and assembling at the Family Dollar at 10:30 am.

The Borough of Plymouth has asked Parishes to ring their bells at Noon on Saturday, May 30 in celebration of our nation’s 250^th Birthday.  Any parishioner who is willing to ring the bells, please feel free to come and ring the bells.

FATHER’S DAY REMEMBRANCES:  Father’s Day is June 21^st, don’t forget to remember your Father at our Father’s Day Divine Liturgy.

WALKING PILGRIMAGE: FOOTSTEPS OF OUR ANCESTORS:  Save the date Saturday, June 13.  A Seven Mile Walking Pilgrimage from St. Mary’s Church in Mocanaqua through the Pinchot State Forest, Mocanaqua Tract to St. Nicholas Church, Glen Lyon.  Divine Liturgy offered and lunch served at the end of the walk.  Register by June 6, 2026 at www.tinyurl.com/foapilgrimage26.  For more information call/text 570-301-9253 or email foapilgrimage@gmail.com.  The faith lives on in Glen Lyon……….

LASAGNA DINNER:  Saints Peter & Paul Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, (WB) will hold a Lasagna Dinner on Wednesday, June 10, 2026 in their school hall on the corner of North River and West Chestnut Streets, near the General Hospital Parkade in Wilkes-Barre.  This dinner will be Take-Out Only and Pre-Orders are strongly encouraged.  Dinners will be $15 and will include; a generous portion of two-meat lasagna, garden salad, bread and dessert.  Place your order by calling the School Hall Kitchen (570) 

The Fifth Kathisma

The first stasis

Do you seek mercy?  Be merciful yourself.

The debts of those who ask for pardon are forgiven.  But see that you do not harbor hatred for your brothers when you ask forgiveness of your debts.  Prayers that are offered up to God remain behind closed doors if they do not contain love, for only love can open the doors for prayer.  If your brother is angry with you, then the Lord is also angry with you.  And if you have made peace with your brother below, then you have made peace with the Lord on high.  If you receive your brother, then you also receive your Lord.  Thus, make peace with the Lord in the person of those who are offended; give Him cause to be glad in the person of those who sorrow; visit Him in the person of those who are infirmed; feed Him in the person of those who hunger.  In the person of a weary traveler, prepare a soft bed for Him, wash His feet, seat Him at the head of your table, break your bread and share it with Him, and give Him also your cup.  He has already shown His great love for you; He has broken His body for you and given you His blood to drink.  – St. Ephreim the Syrian

Psalm 91 NIV- Assurance of God’s Protection

You who live in the shelter of the Most High, who abide in the shadow of the Almighty, will say to the LORD, “My refuge and my fortress; my God, in whom I trust.”  For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence; he will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge;  his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.  You will not fear the terror of the night, or the arrow that flies by day, or the pestilence that stalks in darkness, or the destruction that wastes at noonday.  A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you.  You will only look with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked.  Because you have made the LORD your refuge, the Most High your dwelling place, no evil shall befall you, no scourge come near your tent.  For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.  On their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.  You will tread on the lion and the adder, the young lion and the serpent you will trample under foot.  Those who love me, I will deliver; I will protect those who know my name.  When they call to me, I will answer them; I will be with them in trouble, I will rescue them and honor them.  With long life I will satisfy them, and show them my salvation.