SS Peter & Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church

Saturday, August 8                 ELEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST 

     4:00 PM                              Irene Frisbie – Anna Magill 

Sunday, August 9                   ELEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

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

Saturday, August 15               TWELFTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST 

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

Sunday, August 16                 TWELFTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

     8:30 AM                                            God’s Blessings for Jordan & Quinby Finch

                                                -Owen Family

WHY COOK WEDNESDAYS!:  “Saints Peter & Paul Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church will hold the 3^rd and last of their Why Cook Wednesday Dinners for the Summer with a Ukrainian Festival Food, Take-Out Dinner on Wednesday, August 12^th.  Order from a menu of festival foods including; a Holubtsi Dinner with 2 piggies, 3 pyrohy and green beans for $12.00, a Kovbasa Dinner with Kielbasa & Sauerkraut, Hard Roll and 3 Pyrohy for $10.00, Pagash – 3 Cuts for $6.00 or a whole tray of 12 for $22.00, Pyrohy – 6 for $6.00 or a dozen frozen for $10, Cabbage and Noodles for $4.00 a pint, and Piggie 6-Packs for $18.00.  Desserts available at our bake sale.  Pick-Ups from 4:00 to 7:00pm in their school hall on the corner of North River and West Chestnut Streets, near the General Hospital Parkade in Wilkes-Barre.  Take-Out Only and Pre-Orders are strongly encouraged.  Place your order by calling the School Hall Kitchen (570) 829-3051.  Tickets will also be sold for a Basket Raffle.  Remember…When Baba Cooks, Everybody’s Happy!”

Fasting

     Christian fasting is the most effective weapon we have, especially along with prayer.  The two together do wonders.  One day, His disciples asked Jesus why they could not heal a boy by expelling the demon from within him, “Why could we not cast it out?”  The Lord’s reply was, “This kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.”

     Fasting makes us realize that we are dependent on God and trains us to control our appetites, which devils use to tempt us to sin.  We are reminded that without God, we can do nothing.  It also has the potential to increase our spiritual strength, true obedience to God, and total patience with our fellow man.  It assists us to take control of our appetites that involve the physical senses.  We fast from food to help us build up our self control “muscles” so to speak – so that ultimately we can resist the temptation to sin and live according to God’s will. 

     As with all fasting, please remember that abstaining from food during this period of preparation does us no good if we do not also, as St. John Chrysostom teaches us, fast with:

“… the eye and the ear and the feet and the hands and all the members of our bodies. Let the hands fast, by being free of avarice. Let the feet fast, by ceasing to run after sin. Let the eyes fast, by disciplining them not to glare at that which is sinful. Let the ear fast, by not listening to evil talk and gossip. Let the mouth fast from foul words and unjust criticism.
For what good is it if we abstain from birds and fishes, but bite and devour our brothers?”— -St John Chrysostom

-From AsceticLifeofMotherhood

UKRAINIAN INDEPENDENCE FOLK FESTIVAL:  On Sun., Aug. 23, at 12:00 PM, the Ukrainian American Sport Center Tryzub(County Line and Lower State Rds., Horsham, PA) invites you to the Ukrainian Independence Folk Festival 2026. Commencing at 1:30 PM, , a BBQ and cool refreshments for all ages will be plentiful.  Admission: $20; Free for children to age 14. Info: 267-664-3857; info@tryzub.org; www.tryzub.org. $2 of each paid admission goes to Humanitarian Relief in Ukraine. Review the website for possible offsite parking instructions. 

Prayer to the All-Holy Theotokos

By One Who is in Trouble and Affliction

O mine all-good Queen, mine all-holy hope, receiver of orphans and assister of strangers, helper of the unfortunate and protection of the afflicted!  Thou seest my peril, Thou seest my tribulation:  I am beset by temptations on every side, but there is no one to help me.  Wherefore, do Thou Thyself help me, for I am sick; feed me, for I am a stranger; guide me, for I am lost; heal and save me, for I am beyond hope.  I have none other help, I have none other intercession or consolation, save Thee, O Mother of all who are troubled and heavily burdened.  Wherefore, look upon me, a sinner in affliction, and cover me with Thine all-holy omophorion, that I may be delivered from the evils which compass me round about, and may continually praise Thine all-hymned name.  Amen   -From the Akathist to the Protection of the All-Holy Theotokos

The Altar Candles were requested by Michaelene Ostrum IMO her mother Helene Sirak and her brother Michael B Sirak.

The Sanctuary Light is requested by Anna Magill IMO her sister Irene Frisbie.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!:  Birthday wishes to David Youells (Aug 1st), Paul Hoover (Aug 3rd) and Mary Oshirak (Aug 15th) who are celebrating their birthdays. God grant them many years of good health.

WOMEN’S SOCIETY RUMMAGE SALE:  The Women’s Society will be holding a rummage sale in October. They are collecting good condition household items, which can be dropped off at the church hall. For more information call  Anna Magill 570-239-9263.  Thank you to everyone who helped with the Clothes & Book Sale. 

CHURCH WEEDING:  Thanks to all the ladies who did the weeding around the church last week. Also, to David Youells, for trimming all the shrubs by the hall. 

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.

ELEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

The Lord concluded the parable about the two debtors with the following words:  So likewise shall My Heavenly Father do also unto you, if you from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses (Matt. 18:35).  It would seem that such a small thing is required:  forgive and you will be forgiven.  When you are forgiven, you are received into mercy; and when you are brought into mercy, you have become a participant in all the treasures of mercy-salvation, and Paradise, and eternal bliss. What  great acquisition for such a small thing as forgiving!  Yes, it is a small thing, but for our self-love there is nothing more difficult that forgiving.  We might forgive some unintentional annoyance dealt us in private that no one sees.  But if the offense is just a bit more sensitive, and takes place in front of people, don’t even ask-there is no forgiveness.  There are circumstances when, whether you want to or not, you are not allowed to express your displeasure-and so you remain silent.  However, only your tongue is silent.  Meanwhile, your heart speaks and builds evil plans.  Raise the annoyance yet another degree, and there is no restraint.  Neither shame, nor fear, nor loss, nor any other thing will restrain you.  Egoism which has reached the boiling point makes a person as though insane, and he who gives into it begins to talk foolishly .  The people most subject to this unfortunate state are usually not just anyone.  The more civilized one is, the more sensitive he is to insults, and the less forgiving.  Relations will often remain smooth on the surface, but inwardly there is clearly discord.   Meanwhile, the Lord requires that we forgive with our whole hearts.

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.

Ask Father a Question. Father, I recall speaking with you about fruit for blessing on the Feast of Transfiguration of Our Lord, you specified that I should obtain grapes and apples.  Why?  Wasn’t the apple the fruit the servant tempted Adam and Eve with? Is there a symbolism to this?  First, the fruit with which the Devil tempted Adam and Eve was the fruit of the the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, it was not an apple.   Grapes are the prime fruit to be blessed on this Feast Day, for the servants of God are called for the Gathering of the Fruits of the Vineyard.  For as one sows, another reaps.  God uses in parable vineyards (grapevines), grapes in all it’s many meanings to remind us of the perfection of creation before mankind’s sin.  We are called to be good stewards of the garden.  Jesus also tells us He is the Vine and we are the branches and we are to produce good fruit in the world., hence, the vines on the Iconostasis.  So we are reminded, not just to bring grapes but as good stewards we are reminded that we are the fruits and Jesus is the Vine.  No one can produce good fruit who is separated from the vine, Jesus Christ. Now, in Ukraine, apples are plentiful and grape vines are not.  So in Ukraine it is common to bring the first fruits from your garden which are apples, just as we bring pussywillows instead of palms on Palm Sunday. So bring to the Lord, the best of your first fruits.

Saturday, August 1                 TENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST 

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

Sunday, August 2                   TENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

     8:30 AM                                            Olha Zherebetska – Mariya Palashchuk

Thursday, August 6                TRANSFIGURATION OF OUR LORD    

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

Blessing of Fruit(Myrovania)

Saturday, August 8                 ELEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST 

     4:00 PM                              God’s Blessing & Good Health for All Parishioners                Sunday, August 9       ELEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

     8:30 AM                                            God’s Blessing & Good Health for Jordan & Quinby Finch

                                                -Owen Family

ASK FATHER A QUESTION? Father, what is the Antimension?  A little background for you, you have probably seen or heard about a priest having a white cloth-which is the minimum necessary to have on an impromptu altar.  An example you have commonly heard about or seen in pictures is during World War II or Korea, using the hood of a jeep or a tailgate of a truck or a large boulder as the impromptu altar and you can see the Antimension laying on it.  The Roman Catholic practice for an altar is a stone.  The Roman Catholic priest at time of war would have had to carry a large stone with him and this is not practical.  Roman Catholic bishops permitted their priests serving as chaplains in the army to us an Antimension which is part of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church practice in lieu of carrying around a stone for an altar.  These Antimensions were blessed by the Roman Catholic Bishop for the Roman Catholic priests.  A little piece of history you might find interesting. (or not.) 

The Antimension is a rectangular silk or linen cloth, (white or slightly tan in color), with the Icon of Christ lying in the Tomb and the instruments of His Passion (crucifixion).  The instruments of Christ’s passion are the spear, the Cross, sponge on a reed, and the crown of thorns.  In the corners are the four evangelists, a Holy relic is sewn into the cloth, by which we are reminded that in the early Church the Divine Liturgy was celebrated over the tomb of a (Martyr).  The Antimension is permanently on the Holy Altar under the Gospel Book in all Ukrainian Greek Catholic Churches.  At the opening of the Liturgy, the priest makes the sign of the cross with the Gospel the Book over the Antimension.  When the priest intones, “Blessed is the Kingdom of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, now and forever and ever. Amen.”  

Likewise, after communion, when the priest intones, “For You are Our sanctification and we give glory to You, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and forever and ever. Amen.”  Now after the reading of the Gospel, when the priest puts the LOGOS, (Jesus Christ- the Word of God, the Book of Gospels), on the altar upright in front of the Tabernacle, he is preparing the altar space where the Antimension has been laying folded in three’s, to be unfolded after the Homily as the Liturgy continues in preparation for the Great Entrance with the Gifts which will become the Body and Blood of Christ which will be placed and consecrated on the unfolded Antimension.  This same cloth was used by the Bishop during the consecration of the Holy Altar of the Church and it bears the Bishop’s signature. It is deemed necessary for the celebration of the Divine Liturgy and indicated that the priest acts under the proper authority of and in union with his Bishop.  There are no “independent” churches or priests in the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church.  When a new Bishop is enthroned, the Antimension will be replaced with a new Antimension with the current Bishop’s signature.

Without the Antimension is there is no Divine Liturgy.  Please keep in mind that the Antimension remains on the Holy Altar and most parishioners never see it and are not allowed to touch it.  The Antimension is NOT the cloth covering the communion cup. (I did have to explain this to a parishioner.)  

UKRAINIAN INDEPENDENCE FOLK FESTIVAL:  On Sun., Aug. 23, at 12:00 PM, the Ukrainian American Sport Center Tryzub(County Line and Lower State Rds., Horsham, PA) invites you to the Ukrainian Independence Folk Festival 2026. Commencing at 1:30 PM, , a BBQ and cool refreshments for all ages will be plentiful.  Admission: $20; Free for children to age 14. Info: 267-664-3857; info@tryzub.org; www.tryzub.org. $2 of each paid admission goes to Humanitarian Relief in Ukraine. Review the website for possible offsite parking instructions. 

WHY COOK WEDNESDAYS!:  “Saints Peter & Paul Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church will hold the 3^rd and last of their Why Cook Wednesday Dinners for the Summer with a Ukrainian Festival Food, Take-Out Dinner on Wednesday, August 12^th.  Order from a menu of festival foods including; a Holubtsi Dinner with 2 piggies, 3 pyrohy and green beans for $12.00, a Kovbasa Dinner with Kielbasa & Sauerkraut, Hard Roll and 3 Pyrohy for $10.00, Pagash – 3 Cuts for $6.00 or a whole tray of 12 for $22.00, Pyrohy – 6 for $6.00 or a dozen frozen for $10, Cabbage and Noodles for $4.00 a pint, and Piggie 6-Packs for $18.00.  Desserts available at our bake sale.  Pick-Ups from 4:00 to 7:00pm in their school hall on the corner of North River and West Chestnut Streets, near the General Hospital Parkade in Wilkes-Barre.  Take-Out Only and Pre-Orders are strongly encouraged.  Place your order by calling the School Hall Kitchen (570) 829-3051.  Tickets will also be sold for a Basket Raffle.  Remember…When Baba Cooks, Everybody’s Happy!”

ASK FATHER A QUESTION?  Why do we bless flowers for the Feast of the Dormition of Our Blessed Lady?  The historic origin of the custom seems to have been from the blessing of first fruits of olives by the Patriarch of Constantinople.  The Slavic Church titles this a “Blessing of Herbs,” and the intention of the prayers seems to be the blessing of herbs (and spices) that were used for medicinal purposes in the summer heat which is conducive to many infectious diseases, which is apparent from the reading of the prayers.  In more recent times, the tradition concerning the death of the Theotokos, that flowers were discovered in her empty tomb after her body was taken into heaven, this has influenced this office and it has largely become a blessing of flowers.

St Isaac the Syrian says we should:

•           Pray with attention – so that we can have a true encounter with God

•           Pray with humility – because this sort of prayer goes straight to God’s ear

•           Pray with affection and tears – with joy and     

            thanksgiving, but also with true repentance and purity.

•           Pray with patience and ardor – ‘to deny oneself’ is     

            courageously to persevere in prayer.

•           Pray from the depths of the heart – even if we pray      

            using ‘the words of another’ they should be uttered as if      

            they are our own. St. Isaac says this is especially true of the Psalms.

•           Pray with faith and absolute trust in God – because He knows our life

Prayer to Our Lady during Times of Personal Illness

Blessed Mother, through the countless miracles attributed to your intercession, you have evidenced a generous and compassionate heart and a great love for the sick. Be with me during this time of ill health, and accompany me as I face sickness and infirmity.

Help me to experience God’s healing power through your prayers, as well as my own.  Lead me to unite myself to the Cross of Jesus Christ, so that this suffering brings spiritual benefit to me and to others. May my bearing the cross of illness here on earth, prepare me for the eternal joys of perfect happiness and fullness of life with God forever in heaven.   Amen.

The Altar Candles were requested by Michaelene Ostrum IMO her mother Helene Sirak and her brother Michael B Sirak.

The Sanctuary Light is requested by Michaelene Ostrum IMO her brother Michael B Sirak.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!:  Birthday wishes to David Youells (Aug 1st), Paul Hoover (Aug 3rd) and Mary Oshirak (Aug 15th) who are celebrating their birthdays. God grant them many years of good health.

WOMEN’S SOCIETY CLOTHES & BOOK SALE:  The Women’s Society will be holding a Clothes and Book sale on Friday July 31st from 9-4 and Saturday Aug 1st from 9-2. If you know of a business that can display this announcement, please take a flyer from in the back of the church. Your help in getting this information out to the public is greatly appreciated. 

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.

Psalm 18  Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. Let Israel say: “His love endures forever.” Let the house of Aaron say: “His love endures forever.” Let those who fear the Lord say: “His love endures forever.”   When hard pressed, I cried to the Lord; he brought me into a spacious place.   The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?   The Lord is with me; he is my helper. I look in triumph on my enemies. It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in humans. It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes.   All the nations surrounded me, but in the name of the Lord I cut them down. They surrounded me on every side, but in the name of the Lord I cut them down. They swarmed around me like bees, but they were consumed as quickly as burning thorns; in the name of the Lord I cut them down.  I was pushed back and about to fall, but the Lord helped me.   The Lord is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation. Shouts of joy and victory resound in the tents of the righteous: “The Lord’s right hand has done mighty things! The Lord’s right hand is lifted high; the Lord’s right hand has done mighty things!” I will not die but live, and will proclaim what the Lord has done. The Lord has chastened me severely, but he has not given me over to death.  Open for me the gates of the righteous; I will enter and give thanks to the Lord.   This is the gate of the Lord through which the righteous may enter. I will give you thanks, for you answered me; you have become my salvation. The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes.   The Lord has done it this very day; let us rejoice today and be glad. Lord, save us! Lord, grant us success! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. From the house of the Lord we bless you. The Lord is God, and he has made his light shine on us. With boughs in hand, join in the festal procession up to the horns of the altar. You are my God, and I will praise you; you are my God, and I will exalt you.   Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.

“If anyone does not wish to have Mary Immaculate for his Mother, he will not have Christ for his Brother.”  -Saint Maximilian Kolbe

Quotes from St. Francis de Sales:

Have patience with all things – but first with yourself. Never confuse your mistakes with your value as a human being. You are perfectly valuable, creative, worthwhile person simply because you exist. And no amount of triumphs or tribulations can ever change that.

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.’

Anxiety is the greatest evil that can befall a soul, except sin. God commands you to pray, but He forbids you to worry.

Faith is like a bright ray of sun light. It enables us to see God in all things as well as all things in God.

July 26, 2026

Saturday, July 25                    NINTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST 

     4:00 PM                              Theodore Hoas- Monica Bergin

Sunday, July 26                       NINTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

     8:30 AM                                            Ihor & Olympia Pasicznyk- Placek Family

Saturday, August 1                 TENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST 

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

Sunday, August 2                   TENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

     8:30 AM                                            Olha Zherebetska – Mariya Palashchuk

UKRAINIAN INDEPENDENCE FOLK FESTIVAL:  On Sun., Aug. 23, at 12:00 PM, the Ukrainian American Sport Center Tryzub(County Line and Lower State Rds., Horsham, PA) invites you to the Ukrainian Independence Folk Festival 2026. Commencing at 1:30 PM, , a BBQ and cool refreshments for all ages will be plentiful.  Admission: $20; Free for children to age 14. Info: 267-664-3857; info@tryzub.org; www.tryzub.org. $2 of each paid admission goes to Humanitarian Relief in Ukraine. Review the website for possible offsite parking instructions. 

WHY COOK WEDNESDAYS!:  “Saints Peter & Paul Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church will hold the 3^rd and last of their Why Cook Wednesday Dinners for the Summer with a Ukrainian Festival Food, Take-Out Dinner on Wednesday, August 12^th.  Order from a menu of festival foods including; a Holubtsi Dinner with 2 piggies, 3 pyrohy and green beans for $12.00, a Kovbasa Dinner with Kielbasa & Sauerkraut, Hard Roll and 3 Pyrohy for $10.00, Pagash – 3 Cuts for $6.00 or a whole tray of 12 for $22.00, Pyrohy – 6 for $6.00 or a dozen frozen for $10, Cabbage and Noodles for $4.00 a pint, and Piggie 6-Packs for $18.00.  Desserts available at our bake sale.  Pick-Ups from 4:00 to 7:00pm in their school hall on the corner of North River and West Chestnut Streets, near the General Hospital Parkade in Wilkes-Barre.  Take-Out Only and Pre-Orders are strongly encouraged.  Place your order by calling the School Hall Kitchen (570) 829-3051.  Tickets will also be sold for a Basket Raffle.  Remember…When Baba Cooks, Everybody’s Happy!”

ASK FATHER A QUESTION?  What is the Dormition Fast and when did it start?

  Just like the Feast of Resurrection (Easter), there is a preparation period which lasts 40 days (The Great Fast).  The preparation period for the Feast of the Dormition of Holy Mother of God is a two week preparation/penitential period, which begins August 1^st of each year.  As the Great Fast ends with the Dormition of Christ on the Cross (Good Friday), we prepare for our Blessed Lady’s Dormition and her resurrection and ours, even though we don’t experience it yet in time.  This preparation period is not only for her feast, but also to prepare us for our dormition and resurrection and to lead us to heaven.  BUT Father, can you explain this in English?  The Dormition of the Mother of God is the day that she died.  The Blessed Mother was put in a tomb.  Thomas-aka Doubting Thomas, the Apostle, was not present at her death and burial, he asked to see where she was laid and when they arrived at the tomb they found it was empty and filled with the aroma of roses.  Roman Catholics call this day the Assumption of the Mother of God because her body was taken to heaven.  HOW DO WE KEEP THIS FAST PERIOD?  The traditional fast is a period of 14 days no meat and dairy.  The fast is voluntary.  Just like Lent we can omit meat perhaps on Wednesdays and Fridays, if we choose.

NINTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

The Holy Apostle Peter, with the Lord’s permission, gets out of the ship and walks on the water; then he yields to the movement of fear and begins to drown.  The fact that he decided upon such a singular act, hoping in the Lord, deserves no reprimand-otherwise the Lord would not have allowed him to do this.  The reprimand came because he did not sustain the original state of his soul.  He was filled with inspired hope in the Lord’s ability to do anything, and this gave him the boldness to entrust himself to the waves.  Several steps were already made along this new path-it was necessary only to stand more firmly in hope, gazing at the Lord, Who is near, and at the experience of walking in His strength.  Instead, he gave himself over to human thoughts:“ The wind is strong, the waves are great, and water is not solid”- and this shook loose and weakened the strength of his faith and hope.   Because of this he broke away from the Lord’s hands and, left to the operation of nature’s laws, began to drown.  The Lord rebuked him: O you of little faith, wherefore did you doubt?  Matthew (14:31), showing that in this lay the entire reason for his danger.  Behold a lesson for all who undertake something, great or small, with the aim of pleasing the Lord!  Keep your first state of faith and hope, from which a great virtue is born-patience in doing good which serves as the basis for a God-pleasing life.  As long as these dispositions are maintained, inspiration for laboring on the path begun does not go away, and obstacles, no matter how great they may be, are not noticed.  When these dispositions weaken, the soul is filled with human reasoning about human methods of preserving one’s life and conducting the affairs one has begun.  But since these human methods always turn out to be powerless, fear enters the soul, how should one act?  From this comes waverings about whether or not to continue and in the end one completely turns back.  Here is what you must do:  If you begin, persevere-chase away troubling thoughts, and be bold in the Lord, who is close.    –From St. Theophan the Recluse 

There are no Altar Candles for this month.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!:  God’s Blessings to David Youells, Paul Hoover and Mary Oshirak who are celebrating birthdays this month. 

WOMEN’S SOCIETY CLOTHES & BOOK SALE:  The Women’s Society will be holding a Clothes and Book sale on Friday July 31st from 9-4 and Saturday Aug 1st from 9-2. If you know of a business that can display this announcement, please take a flyer from in the back of the church. Your help in getting this information out to the public is greatly appreciated. 

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.

EIGHTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

July 19, 2026

Saturday, July 18                    EIGHTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST 

     4:00 PM                              God’s Blessings & Good Health for the Colbe Family

                                                Blessing of Chariots

Sunday, July 19                       EIGHTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

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

                                                Blessing of Chariots

Monday, July 20                     ELIJAH- GREAT PROPHET- No Liturgy

Saturday, July 25                    NINTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST 

     4:00 PM                              Theodore Hoas- Monica Bergin

Sunday, July 26                       EIGHTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

     8:30 AM                                                 Ihor & Olympia Pasicznyk- Placek Family

^{Originally published in The Way on February 8, 1941 A. D.}

During the month of February our minds inevitably turn to two of America’s greatest leaders, to Washington and Lincoln. Thinking of leaders, we think of some of the necessary qualities of a leader.  We think of some of our own leaders of the present day and wonder if they have the qualities necessary for a leader.

Too many people when thinking of the attributes of a leader think first of the honor of it.  They may think of the monetary benefits.  They think of everything but the responsibility of a leader.  It has well been said that many “think of leadership as the spire of the cathedral, not as its foundation.”

It would be well for leaders, and would-be leaders, to remember that there is a compulsion about success.  It is not enough to be useful and active until leadership is won.

The liner which has made a fast crossing of the ocean, ever afterwards lives under obligation of its own record.  Each successive voyage is compared and should the liner descent into the ruck of the six or seven day vessels there would gather around its name something of disappointment, even a tinge of shame.

So it is with high achievement in any sphere.  The football team which is at the top of the league and succumbs to one almost beneath the horizon of popular knowledge becomes a target for the wits and cynics.  The boxer who has had world honors and goes down to a jab from a novice becomes an object of derision.  The novelist who has produced a notable work of art and then perpetrates a pot-boiler has to endure the barbs of comparative criticism.  The leader who “falls down on his job” meets scorn not honor.  There lies upon every man the obligation to achieve the highest and to live up to it.

To think of leadership only for the honor is to think superficially and unsoundly. Such thinking takes into consideration only the leader, and not the people to be led.

Most people need leaders, but good, sincere leaders, leaders with a sense of responsibility.  They hunger for leaders as they hunger for food, for light and air.  They drink the inspiration they get from a leader as the thirsty will drink cold water.  The need, the desire of men and women for inspirational leadership is the fact by which all the qualities of a leader must be estimated.  The need is not for someone to honor, but for someone who can give them inspiration, who can serve their needs.

Men and women often want guidance in making up their opinion.  They have a deep instinctive need of someone who can touch in them the springs of action, who can make their heart beat faster or their mind work quicker.

There is not one of us but, looking back, we can see that the formative things in our life were little phrases either of criticism or approval from those above us, glimpses of action in them which became for us an example, a model upon which consciously or unconsciously our character was shaped.  These things remain a need for most people to the end of their lives.  Civilization and education may disguise it; but they cannot eliminate it.

This inspirational leadership was never desired and needed more than it is today.  We feel the lack of good leaders.  Let us help raise them for the future through the influence of our own Church, our schools and our own press.

PRAYERS:  Please Pray for our leaders of today that God will lead them

 and guide them.

UKRAINIAN INDEPENDENCE FOLK FESTIVAL:  On Sun., Aug. 23, at 12:00 PM, the Ukrainian American Sport Center Tryzub(County Line and Lower State Rds., Horsham, PA) invites you to the Ukrainian Independence Folk Festival 2026. Commencing at 1:30 PM, , a BBQ and cool refreshments for all ages will be plentiful. Admission: $20; Free for children to age 14. Info: 267-664-3857; info@tryzub.org; www.tryzub.org. $2 of each paid admission goes to Humanitarian Relief in Ukraine. Review the website for possible offsite parking instructions. 

WHY COOK WEDNESDAYS!:  “Saints Peter & Paul Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church will hold the 3^rd and last of their Why Cook Wednesday Dinners for the Summer with a Ukrainian Festival Food, Take-Out Dinner on Wednesday, August 12^th.  Order from a menu of festival foods including; a Holubtsi Dinner with 2 piggies, 3 pyrohy and green beans for $12.00, a Kovbasa Dinner with Kielbasa & Sauerkraut, Hard Roll and 3 Pyrohy for $10.00, Pagash – 3 Cuts for $6.00 or a whole tray of 12 for $22.00, Pyrohy – 6 for $6.00 or a dozen frozen for $10, Cabbage and Noodles for $4.00 a pint, and Piggie 6-Packs for $18.00.  Desserts available at our bake sale.  Pick-Ups from 4:00 to 7:00pm in their school hall on the corner of North River and West Chestnut Streets, near the General Hospital Parkade in Wilkes-Barre.  Take-Out Only and Pre-Orders are strongly encouraged.  Place your order by calling the School Hall Kitchen (570) 829-3051.  Tickets will also be sold for a Basket Raffle.  Remember…When Baba Cooks, Everybody’s Happy!”

A Spiritual Psalter
or Reflections on God

from the writings of
Saint Ephraim the Syrian

94
If you force yourself to be vigilant in prayer, you will gain mercy when the end comes.

Praise to the All-good One, Who because of His love has revealed glory to the sons of men! 

From dust did He create a voiceless being and adorn him with a soul, a proprietress of heavenly treasures.

He gave these lips of dust the capacity to magnify Him, so that through them all creation might sing praise unto Him.

Come, ye who are endowed with speech, let us sing praise unto Him until we repose in the sleep of death.

Every night shall we contemplate death which will stop our lips and lay silence upon us.

The righteous who spent their nights in vigilance live even after death; but the lawless, who reject the glory of the Son of God, are already dead while they yet live.

Let us rouse our bodies with psalms and spiritual hymns that we might join the wise virgins whom our Lord praised, and in vigilance behold His glory in the night that will cause the world to tremble.

Let us not wallow in pleasures, that we might behold His glory in the day of His coming. Let us stand before Him as watchful servants, ready for the hour when He will bring the sons of men to the judgment.

The body that burdened itself with prayer shall soar through the air on the day of the resurrection; without shame shall it behold its Lord; with Him shall it enter into the habitation of light, where it will be cherished by the angels and by those who here burdened themselves with vigilance and prayer.

Blessed is He Who made us instruments of His glory and put exaltation in our unworthy lips! Praise be to His compassion, for He has made those who were of dust concelebrants with the angels, that every night and at all times they might sing His holy name.

There are no  Altar Candles or Sanctuary light for this week.

Thank you to David Shipula for his donation to the church IMO John Ostrum.

SYMPATHY:  Our heartfelt sympathy to Anna Magill and her family on the passing of her grandson, James Mahon V.   

WOMEN’S SOCIETY CLOTHES & BOOK SALE:  The Women’s Society will be holding a Clothes and Book sale on Friday July 31st from 9-4 and Saturday Aug 1st from 9-2. If you know of a business that can display this announcement, please take a flyer from in the back of the church. Your help in getting this information out to the public is greatly appreciated. 

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.

“Entrust your works to the LORD, and your plans will succeed.” Proverbs 16:3.

“If God is for us, who can be against us?” Romans 8:31

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” John 1:5.

ASK FATHER A QUESTION?  Father, when I was reciting the Communion Prayer before Holy Communion, “Remember me O Lord, when you come into Your Kingdom”- I, Began to think (perhaps too much), Isn’t God in His Kingdom?  I thought He was already there?  The prayer is talking about Judgement Day, so there is a lot more involved then there is space in the bulletin.  When a King was returning to His Kingdom after defeating an enemy, the look-outs on seeing the King at a distance would call out to the city, “The King is returning in Triumph!”  The citizens and his army who remained at home would go out to meet Him and the army on the road BEFORE they got to the city. All of them would enter in triumph into the kingdom.  Likewise, Yes, Jesus, Father, and Holy Spirit are in Heaven.  In the worldly battle against Lucifer and his evil ones, the war is not yet complete.  At the end of time, when all the dead shall rise from the grave and those still living are called to judgement-Heaven or Hell, those who inherit Hell are cast into Hell.  The war is now complete and the triumphant King, Jesus Christ will return into His Kingdom surrounded by His army and citizens for all Eternity, just as the worldly King returns to His Kingdom.  God remembering you into His Kingdom is calling you as a citizen to Heaven.  Along with that prayer, you are asking for many things:  the graces of God to battle sin in this life, to remain virtuous, to grow in humility, to grow in purity and innocence, and that your “will” will align with the Will of God for you. 

July 12, 2026

Saturday, July 11                    SEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST 

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

Sunday, July 12                       SEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

     8:30 AM                             Jewel Johnstone- Niznik Family

Monday, July 13                     

     9:00 AM                             John Ostrum(40^th Day)- Niznik Family

Saturday, July 18                    EIGHTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST 

     4:00 PM                              God’s Blessings & Good Health for the Colbe Family

                                                Blessing of Chariots

Sunday, July 19                       EIGHTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

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

                                                Blessing of Chariots

Monday, July 20                     ELIJAH- GREAT PROPHET- No Liturgy

^{Originally published in The Way on February 1, 1941}

What is a great life? In answer to this question there are many definitions. One of them claims that a great life “is a thought in youth carved out in ripened years.”

Yes, there is a joy in making dreams come true, but whether your life is great or not after they have come true, depends upon the dreams. Young people whose rule of life is to avoid what is difficult and go through with those projects only which appeal to their sense of ease are the raw material from which the failures of life are formed.

Much of our success, our achievement depends upon whether in performing our task our eyes are upon the minimum or upon the maximum.  People who look to the minimum are all too common.  They expend a great amount of energy thinking of plans to do as little as possible and yet “get away with as much as possible,” or else they justify themselves by thinking of the amount of effort others would put into it.

Whenever the minimum is given, the effects are always the same.  The undertaking is done with the minimum of satisfaction.  This minimum is always done with the hope that luck or circumstances will come along to provide a brilliant result and high commendation for the small effort.  Sometimes this happens, but that is not the path to a great life.  You can fool some people all the time, some people some of the time, but certainly not all the people all the time, and certainly you, yourself, are not fooled.  You know the truth.

Usually, people with their eye on the minimum are dull for such action cuts the roots of enthusiasm, enfeebles the will, and clogs the brain.  Pre-occupied with the minimum means they are not thinking of the undertaking, but of themselves, and that indicates an undertaking which is perfunctorily done and a self which is clouded and dissatisfied.

A person with his eyes on the maximum is invigorating.  He is an inspiration, for his high aim not only holds his will to the higher performance, but inspires his faculties to make the highest possible.  It not only makes his own work better, but also improves the work of those around him.  Such a person is not thinking of “how to get by”, but how to improve and that makes life great.

Yes, our reach is no higher than our aim; our success no greater than our effort.  Our life is what we make it!  With our eyes on the highest ideals possible, our minds on the finest achievement within the power of man, we can achieve excellence, and our life can be great.

PRAYERS:  Please remember in your prayers all who are in need of God’s help.  Remember those in the nursing facilities, hospital and at home, all the sick and the suffering.  Please say a special prayer for all of our nation’s soldiers and their families at home and abroad, our Ukrainian soldiers and their families and for all of our priests at home and abroad.  

There is no Altar Candle donation or request for the month of July.

The sanctuary light for this week is requested by John M. Ostrum IMO his father John J Ostrum

FINANCIAL REPORT:   Last week’s financial report will be included in next week’s bulletin.

WOMEN’S SOCIETY CLOTHES & BOOK SALE:  The Women’s Society will be holding a Clothes and Book sale on Friday July 31st from 9-4 and Saturday Aug 1st from 9-2. If you know of a business that can display this announcement, please take a flyer from in the back of the church. Your help in getting this information out to the public is greatly appreciated. 

WEEDING HELP:  Help is needed to weed around the church grounds on Wednesday, July 15th at 9AM.

MEMORIAL DONATIONS:  We gratfully acknowledge the $1,000 donation to our church by Helene Skopek-Krygier in memory of her mother Helene Sirak and the $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.

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.

Ask Father a Question?  Father, I was on the internet and there was an article that was titled “Ten things that are thought to be in the Bible, but are not’” I clicked on this article and the first item was the Trinity.  The article stated that the Trinity was not specifically named in the Bible.  Is this true?  In short, God as a Triune God is in the Holy Scriptures (i.e. The Bible).  The game that someone is playing is that the “word” is not in the Bible, therefore the Catholic Doctrine of the Trinity is wrong.  Some places in the Bible that you will find God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit is in Matthew Chapter 28 Verse 19.  The first time in the Holy Scriptures that there is an indication that God in His Oneness, is Plural, is in Genesis Chapter 1 Verse 26, when God told Moses to write these words, “Let Us create man in Our Own Image and Likeness.”  The scribes were incredibly careful not to make any errors in transcribing a new copy of the Holy Scriptures.  Even the scribes who knew God to be One, clearly used the Plural, Us; even though they did not understand at the time what that meant.  From New Advent (Catholic Encyclopedia) –“In Scripture there is as yet no single term by which the Three Divine Persons are denoted together. The word trias (of which the Latin trinitas is a translation) is first found in Theophilus of Antioch about A.D. 180. He speaks of “the Trinity of God [the Father], His Word [the Son] and His Wisdom (To Autolycus II.15). The term may, of course, have been in use before his time. Afterwards it appears in its Latin form of trinitas in Tertullian (On Pudicity 21). In the next century the word is in general use. It is found in many passages of Origen– a Church Father (“In Ps. xvii”, 15). The first creed in which it appears is that of Origen’s pupil, Gregory Thaumaturgus. In his Ekthesis tes pisteos composed between 260 and 270, he writes:  There is therefore nothing created, nothing subject to another in the Trinity: nor is there anything that has been added as though it once had not existed, but had entered afterwards: therefore the Father has never been without the Son, nor the Son without the Spirit: and this same Trinity is immutable and unalterable forever (P.G., X, 986).”        In Matthew Chapter 3, at the Baptism of Jesus, we see the Holy Trinity.  The Voice of the Father is heard from Heaven, the Spirit of God descends like a dove, while Jesus, the Son, submits Himself to Baptism by John.  In addition, there are many times when Jesus teaches the Apostles about God the Father and God the Holy Spirit, while of course, talking about Himself as the Son of God.  In short, Trinity is in the Bible.