SS Peter & Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church

SUNDAY OF THE PRODIGAL SON

FEBRUARY 13, 2022

Saturday, Feb. 12

4:00 PM Carole Mergo Samson – Bonnie Dwyer

Sunday, Feb. 13 SUNDAY OF THE PRODIGAL SON

8:30 AM God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners

       Saturday, Feb. 19 

4:00 PM       ✞Albert Ferkel – Evans Family 

        Sunday, Feb. 20       SUNDAY OF MEATFARE

8:30 AM         God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners

SANCTUARY LIGHT:TheSanctuary Light is requested this week Feb. 12 – 19 by Ann Beshada in memory of her mother Mary Conniff.

 HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY

Valentine’s Day, also called Saint Valentine’s Day or the Feast of Saint Valentine, is celebrated annually on February 14. It originated as a Christian feast day honoring one or two early Christian martyrs named Saint Valentine and, through later folk traditions, has become a significant cultural, religious, and commercial celebration of romance and love in many regions of the world. 

The Feast of Saint Valentine was established by Pope Gelasius I in AD 496 to be celebrated on February 14 in honor of Saint Valentine of Rome, who died on that date in AD 269. The day became associated with romantic love in the 14th and 15th centuries when notions of courtly love flourished, apparently by association with the “lovebirds” of early spring. In 18th-century England, it grew into an occasion in which couples expressed their love for each other by presenting flowers, offering confectionery, and sending greeting cards (known as “valentines”). Valentine’s Day symbols that are used today include the heart-shaped outline, doves, and the figure of the winged Cupid. Since the 19th century, handwritten valentines have given way to mass-produced greeting cards. In Italy, Saint Valentine’s Keys are given to lovers “as a romantic symbol and an invitation to unlock the giver’s heart”, as well as to children to ward off epilepsy (called Saint Valentine’s Malady). 

Saint Valentine’s Day is not a public holiday in any country, although it is an official feast day in the Anglican Communionand the Lutheran Church. Many parts of the Eastern Orthodox Church also celebrate Saint Valentine’s Day on July 6 in honor of Roman presbyter Saint Valentine, and on July 30 in honor of Hieromartyr Valentine, the Bishop of Interamna (modern Terni). 

UNDAY OF THE PUBLICAN AND PHARISEE

FEBRUARY 6, 2022

Saturday, February 5         

             4:00 PM                Dorothy Pstrak Wujcik – son Leonard Wujcik 

Sunday, February 6                SUNDAY OF THE PUBLICAN AND PHARISEE

            8:30 AM         God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners

Saturday, February 12 Carole Mergo Samson – Bonnie Dwyer Samson

            4:00 PM

Sunday, February 13           SUNDAY OF THE PRODIGAL SON

           8:30 AM                      God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners  

Welcome: Our parish family welcomes Mr.& Mrs. Jerald (Marian) Skomsky  It is a pleasure to welcome new parishioners. Pray and be at home with all the parishioners.

SUNDAY OF ZACCHAEUS 

THE THREE HIERARCHS

JANUARY30, 2022

Saturday, Jan. 29                 

             4:00 PM                 ✞Catherine Papula – Mike & Dolores Sinko

Sunday, Jan. 30                        SUNDAY OF ZACCHAEUS

            8:30 AM         God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners

Wednesday, Feb. 2 ENCOUNTER OF OUR LORD WITH SIMEON

8:30 AM Myrovania – Anointing with Holy Oil

God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners   

Saturday, February 5

            4:00 pm                    ✞Dorothy Pstrak Wujcik – Son Leonard Wujcik   

Sunday, February 6            SUNDAY OF THE PUBLICAN AND PHARISEE

           8:30 AM                     God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners    

THE FEAST OF THE THREE HIERARCHS

JANUARY 30

On the 30^th of January we celebrate the memory of three great bishops, teachers, preachers and Fathers of The Church; St. Basil the Great, St. Gregory the Theologian and St. John Chrysostom (Golden-tongued).  In the Eastern Churches this feast is known as the feast of the “Three Saints.” These three hierarchs (Bishops) were giants of faith, courage, holiness and learning. They handed down to us the pure faith of the Council of Nicea; they expounded the dogma of the Holy Trinity, Christ’s divinity and the Holy Eucharist. Because of their great merits, in her liturgy our Eastern Church calls them Equals to the Apostles, instruments of the Holy Spirit, pillars of the Church and universal teachers of the whole world. All three lived in the fourth century – the golden age of the Christian faith and a time of turmoil. St. Basil and St. Gregory were sons of Cappodocia in Asia Minor, intimate friends of approximately the same age.  St. John Chrysostom, an Antiochian, was younger than the other two by twenty years. Apostolic zeal for the faith and salvation of souls united them.

Having before the eyes of The Church their greatness, merits and significance before God, Holy Church invokes the faithful to give fit praise to the Three Hierarchs: “Having come together with songs of praise, O lovers of feasts, let us praise Christ’s sanctifiers and the glory of the Fathers, the pillars of the faith, teachers and defenders of the faithful. Let us hail each of them in turn: Hail, luminary of the Church, immutable pillar, O wise Basil! Hail, O heavenly mind and great hierarch, Gregory the Theologian! Hail, O golden-voiced John, splendid preacher of penance, O spiritually-wealthy fathers, never cease to pray to Christ in behalf of those who with faith, and love observe your sacred and sublime feast.”

SANCTUARY LIGHT:  No request.

THANKS: Sincere thanks to the volunteers who attended last Sunday to dismantle the Nativity Scene and cleaned the church. May God bless you with good health and happiness for your help.

Prayers: We have many parishioners in Nursing facilities and at home. Remember them in your prayers. Catherine & Charles Halloway, Rita Rentko, Irene Frisbee, Sonya Dempsey, Charles Drazba, Catherine Dulski, Anna Koprowski (?). If  you are aware of any one else, Please notify the office.

SUNDAY OF THE CANAANITE WOMAN

JANUARY 23, 2022

Saturday, Jan. 22 SUNDAY OF THE CANAANITE WOMAN

4:00 PM ✞Mary Kulyn – Michael Kane

Sunday, Jan. 23 SUNDAY OF THE CANAANITE WOMAN

9:00 AM God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners

Saturday, Jan. 29 SUNDAY OF ZACCHEUS

THREE HOLY HIERARCHS

4:00 PM Myrovania – Anointing with Holy Oil                        ✞Catherine Papula – Michael and Dolores Sinko

Sunday, Jan. 30 SUNDAY OF ZACCHEUS

8:30 AM THREE HOLY HIERARCHS

Myrovania – Anointing with Holy Oil 

God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners

SANCTUARY LIGHT: The Sanctuary Light is requested to burn this week

January 22 – 29 by Ann Beshada in memory of husband Andrew Beshada.

NATIVITY SCENE: The Nativity scene will be dismantled on this Sunday Jan. 23 at 1:00 PM.  If you are available please come and help.

PRAYERS:  Please remember in your prayers all the sick of the parish. At home, in nursing facilities and hospitals.

PIGGIE DINNER: Ss Peter & Paul Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, Wilkes- Barre will hold a take-out Piggie / Holubtsi Dinner on Sunday, January 30^th, 2022.  Dinners may be picked up between 12:00 (noon) and 3:00 pm in school hall, corner of North River and West Chestnut Streets, Wilkes-Barre.  Dinner includes; Piggies (meat & rice stuffed cabbage), mashed potatoes, vegetable, bread and butter and dessert.  Dinners will be $14.00 for adults and $9.00 for children (12 and under).  Drive-up customers will be welcomed, but reservations are Strongly Encouraged, (570) 829-3051.

THIRTY FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

JANUARY 16, 2022

Saturday, Jan. 15  

4:00 PM                     God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners

Sunday, Jan. 16 THIRTY FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

8:30 AM ✞Barbara Louquery – Gabe Metric

Saturday, Jan. 22

4:00 PM ✞Mary Kulyn – Michael Kane

Sunday, Jan. 23 THIRTY FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

8:30 AM God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners

SANCTUARY LIGHT: The Sanctuary Light is requested to burn this week

January 15 – 22 no request.

CEMETERY: We sincerely thank Leonard Wujcik for his donation of $105. toward our Cemetery Care. God’s Blessings to Leonard.

DONATION: The parish sent a donation to the Catherine McCauley House, Plymouth, PA from the deposit that was collected in the Poor Box. 

NATIVITY: Our Nativity Scene will be taken down by the volunteers on the 23^rd of January at 1 pm, if you are available please lend a helping hand.  Thank you.

SUNDAY AFTER THE THEOPHANY

JANUARY 9, 2022

Saturday, Jan. 8 SUNDAY AFTER THE THEOPHANY

4:00 PM                     ✞Ann Phillips – son Peter Phillips 

Sunday, Jan. 9 SUNDAY AFTER THE THEOPHANY

8:30 AM God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners

Saturday, Jan. 15 THIRTY FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

4:00 PM God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners

Sunday, Jan. 16 THIRTY FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

8:30 AM Barbara Louquery, God’s blessings – Gabriel Metric

SANCTUARY LIGHT: The Sanctuary Light is requested to burn this week

January 8 – 15 no request. 

ALTAR CANDLES: The Altar Candles for the month of January is not requested.

THE INNER GLASS DOOR: The Etched Inner door has been replaced. The Women’s Society donated $1760 toward the cost of having the door replaced. If anyone would like to contribute to the cost of this expense, please place your donation in the collection with name and amount on the envelope. Your help in this $3000 expense is greatly appreciated. 

SUNDAY BEFORE THE THEOPHANY

JANUARY 1, 2021

Saturday, Jan. 1

4:00 PM ✞John Cienki – John Cienki 

Sunday, Jan.2 SUNDAY BEFORE THE THEOPHANY

8:30 AM God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners

Wednesday, Jan 5 Eve of Theophany  

4:00 PM Great Compline with Litiya and Liturgy- Z Namy Boh – 

 Anointing with Holy Oil and Myrovania

Thursday, Jan. 6 THEOPHANY OF OUR LORD- BLESSING OF WATER

8:30 AM Divine Liturgy – Anointing with Holy Oil and Myrovania

God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners 

Saturday, Jan.8 SUNDAY AFTER THEOPHANY

BLESSING OF HOLY WATER

4:00 PM ✞Ann Phillips – son Peter Phillips 

Sunday, Jan. 9 SUNDAY AFTER THE THEOPHANY

8:30 AM God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners

WATER BLESSING

Closely connected with the feast of the Theophany is the Great Water-Blessing of Jordan Water. This sacred tradition of the Eastern Church can be traced back to the first centuries of Christianity. In the course of time, different rites developed for the Great Water-Blessing on the feast of the Theophanies. From earliest times our people have greatly cherished the custom of the Great Water-Blessing (Blessing of Jordan Water). The people attached great significance of the Blessed Jordan Water which they kept in their homes as something possessing great sanctifying powers. 

From very ancient times the Eastern Church has regarded the sanctified Jordan water as a great sacramental, possessing miraculous powers for healing both soul and body. In a sermon on the feast of Theophany St. John Chrysostom says: “This is the day on which Christ was baptized and blessed the substance of water. For this reason, at midnight of this feast, the faithful take water home and keep it throughout the year. It is interesting to note that this blessed water is not spoiled for a long time; it remains fresh even for two or three years, and after such a long period its quality does not differ from the water recently brought from the well.” The Greek Church calls the Jordan water “mega hagisma” which signifies “something very sacred.

Baptism of Our Lord

JANUARY 6^th 

The feast of the Epiphany commemorates the baptism of our Savior in the river Jordan and the manifestation of the three divine Persons, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. This feast is also called the “Theophany” or manifestation of God because at the baptism of Christ God is made known to us and the Holy Trinity is made manifest.

The Epiphany is one of the greatest feasts of the Eastern Church. On the feast itself it is customary to bless water. ­­­­­­­­­­­­During the ceremony of the benediction the priest incenses the water thereby signifying the descent of the Holy Spirit upon Jesus at His baptism. The priest immerses three special candles into the water, which signifies that through Christ’s baptism our sins are destroyed and forgiven.

SUNDAY BEFORE CHRISTMAS

SUNDAY OF THE HOLY FATHERS

DECEMBER 19, 2021

 Saturday, Dec. 18

4:00 PM ✞Leo Woss – his sister Audree Dubinsky

Sunday, Dec. 19 SUNDAY BEFORE CHRISTMAS – HOLY FATHERS

8:30 AM God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners

Friday, December 24 ~ Christmas Eve – VIGIL OF CHRISTMAS – 4:00 PM

Compline Litia “Znamy Boh”– Divine Liturgy – Anointing with Holy Oil (Myrovania) God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners

Saturday, December 25 ~ Christmas Day – NATIVITY OF OUR LORD 

8:30 AM Divine Liturgy – Anointing with Holy Oil (Myrovania) 

God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners

Saturday, December 25

4:00 PM God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners

Sunday, Dec. 26                  SUNDAY AFTER CHRISTMAS

             8:30 AM                ✞Peter Phillips – son Peter Phillips

Transfiguration of Our Lord

Friday, Dec. 24^th 8:00 PM

This Christmas and always,

 may your heart rejoice as you celebrate 

the miracle of our Savior’s holy birth.

THE NATIVITY OF OUR LORD

AN UNFATHOMABLE MYSTERY

The greatest and most profound mystery of the Christian faith is the mystery of the Incarnation of the Son of God. The eternal God becomes a little infant and does not cease to be God. “And the Word was made flesh and dwelt amongst us” – says St. John the Evangelist. Christ’s nativity is the cradle of our faith. With hope we are able to accept this unfathomable mystery, understand it and adore it. 

In the first centuries, the holy Fathers of the Eastern Church accepted the mystery of the Incarnation of the Word of God with profound faith and great piety. Enraptured by this mystery, they have nothing but words of wonder for the most wonderful love of God, the sacrifice, humility, and poverty of the newly born Messiah and Savior. Like the holy Fathers, in her Christmas celebrations our Church also joyfully praises and glorifies the mystery of the birth of the divine Infant.

Today, he who is invisible by nature became visible in the flesh for man’s sake; hence, glorifying him, we cry: “Glory to God in the highest and peace on earth to men of good will…”

SANCTUARY LIGHT: The Sanctuary light is requested to burn this week Dec. 18 – 25 by Ann Beshada in memory of her parents Mary & John Conniff.

ENVELOPES: Many boxes of the 2021 Church envelopes still remain.  If you can deliver envelopes to your friends, family or neighbors, please help to distribute them. Please use your initial envelopes to help with the cost of the envelopes and delivery. If you do not see your name on any of the boxes please inform the office. Your contributions are important for the Church to function through the year.   Do not use until the New Year. 

BUILDING/IMPROVEMENT FUND: Our thanks for the donations of $100 from Gabe Metric toward the expense of the glass etched inner church door.  If you wish to donate to this cause, please submit your donation in the collection. All help for this expense is greatly appreciated. 

     Also a donation to the Building Fund was received from Joe Warakomski in memory of his mother Helen Warakomski. Your generous gift if certainly appreciated.

NATIVITY SET UP: The schedule for setting up the Nativity is this 

Sunday, De. 18^th at 12:00 noon. If you are available to partake of this project please come and help.  

SUNDAY OF THE HOLY FOREFATHER

DECEMBER 12, 2021

Saturday, Dec. 11  

4:00 PM God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners

Sunday, Dec. 12 SUNDAY OF THE HOLY FOREFATHERS

8:30 AM ✞Father Alex Burak – Mike Kane

Monday, Dec. 13

9:00 AM ✞John Phillips – Peter Phillips

Saturday, Dec. 18

4:00 PM ✞Leo Woss – his sister Audree Dubinsky 

Sunday, Dec, 19 SUNDAY BEFORE CHRISTMAS – OF THE HOLY FATHERS 

8:30 AM God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners

Transfiguration of Our Lord  Saturday Liturgy is 6:00 PM Sunday Liturgy is 10:30 AM

Schedule for Christmas

Friday, December 24, Vigil of Christmas – 4:00 PM

Compline Litia “Znamy Boh” – Divine Liturgy – Anointing with Holy Oil and Myravania

God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners 

Saturday, December 25, Christmas Day – 8:30 AM

Divine Liturgy – Anointing with Holy Oil and Myravania 

God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners

SANCTUARY LIGHT: The Sanctuary light is requested to burn this week Dec. 11 – 18 by Albert Piston in memory of Arlene Jones.

MANY Thanks TO: The men and women who volunteered their services to clean the church and decorate the beautiful tree the past week.  May God bless you with many happy years, peace, health and salvation.

NATIVITY SET UP: Sunday, December 19^th is been planned to have the Nativity set up. We are asking for all the help we can get to do this beautiful scene. The more help the faster it will be accomplished. Please try to be at the church at 1:00 PM next Sunday.  

BUILDING FUND: A donation was received from Mr. & Mrs. Daniel Zeroka              for the Building Fund in memory of Robert Zeroka. Thank you for your generous gift and greatly appreciation.

SING ALONG; YOU: ARE INVITED to join Saints Peter & Paul Ukrainian Greek Catholic Parish for their 27^th Annual Christmas Carol Sing Along in the church on North River Street in Wilkes-Barre, this Sunday, December 12^th, 2021 starting at 2 p.m.  Join in the singing of some very sacred, joyful and inspiring Christmas Carols.  Afterwards, please join us in the lower church hall for a Christmas Fellowship Social.  Please bring a friend or family member, and share the joy of Christmas with them, as we all prepare to welcome the Newborn Son of God into our hearts and homes.

TWENTY EIGHTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

DECEMBER 5, 2021

Saturday, Dec. 4

            4:00 PM             ✞John Phillips – brother Peter Phillips 

Sunday, Dec. 5       TWENTY EIGHTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

8:30 AM               God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners

Monday, Dec. 6 Nicholas of Myra Archbishop

Anointing with Holy Oil – Myravania

8:30 AM God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners

Thursday, Dec. 9 CONCEPTION OF ST. ANNA

9:00 AM Anointing with Holy Oil Myravania

 ✞ Robert Zeroka – Andrea, Maranda & Grace Osman        

Saturday, Dec. 11

           4:00 PM       God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners

Sunday, Dec. 12                  SUNDAY OF THE HOLY ANCESTORS  

8:30 AM               ✞Father Alex Burak – Mike Kane

THE FEAST OF THE CONCEPTION OF ST. ANNA

December 9

The feast of the Conception of St. Ann in ancient times was known by several different names. One of the oldest is “The Annunciation of the Conception of the Holy Mother of God”. In the constitution of feasts, Emperor Manuel Comnen calls this feast the “Conception of our Most Holy Theotokos (Birthgiver of God).” The Slavonic Typicons generally refer to it as the “Conception of Blessed Anna” or “The Conception of Holy Anna, when she conceived the Most Holy Theotokos (Birthgiver of God).” 

In our Ukrainian Catholic Church the Synod of Lviv, 1891, gave this feast the official title “The Immaculate Conception of the Most Pure Virgin Mary”. However, the Roman revision of our liturgical books restored the pristine title of the feast – “The Conception of Holy Anna, when she conceived the Most Holy Theotokos.”

Her parents rejoice over the wonderful conception of the Most Holy Mother of God; the prophets rejoice; heaven and earth rejoice. The Church calls upon the Old and New Testaments to join in the rejoicing: “Come, people of all classes and ages, let us celebrate with the Angels the all-glorious conception of the Mother of God; patriarchs sing praises to the Mother of the King of all; you, prophets, praise her whom you preached; you, forefathers, praise your descendant – the Mother of God; you aged, praise the ancestor of God; you, faithful, praise the root of your faith; you, priests, praise the all-holy temple of God; you, choirs of saints, praise the cause of your assembly; you, armies of angels, praise the Mother of the Lord of all creation, and Savior of our souls.

Today we celebrate her conception whereas nine months later, minus one day, on the 8^th of September she appears among us in her glorious Nativity. 

PRAYER TO ST. ANNA

O Glorious Saint Ann, filled with compassion for those who invoke you and with love for those who suffer, heavily laden with the weight of my troubles, I cast myself at your feet and humbly beg of you to take the present affair which I recommend to you under your special protection [here mention silently your intentions] Please recommend it to your daughter the Blessed Virgin Mary and lay it before the Throne of Jesus so that He may bring it to a happy issue.

Please continue to intercede for me until my request is granted. Above all, obtain for me the grace of one day beholding my God face to face and with you and Mary and all the Saints praising and blessing Him for all eternity. Amen.

Three Times

SANCTUARY LIGHT: The Sanctuary Light is requested to burn the week of Dec.4 – 12 by Norberta Garbor in memory of her Mother Lucey Garbor.

ALTAR CANDLES: The Altar Candles are requested to burn for the month of December by Albert Piston in memory of his parents Michael & Jennie Piston.

SING ALONG: YOU: ARE INVITED to join Saints Peter & Paul Ukrainian Greek Catholic Parish for their 27^th Annual Christmas Carol Sing Along in the church on North River Street in Wilkes-Barre, Sunday, December 12^th, 2021 starting at 2 p.m.  Join in the singing of some very sacred, joyful and inspiring Christmas Carols.  Afterwards, please join us in the lower church hall for a Christmas Fellowship Social.  Please bring a friend or family member, and share the joy of Christmas with them, as we all prepare to welcome the Newborn Son of God into our hearts and homes.

Church Cleaning: The volunteers will be cleaning the church and doing some decorating for the Christmas season. You are welcome to participate in this project to help if you are available on Wednesday, Dec. 8^th at 10:00 AM. 

SAINT NICHOLAS, THE WONDERMAKER

FEAST OF ST. NICHOLAS

December 6

          Saint Nicholas, bishop of Myra in Asia Minor, is one of the most popular Saints, especially among Eastern Christians. He won great esteem through his numerous works of mercy during his life and through great zeal in defending the divinity of Christ against the heretic Arius of the Council of Nicaea in 325. He is regarded as the Patron Saint of children, sailors and travelers. He was popularized in America by the Dutch puritans who disguised the “popish” Saint as a Nordic magician, called “Santa Claus.”

In 1087 Italian merchants brought St. Nicholas’ body to Bari in Italy from Asia to protect his remains from Muslims. A perfumed oil is still flowing out of his holy relics.

Our prince Vsevolod Yaroslavych introduced his feast into Ukraine under Pope Urban II (1088-99). Saint Nicholas is very popular among the Ukrainian people, both Catholic and Orthodox.