SS Peter & Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church

August 31, 2025 A. D.

Saturday, August 30 TWELFTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST 

            4:00 PM           Fr. Myron & Mrs. Olha Sterniuk, Theodosius Sterniuk & 

Ilania Sterniuk Zubritzky – Sterniuk Family  

Sunday, August 31 TWELFTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

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

Saturday, September 6 THIRTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST 

            4:00 PM           Mary Ann Kachinko- Blannard Family 

Sunday, September 7 THIRTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

           8:30 AM            Mildred Kane- Udiski Family

 ASK FATHER A QUESTION?  Father, what is the significance of Bells in Eastern Church Life?  Bells, Do not let yourself forget that just as you live in this life with all your senses, so to do you encounter heaven with all your senses.  Bells then are described as “singing icons.”  As painted icons and hymnography define the visual and noetic space, so to bells establish the acoustic space of the church; bells then are “scripture in sound” as icons are “scripture in image.”  Bells receive a special blessing just like every other liturgical item, similar and using many of the same elements as in the Rite of Baptism.  How then does the Church use the bell?  The bell is used to call the faithful to the services, to express the triumphant joy of the Christian Church, to announce important moments during the liturgies to both those who are in attendance and for those who are unable to be physically present so everyone can be united in prayer, the bells strengthen Christians in piety and faith by their sound and they aid Catholics who also know that the sound of ringing bells weakens demons who flee from their sound and the bells are used to announce important events such a death of a member, the arrival of an important person such as the bishop, to joyously announce a new birth, a high holy day, to warn of an emergency or to a victory in battle.  “And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: Make for yourself two silver trumpets … And they shall be for you for the calling of the assembly … When you sound an alarm … And if you shall go forth to war … And in the days of your rejoicing …”  Numbers 10:2.  The use of bells is symbolic of the proclamation of the Gospel.  Sometimes Catholic churches and monasteries will combine the use of bells with the striking of a wooden or metal semantron, with the semantron being sounded first, then the bells being rung later. The quieter and simpler sound of the semantron is understood to symbolize the Old Testament prophets, for it is the symbol only of a coming event, whereas the ringing of the bells is spread far into the air symbolizing the annunciation of the Gospel throughout the world.

The bells in an Orthodox bell tower ( zvonnitsa) are organized into three groups:

• Zazvonny — the smallest, or soprano bells.
• Podzvonny — the middle, or alto bells.
• Blagovestnik — the largest, or bass bells.

A zvon is a toll on any bell or bells.

The word for bell in Church Slavonic is kampan, which is derived from Latin campana. During the fifteenth century the semantron began to be gradually replaced by bells.

82
For untroubled sleep

Grant me, O Lord, both in wakefulness to stand pure before Thee, my Redeemer, and in slumber to partake of sleep without sin.  If in wakefulness I commit transgressions, may I be cleansed by Thy grace, O Lord. And if I sin while asleep, may Thy loving-kindness be unto me purification.  With the cross of Thy humility, make my sleep untroubled, preserve me from the iniquitous dreams of sleep and from the impure conjurings of the imagination. Grant that I might spend the whole night in peaceful sleep, and that evil and deleterious thoughts might not take possession of me. With Thy life-creating Body, of which I have partaken, preserve me from impure lust, that I might lie down and fall asleep in peace. May Thy Blood protect me. And grant my soul, that is Thine image, the freedom that is proper to Thine image. And may Thy right arm shelter my body that was made by Thy hands.  Encircle me with the wall of Thy compassions like a defensive shield. And when my body rests and sleeps, may Thy goodness be my guard, that the Evil One might not approach my bed. By the protection of the Mother who bore Thee, by the sacrifice that Thou hast offered for all men, I beseech Thee: drive away Satan, that he might not trouble me.  In me, O Lord, fulfill Thy promise and preserve my life by Thy Cross. I shall praise Thee when I awake for showing me who am miserable Thy love. May both those who sleep, resting in peace, and those who abide in wakefulness, girded by Thine armor, give praise to Thee, O Preserver Who livest eternally and Who hast aroused me to sing Thy glory.

“God became man.

The Father exclaimed: This is my beloved Son, in Whom I am well pleased; heed Him. Thus He spoke of the Son, Who is undivided from the glory of the Divinity. For the Father and the Son together with the Holy Spirit are one nature, one force, one essence and one kingdom.  And Mary was called the Mother of God by His Son in the flesh, Who was undivided from the glory of His Divinity. For one is God, Who has appeared to the world in the flesh.  His glory proclaimed His divine nature which is from the Father, and His body proclaimed His human nature which was from Mary; both of His natures converged and were united in a single hypostasis. He was the Only-begotten of the Father and also the Only-begotten of Mary. And he who divides the hypostasis in Him will also be separated from His kingdom, and he who conjoins His natures will be deprived of the life that is of Him. He who denies that Mary gave birth to God will not see the glory of His Divinity, and he who denies that He was clothed in sinless flesh will receive neither salvation nor the life which was granted through His body.  His very deeds give witness and His divine strength teach the contemptuous that He is true God. And His sufferings give proof that He is true man.

From A Spiritual Psalter or Reflections on God, compiled from the works of Saint Ephraim the Syrian

The Altar candles for September were requested by Michaelene Ostrum and Helene Skopek-Krygier IMO their mother Helene Sirak.

The Sanctuary Light for this week was requested by the families of Helene Sirak in her memory.

WOMEN’S SOCIETY RUMMAGE SALE:  The Women’s Society is collecting items for the annual rummage sale that will be held in October.  Household items and gently used clothing can be dropped off at the church hall, or contact Anna Magil at 570-239-9263.  If you are able to help or don’t how you can help, give Anna Magil a call and ask her how you can help her, and the ladies, with the Rummage Sale.

AIR CONDITIONING REPLACEMENT:  The hall’s air conditioner has been successfully repaired, thanks to the kindness of numerous donors who contributed to offset this cost and we are very thankful for their kindness.   There is still time to donate for this expense.  We appreciate the donations made these last few weeks towards the repair bill for the hall’s air conditioner.

REVIVED SOLDIERS OF UKRAINE PRESENTATION:  An invitation is extended to the public on September 29 at 6:30PM on Railroad Street, Room 105 Lock Haven University Campus.  Ukraine at War:  A Personal Perspective from a severely wounded Ukrainian soldier.  For more information contact Dr. Rick Schulze, Retired Professor, CU-Lock Haven, fschulze@comcast.net.

VESPERS:  On Saturday, September 13^th we will have Vespers at Transfiguration of Our Lord Church (instead of Divine Liturgy) at 6:00pm for the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. Keep in mind that Vespers will count as your Sunday obligation, however there is no Holy Communion.

 ASK FATHER A QUESTION?  What is Vespers and Litiya?   Why are we doing Vespers now – is this new?  Jesus taught us to pray without ceasing.  When God He created man, the first thing He said to Adam, in their conversation, was to have something to eat and have a good night’s sleep.  This was the first Vespers, Adam conversing with God.  Implementing prayer without ceasing, means we pray at all hours of the day.  Vespers happens when the sun is low in the sky, beginning to set, the commotion of the day ending, and the calmness of the evening setting-in.  Our cycle of communal prayer to God, begins in this evening prayer which we call Vespers, coming from the Latin word “Vesper” meaning evening.  Litiya, as part of Vespers, happens only on the eve of the Major Holy Days, it is not part of Daily Vespers.  

CHURCH DICTIONARY: LITIYA – (Lity, litia) A word implying a fervent, prolonged prayer. It is a service of blessing of the breads joined to the Vespers on the eve of major feasts. Five breads, oil and wine are blessed. In the prayer of blessing we ask our Lord that as He blessed the five loaves and fed the five thousand, to bless the loaves, wheat, wine and oil, and to multiply them in all the world; and to sanctify all the faithful who partake of them. The bread is cut and distributed to the faithful at the end of the service.

Vespers began when God created us, no, this not new, this is ancient.   Every week is a Little Holy Week and every Sunday is a Little Resurrection of our Blessed Lord.  Every Saturday evening we should be doing Saturday Evening Vespers, which in itself has it’s own uniqueness within the context of Daily Vespers.  This change of the Liturgical Prayer Cycle, from Saturday Vespers to Saturday Liturgy, occurred after Vatican II and this change thereby is telling us, in a backward way, that Jesus rose from the Dead Saturday Evening, not Sunday Morning.  We are doing Vespers as we always should by request of some of the Parishioners.  Metropolitan Archbishop Stephen Sulyk decreed in 1991 that we should be returning to the Liturgy Cycle, as we should be doing, which would put Vespers every Saturday evening instead of Liturgy.

BOOK(S)  OF THE MONTH FOR SEPTEMBER:

Angels (and Demons) by Peter Kreeft

ISBN:  978-0-89870-550-8

SISTERS OF THE ORDER OF ST: BASIL THE GREAT 94th ANNUAL PILGRIMAGE:  This year’s 92^nd Pilgrimage honoring the Mother of God will be held on Sunday, October 5, 2025 on the grounds of the Motherhouse of the Sisters of St. Basil the Great in Fox Chase Manor.  The theme of this year’s Pilgrimage is “Mary, Mother of Hope.” 

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 as is Your Will in this world.  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.

 August 24, 2025 A. D.

Saturday, August 23 ELEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST 

            4:00 PM           Elizabeth Suscavage- Leeanne Brozena  

Sunday, August 24 ELEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

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

Saturday, August 30 TWELFTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST 

            4:00 PM           Fr. Myron & Mrs. Olha Sterniuk, Theodosius Sterniuk & 

Ilania Sterniuk Zubritzky – Sterniuk Family  

Sunday, August 31 TWELFTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

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

A Spiritual Psalter,
or Reflections on God;

from the writings of Saint Ephraim the Syrian

“The days are passing; do not put off repentance.” (Saint Ephraim the Syrian)

July 7, 2025

The days are passing; do not put off repentance.

ove prompts me to speak to God, but mine unworthiness forces me to be silent. Tortuous spiritual afflictions compel me to talk, but sins force me to keep quiet. My soul languishes and mine eyes long for tears.

You have sinned, O soul; repent, for our days pass by like a shadow. We will travel through terrible and frightening places. Do not put off turning to the Lord day after day. Become at last contrite, O my soul.

Become contrite at the thought of all the good things that you have received from the Lord, but not kept. Become contrite at the thought of what you have done, and how patient God has been with you. Become contrite, that at Christ’s terrible judgment you might not be sent to outer darkness. Woe is me, a sinner! For because of my weakness I have become defiled, and ever do I defile the purity of my heart. Apathy and slothfulness have shamed the boldness of my heart. Evil desire commands me, like a master commands his slave, and I, like a child, immediately obey with fear. It leads me into sin and this gladdens me.

Woe is me, O Lord! Thy grace draws me toward life, but I instead prefer death. Thou takest pains that I might become as honorable as the angels; but I, in my depravity, debase myself. My sins have multiplied, O Lord, and ceaselessly do they multiply and there is no limit to their multitude.

And who will mourn for me or pray for me? Do Thou, O my Savior, Thyself condescend to have mercy on me through Thy grace and regard with compassion me who despair! For how will I pray to Thee, O Master, when my mouth is filled with vile words? Or how will I sing praises to Thee, when my conscience is defiled? Or how will I love Thee, when I am filled with passions? Or how will truth dwell in me, when I have cursed myself with lies? Or how will I call upon Thee, when I have not kept Thy commandments?

From A Spiritual Psalter or Reflections on God, compiled from the works of Saint Ephraim the Syrian

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.

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.

Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit (Eph 6:158)
He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart. (Luke 18:1)

Do not look forward to the changes and chances of this life in fear; rather look to them with full hope that, as they arise, God, whose you are, will deliver you out of them.  He is your keeper.  He has kept you hitherto.  Do you but hold fast to His dear hand and He will lead you safely through all things; and when you cannot stand.  He will bear you in His arms.  Do not look forward to what may happen tomorrow.  Our Father will either shield you from suffering, or He will give you strength to bear it. – St. Francis de Sales

REVIVED SOLDIERS OF UKRAINE PRESENTATION:  An invitation is extended to the public on September 29 at 6:30PM on Railroad Street, Room 105 Lock Haven University Campus.  Ukraine at War:  A Personal Perspective from a severely wounded Ukrainian soldier.  For more information contact Dr. Rick Schulze, Retired Professor, CU-Lock Haven, fschulze@comcast.net.

“Someone who bears a grudge while he prays is like a person who sows in the sea and expects to reap a harvest.”— Isaac of Nineveh

The Altar Candles for the month of August are requested by Helene Sirak IMO of her son Michael B Sirak.

The Sanctuary Light for this week was requested by Rosemarie Kachinko IMO Emily Hilenski.

There are no requests for September’s altar candles or for the Sanctuary Light, if you are looking for a way to remember and pray for a loved one, this is one opportunity that is available.

There will be no Trustee Report in next week’s bulletin and the following week there will be a report for two week’s time.

WOMEN’S SOCIETY RUMMAGE SALE:  The Women’s Society is collecting items for the annual rummage sale that will be held in October.  Household items and gently used clothing can be dropped off at the church hall, or contact Anna Magil at 570-239-9263.  If you are able to help or don’t how you can help, give Anna Magil a call and ask her how you can help her, and the ladies, with the Rummage Sale.

AIR CONDITIONING REPLACEMENT:  The hall’s air conditioner has been successfully repaired, thanks to the kindness of numerous donors who contributed to offset this cost and we are very thankful for their kindness.   There is still time to donate for this expense.  We appreciate the donations made these last few weeks towards the repair bill for the hall’s air conditioner.

LABOR DAY WEEKEND 

ONE DAY FOOD FESTIVAL

& FLEA MARKET

Saturday, AUGUST 30

11:00am-4:00pm

Transfiguration of Our Lord Parish, 240 Center St., Nanticoke is holding a One-Day Ethnic Food Festival on Saturday, August 30.  

Home-Made Pierogi, Haluski,

Pigs-in-the Blanket, Potato Pancakes, 

Clam Chowder, Borsch, 

Hot Dogs & Wimpies & Bake Sale

APPETITES ARE WANTED!!  TELL YOUR NEIGHBORS!

CAN YOU HEAR THE POLKA MUSIC PLAYING???????

BOOK(S)  OF THE MONTH FOR AUGUST:

Nihilism, Father Seraphim Rose

ISBN:  1887904069

HUMILITY RULES:  St. Benedict’s Guide to Genuine Self-Esteem

Ignatius Press, by J. Augustine Wetta, O.S.B., Monk of St. Louis Abbey

ISBN:   978-1-62164-14

ELEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

August 17, 2025 A. D.

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 as is Your Will in this world.  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.

 August 17, 2025 A. D.

Saturday, August 16 TENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST 

            4:00 PM           Irene Frisbie- Anna Magil

Sunday, August 17 TENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

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

Saturday, August 23 ELEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST 

            4:00 PM           Elizabeth Suscavage- Leeanne Brozena  

Sunday, August 24 ELEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

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

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.

Why  One Before the Other?

A short time ago I read a story about two men who were introduced to one another not long after they had become Catholic.  One was a poor man from a godless background; the other was from an affluent Catholic family.  After each told of his conversion experience, the man with the ‘religious upbringing’ asked the other:   “Why do you suppose it was that you received Christ the first time you heard the Gospel, while so many years passed before I did?”  The other responded, “That is easy.  Suppose a man came along and offered to give each of us a brand new suit.  Well, I  would jump at the offer.  All my clothes you see are old and worn:  in fact they are in tatters.  But your closet is no doubt filled with the finest of suits.  It is much that way with salvation.  You were probably satisfied with all your goodness, so it took you a long time to realize your need for God’s garment of righteousness offered to you through Christ.  But I was deeply aware of my shameful, hopeless, sinful condition and I couldn’t wait to receive forgiveness and cleansing.”

We all need ‘new clothes,’  All our righteousness is as filthy rags, “said Isaiah.  Jesus stands ready to cover our moral and spiritual nakedness.  Like the Prodigal Son’s father, He stands ready to bestow not just an ordinary robe, but “the best robe of all” upon those who realize their nakedness and leave the far country of sin and return to Him.  “Bring quickly the best robe and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand and shoes on his feet . . . for this my son was dead and it alive again; he was lost and is found.”  ()Luke 15:22,24).

St. Isaac the Syrian said that highest form of prayer is to stand silently in awe before God.  If you cannot do that, he says, pray the Jesus Prayer with your heart.  If not with your heart, then with your lips.  If you can’t pray with your lips, then read a prayer.  If you cannot read a prayer, then sing a prayer.  If you cannot sing a prayer, do a prayer.  

The supreme physical expression of prayer is not standing or kneeling or making a prostration—important as these are.  The supreme physical expression of prayer is the act of using our hands to reach out to the hungry with a piece of bread, to the thirsty with a cup of cold water, to the refugee with hospitality.  For, in so doing, we are touching and ministering to Jesus Himself.  We are doing prayer.  It has been said that hands need two kinds of exercise:  folding (for prayer) and extending (for service).  

The Altar Candles for the month of August are requested by Helene Sirak IMO of her son Michael B Sirak.

The Sanctuary Light for this week is requested by Anna Magill IMO the Dempsey family: Anna & Joseph Magill and children Irene, Frank & Eliza.

WOMEN’S SOCIETY RUMMAGE SALE:  The Women’s Society is collecting items for the annual rummage sale that will be held in October.  Household items and gently used clothing can be dropped off at the church hall, or contact Anna Magil at 570-239-9263.

AIR CONDITIONING REPLACEMENT:  The hall’s air conditioner has been successfully repaired, thanks to the kindness of numerous donors who contributed to the cost.   There is still time to donate for this expense.

BIRTHDAY WISHES:  Birthday wishes to Paul Hoover, Helene Sirak and Mary Oshirak who all celebrate birthdays this month.  May God bless them with many happy years, peace, health and salvation, in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.  Amen.  Mnohaya Lita!

LABOR DAY WEEKEND 

ONE DAY FOOD FESTIVAL

& FLEA MARKET

Saturday, AUGUST 31

11:00am-4:00pm

Transfiguration of Our Lord Parish, 240 Center St., Nanticoke is holding a One-Day Ethnic Food Festival on Saturday, August 30.  

Home-Made Pierogi, Haluski,

Pigs-in-the Blanket, Potato Pancakes, 

Clam Chowder, Borsch, 

Hot Dogs & Wimpies & Bake Sale

APPETITES ARE WANTED!!  TELL YOUR NEIGHBORS!

CAN YOU HEAR THE POLKA MUSIC PLAYING???????

BOOK(S)  OF THE MONTH FOR AUGUST:

Nihilism, Father Seraphim Rose

ISBN:  1887904069

HUMILITY RULES:  St. Benedict’s Guide to Genuine Self-Esteem

Ignatius Press, by J. Augustine Wetta, O.S.B., Monk of St. Louis Abbey

ISBN:   978-1-62164-14

TENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

August 17, 2025 A. D.

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 as is Your Will in this world.  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.

 August 10, 2025 A. D.

Saturday, August 9 NINTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST 

Post Feast of Transfiguration of Our Lord

            4:00 PM           Donald Magil- wife, Anna Magil

Sunday, August 10 NINTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

Post Feast of Transfiguration of Our Lord

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

Friday, August 15 DORMITION OF OUR BLESSED LADY-THEOTOKOS

Blessing of Flowers-Myrovania

          8:30 AM God’s Blessings & Good Health for John & Lara Tucker

-Becker Family

Saturday, August 16 EIGHTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST 

            4:00 PM           Irene Frisbie- Anna Magil

Sunday, August 17 EIGHTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

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

PHYSICAL POSTURES AS SYMBOLS OF PRAYER

While visiting a Ukrainian Catholic Church in San Franscico, a visitor noticed there are no chairs.  He asked the priest why they did not provide more comfort for their worshippers.  The priest replied, “There are only two positions that a man ought to assume when he is in the presence of God.  One is on his knees saying, ‘Lord, be merciful to me, the sinner,’ and the other is on his feet, ‘Lord, here I am, send me.’”  There are more than just 2 positions for the Ukrainian Catholic, as we shall see.  For, when the Ukrainian Catholic prays the whole person takes part in the worship and the various physical postures of the body have a liturgical significance as expressions of worship.  We know Him with our mind; we love Him with our heart; we confess and glorify Him with our tongue; we serve Him with our hands; we obey Him with our feet by fleeing from sin into the waiting hands of Jesus.  Bishop Ignatius writes, “Prayer is called ‘of the mind,’ when it is recited by the mind with profound attention . . . prayer is called ‘of the heart,’ when it is recited by the mind united with the heart, when the mind descends into the heart, and sends up the prayer in it’s depths.  Prayer is called ‘of the soul,’ when it comes from the whole soul, with the participation of the body itself — when it is offered by the whole being . . .“  Thus, when we pray, the whole person prays; mind, heart, soul and body.  Theophan the Recluse speaks of various degrees of prayer of which bodily prayer is the first degree, consisting of reading, standing and making prostrations.  There are those who believe that the position of the body makes no difference in prayer.  They seem to forget what the Catholic Church always remembers, i.e., that whatever the body does affects the soul.  For example, when your mind is too tired to concentrate in the right way, your body position can get you in the proper frame of mind.  That’s the time, for example, when one should kneel.  The posture of the body will send a powerful message to the mind.  Our bodies, then, must be part of any approach to God because everything is expressed through our human nature.  Some of the Church Fathers say that if the body is not praying, the whole person is not praying.  God is truly worshiped with one’s whole being.  Mind, heart, soul and body are to seek union with God. . .  

Saint John Climacus wrote concerning the influence of the body’s posture on prayer: 

“The Lord understood that the virtue of the soul is shaped by our outward behavior.  He therefore took a towel and showed us how to walk the road of humility (cf. John 13:4).  The soul indeed is molded by the doings of the body, conforming to and taking shape from what it does, “— “Ladder of Divine Ascent”  (Saint John Climacus)    n.b. This is reference to Jesus washing of His Apostle’s feet on that one Holy Thursday.  

The Altar Candles for the month of August are requested by Helene Sirak IMO of her son Michael B Sirak

The Sanctuary Light for this week is requested by Michaelene Ostrum in honor of her mother Helene Sirak’s 97th birthday.

DORMITION FAST:  The traditional rule for the Dormition Fast is a strict abstinence from August 1 to 14, with the usual mitigations (wine and oil) for Saturday and Sunday and the Feast of the Transfiguration (August 6).  It is, therefore, observed as the Great Fast.  The observance of this fast is voluntary.  Please remember that on Friday, August 15^th we will be Blessing Flowers.

WOMEN’S SOCIETY RUMMAGE SALE:  The Women’s Society is collecting items for the annual rummage sale that will be held in October.  Household items and gently used clothing can be dropped off at the church hall, or contact Anna Magil at 570-239-9263.

AIR CONDITIONING REPLACEMENT:  We are pleased to report that the hall’s air conditioning has been repaired this past week. We continue to accept donations to help cover the $5700 repair expense.  Thank you to those who have donated generously for the air conditioning. 

BIRTHDAY WISHES:  Birthday  wishes to Paul Hoover, Helene Sirak and Mary Oshirak who all celebrate birthdays this month. God’s blessings and good health!  Mnohaya Lita!

LABOR DAY WEEKEND 

ONE DAY FOOD FESTIVAL

& FLEA MARKET

Saturday, AUGUST 31

11:00am-4:00pm

Transfiguration of Our Lord Parish, 240 Center St., Nanticoke is holding a One-Day Ethnic Food Festival on Saturday, August 30.  

Home-Made Pierogi, Haluski,

Pigs-in-the Blanket, Potato Pancakes, 

Clam Chowder, Borsch, 

Hot Dogs & Wimpies & Bake Sale

APPETITES ARE WANTED!!  TELL YOUR NEIGHBORS!

CAN YOU HEAR THE POLKA MUSIC PLAYING???????

BOOK(S)  OF THE MONTH FOR AUGUST:

Nihilism, Father Seraphim Rose

ISBN:  1887904069

HUMILITY RULES:  St. Benedict’s Guide to Genuine Self-Esteem

Ignatius Press, by J. Augustine Wetta, O.S.B., Monk of St. Louis Abbey

ISBN:   978-1-62164-14

 August 2, 2025 A. D.

Saturday, August 2 EIGHTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST 

            4:00 PM           Leo Szumskyj- Ulana Campbell

Sunday, August 3 EIGHTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

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

Wednesday, August 6 TRANSFIGURATION OF OUR LORD

Blessing of Fruit

          8:30 AM Michael B. Sirak- mother, Helene Sirak

Saturday, August 9 EIGHTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST 

            4:00 PM           Donald Magil- wife, Anna Magil

Sunday, August 10 EIGHTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

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

 Petitions & Prayers for Our Parishioners:  Please pray for our Parishioners Assisted Living: Mary Hoolick. At Home: Shirley Kozar, Dolores Miller, Rita Kurtz, Diane Petry, Mary Louise Bailey. Away: Leona Kobela  Prayer Request: Michelle Miller; Kerri; Ellen Kobela, Fr. Peter Waslo; Sister Evhenia Prusnay MSMG; Mary Oresick; Fr. Paul Wolensky, Pavlyk Motychka (baby in Ukraine with SMA); Joyce Kishbaugh, Ken Weber; Marie Slota; Fr. Gregory Maslak, Angel Ocasio, Elizabeth Biasci, Dolores Jennings, Mike Oresick, Mark & Debbie Schwartz, Mary Schwartz, Helen Lipowski,  Raquel Camelia, Marie Neimeyer, Paulette Parcel & all Parishioners who are experiencing health issues.

BOOK(S)  OF THE MONTH FOR AUGUST:

Nihilism, Father Seraphim Rose

ISBN:  1887904069

HUMILITY RULES:  St. Benedict’s Guide to Genuine Self-Esteem

Ignatius Press, by J. Augustine Wetta, O.S.B., Monk of St. Louis Abbey

ISBN:   978-1-62164-14

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 

The Altar Candles for the month of August are requested by Helene Sirak IMO of her son Michael B Sirak

The Sanctuary Light for this week was requested by Michaelene Ostrum IMO her brother Michael B Sirak .

DORMITION FAST:  The traditional rule for the Dormition Fast is a strict abstinence from August 1 to 14, with the usual mitigations (wine and oil) for Saturday and Sunday and the Feast of the Transfiguration (August 6).  It is, therefore, observed as the Great Fast.  The observance of this fast is voluntary.  Please remember that on Friday, August 15^th we will be Blessing Flowers.

Transfiguration of our lord feast:  There will be Blessing of Fruit on Wednesday for Transfiguration of Our Lord Feast Day, a Solemn Holy Day.  The Dormition Fast is mitigated on the Feast.  There will be Liturgy at Ss. Peter & Paul Church on Wednesday, August 6 at 8:30AM.

WOMEN’S SOCIETY RUMMAGE SALE:  The Women’s Society is collecting items for the annual rummage sale that will be held in October.  Household items and gently used clothing can be dropped off at the church hall, or contact Anna Magil at 570-239-9263.

AIR CONDITIONING REPLACEMENT:  The air conditioning compressor serving the hall must be replaced, resulting in a total cost of $5700. We welcome and appreciate any contributions to help offset the expense of the repair. 

BIRTHDAY WISHES:  Birthday  wishes to Paul Hoover, Helene Sirak and Mary Oshirak who all celebrate birthdays this month. God’s blessings and good health!  Mnohaya Lita!

July 27, 2025 A. D. 

Saturday, July 26 SEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

The Holy Priest-Martyr Hermolaus 

            4:00 PM           Mary Ann Kachinko- Larry & Pat Tomko

Sunday, July 27 SEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

The Holy Priest-Martyr Hermolaus

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

Friday, August 1 Dormition Fast Begins 

Saturday, August 2 EIGHTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST 

            4:00 PM           Leo Szumskyj- Ulana Campbell

Sunday, August 3 EIGHTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

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

BOOK(S)  OF THE MONTH FOR JULY/AUGUST:

HUMILITY RULES:  St. Benedict’s Guide to Genuine Self-Esteem

Ignatius Press, by J. Augustine Wetta, O.S.B., Monk of St. Louis Abbey

ISBN:   978-1-62164-149-0

HISTORY OF THE CHURCH BY EUSEBIUS

Penguin, Available on Amazon

7^th  SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST, SAINT PANTELEIMON

 July 27, 2025 A. D.

TROPAR:  Angelic powers were upon Your tomb and the guards became like dead men; Mary stood before Your tomb seeking Your most pure body.  You captured Hades without being overcome by it.  You met the Virgin and granted life.  O Lord, risen from the dead, glory be to You!

TROPAR: Taught by the priest Hermolaus you received your vocation to heal from heaven.  You embraced the faith of your Mother and suffered valiantly for it rejoicing.  You obtained the grace to heal ailments, and so we turn to you: Heal our infirmities, O glorious Great-Martyr Panteleimon, that we might honor your memory with praises.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.

KONDAK Emulating Him who is all-merciful, martyr for Christ God, O Panteleimon, you received the grace to heal diseases.  Cure our inner ailments by your prayers to Christ ever driving out the foe’s temptations from those who in faith cry out: Lord, save us.

Now and for ever and ever. Amen.

KONDAK:  With His life-giving hand Christ our God, the Giver of life, raised all the dead from the murky abyss and bestowed resurrection upon mankind.  He is for all the Savior, the resurrection and the life, and the God of all.

PROKIMEN:  Save Your people, O Lord, and bless Your inheritance.  Unto You I will cry, O Lord, my God, lest You turn from me in silence.  Save Your people, O Lord, and bless Your inheritance.  

 A Reading from the Epistle of the Holy Apostle Paul to the Romans (15:1-7; 2 Timothy 2:1-10):                       

Brethren, now we that are stronger, ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.  Let every one of you please his neighbor unto good, to edification.  For Christ did not please himself, but as it is written: The disgraces of them that disgraced you, fell upon me.  For what things soever were written, were written for our learning: that through patience and the comfort of the scriptures, we might have hope.  Now the God of patience and of comfort grant you to be of one mind towards one another, according to Jesus Christ: That with one mind, and with one mouth, you may glorify God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.  Wherefore receive one another, as Christ also has received you unto the honor of God.  You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace which is in Christ Jesus: And the things which you have heard of me by many witnesses, deliver the same to faithful men, who shall also be fit to teach others.  Labor as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.  No man, being a soldier to God, entangles himself with secular businesses; that he may please him to whom he has engaged himself.  For he also that strives for mastery, is not crowned, except that he strive lawfully.  The husbandman, that labors, must first partake of the fruits.  Understand what I say: for the Lord will give you understanding in all things.  Be mindful that the Lord Jesus Christ is risen again from the dead, of the seed of David, according to my teaching of the good news.  Wherein I labor even unto bands, as an evildoer; but the word of God is not bound.  Therefore I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain salvation, which is in Christ Jesus, with heavenly glory.

ALLELUIA:  Alleluia (3).  He who lives in the aid of the Most High, shall dwell under the protection of the God of heaven.  Alleluia (3).  He says to the Lord: You are my protector and my refuge, my God, in Whom I hope.  Alleluia (3).  The just man shall flourish like the palm tree; and he shall grow like the cedar in Lebanon.  Alleluia (3).

Gospel  Matthew 9:27-35 (John 15:17-16:2)

As Jesus went on from there, two blind men followed him, crying loudly,  “Have mercy on us, Son of David!”    When he entered the house, the blind men came to him; and Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” They said to him, “Yes, Lord.”  Then he touched their eyes and said, “According to your faith let it be done to you.”   And their eyes were opened. Then Jesus sternly ordered them, “See that no one knows of this.”   But they went away and spread the news about him throughout that district.  After they had gone away, a demoniac who was mute was brought to him.   And when the demon had been cast out, the one who had been mute spoke; and the crowds were amazed and said, “Never has anything like this been seen in Israel.”   But the Pharisees said, “By the ruler of demons he casts out demons.”  Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and curing every disease and every sickness.  These things I command you, that you love one another.  If the world hates you, know that it hated me before you.  If you were of the world, the world would love his own: but because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.  Remember the word that I said to you, The servant is not greater than his master.  If they have persecuted me, they will persecute you also: if they have kept my word, they will also keep yours.  But all these things will they do to you for my Name’s sake, because they have not known him that sent me.  If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not have had sin: but now have they no excuse for their sin.  He that hates me, hates my Father also.  If I had not done works among them which no other man did, they would not have sin: but now have they both seen, and have hated both me, and my Father.  But it is that the word might be fulfilled, that is written in their law, They hated me without a cause.  But when that Comforter shall come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceeds from the Father, he shall testify of me.  And you shall witness also, because you have been with me from the beginning.  He foretells the disciples of persecution.He promises the Comforter, and declares his office.He compares the affliction of his, to a woman that travails with child.  These things have I said unto you, that you should not be offended.  They shall excommunicate you: yes the time shall come, that whosoever kills you, will think that he does God a service.

COMMUNION HYMN:  Praise the Lord from the heavens; praise Him in the highest.  The just man shall be in everlasting remembrance; of evil hearsay he shall have no fear.  Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.

Greatmartyr and Healer Panteleimon

Commemorated on July 27

The Great Martyr and Healer Panteleimon was born in the city of Nicomedia into the family of the illustrious pagan Eustorgius, and he was named Pantoleon.  His mother Saint Euboula (March 30) was a Christian.  She wanted to raise her son in the Christian Faith, but she died when the future martyr was just a young child.  His father sent Pantoleon to a pagan school, after which the young man studied medicine at Nicomedia under the renowned physician Euphrosynus.  Pantoleon came to the attention of the emperor Maximian (284-305 A.D.), who wished to appoint him as royal physician when he finished his schooling.  The hieromartyrs Hermolaus, Hermippus and Hermocrates, survivors of the massacre of 20,000 Christians in 303 A.D.  (December 28), were living secretly in Nicomedia at that time.  Saint Hermolaus saw Pantoleon time and again when he came to the house where they were hiding.  Once, the priest invited the youth to the house and spoke about the Christian Faith.  After this Pantoleon visited Saint Hermolaus every day.  One day the saint found a dead child on the street.  He had been bitten by a great snake, which was still beside the child’s body.  Pantoleon began to pray to the Lord Jesus Christ to revive the dead child and to destroy the venomous reptile.  He firmly resolved that if his prayer were fulfilled, he would become a follower of Christ and receive Baptism.  The child rose up alive, and the snake died before Pantoleon’s eyes. After this miracle, Pantoleon was baptized by Saint Hermolaus with the name Panteleimon (meaning “all-merciful”).  Speaking with Eustorgius, Saint Panteleimon prepared him to accept Christianity. When the father saw how his son healed a blind man by invoking Jesus Christ, he then believed in Christ and was baptized by Saint Hermolaus together with the man whose sight was restored. After the death of his father, Saint Panteleimon dedicated his life to the suffering, the sick, the unfortunate and the needy.  He treated all those who turned to him without charge, healing them in the name of Jesus Christ.  He visited those held captive in prison.  These were usually Christians, and he healed them of their wounds.  In a short time, reports of the charitable physician spread throughout the city.  Forsaking the other doctors, the inhabitants began to turn only to Saint Panteleimon.  The envious doctors told the emperor that Saint Panteleimon was healing Christian prisoners.  Maximian urged the saint to refute the charge by offering sacrifice to idols.  Saint Panteleimon confessed himself a Christian, and suggested that a sick person, for whom the doctors held out no hope, should be brought before the emperor.  Then the doctors could invoke their gods, and Panteleimon would pray to his God to heal the man.  A man paralyzed for many years was brought in, and pagan priests who knew the art of medicine invoked their gods without success.  Then, before the very eyes of the emperor, the saint healed the paralytic by calling on the name of Jesus Christ.  The ferocious Maximian executed the healed man, and gave Saint Panteleimon over to fierce torture.  The Lord appeared to the saint and strengthened him before his sufferings.  

They suspended the Great Martyr Panteleimon from a tree and scraped him with iron hooks, burned him with fire and then stretched him on the rack, threw him into a cauldron of boiling tar, and cast him into the sea with a stone around his neck.  Throughout these tortures the martyr remained unhurt, and denounced the emperor.  At this time the priests Hermolaus, Hermippus and Hermocrates were brought before the court of the pagans.  All three confessed their faith in the Savior and were beheaded (July 26).  By order of the emperor they brought the Great Martyr Panteleimon to the circus to be devoured by wild beasts.  The animals, however, came up to him and licked his feet.  The spectators began to shout, “Great is the God of the Christians!”  The enraged  Maximian ordered the soldiers to stab with the sword anyone who glorified Christ, and to cut off the head of the Great Martyr Panteleimon.  They led the saint to the place of execution and tied him to an olive tree.  While the martyr prayed, one of the soldiers struck him with a sword, but the sword became soft like wax and inflicted no wound.  The saint completed his prayer, and a Voice was heard from Heaven, calling the passion-bearer by his new name and summoning him to the heavenly Kingdom.  Hearing the Voice, the soldiers fell down on their knees before the holy martyr and begged forgiveness.  They refused to continue with the execution, but Saint Panteleimon told them to fulfill the emperor’s command, because otherwise they would have no share with him in the future life.  The soldiers tearfully took their leave of the saint with a kiss.  When the saint was beheaded, the olive tree to which the saint was tied became covered with fruit.  Many who were present at the execution believed in Christ.  The saint’s body was thrown into a fire, but remained unharmed, and was buried by Christians.  Saint Panteleimon’s servants Laurence, Bassos and Probus witnessed his execution and heard the Voice from Heaven.  They recorded the life, the sufferings and death of the saint.  Portions of the holy relics of the Great Martyr Panteleimon were distributed throughout all the Christian world.  His venerable head is now located at the Russian monastery of Saint Panteleimon on Mt. Athos.  The veneration of the holy martyr in the Ukrainian Catholic Church was already known in the twelfth century.  Saint Panteleimon is venerated in the Ukrainian Catholic Church as a mighty saint, and the protector of soldiers.  This aspect of his veneration is derived from his first name Pantoleon, which means “a lion in everything”.  His second name, Panteleimon, given him at Baptism, which means “all-merciful”, is manifest in the veneration of the martyr as a healer.  The connection between these two aspects of the saint is readily apparent in that soldiers, receiving wounds more frequently than others, are more in need of a physician-healer.  Christians waging spiritual warfare also have recourse to this saint, asking him to heal their spiritual wounds.  The holy Great Martyr and Healer Panteleimon is invoked in the Mystery of Anointing the Sick, at the Blessing of Water, and in the Prayers for the Sick.

The sanctuary light for this week was requested by Donald and Donna Winsock in honor of their 56th wedding anniversary that was celebrated on July 5th.

DORMITION FAST:  The traditional rule for the Dormition Fast is a strict abstinence from August 1 to 14, with the usual mitigations (wine and oil) for Saturday and Sunday and the Feast of the Transfiguration (August 6).  It is, therefore, observed as the Great Fast.  The observance of this fast is voluntary.  Please remember that on Friday, August 15^th we will be Blessing Flowers.

DONATIONS REPLACEMENT AIR CONDITIONING UNIT:  The air conditioning compressor serving the hall must be replaced, resulting in a total cost of $5700. We will welcome and appreciate any contributions to help offset the expense of the repair. 

THANK YOU:  Appreciation is extended to the ladies of the Women’s Society for their extra landscaping around the back circle by the hall and keeping the weeds under control by the church.

POP-UP FLEA MARKET:  Transfiguration of Our Lord Church is having a POP-UP Flea Market in the church basement on Saturday, August 3 from 8AM to Noon.  The highlight of our Flea Market is furniture:  Bunk/Twin Beds, Dressers, Kitchen Tables, and various home items.  Garden Supplies, firepits, speaders, etc.  We will be selling Frozen Potato Pyrohy for $12 a dozen.

July 20, 2025 A. D.

July 20, 2025 A. D. 

Saturday, July 19 SIXTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

Great Prophet Elijah

Blessing of Cars & Chariots

            4:00 PM           Gerald Bavitz- Bavitz Family

Sunday, July 20 SIXTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

Great Prophet Elijah

Blessing of Cars & Chariots

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

Saturday, July 26 SEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

The Holy Priest-Martyr Hermolaus 

            4:00 PM           Mary Ann Kachinko- Larry & Pat Tomko

Sunday, July 27 SEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

The Holy Priest-Martyr Hermolaus

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

The Sanctuary Candle is requested by Michaelene Ostrum in memory of Olga Uhas.  

HOLY SPIRIT PARISH WALKING PILGRIMAGE: You are cordially invited to participate in the third annual Holy Spirit Parish Walking Pilgrimage on Saturday, July 26, 2025.  Sing and pray through beautiful forest land as we walk from St. Mary’s Church in Mocanaqua to St. Adalbert’s Church in Glen Lyon.  The pilgrimage begins at 8:00 a.m. with Confessions and prayer at St. Mary’s Church, 130 Rectory Road, Mocanaqua.  Pilgrims depart at 9:00 a.m. for the six mile trek through the Mocanaqua Tract of the Pinchot State Forest.  The walk culminates with Holy Mass around 12:00 noon at St. Adalbert’s Church.  Those who cannot walk the entire pilgrimage route are welcome to meet at the church for Mass.  Lunch will be served and bus transportation will be available back to Mocanaqua.  We will walk rain or shine: please dress accordingly and modestly.  All are invited to participate in the pilgrimage either by walking or by submitting prayer requests. Register online at www.tinyurl.com/walkingpilgrimage2025 or text/call Raphael Micca at 570-301-9253.

DORMITION FAST:  The Dormition Fast is from August 1 through August 14.  

BOOK(S)  OF THE MONTH FOR JULY/AUGUST:

HUMILITY RULES:  St. Benedict’s Guide to Genuine Self-Esteem

Ignatius Press, by J. Augustine Wetta, O.S.B., Monk of St. Louis Abbey

ISBN:   978-1-62164-149-0

HISTORY OF THE CHURCH BY EUSEBIUS

Penguin, Available on Amazon

July 6, 2025 A. D.

Saturday, July 5 FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
4:00 PM           Donald Magill- wife, Anna Magill

Sunday, July 6 FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

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

Saturday, July 12 FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
4:00 PM           Elizabeth Suscavage- Paul & Dolores Suscavage

Sunday, July 13 FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

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

Saturday Liturgy is 6:00 PM

Sunday Liturgy is 10:30 AM

BOOK(S)  OF THE MONTH FOR JULY/AUGUST:

HUMILITY RULES:  St. Benedict’s Guide to Genuine Self-Esteem

Ignatius Press, by J. Augustine Wetta, O.S.B., Monk of St. Louis Abbey

ISBN:   978-1-62164-149-0

HISTORY OF THE CHURCH BY EUSEBIUS

Penguin, Available on Amazon

The only surviving historical record of the Church during its crucial first 300 years.

There are no Altar Candles requested for July.

There is no request for the Sanctuary Light this week.

RESCHEDULED ADULT DISCUSSION:  There will be an Adult Discussion on the book of the month for May – Aquinas, On Human Nature on Saturday, July 12^th after 6:00PM Liturgy at Transfiguration of Our Lord Church..  If you have any questions, related to the book or not – bring them to the class.

WHY COOK WEDNESDAY:  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 16, 2025 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!”

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?  What are the origins of the Saint Michael Prayer?

  One day following the Mass, Pope Leo XIII (1878-1903), had a vision of Lucifer bargaining with God that he could destroy the church if God would permitted him more authority in the church for 25 years.  As the discussion progressed, between Lucifer and God, Pope Leo saw that God permitted Lucifer more authority in the church for 100 years.  God told Lucifer that even with this power he would not be able to destroy God’s Church.  In response to this vision, with the concern for the salvation of souls and the preservation of God’s church, Pope Leo XIII naturally sought the aid of Saint Michael and hence, wrote the Saint Michael Prayer, and later Pope Leo edited a shorter version of the prayer for people to remember as the first and longer prayer is an Exorcism prayer to be prayed by priests in the Church.

ASK FATHER A QUESTION?  Father, what is a Pericope?  Pronounced 

“Pəˈrikəpē” NOT Pear-i-cope.  What is an Ambo Prayer?  Pronounced “technically” Amvon.

A Pericope is an extract from a text, especially a passage from the Bible.

The church fathers have assigned certain periscopes for certain feast days. 

An Ambo Prayer is part of the dismissal prayers of the church that was commonly from the Liturgy of Saint Basil the Great for major holy days and was said by the Bishop in the middle of the church.  

 An “Amvon” is an architectural object that was used in very large churches to allow the Deacon to stand above the congregation so that when he prays on behalf of the congregation the people can hear him.  In centuries past, before sound systems, it was difficult to hear the Deacon in a large crowded church, if the Deacon was elevated above the people, he would be heard by the congregation.  All this matters, because the prayers are said by the Deacon from the middle of the church, not from in front of the Altar.

PRAYER TO THE MOTHER OF GOD

Mother of Perpetual Help, you have been blessed and favored by God.  You became not only the Mother of the Redeemer, but Mother of the redeemed as well.  We come to you today as your loving children.  Watch over us and take care of us.  As you held the child Jesus in your loving arms, so take us in your arms.  Be a mother ready at every moment to help us.  For God who is mighty has done great things for you, and God’s mercy is from age to age on those who love God.  Intercede for us, dear Mother, in obtaining pardon for our sins, love for Jesus, final perseverance, and the grace always to call upon you, O Mother of Perpetual Help.

June 29, 2025 A. D.

Saturday, June 28 FEAST OF SAINTS PETER & PAUL – PRIME APOSTLES

THIRD SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST (Myrovania)
4:00 PM           Mary Ann Kachinko- John & Theresa Ivan

Sunday, June 29 FEAST OF SAINTS PETER & PAUL – PRIME APOSTLES

THIRD SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST (Myrovania)

           8:30 AM            God’s Blessings & Good Health for Andrea Phillips

-Becker Family

Friday, July 4 Independence Day- No Liturgy

Saturday, July 5 FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
4:00 PM           Donald Magill- wife, Anna Magill

Sunday, July 6 FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

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

Liturgy On Friday, July 4 at Transfiguration of Our Lord Church at 8:00 AM

Transfiguration of Our Lord Church

Saturday Liturgy is 6:00 PM

Sunday Liturgy is 10:30 AM

Pray simply. Do not expect to find in your heart any remarkable gift of prayer.  Consider yourself unworthy of it.  Then you will find peace. Use the empty, cold dryness of your prayer as food for your humility.  Repeat constantly:  I am not worthy, Lord, I am not worthy!  But say it calmly, without agitation.  This humble prayer will be acceptable to God.  When practicing the Jesus prayer, remember that the most important thing of all is humility; then the ability-not the decision only-always to maintain a keen sense of responsibility towards God, towards one’s spiritual director, men, and even things.  Remember, too, that Isaac the Syrian warns us that God’s wrath visits all who refuse the bitter cross of agony, the cross of active suffering, and who, striving after visions and special graces of prayer, waywardly seek to appropriate the glories of the Cross.  He also says, “God’s grace comes of itself, suddenly, without seeing it approach.  It comes when the place is clean.”  Therefore, carefully, diligently, constantly clean the place; sweep it with the broom of humility.  St. Makarii  of Optino

Change your entire point of view!  Life is not a mockery.  Disappointments are merely markers on the road of life, saying:  “Perfect Happiness is not here.”  Every disillusionment, every blasted earthly hope, every frustrated carnal desire, points to God.  You can come to God not only by being good, but, if only knew it, by a succession of disgusts.  The very sense of loss you feel in this world is in itself a proof that once you were possessed, and possessed by God.  Though your passions may have been satisfied, you were never satisfied, because while your passions can find satisfaction in this world, you cannot.  If at the present time your vices have left you, do not think you have left your vices.- Venerable Archbishop Fulton Sheen, Remade for Happiness pp.12-13

PRAYER TO THE MOTHER OF GOD

Mother of Perpetual Help, you have been blessed and favored by God. you became not only the Mother of the Redeemer, but Mother of the redeemed as well. We come to you today as your loving children. Watch over us and take care of us. As you held the child Jesus in your loving arms, so take us in your arms. Be a mother ready at every moment to help us. For God who is mighty has done great things for you, and God’s mercy is from age to age on those who love God. Intercede for us, dear Mother, in obtaining pardon for our sins, love for Jesus, final perseverance, and the grace always to call upon you, Mother of Perpetual Help.

Always have the fear of God before your eyes (Ps 36:2) and avoid all thoughtlessness so that you are constantly mindful of everything God has commanded.  You can’t have self-esteem without self-respect.  And because you are made in the image and likeness of God (Gen 1:27), that means that you begin by respecting God.  Now the Bible talks about respecting God, the term it uses is theosebeia- literally, “God-fearing.” – Humility Rules:St, Benedicts guide to Genuine Self-Esteem

HISTORY OF THE CHURCH BY EUSEBIUS

Penguin, Available on Amazon

The only surviving historical record of the Church during its crucial first 300 years.

Bishop Eusebius, a learned scholar who lived most of his life in Caesarea in Palestine, broke new ground in writing the history of Christianity and provided a model for all later ecclesiastical historians. In tracing the history of the Church from the time of Christ to the Great Persecution at the beginning of the fourth century, and ending with the conversion of the Emperor Constantine, his aim was to show the purity and continuity of the doctrinal tradition of Christianity and its struggle against persecutors and heretics.

BISHOP EUSEBIUS:  SAINT OF THE DAY JUNE 22

Saint Eusebius (Died c379 A.D.) Bishop and Martyr of Samosata in Syria. Died by being hit on the head by a thrown roof tile which caused a fractured skull and his death and the glory of the Palm of Martyrdom. His life had been a zealous one of defending the One True Faith against Arianism and of the intense pastoral care of his flock….Eusebius was one of the most zealous defenders of orthodoxy in the 4th Century. All which is definitely known of Eusebius is gathered from the letters of St Basil the Great and of St Gregory Nazianzen and from some incidents in the “Ecclesiastical History” of Theodoret  In around 361 he became the Bishop of the ancient Syrian City of Samosata. Eusebius had been entrusted with the official recording of the election (360 A.D.) of Bishop St Meletius of Antioch, who was supported by the Arian Bishops, who were under the mistaken notion that he would prove sympathetic to their cause.  When St. Meletius expounded his orthodoxy, the Bishops persuaded the Roman Emperor, Constantius II, a staunch Arian, to extort the record from Eusebius and destroy it. Constantius threatened Eusebius with the loss of his right hand because he refused to surrender the record but the threat was withdrawn when Eusebius offered both hands.  It was chiefly due to the concerted efforts of Eusebius and St Gregory Nazianzen that, in 370 A.D., St. Basil was elected Archbishop of Cæsarea in Cappadocia.  During the persecution of orthodox Christians under Julian the Apostate, Eusebius travelled incognito throughout Syria, Palestine and Phoenicia, disguised as a military officer, Ordaining Presbyters and Deacons and celebrated the Sacrament of Confirmation for the faithful.  Orthodox Christians experienced a short respite during the brief reign of Jovian but in 374 A.D. the Emperor Valens, an Arian, banished Eusebius to Thrace, in the Balkan Peninsula. Bishop Eusebius asked the messenger to keep the imperial order confidential saying:  “If the people should be apprised, such is their zeal for the Faith, they would rise in arms against you and your death might be laid to my charge.”  Although advanced in years, Eusebius left that evening. After the Emperor’s death in 378 A.D., Eusebius was restored to his See of Samosata. While in Dolikha to consecrate a Bishop, he was killed after being struck on the head by a roof tile thrown by an Arian woman.  Our lovely zealous St Eusebius is remembered today, 22 June in the Roman Martyrology as a Martyr. We have no extant sermons or writings by St Eusebius bar that little quote above which appears in St Gregory’s letters.

The Altar Candles for the month of June were requested by Rosemarie Kachinko IMO Ronald Kachinko. 

 ANNUAL CHILDREN’S TEA:  ANNUAL TEA:  Thank you to everyone who donated, baked, worked and participated in the “Fruits of the Spirit Tea.” Thank you especially to Alison Schappert, the Ladiesof Ss. Peter & Paul Church and most importantly the children for a lovely Tea.  -Father Walter

I would like to extend my gratitude to everyone who attended the tea as it was a wonderful turnout. Additionally, the generosity of those who donated to make this event enjoyable.  Thank you to the children did an exceptional job serving and divided the monetary donations between the two parishes. 

RESCHEDULED ADULT DISCUSSION:  There will be an Adult Discussion on the book of the month for May – Aquinas, On Human Nature on Saturday, July 12^th after 6:00PM Liturgy at Transfiguration of Our Lord Church..  If you have any questions, related to the book or not – bring them to the class.

ASK FATHER A QUESTION?  Father, what is Nihilism? Nihilism literally means “nothing.”  It is a denial of God.  It is a political movement trying to undermine God in all things church.  It spreads lies as truth and claims evil actions good.  Rights come from the government, there are no unalienable rights.  Everything is relative.

ASK FATHER A QUESTION?  Father, what is the symbolism of “green leaves” in the church for Pentecost and the time thereafter?   In iconography, (“story in image”), green is the color of the Holy Spirit.  On the Feast of Pentecost the entire church is vested in green, calling to mind and reminding us of the Holy Spirit coming to the Apostles, Mary, and the Whole Church.  

ASK FATHER A QUESTION?  Do Angels exist? Angels do exist!  Besides our visible universe God has created another, invisible, corporeal spiritual world.  Though angels are superior to us in dignity, we are created more perfectly in God’s image.  The Holy Spirit attests to their creation before the universe to their great numbers, and to their primary ministry, which is to ‘present the prayers of the Saints’ to God, and to behold His glory.  The Lord said, “Take care that you do not despise one of these little ones; for, I tell you  in heaven their angels continually see the face of my Father in heaven” and glorify Him incessantly.  The angels are assigned to many ‘orders’ usually grouped in nine, although we know nothing definite about this.  God has assigned angels to protect us, from different scriptural passages we are taught the angels are assigned by God to protect entire nations and individuals.  Certain angels are assigned to minister to us, by being God’s messengers, and attend to the spiritual progress and perfection of human beings.  They are placed in the service of God’s plan of salvation for man.  “Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to serve, for the sake of those who are to salvation?  “We pray for the guardian angel, (not that one may be given us), since each of us has one from the moment of his birth, but that he may be active and may fulfill his task, that he may protect us and lead us in the right way, and may not, angered by our sins, desert us.”  Several of the Fathers of the Church teach that only baptized Christians have a guardian angel.  According to certain Fathers, we are assigned two angels a good one, our guardian angel, and an evil one.  Guardian angels guide human beings and steer them in the path of goodness without interfering with their free will or forcing them to follow it.  When we fall into serious sin, however, the guardian angel departs.  At the hour of death the guardian angel will carry the soul to heaven.  In the prayer “You who in all times.” Recited during Hours, we pray, “Surround us with your holy angels, so that guarded and guided by their host, we may attain to the unity of the faith and the knowledge of Your unapproachable glory.”  

STAR SPANGLED BANNER

O say can you see, by the dawn’s early light, What so proudly we hail’d at the twilight’s last gleaming, Whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight O’er the ramparts we watch’d were so gallantly streaming? And the rocket’s red glare, the bomb bursting in air, Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there, O say does that star-spangled banner yet wave O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

(4^th stanza)     O thus be it ever when freemen shall stand Between their lov’d home and the war’s desolation! Blest with vict’ry and peace may the heav’n rescued land Praise the power that hath made and preserv’d us a nation! Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just, And this be our motto – “In God is our trust,” And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave.

June 22, 2025 A. D.

Saturday, June 21 SECOND SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
4:00 PM           Barnett Kurtz (1yr Anniversary)- Rita Kurtz

Sunday, June 22 SECOND SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

           10:00 AM            God’s Blessings & Good Health for All Parishioners

Remember there is no Liturgy at Transfiguration of Our Lord Church on Sunday, June 22.

          AFTER LITURGY ANNUAL CHILDREN’S CATECHISM TEA

Tuesday, June 24 NATIVITY OF JOHN THE BAPTIST (w/ Myrovania)

              8:30 AM God’s Blessings & Health for Diane Fareid 

-Becker Family

Saturday, June 28 FEAST OF SAINTS PETER & PAUL – PRIME APOSTLES

THIRD SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
4:00 PM           Mary Ann Kachinko- John & Theresa Ivan

Sunday, June 29 FEAST OF SAINTS PETER & PAUL – PRIME APOSTLES

THIRD SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

           8:30 AM            God’s Blessings & Good Health for Andrea Phillips

-Becker Family

Second Sunday After Pentecost

The Lord called Peter and Andrew, and leaving everything behind, they immediately followed Him.  He called James and John, and they also immediately left all and followed the Lord.  Why did they follow Him so quickly and willingly?  Because they saw something better.  Such is the law that we have in our own soul, that once it has tasted and known what is better, it is repulsed by what is worse and abandons it.  Here is accomplished the same thing that the Lord Later described in His parable about the treasure hid in a field and about the pearl of great price.  The treasure and the pearl are faith in the Lord and communion with Him, according to the strength of one’s faith.  We have already been named possessors of this in Baptism.  Why do we value this treasure so little and thus exchange it for barren ground?  Because we were not brought up to cultivate a taste for this treasure, and it becomes foreign to our hearts.  Our heart does not know this better thing.  It only knows that there is the bad, the very bad, and the not so bad, and bases it’s outlook upon this assessment.  Here is the entire reason why the Lord calls some and they come, while we, the chosen ones, run from Him.   -St. Theophan the Recluse 

BOOK(S)  OF THE MONTH FOR JUNE:

On the Soul and the Resurrection, by ST. GREGORY OF NYSSA

St. Vladimir’s Press  ISBN:  978-881411201

Translated by Catharine P. Roth

PETROVKA (St. Peter & Paul Fast):  St.  Peter & Paul Fast begins on Sunday evening, June 15 at Vespers with the singing of “O Joyful Light…” after the Sunday of All Saints and continues until Saturday, June 28th.  The Apostles’ Fast is not as severe as Lent or the Dormition Fast, but entails fasting from red meat, poultry, meat products, eggs, dairy products, fish, oil, and wine. Fasting also partners with prayer, almsgiving and confession, readying the whole person like an athlete; body, mind, and soul, for an upcoming feast, similar to the way in which orthodox Catholics would hope to be properly prepared for the Second Coming. For this reason, during fasting seasons, no marriages should take place. Another important part of any fasting period is going to Confession.  The Feast of Ss. Peter & Paul is Sunday, June 29th.

 The Connection that makes a difference

Someone said to a reformed alcoholic, “ I see you have overcome the mastery of the devil at last.”  “No, “ came the quiet answer “but I do have the Master of the devil—the Pantocrator Christ within.”  In order to receive power from the All-Powerful Pantocrator we must get attached and stay attached to Him through faith, prayer and the sacraments.   As the branch that remains attached to the vine receives nourishment and light, so the one who maintains a living connection with Jesus through prayer, receives power to live, power to overcome.  Like the railway tickets we used to see that said, “Not good if detached,” We are not good, we are weak, powerless, ineffective, if we are detached from the Pantocrator.  We have to be connected.  We were created to be connected .  For Jesus, the place where everything connected was prayer.  It was where God and man came together in a glorious union.  “I and the Father are One, “ He said.  Connected!  “You will be One with Us too,” He said to the disciples, “If you pray; if you abide in Us.”  Prayer is where everything gets connected.  Being connected with the Pantocrator Christ puts me in touch with infinite power and opens the way to unbounded possibilities.  For, Jesus is not just a great Example; He is also is the Great Enabler, the All- Powerful Pantocrator with whom I connect.-Sacred Symbols that Speak Vol.1 by Anthony M. Coniaris

 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.

The Altar Candles for the month of June were requested by Rosemarie Kachinko IMO Ronald Kachinko. 

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

 ANNUAL CHILDREN’S TEA:  IT’S THIS SUNDAY! The Annual Children’s Catechism Tea will be held this Sunday, June 22nd after the 10:00 liturgy at SS Peter & Paul church.  There will be one Liturgy on Sunday, June 22 for both parishes.  Remember, there will be no Sunday Liturgy on Sunday, June 22 at Transfiguration of Our Lord Church.  All are invited, even if you didn’t sign up to attend.

ADULT DISCUSSION:  There will be an Adult Discussion on the book of the month for May – Aquinas, On Human Nature on Saturday, June 21st after 6:00PM Liturgy at Transfiguration of Our Lord Church..  If you have any questions, related to the book or not – bring them to the class.

 ASK FATHER A QUESTION?  Father……… what does it mean when you “bow” to us?  I heard someone say we are supposed to “bow” back to you- is that true?  Bowing to each other is a body language way of saying hello, good-bye or a sign of friendship or respect to one another.  This is an old world sign of common courtesy.  To help put it in perspective, think of what you have seen in the Japanese culture-where two people at a business meeting or sports competition will bow upon meeting one another and simply allowing their mutual courtesy show to one another.  So you have been told correctly, when the priest bows to you-you should bow in response.  Further, you may notice that several times during the Liturgy that the priest bows towards the altar-he is bowing and paying respect and giving glory to God-even begging for intercessions for the faithful.  Lastly, some people have said that they wish the priest would come to the back of the church and say goodbye to them as they are leaving.   The bow the priest gives the people when he closes the Holy Doors at the end of Liturgy is that good-bye.  Because Jesus is still present in the Gifts, the priest must ablute the chalice before he can do anything else.  You might remember from your youth, during this time people should be silently praying in the church, because Jesus is still in the altar area until the chalice is abluted.

ASK FATHER A QUESTION?  Father, why don’t we read the Old Testament on Sunday during Liturgy?  I noticed we have readings from the Old Testament at the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts.  The reason you don’t recognize Old Testament readings on Sunday is because the Old Testament Readings come primarily in the service called Vespers or Evening Prayer.  Daily Vespers don’t always have an Old Testament reading associated with it, but the major Holy Days do, most commonly from the Book of Isiah.  Also, in the Liturgical Cycle is Matins or Morning Prayer, which is said before the Liturgy; however precious few Parishes celebrate Matins today.  The Matins of Lent also have Old Testament readings from the Book of Isiah.  The readings from Isiah are chosen because these are the prophecies of Isiah fulfilled by Jesus.  In the Presanctified Liturgy we read primarily from the book of Genesis and Proverbs during Lent because we are recounting salvation history and the Proverbs are restating God’s teaching and wisdom to mankind.  In the Presanctified Liturgies of Holy Week we read from Exodus because we recount God’s saving plan for the nation of Israel which includes us for eternity, if we live as He teaches us to.  Also from those three Presanctified Holy Week Liturgies, we read from the Book of Job because we recognize that just because a person is faithful does not guarantee an easy life in this world.  Great and Holy Thursday, Friday and Saturday also have Old Testament readings because they recount salvation history and the prophecies that Christ fulfilled.  Lastly, you may have noticed we have been putting the Psalms in the bulletin, I am hoping that you recognize that the Psalms sound like the prayers in the Divine Liturgy.  If you grasp that, then you recognize we are praying the Old Testament, specifically from the Book of Psalms on Sunday which is a Book from the Old Testament.  The Church recognizes King David as the author of the Book of Psalms.

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 as is Your Will in this world.  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.