SS Peter & Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church

AFTER PENTECOST

OCTOBER 8, 2023 

Do You Like Going to Church?

Many people like to go to church.  King David, an avid churchgoer, said, “Let us go to the House of the Lord” (Psalm 121 (122)).   Others, however, will visit the church very seldom.  Not having found satisfaction in the attendance of church services they always look for excuses not to attend. The reasons people give for attending church are varied.  Some attend church because of a feeling of being compelled by parents or their peers.  Some seek the approval of friends or worldly rewards.  For example, they may feel that they do God some kind of favor by attending Church and, therefore, they expect a reward from God for their attendance at church. Habit or a desire to be part of some group, or organization, play a big part in attendance. Still, others go to church purely out of how they feel at a certain moment or how they are disposed at that moment.  Come Saturday, Sunday, or any holiday, they will always question themselves, “Should I not go to church, or should I go to church?” 
          The answer to this will always be based on how happy or sad they feel at that moment. To truly be happy in attending church we should consider those factors that make us happy, enthusiastic, and enjoy visiting other people and their homes. As a general rule we like visiting those that in some way bring spiritual, intellectual, or physical enrichment to our daily lives. It is anticipation on our part of time well spent. As we learn more about each other our friendship grows stronger and we want to visit each other more.
           Therefore, if we think of God as totally enriching us in our daily lives we will be happy to visit Him in His house.  But, on the other hand, if we feel that we don’t need Him because we are completely capable of providing for ourselves and, in addition, we fear Him due to lack of knowledge of Him, we will avoid Him even more. As we grow in knowledge of all the good that God does for us, we will thank Him personally; moreover, we would publicly share the knowledge of the goodness that He has done for us (through Evangelization, teaching people about God).  So, although we sometimes feel that the service is too long, the words are not understood, or the proceedings complicated, we happily go to the House of God because we love Him and want to express our thanks to Him.

SANCTUARY LIGHT: No Request this week.

RUMMAGAE SALE: The Women’s Society wishes to thank all those who donated items, money, raffle baskets or food to the Rummage Sale. If you did not have a chance to shop, the sale will be held again Friday, Oct. 20th 9am -4pm. Saturday, Oct. 21st 9a, – 2pm and Sunday, Oct. 22nd 9am–1pm. The Basket Raffle will be conducted at the second sale also.  

WOMEN’S SOCIETY MEETING: The regular monthly meeting of the Women’s Society will be held at the preparation of Piggy’s to be sold at the second Rummage Sale.  All members are asked to please try to help with this project. New members are always welcome.  Come join and be a part of your Church organization.

PASTIE SALE: Saints Peter & Paul, Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, North Wilkes-Barre is taking orders for Pasties for pick-up on Saturday, October 14^th, 2023.  Our Pasties are made with seasoned ground beef and potatoes wrapped in a pie crust pastry and are available with or without onions.  Pasties are $9.00 each and Gravy is available for $1.00 for an 8 oz. cup.  Call (570) 829-3051 to place your order.  (Please specify with or without onions.)  Pick-up from 2:00 to 4:00pm in our School Hall, corner of North River and West Chestnut Streets, Wilkes-Barre.  Remember, when Baba cooks… everybody’s happy!”

EIGHTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

sunday, OCTOBER 1, 2023

Saturday, September 30   PROTECTION OF THE MOTHER OF GOD

                            4:00 PM                  Anointing with Holy Oil (Myrovania)

 ✞ Michael Kowalick – Hanover Twp. Lions Club

Sunday, October 1     PROTECTION OF THE MOTHER OF GOD

8:30AM      EIGHTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST 

Anointing with Holy Oil (Myrovania)

                                          God’s Blessing and Good Health on all parishioners.

Thursday, October 5           

10:00 AM                 ✞Charles Drazba Jr. – The Drazba Family  

Saturday, October 7  

4:00 PM ✞Catherine Dulski – Mary Shandra

Sunday, October 8 

8:30AM NINETEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

                                           God’s Blessing and Good Health on all parishioners

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Transfiguration of Our Lord Weekend Liturgies:

Saturday 6:00 PM – Sunday 10:30 AM

SEPTEMBER 24, 2023

Saturday, September 23 – 4:00 PM

✞Annetta Rudeski – Dave, Carol & Ann Stull

Sunday, September 24– 8:30AM 

SEVENTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners  

Baptism of Talia Lada

Wednesday, September 27 – 9:30 AM 

✞Charles Drazba – The Drazba Family 

Friday, September 29 – 10:00 AM 

✞Mary Ann Youells 

PROTECTION OF THE MOTHER OF GOD

EIGHTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST 

Saturday, September 30 – 4:00 PM

✞Michael Kowalick – Hanover Twp. Lions Club          

        Anointing with Holy Oil (Myrovania)

Sunday, October 1 – 8:30AM 

Anointing with Holy Oil (Myrovania)

NINTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

     God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners  

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TRANSFIGURATION OF OUR LORD

Saturday – 6:00 PM   Sunday 10:30 AM

THE CONCEPTION OF ST JOHN THE BAPTIST

September 23^rd 

Among all the saints whom the Church venerates, St. John the Baptist holds a unique place. There are three people in the Church whom has a feast honoring their Conception, Nativity and Death, John the Baptist, Mary the Theotokos (God-Bearer) and Jesus. The great esteem he enjoys in the Eastern Church is evident from the fact that during the Church Year as many as six feasts are celebrated in his honor: The feasts of his Conception, Nativity, Beheading (death), the First, Second, Third and Fourth Finding of his Head, and the Synaxis following the feast of the Theophany. 

Among all holy persons of the Old Testament, St. John the Baptist is especially outstanding, because he stands on the border of two testaments: the Old and the New. He is the lastprophet and opens the door to the Apostles. He is  prophet and the Forerunner of Christ, a Baptizer and a martyr. 

Before he was born, an angel of the Lord informed his father Zachary, “He shall be great before the Lord.” (Luke 1,15) And indeed, he was great for his holy life, authentic teaching, and heroic death. Jesus Christ himself acclaimed him as, ”a burning and shining light.” (John 5,35).

The life of John the Baptist was an unbroken chain of sacrifice and penance. He preached to the people what they needed to hear: a Baptism of Repentance, the Nearness of the Kingdom of God, the Presence among them of Jesus, Their Messiah and Savior.  John baptized Jesus in the river Jordan, pointing Him out as the “Lamb of God.” (John 1,36)

SEPTEMBER 17, 2023

Saturday, Sept. 16 

             4:00 PM  God’s Blessing on the marriage of 

                                    Carolyn Mahon and Nathan Walcott – Anna Magill

Sunday, Sept.17 SUNDAY AFTER THE EXALTATION OF THE CROSS

8:30AM God’s Blessing and Good Health on all parishioners

Saturday, Sept. 23

 4:00 PM  ✞Annetta Rudeski – Dave, Carol & Ann Stull

Sunday, Sept. 24 SEVENTEETH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

8:30AM    God’s Blessing and Good Health on all parishioners

Baptism of Talia Lada – God’s blessings for Talia

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Transfiguration of Our Lord Weekend Liturgies: 

Saturday 6:00 PM – Sunday 10:30 AM

THE LORD LISTENS

The Lord doesn’t listen just to the strong, or to only the brave and the wise;
But He seeks out the needy, and broken and poor, and those who have tears in their eyes.
He loves all His saints who give praise to His Name, and all those who are faithful and just,
But He also loves sinners who call on His Name, and He longs for their faith and their trust.
He patiently calls all the lost ones to come and drink from the fountain of life.
He’ll forgive every sin, and He’ll heal every wound, 

and give peace midst all troubles and strife.
For He knows every heart, and He hears every cry, and He always is there when we call,
He’ll provide all our needs from His boundless supply, 

When we love Him, and give Him our all.

When I Whine

Today, upon a bus, I saw a girl with golden hair

I looked at her and sighed and wished I was as fair.

When suddenly she rose to leave,

I saw her hobble down the aisle.

She had one leg and used a crutch

But as she passed, she passed a smile.

Oh, God, forgive me when I whine

I have 2 legs, the world is mine.

I stopped to buy some candy

The lad who sold it had such charm

I talked with him a while; he seemed so very glad

If I were late, it’d do no harm.

And as I left, he said to me,

“I thank you, you’ve been so kind.

It’s nice to talk with folks like you.

You see,” he said, “I’m blind.”

Oh, God, forgive me when I whine.

I have 2 eyes, the world is mine.

~~~

Later while walking down the street,

I saw a child with eyes of blue

He stood and watched the others play

He did not know what to do.

I stopped a moment and then I said,

“Why don’t you join the others, dear?”

He looked ahead without a word.

And then I knew, he couldn’t hear.

Oh, God, forgive me when I whine.

I have 2 ears, the world is mine.

~~~

With feet to take me where I’d go.

With eyes to see the sunset’s glow.

With ears to hear what I would know.

Oh, God, forgive me when I whine.

I’ve been blessed indeed, The world is mine.

We have soooooo  much to be thankful for!!!

THE CROSS

The Mystery of the Cross-is the Mystery of Mysteries. How can the Source of Life die, the Creator of all be annihilated and exclaim, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” This is the kenosis of the Son of God, who emptied Himself, took the form of a servant and became obedient unto death, even to the death of the Cross. The human mind, which is accustomed to asking why, is completely lost. The Mystery of the Cross-is the Mystery of Atonement and wonder: “Let every creature remain silent and adore.” For the message of the Cross is complete absurdity for those who are heading to ruin, but to those who are experiencing salvation, it is the Power of God.” (1 Cor. 1:18). If we ask why, the only answer we receive is that of St. John, “God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, so that whoever believes in Him may not perish, but have eternal life.” (Jn. 3:16). Up until the sixth century, Christians were forbidden to depict Christ on the Cross, because the Cross was the punish­ment of slaves. The first time it appeared was through some Syrian monks living in Narbonne, France, and from whence it spread. 

No one is exempt from the cross; not even the Blessed Virgin, who carried her cross from Christ’s conception and then birth in Bethlehem to Golgotha, where she stood at her Son’s side, as He hung on the Cross. The closer we are to Christ, the heavier is our cross for, as St. Paul says, “Those whom He foreknew, He predestined to share the Image of His Son, so that the Son might be the first-born of many brothers.” (Rom. 8:29)

Bows and Blessings:We bow and make the sign of the cross many times during the Liturgy as a sign of our faith and the receiving and accepting of God’s blessings. As a rule, we bow slightly and bless ourselves every time we mention the persons of the Trinity by name or the priest blesses the congregation. We also bow and sign ourselves whenever we enter or leave the church.

SANCTUARY LIGHT:  There is no request this week for the Sanctuary Light.

BUILDING FUND: Our thanks for the donations received to the Building Fund:

Valerie Fleming in memory of Charles Drazba and Catherine Dulski, also

Mary Ann Kachinko & Donna Warren in memory of Charles Drazba. Your donations are greatly appreciated. 

RUMMAGE – Just a reminder –  The Parish Women’s Society will be sponsoring a Rummage Sale Friday & Saturday, October  6^th 9am – 4pm, October 7^th 9am – 2pm. The Basket Raffle will be available and the proceeds from this sale will be donated to Ukraine.  If you are planning on donating a basket for this cause, please inform one of the Women’s Club members.  The First sale will also be having a Homemade Soup and Haluski sale. A bake sale is also available at this time and we are asking for your help on this matter. Baked goods of your choice will be appreciated.  

CEMETERY: A lot of damage has happened in our cemetery due to the storms. Branches and trees are down and the cost to get this taken care of is very expensive. We appreciate those who use their collection envelopes to help fray the cost of the care. If you have loved ones and family interned in our cemetery it would be great to have a few more donations. One cut alone cost us $1200. Your help is in need. Thank you.

PRESENTATION: This Sunday September 17^th following the Divine Liturgy in Nanticoke there will be a presentation on the upcoming Synod in Rome and a second presentation on the Apparition of Our Blessed Lady, the Ever-Virgin Mary, to the children in Fatima and what both of these mean for us in the Church.  12:30 pm, The first talk is:  The Synodal Process; the Evaporation of the Catholic Church from the Eyes of the Faithful.   1:45 pm, The second talk is:  The Fatima Message is More Prevalent Now Than Ever Before.

SEPTEMBER 10, 2023

Saturday,September 9 – 4:00 PM

God’s Blessing and Good Health on all parishioners 

Sunday, September 10 – 8:30AM 

✞Mary Ann Youells – Michelle Hatch & Denise Klos Family

Thursday, September 14 –8:30 AM- EXALTATION OF THE HOLY CROSS

Anointing with Holy Oil – Myrovania 

God’s Blessing and Good Health on all parishioners

Saturday, September 16 – 4:00 PM   

Goc’s Blessing on the marriage of 

Carol Mahon and Nathan Walcott – Anna Magill

Sunday, September 17 – 8:30 AM  SUNDAY AFTER THE EXALTATION OF THE CROSS

  God’s Blessing and Good Health on all parishioners

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Transfiguration of Our Lord Weekend Liturgies:

Saturday 6:00 PM – Sunday 10:30 AM

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 When we get tangled up in ourproblems, be still. 

God wants us to bestill. So He can untangle the knot.

THE FEAST OF THE EXALTATION OF THE HOLY CROSS

SEPTEMBER 14^TH 

The Holy Cross is an ever-living reminder of God’s everlasting love toward us sinners, a reminder of Christ’s total self-sacrifice, a symbol of our redemption and salvation, a symbol of Christ’s victory over death and Satan. By venerating the holy Cross we honor Christ’s sacrifice, passion and death. Whenever we sign ourselves with the sign of the holy Cross, we profess our faith in our Savior and we willingly carry our own cross.

The Eastern Church holds the veneration of the holy Cross in such high regard that it has dedicated several feasts during the year to its honor. The greatest of these is the feast of the “Universal Elevation of the Venerable and Life-giving Cross” on September 14th.

The Feast of the Elevation of the Venerable Cross is a very ancient feast. However, like the history of the finding of the holy Cross of the Lord, the history of the institution of the feast has been obscured by various legends and it is not easy to separate historical fact from pious legend.

One must remember that in celebrating this feast, we are not concerned with the ordinary veneration of the holy Cross, which takes place on the third Sunday of the Great Fast, but with that aspect of the feast which is expressed in the name of the feast itself – EXALTATION OR ELEVATION – of the Cross, that is, a special solemn rite connected with the veneration and glorification of the holy Cross. 

The feast of the Exaltation owes its origin to the consecration of the Church of the Resurrection of the Lord, which was erected on Golgotha, in Jerusalem, by Emperor Constantine the Great. This consecration was celebrated very solemnly during the time of Macarius, Bishop of Jerusalem, on the 13^th of September in the year 335 A.D. On the day following the consecration, the solemn exaltation or elevation of the sacred wood of the Cross took place. During its elevation the people exclaimed “Lord have mercy” many times. Since that time, the Eastern Church has celebrated the consecration of the Church of the Resurrection of our Lord on the 13^th of September, and the feast of the Exaltation of the Venerable Cross on the 14^th of September. 

The feast of the Exaltation, by placing the holy Cross before our eyes, reminds us of our obligation to venerate, love and confess the holy Cross. “Do not be ashamed of the Cross of Christ,” admonishes St. Cyril of Jerusalem in his fourth catechesis, “even if some hide it, nevertheless, you trace it clearly upon your forehead so that the demons, seeing the royal sign, may tremble and flee far away. Make this sign when you eat and drink, when you sit, lie down, rise or walk, in a word, at every occasion.”

 IN Memory Of  9-11-01 

Never Forget

I’ll never forget that awful day
When our world turned upside down
The stunning blow that shook us all
It could happen in any town. 

Our lives are changed forever

 Caution leads the way

We’re wary now and careful
No, we shall never forget that day.

We used to be so impatient
As we hurried from place to place
But now we patiently wait our turn
With a smile upon our face 

We’ll never forget those we lost
In our hearts they will remain
They sacrificed for all of us
And they did not die in vain.

So never forget that awful day
And how it changed us all
Coming together with care and love
One nation…standing tall.

Our Lady of Fatima Presentation On Sunday September 17^th following the Divine Liturgy in Nanticoke.  There will be a presentation on the Apparition of Our Blessed Lady the Ever-Virgin Mary to the children in Fatima and the upcoming Synod in Rome and what both of these mean for us in the Church.  The first talk is:  The Synodal Process; the Evaporation of the Catholic Church, from the Eyes of the Faithful.   The second talk is:  The Fatima Message is More Prevalent Now Than Ever Before.   A light lunch begins at 12:30 pm in the church basement.

SANCTUARY LIGHT: No request.

MEETING: The Women’s Society will convene with their monthly meetings on Tuesday, September 12 – 6:00 PM at the Church Hall. President Anna Magill will preside. All members are encouraged to please attend.

RUMMAGE – FLEA MARKET:Items are being collected for the Fall Rummage –Flea Market Sale that will be held in October.  If you have items to donate you can bring them to the church on Saturday or Sunday or notify one of the members of the Women’s Society. 

SEPTEMBER  3, 2023

Saturday, September 2 – 4:00 PM

Annetta Rudeski – Joseph & Veronica Truskoski

Sunday, September 3 – 8:30 AM

FOURTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners

Friday, September 8^th -8:30 AM

Birth of the Theotokos – Distribution of Myrovinya

God’s Blessing and Good Health for all parishioners.

Saturday, September 9 – 4:00 PM

God’s Blessing and Good Health for all parishioners.

Sunday, September 10-  8:30AM

SUNDAY BEFORE THE EXALTATION OF THE CROSS

Mary Ann Youells -Michelle Hatch & Denise Klos Family

☸☸☸☸☸☸☸☸☸

Transfiguration of Our Lord Weekend Liturgies:

Saturday 6:00 PM – Sunday 10:30 AM

☸☸☸☸☸☸

ALWAYS FINISH

 If a task is once begun,
Never leave it till it’s done.
Be the labor great or small,
Do it well or not at all. 

Anonymous

Tomorrow is not promised 

Sometimes people come into your life and you know right away that they were meant to be there, they serve some sort of purpose; teach you a lesson, or help figure out who you are, and who you want to become. You never know who these people may be: your neighbor, child, long lost friend, or even a stranger who, when you lock eyes with them, you know at that very moment that they will affect your life, in some profound way. 

And sometimes things happen to you, and at the time they seem painful and unfair, but in reflection you realize, that without overcoming those obstacles, you would have never realized your potential strength, or your hearts desire. Everything happens for a reason. Nothing happens by chance or by means of good or bad luck. Illness, injury, love, lost moments of true greatness, as well as experiencing sheer stupidity and the lesson learned; all occur to test the limits of your soul. Without these small tests, whether they are events, illnesses or relationships, life would be like a paved straight flat road to nowhere, safe and comfortable, but dull and utterly pointless. 

The people you meet who affect your life, and the successes and downfalls you experience, create who you are, and even the bad experiences can be learned from; in fact, they are probably the poignant and important ones. If someone hurts you, betrays you or breaks your heart, forgive them; for they have helped you learn about trust and the importance of being cautious to whom you open your heart… If someone loves you, love them back unconditionally, not only because they love you, but because they are teaching you to love, and opening your heart and eyes to things you would have never seen or felt without them. 

     Make every day count. Appreciate every moment, and take from it everything that you possibly can, for you may never be able to experience it again…  

    Talk to people you have never talked to before, and actually listen. Let yourself fall in love, break free and set your sights high… Hold your head up, because you have every right too. Strive for holiness and believe in God and yourself… for if you don’t believe in yourself, no one else will believe in you either. Create your own life and then go out and live it! “Live Each Day As If It Were Your Last… Tomorrow is Not Promised.”

Author Unknown

The Beginning of the Liturgical Year – September 1^st

We call the Liturgical Year the Ecclesiastical, or Church Year, because it contains the Church Calendar, which in some respects is similar to and in others differs from the civil calendar. In the Eastern Church the Church Year differs from the civil calendar in that it does not begin the New Year with the first of January as does the civil year, but begins it with the first day of September, which is called the Beginning of the Indiction. This means that the whole cycle of our Church Year begins with the first of September and ends with the thirty first of the following August.

The word “indiction” comes from the Latin word “indictio”, which literally means “institution, proclamation, appeal, announcement.” The “indiction” was an edict of Roman Emperors used to determine the land tax throughout the Roman Empire. 

The Fathers of the First Ecumenical Council in Nicea in the year 325 A.D. adopted the first of September as the opening of the New Church Year and this day has been observed in the Eastern Church to the present time. The Latin Church opens its Liturgical Year on the first day of Advent, i.e., the beginning of the preparation for Christmas.

The Spiritual significance of the Liturgical Year: In the pastoral letter written by our bishops, and the Archbishop Major Cardinal Joseph Slipyj, at the conclusion of the Second Council (1965), we read: “The Liturgical cycle of our Church is very rich. Our Liturgical Constitutions guide the faithful throughout the whole year and continuously place before their eyes the mysteries of the life, passion, death, and resurrection of our Divine Savior, the grandeur of the Divine Motherhood and powerful intercession of the most Holy Virgin Mary, the lives of holy men and women, who by their heroic imitation of Christ glorified God and the whole human race. The seasons of fast and abstinence from boisterous entertainment are to help the faithful exercise more self-control and better prepare them for the sacramental encounter with Christ in the Holy Eucharist and that face-to-face encounter with Christ on the day of his Second Coming at the end of the world.

The Liturgical Year, like a beautifully painted iconostas, constantly places before our eyes the sublime history of the redemption of the human race. Let us strive, therefore, to be, not mute but vocal witnesses, and active participators in the sacred events of our Liturgical Year, who exemplify these events in the actions of our daily lives.

SANCTUARY LIGHT: The Sanctuary Light is requested to burn this week Sept. 2 – 

Sept. 9 by Rosemarie Kachinko in memory of Anna & Michael Kachinko.

BUILDING FUND:Our thanks to The Drazba Family for the donation of $100 to the parish Building Fund in memory of their father Charles Drazba.

Other donations received for the Building Fund are from   Elizabeth Drazba, John & Sherrie Drizik, and Mr. & Mrs. Paul Richelmi. Your donations are greatly appreciated.

RUMMAGE SALE: The sale will be in October. You have a full month to contribute items for this sale. If you intend to make a basket for the Raffle, please contact one of the members to let them know, so that they will know how many more to be made up. If you would like to donate the amount to make a basket that would be appreciated.. The bake sale will also need your help. Bake up some of your favorite goodies.

August 27, 2023

Saturday, August 26 -4:00 PM

✞ Catherine Dulski – Mary Shandra

Sunday, August 27 – 8:30 AM

THIRTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners

Tuesday, August 29  Beheading of John the Baptist 10:00 AM at Transfiguration of Our Lord, Nanticoke

Saturday, September 2 – 4:00 PM

✞ Annetta Rudeski – Joseph & Veronica Truskoski

Sunday, September 3 –  8:30AM

FOURTEENTH  SUNDAY AFTERPENTECOST

God’s Blessing and Good Health for all parishioners.

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Transfiguration of Our Lord Weekend Liturgies:

Saturday 6:00 PM – Sunday 10:30 AM

Why God Allows Pain
This is one of the best explanations of why God allows pain and suffering that I have seen. It’s an explanation other people will understand.
A man went to a barbershop to have his hair cut and his beard trimmed.
As the barber began to work, they began to have a good conversation.
They talked about so many things and various subjects.
When they eventually touched on the subject of God, the barber said:
“I don’t believe that God exists.”
“Why do you say that?” asked the customer.
“Well, you just have to go out in the street to realize that God
doesn’t exist. Tell me, if God exists, would there be so many sick
people? Would there be abandoned children? If God existed, there would
be neither suffering nor pain. I can’t imagine a loving a God who would
allow all of these things.”
The customer thought for a moment, but didn’t respond because he
didn’t want to start an argument. The barber finished his job and the
customer left the shop. Just after he left the barbershop, he saw a man
in the street with long, stringy, dirty hair and an untrimmed beard. He
looked dirty and unkempt.
The customer turned back and entered the barber shop again and he said
to the barber: “You know what? Barbers do not exist.”
“How can you say that?” asked the surprised barber. “I am here, and I
am a barber. And I just worked on you”
“No” the customer exclaimed. “Barbers don’t exist because if they did,
there would be no people with dirty long hair and untrimmed beards,
like that man outside.”
“Ah, but barbers DO exist! What happens is that people do not come to
me.”

“Exactly!”- Affirmed the customer. “That’s the point! God,too, DOES
exist! What happens is that people don’t go to Him and do not look for
Him. That’s why there’s so much pain and suffering in the world.”

BE BLESSED & BE A BLESSING

The Gentle Whisper

          The young man had lost his job and didn’t know which way to turn. So he went to see the old priest.  Pacing about the priest’s study, the young man ranted about his problem.  Finally he clenched his fist and shouted, “I’ve begged God to say something to help me. Tell me, Priest, why doesn’t God answer?”
          The old priest, who sat across the room, spoke something in reply — something so hushed it was indistinguishable. The young man stepped across the room. “What did you say?” he asked.
        The priest repeated himself, but again in a tone as soft as a whisper. So the young man moved closer until he was leaning on the priest’s chair.
“Sorry,” he said. “I still didn’t hear you.”
    With their heads bent together, the old priest spoke once more. “God whispers,” he said, “so we will move closer to hear Him.”
     This time the young man heard and he understood.

     We all want God’s voice to thunder, but that is not how God works, through the air with the answer to our problem. But God’s is the still small voice . . . the gentle whisper. Perhaps there’s a reason. Nothing draws human focus quite like a whisper. God’s whisper means I must stop my ranting and move close to Him, until my head is bent together with His. And then, as I listen, I will find my answer. Better still, I find myself closer to God.
Author unknown

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Prayer is a great source of joy, and the best protection from depression. When we talk, Lord, You help me see.

SANCTUARY LIGHT: The Sanctuary Light is not requested for this week. 

ALTAR CANDLES: The Altar Candles will burn during all services in the month of September in memory of Louis & Anna Kolotelo requested by Geri Kolotelo.

RUMMAGE SALE: The women are setting up for the sale in October. Features at the sale will be soup, a variety for takeout only. The bake sale with all homemade goodies will be available and we are asking for your help in this sale. The Basket Raffle will also be in the line of chances and all the proceeds will be donated to Ukraine. If you would like to participate in making a basket or donating the funds for one to be makeup it would be greatly appreciated. 

UKRAINIAN FOLK FESTIVAL: Transfiguration of Our Lord Church will hold their annual Ukrainian Food Festival on Saturday, September 2 from 11am to 4pm on Labor Day Weekend.  Eat in or Take-Out Food featuring Pyrohy, Haluski with homemade noodles, Holubtsi, Potato Pancakes, Sausage & Peppers, Clam Chowder, Borscht, baked goods, and Raffle Baskets.  Everyone is Welcome!!

AUGUST 20, 2023

Saturday, August 19- 4:00 PM  

✞Anna Koprowski – Dr. & Mrs. Nicholas Giordano

Sunday, August 20 – 8:30 AM  

TWELFTH  SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners

Saturday, August 26 – 4:00 PM   THIRTEENTH  SUNDAY AFTERPENTECOST

✞Catherine Dulski – Mary Shandra

Sunday, August 27 –  8:30AM           

THIRTEENTH  SUNDAY AFTERPENTECOST

 God’s Blessing and Good Health for all parishioners.



Transfiguration of Our Lord Weekend Liturgies:

Saturday 6:00 PM – Sunday 10:30 AM

Place yourself in God’s hands first thing in the morning 

so that your entire day will be in His care.

SANCTUARY LIGHT: The Sanctuary Light is requested to burn this week August 19 – 26 by Rosemarie Kachinko in memory of Emily Hilinski.

UKRAINIAN FOLK FESTIVAL: Transfiguration of Our Lord Church will hold their annual Ukrainian Food Festival on Saturday, September 2^nd from 11am to 4pm on Labor Day Weekend.  Eat in or Take-Out Food featuring Pyrohy, Haluski with homemade noodles, Holubtsi, Potato Pancakes, Sausage & Peppers, Clam Chowder, Borscht, baked goods, and Raffle Baskets.  Everyone is Welcome!!

ANNUAL PILGRIMAGE: The annual Pilgrimage to the Mother of God of the Sisters of Saint Basil the Great will be held on Sunday, October 1^st, 2023 on the grounds of Saint Basil The Great, Fox Chase Manor, PA.  The theme of this year’s pilgrimage is: “Our Lord, Our Protectress and refuge”.  Divine Liturgy will be celebrated by His Grace Most Reverend Metropolitan Archbishop Borys Gudziak and the homily will be delivered by Rev. Fr. Taras Lonchyna, Pastor of St. Josaphat Ukrainian Catholic Church, Trenton, NJ. Moleben will be celerated by His Grace Most Reverend Metropolitan Archbishop  Borys Gudziak and Father Taras Lonchyna will deliver the homily. See the flyer for more information in the vestibule.  

RUMMAGE SALE: The Woman’s Society of the parish will sponsor the annual Rummage Sale in October. Items are being collected and if you have any, please bring them to the church or ask one of members to pick them up. The women have been setting up for this sale and are asking for you help in donations to the Bake sale and a Variety of soups will be available for your purchase. Your help is very important for this fund raiser. 

AUGUST 13, 2023

Saturday, August 12– 4:00 PM

✞Rosalia Mandzik – John Cienki

Sunday, August 13 – 8:30AM 

ELEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

✞Bishop Walter Paska &  God’s Blessing and Good Health on all parishioners 

MONDAY	August 14th – 6:30 PM at St. Nicholas	Glen Lyon
Dormition of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Tuesday, August 15 – 8:30 AM  

God’s Blessing and Good Health on all parishioners

 The Dormition of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Holy Day of Obligation-Anointing with Holy Oil & Myrovania

Blessing of Flowers

Saturday, August 19 – 4:00 PM

✞Anna Koprowski – Dr. & Mrs. Nicholas Giordano

Sunday, August 20 – 8:30AM 

TWELFTH  SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

God’s Blessing and Good Health on all parishioners

AUGUST 15^TH 

This feast commemorates the happy death of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Her death was so calm and free from pain and remorse that it seemed to be a “sleep.” 

It is an article of faith that the Blessed Mother of our Savior was taken body and soul into heaven upon her death. Although the Blessed Virgin really died and her soul was separated from her body, the latter, however, was preserved from corruption and shortly afterwards was reunited to her soul. Thus the Blessed Virgin entered heaven with a glorified body and soul.

It is a matter of dispute whether our Lady died at Jerusalem or Ephesus where she was supposed to have lived with Saint John. Two cities claim to be the place of her departure. Since the feast of the “Assumption” or “Falling Asleep” of our Lady had been kept in Ephesus even in the first century, it is probable that the Mother of God completed her earthly life in that city of Asia Minor.

Neither do we know how many years after Christ’s death the Blessed Virgin remained on earth. Some writers affirm that she died at the age of seventy-two, that is, twenty two years after our Lord’s death.

The feast itself was introduced in the second or third century, for Pope Gelasius I (492-496), calls it very old in one of his letters. In the fifth century it spread to the whole Church.

 After the Divine Liturgy the priest blesses flowers and herbs, which the people bring to the church. After the sprinkling and blessing they take them home, using them in various ways as a blessed thing.

SANCTUARY LIGHT: The Sanctuary Light is requested to burn this week August 12 – 19 by Michaelene Ostrum in honor of her mother Helene Sirak’s 95^th  Birthday.

BIRTHDAY GREETINGS: We extend our Bithday Greetings to Helene Sirak who celebrated her 95^th year on Aug. 11^th. May God grant her many more Happy Healthy Years. Mnohya Lita!

BIRTHDAY GREETINGS:  We wish Mary Oshirak a very happy, healthy Birthday; Mary will celebrate her day August 15^th. Mnohya Lita! 

PRAYERS: Please remember in your prayers Dolores Hoover who is home recuperating from knee surgery. May God grant her a speedy recovery. Pray for all our members in nursing facilities, at home or in hospitals.

CLEAN UP: A few of our Women’s Society ladies volunteered their time to clean up the weeds and trim the srubs in front of the church. Thanks ladies for a job well done. 

UKRAINIAN FOLK FESTIVAL: Transfiguration of Our Lord Church will hold their annual Ukrainian Food Festival on Saturday, September 2^nd from 11am to 4pm, Labor Day Weekend.  Eat in or Take-Out Food featuring Pyrohy, Haluski with homemade noodles, Holubtsi, Potato Pancakes, Sausage & Peppers, Clam Chowder, Borscht, baked goods, and Raffle Baskets.  Everyone is Welcome!!

RUMMAGE – FLEA MARKET:Items are being collected for the Fall Rummage –Flea Market Sale. All household items that are in good condition and clean such as linens, dishes, pots & pans, bedding, curtains, drapes and knick-knacks. If you have items to donate you can bring them to the church on Saturday or Sunday or notify one of the members of the Women’s Society. 

THE HOLY TRANSFIGURATION OF OUR LORD

AND SAVIOR, JESUS CHRIST 

AUGUST 6, 2023

Saturday, Aug. 5 THE HOLY TRANSFIGURATION  

OF OUR LORD AND SAVIOR,  JESUS CHRIST

         4:00 PM Anointing with Holy Oil – Myrovinya  BLESSING OF FRUIT                                            

son Michael Sirak – mother Helen Sirak

Sunday, Aug.6 THE HOLY TRANSFIGURATION  

OF OUR LORD AND SAVIOR,  JESUS CHRIST

Anointing with Holy Oil – Myrovinya  BLESSING OF FRUIT

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

Saturday, August 12  ELEVENTH  SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

4:00 PM ✞Rosalia Mandzik – John Cienki

Sunday, August 13     ELEVENTH  SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

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

✠☼✠☼✠☼✠☼✠☼✠☼✠

THE BLESSING OF FRUIT

On this day, in the Ukrainian, and Eastern Churches, fruits are blessed.

It is a pious custom whereby the people express their

thanks to God for the crops of the fields.

The Event of the Transfiguration August 6^th

On the 6^th of August, our Church celebrates the feast of the glorious Transfiguration of the Lord. The purpose of this feast is to celebrate that glorious event in the life of Jesus Christ, the Transfiguration, which some of the holy Fathers call the second Theophany.

The significance of this event is evident from the fact that three evangelists – Matthew, Mark and Luke – record it and Jesus reveals His true self to mankind.

Originally, the feast of the Transfiguration was observed in February. However, since this joyful feast fell during the time of the Great Fast, its celebration was not in keeping with the spirit of fasting and penance. Therefore, it was transferred to the 6^th of August. 

The feast of the Transfiguration is one of the twelve principal feasts of our Church, having a one-day pre-feast and a seven-day festal period. 

This feast falls during that time when the fruits of the earth reach maturity.  From the earliest times in the Eastern Church, on this day fruit is blessed in thanksgiving to God for the first fruits of the earth.

The custom of blessing the first fruits in church was prescribed in the Canons of the Holy Apostles at the end of the third century. Spiritual joy, admiration for the majesty of Christ, power, splendor, and the glorification of his Divinity radiate from the services of this feast.

The main theme and true purpose of the feast of the Transfiguration is profoundly dogmatic: it is the profession and the glorification of Christ’s Divinity.  In the Matins of the pre-feast we read: “Come, let us go forth up to the mountain and with faith we shall see the glorious Transfiguration of the Lord. Let us faithfully worship him and cry out: ‘You alone are God, who became incarnate and deified mankind.’” 

Having before her eyes the glory of the Divinity of Christ, holy Church calls upon her faithful to go forth in spirit to the mountain of Tabor and be witnesses to this transfiguration: “Come, let us go to the mountain of the Lord, into the house of our God, and let us witness the glory of his Transfiguration, the glory as of the only-begotten Son of the Father. Let us receive light from light and being raised aloft in spirit, let us glorify the Trinity, of One Substance, forever.”

Giving Thanks for God’s Overwhelming Generosity

Everything in your life that flows out of love has come to you from God. God has initiated everything good in your life. God has done everything for you, He is everything to you, and He is enriching other lives through you. His generosity is overwhelming, His blessings are limitless, and His love is endless.

No one has favored you more than God. He has removed every stain of your sin, He has cleansed all the defilement of your iniquity, and He has silenced every voice of condemnation that hung over your head. He has saved you, redeemed you, and justified you.

All of God’s grace abounds toward you, all of Christ’s riches are made available to you, and all spiritual blessings are provided for you. In Christ, you have received the treasures that can never be taken away, the hope that can never fade away, and the life that will never pass away.

As you walk with Jesus day by day, you will find that your thankfulness to Him is an ever-increasing symphony of praise, building into a lifelong crescendo of gratitude that flows from your heart to His. You, who have so little, have received so much, because He has been so generous.

There are so many riches that He has given to you; so many answers to prayer that He has granted to you; so many kindnesses that He has manifested to you; so many joys that He has provided for you; so many mercies that He has extended to you; so many benefits that He has showered upon you. Everything you have has come from Him, and that is the reason why your heart can be so grateful.

Thank Him today because—
He formed you and made you. He has given you the breath of life. He has given you this day. He is working in you to become all that He has intended you to be. He is working everything in your life together for the good. He is using your difficulties and trials to conform you to His image.

Thank Him today for—
The forgiveness of your sins. The peace that passes all understanding. The smiles that have come to your face because His joy is in your heart. The comfort of His presence that has quieted your heart and calmed your fears. The hope that is in you because He has promised to always be with you. The place in heaven that He has reserved and has prepared for you.

Thank Him today with—
Words of exaltation. Songs of celebration. A heart of strong devotion. Thoughts of deep reflection. Acts of admiration. Claps of loud ovation.

By Him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually,

that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.

SANCTUARYLIGHT: The Sanctuary Light is requested to burn this week August5 – 12 by Helene Sirak in memory of her son Michael Sirak. 

ALTAR CANDLES: The Altar Candles are requested to burn for the month of August by Helene Sirak in memory of her son +Michael Sirak. 

BIRTHDAY GREETINGS: We extend our best wishes to to Paul Hoover who celebrated his a 92^nd Birthday on August 3. May God grant him many more Happy, Healthy years….

TAKE OUT DINNERS: Saints Peter & Paul Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church will hold the 3^rd and last of their Why Cook Wednesday Dinners for the Summer with an a La Carte, Ukrainian Festival Food, Take-Out Dinner on Wednesday, August 16^th.  Order from a menu of festival foods including; holubtsi (piggies)…$3/each, pyrohy (pierogies)…3 for $3.00, kovbasa & kapusta (kielbasa & sauerkraut)…$5.00/each, halushki (cabbage & noodles)…$3.00/pint and Pagash (potato pizza)…$2.00/cut.  Pick-Ups from 4:00 to 7:00pm in their school hall on the corner of North River and West Chestnut Streets, near the General Hospital Parkade in Wilkes-Barre.  Take-Out Only and Pre-Orders are strongly encouraged.  Place your order by calling the School Hall Kitchen (570) 829-3051.  Bake Sale items available and tickets will also be sold for a Basket Raffle.  Remember…When Baba Cooks, Everybody’s Happy!