SS Peter & Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church

Saturday, May 18
4:00 PM ✞ Bernard Kachinko – Wife Mary Ann Kachinko & Family

Sunday, May 19 SUNDAY OF THE SAMARITAN WOMAN
8:30 AM God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners

Saturday, May 25
4:00 PM God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners

Sunday, May 26 SUNDAY OF THE MAN BORN BLIND
8:30 AM ✞Michael Hubiack Tamara K. Vrabel

The Ukrainian Catholic Church Scholarship Fund: 30 Tickets have been sent to our parish to help in the aid of support for the Ukrainian Catholic Schools. The tickets can be purchased for $10 and prizes will be awarded on June 14, 2019. A minimum of 2,500 will be sold. The prizes are 1st prize $5,000, 2nd prize $3,000 and 3rd prize $2,000. The proceeds will go to the three individual scholarships, one awarded to a student in each of our three schools, namely – St. Nicholas in Minersville, PA, St. Nicholas in Passaic, NJ and Assumption School in Perth Amboy, NJ. \
From the desk of Most Reverend Andriy Rabiy Apostolic Administrator for the Archeparchy of Phila. A letter is posted in the vestibule for further information.

SANCTUARY LIGHT: The Sanctuary light is requested to burn this week May 18- 25 by Mry Ann Kachinko & Family in memory of Bernard Kachinko..

BAPTISM: The parents of Jovi, Jude and Ali Schappert and the parish welcome into the Parish Jovi Larissa Schappert who will be Baptized and Chrismated on  Saturday the 29th of June.

DONATION: Our thanks to one of our Lottery winners, Michael Galaida, who donated $25 from his winnings to our Building Fund in memory of his mother Mildred Galaida and his uncle Andrew Beshada. God bless Michael for his generosity. Our thanks also to Pamela Pisarchek for a donation of $200 to the Building Fund in memory of the Woss & Hamuka Families.

CARNATION SALES: The Mother’s day Carnations sale for Human Life received and delivered from our Parish the amount of $68 to the Pro Life Center.

RUMMAGE SALE: The Women’s Society discussed a fundraiser for the fall and voted on having the annual Rummage, Flea Market Sale in October. Save your unwanted items for this project.

LUC MEETING – Father Paul Wolensky, pastor of Edwardsville’s St. Vladimir Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, extends a warm invitation to the beautiful Prayer Service – Moleben to Jesus Christ Lover of Mankind – on Sunday, June 9, 2019 at 3:00pm to be followed by a church sponsored meeting of the North Anthracite Council of the League of Ukrainian Catholics (LUC).  Review of the mid-May bus trip to New York City, the June 4 Enthronement of His Grace Borys Gudziak as seventh Metropolitan of the Ukrainian Catholic Church in the USA , upcoming religious events, schedule of autumn meetings and fund raising plans will be the primary agenda items. This is a public event of St. Vladimir parish to which all parishioners and friends are welcome.

Saturday, May 11
4:00 PM ✞ Ron Kachinko – Joseph and Christal Kaucher
God’s Blessings for all living and deceased Mother’s

Sunday, May 12 SUNDAY OF THE PARALYTIC MAN
8:30 AM God’s Blessings for all living and deceased Mother’s

Saturday, May 18
4:00 PM ✞Bernard Kachinko – Wife Mary Ann Kachinko & Family

Sunday, May 19 SUNDAY OF THE SAMARITAN WOMAN
8:30 AM God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners

SANCTUARY LIGHT: The Sanctuary light is requested to burn this week May 11-18 by Mike & Dolores Sinko in memory of Parents Michael & Mary Sinko.

ALTAR CANDLES: The Monthly Altar Candles is not requested this month.

MEETING: The regular monthly meeting of the Women’s Society will meet on Tuesday, May 14th in the Church Hall at 6:30 PM. All members are urged to attend.

LILIES: If you would like to take a few lilies home and plant them you are welcome to them after the Liturgy. if planted this year they will bloom again next year.

Bus Trip to Enthronement – The North Anthracite Council of LUC has chartered a 33 passenger bus to the Tuesday, June 4th Enthronement of Metropolitan Archbishop Borys Gudziak at our magnificent Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Philadelphia. Pick-ups will be at 5:15am at SS. Cyril and Methodius Church in Berwick, 5:45am at SS. Peter and Paul Church in Plymouth and 6:15am at St. Vladimir Church in Scranton. Cost is $35.00 per person – please make out check to North Anthracite Council – LUC. Reservations can be made by contacting Janina

Saturday, May 4 SUNDAY OF THE MYRRH-BEARING WOMEN God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners
4:00 PM Petitions to the Mother of God

Sunday, May 5 SUNDAY OF THE MYRRH-BEARING WOMEN
8:30 AM ✞Michael Hubiack – William & Patricia Sywi
Petitions to the Mother of God

Saturday, May 11 SUNDAY OF THE PARALYTIC MAN
4:00 PM God’s Blessings and Good Health for all living
and deceased Mother’s
Petitions to the Mother of God

Sunday, May 12 SUNDAY OF THE PARALYTIC MAN
MOTHER’S DAY
8:30 AM God’s Blessings and Good Health for all living

SANCTUARY LIGHT: The Sanctuary Light is requested to burn the week of
May 7 – 14 by The Halloways in memory of the Michael Halloway.

MOTHER’S DAY CARNATIONS: The carnations for Pro Life will be conducted next Saturday and Sunday. The donation is $1 – White flower for deceased and Red for living mothers. You can place your flower in the vase at the foot of the Blessed Mother Icon or take it home.The donations are given to the Pro Life Center.

SVIACHENE: Transfiguration of Our Lord will hold their Sviachene this Sunday, May 5th at 1:00 PM in the parish hall on the corner of Bliss and Center streets in the Hanover Section of Nanticoke. Tickets are $12.

OPEN SEAT ON BUS TRIP – We have had one unexpected cancellation on the Saturday, May 18 League of Ukrainian Catholics’ sponsored bus trip to Brooklyn’s Brighton Beach and St. George Ukrainian Street Festival on Manhattan’s Lower East Side. If interested please contact Janina Everett or Paul Ewasko

Saturday, April 27 Distribution of Artos – Anointing with Holy Oil
4:00 PM ✞John & Anna Rudeski – Onkerko & Rudeski Family

Sunday, April 28 ST. THOMAS SUNDAY
8:30 AM Distribution of Artos – Anointing with Holy Oil
God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners

❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄❄
THIRD SUNDAY AFTER EASTER
The Myrrh-bearing women
Saturday, May 4
4:00 PM God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners
Petitions to the Mother of God

Sunday, May 5
8:30 AM ✞Michael Hubiack – William & Patricia Sywi

This weekend is the Catholic Home Mission collection. This collection is important as it is sent to the Chancery which is awarded $35,000 for Seminary, $10,000  Vocations, $25,000  Communications (The Way, Website and Museum) $20,000  Human Life Ministries, $20,000  Mission Parishes, $ 5,000   Religious Education $5,000   Evangelization, $5,000   Youth Ministries  The second collection will go to this collection.

SANCTUARY LIGHT: The Sanctuary Light is requested to burn this week April 27 – May 4 by Ann Beshada for a Special Intention.

SVIACHENE: Transfiguration of Our Lord will hold their Sviachene on Sunday the 5th of May in the parish hall on the corner of Bliss and Center streets in the Hanover Section of Nanticoke. Tickets are $12. If you are interested in attending call Father Walter at (570) 735-2262

THANKS: Many thanks to all who participated in the Easter services. Your help is always appreciated. God Bless all!


Bus Trip to Enthronement – The North Anthracite Council of LUC has chartered a 33 passenger bus to the Tuesday, June 4th Enthronement of Metropolitan Archbishop Borys Gudziak at our magnificent Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Philadelphia. Pick-ups will be at 5:15am at SS. Cyril and Methodius Church in Berwick, 5:45am at SS. Peter and Paul Church in Plymouth and 6:15am at St. Vladimir Church in Scranton. Cost is $35.00 per person – please make out the check to North Anthracite Council – LUC. Reservations can be made by contacting Janina at.

WELCOME HOME: Glad to hear Paul Hoover is at home after his stay in John Heinz from his hip operation. God’s blessing on you for a speedy recovery as we miss you. Please remember all the sick of the parish in your prayers.

SYMPATHY: We extend our sympathy to the family of Gerald Mahedy who was called to his eternal rest recently.

Saturday, April 13 Blessing of Palms & Willow Branches
Myrovania – Anointing with Holy Oil
4:00 PM ✞ Steve Kowalick – Michael Kowalick

Sunday, April 14 PALM SUNDAY – Blessing of Palms & Willow Branches Myrovania – Anointing with Holy Oil
8:30 AM God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners
❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖
Wednesday, April 17 HOLY WEDNESDAY
4:00 PM Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts & anointing with oil
Thursday, April 18 HOLY THURSDAY
3:00 PM Matins of the Holy and saving Passion of our Lord
Friday, April 19 Good Friday
1:00 PM Vespers with the Placement of the Holy Shroud.
Saturday, April 20 HOLY SATURDAY
1:00 PM Blessing of Paschal Food (in parish hall).
6:00 PM Service at the Grave, Resurrection Matins, Divine Liturgy, Blessing of Artos. Myrovania – Anointing with Holy Oil –intention ✞Merle Morosowich – Fr. Walter
EASTER SUNDAY – PASCHA
April 21 — 11:30 AM Divine Liturgy-Resurrection of Our Lord
Bright Tuesday, April 23 9:00 AM Divine Liturgy, Myrovania.
Bright Thursday, April 25 9:00 AM Divine Liturgy, Myrovania

Please remember in your prayers all the sick of the parish. A special wish for a speedy recovery of Paul Hoover who is recuperating from a hip operation at John Heinz. Our prayers were answered for the return of Gabe Metric who was laid up for many weeks. Glad you are back Gabe. Pray for all who are in need.
Palm Sunday – the popular name of one of the major festivals of Christians –

Entry into Jerusalem.
This celebration begins Holy Week.
The holiday is dedicated to the day when Jesus triumphantly rode into Jerusalem. People happily greeted Jesus with songs and flowers, as well as the stele under his feet, his clothes and palm branches – the plants, symbolizing purity. Catholics called this holy day – Palm Sunday. But a palm tree in our latitudes is not growing, so in the Ukrainian tradition, it was replaced by the willow – plant, which blooms after the first onset of winter and symbolizes the beginning of a new life. A festival called Palm Sunday.
Willow twigs to prepare better for the holiday in advance. It happens that the early Easter, and spring – cold, and then the willow does not have time to blossom before the holiday. In this case, for 4-5 days cut the branches and put them in water in the room. If the weather is favorable and bloom buds, twigs cut the day before.
Religious people on Palm Sunday go to the church services. At the Matins the blessing and sanctifying of Palm branches is observed. 
Sanctified, blessed, branches are taken home. The first thing to slap the beam of children and other household members, saying, “Verba-whipping, beat to tears. I did not beat, willow beats! Be healthy, like water, strong as willow, as rich as the earth!” Why the willow as a symbol of strength and health? Yes, because it is one of the most tenacious plants. Observed that accepted and grow even those of its branches, which are stuck into the ground upside down.
A few sprigs of willow can be put into the water, and when they take root, planted near the house, but on another day. If twigs take root, a plant grown will protect family home from adversity.
The rest of the beam should be kept for the images. Buds and twigs of willow svyachenoy people attributed healing properties. Willow twigs thrown into the water for bathing small or ill children. Twigs also were applied to the sore spots. During a disaster, willow twig thrown into the street to misery spared the home side. But there is a warning –you do not need to bother wasting willow, use of these tools can be used only when necessary.
Remaining from last year’s holy day twigs should be burned and placed in the garden or where people do not walk, or thrown into the current (i.e. running, not standing!) Water.
It is believed that indoor plants, planted on Palm Sunday, grow well and bring to the house wealth.
Palm Sunday falls outside Lent, so tumultuous festivities suit is not necessary, but that day, a harbinger of Easter should be bright and cheery.

THE LAST WORDS OF JESUS
THE FIRST WORD Luke 23:33-34
When they came to the place called “The Skull”, they nailed
Jesus to the cross there, and the two criminals, one on His
right and one on His left. Jesus said,
“Forgive them, Father! They do not know what they are doing.”
Meditation on the First Word
“They do not know what they are doing”
They do not know? They …who killed Jesus?
Who is “they”?
It is so easy to name others, to blame others, the Romans, the crowd, Pilate, Herod, Caiaphas they all played their part and conspired against Jesus or simply followed orders to maintain the peace to keep Jesus’ kingdom from infringing on theirs.
And yet where are we when Jesus’ kingdom infringes on ours?
On our peace and our order?
On our prosperity and our security?
Where are we when the victims of our peace cry for justice?
When those disenfranchised by our ordered call for compassion?
When the hungry and the lonely beg us to share our prosperity our security, our power?
Where are we when Christ is crucified among us?
Surely He should have raged at the sinners who nailed him to the tree. Surely He should have raged at us for the evil we do, the evil we do both knowing and unknowing,
Yet compassion is there in the first words that He utters. He intercedes for us before the Father. We need to turn to him and away from sin, i.e. repent.
Compassion that called Him into being in his mother’s womb
Compassion that compelled Him to the cross
Compassion that brings incredible, unbelievable grace
Compassion that echoes through the centuries to all who participate in the killing of Christ:
Compassion that cries out from the cross:
“Father, forgive them, they do not know what they are doing”

The Sunday of Holy Week is called Palm Sunday because it commemorates the triumphal entry of Our Lord Jesus into Jerusalem. The people assembled in Jerusalem for the Pasch went out to meet Jesus, greeting Him with palms.
✞✞✞✞✞✞✞✞✞✞✞✞✞✞✞✞
LAZARUS SATURDAY, ENDS LENT AND BEGINS HOLY WEEK Saturday before Palm Sunday
Jesus Christ wrought many miracles during His lifetime but none was so rich in its effects as the resurrection of Lazarus.
This miracle marks the apex of Christ’s self-revelation. The magnitude of this miracle and the publicity attending it were the immediate causes of Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday.
May this great and wonderful miracle of the resurrection of Lazarus strengthen also our faith in the divinity of Christ and in our own personal resurrection. That same Christ, who raised the four-day Lazarus from the dead, in His own time, will raise us also to a life of eternal happiness. He Himself assured us of this when He said: “I am the Resurrection and Life. Whoever believes in me, even though he dies, shall live

The Commemoration of the Lord’s Entrance into Jerusalem
Since the beginning of Lent until now we have prepared our hearts by penance and charitable works. Today we gather together for the beginning of the celebration of Our Lord’s Passion and Resurrection.
For it was to accomplish this mystery that he entered his own city of Jerusalem. Therefore, with all faith and devotion, let us commemorate the Lord’s entry into the city for our salvation following in his footsteps. So that, being made by his grace partakers of the Cross, we may have a share also in his Resurrection and in his life. Amen.
Increase the faith of those who place their hope in you, O Lord, and graciously hear the prayers of those who call on you, that we, who today hold high these willow branches to hail Christ in his triumph, may bear fruit for you by good works accomplished in him Who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen
SANCTUARY LIGHT: The Sanctuary Light is requested to burn this week April 13 – 20 by Becky Molecavage in memory of her mother Frances Bencho.

HOLY WEEK – Please remember that help is needed to participate in the Holy Week services. Holy Wednesday includes anointing with oil which forgives your sins, if you have not yet gone to confession, take advantage of this Holy Day’s gift. Holy Thursday, 3:00 PM, Good Friday, 1:00 PM and Resurrection Services Holy Saturday, 6:00 PM. Help will be needed to set up the grave after the Holy Thursday evening services. Please lend a helping hand. Sign up sheet is in the vestibule for Adoration. Time to spend with God. Give an hour of your time for HIM.

Appreciation: We thank all who brought the Willow branches and all who helped tie the Palm & Branches Your help is always appreciative. God’s blessing to all.

Bus Trip to Enthronement – The North Anthracite Council of LUC has chartered a 33 passenger bus to the Tuesday, June 4th Enthronement of Metropolitan Archbishop Borys Gudziak at our magnificent Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Philadelphia. Pick-ups will be at 5:15am at SS. Cyril and Methodius Church in Berwick, 5:45am at SS. Peter and Paul Church in Plymouth and 6:15am at St. Vladimir Church in Scranton. Cost is $35.00 per person – please make out check to North Anthracite Council – LUC. Reservations can be made by contacting Janina Everett or Paul Ewasko. Reservations are on a first-come first- served basis. Payment in full reserves a bus seat.

Saturday, April 6 FIFTH SUNDAY OF THE GREAT FAST
4:00 PM Florence Kloap – Ellen Kobela Algrainy

Sunday, April 7
8:30 AM God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners
Lenten Retrreat — Monday through Wednesday – Deacon Paul Makar will lead us
Tuesday 4:00 PM Liturgy of the 6th Hour, Transfiguration of Our Lord

Wednesday, April 10
4:00 PM Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts

Friday, April 12
4:00 PM Transfiguration of Our Lord church– Liturgy of the Presanctified Gift

Saturday, April 13 Saturday of Lazarus
4:00 PM Blessing of Willow branches and Palm
Myrovania – Anointing of Holy Oil
Steve Kowalick – Michael Kowalick

Sunday, April 14 PALM SUNDAY
Blessing of Willow branches and Palm
8:30 AM Myrovania – Anointing with Holy Oil
God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners

TRANSFIGURATION OF OUR LORD
Saturday 6:00 PM – Sunday 10:30 AM

St. Mary of Egypt
The Fifth Sunday of Lent recalls the St. Mary of Egypt, the repentant harlot. Mary tells us, first of all, that no amount of sin can keep a person from God if the sinner truly repents. In addition, St. Mary tells us that it is never too late in life to repent. Christ will gladly receive all who come to Him, even at the last minute of their lives. However, their coming must be in serious and sincere repentance.

In the New Testament alone,
the Resurrection is mentioned over 100 times.

“The Church came into existence because of the Resurrection of Christ Jesus. If Jesus had remained buried in the grave, the story of His life and death would have remained buried with Him. The New Testament is all about Christ’s resurrection. It was the resurrection that emboldened the disciples to go forth and tell The Good News.”

The birth of Jesus was a miracle; His life on earth was an amazing perfection
of doing the Will of the Heavenly Father. Jesus lived a perfect life while He 
walked the earth, without ever sinning. He walked perfect before God. He
was God in flesh. He paid the price for our sin on the cross. He shed His 
precious blood for us so that we might be forgiven. (Hebrews 9:22) Jesus 
suffered and died the most tortuous death so that we might have eternal life.

Without the resurrection of Jesus Christ, Christians would be powerless, 
hopeless, and all our believing would be vain. Because of the resurrection of 
Christ, all believers have power, love, and the hope of His SOON return!

❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖
Good Friday 
The outstanding and moving service held on this day is the solemn Vespers with the burial procession bearing the Holy Shroud or Plashchanycia. After the procession made three times around the Church, Christ is laid out for veneration in the sepulcher. In the evening the service of the Jerusalem Matins is celebrated. 
Holy Saturday 
Spent in silent awaiting and preparing for the great feast of Christ’s Resurrection. Within our Parish, a prominent feature of Holy Saturday is the blessing of Easter Baskets containing the traditional Easter Foods to be eaten Easter Morning. The Ukrainian Easter Baskets typically contain: Paska (Easter Bread), eggs, kolbassa, butter, cheese, beets, horseradish and decorative Ukrainian Pysanky. 
Easter Sunday – The Resurrection 
Ukrainians call it Pascha, The Resurrection of Our Blessed Lord, the most Joyous day of The Church Year which begins with the Resurrection Matins at sunrise. The Service is conducted outside the closed doors of the church in symbolic reference to Christ’s closed tomb. Upon entering the church, the faithful triumphantly sing the resurrection hymn “Christ is Risen” “Hrystos Voskres”. This is a victory hymn as it proclaims Life itself is victorious over bodily death.

This schedule is for Holy Week and Easter

Holy Wednesday, April 17
4:00PM – The Presanctified Divine Liturgy.
Holy Thursday, April 18
3:00PM Matins of the Holy and saving Passion of our Lord.
Good Friday, April 19
1:00 PM Vespers with the Placement of the Holy Shroud.
Holy Saturday, April 20
1:00PM Blessing of Paschal Food (in parish hall).
6:00PM Service at the Grave, Resurrection Matins, Divine Liturgy, Blessing of Artos, Myrovania.
Pascha, April 21
11:30 AM Divine Liturgy-Resurrection of Our Lord
Bright Tuesday, April 23
9:00 AM Divine Liturgy, Myrovania.
Bright Thursday, April 25
9:00 AM Divine Liturgy, Myrovania

THE LEGEND OF THE EASTER EGG

One day a poor peddler went to the marketplace to sell a basket of eggs. He came upon a crowd mocking a man who staggered with a heavy cross on which he was about to be crucified. The peddler ran to his aid, leaving the basket by the roadside. When he returned, he found the eggs transformed into exquisite design of bright colors.
The man was Christ; the peddler, Simon. And the eggs were to become the symbol of rebirth for all mankind.
Ukrainian Folk Tale….
May All of the Wonder and Beauty of the Holy Season Be Yours

SANCTUARY LIGHT: The Sanctuary Light is requested to burn this week, April 6– 13 by Rosemarie Kachinko in memory of her daughter Sandra Elko.

WOMEN’S SOCIETY: The Women’s Society will meet Tuesday, April 9th in the Church Hall at 1:00 PM. Please try to attend. President Anna Magill will preside.

PALM & BRANCHES: On Thursday, April 11th the men & women who are available will please come to the hall at 2:00 PM to tie the Palm & Willow Branches together for the distribution for Palm Sunday.

LOTTERY TICKETS: The month of May Lottery tickets are available Please try to do your part by purchasing a few tickets and if possible take some to sell to your friends & family.

Meatless Meal:  St.  Cyril’s and Methodius Ukrainian Catholic Church, Olyphant, PA  is sponsoring a “Meatless Meal for Lent, “Baked Haddock” Fish Dinner on Friday, April 12, 2019 at the Regal Room (Ballroom/side entrance) 216 Lackawanna Ave., Olyphant.  From 5:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m.  Sit In or Take out!!!!  Pre-sold are $13.00 per ticket/dinner.   (baked haddock, potato, vegetable. coleslaw, roll and dessert)  If you “Sit in” coffee and tea will be served.  Call Sandra at  570-383-9487 for reservations.   The deadline for pre-sold tickets is Monday, April 8th, 2019.  A limited amount of dinners will be available the door at $15.00 per ticket/dinner.

HOLY WEEK: Please remember Holy Week is 2 weeks away. A need for the men of the Parish to sign up for the Candles held for the reading of the Gospels, the procession on Good Friday and before Resurrection Services.
Everyone available sign in for the Adoration at the grave. The schedule is in the vestibule. Spend some time with the Lord for all He has done for us.

Saturday, Mar. 30
3:00 PM ✞Andrew Patrylak – Wife Clara Patrylak & Family

Sunday, March 31 FOURTH SUNDAY OF THE GREAT FAST
8:30 AM John Climacus Venerable
God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners

❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖
Wednesday, April 3
4:00 PM Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts
Friday, April 5
4:00 PM Transfiguration of Our Lord – Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts
Saturday, April 6
4:00 PM ✞ Florence Kloap – Ellen Kobela Algrainy

Sunday, April 7 FIFTH SUNDAY OF THE GREAT FAST
MARY OF EGYPT VENERABLE
8:30 AM God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners

♌❖♌❖♌❖♌❖♌❖♌❖♌❖♌❖♌❖

TRANSFIGURATION OF OUR LORD Saturday 6:00 PM – Sunday 10:30 AM

DEANERY STATION SCHEDULE:
March 30 – Transfiguration of Our Lord, Nanticoke
April 6 – St. Vladimir’s Edwardsville

HOLY WEEK AND EASTER

Holy Wednesday, April 17
4:00PM – The Presanctified Divine Liturgy.
Holy Thursday, April 18
3:00PM Matins of the Holy and saving Passion of our Lord.
Good Friday, April 19
1:00 PM Vespers with the Placement of the Holy Shroud.
Holy Saturday, April 20
1:00PM Blessing of Paschal Food (in parish hall).
6:00PM Service at the Grave, Resurrection Matins, Divine Liturgy, Blessing of Artos, Myrovania.
Pascha, April 21
11:30 AM Divine Liturgy-Resurrection of Our Lord
Bright Tuesday, April 23
9:00 AM Divine Liturgy, Myrovania.
Bright Thursday, April 25
9:00 AM Divine Liturgy, Myrovania

Transfiguration of our Lord Church
Holy Monday,  April 15
6:30PM The Presanctified Divine Liturgy.
Holy Tuesday, April 16
6:30PM The Presanctified Divine Liturgy.
Holy Thursday, April 18
6:30PM Matins of the Holy and saving Passion of our Lord.
Passion Friday, April 19
5:30PM Vespers with the Placement of the Holy Shroud.
Holy Saturday, April 20
3:00PM Blessing of Paschal Food (in parish hall).
Resurrection of our Lord – Pascha, April 21 – 7:00AM Service at the Grave,
Resurrection Matins, Divine Liturgy, Blessing of Artos, Myrovania.
Bright Monday, April 22
9:30AM Divine Liturgy, Myrovania.
Bright Wednesday, April 24
9:30AM Divine Liturgy, Myrovania.
Bright Friday, April 26
9:30AM Divine Liturgy, Myrovania

SANCTUARY LIGHT: The Sanctuary Light is requested to burn the week of
March 30 – April 6 by Bruce Fromel in memory of his mother Julia Fromel.

ALTAR CANDLES: The Altar Candles will burn during all services in the month of April in memory of Francis Bencho by her daughter Becky Molecavage.

LOTTERY TICKETS: The Lottery tickets are available for the month of May. Please try to do your part by purchasing at least 5 tickets and if you are able to sell some take a few to sell. Your help is very important for this project.

WILLOW BRANCHES: If you have any pussy willows to donate for Palm Sunday, please bring them to the church at your convenience. It is two weeks until Palm Sunday.

ADORATION AT THE GRAVE: A chart is available for you to sign in for the Adoration of the Grave. This is an early request hoping all the hours will be filled. Spend some time with Our Lord during this time of prayer.

CHURCH CLEANING: The men and women of the parish will be cleaning the church on Wednesday, April 3rd at 10:00AM. We are hoping to have a group of both the men and the women to do a nice job for our Easter services. Please, if you can lend a hand or two, come on out and help your parish; all are welcome.

Saturday, Mar. 23 VENERATION OF THE HOLY CROSS
4:00 PM ✞William McMillian – Our Lady of Guadalupe,
Knights of Columbus

Sunday, March 24 VENERATION OF THE HOLY CROSS
8”30 AM God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners
4:00 PM Deanery Stations of the Cross – St. Nicholas – Glen Lyon, PA

Monday, Mar. 25 Feast of the Annunciation
Myrovania – Anointing with Holy Oil
8:30 AM ✞ Ronald Kachinko – Larry Tomko Family

Wednesday, Mar. 27
4:00 PM Liturgy of the Presanctified Gift
Friday, Mar. 29 Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts at Transfiguration of Our Lord,
4:00 PM Nanticoke, PA

Saturday, March 30 PLEAS NOTICE THE TIME CHANGE FOR
THIS LITURGY
3:00 PM ✞Andrew Patrylak – Wife Clara Patrykaj and Family

Sunday, March 31 FOURTH SUNDAY OF THE GREAT FAST
JOHN CLIMACUS VENERABLE
8:30 AM God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners

✠✠✠✠✠✠✠✠✠✠✠✠✠✠✠✠✠✠✠✠
DEANERY STATION OF THE CROSS
March 31. 4:00 PM -– Transfiguration of Our Lord, Nanticoke, PA
April 7. 4:00 PM – St. Vladimir’s, Edwardsville, PA

Easter is the most important Holy day on the Christian Calendar and has been observed from the earliest days of the Church. Easter is a “movable feast: and does not have a fixed date; however, it is always on a Sunday.
Would you believe that the date of Easter is related to the full Moon? Specifically, Easter is celebrated on the first Sunday after the Paschal full Moon on or just after the vernal equinox.
For simplicity, the equinox is fixed on March 21 (set by the Church although astronomically it falls on the 20th or 21st). The paschal full Moon always falls on the 14th day of a lunar month; because ancient calculations made in AD325) did not take into account certain lunar motions, it may differ from the actual full Moon date by a day or so.
Easter always falls on a Sunday by between March 22 and April 25.

Easter Sunday celebrates Christ’s Resurrection, following crucifixion. It is the beginning of Bright Week, Paschal Week, were every day is a day of Resurrection. Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday, as well as the beginning of the Easter season of the liturgical year.
Christ’s Resurrection is The Triumph over sin and the gift of filial adoption into His family, our acceptance of the free gift of Salvation.

VENERATION OF THE HOLY CROSS
The season of the Great Fast is a special time for mortification and penance, both internal and external. Because this spiritual struggle lasts 40 days, it often happens that we begin the first days or weeks of fasting with great zeal and resolution, but then gradually we become physically and spiritually exhausted, weakened and discouraged. Holy Church knowing well the weakened and instability of our human nature, places before our eyes the holy Cross in the middle of the fast – an extraordinarily powerful incentive to motivate us to persevere in our spiritual struggle.
On the third Sunday, or mid-Lent, holy Church encourages us to venerate the Cross of our Lord in a very special manner, so that we may be strengthened in spirit. This Sunday, therefore, is called the Sunday of the Veneration of the Holy Cross.
The holy Cross reminds us of God’s infinite love for us, Christ’s suffering for our sake and our obligation to carry our daily cross courageously. Jesus Christ addressed these words to all of us, “If anyone wishes to come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily, and follow me…He who does not carry his cross and follow me, cannot be my disciple.” (Luke 9,23 and 14-27).
The services of this Sunday make no mention of the Cross as being a symbol of suffering, penance, or humiliation, but rather emphasizes the Holy Cross as a symbol of joy, victory and triumph, which are brought to fullness through the glorious Resurrection.
The Sunday of the Veneration of the Holy Cross, indeed, teaches us to understand the great significance the Holy Cross has for us, not only during the Lent, but also throughout our whole life. This Sunday tells us that wherever we find the Cross, there will we find strength, victory, salvation and the pledge of resurrection to eternal life of bliss.

The Sunday of the Veneration of the Holy Cross, indeed, teaches us to understand the great significance the Holy Cross has for us, not only during the Lent, but also throughout our whole life. This Sunday tells us that wherever we find the Cross, there will we find strength, victory, salvation and the pledge of resurrection to eternal life of bliss.
To arouse ourselves to a greater veneration and love for the Holy Cross, let us frequently call to mind those profound thoughts expressed by the great venerator of the Holy Cross, St. Ephrem the Syrian in the following hymn:

The Cross is – the resurrection of the dead.
The Cross is – the hope of Christians.
The Cross is – the staff of the lame.
The Cross is – the consolation of the poor.
The Cross is – the dethronement of the proud.
The Cross is – the hope of the hopeless.
The Cross is – the helm of those who sail.
The Cross is – the harbor of the storm-tossed.
The Cross is – the father of orphans.
The Cross is – the comfort of the afflicted
The Cross is – the protector of youth.
The Cross is – the glory of men.
The Cross is – the crown of the aged.
The Cross is – the purity of virgins.
The Cross is – the bread of the hungry and
the fountain of the thirsty.

…Therefore, let us make the sign of this Life-Giving Cross on our forehead, lips and breast…Let us not leave the Cross even for on hour, even for one moment, and let us not do anything without it, but whether we are going to sleep, or getting up; on land, sailing the sea, or crossing rivers, we should adorn all the members of our body with the sign of the Life-Giving Cross.”

SANCTUARY LIGHT: The Sanctuary Light is requested to burn the week of
March 23 – 30 by Ann Beshada for a Special Intention.

LITURGY TIME CHANGE: The Divine Liturgy for next Saturday, March 30th will be celebrated at 3:00 PM instead of the usual 4:00 PM because of the parish Hockey game outing.

FELLOWSHIP: Our thanks to all who made the fellowship after the Stations of The Cross enjoyable. Your help in setting up, cooking, baking, donations and cleaning up is greatly appreciated. Fr. Walter is proud of the reception you offered. God Bless you!

LOTTERY TICKETS: The Lottery tickets are available for the month of May. Please try to do your part by purchasing tickets and if you are able to sell some take a few to sell. Your help is very important for this project.

Willow Branches: If you have Willow Branches you can bring them to the hall and they will be placed in the cool basement. Easter is April 21st this year. Palm & branches will be tied together on Thursday, April 11th at 2:00 PM for Palm Sunday and setting up of the grave on Thursday, April 18th after the services. Help is needed for these projects. Please lend a hand in your church functions.

Saturday, Mar. 16
4:00 PM ✞Anna Dempsey – The Dempsey Children

Sunday, March 16 SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT
8:30 AM God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners

Wednesday, Mar. 20
4:00 PM Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts

Friday, Mar. 22 Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts at
4:00 PM Transfiguration of Our Lord, Nanticoke, PA

Saturday, Mar. 23 VENERATION OF THE HOLY CROSS
4:00 PM ✞William McMillian – Our Lady of Guadalupe
Knights of Columbus
Sunday, Mar. 24 THIRd SUNDAY OF THE GREAT FAST
VENERATION OF THE HOLY CROSS
8:30 AM God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners
4:00 PM Deanery Stations of the Cross – St. Nicholas, Glen Lyon

LENTEN PENANCES AND PROSTRATIONS:
In the first centuries of Christianity the practice of public penance for various sins and offences prevailed in the Church. Following the wishes of the Church, many penitents performed their penance during the Great Fast. Just as the faithful adopted the Forty Days Fast from the catechumens, so too, under the influence of Church discipline they began to regard themselves as penitents and to perform various penitential acts during the Great Fast. From this stems the profound penitential spirit of our Lenten services.
Closely connected with our Lenten services are inclinations. These inclinations are made either by bowing from the waist or to the ground (the low, profound bow or prostration), and they are performed at all Lenten services from Monday through Friday.

The prayer of St. Ephrem with accompanying prostrations merits special consideration. This prayer, repeated at every Lenten service, can be regarded the official Lenten penitential pray of our Church, expressing, as it does, the whole content and purpose of the Great Fast. We give it here in its entirety:

“O Lord and Master of my life,
drive from me the spirit of discouragement,
negligence, ambition and idle talk. (Prostration).

“Grant me, your servant, the spirit of
chastity, humility, patience and charity. (Prostration)

“Yes, my Lord and King, grant me to see my
own sins, and not judge my brother, for
you are blessed forever, and ever. Amen.”
(Prostration)



ASK FATHER A QUESTION?
Father,  what is the “cost” of a Divine Liturgy or a Liturgy Intention??  There is no price affixed to any of the Sacraments of the church.  The Sacraments are not for sale.   If anyone was taught what life was like in the Parish(French for “community”), 100 years ago or before, you would recognize that the priest who leads the community in prayer is also entrusted by the people to intercede to God on their behalf.  The people understood the importance of this prayer and that their physical daily labors would not be productive without a prayerful life.   The community asking for the Parish priest to pray on their behalf or on the behalf of a loved one knew that the priest needed to be freed from mere worldly concerns so that he could dedicate his time to prayer and intercession.  The people of the villages would donate according to their means to free the priest’s time so that he could dedicate his time on their behalf.  Hence, you might have heard in past that someone gave the priest a chicken, eggs, cooked a dinner, or what have you.  So today our Bishop chooses to give a priest a salary that comes from the donations of the Parish and from the donations to provide for all the priest’s worldly concerns.  In the past these liturgy donation were the priest’s sole income, not so today. The priest is already freed to be able to dedicate his life of prayer for the people.  So when you request a Liturgy it is purely from the goodness of your heart that you donate as you wish.  I have had poor Parishioners who could not afford to donate any money-and a Liturgy was said for their intention.  On the opposite extreme, I know of one Parishioner whom donated $30,000 for a Liturgy.  In closing, a Liturgy request for a person ultimately has at the center of the prayer a person’s salvation in mind, this is the ultimate gift one can give to another.  For you to feel comfortable, most people donate $10 for a Liturgy today, do as you like.

SANCTUARY LIGHT: The Sanctuary Light is requested to burn the week of
March 16 – 23 by the Dempsey Children in memory of their parents Joseph & Anna Dempsey.

OUR PARISH FELLOWSHIP: This Sunday, March 17th, our parish will be the host to serve fellowship after the Deanery Stations of the Cross. We are asking for anyone who wishes to help with this event to please come to the Church Hall about 3:00 PM. Your help will be greatly appreciated.

LOTTERY TICKETS: Mike Sinko has the May Lottery fundraiser tickets available. Please try to do your part by purchasing tickets and if you are able to sell some take a few to sell. Your help is very important for this project.

PIGGIE DINNER: The Women’s Society is planning to sponsor a Piggie Dinner for our parish on Sunday, June 23rd. Save the date. More information will follow.

DEANERY STATIONS OF THE CROSS

March 24 – St. Nicholas UCC Glen Lyon, PA
March 31 – Transfiguration of Our Lord, Nanticoke, PA
April 7 – St. Vladimir UCC, Edwardsville, PA

Saturday, March 9
4:00 PM ✞Ihor Pasicznyk – Wife Olympia Pasicznyk

Sunday, March 10 SUNDAY OF CHEESEFARE
8:30 AM God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners
4:00 PM Stations of the Cross – SS Peter & Paul, Wilkes-Barre, PA

✠✠✠✠✠✠✠✠✠✠✠✠✠✠✠✠✠
Wednesday, March 13
4:00 PM Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts

Saturday, March 16
4:00 PM ✞Anna Dempsey – Dempsey Children

Sunday, March 17 FIRST SUNDAY OF THE GREAT FAST
8:30 AM God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners
4:00 PM Stations of the Cross – SS Peter & Paul, Plymouth, PA

Lent, The Great Fast in the Eastern Churches What is The Great Fast?
In the Western Church, Lent is the name of the season of the 40 days fast before Easter. However, in the Eastern Church, there are other fast periods. The Eastern Church also observes the 40 day Nativity Fast before the feast of the Nativity, the Apostles Fast between Pentecost and the feast of Sts. Peter and Paul, and the Fast of the Theotokos prior to the Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos (Mary). The Great Fast is specifically the period of fasting and penance before the celebration of Pascha. The word Easter is typically only used in the West; Pascha, from the Greek word for the Hebrew Passover, Lamb and bread, is the name used in the Greek Catholic Church for the Feast of fests, Resurrection. The Great Fast is called ‘Great’ because this period is preparing for the most important liturgical feast of the year, Pascha.
The Great Fast (Or the Great Forty Days): The Great Fast actually begins on Clean Monday, 48 calendar days before the feast of Pascha. The name Clean Monday is alluding to the work of washing one’s self clean of past sins and to the preparing work of fasting from foods. The Great Fast then continues for the next five Sundays: Triumph of Orthodoxy, Holy Relics and St. Gregory Palamas, Veneration of Holy Cross, Commemoration of our Holy Father John Climacus, and the Commemoration of our Venerable Mother Mary of Egypt. Unlike in the West, Sundays are included in the 40 days of Lent. Also, in the Eastern Church, Holy Week is not a part of the 40 days but is considered as a separate entity from the rest of The Great Fast which ends at sundown Friday evening at the singing of O Joyful Light during Vespers of Lazarus Saturday.

 Great and Holy Week: Holy Week, also called Great and Holy Week begins with Lazarus Saturday, 8 days before Pascha. It then continues with Palm Sunday (the triumphant entry of our blessed Jesus Christ into Jerusalem), Great and Holy Monday which remembers Joseph of the Old Testament, who was sold into slavery, Holy Tuesday (the Parable of the ten virgins), Holy Wednesday, (the anointing of Jesus with myrrh by the woman in the house of Simon the Leper), Great and Holy Thursday (the institution of the Eucharist at the Last Supper), Great and Holy Friday (the Passion of Christ) and the last day before Pascha, Great and Holy Saturday.

Lenten Fasting
In the West, in the Latin Church, there are days of abstinence from meat and days of fasting when only a certain amount of food is to be taken. However in the Eastern Catholic Church, there are different fasting guidelines for different days and seasons. The Western Church (Latins) typically fast in quantity of food while the Eastern Churches typically fast from qualities of food.

The first Sunday of the Great Fast is called the Sunday of Orthodoxy.

What do we mean by “orthodoxy”?
The word “orthodoxy” stems from the Greek word “orthodoxia” (orthos = right or straight; doksa = thinking) which signifies the true faith and the true worship of God. We are not speaking of “Orthodoxy” as we understand it today as being opposed to the Catholic Church, but orthodoxy, as applied to the whole Church of Christ until the schism between the Western and Eastern Church which occurred in the eleventh century. The orthodoxy that we celebrate this Sunday is the one apostolic catholic (universal) orthodoxy, professed by the entire Church of Christ of the first millennium in the battle against the heresy of Iconoclasm.
One of the striking features of the Eastern Church is the ancient and special veneration of sacred images (icons) of Jesus Christ, the Theotokos (Birthgiver of God), the Angels, and the Saints. The Church of Christ deeply respects and honors the holy icons as it also does holy relics. She places them in church for public veneration (to bow before) and recommends that we venerate them privately in our homes, and wear small icons around our necks in the form of little crosses or medals to remind we are to live like saints.

PANKY EASTER EGG FUNDRAISER: There will be a Psanky Decorating Class at Exaltation of the Holy Cross Church Hall, 420 Main Road, Hanover Township on Saturday, March 30 @ noon and Sunday, March 31 @ 2:00PM. RSVP for Workshop Seat and by March 11th. The cost is $25.00 per person. All checks made payable to Ladies of Mary. Mail to 17 Maria Drive, Hanover Township, PA 18706. All supplies are provided. Food and Beverages are available for purchase. BYOB.Take Home Kit:$20. Call Nicole Lasecki at 570-574-4453

LUC’s Springtime Bus Trip – North Anthracite Council’s chartered bus to New York City on Saturday, May 18, 2019. A few seats are still available. For additional information and reservations contact Janina Everett at 570 759-2824 or Paul Ewasko at 570 563-2275.

THE LUC is asking if there is interst in a Bus Trip FOR THE INSTALLATION OF mETROPOLITAN BORYS ON TUESDAY JUNE 4TH. LET FR. WALTER KNOW IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN GOING.
SANCTUARY LIGHT: The Sanctuary light HAS NO REEQUEST THIS WEEK

WOMEN’S SOCIETY: The monthly meeting of the Women’s Society will convene Tuesday, March 12th at 6:30 PM in the church hall. All members are urged to attend. This is the first meeting after the winter recess. Plans will be discussed for the upcoming events.

FELLOWSHIP: Our parish will be the host for fellowship after the Stations of the Cross on Sunday, March 17th. If you would like to supply food, desserts, your time or monetary please inform one of the Women’s Society members. Your help is always appreciated.

BIRTHDAY WISHES: A Belated Happy Birthday to Father Walter who celebrated his Birthday on Thursday, March 7th. Mnohaya Lita! May God Grant you many more Happy, Healthy Years.

FOOD SALE: St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church, Glen Lyon, PA will sponsor a Turkey & Italian Hoagie & Vegetable Soup Sale on Thursday March 21st, 2019 from 11 am to 5 pm in the church hall. $6 for a hoagie and $6 for a quart of soup. Place your orders by calling Debbie at (570) 736-6908 no later than Sunday 17 March 2019.

REMAINING STATIONS OF THE CROSS
Sunday, March 24, 4:00 PM – St. Nicholas, Glen Lyon, PA
Sunday, March 31, 4:00 PA – Transfiguration of Our Lord, Nanticoke, PA
Sunday, April 7, 4:00 PM – St. Vladimir’s, Edwardsville, PA