SS Peter & Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church

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.

June 15, 2025 A. D.

 Saturday, June 14 FIRST SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
4:00 PM           For All Living and Deceased Fathers

Sunday, June 15 FIRST SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
            8:30 AM            For All Living and Deceased Fathers

Saturday, June 21 SUNDAY OF ALL SAINTS

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

Sunday, June 22 SUNDAY OF ALL SAINTS

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

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

The Sanctuary Light this week is requested by Rosemarie Kachinko IMO Ronald Kachinko, John Starzec & Michael Kachinko

ANNUAL TEA:  The Annual Children’s Catechism Tea will be held next Sunday, June 22nd after the 10:00 liturgy at SS Peter & Paul church. A sign-up sheet will be in the back of the 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.

WOMEN’S SOCIETY:  The Women’s Society will hold their monthly meeting, this Tuesday, June 10 at 6PM in the church hall.  The society always welcomes new members. 

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.

TAKE-OUT LASAGNA DINNER:  “Saints Peter & Paul Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church will hold a Lasagna Dinner on Wednesday, June 18, 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 generous portion of meat lasagna, garden salad, bread 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!”

PRAY MORE.  PRAY OFTEN.

PRAYER TO SAINT MICHAEL:  Holy Michael, the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our safeguard against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray; and do you, O Prince of the heavenly host, by the power of God cast into hell Satan and all the evil spirits who wander through the world seeking the ruin of souls.   Amen.

PRAYER TO ARCHANGEL GABRIEL:  Blessed Archangel Gabriel, we beseech you, intercede for us at the throne of Divine Mercy in our present necessities, that as you announced to Mary the mystery of the Incarnation, so through thy prayers and patronage in heaven we may obtain the same benefits, and sing the praise of God forever in the land of the living. Amen.  … Archangel Gabriel, Pray for Us.

TRAVELERS’ PRAYER:   O Almighty and merciful God, who hast commissioned Thy angels to guide and protect us, command them to be our assiduous companions from our setting out until our return; to clothe us with their invisible protection; to keep from us all danger of collision, of fire, of explosion, of fall and bruises, and finally, having preserved us from all evil, and especially from sin, to guide us to our heavenly home. We ask in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  Amen.

Prayer to Our Guardian Angel::  O Holy Angel of God, guardian and protector of my soul and body, forgive me everything in which I have grieved you all the days of my life, and in which I sinned in the day just past.  Protect me during the coming night and keep me from every influence of the enemy, that I may not anger God by any sin.  Intercede for me to the Lord that He may strengthen me in His fear and make me worthy to be a servant of His goodness.  In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit  Amen.

PRAYER FOR THE CHURCH:   We pray You, O almighty and eternal God!  Who through Jesus Christ has revealed Your glory to all nations, to preserve the works of Your mercy, that Your Church, being spread through the whole world, may continue with unchanging faith in the confession of your name, we pray in the name of the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit.    Amen.

HEALING PRAYER:  Holy Spirit, come down and reclaim my body which was consecrated to Thee at my baptism, filling my entire dimensive quantity, from the top of my head to the bottoms of my feet.  Fill my faculties with Thy presence, my senses, memory, imagination, cogitative power, common sense power, intellect, will and appetites.  Take up Thy residence in all aspects of my body and soul, leaving no place unfilled, closing off any doors, caves or portals to the demons, driving them to the foot of the Cross of Jesus Christ, never to return again.  Heal me of the wounds of NN (Name the wounds).  In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.       From Deliverance Prayers; compiled by  Father Chad Ripperger

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.

JUNE 8, 2025 A. D.

Saturday, June 7 PENTECOST

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

Sunday, June 8 PENTECOST

            8:30 AM            God’s Blessings on Bruce, Joseph & Natalia Becker

-Becker Family

            2:00 PM              Panachyda Sts. Peter & Paul Cemetery

Blessing of Graves

              3:30 PM ETA Panachyda Saint Vladimir Cemtery

Blessing of Graves

Saturday, June 14 SUNDAY OF THE FATHERS OF THE 1st ECUMENICAL COUNCIL 4:00 PM           For All Living and Deceased Fathers

Sunday, June 15 SUNDAY OF THE FATHERS OF THE 1st ECUMENICAL COUNCIL

            8:30 AM            For All Living and Deceased Fathers

FYI- LITURGY AT Ss. PETER & PAUL CHURCH on Sunday, June 22 will be at 10:00AM

Saturday, June 7 @ 8:00AM First Saturday Divine Liturgy/Sorokousty

THANK YOU:  David Youells extends his heartfelt gratitude for the prayers and cards that are helping him through his recovery. 

PLEASE CHECK THE BACK PAGE FOR JOINT EVENTS BETWEEN Ss. Peter & Paul Church and Transfiguration of Our Lord Church.

JUST A NOTE:  When submitting a mass intention, please make sure that you write out the intention legibly and if you are writing a check make it out to the Parish priest.

ANNUAL TEA:  The Annual Children’s Catechism Tea will be held on June 22nd after the 10:00 mass at SS Peter & Paul church. A sign-up sheet will be in the back of the 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.

BLESSING OF THE GRAVES:  Blessing of the graves will be this Sunday, 2:00PM at Ss. Peter & Paul Cemetery and 3:15PM (approx.) at St. Vladimir Cemetery.

WOMEN’S SOCIETY:  The Women’s Society will hold their monthly meeting, this Tuesday, June 10 at 6PM in the church hall.  The society always welcomes new members. 

JUNE 1, 2025

Saturday, May 31 SUNDAY OF THE FATHERS OF THE 1st ECUMENICAL COUNCIL 4:00 PM           God’s Blessings & Good Health for Riley Lane- Becker Family 

Baptism of Lucillle & Delilah, daughters of

Nicholas & Monique Potoeski

Sunday, June 1 SUNDAY OF THE FATHERS OF THE 1st ECUMENICAL COUNCIL

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

Saturday, June 7 PENTECOST

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

Sunday, June 8 PENTECOST

            8:30 AM            God’s Blessings on Bruce, Joseph & Natalia Becker

-Becker Family

            2:00 PM              Panachyda Sts. Peter & Paul Cemetery

Blessing of Graves

             3:30 PM ETA Panachyda Saint Vladimir Cemtery

Blessing of Graves

Saturday, June 7 @ 8:00AM First Saturday Divine Liturgy/Sorokousty

At Transfiguration of Our Lord CHurch

 Pope Benedict reflecting St. Augustine’s thoughts on the Holy Spirit-2012

“Saint Augustine’s experience of the love of God present in the Church led him to three particular insights about the Holy Spirit as the bond of unity within the Blessed Trinity: unity as communion, unity as abiding love, and unity as giving and gift. These three insights help explain how the Spirit works. In a world where both individuals and communities often suffer from an absence of unity or cohesion, these insights help us remain attuned to the Spirit and to extend and clarify the scope of our witness.  Augustine noted that the two words “Holy “ and “Spirit” refer to what is divine about God; in other words, what is shared by the Father and the Son – their communion. So, if the distinguishing characteristic of the Hoy Spirit is to be what is shared by the Father and the Son, Augustine concluded that the Spirit’s particular quality is unity. It is a unity of lived communion: a unity of persons in a relationship of constant fibbing, the Father and the Son giving themselves to each other….True unity could never be founded upon relationships which deny the equal dignity of other persons. Nor is unity simply the sum total of the groups through which we sometimes attempt to “define” ourselves. In fact, only in the life of communion is unity sustained and human identity fulfilled: we recognize the common need for God, we respond to the unifying presence of the Holy Spirit, and we give ourselves to one another in service.”

PENTECOST MONDAY   …IT STAGGERS THE MIND

It is said that Blessed Augustine (354-430), a leader in the early Western Church, was walking on the ocean shore one day pondering the mystery of the Trinity. He saw a little boy who was playing with a seashell. The youngster scooped a hole in the sand, then went down to the waves and filled his shell with water and poured it into the hole he had made.   Blessed Augustine asked: “What are you doing?”  The boy replied: “I am going to pour the entire sea into the hole.”   Augustine replied, “That is crazy, you can’t do that.”  Just then an angel appeared to Augustine saying, “Just like you trying to understand the Trinity.”  The concept of the Holy Trinity does not fit the framework of human logic, nor can it be fully analyzed by our limited intellect. But this is no reason to say it is an invention of theologians. To declare that the one and only God has made Himself known as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is simply an attempt to define what the Scriptures teach. “I and my Father are one.” John 10:30. “After that the Holy Spirit is come upon you.” Acts 1:8. ”   And when Jesus was baptized, He went straightway out of the water: and lo, the heavens were opened unto Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting upon Him: and a Voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” (Matt 3:16- 17)   To commit our lives to this triune God is to begin to see with the eye of faith His greatness as our Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer. Doesn’t it make sense that the One we worship and to Whom we entrust our lives should be vastly greater than our limited understanding.

Ss. Peter & Paul Church & Transfiguration of Our Lord Church Events…..

ADULT DISCUSSION:  There will be an Adult Discussion on the book of the month for May – Aquinas, On Human Nature on Saturday, June 7^th and Saturday, June 21st after Liturgy at Transfiguration of Our Lord Church.  If you have any questions, related to the book or not – bring them to the class.

SOROKOUSTY SERVICE:  The fifth Sorokousty is Saturday, June 7th. First Saturday Divine Liturgy will be at  8:00 am with Sorokousty following at Transfiguration of Our Lord Church.

BOOK(S)  OF THE MONTH FOR MAY:

Aquinas:  On Human Nature

Hackett Publishing Company, Inc.   ISBN:  978-0872204546

Edited & Introduction by Thomas S. Hibbs

PRAYER TO OUR LADY OF SORROWS

Our mother of sorrows, with strength from above you stood by the cross, sharing in the sufferings of Jesus, and with tender care you bore him in your arms, mourning and weeping.  We praise you for your faith, which accepted the life God planned for you.  We praise you for your hope, which trusted that God would do great things in you.  We praise you for your love in bearing with Jesus the sorrows of his passion.  Holy Mary, may we follow your example, and stand by all your children who need comfort and love.  Mother of God, stand by us in our trials and care for us in our many needs. Pray for us now and at the hour of our death.  Amen!

PRAYER FOR THE CHURCH

We pray You, O almighty and eternal God!  Who through Jesus Christ has revealed Your glory to all nations, to preserve the works of Your mercy, that Your Church, being spread through the whole world, may continue with unchanging faith in the confession of your name, we pray in the name of the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit.    Amen.

SUNDAY OF THE FATHERS OF THE FIRST
ECUMENICAL COUNCIL

June 1, 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.

THERE SHOULD BE NO KNEELING DURING THE PASCHAL SEASON UNTIL PENTECOST SUNDAY. This regulation is mentioned by the Council of Nicaea, which met in the year 325, and also set the date for Pascha. Our Father, Saint Basil the Great, explains that this symbolizes our personal resurrection as well as our calling to higher, heavenly things.

CHRISTOS VOSKRES:  Wednesday, May 28, 2025 was the leave taking of Pascha(Easter).  We no longer sing Christos Voskres in Church.  Next week is Pentecost Sunday – we can kneel!

The Altar Candles for the month of May were requested by June Meyers IMO her mother Olga Morgenfruh.

HOMEBOUND PARISHIONERS:  Please contact Father Walter at the Nanticoke Rectory at 570-735-2262 if anyone is homebound and would like to receive Holy Communion.

PLEASE CHECK THE BACK PAGE FOR JOINT EVENTS BETWEEN Ss. Peter & Paul Church and Transfiguration of Our Lord Church.

JUST A NOTE:  When submitting a mass intention, please make sure that you write out the intention legibly and if you are writing a check make it out to the Parish priest.

ANNUAL TEA:  The Annual Children’s Catechism Tea will be held on June 22nd after the 10:30 mass at SS Peter & Paul church. A sign-up sheet will be in the back of the 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.

BLESSING OF THE GRAVES:  Blessing of the graves will be next Sunday, 2:00PM at Ss. Peter & Paul Cemetery and 3:15PM (approx.) at St. Vladimir Cemetery.

May 25, 2025

 Saturday, May 24 SUNDAY OF THE MAN BORN BLIND

            4:00 PM           Mary Ann Kachinko- Richard & Nancy Guerro

 Sunday, May 25 SUNDAY OF THE MAN BORN BLIND

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

Thursday, May 29 ASCENSION DAY  

             8:30 AM Jason Yankosky- Diane Petry

Saturday, May 31 SUNDAY OF THE FATHERS OF THE 1st ECUMENICAL COUNCIL 4:00 PM           God’s Blessings & Good Health for Riley Lane- Becker FamilySunday, June 1 SUNDAY OF THE FATHERS OF THE 1st ECUMENICAL COUNCIL

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

 Please remember in your prayers all of our brave service men and women who bravely served our country.

FREEDOM IS NOT FREE!

Memorial Day Liturgy, Monday, May 26 at 9:00AM

At Transfiguration of Our Lord Church

Transfiguration of Our Lord Church

Saturday Liturgy is 6:00 PM

                Sunday Liturgy is 10:30 AM

ASK FATHER A QUESTION?  ASK FATHER A QUESTION? Father, we pray to the saints.  Can we also pray to the angels e.g., to Michael the Archangel or Gabriel?  Prayer is a conversation with God, Martyrs, Saints or Angels.  Generally when people pray they will ask for help in time of need and we can pray not only to the Angels, whose names we know, but also to the angels whose names we don’t know, like our guardian angels.  This is a tradition that dates back from before the time of Christ and it is not new with the Apostles.  For example, the Saint Michael Prayer which we know today dates back to 1886.  Pope Leo XIII after saying mass at St. Peter’s Chapel had a vision of the devil petitioning God for a greater authority in the world, claiming that if he were granted this authority, he could destroy the Church.  This vision included demonic spirits gathering and surrounding Rome with the goal of destroying the Vatican State and the Church.  Pope Leo XIII penned a prayer to Saint Michael to assist the Church in this onslaught and he asked the worldwide Church to recite the prayer following the Mass.  Because Pope Leo XIII recognized that our battle in this world is always against Lucifer and the demons in the hell, who are all fallen angels, so who better to ask for help in our battle with the demons than the Prince of Angels, Saint Michael the Archangel, who defeated Lucifer and the fallen angels with the other faithful angels and cast them into hell from the beginning.  (See Revelation 12:7-9).

Why is Memorial Day different from Veterans Day?

Many people confuse Memorial Day and Veterans Day.  Memorial Day is a day for remembering and honoring military personnel who died in the service of their country, particularly those who died in battle or as a result of wounds sustained in battle.

On, Defeating Evil

We must use every endeavor that the “Word of God may dwell in us abundantly” and not merely for one kind of fight must we be prepared – for the contest is many-sided and the enemy is of every sort; and they do not all use the same weapons nor make their onset in the same way.  Wherefore it is needful that the man who has to contend against all should be acquainted with the engines and the arts of all – that he should be at once archer and slinger, commandant and officer, general and private soldier, foot-soldier and horseman, skilled in sea-fight and in siege; for unless he knows every trick and turn of war, the devil is well able, if only a single door be left open, to get in his fierce bands and carry off the sheep.-   St. John Chrysostom, Patriarch of Constantinople (347-407)

Quoted by Bishop of Rome Leo XIII in the encyclical Providentissimus Deus, 18 November 1893, #47.

PRAYER FOR DECEASED VETERANS

O God, by whose mercy the faithful departed find rest, look kindly on your departed veterans who gave their lives in the service of their country. Grant that through the passion, death, and Resurrection of your Son they may share in the joy of your Heavenly Kingdom and rejoice in you with your saints forever. We ask this in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.  Amen.

The Sanctuary Light this week was requested by Helene Sirak IMO her husband Michael Sirak.

The Altar Candles for the month of May were requested by June Meyers IMO her mother Olga Morgenfruh.

THERE SHOULD BE NO KNEELING DURING THE PASCHAL SEASON UNTIL PENTECOST SUNDAY. This regulation is mentioned by the Council of Nicaea, which met in the year 325, and also set the date for Pascha. Our Father, Saint Basil the Great, explains that this symbolizes our personal resurrection as well as our calling to higher, heavenly things.

HOMEBOUND PARISHIONERS:  Please contact Father Walter at the Nanticoke Rectory at 570-735-2262 if anyone is homebound and would like to receive Holy Communion.

PLEASE CHECK THE BACK PAGE FOR JOINT EVENTS BETWEEN Ss. Peter & Paul Church and Transfiguration of Our Lord Church.

JUST A NOTE:  When submitting a mass intention, please make sure that you write out the intention legibly and if you are writing a check make it out to the Parish priest.

ANNUAL TEA:  The annual tea, hosted by our catechism children is scheduled for Sunday, June 22nd following the mass that will be held at SS Peter and Paul Church.

May 18, 2025

Saturday, May 17 SUNDAY OF THE SAMARITAN WOMAN

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

 Sunday, May 18 SUNDAY OF THE SAMARITAN WOMAN

            8:30 AM            George & Evelyn Sailus- daughter, Marianne Sailus  

Saturday, May 17 SUNDAY OF THE MAN BORN BLIND

            4:00 PM           Mary Ann Kachinko- Richard & Nancy Guerro

 Sunday, May 18 SUNDAY OF THE MAN BORN BLIND

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

ASK FATHER A QUESTION?  Father, who is the Samaritan Woman?  Does she have a name?  And why is she simply called the Samaritan Woman?  Church Tradition tells us the Samaritan Woman’s Name is Photina.  We remember her on February 26.  Her name is not recorded in the Gospels because it is not so important as the lesson of her life.  Saint Photina lived in Carthage with her younger son Iosas and fearlessly preached the Gospel there during the time of the Emperor Nero (54-68) who displayed excessive cruelty against Christians. Her eldest son Victor fought bravely in the Roman army, and was appointed as military commander of the city of Attalia (Asia Minor). Later, Nero called him to Italy to arrest and punish Christians.  Sebastian, an official in Italy, said to Saint Victor, “I know that you, your mother and your brother, are followers of Christ. As a friend I advise you to submit to the will of the Emperor. If you inform on any Christians, you will receive their wealth. I shall write to your mother and brother, asking them not to preach Christ in public. Let them practice their faith in secret.”  Saint Victor replied, “I want to be a preacher of Christianity like my mother and brother.” Sebastian said, “O Victor, we all know what woes await you, your mother and brother.” Then Sebastian suddenly felt a sharp pain in his eyes. He was dumbfounded, and his face was somber.  For three days he lay there blind, without uttering a word. On the fourth day he declared, “The God of the Christians is the only true God.” Saint Victor asked why Sebastian had suddenly changed his mind. Sebastian replied, “Because Christ is calling me.” Soon he was baptized, and immediately he regained his sight. After witnessing the miracle Saint Sebastian’s servants were also baptized.  Reports of this reached Nero, and he commanded that the Christians be brought to him at Rome. Then the Lord Himself appeared to the confessors and said, “Fear not, for I am with you. Nero, and all who serve him, shall be vanquished.”  The Lord said to Saint Victor, “From this day forward, your name will be Photinos, because through you, many will be enlightened and will believe in me.” The Lord then told the Christians to strengthen and encourage Saint Sebastian to persevere until the end. All these things, and even future events, were revealed to Saint Photinḗ. She left Carthage in the company of several Christians and joined the confessors in Rome.  In Rome the Emperor ordered the Saints to be brought before him and he asked them whether they truly believed in Christ. All the confessors refused to renounce the Savior. Then Nero ordered that the joints of the martyrs’ fingers be broken. During their torments, the confessors felt no pain, and their hands remained unharmed.  Nero ordered that Saints Sebastian, Photinos and Iosḗs be blinded and locked up in prison, and Saint Photinḗ and her five sisters Anatolḗ, Photó, Photida, Paraskevḗ and Kyriakḗ were sent to the imperial court under the supervision of Nero’s daughter Domnina. Saint Photinḗ converted both Domnina and all her servants to Christ. She also converted a sorcerer, who had brought her poisoned food.  Three years passed, and Nero sent to the prison for one of his servants, who had been locked up. The messengers reported to him that Saints Sebastian, Photinos and Iosḗs, who had been blinded, had recovered their sight, and that people were visiting them to hear their preaching, and indeed the whole prison had been transformed into a bright and fragrant place where God was glorified.  Nero then commanded the Saints to be crucified, and their naked bodies to be beaten with straps. On the fourth day the Emperor sent servants to see whether the martyrs were still alive. But, approaching the place of the tortures, the servants became blind. An Angel of the Lord freed the martyrs from their crosses and healed them. The Saints took pity on the blinded servants, and restored their sight by their prayers to the Lord. Those who were healed came to believe in Christ and were soon baptized.  Enraged, Nero prepared the most painful tortures for them and prepared a most painful execution for Saint Photina. Her feet were tied to the tops of two trees which had been bent to the ground. When the ropes were cut the trees sprang upright, tearing the martyr apart. The Emperor ordered the others beheaded. Saint Photina was removed from the well and locked up in prison for twenty days.  After this Nero had her brought to him and asked if she would now relent and offer sacrifice to the idols. The courageous Photinrefused mocking him she said, “O most impious of the blind, you profligate and stupid man! Do you think me so deluded that I would consent to renounce my Lord Christ and instead offer sacrifice to idols which are as blind as you are?”  After hearing such words, Nero ordered that the martyr be thrown into the well again. There she surrendered her soul to God (+ ca. 66).

Ss. Peter & Paul Church & Transfiguration of Our Lord Church Events…..

ADULT DISCUSSION:  There will be an Adult Discussion on the book of the month for May – Aquinas, On Human Nature on Saturday, June 7 and Saturday, June 21st after Liturgy at Transfiguration of Our Lord Church.  If you have any questions, related to the book or not – bring them to the class.

SOROKOUSTY SERVICE:  The fifth Sorokousty is Saturday, June 7th. First Saturday Divine Liturgy will be at  8:00 am. with Sorokousty following at Transfiguration of Our Lord Church.

MOVIE SUNDAY:  The date for Movie is this Sunday, May 18^th at Transfiguration of Our Lord Church @12:00(food) PM. Everyone is WELCOME.  The movie will be THE CHORUS.

 SPRING FLEA MARKET:  SUMMER IS READY TO BEGIN!!!! Transfiguration of Our Lord Church will hold it’s SPRING FLEA MARKET on Saturday, May 24 from 9am-2pm in the church hall- at 1:00pm on Saturday everything will be half price.  Bag Day will be on Monday Memorial Day, May 26 from noon-2pm.  There will be Potato pancakes, pierogies, whimpies, clam chowder, hot dogs while supplies last on Saturday only.

SOROKOUSTY SERVICE:    The fifth Sorokousty is Saturday, June 7th. First Saturday Divine Liturgy will be at  8:00 am with Sorokousty following.

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.

 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.

PRAYER TO OUR LADY OF LOURDES

O ever immaculate Virgin, Mother of mercy, health of the sick, refuge of sinners, comfort of the afflicted, you know my wants, my troubles, my sufferings; deign to cast upon me a look of mercy. By appearing in the Grotto of Lourdes, you were pleased to make it a privileged sanctuary, whence you dispense your favors, and already many sufferers have obtained the cure of their infirmities, both spiritual and corporal. I come, therefore, with the most unbounded confidence, to implore your maternal intercession. Obtain, O loving Mother, the grant of my requests. I will endeavor to imitate your virtues, that I may one day share your glory, and bless you in eternity. Amen.

Take Time To Be Kind by Helen Steiner Rice

Kindness is a virtue given by The Lord, It pays dividends in happiness, and joy is it reward…..  For, if you practice kindness in all you say and do, The Lord will wrap His kindness around your heart and you…..And wrapped within His kindness you are sheltered and secure, and under His direction your way is safe and sure.

The Sanctuary Light for this week is requested by the Kachinko Children IMO their parents Bernie and Mary Ann Kachinko

The Altar Candles for the month of May were requested by June Meyers IMO her mother Olga Morgenfruh.

THERE SHOULD BE NO KNEELING DURING THE PASCHAL SEASON UNTIL PENTECOST SUNDAY. This regulation is mentioned by the Council of Nicaea, which met in the year 325, and also set the date for Pascha. Our Father, Saint Basil the Great, explains that this symbolizes our personal resurrection as well as our calling to higher, heavenly things.

HOMEBOUND PARISHIONERS:  Please contact Father Walter at the Nanticoke Rectory at 570-735-2262 if anyone is homebound and would like to receive Holy Communion.

JUST A NOTE:  When submitting a mass intention, please make sure that you write out the intention legibly and if you are writing a check make it out to the Parish priest.

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