SS Peter & Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church

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.  

HOLY CYRIL AND METHODIUS-TEACHERS OF THE SLAVS

May 11, 2025

Saturday, May 10 MOTHER’S DAY

SUNDAY OF THE PARALYTIC MAN

            4:00 PM           For All Living and Deceased Mothers

 Sunday, May 11 MOTHER’S DAY

SUNDAY OF THE PARALYTIC MAN

            8:30 AM            For All Living and Deceased Mothers  

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  

  ST. ISAAC THE SYRIAN: A PRAYER OF REPENTANCE

“At the door of Your compassion do I knock, Lord; send aid to my scattered impulses which are intoxicated with the multitude of the passions and the power of darkness. You can see my sores hidden within me: stir up contrition—though not corresponding to the weight of my sins, for if I receive full awareness of the extent of my sins, Lord, my soul would be consumed by the bitter pain from them. Assist my feeble stirrings on the path to true repentance, and may I find alleviation from the vehemence of sins through the contrition that comes of Your gift, for without the power of Your grace I am quite unable to enter within myself, become aware of my stains, and so, at the sight of them be able to be still from great distraction.”   + St. Isaac the Syrian, from The Prayers of St. Isaac the Syrian

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 tentative date for Movie Sunday is May 18^th at Transfiguration of Our Lord Church @12:00(food) PM. Everyone is WELCOME.  There is a sign-up sheet at the back of the church to get an idea of the number of people coming.  Please contact Lisa at 570-574-1016 if you would like to donate food or volunteer for this event.  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.

BOOK(S)  OF THE MONTH FOR MAY:

Aquinas:  On Human Nature

Hackett Publishing Company, Inc.   ISBN:  978-0872204546

Edited & Introduction by Thomas S. HibbsThe Sanctuary Light for this week is requested by Anna Magill IMO the Dempsey children: Irene, Eliza & Frank.

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.

MOTHER’S DAY:  May all  of the Mothers of our Parish have Very Happy and Blessed Mother’s Day,  and Eternal Rest to all Deceased Mothers.  

WOMEN’S SOCIETY:  The Women’s Society will hold their May meeting this Tuesday, May 13th at 6PM in the church hall.  New members are always encouraged & welcome to join.  We extend our appreciation to the ladies of the Women’s Society, along with Jude and Jovi Schappert for their hard work in cleaning up the church’s front landscape.

May 4, 2025

Saturday, May 3 SUNDAY OF THE OINTMENT BEARERS

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

 Sunday, May 4 SUNDAY OF THE OINTMENT BEARERS

            8:30 AM            Patricia Williams- Youells Family

Saturday, May 10 MOTHER’S DAY

SUNDAY OF THE PARALYTIC MAN

            4:00 PM           For All Living and Deceased Mothers

 Sunday, May 11 MOTHER’S DAY

SUNDAY OF THE PARALYTIC MAN

            8:30 AM            For All Living and Deceased Mothers  

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 tentative date for Movie Sunday is May 18^th at Transfiguration of Our Lord Church @12:30 PM. Everyone is WELCOME.

 The “Artos” holds a significant place in Catholic tradition as a symbol of Christ’s resurrection and His victory over death. The word is Artos is Greek and translated as “bread,” and from the Gospel of St. John , Jesus is the Bread of Eternal Life.  This particular blessed bread, typically prepared from unleavened dough, is specially baked and stamped with an icon depicting the Resurrection or the Theotokos (Virgin Mary) with the Christ Child. It is consecrated during the Paschal Vigil service, which marks the beginning of the celebration of Pascha (Easter), and remains in the church during Bright Week to be distributed on Thomas Sunday. The Artos is venerated by the faithful as a reminder of Christ’s sacrificial death and triumphant resurrection, and it serves as a tangible expression of the joy and hope inherent in the message of the Resurrection. The Artos is traditionally divided among the congregation and consumed as a sacramental reminder of Christ’s presence and the promise of eternal life. Additionally, crumbs from the Artos may be added to holy water, creating a blessed mixture known as “Artos Water,” which is distributed to the faithful for spiritual nourishment and healing throughout the year. In this way, the Artos serves as a tangible expression of the Catholic belief in the resurrection of Christ and His ongoing presence in the life of the Church and its members.

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 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.

The Sanctuary Light for this week was requested by Michaelene Ostrum IMO Fred and Olga Uhas.

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.

MOTHER’S DAY:  Mother’s Day is May 11.  We will have Divine Liturgy for All Living and Deceased Mothers’ of our Parish.  Remember your Mothers in Divine Liturgy.

MOTHER’S DAY TEA:  The Mother’s Day Tea hosted by the children will not be held in May this year, but at a later date.  Keep your eye on the bulletin.

April 27, 2025

Saturday, April 26 BRIGHT SATURDAY

            4:00 PM           Rosemarie Kachinko- Nelson &Donna Warren

Sunday, April 27 THOMAS SUNDAY (w/Myrovania)

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

Saturday, May 3 SUNDAY OF THE OINTMENT BEARERS

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

 Sunday, May 4 SUNDAY OF THE OINTMENT BEARERS

            8:30 AM            Patricia Williams- Youells Family

ASK FATHER A QUESTION?  Father, in the Roman Catholic tradition at Easter Time, we have the symbol of the lamb of God- is that part of our Ukrainian Tradition- why does it not appear as prominent in our church?  Father after church on Sunday, you were wearing a White Cassock- why?  The Lamb of God absolutely is in our tradition in plain sight-but unrecognized.  The white cassock of the priest is part of our tradition that if a priest or deacon has a cassock made of pure wool-the hair of the lamb- he wears it during Eastertide from Easter till Eve of Ascension.  Likewise, the priest wears the brightest vestments he has during this time for the Liturgies.  All of these are a reminder and a living of the sacrifice of the most pure and unblemished Lamb to atone for sin.  Lastly the word, Pascha translates into “Lamb of God, Passover, and Bread of Life.”  Our church calls Easter the Feast of the Lamb of God.

ASK FATHER A QUESTION?  Father………… What does “Amen” mean?  Is it just the end of the prayer?  Like “The End?”  “Amen” is a Hebrew word (אָמֵן) that we do not translate into English because it has a few meanings that are all intended at one time when we say the Hebrew word “Amen.”  Amen is a transliteration of the Hebrew word of the same sound, meaning true, correct, it is certain.  In Strong’s Numbers the word Amen is referred to as meaning “verily” or “truly.”    Strong’s Numbers is an identifier of every Greek word in the Scriptures from the Septuagint (the Old Testament translated into Greek) and New Testament.  Each Hebrew word by the Strong’s Number has an etimology around it that helps us to understand the original intended meaning in each of the books of the Bible.

  THE SIGN OF THE CROSS in the UKRAINIAN GREEK CATHOLIC CHURCH:  

In case you don’t know what that title means, IC XC are abbreviations (in both Greek and Slavonic) for the name Jesus Christ. NIKA is a Greek verb that means “conquers” (perhaps “is victorious” is better, though not as grammatically accurate).  Why am I giving you a lesson in Greek words and abbreviations? First of all, it will help you understand a few things you may see in the Eastern Christian tradition. On icons of Christ, you will always find somewhere the IC XC. If you look carefully when a Byzantine Catholic or Orthodox priest gives a blessing, you’ll see (if they’re doing it correctly) that they form the fingers of their right hand into the letters IC XC. So we always bless with the sign of the Cross and in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.  In the Liturgy, the priest facing the people holds his hand so that the fingers make the letters IC XC and gives the cross to the faithful who then receive the cross.  This is why from the priest’s perspective during the blessing his hand goes to his left first but to the people facing him, to their right first [actually the Priest is asking God to give the people a blessing].  Here is the meaning, the priest presents the cross to the person and the person picks up, or takes up, their cross willing.  The cross is never imposed on a person, they take it up willingly.

BOOK(S) OF THE MONTH FOR APRIL:

The Lives of the Desert Fathers

Norman Russell/Benedicta Ward ISBN:  978-0879079345

The Screwtape Letters

C.S. Lewis ISBN:   979-8343951851

What Is Thomas Sunday (Antipascha)?  Thomas Sunday falls exactly one week after the Feast of Holy Pascha. It commemorates the events recorded in John 20:19–31, when the Risen Christ appeared to His disciples—first without Thomas, and then again eight days later when Thomas was present.  The term Antipascha does not mean “against Pascha” but rather “another Pascha.” It marks the continuation of the Paschal celebration, consecrating every Sunday of the year to the memory of the Resurrection. In fact, beginning with this Sunday, the Church treats every Sunday as a “Little Pascha.”  In the Ukrainian tradition, Sunday is called “Воскресенье” (Voskresén’ye), literally meaning Resurrection, and in Greek, it’s “Κυριακή” (Kyriakí), meaning the Lord’s Day.

(A Discussion of AntiTypes & Typology)  Part One

An unacknowledged but powerful presumption guides a great deal of today’s theology, whether it appears in the popular press, in scholarly journals or in Sunday morning homilies. It is the conviction that language and images that depict transcendent rather than empirical reality are mere metaphors. They are “symbols” in the modern, popular sense, which means they are mere “signs” that point beyond themselves to something else. To ancient Christian theologians, on the other hand, words and images are genuinely symbolic: they actually participate in the reality they depict. They have the capacity, under the right conditions, to take part in the very existence of the person, object, event or promise to which they refer. It is this capacity that enables words and images to become vehicles of divine revelation.  This understanding of the symbolic character of words and images is basic to the Catholic Church, especially in the East. It justifies, and in fact makes necessary, an approach to the interpretation of Scripture that is based to a significant degree on typology. “Types” can be described as verbal images that point forward to future or transcendent realities, as the image of the Hebrew Temple points forward to the Church, the manna in the wilderness to the Bread of Life (of both the Eucharist and the heavenly Banquet), or the Suffering Servant of Isaiah 52-53 to the Person and Passion of Jesus Christ. Because of their symbolic quality, though, types do more than simply point beyond themselves to some future reality, the “antitype.” They actually participate in that reality: they share in it and bring it to completion. The Church as the Body of Christ recapitulates and fulfills the covenant relation God had already established with His people Israel; the Eucharist is grounded in and fulfills the Passover liberation of the Exodus, itself symbolized by the blood of the Lamb; and Christ accomplishes His work as Revealer and Redeemer by incarnating—bearing “in the flesh”—the innocent suffering and vicarious death of the Servant of the Lord. Through the relation between Old Testament image and New Testament fulfillment—between type and antitype—God reveals His presence and purpose within the realm of human history, the realm of our daily life.

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.

SANCTUARY LIGHT:   The sanctuary light sign-up sheets are located on the table in the vestibule. A $15 donation enables the light to burn for your intention throughout the week. Many weeks are still available.

SOROKOUSTY SERVICE:    The fifth Sorokousty is Saturday, June 7th  at 8:00 am.  

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.

MOTHER’S DAY:  Mother’s Day is May 11.  We will have Divine Liturgy for All Living and Deceased Mothers’ of our Parish.  Remember your Mom in Divine Liturgy.

MOTHER’S DAY TEA:  This Mother’s Day Tea hosted by the children will not be held in May this year, but at a later date.  Keep your eye on the bulletin.

 RESCHEDULED CITY WIDE EARTH DAY CLEAN-UP:  There will be a City Wide Clean-up of Nanticoke  organized by the Nanticoke Conservation Club on Saturday, May 3at 8:00AM. Everyone is welcome to come & help.   All supplies are Furnished and Vests.  Sturdy Shoes and appropriate attire are recommended.  Food & Refreshments are supplied.  This year the emphasis will be in Nanticoke.  Meet at LCCC Student Parking Lot on Access Road by Weis Market.  Spend 1 hour or many hours, we need a help.

MOVIE SUNDAY:  The tentative date for Movie Sunday is May 18^th at Transfiguration of Our Lord Church @12:30 PM.

April 20, 2025 A. D.

Saturday, April 19 GREAT & HOLY SATURDAY

  4:00 PM God’s Blessings for America- Tom & MaryAnn Potsko

Service at the Grave, Vespers, Divine Liturgy of Saint Basil the Great /Blessing of Artos, Myrovania

Sunday, April 20 PASCHA-EASTER SUNDAY (w/Myrovania)

             11:00 AM            God’s Blessings & Good Health for All Parishioners

Divine Liturgy, Blessing of Artos,  Myrovania 

Monday, April, 21 BRIGHT MONDAY (w/Myrovania)

             8:30 AM            MaryAnn Youells- Michele Hatch & Denise Klus & Family

Tuesday, April 22 BRIGHT TUESDAY

             8:30 AM Anna Koprowski- Dr. & Mrs. Nicholas Giordano

Saturday, April 26 BRIGHT SATURDAY

            4:00 PM           Rosemarie Kachinko- Nelson &Donna Warren

Sunday, April 27 THOMAS SUNDAY (w/Myrovania)

             11:00 AM            God’s Blessings & Good Health for All Parishioners

 M

FATHER A QUESTION?, Father, why are the Royal Doors open during Bright Week?  The Royal Doors are kept open as a sign to us that Christ came to restore access to the Garden of Eden and the Tree of Eternal Life for us, which we lost access to when we sinned as we read in the First Week of Lent.  

 ASK FATHER A QUESTION?  Father,  I was watching Fiddler on the Roof last night, when someone asked the Rabbi, is there a Blessing for a Sewing Machine, I got to thinking, is  there a Blessing for animals?  In short, Yes. In my Book of Needs in Greek “Euchologion” and in Slavonic “Trebnyk” in the index there are six pages of a list of prayers for Blessings.  The categories are:  Church, Altar, Chalice, Other Liturgical Objects, Vestments, Feast Days & Special Occasions, Sacred Objects not for Liturgical Use, Persons, Places of Ordinary Use, Animals, Fields, Orchards, and things for everyday use.  So yes, there is an entire category for Blessings of Animals, Livestock, Beasts of Burden, Pets, or vermin, rats, pests.  What is the Book of Needs?  The Book has prayers for every need a Parish Priest will encounter.

 Ask Father a question, Father, I noticed that when the “women” return to the grave, there is Mary, the mother of God, and the “other” Mary is with her.  Who is the other Mary?  It seems to me that there are many Mary’s…. wasn’t there Saint Mary of Egypt that we commemorated on the Fifth Week of Lent?  I get confused.  Yes, there are many Mary’s.  Depending on which Gospel you read, it may be difficult to understand which Mary is being spoken about at times.  A few of the Mary’s we know, are Mary the Mother of God, Mary Magdalene, Mary the sister to Lazarus and Martha, Mary the wife of Clopas, Mary the mother of James, Joseph and Salome, among others.  Mary is the Greek translation from Jewish, Mariam.  At the grave, Luke and Mark, specify that Mary Magdalene and Mary, the mother of James and Joseph are at the grave looking for Jesus on the morning of the first day of the week.  

Why did Mary, the Mother of Jesus not go to the sepulcher on first day of the week with the other Mary’s?  Church tradition orally passed on from the apostles, and some common sense, tells us that Jesus having risen from the dead, went to visit His mother first.  

Yes, there was a Saint Mary of Egypt that we remember the Fifth Week of Lent, who lived in the late fourth to early fifth century.  We do not read about Saint Mary of Egypt in the Holy Scriptures.

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.

Appreciation is extended to the Women’s Society for their $3000 donation which will greatly assist with the church’s financial obligations.

SANCTUARY LIGHT:   The sanctuary light sign-up sheets are located on the table in the vestibule. A $15 donation enables the light to burn for your intention throughout the week. Many weeks are still available.

CONFESSION:   Reminder, the Church decrees that you should make at least one good confession and receive communion for Easter.  Remember this whole week is seven days of Sunday, hence, we call this Bright Week.

BOOK(S) OF THE MONTH FOR APRIL:

The Lives of the Desert Fathers

Norman Russell/Benedicta Ward ISBN:  978-0879079345

The Screwtape Letters

C.S. Lewis ISBN:   979-8343951851

SOROKOUSTY SERVICE:    The fifth Sorokousty is Saturday, June 7th  at 8:00 am.  

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.

LITURGICALLY SPEAKING

(Received as an Ask Father a Question……) Reprint

TROPAR:  A short verse which tells something of the feast or intention of the day.  All Sundays are Resurrectional Tropars.  The Tropar can be sung as a hymn having a set rhythm and melody (according to one of the eight tones).

KONDAK:  From the Greek, meaning “parchment roll.”  It contains in abbreviated form the story of the Feast or the life of the Saints.  The Kondak can be sung as a hymn having a set rhythm and melody (according to one of the eight tones).

BOHORODICEN:  A short hymn honoring the Theotokos, our Blessed Lady.

TRISAGION:  A triple invocation honoring the Blessed Trinity.  On certain feasts: as Christmas, Easter, and Pentecost the Trisagion is replaced by a chant which recalls the baptism of the catechumens: “As many of you as have been baptized in Christ, have put on Christ, Alleluia.”

EPISTLES:  Letters written by the Apostles to the early Christians in various geographical locations.  The preaching of the Epistle portrays the preaching of the doctrine of Christ to the world by the Apostles.

BIBLE:  From the Greek, “Biblia” meaning books.  The Bible contains lesson from God to man.  The Bible is written by the One Holy Apostolic Orthodox Catholic Church. (Slavonic= biblija)

INCENSING:  The incensing during the Divine Liturgy at the point of the Gospel  symbolizes the graces and spiritual benefits produced by the preaching of the Word of God. “Let my prayer rise like incense before You.”- Psalm 140

When the priest is incensing, people should stand.

GOSPEL:  From the Greek meaning “Good News.”   This is the Good News of Jesus Christ Risen from the Dead, announcing the salvation of man by Jesus Christ.  In Slavonic,  jevanhelije.  The Gospel read during the Divine Liturgy is a portion of one of the four accounts of Our Lord’s Life as written by the evangelists, SS. Mathew, Mark, Luke and John.  

PROKIMEN:   The Prokimen is composed of several verses taken from the psalms or prophecies.  It introduces the Old Testament and Epistle of the day.

April 13, 2025 A. D.

Saturday, April 12 PALM SUNDAY (w/ Myrovania)

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

Sunday, April 13 PALM SUNDAY (w/Myrovania)

             8:30 AM            Christine & Mary Ann Youells – Youells Family

Tuesday, April 15 HOLY TUESDAY

           5:00 PM The Presanctified Liturgy (Confessions Before/After)

Thursday, April 17 HOLY THURSDAY

          3:00PM Matins of the Holy and Saving Passion of our Lord

Friday, April 18 GOOD FRIDAY

           1:00 PM Vespers with the Placement of the Holy Shroud

Saturday, April 19 HOLY SATURDAY

2:30 PM Blessing of Food

            4:00 PM           God’s Blessings for America- Tom & MaryAnn Potsko

Service at the Grave, Vespers, Divine Liturgy of Saint Basil the Great /Blessing of Artos, Myrovania

Sunday, April 20 PASCHA-EASTER SUNDAY (w/Myrovania)

             11:00 AM            God’s Blessings & Good Health for All Parishioners

Divine Liturgy, Blessing of Artos,  Myrovania 

Monday, April, 21 BRIGHT MONDAY (w/Myrovania)

             8:30 AM            Divine Liturgy

Transfiguration of Our Lord Church – 2025 A. D.

 240 Center St, Nanticoke, PA

Holy Monday, April 14

6:30 PM The Presanctified Liturgy. Confessions Before/After

Holy Wednesday, April 16

5:00 PM The Presanctified Liturgy with General Anointing

Holy Thursday, April 17

6:30 PM Matins of the Holy and Saving Passion of our Lord

Good Friday, April 18

5:30 PM Vespers with Placement of the Holy Shroud

Holy Saturday, April 19

1:00 Blessing of Food  

PASCHA, Sunday, April 20

7:30AM Service at the Grave, Resurrection Matins,  

8:30 AM Divine Liturgy (approximate time)

Blessing of Artos, Myrovania

Bright Monday, April 21

10:30 AM Divine Liturgy, Myrovania

HOLY WEEK

ANOINTING OF THE SICK ON HOLY WEDNESDAY

The General Anointing of the Sick is done for all baptized Christians present at the Liturgy of Presanctified Gifts on Holy Wednesday.  If there are two blessings, the first blessings is done at the end of The Litany of Peace and the second is after the Litany of Supplication.  If more than one priest is present the people should be anointed by each of the priests present, up to seven priests in total.  The Prayer of Anointing is said first for all present, then each is anointed on the forehead, cheeks and palm of the hands with the formula, “The servant of God is anointed for the healing of soul and body, for the forgiveness of sins and life everlasting.” This is the one time each year that this Mystery (Sacrament) is provided to all the faithful in attendance and forgives all sins so that even one who has not “gone to confession” is now freed from sin and if the person remains free from sin, is free to receive of the Eucharist, the Holy Body and Blood of Christ.   Service at Transfiguration of Our Lord Church 5:00 PM on Wednesday, April 16.

PALM SUNDAY- THE LORD’S ENTRANCE INTO JERUSALEM

APRIL 13, 2025

 Pick up your Palms as you enter the church.  Hold your Palms when Father Walter incenses the church-following that Father will bless the Palms while you hold them.

“Blessed is He Who comes in the Name of the Lord.” (John 12:13) TRIUMPHANT ENTRY OF OUR LORD INTO THE HOLY CITY OF JERUSALEM The Sunday preceding the joyous celebration of the Resurrection of Our Lord is known as Palm Sunday. Christians throughout the world celebrate, commemorate, and in some places re-enact the triumphant entry of Our Lord into the holy city of Jerusalem. On this day in the earthly life of Our Lord, the prophecy of Zechariah was fulfilled: “Exult greatly, O daughter Zion! Behold; YOUR king is coming to you, a just Savior is He, humble and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” (9:9) Jesus had travelled throughout all Galilee teaching in the synagogues, proclaiming the gospel of the Kingdom of God. The crowds would come to hear Him teach in parables and often would bring the sick and infirm to be cured of every sickness and disease. The crowds were amazed at the visible signs of Jesus’ divinity, His divine power, especially the wondrous miracles performed. When Jesus had raised the only son of a widow from the dead, the crowd was truly amazed: “Fear seized them all, and they glorified God, exclaiming, ‘A great prophet has risen in our midst’ and ‘God has visited His people.’” (Luke 7:16)  Once again Jesus raises someone from the dead. This time it was His friend Lazarus who was dead for four days. Martha had wondered if only Jesus would have come earlier her brother Lazarus would not have died. Jesus tells Martha: “I am the Resurrections and the Life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die.” (John 11:25-26)  Jesus goes into the tomb where His friend Lazarus was buried. Mary was weeping over the loss of her brother. A crowd had gathered to give comfort to Martha and Mary over the loss of their brother. St. John the Evangelist writes that Jesus “was deeply troubled…And He wept.” (11:33, 35)  Jesus directed them to remove the stone from the entrance to the tomb and prayed: ““Father,* I thank You for hearing Me. I know that You always hear me; but because of the crowd here I have said this, that they may believe that You sent Me.” (V. 42) The Lord then cried out: “Lazarus, come out.” (v. 43) Lazarus, who was dead, had come out and they untied him from the burial cloth he was wrapped in. Many had come to believe in Jesus because of this great miracle.  Some of those who had offered comfort to Mary and Martha and witnessed the miracle went to inform the Pharisees. The chief priests and Pharisees held a special session of the Sanhedrin. They felt that something had to be done regarding Jesus. “If we leave him alone, all will believe in him, and the Romans will come* and take away both our land and our nation.”  (11:48)  Caiaphas, who was high priest that year,* said to them, “You know nothing, nor do you consider that it is better for you that one man should die instead of the people, so that the whole nation may not perish.” (vv. 49-50) The Evangelist John tells us that from that day on, they planned to kill Jesus.  Initially, Jesus did not walk within Jewish public areas. He withdrew into a deserted region, to a town named “Ephraim.” He remained there with His Apostles. The Feast of the Passover was approaching. Usually, Our Lord and the Apostles would celebrate the Feast in the holy city of Jerusalem.  Many of the Jews came to “purify themselves” before the Feast to the holy city. (v. 55) They looked for Jesus and said to one another as they were in the temple area, “What do you think? That He will not come to the Feast?” The chief priests and the Pharisees had given orders that if anyone knew where He (Jesus) was, he should inform them, so that they might arrest Him. (vv. 56-57)  The very next day after the Lord’s feet were anointed, Jesus enters the Holy City of Jerusalem in humble fashion: seated on a young donkey, colt. The Icon of “The Entry of Christ into Jerusalem” vividly shows us the importance and significance of this event in the earthly ministry of Christ and in salvation history. The Entry is a joyous celebration of Triumph. It is a moment of glory. The great crowd took palm branches in their hands to welcome the Lord with the greeting: “Hosanna, blessed is He Who comes in the Name of the Lord!”  Palm branches have for a long time been a symbol or sign of victory, triumph, and peace. This goes back to the ancient East, as well as in the Mediterranean region. A palm branch was awarded to a victorious athlete in ancient Greece.   It indeed was a great day in the saving history of the Chosen People of the Old Testament, Israel. The Messiah, the Anointed, the One of Whom the Prophets foretold enters the holy city. The atmosphere was one of exuberant jubilation.  Although not pictured in the icon, there were also present opponents of Jesus who witnessed the event. The Pharisees said to one another, “You see that you are gaining nothing. Look, the whole world*has gone after Him.” (12:19) These opponents of Jesus looked and waited for an opportunity to kill Him.  May we acknowledge Jesus for Who He is : the Son of God,  the One Who offers us deliverance from sin, death, and all the powers of darkness and evil yet prevalent into today’s world. May our faith in the Lord be deeply-rooted, strong, and constant. My we never waver but keep our eyes fixed upon Him and our future inheritance – eternal life in the Kingdom of God. Let us cry out: “Hosanna!” which translated from Aramaic means: Save us, deliver us! Father D. George Worschak

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 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.

The Sanctuary Light for this week was requested by Rebecca Molecavage IMO Frances Bencho.

SANCTUARY LIGHT:   The sanctuary light sign-up sheets are located on the table in the vestibule. A $15 donation enables the light to burn for your intention throughout the week. Many weeks are still available.

 CONFESSION:   Let us prepare our souls by making a good Confession and receiving Communion.  Holy Confession will be held before Divine Liturgy or after Divine Liturgy, if necessary.  Confessions will be held before the Pre-Sanctified Liturgy and by appointment.  Reminder, the Church decrees that you make at least one good confession a year before Easter.  Reminder there is no confessions after Holy Wednesday.

BOOK(S)  OF THE MONTH FOR APRIL:

The Lives of the Desert Fathers

Norman Russell/Benedicta Ward ISBN:  978-0879079345

The Screwtape Letters

C.S. Lewis ISBN:   979-8343951851

ADORATION SCHEDULES:  Adoration schedules are in the back of the church.  Please plan to spend time with Christ.  

SOROKOUSTY SERVICE:    The fifth Sorokousty is Saturday, June 7th  at 8:00 am.  

MARY OF EGYPT

April 6, 2025

Saturday, April 5 5^th SUNDAY OF LENT

             4:00 PM           Paul Joseph Stonikinis- Rebecca Micca

Sunday, April 6 5^th SUNDAY OF LENT

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

Friday, April 11 LITURGY OF THE PRESANCTIFIED GIFTS

      5:00 PM

Saturday, April 12 PALM SUNDAY (w/ Myrovania)

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

Sunday, April 13 PALM SUNDAY (w/Myrovania)

             8:30 AM            Christine & Mary Ann Youells – Youells Family

✠☼✠☼✠☼✠☼✠☼✠☼✠

 Transfiguration of Our Lord Church

Saturday Liturgy is 6:00 PM

Sunday Liturgy is 10:30 AM

LITURGY OF THE PRESANCTIFIED GIFTS Wednesday at 6:30PM

Sorokousty is 8:00AM, Saturday, June 7^th

Please come and pray for YOUR family.

SS. Peter and Paul Church-2025 A.D.

20 Nottingham Street, Plymouth, PA

 Holy Tuesday, April 15

5:00 PM The Presanctified Liturgy.  Confessions Before/After

Holy Thursday, April 17

3:00PM Matins of the Holy and Saving Passion of our Lord

Good Friday, April 18

1:00PM Vespers with the Placement of the Holy Shroud

Holy Saturday, March 19

2:30 Blessing of Food

4:00 PM Service at the Grave, Vespers, Divine Liturgy of Saint Basil the Great Blessing of Artos, Myrovania

PASCHA, Sunday, April 20

11:00AM Divine Liturgy, Blessing of Artos,  Myrovania 

Bright Monday, April, 21

8:30AM Divine Liturgy, Myrovania

Transfiguration of Our Lord Church – 2025 A. D.

240 Center St, Nanticoke, PA

Holy Monday, April 14

6:30 PM The Presanctified Liturgy. Confessions Before/After

Holy Wednesday, April 16

5:00 PM The Presanctified Liturgy with General Anointing

Holy Thursday, April 17

6:30 PM Matins of the Holy and Saving Passion of our Lord

Good Friday, April 18

5:30 PM Vespers with Placement of the Holy Shroud

Holy Saturday, April 19

1:00 Blessing of Food  

PASCHA, Sunday, April 20

7:30AM Service at the Grave, Resurrection Matins,  

 8:30 AM Divine Liturgy (approximate time)

Blessing of Artos, Myrovania

Bright Monday, April 21

10:30 AM Divine Liturgy, Myrovania

THE FIVE SATURDAYS OF THE DECEASED (SOROKUSTY):  The Church Typikon designates the five Sorokousty/ Saturdays of the Deceased for 2025.  It is a tradition of our Holy Church to commemorate the memories of our beloved deceased at Matins of the Deceased (Parastas) on these five Saturdays of the year.  The last Sorokousty is 8:00am on Saturday, June 7^th at Transfiguration of Our Lord Church.

THANK YOU:  Thank you to everyone who helped out and attended the theology and egg decorating class last week at Transfiguration of Our Lord Church.

 ASK FATHER A QUESTION…….Father, why is Lazarus Saturday (Saturday before Palm Sunday)  important?  Is it just another miracle of Jesus Christ? Lazarus being raised from the dead is a pre-hinge (think I am the Door.)  to the hinge of Holy Saturday that ALL of Salvation History pivots.  Jesus comes for the lost so that we could return to the Garden of Eden which God created for us in the beginning, for God did not intend that we should die.  We did this to ourselves by sin.  So when Jesus says, this bad circumstance that Lazarus is going through – and Martha and Mary, the friends of Jesus-this is being done so that the glory of God will be shown to all men, including the Pharisees and the Sadducees.  Even Mary and Martha who are very close to Jesus, and they understand His teaching, they still don’t fully grasp that God, Jesus, can do anything!  So those people who started to grasp Jesus is God, and the Messiah, begin to truly believe and follow Him and live a life of Holiness.  On the other hand, the priests in the temple, the Pharisees and Sadducees, who prefer their humanistic re-interpretation of God’s Law and did not like being corrected by Jesus, sought to put Him to death so that they would no longer have to deal with Him.  (They did not believe Jesus was God.  He blasphemes because He makes Himself God.)  They claim to be experts on the Scriptures, but they deny the Scriptures.  This Gospel Chapter is not read in it’s entirety at Liturgy on Lazarus Saturday, because the message of the Gospel Reading is the Glory of God, not the plotting of the enemies of Jesus.  Lazarus Saturday is the Saturday before Palm Sunday, because Jesus raises Lazarus shortly before entering Jerusalem (Palm Sunday) on Holy Week, revealing to the whole world whom He truly is.

BOOK(S)  OF THE MONTH FOR APRIL:

The Lives of the Desert Fathers

Norman Russell/Benedicta Ward ISBN:  978-0879079345

The Screwtape Letters

C.S. Lewis ISBN:   979-8343951851

5^th Sunday of Lent

MARY OF EGYPT

April 6, 2025 A. D.

Glory to Jesus Christ!     —-   Glory Forever!

      Slava Isusu Khrystu!     —-         Slava Na Viky!

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.

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

SANCTUARY LIGHT:   The sanctuary light sign-up sheets are located on the table in the vestibule. A $15 donation enables the light to burn for your intention throughout the week. Many weeks are still available.

 CONFESSION:   Let us prepare our souls by making a good Confession and receiving Communion.  Holy Confession will be held before Divine Liturgy or after Divine Liturgy, if necessary.  Confessions will be held before the Pre-Sanctified Liturgy and by appointment.  Reminder, the Church decrees that you make at least one good confession a year before Easter.  Reminder this is no confessions after Holy Wednesday.

ANOINTING OF THE SICK ON HOLY WEDNESDAY:  The General Anointing of the Sick is done for all baptized Christians present at the Liturgy of Presanctified Gifts on Holy Wednesday.  If there are two blessings, the first blessings is done at the end of The Litany of Peace and the second is after the Litany of Supplication.  If more than one priest is present the people should be anointed by each of the priests present, up to seven priests in total.  The Prayer of Anointing is said first for all present, then each is anointed on the forehead, cheeks and palm of the hands with the formula, “The servant of God is anointed for the healing of soul and body, for the forgiveness of sins and life everlasting.” This is the one time each year that this Mystery (Sacrament) is provided to all the faithful in attendance and forgives all sins so that even one who has not “gone to confession” is now freed from sin and if the person remains free from sin, is free to receive of the Eucharist, the Holy Body and Blood of Christ.

WOMEN’S SOCIETY:  The Women’s Society will hold their monthly meeting on Tuesday, April 8th at 6PM in the church hall. New members are always welcomed.

ST. JOHN CLIMACUS-THE LADDER OF DIVINE ASCENT

March 29, 2025

Saturday, March 29 4^th SUNDAY OF LENT

             4:00 PM           Ann Beshada- Judy Lucchino

Sunday, March 30 4^th SUNDAY OF LENT

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

 Friday, March 28 LITURGY OF THE PRESANCTIFIED GIFTS

      5:00 PM

Saturday, April 5 5^th SUNDAY OF LENT

             4:00 PM           Paul Joseph Stonikinis- Rebecca Micca

Sunday, April 6 5^th SUNDAY OF LENT

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

✠☼✠☼✠☼✠☼✠☼✠☼✠

 Transfiguration of Our Lord:

Saturday Liturgy is 6:00 PM

Sunday Liturgy is 10:30 AM

LITURGY OF THE PRESANCTIFIED GIFTS Wednesday at 6:30PM

Sorokousty is 8:00AM, Saturday, June 7^th

Please come and pray for YOUR family.

 It’s this Sunday!!

MAKE PSANKY FOR FUN!

Sunday, March 30, 2025 

@ 1:00 PM

Transfiguration of Our Lord

Church Basement

 (Immediately following Coffee & Theology)

Everyone is welcome! 

Come & experience the art of creating Ukrainian Easter Eggs just for  FUN AND FELLOWSHIP!

Class is free.  Please allocate about 2 hours to create an egg.  Children are most welcome- but must be supervised by an adult as decorating requires you to use a candle. 

EVERYONE IS WELCOME- Young & Old!

Ask FATHER A QUESTION?  Father, tell me about the Proverbs…..  The Book of Proverbs contains the essence of the Wisdom of Israel – which ultimately comes from God.  In this Book we find a godly world view and offers insight to us on how to live in order that we inherit heaven.  Proverbs 1:7 tells us “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”  Fear of the Lord is to say to live in charity, worship and obedience to God.  The Psalms in contrast, are poetry of praises to God, whilst Proverbs focus on instruction and wisdom.  The Psalms are a song of life-their joys and difficulties-Crying out to God in times and sorrow and thanking God when times are good.

Prayer For Unity of the Church

Heavenly Father, Your Blessed Son asked that His Church be one as You and He are one, but Christians have not been united as He prayed.  We have isolated ourselves from each other and failed to listen to You.  We have misunderstood and ridiculed, and even gone so far as to attack each other.  In so doing we have offended You, against all our brothers in the Church, and against all who have not believed in you because of our scandalous disunity.  Forgive us, Father, and make us fully one.  Blot out our sins, renew our minds, enkindle out hearts, and guide us by Your Holy Spirit into that oneness which is Your will.  We ask in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.  Amen.

 SPRING YARD SALE & ETHNIC FOOD:  On Saturday, March 29 and April 5th from 9:00 to 2:00 pm we will have a Yard Sale and Ethnic Food at Transfiguration of Our Lord Hall.  We will be serving potato pancakes, pyrohy, and more.  Come out and invite your friends and neighbors!!

THE FIVE SATURDAYS OF THE DECEASED (SOROKUSTY):  The Church Typikon designates the five Sorokousty/ Saturdays of the Deceased for 2025.  It is a tradition of our Holy Church to commemorate the memories of our beloved deceased at Matins of the Deceased (Parastas) on these five Saturdays of the year.  The last Sorokousty is 8:00am on Saturday, June 7^th at Transfiguration of Our Lord Church.

Inspiring sayings by St. John Climacus that can inspire your own spiritual growth:

1. “Do not be surprised that you fall every day; do not give up, but stand your ground courageously. And assuredly, the angel who guards you will honor your patience.”

2. “Virtue is the fruit of labor, and no one becomes a saint in his sleep.”

3. “Humility and knowledge in a soul are like spices in food. Every dish, though cooked with exquisite skill, seems insipid and unappetizing without them.”

4. “Patience is a most necessary virtue for whoever desires to make progress in the spiritual life.”

5. “Freedom from anger is an insatiable appetite for dishonor and disgrace.”

6. “If you are not willing to endure all things, all things will be of no value to you.”

7. “Counsel can cool passions, guide ignorance, and lead the soul from the things of time to the things of eternity.”

8. “Do not be surprised if you fall every day and do not surrender. Stand your ground firmly. And you are certain to have this angel as your ally in courage.”

9. “Just as a deep-rooted tree is not agitated by the fury of the wind, so neither should we be affected by praise or blame.”

10. “Acquire the spirit of peace, and thousands around you will be saved.”

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.

The Altar Candles for March are requested by the by The Udiski Family IMO Michael Kane.

There was no request for the Sanctuary Light this week.

SANCTUARY LIGHT:   The sanctuary light sign-up sheets are located on the table in the vestibule. A $15 donation enables the light to burn for your intention throughout the week. Many weeks are still available.

CONFESSION:   Let us prepare our souls by making good Confession and receiving Communion.  Holy Confession will be held before Divine Liturgy or after Divine Liturgy, if necessary.  Confessions will be held before the Pre-Sanctified Liturgy and by appointment.  Reminder, the Church decrees that you make at least one good confession a year before Easter.

Reminder this is no confessions after Holy Wednesday.

COFFEE AND THEOLOGY:  This Sunday, March 30, immediately following Divine Liturgy (@Transfiguration of Our Lord Church following 10:30AM Liturgy) we will have an Adult Discussion.  The topic will be LENTEN THEOLOGY.  WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THE CROSS?  A 15 Minute Presentation & Questions.  EVERYONE IS WELCOME.

Veneration of the Holy Cross

March 22, 2025 A. D.

March 22, 2025 A. D.

Saturday, March 22 3^rd SUNDAY OF LENT

             4:00 PM           God’s Blessings for Lawrence & Janice Lee- Rita & Diane

Sunday, March 23 3^rd SUNDAY OF LENT

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

Tuesday, March 25 ANNUNCIATION OF THE THEOTOKOS(Obligation)

              8:30 AM Ann Beshada- Louise Hubiack (Myrovania)

 Friday, March 28 LITURGY OF THE PRESANCTIFIED GIFTS

      5:00 PM

Saturday, March 29 4^th SUNDAY OF LENT

             4:00 PM           Ann Beshada- Judy Lucchino

Sunday, March 30 4^th SUNDAY OF LENT

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

✠☼✠☼✠☼✠☼✠☼✠☼✠

 Transfiguration of Our Lord:

Saturday Liturgy is 6:00 PM

Sunday Liturgy is 10:30 AM

LITURGY OF THE PRESANCTIFIED GIFTS Wednesday at 6:30PM

Sorokousty is 8:00AM, Saturday, March 29

Please come and pray for YOUR family.

MAKE PSANKY FOR FUN!

Sunday, March 30, 2025 

@ 1:00 PM

Transfiguration of Our Lord

Church Basement

 (Immediately following Coffee & Theology)

Everyone is welcome! 

Come & experience the art of creating Ukrainian Easter Eggs just for  FUN AND FELLOWSHIP!

Class is free.  Please allocate about 2 hours to create an egg.  Children are most welcome- but must be supervised by an adult as decorating requires you to use a candle. 

EVERYONE IS WELCOME- Young & Old!

PSANKY SUPPLIES:  If anyone has supplies that they are not using please consider donating them to the egg decorating class, most specifically we could use additional stylus/kistkas.  Call Lisa at 570-574-1016.  (Non-Consumable supplies can be returned when we are done using them.)

Pysanky (or pysanka in the singular form) is rooted in the Ukrainian verb “to write.” Ukrainian Easter eggs often feature intricate designs and symbols, such as flowers, animals, and geometric shapes, each with its own significance.  

One of the most popular; and oldest, pysanky legends tells of a young woman who was on her way home from the market in town. She had with her a jug of fresh water for her journey and a basket of eggs. On her way she met a stranger sitting on a rock. Thinking he must be a tired traveler, she offered him a drink of her water. When he handed the water back to her, she was surprised to see that he had wounds on his hands. The stranger said nothing, but got up and went in the opposite direction of the young woman. When she arrived home, she uncovered her basket and discovered her eggs had been turned into beautiful pysanky  The stranger, of course, had been Jesus Christ, and that was the first Easter morning

COFFEE AND THEOLOGY:  On Sunday, March 30, immediately following Divine Liturgy (@Transfiguration of Our Lord Church following 10:30AM Liturgy) we will have an Adult Discussion.  The topic will be LENTEN THEOLOGY.  WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THE CROSS?  A 15 Minute Presentation & Questions.  EVERYONE IS WELCOME.

SPRING YARD SALE & ETHNIC FOOD:  On Saturday, March 29 and April 5th from 9:00 to 2:00 pm we will have a Yard Sale and Ethnic Food at Transfiguration of Our Lord Hall.  We will be serving potato pancakes, pyrohy, and more.  Come out and invite your friends and neighbors!!

THE FIVE SATURDAYS OF THE DECEASED (SOROKUSTY):  The Church Typikon designates the five Sorokousty/ Saturdays of the Deceased for 2025.  It is a tradition of our Holy Church to commemorate the memories of our beloved deceased at Matins of the Deceased (Parastas) on these five Saturdays of the year.  The next Sorokousty is 8:00am on Saturday, March 29 at Transfiguration of Our Lord Church.

If we wish to understand the power of Christ’s blood, we should go back to the ancient account of its prefiguration in Egypt. Sacrifice a lamb without blemish, commanded Moses, and sprinkle its blood on your doors. If we were to ask him what he meant, and how the blood of an irrational beast could possibly save men endowed with reason, his answer would be that the saving power lies not in the blood itself, but in the fact that it is a sign of the Lord’s blood. In those days, when the destroying angel saw the blood on the doors he did not dare to enter, so how much less will the devil approach now when he sees, not that figurative blood on the doors, but the true blood on the lips of believers, the doors of the temple of Christ.  If you desire further proof of the power of this blood, remember where it came from, how it ran down from the cross, flowing from the Master’s side. The gospel records that when Christ was dead, but still hung on the cross, a soldier came and pierced his side with a lance and immediately there poured out water and blood. Now the water was a symbol of baptism and the blood, of the holy eucharist. The soldier pierced the Lord’s side, he breached the wall of the sacred temple, and I have found the treasure and made it my own. So also with the lamb: the Jews sacrificed the victim and I have been saved by it.  There flowed from his side water and blood. Beloved, do not pass over this mystery without thought; it has yet another hidden meaning, which I will explain to you. I said that water and blood symbolized baptism and the holy eucharist. From these two sacraments the Church is born: from baptism, the cleansing water that gives rebirth and renewal through the Holy Spirit, and from the holy eucharist. Since the symbols of baptism and the eucharist flowed from his side, it was from his side that Christ fashioned the Church, as he had fashioned Eve from the side of Adam. Moses gives a hint of this when he tells the story of the first man and makes him exclaim: Bone from my bones and flesh from my flesh! As God then took a rib from Adam’s side to fashion a woman, so Christ has given us blood and water from his side to fashion the Church. God took the rib when Adam was in a deep sleep, and in the same way Christ gave us the blood and the water after his own death. – St. John Chrysostom

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.

The Altar Candles for March are requested by the by The Udiski Family IMO Michael Kane.

There was no request for the Sanctuary Light this week.

SANCTUARY LIGHT:   The sanctuary light sign-up sheets are located on the table in the vestibule. A $15 donation enables the light to burn for your intention throughout the week. Many weeks are still available.

 CONFESSION:   Let us prepare our souls by making good Confession and receiving Communion.  Holy Confession will be held before Divine Liturgy or after Divine Liturgy, if necessary.  Confessions will be held before the Pre-Sanctified Liturgy and by appointment.  Reminder, the Church decrees that you make at least one good confession a year before Easter.

WOMAN’S SOCIETY THANK YOU:  We would like to express our heartfelt thanks to all those who participated in the women’s society rummage sale, making it a huge success.

MENS WORK GROUP THANK YOU:  A heartfelt thank you to expressed to the Men’s Work Group  for their efforts in changing and replacing (to LED) the bulbs inside of the church.  It was a huge job that needed scaffolding & ladders!  Thank you!