SS Peter & Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church

Saturday, May 14
4:00 PM All Deceased Parishioners of our Parish
Anointing of Holy Oil – Myrovania
Petitions to Holy Mother of God

Sunday, May 15 Descent of the Holy Spirit – Pentecost Sunday
8:30 AM ✞Paul Kachinko by Rita Rentko
Anointing of Holy Oil – Myrovonia
Petitions to Holy Mother of God
Sunday, 1:00 PM Panakhyda at Parish Cemetery

Thursday, May 19
5:30 AM ✞Paul Kachinko – Mary Ann Kachinko & family.

Saturday, May 21
4:00 PM ✞MaryAnn Sawka – Thomas Sawka Sr.
Petitions to Holy Mother of God

Sunday, May 22 SUNDAY OF ALL SAINTS
God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners
8:30 AM Petitions to Holy Mother

Sanctuary Light: No request this week.
ALTAR CANDLES: The Altar Candles will burn for all services in the month of May In memory of Frank Phillips requested by his daughter Mary Phillips Gryzic.

SYMPATHY: We extend our sincere sympathy to the family of Julia Wido who was called to her eternal rest. May her memory be eternal. Vichnaya Paymat!

Panakhyda at Parish Cemetery – Father Popyk requests to please try to be present for the Panakhyda Service at our parish Cemetery. Remember your loved ones in prayer at this Sunday’s service beginning at 1:00 PM.

PRO LIFE: Our thanks to those who participated in the Carnation Sale on Mother’s Day for the Pro-Life Center. The amount contributed to the center from our parish is $77.

COUNCIL MEETING: The Parish Council will meet Thursday, May 19th in the Parish Hall at 6:30PM. All members please try to be present.

Saturday, May 7
4:00 PM All Living & Deceased Mothers of our Parish
Petitions to the Mother of God

Sunday, May 8 SUNDAY OF THE fathers of the
8:30 AM first ecumenical council
✞David Trimmell by wife Irene Quirion
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Thursday, May 12
8:30 AM ✞Paul Kachinko – Mr. & Mrs. Michael Petros

Saturday, May 14 All Deceased Parishioners of our Parish
4:00 PM Anointing of Holy Oil – Myrovania
Petitions to Holy Mother of God

Sunday, May 15 Descent of the Holy Spirit – Pentecost Sunday
8:30 AM ✞Paul Kachinko by Rita Rentko
Anointing of Holy Oil – Myrovonia
Sunday, 1:00 PM Panakhyda at Parish Cemetery

SANCTUARY LIGHT: The Sanctuary light is requested to burn this week May 7 – 14 by Michael & Dolores Sinko in memory of Parents, Michael & Mary Sinko.

GREEN SUNDAY: The Feast of the Pentecost is the day to pay our respects to our deceased. Father Popyk will celebrate the Panakhyda Services at the Cemetery on this day, May 15 at 1:00 PM. Try to be in attendance to pray for your family or friends who have fallen asleep to their eternal rest.

COUNCIL MEETING: The next Parish council meeting will be held Thursday, May 19th in the church hall at 6:30 PM.

SYMPATHY: We extend our sincere Sympathy to the family of Paul Kachinko who was called to his eternal rest. May his memory be eternal.

PRAYERS: Please remember in your prayers all the sick of the parish, those in Nursing Facilities and home bound.

Saturday, April 30
4:00 PM ✞Eliza Burke – Brother and Sisters
Sunday, May 1 SUNDAY OF THE BLIND MAN
8:30 AM God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners Petitions to the Mother of God

Thursday, May 5 ASCENSION OF OUR LORD – HOLY DAY
9:00 AM Divine Liturgy – Anointing of Holy Oil – Myrovania
God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners

Saturday, May 7
4:00 PM For all Living and Deceased Mothers of the Parish
Petitions to the Mother of God

Sunday, May 8 SUNDAY OF THE fathers of the
8:30 AM first ecumenical council
✞David Trimmell by wife Irene Quirion
Petitions to the Mother of God

MAY IS THE MONTH OF
MARY THE MOTHER OF GOD
\PRAY THE ROSARY

THE ASCENSION
OF OUR LORD
THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2016

The feast of the Lord’s Ascension always falls on a Thursday, on the fortieth day after Christ’s Resurrection. This is one of the principal feast days of our Lord and therefore, has a post-feast of nine days. It celebrates the memory of Christ’s Ascension into heaven underscores its significance for Christ and for us.
St. John Chrysostom, in his homily on the Ascension says: “Today the human race is completely reconciled with God. The ancient battle and enmity have disappeared. We, who were unworthy to live even on earth – are now lifted up to heaven. Today we become heirs to the kingdom of heaven, we, who do not even deserve earth; we ascend to heaven and inherit the throne of the King and Lord. Human nature, against which the cherubim guarded paradise, is now raised up above all the cherubim.”
The spirit of the services of this feast, as a whole, is uplifting and joyful. The Church rejoices at the glory of Christ (God and Man), who is now seated at the right hand of the Father. He ascended into heaven, in order to send us the Comforter – the Holy Spirit – and to “prepare a place for us,” (John 14, 2) as he promised.

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O Lord, the Seraphim themselves were astonished when they saw Thee,
their God, ascending over the clouds as if sitting upon a throne.
Wherefore we praise Thee for Thy gracious mercy

SANCTUARY LIGHT: The Sanctuary light is requested to burn this week April 30 – May 7 by Ann Beshada in memory of Husband Andrew Beshada.

ASCENSION OF OUR LORD: Thursday, May 5th is Ascension Thursday. This is a holy day of obligation. Divine Liturgy will be celebrated at 9:00 AM followed by the anointing of Holy Oil – Myrovania. This feast commemorates the departure of Christ in His glorified body from this world to the right hand of God the Father in Heaven.

SVACHENE: Many thanks to all who attended the After Easter Dinner last Sunday. Everyone seemed to be pleased and enjoyed the afternoon. A special thanks to all the great help in preparing and serving the meal. Also thanks to those who made the delicious desserts, donated monetary gifts and prizes for the Auction. A list of winners is on the back cover.

PETITIONS TO THE MOTHER OF GOD: Petitions to the Mother of God will be recited after the Divine Liturgies during the month of May to Honor the Blessed Mother.

MAY LOTTERY: The May Lottery begins this Sunday, May 1st. We thank all who purchased lottery tickets for the month of May. Good luck.

Saturday, April 23 St. George – Great Martyr
4:00 PM ✞John & Anna Rudeski – Jack, Annetta & Jaclyn

Sunday, April 24 SUNDAY OF THE SAMARITAN WOMAN
8:30 AM God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners
Thursday, April 28
5.30 PM ✞David Trimmell by wife Irene Quirion
6:30 PM Parish Council Meeting

Saturday, April 30
4:00 PM ✞Eliza Burke – Brother and Sisters

Sunday, May 1 SUNDAY OF THE BLIND MAN
8:30 AM ✞David Trimmell by wife Irene Quirion

MOTHER’S DAY REMEMBERANCE: Saturday, May 7th a Divine Liturgy will be celebrated for all living and deceased Mother’s of the parish. Please remember your Mother with the spiritual bouquet envelope. Place in the collection basket as soon as possible.

PENTECOST SUNDAY: May 15th is Pentecost Sunday and the Blessings at the Cemetery. Please use your intention envelopes for this day to remember your loved ones.

SANCTUARY LIGHT: The Sanctuary light has no request for this week and next.

DINNER: Our After Easter Dinner is this Sunday, April 24th at 2:00 PM. Our thanks to those who purchased tickets and supplied the gifts for the Chinese Auction and of course our great bakers and dessert makers. See you there.

CATHOLIC HOME MISSIONS: The collection for Catholic Home Missions will be taken THIS weekend April 23 and 24, 2016. Envelopes for this collection is in your bulletin. The Catholic Home Mission collection is extremely important.  We benefit from the collection directly.  We receive a grant from Catholic Home Missions on a yearly basis.  Grant amounts vary and are affected directly by the amount Home Missions collects during their campaign. In 2016 we will receive $130,000 from Catholic Home Missions.  The following departments will receive:
$  36,800  Seminary
$  10,000  Vocations
$  26,000  Communications (The Way, Museum, Website, Clergy Connector)  
$  20,800  Mission Parishes
$  20,800  Human Life Ministries
$    5,200  Religious Education
$    5,200  Evangelization
$    5,200  Youth Ministries
$130,000  Total 2016 Catholic Home Missions Grant
Please show your support for this collection. Thank you. Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia

Saturday, April 16
4:00 PM ✞ Frances Bencho – Becky Molacavage

Sunday, April 17 SUNDAY OF THE MYRRH-BEARING WOMEN
8:30 AM ✞Anna Bodnar by Rev.Popyk Family(40th day)
1:00 PM Baptism for Julia Rosemary Evans

Thursday, April 21
9:00 AM ✞David Trimmel – wife Irene Qurion

Saturday, April 23 St. George – Great Martyr
4:00 PM ✞John & Anna Rudeski – Jack, Annetta & Jaclyn Rudeski

Sunday, April 24 SUNDAY OF THE SAMARITAN WOMAN
8:30 AM God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners

Mother’s Day – Please remember your mother on Saturday, May 8th, envelopes are in your collection box for requests to be remembered in the Divine Liturgy.
Pentecost Sunday – blessings at the cemetery Sunday, May 15th. Request envelopes are also in your collection package to have your loved ones remembered.

THE PARALYTIC MAN

The Church shows us that just as the poor paralyzed man was healed after thirty-eight years of sickness, so every sinner can be spiritually cured from his sins and infirmities, if he turns with faith to the risen Christ. The Holy Fathers of the Church affirm that the bathing-pool, which was named Bethesda in Hebrew, represents the Sacrament of penance.
Penance is a sacrament in which the priest, in the name of God, forgives sins committed after baptism when the sinner is heartily sorry for them, sincerely confesses them and is resolved to amend his life and to perform the penance imposed upon him by the confessor.

The Mid Pentecost
On Wednesday after the Sunday of the Paralytic, which falls exactly in the middle of the Pentecost season, that period between Easter (the Resurrection) and the feast of the Pentecost or Descent of the Holy Spirit, The Eastern Church celebrates the feast of Mid-Pentecost which may mean “Half Way” because it is the half-way mark between the feast of Easter and the feast of the Pentecost, or “Middle Wednesday” since it falls on the Wednesday in the middle of the Pentecostal season. The Synaxary of that day explains the reason for the institution of this feast: “On the Wednesday of the Paralytic we celebrate the feast of Mid-Pentecost for the sake of honoring the two great feast days – Easter and the Pentecost. The feast of Mid-Pentecost has an eight day post-feast which lasts to the Wednesday after the Sunday of the Samaritan Woman.
The feast of the Mid-Pentecost aims to strengthen our faith in the risen Christ, to inspire us to observe the commandments of God and to predispose us for the feast of the Ascension of our Lord and the Descent of the Holy Spirit.
The feast of the Lord’s Ascension always falls on a Thursday, on the fortieth day after Christ’s resurrection. This is one of the principal feast days of our Lord and therefore, has a post-feast of nine days. It celebrates the memory of Christ’s Ascension into heaven and underscores its significance for Christ and for us.

SANCTUARY LIGHT: The Sanctuary Light is requested to burn the week of
April 16 – 23 by Dave & Mary Youells in memory of vtheir daughter Christine Youells.
MANY OPENINGS FOR THE SANCTUARY LIGHT ARE AVAILABLE FOR YOUR REQUESTS.
PARISH COUNCIL: The Parish Council will meet Thursday, April 28th at 6:30PM in the church hall.
SVIACHENE: Sunday, April 24th at 2:00 PM is our After Easter dinner. This Sunday April 17th is the deadline for tickets. The tickets are $15 for adults and $8 for children under 12. The dinner will consist of a Roast Beef platter: home style of ham, kielbasa, mushrooms, red beets, bread & butter, dessert and beverage. Tickets will not be sold at the door. Gifts are still needed for the Chinese Auction. Your donation in any way to help with this affair will be greatly appreciated. Baked goods and dessert are needed and I am sure our faithful will provide.

EASTER DINNER: Father Paul Wolensky and the Parish Families of Saint Vladimir Church of Edwardsville and Saints Peter & Paul Church of Wilkes-Barre, cordially invite you to their annual joint traditional Easter Dinner “Sviachene” Celebration of Our Lord’s Resurrection, taking place on Sunday, May 1st, 2016, beginning at 3:00 p.m. in the lower dining hall of Ss. Peter & Paul School Building, corner of West Chestnut and North River Streets in Wilkes-Barre. Our delicious traditional Ukrainian Easter foods will be served, along with a hot dinner buffet, including Baked Chicken and Chicken Tenders.
There is no charge to come to the Easter Dinner – instead, a free-will offering will be graciously accepted. Advance reservations must be made by April 24th, by calling: St. Vladimir’s Kitchen 570-287-9718, or Ss. Peter & Paul Kitchen. Christ is Risen! Christos Voskres!


Saturday, April 9
4:00 PM ✞ Stephen Kowalick – Michael & Helen Kowalick

Sunday, April 10 SUNDAY OF THE MYRRH-BEARING WOMEN
8:30 AM ✞Anna Bodnar by Rev.Popyk Family(40th day).

Saturday, April 16
4:00 PM ✞Frances Bencho by Becky Molacavage

Sunday, April 17 SUNDAY OF THE PARALYTIC MAN
8:30 AM ✞David Trimmell by wife Irine Quirion
1.00PM Baptism for Julia Rosemary Evans

PARISH COUNCIL: The Parish Council will meet Thursday, April 28th at 6:30 PM in the church hall.

SVIACHENE: April 24th at 2:00 PM is our After Easter dinner. If you are planning to attend PLEASE purchase your tickets, the tickets are $15 for adults and $8 for children under 12. The dinner will consist of a Roast Beef platter: home style of ham, kielbasa, mushrooms, red beets, bread & butter, desserts and beverage. The deadline for tickets is Sunday, April 17th; tickets will not be sold at the door. Gifts are still in need for the Chinese Auction. Your donation in any way to help with this affair will be greatly appreciated. Baked goods and desserts are needed and I am sure our faithful will provide.

WOMEN’S SOCIETY: The regular monthly meeting of the Parish Women’s Society will be held on Tuesday, April 12th, 6:30 PM in the church hall. Final preparation will be made for the Dinner on April 24th. Please members be present.

LOTTERY TICKETS: Only a few weeks before the Lottery for May begins. If you did not purchase your chance to win, now is the time.

Saturday, April 2 Distribution of Artos – Anointing of Holy Oil – Myrovania 4:00 PM ✞Andrew Patrylak – Wife Clara Patrylak

Sunday, April 3 SUNDAY OF ST. THOMAS
8:30 AM Distribution of Artos – Anointing of Holy Oil – Myrovania
God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners

Saturday, April 9
4:00 PM ✞Stephen Kowalick – Michael & Helen Kowalick

Sunday, April 10 Sunday of the Myrr Bearing Women
8:30 AM God’s Blessings on all Parishioners

When I am lonely and perhaps I feel despair,
Let not my ailing heart forget that YOU hear every prayer…
Remind me that no matter what I do or fail to do,
There still is hope for as long as I have FAITH in YOU…
Let not my eyes be blinded by some folly I commit,
But help me to regret my wrong and make amends for it.
Inspire me to put my fears upon a hidden shelf,
And in the future try not to feel sorry for myself.
Give me the restful sleep I need before another dawn,
And bless me in the morning with THE COURAGE TO GO ON.

SANCTURY LIGHT: The sanctuary Light is requested to burn this week April 2 -9 by The Halloways for God’s blessings for good health of Carole Kane.

ALTAR CANDLES: The Altar candles will burn in the month of April for Francis Bencho requested by her daughter Becky Molecavage.

SVIACHENE: April 24 will be the date of our After Easter dinner. Please if you are planning to attend, purchase you tickets, the tickets are $15 for adults and $;8 for children under 12. The deadline for tickets is Sunday, April 17th; tickets will not be sold at the door. Gifts are still in need for the Chinese Auction. Your donation in any way to help with this affair will be greatly appreciated. Baked goods and dessert is needed and I am sure our faithful will provide.

THANKS: Our sincere thanks to all who participated in the beautiful services celebrated for the Holy Week and Easter. We also thank Mike Kane and the choir for helping in the singing of the Resurrection Divine Liturgy and to all who participated in the procession and helping in any way to make the services go so well. Thanks to Father Popyk for conducting our many services.

Speak to God openly and honestly from your heart
and then do not allow yourself to worry.
Lord, You are my protection and my provider
when I put forever and ever. Amen
my trust in Yo
Why do we stand, and not kneel, from Easter to Pentecost
In the tradition of the Ukrainian Catholic Church, it is wrong to kneel at anytime from Easter to Pentecost. Despite the fact that other churches do it or “visitors…are surprised” does not change the fact that kneeling is not proper during this time.
In the Ukrainian Catholic Tradition, the action of kneeling and prostrating is a penitential posture. It is the position of a sinner seeking forgiveness. It is NOT a position of adoration (as it is in the West). This is why it is practiced so often in the Lenten season.
Standing (the proper position of adoration in the East) on the other hand, in the Ukrainian Catholic Tradition, is the position of giving praise and thanks to God in the spirit of joy and happiness. During the Paschal Season (Easter to Pentecost), the time for repentance, and fasting, is over. It is the time of our salvation for “Christ is Risen!” We express our joy, thanksgiving and adoration for this fact and the fact that we who have “…been baptized into Christ and put on Christ” have also risen with Him. It is for this reason that kneeling is improper during this holy season. To kneel during this season is to imply that you do not accept the resurrection of Christ. By standing for all prayer, (even private before and after services) you are demonstrating, in a bodily way, that you believe that “Christ is risen from the dead, and by death He has trampled death and to those in the graves He has granted life.” You are not being irreverent by standing. Remember that kneeling is not a sign of adoration in the eastern Tradition.

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ST. THOMAS APOSTLE

This Sunday is called “Tomyna Nedilia” or Sunday if St. Thomas. It commemorates the conversion of St. Thomas the Apostle. Thomas had almost completely lost faith in Jesus, when the Jews crucified the Lord. After Christ’s resurrection Thomas refused to believe it unless he himself saw and touched Jesus. Christ condescended to his wish, appeared and convinced him of His glorious resurrection.
By this feast the Church wishes to show us the reality of Christ’s resurrection which Thomas’ unbelief established beyond any doubt.

Saturday, March 26 EASTER
6:00 PM Resurrection Matins / Procession / Easter Divine Liturgy ~ Blessing of Artos – Myrovania ~Anointing of Holy Oil

Sunday, March 27 No Services

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Monday, March 28 BRIGHT MONDAY
4:00 PM God’s Blessing for all Parishioners

Saturday, April 2 BRIGHT SATURDAY Distribution of Artos –
4:00 PM Anointing of Holy Oil – Myrovania
✞Andrew Patrylak – Wife Clara Patrylak

Sunday, April 3 SUNDAY OF ST. THOMAS
8:30 AM Distribution of Artos – Anointing of Holy Oil – Myrovania
✞David Trimmel – wife Irene Qurion.

ANYONE WHO CANNOT WALK THE PROCESSION – PLEASE,
YOU MUST LEAVE THE CHURCH AND STAY OUTSIDE BY THE DOOR.
THE EMPTY CHURCH REPRESENTS THE EMPTY TOMB OF OUR LORD. THANK YOU.

A Tale of Two Easters
Why one faith and two celebrations?
Easter is not only a movable holiday but a multiple one: in most years Western Christian churches and Eastern Orthodox churches celebrate Easter on different dates. In 2016, for example, Easter will be celebrated on March 27 by Western churches and May 2 by Orthodox churches. But in 2014, the two celebrations occurred on the same date, April 20.
The theological inconsistency of two Easters has remained a thorny problem for the Christian Church. “It has long been recognized that to celebrate this fundamental aspect of the Christian faith on different dates,” states the World Council of Churches, “gives a divided witness and compromises the churches’ credibility and effectiveness in bringing the Gospel to the world.”
The formula for Easter—”The first Sunday after the first full moon on or after the vernal equinox”—is identical for both Western and Orthodox Easters, but the churches base the dates on different calendars: Western churches use the Gregorian calendar, the standard calendar for much of the world, and Orthodox churches use the older, Julian calendar.
The Western church does not use the actual, or astronomically correct date for the vernal equinox, but a fixed date (March 21). And by full moon it does not mean the astronomical full moon but the “ecclesiastical moon,” which is based on tables created by the church. These constructs allow the date of Easter to be calculated in advance rather than determined by actual astronomical observances, which are naturally less predictable.
This division between the Eastern and Western Churches has no strong theological basis, but neither is it simply a technical skirmish. As the World Council of Churches has noted, much of Orthodox Christianity is located in the Middle East, where it has frequently been the minority religion, and in Eastern Europe, where until recently it faced hostility from communist governments.
The emphasis on honoring tradition and maintaining an intact religious identity was therefore crucial. Seen in this context, changing the rules governing its most important religious holiday chisels away at the foundations of an already beleaguered religious heritage.
Legend of the Dogwood 

An old and beautiful legend says that, at the time of the crucifixion,
the dogwood was comparable in size to the oak tree and other monarchs
of the forest. Because of its firmness and strength it was selected
as the timber for the cross, but to be put to such a cruel use
greatly distressed the tree. Sensing this, the crucified Jesus
in his gentle pity for the sorrow and suffering of all said to it:
”Because of your sorrow and pity for My sufferings, never again
will the dogwood tree grow large enough to be used as a cross.
Henceforth it will be slender, bent and twisted and its blossoms
will be in the form of a cross ~ two long and two short petals.
In the center of the outer edge of each petal there will be
nail prints ~ brown with rust and stained with red ~ and in
the center of the flower will be a crown of thorns,
and all who see this will remember.”

Easter Is The Gift…

Easter is the gift of HOPE
Easter is the gift of PEACE
Easter is the gift of LOVE
Let us rejoice in Him,
Who gives them all.

May God bless you at Easter,
And keep you all year through.
May God give you all the faith it takes,
To make your dreams come true.
May His love and wisdom always help,
To guide you on your way.
May His light shine down upon you now,
To bless your Easter Day.
SANCTUARY LIGHT: NO Request…..

FLOWERS: A Large Bouquet of flowers is donated this week by James Bruce Fromel in memory of his mother Mrs. Julia Fromel.

THANKS: Our thanks to all who were so kind to donate their time for the preparation of our church services and helping in any way to make this Holy Season joyous for all to give praise to our Risen Christ.

SVIACHENE: Our Sviachene (Easter Dinner) is being held on Sunday, April 24, 2016 in our Church Hall at 2:00 PM. Tickets are available the cost is $15 for adults
and $8 for children under 12. Bring your family and friends for this dinner to celebrate the Easter Season. Deadline for tickets is April 16th. Chairman of the Chinese Auction is Mary Ann Kachinko. Your donations will be appreciated.

MAY LOTTERY: The May Lottery Tickets are available. If each parishioner would be so kind to purchase at least 5 tickets it would be a big help in reducing the amount that has to be sold. Mike Sinko does a great job of going to the neighborhood businesses to sell what he can. For $5 you have a chance every day in May to win with the evening number.

Saturday, March 19 Blessing of Palms & Willow Branches
Myrovania – Anointing of Holy Oil
4:00 PM ✞David Trimmell – Wife Irene Quirion

Sunday, March 20 PALM SUNDAY- Entrance of Our Lord into Jerusalem
8:30 AM Blessing of Willow branches and Palm
Myrovania – Anointing of Holy Oil
God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners
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Wednesday, March 23
9:30 AM Presanctified Divine Liturgy. Confessions

Thursday, March 24 HOLY THURSDAY
4:00 PM Matins of the Passion of Our Lord

Friday, March 25 Good Friday
ANNUNCIATION OF THE mOTHER OF gOD
1:00 PM Divine Liturgy with Vespers and
Procession with Shroud. Confessions

Saturday, March 26 HOLY SATURDAY
1:00 PM Blessing of Easter Food Baskets
6:00 PM Service at the Grave, RECURRECTION MATINS, Easter Divine Liturgy, Blessing of Artos – Myrovania – Anointing of Holy Oil

Sunday, March 27 No Services
Bright Monday – March 28 – 4:30 PM – Divine Liturgy – Myrovania
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SATURDAY OF LAZARUS
Saturday before Palm Sunday
Jesus Christ wrought many miracles during His lifetime abut none was so rich in its effects as the resurrection of Lazarus.
This miracle marks the apex of Christ’s self-revelation. The magnitude of this miracle and the publicity attending it were the immediate causes of Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday.
May this great and wonderful miracle of the resurrection of Lazarus strengthen also our faith in the divinity of Christ and in our own personal resurrection. That same Christ, who raised the four-day Lazarus from the dead, in His own time, will raise us also to a life of eternal happiness. He Himself assured us of this when He said: “I am the Resurrection and Life. Whoever believes in me, even though he die, shall live!”

PALM SUNDAY
The festival of the triumphal entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem is one of the oldest feast days in the Eastern Church.
In our liturgical books this day is called, “Sunday of the Palms”, “Flower or Blossom Sunday”, “Flower or Blossom-bearing Sunday”. Our people call this Sunday the “Sunday of Pussy-Willows or Willow Sunday. All these names are associated with the custom of blessing and distributing palm on that day in church. Because no palm or olive trees grow in our country, we have a venerable custom of using willow branches, a tree that is the first to blossom in the spring.
The spiritual meaning of Palm Sunday
The Jews wanted to see their messiah in power and glory. According, Jesus Christ, by raising Lazarus from the dead and by His triumphal entry into Jerusalem, gave them clear proof of His power and glory. When He entered Jerusalem, all the city was thrown into commotion saying: “Who is this?” But the crowds kept on saying: “This is Jesus the prophet from Nazareth of Galilee.’”
The honor given to Christ lasted for only a brief moment, for His betrayal by Judas, His rejection by the people, His condemnation by the Jewish leaders, His passion, the way of the cross and crucifixion followed in quick succession. These very same people who, on Sunday cried out, “Hosanna”, within a few days would be crying out: “Crucify Him.”
Palm Sunday teaches us the instability of worldly glory and the vanity of earthly happiness. Joy and sadness here on earth are two inseparable sisters. Therefore, if we wish one day to have a share in the triumph of Christ in heaven, we must first undergo a Passion Week and a Golgotha with Him here on earth. Only then, will we be able, like Him, to enter into everlasting triumph, joy and resurrection
Finally, my brothers, your thoughts should be wholly directed to all that is true, all that deserves respect, all that is honest, pure, admirable, decent, virtuous, or worthy of praise. Live according to what you have learned and accepted what you have heard me say and seen me do. Then will the God of peace be with you.

SANCTUARY LIGHT: The Sanctuary Light is requested to burn this week March 19-26 by Albert Ferkel in memory of his parents Albert and Catherine Ferkel.

HOLY WEEK – Please remember that help is needed to participate in the Holy Week services. Holy Thursday, 4:00 PM, Good Friday, 1:00 PM and Resurrection Services Holy Saturday, 6:00 PM. Help will be needed to set up the grave after the Holy Thursday services. Try to lend a helping hand. Sign up sheet is in the vestibule for Adoration. Time to spent with God. Give an hour of your time for HIM.

SVIACHENE: Our Sviachene (Easter Dinner) will be held in our Church Hall 2:00 PM on Sunday, April 24th, 2016. Tickets are available, $15 for Adults and $8 Children (8-12). This is a very nice way to have our Parish Family come together in fellowship. The menu will be a little different this year – a Roast Beef Platter w/mashed potatoes and a vegetable will be served individually with a family style of Ham, Kilbosi, red beets, mushrooms, relish tray, paska and butter, eggs and dessert and beverage. Please do your best to make this date available to come and celebrate. Bring your family and friends. Donations of gift item will be greatly appreciated for a Chinese Auction and we ask our great dessert makers to make any dessert you wish to donate. We are always noted for the good food and desserts here in our parish.

THANKS: Our thanks to those who brought the Willow branches and all who helped tie the Palm & Branches. Your help is always appreciated. Also to the men & women who came to clean the church this week. God’s blessing to all.

Please sign up for the Adoration of the Grave. The schedule is in the vestibule; try to spend at least one hour with Our Lord. Your cooperation is needed and will be greatly appreciated

Saturday, March 12
4:00 PM ✞ Anna Dempsey by Dempsey family and children

Sunday, March 13 FIFTH SUNDAY OF THE GREAT FAST
8:30 AM God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners
4:00 PM DEANERY STATION OF THE CROSS
St. Vladimir’s – Edwardsville, PA
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Saturday, March 19 ✞david Trimmel – Wife Irene Quirion
4:00 PM Blessing of Willow branches and Palm
Myrovania – Anointing of Holy Oil

Sunday, March 20 PALM SUNDAY- Entrance of Our Lord into Jerusalem
8:30 AM Blessing of Willow branches and Palm
Myrovania – Anointing of Holy Oil
God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners

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St. Mary of Egypt
The Fifth Sunday of Lent recalls the memory of St. Mary of Egypt, the repentant harlot. Mary tells us, first of all, that no amount of sin can keep a person from God if the sinner truly repents. In addition, St. Mary tells us that it is never too late, either in life or in lent, to repent. Christ will gladly receive all who come to Him, even at the last minute of their lives. However, their coming must be in serious and sincere repentance
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PRAYER
Lord Jesus, For the sake of Your Sorrowful Passion,
help me to lead a holy life and have mercy on all the
souls who are separated from You. Pardon me from
all my sins by Your sacred wounds and fill me with
the mercy of Your Heart that bled for me on the Cross.
With faith, with hope and with courage, let me be an
everlasting witness to Your covenant. Cover me with
the purity of the Holy Spirit so that I may dwell in the
light of God’s grace until I take my final breath.
Amen.

HOLY WEEK AND EASTER SCHEDULE
Holy Wednesday – March 23 – 9:30 AM Presanctified Divine Liturgy. Confessions

Holy Thursday – March 24 – 4:00 PM Matins of the Passion of Our Lord

Good Friday, March 25 –  ANNUNCIATION of BLESSED MOTHER
1:00 PM Divine Liturgy with Vespers and Procession with Shroud.

HOLY SATURDAY – March 26 – 1:00 PM Blessing of Easter Food Baskets 6:00 PM – Service at the Grave, RECURRECTION MATINS, Easter Divine Liturgy, Blessing of Artos – Myrovania – Anointing of Holy Oil


Bright Monday – March 28 – 4:30 PM – Divine Liturgy – Myrovania

Easter, which celebrates Jesus Christ’s resurrection from the dead, is Christianity’s most important holiday. It has been called a moveable feast because it doesn’t fall on a set date every year, as most holidays do. Instead, Christian churches in the West celebrate Easter on the first Sunday following the full moon after the vernal equinox on March 21. Therefore, Easter is observed anywhere between March 22 and April 25 every year
The exact origins of this religious feast day’s name are unknown. Some sources claim the word Easter is derived from Eostre, a Teutonic goddess of spring and fertility. Other accounts trace Easter to the Latin term hebdomada alba, or white week, an ancient reference to Easter week and the white clothing donned by people who were baptized during that time. Through a translation error, the term later appeared as esostarum in Old High German, which eventually became Easter in English. In Spanish, Easter is known as Pascua; in French, Paques. These words are derived from the Greek and Latin Pascha or Pasch, for Passover. Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection occurred after he went to Jerusalem to celebrate Passover (or Pesach in Hebrew), the Jewish festival commemorating the ancient Israelites’ exodus from slavery in Egypt. Pascha eventually came to mean Easter.
Easter is really an entire season of the Christian church year, as opposed to a single-day observance. Lent, the 40-day period leading up to Easter Sunday, is a time of reflection and penance and represents the 40 days that Jesus spent alone in the wilderness before starting his ministry, a time in which Christians believe he survived various temptations by the devil.. The week preceding Easter is called Holy Week and includes Maundy Thursday, which commemorates Jesus’ last supper with his disciples; Good Friday, which honors the day of his crucifixion; and Holy Saturday, which focuses on the transition between the crucifixion and resurrection. The 50-day period following Easter Sunday is called Eastertide and includes a celebration of Jesus’ ascension into heaven.

This Life on Earth
Easter means that this life on earth is not all there is.
Jesus went “to prepare a place for us”
in His Father’s heavenly mansions for all eternity.
Jesus died for our sins, paying our penalty,
so that we could be forgiven.
He was resurrected, to prove that death has no hold
on those who repent and accept Him as Savior.
This life on earth is a prelude
to eternal joy with our Lord.
Easter is a celebration
of our eternal destiny.

SANCTUARY LIGHT: The Sanctuary Light is requested to burn this week, March 21-28 by Michael Kane in memory of James & Carrie Kane.

SYMPATHY: We extend our sincere sympathy to the Dempsey Family for the loss of a sister Eliza Burke who was called to her eternal rest. May she rest in peace.

LUC MEETING: North Anthracite Council – League of Ukrainian Catholics will meet on Tuesday, March 15, 2016 at 6:30pm in the private dining room of Grotto Pizza, 36 Gateway Shopping Center, Route 11, Edwardsville, PA. The Main agenda items include the upcoming May 21st bus trip to New York City to attend the annual St. George Ukrainian Street Festival in Manhattan’s Lower East Side with an extended side trip to Brooklyn’s “Little Odessa” at Brighton Beach; the April 24th Women’s Day of Prayer at Scranton’s St. Vladimir Church; and, dates of future meetings including the annual August picnic. Members are reminded that membership renewals for the year 2016 can be completed at the meeting or by contacting Janina Everett at 570 759-2824 For additional information about the organization, please contact Dorothy Jamula, President at 570 822-5354 or any LUC member of your parish.

SVIACHENE: Our Sviachene (Easter Dinner) will be held on Sunday, April 24, 2016 in our Church Hall at 2:00 PM.Tickets are available. Get your tickets early so plans can be made for the affair. The cost is $15 for adults and $8 for children 8-12. This is a very nice affair to have our Parishioners and friends spend some time together.

PALM SUNDAY: Palm Sunday is next week and we are in need of Willow Branches. We are asking for help to tie the branches and palm for distribution. Please, if can lend a hand, this will be after the Stations of the Cross on Friday, March 18th. If you bring any branches at this time, please put them at the Hall entrance. Thank you.

Please sign up for the Adoration of the Grave. The schedule is in the vestibule; try to spend at least one hour with Our Lord. Your cooperation is needed and will be greatly appreciated

CONFESSION: Father Popyk is available to hear confessions before the Divine Liturgy on Sat. and Sun. until Holy Week.