SS Peter & Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church

Saturday, Oct. 10
4:00 PM God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners
Sunday, October 11 SUNDAY OF THE FATHERS OF THE 7TH ECUMENICAL COUNCIL
8:30AM God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners
Thursday, Oct. 15
9:00 AM General Intention – Father Popyk Family
Saturday, Oct. 17
4:00 PM Deceased Sisters of Ann Beshada

Sunday, Oct. 18 TWENTY THIRD SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
8:30 AM God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners

CLERGY CONFERENCE: Father Popyk will be attending the Fall Clergy Conference in Chicago from Tuesday October 20th to 23rd. No Liturgy during this week. Regular schedule for Saturday October 24th.

About the Ukrainian Catholic Church
It is in full communion with the Holy See, the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church in Vatican City. It is the largest Eastern Catholic church in communion with the Roman Catholic Church, with more than 5 million members worldwide.
It has its own hierarchy (bishops, cardinal) that are subject to the leadership of the pope of the Roman Catholic Church.
During the Great Schism of 1054, Pope Leo XI of Rome and Patriarch Michael of Constantinople excommunicated each other. The Ukrainian Church became separated from the Holy See. However, the Union of Brest in 1596 brought Ukrainian Catholics back in full union with Roman Catholics. The Ukrainian Church was allowed to keep its customs and was given full autonomy within the Eastern rite.

This article was in the Citizen’s Voice this past week: If you did not see the article – this is for you to read. It is very interesting how our Churches are all in the same situation.
At 8 a.m. every Sunday, Mickey Kmietowicz of Glen Lyon unlocks the doors to St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church, nestled at the base of a mountain at the entrance of the Glen Lyon section of Newport Township.
Parishioners begin to trickle in and soon the pastor, the Rev. John Seniw, arrives following a drive from Berwick where he also serves as pastor of SS. Cyril and Methodius Ukrainian Catholic Church.
By 8:30, Kmietowicz has lighted the candles and some 45 parishioners celebrate the Divine Liturgy. A choir of four people sings a cappella. As per Ukrainian tradition, there is no organ.
Within minutes of the service ending, the collection is tallied in the church hall. The pastor meets briefly with a few parishioners. By 10, the church is closed and it will remain closed until the following Sunday, barring a church event or a funeral.
This is life in a small Eastern rite parish. These churches remain viable and even vibrant with diminished numbers because the faithful refuse to quit.
“The church has been our whole life. As we grew up, it was all based on that,” Kmietowicz said.
The Rev. Seniw lauded the deep devotion of his parishioners in Glen Lyon and Berwick. He said the depth of the faith exists despite the aging population.
There is another pivotal reason that the Ukrainian parishes survive: They have pastors and a plentiful supply of replacements ready to come to the United States from Ukraine as necessary.
“There are many vocations in Ukraine,” the priest said, despite the turmoil there as Russia seeks to take control of more of the country. “The archbishop (of the Ukrainian Metropolitan Archdiocese of Philadelphia) brings priests here from Ukraine. He actually has to turn guys down.”
The priest is a native of Erie. After attending two seminaries, he was ordained in 1982 in Philadelphia by then Metropolitan Stephen Sulyk. The Rev. Seniw served in parishes in Ohio and New Jersey and became pastor of the two local churches 11 years ago. He maintains his residence in Berwick.
The Rev. Seniw is dean of the North Anthracite Deanery of the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia. Ukrainian churches in Nanticoke, Plymouth, Edwardsville, Wilkes-Barre and other regional communities belong to the deanery and they too share pastors. The Rev. Volodomyr Popyk is pastor of the Ukrainian churches in Nanticoke and Plymouth and is a native of the Ukraine.Continued: Ironically, St. Nicholas in Glen Lyon shared pastors for much of its early history. The parish was founded in 1894 and shared pastors with other parishes until 1948 when the Rev. Bohdan Olesh was named first resident pastor. He was at St. Nicholas when he died in December 1998.
When the parish celebrated its 60th anniversary in 1954, there were “276 souls” in the parish, a commemorative booklet notes. Today, there are 63 families registered, but a widow or widower living alone counts as a family, the Rev. Seniw said, so the actual number of parishioners is small. He did not have the figure.
Some things are downsized, such as the Liturgy schedule. A monthly bulletin replaces the usual weekly bulletin, but events are vigorously pursued to help maintain the parish.
A hoagie sale was held early in September and more than 500 hoagies were sold at $5 each. Soup and halushki sales are held each Lent and Advent season.
“The heating bill is our largest expense,” Kmietowicz said. The food sales also pay other utility bills.
Palmira Miller, a parishioner and one of four sisters who attend St. Nicholas, said parishioners do the cleaning. “We all chip in,” she said. Men also work around the church and grounds.
Holidays mean sharing the pastor also, so Easter morning service is at 6:30 in Glen Lyon. The priest then heads to Berwick for a 9 a.m. Liturgy.
Karen Phair of Nanticoke, choir director, recalled the days when 30-plus voices sang in the Glen Lyon church. The four current members learned the chants as youngsters, she said, as did their predecessors.
The original church burned down in 1936 and the existing church was built on the same site. The parish also has a cemetery in Newport Township and parishioners handle the caretaking there also.
There were a few young families present for a recent 8:30 service. Asked how long the church could remain open, the Rev. Seniw said no one can predict, but when viability ends consolidations will occur as necessary.
For now, St. Nicholas and its sister churches meet the challenges day by day, their members praying to maintain traditions and their parishes.

SANCTUARY LIGHT: The Sanctuary Light is requested to burn this week Oct. 10 – 17 by the Dempsey Children in memory of their mother Anna Dempsey.

ALTAR CANDLES: The Altar Candles will burn during the month of October for Good Health for sister-in-law Virginia requested by Arlene Jones.

THE EKUMEN CHORALE: Experience the magnificent a cappella musical works performed by the Ekumen Chorale directed by Patrick Marcinko II on Sunday, November 1, 2015 at 3:00 PM at SS Peter and Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church of Plymouth, PA. We hope to see you.

RUMMAGE SALE: You can still shop the Rummage sale, this Sunday from 1:00 to 3:00 PM. Come see and maybe you will find your treasure. Good bargains.

DIVINE LITURGIES: Your requests for Divine Liturgies are important. If you have a loved one who needs prayers or a deceased member of your family or friends, a Divine Liturgy is one of the best sources of prayer for them. In sickness, health or death we all need prayers. If you have a request; envelopes are available in the vestibule or call Father Popyk at 570-735-2262.

LOTTERY TICKETS: The November Lottery tickets are available for your chance to win. If at all possible you could take a few tickets to sell to your family and friends it will be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your support in the past. Good luck in the future.

Thursday, October 8 – 9:00 AM
✞All deceased member of SS Peter & Paul Parish – Father Popyk Family

Saturday, October 10 – 4:00 PM
Petitions to the Mother of God
God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners

Sunday, October 11– 8:30AM
TWENTIETH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners
Petitions to the Mother of God

St. Thomas the Apostle
October 6th
Thomas the Apostle (called Didymus which means “the twin”) was one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus Christ, according to the New Testament. He is informally called doubting Thomas because he doubted Jesus’ resurrection when first told, (in the Gospel of John), followed later by his confession of faith, “My Lord and my God”, on seeing Jesus’ wounded body.
Traditionally, he is said to have travelled outside the Roman Empire to preach the Gospel, travelling as far as India. According to tradition, the Apostle reached Muziris, India in AD 52 and baptized several people, founding what today are known as Saint Thomas Christians or Nasranis. After his death, the reputed relics of Saint Thomas the Apostle were enshrined as far as Mesopotamia in the 3rd century, and later moved to various places. In 1258, some of the relics were brought to Abruzzo in Ortona, Italy, where they have been held in the Church of Saint Thomas the Apostle. He is often regarded as the Patron Saint of India, and the name Thoma remains quite popular among Saint Thomas Christians of India.

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SANCTUARY LIGHT: The Sanctuary light is requested to burn this week October 3- 10 by Albert Piston in memory of Margaret Dombrowski.

THANKS: Our thanks to the few women who helped clean the church last week. If any of our parishioners would like to help with this project, please contact the office. The more help we have the easier it is for the few that contribute their time.

PRAY THE ROSARY: Before the weekend Divine Liturgy for the month of October the Rosary to the Blessed Mother will be recited. All Parishioners should please join in with the responses.

BELATED BIRTHDAY GREETINGS: Happy Belated 90th Birthday wishes are extended to Clara Patrylak. God’s blessing for many more happy, healthy years. Clara’s address is 5155 Hanover Drive, Wescosville, PA 18106-9450

WOMEM’S SOCIETY: The regular monthly meeting of the Parish Women’s Society will be held this coming Tuesday, October 6th instead of October 13th because of the Rummage Sale. Please members attend this meeting.

THE CHORALE: The Ekumen Chorale founded thirty years ago will perform sacred musical works in the authentic style of the composer, Verbytsky at SS Peter and Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church, Plymouth, PA on Sunday, November 1, 2015 at 3:00PM. Everyone welcome.

RUMMAGE SALE: The Rummage sale of the Women’s Society will be held this coming week – Friday, October 9 – 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Saturday, October 10 – 9:00AM to 1:00 PM and Sunday, October 12 – 1:00 to 3:00 PM. Come and visit the sale and enjoy a little shopping and good food. A bake sale will also be available and any parishioner who would like to donate a baked item, it will surely be appreciated.

Saturday, Sept. 26
4:00 PM ✞ All deceased members of the Woman’s Society

Sunday, Sept. 27 EIGHTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
8:30 AM God’s Blessings and Good Health on all parishioners

Thursday, Oct. 1 PROTECTION OF THE MOTHER OF GOD
9:00 AM Anointing of Holy Oil – Myrovania
Petitions to the Mother of God
God’s Blessings and Good Health on all parishioners.

Saturday, Oct. 3
4:00 PM ✞Mary Ann Sawka – Thomas Sawka, Sr.
PETITIONS TO THE MOTHER OF GOD

Sunday, Oct.. 4 NINETEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
8:30 AM God’s Blessing and Good Health on all parishioners.
PETITIONS TO THE MOTHER OF GOD
PRAYERS: Please remember in your prayers all the sick of the parish, their families and friends. Those in nursing homes, hospitals and at home.

The Bible: More up-to-date than tomorrow’s newspaper!
The Bible is the best of all books, for it is the word of God and 
teaches us the way to be happy in this world and in the next. Continue 
therefore to read it and to regulate your life by its precepts. I believe the Bible is the best gift God has ever given to man. All the good from the Savior of the world is communicated to us through this book.
–President Abraham Lincoln

SANCTUARY LIGHT: The Sanctuary Light is requested to burn for this week Sept. 26 – Oct. 3 b y The Halloway Family in memory of Josie Halloway.

RUMMAGE SALE: Now is the time to get things together that you don’t want or need and contribute them to the Rummage Sale to be held in October 9, 10, 11, 2015 in the Church Hall. The Women’s Society is asking all our good bakers and dessert makers to contribute to the Bake Sale if at all possible. Your help will be greatly appreciated.

ALTAR WINE: We wish to thank an anonymous donor for the purchase of a case of Altar Wine (used for the Holy Communion) at the cost of $60. May God bless you with good health.

MUSIC, MUSIC, MUSIC: On Sunday, November 1, 2015 at 3:00 PM in our parish SS Peter and Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church, the Ekumen Chorale, well-known for eastern European music sung without accompaniment, will perform. All are welcome.

PRO-LIFE BANQUET: Father Frank Pavone, National Director for Priests for Life, will be the Keynote Speaker for this year’s Pro-Life Banquet, Monday, 6 PM, October 19, 2015, at Genetti’s Convention Center, E. Market Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA. There will be reserved seating, tables of 10.Tickets are $35.00 and will not be sold at the door. Reservations must be confirmed by October 7th by contacting the Pro-Life Center, 31 Hanover St., Wilkes-Barre, Pa 18702 (570-326-1819).

PASTIE SALE:  Saints Peter & Paul, Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, North Wilkes-Barre is taking orders for Pasties for pick-up on Saturday, October 3, 2015.  Our Pasties are made with seasoned ground beef and potatoes wrapped in a pie crust pastry and are available with or without onions.  Pasties are $5.00 each and Gravy is available for $1.00 for an 8 oz. cup.  Call (570)829-3051 to place your order.  (Please specify with or without onions.)  Pick-up from 1:30 to 3:30pm in our School Hall, corner of North River and West Chestnut Streets, Wilkes-Barre.  Remember, when Baba cooks… everybody’s happy!

Saturday, Sept. 19 – 4:00 PM
Peace in Ukraine – Father Popyk intention

Sunday, Sept. 20 – 8:30AM
SEVENTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
God’s Blessing and Good Health for all parishioners.

Thursday, Sept. 24 – 9:00 AM
For all the souls in Purgatory
Saturday, Sept 26 – 4:00 PM
All deceased members of the Woman’s Society

Sunday, Sept. 27- 8:30AM
EIGHTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
God’s Blessing and Good Health for all parishioners.

Divine Liturgies are available for your intentions. Please use the envelopes in the vestibule or call Father for your request.

SHOP FOR THE HOLIDAY’S CRAFT SALE Saturday, November 7th, 2015   9:00 AM -3:00 PM at SS Cyril & Methodius Ukrainian Catholic Church 706 Warren St, Berwick PA  18603. Variety of craft items, ethnic food, bake sale. Contact number:  570 759 2824 after 5:00PM

SAVE THE DATE: Oct.3rd The Eastern PA Chapter of the Carpatho-Rusyn Society will present a discussion on Carpatho-Rusyn history, traditions and life in the northern coalfields of PA at St. Michael’s BB Church, Pittston, Pa. from 9am to 3pm. This is a free event but registration is requested. Please call 570-654-4564 or  stmichaelsbcc@outlook.com. Featured speakers Dr. Michele Parvensky (9am – 10:30am); Richard Custer (10:45 – 12:15pm) and Dr. Peter Yasenchak (1:30pm – 2:45pm). Light refreshments and light lunch will be available.

A PRAYER

Dear Lord, we pray for our families, friends and our enemies
We ask for your guidance for all of our men and women who
serve to keep countries free

Not only America, but many other countries seek peace as well
We pray Lord to remove the hatred from our world, 
it serves no purpose

In your teachings Lord, 
you said to turn the other cheek.
That is hard when people are dying for peace,
dying to keep their Countries free

We humbly ask your guidance for our President,
and all government officials serving

We pray for the sick and feeble,
they truly need our prayers
Please keep our children safe for future generations
We pray for all peoples of our planet,
for all are worthy of Christ’s love

We also pray for knowledge, as many missionaries have,
and do Carry your message of love
Please Bless All who read this prayer dear Father

SANCTUARY LIGHT: The Sanctuary Light is requested to burn this week Sept. 19– 26 by Michael & Dolores Sinko in memory of mother Helen Kurkowki.

TRANSFIGURATION OF OUR LORD: The Holy Year Choir of Transfiguration of Our Lord UCC will celebrate their 40th Anniversary this Sunday, September 20th at 10:30 AM. All the Faithful are invited to join in this celebration.

RUMMAGE SALE: If you have any items to contribute to the Rummage sale, please bring them to the church or call any member of the Women’s Society. Any household items in good condition are accepted for the sale. Clothing will be accepted if they are in wearable condition and clean but not too old. Now is the time to get things together that you don’t want or need and contribute them to the sale to be held in October 9, 10, 11, 2015 in the Church Hall. The Women’s Society is asking all our good bakers and dessert makers to contribute to the Bake Sale if at all possible. Your help will be greatly appreciated.

TREE REMOVAL: Our thanks to Charles & Catherine Halloway for their donation of $100 to fray the cost of the maintenance job of tree removal from the back of the church and hall.. The cost was reasonable at $100 and was maintained by Bruce Drozda – Tree Topper. If you have trees to be removed etc. contact Bruce for the job at 570-288-1565. .
EKUMEN CHORALE: Our church will host the Ekumen Chorale performing sacred musical works of Hyklailo Verbytsky on Sunday, November 1, 2015 at 3:00 PM. Free will offering. The Chorale concerts are offered with no charge.

Saturday, Sept. 12 – 4:00 PM
Service for the Exaltation of the Holy Cross
✞William Kloap – Wife Florence Kloap & Family

Sunday, Sept. 13 – 8:30AM
SIXTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
God’s Blessing and Good Health for all parishioners.

Saturday, Sept 19 – 4:00 PM
PEACE IN UKRAINE – FATHER POPYK INTENTION

Sunday, Sept. 20- 8:30AM
SEVENTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
God’s Blessing and Good Health for all parishioners.
Divine Liturgies are available for your intentions. Please use the envelopes in the vestibule or call Father for your request.
OUR LITURGICAL YEAR
PART 11
The Liturgical Year is so arranged that its central place is occupied by our Divine Savior; around him are gathered all the angels and saints. In the decree of the Second Vatican Council on the “Constitution of the Liturgy” we read: “Holy Mother Church is conscious that she must celebrate the saving work of her divine Spouse by devoutly recalling it on certain days throughout the year. Every week, on the day which she has called the Lord’s Day, she keeps the memory of the Lord’s resurrection, which she also celebrates once a year, together with His blessed passion, in the most solemn festival of Easter. Within a cycle of a year, moreover, she unfolds the whole mystery of Christ, from the incarnation and birth until the ascension, the day of Pentecost, and the expectation of blessed hope and the coming of the Lord.”
The Most Pure Virgin Mary, who has been accorded the most prominent place after Christ in the work of redemption, also stands nearest to Christ in the Liturgical Year. This is evident in the various feasts in honor of the Mother of God. The decree on the “Constitution on the Liturgy” declares that: “In celebrating this annual cycle of Christ’s mysteries, holy Church honors with special love the Blessed Mary, Mother of God, who jointed by an inseparable bond to the saving work of her Son. In her, the Church holds up and admires the most excellent fruit of the redemption, and joyfully contemplates, as in a faultless image that which she herself desires and hopes wholly to be.”
Around the persons of our Lord Jesus Christ and His most holy Mother we see the grand choir of the Church Triumphant in heaven that is, all the saints of the Old and New Testaments: “The Church,” says the same Council “has also included in the annual cycle days devoted to the memory of the martyrs and the other saints. Raised up to perfection by the manifold graces of God and already in possession of eternal salvation, they sing God’s perfect praise in heaven and offer prayers for us.”
Holy Church, like a good Mother, also commemorates during the Liturgical Year her children who have departed into eternity, and who are in purgatory. For this reason, she has designated certain special days, called “Souls Days”, on which she offers prayers and special memorial services for the faithful departed. “Finally in the various seasons of the year and according to her traditional discipline, the Church completes the formation of the faithful by means of pious practices for soul and body, by instruction, prayer, and works of penance and of mercy.”
In summary, our Liturgical Year is a mighty hymn of honor and glory to God, in which the threefold Church takes part – the Church Triumphant in heaven, the Church Suffering in purgatory, and the Church Militant on earth. Like a colorful rainbow our Liturgical Year joins earth to heaven, and enlightens, purifies, sanctifies and lifts us up to God.

SANCTUARY LIGHT: The Sanctuary Light is requested to burn this week Sept. 12– 19 by the Halloway Family in memory of Nicholas Halloway.

FLOWERS: Our thanks for the donation of flowers this week: 1 Bouquet requested by James Bruce Fromel in memory of his father James Bruce and 1 Bouquet requested by Mrs. Florence Kloap & Family in memory of her husband William Kloap.

RUMMAGE SALE: If you have any items to contribute to the Rummage sale, please bring them to the church or call any member of the Women’s Society. Any household items in good condition are accepted for the sale. Clothing will be accepted if they are in wearable condition and clean but not too old. Now is the time to get things together that you don’t want or need and contribute them to the sale to be held in October 9, 10, 11, 2015 in the Church Hall. The Women’s Society is asking all our good bakers and dessert makers to contribute to the Bake Sale if at all possible. Your help will be greatly appreciate.

TREE REMOVAL: A maintenance job of tree removal was accomplished from the back of the church, where the furnace and air condition is located and the back of the hall where the location of the furnace and air condition. These areas where over grown with trees and weeds. The cost was reasonable at $100 and was maintained by Bruce Drozda – Tree Topper. If you have trees to be removed etc. contact Bruce for the job at 570-288-1565. Any donations toward this cost will be appreciated.

ST. NICHOLAS BYZANTINE CATHOLIC CHURCH, 320 Vine Street, Old Forge, Pa. is having a gigantic FLEA MARKET on Saturday Sept. 19th from 8am to 4pm and Sunday, Sept. 20th  from 10am to 4pm. They will also have a BAKE SALE and various foods and refreshments. Come rain or shine, we are indoors!!!

CLERGY RETREAT: Father Popyk will be attending the Clergy Retreat this week from September 14 to the 17.

SHOP FOR THE HOLIDAY’S CRAFT SALE Saturday, November 7th, 2015   9:00 AM -3:00 PM at SS Cyril & Methodius Ukrainian Catholic Church 706 Warren St,

Saturday, Sept. 5 – 4:00 PM
God’s Blessing for Good Health for Mary – Family

Sunday, Sept. 6 – 8:30 AM
FIFTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners

Tuesday, Sept. 8 – 9:00 AM
BIRTH OF THE MOTHR OF GOD
Anointing of Holy Oil – Myrovania
God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners

Thursday, Sept. 10 – 9:00 AM
Michael & Anna Kachinko, Sr. – Kachinko Family

Saturday, Sept. 12 – 4:00 PM
Service for the Exaltation of the Holy Cross
✞William Kloap – Wife Florence Kloap & Family

Sunday, Sept. 13 – 8:30AM
SIXTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
God’s Blessing and Good Health for all parishioners.

OUR LITURGICAL YEAR
PART 1

Our Eastern Rite is a priceless heritage and treasure of the Eastern Church and our Ukrainian people. It is noted for the venerable antiquity, its profound content, its mysticism, symbolism, and magnificent liturgical ceremonies. Developed by the greatest and most gifted of the faithful of the Eastern Church of different ages, countries and peoples, it has been sanctified by the prayers, tears, and sacrifices of the saints, as well as by the blood of martyrs. Our Rite, a faithful reflection of our holy faith, beautifully harmonizes with the soul, mentality and character of our people.
An integral part of our Rite and its most beautiful expression is the Liturgical Year. It resembles a grand panorama in which we find painted in radiant and vivid colors the whole history of man’s redemption. During the Liturgical Year we have the opportunity to meditate upon and relive the glorious mysteries and events in the life of Jesus Christ and his most Holy Mother. It places before us, for our admiration and imitation, the heroic deeds and virtues of an immense throng of saints, martyrs and holy people. The Liturgical Year calls us to experience days of spiritual joy, jubilation and triumph as well as days of fasting, penance and holy sorrow for our sins.
What is the Liturgical Year
We call the Liturgical Year the ecclesiastical or Church Year, because it contains the Church Calendar, which in some respects is similar to and in others differs from the civil calendar. In the Eastern Church the Church Year differs from the civil calendar in that it does not begin the New Year with the first of January as does the civil year, but begins it with the first day of September, which is called the Beginning of the Indiction. This means that the whole cycle of our Church Year begins with the first of September and ends with the thirty first of the following August.
The beginning of the Indiction – A Church Feast
The first day of September was designated as the beginning of the Church Year, or as it was called in the Church Calendar, the beginning of the “New Year”, it assumed a religious character and became a feast of the Church, i. e., a day which had its own special liturgical service. On this day our Church commemorates the day on which Christ entered the synagogue in Nazareth and read from the scrolls the words of the prophet Isaiah: “The Spirit of the Lord has been given me, for He anointed me…to proclaim the Lord’s year of favor.” (Luke 2, 18-19) No reliable evidence exists to indicate when the beginning of the Indiction became a feast of the Church; we do know, however, that it already existed in the eighth century.
Part 11 next week

Life is not the way it’s supposed to be, it’s the way it is.
The way you cope with it is what makes the difference.
And when you cope with it by choosing to see everything as a blessing,
every single thing,
then life comes very close to being the way it’s supposed to be.
May you always recognize the blessing.
Monday Wash Day   
Lord, help me wash away all my selfishness and vanity, so I may serve you with perfect humility through the week ahead. 
Tuesday  Ironing Day   
Dear Lord, help me iron out all the wrinkles of prejudice I have collected through the years so that I may see the beauty in others. 
Wednesday Mending Day   
O God, help me mend my ways so I will not set a bad example for others.
Thursday Cleaning Day  
Lord Jesus, help me to dust out all the many faults I have been hiding in the secret corners of my heart. 
Friday Shopping Day  
O God, give me the grace to shop wisely so I may purchase eternal happiness for myself and all others in need of love. 
Saturday Cooking Day  
Help me, my Savior, to brew a big kettle of brotherly love and serve it with clean, sweet bread of human kindness. 
Sunday The Lord’s Day     
O God, I have prepared my house for you. Please come into my heart so I may spend the day and the rest of my life in your presence.
****************************************************
‘Be kinder than necessary,
for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.’

SANCTUARY LIGHT: The Sanctuary Light is requested to burn this week Sept. 5 – 13 by Anonymous for God’s blessings all the Ukrainian People.

ALTAR CANDLES: The Altar Candles are requested to burn for all service in the month of September by Geri Kolotelo in memory of her parents Louis & Anna Kolotelo.

WOMEN’S SOCIETY: The Parish Women’s Society will meet Tuesday, September 8th in the Church Hall at 6:30 PM. This is the fisrst meeting after a summer break. All members please attende as the Rummage sale is to be finalized.

RUMMAGE SALE: If you have any items to contribute to the Rummage sale, please bring them to the church or call any member of the Women’s Society. Any household items in good condition are accepted for the sale. Clothing will be accepted if they are in wearable condition and clean but no too old. Now is the time to get things together that you don’t want or need and contribute them to the sale to be held in October 2015.

CLERY RETREAT: Father Popyk will be attending the Clergy Retreat next week from September 14 to the 17.

SHOP FOR THE HOLIDAY’S CRAFT SALE Saturday, November 7th, 2015   9:00 AM -3:00 PM at SS Cyril & Methodius Ukrainian Catholic Church 706 Warren St, Berwick PA  18603. Variety of craft items, ethnic food, bake sale.

Saturday, August 29 -4:00 PM
Beheading of John the Baptist Anointing of Holy Oil – Myrovania
God’s Blessings for good health for
Father Popyk’s Parents Nicolas & Paraska Popyk

Sunday, August 30 – 8:30 AM
FOURTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners
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Thursday, September 3 – 5:00 PM
✞Emily Kachkinko Helinski – Ron & Rosemarie Kachinko

Saturday, September 5 – 4:00 PM
God’s Blessing for Good Health for Mary – Family

Sunday, September 6 – 8:30AM
FIFTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
God’s Blessing and Good Health for all parishioners.
Divine Liturgies are available for your intentions. Please use the envelopes in the vestibule or call Father for your request.
Why God Allows Pain 
This is one of the best explanations of why God allows pain and suffering that I have seen. It’s an explanation other people will understand. 
A man went to a barbershop to have his hair cut and his beard trimmed. 
As the barber began to work, they began to have a good conversation. 
They talked about so many things and various subjects. 
When they eventually touched on the subject of God, the barber said: 
”I don’t believe that God exists.” 
”Why do you say that?” asked the customer. 
”Well, you just have to go out in the street to realize that God 
doesn’t exist. Tell me, if God exists, would there be so many sick 
people? Would there be abandoned children? If God existed, there would 
be neither suffering nor pain. I can’t imagine a loving a God who would 
allow all of these things.” 
The customer thought for a moment, but didn’t respond because he 
didn’t want to start an argument. The barber finished his job and the 
customer left the shop. Just after he left the barbershop, he saw a man 
in the street with long, stringy, dirty hair and an untrimmed beard. He 
looked dirty and unkempt. 
The customer turned back and entered the barber shop again and he said 
to the barber: “You know what? Barbers do not exist.” 
”How can you say that?” asked the surprised barber. “I am here, and I 
am a barber. And I just worked on you” 
”No” the customer exclaimed. “Barbers don’t exist because if they did, 
there would be no people with dirty long hair and untrimmed beards, 
like that man outside.” 
”Ah, but barbers DO exist! What happens is that people do not come to 
me.” 

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

BE BLESSED & BE A BLESSING

THE BLACK DOT
One day a professor entered the classroom and asked his students to prepare for a surprise test. They all waited anxiously at their desks for the exam to begin. The professor handed out the exam with the text facing down, as usual. Once he handed them all out, he asked the students to turn over the paper. To everyone’s surprise, there were no questions – just a black dot in the center of the sheet of paper. The professor, seeing the expression on everyone’s face, told them the following:
“I want you to write about what you see there.” The students confused, got started on the inexplicable task. At the end of the class, the professor took all the exams, and started reading each one of them out loud, in front of all the students. All of them with no exception defined the black dot, trying to explain its position in the center of the sheet.
After all the papers had been read, the classroom silent, the professor started to explain.
“I’m not going to grade you on this; I just wanted to give you something to think about. No one wrote about the white part of the paper. Everyone focused on the black dot – and the same happens in our lives. We have a white piece of paper to observe and enjoy, but we always focus on the dark spots. Our life is a gift given to us by God, with love and care, and we always have reasons to celebrate nature renewing itself every day, our friends around us, the job that provides our livelihood, the miracles we see every day…However, we insist on focusing only on the dark spot – the health issues that bother us, the lack of money, the complicated relationship with a family member, the disappointment with a friend.
The dark spots are very small when compared to everything we have in our lives, but they’re the ones that pollute our mind. Take your eyes away from the black dot in your life. Enjoy each one of your blessings, each moment that life gives you. Be happy and live a life filled with love.
SANCTUARY LIGHT: The Sanctuary Light is requested to burn this week August 29 – September 5 by Arlene Jones for God’s blessings for good health for her sister-in-law Virginia.

RUMMAGE SALE: The annual Rummage Sale Sponsored by Women’s Society will be held sometime in October. Bring your items to the church on Sat. or Sun. or at the hall on Monday’s. Any items you may have to donate to the sale will be greatly appreciated as long as they are in good condition and the clothing only 3 years old will be accepted.

CHURCH COUNCIL MEETING: The monthly meeting of the Church Council will be held on Thursday, Sept. 3rd in the Church Hall at 6:30 PM. All members are urged to attend this meeting.

SHOP FOR THE HOLIDAY’S CRAFT SALE Saturday, November 7th, 2015   9:00 AM -3:00 PM at SS Cyril & Methodius Ukrainian Catholic Church 706 Warren St, Berwick PA  18603. Variety of craft items, ethnic food, bake sale.

Saturday, Aug. 22 – 4:00 PM ✞Elizabeth Ruddy – LUC North Anthracite Council

Sunday, August 23 – 8:30 AM THIRTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
God’s Blessing and Good Health on all parishioners

Thursday, August 27 – 9:00 AM ✞David Trimmel – wife Irene Qurion

Saturday, August 29– 4:00 PM BEHEADING OF ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST
Anointing of Holy Oil – Myrovania
God’s Blessings for good health for
Father Popyk’s Parents Nicolas & Paraska Popyk

Sunday, August 30– 8:30AM FOURTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
God’s Blessing and Good Health on all parishioners
Observance of Sunday in Apostolic
Sunday should not be considered as merely a substitute for the Old Testament Sabbath. As a creation of Christianity it is filled with a profoundly Christian meaning. This is evident in the great variety of names given to it. What was the meaning of Sunday to the Apostles and the first Christians?
Sunday – The First Day – The last day of the week, Saturday, was sacred to the Jews. It was the symbol of God’s rest after creating the world. Whereas the first day of the week was sacred to the Christians, for it was the symbol of the new creation begun in the Resurrection of Christ. As Eusebius of Alexandria says: “It was on this day that the Lord began the first-fruits of the creation of the world, and on the same day He gave to the world the first-fruit of the Resurrection.”
Sunday – Sun Day or Day of the Sun – The Ancient Romans, following the Egyptians, called Sunday the “Day of the Sun”, from which comes the English name, “Sunday”. To the early Fathers of the Church this name had a profound meaning, for they considered the sun as the symbol of Jesus Christ: St. Justin the Martyr says: “We come together on the day of the sun on which God, changing darkness and matter created the world, and on which Jesus Christ our Savior arose from the dead.” Eusebius of Caesarea similarly remarks: “It was on this day that at the time of creation when God said, “Let there be light’, there was light; and on this day also arose the Sun of Justice on our souls.”
Sunday – The Day of the Lord or The Lord’s Day – This name which appears for the first time in the Book of Revelation of St. John (1,10), and was quickly taken up by Christians, and in time replaced the name “day of the sun”. The “Day of the Lord” refers to Christ, who through His Resurrection on Sunday became the Lord.
The Observance of Sunday – The observance or celebration of Sunday from the very beginning was one of joy and festivity, for every Sunday reminded the first Christians of the joyous event of Christ’s Resurrection. For this reason all signs of penance and sorrow such as kneeling and fasting were set aside. Two things characterize the Christian’ observance of Sunday, namely, assistance at the Divine Liturgy and abstinence or rest from strenuous physical work
SANCTUARY LIGHT: The Sanctuary Light is requested to burn this week Aug. 22 – 29 for God’s blessings for good heath for Mary Pinaha requested by Ann Beshada.

FLOWERS: A new chart for the intention of bouquets of flowers is available. A bouquet in memory of a loved one, in honor of family or friends or special intentions is always such a beautiful gesture to remember them by. The bouquets start a $30 and may be any amount after that.

PRAYERS: Please remember in your prayers all the sick of the parish, their families and friends, those in nursing homes, hospitals and at home.

LUC MEETING: The vibrant North Anthracite Council of the League of Ukrainian Catholics met on Sunday, August 16, 2015 at SS. Cyril and Methodius Church of Berwick PA. Following Moleben to Our Blessed Mother, the group met at the nearby residence of Tim and Janina Everett for its general meeting and annual picnic. We were honored to have as our guests Ms. Marion Hrubec, LUC National President and Ms. Helen Fedoriw, National Vice President. Both reported on the upcoming Convention and the formation of new chapters as well as the growth in memberships.
To quote Ms. Hrubec: “If you want some Vibrancy, join the LUC!”
HOAGIE SALE: St. Nicholas UCC, 153 E. Main St., Glen Lyon, PA is sponsoring a Turkey and Italian Hoagie Sale and a bake sale on Thursday, September 10, 2015 from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM in the church hall. Orders can be placed by calling Debbie by September 6th.

Web-Site http://www.sspeterandpaulucc.org
Rev. Roman Petryshak, Administrator
DIVINE LITURGY SCHEDULE: Saturdays 4:00 PM; Sundays 8:30 AMSaturday, Aug. 15- 4:00 PM
DORMITION OF THE
MOTHER OF GOD
✞Dorothy Wujcik – sister-in-law
Helen Pstrak
BLESSING OF FLOWERS
Anointing of Holy Oil – Myrovania

Sunday, August 16 – 8:30 AM
BLESSING OF FLOWERS
Anointing of Holy Oil – Myrovania
God’s Blessing and Good Health on all parishioners

CHURCH COUNCIL MEETING: The monthly meeting of the Church Council will be held on Thursday, Sept. 3rd in the Church Hall at 6:30 PM. All members are urged to attend this meeting.
TWELFTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
AUGUST 16, 2015

Thursday, August 20– 9:00 AM
✞David Trimmel – wife Irene Qurion

Saturday, August 22 – 4:00PM
✞Elizabeth Ruddy – LUC North
Anthracite Council

Sunday, August 23– 8:30AM THIRTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
God’s Blessing and Good Health on all parishioners

DORMITION OF THE MOST HOLY
MOTHER OF GOD

This feast commemorates the happy death of the Blessed Virgin May. Her death was so calm and free from pains and remorse that it seemed to be a “sleep.”
It is an article of faith that the Blessed Mother of our Savior was taken body and soul into heaven upon her death. Although the Blessed Virgin really died and her soul was separated from her body, the latte, however, was preserved from corruption and shortly afterwards was re united to her soul. Thus the Blessed Virgin entered heaven with a glorified body and soul.
We do not know how many years after Christ’s death the Blessed Virgin remained on earth. Some writers affirm that she died at the age of seventy two, that is, twenty two years after our Lord’s death.
The feast itself was introduced in the second or third century, for Pope Gelasius I (492-496) calls it very old in one of his letters. In the fifth century it spread to the whole Church.
We thank Michael Kane for his donation of flowers this week in honor of the Blessed Mothers Dormition.

SANCTUARY LIGHT: The Sanctuary Light is requested to burn this week Aug. 15 – 22 by an anonymous friend in memory of Elizabeth Ruddy.
A few weeks are available on the Sanctuary Light chart. If you wish to request one please sign up. Donation is $15 – burns for one week.

BIRTHDAY GREETINGS: We would like to wish Mary Oshirak a very happy, healthy Birthday; Mary will celebrate her day today, August 15th. MNOHYA LITA!

LUC MEETING: The North Anthracite LUC will meet this Sunday, Aug. 16th. Moleben at SS Cyril & Methodius, Berwick, PA at 3:00 PM. The meeting and social picnic will follow.

SYMPATHY: We extend our sympathy to the family of Janice Fera
who was called to her eternal rest. May her memory be eternal.
RUMMAGE SALE: SS Cyril & Methodius, UCC, Olyphant, PA will sponsor a Rummage Sale in the school gym located at 133 River St. Olyphant, PA = Fri. & Sat. Sept. 16 & 19th – 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM and Sunday, Aug. 20th – 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM

CEMETERY BOOKS: The Parish Cemetery Book is still available. If you are interested in one of the books please inform the office. The books are $30. Thanks to all who purchased one and we had several out of town requests for the book.

PRAYERS: Please remember in your prayers all the sick of the parish, their families and friends, those in nursing homes, hospitals and at home. A special prayer for Rita Rentko, she is in the hospital.

Saturday, Aug. 8- 4:00 PM ✞Elizabeth Ruddy – Lisa Plasik
Sunday, August 9 – 8:30 AM ELEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
God’s Blessing and Good Health on all parishioners

Saturday, August 15– 4:00 PM DORMITION OF THE THEOTOKAS
BLESSING OF FLOWERS
Anointing of Holy Oil – Myrovania
✞Dorothy Wujcik – sister-in-law Helen Pstrak

Sunday, August 16– 8:30AM TWELFTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
BLESSING OF FLOWERS
Anointing of Holy Oil – Myrovania
God’s Blessing and Good Health on all parishioners

COUNCIL MEETING:: The Parish Council will meet Thursday, September 3rd at 6:30 PM at the Church Hall. This is the first meeting since May. All members please try to attend this meeting.

BLESSING OF FLOWERS: Next Saturday and Sunday, the Dormition of the Mother of God, will be the blessing of flowers after the Divine Liturgies. This is a wonderful tradition in the Eastern Churches. Bring your flowers to be blessed to have them placed in your home

SANCTUARY LIGHT: The Sanctuary Light is requested to burn this week Aug. 8 – 15 by Michael Kane In memory of Margaret Kulyn.

FLOWERS: A new chart for the intention of bouquets of flowers is available. A bouquet in memory of a loved one, in honor of family or friends or special intentions is always such a beautiful gesture to remember them by. The bouquets start a $30 and may be any amount after that.

PRAYERS: Please remember in your prayers all the sick of the parish, their families and friends, those in nursing homes, hospitals and at home.

LUC MEETING: North Anthracite Council – League of Ukrainian Catholics will conduct a general meeting and its annual picnic on Sunday, August 16, 2015 in Berwick.  Moleben Prayer Service will begin at 3:00pm at SS. Cyril and Methodius Church, 706 North Warren Street followed by a business session. Agenda will focus on commemorating the 150th Anniversary of Venerable Metropolitan Andrey Sheptytsky’s birth and the upcoming October 16 to 18 National Convention in Lansdale, PA.
A bountiful fun-filled annual picnic will follow at the nearby residence of Tim and Janina Everett. Newcomers and former members are welcome to attend. For additional information contact President Dorothy Jamula at or any LUC member of the parish.