SS Peter & Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church

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.

Saturday, March 5
4:00 PM God’s Blessing for Jean Pedley and Family

Sunday, March 6 FOURTH SUNDAY OF THE GREAT FAST
8:30 AM God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners
4-00 PM Deanery Stations of the Cross –
Transfiguration of Our Lord, Nanticoke, PA
Friday, March 11
6:00 PM Stations of the Cross – Sorokousty Service

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

The Fourth Sunday of Lent – John Climacus – Venerable
Our Church reminds her fasting children that despite their natural weaknesses and passions they can become good Christians and perfect images of the Son of God. She points out the example of St. John Climacus (525-605), the saintly abbot of a monastery on Mount Sinai. He became an “angel” in human flesh through fasting and prayer. In following his example the faithful will attain a high degree of Christian perfection.

SANCTUARY LIGHT: The Sanctuary Light is requested to burn this week,
March 5 – 12 by Paul and Marion Rose for a Special Intention.

Holy Passion Week 2016
Holy Wednesday, March 23 at 9.30 AM Liturgy of Presanctified Gifts.

Holy Thursday, March 24 4:00 PM Passion Service (reading 12 Gospels).

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

Holy Saturday, March 26 1:00 PM Blessing of Basket
6:00 PM Resurrection Services

Sunday, March 27 – No Services.

WOMEN’S SOCIETY: The Women’s Society will meet Tuesday, March 8th at 6:30 PM in the Church Hall. All members are urged to attend to finalize plans for the After Easter dinner.

LOTTERY TICKETS: Mike Sinko announced that the May Lottery tickets are available. If you can possibly take at least 5 or 10 and try to sell them to your family and friends it would be a great help to sell all the tickets. Whatever you do is appreciated.

SVIACHENE: Our After Easter Dinner is being discussed. The date will be announced next week after the Women’s Club Meeting. If you have any gifts to donate for the Chinese Auction, it will be greatly appreciated.

Saturday, Feb. 27 VENERATION OF THE HOLY CROSS
4:00 PM God’s Blessing for John Rudeski – 70th Birthday by
wife and daughter Annetta and Jaclyn

Sunday, Feb. 28 VENERATION OF THE HOLY CROSS
8:30 AM God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners
4:00 PM Deanery Stations of the Cross – St. Nicholas, Glen Lyon

Friday, March 4
6:00 PM Stations of the Cross – Sorokousty

Saturday, March 5
4:00 PM God’s Blessing for Jean Pedley and Family

Sunday, March 6 FOURTH SUNDAY OF THE GREAT FAST
John Climacus, Venerable
8:30 AM God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners

The Sunday of the Veneration of the Holy Cross, indeed, teaches us to understand the great significance the Holy Cross has for us, not only during the Lent, but also throughout our whole life. This Sunday tells us that wherever we find the Cross, there will we find strength, victory, salvation and the pledge of resurrection to eternal life of bliss.

To arouse ourselves to a greater veneration and love for the Holy Cross, let us frequently call to mind those profound thoughts expressed by the great venerator of the Holy Cross, St. Ephrem the Syrian in the following hymn:
“The Cross is – the resurrection of the dead.
The Cross is – the hope of Christians.
The Cross is – the staff of the lame.
The Cross is – the consolation of the poor.
The Cross is – the dethronement of the proud.
The Cross is – the hope of the hopeless.
The Cross is – the helm of those who sail.
The Cross is – the harbor of the storm-tossed.
The Cross is – the father of orphans.
The Cross is – the comfort of the afflicted
The Cross is – the protector of youth.
The Cross is – the glory of men.
The Cross is – the crown of the aged.
The Cross is – the purity of virgins.
The Cross is – the bread of the hungry and
the fountain of the thirsty.
…Therefore, let us make the sign of this Life-Giving Cross on our forehead, lips and breast…Let us not leave the Cross even for one hour, even for one moment, and let us not do anything without it, but whether we are going to sleep, or getting up; on land, sailing the sea, or crossing rivers, we should adorn all the members of our body with the sign of the Life-Giving Cross.”

SANCTUARY LIGHT: The Sanctuary Light is requested to burn the week of
February 27-March 5 by The Halloway Family in memory of Mrs. Catherine Halloway.

THANKS: Our thanks to the men and women who made our Fellowship after the Stations of the Cross last Sunday a success. A special thanks to those who donated monetary to help with the cost, our good bakers and dessert makers and sandwiches and food. It was a nice social fellowship and all present enjoyed the meal.

CLEAN UP: We wish to thank some Angel who cleaned up the dry branches and such on the bank of the Church Property. It is a lot of work an looks great. Thank you and may God Bless you.

DINNER: St. Mary’s Byzantine Catholic Church, 320 Mifflin Ave., Scranton, Pa. is honoring the “Irish” on Thursday March 10, 2016. Seating’s are 5:30 and 6:30pm. Reservations can be made by March 7. The price for this culinary delight is only $20.00 per person. The menu will start with an Emerald Isle Spring Mix Salad with tomato, craisin’s, candied almonds, feta cheese and topped with a raspberry vinaigrette. The Entree will be County Cork Ham & Cabbage served with Parsley Broiled Spuds and side vegetable. Irish Soda bread will accompany the meal and there will be a Special Irish Dessert Surprise. Enjoy a cold Guiness or a delicious, hot Irish Coffee for only $5.00. Coffee, Tea, Water, Soda are included and a cash bar is available.

DEANERY STATION OF THE CROSS 
 Sunday, March 6th 4:00 PM – Holy Transfiguration, Nanticoke, PA
Sunday, March 13th 4:00 PM –.St. Vladimir’s, Edwardsville, PA

Saturday, Feb. 20
4:00 PM ✞The Souls of Ex-Pastors of our Parish by Father V. Popyk

Sunday, Feb. 21 SECOND SUNDAY OF THE GREAT FAST
8:30 AM God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioner
4:00 PM Deanery Stations of the Cross – SS Peter & Paul, U.C.C.
Plymouth, PA

Friday, Feb. 26
6:00 PM Stations of the Cross – Sorokousty Service

Saturday, Feb. 27
4:00 PM God’s Blessing for John Rudeski – 70th Birthday by
wife and daughter Annetta and Jaclyn

Sunday, Feb. 28 THIRD SUNDAY OF THE GREAT FAST
VENERATION OF THE CROSS
8:30 AM God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners
4:00 PM Deanery Stations of the Cross – St. Nicholas, Glen Lyon

PRAYERS: Please remember in your prayers the sick of the parish. If you have anyone in the hospital or nursing home you should call Father Popyk.

SANCTUARY LIGHT: No Request for this week Feb.-20-27.

SANCTUARY LIGHTS: A new chart is available for your requests on the weekly and monthly Sanctuary Lights. The weekly donation is $15 and burns from Saturday to Saturday; the monthly donation is $40 and burns at all services during the month.
Remember your loved ones or a special occasion by requesting your intentions.

SUNDAY STATIONS OF THE CROSS: This Sunday, February 21, the Deanery Stations of the Cross will be held in our Parish. If you can possibly help with some baked goods or desserts of any kind for the fellowship following the Stations, it would be greatly appreciated.

CANDLES: Decorated Candles are available for your use in the home, blessing of baskets, etc. They are a beautiful designed candles and the donation is $12. See Ann if you are interested in having one.

Sunday, Feb. 28th 4:00 PM — St. Nicholas Church, Glen Lyon, PA
Sunday, March 6th 4:00 PM – Holy Transfiguration, Nanticoke, PA
Sunday, March 13th 4:00 PM –.St. Vladimir’s, Edwardsville, PA

Saturday, Jan. 30
4:00 PM ✞ David Trimmel by wife Irine Quirion

Sunday, Jan. 31 SUNDAY OF MEAT – FARE
8:30 AM God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners

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Tuesday, Feb. 2 ENCOUNTER OF OUR LORD WITH SIMEON & Anna
9:00 AM BLESSING OF CANDLES ANOINTING OF
HOLY OIL – MYROVANIA
God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners

Saturday, Feb. 6 ✞ David Trimmel by wife Irine Quirion
4:00 PM Prayer of Forgiveness

Sunday, Feb. 7 CHEESEFARE SUNDAY
8:30 AM God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners
Prayer of Forgiveness

DIVINE LITURGIES ARE AVAILABLE FOR YOUR REQUEST ON SATURDAYS OR SUNDAYS.
BLESSING OF CANDLES: If you have your own candles to be blessed bring them to the Liturgy Tuesday, February 2nd, if you need candles they will be available to you for the donation required.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 30 IS THE FIRST ALL SOULS SATURDAY
Although the Church remembers the souls of the departed faithful in her daily prayers and services, nevertheless, like a good Mother, she still assigns special days in the Liturgical Year on which she commemorates and prays for them. These days are called Souls’ Days or Memorial days.
All-Souls Saturdays
On Saturday, God rested after He created the world and Jesus Christ rested in the tomb, after having accomplished the salvation of the world; hence, Saturday became the symbol of eternal rest and happiness in God. For this reason, the Church dedicates Saturday to all the souls, who have gone into eternity, but have not yet entered into eternal rest with the Blessed in heaven

Comfort to Those Who Mourn
So many people imagine that death cruelly separates us from our loved ones. Even pious people are led to believe this great and sad mistake. When our loved ones die, they do not leave us. They remain. They do not go to some dark and distant place. They simply begin their eternity. We do not see them because we are still in the darkness of the world. But their spiritual eyes, filled with the light of heaven, are always watching us as they wait for the day when we shall share their perfect joy. We are all born for heaven and one by one we end this life to begin our life of happiness.
We should reflect upon this beautiful truth and find it the greatest and surest comfort in time of mourning. A firm faith in the real and continual presence of our loved ones has brought the conviction and consolation that death had not destroyed them, nor carried them away. Rather it has given them life! A life with power to know fully and to love perfectly. With this new life and new power our loved ones are always present to us, knowing and loving us more than ever before.
The tears that dampen our eyes in times of mourning are tears of homesickness, tears of longing for our loved ones. But it is we who are away from home, not they. And only because this heavenly home is invisible to our worldly eyes, we cannot see them so near us. Yet, they are with us, lovingly and tenderly waiting for the day when we, too, will enter the doorway of our eternal home. No. death is not a separation. It is a preparation for eternal union with those we love, in the peace and joy of heaven
Prayer for the Souls in Purgatory
My Jesus, by the sorrows You suffered in Your agony in the Garden, in Your scourging and crowning with thorns, on the way to Calvary, in Your crucifixion and death, have mercy on the souls in purgatory, and especially on those that are most forsaken; deliver them from the terrible torments they endure; call them and admit them to Your most sweet embrace in paradise. Amen.

Wisdom of Winter
Snow falls gently,
White blankets the earth,
Yet in the silence
I hear songs of rebirth.

Surely these grounds
Summer’s glory will bear,
Soon the colorful blossoms
Of Springtime to wear.

Clothed now in white,
In bright purity,
The earth waits eagerly
To embrace her beauty.

God’s perfect wisdom
Shines amidst the snowfall;
He is Maker of seasons,
Yes, one and all.

Perfect patterns we see
Outside and within;
For the Lord brings glory
Once He cleanses from sin.

Dead to our sin,
Robed in radiant white,
So must we be
Before we feel His delight.

So let us celebrate now
This season of snow,
For His wisdom in winter
God does clearly show.

Praise You, O Lord,
God of wisdom and love;
Snowflakes are Your kisses
From Heaven above.
SANCTUARY LIGHT: The Sanctuary light is requested to burn this week, Jan. 30 – Feb. 6, by Ann Beshada in memory of her husband Andrew Beshada.

YEARLY STATEMENT: If you need your yearly personal statement for 2015, please request it by placing you name in the collection or contact Ann Beshada.

LUC BUS TRIP: Saturday, May 21, 2016, North Anthracite Council of the League of Ukrainian Catholics is sponsoring a bus trip to the annual St. George Ukrainian Street Festival in New York City’s Lower East Side of Manhattan and to Brighton Beach [Little Odessa], Brooklyn. Participants are also welcome to do their own thing for part of the day if they so wish. The 55 passenger bus will depart from Edwardsville’s St. Vladimir Church, 70 Zerby Avenue at 8:30am and from Scranton’s St. Vladimir Church, 428 North Seventh Avenue at 9:15am. Departure for home directly from Brighton Beach will be at 9:00pm. Cost is $40.00 per person. Full nonrefundable advance payment reserves a seat. For reservations contact either Paul Ewasko or Andrew Jamula. Check to be made out to North Anthracite Council of LUC. Early reservations are recommended as the bus is expected to fill quickly

PIZZA & SOUP SALE: ST. MICHAEL’S BC CHURCH, 205 N. Main St. Pittston, Pa. 18640 is having a Pizza & Soup Sale for Lent. They will offer Old Forge Style Baked ($12) or Unbaked ($10). Add $1 extra for onions. Each week will be a soup of the week at $8.00 per qt. Pre-order by Tues. Feb. 10 for Ash Wednesday or by Thursday – Pick up will be from 4-7pm on Ash Wednesday and the following Friday’s during Lent. Soup of the week is Homemade (Manhatten) Clam Chowder. All proceeds will benefit the Church..

Saturday, Jan. 23
4:00 PM ✞David Trimmel by wife Irine Quirien.

Sunday, Jan. 24 SUNDAY OF THE PRODIGAL SON
8:30 AM God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners

Friday, Jan. 29 THREE HOLY HERARCHS
9:00 AM God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners

Saturday, Jan. 30
4:00 PM ✞ David Trimmel by wife Irine Quirien

Sunday, Jan. 31 SUNDAY OF MEATFARE
8:30 AM God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners

SOROKOUSTY: During the Lenten season on Fridays after the Stations of the Cross, Sorokousty service will follow. Envelopes are in your box for you to fill in for the request of having loved ones prayed for during this service. Please deposit the envelopes in the collection for the list to be prepared for this prayerful occasion.

Divine Liturgy: A request for a Divine Liturgy is available for Saturdays or Sundays. You may request one for the health of someone, in honor of anyone or for the deceased of your loved one. Envelopes are available in the vestibule for this offering.

THE RULE OF FINDING EASTER
Easter Day, upon which all movable feasts depend, is the first Sunday after the Full Moon. The date of Easter was determined by the council of Nicaea in 325. It must be celebrated on Sunday. This Sunday must come between March 21st and April 25th, after the March equinox which is fixed invariably in the calendar on the 21st of March, although the real Full Moon can happen before the 21st of March.
If this Full Moon comes on a Sunday, Easter Day is the Sunday after. This was done in order to avoid having Easter coincide with the Jewish Passover.
Since Easter must be celebrated after the 21st of March, it cannot fall earlier than March 22nd, or later than April 25th.
Sometimes the Full Moon arrives on the 19th or the 20th of March; then Easter must be celebrated after the Full Moon of April. This April Full Moon falls at the latest on the 18th of April or 29 days afte4r the 20th of March. If in this case the 18th of April is Sunday, Easter must be celebrated on the following Sunday, or the 25th of April. Hence Easter Sunday cannot come earlier than the 22nd of March or later than the 25th of April.
 This ingeniously complicated method was invented by astronomer Lilius. It is entirely independent of astronomical tables, and thus all mistakes arising from the inevitable errors of tables or the uncertainty of observation are avoided and Easter is determined without the possibility of a mistake.
Some parishes follow both the Gregorian and the Julian Calendars, but in recent years more and more parishes are embracing the Gregorian calendar. The change of the Calendar does not affect any change of our Rite. The church services and our customs can be equally held according to both calendars.

SANCTUARY LIGHT: The Sanctuary Light is requested to burn the week of January 23-30 by Arlene Jones in memory of her parents Thomas & Anna Jones.

Piggie/Holubtsi Dinner: Saints Peter & Paul Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, Wilkes- Barre will hold a take-out Piggy/Holubtsi Dinner on Sunday, February 7th, 2016. Dinners may be picked up between 11:30 am and 2:00 pm at the Parish School Hall, corner of North River and West Chestnut Streets, Wilkes-Barre.  Dinner includes Piggy’s (meat stuffed cabbage), mashed potatoes, vegetable, bread and butter and dessert. Dinners will be $11.00 for adults and $5.00 for children (12 and under).  Walk-Ins Welcome but Reservations are encouraged, call (570)829-3051.

Myasopusna: Sunday, January 31, 2016, Transfiguration of Our Lord, will sponsor their annual Myasopusna (Meatfare) dinner from noon to 3:30 PM at Transfiguration of Our Lord Church Hall, Bliss & Center Street, Nanticoke, PA. Dinner Tickets are $15. (the day of) or $13 before Jan. 23. Doors open at 12 noon. Dinner is served 12:30 –1:30 PM, followed by entertainment.

NATIVITY: Our thanks to the men and women who volunteered their services to dismantle the Nativity Scene. When enough help is provided the job gets done properly. God’s blessing to those who devote the time spent for this project.

Saturday, Jan. 16 God’s blessing for Good Health on sisters and brother, Rita
4:00 PM Rentko, Marie Lindsey and Paul Kachinko – by Ron &
Rosemarie Kachinko

Sunday, Jan. 17 SUNDAY OF THE PUBLICAN & THE PHARISEE
8:30 AM God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners
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Saturday, January 23
4:00 PM ✞David Trimmel by wife Irene Quirien.

Sunday, January 24 SUNDAY OF THE PRODIGAL SON
8:30 AM God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners

Thank you from Metropolitan Stefan Soroka: My heartfelt thanks to Fr. Popyk and to the parishioners of Ss. Peter and Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church in Plymouth for your thoughtful and generous remembrance of me at Christmas.  I pray for you in gratitude. A Blessed and Happy New Year to all!
+ Stefan Soroka
This gift of $150 was presented to Metropolitan Soroka at the affair for priests and their families in December.

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The four Sundays (Sunday of the Pharisee and Publican,
Sunday of the Prodigal Son, Sunday of Meat-Fare and
Sunday of Cheese-Fare) form a pre-Lenten period,
preparing us for the Lenten season.

SANCTUARY LIGHT: The Sanctuary Light is requested to burn the week of
Jan. 16-23 by Mary Oshirak & Family in memory of Theodore Oshirak.

SECOND COLLECTION: A SECOND COLLECTION WILL BE TAKEN AGAIN THE WEEK-END of JAN. 30/31 FOR THE DONATIONS TO THE CHANCERY DEFICIT. YOUR GENEROUS CONTRIBUTIONS WILL BE APPRECIATED.

NATIVITY: Our Nativity Scene will be dismantled this Sunday, January 17th starting at 1:00 PM. Your help is needed with this project – please come and lend a hand.

BLESSING OF HOMES: You may still have Father bless your home. If you would like to have your home blessed please call Father Popyk at 735-2262 – Cell Phone 609-372-7161or place your name and address and phone number in the collection

A UKRAINIAN CULTURAL CELEBRATION: SUNDAY, JANUARY 31, 2016 NOON TO 3:30 PM Transfiguration of Our Lord Church Hall, Bliss & Center Street, Nanticoke, PA. Ukrainian Dance, Music & Song, Kazka Ukrainian Folk Ensemble, St. Mary’s Traditional Ukrainian Dancers, The Holy Year Choir, Dr. Richard Barno, Director. Pysanky, GERDANY (Beadwork), Embroidery, gift items, Homemade Ukrainian Dinner Haluptsi, Kovbasa, Varenyky (pyrohy), Kapusta, Black Bread & Dessert. (Borscht, Ukrainian and other beverages available for purchase). Dinner Tickets – $15. (the day of) $13 before Jan. 23. Doors open at 12 noon; Dinner service begins with Otche Nash (Our Father) at 12:30, served 12:30 –1:30 PM, followed by entertainment.

Saturday, Jan. 9
4:00 PM ✞Anna Soppeck – Daughter Dolores & Paul Hoover

Sunday, Jan. 10 SUNDAY AFTER THE THEOPHANY
8:30 AM God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners

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Thursday, Jan. 14
9:00 AM ✞David Trimmell – Wife Irene Quirion

Saturday, Jan. 16 God’s blessing for Good Health on sisters and brother, Rita
4:00 PM Rentko, Marie Lindsey and Paul Kachinko – by Ron & Rosemarie Kachinko

Sunday, Jan. 17 SUNDAY OF THE PUBLICAN AND THE PHARISEE
8:30 AM God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners

What is Prayer?

 Prayer is doxology, praise, thanksgiving, confession, supplication and intercession to God. “When I prayed I was new,” wrote a great theologian of Christian antiquity, “but when I stopped praying I became old.” Prayer is the way to renewal and spiritual life. Prayer is aliveness to God.
Prayer is strength, refreshment, and joy. Through the grace of God and our disciplined efforts prayer lifts us up from our isolation to a conscious, loving communion with God in which everything is experienced in a new light. Prayer becomes a personal dialogue with God, a spiritual breathing of the soul, a foretaste of the bliss of God’s kingdom.
 How is one to pray? Only the Holy Spirit can guide us to pray as we should. Just as a child learns to walk by walking, one can best learn to pray by praying, trusting in the help of God. Put your whole soul into your prayer. Think about the meaning of every word you pray. Make it your own personal prayer. Be persistent in prayer. Do not yield to carelessness or neglect. Strengthen your prayer through a lively faith in the Lord, a spirit of forgiveness toward others, and genuine Christian living.
 As we pray deeply within our hearts we grow in prayer. By the grace of God we suddenly catch a glimpse of the miracle of the presence of the Holy Spirit working within us. At first it is only a spark but later it becomes a flame freeing and energizing our whole being, provided we do nothing to grieve the Holy Spirit; and if we do sin we repent of our sin immediately and ask for God’s forgiveness. To experience the fire of God’s holy love, to give it space within us to do its cleansing and healing work as a breath of the Holy Spirit, and to use it as light and power for daily living — such are the goals as well as the fruits of true prayer.

Prayers go up, Blessings come down.

Lord I have no idea what’s going to happen in this New Year but all I pray is that you will guide me, and help me! Please help me to look to you always, and through everything that I do, May I bring praise and glory to Your name, I thank you Lord for another year. Amen.

SANCTUARY LIGHT: The Sanctuary Light is requested to burn this week January 9 – 16 by Anna Horensky for God’s Blessings and Good Health on her brother Frank Maceiko.

OUR PARISH FAMILY SUPPER: Many thanks to all who participated in the Holy Supper celebrated for the Ukrainian Christmas. The food was good and thanks to those who made all the delicious dishes, the singing of Carols was wonderful and filled everyone with the spirit. The donations given to help with the cost was also greatly appreciated. Thanks again for all the faithful who attended and enjoyed the day.

CHANCERY DEFICIT: The collection for the Chancery campaign to Confront the Deficit last week amounted to $2180 thanks to our generous donators. God’s blessing on you and your family.

BUILDING FUND: Our thanks to Gary Pstak for his donation of $100 to our Building/Improvement Fund in memory of many member of the Pstak Family.

PRAYERS: Please remember in your prayers all who are in need of God’s help. Remember those in nursing facilities, hospital and at home, all the sick and the suffering.

BLESSINGS OF HOMES: Anyone interested in having their home blessed, please submit your name, address and phone number in the collection basket, sign in vestibule or contact Father Popyk.

Saturday, Jan. 2 BLESSING OF WATER
4:00 PM ✞David Trimmell – Wife Irene Quirion

Sunday, Jan. 3 SUNDAY BEFORE THE THEOPHANY
8:30 AM God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners

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Wednesday, Jan. 6 THE HOLY THEOPHANY –
8:30 AM Anointing of Holy Oil and Myrovania
God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners
Saturday, Jan. 8
4:00 PM ✞Anna Soppeck – Daughter Dolores & Paul Hoover

Sunday, Jan. 9 SUNDAY AFTER THE THEOPHANY
8:30 AM God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners

SANCTUARY LIGHT: The Sanctuary Light is requested to burn this week January 2 – 9 by Dolores & Mike Sinko in memory of John & Helen Kurkoski

BLESSING OF HOLY WATER: The blessing of Holy water will be held this Saturday after the 4:00 PM Divine Liturgy.

BLESSINGS OF HOMES: Anyone interested in having their home blessed after the Blessing of Water please submit your name, address and phone number in the collection basket or contact Father Popyk at 735-2262 or his cell phone 609-372-7161.

LOTTERY REPORT: Mike Sinko reported the Lottery Ticket sales for the month of November. Tickets sold – $5000, winnings Payed Out $1650, Expenses: $95. Total Profit $3255.

Saturday, Dec. 26 SYNAXIS OF THE THEOTOKOS
4:00 PM ✞John Phillips – Brother Peter Phillips

Sunday, Dec. 27 SUNDAY AFTER CHRISTMAS
8:30 AM ✞Michael & Rose Katsock – Michael Kane

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Friday, January 1 THE CIRCUMCISION OF OUR LORD
4:00 PM St. Basil the Great – Archbishop
God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners
Divine Liturgy of St. Basil the Great

Saturday, January 2 Blessing of Holy Water
4:00 PM ✞David Trimmell – Wife Irene Quirion

Sunday, Jan. 3 SUNDAY BEFORE THEOPHANY OF OUR LORD
8:30 AM ✞Mary Kulyn – 75 years after death – Michael Kane
1:00 PM Ukrainian Holy Supper, Come one and ALL.

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The Feast of St. Stephen the Protomartyr
December 27th

In the feast of the Nativity of our Lord we admired the infinite love and sacrifice of God for us sinner. On the third day after the feast of the Nativity, holy Church places before us the heroic example of the love of God in the person of the Protomartyr St. Stephen. St. Gregory of Nyssa in his sermon in honor of St. Stephen says: “Behold we go from one feast to another and receive grace upon grace. Yesterday the Lord of the universe filled us with wonder, whereas today the disciple of the Lord fills us with wonder. In what manner the former, and in what manner the latter? The former (i.e., St. Stephen) for the sake of the Lord rid himself of human nature. The martyr’s death of St. Stephen is truly singular, as is his cult, which is enjoyed in the Church of Christ since apostolic times.
The Eastern Church in giving glory to St. Stephen in its church services gives him a threefold title, calling him an Apostle, the Protomartyr, and an Archdeacon. St. Stephen belonged to the seventy apostles whose memory our church honors on the 4th of January. For his holiness, fortitude and zeal in spreading the word of God, he deserves the title of apostle in every way.
St. Stephen was not only a zealous apostle, but was also the first martyr. Accused before the Synhedrion – the Jewish Council – by false witnesses, he bravely professed the holy faith. For this they led him out of the city and stoned him to death. Like Christ, he too prayed for his enemies at his death.
The Christian religion is religion of heroism. It cultivates and trains heroes and demands heroism. The life of a good Christian is a constant struggle with the devil, the passions and the world, which is the enemy of God. The Christian must always place the love of God above all things: above his “I”, above worldly interests, above all comforts, above father, mother, brother and sister, and even life itself. This is what Jesus Chris Himself taught and demanded: “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, and wife and children, and brothers and sister, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple.” Luke 14, 26-27)
Upon us all weighs the obligation of being Christians not only in name, but also in the faithful and courageous profession of our faith in word, deed and our entire life, and, if necessary, even in death by giving up our lives for the faith. St. Stephen, the first-martyr, gives us and inspiring example of a courageous and heroic profession of faith.

SANCTUARY LIGHT: The Sanctuary light is requested to burn this week Dec.26 –Jan. 2 by Becky Molecavage in memory of Parents Frances & Dimitri Bencho.

ALTAR CANDLES: The Altar Candles that will burn at all Divine Liturgies and services are available for your intentions to burn for the month. Most of the months are available. Donations are $40, remember your loved ones living or deceased in this special way.

HOLY FAMILY PLAQUE: The Pewter Plaque of the Holy Family that is on the wall in the vestibule was donated by Paul and Dolores Hoover. Our thanks for such a beautiful addition to our church.

THANKS: Through the year, many of the parishioners have volunteered for various projects. The services that you so willingly provide is greatly appreciated – whether it be the cleaning of the Church, snow removal on the sidewalks, being there for funerals to open and arrange the necessary bells etc., working at our fund-raising projects, baking of the breads for Church Services, choir singing and any other service that is connected to the Church duties. Your volunteer hours keep us in good running – Keep up the good work with God’s Blessings. We cannot forget to also thank the few non-parishioners who come in to help with our Pyrohy Projects. Thanks to all for all you do. May God grant you a wonderful and blessed year 2010.

UKRAINIAN HOLY SUPPER: It is so good to see the Parishioners who have signed up for the celebration of Ukrainian Holy Supper, January 3, 2015. This is a nice tradition for all parishioners, families and friends. This will give all the opportunity to join together as a Parish Family and enjoy the tradition. The menu is meatless. Please sign the sheet in the vestibule for the dish you are bringing. The Church will supply the fish and pyrohys.