SS Peter & Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church

Saturday, May 16
4:00 PM ✞Mary Ann Sawka – Thomas Sawka, Sr.
Petitions to the Mother of God

Sunday, May 17 SUNDAY OF THE fathers of the
8:30 AM first ecumenical council
God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners
Petitions to the Mother of God
Thursday, May 21
9:00 AM ✞Dorothy Kwitkowski – Sister Betty Stepanski & son
Saturday, May 23 PENTECOST
All deceased parishioners of SS Peter & Paul Church
4:00 PM Anointing of Holy Oil – Myrovania
Petitions to the Mother of God

Sunday, May 24 Descent of the Holy Spirit – Pentecost Sunday
8:30 AM ✞David Trimmell – Wife Irene Quirion
Anointing of Holy Oil – Myrovonia
Petitions to the Mother of God
Sunday, 1:00 PM Panakhyda at Parish Cemetery & Blessing of Graves

Kind words can be short and easy to speak,
But their echoes are truly endless.
Mother Teresa

PRAY THE ROSARY

SANCTUARY LIGHT: The Sanctuary light is requested to burn this week May 16 -23 by a devoted Veteran for Good Health of all our Hospitalized Veterans.

FLOWERS: Our thanks to Mary Ann Kachinko & Family for their donation of flowers this week in memory of Bernie Kachinko.

ALTAR CANDLES: The month of August is still available for the Altar Candles to burn at all services during that month.

GREEN SUNDAY: The Feast of the Pentecost is the day to pay our respects to our deceased. A Panakhyda Services will be celebrated at the Cemetery on this day, May 24th at 3:00 PM. Try to be in attendance to pray for your family or friends who have fallen asleep to their eternal rest.

BUILDING FUND: We wish to thank those who donated to our Parish Building Fund – Jewel Johnstone and Ann Beshada in memory of Christine Youells.

PRAYERS: Please remember in your prayers all the sick of the parish, those in Hospitals, Nursing Facilities and home bound. Especially remember in your prayers Donna Winsock who recently had heart surgery and is recuperation at John Heinz Rehab Center.
====================
Prayer is a great source of joy and the best protection from depression. When we talk, Lord, You help me see solutions for a better day

LOTTERY WINNERS: Winners for the following dates are:
Date Winner Number  Seller
5-7 Kerri Postsko 971  Tom Potsko
5-8 Leonard Karabon   Anna Magill
5-9 Mike Kowalick 053 Mike Kowalick
5-10 Kerri Potsko 971 Tom Potsko
5-11 Gina Tomasello 437  Nicole Elko
5-12 Jeanne Hoida 510  Al Ferkel
5-13 Joe Wincek 518 Paul Hoover

Saturday, May 9 God’s Blessings on all Living and Deceased Mother’s of 4:00 PM SS Peter & Paul, U.C.C.
PETITIONS TO THE MOTHER OF GOD

Sunday, May 10 SUNDAY OF THE BLIND MAN
8:30 AM ✞Christine Youells – Michael Kane PETITIONS TO THE MOTHER OF GOD

Wednesday, May 13 ASCENSION OF OUR LORD –
HOLY DAY OF OBLIGATION
4:00 PM Divine Liturgy – Anointing of Holy Oil – Myravania
God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners
PETITIONS TO THE MOTHER OF GOD
Saturday, May 16
4:00 PM ✞Mary Ann Sawka – Thomas Sawka, Sr.

Sunday, May 17 SUNDAY OF THE fathers of the
8:30 AM first ecumenical council
God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners
PETITIONS TO THE MOTHER OF GOD

TRANSFIGURATION OF OUR LORD
Saturday Liturgy is 6:00 PM
Sunday Liturgy is 10:30 AM
We continue to stand until the feast of the Pentecost, which is Sunday, May 24th.

The Holy Bible
John 1: 1 and 2
In the beginning was the Word, 
and the Word was with God, 
and the Word was God. 

The Same was in the beginning with God.
The world today is strange and unknown
It seems dark at times and we feel alone
The Holy bible explains our strife
Teaching us to accept the mystery of life.

Many times we struggle in the dark of night
But God guides us into the bright light
Reading the wisdom in His word we find
Only God can give us peace of mind.

The Holy bible will sustain us so we do not stray
Giving us the courage to face each day
And to have strength to deal with sorrow
Spiritually renewing our hope for tomorrow

Reading the Holy bible helps us understand
How to keep our faith, holding tight to His hand
In the wisdom of His word we are taught to pray
And His love will lead us to our eternal home one day
❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖

May your troubles be less, your blessings more, and 
nothing but happiness comes through God’s love each day.
Signing with the cross
Lord Jesus,
I sign my heart with the sign of the cross,
reminding myself of your love for each person.
I ask that I may grow in faithfulness as your friend.
I sign my lips with the sign of the cross,
that I may speak as you would speak.
I sign my hands with the sign of the cross
asking that you enable me to do your work,
and be your hands in our world which you love so much
I sign my eyes with the sign of your cross
that I may really see, Lord, and be aware of all that is around me.
I sign my ears with the sign of your cross that I may listen and really hear
the communication that comes to me in different ways- from you
and from the people you place into my life.
I sign my shoulders, Lord, with your cross, knowing that you call me
to carry my own cross each day and support others in the burdens and
difficulties that they have.
All that I do today I set out to do in the name of the Father (+)
and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Since we make the Sign of the Cross before and after our prayers, many Catholics don’t realize that the Sign of the Cross is a prayer itself. It should be said with reverence; we shouldn’t rush through it on the way to the next prayer.

A mother teaches her child to make the Sign of the Cross.

SANCTUARY LIGHT: The Sanctuary light is requested to burn this week May 11-16 by by Al Ferkel in memory of Ferkel and Kosch Families.
Correction for last week bulletin – Sanctuary Light requested by David & Mary Ann Youells in memory of parents Julia & Michael Yanoka.

FLOWERS: Our thanks to Florence Kloap & Family for her donation of flowers for this week in memory of mothers Telka Sobolewski & Pazea Kloap.

Women’s society meeting: The Parish Women’s Society will meet Tuesday, May 12th, 6:30 PM in the Church Hall.

LOTTERY WINNERS: Winners for the following dates are:
Date Winner Number Seller
5-1 Sandy Lukas 844  Mike Sinko
5-2 Rosemarie Kaminski 480  Bruce Fromel
5-3 Joan Salva 248  Mary Kasenchak
5-4 John Gurzinski 032  Bruce Fromel
5-5 David Shipula 436  Michael Shipula
5-6 Judy Lucchino 468  Ann Beshada

LOTTERY TICKETS: Many thanks to Mike and Dolores Sinko for handling the distribution and sales of the May Lottery Tickets. And thanks to those who sold and purchased tickets to help with this fund-raiser. Good luck to all who participated.

Saturday, May 2
4:00 PM Father Nicholas Kostiuk – Ron & Rosemarie Kachinko
PETITIONS TO THE MOTHER OF GOD

Sunday, May 3 SUNDAY OF THE SAMARITAN WOMAN
8:30 AM God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners PETITIONS TO THE MOTHER OF GOD

Thursday, May 7
9:00 AM Christine Youells – Paul & Dolores Hoover

Saturday, May 9
4:00 PM God’s Blessings on all Living and Deceased Mothers of SS Peter & Paul, U.C.C. Church
PETITIONS TO THE MOTHER OF GOD

Sunday, May 10 SUNDAY OF THE BLIND MAN
8:30 AM God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners
PETITIONS TO THE MOTHER OF GOD

MAY IS THE MONTH OF
MARY THE MOTHER OF GOD

PRAY THE ROSARY
The purpose of the Rosary is to help keep in memory certain principal events or mysteries in the history of our salvation, and to thank and praise God for them.
Middle Wednesday

The Wednesday after the Sunday of the Paralytic is the period between Easter (the Resurrection) and the feast of the Pentecost or Descent of the Holy Spirit which is the middle of the Pentecost season. The Church celebrates the feast of Mid-Pentecost which means “Half Way”.
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. In the Matins service of that day the praises are sung: “Brethren, having been enlightened by the resurrection of the Savior Jesus Christ, and having reached the half-way mark of the feast of the Lord, let us sincerely observe the commandments of God, so that we may become worthy to celebrate the Ascension and receive the coming of the Holy Spirit.”

The Ascension of Our Lord

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. It celebrates the memory of Christ’s Ascension into heaven and underscores its significance for Christ and for us.
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,” as he promised.

The glorious feast of the Resurrection concludes with a feast also most glorious and great – and that is, the feast of the Pentecost.

Ascension Thursday is celebrated this year on May 14th.

O Lord, the Seraphim themselves were astonished when they say You,
their God, ascending over the clouds as if sitting upon a throne.
Wherefore we praise You for Your gracious mercy.
SANCTUARY LIGHT: The Sanctuary light is requested to burn this week May 2 – 9 by David & Mary Ann Youells in memory of Parents Julia & Charles Yanoka.
ALTAR CANDLES: The Altar Candles will burn at all services during the month of May in memory of Parents Michael & Katherine Kachinko and John & Mildred Starzec requested by Ron & Rosemarie Kachinko.

SYMPATHY: Our sincere sympathy is extended to the family of Dorothy Wujcik who was called to her eternal rest. May her memory be eternal. Vychnya Pomyat!

THE ROSARY: The Rosary will be recited before the Divine Liturgies on Saturday and Sunday. Please try to participate in responding to the rosary. Our prayers are in need.

LUC MEETING: North Anthracite Council – League of Ukrainian Catholics will meet this Sunday, May 3, 2015 at St. Vladimir Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, 430 North Seventh Avenue, Scranton, PA. Moleben prayer service will be held at
3:00 PM the business session at 3:30 PM followed by fellowship. Any new members or visitors are welcome to attend this meeting.

BUILDING FUND: Our thanks to those who donated in the amount of $85 to the Parish Building Fund in memory of Christine Youells – Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Dempsey, Al Michalak, and George Germak. Your donations are greatly appreciated.

Saturday, April 25
4:00 PM John & Anna Rudeski –John, Anneta & Jaclyn Rudeski

Sunday, April 26 SUNDAY OF THE PARALYTIC MAN
8:30 AM God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners

Thursday, April 30 Clergy Conference

Saturday, May 2
4:00 PM Father Nicholas Kostiuk – Ron & Rosemarie Kachinko PETITIONS TO THE MOTHER OF GOD

Sunday, May 3 SUNDAY OF THE SAMARITAN WOMAN
8:30 AM God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners
PETITIONS TO THE MOTHER OF GOD

SANCTUARY LIGHT: The Sanctuary light is requested to burn this week April 25 – May 2 19 by Mike & Dolores Sinko in memory of Parents Michael & Mary Sinko.

SVIACHENE: Our thanks to all who made our Easter Dinner a success. 67 people were present to enjoy a nice afternoon of fellowship, food and prizes. To all those who cooked, baked all the goodies, donated monetary, food & drink items and Chinese Auction gifts, your service is greatly appreciated. Hope you all had a great time.

SYMPATHY: We extend our sincere Sympathy to the family of Christine Youells who was called to her eternal rest. May her memory be eternal.

MOTHER’S DAY: If you wish to have your living or deceased mother remembered at the Divine Liturgy on Saturday, May 9th please fill in the envelope provided for this service. The Mass on that date will be celebrated for all Living and Deceased mothers.

CEMETERY: The services for deceased at our Parish Cemetery will be held on Pentecost Sunday, May 24th at 1:00 PM. The envelope for this service is in your box of envelopes. Please use the envelope as soon as possible because the names have to printed. Thank you.

Saturday, April 18
4:00 PM Steve & Pricilla Kowalick – Mike & Helen Kowalick

Sunday, April 19 SUNDAY OF THE MYRRH-BEARING WOMEN
8:30 AM God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners

Thursday, April 23 ST. George the great Martyr
9:00 AM  David Timmell – wife Irene Quirion

Saturday, April 25
4:00 PM John & Anna Rudeski –John, Anneta & Jaclyn Rudeski

Sunday, April 26 SUNDAY OF THE PARALYTIC MAN
8:30 AM God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners
The Easter Cycle

The Easter Cycle lasts from the Sunday of St. Thomas (the Sunday after Easter) to the Sunday of All Saints). The period from Easter to Pentecost embraces fifty days and is called by the common name of Pentecost. The Sundays in the Easter season are each named for the event recounted in the Gospel of that day. These occur in the following order: The Sunday of St. Thomas, the Sunday of the Myrrh-bearing Women, the Sunday of the Blind Man, the Sunday of the Fathers of the Church, the Sunday of the Descent of the Holy Spirit (Pentecost) and the Sunday of All Saints. The Easter season, i.e., the post-feast of the Resurrection, lasts forty days, that is, to the feast of the Ascension of our Lord.
The Easter cycle includes thirty two Sundays which follow in consecutive order and for this reason are called ordinary Sundays to distinguish them from the festal Sundays which have their own proper Epistle and Gospel. There are a few such festal Sundays in the year, as for example, the Sunday before and after the Nativity of Our Lord and the Sunday before and after the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. The ordinary Sundays begin with the Sunday of All Saints and end their cycle on the Sunday of Zaccheus, which is followed by the Sunday of the Publican and the Pharisee. The number of these ordinary Sundays depends upon the date of Easter; that is, if Easter comes earlier then there will be more ordinary Sundays, if later, fewer ordinary Sundays.
SANCTUARY LIGHT: The Sanctuary Light is requested to burn the week of
April 18 – 25 by Geri Kolotelo in memory of her mother Anna Kolotelo.

THANKS: Our thanks to all those who donated Gifts for the Chinese Auction to be held at the Sviachene dinner this Sunday. We appreciate all the donations made toward this affair. If you would be interested in donating a baked item such as cake, squares, cookies, etc. it will certainly be appreciated.

CEMETERY: We express our sincere thanks to Fred Ebbecke of Precision Tree Removal for removing some trees and brush from the front of our Parish Cemetery. Fred donated his time and work as an Easter gift to the Church.

LUC MEETING: North Anthracite Council – League of Ukrainian Catholics will meet on Sunday, May 3, 2015 at St. Vladimir Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, 430 North Seventh Avenue, Scranton, PA. Moleben prayer service at 3:00pm, business session at 3:30pm, followed by fellowship.
North Anthracite Council of the League of Ukrainian Catholics is sponsoring a bus trip to the 39th Annual St. George Ukrainian Street Festival, Lower East Side of Manhattan on Saturday, May 16, 2015 with a side trip to Central Park and the famous Fifth Avenue area. Only 14 seats on the bus are available. Cost is $40.00 per person. Full nonrefundable advance payment reserves a seat. For reservations contact either Paul in the Scranton area or Andy in the Wilkes-Barre area

Saturday, April 11 Distribution of Artos – Anointing of Holy Oil – Myrovania
4:00 PM ✞ Helen Sawka – Frank & Marian Kulick

Sunday, April 12 SUNDAY OF ST. THOMAS
Distribution of Artos – Anointing of Holy Oil – Myrovania
8:30 AM God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners

Thursday, April 16
9:00 AM ✞Eleanor Kulick – John & Alma Butler

Saturday, April 18
4:00 PM ✞Steve & Pricilla Kowalick – Mike & Helen Kowalick

Sunday, April 19 THIRD SUNDAY AFTER EASTER
8:30 AM The Myrrh-bearing women
2:00 PM Sviachene – Church Hall
THANKS: Our sincere thanks to all the men who participated in the Easter services. We appreciate your time volunteered to make the procedures possible. We also give thanks to the choir for their lovely voices throughout the services. May God’s blessing be upon all who devoted their time for our beautiful and spiritual services.

The Leading Sunday or
the First Sunday after Easter

Some authors derive this name from the fact that this Sunday is the leading Sunday, i.e., the first Sunday that continues the feast of the Pasch. Among our people there existed an old custom, on the Sunday of St. Thomas, of commemorating the dead with a special memorial repast and praying for their souls at the cemetery.
The celebration of the eighth day after the Pasch as the conclusion of Bright Week, from earliest times, had been regarded as a separate feast. The theme of the services of this feast and of the week that follows is the Gospel event describing the apparition of Christ on the eighth day after His resurrection and the moving scene of St. Thomas’ conversion and profession of faith. Regarding the significance of this feast, St. Gregory the Theologian (+389), in a homily on the Sunday of St. Thomas said: “The old law, which was established for a good purpose, honors the day of renewal, or rather, should we say, that with the day of renewal it honors new blessings. For, was not the first day of the resurrection, which occurred after the holy and glorious night, also a day of renewal? Why, then, do we give this name to today’s feast? That day (i.e. of the Resurrection) was a day of salvation, while this day is the commemoration of salvation. By its very nature, that day separates the burial and the resurrection, while this day is a day of an altogether new birth…Today we celebrate a genuine renewal, going from death to life. Therefore, cast off the old man and renew yourselves and live in newness of life.”
Our Church celebrates the memory of St. Thomas the Apostle on the 6th of October, whereas the Latin Church celebrates it on the 21st of December. About the apostolic work of St. Thomas in a homily delivered on Thomas Sunday, St. John Chrysostom eulogizes St. Thomas thus: “Of all the other Apostles he was, at one time, the weakest in faith but, with God’s grace, he became more courageous and more untiring than the rest. He traversed almost the whole known world, preaching the word of God fearlessly to nations that were fierce, savage and bloodthirsty.” St. Thomas is believed to have died a martyr’s death for the Christian faith in India.

Easter greeting: “Christ is risen! — Indeed He is risen!” Kristos Vosdres – Voistynu Voskres! Is our personal proclamation of Christ’s glorious resurrection, and is the greeting used by the faithful until Ascension Thursday.

SANCTUARY LIGHT: The Sanctuary Light is requested to burn this week April 11 – 18 by Becky Molecavage in memory of her mother Frances Bencho.

SVIACHENE: Our Sviachene (Easter Dinner) is supposed to be held next Sunday, April 19, 2015 in our Church Hall at 2:00 PM, but to date not many tickets are sold. PLEASE, if you are planning to attend, do so this weekend. Preparations will be scheduled for this week and it would be great to know the amount attending. Tickets are $15 for adults and $8 for children, under 12, free. This is a very nice affair to have our Parish Family come together and share with the food and blessings. A Chinese Auction will be available. Donations of gift items will be greatly appreciated.

WOMEN’S SOCIETY: The regular monthly meeting of the Women’s Society will be held Tuesday, April 14th, 6:30 PM in the church hall. All members please try to be present. New members are always welcome.

LUC MEETING: North Anthracite Council – League of Ukrainian Catholics will meet on Sunday, May 3, 2015 at St. Vladimir Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, 430 North Seventh Avenue, Scranton, PA. Moleben prayer service at 3:00pm, business session at 3:30pm, followed by reception and fellowship.
BUS TRIP – Seats are filling up fast! North Anthracite Council of the League of Ukrainian Catholics is sponsoring a bus trip to the 39th Annual St. George Ukrainian Street Festival, Lower East Side of Manhattan on Saturday, May 16, 2015 with a side trip to Central Park and the famous Fifth Avenue area. Participants are also welcome to do their own thing for all or part of the day if they so wish. The 55 passenger bus will depart from Scranton’s St. Vladim…ir Church, 428 North Seventh Avenue at 8:00am and from Edwardsville’s St. Vladimir Church, 70 Zerby Avenue at 8:45am. Departure from New York City will be at 9:00pm. Cost is $40.00 per person. Full nonrefundable advance payment reserves a seat.

HOLY SATURDAY
April 4 – 7:00 PM Resurrection Matins / Procession / Divine Liturgy Blessing of Artos – Myrovonia

Monday, April 6 BRIGHT MONDAY
4:30 PM ✞Gloria Suscavage – Collen & John Evans
Myrovania

Saturday, April 11
4:00 PM ✞Helen Sawka – Frank & Marian Kulick
Distribution of Artos Myrovania – Anointing of Holy Oil

Sunday, April 12 SUNDAY OF ST. THOMAS
8:30 AM God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners
Distribution of Artos, Myrovani – Anointing of Holy Oil
During the season of the Pentecost, which extends from the Pasch (Easter) to the Descent of the Holy Spirit, as a sign of the joy of the Resurrection we do not make any bows, nor do we kneel. The Council of Nicea (325) gave us the following rules regarding this matter: “Since there are some who kneel on the day of Lord and during the season of the Pentecost, for the sake of uniformity in all eparchies, the council decrees that during that time prayers be offered up to God while standing”.

EASTER
Easter reminds us of the glorious resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ 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
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.

SANCTUARY LIGHT: The Sanctuary Light is requested to burn this week April 4-11 by Charles Drazba & Family in memory of Marie Drazba.
ALTAR CANDLES: The Altar Candles are requested to burn during the month of April bY Becky Molecavage in memory of her mother Frances Bencho.
FLOWERS: The Bouquet last week was donated by Bruce Fromel in memory of his mother Julia Fromel.

SVIACHENE: Our Sviachene (Easter Dinner) is being held on Sunday, April 19, 2015 in our Church Hall at 2:00 PM. Tickets are available. The cost is $15 for adults and $8 for children, under 12, free. If you are planning to attend please purchase your tickets early. This is a very nice affair to have our Parish Family come together and share with the Easter blessings and good foods. A Chinese Auction will be available. Donations of gift items will be greatly appreciated. Save the date to attend this Church function – bring your family and friends.

THANKS: Many thanks are extended to all the men and women who came out last week to clean the church. And to Mary Oshirak & Charles Drazba for the baking of our breads and Artos. We are so lucky to have all these fine volunteers. God’s Blessings to all for your services.

LOTTERY TICKETS: Tickets for the May Lottery are available. If you can possibly sell a few tickets and purchase some for yourself it will be greatly appreciated. A few more of our sellers are not available, which makes it more difficult to have all the tickets sold. Please try to do your share in helping with this fund raiser.

LUC MEETING: North Anthracite Council – League of Ukrainian Catholics will meet on Sunday, May 3, 2015 at St. Vladimir Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, 430 North Seventh Avenue, Scranton, PA. Moleben prayer service at 3:00pm, business session at 3:30pm, followed by reception and fellowship.  Main agenda items include discussion of the upcoming May 16th bus trip to the annual St. George Ukrainian Street Festival in New York City and the October 2015 National LUC Convention in Lansdale PA. For additional information contact Dorothy Jamula, President  at 570 822-5354  or any LUC member of the parish. Former members and new members are warmly invited to become involved in the LUC as an active participant in the “Vibrant Parish” movement throughout our worldwide Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church.

Saturday, March 28 – 4:00 PM – Saturday of Lazarus
Andrew Patrylak – Wife Clara Patrylak
Blessing of Palms & Willow Branches
Myrovania – Anointing of Holy Oil

Sunday, March 29 – 8:30 AM PALM SUNDAY
Entrance of our lord into Jerusalem
Blessing of Palms & Willow Branches
Myrovania – Anointing of Holy Oil
God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners

Wednesday, April 1 9:30 AM Presanctified Divine Liturgy. Confessions

Thursday, April 2 HOLY THURSDAY
4:00 PM Matins of the Passion of Our Lord
Reading of the 12 Passion Gospels
Friday, April 3 Good Friday
3:00 PM Vespers – Procession – Entombment of Jesus Christ Confessions
Saturday, April 4 HOLY SATURDAY
1:00 PM Blessing of Easter Food Baskets
7:00 PM Service at the Grave, Resurrection Matins / Easter Divine
Liturgy – Blessing of Artos – Myrovania – Anointing of Holy Oil

Bright Monday – April 6 – 4:30 PM – Divine Liturgy – Myrovania

Transfiguration of Our Lord Holy Week & Easter schedule
Palm Sunday, March 29 – at 10.30AM Divine Liturgy. Blessing of Willows.
Holy Monday, March 30 – 9:30AM The Presanctified Divine Liturgy. Confessions.
Holy Tuesday, March 31 – 9:30AM The Presanctified Divine Liturgy. Confessions.
Holy Thursday, April 2 – 6:30PM Matins of the Holy and saving Passion of our Lord. Confessions.
Passion Friday, April 3 – 5:30PM Vespers with the Placement of the Holy Shroud. Confessions.
Holy Saturday, April 4 – 3:00PM Blessing of Paschal Food (in parish hall).
Resurrection of our Lord – Pascha, April 5
7:30 AM Service at the Grave, Resurrection Matins, Divine Liturgy,
Blessing of Artos, Myrovania.
Bright Monday, April 6 – 6:00PM Divine Liturgy, Myrovania.
Bright Tuesday, April 7 – 9:00AM Divine Liturgy, Myrovania.

SANCTUARY LIGHT: The Sanctuary Light is requested to burn this week March 28 – April 4 by the Halloway Family in memory of Michael Halloway.

HOLY WEEK – Please remember that help is needed to participate in the Holy Week services. Holy Thursday, 4:00 PM, Good Friday, 3:00 PM and Resurrection Services Holy Saturday, 7:00 PM. Help will be needed to set up the grave after the Holy Thursday evening services. Try to lend a helping hand. Sign up sheet is in the vestibule for Adoration. Time to spend with God. Give an hour of your time for HIM.

Appreciation: We thank all who brought the Willow branches and all who helped tie the Palm & Branches. Your help is always appreciated. God’s blessing to all.

LOTTERY TICKETS: The Lottery tickets are available for the month of May. Try you luck and purchase a few. This is a good fund-raiser for the Church.

SVIACHENE: Our Sviachene (Easter Dinner) is being
held on Sunday, April 19, 2015 in our Church Hall at
2:00 PM. Tickets are available. The cost is $15 for adults and
$8 for children, under 12, free. If you are planning to attend
please purchase your tickets early.
This is a very nice affair to have our Parish Family come
together and share with the Easter blessings and good foods.
A Chinese Auction will be available. Donations of gift items
will be greatly appreciated.
Save the date to attend this Church function – bring your family and friends.

Saturday, March 21
4:00 PM ✞Helen Sawka – Peter Petrowski

Sunday, March 22 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
This is the last of the Deanery Stations of the Cross

Thursday, March 25 ANNOUNCIATION OF THE BLESSED MOTHER
Holy day of Obligation
God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners
Myrovania – Anointing of Holy Oil
Friday, March 27
4:00 PM Stations of the Cross – Sorokousty Service

Saturday, March 28 Blessing of Willow branches and Palm
4:00 PM Myrovania – Anointing of Holy Oil

Sunday, March 29 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
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 repentanceHOLY WEEK AND EASTER SCHEDULE

Holy Wednesday – April 1 – 9:30 AM Presanctified Divine Liturgy. Confessions

Holy Thursday – April 2 – 4:00 PM Matins of the Passion of Our Lord –

Good Friday – April 3 – 3:00 PM – Vespers – Procession – Entombment of The
Holy Shroud. Confessions

HOLY SATURDAY – April 4 – 1:00 PM Blessing of Easter Food Baskets
7:00 PM – Service at the Grave, RECURRECTION MATINS, Easter Divine Liturgy, Blessing of Artos – Myrovania – Anointing of Holy Oil
Bright Monday – April 6 – 4:30 PM – Divine Liturgy – Myrovania

THE FEAST OF THE ANNUNCIATION OF THE MOST HOLY MOTHER OF GOD

The mystery of the Annunciation has fundamental significance, for with it begin the New Testament and our salvation. Mankind had waited thousands of years for the good new of the Archangel concerning the incarnation of the son of God. Heaven, earth, and the righteous souls in limbo awaited this good news. On this day God fulfilled his promise to send a redeemer, for on this day the “Word was made flesh and dwelt among us.” In a sermon on the Annunciation, attributed to St. John Chrysostom, we read: “Gabriel was sent to reveal the salvation of the world. Gabriel was sent to bring to Adam the promise of his return from slavery to sin. Gabriel was sent to the Virgin, to restore the honor of womanhood. Gabriel was sent to prepare a worthy bridal chamber for the pure Bridegroom. Gabriel was sent to espouse creature with the Creator. Gabriel was sent to the Virgin betrothed to Joseph, but preserved for the Son. The bodiless servant was sent to the pure Virgin. The one who was free from sin was sent to one exempt from corruption. A lamp was sent to point out the Sun of truth. Morning was sent to precede the light of day. Gabriel was sent to announce Him, who is in the bosom of the Father and in the arms of the Mother. Gabriel was sent to announce Him, Who is seated on a throne at God’s right hand and, at the same time, rests in a lowly manger on earth.”
At the moment of the angel’s annunciation, the Son of God begins the first moments of earthly life in the womb of the Most Pure Virgin Mary. From this momentous fact the privileges of Mary – those of divine motherhood and virginity – clearly emanate.
The celebration of the feast of the Annunciation began in the Eastern Church at the end of the fourth or the beginning of the fifth century. At first, both in the East and the West, it was considered a feast of the Lord as is evident from the names by which it was first known: “The Conception of Christ”, “The Annunciation concerning Christ”. “The Beginning of Redemption”, “The Annunciation”, “ The Annunciation of the Angel to Mary”, “The Day of the Salutation”, “The Day or Feast of the Annunciation”.
In the seventh century, the name was formally established for the entire Eastern Church as “The Annunciation of the Most Holy Mother of God”, and it was decreed that this feast be celebrated as a Marian feast.
The date March 25, was selected for this feast because it occurs just nine months before the feast of the Nativity of our Lord on December 25. In addition to this, there existed an ancient tradition that March 25th marked not only the incarnation of the son of God, but also both the creation of the world and the death of Christ on the Cross. The Alexandrian Paschal Chronicle of 624, and also the Paschal Chronicle of Constantinople, from the start of the seventh century, places the feast of the Annunciation on the 25th of March.
SANCTUARY LIGHT: The Sanctuary Light is requested to burn this week, March 21-28 by Michael Kane in memory of James & Carrie Kane.

LOTTERY TICKETS: The month of May is Lottery time. Please try to do your part by purchasing a few tickets and if possible take some to sell to your friends & family.

SVIACHENE: Our Sviachene (Easter Dinner) is for Sunday, April 19, 2015 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 under 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 27th. 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

Saturday, March 14
4:00 PM ✞ Leo Semcheski – (40th Day) John & Nancy Semcheski

Sunday, March 15
8:30 AM FOURTH SUNDAY OF THE GREAT FAST
God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners
4:00 PM – Deanery Stations of the Cross – Transfiguration of Our Lord, Nanticoke

Friday, Mar. 20
4:00 PM Stations of the Cross – Sorokousty

Saturday, Mar. 21
4:00 PM ✞Helen Sawka – Peter Petrowski

Sunday, Mar. 22 FIFTH SUNDAY OF THE GREAT FAST
MARY OF EGYPT VENERABLE
8:30 AM God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners

Ukrainian Easter Eggs are beautiful expression of mystery, magic and love. Ukrainian ancestors believed that the Easter Eggs bring good fortune, wealth, health and protection from lightning and fire, possess curative power.

St. John Climacus
On the Fourth Sunday of Great Lent 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.

EASTER

In Christianity, the Easter celebration is held to commemorate the resurrection of Jesus, which Christians believe happened three days after he was buried, having been crucified by Roman authorities just outside of Jerusalem. Easter takes place at the same time as Jewish Passover and, as such, is not a fixed date on the calendar but instead moves around. Because of its connection to Passover, Easter is also sometimes referred to as Pascha, a word that appears in both Latin and Greek but comes from the Hebrew Pesah, or Passover

Setting the Date
Before 325 CE, Christian communities celebrated Easter on a variety of different days of the week, but the Council of Nicea, called together by Emperor Constantine, issued the “Easter Rule” which standardized Easter observance to the first Sunday after the first full moon (known as th paschal moon) on or after the vernal equinox. This “full moon” is not defined in a scientific manner, however – it is an “ecclesiastical full moon” and the “ecclesiastical vernal equinox” is always on March 21st. This means that Easter always occurs on a Sunday between March 22nd and April 25th, signaling the end of the season of Lent.
Traditions
Although Easter is just one day in the liturgical calendar, in reality preparations for Easter take place throughout the 40 days of Lent and it plays a central role in the following 50 days of Pentecost (also known as the Easter season). Thus, Easter can rightly be regarded as the central day in the entire Christian calendar.
Although Easter is probably the oldest Christian celebration aside from the Sabbath, it wasn’t always the same as what people currently think of when they look at Easter services. The earliest known observances, known as Pasch, occurred between the 2nd and 4th centuries. These celebrations commemorated both Jesus’ death and his resurrection at once, whereas these two events have been split up between Good Friday and Easter Sunday today.
Easter is treated not simply as a commemoration of events that occurred at one time in the past. Instead, Easter is regarded as a living symbol of the very nature of Christianity. During Easter, Christians believe that they symbolically pass through death and into a new life (spiritually) in Jesus Christ, just as Jesus passed through death and after three days rose from the dead.

SANCTUARY LIGHT: The Sanctuary Light is requested to burn this week March 14 – 21 by Arlene Jones for Good Health for her sister-in-law.

SVIACHENE: Our Sviachene (Easter Dinner) is being planned for Sunday,
April 19, 2015 – 2:00 PM in our Church Hall. Tickets will be
available soon. We are hoping that most of our parishioners will
attend this affair as it is for the purpose of getting together as a Parish Family. This is a nice affair for our Parish and friends to
spend some time together for food, fun and to enjoy each other.
The cost is $15 for adults and $8 for children 8- 12 under 12, free.
Menu is: Piggies, Ham, Kilbosi , potatoes, vegetable, extras
dessert and beverage. Donations of Gift items for the Chinese
Auction will be greatly appreciated and of course our dessert table donations. Save the date and come.

COUNCIL MEETING: The Parish Council will meet on Friday, March 20th in the Church Hall at 2:00 PM. This meeting will be held before the Stations of the Cross. All members are asked to please attend as meetings have not been held for a few months.

DEANERY STATION OF THE CROSS
4:00 PM each Sunday
Mar. 15 Nanticoke, Transfiguration
Mar. 22 Edwardsville, St. Vladimir