SS Peter & Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church

Saturday, April 5
4:00 PM Pauline Slota – Shirley Kosar

Sunday, April 6 FIFTH SUNDAY OF THE GREAT FAST
8:30 AM God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners

Friday, April 11
6:30 PM Stations of the Cross – Sorokousty Service

Saturday, April 12 SATURDAY OF LAZARUS
Blessing of Willow branches and Palm
Myrovania – Anointing of Holy Oil
4:00 PM Anna Dempsey – Pauline Parada & Joseph Husty

Sunday, April 13 PALM SUNDAY- Myrovania – Anointing of Holy Oil
8:30 AM God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners

SVIACHENE: Our Sviachene (Easter Dinner) is being
planned for Sunday, May 18, 2014 in our Church Hall at
2:00 PM. Tickets will be available next week.
Get your tickets early so plans can be made for the affair.
The tickets are $12 for adults and $5 for children under 12.
This is a very nice affair to have our Parish get together.
Plan on attending and bring your friends and family.

This schedule is for Holy Week – times for all services are tentative and may change in next weeks bulletin if there is a change.

Holy Wednesday – April 16 – 9:30 AM Presanctified Divine Liturgy. Confessions

Holy Thursday – April 17 – 4:00 PM Matins of the Passion of Our Lord. Confessions

Good Friday – April 18 – 3:00 PM – Vespers – Procession – Entombment of The
Holy Shroud. Confessions

HOLY SATURDAY – APRIL 19 – 1:00 PM BLESSING OF EASTER FOOD BASKETS
7:00 PM – RESURRECTION MATINS / PROCESSION EASTER DIVINE LITURGY BLESSING OF ARTOS – MYROVANIA – ANOINTING OF HOLY OIL

Bright Monday – April 21 – 4:30 PM – Divine Liturgy – Myrovania
Bright Tuesday – April 22 – 9:00 AM Divine Liturgy – Myrovania

THE LEGEND OF THE EASTER EGG

One day a poor peddler went to the marketplace to sell a basket of eggs. He came upon a crown mocking a man who staggered with a heavy cross on which he was about to be crucified. The peddler ran to his aid, leaving the basket by the roadside. When he returned, he found the eggs transformed into exquisite design of bright colors.
The man was Christ; the peddler, Simon. And the eggs were to become the symbol of rebirth for all mankind.
Ukrainian Folk Tale….
May All of the Wonder and Beauty of the Holy Season
Be Yours
PALM SUNDAY: Palm Sunday is next week and we are in need of Pussy Willows. We are asking for help to tie the branches and palm for distribution. Please, if you can lend a hand, this will be after the Stations of the Cross on Friday, April 11th. . If you bring any branches at this time, please put them at the Hall entrance. Thank you.

SANCTUARY LIGHT: The Sanctuary Light is requested to burn this week, April 5 – 12 in honor of Jaclyn Rudeski 25th Birthday that she will celebrate on April 8th requested by her parents Jack & Annetta Rudeski. Mnohya Lita! Jaclyn.

ALTAR CANDLES: The Altar Candles are requested to burn during all scheduled services in the month of April by Becky Molecavage in memory of her mother Frances Bencho.

WOMEN’S SOCIETY: The Women’s Society will meet Tuesday, April 8th in the Church Hall at 6:30 PM. Please try to attend. President Anna Magill will preside.

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

POLKA MASS: A Polka Mass & Dance with Polka Country Musicians, will be held at St. Mary Roman Catholic Church, 94 Walnut Road, Hamburg, PA, on Sunday, May 4, 2014.12:30 PM Polka Mass, 1:30 PM Hall doors and kitchen opens, 2:30 – 6:30 PM Music & Dancing. Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door, includes hot buffet. Tickets available through the Parish Office, call 610-562-7657.

HOLY WEEK: Please remember Holy Week is 2 weeks away. A need for the men of the Parish to sign up for the Candles held for the reading of the Gospels, the procession on Good Friday and before Resurrection Services.
Everyone available sign in for the Adoration at the grave. The schedule is in the vestibule. Spend some time with the Lord for all He has done for us.

Saturday, Mar. 29
4:00 PM David Trimmell.- Irene Quirion

Sunday, March 30 FOURTH SUNDAY OF THE GREAT FAST
8:30 AM JOHN CLIMACUS VENERABLE
God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners

Friday, April 4
6:30 PM Stations of the Cross – Sorokousty

Saturday, April 5
4:00 PM Pauline Slota – Shirley Kosar

Sunday, April 6 FIFTH SUNDAY OF THE GREAT FAST
MARY OF EGYPT VENERABLE
8:30 AM God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners

DEANERY STATION SCHEDULE:
March 30 – Transfiguration of Our Lord, Nanticoke
April 6 – St. Vladimir’s Edwardsville

PRAYERS: Please remember in your prayers Rev. Ruslan Romanyuk, Pastor of Transfiguration of Our Lord UCC in Shamokin, PA. He is very sick and your prayers are needed for his recovery.
Great Fast
After Christianity came to Ukraine, the coming of spring took on new meaning, as it also signaled the approach of Easter. The forty days preceding Easter are known as the “Great Fast” (or Lenten Period) and are spent by the faithful readying themselves spiritually for the great day when Christ’s Resurrection will be celebrated.
Prayer and penitence are a part of the “Great Fast”. The faithful often deny themselves certain types of food and recreation in order to express remorse for their sins. “Stations of the Cross” are usually held on Wednesdays or Fridays during Lent. The “Stations” represent the fourteen instances of pain and suffering that Jesus endured in his final day on earth over two thousand years ago.
During the “Great Fast”, there are also special services held for the deceased members of each parish. These requiem services, know as “Sorokousty”, usually involve the reciting of the names of individual family members from the parish who have died. The word “Sorokousty” literally means “forty monks”, and refers back to a time when requiem services were held in monasteries by forty monks who would pray in unison for the souls of the deceased. It was also tradition in Ukraine that, during the period of the “Great Fast”, parishioners make it a “duty” to make a good confession of their sins. This would be done so that their souls may be prepared for the reception of the Body of Christ on Easter morning. Another custom closely following the idea of the “Easter Duty” was that of reconciliation of relatives and neighbors when there had been problems or difficulties in the family or neighborhood.
In Ukraine, Lent was also a time when great attention was paid preparing the home and family clothing for the arrival of Easter: Much fixing up and whitewashing was done to the home and articles of clothing were repaired and cleaned. In recognition of the new life of Christ‘s raising from the dead, each family member was also provided with some new article of clothing.

SANCTUARY LIGHT: The Sanctuary Light is requested to burn the week of
March 29 – April 5 by Paul & Marion Rose for a Special Intention.

THE SHROUD OF TURIN: Our thanks to Paul & Dolores Hoover for their donation of $100 toward the Shroud expenses. The Donations of Parishioners and visitors amounted to $2985. This will help defray the expenses for all the necessary preparations, etc. for honoring the Shroud in our Church. Thanks again to all who helped with the visitations, prayers and organization to make this event so beautiful. The visitation during this time was 730 visitors and about 375 in attendance at the Friday evening presentation.

LOTTERY TICKETS: The Lottery tickets are available for the month of May. Please try to do your part by purchasing at least 5 tickets and if you are able to sell some take a few to sell. Your help is very important for this project.

WOMEN’S SOCIETY: The Women’s Society will meet for their regular monthly meeting after a long cold winter, on Tuesday, April 8, in the church hall at 6:30 PM. Please try to attend. President Anna Magill will preside.

COUNCIL MEETING: The Parish Council will meet on Tuesday, April 1, in the church hall at 6:30 PM. All members please try to be present for this meeting.

WILLOWS BRANCHES: If you have any pussy willows to donate for Palm Sunday, please bring them to the church at your convenience. It is two week until Palm Sunday.

OUR FELLOWSHIP: Our thanks to all those who were so kind to supply our desserts and monetary gifts for the fellowship after the deanery Stations of the Cross last Sunday. We had a nice turn out and thanks to all the men and women who help with the preparations and servings.

ADORATION AT THE GRAVE: A chart is available for you to sign in for the Adoration of the Grave. This is an early request hoping all the hours will be filled. Spend some time with Our Lord during this time of prayer.

Saturday, March 22 VENERATION OF THE HOLY CROSS
4:00 PM Theodore Soppeck – Paul & Dolores Hoover

Sunday, March 23 THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT –
8:30 AM VENERATION OF THE HOLY CROSS
God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners
4:00 PM Deanery Stations of the Cross
Tuesday, March 25 ANNUNCIATION OF THE MOTHER OF GOD
4:00 PM Frank Kobela – Mike Kane
Holy Day of Obligation – Anointing of Holy Oil – Myrovonia
Petitions to the Mother of God
Friday, March 28
6:30 PM Stations of the Cross = Sorokusty Service
Saturday, 29
4:00 PM David Trimmeole – Irene Quirion

Sunday, March 30 FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT
JOHN CLIMACUS VENERABLE
8:30 AM God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners

ANNUNCIATION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY
March 25th
HOLY DAY OF OBLIGATION

This feast was established to commemorate the election of the Blessed Virgin Mary to be the Mother of God’s only begotten Son, the second Person of the Blessed Trinity. Mary consented freely to the proposal of the Angel who brought her the happy news in the name of the Blessed Trinity.
The Christians should rejoice at the Incarnation of the Divine Word and the elevation of Mary to divine Motherhood, which raises her above the highest rank of the Angels.
The Feast of the Annunciation was introduced in the early times of Christianity.

SANCTUARY LIGHT: The Sanctuary Light is requested to burn this week, March 22 – 29 by Mary Ann & David Youells in memory of mother Julia Yanoka

BUS TRIP: The bus trip to St. George Ukrainian Street Festival in New York May 17, 2014, sponsored by St. Vladimir Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church has been filled, but if you are interested you may contact Paul Ewasko to have your name on the list for a cancellation.
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HAM BINGO: ST. NICHOLAS BYZANTINE CATHOLIC CHURCH, 140 Church St., Old Forge, Pa. is sponsoring their ANNUAL HAM BINGO at the Church Hall on April 6, 2014. Cost of Admission is $3.00. Doors will open at 11:00 am and the game starts at 1:00 pm. We will also have food, refreshments and a Bake Sale. Come out and join the fun!

THANKS: We sincerely express our gratitude for the donations received for our parish funds from Mary Lou Pinaha $340, Walter Pinaha $330 and Veronica Pinaha Szewczuk $330. God’s blessing for good health to you always.

COUNCIL MEETING: The Parish Council will meet on Tuesday, April 1, 6:30 PM. All members please try to attend.

Saturday, Mar. 15
4:00 PM Anna Dempsey – SS Peter & Paul Women’s Society
Sunday, March 16 SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT
8:30 AM God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners

Friday, Mar. 21
6:30 PM Stations of the Cross – Sorokousty Service

Saturday, Mar. 22 VENERATION OF THE HOLY CROSS
4:00 PM Theodore Soppeck – Paul & Dolores Hoover

Sunday, Mar. 23 THIRD SUNDAY OF THE GREAT FAST
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

LENTEN PENANCES AND PROSTRATIONS:
In the first centuries of Christianity the practice of public penance for various sins and offences prevailed in the Church. Following the wishes of the Church, many penitents performed their penance during the Great Fast. Just as the faithful adopted the Forty Days Fast from the catechumens, so too, under the influence of Church discipline they began to regard themselves as penitents and to perform various penitential acts during the Great Fast. From this stems the profound penitential spirit of our Lenten services.
Closely connected with our Lenten services are inclinations. These inclinations are made either by bowing from the waist or to the ground (the low, profound bow or prostration), and they are performed at all Lenten services from Monday through Friday.

CONFESSION: Confession will be available 15 – 20 minutes before any services in our parish.

PRAYERS: Please remember to pray for Ukraine, for peace and for returning of the aggressors to their home in Russia.

DEANERY STATIONS OF THE CROSS

March 16 – St. Nicholas UCC Glen Lyon, PA
March 23 – SS Peter & Paul, UCC, Plymouth, PA
March 30 – Transfiguration of Our Lord, Nanticoke, PA
April 4 – St. Vladimir UCC, Edwardsville, PA

SANCTUARY LIGHT: The Sanctuary Light is requested to burn the week of
March 15 – 22 by Eleanor Trotsky in memory of her husband Anthony Trotsky.

FLOWERS: Our thanks for the Bouquet of flowers this week by the Dempsey Children in memory of their mother Anna Dempsey.

OUR PARISH FELLOWSHIP: Next Sunday, March 23rd our parish will be the host to serve fellowship after the Deanery Stations of the Cross. We are asking all of our good dessert makers for their help in providing the dessert table. This can be cake, cupcakes, cookies, Jell-O, pudding or any other dessert you wish to have served. The ladies from the Women’s Society will provide the menu. Your help will be greatly appreciated.

THANKS: Father Volodymyr and the Shroud committee wish to thank all who participated in any way to help with the preparation, visitation and adoration while our Parish was honored to present the Shroud of Turin. Many blessings to all especially those who donated their time and the monetary gifts to help defray the cost involved in this event. This occasion is something to be long remembered. May God grant all of us the blessings that were requested.

Donations received the week of March 1/2: Mary Ann & Donna Kachinko – $100, Catherin Halloway – $100, Charles Halloway – $50, Michaelene & John Ostrum – $40, Ann Beshada – $25, Carl & Kathy Wasichanin – $25.
Received March 8/9 Paul & Marion Rose $50.

Saturday, March 8
10:00 AM The Holy Rosary (Father and Family)
4:00 PM Divine Liturgy Anna Dempsey – Donna Church

Sunday, March 9 FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT
8:30 AM God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners
4:00 PM The Holy Rosary Group 1
6:00 PM Vespers

Monday, March 10
4:00 PM The Holy Rosary Group 1
6:30 PM Stations of the Cross and Sorokosty Service

Tuesday, March 11
4:00 PM The Holy Rosary Group 2
6:30 PM Moleben to Jesus Christ

Wednesday, March 12
11:00 AM Presanctified Divine Liturgy
4:00 PM The Holy Rosary Group 1

Thursday, March 13
4:00 PM The Holy Rosary Group 2
6:30 PM Moleben to Jesus Christ

Friday, Mar. 14
4:00 PM The Holy Rosary Group 1
6:00 PM SPECIAL PRESENTATION of the SHROUD
by Russ Breault

Saturday, Mar.15
10:00 AM The Holy Rosary
The Shroud will be transfered to St. Vladimir UCC Parish in Edwardsville, PA
4:00 PM Divine Liturgy Anna Dempsey – Women’s Society

Sunday, Mar. 16 SECOND SUNDAY OF THE GREAT FAST
8:30 AM God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners

PYSANKY LESSONS: SS Cyril and Methodius UCC, Olyphant, PA are offering classes in “HOW TO MAKE PYSANKY”. Dates are March 16, 23 and April 6, 2014. The lessons will be held in the Parish Hal at 1:45 PM, the cost is $15 which includes Egg, wax and stylist/ Contact Lauren Telep for reservations at 570-383-9319.

ST. NICHOLAS BYZANTINE CATHOLIC CHURCH, 140 Church St., Old Forge, Pa. is sponsoring their ANNUAL HAM BINGO at the Church Hall on April 6, 2014. Cost of Admission is $3.00. Doors will open at 11:00am and the game starts at 1:00pm. We will also have food, refreshments and a Bake Sale. Come out and join the fun!

DEANERY STATIONS OF THE CROSS

The Wyoming Valley Sunday Lenten Stations of the Cross
March 9 – SS Peter and Paul UCC Wilkes-Barre, PA
March 16 – St. Nicholas UCC Glen Lyon, PA
March 23 – SS Peter & Paul, UCC, Plymouth, PA
March 30 – Transfiguration of Our Lord, Nanticoke, PA
April 4 – St. Vladimir UCC, Edwardsville, PA

Great Lent and the Fast in the Eastern Churches What is Great Lent?
In the Western Church, Lent is name of the season of 40 days before the feast of Easter. However, in the Eastern Church, there are other Lenten periods of penance and fasting throughout the liturgical year. The Eastern Church also observes the Nativity Fast before the feast of the Nativity, the Apostles Fast between Pentecost and the feast of Sts. Peter and Paul, and the Fast of the Theotokos prior to the Feast of the Dormition of Mary. Great Lent is specifically the Lenten period of fasting and penance before the celebration of the Pascha. The word Easter is typically only used in the West; Pascha, from the Greek word for the Hebrew Passover, is the name used in the Eastern Catholic Church for the Easter feast. Great Lent is called ‘Great’ because this Lenten period is longer and more intense than the other Lenten periods and is the most important Lenten season as it is the time for preparing for the most important liturgical feast of the year, Pascha.
Great Lent (Or the Great Forty Days): Great Lent actually begins on Clean Monday, 48 days before the feast of Pascha. The name Clean Monday is alluding to the leaving behind of sinful attitudes or behavior as well as non-fasting foods. Great Lent then continues for the next five Sundays: Triumph of Orthodoxy, Holy Relics and St. Gregory Palamas, Veneration of Holy Cross, Commemoration of our Holy Father John Climacus, and the
Commemoration of our Venerable Mother Mary of Egypt. Unlike in the West, Sundays are included in the 40 days of Lent. Also, in the Eastern Church, Holy Week is not a part of the 40 days but is considered as a separate entity from the rest of Great Lent

Great and Holy Week: Holy Week, also called Great and Holy Week begins with Lazarus Saturday, 8 days before Pascha. It then continues with Palm Sunday (the entry of Christ into Jerusalem), Great and Holy Monday which remembers Joseph of the Old Testament who was sold into slavery, Holy Tuesday (the Parable of the ten virgins), Holy Wednesday, (the anointing of Jesus with myrrh by the woman in the house of Simon the Leper), Great and Holy Thursday (the institution of the Eucharist at the Last Supper), Great and Holy Friday (the Passion of Christ) and the last day before Pascha, Great and Holy Saturday.
Lenten Fasting
In the West, in the Latin Rite Church, there are days of abstinence from meat and days of fasting when only a certain amount of food is to be taken. However in the Eastern Catholic Church, there are different fasting guidelines for different days and seasons.
SANCTUARY LIGHT: The Sanctuary light is requested to burn this week March 8 – 15 by The Dempsey Children in memory of Brother Frank Dempsey and mother Anna Dempsey.

ALTAR CANDLES: The Altar Candles will burn for all services in the month of March in memory of Anna Dempsey requested by the Dempsey children.
Altar Candles are available for requests for the months of May, August and October, 2014. The monthly Altar Candles burns for all services in the month for a donation of $40.

THE SHROUD: Be sure to read the enclosed sheet about the special presentation by Russ Breault, researcher and speaker on the Shroud of Turin, who will deliver the Secrets of the Shroud on Friday, March 14th at 6:00 PM. If you would like to make a good will offering to help defray the cost of bringing the Shroud to our Parish please place your donations in an envelope and place it in the collection basket. Any help in this cause will be greatly appreciated.

FOOD SALE: St. Nicholas UCC, 153 E. Main St., Glen Lyon, PA is sponsoring a Vegetable soup, halushki and bake sale on Friday, March 28, 2014 from 12 noon until 5:00 PM in the Church Hall. The price of the soup & halushki is $5.00 a quart. Orders can be placed by calling Debbie at 570-736-6908 or Karen at 570-735-7682. Please place your orders by March 23, 2014.

PRAYERS: Please remember in your prayers the intention for peace in the Ukraine.

Saturday, March 1 FORGIVENESS SERVICE
4:00 PM Henry Jakimowicz – A Friend

Sunday, March 2 CHEESEFARE SUNDAY
8:30 AM FORGIVENESS SERVICE
2:00 PM Opening Service for the Shroud of Turin
6:00 PM Vespers

Monday, March 3
4:00 PM The Holy Rosary Group 1
6:30 PM Stations of the Cross

Tuesday, March 4
4:00 PM The Holy Rosary Group 2
6:30 PM Moleben to Jesus Christ

Wednesday, March 5
11:00 AM Presanctified Divine Liturgy
4:00 PM The Holy Rosary Group 1

Thursday, March 6
4:00 PM The Holy Rosary Group 2
6:30 PM Moleben to Jesus Christ

Friday, Mar. 7
4:00 PM The Holy Rosary Group 1
6:30 PM Stations of the Cross
SOROKOSTY SERVICE
Saturday, Mar. 8
10:00 AM The Holy Rosary
4:00 PM Divine Liturgy – Anna Dempsey – Donna Church

Sunday, Mar. 9 FIRST SUNDAY OF THE GREAT FAST
8:30 AM God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners
4:00 PM The Holy Rosary Group 2
6:00 PM Vespers

A CHANGE IN THE SCHEDULE FOR THE
DEANERY STATIONS OF THE CROSS

The Wyoming Valley Sunday Lenten Stations of the Cross
March 9 – SS Peter and Paul UCC Wilkes-Barre, PA
March 16 – St. Nicholas UCC Glen Lyon, PA
March 23 – SS Peter & Paul, UCC, Plymouth, PA
March 30 – Transfiguration of Our Lord, Nanticoke, PA
April 4 – St. Vladimir UCC, Edwardsville, PA

According to Byzantine tradition, the Lenten discipline consists of three separate parts:
1.) Corporal or External Fast, including the abstinence from certain foods, drink and
amusements
2.) Spiritual or Internal Fast, which consists of abstinence from “all evil” -sin
3.) Spiritual Renewal achieved by the practice of virtues and good works.
Corporal fast, also called ascetical fast developed mostly under the influence of monastic discipline and became very rigid, as ascribed by St. Theodore Studite (d. 826): “During the Great Fast, we eat only once at about the ninth hour (3:00 P.M) taking only dry food and vegetables without oil; we do not drink wine, either; except on Saturday and Sunday, when we are also permitted to eat fish. St. Theodore, who followed a moderate monastic discipline, gives the following advice: “Concerning the quantity and quality of food, you should fast as much as your body can endure”. The same principal should be replied today since our Lenten Regulations prescribe only a token fasting.
In order to create a prayerful atmosphere during Lent, the Fathers insisted on a complete abstinence from all kinds of amusements, i.e. music, dances, parties during Lent and St. John Chrysostom chastised those who during the Great Lent “dared to attend horse-races”. This point of fast should be stressed today with the mania of entertainment besetting our younger generations.
Spiritual or Internal Fast, which it the abstinence from all evil (especially from serious sin) in the most essential part of fast St. John Chrysostom taught the “value of fasting consists not so much in abstinence from food but rather in withdrawal from sinful practices. St. Basil the Great explains: “Turning away from all wickedness means keeping our tongue in check, restraining our anger, suppressing evil desires, and avoiding all gossip, lying and swearing. To abstain from these things herein lies the true value of fast!”
Spiritual Renewal, with the practice of the virtues and doing good works, must be the main objective of our fasting as suggested by St. Basil in his homily of fasting: “Accept fast as an experienced educator by whom the Church teaches piety”.

THE GREAT FAST
Fast is one of the oldest and most venerable practices in the Church, which came to us through an interrupted tradition (St Basil, Horn on Fast I, S). The Great Fast can be described as a forty-day period of prayer, penance, and spiritual exercises in preparation for the proper celebration of Easter.
The Great Fast, as we know it today, is the result of a most complicated historical development, not all stages of which have been sufficiently explained. It seems that in the second century, the Church knew only a very short fast (a day or two) before the Pasch. During the third century the pre-paschal fast was extended to the entire week known to us as the Passion or Holy Week. The first mention of the Forty Days Fast is made in the fifth canon of the Council of Nicaea (325). From that time, the Forty Days Fast is discussed by many Church Fathers and St. Athanasius (d. 373) does not hesitate to say: “Anyone who neglects to observe the Forty Days Fast is not worthy to celebrate the Easter Festival’ (cf. Festal Letters XIX, 9)
The Synod of Laodicaea (about 360) imposed the strict obligation of fasting for forty days before Easter for the first time. By the end of the fourth century, the Great Fast, known to the Greeks as the “Tessaracoste” (forty Days) and the Romans as ‘Quadragesima”, was generally observed by the entire Church.
Originally, the forty-day period was computed from Good Friday, the day the Pasch of Crucifixion was celebrated, and then extended to six weeks. In Constantinople, when they transferred the solemn Baptism from Easter to the Saturday of Lazarus, the Lenten season of preparation also had to be anticipated by one week. Thus, according to the Byzantine practice, the Great Fast began seven weeks before Easter and ended on the Friday before the Saturday of Lazarus. At the Vespers of Lazarus we sing: “We have concluded the beneficial Forty Days (Lent) and we implore You, 0 Lover of Mankind, make us see the Holy Week of Your Passion and praise Your work (of redemption).” Liturgically, then, the Great Fast ends on the Friday before the Saturday of Lazarus and is exactly forty days long.
In the Roman Rite, Holy Week was included in the Lenten season and the Lenten season was of six-week duration. But later, when the Sundays in Lent were exempt from fasting in the West, Lent became only thirty-six days long. This situation was remedied in the seventh century by adding four more days of fasting at the beginning of the Lenten season with the first day of Lent on Ash Wednesday. This is the reason for the difference in the first day of Lent between the Byzantine Rite and the Roman Rite.
FIRST DAY OF GREAT LENT: The First day of Lent begins Monday, March 3. The first day of The Great Fast and Good Friday are days of strict abstinence for Ukrainian Catholics – we are not permitted to eat any meat or dairy products all day long, and we should try to limit our consumption of food.
SANCTUARY LIGHT: The Sanctuary Light is requested to burn the week of
March 1-8 by The Paucke Family in memory of Dorothy Paucke.

FLOWERS: 2 bouquets of flowers are donated this week for the Presentation of the Shroud of Turin by Geri Kolotelo in memory of her parents Louis and Anna Kolotelo.

DONATIONS TOWARD SHROUD: The donations received last week to help with the cost of the Shroud is greatly appreciated: The North Anthracite League of Ukrainian Catholics $100,
Arlene Jones $50, Mike and Dolores Sinko $50, Ann Marie and Joseph Onderko $25,
If you would like to make a good will offering please place your donation in an envelope and place it in the collection basket. Any help in this cause will be greatly appreciated.

WOMEN’S SOCIETY: Remember your group number to participate in the Holy Rosary at the times presented

ADDRESS FOR JULIA YUHAS: Gloria Drab Elston requested if anyone would like to visit Julia Yuhas, she is at the Independant Nursing Home – Penn Manor Inn
240 N. Sherman St. Wlkes Barre, PA

ST. MARY’S BYZANTINE CATHOLIC CHURCH, 320 Mifflin Ave. Scranton, Pa. is having their INTERNATIONAL DINNER CLUB on Thursday, March 12, 2014. The price is only $20.00 per person. Ireland is featured this month with a Galbally Split Pea with Ham Soup, Emerald Isle Spring Mix Salad, and an entrée of Tender Roasted Corned Beef, thinly sliced and served over bacon and cabbage with cheddar potato gratin and honey glazed baby carrots. The dessert will be Jameson Whiskey Parfait. You may also want to have an Irish Coffee for only $5.00. Please call for reservations at 570-343-5151 and choose a seating for 5:30 or 6:30pm. Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a flare and join us for a gourmet Irish dinner.

Saturday, Feb. 22
4:00 PM Leonard Lotrick – Wife Katherine Lotrick

Sunday, Feb. 23 SUNDAY OF MEATFARE
8:30 AM God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners

Thursday, Feb. 27
9:00 AM All Soul in Purgatory

Saturday, March 1
4:00 PM Henry Jakimowicz – A Friend
FORGIVENESS SERVICE

Sunday, March 2 CHEESEFARE SUNDAY
8:30 AM God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners
FORGIVENESS SERVICE

This Sunday is called Meat Fare Sunday. On this Sunday the Church presents the last judgment in order to impress her children with a salutary fear and induce them to do penance for their sins.

The Wyoming Valley Sunday Lenten Stations of the Cross
March 9 – SS Peter and Paul UCC Wilkes-Barre, PA
March 16 – St. Nicholas UCC Glen Lyon, PA
March 23 – St. Vladimir UCC, Edwardsville, PA
March 30 – SS Peter & Paul, UCC, Plymouth, PA
April 4 – Transfiguration of Our Lord, Nanticoke, PA

SANCTUARY LIGHT: The Sanctuary light is requested to burn this week, February 22 – March 1 by Eleanor Kulick and Family in memory of Husband Frank Kulick.

THE SHROUD: If you did not sign in for the adoration of the Shroud, a few spaces are still available. You may stay 1 or 2 hours or as many as you like for this spiritual occasion. Prayers are always the way to give to Our Lord. Be there for HIM.
The Women’s Society will be present each day at 4:00 PM to recite the Rosary for the two weeks duration. You may join in on this hour to help with the recitation.
The next meeting for the preparations of the Shroud will be held on Thursday, February 27, 2014 in our parish hall at 3:00 PM.

MARCH 14TH: Remember to keep the date, March 14, 2014 opened for the presentation of the unveiling of “The Secrets of the Shroud” by the researcher and speaker on the Shroud of Turin – Russ Breault. Be sure to mention this occasion to your family, friends and neighbors. The presentation will be held in SS Peter & Paul, UCC, Plymouth, PA at 6:00 PM. All are invited to attend this spiritual event.
The replica Shroud of Turin display will be at a cost to the Parishes and we are asking you for any help you can provide to help to defray the cost. If you would like to make a good will offering please place your donation in an envelope and place in the collection basket. Any help in this cause will be greatly appreciated.

SOROKOSTY: SOROKOSTY SERVICES WILL BE SERVED FRIDAY’S AFTER THE STATIONS OF THE CROSS AT 6:30 PM DURING LENT.

THE SHROUD DONATIONS
Our thanks to those who donated toward the cost of having the Shroud of Turin delivered to our church and the printing, publication, etc.

SS PETER AND PAUL, UCC WOMEN’S SOCIETY
ANNA BOSACK
MR. & MRS. BERNARD KOSEK

Saturday, February 15
4:00 PM William Kloap – Wife Florence Kloap & Family

Sunday, February 16 SUNDAY OF THE PUBLICAN AND PHARISEE
8:30 AM God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners

Thursday, February 20
9:00 AM Anna Soppeck – Dolores & Paul Hoover

Saturday, February 22
4:00 PM Leonard Lotrick – Wife Katherine Lotrick

Sunday, February 23 SUNDAY OF THE PRODIGAL SON
8:30 AM God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners

SOROKOUSTY ENVELOPES: Remember to submit your Sorokousty envelope for the names you would like to have remembered during the Lenten Season. This service is celebrated after the Stations on the Cross every week during Lent.

An Explanation of the Iconostas
In Eastern Christianity an iconostasis (plural: iconostases) is a wall of icons and religious paintings, separating the nave from the sanctuary in a church. Iconostasis also refers to a portable icon stand that can be placed anywhere within a church. The iconostasis evolved from the Byzantine templon, a process complete by the fifteenth century.
The word comes from the Greek εἰκονοστάσι(-ον) (eikonostási(-on), still in common use in Greece and Cyprus), which means “icon stand”.
The nave is the main body of the church where most of the worshippers stand, and the sanctuary is the area around the altar, east of the nave. The sanctuary is usually one to three steps higher than the nave. The Iconostasis does not sit directly on the edge of the sanctuary, but is usually set a few feet back from the edge of the top step. This forms a walkway in front of the iconostasis for the clergy, called a soleas. In the very center of the soleas is an extension (or thrust), often rounded, called the ambon, on which the deacon will stand to give litanies during the services.
The iconostasis typically has three openings or sets of doors: the Beautiful Gates or Holy Doors in the center, and the North and South Doors to either side. The Beautiful Gates are sometimes called the Royal Doors, but that name more properly belongs to the central doors connecting the narthex, or porch, to the nave.[1] They remain shut whenever a service is not being held. Modern custom as to when they should be opened during services varies depending upon jurisdiction and local custom. The North and South Doors are often called Deacons’ Doors because the deacons use them frequently. Icons of sainted deacons are often depicted on these doors (particularly St. Stephen the Protomartyr and St. Ephrem the Syrian). Alternatively, they may be called Angels’ Doors, and the Archangels Michael and Gabriel are often depicted there. The South Door is typically the “entrance” door, and Michael is depicted there because he is the “Defender”; the North Door is the “exit”, and Gabriel is depicted here because he is the “Messenger” of God. These doors may also be casually referred to as the “side doors

PIGGIE/HOLUBTSI DINNER – Saints Peter & Paul Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, Wilkes- Barre will hold a take-out Piggie / Holubtsi Dinner on Sunday, March 2nd, 2014. Dinners may be picked up between 11:30 am and 2:00 pm at the Parrish School Hall, corner of North River and West Chestnut Streets, Wilkes-Barre. Dinner includes Piggies (meat stuffed cabbage), mashed potatoes, vegetable, bread and butter and dessert. Dinners will be $10.00 for adults and $5.00 for children (12 and under). Walk-Ins welcome but reservations are encouraged.

PYSANKY CLASS – SS Cyril and Methodius Ukrainian Catholic Church, Olyphant, PA is offering classes on “HOW TO MAKE PYSANKY”. This will take place in SS Cyril and Methodius UCC Parish Hall, 207 River St., Olyphant, PA. The dates are Sunday, March 16, March 23, March 30 and April 6, 2014. Time is 1:45 PM and the cost for the lesson is $15 per person which includes egg, bees wax and stylist. Seating is limited to 25 persons per class. Contact Lauren Telep for reservations. One class lesson is sufficient to learn. It is Practice, Practice::::

WORKSHOP FOR THE SHROUD: The workshop for volunteers of informative services on the Shroud were held on Tuesday, February 11, 2014 in our Church at 6:00 PM. Father Dan Tryon presided at this workshop for volunteers from our Parish, Nanticoke, Wilkes-Barre, Edwardsville and Scranton. Father Dan, Father Paul and Father Volodymyr were present to help with this very important event. The turnout was great and well presented.
The next meeting for the preparations of the Shroud will be held on Thursday, February 20, 2014 in our parish hall at 3:00 PM.

MARCH 14TH: Remember to keep the date, March 14, 2014 open for the presentation of the unveiling of “The Secrets of the Shroud” by the researcher and speaker on the Shroud of Turin – Russ Breault. Be sure to mention this occasion to your family, friends and neighbors. The presentation will be held in SS Peter & Paul, UCC, Plymouth, PA at 6:00 PM. All are invited to attend this spiritual event.
The replica Shroud of Turin display will be costly to the Parishes and we are asking you for any help you can provide to defray the cost. If you would like to make a good will offering please place your donation in an envelope and place in the collection basket. Any help in this cause will be greatly appreciated.

ALTAR WINE: Our thanks to an anonymous donor who so generously donated the cost of a case of Altar Wine. God’s blessings for this kind act.

SANCTUARY LIGHT: The Sanctuary Light is requested to burn the week of
February 15 – 22 by Arlene Jones for the intention of God’s Blessings and good health for Virginia Jones.

LUC MEETING – North Anthracite Council – League of Ukrainian Catholics will hold a meeting this Sunday, February 16, 2014 in our Parish Church. Moleben prayer service will be served at 2:00 PM, business session at 2:30 PM followed by reception and fellowship. Our clergy and guests are warmly invited and all members are sincerely asked to attend. For additional information contact: Dorothy Jamula, President; your pastor; or any LUC member of the parish.

MEATFARE SUNDAY: Transfiguration of Our Lord Ukrainian Catholic Church, in the Hanover Section of Nanticoke, invites you to its Myasopusna dinner celebration on Meatfare Sunday, February 23rd, at the church hall, at Bliss and Center Streets. Dinner will be served at 12:30 p.m., and will include holuptsi, varenyky, kovbasa, green beans, black bread and butter, and dessert. Entertainment will follow at 1:30 pm, featuring the Holy Year Choir, Kazka, Saint Mary’s Dancers, and other entertainment. Dinner tickets are $15. Advanced ticket purchase is recommended.

Saturday, February 8
4:00 PM John and Anna Rudeski – Daughter Ann Marie &
Joseph Onderko

Sunday, February 9 SUNDAY OF THE PUBLICAN AND PHARISEE
8:30 AM God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners

Thursday, February 13
9:00 AM Anna Dempsey – Tom & Reva Savitski

Saturday, February 15
4:00 PM William Kloap – Wife Florence Kloap & Family

Sunday, February 16 SUNDAY OF THE PRODIGAL SON
8:30 AM God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners

WORKSHOP FOR THE SHROUD: A workshop for volunteers of informative services on the Shroud will be held on Tuesday, February 11, 2014 in our Church at 6:00 PM. Father Dan Tryon will preside at this workshop for volunteers from our Parish, Edwardsville and Scranton. All volunteers must be registered with Father Volodymyr before this workshop. Please come to participate and help in this spiritual event
The next meeting for the preparations of the Shroud will be held on Thursday, February 13, 2014 in our parish hall at 3:00 PM.

SANCTUARY LIGHT: The Sanctuary Light is requested to burn the week of
February 8 – 15 by Ann Beshada for the intention of God’s Blessings and good health for Mary Lou Pinaha, her sister Vern and family.

WOMEN’S SOCIETY: A special meeting is called for the Women’s Society on Monday, February 10 in the church hall at 6:00 PM. It is important that all members try to be present. We must try to get a date and time set to participate in the adoration of the Shroud. Please, let’s have a good turnout for this spiritual event.

LUC MEETING – North Anthracite Council – League of Ukrainian Catholics will hold a meeting next Sunday, February 16, 2014 at 2:00 PM at SS. Peter and Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church, 20 Nottingham Street, Plymouth PA. Moleben prayer service will be served at 2:00 PM, business session at 2:30 PM followed by reception and fellowship. Agenda will include discussion of proposed 2014 activities. Our clergy and guests are warmly invited and all members are sincerely asked to attend. For additional information contact: Dorothy Jamula, President; your pastor; or any LUC member of the parish.

PYSANKY CLASS – SS Cyril and Methodius Ukrainian Catholic Church, Olyphant, PA is offering classes on “HOW TO MAKE PYSANKY”. This will take place in SS Cyril and Methodius UCC Parish Hall, 207 River St., Olyphant, PA. The dates are Sunday, March 16, March 23, March 30 and April 6, 2014. Time is 1:45 PM and the cost for the lesson is $15 per person which includes Egg, bees wax and stylist. Seating is limited to 25 persons per class. Contact Lauren Telep for reservations ASAP. One class lesson is sufficient to Learn the it is Practice, Practice::::

MEATFARE SUNDAY: Transfiguration of Our Lord Ukrainian Catholic Church, in the Hanover Section of Nanticoke, invites you to its Myasopusna dinner celebration on Meatfare Sunday, February 23rd, at the church hall, at Bliss and Center Streets. Dinner will be served at 12:30 p.m., and will include holuptsi, varenyky, kovbasa, green beans, black bread and butter, and dessert. Entertainment will follow at 1:30 pm, featuring the Holy Year Choir, Kazka, Saint Mary’s Dancers, and other entertainment. Dinner tickets are $15, with an advanced ticket price of $12, if ordered by February 10. Advanced ticket purchase is recommended.

Saturday, February 1 SUNDAY OF ZACCHAEUS
THE PRESENTATION OF OUR LORD
Blessing of Candles – Anointing of Holy Oil – Myrovania
4:00 PM Daniel Bilak – Edward & Lillian Tomko

Sunday, February 2 SUNDAY OF ZACCHAEUS
THE PRESENTATION OF OUR LORD
Anointing of Holy Oil – Myrovania
8:30 AM God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners

Thursday, February 6
9:00 AM No Liturgy

Saturday, February 8
4:00 PM John and Anna Rudeski – Daughter Ann Marie &
Joseph Onderko

Sunday, February 9 SUNDAY OF THE PUBLICAN AND PHARISEE
8:30 AM God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners

WELCOME VOLUNTEERS to learn material about the Shroud of Turin, Father Don Tryon will be present for a workshop in our church on Tuesday, Feb. 11th at 6:00 PM. Father Vlodymyr asks to please come to participate and help in this spiritual event

SANCTUARY LIGHT: The Sanctuary Light is requested to burn the week of
February 1 – 8 by Mike & Dolores Sinko in memory of Mary Sinko.

ALTAR CANDLES: The Altar Candles to burn on the Altar for the month of February is requested by Ann Beshada in memory of Beshada & Conniff Families.

CEMETERY DONATION: Our thanks to Elaine Simonds for her donation of $100 for Cemetery Care in memory of her mother Mary Simonds.

THE SHROUD OF TURIN: The presentation of the Shroud of Turin is only one month away. As stated in recent bulletins the Shroud will be on display for visitation for 2 weeks – March 2 – 15. Pamphlets and posters are available, if you can distribute a poster or pamphlet to any place of business or group meetings of any sort, it would be appreciated. The Church will be opened 8 hours each day during the two weeks and we are asking for volunteers to please come forward and assist in sitting in adoration or just to be in the church for an hour or more. If you are interested, and we hope and pray you are, please sign up on the list in the vestibule. This is a very spiritual occasion and many people are needed to assist. The Opening day Sunday, March 2, 2:00 PM the volunteers from Holy Transfiguration of Our Lord in Nanticoke will serve a social in our Church Hall after the services.
The next meeting will be on Thursday, Feb. 6th at 3:00 PM and after this meeting the Parish Council will meet.

WOMEN’S SOCIETY: A special meeting will be called for the Women’s Society in the near future. A time and date will be announced in next week bulletin.

LUC MEETING – North Anthracite Council – League of Ukrainian Catholics will hold a general meeting on Sunday, February 16, 2014 at 2:00 PM at SS. Peter and Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church, 20 Nottingham Street, Plymouth PA. Moleben prayer service will be served at 2:00 PM, business session at 2:30 PM followed by reception and fellowship. Agenda will include discussion of proposed 2014 activities. Our clergy and guests are warmly invited and all members are sincerely asked to attend.
For additional information contact: Dorothy Jamula, President; your pastor; or any LUC member of the parish.