SS Peter & Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church

Saturday, March 9
4:00 PM Leonard Lotrick – Wife Katherine Lotrick
TIME TO SPRING FORWARD – REMEMBER TO CHANGE YOUR
CLOCKS ONE HOUR AHEAD

Sunday, March 10 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 – St. Nicholas, Glen Lyon, PA

Wednesday, March13
9:30 AM Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts

Friday, March 15
6:30 PM Stations of the Cross – Sorokousty Service

Saturday, March 16
4:00 PM In Honor of Anna Dempsey’s 100th Birthday – her Family

Sunday, March 17 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.

MARCH
The Patron for the month of March is St. John the Apostle. St. John was one of the most beloved apostles of Christ. His Gospel is a sublime book of Divine Love. He teaches us to love God with our whole heart.
Virtue: Love of God “I shall exercise myself in loving God with my whole heart, I will do everything, fulfill all my duties, accept all sufferings for the love of my God. In all circumstances of my life I will always repeat: ‘O my Dear God, I love You!”
Prayer: I shall pray every day that men may love God with their whole heart.

SANCTUARY LIGHT: The Sanctuary Light is requested to burn this week,
March 9 – 16 by Eleanor Trotsky in memory of Anthony Trotsky.

ALTAR CANDLES The monthly Altar Candles for the months of August and September are still available for your requests.

WOMEN’S SOCIETY MEETING: The Women’s Society will meet Tuesday, March 12 , 6:30 PM in the Church Hall. Anna Magill will preside. All members please attend.

BIRTHDAY GREETINGS: God’s Blessings and Best Wishes are granted to Anna Dempsey who is celebrating her 100th Birthday this Saturday, March 16th. Mnohya Lita!

COUNCIL MEETING: The Parish Council will meet Thursday, March 14th in the church hall at 6:30 PM. All members please be in attendance.

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 Sviachene (Easter Dinner) is being
planned for Sunday, April 21, 2013 in our Church Hall at
2:00 PM. Tickets will be available shortly. The cost ` is $12 for adults and $5 for children under 12. 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

Collection for this week-end will be published next week.

DEANERY STATION OF THE CROSS
March 17th St. Vladimir’s – Edwardsville, PA

Saturday, March 2
4:00 PM Joseph Kosar – Mr. & Mrs. Frank Himeler

Sunday, March 3 THIRD SUNDAY OF THE GREAT FAST
VERNERATION OF THE HOLY CROSS
8:30 AM God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners
4:00 PM Deanery Stations of the Cross – SS Peter & Paul, Wilkes-Barre, PA

Wednesday, March 6
9:30 AM Liturgy of the Presanctified Gift

Friday, March 8
6:30 PM Stations of the Cross – Sorokousty

Saturday, March 9
4:00 PM Leonard Lotrick – Wife Katherine Lotrick

Sunday, March 10 FOURTH SUNDAY OF THE GREAT FAST
8:30 AM God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners

Service of the Veneration of the Cross will follow the Divine Liturgy.
Please remain for this service.

THE CROSS IS…

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 on 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
March 2 – 9 Michaelene Ostrum in memory of Fred Uhas.

ALTAR CANDLES: The Altar Candles will burn at all services for the month of March requested by Paul & Marion Rose in memory of Michael & Nellie Fromel and John & Irene Rose.

BAPTISM: Welcome Colton John Park to our parish family. Colton was baptized last week in our church. He is the son of Gary and Nikki. God’s Blessing to the family.

FOOD SALE: St. Nicholas UCC, 153 E. Main St., Glen Lyon is sponsoring a Vegetable Soup, halushki & bake sale on Friday March 22, 2013 from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM in the church hall. The price of the soup & halushki is $5.00 a quart. Order by calling Debbie or Karen by March 17, 2013.

ST. CYRIL’S CHOIR CD OR COOKBOOK: St. Cyril’s Choir, Olyphant has released their Christmas Album in CD format. The price for the CD is only $15. Also released in a new format is the Divine Liturgy for St. John Chrysostom, celebrated by Msgr. Stephen Hrynuck as sung by St. Cyril’s Choir. This historical DVD is available for $20. There is also an Easter Music CD available for $15. If you are interested in obtaining this material, please contact Glenda Marcinko at or you may contact Richard Barno to order CD’s. “Favorite From Our Best Cooks” Cookbooks volume 1 & 11, hardcover set for $25 are available for sale by contacting Laura Telep or Richard Barno

DEANERY STATION OF THE CROSS
Sunday, March 10 4:00 PM – St. Nicholas, Glen Lyon, PA
Sunday, March 17 4:00 PM – St. Vladimir, Edwardsville, PA

Saturday, Feb. 23
4:00 PM  William Kloap – Wife Florence Kloap

Sunday, Feb. 24 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 – Transfiguration of Our Lord,
Nanticoke, PA

Wednesday, Feb. 27
9:30 AM Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts

Friday, March 1
6:30 PM Stations of the Cross – Sorokousty Service

Saturday, March 2
4:00 PM Joseph Kosar – Mr. & Mrs. Frank Himeler

Sunday, March 3 THIRD 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 – SS Peter & Paul, U.C.C.
Wilkes-Barre, PA

SANCTUARY LIGHT: Not requested

THANKS: We wish to thank all those who helped at the Fellowship after the Stations last Sunday. The monetary donations received from: The Halloways, Geri Kolotelo, Arlene Jones, Mrs. Florence Kloap, Ann Beshada and guests at the hall were so helpful in supplying all the food served after the Stations. Also many thanks for all the desserts and food made by our ladies: Anna Bosack, Carol Kosek, Mary Oshirak, Louise Hubiack, Vera Hubick, Cathy Wasichanin, Anna Koprowski, Sonya Dempsey, Mary Cittendon. All the help for this event is greatly appreciated.

WOMEN’S SOCIETY: SS Peter & Paul Women’s Society will meet Tuesday, Mar. 12th – 6:30 PM in the Church Hall. This is the first meeting after the long cold winter.
President Anna Magill will preside. New members are always welcome.

CALENDAR LOTTERY: The May Lottery tickets are available and you are asked to be cooperative in buying and trying to sell some of the tickets.

BUILDING FUND: We would like to thank Mary Ann Hubick for her donation of $100 to our Building Fund in memory of Joseph Kosar and all deceased members of the Kosar Family. We sincerely appreciate this generous donation.

LENTEN MISSION: SS Cyril & Methodius Church in Berwick PA will host a Lenten Mission on March 3rd, 4th, 5th this year. There will be a short service and talk scheduled each evening at 6:30 p.m. The Retreat Master will be Fr. Ihor Kolisnyk, the Provincial Superior of the Redemptorist Fathers from Lviv, Ukraine. Fr. Ihor is fluent in English.

Saturday, February 16 – 4:00 PM
Michael Popyk & Michael Kovalchuk – Rev. V. Popyk

Sunday, February 17 – 8:30 AM – FIRST SUNDAY OF THE GREAT FAST
4:00 PM – DEANERY STATIONS OF THE CROSS

Wednesday, February 20 – 9:30 AM
Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts

Friday, February 22 – 6:30 PM
Stations of the Cross – Sorokousty Service

Saturday, February 23 – 2:30 PM – Baby Baptism
4:00 PM William Kloap – Wife Florence Kloap

Sunday, February 24 – 8:30 AM – SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT
God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners

The first Sunday of the Great Fast is called the Sunday of Orthodoxy. What do we mean by “orthodoxy”? The word “orthodoxy” stems from the Greek word “orthodoxia” (orthos=right; doksa=opinion) which signifies the true faith and the true worship of God. We are not speaking here of orthodoxy as we understand it today as being opposed to the Catholic Church, but orthodoxy, as applied to the whole Church of Christ until the schism between the Eastern and Western Churches which occurred in the eleventh century under the patriarch Cerularius (1054). The orthodoxy that we celebrate this Sunday is universal-catholic orthodoxy, professed by the entire Church of Christ of the first centuries in the battle against the heresy of Iconoclasm (Gr – eikon=image; klastes=a breaker; – an image breaking heresy). The Sunday of Orthodoxy is a festival for the whole Church, both Eastern and Western. It is the festive celebration of the decisive victory over Iconoclasm and other heresies.
The purpose of this feast is to pay solemn public homage and veneration to the holy icons of Jesus Christ, the Blessed Mother of God, and all the Saints.
The Church of Christ deeply respects and honors the holy icons as it also does holy relics. She places them in church for public veneration and recommends that we venerate them privately in our homes, and wear small icons around our necks in the form of little crosses or medals.

SUNDAY LITURGIES DURING LENT:
WHY DO THEY SEEM LONGER?
Our Byzantine Rite prescribes that the Liturgy of St. Basil the Great is to be celebrated on all of the Sundays of Great Lent, instead of the Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, which is usually celebrated throughout the rest of the church year. St. Basil’s Liturgy is older and has longer priestly prayers than the St. John Chrysostom Liturgy (which was derived from the Liturgy of St. Basil the Great), and is celebrated ten times during the church year: the five Sundays of Lent (not Palm Sunday), Holy Thursday, Holy Saturday, Christmas Eve, Epiphany Eve, and on the actual Feast of St. Basil which we celebrate on January 1

SANCTUARY LIGHT: The Sanctuary light is requested to burn this week February 16 – 24 by Charles Drazba in memory of Marie Drazba.

The Sanctuary Light for the week of February 23 – March 2 is available for your request.
The Altar Candles that will burn for all the services in the month of March, July, August and September are available for requests. A Donation of $40 for the month will be in memory of a loved one, in honor of a relative or friend or a special occasion.

DEANERY STATIONS OF THE CROSS: Our Parish will be the host for this Sunday, February 17th at 4:00 PM for the Deanery Stations of the Cross. A Fellowship will follow in the church hall. We are asking all parishioners to please try to attend this beautiful service.
Schedule for the Deanery Station of the Cross
Sunday, Feb. 17 4:00 PM – SS Peter & Paul, Plymouth, PA
Sunday, Feb. 24 4:00 PM – Transfiguration of Our Lord, Nanticoke, PA
Sunday, March 3 4:00 PM – SS Peter & Paul, Wilkes-Barre, PA
Sunday, March 10 4:00 PM – St. Nicholas, Glen Lyon, PA
Sunday, March 17 4:00 PM – St. Vladimir, Edwardsville, PA

Please remember all those who are in Nursing Facilities, at home or in the hospital.
Clara Patrylak is now residing at Country Meadows, 420 Crocks Road, Allentown, PA, 18106 room 234. Joseph Sawka is at Guardian Care, Mrs. Florence Kloap resides at Clark Summit Senior Living in Clarks Summit, and prayers are always helpful for all.

Saturday, February 9
4:00 PM Anna & John Rudeski – Daughter Ann Marie &
Joseph Onderko
Sunday, February 10 SUNDAY OF CHEESEFARE
8:30 AM God’s Blessing and Good Health for all parishioners.

MONDAY FEBRUARY 11TH IS THE FIRST DAY OF THE GREAT FAST
( NO DAIRY AND NO MEAT OR MUSIC)

Wednesday, February 13
9:30 AM Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts (Predosviachenyh)

Friday, February 15
6:30 PM Stations of the Cross – Sorokousty Service

Saturday, February 16
4:00 PM Michael Popyk & Michael Kovalchuk – Rev. V. Popyk

Sunday, February 17 FIRST SUNDAY OF THE GREAT FAST
8:30AM God’s Blessing and Good Health for all parishioners
4:00 PM DEANERY STATIONS OF THE CROSS

THE CEREMONY OF FORGIVENESS
CHEESEFARE SUNDAY
In ancient times in Eastern monasteries a beautiful custom existed in which the rite of mutual forgiveness on Cheesefare Sunday was performed. This rite of forgiveness was carried out in the evening, following a modest repast. All the monks in the presence of the faithful asked pardon of one another for past offences, then embraced, and gave each other the kiss of peace. The faithful did the same among themselves. In some places, while this rite of forgiveness was being carried out, the stichera of the Pasch (Resurrection) was sung: “Today the sacred Pasch has been shown forth to us…” The last stichera ends with an appeal for mutual forgiveness: “and let us embrace one another and say: ‘Brethren’ even to those who hate us, and let us forgive all things…” The singing of the sticheras of the Pasch (Resurrection) was to signify that just as during the season of Pasch or Eastertide, so now at the threshold of the Great Fast we should mutually ask pardon for offences for the sake of Christ who fasted, suffered, and rose for our sake.
This very moving rite of forgiveness was still observed at the Kievan Pecherska Lavra until the Communists took over the government. Here also, the monks first had a meager pre-Lenten repast, after which all superiors and monks donned their mantles and proceeded to the church. All the superiors of the Lavra, from the highest to the lowest, stood side by side in the middle of the church and the whole monastic community, consisting of several hundred members, one by one approached the superiors, then kneeling, they kissed each other three times while saying, “Forgive me, Father,” or Forgive me Brother.” During this time, the choir sang the stichera taken from the solemn Vespers of Cheesefare Sunday: “Adam sat opposite paradise bewailing his nakedness…” After the completing of the ceremony, all present departed in silence.
Truly, these four pre-Lenten Sundays have a deep significance for our spiritual life. For whoever beats his breast as did the Publican and learns humility from his
example; whoever learns from the parable of the Prodigal Son to trust in God’s mercy; whoever on Meatfare Sunday, after meditation on the Terrible Judgment, is seized with fear of God’s justice, which fell so severely upon our First Parents, as we have seen in the service of Cheesefare Sunday – for him that fast will not be so terrible. Rather, he will understand that it is necessary for his heart and soul. He will willingly fast and make
Prostrations, knowing that fasting and sorrow for sins can best prepare him for the feast of the Resurrection of our Lord.

SANCTUARY LIGHT: The Sanctuary Light is requested for February 9 – 16 by Sandy Gerzarowski in memory of her sister Rebecca Jacobs.

ALTAR CANDLES: The Altar candles are requested to burn for all services in the month of February by Kerri Potsko in memory of Marian Zurinsky.

LENTEN SERVICES: The Way of the Cross and Sorokousty will be held in our parish every Friday evening during Lent. Please try to sacrifice a little time for the Way Our Lord suffered on His way to be crucified. This is a solemn and religious service and should be attended by all the faithful.

DEANERY STATIONS: Stations of the Cross by the Deanery will be held in various parishes on Sunday’s during Lent. The Stations of the Cross will be held in our Parish next Sunday, February 17th at 4:00 PM. This service is done in reverence and all who are able should attend these services. Make our parish have a good showing next Sunday. Fellowship will follow and we are asking all our good dessert makers for help in providing the desserts.
Please remember to sign in if you plan on supplying a dessert,etc. for the fellowship after the Deanery Stations of the Cross.

ST. VLADIMIR UKRAINIAN GREEK CATHOLIC CHURCH of Scranton is sponsoring a bus trip to the annual St. George Ukrainian Street Festival, Lower East Side of Manhattan on Saturday, May 18, 2013. Side trips to Brooklyn will include Little Odessa/ Brighton Beach and Little Poland/Greenpoint. The 55 passenger bus will depart from the church parking lot, 428 North Seventh Avenue at 8:00am. Departure from New York City will be at 9:00pm.
Cost is $35.00 per person. Full advance nonrefundable payment reserves a seat. Check should be made out to St. Vladimir Church. For reservations contact Paul Ewasko

Saturday, Feb. 2 ENCOUNTER OF OUR LORD
4:00 PM BLESSING OF CANDLES
ANOINTING OF HOLY OIL – MYROVANIA
Frank Dempsey – Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Ruddy

Sunday, Feb. 3 SUNDAY OF MEATFARE
8:30 AM God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners

Thursday, Feb. 7
9:30 AM Joseph Kosar – Vera Hubick and Family

Saturday, Feb. 9
4:00 PM Anna & John Rudeski – Daughter Ann Marie &
Joseph Onderko
PRAYER FOR FORGIVENESS

Sunday, Feb. 10 CHEESEFARE SUNDAY
8:30 AM God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners
PRAYER FOR FORGIVENESS

ST. VLADIMIR UKRAINIAN GREEK CATHOLIC CHURCH of Scranton is sponsoring a bus trip to the annual St. George Ukrainian Street Festival, Lower East Side of Manhattan on Saturday, May 18, 2013. Side trips to Brooklyn will include Little Odessa/ Brighton Beach and Little Poland/Greenpoint. The 55 passenger bus will depart from the church parking lot, 428 North Seventh Avenue at 8:00am. Departure from New York City will be at 9:00pm.
Cost is $35.00 per person. Full advance nonrefundable payment reserves a seat. Check should be made out to St. Vladimir Church. For reservations contact Paul Ewasko at 563-2275.

Schedule for the Deanery Station of the Cross
Sunday, Feb. 17 4:00 PM – SS Peter & Paul, Plymouth, PA
Sunday, Feb. 24 4:00 PM – Transfiguration of Our Lord, Nanticoke, PA
Sunday, March 3 4:00 PM – SS Peter & Paul, Wilkes-Barre, PA
Sunday, March 10 4:00 PM – St. Nicholas, Glen Lyon, PA
Sunday, March 17 4:00 PM – St. Vladimir, Edwardsville, PA
You should live for today, dream for tomorrow,
and above all remember what you learned from yesterday.

SANCTUARY LIGHT: The Sanctuary light is requested to burn this week, February 2 – 9 by Louise Hubiack in memory of Mother Frances Pliska and Mary Hubiack.
The Sanctuary Light is available for request on February 23 – March 2.

DEANERY STATIONS: Stations of the Cross by the Deanery will be held in various parishes on Sunday’s during Lent. It is becoming more difficult to arrange this beautiful service because of the lack of volunteers to read each station. If anyone is interested in doing this during Lent you may contact Gabe Metric or any member of the deanery. The Sunday of February 17th, The Stations of the Cross will be held in our parish with a light social to follow. We are asking all of our good dessert makers if they will be so kind to contribute to the Social for after the Stations.

LENTEN SERVICES: The Way of the Cross and Sorokousty will be held in our parish every Friday evening during Lent. Please try to sacrifice a little time for the Way Our Lord suffered on His way to be crucified. This is a solemn and religious service and should be attended by all the faithful.

SYMPATHY: We extend our sincere sympathy to Vera Hubick, her brother Joseph Kosar who was called to his Eternal Rest. May his memory be eternal.

NOTES FROM THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING: Many important things were discussed at the last Parish council Meeting. A Landscaping project must be done in the front of the New Stained Glass Icons. The cost is very high and if you would like to donate toward this project it will be greatly appreciated. Our yearly Sviachene (After Easter dinner) will be held on Sunday, April 14th in the Church Hall. This is for all Parishioners, their friends and families. Further information will be published in the future.

Saturday, Jan. 26
4:00 PM Mary Ann Sawka – Thomas Sawka

Sunday, Jan. 27 SUNDAY OF THE PRODIGAL SON
8:30 AM God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners

Wednesday, Jan. 30 THREE HOLY HIERARCHS
4:30 PM God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners
Thursday, Jan. 31
9:30 AM Frank Dempsey – Diane Danik

Saturday, Feb. 2 ENCOUNTER OF OUR LORD
BLESSING OF CANDLES
ANOINTING OF HOLY OIL – MYROVANIA
4:00 PM Frank Dempsey – Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Ruddy

Sunday, Feb. 3 SUNDAY OF MEATFARE
8:30 AM God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners

Lenten Season will begin on Monday, February 11th During this Spiritual Season we will celebrate the Stations of the Cross and Sorokousty following on Fridays at 6:30 PM. Please prepare for the Resurrection of Our Lord by attending all the Lenten Servicers.

SANCTUARY LIGHT: The Sanctuary Light is requested to burn the week of January 26 – February 2 by Ron & Rosemarie Kachinko in memory of Michael, Sr. & Anna Kachinko.

HOLY SUPPER PICTURES: Father Volodymyr sent to The Way pictures he had taken at the Holy Supper and a nice write up. The copy of the pictures are on the vestibule board. Thank you Father for the publicity.

PORK & KAPUSTA DINNER: Saint Vladimir Zerby Ave Edwardsville PA (287-9718). is hosting a Pre-Lenten Pork & Cabbage dinner Sunday Feb 10th at 12:30pm in their parish hall. You are invited to join them for a home cooked meal of Pork, Kapusta, Mashed Potatoes, Gravy, Veggies, Rolls, Dessert, and Beverages. Tickets $10 adults, $5 students age 6-12, children 5 and under are free. Advanced reservations only. Take-outs available.

PORK AND KAPUSTA DINNER: Father Myron Myronyuk and his Parish Family of St. Vladimir Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, Scranton PA, cordially invite you to join us for our Pre-Lenten PORK & KAPUSTA FAMILY DINNER on Sunday, February 10, 2013, 12 noon at St. Vladimir Parish Center, 428 North Seventh Avenue, between West Lackawanna Avenue and West Linden Street. Adults $13.00; Students $6.00 (age 6-12); Age 5 and under free. Advance reservations: Kathleen Izak (please do not call the church). Takeout’s: between 11:00 a.m. and 11:45 p.m.
Menu: Slow roasted pork loin, homemade pan gravy, Ukrainian kapusta (sweet and sour cabbage), real mashed potatoes, vegetable medley, applesauce, rolls, butter, dessert, coffee, tea, beverages. Welcome to our table!

MYASOPUSNA Tickets for Myasopusna 2013 are now available. Transfiguration of Our Lord Church, Hanover Section of Nanticoke, invites all to attend the annual Meatfare Celebration, Sunday, February 3, 2013, noon to 4:00pm. Dinner will be served from 12:30 to 2:00pm, featuring roast pork, kovbasa, varenyky, kapusta, borscht, black bread/butter, and dessert. TIckets are $13 ($10 if purchased before January 27). Entertainment will include the Holy Year Choir, Kazka Ukrainian Folk Ensemble, and St. Mary’s Ukrainian Orthodox Dance Group. For tickets, contact Helen or Geri

Saturday, January 19
4:00 PM Mary Ann Sawka – Thomas Sawka

Sunday, January 20 SUNDAY OF THE PUBLICAN AND PHARISEE
8:30 AM God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners
Thursday, January 24
4:00 PM Frank Dempsey – Paul Wilkes

Saturday, January 26

4:00 PM Mary Ann Sawka – Thomas Sawka

Sunday, January 27 SUNDAY OF THE PRODIGAL SON
8:30 AM God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners

SANCTUARY LIGHT: The Sanctuary Light is requested to burn this week, January 19 – 26, by Charles Drazba and Family in memory of Veronica Carpa.

COUNCIL MEETING: Our Parish Council will meet on Thursday, January 24, in the Church Hall at 6:30 PM. All members are asked to please try to attend.

BLESSING OF HOMES: If you would like to have your home blessed please place your name, address and phone number in the collection basket or Father can be reached at 735-2262. Father would be pleased if everyone requested to this blessing.

MYASOPUSNA Tickets for Myasopusna 2013 are now available. Transfiguration of Our Lord Church, Hanover Section of Nanticoke, invites all to attend the annual Meatfare Celebration, Sunday, February 3, 2013, noon to 4:00pm. Dinner will be served from 12:30 to 2:00pm, featuring roast pork, kovbasa, varenyky, kapusta, borscht, black bread/butter, and dessert. TIckets are $13 ($10 if purchased before January 27). Entertainment will include the Holy Year Choir, Kazka Ukrainian Folk Ensemble, and St. Mary’s Ukrainian Orthodox Dance Group. For tickets, contact Helen (735-4654) or Geri (824-3880)

THANKS: We wish to thank all those who were present to assist in dismantling the Nativity. We appreciate all the volunteer work that is extended to our Parish functions. God’s blessings to everyone who so kindly gives their time and energy to help in any way to make our church run smoothly.

Saturday, Jan. 12
4:00 PM Anna Soppeck – Daughter Dolores & Paul Hoover

Sunday, Jan.13 SUNDAY AFTER THEOPHANY
8:30 AM God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners

Tuesday, Jan. 15
9:00 AM Leonard Lotrick – Wife Katherine Lotrick

Thursday, January 17
9:00 AM Frank Dempsey – Wife & Children (40th Day)

Saturday, January 19
4:00 PM Mary Ann Sawka – Thomas Sawka

Sunday, January 20 SUNDAY OF THE PUBLICAN & PHARISEE
8:30 AM God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners

BLESSING OF HOMES: If you would like to have your home blessed please call Father Volodymyr at 735-2262 or place your name and address in the collection basket. Father would like to bless everyone’s home if you so desire.

PRAYERS: Please remember in your prayers all the sick of the parish, especially those in nursing facilities and hospitals.

SANCTUARY LIGHT: The Sanctuary Light is requested to burn the week of
Jan. 12 -19 by Mary Oshirak in memory of her husband Theodore Oshirak.

HOLY SUPPER: Many thanks to those who attended our Parish Family Holy Supper last Sunday. Everyone enjoyed the dinner, the fellowship and the Christmas carol singing. Special thanks to all who brought cover dishes and monetary gifts donated. God’s blessing for a healthy and happy New Year.

BUILDING FUND: We wish to thank Mr. & Mrs. Peter Phillips and Ed & Rose Marie Smith for their donations to our parish Building/Improvement Fund in memory of Frank Dempsey.

STATEMENT: If you are interested in receiving a personal statement of your offerings please put you name in the collection basket or contact Ann Beshada. It will be available to you as soon as possible.

MYASOPUSNA Tickets for Myasopusna 2013 are now available. Transfiguration of Our Lord Church, Hanover Section of Nanticoke, invites all to attend the annual Meatfare Celebration, Sunday, February 3, 2013, noon to 4:00pm. Dinner will be served from 12:30 to 2:00pm, featuring roast pork, kovbasa, varenyky, kapusta, borscht, black bread/butter, and dessert. Tickets are $13 ($10 if purchased before January 27). Entertainment will include the Holy Year Choir, Kazka Ukrainian Folk Ensemble, and St. Mary’s Ukrainian Orthodox Dance Group. For tickets, contact Helen (735-4654) or Geri (824-3880)

Saturday, Jan. 5 THEOPHANY OF OUR LORD – Blessing of Holy Water
4:00 PM Helen Rundle – Mary Ann Kachinko
Anointing of Holy Oil – Myrovania

Sunday, Jan. 6 THEOPHANY OF OUR LORD
8:30 AM Compline Litya Service – Divine Liturgy
God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners
Anointing of Holy Oil – Myrovania
5:00 PM UKRAINIAN HOLY SUPPER

Thursday, Jan. 10
9:00 AM Mary Tomasik – Kopinski Family

Saturday, Jan. 12
4:00 PM Anna Soppeck – Daughter Dolores & Paul Hoover

Sunday, Jan. 13 SUNDAY AFTER THE THEOPHANY
8:30 AM God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners

IT’S ANOTHER NEW YEAR……BUT FOR WHAT REASON?
“Happy New Year!” That greeting will be said and heard for at least the first couple of weeks, as a new year gets under way. But the day celebrated as New Year’s Day in modern America was not always January 1.

ANCIENT NEW YEARS
The celebration of the new year is the oldest of all holidays. It was first observed in ancient Babylon about 4000 years ago. In the years around 2000 BC, the Babylonian New Year began with the first New Moon (actually the first visible crescent) after the Vernal Equinox (first day of spring).
The beginning of spring is a logical time to start a new year. After all, it is the season of rebirth, of planting new crops, and of blossoming. January 1, on the other hand, has no astronomical or agricultural significance. It is purely arbitrary.
The Babylonian New Year celebration lasted for eleven days. Each day had its own particular mode of celebration, but it is safe to say that modern New Year’s Eve festivities pale in comparison.
The Romans continued to observe the New Year in late March, but various emperors continually tampered with their calendar so that the calendar soon became out of synchronization with the sun.
In order to set the calendar right, the Roman senate, in 153 BC, declared January 1 to be the beginning of the New Year. But tampering continued until Julius Caesar, in 46 BC, established what has come to be known as the Julian calendar. It again established January 1 as the New Year. But in order to synchronize the calendar with the sun, Caesar had to let the previous year drag on for 445 days.

THE CHURCH’S VIEW OF NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS
Although in the first centuries AD the Romans continued celebrating the new year, the early Catholic Church condemned the festivities as paganism. But as Christianity became more widespread, the early church began having its own religious observances concurrently with many of the pagan celebrations, and New Year’s Day was no different. New Years is still observed as the Feast of Christ’s Circumcision by some denominations. During the Middle Ages, the Church remained opposed to celebrating New Years. January 1 has been celebrated as a holiday by Western nations for only about the past 400 years.

SANCTUARY LIGHT: The Sanctuary light is requested to burn this week Jan. 5 – 12 by Michael & Dolores Sinko in memory of mother Helen Kurkoski.

ALTAR CANDLES: The Altar Candles will burn during all services in the month of January in memory of Thomas & Irene Gerzarowski requested by their daughter Sandy Gerzarowski.

BUILDING FUND: The donations of $300 received in the collection from Dec. 22/23, 2012 in memory of Frank Dempsey: Paul & Marion Rose, Nancy Palumbo, McDaniels, Piscorik & Drumward Families, Barbara & Al McLavich, Michaelene & Paul Wychak, Janice Schuh, Maureen Finnegan, Johanna & Robert Longenberger, Dempsey Family.
Our thanks and appreciation for the donations received toward our Building & Improvement Fund.

BLESSING OF HOMES: If you would like to have your home blessed please place your name, address and phone number in the collection basket or Father can be reached at 735-2262. Father would be pleased if everyone requested to this blessing.. This is a yearly event and if at all possible you should bless your home.

MALANKA – Northeastern Pennsylvania’s Ukrainian New Year 9th Annual Dinner Dance –is scheduled for Friday evening, January 11, 2013 from 6:00pm to 1:00am at St. Vladimir Parish Center, Scranton. Tickets are $40.00 per person. For reservations or additional information contact Ann Beshada at 829-4202