SS Peter & Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church

ST. GREGORY PALAMAS

March 15, 2025

 Saturday, March 15 2^nd SUNDAY OF LENT

             4:00 PM           ✞Mary Kachmarsky- Teresa Popowycz

Sunday, March 16 2^nd SUNDAY OF LENT

             8:30 AM            God’s Blessings for America- Tom & MaryAnn Potsko

Friday, March 21 LITURGY OF THE PRESANCTIFIED GIFTS

      5:00 PM

Saturday, March 22 3^rd SUNDAY OF LENT

             4:00 PM           God’s Blessings for Lawrence & Janice Lee- Rita & Diane

Sunday, March 23 3^rd SUNDAY OF LENT

             8:30 AM            God’s Blessings & Good Health for All Parishioners

Remember, there are no weekday Liturgies during the

Great Fast.  Communion is distributed as part of the

Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts.

✠☼✠☼✠☼✠☼✠☼✠☼✠

Transfiguration of Our Lord:

Saturday Liturgy is 6:00 PM

Sunday Liturgy is 10:30 AM

LITURGY OF THE PRESANCTIFIED GIFTS Wednesday at 6:30PM

Sorokousty is 8:00AM, Saturday, March 22

Sorokousty Prayers are for the deceased of Transfiguration of Our Lord Church, St. Nicholas Church, St. Peter & Paul Church (Plymouth) & St. Vladimir’s Church.

Come Pray for the Your Family.

Adam and Eve ate from the tree that had the fruit of Eternal Life, which was next to the tree of the fruit of knowledge of Good and Evil – of which they were commanded NOT to eat.  Having eaten the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil, which God commanded them NOT to eat, God chased Adam and Eve out of the Garden of Eden.  Jesus Christ shows us that tree, it is the CROSS.  The fruit of the Cross is the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ – Holy Communion.  Mankind commanded NOT to eat- ate.  Mankind now commanded to eat, refuses.  At the “eating” when we were commanded NOT to, sin, pain and death enter the world.  Now sin, pain and death are conquered through the fruit from the tree of Eternal Life.  Through Holy Communion death has been conquered, Jesus Christ risen from the dead.

Do you want to understand more of this? Watch this:

YouTube Video:  Search The Holy Eucharist:  God’s Lamb

This is the video to watch, without Holy Communion there is no Christian.

 ASK FATHER A QUESTION……. Father, the betrayal of Jesus was foretold by the prophet Zechariah 11:12-13 ….. it leads one to believe that Judas is just a mechanism to fulfill the prophecy of Jesus.  Is this is true?  What happens to Judas?  In short, the answer to the question is no.  The reason for this is that Judas has free will, just like us.  He can choose how to respond to God and what he will do.  From his free will, desire to obtain more money, Judas betrays Christ.  After the crucifixion, Judas recognizes his sin of betraying the Messiah.  Perhaps his greater sin is that he falls into despair and kills himself.  He does this being tempted by the Devil.  This is perhaps the bigger sin.  The devil leads him to believe that God would not forgive him of betraying an innocent man.  Ultimately, the point is that just because something is foretold does not mean that that person has to act it out like a mechanical robot.  God lives outside of time and knows everything everyone will ever do.  When God reveals this message to a prophet to lead people to salvation- it does not mean that that person’s actions are “pre-destined”- meaning that that person does not have free will to act as they choose.  Imagine if on that morning Judas came to his senses and repented and begged forgiveness to Jesus and the Apostles for his betrayal.  We would be telling the great story of the Conversion of Saint Judas The Repenter; however, he chose to follow the deceiving words of the deceiver, fall into despair, thinking he could not be forgiven, so he hung himself,  All these are of Judas’ free will choices.  God’s saving plan is revealed in salvation history, i.e. time, so that we could know the truth and believe.  Once you grasp this you realize that Judas is not mere mechanism to fulfill what is foretold.  

“And I said unto them, If you think good, give me my hire; and if not, forbear. So they weighed for my hire thirty pieces of silver. And the Lord said unto me, Cast it unto the potter, the goodly price that I was prized at by them. And I took the thirty pieces of silver, and cast them unto the potter, in the house of the Lord” (Zechariah 11:12-13).

BOOK(S)  OF THE MONTH FOR MARCH:

GREAT LENT- Journey to Pascha

Alexander Schmemann ISBN:  0-913836-04-4

UNFINISHED BUSINESS: On The Road To Pascha

Marianne C. Sailus Eastern Christian Publications http://www.ecpubs.com

THE FIVE SATURDAYS OF THE DECEASED (SOROKUSTY):  The Church Typikon designates the five Sorokousty/ Saturdays of the Deceased for 2025 as February 22nd; March 15th, March 22^nd, March 29^th and June 7th. It is a tradition of our Holy Church to commemorate the memories of our beloved deceased at Matins of the Deceased (Parastas) on these five Saturdays of the year.  There is an envelope in your box for Sorokousty.  Or write a note and put it in the basket.

SING-CON 2025: Save the date if interested. The date for SING-CON 2025 is October 23-26, 2025, at the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church in Perth Amboy, NJ.  SING-CON is seminar on learning and practicing our Church’s Chants, i.e. hymns and liturgies in song. 

SUNDAY LITURGIES DURING LENT: WHY DO THEY SEEM LONGER?

Our Church prescribes that the Liturgy of St. Basil the Great is to be celebrated on all of the Sundays of Great Fast, 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 at the Anaphora than the Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom (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 January 1 .  

 “Let My Prayer Rise up”

Let my prayer rise up, Like incense before You; The lifting of my hands, As an evening sacrifice. Lord, I call to You, hear me; attend to the voice of my prayer when I cry to You. Let my prayer rise up, Like incense before You; The lifting of my hands, As an evening sacrifice. Set, O Lord, a watch before my mouth and a door of enclosure around my lips. Let my prayer rise up, Like incense before You; The lifting of my hands, As an evening sacrifice.  Incline not my heart unto words of evil, to make excuses for my sins.  Let my prayer rise up, Like incense before You; The lifting of my hands, As an evening sacrifice.

Prayer For Peace in Ukraine

Heavenly Father, Your Son taught us “Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the sons of God.”  We fervently pray in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, that you inspire men to become peacemakers.  May mankind seek reconciliation and peace as is Your Will in this world.  May tranquility be restored to all nations and especially Ukraine.  God, Our Father, we beseech You to comfort the suffering, heal the wounded, and accept the souls of the dearly departed into Your heavenly kingdom.  May the Most Holy Mother of God extend Her Mantle of Protection over Ukraine and the whole world.  May each of us always live our lives as instruments of Your peace, in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.  Amen.

 SAINT GREGORY PALAMAS (1296-4357)

     On this, the Second Sunday of Lent, Our Ukrainian Catholic Church commemorates the saintly monk, Gregory Palamas. He is venerated not only by the Eastern Catholic and Orthodox Churches, but also by the Anglicans. Gregory was a monk who resided on Mount Athos, located today in Greece. Gregory was born in Constantinople, modern-day Istanbul, located in Turkey. He died in Thessaloniki, Macedonia.   St. Gregory Palamas is noted for his defense of “hesychast spirituality.” Hesychasm is a contemplative monastic tradition, which is practiced by both Eastern Catholic and Orthodox Churches, even to the present day. Stillness is sought through the uninterrupted recitation of the “Jesus Prayer.” The prayer reads: “Lord, Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner.” The prayer is recited holding a “chotky” (prayer beads on a rope) in your hand. The usual number of prayer beads would be 100. The chotky prayer rope is available to order and purchase at Byzantine Church Supplies, located in the basement of our Chancery building. (Address: 810 N. Franklin Street, Philadelphia, PA. 19123).  They also have a website:  Byzantinechurchsupplies.com.

Transfiguration of Our Lord Activities:  

PYROHY FOR SALE:   Transfiguration of Our Lord Church has potato pyrohy for sale (frozen) in the church basement for $12.00 a dozen.  If you are interested, please call Lisa at 570-574-1016.

Looking for some additional Lenten Activities?

COFFEE AND THEOLOGY:  On Sunday, March 30, immediately following Divine Liturgy (@Holy Transfiguration Church following 10:30AM Liturgy) we will have an Adult Discussion.  The topic will be LENTEN THEOLOGY.  WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THE CROSS?  A 15 Minute Presentation & Questions.  EVERYONE IS WELCOME.

The Altar Candles for March are requested by the by The Udiski Family IMO Michael Kane.

The Sanctuary Light for this week is requested by by Michaelene Ostrum IMO Juliann O’Brien.

SANCTUARY LIGHT:   The sanctuary light sign-up sheets are located on the table in the vestibule. A $15 donation enables the light to burn for your intention throughout the week. Many weeks are still available.

RUMMAGE SALE:  Today is the final day of the women’s society’s rummage sale (bag day). For $5 you can fill a bag with many treasures that were donated.  

SUNDAY OF ORTHODOXY

March 9, 2025

Saturday, March 8 1^st SUNDAY OF LENT

             4:00 PM           ✞Juliann O’Brien- Helene Sirak

 Sunday, March 9 1^st SUNDAY OF LENT

             8:30 AM            ✞Mary Kulyn- Gloria & Stephen Udiski

Friday, March 7 LITURGY OF THE PRESANCTIFIED GIFTS

      5:00 PM

Saturday, March 15 2^nd SUNDAY OF LENT

             4:00 PM           ✞Mary Kachmarsky- Teresa Popowycz

Sunday, March 16 2^nd SUNDAY OF LENT

             8:30 AM            God’s Blessings for America- Tom & MaryAnn Potsko

Remember, there are no weekday Liturgies during the

Great Fast.  Communion is distributed as part of the

Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts.

✠☼✠☼✠☼✠☼✠☼✠☼✠

Transfiguration of Our Lord:

Saturday Liturgy is 6:00 PM

Sunday Liturgy is 10:30 AM

LITURGY OF THE PRESANCTIFIED GIFTS Wednesday at 6:30PM

Sorokousty is 8:00AM, Saturday, March 15

The Divine Liturgy of our Father among the Saints Basil the Great is celebrated ten times per year: January 1(Feast of Saint Basil); December 24(Christmas Eve);January 5 (Theophany Eve); First thru Fifth Sundays of Lent(not Palm Sunday); and Holy Thursday & the Virgil Liturgy of Easter Sunday.}

HOAGIE & SOUP SALE:  St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church is holding a Vegetable Soup, Turkey Hoagie, Ham & Cheese Hoagie, Italian Hoagie and Bake Sale on Thursday, March 13th from 11AM to 4PM. The cost of the hoagie and quart of soup is $8.00.  Orders can be placed by calling Debbie at 570-736-6908 by THIS Sunday, March 9th.  A Basket Raffle to benefit Ukraine and the Church will be held at the same time.

THE FIVE SATURDAYS OF THE DECEASED (SOROKUSTY):  The Church Typikon designates the five Sorokousty/ Saturdays of the Deceased for 2025 as February 22nd; March 15th, March 22^nd, March 29^th and June 7th. It is a tradition of our Holy Church to commemorate the memories of our beloved deceased at Matins of the Deceased (Parastas) on these five Saturdays of the year.  There is an envelope in your box for Sorokousty.  Or write a note and put it in the basket.

 UKRAINIAN PYSANKY CLASSES:  Classes are being offered by St. Cyril’s Church in Olyphant.  March 2nd and March 16th, with two classes each day:  12:00 noon and 3:00 p.m.  Students will learn about this beautiful Ukrainian tradition.  The cost is $25 per person, with supplies included.  Class size is limited, and registration is required.  Contact:  Tammy Budnovitch 570-766-1919 to register for this parish fundraiser held at St. Cyril’s Parish Hall, 207 River St., Olyphant.

SING-CON 2025: Save the date if interested. The date for SING-CON 2025 is October 23-26, 2025, at the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church in Perth Amboy, NJ.  SING-CON is seminar on learning and practicing our Church’s Chants, i.e. hymns and liturgies in song. 

Prayer For Peace in Ukraine

Heavenly Father, Your Son taught us “Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the sons of God.”  We fervently pray in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, that you inspire men to become peacemakers.  May mankind seek reconciliation and peace as is Your Will in this world.  May tranquility be restored to all nations and especially Ukraine.  God, Our Father, we beseech You to comfort the suffering, heal the wounded, and accept the souls of the dearly departed into Your heavenly kingdom.  May the Most Holy Mother of God extend Her Mantle of Protection over Ukraine and the whole world.  May each of us always live our lives as instruments of Your peace, in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.  Amen.

 

 WOMEN’S SOCIETY FLEA MARKET & PARISH SALE:  The Women’s Society will host the Rummage, Soup & Bake Sale this coming weekend:  March 14th,15th, & 16th. Volunteers are needed to promote the event, contribute to the bake sale and assist with the sale.   Please come out and help and/or donate to our Bake Sale.

Saturday, March 1 SUNDAY OF CHEESEFARE

             4:00 PM           Joseph Wyatt Evans, who is Baptized today.

Sunday, March 2 SUNDAY OF CHEESEFARE

             8:30 AM            ✞Dennis Kachmarsky- Teresa Popowycz

             3:00 PM Forgiveness Vespers @ Transfiguration of Our Lord Church

Friday, March 7 LITURGY OF THE PRESANCTIFIED GIFTS

      5:00 PM

Saturday, March 8 1^st SUNDAY OF LENT

             4:00 PM           ✞Juliann O’Brien- Helene Sirak

Sunday, March 9 1^st SUNDAY OF LENT

             8:30 AM            ✞Mary Kulyn- Gloria & Stephen Udiski

Remember, there are no weekday Liturgies during the

Great Fast.  Communion is distributed as part of the

Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts.

✠☼✠☼✠☼✠☼✠☼✠☼✠

Transfiguration of Our Lord:

Saturday Liturgy is 6:00 PM

Sunday Liturgy is 10:30 AM

LITURGY OF THE PRESANCTIFIED GIFTS Wednesday at 6:30PM

 ASK FATHER A QUESTION…….Father, if the focus of our Eastern faith is “Resurrection” and not the “Agony of the Cross” why have Lent at all?  The Feast of Resurrection does not come without the journey that precedes it.  Lent is a forty day period to remind us that the journey to salvation begins with preparation (i.e. prayer, fasting, alms giving, contemplation).  If you notice the calendar in the back of the church, placed by Father Walter, this provides all the readings for Matins (morning prayer) and Vespers (evening prayer) throughout all of Lent and Holy Week.  You will see that we read the following books almost in completion; Genesis, Exodus, Psalms, Proverbs and Isaiah.  Just as you being a long journey in this life by first looking at a map and charting the path you will take and perhaps write out your directions, Lent is likewise our spiritual preparation for the journey to heaven.  You will notice that in Genesis and Exodus there is part of the history of the salvation of mankind.  In Isaiah, you will notice that the history of salvation is told in completion, what has been done, what is being done, and what will be done.  If we follow these directions, in humility, we will end up in heaven.  If we ignore these directions, in human arrogance, we will end in hell.  Lent in preparing for our resurrection is a surrendering of our will to the will of God.  We especially prepare for the Feast of all Feasts, Resurrection of Our Blessed Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, just as we are preparing for Judgement Day, our Eternal Feast of Resurrection which is our planned last step of our life’s journey.

PLEASE HELP………………………………………

WOMEN’S SOCIETY FLEA MARKET & PARISH SALE:  The Women’s Society is holding a rummage, soup and bake sale March 14, 15 & 16.   Please pass the word about our rummage, soup and bake sale. The sale will be March 14th, 15th (half price day) and 16th (bag day). If you know of a business that will display a flyer please get one to them, they are on the table in the vestibule. 

WOMEN’S SOCIETY MEETING:  The Women’s Society will hold their March meeting on Tuesday, March 4th at 6PM in the church hall, NEW MEMBERS WELCOME.  Plans for the upcoming March 14, 15 & 16 rummage sale will be discussed.  If you are unable to attend the meeting, and are able to help with the sale, please contact Anna Magill, 570-239-9263.  Fliers for the rummage sale are in the vestibule.  If you have a place of business that will display it, please take one.  

BAKE SALE HELP:  We are seeking your donations of baked goods for our bake sale. Our organization is known for offering exceptional baked treats.

BOOK(S)  OF THE MONTH FOR MARCH:

GREAT LENT- Journey to Pascha

Alexander Schmemann ISBN:  0-913836-04-4

UNFINISHED BUSINESS: On The Road To Pascha

Marianne C. Sailus Eastern Christian Publications http://www.ecpubs.com

MYOSOPUSNA 2025:  Thank you to everyone who supported Transfiguration of Our Lord’s Myasopusna Dinner.

HOAGIE & SOUP SALE:  St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church is holding a Vegetable Soup, Turkey Hoagie, Ham & Cheese Hoagie, Italian Hoagie and Bake Sale on Thursday, March 13th from 11AM to 4PM. The cost of the hoagie and quart of soup is $8.00.  Orders can be placed by calling Debbie at 570-736-6908 by Sunday, March 9th.  A Basket Raffle to benefit Ukraine and the Church will be held at the same time.

LENT:  Remember, the first day of Lent is a day of fast from Meat and Dairy Products.  Lent begins with Forgiveness Vespers, Sunday, March 2nd at 3:00 PM at Transfiguration of Our Lord Church.  The first full day of Lent will begin on Monday, March 3rd.  The Liturgy of the Pre-Sanctified Gifts at Ss. Peter & Paul Church will be on Fridays at 5:00pm and at Transfiguration of Our Lord Church on Wednesdays at 6:30pm.

THE FIVE SATURDAYS OF THE DECEASED (SOROKUSTY):  The Church Typikon designates the five Sorokousty/ Saturdays of the Deceased for 2025 as February 22nd; March 15th, March 22^nd, March 29^th and June 7th. It is a tradition of our Holy Church to commemorate the memories of our beloved deceased at Matins of the Deceased (Parastas) on these five Saturdays of the year.  There is an envelope in your box for Sorokousty.  Or write a note and put it in the basket.

 UKRAINIAN PYSANKY CLASSES:  Classes are being offered by St. Cyril’s Church in Olyphant.  March 2nd and March 16th, with two classes each day:  12:00 noon and 3:00 p.m.  Students will learn about this beautiful Ukrainian tradition.  The cost is $25 per person, with supplies included.  Class size is limited, and registration is required.  Contact:  Tammy Budnovitch 570-766-1919 to register for this parish fundraiser held at St. Cyril’s Parish Hall, 207 River St., Olyphant.

SING-CON 2025: Save the date if interested. The date for SING-CON 2025 is October 23-26, 2025, at the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church in Perth Amboy, NJ.  SING-CON is seminar on learning and practicing our Church’s Chants, i.e. hymns and liturgies in song. 

Prayer For Peace in Ukraine

Heavenly Father, Your Son taught us “Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the sons of God.”  We fervently pray in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, that you inspire men to become peacemakers.  May mankind seek reconciliation and peace as is Your Will in this world.  May tranquility be restored to all nations and especially Ukraine.  God, Our Father, we beseech You to comfort the suffering, heal the wounded, and accept the souls of the dearly departed into Your heavenly kingdom.  May the Most Holy Mother of God extend Her Mantle of Protection over Ukraine and the whole world.  May each of us always live our lives as instruments of Your peace, in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.  Amen.

 Last week’s homily you pointed out that the four Sundays before Lent and that through Lent we relive our own journey like Moses, through this life and it got me to thinking what this Journey is all about.   I don’t know what this Journey is about, can you explain some more?  Our Journey through this life has a final destination, if you desire to be eternally with God in heaven then follow Jesus in everything that you do.  That is the point of Lent that just as Jesus recapitulates the journey of Israel from Egypt to the promised land as a “type” of journey of mankind through this life to the Resurrection.  You may feel as some people do, that you are just repeating the same steps year after year, but I assure you that it is not the same – if you put an honest effort into making a holy lent.  The big picture, journey, and the path that Christ shows us to be successful is that of all mankind from Genesis Chapter 1 verse 1 through to the Resurrection of Christ and the final judgement and the triumphant entry of all the holy ones into heaven as found in the Book of Revelation.  For example, in the beginning God created everything and then finally God creates man.  Through man whom the devil tempts to sin successfully, sickness, suffering and death enter God’s creation.  As we journey through our life as the nation of Israel journeyed through the desert, we are changed by this experience.  

The Great Fast is our penitential preparation for the great feast of Pascha (Passover).  As such, it is one of the most ancient parts of liturgical year.  It’s forty days symbolizes the forty years the Israelites wandered in the desert, while the Divine Liturgy of the PreSanctified Gifts is the fulfillment of the promise of the mana as St. John wrote, “So Jesus said to them, ‘Amen, amen, I say to you, it was not Moses who gave bread from heaven; my Father gives you the true bread from heaven.’(John 6:32)”  I the Great Fast, we imitate Jesus our Lord, who fasted 40 days in the desert following His Baptism.  The feast of Pascha was also the time for baptisms, and so the Great Fast was a time of preparation for baptism.  Our observance of the Great Fast, therefore, is our renewal of our baptismal fervor when we first came to Christ.  

The Altar Candles for March are requested by the by The Udiski Family IMO Michael Kane.

The Sanctuary Light for this week is requested by Carol Kosek IMO the Bosack Family.

 BAPTISM:   Joseph Wyatt Evans will be Baptized, Christened, and receive First Holy Communion on Saturday, March 1^st at the 4:00PM Divine Liturgy.  Joseph is the son of Joseph and Colleen Evans.  

Saturday, February 15 SUNDAY OF THE PRODIGAL SON

             4:00 PM           God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners

Sunday, February 16 SUNDAY OF THE PRODIGAL SON

             8:30 AM            ✞Patricia Williams – Youells Family

Saturday, February 22 SUNDAY OF MEATFARE

             4:00 PM           God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners

Sunday, February 23 SUNDAY OF MEATFARE

             8:30 AM            ✞Michael  Hubiack- Louise Hubiack

1^st Sorokousty Saturday- February 22 at 8:00 AM at Transfiguration of Our Lord Church

Sorokousty is for St. Peter & Paul Church(Plymouth), St. Vladimir Church 

& Transfiguration of Our Lord Church

✠☼✠☼✠☼✠☼✠☼✠☼✠

REMINDER:  Major Archbishop Sviatoslav Schevchuk is in North America for the Synod of Bishops and is in Philadelphia February 15^th and 16^th; and Washington, D.C. February 18^th.  See the flyers in the vestibule, The Way or Archeparchial Website for more information.

LENT:  Remember, the first day of Lent is a day of fast from Meat and Dairy Products.  Lent begins with Forgiveness Vespers, Sunday, March 2nd at 3:00 PM at Transfiguration of Our Lord Church.  The first full day of Lent will begin on Monday, March 3rd.  The Liturgy of the Pre-Sanctified Gifts at Ss. Peter & Paul Church will be on Fridays at 5:00pm and at Transfiguration of Our Lord Church on Wednesdays at 6:30pm.

THE FIVE SATURDAYS OF THE DECEASED (SOROKUSTY):  The Church Typikon designates the five Sorokousty/ Saturdays of the Deceased for 2025 as February 22nd; March 15th, March 22^nd, March 29^th and June 7th. It is a tradition of our Holy Church to commemorate the memories of our beloved deceased at Matins of the Deceased (Parastas) on these five Saturdays of the year.  There is an envelope in your box for Sorokousty.  Or write a note and put it in the basket.

LITURGICAL INTENTIONS:  Please keep in mind that there are no weekday liturgies during Lent.  Please note that during Lent if there is a Funeral, there will be no Divine Liturgy with that service.  If you want to add a Divine Liturgy, a special Liturgy can be done on Saturday morning.

PRAYERS: Please remember in your prayers all who are in need of God’s help.  Remember those in the nursing facilities, hospital and at home, all the sick and the suffering.  Please say a special prayer for all of our nation’s soldiers and their families at home and abroad.

SING-CON 2025: Save the date if interested. The date for SING-CON 2025 is October 23-26, 2025 at the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church in Perth Amboy, NJ.  SING-CON is seminar on learning and practicing our Church’s Chants, i.e. hymns and liturgies in song. 

 ASK FATHER A QUESTION?  Father, in the Communion Prayer we pray, “ I will not tell the mystery to Your enemies,  . . .”  I’m confused, aren’t we supposed to convert our enemies?   The reason you are feeling confused is because you forget, or are not aware, that our prayer life is scriptural, i.e. the liturgy and our whole lives and answers to our problems can all be found in the Holy Scriptures, i.e. the books of the bible.  If we are careful we will live like the saints destined for heaven and if we are dismissive of God’s will we will live like the evildoers destined for hell.  What we are praying with the words “I will not tell the mystery to Your enemies,” is that I will not pretend to be your follower and friend only to stab you in the back the moment you don’t provide me with what I want the way I want it like Judas did, i.e. I will not repeat the sin of Judas.  I will not tell devils how to attack you.  Of course we are supposed to evangelize (convert) all people.  Certain people don’t want to be converted but the “enemy” is not people, even though there are people whom quite literally worship the devils in hell.  We need to make a distinction between the devils in hell, people while they are sinners who are working their best to be holy, those whom might not believe or understand God and think within themselves that they are good, and evildoers whom make no attempt, or do not desire to, follow God and His law.  To the devils and the willful evildoers we dot betray Jesus Christ nor do we tell of the Mysteries even though with the people we do try to educate them and convert them.  If and AFTER they convert then we teach Jesus’ Mysteries, i.e. the Sacraments for if we tell them of God’s mysteries they will use them for evil, not for good.  Your question brings up an interesting point of answered on page 38 of Fr. Schmeman’s ‘Great Lent,’  “THE HOLY SCRIPTURES” the prayer of the Church is always biblical –i.e. expressed in the language, images, and symbols of the Holy Scriptures.  If the Bible contains the Divine Revelation to man, it is also man’s inspired response to that Revelation and thus the pattern and the content of man’s prayer, praise, and adoration.  For example, thousands of years have passes since the Psalms were composed; yet when man needs to express repentance, the shock of his entire being at the challenge of divine, mercy, he still finds the only adequate expression the penitential Psalm beginning, “Have mercy on me, O God!”  Every imaginable situation of man before God, the world, and other men, from the overwhelming joy of God’s presence to the abysmal despair of man’s exile, sin, and alienation has found its perfect expression in this unique Book which, for this reason has always constituted the daily nourishment of the church, the means of her worship and self-edification.  During [The Great Fast] the biblical dimension of worship is given increased emphasis. . . “   One can say the forty days of Lent are, our worldly journey toward heaven.

Prayer For Peace in Ukraine

Heavenly Father, Your Son taught us “Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the sons of God.”  We fervently pray in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, that you inspire men to become peacemakers.  May mankind seek reconciliation and peace as is Your Will in this world.  May tranquility be restored to all nations and especially Ukraine.  God, Our Father, we beseech You to comfort the suffering, heal the wounded, and accept the souls of the dearly departed into Your heavenly kingdom.  May the Most Holy Mother of God extend Her Mantle of Protection over Ukraine and the whole world.  May each of us always live our lives as instruments of Your peace, in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.  Amen.

 MYOSOPUSNA 2025:  Transfiguration of Our Lord Church is pleased to announce that dinner tickets are now available for the Annual Myasopusna Festival, held at the church’s banquet hall, 240 Center Street, Nanticoke, on Sunday, February 23, from noon to 4 pm.  The Myasopusna (Meatfare) Festival is the parish’s pre-lenten celebration, preceding the Great Fast.  Dinner (a platter of holuptsi, kobasi, pyrohy, borscht, black bread and butter, and a homemade dessert) will be served from 12:30 to 2:00 pm, followed by live Ukrainian dance performances by Kazka and Saint Mary’s Ukrainian Dancers.  A variety of Ukrainian crafts will be on display and for sale.  Dinner tickets are $25 and must be purchased in advance, no tickets will be sold at the door.  Tickets can be purchased by calling Helen (735-4654) and leave a message  or Lisa (574-1016).  

 UKRAINIAN PYSANKY CLASSES:  Classes are being offered by St. Cyril’s Church in Olyphant.  March 2nd and March 16th, with two classes each day:  12:00 noon and 3:00 p.m.  Students will learn about this beautiful Ukrainian tradition.  The cost is $25 per person, with supplies included.  Class size is limited, and registration is required.  Contact:  Tammy Budnovitch 570-766-1919 to register for this parish fundraiser held at St. Cyril’s Parish Hall, 207 River St., Olyphant.

 PSALM 127

The Happy Home of the Just

Blessed are all who fear the Lord, who walk in his ways.  You shall eat of your hand’s labor:  Blessed are you, and it shall be well with you.  Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine  In the recesses of your house. Your sons, like olive shoots around your table.  Behold, in this way shall be blessed the man who fears the Lord.  May the Lord bless you out of Sion; And may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life.  May you see your children’s children.  Peace be upon Israel.

The Altar Candles for February are requested by the Kachinko Family IMO Michael Kachinko Sr and Anna Kachinko.

The Sanctuary Light for this week is requested Michaelene Ostrum IMO Fred Uhas.

 BAPTISM:   Joseph Wyatt Evans will be Baptized, Christened, and receive First Holy Communion on Saturday, March 1^st at the 4:00PM Divine Liturgy.  Joseph is the son of Joseph and Colleen Evans.  

 FLEA MARKET & PARISH SALE:  The Women’s Society is holding a rummage, soup and bake sale March 14,15 & 16.  

PARISH FORMS:  The Parish is updating our Parishioner Forms, we are asking All Parishioners to take a form and complete it, even if your information has not changed.  The forms are in the vestibule.  There will be a folder you can put it in on the table. 

Saturday, February 8 SUNDAY OF THE PUBLICAN & THE PHARISEE

             4:00 PM           ✞Rosemary Kasenchak- Anna Magill

Sunday, February 9 SUNDAY OF THE PUBLICAN & THE PHARISEE

             8:30 AM            God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners

Saturday, February 15 SUNDAY OF THE PRODIGAL SON

             4:00 PM           God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners

Sunday, February 16 SUNDAY OF THE PRODIGAL SON

             8:30 AM            ✞Patricia Williams – Youells Family

REMINDER:  Major Archbishop Sviatoslav Schevchuk is in North America for the Synod of Bishops and is in Philadelphia February 15^th and 16^th; and Washington, D.C. February 18^th.  See the flyers in the vestibule, The Way or Archeparchial Website for more information.

LENT:  Remember, the first day of Lent is a day of fast from Meat and Dairy Products.  Lent begins with Forgiveness Vespers, Sunday, March 2nd at 3:00 PM at Transfiguration of Our Lord Church.  The first full day of Lent will begin on Monday, March 3rd.  The Liturgy of the Pre-Sanctified Gifts at Ss. Peter & Paul Church will be on Fridays at 5:00pm and at Transfiguration of Our Lord Church on Wednesdays at 6:30pm.

THE FIVE SATURDAYS OF THE DECEASED (SOROKUSTY):  The Church Typikon designates the five Sorokousty/ Saturdays of the Deceased for 2025 as February 22nd; March 15th, March 22^nd, March 29^th and June 7th. It is a tradition of our Holy Church to commemorate the memories of our beloved deceased at Matins of the Deceased (Parastas) on these five Saturdays of the year.  There is an envelope in your box for Sorokousty.  Or write a note and put it in the basket.

LITURGICAL INTENTIONS:  Please keep in mind that there are no weekday liturgies during Lent.  Please note that during Lent if there is a Funeral, there will be no Divine Liturgy with that service.  If you want to add a Divine Liturgy, a special Liturgy can be done on Saturday morning.

PRAYERS: Please remember in your prayers all who are in need of God’s help.  Remember those in the nursing facilities, hospital and at home, all the sick and the suffering.  Please say a special prayer for all of our nation’s soldiers and their families at home and abroad.

SING-CON 2025: Save the date if interested. The date for SING-CON 2025 is October 23-26, 2025 at the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church in Perth Amboy, NJ.  SING-CON is seminar on learning and practicing our Church’s Chants, i.e. hymns and liturgies in song. 

 ASK FATHER A QUESTION?  What is the Liturgy of the Hours?  Does it require a priest to lead in prayer?  Or can it be said like the Rosary before Liturgy or as a separate service?   Liturgy of the Hours is a prayer service primarily of the psalms recited at the 1st(6AM), 3rd(9AM), 6th(noon), and 9th(3PM) hour of the day.  The Liturgy of the Hours is intended to be led by a priest, however it can be led by a Cantor in the absence of a priest, by not reciting the priestly prayers.  There are two kinds of prayer in the Church, Private Devotions and Liturgies.  Liturgy is from the Greek word meaning a “public work” which is recited by the whole Church priest and people.  Liturgy of the Hours falls into the category of Liturgies- “public works.”  The Liturgical Cycle of daily prayers in the Church are all meant to be led by a priest;  in the absence of a priest there are ways that all of the Liturgies of the Church can be said led be a Cantor.  The Rosary and Stations of the Cross are private devotions that do not require a priest and can be recited by the Parish.  Copies of the Hours are in the Blue Book, The Divine Liturgy , An Anthology for Worship.

 MYOSOPUSNA 2025:  Transfiguration of Our Lord Church is pleased to announce that dinner tickets are now available for the Annual Myasopusna Festival, held at the church’s banquet hall, 240 Center Street, Nanticoke, on Sunday, February 23, from noon to 4 pm.  The Myasopusna (Meatfare) Festival is the parish’s pre-lenten celebration, preceding the Great Fast.  Dinner (a platter of holuptsi, kobasi, pyrohy, borscht, black bread and butter, and a homemade dessert) will be served from 12:30 to 2:00 pm, followed by live Ukrainian dance performances by Kazka and Saint Mary’s Ukrainian Dancers.  A variety of Ukrainian crafts will be on display and for sale.  Dinner tickets are $25 and must be purchased in advance, no tickets will be sold at the door.  Tickets can be purchased by calling Helen (735-4654) and leave a message  or Lisa (574-1016).  Invite your friends and neighbors!  Lisa will be selling tickets before the Liturgy at both churches.

Please keep in mind tickets are limited and about 30 tickets are left.

 UKRAINIAN PYSANKY CLASSES:  Classes are being offered by St. Cyril’s Church in Olyphant.  March 2nd and March 16th, with two classes each day:  12:00 noon and 3:00 p.m.  Students will learn about this beautiful Ukrainian tradition.  The cost is $25 per person, with supplies included.  Class size is limited, and registration is required.  Contact:  Tammy Budnovitch 570-766-1919 to register for this parish fundraiser held at St. Cyril’s Parish Hall, 207 River St., Olyphant.

 

The Altar Candles for February are requested by the Kachinko Family IMO Michael Kachinko Sr and Anna Kachinko.

The Sanctuary Light is requested for February 9-16^th by the Kachinko children IMO Bernie and MaryAnn Kachinko.

BAPTISM:   Joseph Wyatt Evans will be Baptized, Christened, and receive First Holy Communion on Saturday, March 1^st at the 4:00PM Divine Liturgy.  Joseph is the son of Joseph and Colleen Evans.  

FLEA MARKET & PARISH SALE:  The sale is scheduled for March 14, 15 &16^th.  For more information, please contact Anna Magill.

PARISH FORMS:  The Parish is updating our Parishioner Forms, we are asking All Parishioners to take a form and complete it, even if your information has not changed.  The forms are in the vestibule.  There will be a folder you can put it in on the table. 

Saturday, February 1 SUNDAY OF ZACCHEUS

ENCOUNTER OF OUR LORD WITH SIMEON

Blessing of Candles & Myrovinya

             4:00 PM           God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners

Sunday, February 2 SUNDAY OF ZACCHEUS

ENCOUNTER OF OUR LORD WITH SIMEON

Blessing of Candles & Myrovinya

             8:30 AM            ✞Paul & Marian Rose- Stephen Udiski

Saturday, February 8 SUNDAY OF THE PUBLICAN & THE PHARISEE

             4:00 PM           ✞Rosemary Kasenchak- Anna Magill

Sunday, February 9 SUNDAY OF THE PUBLICAN & THE PHARISEE

             8:30 AM            God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners

 MYOSOPUSNA 2025:  Transfiguration of Our Lord Church is pleased to announce that dinner tickets are now available for the Annual Myasopusna Festival, held at the church’s banquet hall, 240 Center Street, Nanticoke, on Sunday, February 23, from noon to 4 pm.  The Myasopusna (Meatfare) Festival is the parish’s pre-lenten celebration, preceding the Great Fast.  Dinner (a platter of holuptsi, kobasi, pyrohy, borscht, black bread and butter, and a homemade dessert) will be served from 12:30 to 2:00 pm, followed by live Ukrainian dance performances by Kazka and Saint Mary’s Ukrainian Dancers.  A variety of Ukrainian crafts will be on display and for sale.  Dinner tickets are $25 and must be purchased in advance, no tickets will be sold at the door.  Tickets can be purchased by calling Helen (735-4654) and leave a message  or Lisa (574-1016).  Invite your friends and neighbors!  Lisa will be selling tickets before the Liturgy at both churches.

 UKRAINIAN PYSANKY CLASSES:  Classes are being offered by St. Cyril’s Church in Olyphant.  March 2nd and March 16th, with two classes each day:  12:00 noon and 3:00 p.m.  Students will learn about this beautiful Ukrainian tradition.  The cost is $25 per person, with supplies included.  Class size is limited, and registration is required.  Contact:  Tammy Budnovitch 570-766-1919 to register for this parish fundraiser held at St. Cyril’s Parish Hall, 207 River St., Olyphant.

SING-CON 2025: Save the date if interested. The date for SING-CON 2025 is October 23-26, 2025 at the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church in Perth Amboy, NJ.  SING-CON is seminar on learning and practicing our Church’s Chants, i.e. hymns and liturgies in song. 

LENT:  Remember, the first day of Lent is a day of fast from Meat and Dairy Products.  Lent begins with Forgiveness Vespers, Sunday, March 2nd at 3:00 PM at Transfiguration of Our Lord Church.  The first full day of Lent will begin on Monday, March 3rd.  The Liturgy of the Pre-Sanctified Gifts at Ss. Peter & Paul Church will be on Fridays at 5:00pm and at Transfiguration of Our Lord Church on Wednesdays at 6:30pm.

There is no Sanctuary Light requested for this week.

*****There are several weeks available if someone would like to offer a

Sanctuary Light petition.******

CHURCH ENVELOPES:  The 2025 envelopes and calendars are available in the vestibule. 

PARISH FORMS:  The Parish is updating our Parishioner Forms.  The forms are in the vestibule.  Please complete the form and return it.  There will be a folder you can put it in on the table. 

BLESSING OF HOMES:  If anyone wishes to have their home blessed, please use the envelope in your collection box or leave a note in the collection basket. Also please let Father know if a visit during daytime hours is possible.  No donation is required-even though the envelope says requested amount.

FLEA MARKET & PARISH SALE:  The sale is scheduled for March 14, 15 &16^th.  For more information, please contact Anna Magill.

January 26, 2025 A. D.

SUNDAY AFTER THEOPHANY

Saturday, January 25 THIRTY-SIXTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

             4:00 PM           ✞Stanley Giza- Stanley & Renee Giza

Sunday, January 26 THIRTY-SIXTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

             8:30 AM            God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners

Saturday, February 1 SUNDAY OF ZACCHEUS

ENCOUNTER OF OUR LORD WITH SIMEON

Blessing of Candles

*****1^st Saturday of the month Liturgy at Transfiguration of Our Lord Church at 8:00AM*****

             4:00 PM           God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners

Sunday, February 2 SUNDAY OF ZACCHEUS

ENCOUNTER OF OUR LORD WITH SIMEON

Blessing of Candles

             8:30 AM            ✞Paul & Marian Rose- Stephen Udiski

✠☼✠☼✠☼✠☼✠☼✠☼✠

Transfiguration of Our Lord:

Saturday Liturgy is 6:00 PM

Sunday Liturgy is 10:30 AM

 ASK FATHER A QUESTION?  Father, first, I must say I do not go to communion on a regular basis. How often should one go to communion? I feel “incorrect” not going to communion without going to confession.  Confession however, seems to be like “Sin, Confess, Repeat”…. and seems to lack a depth of repentance.  Can you help me with this?  Perhaps I have the wrong perspective on this?  Is the forgiveness I hope to receive something I give myself?  I understand Absolution, the problem seems to be with me, not the sacrament.  PRIEST:  WHAT IS YOUR UNDERSTANDING OF ABSOLUTION?  PARISHIONER:  Forgiveness of sins.  Perhaps, an adjustment in your perspective would help.  Absolution is not merely a forgiveness of sins, but literally means from the Latin, “to untie you from the devil or to unchain you from the devil” which is the result of sin.  Perhaps, your feeling incorrect is from a viewpoint on your life and your sins as a sense of not taking serious your behaviors-in other words- to take a sincere approach to your Sacramental Life.   If you truly believe in God, and truly try to follow His commandments, and recognize that the devil and his fallen angels (demons) have been watching you intently all your life, and they know your weaknesses and will tempt you to break the commandments even in the most minor way either directly or through the interaction with other people.  So yes, you might feel like your life is a revolving door and once you are at peace after having sinned you then recognize your action as a sin- which perhaps in that moment you did not desire or intend to do.  So you grasped this when you reflect back on your day, week, or life in examining your conscience and perhaps you feel frustrated or hopeless, but this is truly not the case with the sacraments.  The devil will tempt you even with these feelings.  The question to ask when you examine your conscience and you live your life and even in the confessional (with the priest), is “Are you truly sorry for these sins?” and “Are you actively trying to NOT repeat these sins?”  If the answer is “Yes” then you have truly received forgiveness from God.  So the question is “Do you lack a depth of repentance or is there something else going on?”  The answer to this could be that you might need a spiritual director, we all need a spiritual director in our lives, especially the clergy.  I am guessing by our discussion so far, you need a spiritual director in your life.  I have not heard my entire life and I doubt many others people have as well, that a spiritual director was even an option.  Your spiritual director does not have to be a priest or nun, but someone who is further along the path of holiness than you are.  In training for a sport, you seek out someone who has mastered that sport, so you too, should we seek a spiritual director who excels in the path of holiness.  The point of this is, your spiritual director would assist you with your prayer and devotional life to help you grow in closeness and love of God so that you don’t feel so much that you are in a revolving door of Sin, Confess & Repeat.  Your spiritual director will give you “prayer exercises” to help you.  Yes, you might commit the same sins again but hopefully less often and with a greater resolve you will remain sin-free.  Now about receiving communion, we should receive communion as often as possible and we should do this with a clear conscience.  The simple reason is the receiving of Holy Communion is the action that finishes Confession and prepares you for heaven.  If you should die today… you would desire a clean conscience for none of us knows the hour of our calling.    “All have sinned.  All have fallen short of the glory of God.”-Roman 3:23

(The above account is true.  The question was asked by a parishioner.  The names have been changed to protect the sinner.  Any resemblance to the Parishioner sitting next to you is a coincidence.)

Prayer For Peace in Ukraine

Heavenly Father, Your Son taught us “Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the sons of God.”  We fervently pray in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, that you inspire men to become peacemakers.  May mankind seek reconciliation and peace as is Your Will in this world.  May tranquility be restored to all nations and especially Ukraine.  God, Our Father, we beseech You to comfort the suffering, heal the wounded, and accept the souls of the dearly departed into Your heavenly kingdom.  May the Most Holy Mother of God extend Her Mantle of Protection over Ukraine and the whole world.  May each of us always live our lives as instruments of Your peace, in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.  Amen.

 MYOSOPUSNA 2025:  Transfiguration of Our Lord Church is pleased to announce that dinner tickets are now available for our Annual Myasopusna Festival, held at the church’s banquet hall, 240 Center Street, Nanticoke, on Sunday, February 23, from noon to 4 pm.  The Myasopusna (Meatfare) Festival is the parish’s pre-lenten celebration, preceding the Great Fast.  Dinner (a platter of holuptsi, kobasi, pyrohy, borscht, black bread and butter, and a homemade dessert) will be served from 12:30 to 2:00 pm, followed by live Ukrainian dance performances by Kazka and Saint Mary’s Ukrainian Dancers.  A variety of Ukrainian crafts will be on display and for sale.  Dinner tickets are $25 and must be purchased in advance, no tickets will be sold at the door.  Tickets can be purchased by calling Helen (735-4654) and leave a message  or Lisa (574-1016).  Invite your friends and neighbors!

 UKRAINIAN PYSANKY CLASSES:  Classes are being offered by St. Cyril’s Church in Olyphant.  March 2nd and March 16th, with two classes each day:  12:00 noon and 3:00 p.m.  Students will learn about this beautiful Ukrainian tradition.  The cost is $25 per person, with supplies included.  Class size is limited, and registration is required.  Contact:  Tammy Budnovitch 570-766-1919 to register for this parish fundraiser held at St. Cyril’s Parish Hall, 207 River St., Olyphant.

James 3:1-10,  Mark 11:11-23

The Lesson on the Fig Tree

The Lord took away His Blessing from the fig tree which was rich with leaves but had no fruit, and it dried up.  This is a lesson in action.  The fig tree represents people who in appearance are in a good state, but in essence are not worthy of approval.  Who are these people?  They are those who eloquently discourse about faith, but do not have that faith; they hold the objects of faith in the intellect only.  They are those whose outward behavior is proper but their feeling and dispositions are very improper, and they manifest proper works only to hide their impropriety from people.  Whenever possible, they do not do these works.  For example, such a person give alms when someone asks them him in front of people, but ask him in private and he berate you.  He goes to church to pray to God, prays in sight of everyone, and prays at home as well, so as to not bring shame upon himself before his household.  But as soon as he is alone, he does not even make the sign of the Cross on his brow.  He does not have any idea about turning to God with the mind and the heart.  Let us pray that God will not allow us to be like that, for then we will not escape the judgement pronounced over the fig tree.  

-St. Theophan the Recluse

The Altar Candles for the month of January are requested by Helene Sirak IMO her son Michael.

There is no Sanctuary Light requested for this week.

*****The next several weeks are available if someone would like to offer a

Sanctuary Light petition.******

CHURCH ENVELOPES:  The 2025 envelopes and calendars are available in the vestibule. 

PARISH FORMS:  Our Parish is updating our Parishioner Forms.  The forms are in the vestibule.  Please complete the form and return it.  There will be a folder you can put it in on the table. 

BLESSING OF HOMES:  If anyone wishes to have their home blessed, please use the envelope in your collection box or leave a note in the collection basket. Also please let Father know if a visit during daytime hours is possible.  No donation is required-even though the envelope says requested amount.

In one of his homilies the holy Hiero-Confessor Luke of Crimea noted, “Why did Christ curse the fig tree? To teach us that we should tremble when we hear about it… We should not be deceived by the thought that our Lord is infinitely merciful and good and will surely forgive our sins. Many, many deceive themselves with this hope, and in this parable, and above all through the cursing of the fig tree, we learn that the Lord is not always infinitely merciful.”  {i. e. the Lord will not forgive the unrepentant sinner.}