SS Peter & Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church

Why do we stand, and not kneel, from Easter to Pentecost?

In the tradition of the Ukrainian Catholic Church, it is wrong to kneel at anytime from Easter to Pentecost. Despite the fact that other churches do it or “visitors…are surprised” does not change the fact that kneeling is not proper during this time.

In the Ukrainian Catholic Tradition, the action of kneeling and prostrating is a penitential posture. It is the position of a sinner seeking forgiveness. It is NOT a position of adoration (as it is in the West). This is why it is practiced so often in the Lenten season.

Standing (the proper position of adoration in the East) on the other hand, in the Ukrainian Catholic Tradition, is the position of giving praise and thanks to God in the spirit of joy and happiness. During the Paschal Season (Easter to Pentecost), the time for repentance, and fasting, is over. It is the time of our salvation for “Christ is Risen!” We express our joy, thanksgiving and adoration for this fact and the fact that we who have “…been baptized into Christ and put on Christ” have also risen with Him. It is for this reason that kneeling is improper during this holy season. To kneel during this season is to imply that you do not accept the resurrection of Christ. By standing for all prayer, (even private before and after services) you are demonstrating, in a bodily way, that you believe that “Christ is risen from the dead, and by death He has trampled death and to those in the graves He has granted life.” You are not being irreverent by standing. Remember that kneeling is not a sign of adoration in the eastern Tradition.

SANCTUARY LIGHT:  The Sanctuary Light is requested to burn this week April 14 – 21 by Jule Wido in memory of her husband John Wido.

FLOWERS: Our thanks to Helen Sawka & Family for their bouquet this week in memory of Theodore Sawka.

NEW CENSOR: A new Kadilla (for incensing) has been purchased in the amount of $925 through the generous donations from Mr. Daniel Bilak, Family & Friends in memory of Mary Bilak. Father Roman will bless the Kadilla after the Divine Liturgy Saturday. Many thanks for this wonderful gift.

STAINED GLASS ICON:   Out thanks to Mary Ann & Donna Kachinko for their donation of $1000 toward the Stained Glass Icon of St. Paul in memory of Bernard Kachinko.

BUILDING FUND: Our thanks to Gloria Dran Elston for her donation of $100 to the Church Building Fund in memory of her parents Fred Dran & Mary Sirak Dran.

SVIACHENE: Our Sviachene (Easter Dinner) will be held on Sunday, April 29, 2012 – 2:00 PM in our Church Hall. Tickets are available. The cost is $12 for adults and $5 for children 8 to 12. Children 8 and under is free. Donations of Gift items for the Chinese Auction will be greatly appreciated. Save the date and please try to support your Parish Family function – bring your family and friends. Deadline for tickets is Sunday, April 22^nd . This is your parish and once a year you should try to make an effort to be with fellow parishioners and their family and friends. Try to come and enjoy a day of food and fun.

COUNCIL MEETING: Our Parish Council Meeting will be held Thursday, April 19^th in the Church Hall at 6:30 PM. Please all members try to attend.

Bus Trip to New York City:Ten seats are still available for the New York Trip. Two buses have been chartered for the LUC sponsored event to St. George Ukrainian Festival, Lower East Side of Manhattan on Saturday, May 19, 2012. Side trips will include the Staten Island Ferry and midtown Manhattan. Cost is $35. Bus will leave this area at St. Vladimir UCC, Edwardsville at 8:30 AM and will depart for home at 9:00 PM Full advance nonrefundable payment reserves a seat. For reservations please call 563-2275.

SVIACHENE:  This year’s annual Easter Dinner at Transfiguration of Our Lord Church – Sviachene – will be held on Sunday, April 22 at 12:30 at the church hall.  Reservations are $10 for adults, $5.00 for students (age 11-18).  Children 10 and under are free, but please make a reservation for them.  There are no tickets this year, but please contact Christine Mash at 239-8863 for reservations.

Saturday, April 7        Resurrection Matins / Procession / Easter Divine

8:00 PM          Liturgy Blessing of Artos – Myrovania – Anointing of Holy Oil

Sunday, April 8

11:00 AM        EASTER SUNDAY – EASTER DIVINE LITURGY

Anointing of Holy Oil – Myravania

     Monday, April 9                BRIGHT MONDAY

10:30 AM                    Mary Valadja – Bilak Family

Tuesday, April 10               BRIGHT TUESDAY

10:30 AM                    Elaine Makowski – James & Rania Krenitsky

Thursday, April 12             BRIGHT THURSDAY

9:30 AM                      Mary Simonds – Mr. & Mrs. Charles Patrylak

Friday, April 13                  BRIGHT FRIDAY

9:30 AM                     Mildred Woss – Woss Family

Saturday, April 14             BRIGHT SATURDAY         

4:00 PM                      Steve Kowalick – Mike & Helen Kowalick

Sunday, April 15                SUNDAY OF ST. THOMAS

                          Distribution of Artos and Anointing of Holy Oil

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

STAINED GLASS ICON: Our thanks to Rita Rentko for her donation of $1000 toward the Stained Glass Icon of St. Paul in memory of her husband Steven Rentko.

SANCTUARY LIGHT: The week of April 7 – 14 is requested by Mike & Dolores Sinko in memory of Parents Michael & Mary Sinko and John & Helen Kurkowski.

SVIACHENE: Our Sviachene (Easter Dinner) will be held on Sunday, April 29, 2012 – 2:00 PM in our Church Hall. Tickets are available. The cost is $12 for adults and $5 for children 8 to 12. Children 8 and under is free. Donations of Gift items for the Chinese Auction will be greatly appreciated. Save the date and please try to support your Parish Family function – bring your family and friends. If you are planning to attend please obtain your tickets early. Hopefully this Parish Family affair will be more successful than the past Soup & Haluski sale that fell through because of the lack of sales. This is your parish and once a year you should try to make an effort to be with fellow parishioners and their family and friends. Try to come and enjoy a day of food and fun.

WOMEN’S SOCIETY: The regular meeting for the Women’s Society will be conducted in the Church Hall on Tuesday, April 10^th at 6:30 PM. President Anna Magill will preside. All members are asked to please attend.

Ordination Celebration: Rev. Frank Patrylak will celebrate his 50^th year of his ordination on April 15, 2012. A Divine Liturgy will be celebrated by Archbishop Stefan Soroka at St. Mary’s Chapel at 9:45 AM and a reception to follow at 2:00 PM with music and refreshments. Father Patrylak was born and raised in this area and is well known by many. He is a resident at St. Mary’s Manor, Cherry Hill, NJ. Mnohya Lita! May God bless you Father Patrylak with many more happy, healthy years.

Saturday, March 31      Blessing of Palms & Willow Branches        

 Myrovania – Anointing of Holy Oil

4:00 PM            Andrew Patrylak – Wife Clara Patrylak

Sunday, April 1            PALM SUNDAY –  Myrovania – Anointing of Holy Oil

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

Tuesday, April 3

9:00 AM          Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts

Thursday, April 5                     HOLY THURSDAY

 5:00 PM                     Matins of the Passion of Our Lord

Reading of the 12 Passion Gospels

Friday, April 6                          Good Friday

 3:00 PM                     Vespers – Procession – Entombment of Jesus Christ

Saturday, April 7                      HOLY SATURDAY

1:00 PM                      Blessing of Easter Food Baskets

8:00 PM                      Resurrection Matins / Procession / Easter Divine Liturgy  Blessing of Artos – Myrovania – Anointing of Holy Oil

Sunday, April 8                        EASTER SUNDAY – EASTER DIVINE LITURGY

           11:00 AM                     Anointing of Holy Oil – Myravani

The spiritual meaning of Palm Sunday

 The Jews wanted to see their messiah in power and glory.  According, Jesus Christ, by raising Lazarus from the dead and by His triumphal entry into Jerusalem, gave them clear proof of His power and glory. When He entered Jerusalem, the entire city was thrown into commotion saying: “Who is this?” But the crowds kept on saying: “This is Jesus the prophet from Nazareth of Galilee.’”

The honor given to Christ lasted for only a brief moment, for His betrayal by Judas, His rejection by the people, His condemnation by the Jewish leaders, His passion, the way of the cross and crucifixion followed in quick succession. These very same people who, on Sunday cried out, “Hosanna”, within a few days would be crying out: “Crucify Him.”

Palm Sunday teaches us the instability of worldly glory and the vanity of earthly happiness. Joy and sadness here on earth are two inseparable sisters. Therefore, if we wish one day to have a share in the triumph of Christ in heaven, we must first undergo a Passion Week and a Golgotha with Him here on earth. Only then, will we be able, like Him, to enter into everlasting triumph, joy and resurrection.

SANCTUARY LIGHT:  The Sanctuary Light is requested to burn this week March 31 – April 7 by Michaelene Ostrum in memory of  her father Michael Sirak.

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

HOLY WEEK – Please remember that help is needed to participate in the Holy Week services. Holy Thursday, 5:00 PM, Good Friday, 3:00 PM and Resurrection Services Holy Saturday, 8:00 PM. Help will be needed to set up the grave after the Holy Thursday evening services. Try to lend a helping hand. Sign up sheet is in the vestibule for Adoration. Time to spend with God. Give an hour of your time for HIM.

STAINED GLASS ICON: During this time of Holy Week your donations to help fund the Stained Glass Icon of ST. PAUL in the front of the church could be a great Alms giving and would be appreciated to meet the goal for the balance of project.

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

THANKS: For all the faithful women who came out to clean the church; your time and efforts are greatly appreciated.

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

Transfiguration of Our Lord

Holy Thursday – 7:30 PM – Good Friday – 5:00PM –

Saturday 3:00 PM Blessing of Easter Food AM

Easter Sunday – 7:30 AM – Resurrection Matins, Procession Divine Liturgy

Saturday, March 24                 Myrovania – Anointing of Holy Oil

4:00 PM                       Elaine Makowski – Ilaria & Nikolina Krenitsky

Sunday, March 25                   FIFTH SUNDAY OF THE GREAT FAST

8:30 AM                      ANNUNCIATION OF THE MOTHER OF GOD

Myrovania – Anointing of Holy Oil

God’s Blessings and Good Health for all Parishioners

Wednesday, March 28

7:00 PM                       Stations of the Cross – Sorokousty

Friday, March. 30

9:00 AM                      Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts

Saturday, March 31                 Blessing of Willow branches and Palm

                                                Myrovania – Anointing of Holy Oil

4:00 PM                       Andrew Patrylak – Wife Clara Patrylak

Sunday, APRIL 1                    PALM SUNDAY- Myrovania – Anointing of Holy

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

SIGN UP SHEET IS IN THE VESTIBULE FOR ADORATION OF THE GRAVE.PLEASE TRY TO SPEND AN HOUR WITH THE LORD

WE NEED THE MEN OF THE PARISH TO SIGN UP FOR  HOLY THURSDAY EVENING, PROCESSION ON GOOD FRIDAY And RESURRECTION PROCESSION. YOUR HELP IN DOING THIS WILL BE GREATLY APPRECIATED.

THE ANNUNCIATION OF THE MOTHER OF GOD

MARCH 25^TH

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.

At the moment of the angel’s annunciation, the Son of God begins the first moments of earthly life in the womb of the Most Pure Virgin Mary. From this momentous fact the privileges of Mary – those of divine motherhood and virginity – clearly emanate.

The date, March 25, was selected for this feast because it occurs just nine months before the feast of the Nativity of our Lord on December 25. In addition to this, there existed an ancient tradition that March 25^th marked not only the incarnation of the Son of God, but also both the creation of the world and the death of Christ on the Cross.

The chief source of this joy is the incarnation of the Son of God and our salvation: “…The virginal womb receives the Son, the Holy Spirit is sent down, and the Father on high is well pleased. Through the universal will, reconciliation is effected for all. Let us, who have been saved in it and through it, sing with Gabriel to the Virgin: Rejoice, O full of grace. For our salvation, Christ our God took our human nature from you and joined it to himself. Therefore, implore him to save our souls.”

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.

SANCTUARY LIGHT:  The Sanctuary Light is requested to burn the week of

March 24 – 31- in honor of the upcoming marriage of Amy Matthews and Michael Kennedy requested by Amy’s Grandmother Eleanor Kulick.

STAINED GLASS ICON OF ST PAUL: Our thanks to the SS Peter and Paul Women’s Society for the donation of $1000 and $100 donation from the Ostrum Family toward the Stained Glass Icon of St. Paul.  Donation toward this project is greatly appreciated. Any amount large or small you would like to donate toward this Icon is very acceptable, it will be a big help to meet the goal. The balance now stands at $22,400.

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.

WILLOWS BRANCHES: Willows branches to be donated for Palm Sunday please bring them to the church at your convenience. Palm Sunday is next week.

SVIACHENE:     Our Sviachene (Easter Dinner) is being planned for Sunday,

April 29, 2012 – 2:00 PM in our Church Hall. Tickets are available. The cost is $12 for adults and $5 for children 8 to 12. Children 8 and under is free. Donations of Gift items for the Chinese Auction will be greatly appreciated. Save the date and please try to support your Parish Family function – bring your family and friends.

EASTER WEEK SCHEDULE

HOLY THURSDAY – APRIL 5, 2012

5:00 PM                     Matins of the Passion of Our Lord

Reading of the 12 Passion Gospels

GOOD FRIDAY – APRIL 6, 2012–

 3:00 PM                      Vespers – Procession – Entombment of Jesus Christ

HOLY SATURDAY – APRIL 7, 2012

1:00 PM                       Blessing of Easter Food Baskets

8:00 PM                       Resurrection Matins / Procession / Easter Divine Liturgy  Blessing of Artos – Myrovania –

Anointing of Holy Oil

EASTER SUNDAY – APRIL 8, 2012-11:00 AM

EASTER DIVINE LITURGY

Anointing of Holy Oil – MyrOvania

NEW YORK BUS TRIP: North Anthracite Council – League of Ukrainian Catholics is sponsoring a bus trip to the annual St. George Ukrainian Street Festival, Lower East Side of Manhattan on Saturday, May 19, 2012. Side trips will include the Staten Island Ferry and midtown Manhattan. The 55 passenger bus will depart from St. Vladimir Church, 430 North Seventh Avenue, Scranton at 8:00am and from St. Vladimir Church, 70 Zerby Avenue, Edwardsville at 8:30am. Departure from New York City will be at 9:00pm. Donation is $35.00 per person. Full advance nonrefundable payment reserves a seat.  Check should be made out to LUC – NA Council. For reservations contact Paul Ewasko at 563-2275.

CONFESSION: Father Roman will hear confessions before the Divine Liturgy today, Saturday, March 31 and Wednesdays one hour before Stations of the Cross, or on special request.

EASTER

Definition:

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

Setting the Date

Before 325 CE, Christian communities celebrated Easter on a variety of different days of the week, but the Council of Nicea, called together by Emperor Constantine, issued the “Easter Rule” which standardized Easter observance to the first Sunday after the first full moon (known as th paschal moon) on or after the vernal equinox. This “full moon” is not defined in a scientific manner, however – it is an “ecclesiastical full moon” and the “ecclesiastical vernal equinox” is always on March 21st. This means that Easter always occurs on a Sunday between March 22nd and April 25th, signaling the end of the season of Lent.

Traditions

Although Easter is just one day in the liturgical calendar, in reality preparations for Easter take place throughout the 40 days of Lent and it plays a central role in the following 50 days of Pentecost (also known as the Easter season). Thus, Easter can rightly be regarded as the central day in the entire Christian calendar.

Although Easter is probably the oldest Christian celebration aside from the Sabbath, it wasn’t always the same as what people currently think of when they look at Easter services. The earliest known observances, known as Pasch, occurred between the 2nd and 4th centuries. These celebrations commemorated both Jesus’ death and his resurrection at once, whereas these two events have been split up between Good Friday and Eastern Sunday today.

Easter is treated not simply as a commemoration of events that occurred at one time in the past. Instead, Easter is regarded as a living symbol of the very nature of Christianity. During Easter, Christians believe that they symbolically pass through death and into a new life (spiritually) in Jesus Christ, just as Jesus passed through death and after three days rose from the dead.

SANCTUARY LIGHT:  The Sanctuary Light is requested to burn this week March 17 – 24 by Eleanor Kulick in memory of her husband Frank Kulick.

ST. PAUL STAINED GLASS ICON: Our thanks for the Donations of $3000 for the Stanined Glass Icon: $1000 James Bruce Fromel and $2000 In memory of James & Julia Fromel. Your generous donation is greatly appreciated.

HALUSKI AND SOUP SALE: Because of the lack of orders for the sale of Haluski and Soup this project will be cancelled.

SVIACHENE:     Our Sviachene (Easter Dinner) is being planned for Sunday,

April 29, 2012 – 2:00 PM in our Church Hall. Tickets will be

available soon. The cost is $12 for adults and $5 for children

8 to 12. Children 8 and under is free. Donations of Gift  items

for the Chinese Auction will be greatly appreciated. Save the date and please try to support your Parish Family  function – bring your family and friends.

COUNCIL MEETING: The monthly Parish Council Meeting will be held Tuesday, March 20^th at 6:30 PM in the Church Hall. Please members try to attend.

ADORATION: The sign-up sheet for the hours of Adoration on Good Friday – Holy Saturday is in the vestibule. Please try to give one hour of your time to spend at the grave of Our Lord. It is sad that some have to spend more than the hour because of the lack of participation.

TRANSFIGURATION: Next Friday’s Menu for Transfiguration of Our Lord, UCC in Nanticoke will be Soup and Potato Pancakes. Serving from 4:00 – 6:30 PM. Take-outs available.

Saturday, March 10

4:00 PM                      Leonard Lotrick – Wife Catherine Lotrick

Sunday, March 11                   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 – St. Nicholas, Glen Lyon, PA

Tuesday, March 13

            9:00 AM                      Mary Valadja – Anna Bosack

Wednesday, March 14

7:00 PM                      Stations of the Cross – Sorokousty Service

  Friday, March 16

9:00 AM                        Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts

Saturday, March 17

4:00 PM                         VEvelyn Romashko – Glicidano Family

Sunday, March 18                   FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT

                                                John Climacus Venerable

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

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

SANCTUARY LIGHT: The Sanctuary light is requested to burn this week March 10 – 17 by George Pryslak & Family in memory of Rose Toma.

ST. PAUL STAINED GLASS ICON: Our thanks to George Krlic for his donation of $1000 toward the St. Paul Stained Glass Icon in memory of Eva Sirak Krlic and Family. Your generous donation is greatly appreciated.

HALUKI AND SOUP: The sale of Haluski, Vegetable Bean and Potato Soups will be held in the Church Hall on Wednesday, March 21, 2012. Order form is in the vestibule to place your orders. Cost is $7 a quart. Take outs only. Pick up time will be from 3:00 – 5:00 PM. This will be our only fund raiser during Lent.

THANKS: We wish to thank all of our great workers who helped with the fellowship following the Deanery Stations of the Cross last Sunday. Also a special thanks for all the monetary, food and desserts donated. Your generous contributions are greatly appreciated. All who attended enjoy a great fellowship, a praise to our Parish.

BIRTHDAY GREETINGS: We sincerely wish Birthday Greetings to our oldest Parish member, Mrs. Anna Dempsey on her 99^th Birthday on Saturday, March 17^th.

CEMETERY DONATION: A donation of $153 was received for Cemetery Care of Hamuka, Woss, Pisarcik and Dubinsky graves by Mary Pinaha. It is a very generous way to care for the memory of loved ones. Many thanks Mary Lou Pinaha.

WOMEN’S SOCIETY: The regular meeting for the Women’s Society will be conducted in the Church Hall on Tuesday, March 13^th at 6:30 PM. President Anna Magill will preside. All members are asked to please attend.

Saturday, March 3

4:00 PM                      Frances Bencho – Jeremy Brizio & Family

Sunday, March 4               SECOND 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

 Wednesday, March 7

7:00 PM                      The Way of the Cross & Sorokousty

    Friday, March 9

9:00 AM                          Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts

    Saturday, March 10

4:00 PM                      Leonard Lotrick – Wife Catherine Lotrick

 S THE

    Sunday, March 11               THIRD SUNDAY OF THE GREAT FAST

                                                Veneration of the Cross

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

Transfiguration Of Our Lord:

Saturday Liturgy is 6:00 PMSunday Liturgy is 10:30 AM

LENTEN SERVICES: Father Roman asks that you PLEASE try to attend the Lenten services during Lent. Where are you for these Lenten Services? It is disappointing how few attend to pray during the Lenten Season.

LENTEN MISSION: SS Peter & Paul, UCC, Wilkes-Barre, PA will hold a Lenten Mission March 9 – 12, 20012 at both SS Peter & Paul, Wilkes-Barre and St. Vladimir’s UCC in Edwardsville. Fr. Jerome from Holy Dormition Friary in Sybertsville, PA will conduct the Mission. All information is posted on the bulletin board in the vestibule.

ST PAUL ICON: The Mosaic Icon of St. Paul for the outside front of the Church is still in need of donations. Our balance for the completion is $27,500. Your donations either small or large will be appreciated. We are hoping for an installation date for the Feast of SS Peter and Paul, June 29^th if all goes well. Make your donations in memory of or in honor of someone dear to you or in your memory.

FOOD SALE: St. Nicholas, UCC, Main St., Glen Lyon, PA is sponsoring a Vegetable Soup and Halushki Sale on Friday, March 30^th for 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Place your orders by March 25^th.  The cost for the Soup or the Halushki is $5 a quart. Call 735-7682 or 736-6908.
SANCTUARY LIGHT: The Sanctuary light is requested to burn this week March 3 – 10 by Arlene Jones for a Special Intention.

ALTAR CANDLES: The Altar Candles to burn during the month of March is requested by Michaelene Ostrum in memory of Michael Sirak.

STATIONS OF THE CROSS: The Deanery Stations of the Cross will be held in our Parish this Sunday, March 4th. We will be serving the fellowship following the Stations. Desserts or any food items are needed to serve this affair and we ask all our good cooks and bakers to help in this matter. Any dish you make will be greatly appreciated.

SOUP AND HALUSKI SALE: The fund-raising project of Haluski and Soup Sale will be held on Wednesday, March 20, 2012 at the church hall. The Haluski is made fresh and the soup will be meatless Vegetable Bean. This is for take-outs only at $7 a quart. Please place your order on the sheet in the vestibule or contact Ann at 829-4202 or Irene at 779-9634.

SYMPATHY: We extend our sympathy to the family of Vera Hubick for her brother Michael Kosar, who was called to his eternal rest. May his memory be eternal.

LENTEN MEALS: Transfiguration of Our Lord Church, Hanover Section of Nanticoke is sponsoring Lenten Dinners every Friday during Lent in the Church Hall located at Bliss and Center Sts. The dinners will be served from 4:00-6:30. The cost is $7.00. Take Outs are available for the same price but will not include beverage. This weeks menu is Vegetable or French Onion soups, Vegetable Lasagna or Jill’s Spaghetti. For more information contact Jill at 824-4603 or Transfiguration of Our Lord rectory at 735-2262.

SVIACHENE: Our Parish Family Easter Dinner (Sviachene) held be held on Sunday, April 29^th in the Church Hall at 2:00 PM. – The tickets are $12 for Adults and $6 for Children (8-12). Make your reservations now. This affair is open to all parishioners their friends and family. Everyone is welcome. A Chinese Auction will be exhibited for you to purchase tickets to win the variety of items. Mary Ann Kachinko will be chairperson and all donated gifts will be certainly appreciated. Mark your calendar for this Parish Family Affair.

4:00 PM                George Patrylak – Clara Patrylak

Sunday, Feb. 26                  FIRST SUNDAY OF THE GREAT FAST

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

Wednesday, Feb. 29

7:00 PM            Stations of the Cross – Sorokousty Service

Friday, March 2

9:00 AM          Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts

Saturday, March 3

4:00 PM             Frances Bencho – Jeremy Brizio & Family

Sunday, March 4            SECOND SUNDAY OF THE GREAT FAST

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

THE SUNDAY OF ORTHODOXY

              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.

GREAT LENT

            Although our time has brought with it many changes in church laws, traditions, and discipline, and the Second Vatican Council has relaxed the rules for fasting, including the Great Fast, nevertheless, the Forty Days Fast still has significance for our spiritual life. For various reasons, today we may be unable to fast in the same way as our ancestors did; yet even today we are obliged to a spiritual fast – that is, we are obliged to refrain from sin, and from giving in to our evil inclinations. We are also obliged to pray and to practice virtue and good deeds. In reality then, the most important goal of the Great Fast is our spiritual renewal.

The Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts:

            A typical Lenten service is the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts. Already in the first centuries there was a custom during the Forty Days Fast to omit the celebration of the Divine Liturgy because, at that time, it was still linked with agape, that is the love banquet, and this was not in keeping with the spirit of fasting. Furthermore, the Divine Liturgy was regarded as joyful mystery; for this reason, its celebration was limited to Saturday and Sunday. On the other days of the week to give the faithful an opportunity to receive Holy Communion, the Divine Liturgy was replaced by other services, from which the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts developed in time. Actually, this is not a Liturgy in the sense of the word, for it does not have the consecration of bread and wine; but rather, it is a Vespers service combined with the rite of Holy Communion, for which the bread was previously consecrated. Hence, the name of Presanctified Gifs.

The Council of Laodicia (c.364) prescribed: “It is not permitted during the Great Fast to offer up the Bread (that is the Holy Liturgy), except on Saturday and Sunday” (rule 49). The Sixth Ecumenical Council of Trullo (691) decreed: “On all the days of the Great Fast, with the exception of Saturday and Sunday, and the feast of the Annunciation, the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts must be celebrated. “ (rule 52).

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 Feb. 25 – March 3 by Florence Kloap & Family in memory of Husband William Kloap.

STATIONS OF THE CROSS: The Deanery Stations of the Cross will be held in our Parish next Sunday, March 4th. We will be serving the fellowship following the Stations. Desserts are needed to serve this affair and we ask all our good cooks and bakers to help in this matter. Any dish you make will be greatly appreciated.

FLOWERS: A flower request chart is available to have Bouquets in memory of or in honor of someone special to you. The Bouquets are priced from $25 to whatever size you wish to have.

BUS TRIP: If you are interested in going on this trip, the bus fills up fast, so you should make your reservations as soon as possible. The North Anthracite Council – League of Ukrainian Catholics is sponsoring this bus trip to the annual St. George Ukrainian Street Festival, Lower East Side of Manhattan on Saturday, May 19, 2012. Donation is $35.00 per person. Full advance nonrefundable payment reserves a seat.  Check should be made out to LUC – NA Council. For reservations contact Paul Ewasko at 563-2275. Poster in vestibule on details.

Saturday, Feb. 11

4:00 PM              Frances Bencho – John & Jule Molecavage

Sunday, Feb. 12             SUNDAY OF Meat Fare

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

Tuesday, Feb. 15

9:00 AM             William Kloap – Wife Florence Kloap & Family

Friday, Feb. 17

9:00 AM             Peter Bosack – Sister Anna Bosack

Saturday, Feb. 18

4:00 PM    Mary Bilak – James & Aurora Cardi

Sunday, Feb. 19               SUNDAY OF CHEESEFARE

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

Monday, February the 20^th is the first day of the Great Fast.

Prepare yourselves in this period of Lent with  prayer, adoration and attending Lenten Service until the

Feast of the Resurrection of Our Lord.

SOULS’ DAYS

Although the Church remembers the souls of the departed faithful in her daily prayers and services, nevertheless, like a good Mother, she still assigns special days in the Liturgical Year on which she commemorates and prays for them. These days are called Souls’ Days or Memorial days.

All-Souls Saturdays a day of prayer for departed souls

            In the Liturgical year not only is every day dedicated to some festival or saint, but also each weekday has its own patron On Monday, holy Church pays homage to the angelic choirs, who occupy first place in heaven, next to the most Holy Mother of God. Tuesday is dedicated to St. John the Baptist, the symbol of all the prophets. Wednesday commemorates the betrayal of Jesus Christ and the beginning of His

passion, and also venerates the life-giving Cross on which He died. On Thursday, the Church venerates the Holy Apostles and St. Nicholas. On Friday, she celebrates the memory of the passion of Christ and His death on the Cross.

On Saturday, God rested after He created the world and Jesus Christ rested in the tomb, after having accomplished the salvation of the world; hence, Saturday became the symbol of eternal rest and happiness in God. For this reason, the Church dedicates Saturday to all the souls, who have gone into eternity, but have not yet entered into eternal rest with the Blessed in heaven.

Meatfare Saturday – Besides commemorating the faithful departed every Saturday of the week, the Church set aside certain Saturdays in the Liturgical Year whose services are exclusively dedicated to the commemoration of the departed and to prayers for them. These Saturdays are called memorial Saturdays, or All-Souls’ Saturdays. These Saturdays include the Saturday before Meat-fare Sunday, the second, third and forth Saturdays of the Great Fast and the Saturday before Pentecost Sunday.

Meatfare Sunday commemorates the Last Judgment. For this reason, on the preceding Saturday we pray “for all Christians who have fallen asleep from time immemorial”, that is, for all those who have died or perished at any time or place, and for whom perhaps no one prays, so that they all may stand, on the day of the Last Judgment, at the right hand of the Eternal Judge.

SANCTUARY LIGHT: The Sanctuary Light is requested to burn the week of

Feb. 11 – 18 by Dorothy Wujcik in memory of her son Larry Wujcik.

STAINED GLASS ICON OF ST. PAUL: Donations are being accepted for this project if you would like to contribute to this Icon. Plaques will be viewed inside the church in the vestibule for the donations received – $1000 will read in memory or in honor of loved ones – $500 will read a single name in memory of or in honor of – $100 will be as a patron, one name. We are still in need of the balance of this project to be started and completed. The Council is aiming for a completion date for the Feast of SS Peter & Paul, June 29, 2011.

BUS TRIP: North Anthracite Council – League of Ukrainian Catholics is sponsoring a bus trip to the annual St. George Ukrainian Street Festival, Lower East Side of Manhattan on Saturday, May 19, 2012. Side trips will include the Staten Island Ferry and midtown Manhattan. The 55 passenger bus will depart from St. Vladimir Church, 430 North Seventh Avenue, Scranton at 8:00am and from St. Vladimir Church, 70 Zerby Avenue, Edwardsville at 8:30am. Departure from New York City will be at 9:00pm. Donation is $35.00 per person. Full advance nonrefundable payment reserves a seat.  Check should be made out to LUC – NA Council. For reservations contact Paul Ewasko

ICON:  An Icon of Christ the Teacher, which is an LUC traveling Icon, representing our faith for God and Country, our heritage and believe in God our family and friends, as LUC has been together for 75 years, will be displayed in our Parish stating next Sunday, February 19

^th

 and will be exhibited for the week until Sunday, February 26

^th

. It will then be transferred to another parish in the Deanery until all the Parishes have had the opportunity to display this Powerful Icon. A description and writing about the Icon will be in next week’s bulletin.

Saturday, Feb. 4

4:00 PM              John & Anna Rudeski – Daughter Ann Marie Onderko

Sunday, Feb. 5               SUNDAY OF THE PRODIGAL SON

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

Tuesday, Feb. 7

9:00 AM             Leonard Lotrick – Wife Catherine Lotrick

Friday, Feb. 10

9:00 AM             Elaine Makowski – Eileen Miels

Saturday, Feb. 11

4:00 PM    Frances Bencho – John & Jule Molecavage

Sunday, Feb. 12               SUNDAY OF Meatfare

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

SANCTUARY LIGHT: The Sanctuary Light is requested to burn the week of

Feb. 4 – 11by George Pryslak & Family in memory of Mary T. Pryslak.

ALTAR CANDLES: The Altar Candles will burn for all the Church Services for the month of February in memory of Fred & Olga Uhas requested by Michaelene Ostrum

Myasopusna 2012:  Holy Transfiguration Church is pleased to announce that dinner tickets are now available for their Annual Myasopusna Festival, held at the church’s banquet hall, 240 Center Street, Nanticoke, on Sunday, February 12, 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, ham, pyrohy, borscht, black bread and butter, and a homemade dessert) will be served from 12:30 to 2:00 pm, followed by live Ukrainian music and dance performances by Kazka, Holy Year Choir, and Saint Mary’s Ukrainian Dancers.  A variety of Ukrainian crafts will be on display and for sale.  Dinner tickets are $13 ($10 if purchased by February 5) and can be purchased by calling Helen (735-4654) or Geri (824-3880).

Special LUC Meeting –North Anthracite Council – League of Ukrainian Catholics will meet from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM this Sunday, February 5, 2012 at SS. Peter and Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church, 20 Nottingham Street, Plymouth, PA. This is a specially called session of importance to all Council members and will end early enough for participants to be able to enjoy the Super Bowl that evening.

ROAST PORK & KAPUSTA DINNER  Fr. Paul Wolensky and the Parishioners of St. Vladimir Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, Scranton PA, cordially invite you to join them for the observance of Meatfare Sunday at their annual Pre-Lenten ROAST PORK & KAPUSTA FAMILY DINNER on Sunday, February 12, 2012, at 1:00 pm at St. Vladimir Parish Center, 428 North Seventh Avenue, between West Lackawanna Avenue and West Linden Street. Adults $15.00; Students age 6-12 $7.50; age 5 and under free.  Advance reservations required:  Kathleen Izak at 346-2414 (please do not call the church).  takeout’s: pick up between 11:30 am and 12:30 pm. Menu: Slow roasted pork loin, homemade pan gravy, Ukrainian kapusta (cabbage), real mashed potatoes, hot vegetables, applesauce, rolls, butter, dessert, coffee, tea, beverages.

BLESSED CANDLES: The Blessing of Candles was celebrated on Thursday. The Candles are available for you to use in your homes for the donation price listed. All should have one of the Blessed Candles to burn during storms, holidays, etc.