VOL. 81 - No. 24 ENGLISH VERSION DECEMBER 20 ......VOL. 81 - No. 24 ENGLISH VERSION Most Reverend...

VOL. 81 - No. 24 ENGLISH VERSION

Most Reverend Archbishops and Metropolitans,

God-loving Bishops,Very Reverend Clergy, Venerable Monastics,

Dearly Beloved Brothers and Sisters, in Ukraine

and throughout theworld

For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich. 2 Cor 8:9

Christ is born! Glorify Him!

Beloved in Christ! It is hard to believe how our life has changed from the final carol of last year to the first “Boh Predvichnyj” (God Pre-eternal) of this

Official Publication of the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia

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Archeparchy News pg. 2-38Children’s Corner pg. 39-43

Catechism pg. 44-45

Holidays/Feast Day pg. 46-48Advertisements pg. 49-51Church News pg. 52-56

CHRISTMAS PASTORAL LETTEROF HIS BEATITUDE SVIATOSLAV

year’s Christmas Eve. Throughout 2020 we were, it would seem, transported into a different world—a world of fear and uncertainty before the unknown. Yet, in spite of the restrictions,

challenges, and human losses we endured due to the coronavirus pandemic, together, as Church, in our families, parishes, communities, and countries, we did not cease to proclaim

the good news of hope, love, and joy. And so, this year on the occasion of Christ’s Nativity, we are called in a special way to bear witness before

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others to the “good news of great joy that will be for all the people: for unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Lk 2:10-11).

The mystery of Christmas is found in the joy of the coming of the Son of God into a world, full of affliction, pain, and suffering. He leaves heavenly glory in order to enter into the human frailty of all times, cultures, and people. Christ-God becomes not just a human being, but a poor human being, a person who suffers from the beginning of His earthly life. The Pre-eternal God enters into human history and experiences human hunger and cold, pain and sickness, adversity, and the indifference of society.

A homeless newborn God—what a strange contradiction, what wonder is this divine poverty! The Almighty God becomes poor in order to enrich us. The King of the Universe is placed “in a poor stable-cave, in a manger on hay” (from the carol, Vozveselimsya vsi razom nyni), in order to set a path for us to

the heavenly abode. Gazing at this mystery St. Gregory the Theologian says: “The One who enriches became poor; for he took on the poverty of my flesh, in order that I may be enriched in His divinity” (Oratio 45, 9). The Lord has come, the One who with His wounds heals our wounds, our weakness, our affliction. And He remains from generation to generation our Emmanuel, which means “God is with us,” in our needs, pains, and sufferings. The presence of the incarnate God in human history and in our life is our constant and endless joy, both on Nativity Day, and all the days of our life.

In everyday life we sometimes use a word without thinking about its origin or meaning. Language evolves spontaneously and abruptly— we forget where the word came from and fail to grasp its depth. This is the case of the Ukrainian word ubohyj, which is used to describe a poor person. However, when we examine how this word is constructed, we understand that u-Bohyj (in God) is a person

through whom the Lord comes to us, a person who is “in God,” that is, under the special care of the Almighty.

Christ teaches us that the materially poor and the poor in spirit, the humble, are happy, are blessed, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven (see Lk 6:20). Only God is the last hope, support, and salvation for the poor. Their fate is always in God’s hands. And the Lord is especially sensitive to how we treat His poor, that is, the needy, downtrodden, homeless, hungry, lonely, widows, and orphans. Those who disregard the poor scorn their Creator. To wrong such persons is to commit a sin that calls to heaven for vengeance!This year, in fact, the Synod of Bishops of our Church focused its attention on the face of poverty today. I encourage you to heed the Synodal pastoral letter, entitled “Only one thing will remain yours – that which you have given to the poor!” and examine it in the light of the star of Bethlehem, contemplating the face of the newborn Savior. The Divine Child is present in every destitute person

who knocks on the door of our heart, as Joseph knocked on the doors of the inns in Bethlehem.

Then, the wise men from the East hurried to the town of David, in order to bring gifts to the King of the ages, who was born as a little child in a stable-cave—gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Today, the infant Jesus is present in the sick, the frail, the homeless, and the neglected, who wait for someone to help them, to bring them gifts—the gold of a compassionate word, the incense of brotherhood, and the myrrh of immediate assistance, necessary for life. Those who stretch out their hand to the poor become rich with God and become partakers in the eternal goodness of the Creator Himself.

We are celebrating Christmas in the midst of a worldwide situation of human anguish, brought on by the coronavirus pandemic. We have not yet fully grasped or understood all the consequences and faces of this global misfortune. We do not know what changes await us in the

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sphere of economic, social-community, and church life… But we have already understood that the virus is not interested, neither in our place of residence, nor in our wealth or social status. All of us are equally in danger of infection, and a new threat of poverty hangs over all corners of the globe. All of us in the same way need the kind of help and strength that goes beyond human abilities and power. For this reason, Christ’s Nativity is for us a ray of hope and joy in the midst of today’s dark fear and confusion, and each one of us must be open to God’s grace, which pours out on us without ceasing, even in the worst of times.

To celebrate Christmas in a time of pandemic is to enlighten those who dwell in darkness, as the prophet Isaiah foretold: “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shined” (Isaiah 9:2). If we are permitted to gather—with proper distancing, of course—may our eyes shine with a joy that is visible to all. Let us wear masks,

CHRISTMAS PASTORAL LETTER OF HIS BEATITUDE SVIATOSLAV


when necessary, but let them not silence our traditional carols. Let us celebrate as we are able. Let us acclaim the birth of the Savior, however possible, so that even in this pandemic we might bear witness to the most important truth of human history—that we are not alone or abandoned, because “God is with us!”

Today let us bring to Bethlehem as our gift for the newborn Savior our own poverty and the wounds of humanity today, and let us ask Him for the richness of Divine wisdom in order to overcome this disease, for the fullness of divine strength in order to deal with its effects on society, on the life and health of every person. Above all, let us ask for the richness of His love, which alone can restore this distressed world of ours, and grant it hope, security, and joy. Solidarity with and closeness to those in need, participation in their pain and anxiety, rather than escape from the suffering that hangs over us all today—this will grant us the possibility to be merry and truly celebrate Christmas this year. Therefore, let

us hurry to the creche where our Savior rests in a manger, and together with the shepherds and wise men let us sing:

The pre-eternal God has been born!

Today he came from the heavens,

To save all his people,And has comforted all!

Dear Brother and Sisters! In spite of our poverty and frailty, today we are rich in the joy and love of our newborn Savior. With Christ’s Nativity, I sincerely greet you all: from Kyiv to London, from Buenos Aires to Melbourne, from Winnipeg to Zelenyj Klyn—those who are celebrating today in their family circle and those who are keeping distance from their loved ones to protect them from danger, those who are able to attend church services for the Feast, and those who at home join in community prayer through social media. I especially greet all medical workers who, in spite of real danger to themselves and their families, tirelessly and with great sacrifice give of their time and talents for the health of others. I embrace those

who suffer physical and spiritual wounds. I send a word of comfort to those who this year lost family members and friends, and for whom it is particularly painful to approach the festive table this Christmas eve. I unite myself in prayer with those who fearlessly stand on the frontlines and defend our country and people, risking their lives not only before the threat of the insidious sniper’s bullet, but also before the microscopic virus-enemy that has come upon us and inflicts on us added suffering and distress. May the all-merciful Lord, who in His infinite love has visited our poverty, fill the heart of each and every one of us, Dear Brothers and Sisters, with His peace, His grace and hope!From the bottom of my heart, I wish all of you the authentic joy of the children of God, a tasty kutia, a cheerful celebration of Christ’s Nativity, and a happy, peaceful, and blessed New Year! Christ is born! Glorify Him! † SVIATOSLAV

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CHRISTMAS PASTORAL OF THE UKRAINIAN CATHOLIC HIERARCHY OF THE USA

TO OUR CLERGY, R E L I G I O U S , SEMINARIANS AND BELOVED FAITHFUL,

Christ is born! “…all at once with the angel there appeared a great throng of the hosts of heaven, praising God with the words: ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favour rests.”

(Luke 2:13-14)

This was the joyous proclamation of the angels at the most significant event in human history to that point: the birth of the Messiah, the Son of God, in a stable in Bethlehem.

This intrusion of God into the world of men was something that was totally unexpected; it caught everyone off guard. In fact, we can say that, in sending his Son to us, God interrupted the normal course of events in the lives of many people. In the Gospel narrative, we see this clearly in those most closely associated with the Nativity of Christ.

Mary and Joseph were

a typical young couple of the time, betrothed to each other in anticipation of a formal marriage that would take place some time in the future. That is, until the angel of the Lord appeared to them both, leaving their plans in shambles.

The shepherds were settling in for a long, uneventful night tending their sheep. That is, until the angels suddenly filled the sky and sent them hurrying in search of a poor stable.

The Magi were esteemed and established scholars in far-off Persia. That is, until a mysterious star compelled them to make a long and arduous journey to Palestine.

And Herod sat contentedly on his throne in Jerusalem. That is, until the Magi brought him the astonishing news of the birth of a would be pretender to his throne that shook him to his core. Indeed, the news of Jesus’ birth not only interrupted the lives of these people, it totally upended them.

It is more important for us however, to observe

how God’s interruption changed these people, for better or worse.

We see that Mary and Joseph did not fall into anger or despair at the predicament they found themselves in. Rather, they embraced in obedience, the news brought by the Archangel Gabriel, as the will of

God for them. “Let it be done according to your word” said Mary to Ga-briel, while Joseph “did what the angel of the Lord told him to do”.

The shepherds were rewarded for their sleepless night with the honor of being first to


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worship the Son of God in the flesh. The Magi were privileged with being the first to bring gifts to the newborn King. Only King Herod did not embrace God’s intrusion into his life as a bless-ing, unleashing rather, a violent wave of terror and bloodshed upon the innocent citizens of Bethlehem.

Dearly beloved in Christ! Each of our lives is filled with interruptions, inconveniences, and unexpected intrusions. Though these are unexpected, they are not random, meaningless events. In fact, these interruptions are divinely placed by God in our path for a reason. Like Herod, we do not always react as we should when these interruptions occur. So, God uses these interruptions to teach us patience and to transform us into better and more Christ-like Christians. The small frustrations, the little interruptions in our life, in reality present opportunities for us to rely on God, to obey Him and to embrace His will for us.

A contemporary spiritual

CHRISTMAS PASTORAL OF THE UKRAINIAN CATHOLIC HIERARCHY OF THE USA


writer puts it this way: “You and I don’t live in a series of big dramatic moments. We don’t run from one big decision to the next. Rather, we all live in an endless series of little every day moments that shape our life. And the struggles that emerge from these little moments when things don’t go our way, when our plans fail and our life is interrupted, reveal the character of our heart.”

Perhaps, we can view the pandemic that is spreading throughout the world at the pre-sent time as one of these unexpected and unwanted intrusions into our life. It has certainly in-terrupted our celebration of Our Lord’s Nativity in a dramatic fashion.

Because of it, our ability to travel and visit friends and family with the joy of Christmas has been greatly restricted. Caroling concerts and Christmas plays have been cancelled. Even worse, our ability to come together in our parish churches to worship Christ in His Nativity in the divine

services is diminished as well. Perhaps we have ourselves been sickened with the virus or have lost friends or family to it. And because of this we have become embittered, sad and depressed. When will it finally end?

Dear brothers and sisters! Instead of falling into despair, let us resolve to look upon this interruption in our life through the eyes of faith and as a God-given opportunity to grow in grace, in spiritual peace, and in love for each other. At this time when most of us are more homebound, let us devote more time to personal and family prayer, spiritual reading and medi-tation upon the miracle of Christ’s Incarnation and His coming to us as a helpless baby. And let us be true neighbors and stretch our helping hands and hearts to those in our communities who are suffering both spiritually and physically during these difficult days.

And remember that with the Birth of Christ all fear and doubt are conquered, all dark-ness

and chill are banished, leaving only the light, warmth and love of the newborn Emanuel - God With Us! May the blessing of the newborn Christ be with all of you!

Christ is Born! - Glorify Him!

+Borys GudziakArchbishop of Philadelphia for UkrainiansMetropolitan of Ukrainian Catholics in the United States

+Paul Chomnycky, OSBM (author)Eparch of Stamford

+Вenedict AleksiychukEparch of St. Nicholas in Chicago

+Bohdan J. DanyloEparch of St. Josaphat in Parma

+Andriy RabiyAuxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia

Christmas 2020

Word from the Metropolitan

Hope in the midst of global pandemic

Exhausted by enforced detention and dreading the daily news of more enigmatic deaths, humanity is spiraling through a year none of us have ever experienced. We yearn for hope, normalcy, freedom, eager to exhale, unwrap our wings, and break out from the confinement. Many pray just to survive.

Providentially, the Christmas season is upon us — a time for anticipation and inspiration, reflecting on lessons from this year while gaining confidence in the fulfillment of the desires of our hearts. Despite the pitfalls, losses, and the depressive quagmire of 2020, the time we’ve spent alone has given us an unprecedented occasion to contemplate spiritual matters. In what is it that we put our hope and faith? What is truly significant and life-giving? What is the true meaning of Christmas? Frankly—do we truly need the Christmas parties? Is Christmas about the sleigh bells, eggnog, and presents? Or is it about THE presence?

I hope that for you, the lockdown and

quarantine, the limits on travel and recreation have not been exclusively negative. This crisis can be an occasion for deep personal discovery and honest soul-searching. And maybe, victories, large and small.

For me these peculiar months have offered graces. At the urging of doctors, I have used the past few months to get into shape. I am near my college weight—one of my small triumphs. More importantly, along with Bishop Andriy and guests, who quarantined with us for weeks and months, we prayed mornings and evenings in our chapel, recently renewed. We prayed for those who suffer the most, the needy, the sick and dying, the poor, the unemployed, and for all of you who asked for our prayers. In this tumultuous year, in a special way we prayed for social and racial justice, for the first-responders, for the police, for peace and stability in America, Ukraine, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Ethiopia, the Middle East, Hong Kong, and the rest of the world.

In the days before the Nativity of the Lord my prayer is that you and I, together, might take advantage fully of the opportunities the global calamity offers to slow down, focus, and open our hearts to the coming of the Savior. That is our true Christmas hope as we meander bewildered and downtrodden— to encounter the Way, the Truth, and the Light (Jn 14,6).

The Son of God shows us the Way by coming down, descending. It is counterintuitive. We are thrilled when our grades, bank accounts, and finances go up and are high. Yet our salvation happens because God goes low for us. Paradoxical, as the Christian faith at times seems to be. We believe in God who became man and gave up His life to save us.

He is ever-present! Here in the midst of this turbulent year descending to the lowly manger. The Lord invites us to follow Him, to reach down and uplift the poor, the depressed, the struggling. With Him, who is with us, let us stoop down to a level of somebody who’s

down, forgotten, or marginalized to lift them as the Savior lifts all of us.

At a time of confusion Jesus is for us the Truth and He brings us the truth. The Truth which is not “what” but “Who” — a truth that is a Person, the God Who loves, Who is intimate, Who is with us where it is hard and where it hurts.

In the darkness of this dim year, more than ever, Christ is the Light, a tranquil light, unfading, warm, and eternal, illuminating the path to peace, beauty, and bliss.

This is my prayer that you and I be open to the Way, the Truth, and the Light that is coming to us. Here and now. Maranatha!

Christ is Born!

+Borys

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A Christmas Message from Metropolitan-Archbishop Emeritus Stefan Soroka

“Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel,” which means “God is with us”. (Mt 1:23)

Shortly after the birth of Jesus, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem seeking the newborn Jesus. They followed a star which they had seen at its rising, and found the child Jesus. We are told that they were overjoyed at finding the child with Mary, his mother. God was with them, guiding them in their search, and again, in warning them to return by another way so as to avoid King Herod. When they departed, an angel appeared to Joseph and advised him to flee to Egypt for fear of Herod’s evil intentions. Joseph was again warned when returning with the holy family to the land of Israel, changing direction to the region of Galilee. God was with them in the appearances of the angel of the Lord providing warnings.

God is With Us! God is with us as we follow His light in celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ! Like the magi. we can experience being overjoyed at finding Him amidst us. We can pay

homage to Jesus Christ in our thoughts and prayers of gratitude. We can sing our traditional carols giving praise to God amidst us. We can offer our valued gifts of love and care to others with whom we journey in life, and to strangers with whom we encounter. We can offer our support for those who have suffered tragic loss as a result of the pandemic. We can continue to do much because we are gifted with modern means of communication and technology.

Like the magi and Joseph who heeded the warnings of the angel of the Lord, we can wisely listen and follow the advice of the angels of the Lord amidst us, revealed in the selfless voices of those who minister to the victims of the coronavirus. We can take different directions in our day-to-day life so as to avoid overburdening the medical staff and system as they endeavor to provide care and save lives. We can humble ourselves and listen to advice offered by knowledgeable professionals, setting aside our personal preferences and wishes.

God is With Us! The occurrences of this past year have renewed our appreciation for the cherished gifts of life, of love shared, love given and love received. We have been invited to become less focused on ourselves and on our own needs. Our focus has been enlarged to include so many more of the human family in the circle of people for whom we are called to love and care. We have been enabled to reach out because of our being called to greater humility in submitting to the guidance and advice of others. We, like the magi, leave from paying homage to the birth of Jesus more enlightened and humbled. God is With Us!

That is the way I feel as I approach the celebration of Christmas this year – more enlightened, more overjoyed with the mysteries of faith, very appreciative and humbled with the many voices of the angels of the Lord revealed in so many selfless people saving lives, serving others, and providing leadership as we proceed through this coronavirus pandemic.

You are remembered in my prayers, and in my joyful thoughts and memories.

A Blessed Christmas and New Year knowing that God is With Us!

+ Stefan Soroka, Metropolitan-Archbishop Emeritus

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Archeparchy News

517/2020 O MEMORANDUM DATE: 2 December, 2020 TO: Pastors/Administrators FROM: Msgr. Peter D. Waslo, Chancellor RE: Celebration of Holy Days Just a reminder for the year 2021, concerning the celebration of holy days and feasts in the Archeparchy of Philadelphia. 1. HOLY DAYS OF OBLIGATION a) All Sundays of the year b) Theophany of Our Lord, Jesus Christ January 6th/January 19th c) Annunciation of the Mother of God March 25th/April 7th d) Ascension of Our Lord, Jesus Christ May 13th/June 10th e) The Apostles, SS. Peter & Paul June 29th/July 12th f) Dormition of the Mother of God August 15th/August 28th

g) Nativity of Our Lord, Jesus Christ December 25th/January 7th

On these days, one of the Divine Liturgies is to be celebrated for the faithful (Pro Populo or For the People). A homily is to be preached on these days at all Divine Liturgies. The tradition of celebrating Vespers should also be re-introduced to enrich the liturgical life of the parish. 2. OTHER FEASTS a) Circumcision of Our Lord, Jesus Christ January 1st/January 14th b) Pratulin Martyrs January 23rd c) Three Holy Hierarchs January 30th/February 12th d) Encounter of Our Lord, Jesus Christ February 2nd/February 15th e) Bright Monday April 5th /May 3rd f) Bright Tuesday April 6th/May 4th g) St. George the Great Martyr April 23rd/May 6th h) Pentecost Monday May 24th /June 21st i) Nativity of St. John the Baptist June 24th/July 7th j) Bl. Nykolai Charnetsky & Others June 27th k) St. Volodymyr the Great July 15th/July 28th l) St. Elias the Prophet July 20th/August 2nd m) Transfiguration of Our Lord, Jesus Christ August 6th/August 19th n) Beheading of St. John the Baptist August 29th/September 11th o) Nativity of the Mother of God September 8th/September 21st p) Exaltation of the Holy Cross September 14th/September 27th q) Falling Asleep of St. John the Theologian September 26th/October 9th r) Protection of the Mother of God October 1st/October 14th s) St. Demetrius the Great Martyr October 26th/November 8th t) St. Michael the Archangel November 8th/November 21st u) St. Josaphat the Hieromartyr November 12th/November 25th v) Bl. Josaphata Hordashevska, S.S.M.I., November 20th w) Entrance into the Temple of the Mother of God November 21st/December 4th x) St. Nicholas the Wonderworker December 6th/December 19th y) Conception of St. Anne (Immaculate Conception) December 9th/December 23rd

Celebration of Holy Days


Archeparchy News

z) Synaxis of the Mother of God December 26th/January 8th aa) St. Stephen the Protomartyr December 27th/January 9th The faithful are not obligated to attend Divine Services for these days. The clergy are not obligated to offer a Divine Liturgy for the faithful but should preach a homily on these days. These days are not to be transferred to Sunday. On all feast days and holy days, anointing/myrovannya should be celebrated with the faithful. 3. BINATION STIPENDS If more than one Divine Liturgy is celebrated in a day during the week on these holy days and if three Divine Liturgies are celebrated on a weekend for the Sunday obligation (Saturday included), then the second stipend is to be forwarded to the chancery. 4. LITURGY OBLIGATIONS A Bination Divine Liturgy is to be offered on the Sunday closest to the date of death of each of the following Hierarchs, with mention made in the parish bulletin: a) +Metropolitan Constantine Bohachevsky January 6th b) +Bishop Soter Ortynsky, O.S.B.M. March 24th c) +Metropolitan Stephen Sulyk April 6th d) +Bishop John Stock June 29th e) +Bishop Walter Paska August 16th f) +Bishop Michael Kuchmiak, C.S.s.R. August 26th g) +His Beatitude, Josyf Cardinal Slipyj September 7th h) +Metropolitan Ambrose Senyshyn, O.S.B.M. September 11th i) +His Beatitude, Myroslav Ivan Cardinal Lubachivsky December 14th j) +Metropolitan Joseph Schmondiuk December 25th In each parish a Divine Liturgy is also to be celebrated for the repose of the soul of a priest of the Archeparchy upon his falling asleep. No stipend is to be drawn from the parish accounts or taken for any of these memorial Divine Liturgies. 5. GREAT FAST (February 15th-March 26th, March 15th-April 23rd) The weekdays of the Great Fast are aliturgical whereas no Divine Liturgy should be celebrated except for the Feast of the Annunciation. On Wednesday and Friday of the Great Fast, the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts is to be celebrated. Typika may be used the other days. For funerals, the text used by the New Jersey Protopresbyterate may be utilized. The Divine Liturgy of St. Basil the Great is to be celebrated for Sunday Liturgies during this time. During Holy Week, the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts are to be celebrated Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. There is no Divine Liturgy celebrated on Good Friday and Holy Saturday. On Holy Saturday evening, Vespers with the Divine Liturgy of St. Basil the Great is to be celebrated.

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Archeparchy News

6. FASTS The following are Days of Fast and Abstinence (abstaining from meat, eggs, and dairy products) in the Ukrainian Catholic Church: a) Monday of the First Day of the Great Fast February 15th/March 15th b) Good Friday April 2nd/April 30th The following are Days of Fast (abstaining from meat): a) Eve of Theophany January 5th/January 18th b) Holy Saturday April 3rd/May 1st c) Beheading of St. John the Baptist August 29th/September 11th d) Exaltation of the Holy Cross September 14th/September 27th e) Eve of the Nativity of Our Lord, Jesus Christ, December 24th/January 6th f) Every Friday during the year except for January 1st, January 29th, April 9th, April 23rd, May 28th, December 31st/January 15th, February 26th, March 12th, May 7th, June 25th This is obligatory for all Ukrainian Catholics between the ages of 14 and 59

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The Staff of “The Way” extend best wishes for a Blessed and Joyous celebration of Christmas to our Archbishop Borys Gudziak, our Auxiliary Bishop Andriy Rabiy, Archbishop-Emeritus Stefan Soroka, and to all the clergy, those in monastic orders, deacons, seminarians,

all the faithful and our readership.

May the New-Born Christ Child continue to bless your work! May the Mother of God guard and protect you

from all evil. Stay safe, stay well and God Bless!

Christ Is Born! Glorify Him!

Change in Clergy Assignments

Archbishop Borys Gudziak assigned Bishop Andriy Rabiy as administrator of St. Michael Ukrainian Catholic Church in Jenkintown, PA effective December 1, 2020.

Archeparchy News


St. Nicholas visits Assumption Catholic School, Perth Amboy

Even a pandemic could not stop St. Nicholas from coming to Assumption Catholic School in Perth Amboy, NJ. During his visit, this Christian bishop, talked to the children and listened to their stories. He also greeted all students and staff with gifts sponsored by school’s FSA board. Just when we thought St. Nicholas forgot about us during this COVID-19 pandemic WHAT A GREAT SURPRISE his visit was! His mission has remained unchanged for centuries: to make all people and especially children happy. But who is this special visitor? DID YOU KNOW?

ST. NICHOLAS – Sviatiy Mykolai - St. Nicholas is known as the friend and protector of all in trouble or need.

The name Nicholas is of Greek origin and means “victor of people” - Saint

Nicholas was born in the year 270 at Patara, Lycia which is now in present-day Turkey.

His wealthy parents, who raised him to be a devout Christian, died in an epidemic while Nicholas was still young. Obeying Jesus' words to "sell what you own and give the money to the poor," Nicholas used his whole inheritance to assist the needy, the sick

and the suffering.

Because of the many miracles attributed to his praying, he is also known as Nicholas the Wonderworker. He had a legendary habit of secret gift-giving such as putting coins in the shoes of those who left them out for him.

Dressed as a Byzantine bishop, the good saint is often accompanied by angels.

Known for his goodness and generosity, he is said to have inspired the creation of Santa Claus, also known as “Saint Nick”, which was derived from the Dutch word “Sinterklaas” which means St. Nicholas.

The Dutch brought “Sinterklaas” with them when they immigrated to North America in 1621 and founded New Amsterdam on the tip of Manhattan Island (now New York City). English speaking settlers later corrupted the name, which evolved into “Santa Claus”.

St. Nicholas died December 6 in the year 343 in the town of Myra, Lycia (now in present-day Turkey).

Candy canes, typically associated with Christmas, are believed to derive from the crozier, the bishop’s staff, of St. Nicholas

From Philadelphia to Paris to Lviv, Archbishop Borys Gudziak’s 60th Birthday Draws Hundreds

“Every breath we take is a gift from God…”

November 30, 2020, Chicago, IL - On November 24th, hundreds of long-time friends and colleagues from Ukraine, Western Europe and North America joined together for a free and festive virtual gathering to honor Metropolitan Archbishop Borys Gudziak on his 60th birthday. The birthday celebration was initiated and coordinated by staff at the Ukrainian Catholic University, where then Father Gudziak served as Rector from 2002 until his reassignment as Bishop to the Eparchy of St. Volodymyr in Paris in 2012.

The multi-media program was interspersed with often humorous slide shows and heart-warming reminiscences offered by friends who met the Archbishop at various stages of his life journey - from his childhood in Syracuse, New York, to his teenage years in the Ukrainian scouting organization PLAST, and his later years as a doctoral student at Harvard University and seminarian in Rome. Other speakers reflected

on his pioneering work in the 1990s and 2000s as a cofounder of the Lviv Theological Academy and the Ukrainian Catholic University (UCU) and his six years’ ministry in Paris where he helped to revitalize the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy serving parishes in France, Belgium, Switzerland, Luxemburg and the Netherlands. At the conclusion of the program, Bishop Andriy Rabiy shared his perspective on the celebrant’s new mission as the Metropolitan of Philadelphia.

Although admission to the live Zoom event was free of charge, many supporters chose to make generous charitable

contributions in honor of the celebrant. In keeping with the Archbishop’s wishes, donations were designated for the Bohdan Solchanyk Endowed Scholarship Fund, created in memory of the 29-year-old UCU historian and graduate student who suffered a martyr’s death on February 20, 2014, on the final day of the Revolution of Dignity in Kyiv.

MCs for the program were Olha Zarichynska, an early graduate of UCU who currently serves as the University’s Director of Development, and John Kurey, the former President of the Ukrainian Catholic Education Foundation

who joined the event from the Archbishop’s residence in Philadelphia.

Following introductory remarks and a brief slide show, the MC’s invited the Metropolitan’s brother Dr. Marko Gudziak – a physician in Michigan to share his childhood memories. Dr. Gudziak shared stories from their rambunctious youth, including the time when the future Archbishop broke his arm, defending his younger brother from a gang of bullies. He also conveyed an emotional greeting from his elderly aunt - the Archbishop’s Godmother, Stefania


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Szypula who along with their parents, has been a source of great strength and inspiration for the Archbishop.

Dr. Boris Lushniak, the former Acting Surgeon General of the United States and currently Dean of the School of Public Health at the University of Maryland shared a series of humorous anecdotes from the summers he spent with his friend learning outdoor leadership skills in the PLAST Scouting Organization. He and the Archbishop have continued their involvement in PLAST as members of the Crusaders’ Fraternity (the “Orden Khrestonostsiv”).

Long-time friend Ilya (Iko) Labunka recalled his years as the future Archbishop’s roommate during his years at Harvard, and Fr. Michael Loza, pastor of St. Joseph’s Ukrainian Catholic Church in Oakville, Ontario shared his experiences as a young seminarian in Rome in the 1980s when he and Borys Gudziak drew inspiration from Patriarch Josyf Slipyj – a Cardinal who suffered 18 years of imprisonment



and torture in the Soviet Gulag before his release in 1963 when he was allowed to attend the historic conclave Vatican II.

Renowned historian, Professor Yaroslav Hrytsak offered his perspective on the early 1990s after Ukraine had regained its independence and a young doctoral student from Harvard established the Institute of Church History, to document the life stories of hundreds of Ukrainian Catholics that had endured persecution but kept their church alive in the Soviet underground. He also recalled the infant stages of the formation of the Lviv Theological Seminary in 1994, and eventually, the Ukrainian Catholic University in 2002 – a seemingly impossible task - to start a university from scratch despite tremendous resistance from the Ukrainian Government, and skeptics within the Church. But, said Professor Hrytsak, the Archbishop was blessed with the rare combination of virtues as a bold dreamer and a fierce pragmatist that enabled him to fulfill so many of

his dreams.

As if the formation of UCU was not challenge enough, Father Roman Ostapiuk shared his experiences working with Bishop Gudziak as he mobilized talented parishioners, clergy and youth to rebuild the Paris Eparchy between 2012 and 2019 when he was elevated to Archbishop and transferred to Philadelphia. Fr. Ostapiuk recited a humorous poem he had composed (a kind of Ukrainian limerick) describing the challenges facing the Paris Eparchy, and the remarkable successes it achieved in just seven years.

Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York and Bishop Hlib Lonchyna also extended their greetings and offered their prayers for their friend’s good health and continuing success. Andriy Sadovy – the Mayor of Lviv also joined the festivities while strolling through the city center at night against the backdrop of two of its most iconic medieval churches. He thanked the Archbishop and his colleagues for the many ways in which he and the University have helped to

revitalize the city.

At the conclusion of the program, Archbishop Borys expressed his heartfelt thanks to the hundreds of supporters from around the world who had joined the teleconference. (By some estimates nearly 1,000 people logged in on more than 300 computer screens.) With Thanksgiving coming just two days later, he reflected on this quintessential American holiday that each year brings families together to thank God for His blessings. In the same spirit, the Archbishop thanked his brother and his parents, and all the people that had inspired and supported him throughout his life’s work. He said that he felt truly blessed, in the deepest meaning of the ancient Greek word “Eucharist” – a celebration of thanksgiving.

“Every breath we take, every beat of our heart is a gift from God,” said the Archbishop.

“So we should really live our lives in a perpetual


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state of profound gratitude.” In that spirit, he thanked all his friends for the love they have shown him over the years.

After the Archbishop concluded his remarks, John Kurey and Olia Zarichynska simultaneously brought out an identical-looking birthday cake – one in Lviv and one in Philadelphia. Many of the celebrants remained on-line for an “after-party” with live performances and festivities led by the Ukrainian rock singer



Taras Chubay, one of Archbishop Borys’s favorite Ukrainian musicians.

Several days later, on November 28th, the Ukrainian Catholic University continued to honor Archbishop Borys on his 60th jubilee with a series of live lectures entitled “Modus Vivendi” featuring leading scholars, business leaders and political reformers as they reflected on UCU’s evolving strategy to promote public service and service learning that has become integral

to UCU’s approach to higher education. Among the featured speakers were UCU Vice-Rector Dr. Jeffrey Wills, former Minister of Education Lilya Hrynevych, former British Ambassador to Ukraine Robert Brinkley, Lviv entrepreneur Yaroslav Rushchyshyn and renowned management consultant and philanthropist Adrian Slywotzky.

Donations for the Ukrainian Catholic University can be made on-line at ucef.org/donate, or mailed

to UCEF, 2247 West Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60622. To discuss further ways to support UCU please call (773)235-8462. To support the Archeparchy of Philadelphia, please call (215)627-0143; or send donations to 811 North Franklin Street, Philadelphia, PA. 19123.

Contact:Alex Kuzma, Director of [email protected]

Children at the Cathedral in Philadelphia greeted Metropolitan Borys for his birthday at the conclusion of the 10:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy on November 29, 2020.

Photo: Children and Altar Servers lined up on the steps of the Cathedral and greeted Metropolitan Borys, pictured center. Also pictured is Very Rev. Roman Pitula, Cathedral Rector.

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Metropolitan Borys Blesses New Vestments from Ukraine

Metropolitan Borys Gudziak blessed new vestments at the start of the Divine Liturgy on December 6, 2020, St. Nicholas Day on the Gregorian Calendar, at the Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Philadelphia, PA. At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy Metropolitan Borys Gudziak showed and explained the different pieces of the new vestments. The vestements are by Kharkiv artist Albina Yaloza.

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THE VERY REV. ARCHPRIEST JOHN MICHAEL FIELDS OBITUARY

(February 19,1950- November 27, 2020)

The Very Reverend Archpriest John Michael Fields of Frackville, Pa. entered into eternity on Friday, November 27, 2020. The son of the late John “Jack” Fields and Olga Uhryn Fields, John was born on February 19, 1950 in Butler Township, Pa. He was survived by his sister Diane M. Berkheiser and her husband Dennis, and sister MaryAnn Fields-Whyne; nephew Keith John Berkheiser and his wife Shawn, niece Kristen A. Berkheiser, niece Katharine A. Whyne and her husband

Very Rev. Archpriest John M. Fields

Chris, and niece Maria A. Whyne; great-niece Caroline G. Berkheiser and great-nephew Wyatt “Jack”Berkheiser.

John began his extensive academic resume at Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pa., graduating magna cum laudewith a dual degree in Russian Studies and Political Science in 1972. He continued to Villanova University in Villanova, Pa., graduating from The Charles Widger School of Law with his Juris Doctorate in 1975. Upon passing the bar exam, he


began practicing law in Frackville partnering with Attorney Jack Thomas to form the Thomas and Fields Law Office.

Years later John entered St. Josaphat’s Ukrainian Catholic Seminary in Washington, D.C. to begin his pursuit of religious studies. During this time, he entered The Catholic University of America in Washington, at the School of Theology and Religious Studies obtaining his master’s degree of Sacred Theology from the university in 1986.

During that year, he also completed coursework from Catholic University’s School of Canon Law, receiving his Doctorate of Canon Law.

On April 4, 1985, John was ordained to the diaconate at the Immaculate Conception Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral in Philadelphia by Metropolitan Archbishop Stephen Sulyk. A year later, on May 11, 1986, Deacon John was ordained to the Holy Priesthood also in Philadelphia. On May 17, 1998, Archbishop Sulyk conferred upon Fr. John the honor and title of Protopresbyter, or Archpriest, for his dedicated work in the priesthood.


The Staff of “The Way” wish to pay tribute to and acknowledge all the work that V. Rev. Archpriest John Michael Fields had done throughout his years in the Vineyard of Christ, especially in the Office of Communications and as Assistant Editor and later

as Editor of our Archeparchial newspaper, The Way. May his memory be eternal and grant him entry into the Heavenly Kingdom! We, your confreres,

have lost a dedicated, hard-working co-worker. Eternal Memory!

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2001

1987

His pastoral and administrative work within the Archeparchy of Philadelphia was numerous and varied. Fr. John began his parish assignment as an assistant in 1988 at The Presentation of Our Lord parish in Lansdale, Pa. Later that year, he was named the administrator of the parish and at the neighboring St. Anne’s parish in Warrington, Pa. During his time, from 1988 through 2004, he oversaw the construction and rededication of two new churches and took pride in helping design both to emulate the traditional wooden church structures found in Ukraine. In 2003, Fr. John was named Pastor of St.

Michael the Archangel Church in Frackville, Pa., his home parish, and also the neighboring St. John the Baptist Church in Maizeville, Pa. until 2014. Finally, from

2013 until his passing, he was the Director of Communications with the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia.

Father John served in various and numerous ministries within the Ukrainian Catholic



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Archeparchy. Over the years, he was assistant editor, and later editor of “The Way,” the official newspaper of the Ukrainian Archeparchy, member of the Archeparchial Insurance Department, Assistant Finance Officer, member of the Board of Directors of the Pennsylvania Catholic Conference of Bishops, Spiritual Director of the Holy Name Society in the South Anthracite Council, member of the Presbyteral Council, President of the Priests’

Beneficial Fund, member of the Archeparchial Corporate Board, Protopresbyter of the South Anthracite P r o t o p r e s b y t e r a t e , Director of Ascension Manor Nursing Facility in Philadephia, Pa., and Vice-Chancellor of the Archeparchy.

Father John’s civil involvement and achievements were likewise numerous and varied. He was a member andpast Grand-Knight of the Frackville Knights of Columbus, a member

2014 - Ukrainian Seminary Day

of Frackville Rotary, member of Frackville Centennial Committee, previous member of the North Schuylkill School Board, during which he was instrumental in building the Jr. and Sr. High School in Fountain Springs, Pa. He was also an active member of the Schuylkill County and Pennsylvania Bar Associations, former partner of Thomas and Fields Law Office in Frackville, Pa., instructor of religious studies at Cardinal Brennan Jr./Sr. High School in

Fountain Springs, Pa., and participant in the recent Moderna Covid-19 Vaccine Trial being conducted by the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, Pa.. Father John was active in numerous other projects to benefit both the Borough of Frackville and Schuylkill County.

Father John sought also to enjoy life – he thoroughly enjoyed all things Disney, was avid political spectator,




possessed a particular love of firework displays, and sharing his love and knowledge with his family, community, and peers. His loss is tremendous to all who knew him.

In his communique to the Archeparchy on Friday, His Grace, Metropolitan-Archbishop Borys Gudziak regretfully informed the bishops, clergy, religious and faithful that Fr. John passed away peacefully

2017


in his home. Metropolitan-Archbishop Borys called him “an ardent American and a proud carrier of the legacy of his Pennsylvania coal-mining homeland.” Father John remained “hopeful” about the future: the future of the Church, of the United States and of his ability to help make a better future for us all.Funeral services are as follows: On Thursday, December 3rd, 2020 at 11:00am, the clergy of the South Anthracite

Deanery and the priests of the Archeparchy celebrated a Panakhyda at St. Michael the Archangel Church in Frackville, Pa. At 7:00pm, a priestly Parastas was celebrated by the bishops and clergy of the Archeparchy.

On Friday December 4, 2020, the Divine Liturgy Funeral was held at10:00am. The main celebrant was His Grace, Most Rev. Borys Gudziak. Following the

Funeral Liturgy, interment took place at the parish cemetery.

Father John’s family request in lieu of flowers or other offerings that donations be made in his name to the St. Josaphat Seminary Endowment Fund, c/o Archbishop’s Chancery, 810 North Franklin Street, Philadelphia, Pa 19123, as he was dedicated to the academics and study of those wishing to enter the priesthood.

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Very Rev. Archpriest John M. Fields Falls Asleep in the Lord 1950-2020

Frackville, PA - Metropolitan Borys Gudziak was the Main Celebrant at the Funeral for Very Rev. Archpriest John M. Fields on December 4, 2020 in Frackville, PA. The deacons during the Divine Liturgy were Deacon Volodymyr Radko and Deacon Paul Spotts. Fourteen priests of the Archeparchy of Philadelphia, representatives from the Religious Orders, family members, and faithful

were in attendance at the funeral adhering to social distancing and wearing of masks.

Fr. Michael Hutsko read the text of the homily offered by Bishop-emeritus John Bura. Bishop John Bura wrote, “As a dedicated priest, Fr. John served God’s Church and His people faithfully in many ways and various positions, assignments, and appointments. I am amazed by how

much he accomplished in his priestly ministry. He was our Archeparchy’s Director of Communications and editor of the newspaper, The Way. Very indicative of his knowledge of Ukrainian Art and Architecture are the two beautiful churches he built in the wooden Galician-style.”

“As, I mentioned, there are many achievements and I will not mention all of them here at this time.

You can certainly read about all of them in his published obituary.”

“None of us knows the length of our life here on earth. Almighty God created us out of love, but He does not let us know how long a life we will have in this world. Our life will be short or long, and we will live through various experiences and challenges, and if we faithfully fulfill God’s will,


December 3, 2020 - Priestly Parastas


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we will share the glories of His Holy Resurrection. Father John knew this well. He knew we were created to live in heaven. Our earthly journey is temporary. God created us for eternity and happiness with Him forever in heaven.”

Fr. Michael Hutsko also read a reflection offered by Metropolitan-emeritus Stefan Soroka and words from the family of Fr. Fields. Metropolitan Borys Gudziak delivered the Eulogy at the Priestly Parastas on December 3rd and offered condolences on behalf of Bishop Andriy Rabiy. Metropolitan Borys noted at the Priestly Parastas how Very Rev. Archpriest John M. Fields served our Archeparchy in a plethora of ways: as a parish priest, as builder

Very Rev. Archpriest John M. Fields Falls Asleep in the Lord (continued from previous page)

of churches, as a Dean, as a member of Council of Consultors, as a Board Member of Ascension Manor, as Director of Communications and Religious Education and he served and shared his joy and enthusiasm.

At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy on December 4th, Attorney Michael J. O’Connor spoke on behalf of the Knights of Columbus mentioning how Fr. Fields was a member of the Knights of Columbus for 45 years. Also, the family of Fr. Fields asked Schuylkill County Judge John E. Domalakes to offer a few words about the late Very Rev. Archpriest John M. Fields who was an attorney before becoming a priest.

The service continued with a Final Farewell

to the Archpriest John Fields. Metropolitan Borys poured oil over the face of the departed praying, “By the oil of His mercy now cleanse you of all sins which you committed out of human weakness and may He make you worthy of a reward with all the saints who sing: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.” The Metropolitan then covered the face of the departed Archpriest John Fields with a large veil and prayed a Panakhyda service.

December 4, 2020 - Funeral


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Bishop-emeritus John Bura Offers the Eulogy at the Funeral of Very Reverend Archpriest John Fields on December 4, 2020

+Glory to Jesus Christ

As we conduct these priestly funeral rites for the servant of God and priest of Our Lord Jesus Christ, the Archpriest John Fields, I would like to express my own sincerest sympathy and offer my fervent prayers to all of you, and to Father John’s sisters, Diane and MaryAnn, and their families.

(You know,) I first met Fr. John after the church fire in Shenandoah. Fr. David Chabin, informed me that his cousin, Attorney John Fields wanted to offer his legal services pro bono to our church. Of course, I immediately took advantage of the offer. Attorney Fields and I worked well together, especially with settling the insurance claims. And, he was very helpful in suggesting the best ways to invest the insurance monies in order to build a new church and rectory.

John Fields was a good lawyer. He was very quick. He could spot a problem before you realized there was a problem. He was persistent. Nothing was good enough. You

always had to go a few more steps and beyond. I attribute his persistence to his Lemko heritage and coal-cracker stubbornness.

When I asked him about his unusual Ukrainian surname, he told me it was an immigration officers corruption of ФЕЛСь (F-E-L-S). I jokingly started to call him ІВАН СТЕПОВИК (IVAN STEPOVIK).

But, there was another trait I noticed. John Fields, even though a lawyer (and we laughed about this) was a very compassionate person. He really cared for the people. At this time he was a trustee of this parish, and he was very proud of its achievements, always pointing out the accomplishments the parish had made. He was very proud of his home parish.

Around this time, Fr. David Chabin, my good friend, and John Fields’ first cousin, became seriously ill – Stage four Hodgkin’s disease. Fr. David was hospitalized in Hershey Medical Center for many months. When it seemed he got better, he was released

from the hospital, but after a year or so, the disease returned and he was hospitalized again. John and I visited Fr. David several times a week. We celebrated the Divine Liturgy in his hospital room with Fr, David’s parents, Nick and Helen, present. These were very emotional and trying challenges and John Fields would always recount how moving and emotional these experiences were for him.

As we traveled, John’s car was always full of cartons of diet sodas and lettuce. He was on a strict diet and was very faithful to it. He lost a lot of weight. But, his battle with his weight was a lifelong struggle, as was evident by his most recent effort with special surgery and loss of weight.

Fr. David eventually succumbed to the Hodgkin’s disease and fell asleep in the Lord. During this time, John Fields was very concerned with Fr. David and his family. Gradually, talks with John became more personal. He became more discerning and one topic led to another.

Another fact that amazed me about John Fields, and this is obvious to anyone who knew him, is the fact that John knew everything. He was a storehouse of knowledge. As I said before, he was persistent. What he did not know, he would certainly research and find out. He kept searching. Eventually discovering that there was something more to which he was being drawn. That something more, after discerning it with others, prayerful reflection, and consultation with a spiritual director, was an aspiration to respond to a Divine invitation, and he finally decided to enter the seminary and begin studies to become a priest.

John Fields realized what St. Paul the Apostle in his Epistle to the Ephesians (by the way, we just heard it read this past Sunday) presumes that we know – what it means to live in the “Fear of the Lord.” For example, Proverbs 9:10 says: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”


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Wisdom is God’s gift to us. Therefore, when I have the “Fear of the Lord” this means that I am afraid of thinking, doing, or saying anything that would somehow diminish or destroy the love that exists between myself and the Lord.

Father John was raised by his parents, John (Jack) and Olga (Uhryn) Fields in a good Ukrainian Catholic home. Fr. John was always keenly aware of his Ukrainian Catholic upbringing – love of family, love of our Ukrainian Catholic faith, and a love of our Church. All these eventually nurtured his vocation and therefore



he responded to our Lord’s call to serve his people as a priestly minister. What he had learned at home – love, faith, and dedication – he hoped to pass on to the people he would serve and love. And, of course, there is no doubt how much he loved our country and was proud to be and American of Ukrainian descent.

As a dedicated priest, Fr. John served God’s Church and His people faithfully in many ways and various positions, assignments, and appointments. I am amazed by how

Holy Thursday 2012 in Frackville, PA

Metropolitan Stefan Soroka during the Washing of the Feet Ceremony on

Holy Thursday 2012(continued on next page)


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much he accomplished in his priestly ministry. He was our Archeparchy’s Director of Communications and editor of the newspaper, The Way. Very indicative of his knowledge of Ukrainian Art and Architecture are the two beautiful churches he built in the wooden Galician-style.

As, I mentioned, there are many achievements and I will not mention all of them here at this time. You can certainly read about all of them in his published obituary.

None of us knows the length of our life here on earth. Almighty God created us out of love, but He does not let us know how long a life we will have in this world. Our life will be short or long, and we will live through various experiences and challenges, and if we faithfully fulfill God’s will, we will share the glories of His Holy Resurrection.Father John knew this well. He knew we were created to live in heaven. Our earthly journey is temporary. God created us for eternity and happiness with Him forever in heaven.


Father John was 70 years old. We thank God for his life for which over 38 years were especially devoted to serving his Lord and Savior, his Church, and his Spiritual Children as a Priest.

How many lives did Fr. John’s ministry touch and impact? How many were: baptized, received the Blessed Sacrament, confessions heard, couples married, the sick visited and comforted by being anointed with holy oil for the healing of body and soul, and finally celebrated their transition to Eternal Life?

Father John taught the faithful entrusted to him to love God and

to serve Him, to love our Ukrainian Catholic Church and to serve it, and to love these United States of America and to serve her.

The Very Reverend Archpriest John Michael Fields has gone from death to life. And, although we may be sad, we have to admit that we are grateful to God for Father John’s life and ministry. I personally feel this tremendous loss. He was a good friend and trusted adviser. I sympathize with his beloved sisters, Diane and MaryAnn, and nieces, Katie and Maria, and his entire family. I can only imagine your sorrow.

Father John has been called home by his loving Lord. Jesus says, “I am going to prepare a place for you.” Our Lord has gone ahead of us and prepared a special place, and then as Jesus says, “That where I am you may be also.” Father John fulfilled his duties as a priest and pastor. Let us remember him in prayer, in good words, and in good deeds. Let him now find peace and eternal rest in his loving Lord and Master, Jesus Christ.

Vichnaya yomu pamyat! Everlasting Memory! Amen!

+Glory to Jesus Christ

Metropolitan Stephen Sulyk formally dedicated Presentation of Our Lord Ukrainian Catholic Church, Lansdale, Pa. on Sunday, May 17, 1998. At this dedication Divine Liturgy, Metropolitan Sulyk bestowed upon Fr. John Fields the dignity of Very Reverend Archpriest.


Archeparchy News

Sr. Albina Gregory, SSMI Sr. Juliette Chicorli, SSMI

Fall Asleep in the Lord Sr. Albina Josephine Gregory, passed away at Nyack Hospital in Nyack, NY on November 30, 2020. She was 92 years old, and 76 years in Consecrated Life.

Sr. Albina was born in Belfield, North Dakota to George and Angeline Gregory along with her four siblings. Her family belonged to Saint Demetrius Ukrainian Catholic Church.

As a young farm girl, Josephine heard God’s call to Religious Life. In 1944, she entered the Sisters Servants at the young age of 16.

Sr. Albina’s first mission in the U.S. was at St. Basil Seminary in Stamford, CT in 1948. She arrived in the evening not knowing where to go, and rang the doorbell of the chateau, which was answered by a young priest Fr. Myroslav Lubachivsky, who later became Patriarch. Fr. Myroslav welcomed her warmly to Stamford and escorted her to the convent.

Sr. Albina worked and went to school in the evenings and summers, earning a Bachelor of Science in Education, preparing her for the ministry she would serve in for over 50 years. She taught in many parishes throughout the United States. Sr. Albina often returned back to a parish school and taught the children of some of her former students. During many of those 50+ years, Sr. Albina was both teacher and principal. She loved teaching the little ones and her meticulous ways of doing things rubbed off on her students. Although her outward appearance seemed tough, her children loved her, as they knew she loved them and she gave them 100% in nurturing their minds, but most importantly their souls.

Sr. Albina did not retire after she taught her last class in 2002. She immediately embraced her new mission, going where the need was greatest, becoming the Administrator of St. Mary’s Retreat House, which she served in that role up until March of 2019. Sr. Albina again, gave 100% in serving the spiritual and physical needs of every retreatant that came to St. Mary’s Retreat House, creating lifelong bonds with many of the groups who continued to return to St. Mary’s year after year.

A most cherished ministry for her was being a sacristan at St. Mary’s, and caring for the Lord’s house. She made thousands of hosts each year for the Holy Dormition Pilgrimage, which were prayerfully cut the same size. Sr. Albina’s utmost respect for the hierarchy and clergy was reciprocated, and endowed her with their sincere respect and love.


Sr. Albina, SSMI and Sr. Juliette, SSMI fall asleep in the Lord


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Sr. Albina was often associated with her continuous work ethic and determination to be productive, but like our foundress, Blessed Josaphata, she had a deep commitment to her prayer life, the Divine Liturgy, communal and private prayers, incorporating them into her daily life so that the whole day became a prayer.

Sr. Juliette Olga Chicorli passed away at St. Joseph’s Home in Sloatsburg, NY on December 6,, 2020. She was 95 years old, and 78 years in Consecrated Life.

Sr. Juliette was born in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada to Thomas and Anna Chicorli along with her other 17 siblings. She is survived by her sisters Ellen, Cornelia and Connie along with

many nieces and nephews. Sr. Juliette was preceded in death by her sisters Mary, Eva, Nellie, Stella, Stephanie and her brothers John, Walter, Michael, William, Norman, Nicholas, Metro, Maurice, and Harry.

Sr. Juliette grew up in a large loving family, raised by parents whose faith in God was a priority. She experienced God’s call at the young age of 16, and entered the Sisters Servants of Mary Immaculate in Mundare, Alberta Canada in 1942.

When Sr. Juliette entered the Sisters Servants, there was only one province in North America, Christ the King in Canada. Thus, Canadian and American SSMI’s served together the needs of our people beginning in 1935. The Immaculate Conception Province in the United States was established in 1959. It was at this time that the Canadian SSMI’s were given the opportunity to choose to stay in the U.S. or return to Canada. Sr. Juliette’s missionary spirit prompted her to stay, knowing the sacrifice of leaving behind her large family and her homeland.

Sr. Juliette is the last Canadian-born SSMI in the United States, which reminds us of our unity with our “Mother” province. This unity with our Canadian Province will remain strong in our hearts, even with Sr. Juliette’s passing.

Sr. Juliette’s main ministry as an SSMI was in elementary education. She enjoyed teaching primary grades in parishes throughout the U.S. for over 50 years. As an educator, she prepared her lessons conscientiously, she always focused on developing the minds, hearts and souls of the little ones which were entrusted to her.

Sr. Juliette also ministered for a short while at St. Mary’s Retreat House and at St. Joseph’s Home where she enjoyed caring for the elderly.

Sr. Juliette did not like to be in the spotlight, but lived her religious life simply and faithfully. She had a humble heart and a listening ear, always


Sr. Albina, SSMI and Sr. Juliette, SSMI fall asleep in the Lord(continued from previous page)


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being ready to listen to the pains and struggles people would share with her. She was community-minded, and an unwavering supporter for the various needs of the Sisters Servants. Although she was more of an introvert, if the SSMI’s were having a raffle, or needed to raise money for a certain project, she was not shy in “pounding the pavement” in getting various organizations and people to support our project.

Sr. Juliette continued to wear the full veil/habit after Vatican II allowed religious to wear a simpler sign of their consecration. She may have suffered ridicule because of this choice, but it also brought her some laughter. In 1992 the movie “Sister Act” was a big hit. Sr. Juliette was teaching in St. Josaphat School in Rochester, NY when some of the students thought she was one of the nuns in the movie and wanted her autograph.

In 2016, Sr. Juliette’s eyesight started to diminish along with her hearing, but her mind was sharp as ever. Many SSMI’s have the fond memory of seeing Sr. Juliette and Sr. Tharasia faithfully praying the rosary together every evening for the many intentions that people gave them. In 2017, Sr. Juliette became a resident at St. Joseph’s Home.

When asked about her life, Sr. Juliette responded: “My religious life has been very rewarding with blessings a hundredfold daily.”

Sr. Albina and Sr. Juliette were faithful women of prayer and service to their Community and Church. They will be missed by their Sisters in Christ and those whose lives they touched. May their memory be eternal!

On December 9th, Bishop Basil Losten celebrated a private panahyda service for the souls of Sr. Albina and Sr. Juliette at St. Mary’s Chapel. In the evening, Msgr. John Terlecky, Chaplain, and Fr. Ivan Tyhovych celebrated a parastas. On December 10th, Bishop Paul Chomnycky, Eparchy of Stamford; Msgr. John Terlecky, Chaplain; Fr. Kiril Angelov, Chancellor; and Fr. Andriy Dudkevych, pastor of St. Nicholas in Passaic, NJ celebrated the funeral Divine Liturgy. In his homily, Bishop Paul talked about the spirit of the SSMI’s which is to go where the need was the greatest. He said, “So what does this mean? It means the Sister Servant doesn’t have the right to acquire a lot of possessions or throw down roots in any place, because there is always another mission on the horizon. Sr. Albina and Sr. Juliette, and all the Sisters did and do the same apostolic work of the apostles so long ago: they teach, they heal and they witness.”

Burial and Interment were held at the Sisters’ cemetery in Sloatsburg.

***In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Sr. Albina and Sr. Juliette may be made towards St. Joseph’s Expansion

Sr. Albina, SSMI and Sr. Juliette, SSMI fall asleep in the Lord(continued from previous page)



Archeparchy News

UKRAINIAN CATHOLIC ARCHEPARCHY OF PHILADELPHIA

Metropolitan Archbishop Borys Gudziak 810 North Franklin Street

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19123-2005 Phone (215) 627-0143 Fax (215) 627-0377

[email protected]

December 2020 Glory to Jesus Christ! Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, I pray that you become ever more open to God’s saving grace as you face with faith the challenges of the pandemic, civil unrest and insecurity in our country and world. The Lord is accompanying us every step of the way!

For us Ukrainian Catholics, there are three main spiritual greetings we share during the year: “Christ is Born!”, “Christ is Risen!”, and “Glory to Jesus Christ!” We say these words hundreds of times each year and thousands of times throughout our lives. These greetings express three of the most important truths about the meaning of our lives.

First, and most immediately, from Christmas Day until the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, we commemorate the most meaningful moment in history when we say, “Christ is Born!” In Christmas, God became man and put into full motion His plan to save humanity from its sins by becoming one of us. From that moment on, humanity would be saved by Jesus Christ. There was no turning back. So, this Christmas, when you say, “Christ is Born!”, think of the importance of this moment– and how it all happened for you.

From Easter to the Ascension, we say “Christ is Risen!”. The Resurrection, a breakthrough from history to eternity, is the fulfillment of the promise made at Christmas and God’s divine plan to save us by overcoming our sins and mortality through Pascha. Each time we say, “Christ is Risen!”, it is a profession of faith: we affirm to each other that God conquered death by rising from the dead. Now, the Risen One is the Lord of our lives! Because of this, we profess: “He indeed died for all, so that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for Him Who for their sake died and was raised.” (2 Cor 5:15) Finally, for most of the rest of the year, we say “Glory to Jesus Christ!” This statement expresses who we are and where our allegiance lies. We declare that we give glory to Jesus not only in words but through our lives serving Him. In fact, it is a celebration of the first two greetings – we give glory to Him who was born for us at Christmas and who died and rose for us at Easter: “When the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, to ransom those under the Law, so that we might receive adoption.” (Gal 4:4-5)

Together with you, the Archeparchy says these same words – “Christ is Born!”, “Christ is Risen!”, and “Glory to Jesus Christ!” And we are aware that the purpose of those words, and the existence of the Archeparchy itself, is simply this: to serve you and your loved ones, and help you in your relationship with God. I am grateful for all the welcome, support, and input I have received since the outset of my episcopal service in Philadelphia. Despite the pandemic, I continue to call on and listen to our faithful, priests, and friends. So far, I have visited 58 of our 63 churches and missions. It has been a learning experience for me. Together, we seek to discern in the Holy Spirit God’s priorities for the Archeparchy. The third session of our Sobor, conducted in four Zoom conferences in November and December, is proving to be most fruitful. Various online means have allowed us to pray together and be in touch in a new way throughout our Archeparchy and Metropolia. I thank the clergy, religious and faithful for your warmth, faithfulness to God, and support of your parishes. The fraternity among


Archeparchy News


our bishops in the four eparchies in America is a source of inspiration to me. On the one hand we are in forced detention. On the other, we are emerging from our silos through the Sobor, Zoom conferences, online Divine Liturgies, and diverse meetings. In the new year, this process will continue with even greater creativity. “All of us, gazing with unveiled face on the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, as from the Lord who is the Spirit.” (2 Cor 3:18). As promised in my Christmas letter last year, with the help of outside experts, we are carefully examining the Archeparchy’s finances and introducing an accounting system to report on our finances in a way that will be fully understandable. I will share the planned reforms in this and other areas with you soon.

One of my goals for 2020 was to consider how the Archeparchy can better serve you, the faithful . Allow me to share with you one part of the plan for this. Presently, the main obstacle holding back our Church from fully serving our people is a severe shortage of clergy. At the time of this writing, we have only 37 active priests serving our 63 parishes and missions. None of our diocesan clergy are under the age of 40. Many of our priests are overextended.

In response, starting last spring, I have recruited, screened, and laid the groundwork for seven new priests and a seminarian that has completed his studies to come and minister in our Archeparchy. This group was carefully selected from over 40 candidates. I hope you can meet them soon personally! Our priests engage with them online and are most encouraged by their authenticity and enthusiasm. Every week the candidates have a Zoom seminar regarding ministry in the United States. These new workers in our vineyard will spend their first half year in Philadelphia, before being sent to our parishes. They will lead or support new initiatives in important areas such as youth ministry and religious education. With a spirit of sacrifice, they come with one purpose: to support our priests in serving the faithful. I have not promised them “easy street”, but rather long hours and a life of sacrifice. Together with the other Ukrainian Catholic Bishops of America, we published a letter one year ago to describe the criteria for our future priests. You can find our letter, titled ”From Heart to Heart: A Letter to Candidates for Priestly Ministry in the Metropolia of the Ukrainian Catholic Church in the USA” on our Archeparchy webpage and other Catholic resources.

The cost of bringing this team of experienced, compassionate, mission-oriented priests and their families is significant – at least 600,000 for the first year – but it is very inexpensive compared to the cost of forming and educating priests from start to finish in America (more than $300,000 per priest). The newcomers, all 40 or under, with a knowledge of English, will help our priests and faithful in countless ways, with one purpose in mind: to serve you.

Today, I am asking for your help with this great undertaking. Please consider making a gift today for the new priests’ project. Alternatively, please contribute to the Archbishop’s 2030 Fund, established one year ago to address the Archeparchy’s greatest challenges and opportunities. Finally, I ask for your prayers this Christmas and in the New Year. God hears your prayers, and He answers them! Please lift the Archeparchy and me in your prayers and ask that we may faithfully follow His path and serve you well. I pray for you, for all our sick and elderly, for the youth, first responders, the depressed and lonely. I assure you that God is accompanying all of us!

May the peace of the Lord and the joy of the Savior’s Nativity be with you and your loved ones this Christmas and throughout the New Year. Christ is Born! Christ is Risen! Glory to Jesus Christ!

Gratefully yours in Christ,

+Borys


Christmas Letter

Archeparchy News


A Busy Month for the Students and Parishioners of St. Nicholas Parish in Minersville, PA

Despite the challenges of COVID-19 the students of St. Nicholas School in Minersville, PA have been busy with classes and other activities during this last month. It has been a time to remember those who are in need and the needs of the world.

During the week before Thanksgiving, each student wrote down the things for which they are thankful. These were read during Morning Prayer and attached to a Thanksgiving banner. Among the things that students mentioned were family, friends, being in school, and the medical professionals and first responders who are risking so much to care for those who are suffering.

St. Nicholas took time to visit the students at St. Nicholas. Being very careful of Social Distancing, he still wanted to treat the students to a gift on this special feast day of the parish and school. His angels, however, were unable to be with him due to the COVID-19 regulations, so Fr. Mark Fesniak, pastor, filled in to help. The students met with

St. Nicholas, one grade at a time, in the gym. It was the highlight of the day for students and staff.



Archeparchy News


Students also made cinnamon-applesauce ornaments for their trees with the assistance and guidance of Principal Susan Miller. These non-edible ornaments will be a wonderful addition to the Christmas trees in the homes of the students.

On Dec. 9, the Sisters Zenovia and Natalya, SSMI, renewed their vows at the Divine Liturgy with the students and parishioners. Each spoke about their vocation and the meaning of Consecrated Life. Students had the opportunity to ask questions and of the Sisters and then, later during the Divine Liturgy to witness the renewal of the Sisters’ vows.




Archeparchy News


The students of St. Nicholas School worked together with the parishioners of St. Nicholas on the Parish Advent Project.

The Parish Advent Project was a donation to Toys for Tots. Remembering those less fortunate during this time of great need, the parish and school collected over 200 games and toys for children in need. This was also a way to follow the example of our parish patron, St. Nicholas who showed us how to give to those in need.



Archeparchy News


THE CLASS RING CEREMONY

Teaching young students about the Birth of Christ

Pastors are incredibly busy people, especially during this Christmas season. Still, Fr. Ivan always finds time to be with his students at the Assumption Catholic school in Perth Amboy, NJ. Recently, he took lower grades students and their teachers to the church and explained the story of Christ’s birth by observing the icon of Nativity. The students had a wonderful opportunity to learn more about main characters in the icon: Mary (the Theotokos), baby Christ, Joseph, the angels, the shepherds, the Magi. He pointed to the scene of Christ’s bath and explained why it is important (it shows that Christ was a real baby). He explained why Joseph is sitting away from the

Theotokos and Child (he was not Christ’s father). He also identified the devil in the icon and explained that devil is tempting Joseph not to believe in the Incarnation of God. All students learned that through his birth, Christ has healed a wounded humanity and restored our harmony and friendship with God.

While the start to this school year at Assumption in Perth Amboy, NJ has a different look to it amid the coronavirus pandemic, there are some school traditions still taking place that will make this school year feel a little normal. One of them took place recently, where 8 grade students and their parents came out in social distance style to pray at the morning Divine Liturgy and participate at the Blessing of Class Ring Ceremony for the class of 2021. The Rings Ceremony is one of the most memorable

events for the graduating class. The rings were blessed by Fr. Ivan Turyk and presented to the Class of 2021 by the school’s principal, Mrs. Lissette Shumny. Following the Liturgy, students gathered in the school for a special luncheon and to turn each others’ rings.

Archeparchy News


Manassas Parish holds Food Drive for NeedyThe Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary parish (Manassas, VA) continues its annual Thanksgiving and Christmas food drives by collecting non-perishable food. This year, because of increased demand on local food banks due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the parish has been collecting food since September and will continue to collect food throughout the year.

On November 15th, parishioners (Janet G., Margaret M., and Helen T.) delivered the collected food to the food bank at the Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Parish.

Pictured with one of the trunk-loads of food are parishioners James and Helen, and pastor, Fr. Alexander Dumenko.

Thanks to the generosity of the parishioners of Sts. Peter and Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church in Phoenixville, four large boxes were recently shipped to Ukraine. These boxes contained gloves, hats, scarves and socks in relief of victims from the catastrophic flood this summer.

Phoenixville Parish Helps The Needy in Ukraine and USA

In addition, the parish collected several boxes of non-perishable food items for the local pantry. These contributions were made possible by the generosity of the parish members who recognized the need of not only the people in Ukraine, but also of their friends and neighbors who are suffering through this pandemic.

Archeparchy News


“First Confession with Holy Communion at Holy Myrrh-Bearers Parish”

During the 10:00 am. Sunday Liturgy on November 15th, before blessing the parish’s new golden dome/cross and the wooden 12 foot outdoor Eagle Scout Cross, Bishop Andriy distributed Holy Communion to Gabriella Weist who just made her First Confession. The growing and active parish in Swarthmore, PA., is proud to have one of its youngest members receive the Sacrament of Penance and wish her many happy and blessed years - Mnohaya Lita!

New Dome Installed in Swarthmore, PAThe Cross and dome of Holy Myrrh-Bearers church now rises majestically above the city of Swarthmore ! May it be a beacon of hope to all who pass by, and enter within !

Archeparchy News


Relocation of the Contemplative Nuns of St. Basil the GreatThe Contemplative Nuns of the Order of St. Basil the Great, who have resided in Middletown, NY, since 1992, will be relocating to Jenkintown, PA, by the New Year.

The Nuns of St. Basil the Great are the contemplative branch of the Sisters of the Order of St. Basil the Great. Their contemplative Basilian monastic life is above all a life of prayer, in imitation of Christ’s unceasing communion with His heavenly Father. Their personal prayer, sacrifice, and openness to the Divine Presence in each moment, is combined with their intercession for the needs and intentions of the Church, the world, their Order, and all who ask for their prayers.

Although residing in the motherhouse of the Jesus, Lover of Humanity

Province, from where the active Sisters carry out their apostolic works, the Nuns will maintain their unique identity as the contemplative branch of the Order.

As the Contemplative Nuns leave the Eparchy

of Stamford, they wish to extend their heartfelt gratitude both to His Excellency Bishop Emeritus Basil Losten and to His Excellency Paul Chomnycky, OSBM, for their generosity, loving assistance, prayers, Divine Liturgies and annual feast day visits over the years. In 1992, Bishop Basil placed the tabernacle, provided the antimension, later donated the icon of the Mother of God for their chapel, and celebrated with the Nuns his January 1st feast day only six weeks after their moving in. Bishop Paul Chomnycky, also a Basilian, gave many generous donations to

our monastery.

The Nuns look forward to placing themselves under the loving shepherding of His Grace, Borys Gudziak, Archeparch of Philadelphia.

The Sisters are looking for volunteers to help them sort, pack and empty their monastery. Volunteers are welcome to support the Nuns as they prepare for this move. Volunteers may call M. Bernadette, OSBM, at (845)343-1308 to arrange for a convenient time.

Archeparchy News


BISHOP PAUL BLESSES ICON OF ZARVANYTSIAOn Sunday, November 1, 2020, Bishop Paul Chomnycky, Eparchy of Stamford, blessed an icon of our Lady of Zarvanytsia at the Sisters Servants of Mary Immaculate in Sloatsburg, NY. The beautiful icon was donated to the Sisters Servants by V. Rev. Archpriest Kiril Angelov, pastor of St. Michael’s in Yonkers, NY, and his family. The icon will be venerated and carried in procession during the 67th Holy Dormition Pilgrimage on Aug. 14 & 15, 2021.

Bishop Paul and Fr. Kiril celebrated moleben to the Mother of God, to which the Sisters Servants sang the responses. Following the moleben, Bishop Paul blessed the icon of our Lady of Zarvanytsia. The icon will have a home in the new St. Joseph’s Chapel when the chapel is completed. The Sisters Servants extend sincere gratitude to both Bishop Paul and Fr. Kiril for their kindness and generosity.

2020 Annual Holodomor Memorial at St. Patrick Cathedral

The annual Memorial Service for the victims of the HOLODOMOR – THE MAN-MADE GENOCIDAL FAMINE AGAINST UKRAINE – was very different in the incredibly different and difficult year of 2020 due to the pandemic. His Eminence Metropolitan Antony of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA, accompanied by V. Rev. Fr. Vasyl Pasakas and His Grace Bishop Paul of the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Stamford, accompanied by Rev. Fr. Peter Shyshka and Deacon Andriy Pradyvus, served the memorial. Also present were the representative of the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America, Andrew Dobransky, the Ambassador of Ukraine to the United Nations, Sergiy Kyslytsya, Ambassador Extraordinary and P l e n i p o t e n t i a r y

– Permanent Representative of Ukraine to the United Nations and Oleksii Holubov, Consul General of Ukraine in New York.

It was a very different commemoration this year with the Cathedral nave

almost completely empty. The bishops normally pray with three to four thousand of their faithful present, creating a powerful witness to God remembering the 7-10 million men, women and children who perished in one of the world’s worst-ever acts of genocide – the Holodomor of 1932-33 in Ukraine. Metropolitan Antony remarked to those he spoke with the next day that “when I turned to speak at the conclusion of the memorial service and looked out over the vast cathedral and saw just four or five people where I would normally see at least

three thousand, I was taken aback…I realized that the Cathedral was empty because of the pandemic our nation is presently enduring, but at that very moment, I felt with immense intensity, the souls of those millions of victims for whom we were praying.

Adapted from the article on https://www .uoco f u sa .o rg/news_201124_1

The full service is available on You Tube.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qf1HHG-07sw


Archeparchy News

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qf1HHG-07sw



Children’s Corner

05 Byzi Kids // DEC 2020 W W W. B Y Z I M O M . C O M 06

G O D I S W I T H U S

God is with us! God is with us!Understand, all you nations, and submit yourselves for God is with us!

Hear all you distant lands, You mighty ones, submit yourselves, for God is with us!

If you strengthen yourselves again, again you will be defeated, Form a plan, but the Lord will thwart it, for God is with us!

Whatever word you speak will not stand even among yourselves,We will not fear what you fear nor shall we be dismayed,for God is with us!

Hallow the Lord our God and He will be your fear, If you trust in Him, He will be your refuge, for God is with us!

We will hope in Him and by Him will we be saved, Here am I with the children God has given me for God is with us!

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light,Upon you who dwelt in the shadow of death, a light has shone, for God is with us!

For a child is born to us; a son is given to us, Upon His shoulder dominion rests, Of His peace, there is no end,for God is with us!

They call Him Angel of Great Counsel, Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Master, Prince of Peace, Father of the age to come, for God is with us!

Glory to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and forever. Amen...for God is with us!

God is with us! God is with us!Understand, all you nations, and submit yourselves for God is with us!

When you attend Compline this Christmas Eve, listen for this hymn. It is known as the Song of the Prophet Isaiah because it's verses are taken from the book of Isaiah, chapters 8 and 9 in which God spoke to the prophet shortly before the birth of his own son, centuries before the coming of God's son, the Baby Jesus. He foretold to him that, because the Israelites had not lived up to their covenant with Him, God would no longer hold back the might of their dreaded enemy, the Assyrians, who would soon be allowed to overtake them in battle. The good news was that those Israelites who had remained faithful and had not forsaken their own personal relationship with God had nothing to fear. Because they remained with God, God would remain with them and protect them from the attacks of their enemy!

We know that every event in the Old Testament was recorded there as a foreshadowing of the events that would happen in the New Testament, which in turn,

would foreshadow the events of our own day! Many in our world today do not choose to honor God and for this reason, treating us in the very same manner as He had treated the Israelites, God allows our present society to be overtaken by its enemies, and we see many scary things happening in the world.

This should not frighten us as believers! What did God tell the prophet, Isaiah? Those of us who have remained faithful to Him today will fare just like the faithful Israelites of the Old Testament and can be assured of His protection and love! God is with us!

We can read this hymn as a battle cry of defiance toward the Assyrians of our present-day! We will not fear! If we trust in Him, He will be our refuge, for God is with us! He was with His people when He came to us in a stable in Bethlehem. Unto Us, a Child is born. He is with us today when He comes to us in the Holy Eucharist. Don’t be afraid when you see scary things happening! God really is with us!

- Written by Lynne Wardach

FIND ORNAMENTS ON PAGE 13



Children’s Corner

12 Byzi Kids // DEC 2020 W W W. B Y Z I M O M . C O M 13

ACROSS2.AMBROSE

4.DANIEL8.INNOCENTS

10.JULIANA

DOWN1.BARBARA3.SPYRIDON5.NATIVITY6.STEPHEN

7.NICHOLAS9.ANNA

ANSWER KEY TO PUZZLESUPSIDE DOWN DECEMBER

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

GOD IS WITH USo r n a m e n t s

P h o to c o p y a n d c u t .a r t b y Ly n n e Wa rd a c h


Children’s Corner

ACROSS

2. ARCHBISHOP OF MILAN AND TEACHER WHO

CONVERTED AND BAPTIZED ST. AUGUSTINE.

4. ONE OF THE FOUR GREAT PROPHETS, WHOSE

COMPANIONS ANANIAS, AZARIAS, AND MISAEL WERE

THROWN INTO A FIERY FURNACE.

8. 14,000 INFANTS WHO DIED FOR CHRIST BY ORDER OF

KING HEROD, KNOWN AS THE HOLY ____.

10. 500 MEN AND 130 WOMEN CONVERTED UPON

WITNESSING THE PUNISHMENT OF THIS WOMAN-MARTYR,

WHO WERE THEN MARTYRED WITH HER.

DOWN1. WOMAN GREAT-MARTYR WHOSE FATHER WAS ENRAGEDAT HER CONVERSION, TO THE POINT OF EXECUTING HERHIMSELF.3. WONDERWORKER SAINT AND BISHOP OF TREMITHUS,WHO IS ALSO COMMEMORATED ON CHEESEFARESATURDAY.5. THE MUCH-ANTICIPATED FEAST WHICH CELEBRATES THEBIRTH OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST.6. ARCHDEACON WHO WAS FIRST OF THE CHRISTIANMARTYRS.7. THE FAMOUS WONDERWORKER AND ARCHBISHOP OFMYRA, WHOSE FEAST WE CELEBRATE THIS MONTH.9. THE FEAST WHICH CELEBRATES THE CONCEPTION OFTHE THEOTOKOS IN THE WOMB OF HER MOTHER, ST._______.

Decmeber Saints Crossword puzzle

14 Byzi Kids // DEC 2020

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Children’s Corner

08 Byzi Kids // NOV 2020

HHEELLPP SSAAIINNTT NNIICCHHOOLLAASS SSAAVVEE TTHHEE

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05 Byzi Kids // DEC 2020

START

END

Children’s Corner

Based on the mosaic of the Na�vity at The Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral of the Immaculate Concep�on Philadelphia, PA These coloring pages are proprietary and may not be used for commercial purposes.

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Catechism


Holiday/Feast Day

JESUS CHRIST IS THE FULFILLMENT OF THE LAW AND THE PROPHETS

Jesus Christ fulfilled all the Old Testament prophecies concerning the coming of the Messiah. In Him, God became man. We sing in our Christmas carol about the joyous tidings of God Eternal becoming finite, taking upon Himself a human form. He was liken to us all, except for sin. The reason for His Coming was “to save us with His Love. His was a self-giving, self-sacrificial Love.

Through Christ, the Son of God, we all draw closer to God and to one another. Jesus is our Brother. We all are part of the Family of God. We are brothers and sisters in Christ. We, authentic believers, seek to walk in the footsteps of our Lord and Master. We pray “Thy Will be done”, so that the Holy, divine and providential Will of Almighty God be operative among us, in our words, desires and actions.

On that first Christmas morning the angels form on high, the heavens, cried out: “Glory to God in the highest and peace to men of good will.´ Let us seek goodness and truth so that Love and Truth prevail. Let us remember that Jesus is the reason for the season. Let the Light of Christ shine brightly in our hearts through the goodness in our deeds. Then, justice will truly exist in our daily lives. And, true peace will be on earth as it is in heaven.

Father D. George Worschak, Assistant Editor

UKRAINIAN CELEBRATION OF CHRISTMASORNATE RITUAL & RICH SYMBOLISM

The Celebration of the Feast of the Nativity of Our Lord is indeed a joyous occasion for us, Ukrainian Catholics in America. We seek to celebrate the Feast in our centuries-old tradition. In preparation for Christmas, we have entered into a time of extra or more intense prayer and fasting. We refer to this period of time as “Pylypivka” or Philip’s Fast. In the Western Church, the period of preparation is called “Advent,” which includes the four Sundays before Christmas. This year in the Roman rite, Advent

(First Sunday) had begun on November 29th. The starting date changes for them from year to year. However, for us Ukrainian Catholics, Pylypivka always starts on the same calendar day, November 15th. That is, on the day after the Feast of St. Philip, November 14th on the Gregorian calendar. On the final day of Pylypivka, Christmas Eve (December 24th), the faithful, insofar as they are able, observe a “strict fast” – to not only abstain from meat, but also from dairy products.

On Christmas Eve,

our Ukrainian Catholic faithful gather together in their homes to share a special family meal called “Holy Supper”. Much attention is given to the preparation of this festive meal. In advance, the home is especially clean and neat. Festive clothing, often Ukrainian embroidered garb, is worn by parents and children. The table is et with a white tablecloth (often with Embroidered trim) in honor of the Infant’s swaddling clothes Who lay in the manger. The food is served with the finest china and a candle is lit and is placed on the

table in the center of the kolach.

The kolach is a special braided Christmas bread in honor of Jesus, the Bread of Life. The braid on the kolach consists of three pieces of dough, representing the Three Divine Persons of the Most Blessed Trinity – Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The braid is connected in a circle, representing the Oneness of God. This is a symbolic representation of the mystery of the Trinity, One God in Three Divine Persons.


A lit candle is placed in the middle of the baked bread. The lit candle represents the Star of Bethlehem, which led the Magi to the Christ Child Who is the Light of the World.

An extra setting at the table is placed to remember and honor all the deceased members of the family. A sheaf of wheat stalks called “didukh”, which literally means “grandfather”, is placed under the icons in the home (possibly, an icon corner). On this day, the animals are fed first because they were the first of God’s creation to see the newborn Jesus, Son of God.

The task of sighting the First Star is usually given to the children. Once the First Star is spotted, the supper begins. A prayer or prayers invoking the blessing upon the food and drink is then offered, along with the singing of festive hymns. The head of the household then distributes “prosphora,” a piece of bread dipped with honey, to each individual member of the family with the greeting “Christ Is Born!. To which each replies “Glorify Him.” The honey reminds


Holiday/Feast Day


us of the sweetness of God’s gifts. Also, garlic may also be distributed to each reminding us of the bitterness of life: the suffering of the People of God (Israelites) under the Pharaoh), which was prior to the coming of the Messiah. It also reminds us of our own individual sufferings encountered in this world.

The meal consists of twelve meatless dishes in honor of the Twelve Apostles. The main dish of Holy Supper is “kutya,” boiled kernels of wheat with poppy seed and honey (sometimes, including walnuts and raisins). Meatless soups, such as borsht (beet) and mushroom may also be served. Vrious types of fish, such as herring and fried filet, varenyky (pyrohy) and meatless holubtsi (stuffed cabbage) may be served. Often towards the end of the meal, uzvar (fruit compote) is served with a variety of desserts. After supper is eaten, Christmas songs or carols may be sung.

Following this, on Christmas Eve or the next day, the family goes together to Church to celebrate the

Birth of Christ with the extended family, one’s fellow parishioners. A Compline Service “God is With Us” is sung. A hymn is sung repeatedly after a number of versicles: “God is with us, understand all you nations and submit yourselves, for God is with us.” The versicles remind us of God’s constant presence among His faithful people. Whatever untruth (word) may be spoken, it will not stand… We shall not fear what others fear nor be dismayed. But rather, we shall hope in Him, the Lord God, and by Him we shall be saved. A Child, the Christ Child, is born to us this day. A Son, the Son of God, is given to us. Upon His shoulders, dominion rests and of His Peace there is no end. God is with us, for God Eternal is born this day to save mankind from sin.

The Icon of the Nativity of Our Lord God and Savior, Jesus Christ, is placed in a prominent place in the Church for veneration. The Nativity Icon of Our Lord is a depiction of the Gospel account of Our Lord’s birth. It is a creative and prayerful work of art.

As we view the Icon of the Nativity, we note much symbolism therein contained. The Infant Child Jesus is in swaddling clothes. God becomes man. The Son of God totally submits to all the Physical conditions governing humanity. The One Who is Eternal God becomes liken to us in all things, except for sin.

The earth provides a cave. Animals are in silent wonder and watch



over Him. Mary, the Virgin Mother of God, is one of us. Humanity offers one of its own as mother of the Messiah, long foretold by the Old Testament prophets. The manger and the swaddling clothes in this Nativity scene are much like that of another scene in Our Lord’s life – when He was wrapped in burial linen (shroud) and laid in the tomb.

The sky, the Heavens, provide a star. The Bethlehem Star led the Magi to the place where the Christ-Child Jesus was born. The Wise Men (Magi) bring gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh and so do the shepherds bring theirs. The women on the bottom of the Icon depict wives who bathe the newborn Infant Jesus.

Also depicted in the Icon are a tree, an ox and a donkey. What is written in the Old Testament Book of the Prophet Isaiah is fulfilled: “But a shoot shall sprout from the stump of Jesse, and from his roots a bud shall blossom. The spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him: a spirit of wisdom and of understanding, A spirit of counsel and of strength,

a spirit of knowledge and of fear of the LORD, and his delight shall be the fear of the LORD.” (1:1-3) And in Isaiah 1:3, we read about the ox and donkey: “An ox knows its owner, and an ass, its master’s manger; But Israel does not know, my people has not understood.”

The righteous Joseph is depicted in the Icon at a distance from the mother Mary and the child Jesus. Joseph is placed at the bottom left corner. Regarding the mystery of the Incarnation, Joseph accepted the words of the Archangel Gabriel uttered to Mary. It was indeed a mystery for Joseph to ponder and contemplate. Nonetheless, Joseph becomes the Protector of the Mother Mary and the Child Jesus. In the Flight to Egypt, Joseph, heeding the words of the angel in a dream, leads the Holy Family to safety.

In the Icon an old man is depicted talking to Joseph. The old man represents the devil, the evil one who sought to bring doubts to Joseph in the midst of his

uncertainty. Throughout the centuries, even in the early Church, the devil would try to influence even Christians to question the truth of the Incarnation – that the Word of God became incarnate. For in truth, Jesus Christ is the Second Divine Person of the Blessed Trinity - perfect God and perfect man.

The Holy Theotokos, Mary the Mother of God, is depicted as reclining, but also as looking toward her spouse Joseph. She’s wanting to help him overcome the doubts and temptations hurled at him by the devil. Along with the Christ Child, Mary is depicted in a prominent position – at the center.

Angels in the Heavens appear ready to go announce the Good News of Our Savior Birth

throughout all creation. For indeed, the Angels give constant adoration and praise to the Lord and King.

Also depicted in the Icon is a young man, dressed as a shepherd, playing a flute who readily announces the Joy of Our Savior’s Birth.

Let us all this Christmas joyfully celebrate the mystery of God’s constant Love for His People and sing:God Eternal is Born todayHe came down from aboveTo save us with His loveChrist, the Son of God.

Бог предвічнйй,Christ Is Born! Glorify Him!

Rev. D.George Worschak, Assistant Editor


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VOL. 81 - No. 24 ENGLISH VERSION DECEMBER 20 ......VOL. 81 - No. 24 ENGLISH VERSION Most Reverend...

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