5th Sunday of Lent

March 21, 2010

Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking. Can you drink the cup that I drink or be baptized with the baptism with which I am to be baptized.   Mark 10:38
DIVINE LITURGY / SERVICES SCHEDULE
FIFTH SUNDAY OF THE GREAT FAST
Sat. Mar. 20 – 4:00 p.m. †John & †Mary Waslasky – Waslasky & Hall Families
Sun. Mar. 21 – 8:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy – God’s Blessing for Parishioners
4:00 p.m. Laymen Stations – St. Vladimir (Edwardsville)
Mon. Mar. 22 – NO SERVICES
Tues. Mar. 23 – NO SERVICES
ANNUNCIATION OF THE MOTHER OF GOD (Day of Obligation)
Wed. Mar. 24 – 7:00 p.m. Divine Liturgy, Myrovania – God’s Blessing for Parishioners
Thurs. Mar. 25 – 9:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy (Edwardsville)
Fri. Mar. 26 – 9:00 a.m. Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts
6:30 p.m. Stations of the Cross & Sorokousty
PALM SUNDAY
Sat. Mar. 27 – 4:00 p.m. †George Mudrak – Mary Anne Mudrak
Sun. Mar. 28 – 8:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy – God’s Blessing for Parishioners
4:00 p.m. Laymen Stations – SS. Vladimir (Edwardsville)
Divine Liturgies for St. Vladimir (Scranton)
Saturday 6:00 p.m. English – Sunday 10:30 a.m. Slavonic

The Feast of the Annunciation of the Holy Mother of God, March 25
“With the voice of the Archangel we cry out to you, O Most Pure One: ‘Rejoice, O full of grace the Lord is with you.’” (Hymn of Praise of the Feast)
The mystery of the Annunication has fundamental significance, for with it begin the New Testament and our salvation. Mankind had waited thousands of years for the good news of the Archangel concerning the incarnation of the Son of God. Heaven, earth, and the righteous souls in limbo awaited the good news. On this day God fulfilled his promise to send a redeemer, for on this day the “Word was made flesh and dwelt among us.” (John 1,14) In a sermon on the Annunication, attributed to St. John Chrysostom, we read: “ Gabriel was sent to bring Adam the promise of his return from slavery to sin. Gabriel was sent to the Virgin, to restore the honor of womanhood. Gabriel was sent to prepare a worthy bridal chamber for the pure Bridegroom, Gabriel was sent to espouse creature with the Creator. Gabriel was sent to the living palace of the King of angels. Gabriel was sent to the Virgin betrothed to Joseph, but preserved for the Son. The Bodiless servant was sent to one exempt from corruption. A lamp was sent to point out the Sun of truth. Morning was sent to precede the light of day. Gabriel was sent to announce Him, who is in the bosom of the Father and in the arms of the Mother, Gabriel was sent to announce Him, Who is seated on a throne at God’s right hand and, at the same time, rests in a lowly manger on earth.” (Works, Vol. 8. P.854) Julian J. Katrij, OSBM, A Byzantine Rite Liturgical Year

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

The Holy and Great Fast
“Because we did not fast we were banished from paradise.
So then let us fast so as to return back to paradise”
(St. Basil, On Fasting I)
“The great Holy Fast, called also the Forty Days Fast, is one of the oldest and most sacred Christian practices. The history of the Great Fast is long and rich in tradition, dating from Apostolic times.
The pre-paschal fast is called Great, not only because of the duration but also because of it’s significance in the life of the Church and of every Christian. ”
Julian J. Katrij, OSBM, A Byzantine Rite Liturgical Year

Metropolitan Stefan’s Mediation for Fifth Sunday of Great Fast
We hear in the Gospels of the curious exchange with the apostles James and John as to their ambitions. Imagine the reaction of Jesus. He is trying to prepare them for his coming passion. They are preoccupied with striving for places of honor. You and I are often like those disciples. “Have you seen Him?” is the invitation of the Shroud of Turin exhibition at our Cathedral. A tremendous opportunity for you to spend some quality time with our Lord awaits you and me as we make a special effort to venerate the shroud. Jesus waits while we struggle to meet our daily needs and our passions in life. Like the disciples, we are so slow to respond to His invitation. Jesus was calling them, and is calling us in the same way, to a change of mind, a new vision. It has been spiritually enriching to witness the emotional and blissful peacefulness of many of the pilgrims who have come to date. Faithful place themselves, their needs for healing, and holy items on the shroud asking for Jesus’ intervention. My prayer is that you will not allow anything to prohibit your personal pilgrimage to our Cathedral to venerate the Shroud. For more information, see http://www.ukrcathedral.com or phone Rev. Archpriest Daniel Troyan at 215-922-2917.

WELCOME – To all who are tired and need rest; to all who mourn and need comfort; to all who are friendless and need friendship; to all who are discouraged and need hope; to all who are hopeless and need sheltered love; to all who sin and need a Savior; and to whomsoever will, this Church opens wide its doors in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. To all who are worshipping with us today – WELCOME!
LITURGY REQUESTS – We ask that if you have dates on which you would like a liturgy offered that you make those requests as early as possible. Request for liturgy dates will be assigned in the order in which they are received. Contact the rectory office to make your requests.
STAYING IN TOUCH – If there is anyone who is regularly unable to attend liturgy but would like to keep in touch with what’s going on in the parish, please contact the rectory office about receiving a copy of the bulletin through the mail.
BIRTHDAY GREETINGS – Birthday Greetings to Tara Kolativa (2/21) and Nicole Yatison (3/22). May God grant them long life, good health and happiness. MNOHAYA BLAHAYA LITA!
VENERATION VOLUNTEERS NEEDED – After Vespers and the Procession on Good Friday, we would like to have a few hours of veneration, during which the church will remain open for those who would like to come and pray. It is hoped that volunteers, a minimum of two each hour, could keep vigil at Our Lord’s Tomb for several hours. Please contact Stephen Mykulyn at 825-0902 if you can help.
PUSSY WILLOWS – We are in need of pussy willows for Palm Sunday. If any parishioners are able to donate them, from their yard, please bring them to the church.
PORTRAIT OF JESUS! THE SHROUD OF TURIN – Would you like to see the famous Shroud of Turin? The actual burial cloth that wrapped the crucified body of Jesus? The Shroud’s history includes theories of how it was taken from Jerusalem to France and then secretly moved in 1939 to a chapel in Avelline in Southern Italy for safe keeping during WWII. It was later returned to Turin in 1946. Princes’, Dukes, Duchess’ and even Pope John Paul II were persons who claimed its ownership for 2,000 years. On Sunday, April 25th SS. Peter & Paul Church will sponsor a bus to the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Philadelphia to view the Shroud of Turin Exhibition. The bus will leave the Churchyard at 10:30 AM. It is anticipated that we will leave Philadelphia about 3:30 PM. Edwardsville and Wilkes-Barre will be sponsoring the trip. The cost for the trip will be $25 per person. Should you wish to reserve a seat, please call Dr. Michael Labuda. 820-7105. PLEASE MAKE PAYMENT TO DR. LABUDA BY SATURDAY, APRIL 3rd, 2010.
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION CLASSES – Our Spring Session of the Cross Valley Religious Education classes is underway. Catechism classes are offered free of charge to parishioners in grades one through eight, on Saturday mornings from 9:30 to 11:30 AM.
RENOVATION FUND – Should you wish to make a contribution to this fund please use the “Special Collection for Renovations to the Church Complex” envelopes that are available in the back of the church.
BEQUESTS TO YOUR PARISH – Please remember SS. Peter & Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church with memorial gifts and in your will.
CEMETERY RULES & REGULATIONS – Out of respect for all parish families and their deceased members, these rules and regulations were designed for the uniform appearance, ease of maintenance, safety, and cleanliness of our cemetery. Please give your full co-operation. All decorations, including unplanted and artificial flowers, must be removed before March 31 or be subject to removal. Christmas decorations must be removed by January 31. All stone, metal, and other borders around monuments or memorials are prohibited. Only low borders, one inch above ground level, are permitted in front of hillside graves in order to prevent erosion. No shrub or tree planting is allowed. Loose stone and / or gravel are prohibited on any grave plot. Persons causing any damage to cemetery property will be liable. No dumping on the cemetery grounds or beyond the perimeter. No walking pets through the cemetery. No trespassing on cemetery property after hours. Cemetery hours are 7:00 AM to sundown. These Rules Effective Immediately.
SCHEDULE FOR HOLY WEEK AND RESURRECTION SERVICES
Palm Sunday, Divine Liturgy, Blessing of Willows & Palms & Myrovania – Saturday, March 21, 4:00 PM, Divine Liturgy & Myrovania – Sunday, March 22, 8:30 PM
Holy Thursday, Matins Passion of Our Lord (12 Gospels) – Thursday, April, 1, 6:30 PM
Good Friday, Vespers & Exposition of the Plaschenytsia – Friday, April 2, 3:00 PM
Adoration (please note that Father WILL NOT be available at this time for confession) until TBA
RESURRECTION SERVICES
Holy Saturday, Nadhrobn (Closing of the Tomb) – Saturday, April 3, 2:45 PM
Resurrection, Blessing of Easter Baskets, Procession, Matins, Divine Liturgy,
Blessing of Artos & Myrovania – Saturday, April 3, 3:30 PM
Resurrection, Divine Liturgy & Myrovania – Sunday, April 4, 10:00 AM
PRINTED COPIES OF ‘THE WAY’ ARE AVAILABLE IN THE CHURCH VESTIBULE
PARISH LENTEN MISSION – SS. Cyril & Methodius Ukrainian Catholic Church, 706 warren St., Berwick, PA will conduct a Lenten Mission on Sunday, March 21, 6:30 pm followed by social & fellowship, Monday, March 22, 6:30 pm and Tuesday, March 23, 6:30 pm followed by social & fellowship. Everyone is welcome. The Mission will be presented by His Grace Bishop Nicholas Samra. Bishop Nicholas was formerly (now retired) Auxiliary Bishop of the Newton, MA Eparchy of the Melkite Byzantine Catholic Church in America. He was born in Patterson, NJ, and was ordained a priest in 1970. He served in parishes in California, Illinois, and New Jersey. In 1989, he was named Auxiliary Bishop of the Newton Eparchy and served as Vicar General in addition to other duties. He has authored many articles on Christian leadership, ecumenism, catechesis, and stewardship. He has published a multi-volume history of the Melkite Church. He is a dynamic speaker, and often gives retreats, missions, and formation weekends to clergy and laity.
PASKA SALE – Saints Cyril and Methodius Ukrainian Catholic, Berwick will have a Paska (Easter Bread) Sale. Plain or Raisin Loaves are available for $7 each. Orders will be available for pick-up on Saturday, March 27th from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the church on Warren Street in Berwick. Order by Sunday, March 21st by calling Pat Reddin (570)752-1269 or Shirley Fowler (570)752-4701.
HOMEMADE LENTEN FOOD SALE – The Catholic Community of North Wilkes-Barre will sponsor Homemade Lenten Food Sales in St. Stanislaus Church Hall, 666 North Main Street, on Fridays during Lent. Potato pancakes, halusky, Manhattan clam chowder and New England clam Chowder. Serving 12:00 noon to 5:00 PM. Eat in or Take out. For Larger Orders Call Joyce at 823-4988.
SAINT BASIL’S LENTEN PILGRIMAGE – St. Basil College Seminary (Stamford, CT) opens its doors to the general public this upcoming spring. March 19-21, 2010 is your opportunity to come and learn about the richness of the Eastern Christian Tradition in a program entitled “Discover the Mystery of Christ in the Lenten Pilgrimage”. The aim of the program is to acquaint one with the richness of Eastern Christian theology and spirituality through the works of the Fathers of the Church, liturgy, icons and prayers. This special program provides an introduction and general overview of the most important issues of the Eastern Christian Tradition. The program is open for all who are interested and wish to gain knowledge about the beauty of Byzantine theology. The program fee is $225 and includes meals and lodging. Class space is limited so reserve your spot early. Deadline for registration is March 15, 2010. Additional information, pamphlets, schedules and registration forms are available in the vestibule of the church. Or call (203) 324-4578 or online at http://www.stbasilcollege.com.
SAINT BASIL’S UKRAINIAN STUDIES PROGRAM – St. Basil College Seminary (Stamford, CT) opens its doors to the general public this upcoming spring. April 23-25, 2010 is your opportunity to come and learn about the riches of the Ukrainian culture in a program entitled “Come and Discover the Magic World of Pysanka!”. The aim of the program is to acquaint and provide knowledge about Ukrainian Cultural with special focus on “Easter and the spring season” customs and traditions. The program is open for all who are interested and wish to gain first hand experience and knowledge of the ancient Ukrainian traditions and customs. The program fee is $225 and includes meals and lodging. Class space is limited so reserve your spot early. Deadline for registration is April 19, 2010. Additional information, pamphlets, schedules and registration forms are available in the vestibule of the church. Or call (203) 324-4578 or online at http://www.stbasilcollege.com.
RETREAT HOUSE – Interested in getting away from it all and meeting God in the quiet of nature? Information about the St. Clare Retreat House at the Holy Dormition Friary in Sybertsville, PA is available in the vestibule of the church.
MARRIAGE PREP WORKSHOP – The Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Ukrainian Catholic Church, Melrose Park, PA will present a marriage preparation workshop, “Entering the Holy Mystery of Marriage”, on Saturday, April 17, 2010 with a follow up session on Saturday, May 1, 2010. The program will focus on various aspects of marriage, both spiritual and practical, and provides each person an opportunity for greater understanding of one’s partner and a means to strengthen one’s relationship. Registration information is available in the church vestibule. The total cost of the program is $120 / couple and includes materials, lunch and refreshments. For information call (215)635-1627.

In Gethsemane, Jesus begged His disciples to “watch one hour” with Him…Another Lent has begun Before it ends, will you finally manage to watch one hour with Jesus, and in that hour, to grow closer to Him in prayer…as He yearns for you to do?

LENTEN REGULATIONS – Strict Fast and Abstinence from meat, eggs and dairy products on the 1st Day of Lent and on Good Friday, Abstinence from meat only on all Fridays of Lent as well as Holy Saturday is obligatory. Voluntary abstinence from meat only on Wednesdays of Lent is also encouraged, but not obligatory. Reception of the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Eucharist during the Paschal Season (from the onset of Lent to the Wednesday before Ascension Thursday) is required. Participation in the Lenten Services is encouraged. Fasting and abstinence are not binding on persons 60 or older, the poor, sick, nursing or pregnant women, children below the age of 14 and those who engage in physically hard labor. Prayer and alms giving oblige all!
LENTEN SERVICES
The following Services will be offered in our Church during the Great Fast.
Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts, Fridays 9:00 AM
Stations of the Cross & Sorokousty Services, Fridays 6:30 PM
LAYMEN STATIONS OF THE CROSS – The Annual Deanery Stations will be held on the following Sundays starting at 4:00 PM.
2/21/10 SS. Peter & Paul (Wilkes-Barre)
2/28/10 St. Nicholas (Glen Lyon)
3/7/10 Transfiguration of Our Lord (Nanticoke)
3/14/10 SS. Peter & Paul (Plymouth)
3/21/10 St. Vladimir (Edwardsville)

SACRAMENT OF PENANCE (CONFESSION) Before Liturgies or by appointment.
Parish members should go to Holy Confession at least once a month on average, or more often if there is a serious or mortal sin. In case of a serious or mortal sin, one may not receive Holy Communion, until they have first gone to Confession and received absolution. For small or ‘daily’ sins, one may receive Holy Communion as often as once a day, provided they have made an examination of conscience, a sincere Act of Contrition and recite the Prayer before Holy Communion, found in the text of the Liturgy.