Saint Thomas Sunday

April 11, 2010

Christ is Risen! – Indeed He Is Risen!

Jesus said to him, “Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.” (John 20:29)

“The celebration of the eighth day after the Pasch as the conclusion of Bright Week, from earliest times, had been regarded as a separate feast. The theme of the services of this feast and of the week that follows is the Gospel event describing the apparition of Christ on the eighth day after His Resurrection and the moving scene of St. Thomas’ conversion and profession of faith. Regarding the significance of this feast, St. Gregory the Theologian (†389), in a homily on the Sunday of St. Thomas said: “The old law, which was established for a good purpose, honors the day of renewal, or rather, should we say, that with the day of renewal it honors new blessings. For, was not the first day of the resurrection, which occurred after the holy and glorious night, also a day of renewal? Why, then, do we give this name to today’s feast? That day (i.e. of the Resurrection) was a day of salvation, while this day is the commemoration of salvation. By its very nature, that day separates the burial and the resurrection, while this day is a day of an altogether new birth. Today we celebrate a genuine renewal, going from death to life. Therefore, cast off the old man and renew yourselves and live in newness of life.”
Our Church celebrates the memory of St. Thomas the Apostle on the 6th of October, whereas the Latin Church celebrates it on the 21st of December. About the apostolic work of St. Thomas, in a homily delivered on Thomas Sunday, St. John Chrysostom eulogizes St. Thomas thus: “Of all the other Apostles he was, at one time, the weakest in faith but, with God’s grace, he became more courageous and more untiring than the rest. He traversed almost the whole known world, preaching the word of God fearlessly to nations that were fierce, savage and bloodthirsty.” St. Thomas is believed to have died a martyr’s death for the Christian faith in India.” Julian J. Katrij, OSBM, A Byzantine Rite Liturgical Year

DIVINE LITURGY / SERVICES SCHEDULE
Sat. Apr. 10 – 4:00 p.m. Divine Liturgy & Myrovania – †Anne Dnistransky – Basil Dnistransky
Sun. Apr. 11 – 8:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy & Myrovania – God’s Blessing for Parishioners
Mon. Apr. 12 – NO SERVICES
Tues. Apr. 13 – NO SERVICES
Wed. Apr. 14 – 9:00 a.m. †Catherine Dubinski – Mary Anne Mudrak
Thurs. Apr. 15 – 9:00 a.m. †John & †Eva Proch – Matilda Proch
Fri. Apr. 16 – 9:00 a.m. †Walter & †Anna Hrynkiw – Walter S. Hrynkiw
Sat. Apr. 17 – 4:00 p.m. †Anna Iwaniw – Antonishak Family
Sun. Apr. 18 – 8:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy & Myrovania – God’s Blessing for Parishioners
Divine Liturgies for St. Vladimir (Edwardsville)
Saturday 6:00 p.m. English – Sunday 10:30 a.m. Slavonic

Happy Easter. Christ is Risen! Indeed He is Risen! Thank You for Your Kind Gifts and Your Work and Dedication to Your Church During this Pascal Feast. May Our Risen Lord Grant You Long Life, Good Health and Happiness… MNOHAYA BLAHAYA LITA! – KRISTOS VOSKRES! Rev. Orest Kunderevych

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!
REMINDER – KNEELING – As is our custom, from Easter until the Pentecost the faithful will stand at services during those times when they would normally kneel. In this way we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord. For those whom, due to health concerns, standing for long periods is not possible, sitting is permitted.
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.
EARLY LITURGY FOR SHROUD TRIP – On Sunday, April 25th, liturgy will be moved to 8:00 a.m. to accommodate those traveling to Philadelphia to see the reproduction of the shroud.
BIRTHDAY GREETINGS – Birthday Greetings to Janet Feszchak (4/13) and Volodymr Kunderevych (4/13). May God grant them long life, good health and happiness. MNOHAYA BLAHAYA LITA! – KRISTOS VOSKRES!
PARISH SIGN INSTALLED -Our Parish sign was installed this past week by Sign-A-Rama. Our thanks to all who made this project possible through their generous donations.
CEMETERY NOTES – Now that the weather is warming up please take a moment and visit our cemetery and remove any wreaths, flowers or other items that may have been left to adorn the grave of your loved ones. Remember that there is no trash pick-up at our cemetery and no receptacles for trash either. Please take any rubbish with you and dispose of it properly at home.
THANKS – Thanks to everyone whose efforts (seen or unseen) prepared our church for this Pascal Feast. Thanks also to everyone who helped in our commemoration of the Passion of Our Lord and the celebration of His Resurrection.
EASTER DINNER – SVIACHENE – SUNDAY, April 11, 2010 Cocktails 2:00 p.m. – Dinner 3:00 p.m. Plains Ambulance Association Hall, Maffett Street, Plains
PRINTED COPIES OF ‘THE WAY’ ARE AVAILABLE IN THE VESTIBULE
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.
CATHOLIC HOME MISSIONS – The annual Catholic Home Missions Collection will be made this year on Sunday, April 25th in our parishes, using specially prepared envelopes sent to the parishes. Our archeparchy typically collects approximately $9,000, but receives annually $100,000 in grants from the Catholic Home Missions. The funds are used for the operation of the seminary, for Communications, and The Way, and for Evangelization, Religious Education and Youth Programs. Please give a donation for this collection because we want to help the dioceses needing extra support. All parishes should participate as we all are beneficiaries!
This year, the Catholic Home Missions Appeal turns its focus to youth ministry, an essential component of the life and vibrancy of the Church. In youth ministry programs, young Catholics grow in faith and gain valuable leadership skills. Without this Appeal, poorer dioceses in the United States cannot sustain vital youth programs. Next week’s bulletin will contain a special collection envelope. On April 17-18 and 24-25 we will take up a collection for this Appeal. Please be generous and help strengthen the Church at home. Additional envelopes will be available in the vestibule.
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.
APRIL IS CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH – Teach Kids to Protect Themselves at Home. We consider our homes to be safe places for our children. But being home alone can pose risks for children. Here are a few tips to teach kids that will help keep them safe when you are not with them at home: Never answer the door if alone. Do not invite anyone in the house without the permission of a parent or babysitter. Don’t tell anyone on the phone that your parents are not home. Instead tell them that your parents can’t come to the phone, and take a message. For more tips, please visit http://www.kidsafe.com. For information on how you can become more informed and involved in keeping our children safe, please call: Fr. Andriy Rabiy at
215.873.6162 or 215.627.0143.
ICON OF THE GREAT FAST AND HOLY WEEK – SUNDAY, MAY 2, 2010, 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM. An Examination of the spiritual significance of the Icons of Extreme Humility: The Bridegroom, The Deposition of Christ, The Crucifixion and the Liturgical use of these icons in the Divine Services of the Great Fast and Holy Week. The presenter for the program is Rev. John Ciurpita is currently the Pastor of Holy Ghost Ukrainian Catholic Church in Chester, PA and also serves the community of Sts. Peter and Paul Church in Clifton Heights, PA. He is Chair of the Liturgical Commission of the Archeparchy of Philadelphia and has worked in the fields of Ecumenism and Interreligious Dialogue. Father John is on the Advisory Committee for the Basilian Spirituality Center. He has done retreat work, workshops and days of reflection, centering on the season of the Great Fast and preparing for the feast of the Resurrection. Please register by April 26, 2010, Donation $25.00 per person. Send registration to; Sr. Marina, OSBM, Basilian Spirituality Center, 710 Fox Chase Road, Fox Chase Manor, PA 19046, For information call (215)780-1227.
EMMAUS YOUTH ENCOUNTER – Christ, by His victory over death, shows us His power and says, “There, where all though, “It’s the end!” there a new beginning emerges!” Christ speaks to us not only at Easter time, but in every situation of our life… The Basilian Sisters invite you to the annual Youth Encounter (for ages 18-25) EMMAUS April 25, 2010 at the Basilian Spirituality Center. Presenters will be Sister Diya Zahurska, OSBM, Sister Ann Laszok, OSBM, Rev. George Worschak, Brother Andriy Kelt, Brother Yevhen Gulenko and Olena Pihur. Contact Sister Dia Zahruska, OSBM sdiaosbm@yahoo.com, 215.375.3998 ext. 529
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.
BENEFIT RECEPTION – The Ukrainian Catholic University is celebrating the 15th anniversary of its rebirth this year in Lviv after 40 years of Soviet repression and persecution. The university’s vice rector Myroslav Marynovych will be in Philadelphia on Sunday, April 25 to talk about the role of the University in strengthening democracy in Ukraine. As the founder of the Institute of Religion and Society at the University in 1997, Mr. Marynovych has seen many changes over the years and will talk about the current situation in education under the new Yanukovych government. Information stations focusing on the University’s past successes and future plans will be displayed during an afternoon with Mr. Marynovych at the Ukrainian Educational and Cultural Center, 700 Cedar Road, Jenkintown, PA., beginning at 1 p.m. Tickets for the event, sponsored by the Philadelphia Friends of the Ukrainian Catholic University are $25 and can be obtained from the Philadelphia Friends of the UCU at your church, at the Ukrainian Center, MB Financial Bank, or by calling 610-539-8946. Mr. Marynovych will present in Ukrainian with simultaneous English translation.
TRADITIONAL UKRAINIAN DINNER – Sunday, May 16, 2010, from 3:00 to 7:00 P.M.: The Presentation of Our Lord Ukrainian Catholic Church will host “A Traditional Ukrainian Dinner” at its social hall, 1564 Allentown Road, Lansdale (Towamencin Township), PA. Enjoy generous portions of tasty homemade Ukrainian ethnic foods and baked goods: Pyrohy (Ukrainian pierogies); Holubtsi; Ukrainian Kielbasa Sausages, Sauerkraut, Breads, Beverages, and Desserts. Also, enjoy displays and demonstrations of Ukrainian folk arts and crafts by artists: Pysanky (Ukrainian Easter Eggs); Vyshyvanky (embroidery) and Gerdany (beadwork jewelry), all of which will be available for purchase. Tickets are $10.00 per person at the door with seating in the social hall. For advance tickets or more information, call Mike at (215) 715-4871.Take-outs are available.
BUFFET BREAKFAST – St. Matthew Evangelical Lutheran Church, 667 North Main Street, Wilkes-Barre will hold a Buffet Breakfast on Sunday, April 25, 2010 at 11:05 AM. Adults $7.00, children 6-12 $3.00, Children under 6 free. Tickets can be purchased by calling Jean at 824-5405, or Suzann at 823-0533. Reservations must be made by Thursday, April 22nd. No tickets will be sold at the door. Sponsored by the Stewardship Board.
ST. VLADIMIR CENTENIAL – You are cordially invited to attend the Centennial Anniversary of the founding in 1910 of St. Vladimir Ukrainian Catholic Church in Edwardsville, Pennsylvania, Sunday, July 18, 2010. Solemn Divine Liturgy at One Thrity in the afternoon in Saint Vladimir’s Church, 70 Zerby Avenue. Main Celebrant will be His Grace The Most Reverend Stefan Soroka, Metropolitan – Archbishop of Philadelphia. Centennial Jubilee Banquet will follow at The Knights of Columbus, 59 Parry Street, Luzerne. Roast Chicken-Breaded Pork Chop-Veal Parmigiana. Open Bar starting at 3:30 p.m. Beer & Soda only. Dinner at 4:30 p.m.  Banquet Tickets, Adults $39.00, children under seven years free, children seven and over adult price. Advance tickets may be purchased by sending a check with full payment for the amount of guests attending to: St. Vladimir Centennial Banquet C/O Helen Nazarek, 70 Zerby Avenue, Edwardsville, PA 18704 (make checks payable to St. Vladimir’’ Centennial Banquet) for more information call Helen at 570.655.2815 or Diane Stelmack at 570.817.6790. For seating purposes, please print the first and last name of each guest. ABSOLUTELY NO TICKETS WILL BE SOLD AT THE DOOR. NO RESERVATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED WITHOUT PAYMENT IN FULL. The very last day to purchase banquet tickets is July 11, 2010. All ticket sales are final – no refunds.