Saints Peter & Paul Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, Wilkes-Barre, PA

The events of the last days have shaken us to the core.  The sight of Russian missiles exploding over peaceful Ukrainian communities, long lines of terrified residents fleeing their homes or huddled in metro stations for safety, and enemy tanks rolling through quiet residential neighborhoods evokes horrible memories of war torn Ukraine of the last century.

But, as difficult as it is for us to believe, this is the reality Ukraine faces today.  Yet again, our peace-loving ancestral homeland has been forced to defend herself against evil forces that desire to enslave and destroy her.

In response to this unprovoked aggression on Ukraine on the part of the Russian Federation and the humanitarian crisis that is unfolding as a result, we continue to encourage you, our faithful to do three things:

Firstly, to continue to pray as you have been, that Almighty God would end the conflict, ease the suffering of innocent people and convert the hearts of the aggressors.

Secondly, to continue to counter disinformation being disseminated  by the enemy and to speak the truth about Ukraine.  Ukraine is once again the centre of attention of the American public.  It is our obligation to inform Americans with objective facts.

Thirdly, to continue to aid our suffering brothers and sisters, financially and materially.  As Christians, we are called to respond generously to the humanitarian crisis that is unfolding before our eyes.

There are numerous avenues available to provide monetary aid.  If you so wish, your aid can be directed through a fund established by the Philadelphia Metropolia: “War Victims and Humanitarian Crisis in Ukraine”, which can be found on the website of the Philadelphia Archeparchy: www.ukrarcheparchy.us

Above all, let us not lose hope.  As we sang only a few short weeks ago during the celebration of the feasts of the Birth and Baptism of Our Lord: “God is with us! Give ear, O you nations, and be humbled, for God is with us.”

We place the people, government and armed forces of Ukraine under the powerful Omophor of the Most Holy Mother of God.

+Borys Gudziak

Archbishop of Philadelphia

Metropolitan of Ukrainian Catholics in the United States

+Paul Chomnycky, OSBM

Eparch of Stamford

+Benedict Aleksiychuk

Eparch of St. Nicholas in Chicago

+ Bohdan J. Danylo

Eparch of St. Josaphat in Parma

+Andriy Rabiy

Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia

An Appeal of the Ukrainian Catholic Bishops of the United States

February 13, 2022

Over the last weeks, the world has become fully aware of the fact that democratic Ukraine and its freedom-loving people are increasingly surrounded by hostile military forces prone for invasion. A full escalation of the eight-year Kremlin-led war will bring about devastating bloodshed and untold human suffering. Deaths could be in the tens of thousands and refugees in the millions. The economic and political shockwaves of the social devastation and material destruction in Ukraine will be worldwide. There is ample access to analysis that explains the potential of a disaster with global repercussions.

We appeal to you not as politicians nor strategists. We entreat you as persons of faith in God: “Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved, but abides forever” (Ps 125:1). As pastors we appeal to you and to all people of good will to pray for peace and justice in Ukraine.

We ask that beginning tomorrow, Sunday February 13, our priests and parishes, religious communities, families and individual faithful conduct a three-day vigil of prayer for peace and the conversion of the hearts of those who preach violence and escalate war.

Given the immediacy of our appeal, we ask that each pastor and community, each family and each person participate in this vigil in whatever way is possible for them. May our churches be open throughout the day, may the prayer of the Church interchange with personal contemplation. Conduct and participate in services, pray the Jesus Prayer, the Marian Rosary, the Paraclesis, sit with the Scriptures. Fast in order to focus on the hope that only God gives.

May our eyes be upon the Lord, may God’s Word be upon our lips, may our hearts be full of hope. “Cast all your anxieties on Him, because He cares about you. Be sober and vigilant. Your opponent the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that your fellow believers throughout the world undergo the same sufferings.” (1 Pt 5:7-9).

Ukrainian faithful of all confessions have witnessed miracles. In recent history we saw the collapse of the Iron Curtain, the dissolution of the Soviet prison of nations, the liberation of our Churches, which occurred without war and bloodshed.

We put our trust in God and ask for divine intervention. “Some boast of chariots, and some of horses; but we boast of the name of the Lord our God. They will collapse and fall; but we shall rise and stand upright” (Ps 20:8-9). We pray for the safety and courage of the people of Ukraine. We admire their faith and fortitude. We beseech the Lord to preserve the country and its people from further invasion.

Pray and be full of hope. Share that hope. Know the Lord and God’s love for the world!

+Borys Gudziak

Archbishop of Philadelphia, Metropolitan of Ukrainian Catholics in the United States

Head of the Department of External Church Relations, Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church

+Paul Chomnycky, OSBM

Eparch of Stamford

+Benedict Aleksiychuk

Eparch of St. Nicholas in Chicago

+ Bohdan J. Danylo

Eparch of St. Josaphat in Parma

+Andriy Rabiy

Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia

“When Jesus is present, all is well, and nothing seems hard, But when Jesus is absent, everything is hard. When Jesus is silent, we have no comfort; but if Jesus speaks a single word to our spirit, the comfort we experience is great. Did not Mary rise up quickly from the place where she wept when Martha said to her, “The Teacher is here and wants to see you” (John 11:28). Happy is the hour when Jesus calls us from tears to the joy of the Spirit! How dry and hard we are without Jesus! How senseless and proud if we desire anything besides or beyond Jesus! Is this not a greater loss than
if we should lose the whole world?”

from “The Imitation of Christ – Classic Devotions in Today’s Language”
Thomas A Kempis
Compiled and Edited by James N. Watkins

Christmas Liturgy  will be celebrated on Friday Evening (Christmas Eve) December 24, 2021 at 4:00pm in Saint Vladimir’s in Edwardsville and on Saturday morning (Christmas Day) December 25, 2021 at 10:00am in Saints Peter & Paul in Wilkes-Barre.  There will be no Saturday Evening Liturgy (in anticipation of Sunday) in Wilkes-Barre.

For Reflection…

AT THAT TIME, Jesus entered a village where a woman named Martha welcomed him to her home.  She had a sister named Mary, who seated herself at the Lord’s feet and listened to his words.  Martha, who was busy with all the details of hospitality, came to him and said, “Lord, are you not concerned that my sister has left me to do the household tasks all alone?  Tell her to help me.”  The Lord in reply said to her: “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and upset about many things; one thing only is required.  Mary has chosen the better portion and she shall not be deprived of it.”  While he was saying this a woman from the crowd called out, “Blest is the womb that bore you and the breasts that nursed you!”  “Rather,” he replied, “blest are they who hear the word of God and keep it.”

Leftover & Planned Over Pyrohy and Holubtsi made for our Festival Dinner are available for sale.  Frozen Pyrohy are available at $8.00/dozen and frozen Holubtsi (Piggie) 6-packs are $15.00.  Contact Stephen Mykulyn (570) 899-7816, to set up a pick up.