SSMI HOLY DORMITION PILGRIMAGE IN SLOATSBURG, NY 8/10/08

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1 Official Publication of the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia VOL. LXIX - No. 16 SEPTEMBER 28, 2008 ENGLISH VERSION SSMI HOLY DORMITION PILGRIMAGE IN SLOATSBURG, NY 8/10/08 Archbishop Stefan Soroka distributes Communion to the Faithful. Immaculate Conception Cathedral Choir and combined choir directed by Bohdan Henhalo. (Philadelphia, PA) Venerating the Shroud of the Dormition. The Grotto Bishop Paul Chomnycky, OSBM, Eparch of Stamford, was the Homilist. He spoke of how the pilgrimage was similar to the Olympics taking place in China. In the Olympics, all nations gather together as one for an athletic competition. In Sloatsburg, pilgrims gather together as one, not for an athletic competition, but rather for a spiritual gathering. Bishop Chomnycky also spoke of the Blessed Mother and how she is a gentle, kind and loving mother. He sited examples like how the Blessed Mother reacted to finding Jesus in the Temple. Most other mothers wouldn't react in the same loving nature as the Blessed Mother. She is an example to us all. See more pictures from Sloatsburg at A family that prays together stays together. Procession Blessing of Flowers and Herbs The Faithful In this Issue in ENGLISH: Page 2 - Page 6 - News from the Vatican and UGCC Protection of the Mother of God Stations of the Cross Page 8, 9, 10 - News and Events

2 News from the Vatican and Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church Ukraine s President Held Meeting , [15:32] // Churchstate relations // Kyiv Ukrainian President Victor Yuschchenko met with the Ukrainian Catholic Church Patriarch Lubomyr Husar on September 9th in Kyiv. During the meeting, Yushchenko and Patriarch Lubomyr discussed the results of the celebration of the 1020th anniversary of the baptism of the Kyivan Rus. According to press release from the president s office, the president personally thanked the cardinal and all the faithful of the UGCC for the participation in the celebratory events. He expressed his special gratitude for the celebratory events held by UGCC in its parishes and communities. Victor Yushchenko noted that the joint celebration of the 1020th anniversary of Baptism of the Kyivan Rus became an important event in the context of unification of Ukrainian Churches and believers. With UGCC. Head Everything regarding reaching understanding between the Churches in Ukraine is an urgent matter both for the Church and the authorities. Thank you for the position held by you in this dialogue. It is very important and is a good example for everyone, said Yushchenko.. Yushchenko and Patriarch Lubomyr discussed urgent questions regarding UGCC activity and touched on the question of provision by the Church of spiritual care for the Ukrainians, who are now abroad. First University Chapel to Appear in Lviv , [17:24] // UGCC // The first university chapel will appear in Lviv soon. Its construction was begun by the Ukrainian Catholic University on the site of the future university campus on Stryis ka Street. This will be a small wooden church according to the design of Lviv architect Roman Sulyk, which is planned to be done by the end of The church will become Lviv s first student parish; in fact, Lviv, which is considered one of the biggest student cities of Ukraine, does not yet have a center of university chaplaincy. Also, the faithful who live in this neighborhood will belong to it, as, in fact, there are no churches in this area. As the rector of the Ukrainian Catholic University, Fr. Borys Gudziak, Ph.D., noted, in the construction of this chapel, for which hryvnias is necessary, the University hopes for Ukrainian benefactors Pope Thanks France For "Warm Welcome" Sends Telegram to Nation's President CASTEL GANDOLFO, Italy, SEPT. 15, 2008 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI sent a message to the president of France thanking him for the country s warm welcome this weekend. The Pope returned to Castel Gandolfo today, after a fourday trip to Paris and Lourdes. The Holy Father arrived in Paris on Friday, and met with political, religious and cultural leaders before meeting with France s youth in front of the Notre-Dame cathedral. On Saturday the Holy Father celebrated a Mass at the Esplanade des Invalides, which was attended by 260,000 people.. He traveled to Lourdes in the afternoon to participate in the celebrations surrounding the 150th anniversary of the apparitions of Our Lady to St. Bernadette Soubirous.. In Lourdes the Pope visited all the stages of the Jubilee Way: the parish church where Bernadette was baptized, the abandoned prison known as the Cachot where the Soubirous family lived, the grotto of the apparitions and hospital oratory where Bernadette made her first Communion.. The Pontiff celebrated two Masses in Lourdes. Some 190,000 pilgrims attended the Sunday Mass in the prairie that marked the 150th anniversary of the Marian apparitions, and some 70,000 people participated in today s Mass for the sick at Rosary Square. During the flight the Pope sent telegrams to French President Nicolas Sarkozy and Italian President Giorgio Napolitano. At the moment I leave the territory of the French Republic following my pastoral visit to Paris and Lourdes, he wrote to the French president, I wish to assure you again Mr. President as well as the authorities and all the French people of my gratitude for the warm welcome you gave me. I will greatly cherish the memory of these days and the generosity and kindness of the French people. Entrusting the nation to the intercession of Our Lady of Lourdes I ask God to shed on all the abundance of his blessings. To the Italian president the Pope wrote: On my return from France, where I was able to undertake a solemn pilgrimage to the shrine of Lourdes, also meeting patients of several countries among whom was a significant representation of the beloved Italian people, I express to you Mr. President my cordial greeting and while recalling with intense gratitude to the Lord this significant spiritual experience, I also think with gratitude of all those in Italy who with their professionalism and dedication render a precious service to the sick and suffering.

3 From 3-7 August, over two thousand Knights of Columbus, along with their families, converged in the magnificent city of Quebec, Canada. The reason for this tremendous turnout was the 126 th Annual Supreme Convention. Many Knights and families arrived several days earlier in order to enjoy the many unique sight-seeing attractions which this quaint historic city has to offer. This writer, along with D.C. State Deputy Lawrence Sosnowich and his wife Mary, Parishioners of the Ukrainian Catholic National Shrine of the Holy Family, attended a Sunday Mass, which was celebrated totally in French, at the breath-takingly beautiful Cathedral Notre Dame du Quebec. Later on, we enjoyed an afternoon sight-seeing cruise on the St. Lawrence River where the Quebec City shores, the Montmorency falls, the Orlean Island and many other historical sights were observed. The next day began with a tour of the Citadel ( Citadelle in French), which is the home base of the Royal 22 nd Regiment, presently deployed in Afghanistan. The Citadel is the first fortifications that surround Old Quebec and was declared a historical monument in This is a historic fort which was built to defend Canada from the United States. In fact, when war broke out between the U.S. and Canada, Quebec City was under control of the British for one hour when it was reclaimed by the French. This is probably the shortest war in history. We were treated to an overwhelmingly amount of much pomp and circumstance when we had the opportunity to witness the changing of the Knights of Columbus Hold 126th Annual Supreme Convention Delegation Photo: (l - r): Peter A. Gabauer, Jr.; Lawrence Sosnowich; Rev. Nestor Iwasiw; Peter D. Gervais. guards. This is truly a sight to behold. Another interesting experience was the ritual of the pin exchange. During this event, the delegates and other Knights exchange their jurisdiction pin with Knights from other jurisdictions. This was a great way to see each State s interpretation of their State s jurisdiction. This proved to be a very interesting social and cultural interaction. The day concluded with a welcoming program sponsored by the Quebec State Council. We were entertained by the Painchaud Family Quartet consisting of three brothers and one sister. By the way, Painchaud translated from French into English means Hot Bread. They play the traditional Quebec repertoire in a very original and entertaining way by playing various instruments such as the violin (fiddle), bass fiddle and drums. Each family member played various instruments. This was an outstanding performance. The Supreme Convention officially began on Tuesday, 5 August with a Pontifical Mass celebrated and concelebrated by an impressive amount of prelates, clergy and religious. Included in this assembly was our own Metropolitan, the Most Rev. Stefan Soroka, five other Ukrainian Catholic Bishops and three Ukrainian Catholic Priests. This is the first time that the Ukrainian clergy attended the Mass and Supreme Convention en masse. On Tuesday after the mass and during the first business meeting, the Supreme Knight, Carl A. Anderson, presented his annual report which was received well by the membership. Later that evening, the official States Dinner was held. Entertainment was provided by members of each State Jurisdiction singing their respective state song. A sea of the various state and country flags could be seen waving throughout the banquet hall. On Wednesday, 6 August, several more meetings were held, including an awards ceremony after which the DC State Council hosted a State dinner at the Le Beffroi (Steakhouse) restaurant located in the Palace Royal hotel. Fun was had by all. The 126 th Annual Supreme Convention concluded at noon on Thursday, 7 August, with a final meeting. Rev. Nestor Iwasiw D.C. State Chaplain States Dinner Photo: (l - r) Rev. Nestor Iwasiw, D.C. State Chaplain, Most Rev. William E. Lori, Supreme Chaplain; Mary Sosnowich, wife of the State Deputy; Lawrence Sosnowich, D.C. State Deputy; Most Rev. Stefan Soroka. 3

4 Jersey City, NJ S.S. Peter and Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church in Jersey City, New Jersey - May Crowning and Procession on Mother's Day, May 11, Rev. Vasyl Putera, Pastor Thank You The staff of "The Way" wishes to thank everyone who donated their subscription refund checks towards evangelization efforts here at the Ukrainian Catholic Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Your generosity is greatly appreciated. May God bless you! 4

5 Lehighton, PA Children of Gold Cross camp pray for the victims on the 75th anniversary of holodomor in Ukraine. Ukrainian Homestead of ODWU, Lehighton, PA, Sunday, August 3, St. Vladimir Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church CELEBRATING OUR 100th ANNIVERSARY Sunday, October 19, 2008 at 2: N. 7th Ave. Scranton, PA Rev. Paul Wolensky, Pastor 5

6 As they continued their journey he entered a village where a woman whose name was Martha welcomed him. She had a sister named Mary (who) sat beside the Lord at his feet listening to him speak. Martha, burdened Gospel for the Feast of the Protection of the Mother of God 10/1/08 Luke 10:38-42, 11:27-28 with much serving, came are anxious and worried to him and said, Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me by myself to do the serving? Tell her to help me. The Lord said to her in reply, Martha, Martha, you about many things. There is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part and it will not be taken from her. While he was speaking, a woman from the crowd called out and said to him, Blessed is the womb that carried you and the breasts at which you nursed. He replied, Rather, blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it. The Church celebrates the Andrew and St. Epiphanius Feast of the Protection of the are shown on the lower right Mother of God on October of our Icon. St. Andrew, 1st. Through this feast we dressed only in a cloak, ges- celebrate the appearance tures toward the Mother of of the Mother of God in God. St. Epiphanius, wearing Constantinople in the tenth a tunic under his cloak, ges- century. The account of this tures in astonishment at the appearance is found in the miraculous appearance. life of St. Andrew, known as the Fool for Christ. During In the center of the Church, a services in the Church of young man with a halo, clothed Blachernes, St. Andrew and in a deacon's sticharion, is his disciple, St. Epiphanius, holding in his left hand an saw the Mother of God ap- open scroll with the text of the proach the ambo. She was Christmas Kontakion in honor supported by St. John the the altar, she took her veil of God is seen standing of the Mother of God. He is Baptist and St. John the Evan- and extended it over the above the faithful. Her St. Romanos the Melodist, the gelist, and accompanied by people as a sign of her arms outstretched in famous hymnographer whose many Saints. Here she knelt protection. prayer are draped with feast is also celebrated on in prayer, her face bathed in a veil. Angels are pic- October 1st. tears. After praying again at On the Icon, the Mother tured on both sides. St. "Come Bless the Lord" Icon Packet 6

7 Ask Fr. Yaroslav Q. I have read that some Ukrainian Catholic Traditions are paganistic, like worshiping the Virgin Mary as the Mother of God. A. First of all, Ukrainian Catholics do not worship Mary. Worship is reserved for God alone. However, Mary is greatly esteemed and honored as the one chosen by God to bring forth His Only Begotten Son into the world. Because of this, she is the most exalted of all creatures. She herself prophesied All generations shall call me blessed (Luke 1:48). Jesus Christ is an eternal, divine Person who took on a complete human nature through the Virgin Mary (John 1:1-14). He is expressly called God in the Scriptures (John 20:28). As Mary gave birth to and nurtured a divine Person, she is rightly called the Mother of God. This is really her only proper title. This, of course, does not imply that she is the mother of God the Father. Many of those who question the title Mother of God are those who also doubt the full divinity of Jesus Christ. There is nothing paganistic in our Church s veneration of the Mother of Our Savior. Q. But Ukrainian Catholics and other Eastern Christians pray to Mary and other saints. Isn t this worship? A. Ukrainian Catholics ask Mary and other saints to intercede for us before God in prayer. Our Church believes that the reality of the Church encompasses both the living and those who have died and are now with Christ (Phil. 1:23). Those who have died in Christ do not care for us any less, nor do they cease to pray for us because they have pased into eternal life. We approach the saints with veneration as we ask their prayers. In no way can this be compared to the worship we offer the Triune God. Q. I recently took a tour of our Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral in Philadelphia. What is a Cathedral? A. The Greek term from which the word cathedral derives means the throne or the official seat of the bishop of the diocese. And since the throne has signified from the very beginning episcopal authority, the church where the throne is erected is considered to be the mother church in the diocese. And though this church may not be the largest or most elaborate, it is the one in which the bishop celebrates the Eucharist and other official services of the ecclesiastical year. Cathedrals, as large and highly elaborate buildings, as characteristic rather of the Western ecclesiastical architecture. And though in the East as well, even the smallest diocese the bishop has a cathedral in which he was enthroned after his election and ordination, cathedrals are not by necessity the largest of the most elaborately ornamented of churches. Size and ornamentation seem to rather befit the local importance of the saint to whom the church is dedicated. Needless to say, no bishop can have two cathedrals, and this no church can be called a cathedral unless it is the designated episcopal seat at the capital city of the diocese. Actually, it is the cathedral that ecclesiastically constitutes the headquarters of the bishop, not his diocesan office (i.e. Chancery). The latter is only for the purpose of carrying out the secular administration in which the bishop, by virtue of contemporary conditions, is involved. Protection of the Mother of God Icon by Dmytro Blazejovskyj 7

8 In the summer of 2010, Lviv will host the international gathering for activists in the youth movement of the fathers of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer (Redemptorists). Lviv will once more prove its status as a city where the West and East meet, with many different people and cultures. Over 500 participants are expected at the gathering from different countries around the world, in particular Europe, the United States of America and Canada. Ukrainian Redemptorists earned the right to organize this international youth gathering due to their long-lasting and dedicated work with the youth in Ukraine. Since the time of their emergence from the catacombs in , Redemptorists have renewed or founded 11 parishes, not only in Western, but also in Eastern Ukraine, and also a missionary post in Prokopivsk, Kemerovska region, Russia. In every parish there is a youth group, which is extraordinarily active in the life of the church community. The youth meet weekly. During these meetings, they pray together, reflect on the Holy Bible, discuss life s problems. Youth groups also take part in charity work. They take care of orphans, the elderly and organize a St. Nicholas event for the children of low-income families. In addition to this, they organize summer camps for the children from the parish Sunday schools in the Carpathian Mountains and at the Black Sea. In this way, they test their leadership abilities and gain valuable experience for future work. The most important activity of the Redemptorist youth groups is missions, since this coincides with the congregation s vision. An important fact is that average lay people take part in the missions as equals with the fathers. The motto of the Redemptorists is working with the most neglected and poor. However, in the latest documents the General Government calls particular attention to pastoral care of youth, YOUTH FOR CHRIST MOVEMENT Redemptorists Raise Leaders in this way, pastoral care of youth becomes part of our vision alongside our missionary activity, notes the provincial of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer Father Basil Ivaniv. With his initiative, Ukrainian Redemptorists are trying to unite the two parts of their charisma: Youth, which has long been active in the parishes, lead Vacation with God missions for children and youth in different regions of Ukraine. For example, with the blessing of Bishop Steven Menok, of the Donetsk-Kharkiv Exarches, Vacation with God took part in Eastern Ukraine, which is still under the influence of its communist, atheistic past. Also worth noting, villages in which the youth hold missions are often divided between Greek Catholics and the Orthodox. However, children of both denominations come to the youth gatherings and in this way they are, to a certain extent, working towards good relations between Christian denominations. Following the congregation s guidelines, the youth try to focus their efforts towards the most neglected and forgotten children. In relation to the economic conditions in Ukraine, many of our fellow citizens search for a brighter future, and possibilities of ensuring a decent existence for themselves and their children abroad. Expatriates have become an extraordinary social problem for the country, especially since thousands of children are left at home unattended and uncared for. It is in this category that the youth tries to work with most during these missions, since such children need particular care and spiritual guidance. It is very important for the children that the people working with them are close in age to them, youth who are a bit older than them, ages 14 to 30, who understand them and whom they trust. In this way, the Redemptorist fathers are raising a new generation of leaders, who in the future will have the necessary knowledge and spiritual potential to lead the lay people s movement in our church. Father Andrew Oliynyk, of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, underlines the particular dedication of young people, as all the work at the parish is absolutely voluntary. I find extreme satisfaction in the fact that the older group of youths, which once started the Redemptorist youth movement in Ukraine, is still active in our parishes. They can no longer attend all the weekly meetings, because they have responsibilities at work or in their families. However during their vacations, which they could spend in relaxation, they dedicate to the missions, says Father Andrew. Taking part in the work of the Redemptorist youth communities is a valuable experience for the youth. Many of them associate life in the community with personal spiritual growth and overcoming difficulties in life. Halyna Onishko has belonged to the youth group at St. Josaphat s church in Lviv since its founding in I joined the community in the first year of my student life. I was having trouble fitting in with my new surroundings but the community helped me overcome the monotony of my days of classes, shares Halyna. Life in the Redemptorist youth community taught me that life is not only for receiving, but also for giving. You feel this most at the camps, missions and different events just because we wanted to do something good. Our reward is the people s gratitude and the change which takes place in their lives. Every three years the Redemptorist youth has an opportunity to tally the results of all the work done, and consider future plans during the all-ukrainian youth gathering. Ukrainians also take part in the 8 Photo: Youth meeting with the Pope in Poland, Fr. Mykhaylo Bubnij leader international gatherings, the last of which occurred in 2007 in Limerick, Ireland. Thanks to this active position, the youth, along with the fathers and sisters of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer will take equal part in the preparation and organization of the international gathering, during which representatives of youth communities from many countries and continents will attend. To make this worthy gathering successful we need financial support so that the youth of Ukraine can continue their mission to make a better world for those less fortunate. Donations for the youth movement 2010 would be greatly appreciated. Contributions should be made payable to the Redemptorist Fathers, noted that it is for the youth movement and mailed to St. John s Ukrainian Catholic Church, 719 Sanford Ave., Newark, NJ Rev. Roman Lahisz, C.Ss.R. Lviv

9 Join the Sisters of the Order of Saint Basil the Great for the Seventy-Seventh Annual Pilgrimage, Under the Protection of the Mother of God. Nurturing oneself in the image of the Mother of God SATURDAY, OCTOBER 4, :00 PM Young Adults Gather Basilian Spirituality Center 6:00 PM Mystery of Reconciliation (Confession) Holy Trinity Chapel Grounds 7:00 PM Candlelight Procession 7:15 PM Akathist to the Mother of God (Bilingual) Shrine of Our Lady of Pochaiv Celebrant and Homilist: Rev. Nestor Iwasiw Responses: Young Adult Group Blessing of Water 8:00 PM Young Adult Dialogue Basilian Spirituality Center Refreshments Provided Rev. Michael Polosky Sister Markella Venher, OSBM 8:00 PM Refreshments after Akathist Basilian Spirituality Center Dining Room Faculty House Blessing of Cars and Buses Visit our exhibit of Mother Helena Langevych, OSBM Saturday 6:00 to 8:00 PM Sunday 1:00 to 5:00 PM Feel free to walk to the cemetary to reflect and pray at Mother Helena s gravesite. Introduction of the Mother Helena Langevych, OSBM Legacy Society. SISTERS OF THE ORDER OF ST. BASIL THE GREAT 710 Fox Chase Road Phone: Fox Chase Manor, PA Fax: development@stbasils.com SUNDAY, OCTOBER 5, :00 AM Mystery of Reconciliation (Confession) Monastery Grounds 10:30 AM Gather for Procession Basilian Spirituality Center 11:00 AM Hierarchical Divine Liturgy (Ukrainian) Auditorium Celebrant and Homilist: Archbishop Stefan Soroka Concelebrants: Bishop Basil Losten Bishop John Bura Choir: Seminarians of St. Josaphat Ukrainian Catholic Seminary, Washington, D.C. Hymns: Children from St. Josaphat School 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM Food Service Parking Lot 1:45 PM Children's Program Basilian Spirituality Center Sister Lydia Anna Sawka, OSBM 2:45 PM Procession / Moleben (Ukrainian) Shrine of Our Lady of Pochayiv Celebrant: Bishop John Bura Homilist: Rev. Wasyl Kharuk Choir: St. Vladimir s Ukrainian Catholic Church (Elizabeth, NJ) Mystery of Holy Anointing (Healing) (Bilingual) Blessing of Cars and Buses Blessing of Religious Articles Basilian Spirituality Center, Side Lawn 9

10 Archeparchial Wedding Anniversary Celebration Scheduled for October 12, 2008 Are you celebrating your 25th, 30th, 35th, 40th, 45th, 50th or 50+ wedding anniversary? Mark your calendar for October 12th and celebrate your special day with other Jubilarian couples from the Archeparchy, at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Philadelphia. For more information and registration please call Fr. Ivan Demkiv at Deadline for registration is October 1, CALENDAR OF EVENTS October 4 & 5, 2008: 77th Annual Pilgrimage of the Sisters of the Order of Saint Basil the Great (Fox Chase, PA) October 12, 2008: Archeparchial Wedding Anniversary Celebration at the Cathedral, 11:00 a.m. (Philadelphia, PA) (see above for details) October 19, 2008: St. Vladimir Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, 100th Anniversary, 2:00pm (Scranton, PA) October 24 & 25, 2008: 50th Anniversary of the Canonical Creation of the Metropolitan Province of Philadelphia for Ukrainians at the Cathedral (Philadelphia, PA) November 23, 2008: Cathedral Christmas Bazaar (Philadelphia, PA) July 3-14, 2010: 12 Day Danube River Cruise & Passion Play - "escorted by Rev. Dr. Ivan Kaszczak" (deadline to register is 11/15/08; call ) July 12-25, 2010: 13 Day Lemkivshchyna Eastern Europe & Passion Play - "escorted by Metropolitan Stefan" (deadline to register is 11/15/08; call ) The Church is called to proclaim the gift of life, to serve life, and to promote a culture of life. This is the message of hope we are called to proclaim and embody in a world where self-centeredness, greed, violence, and cynicism so often seem to choke the fragile growth of grace in people s hearts. Pope Benedict XVI, homily, Mass at St. Patrick s Cathedral (April 19, 2008) Respect Life Sunday is October 5, 2008 Editorial and Business Office: 827 N. Franklin St. Philadelphia, PA Tel.: (215) Online: theway@ukrarcheparchy.us Established 1939 The Way Staff Msgr. Peter Waslo, Teresa Siwak, Fr. Ihor Royik The Way is published bi-weekly by the Apostolate, Inc., 827 N. Franklin St., Philadelphia, PA. Articles and photos proposed for publication MUST BE SIGNED BY THE WRITER and should be in the Editor's office at least fifteen days before requested date of publication. For advance notice of the upcoming events, kindly send one month in advance. All articles must be submitted in both English and Ukrainian languages, THE WAY will not translate proposed articles. All materials submitted to THE WAY become the property of THE WAY. Photos should be identified on the reverse and be accompanied by a self-addressed stamped envelope. 10