Christ the Saviour Cathedral

Transcription

1 Christ the Saviour Cathedral CATHEDRAL JOTTINGS Corner of Garfield Street and Butler Avenue Johnstown, Pa Rectory Office 249 Butler Avenue; Johnstown, Pa Cathedral Church of His Grace, Bishop Gregory of Nyssa of the American Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Diocese of the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople Cathedral Clergy Pastor Very Reverend Protopresbyter Robert A. Buczak, Cathedral Dean Very Reverend Protopresbyter Frank P. Miloro, Chancellor Very Rev. John A. Baranik Jr. Very Rev. John S. Brancho Rectory Phone Mobile Phone Cathedral Office Address (for Father Robert Diocesan Website: Facebook: Cathedral: Twitter: Camp Nazareth: You Tube: Vol. 74 No Sunday, January 7, 2018 The Feast of the Nativity of Our Lord 9:00 am Divine Liturgy Epistle: Galatians 4: 4-7 Tropar & Kondak: pages Gospel: Matthew 2: 1-12

2 Monday, January 8 th, 2018 The Synaxis of the Theotokos (Birthgiver of God) Divine Liturgy 9:00 am Panachida for + the Founders and Benefactors of the Cathedral Parish; +Departed Kol adniki of the Cathedral Parish: Andrew Pavlik, Andrew Medvechy Jr., Constantine Mishurda, John Mishurda, John Kurtz, Nicholas Polak, Joseph Evanisko, Andrew Sakmar, Michael Gritzer, John Duray, Stephen Patrick, John P. Duray, Stephen Matolyak, and John Yurosko offered by John and Helen Yurosko (Perpetual) Tropar and Kondak pages Epistle: Hebrews 2:11-18 Gospels: Matthew 2:13-23 Tuesday, January 9, 2018 Feast of The Protomartyr and Archdeacon Stephen Divine Liturgy 9:00 am Panachida for + Stephen Evanisko and the Departed Servicemen of the Cathedral Parish offered by the Evanisko Family; + Kay Miloro offered by the family; +Mary Radasky Kesselak offered by Andrea and Jeff Robel; Anna Toth offered by the family; and +Helen Krompak (Per.) Tropar & Kondak: pages , 138 Epistle: Acts 6: 8-15; 7:1-5, Gospel: Matthew 21:33-42 Sat. 1/13 Vespers for the Feast of the Circumcision of Our Lord..6:00 pm Sunday, January 14, 2018 The Sunday before Theophany Feast of the Circumcision of Our Lord/ Commemoration of St. Basil the Great & Julian Calendar New Year Divine Liturgy/Choir Sunday 9:00 am Sunday School 10:15 Resurrection Tone 7 Epistle: Colossians 2:8-12 Tropar & Kondak: pages Gospel: Luke 2:20-21, Services for the week of January 14 th Mon. 1/ Patricia Pasternak offered by Ann Marie Mlinarchik; +Prof. Andrew Panchisin and +Joseph, Michael, and Anna Chanda offered by Mary Chanda (Per.). 8:00 am Wed. 1/17 Divine Liturgy for Theophany Eve (Saint Basil s Liturgy); +Pani Emily Molchany; +Helen Balog; and +Matthew Lazarak offered by Mary Lazarak (Per.).. 8:00 am Thursday, January 18 th, :00 PM THEOPHANY EVE DINNER In the Cathedral Auditorium ALL ARE WELCOME! We are asking our faithful to bring a covered fasting dish! Day of Strict Fasting Vigil Service of Theophany with the Blessing of Water - 7:00pm Friday, January 19 th, 2018 The Feast of the Theophany of our Lord Divine Liturgy 9:00 am Epistle: Titus 2:11-14; 3:4-7 Tropar & Kondak: pages Gospel: Matthew 3: Saturday, January 20 th, 2018 Synaxis of St. John the Baptist Divine Liturgy 9:00 am Panachida for +David Vreeland offered by Mr. & Mrs. Lloyd Vreeland; and + Elsie Duleba (Remembered in Proskomedia) Epistle: Acts 19: 1-8 Tropar & Kondak: pages 145, Gospel: John 1: Sat. 1/20 No Vespers Scheduled (Home Blessings)

3 Sunday, January 21 st, 2018 The Thirty-Second Sunday after Pentecost Sunday after Theophany Zacchaeus Sunday The Venerable George the Chozebite Divine Liturgy 9:00 am Sunday School - 10:20 am Panachida for +Anna Marie Dudak offered by husband, Bill Dudak; +Helen Dzura (Birthday Remembrance) offered by God-daughter, Pani Kathy Buczak +John and Julia Haschak and Bethany Haschak Schilling offered by the family; and +The Very Reverend Dr. Nomikos Vaporis offered by son, Subdeacon Michael Resurrection Tone 8 - Tropar & Kondak: pages , 102 & 150 Epistle: 1 Timothy 4:9-15 Gospel Luke 19:1-10 BIRTHDAY PRAYERS are offered for Zachary Tvarozna (1/10), David Dudak (1/10), Melanie Dudak (1/10), Anna Furman (1/11), Luke Tvarozna (1/13), Sydnee Lauren Satkovich (1/13), Jerees Noah Zreigat (1/15), Jodi Billetdeaux (1/17), Richard Kesselak (1/17), Michael Haschak (1/18), Maria Richards (1/18), and Amanda Dutko (1/19). You were remembered in Prokomedia! SAINT NICHOLAS DAY SEMINARY COLLECTION Thank you to all who offered funds for our Saint Nicholas Day Seminary Fundraiser. Together we collected $ in much needed funds for the education of our future priests. God Bless! ALTAR FLOWERS The altar is beautified with flowers on January 14 th in memory of Father Nomikos Vaporis by his son, Sub-deacon Michael Vaporis. SACRAMENTAL TABLE The Tetrapod is beautified with flowers on January 14 th in memory of Frank and Bernadine Evanisko by daughter, Gaynelll Shrift. THE ETERNAL LAMP is offered the week of January 7 th in memory of Leonard F. Messner by his wife Julie Messner. THE ETERNAL LAMP is offered the week of January 14 th in memory of Martha Kovalik by David and Roberta Kovalik THE ALTAR CANDLES are offered today in memory of Nicholas Slachta by his wife Vivian Slachta. ROSES ON THE ALTAR - are offered in memory of my beloved mother, Anna Burik-Schober's 109 th Birthday by Eleanor Dussling. THANK YOU We would like to thank everyone who sent warm wishes, Christmas cards, or special gifts during this festive time of the year. May the Lord bless you for your thoughtfulness and kindness. -Father Robert and Pani Kathy Buczak HOCKEY OUTING The Greater Johnstown Orthodox Youth" will have an outing to see the Johnstown Tomahawks play on Sunday, January 14, 2018, at 3:00 pm. Tickets for youth 12 and under are $6.00. Tickets for 13 and up are $ Please contact Fr. Miles Zdinak at: to reserve your seat. (Make checks payable to Saints Peter & Paul Church). SUNDAY SCHOOL NEWS The children and teachers of the Sunday School wish all parishioners a New Year with blessings and health. May the peace, love and joy of the Christ Child be with all of you! It is time for our annual soup collection. Cans of soup, soup products, noodles, crackers and packages of soup may be placed in the blue bin in the vestibule through February 4 th or given to any teacher or student. Our Souper Bowl project goal is 150 cans of soup. Classes we resume Sunday, January 14 th, 2018 Louise Brudnak

4 THANKS FOR THE CHRISTMAS POINSETTIAS Father Robert and Pani Kathy Buczak in memory of Metropolitan Nicholas and in honor of Bishop Gregory Father Robert and Pani Kathy Buczak in memory of Joseph and Helen Rogel and Bernie Buczak Susan Kalcik, Ann Fishbach and Nick Bocher Mr. and Mrs. Michael Haschak in memory of Mr. and Mrs. John Haschak Mr. and Mrs. Michael Haschak in memory of Bethany (Haschak) Schilling Julie Messner in memory of her husband Leonard F. and parents Michael and Anastasia Pirich Gaynell Shrift in memory of Frank and Bernadine Evanisko and Wilber and Mary Shrift Mrs. Helen Dutko - in memory of husband, Mr. Peter Dutko Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Tvarozna in memory of father, Mr. Peter Dutko Ann Melanie Yurcisin in memory of the Very Reverend Protopresbyter John Yurcisin Ann Melanie Yurcisin in memory of Pani Anna Yurcisin Roger Pavlik in memory of his parents and grandparents Donna Zizan in memory of husband John Zizan Mrs. Evalyn Brudnak in memory of Robert Brudnak, and John and Anna Kovalik Mrs. Evalyn Brudnak in memory of Stephen, Anna, and Dolores Brudnak and Joseph Kuhar Louise Brudnak in memory of Stephen and Anna Brudnak, Dolores Brudnak, Robert Brudnak & Joseph Kuhar George Kohan in memory of his parents Fr. John Baranik Rose Jordanoff Thomas Buczak Cindy LaBarr Annie Mishurda Patricia Freidhoff Steve Martyak Joan Wine Jessica McLaughlin Joann Bodnar Michael Sakmar Joseph Muchesko Roberta Kovalik Frank Porembka Theresa Milkovoich Natalie Neff Kira Pronin Alexxa Lowery Romayne Laichak Debbie Dawson Deborah Louisenkizer Dr. John Matolyak Zachary Rogina Jeanne Fleegle Harry Rowlins Robert J. Gritzer Ron Kuzmyak Elsie Arendas Paul Kalcik Henry Laichak PRAYER CHAIN Beverly Tinkle Ronald Kmet Michael Derby Deborah Holko Eleanor Dussling Maxwell Watkins Sue Miller Maureen & Jay Dabbs Bill Kerr Judith Pringle Robert Pringle Barbara Virostek John Buchkosky Robert Janeway Milan Gvozdich Helen Krenisky Helen Duray Andy Walls Jack Dahl Janet Hanak Eva Zeleniak-Whitak George Hockenberry Malcolm Barnes Larry Scherrer David English Ann Koehnlein Larry Eisenhauer Norma Yurcisin Evelyn Houston Susan Phillipi Dave Podolak Joseph Pocchiari Judith Rowlands Mrs. Terry Shustrick Angeline Komara Arianna Risso Cheryl Adams Tom Atwood Charlie Erisman John Horner Alexandra Dzura Bill Kelly Rachael Costlow Marshall Rosenow Rectory Office Hours Father is available any time by appointment. Emergency Sick Calls can be made at any time. Please phone the rectory when a family member is admitted to the hospital. Marriages are solemnized on Saturdays or Sundays. Consult the pastor at least six months in advance and before plans have been made for the wedding reception. Marriages cannot be celebrated during the fasting seasons of the church, or on Fridays. Baptisms are normally scheduled on Saturdays or Sundays. Consult the pastor. Two God-parents are required, at least one of whom must be Orthodox by faith and the other a practicing Christian. Church Funerals are provided for practicing Orthodox Christians who are current in their spiritual and financial obligations to the parish; otherwise burial is from the funeral home. The Church does not permit cremation.

5 On the Feast of the Nativity of our Lord, we also commemorate the veneration of the Magi Magi, or wise men, referred to a class of priestly scholars, who had great power among the Persian people, not unlike the Levites among the Jews. This group of intellectuals was occupied with the study of medicine, philosophy, the natural sciences, scientific observation of the stars and planets (astrology), and interpretation of dreams. We know that the Prophet Daniel, as a youth, was one of the first of the Jewish captives taken to Babylon in 605 B.C. He was renamed Baltasar (also known as Valtasa) and made chief over this society of scholars that held great honor and respect in the court of the Persian Kings. Recognizing Daniel s God as the God of gods and Lord of kings, Who reveals mysteries, Nebuchadnezzar elevated him to be the chief of the enchanters, magicians, Chaldeans, and soothsayers (See Daniel 2:48; 4:6, 5:11). The prophet Daniel then asked the king to appoint Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego over the affairs of the providence of Babylon, which was done (Daniel 2:49). The Wise men of the Gospel were among the last successors of this group that held duel priestly duties (a hereditary priesthood) and governmental office. The writings of their chief Magi, Daniel, during the sixth century B.C. concerning the Messianic prophecies, had a profound and motivating effect upon them. Among the prophecies of the holy Daniel, with which they were most familiar, was the prophecy concerning the time of the coming of Jesus Christ (Daniel 9:25-26). The Archangel Gabriel has answered Daniel s prayers by revealing the time span that would intervene: Thou shalt know and understand that from the going forth of the command for the answer and for the building of Jerusalem until Christ the Prince, there shall be seven weeks and sixty two weeks (Daniel 9:25). They were also familiar with the prophecy about the star shining forth from Jacob (Num. 24:17). Saint John Chrysostom rebukes an unbelieving Jewish nation when comparing then to the Gentile Magi. The Magi sought the Lord Jesus Christ, born King of the Jews, among those from whose race they knew that Balaam, a prophet from the Gentiles, had prophesied that He would come. The faith of the Magi is the condemnation of the Jews. The Magi believed on the authority of their one soothsayer Balaam and the Prophet Daniel; but the Jews, from the testimony of many prophets, refused to believe. Whereas the Magi acknowledged that the coming of Christ would terminate their profane knowledge and magical arts, the Jews would not accept the mysteries of the divine dispensation. The Magi confessed a Stranger; the Jews rejected their own. Saint Kosmas writes concerning this: The Magi, beholding the strange course of an unknown and newly shining star that exceeded the brightness of all heavenly light, learned thereby that Christ the King was born on earth in Bethlehem for our salvation.

6 Encyclical of Archbishop Demetrios for The Nativity of Christ 2017 English Ελληνικά Protocol No. 212/17 December 25, 2017 The Nativity of Christ Light of Light, Brightness of the Father, You have made the whole creation shine with joy! (Hymn of Vespers of the Feast) Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ, We glorify Christ on this blessed and glorious Feast for having come to us and for revealing the abundant and redeeming grace of God. We glorify Him for entering our humanity for our salvation. We glorify the miracle of His Incarnation and give thanks with great joy for this mighty act of God. We glorify God before all the world, because our Savior has come and the people who sat in darkness, and upon those who sat in the region and shadow of death, Light has dawned. (Matthew 4:16) Today, the Son of God, as Radiance sent by the Father, has come and illuminated all of Creation. As in the darkness of night when the angels appeared to the shepherds, and the glory of the Lord shone all around them (Luke 2:9), Christ enters a world that has fallen into the darkness of sin and in need of the hope of light. Christ is born, and just as the shepherds we will go out glorifying and praising God for all that we have seen in the light of this holy Feast. We glorify Him today, for as the Son of Brightness, as the Live-giving light, Christ illuminates the path to God. As the star led the wise men to Bethlehem so they could worship the newborn King, He reveals to us the way of regeneration and salvation. He is the light that guides us on our way to communion with God on our journey of faith. As He is the dawn of a new day of deliverance, we see that every valley has been lifted up, and every mountain and hill has been made low (Isaiah 40:4), and in His glory the way of the Lord has been revealed. Christ is born, and we now see truth. He is the light of divine wisdom, and His radiance dispels the shadows of deception, fulfills the ancient prophecies, and reveals the divine plan for our redemption. All who witness His Holy Nativity glorify Him as being the ultimate light of truth and the sublime wisdom of God. On this holy Feast we proclaim that our Lord and Savior has come. We join with the heavenly hosts in glorifying Him. As His glorious light shines in and through us, we witness to the world that Christ brings light in the darkness. His glory dispels fear and hopelessness. His radiance overcomes hatred and greed. The brilliance of His Incarnation reveals the truth of our life, existence and purpose, freeing us from sin and death. On this blessed day, may the light of Christ and His Holy Nativity shine in your hearts. May you know the assurance of His promises and the joy of His presence. As you cherish this blessed time with your brothers and sisters in the faith, and with family and friends, may His light shine through you so that others will glorify Him and see the way to truth and life eternal. With paternal love in Christ, DEMETRIOS Archbishop of America

7 Saint John Chrysostom Homily on the Nativity Behold a new and wondrous mystery. My ears resound to the Shepherd s song, piping no soft melody, but chanting full forth a heavenly hymn. The Angels sing. The Archangels blend their voice in harmony. The Cherubim hymn their joyful praise. The Seraphim exalt His glory. All join to praise this holy feast, beholding the Godhead here on earth, and man in heaven. He Who is above, now for our redemption dwells here below; and he that was lowly is by divine mercy raised. Bethlehem this day resembles heaven; hearing from the stars the singing of angelic voices; and in place of the sun, enfolds within itself on every side, the Sun of justice. And ask not how: for where God wills, the order of nature yields. For He willed; He had the power; He descended; He redeemed; all things yielded in obedience to God. This day He Who is, is Born; and He Who is, becomes what He was not. For when He was God, He became man; yet not departing from the Godhead that is His. Nor yet by any loss of divinity became He man, nor through increase became He God from man; but being the Word He became flesh, His nature, because of impassability, remaining unchanged. And so the kings have come, and they have seen the heavenly King that has come upon the earth, not bringing with Him Angels, nor Archangels, nor Thrones, nor Dominations, nor Powers, nor Principalities, but, treading a new and solitary path, He has come forth from a spotless womb. Since this heavenly birth cannot be described, neither does His coming amongst us in these days permit of too curious scrutiny. Though I know that a Virgin this day gave birth, and I believe that God was begotten before all time, yet the manner of this generation I have learned to venerate in silence and I accept that this is not to be probed too curiously with wordy speech. For with God we look not for the order of nature, but rest our faith in the power of Him who works. What shall I say to you; what shall I tell you? I behold a Mother who has brought forth; I see a Child come to this light by birth. The manner of His conception I cannot comprehend. Nature here rested, while the Will of God labored. O ineffable grace! The Only Begotten, Who is before all ages, Who cannot be touched or be perceived, Who is simple, without body, has now put on my body, that is visible and liable to corruption. For what reason? That coming amongst us he may teach us, and teaching, lead us by the hand to the things that men cannot see. For since men believe that the eyes are more trustworthy than the ears, they doubt of that which they do not see, and so He has deigned to show Himself in bodily presence, that He may remove all doubt. Christ, finding the holy body and soul of the Virgin, builds for Himself a living temple, and as He had willed, formed there a man from the Virgin; and, putting Him on, this day came forth; unashamed of the lowliness of our nature. For it was to Him no lowering to put on what He Himself had made. Let that handiwork be forever glorified, which became the cloak of its own Creator. For as in the first creation of flesh, man could not be made before the clay had come into His hand, so neither could this corruptible body be glorified, until it had first become the garment of its Maker. What shall I say! And how shall I describe this Birth to you? For this wonder fills me with astonishment. The Ancient of days has become an infant. He Who sits upon the sublime and heavenly Throne, now lies in a manger. And He Who cannot be touched, Who is simple, without complexity, and incorporeal, now lies subject to the hands of men. He Who has broken the bonds of sinners, is now bound by an infants bands. But He has decreed that ignominy shall become honor, infamy be clothed with glory, and total humiliation the measure of His Goodness. For this He assumed my body, that I may become capable of His Word; taking my flesh, He gives me His spirit; and so He bestowing and I receiving, He prepares for me the treasure of Life. He takes my flesh, to sanctify me; He gives me His Spirit that He may save me. Come, then, let us observe the Feast. Truly wondrous is the whole chronicle of the Nativity. For this day the ancient slavery is ended, the devil confounded, the demons take to flight, the power of death is broken, paradise is unlocked, the curse is taken away, sin is removed from us, error driven out, truth has been brought back, the speech of kindliness diffused, and spreads on every side, a heavenly way of life has been in planted on the earth, angels communicate with men without fear, and men now hold speech with angels. Why is this? Because God is now on earth, and man in heaven; on every side all things commingle. He became Flesh. He did not become God. He was God. Wherefore He became flesh, so that He Whom heaven did not contain, a manger would this day receive. He was placed in a manger, so that He, by whom all things are nourished, may receive an infants food from His Virgin Mother. So, the Father of all ages, as an infant at the breast, nestles in the virginal arms, that the Magi may more easily see Him. Since this day the Magi too have come, and made a beginning of withstanding tyranny; and the heavens give glory, as the Lord is revealed by a star. To Him, then, Who out of confusion has wrought a clear path, to Christ, to the Father, and to the Holy Spirit, we offer all praise, now and forever. Amen. Saint John Chyrsostom

8 Archpastoral Letter for the Nativity 2017/18 Protocol. No. 15/2017 December 25, 2017 / January 7, 2018 CHRIST IS BORN! GLORIFY HIM! Dear Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ, As we celebrate this joyous Feast of the Nativity in the flesh of our Lord, God and Saviour Jesus Christ, I wish to share with you one of my favorite Christmas homilies from the Church Fathers concerning this day. St. John Chrysostom spoke on the Incarnation with these words: I behold a new and wondrous mystery! My ears resound to the shepherd s song, piping no soft melody, but loudly chanting a heavenly hymn! The Angels sing! The Archangels blend their voices in harmony! The Cherubim resound their joyful praise! The Seraphim exalt His glory! All join to praise this Holy Feast, beholding the Godhead herein on earth and man in heaven. He Who is above now, for our salvation, dwells here below; and we, who were lowly, are exalted by divine mercy. Today Bethlehem resembles heaven, hearing from the stars the singing of angelic voices and, in place of the sun, witnessing the rising of the Sun of Justice! Ask not how it is accomplished, for where God wills, the order of nature is overturned. For He willed, He had the powers, He descended. He saved. All things move in obedience to God. Today He Who Is, is born! And He Who Is becomes what He was not! For when He was God, He became man while not relinquishing the Godhead that is His And so the kings have come, and they have seen the heavenly King that has come upon the earth, not bringing with Him angels, nor archangels, nor thrones, nor dominions, nor powers, nor principalities, but treading a new and solitary path, He has come forth from a spotless womb. Yet, He has not forsaken His angels, nor left them deprived of His care, nor because of His Incarnation has He ceased being God. And behold Kings have come, that they might serve the Leader of the Hosts of Heaven; women, that they might adore Him Who was born of a woman so that He might change the pains of childbirth into joy; virgins, to the Son of the Virgin Infants, that they may adore Him Who became a little Child, so that out of the mouths of infants He might perfect praise; Children, to the Child Who raised martyrs through the rage of Herod; Men, to Him Who became man that He might heal the miseries of His servants; Shepherds, to the Good Shepherd Who laid down His life for the sheep; Priests, to Him Who has become a High Priest according to the order of Melchizedek; Servants, to Him Who took upon Himself the form of a servant, that He might bless our stewardship with the reward of freedom; Fishermen, to the Fisher of humanity; Publicans, to Him Who from among them names a chosen evangelist; Sinful women, to Him Who exposed His feet to the tears of the repentant woman; And that I may embrace them all together, all sinners have come, that they may look upon the Lamb of God Who takes away the sins of the world! Since, therefore, all rejoice, I too desire to rejoice! I too wish to share the choral dance, to celebrate the festival! But I take my part, not plucking the harp nor with the music of the pipes nor holding a torch, but holding in my arms the cradle of Christ! For this is all my hope! This is my life! This is my salvation! This is my pipe, my harp! And bearing it, I come, and having from its power received the gift of speech, I too, with the angels and shepherds, sing: Glory to God in the Highest! And on earth peace to men of good will. Amen. Today may all of us, Priests, Panis, Deacons, Sub-Deacons, Readers, Parish Officers, Parishioners, Friends, and Supporters of our God-protected American Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Diocese experience the joy and wonders of the Shepherds and the awe and respect of the Three Wise Men at the arrival of the Messiah, our new born King. Christ is Born! Greetings from Johnstown with much love, +Bishop Gregory of Nyssa