SAINT BASIL the GREAT PARISH

Transcription

1 SAINT BASIL the GREAT PARISH 202 HARCOURT STREET, WINNIPEG, MB R3J 3H3 Parish Office: Parish Hall: Parish Priest: Rt. Rev Canon Walter Klimchuk SUNDAY DIVINE LITURGY 10:00 a.m. (Rosary precedes each Liturgy by one half hour) Light in the Darkness FROM FATHER WALTER Over two thousand years ago, like a great star, Jesus came down from heaven and lit up the darkness of this world. St. John, the Evangelist, expresses it succinctly the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has never put it out. There have been innumerable attempts to put it out over the centuries the atrocities of war, the ravages of drugs and crime, the inequities of poverty and wealth. We still read about them going on in our daily newspapers in St. Louis, in Los Angeles, in the Middle East, in Africa, in Eastern Ukraine, and so many other places. But the Christmas image of Jesus as a light shining in the darkness is the hope that is rekindled each year during this season. That image took on a remarkable meaning for Victor Frankel, a Nazi prisoner in World War II. One morning very early, he and some other prisoners were digging in the cold, hard ground. Frankl writes in Man s Search for Meaning : The dawn was gray around us; gray was the sky above; gray the snow in the pale light of dawn; gray the rags in which my fellow prisoners were clad, and gray their faces I was struggling to find a reason for my suffering, my slow dying. WEEKDAY SERVICES 8:30 a.m. Rosary followed by Liturgy CONFESSIONS Before Divine Liturgies BAPTISIMS By appointment FUNERALS By arrangement MARRIAGES By appointment at least three months in advance WEBSITE: PARISH OFFICE ADDRESS: parish@saintbasilwpg.ca BULLETIN SUBMISSIONS: bulletin@saintbasilwpg.ca As Frankl struggled he suddenly became totally convinced that there was a reason, even though he did not fully comprehend it. He describes what happened: At that moment a light was lit in a distant farmhouse, which stood on the horizon as if it were painted there, in the midst of the miserable gray. At that moment there flashed into Frankl s mind the words of today s Gospel: The light shines in the darkness, a darkness that did not overcome it.

2 Our yearly celebration of Christmas reminds us of this fundamental truth that God has come down into our world in the person of Jesus Christ who has become the light in all the darkness that may surround us. If Jesus is to be born into today s world, it must be through us as parishioners of St. Basil s Parish. We must be the beam of light in the midst of such darkness. We must be the ray of hope in the midst of despair. We must be the instruments through which others really feel the love of Christ within us. Finally, during this Christmas season, learn to pray. Prayers do protect. That was the symbolism of Medjugorje. There was war going on there, yet that little town, it was protected. Ask any war veteran if he prayed. Most of them do, yet you don t need to go to that extreme to realize that. However, there are forces of a negative nature that are pushing this energy of fear and it is going to make humans pray. So I suggest, pray first. Don t be forced into praying because of a sense of obligation. If you start praying you will find yourself surrendering everything to the divine force that s what you ll do Some of you will be successful in doing this and some will not. If you are successful in your prayer life you will know that Christ is always with you. That is what Christmas is all about. Just surrender to the Living Christ within you and feel Him being born in your heart. Let the miracle manifest within you and let Him guide your life. HE IS THE LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS. His Coming was God s way of telling you: I love you. Realize that God made each of us as different as snowflakes, as unique as stars & that you are all one of a kind wonderful. May the coming of Christ fill your heart & home with hope at Christmas & throughout the New Year. Love Father Walter

3 THE NATIVITY According to Luke, shortly before the birth of Jesus, when the ruling Romans announce that everyone must return to their home cities for a census, Joseph and a very pregnant Mary leave Nazareth, eventually arriving in Bethlehem. Unable to find a room there, Mary delivers her baby in an inn s stable. Angels appear to shepherds in a field, announcing that Jesus, the savior, has just been born; the shepherds rush to the stable to honor and adore the infant in the manger. A week later, Joseph and Mary have the infant circumcised: as a firstborn son, He is to be dedicated to the Lord as prescribed by Moses. Joseph and Mary then take Jesus to the temple in Jerusalem. There a man named Simeon, deeply moved by the Holy Spirit, takes the baby in his arms, giving thanks to God for fulfilling his promise to send a savior to earth. Amazed by the holy man s predictions, Joseph and Mary return to Nazareth in Galilee to raise the baby. Matthew s version, the shorter of the two nativity stories, describes Jesus s birth through the premonitions of three wise visitors from the East. The magi, Gaspar, Melchior and Balthasar, realizing that the king of the Jews has been born, decide to pay tribute. They find Jesus by following the Star of Bethlehem. In Jerusalem, meanwhile, Herod is extremely upset upon receiving news of the birth. Where, he asks the chief priests, is the Messiah to be born? In Bethlehem they tell him, quoting Micah 5:2. Herod decrees that every male child in Bethlehem under the age of two is to be slaughtered, so that no future king will ever rival him. The resulting carnage mirrors the slaughter of Egypt s sons in Moses s time. An angel orders Joseph to uproot his family and flee to Egypt. They leave following Herod s death, settling in the province of Galilee in Nazareth, which Joseph feels will be safer than Judea.

4 ST. NICHOLAS & SANTA CLAUS Part Three Christianity is a global religion, as celebrations surrounding Christ s birth illustrate: SWEDEN: In Sweden, the Christmas festivities begin on December 13 with St. Lucia's Day, which celebrates the patron saint of light. The eldest daughter gets up before dawn and dresses as the "Queen of Light" in a long white dress and a crown of lit candles. Singing "Santa Lucia," the Lucia Queen goes to every bedroom to serve coffee and treats to each member of the family. The younger children in the family help, too. The whole family helps to select the Christmas tree just a day or two before Christmas. SPAIN: The Christmas season begins in Spain on December 8, with a weeklong observance of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. Evergreens decorate the churches and outdoor markets throughout the Christmas season. Tambourines, gourd rattles, castanets, and miniature guitars are offered for sale to enliven the singing and dancing in the streets. Children go from house to house reciting verses or singing carols for sweets, toys, or small instruments. On the Epiphany, the three Wise Men arrived at the manger bearing gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. In modern Spain, Melchior, Caspar and Balthazar enter through the windows of children's houses on the anniversary of that day and leave presents in the shoes of boys and girls who have been good all year. Children also leave water and bread on the windowsill for the Wise Men's camels. Children write letters to the Wise Men in the preceding days, and their arrival is celebrated with a parade. Each town's Wise Men have their own means of conveyance: In Barcelona they arrive by sea; in Alarilla, Guadalajara, by hang glider. ITALY The Christmas season in Italy begins on the first Sunday of Advent, which is four Sundays before Christmas. Christmas fairs feature fireworks and bonfires along with holiday music. Families go to the Christmas markets to shop for gifts and new figures for the manger scene. Some families set up a Christmas tree and decorate it. Families set up their presepio, or manger scene, on the first day of the novena. They gather before the presepio each morning or evening of novena to light candles and pray. La Befana is a good-hearted old woman with magical powers who brings gifts to Italian children on January 5, the eve of the Epiphany. A holiday tradition since the 13th century, Befana's backstory is connected to the birth of Christ itself. Long ago, Befana lived in the hills of Italy and spent her days sweeping and baking. One night, she saw a bright light in the sky. Later, the three Wise Men's caravan stopped at her house to ask for directions to Bethlehem, and to invite Befana to join them. Befana declined, feeling she was far too busy for a trip, but as the caravan left, she had a change of heart. She raced after the caravan, but soon became lost. When she was nearly too tired to continue, angels appeared from the light of the star of Bethlehem to give flight to her broom. But Befana never found the child. She still searches today, and every year on the eve of the Epiphany she drops in to each house to check if any child living there is the one she seeks, leaving a present for good kids. Each year the town of Urbania hosts a large festival, where thousands of men and women dress as La Befana

5 SYRIA Syrian holiday legend has it that the Wise Men's smallest camel was exhausted by the long journey but, because he wanted to see the Christ Child so fervently, he was blessed with renewed strength. He was also blessed with eternal life and every year the Smallest Camel of the Wise Men continues to carry gifts to children, who learn from the little camel's story that even the smallest creature is important to God. He arrives on January 5, the eve of Christmas in Syria FINLAND Finland is the home of Santa, and every Finnish child knows that Santa lives on the Mountain of Korvatunturi in the town of Savukoski. This town is in the northern section of Finland called Lapland. There are many many reindeer in Lapland and, after all, why wouldn't Santa live where his reindeer are? By Christmas Eve morning, the children are all awash with excitement for they know that Finland is the first country on the list of Santa's stops. As a matter of fact, he stops there on Christmas Eve with gifts for everyone. Finnish families celebrate St. Lucia's Day, as do most of the Scandinavian countries. The celebration of Christmas occurs from December 24th to the 26th. Several weeks before hand, during the advent season, homes are prepared, cookies are baked, and decorations are made ready. In the city of Turku, in southern Finland, the people gather just before noon. After the Turku Cathedral Bell strikes twelve, the Declaration of Christmas Peace is read. The Declaration of Christmas Peace Tomorrow, God willing, is the graceful celebration of the birth of our Lord and Savior; and thus is declared a peaceful Christmas time to all, by advising devotion and to behave otherwise quietly and peacefully, because he who breaks this peace and violates the peace of Christmas by any illegal or improper behavior shall under aggravating circumstances be guilty and punished according to what the law and statutes prescribe for each and every offence separately. Finally, a joyous Christmas feast is wished to all inhabitants of the city. This Finnish Christmas tradition is so famous that it is broadcast over all the air waves and TV. The ceremony ends with a flourish as the trumpets play the National Anthem. Everyone in Finland, after a light Christmas Eve lunch, heads out to take the sauna bath. Dinner, of course, is a sumptuous feast. There is ham or pork roast, casseroles with carrots and rice, or rutabaga. Several kinds of fish including herring and cod, lots of whole grain breads, prune tarts, and berry pudding. The holiday drink is glogg, which is a mulled wine. About 5 or 6 o'clock, families go to the cemeteries to leave candles on the graves of loved ones who won't be there to celebrate Christmas any longer. Thousands of flickering lights, reflecting against the snow and trees create a memorable scene. Christmas day except for morning services is strictly a stay at home family day and very quiet. However, everyone visits friends and family on the 26th.

6 GERMANY German families prepare for Christmas throughout December. Four Sundays before Christmas, they make an Advent wreath of fir or pine branches with four colored candles. They light a candle on the wreath each Sunday, sing Christmas songs, and eat Christmas cookies. The children count the days until Christmas with an Advent calendar. In the weeks leading up to Christmas, homes are filled with the delightful smells of baking loaves of sweet bread, cakes filled with candied fruits, and spicy cookies called lebkuchen. Bakery windows are filled with displays of lovely marzipan confections in the shape of fruits and animals. Best of all are the famous outdoor Christmas markets. The stalls overflow with all sorts of holiday toys, gifts, decorations, and delicacies. On December 6, Krampus, a Christmas half goat/ half devil, lurks about to beat naughty children with birch branches then drag them to his underworld lair Many German children write letters to St. Nicholas asking for presents. St. Nicholas Day is December 6. Other German children write their letters to the Christ Child. In some areas, the Christ Child brings gifts to children on St. Nicholas Eve and in other areas on Christmas Eve. He is dressed all in white, with golden wings and a golden crown. Christmas Eve is the most important time of the Christmas season for families. Some even say it is a magical night when animals can speak. The wonderful tradition of the Christmas tree, which started in Germany, is the heart of the celebration. Grown-ups decorate the evergreen tree with beautiful ornaments of colored glass and carved wood, silver stars, and strings of lights. Parents hide a pickle ornament deep among the Christmas tree branches, and the child to find it receives an extra gift and good luck in the ye ar ahead. A golden angel is placed at the very top of the tree. Under the Christmas tree, the family arranges a manger scene to depict the stable that Jesus was born in. Parents may also pile presents from the Christ Child beneath the Christmas tree's richly decorated boughs. Just after dark, a bell rings, and the excited children run into the room to see the beautiful lighted tree in all its glory. The family members exchange gifts, recite poems, and sing Christmas carols. Then everyone enjoys a Christmas feast of roast goose, turkey, or duck. In some parts of Germany, families still follow an old tradition. The children leave their shoes outside the front door. These shoes are filled with carrots and hay to feed St. Nicholas' horse as he rides by. If the children were good all year, St. Nicholas leaves apples, nuts, and candy for them. On Christmas Day the white candle of the Advent wreath is lit. This day is quietly focused on family. They attend church together, and then they eat a delicious Christmas dinner together. But for the following Twelve Days of Christmas, people in some parts of Germany beat drums to drive off spirits. On Twelfth Night, or Epiphany, on January 6, boys dress up like the Three Kings who visited Baby Jesus in the manger so long ago. They carry a star on a pole and go through the town singing Christmas carols.

7 Until the Roman church adopted December 25 in the 4th century, January 6 was the day of celebration today s Epiphany (the Wise Men, Three Kings, the Magi) in German. To this day, the initials of the Three Kings C+M+B(Caspar/Gaspar, Melchior, and Balthasar) plus the year are inscribed in chalk on or over doorways in Germanspeaking countries on or before January 6 to protect house and home. (Although historically the three letters are supposed to come from the Latin phrase for Christ bless this house Christus mansionem benedicat few of the people practicing this custom are aware of this fact.) In many parts of Europe, including Austria, Germany, and Switzerland, the Christmas celebration does not end until this date, now considered the arrival of the three kings of the orient in Bethlehem and the end of the twelve days of Christmas between Christmas and January 6. PORTUGAL A Christmas morning feast called consoda is held for remembering dead loved ones. Plates are laid at the table for those who have passed and often crumbs are sprinkled for them on the hearth. CZECH REPUBLIC On Christmas, unmarried women stand by a door and throw a shoe over their shoulder. If the toe points toward the door, they'll get married that year. MEXICO The weather is warm and mild in Mexico during the Christmas season. Families shop for gifts, ornaments, and good things to eat in the market stalls, called puestos. They decorate their homes with lilies and evergreens. Family members cut intricate designs in brown paper bags to make lanterns, or farolitos. They place a candle inside and then set the farolitos along sidewalks, on windowsills, and on rooftops and outdoor walls to illuminate the community with the spirit of Christmas. Pinatas filled with candy and coins are hung from the ceiling. Children take turns hitting the pinata to spill the treats on the floor. Norway Norwegians can't clean on Christmas. All the brooms are hidden so they won't be stolen by witches or other nefarious spirits. south korea Santa Harabujee, or Santa Grandfather, sometimes dresses in the traditional red, but he can wear a blue outfit, too. Clothing colors aren't the only unconventional yuletide choice in South Korea. Many non-christians consider Christmas a romantic holiday; radio stations ditch the carols for love songs and restaurants fill up with reservations for two. greece Many believe in kallikantzeri: goblins that cause mischief during the 12 Days of Christmas. Basil is wrapped around a cross and used to sprinkle holy water around the house to ward off mischief making goblins called killantzaroi. It's also traditional to burn old shoes for good luck in the following year. Gifts are usually exchanged on January 1, which is St. Basil's Day. Slovakia The head of the family takes a spoon of loksa, or bread pudding, and throws it at the ceiling. The more that sticks, the better the crops for the year.

8 China The small number of Christians in China call Christmas Sheng Dan Jieh, which means Holy Birth Festival. They decorate their homes with evergreens, posters, and bright paper chains. Families put up a Christmas tree, called a "tree of light," and decorate it with beautiful lanterns, flowers, and red paper chains that symbolize happiness. They cut out red pagodas to paste on the windows, and they light their houses with paper lanterns, too. Santa Claus is often depicted playing the saxophone. There are more tweaks to the Santa tradition in China: He doesn't travel with elves, but instead traverses the globe with festively-dressed women who are his sisters.. Greenland The raw flesh of an auk, an Arctic bird, is wrapped in seal skin and placed under a rock for several months so that it will decompose. It is considered a Christmas delicacy. New Zealand Rather than all-green trees, Kiwis decorate pohutukawa trees, a coastal evergreen with bright red aster-like flowers. Guatemala Each neighborhood collects a pile of dirt swept from all its houses, places the pile on an effigy of the devil, then burns it. South Africa Christmas in South Africa is a public holiday celebrated on 25 December. Many European traditions are maintained despite the distance from Europe. Christmas trees are set up in homes and the children are given presents in their stockings. Traditional 'fir' Christmas trees are popular and children leave a stocking out for Santa Claus on Christmas Eve. The gift bearer is Santa Claus on Christmas Eve. The Christmas meal is mince pies, turkey, roast beef or a barbecue outdoors. The meal is finished with Christmas Pudding. Christmas crackers are used to make noise. Though most of South Africa's Christmas traditions are rather festive, included is a creepy cautionary tale of a little boy named Danny who ate all the Christmas cookies before Santa arrived and for his gluttony was murdered by his own grandmother. AUSTRALIA In Australia, December 25 falls during summer vacation, so many of the country's Christmas festivities take place outdoors. The most popular event of the Christmas season is called Carols by Candlelight. People come together at night to light candles and sing Christmas carols outside. The stars shining above add to the sights and sounds of this wonderful outdoor concert. England It is cold, wet, and foggy in England at Christmastime. The day before Christmas is very busy for families in England. They wrap presents, bake cookies, and hang stockings over the fireplace. Then everyone gathers around the tree as someone tells a classic holiday story, "A Christmas Carol." Children write a letter to Father Christmas with their wishes and toss their letter into the fire so their wishes can go up the chimney. After the children fall asleep on Christmas Eve, Father Christmas comes to visit. commemorates the baptism of Christ. ETHIOPIA Ethiopia follows the ancient Julian calendar, so Ethiopians celebrate Christmas on January 7. The Ethiopian Orthodox Church's celebration of Christ's birth is called Ganna. It is a day when families attend church. Everyone dresses in white. Most Ethiopians don a traditional shamma -- a thin, white cotton wrap with brightly colored stripes across the ends. Twelve days after Ganna, on January 19, Ethiopians begin the three-day celebration called Timkat, which

9 FRANCE Christmas celebrations in France begin on December 5, which is St. Nicholas Eve, but Christmas Eve is the most special time in the French celebration of Christmas. Church bells ring and voices sing French carols, called noels. On Christmas Day, families go to church and then enjoy an abundant feast of wonderful dishes, ending with the traditional buche de Noel, a rich buttercream-filled cake shaped and frosted to look like a Yule log JAMAICA Christmas time is marked by the 'John Canoe' parade, which dates back to the times of slavery, where people dress up in wacky masks and costumes. Curried goat is often on the menu for Christmas dinner. HOLLAND Dutch children in Holland, or the Netherlands, eagerly await the arrival of Sinterklaas on St. Nicholas Day on December 6. Sinterklaas is a kindly bishop. He wears red robes and a tall, pointed mitre on his head. Sinterklaas travels by ship from Spain to Amsterdam's harbor every winter. He arrives with his helper, Black Peter. He brings his white horse and a huge sack full of gifts for the children. Families celebrate St. Nicholas Eve at home with lots of good food, hot chocolate, and a letterbanket, a "letter cake" made in the shape of the first letter of the family's last name. BRAZIL Brazilians celebrate the legend that animals gain the power of speech on Christmas night while children here get their presents in their shoes rather than stockings from Papa Noel. SERBIA Here it's not tradition to give presents at Christmas, but on the Sundays before. Two Sundays before December 25th the children tie up their mum. She then has to pay a ransom in the form of gifts to be freed. The following Sunday the same happens with dad. ICELAND There are 13 Santas in Iceland. These Yule lads, more troll like than our traditional Father Christmas, traditionally come down from the mountain one by one during the days of the festive period leaving presents or rotten potatoes depending on the child's behaviour. They have names like Door Sniffer and Meat Hook. INDIA For Christians on the sub-continent fir trees aren't common. Instead mango trees are often decorated instead and mango leaves used to brighten up homes. VENEZUELA In the capital, Caracas, roads are closed off so that locals can blade to morning mass they even tie pieces of string and dangle them out of the window so, if they oversleep, passers-by will be able to tug on the string and wake them up. PAKISTAN Christianity in Pakistan constitutes the second largest religious minority community in Pakistan after Hindus. The total number of Christians is approximately 2,800,000 in 2008, or 1.6% of the population. Of these, approximately half are Roman Catholic and half Protestant. Christians celebrate Christmas by going from house to house singing carols, and in return the family offers something to the choir. Mostly the money collected from such carols is used for charity works or is given to the church. Their homes are decorated with local Christmas handicrafts while artificial stars signifying the Star of Bethlehem are hung on rooftops. Christmas celebrations are also popular with the urban middle class in the country with hotels, cafes, restaurants and theme parks hosting festivities and special events.

10 HONG KONGIn Hong Kong, where Christmas is a public holiday many buildings facing Victoria Harbour will be decked out in Christmas lights. Christmas trees are found in major malls and other public buildings, and in some homes as well, despite the small living area. Catholics in Hong Kong can attend Christmas Mass The Pilgrim Icon of the Mother of God of Pochaiv The Icon will be in the homes of the following parishioners: December Doreen Musick December 28-January 3 Cathy Stoyansky January 4-10 Brenda Morant January Sylvia Szwaluk If anyone wishes to receive the Sacrament of Confession or Holy Communion at home or in the hospital or nursing home please contact the parish office at PLEASE REMEMBER THOSE WHO NEED OUR PRAYERS Oh God our Father we pray You restore to physical health, those who are weakened with illness. Give peace of mind to those troubled with worry and comfort those discouraged with problems. Help them find their inner strength, a faith and trust in you and a love for one another to guide them through any health challenges or troubles they may face. Amen. Please pray for the health of Jack Lysak. Please pray for the health of Harvey Lysack. Please pray for the health of Fran Chobotar. Please pray for the health of Adeline & Stan Shymanski. Please pray for the health of Paulette Elkon. Please pray for the health of Tillie Zyla. Христос народжується. Прославляти Його!

11 FROM THE UCWLC Submitted by Diane Pinuta Donations of non-perishable food items for the Welcome Home are being accepted. You will find a barrel for your items at the back of the church. Monetary donations will also be gratefully accepted. Monetary donations can be placed in an envelope marked Welcome Home and the envelope can be put into the collection basket on Sunday. Please be sure to include your envelope number on the envelope for income tax receipt purposes. FROM THE FLOWER COMMITTEE Thank you all for being there to decorate for the Fall Supper, Project 2014, Bake Sale and the Christmas decorating in the auditorium and the church. Special thanks to Linda Gardner, Nellie Fediuk, Harry Fediuk and Gus Groen for all their time and devotion. God Bless you all for being so energetic and supportive. Flower Chairperson Pearl Groen May the spirit of Christmas, the singing of carols and the lights of the Christmas tree, bring happiness and joy into your life and home On Behalf of the Parish Council, we wish you a Blessed Christmas, and a Healthy and Happy New Year, May the feelings that you have for your loved ones and your fellow men be with you not only during the holidays but throughout the coming year. Submitted by John Bazarkewich Wesalch Vam Swiat, CHRIST IS BORN GLORIFY HIM CHURCH CLEANERS FOR JANUARY Submitted by Iris Sawchuk Aurelia & Orest Kulchyski Dennis Glowa TACZA COUNTERS FOR JANUARY Submitted by Sylvia Martyniuk Jean Derhak Elizabeth Sklepowich

12 LITURGIES & INTENTIONS INTENTION OFFERED BY December 21 st 10:00 am Faithful Penetential Service December 22 nd December 23 rd December 24 th 4:45 pm December 25 th 10:30 am December 26 th 10:00 am NO MASS NO MASS Christmas Eve Service Christmas Day Service Synaxis of the Blessed Virgin Mary & St. Joseph December 27 th 10:00 am Feast of St Stephen December 28 th 10:00 am December 29 th December 30 th For peace in the new year NO MASS NO MASS December 31 st 8:30 am New Years Eve Divine Liturgy of Thanksgiving January 1 st 10:00 am New Years Day for the faithful January 2 nd NO MASS January 4 th 10:00 am +Soul of Darlene Bugera Vicki & family +Souls of parents Willian & Mary Melnyk +Souls of parents John & Rose Szwaluk +Soul of Bev Beck 40 day Sam & Sylvia Szwaluk & family Sam & Sylvia Szwaluk & family Marianne Staub January 5 th 8:30 am Vigil of Epiphany Divine Liturgy & Blessing of water (day of abstinence, no meat) January 6 th 10:00 am Epiphany of Our Lord ***PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING: IN ORDER TO ALLOW FATHER WALTER TO HAVE SOME REST TIME PRIOR TO HIS SURGERY (THE DATE OF WHICH HAS YET TO BE DETERMINED) WE SHALL NOT BE HAVING WEEKDAY LITURGY ON MONDAYS AND TUESDAYS, UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. Parish carollers will visit your home during the Christmas season. Please welcome them!

13 SANCTUARY LIGHT WEEK OF INTENTION OFFERED BY DECEMBER 21 ST +SOUL OF STANLEY STOYANSKY ANGELA & CATHY STOYANSKY DECEMBER 28 TH +SOUL OF JOE SWEREDA TONY & VICKY STASTOOK JANUARY 4 TH +SOULS OF MIKE & NICKOLAS REBENCHUK ANNE REBENCHUK JANUARY 11 TH +SOULS OF MIKE & ANNIE SKLAR SKLAR FAMILY JANUARY 18 TH +SOULS OF WIELGOZ & LITWIN FAMILIES CASPER & VIOLET STOSKI JANUARY 25 TH +SOULS OF STOSKI & POTURNAK FAMILIES CASPER & VIOLET STOSKI FEBRUARY 1 ST +SOULS OF PARENTS ANNIE & HARRY HUMINICKI DOREEN MUSICK FEBRUARY 8 TH +SOULS OF SISTERS CHRISTINE MARY & PEARL DOREEN MUSICK FEBRUARY 15 TH +SOULS OF BROTHERS PAUL WALTER & NICHOLAS DOREEN MUSICK FEBRUARY 22 ND +SOUL OF J.R. ALLARD THERESA ALLARD MARCH 1 ST +SOUL OF LARRY FEDORCHUK PHYLLIS FEDORCHUK & FAMILY MARCH 8 TH +SOULS OF THEODORE & MARIE LUTZ ROSE SWIDINSKY MARCH 15 TH +SOULS OF CATHERINE & DMYTRO MANDZIE FAMILY MARCH 22 ND +SOUL OF EUGENE KOLOCHUK (20 YEARS) BETTY KOLOCHUK & FAMILY MARCH 29 TH +SOUL OF ALEX BUGERA VICKI BUGERA & FAMILY APRIL 5 TH +SOUL OF DARLENE BUGERA VICKI BUGERA AND FAMILY APRIL 12 TH +SOUL OF NICK KURYK ANNE LAMOTHE APRIL 19 TH +SOUL OF MICHAEL TANCHAK ANNE TANCHAK & FAMILY APRIL 26 TH +SOULS OF PARENTS WILLIAM & MARY MELNYK SAM & SYLVIA SZWALUK & FAMILY +SOULS OF PARENTS JOHN & ROSE SZWALUK SAM & SYLVIA SZWALUK & FAMILY MAY 3 RD +SOUL OF JOHN SWIDINSKY ROSE SWIDINSKY MAY 10 TH FOR ALL MOTHERS LIVING AND DECEASED ANNE LAMOTHE MAY 17 TH +SOUL OF PARENT JUNE MORANT BILL BRENDA & MEGAN MORANT MAY 24 TH +SOULS OF MIKE & JEAN NECHWEDIUK MARTIN & LEONA NECHWEDIUK A Sanctuary Light burns eternally to indicate the presence of Jesus in the Holy Eucharist in the Tabernacle. It is a marvelous thing that we can actually be in His presence!

14 THE HAPPIEST OF BIRTHDAYS TO: MARY SHURRAW who will celebrate on December 22 nd LESLIE VEALE who will celebrate on December 23 rd STEPHANIE MANDZIE who will celebrate on December 26 th GUS GROEN who will celebrate on December 27 th TONY MAKSYMCHUK who will celebrate on December 28th MNOHAYA-MNOHAYA LITA! GOD GRANT YOU ALL MANY HAPPY YEARS! Winter Clothing Drive Keep bringing your gently-used winter wear. As soon as the collection box fills we another delivery to Siloam Mission. We will continue collecting until February. Please important lesson in giving with your child(ren). make share this KUCA Youth Winter Games Just a reminder about the first event of the KUCA Games: the Bowling at Rossmere Lanes will be held on Saturday, January 24th, from 3:30-6:00 pm, for parish youth ages 5-16 (you can invite a friend). Tentative events will be Indoor Soccer/Hockey on Feb.28th, Outdoor Ball Hockey on March 28th, and the Wind-up on April 18th. The Knights of Columbus - Christmas Poster Contest The contest is open to all parish youth, and the deadline for poster submissions is January 10, Your drawings or collages must be on paper no larger than 8½ x 14, and must have the artist s name, school and grade written on the back. Remember, Keep Christ in Christmas is the theme. Show us what that means to you. Annual Christmas Carolling within the parish, I am looking for anyone who is interested in joining a team to go out for one or two days over the Christmas Season to carol at fellow parishioners home s. Please call myself Andrew and I will make up lists, If you want to carol with specific people please indicate when you call. The traditional Blessing of Homes will be done upon request.

15 UCWLC MESSAGE Submitted by Sonia Wawryk On behalf of our organization, UCWLC, I want to wish each and everyone a Blessed, Joyful and Peaceful Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year. Dates to Remember 2015 January 8 Carolling at Holy Family Home 4:45 pm January 18 Parish Christmas Dinner January 21 UCWLC Annual Meeting. 7pm Liturgy. Committee Chairs have your reports prepared. January 24 Prayer Breakfast Home of Hope Holy Eucharist Parish January 25 Bishop s Levee to be held at St. Michael s Parish February 6 Holy Family Auxiliary Fund Raiser Ladies Nite Out Medieval attire. Think of Me at Christmas Besides the decorations, the presents and the tree, every year at Christmas, I hope you ll think of me. I ll know when you include Me as celebrations start, and you will know it too because you ll feel it in your heart. There ll always be distractions, yes, and plenty of, but don t forget you always will be wrapped up in My love. So think of Me at Christmas, let s share a word or two, for nothing could be better than to spend the time with you. Love Jesus

16 COMMUNITY CALENDAR Canadian Ukrainian Institute Prosvita is proud to announce a concert of Ukraine s most famous a capella group Pikkardiyska Tertsia in Winnipeg on January 14, Contact Andrii at for tickets or any additional information. This Holy Season you can help provide comfort and joy by making a gift to the Holy Family Home Festival of Lights Campaign Being a faith-filled place is an essential feature of why many choose to come live at Holy Family Home. In addition to caring for the physical and emotional needs of residents, Holy Family Home emphasizes the importance of nurturing these spiritual needs. With the support of Spiritual Care, residents and their families participate in regular chapel services. Many find comfort, peace and tranquility in the Chapel. Over the years, Holy Family Home has been able to maintain the Chapel, largely because of the support of generous donors. The Chapel is beginning to show signs of its age, and now requires significant upgrading. It is for this reason that the Festival of Lights Campaign has been designated to the Chapel Project a multi-year plan to renovate and expand the Chapel. For more information about the importance and impact your gift can make especially for the residents, pick up a Festival of Lights envelope at the back of the church or visit On behalf of the Sisters Servants of Mary Immaculate, Holy Family Home and the Lubov SSMI Foundation, thank you for considering our invitation. May you be blessed with the spirit of Christmas which is peace, the joy of Christmas which is hope, and the heart of Christmas which is love. St. Andrew s College Faculty of Theology Evening Course. Old Testament 211 The Face of Christ in the Old Testament. Taught by V. Rev. Fr. Roman Bozyk. Classes held Mondays 7:00-9:45pm. First class, Monday, January 12, All those interested are welcome to audit this course. Tuition $ Auditor $ For further information please contact , fax , st_andrews@umanitoba.ca. All are welcome. St. Andrew s College in Winnipeg, 29 Dysart Road, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3T 2M7 On our bulletin board, you will find information on the following courses to be held at the University of Manitoba: Making of Modern Ukraine; Politics, Government and Society in Ukraine; Ukrainians in Canada; Later Byzantine Art & Architecture 2015 ALL INCLUSIVE MALANKA Saturday, January 17 th Victoria Inn, Winnipeg, 1808 Wellington Avenue. Music by Sloohai. Reserved seating for dinner. Formal attire. Cocktails 6 pm. Dinner 7 pm. Zabava until 1 am. $120 Open bar. To reserve your table call Lesia Szwaluk or Irka Semaniuk

17 Nov 2014 ~ December 2014 ~ Jan 2015 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Cook Borscht & 5 6 BAKE SALE put in sealers 9:30 2:00 NOVEMBER 3O Arrange tables & chairs; K of C coffee house 7 Knights of Columbus Pancake Breakfast UCWLC Meeting & Wind up 4 Help arrange baking on trays; Knights of Columbus Meeting 6:45pm Christmas Pageant 15 Parish Council Meeting Christmas Confessions 10:30-Noon Visiting Priest 21 Penitential Service Coffee House Christmas Eve Service 4:45 pm 25 Christmas Day Divine Liturgy & Myrovania 10:30 am 26 Synaxis of the 27 Feast of St. Blessed Virgin Stephen Divine Mary & St. Joseph Liturgy 10:00 am 10:00 am New Years Eve Divine Liturgy of Thanksgiving & Benediction 10:00 am Notes: Christmas is a contraction of Christ s Mass, which is derived from the Old English Cristes mæsse (first recorded in 1038). The letter X in Greek is the first letter of Christ, and Xmas has been used as an abbreviation for Christmas since the mid-1500s The traditional three colors of Christmas are green, red, and gold. Green has long been a symbol of life and rebirth; red symbolizes the blood of Christ, and gold represents light as well as wealth and royalty Most of Santa s reindeer have male-sounding names, such as Blitzen, Comet, and Cupid. However, male reindeers shed their antlers around Christmas, so the reindeer pulling Santa s sleigh are likely not male, but female

18 CHRIST IS BORN! З Hrist народився! LET US PRAISE HIM! ДАВАЙТЕ Хваліте Його!