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 The Feast of Epiphany From Father Walter The Feast of Theophany- Epiphany has its source in the Baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist in the Jordan River. Literally, Theophany-Epiphany means a manifestation or a making known of God. All four Gospel accounts record this event and see in it the beginning of Jesus' pubic ministry. At the Baptism, Jesus is witnessed to by the Father in the voice, "This is My Beloved Son," and the visible presence of the Holy Spirit gives testimony in the form of a Dove. The Feast of Theophany-Epiphany reveals to us over and over again that God comes to us in a very personal way through His Son. In the celebration of the Feast we are joined and made sharers in God's Plan of Salvation for all mankind. The Feast leads us to see Jesus as God's Son Who reveals the Father's Plan. SUNDAY DIVINE LITURGY 10:00 a.m. (Rosary precedes each Liturgy by one half hour) WEEKDAY SERVICES (Tue-Fri) 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 The Feast of Theophany-Epiphany (manifestation of God) was introduced into the Eastern Church at the beginning of the second century. On the Eve of Epiphany (as it is commonly known "Schedry Vechir") there is a traditional supper among our people, but not

2 as abundant as that of Christmas Eve. At the supper instead of Christmas carols, the people sing Schedriky that is special songs which extend good wishes of health and plentitude to the head of the family. The main feature of this Feast is the Great Blessing of Water. It begins with the singing of special hymns and the incensing of the water which has been placed in front of the tetrapod. Surrounded by candles and flowers, this water stands for the beautiful world of God's creation. Sometimes this service of blessing is done out of doors at a place where the water is flowing naturally. A special great litany is chanted, invoking the grace of the Holy Spirit upon the water and upon those who will partake of it. It ends with the great prayer of the cosmic glorification of God in which Christ is called upon to sanctify the water, and all men and women and all creation by the manifestation of His saving and sanctifying divine presence, by the indwelling of the Holy and Good and Life-Creating Spirit. As the Tropar "O Lord, when you were baptized..." is sung, the celebrant immerses the Cross into the water in the four directions of the world. He then blesses the people with the sanctified water which stands for the salvation of all creation which Christ has effected by His "epiphany" in the flesh for the life of the world. The consecration of the water on this feast places the entire world in the perspective of the cosmic creation, sanctification, and glorification of the Kingdom of God in Christ and the Spirit. It is the expression of the most central fact of the Christian vision of man, his life and his world. It is the liturgical testimony that the vocation and destiny of creation is to be "filled with all the fullness of God". (Ephesians 3:19)

3 PSALM 23 The 23rd psalm is probably the most well-known text in the Holy Scriptures. This is a most beloved psalm that has been quoted in almost every conceivable venue where people need hope. Many a soldier has carried it into battle or placed it next to his heart in a frightening foxhole. Hospitals and funeral homes are also often places of recital. It is a shame that we tend to only hear sermons on Psalm 23 at funerals. It is a shame because Psalm 23 is a psalm for the living--it is a psalm for you and I to apply to every day of our life. 23 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. 3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. 5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever. HE KNOWS YOU! David begins his Psalm saying "The Lord is my shepherd"? A phrase so familiar that we probably are missing the magnitude of those words. David is saying that the eternal God of the Universe is his personal shepherd. This statement actually shook the readers of biblical times because the temptation in ancient Israel was to speak only about our God, (Deuteronomy 6:4) forgetting that the God of Israel is also the God of individuals. This is another reason why Jesus told them the parable about The Lost Sheep (Luke 15:3-7). David could have rightly said, 'Hear O Israel, the Lord is our shepherd', but he does not say this, he says, "The Lord is my shepherd". There is a personal relationship here. This is a reminder that Christianity is not as much a religion as it is a relationship. Being a Christian means having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Jesus calls Himself, "the good shepherd" in John 10, verse 11. The nature of Psalm 23 then, becomes even more personal. The Christian reads Psalm 23 this way, (Jesus) is my shepherd ". A single flock can have as few as 10 animals or as many as hundreds of them. A good Shepherd knows each and every sheep in the flock regardless of how big the numbers could be, (John 10:3-

4 5). Likewise David when he uses the metaphor of the Shepherd to describe God, talks not just about a designation or a name for the Lord, but the relationship between God and his covenant children. He not only knows but he cares. The Bible says God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life, (John 3:16). The Bible also says that whoever receives him (including you) receives the power to know God as personally as a son knows his father, (John 1:12). HE PROVIDES FOR YOU! What exactly does "I shall not want" mean? The meaning here is not that we won't desire or want anything, the meaning is that we won't be left wanting. We are being told that the Lord's sheep are not lacking anything. But how is this true? We don't even have to leave Psalm 23 to see that the Lord's sheep do indeed lack things. When we are told about walking through the dark valley it is safe to assume that the valley lacks light, and probably lacks the green pasture and the quiet waters. In what sense then, can it be said that the Christian shall not lack anything? What David means is that God's sheep never lack anything that the Shepherd thinks is good for them. What this means is that God is all we need. What this means is that Jesus is enough. Whether we are in the green pasture or the dark valley, the Shepherd remains at our side and that is what we need. If we have Jesus, we lack no good thing. While it is true that Jesus is all we need, this is not to say that Jesus is all we get. David reminds us that it is our Good Shepherd who "makes (us) lie down in green pastures" and "leads (us) beside quiet waters"(v.2). Phillip Keller, a pastor and author who for eight years was himself a shepherd, writes, "It is almost impossible for (sheep) to lie down unless (certain) requirements are met". Keller explains that before sheep will lie down they need to be free of 4 things. Because of their timidity, sheep "refuse to lie down unless they are free of all fear... Sheep will not lie down unless they are free from friction with other sheep within the flock. If tormented by flies or parasites, sheep will not lie down... Lastly, sheep will not lie down as long as they feel in need of finding food"(keller, A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23, 35).

5 There must be freedom from fear, friction, flies, and famine before sheep will lie down. Translate this into our context, and you hear David saying that the Lord often removes obstacles in our life for the purpose of giving us rest--and rest of a certain kind. Sheep obviously cannot voice out their needs. Yet the shepherd naturally knows the needs of each and every animal in the flock. Likewise The Bible says that we don t have to pray lengthy prayers like heathens do because God our creator is aware of our needs even before we ask him, (Matthew 6:7-8). Shepherds don t allow sheep to drink from running water (rivers etc.) because sheep while bending to drink water might also fall into it. Therefore Shepherds draw water from wells and give their sheep to drink. These wells in the Middle East are very deep and require special mechanisms to draw water. The green pastures are the rich and verdant pastures, where the sheep need not move from place to place to be satisfied. The fields, even parts of the desert, would be green during the winter and spring. But in summer and fall the sheep would be led to many places in search of food. God s care is not seasonal but constant and abundant. We don t need to worry about our needs because just like the Shepherd is aware of the needs of his flock and leads them to green pastures and still waters God also is aware of our needs, as well as how and where to meet them. Once again the New Testament bears witness to His divine provision because in Matthew 6:25-34 Jesus advises us not to feel anxious about our needs and assures that God will provide. The green pastures and the quiet waters represent a type of prosperity that the Shepherd gives to His sheep. And the reason we are given this prosperity is stated in verse 3, it "restores (our) soul". HE RESTORES YOU! There are many characteristics that set sheep apart from other animals. They are innocent creatures incapable of defending themselves. A sheep that falls on its back cannot get up unless someone rolls it over and helps it to stand on its feet. The fate of a sheep fallen on its back is determined by many factors. The most common are natural causes such as dehydration and starvation as well as vultures, hyenas and wild dogs. Therefore a well-informed shepherd frequently scans his flock for any fallen animals and rushes to their aid if he finds any. In case the flock is too big he watches the sky for the presence of vultures. David was not always obedient and there were times when he sinned greatly, yet the difference between him and other sinners is that he always recognized his sin and he came to God in deep

6 contrition asking to be restored to fellowship. David was a man with a regenerated heart. He knew his God personally and called upon Him affectionately. His relationship to the Lord was never to do as he pleased and live daily as if God did not exist or only existed for times of trouble. He felt God s presence on a daily basis and this is why he was easily convicted when his heart was not right. When we wish that we never did something we did do, it is important that we repent and allow the Lord to restore us. We must not leave room for feelings of guilt. This was evident in the life of Peter. In Luke 22:61-62 Peter repented (after denying Jesus three times), and Jesus restored him in John 21: Judas on the other hand did the opposite. He took his own life because he permitted feelings of guilt in his heart instead of repenting and allowing the Spirit of God to restore him, (Matthew 27:3-5). What ultimately matters is not physical comfort, but spiritual restoration. When our Shepherd provides physical blessings, the goal is spiritual refreshment. And being spiritually refreshed means to walk "in the paths of righteousness"(v.3). HE GUIDES YOU! A Shepherd knows exactly where the best feeding grounds are and leads his sheep to those places. In this verse David tells the same about God because God directed him down paths of uprightness during his kingship and enabled him to win great battles in his commission to possess the land promised to the nation. He guides us in paths of righteousness for his own glory and reputation, (Matthew 5:16). This might generate the impression that God is selfishly concerned about his own name. This is not true. Like everything else in this passage this verse also should be interpreted in the context of shepherding. What honor could David have earned if he allowed the flock to go in search of food on their own and thereby walk into their death? Likewise how can we win the lost for God if they are not convinced of his goodness expressed towards his own children? In guiding us God shows the world that he is one hundred percent dependable and faithful. We cannot stay on the straight and narrow on our own. Like sheep, we are prone to go astray if left on our own. David recognizes, and we must recognize, that we need to be "guided" by the Shepherd if we are to walk the righteous path. Most of the problems (if not all) we face in life are the result of not heeding God s guidance. We can enjoy every little instance

7 of our personal life, marriage, career and ministry if we are sensitive to his leading. He knows what s best for us and he will help us to achieve our goals as long as they are pure and within the perimeter of his will. Psalm 23 begins with rest and comfort. Psalm 23 does not begin with activity. This is a reminder of how the Christian life is to be lived. We begin by resting in Christ and out of the restoration of our soul comes activity. Many Christians, and many churches, have this backwards. Christianity is primarily a relationship, not a religion. To have activity without a relationship misses the entire point. This is the error many Christians make. We attend church meetings, execute programs and participate in activities and we forget the reason we are here in the first place. We are here to enjoy our relationship with Jesus Christ. A sure sign that we have missed the point is when our activity in the church becomes a replacement for prayerful devotion to the One who called us here in the first place. Jesus has called you first to worship, and secondly to work. We must never reverse this order. Psalm 23 is about the blessings of being in a relationship with the Shepherd. And what is the primary blessing of the Shepherd? The primary blessing of the Shepherd is Himself. HE PROTECTS YOU! The phrase shadow of death portrays death as a deep shadow or as deep darkness. This image of death compliments the metaphor of the shepherd because the shepherd at times has to lead his flock to feeding grounds across ravines with sharp cliffs. Apart from the risk of a slippery foot, chances are high these ravines are inhabited by wild animals like leopards. Yet the sheep that follow in the path of the shepherd don t need to worry about cliffs or predators because the shepherd shall fight them off. (1 Samuel 17:34-36) The darkness among ravines symbolize different seasons in David s life. His victory over Goliath was a turning point for both good and bad. The good was he unconsciously won the hearts of people in Israel. The bad was Saul envied him so badly he wanted him dead. Death followed David everywhere. In Keilah, Philistines fled before him. Next David had to run for his own life, (1 Samuel 23:1-29). When God guided David to the throne he actually walked him through the valley of the shadow of death, (as a shepherd leads his flock to green pastures over the valley of death) and God s hand of deliverance was over him even in the valley of death. His presence in David s life was more powerful than the ever present shadow of death, (1 Samuel 23:14).

8 The valley can mean anything for us today. A worry, a difficult situation, a broken relationship. What this Psalm is telling us is that during these times, when we are lost in the valley God is with us. Nothing can separate us from the love of God during these dark times. We do not need to be overcome by our fear. Problems are not absent in life. There are certain seasons however where our very existence is threatened. If you can sense the presence and protection of God during those times, you will fear nothing because you are aware of God s protection. HE COMFORTS YOU! The rod and the staff refer to a single instrument. It has 4 major applications to the shepherd. (In addition to being a symbol of his authority over the sheep.) First it is used to fight off animals such as lions, leopards, bears, hyenas and wolves that usually seek to prey upon the sheep. Second, the crook part of the staff is used to gently seize by its legs or neck, and add back to the flock, the sheep that tend to run away. Third it is used to examine the sheep. The shepherd uses the rod to pull the sheep s wool away from its skin to check for rashes, wounds, or defects. Fourth, it is used to count the sheep. In the terminology of the Old Testament this was referred to as passing under the rod. Here the shepherd holds his rod over the sheep and counts each and every sheep that enter by the gate. What happens if he finds out that one of them is missing? He places the others at the hands of a faithful servant and takes off searching for the lost one. The rod and the staff in all four applications brought comfort to the sheep. In our walk with God this rod is none other than His word. It was mentioned in the beginning that the shepherd s staff is a symbol of authority over his sheep. Likewise God s word is a symbol of his authority over our lives which brings comfort when we voluntarily submit ourselves to it. In the light of the four fold application of the shepherd s rod, first His word helps us to resist temptations, (Psalms 119:11). Second it prevents us from making wrong decisions, (Psalm 119:105). Third it searches our hearts, (Hebrews 4:12). Fourth it convicts sinners and leads them to the cross of Christ, (Acts 2:37-40). HE EXALTS YOU! Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. This verse describes the Lord s faithfulness to his children even in times of great storms. Now David s life never lacked people who envied him and earnestly desired his fall and death. Ex: King Saul (1 Samuel 18:7-10), people who belonged to his inner circle (1 Chronicles 27:33; 2 Samuel 15:31), his own son (2 Samuel 16:11).

9 Yet Psalms 25:3 says that God exalted and honored David and put his foes into utter shame. (In the ancient days it was customary for the host of a banquet to anoint the honored guests with oil made by adding perfumes to olive oil.) The overflowing cup literally means My cup is an abundant drink. It refers to a shepherd s cup, which was a large, hollowed-out stone that could hold forty or fifty gallons and from which the sheep drank. There s a bumper sticker that says There s only one God so stop applying for his position. David was a skilled warrior. A king who won the hearts of his people. A mighty man called and anointed by God. Nevertheless, he didn t seek to retaliate or engage his enemies in his own strength. This was evident in his battle against Goliath (1 Samuel 17:34-37; 1 Samuel 17:38-40; 1 Samuel 17:45-47). He never sought to avenge his enemies, which was evident in his reaction to Saul s wickedness, (1 Samuel 24:1-22). He believed that the battle and vengeance both belong to God, (1 Samuel 17:47; Romans 12:19). In doing so he waited upon the Lord. Sadly this is where most of us mess up. The Lord cannot exalt us, honor us before our enemies or ensure overflowing provision in times of storms unless we save both the battle and vengeance for him. Jesus also commanded his disciples to love their enemies and pray for those who persecute them, (Matthew 5:44). Maybe there are some of you who haven t fully experienced God s shepherdly care in your life yet and you might wonder why? As stated earlier, the Shepherd metaphor refers to God s relationship with his covenant children. What does it mean to be a covenant child? A covenant is basically a conditional agreement between two or more parties. God s relationship with man has always been a covenant relationship. The Bible tells us that in the Old Testament times God related to his chosen people using the old covenant which required perfect obedience to Mosaic Law or works of merit. To violate the law was sinful and this caused punishment and separation from God which was amendable only through a sin offering (also called an animal sacrifice). Animal sacrifices were supposed to accomplish: A. The worshiper s perfection (Hebrews 10:1 make perfect those who draw near to worship ) B. The worshiper s purification (Hebrews 10:2 would have been cleansed once for all )

10 C. The worshiper s guiltlessness (Hebrews 10:2-3 would no longer have felt guilty for their sins.) D. The worshiper s sinlessness (Hebrews 10:4 to take away sins ) However animal sacrifices could not accomplish any of the above because, animal sacrifices were mere shadows of what was yet to come, (Hebrews 10:1) and were ineffective (Hebrews 10:1-2). If animal sacrifices were futile why did God order the slaughter of innocent animals in the first place? God wanted his people to realize that the wage of sin is death and it is stoppable by nothing other than the blood of a man who did not know sin. This is why God s son Jesus was born into this world through a virgin. The Bible says that God made Jesus who did not know sin to be sin for us, so that in him we would become the righteousness of God, (2 Corinthians 5:21). Since Jesus death paid the penalty of our sin in full there s no need for animal sacrifices anymore and he is the new covenant through whom we enjoy an unsevered relationship with God. Anyone who receives him (including you) has the power to become a (covenant) child of God which entitles them to enjoy God s shepherdly care in life, (John 1:12). You read about the green pastures and quiet waters and you might think they are the primary blessing of the Shepherd, but they're not. The green pastures and quiet waters eventually give way to "walk(ing) through the valley of the shadow of death"(v.4). The constant in this psalm is not the green pastures-- they are temporary. The constant in this psalm is not the valley of the shadow of death--david says we eventually walk "through" it. The only constant in Psalm 23 is the presence of God, "though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil; for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff, they comfort me." The blessing of the Shepherd is not an elimination of our problems. The blessing of the Shepherd is not an elimination of our enemies. The blessing of our Shepherd is a table for two prepared in the presence of our enemies (v.5). And the table, of course, is symbolic of our fellowship with Him. In the midst of trials, our source of joy is our fellowship with the Shepherd--He prepares a table for us, He anoints our head with oil, our cup overflows(v.5). Whether we are looking at the shepherding imagery, or the imagery of table fellowship, the main theme of Psalm 23 is plain to see: David is describing the joy of being in a personal relationship with God--a relationship that has no end, "Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever"(v.6). This is a claim

11 that can hardly be made by a false professor. Even while David wrote this psalm, his enemies were planning their next attack. What would motivate him to make this claim? It could only be that his relationship to the Lord and his belief in God s sovereignty was such that he knew nothing would befall him that was not in the divine providence. This is reflected in the preceding verse as he says, Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies. Who can write such words without perfect confidence in God? Those that have not claimed salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ have no right to this psalm. Their claims are not valid though they may quote with all feigned sincerity. God does not stand by anyone that rejects the sacrifice of His Son. The difference is false hope versus good hope. Good hope belongs only to the righteous that have bowed the knee to Christ and received Him as the Shepherd who guides ALL of his life. This is what makes Him the God of your valleys who leads you through to green pastures and beside still waters. You can make the claim The Lord is my shepherd only if you have truly committed to follow where the Shepherd leads. Did you notice how David changes the form of the psalm in verse 4? In the first three verses, David refers to God as "He": "The Lord is my Shepherd... He makes me lie down... He leads me... He restores my soul... He guides me". Then in verses 4 and 5, David refers to God as "You" or "Thou": "I fear no evil; for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff, they comfort me... Thou dost prepare a table before me... Thou hast anointed my head with oil". Then, finally, in verse 6 he switches back to the third person: "I will dwell in the house of the Lord". The lesson learned from this form change is that we should not talk for very long about God without talking to God The 23rd Psalm portrays life as a pilgrimage--it is a pilgrimage with God, to God--and our final destination is "the house of the Lord". Our final destination is unhindered fellowship with Jesus Christ. And it is our final destination that should define everything we do in the meantime. When we reach our final destination, when we get to the house of the Lord, there will be no more programs, but what will remain is passion. When we get to heaven there will be no more religion, but what will remain is our relationship with our Shepherd. Don't miss the point of Psalm 23. Our Shepherd, Jesus Christ, calls us, not to ritual, but to a relationship. It is in the relationship that He gets the glory due to Him and we get the joy we so desperately seek. Amen.

12 LITURGIES & INTENTIONS INTENTION OFFERED BY JANUARY 10 TH 10:00 am BIRTHDAY BLESSINGS MARY TURKO PRAYER PARTNER HEALTH OF NASH HILDEBRAND +SOUL OF MIKE TANCHAK +SOUL OF JOHN ZAMRYKUT +SOUL OF ANNE REBENCHUK +SOUL OF DEACON NICHOLAS KOHUCH JO ANN ILKEW ANNE TANCHAK & FAMILY ANNE TANCHAK & FAMILY VICKI BUGERA UCWLC +SOUL OF PARANIA MAKSYMOWSKI GORDON & DONNA MENDRES & FAMILY JANUARY 11 TH NO MASS JANUARY 12 TH 8:30 +SOUL OF MARIE DOHAN ROSALENE MAKSYMETZ +SOUL OF VICTOR YASINSKI JARVIS & LESIA YASINSKI JANUARY 13 TH 8:30 +SOUL OF DEACON NICHOLAS KOHUCH SAM & SYLVIA SZWALUK JANUARY 14 TH 6:45pm +SOUL OF DEACON NICHOLAS KOHUCH EUGENE & VIOLA HRYNIUK JANUARY 15 TH 8:30 +SOUL OF DEACON NICHOLAS KOHUCH STAN & ADELINE SHYMANSKI JANUARY 17 TH 10:00 HEALTH OF FATHER WALTER ANNE LAMOTHE HEALTH OF ROSE MILLET +SOUL OF MARIE DOHAN MARIANNE STAUB JOYCE & DENNIS MAKSYMETZ +SOUL OF DEACON NICHOLAS KOHUCH SAM KABAN +SOULS OF PETER & MINNIE MENDRES DEACON GORDON MENDRES JANUARY 18 TH NO MASS JANUARY 19 TH 6:30 pm +SOUL OF DEACON NICHOLAS KOHUCH STELLA SWEREDA JANUARY 20 TH 6:00 pm +SOUL OF MARIE DOHAN JEAN MOTKALUK JANUARY 21 ST 8:30 +SOUL OF DEACON NICHOLAS KOHUCH PEARL & GUS GROEN JANUARY 22 ND 8:30 +SOUL OF DEACON NICHOLAS KOHUCH PHYLLIS FEDORCHUK JANUARY 24 TH 10:00 am HEALTH OF MILDRED KALYNIUK HEALTH OF ROSE MILLET +SOUL OF MARIE DOHAN CATHY STOYANSKY MARIANNE STAUB PHYLLIS FEDORCHUK +SOUL OF DEACON NICHOLAS KOHUCH STEVE & GWEN DANKEWICH

13 SANCTUARY LIGHT WEEK OF INTENTION OFFERED BY JANUARY 10 TH HEALTH & BLESSINGS FOR MILDRED KALYNIUK PRAYER PARTNER JANUARY 17 TH + SOULS OF ROSE & ROMAN SOLOMON ELSIE GALAY & FAMILY JANUARY 24 TH + SOULS OF POLLY & MIKE GALAY ELSIE GALAY & FAMILY JANUARY 31 ST + SOUL OF EUGENE KOLOCHUK BETTY KOLOCHUK FEBRUARY 7 TH + SOUL OF ANNE REBENCHUK BETTY KOLOCHUK FEBRUARY 14 TH +SOUL OF OLGA MUSHALUK ANNE TANCHAK & FAMILY FEBRUARY 21 ST +SOUL OF ANTHONY NAHULIAK VIRGINIA MOORE FEBRUARY 28 TH +SOUL OF PARANIA MAKSYMOWSKI GORDON & DONNA MENDRES & FAMILY MARCH 6 TH +SOUL OF DANIEL NAHULIAK VIRGINIA MOORE MARCH 13 TH + SOULS OF CATHERINE & DMYTRO MANDZIE FAMILY MARCH 20 TH +SOULS OF CATHERINE & DMYTRO MANDZIE FAMILY MARCH 27 TH +SOUL OF WALTER GALAY ELSIE GALAY & FAMILY APRIL 3 RD HEALTH INTENTIONS FOR FAMILY SOPHIA ANDRINIUK APRIL 10 TH +SOUL OF ANNE NAHULIAK VIRGINIA MOORE APRIL 17 TH +SOUL OF JOHN ZAMRYKUT ANNE TANCHAK & FAMILY MAY 1 ST +SOUL OF MIKE TANCHAK ANNE TANCHAK & FAMILY MAY 22 ND +SOULS OF MIKE & JEAN NECHWEDIUK MARTIN & LEONA NECHWEDIUK JUNE 12 TH +SOUL OF HUSBAND BORIS MUSICK (28 YEARS) DOREEN MUSICK & FAMILY JUNE 19 TH +SOULS OF SISTERS CHRISTINE, MARY & PEARL DOREEN MUSICK & FAMILY JUNE 26 TH +SOULS OF BROTHERS PAUL, WALTER & NICHOLAS DOREEN MUSICK & FAMILY JULY 3 RD HEALTH OF ANNA LABAY ANDY & LINDA LABAY JULY 10 TH +SOUL OF TONY NAHULIAK VIRGINIA MOORE JULY 24 TH +SOUL OF EMILY STOYANSKY ANGELA & CATHY STOYANSKY AUGUST 28 TH HEALTH OF ANGELA STOYANSKY CATHY STOYANSKY 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! "He is The Bread sown in the virgin, leavened in the Flesh, molded in His Passion, baked in the furnace of the Sepulchre, placed in the Churches, and set upon the Altars, which daily supplies Heavenly Food to the faithful." - St. Peter Chrysologus ( )

14 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 Lou Gollets. Please pray for the health of Walter Latocki. Please pray for the health of Steven Marchenski. Please pray for health & healing for Joyce Hojlo. Please pray for the health and total recovery of Bill Morant. Please pray for the health of Annie H. Kruk. Please pray for the health of Margaret Hadubiak. Please pray for the health of Janet Shymanski Hemingway. Please pray for the health and total recovery of Dorothy Labay. Please pray for the health of Kay Tokarwiski. THE TRAVELING ICON OF THE MOTHER OF POCHAIV You can arrange to have the icon in your home by using the sign-up sheet at the back of the church. Just write your name on the week in the calendar that corresponds to your choice of time period. When we speak of icons as a medium for gazing into heaven, we refer to their value as much more than ethereal-looking religious art. Instead, icons serve as a very real means for connecting us with God and His love. Icons are beautiful, but without relationship behind it, beauty alone feeds only a portion of the human soul, and ultimately patronizes the deep human need for loving connection with the Transcendent. With this in mind, we seek to view icons as points of visual and spiritual intersection with eternal things, as living prompts for our prayers, and as reminders of the very real world that exists beyond the limitations of this temporal one. Icons can seem complicated or strange at first. Take time to come present to the icon, to simply gaze, allowing both your sense of sight as well as the longings of your heart to interact with what the icon presents to you in a particular moment. Icons have a way of teaching the heart spiritual truths the mind cannot. This is part of what is meant by icons being theology in color. While the Icon is in your home pray before it, alone or with others, for all your intentions and needs. You may pray the Rosary, in whole or in part, or the prayers from the Moleben to the Mother of God, or pray in your own words; or simply spend some silent moments in meditation, listening and being attentive to God's Word. In your prayers, approach the Blessed Mother with childlike confidence and bring her all your concerns, worries, disappointments, hurts and sufferings, and all your needs, wishes and hopes. But also say a prayer of thanksgiving for all of your successes and joys, your graces and blessings, known and unknown. Make the most of the presence of Mary's Icon in your home. 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

15 DEEPEST SYMPATHY Sincere condolences to the family of Rev. Father Ernest J. Hafichuk. Father Hafichuk was called by the Lord on Monday January 04/16. Prayers to be held at St. Michael Ukr. Cat. Parish on Tuesday Jan. 12/16 at 7:00pm. Funeral on Wednesday Jan. 13/16 at St. Michael Ukr. Cat. Parish 400 Day Str. at 10:30 am. EVERLASTING MEMORY VICHNAYA PAMYAT NEWS FROM UCWLC Dates to Remember: January 12 th Caroling at Holy Family Home. Please call Rose Olynyk at if you are willing to participate in this exciting and festive event to bring joy to the Senior residence. January 20 th UCWLC Annual Meeting. Please have all your reports ready for presentation. January 24 th Parish Christmas Dinner following Divine Liturgy January 27 th Perogy Bee January 29 th Perogy Supper Submitted by Rose Olynyk, President UCWLC CHRISTMAS PARTY DEC. 9, 2015 Thank you to Deacon Gordon for taking time out of his busy schedule to celebrate mass with our members. Greatly appreciated. Thank you to John Solomon for opening the church and assisting Deacon Gordon during the mass. It was a pleasure to have Sister Ruth among us as she brightens everyone s day. Thank you for singing Christmas Carols with Deacon Gordon, that became the highlight of the evening. Thank you again. Thank you to Rose Olynyk and Donna for donating six prizes. A HUGE thank you to Virginia Moore and Nellie Fediuk for working very diligently to make this celebration a success. Thank you Virginia for purchasing the prizes and wrapping them so beautifully, for buying the wine and preparing the candy baggies and Nellie for buying the Poinsettias, working with the centrepieces,setting tables and both distributed Christmas cards and prayer partners gifts. Thank you to Harry Fediuk and Sam Martyniuk for assisting us in the kitchen pouring coffee, replenishing food and helping with the clean up. Thank you to all the ladies that came to celebrate the birth of Jesus. May you all have had a blessed Christmas and look ahead to a New Year filled with Love, Peace, Joy and health. Sorry if I missed anyone, so thank you to all. Sylvia Martyniuk

16 Knights of Columbus Happy New Year, we are starting This month we have only three functions, the first is our regular council meeting on January 14, 2016 pm with Mass. Then our first pancake breakfast for 2016 on January 17, 2016 after Divine liturgy. We have our monthly Perogy Supper on Friday Jan 29, :30 pm. We are looking for assistance to get everything ready for Friday with peeling of potatoes on Monday Jan 25, 6:30 pm. All are welcome to come down and enjoy our first breakfast and perogy supper for 2016 and visit with fellow parishioners. The Knights are involved in The Tabs for Wheelchairs program and anyone with Tabs can drop them off at the back of the church in a container we have set up. Submitted by Andrew Labay Grand Knight 2016 Youth Winter Games Schedule Bowling: Saturday, Jan 23, 2016 Rossmere Lanes, 1042 Henderson Hwy., Registration 1:00pm, bowling and prizes 1:30-5:00pm Participants must rent bowling shoes Curling: Saturday, Feb 27, 2016 Elmwood Curling Club, 300 Brazier St., Registration 4:30pm., curling and snacks 5:00-7:00pm Brooms provided, Clean indoor shoes allowed on ice Indoor Soccer: Saturday, April 2, 2016 Seven Oaks Soccer Plex, 725 Kingsbury Ave., Registration 12:30pm., soccer and snacks 1:00-3:00pm Clean indoor runners required Windup: Saturday April 16, 2016 St Vladimir & Olga Cathedral Hall Food, Music, Games and Awards 6:00-10:00pm All youth of all ages are invited and admission is free.

17 Winter Clothing Drive As the weather chills, the need for warm outdoor clothing increases. There are many in our city without proper winter wear. At the back of the church is a box labelled "Winter Clothing Collection". Please bring whatever winter items you can spare - boots, mitts, gloves, hats, snow pants, jackets/coats. Clothing donations (for children and adults) will be collected from now until February, and will be divided between the Main Street Project and Siloam Mission. Please let your children be involved in the collecting of donated items from home, as this is an important lesson in giving to those less fortunate. Thank you and bless you for giving. Youth News 'Keep Christ in Christmas' Poster Contest How does your family celebrate Christmas? Do you remember to think of Jesus during this busy time of year? Draw a picture/story of what Jesus and Christmas mean to you. The deadline to submit your artwork is Saturday, January 16th, and submissions may be delivered to Wanda Prychitko (catechism teacher) any Saturday morning up until then. Best of luck to all entrants and have fun! THE HAPPIEST OF BIRTHDAYS TO: OLGA TWERDUN who will celebrating on January 12th MNOHAYA-MNOHAYA LITA! GOD GRANT YOU MANY HAPPY YEARS! Tacza Counters for January are:- Martin & Leona Nechwediuk and Evelyn and Morley Luhovy. Submitted by Sylvia Martyniuk FOOD FOR THOUGHT DO YOU FEED YOUR BODY ONLY ONCE A WEEK? DO YOU FEED YOUR SOUL (EUCHARIST) ONLY ONCE A WEEK? THE EUCHARIST IS AVAILABLE TO YOU. TUESDAY TO FRIDAY AS WELL. JOIN US!

18 COMMUNITY CALENDAR Knights of Columbus Calling All Sir Knights of Canon Luhovy Assembly #0 374 CHRISTMAS GATHERING KEEP CHRIST IN CHRISTMAS Tuesday January 12, 2016 St. Anne s Ukrainian Catholic Parish 35 Marcie Street Moleden Service 6:00 pm. Reception 6:30 pm. Surviving Christmas Game Tickets are $7.50 each For Tickets call Bro. Robert or Bro. Rick Carols! Carols! Carols! Carols! Carols! Carols! World Youth Day 2016! CUCP ~ Canadian Ukrainian Catholic Pilgrims Ukrainian Catholics from Canada will be joining together to experience WYD July 12-August 3, 2016 July ~ Lviv, Ukraine July ~ Zarvanytsia, Ukraine July ~ Days of the Eparchy in Przemysl, Poland July ~ World Youth Day Week in Krakow, Poland August 1-3 ~ Wrap Up Retreat Days in Krakow, Poland Cost Approx $3800-$4200 For more information on the Pilgrimage you can either Sarah at uwitness2youth@gmail.com or Millie at youth@edmontoneparchy.com Please join us for a Pilgrimage of a Lifetime! (Register early, space is limited) HOLY FAMILY HOME LADIES AUXILIARY PRESENTS A LADIES NIGHT OUT FUNDRAISING DINNER. ROUND UP THE GALS & SADDLE UP WITH THE SISTERS. FRIDAY FEBRUARY 5, 2016 HOLY EUCHARIST PARISH CENTRE 460 MUNROE AVENUE, E. WINNIPEG. APPETIZERS 6:15 P.M. DINNER AND DRAW TO FOLLOW. WESTERN ATTIRE ENCOURAGED. COST $70 PER TICKET. FOR TICKETS CONTACT DIANE SNIDAL AT

19 VELYCHKOVSKY PILGRIMAGE TO UKRAINE 2016 July 3 to July 25, The Bishop Velychkovsky Martyr's Shrine is conducting a pilgrimage for 22 days to places in Ukraine where Blessed Martyr Vasyl lived, worked and suffered. Some of the places we will be visiting are: Lviv, Ternopil, Ivano-Frankivsk, Kovel, Kamianetz Podilsk, Kyiv, the Carpathian Mountains, Zarvanytsia, Pochaiv, etc. On this pilgrimage we will have prayer services and hear stories of Blessed Vasyl s life as well as sight-seeing throughout Ukraine. Cost of the trip is $4500 CDN which includes: flights from Winnipeg to Lviv/Kyiv to Winnipeg, travelling in air-conditioned bus throughout Ukraine, accommodations, meals and attractions. Travel and medical insurance is not included. For more information contact by bvshrine@mymts.net or phone Book as soon as possible as space is limited to 20 pilgrims. Deadline for reservations and nonrefundable deposit of $ is February 29, Tour conducted by Fr. John Sianchuk, C.Ss.R. & Mary Jane Kalenchuk. Come and experience Blessed Vasyl s homeland and the beauty and hospitality of Ukraine. Fri Feb 5, 2016 Holy Family Home Auxiliary presents A Ladies Night Out Fundraising Dinner: Round Up the Gals and Saddle Up with the Sisters. Holy Eucharist Parish Centre, 460 Munroe Ave. Appetizers 6:15 pm, Dinner & Draw to follow. $70/ticket. Western attire encouraged. Contact Diane Snidal St. Anne Ukrainian Catholic Church In collaboration with the Ukrainian Catholic Council (Centralia) invite you to the special celebration on the occasion of The 2016 BISHOP S LEVEE & His Grace Metropolitan Archbishop Lawrence Huculak OSBM 65th BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION Sunday, January 31, 2016 DIVINE LITURY 11:30 AM BISHOP LEVEE 1:30 PM St Anne s Ukrainian Catholic Church 35 Marcie St, Winnipeg, MB Please come celebrate and offer your greetings and appreciation to His Grace and his ministry in service of our church UCWLC St Joseph Ukrainian Catholic Church 250 jefferson avenue invites you to a SOUP & SANDWICH LUNCH, Sunday January 31, :30-3:00 pm. Entertainment :sich. Silent auction. Bake Sale. Adults: $12.00, children; 6-12 YEARS :$6.00, Children: 5& under :Free. Advance tickets only: Please call Virginia

20 December January 2016 February Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 New Year's Day THEOPHANY OF OUR LORD BLESSING OF WATER 8:30 am Knights of Columbus Meeting 6:45 pm Knights of Columbus Pancake Breakfast Parish Council Meeting 6:30 pm 20 UCWLC Annual Meeting 6:00 pm Parish Christmas Dinner 25 Potato Peeling Perogy Bee Perogy Supper Notes: