Light of the West I N D E E D C H R I S T H E R I S E N R I S E N. March - April Vol. XXIV, No. 2 March - April 2016

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1 Light of the West Vol. XXIV, No. 2 March - April C H R I S T is R I S E N I N D E E D H E is R I S E N March - April

2 Beloved Priest of the Eparchy Resurrects to Eternal Life Phoenix, AZ In the early hours of Palm Sunday, March 20, the clergy and parishioners of St. Stephen s Byzantine Catholic Cathedral awoke to hear the sad news that their beloved Pastor, the Right Reverend Archimandrite Wes Izer, had died suddenly just after midnight. Father Wes, as everyone called him, was not only the Pastor of the cathedral parish but wore many hats in the Eparchy of Phoenix. He was the Syncellus (Episcopal Vicar) for Eparchial Administration; the Eparchial Finance Officer; the Chancellor; and a member of the College of Eparchial Consultors, the Finance Council, the Building and Sacred Arts Commission, the Pension Board, and the Personnel Board. Father Wes was born on May 24th, 1946 to a Father of German extraction, Wesley Luthern Izer, and a Mother of Mexican extraction, Consuelo (Perez) Izer. Both are now deceased. He is survived by a sister, Sister Kathleen Izer, who belongs to the Order of the School Sisters of Notre Dame. Father Wes was baptized as a Roman Catholic in the Church of the Resurrection in Los Angeles, California. His entire youth was spent in Pico- Rivera, California. In 1964 he decided to enter the Salesian Religious Order and was sent to St. Joseph s Novitiate in Newton, NJ. After his year in the novitiate, he began his studies for a BA Degree with a major in Philosophy at the Don Bosco College in Newton. He made his Perpetual Profession in the Salesian Order in 1971 at the St. John Bosco High School Chapel in Bellflower, CA. In 1969 he had been appointed a full time teacher and the Chairman of the English Department at the High School. He later was transferred to a teaching position at the Continued on Page 15 - IZER Pictured on the front cover is Father Vasyl Mutka, pastor of St George Byzantine Catholic Church in Olympia, Washington. Here he is blessing the front door of the church as he begins the Resurrectional Matins. Light of the West Holy Protection of Mary Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Phoenix Pastoral Center 8105 N. 16 th Street Phoenix, AZ Phone: (602) Fax: (602) (USPS PERMIT #1750) Postage paid at Phoenix, AZ Official Publication of the Byzantine Catholic Bishop of Van Nuys. Subscription rate: $20.00 per year - Please make checks payable to the Eparchy of Phoenix Published 6 times a year by the Holy Protection of Mary Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Phoenix, 8105 North 16th Street, Phoenix, AZ Phone: (602) Fax: (602) POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Light of the West, 8105 North 16th Street, Phoenix, AZ Most Rev. Gerald N. Dino, President Ms. Kathleen Slonka, Editor us at: lightofthewest@cox.net 2 Christ is Risen!

3 Easter Around the Eparchy Good Friday shroud of Jesus ST GEORGE - Olympia, WA ST THOMAS THE APOSTLE- Gilbert, AZ Resurrectional Matins Procession The winning butter mold March - April 2016 Waiting for Father to bless the Easter Baskets Continued on page 10 3

4 Religious Education Congress Held in Los Angeles Father Diodoro Mendoza explaining the rites of the Church to a visitor to our booths at the Congress. Jonathan Deane (dark sweater) and James Nelson Chase (light blue shirt) explain some of the Eastern Christian concepts to the many visitors to the Byzantine Catholic Church Booth. Bishop Gerald picks the winner of the beautiful hand written icon on canvas made by Teresa Olsyck Danovich. Father Wes Izer enjoyed talking with some of the many visitors to the Byzantine Catholic Church Booth. Celebrating 60 years, , the Los Angeles Religious Education Congress at the Anaheim Convention Center the weekend of February 25-28, truly was a celebration of God s Blessings. Boundless Mercy, the theme for the Congress was reflected in the words of Pope Francis who said that mercy is, the ultimate and supreme act by which God comes to meet us, and further mercy is the bridge that connects God and man. During the course of the weekend, as we gathered prayerfully to welcome thousands of Congress Participants, it became apparent that many were seeking a glimpse into that beauty and mystery of the bridge that connects God and man. They came seeking not only knowledge about the Byzantine Catholic Church, but eager to experience the depth of spirituality that our Church exudes. Very Rev. David M. Petras, copresenter with Rt. Rev. Alexei Smith on the workshop, The Importance and Beauty of the Eastern Catholic Churches, was filled with inspirational insights. In addition to presenting the historical dimension of the Eastern Catholic Churches, Fr. David emphasized the beauty of the overall theology and spirituality that encompasses our Church. The Religious Education Congress for 2017 is Feb. 24th - 26th. 4 Christ is Risen!

5 L - R: Sr Joanne Lickvar, OSBM, Fr Stephen Washko, Fr Diodoro Mendoza, Sr Jean Marie Cihota and Fr Wes Izer greeted the people and answered their questions. L - R: Jonathan Deane, James Nelson Chase and Fr Brian Escobeda also helped with manning the booth on Saturday. Fr David Petras presented the talk The Importance and Beauty of the Eastern Catholic Churches, at the Saturday Workshop. Bishop Visits Sherman Oaks, CA Parish Bishop Gerald starts We Bow To Your Cross at the Liturgy with Fr Wes and Fr. Mel After the Liturgy, all servers and priests are pictured with the Bishop Bishop Gerald acknowledges the introduction of Fr. Mel Rybarczyk, Rector of Proto-Cathedral of St. Mary Byzantine Catholic Church. March - April 2016 Bishop Gerald meets with Dr. Alan Shewmon, Dr. Elisabeth Seitz-Shewmon, their daughtert Sophia and Tony James Beyer. 5

6 San Diego Parish Learns How to Make Prosphora What is prosphora, Fr. Brian? Prosphora, I explained, is essential to the Holy Mystery of the Eucharist which is carried out through the mediums of wine and leavened bread. The bread is specially baked for the purpose of communion, and it is called "Prosphora" (meaning "that which is offered" in Greek.) With that simple question a plan to learn about prosphora hands-on was scheduled. We gathered the seal, multiple recipes, ingredients and willing volunteers for a Saturday bake-off. Holy Angels parishioners wanted to find the best recipe for our church. Our primary baker had gone through surgery and was out of commission for a while. What were we to do? Expand our list of bakers from one to five. Beginning with prayer, it was a challenging and exciting day ahead for the women and children who gathered. Each person selected a recipe and gathered the ingredients to begin learning how to make this holy bread. Old and young were very excited and laughter with an occasional toss of flour at a coworker made this a memorable day. The first round of the bake-off yielded eight different loaves for sampling and evaluation. The taste buds of the women and children of the parish quickly narrowed it down to three recipes. We followed by baking more prosphora with the three recipes and made loaves with one, two and three lambs. Which ones had the best consistency? Which ones kept the imprint for the lamb the best? We sensed a great pride in the bakers knowing that the best recipe would yield the best bread to use in the Divine Liturgy. There was great emotion in the voice of the bakers as they selected the winning recipe and proudly showed me the beautifully baked loaves which would ultimately become the most precious body of Our Lord. 6 Christ is Risen!

7 March - April 2016 Autobiography of Fr. Frank Knüsel I was born on June 29, 1941 in Portland, Oregon, and raised on a dairy farm operated by my immediate family. My parents were Xavier Knüsel (born and raised in Switzerland) and Florence Kaufman, who was also born in Portland, and her parents were also born and raised in Switzerland. I also have one sister JoAn, who was married, raised 6 children, and has been a long time resident in Seattle, WA. The language spoken in the family and with many friends was Swiss-German and I still enjoy conversing in the language to this day. I was baptized at the Roman Catholic Church of St. Wenceslaus, a parish founded by Czech immigrants. My family had many acquaintances in the parish, since we all had so much in common, being Catholic and of immigrant background. I attended a Catholic school in a neighboring parish staffed by the Sisters of the Holy Names, who were quite progressive for the times; they instilled in their students traits of faithfulness to our Church and a spirit of perfection in the search of Truth traits that inspired me throughout my life. At this time I began to have thoughts about a vocation to the priesthood but then again most of the children at that age level (5th grade), inspired by the example of their teachers, had similar thoughts. Our family was quite musical and we often played as a small ensemble for the Swiss country type dances in the area, in which I also took part playing the Clarinet, Saxophone, and Piano. After public high school, I attended the University of Portland, where my major area of interests were Physics, Music and Air Force ROTC. It was at this time that I became more devout attending Mass on a regular basis. It was also at this time when I had the first experience of the Byzantine Liturgy which made a deep impression on me. I graduated in 1963 with a BS degree in Physics, and also a commission as a USAF Officer. Since I had been qualified for Pilot Training, I decided to continue in the Military and after completing Pilot Training, I Fr. Frank Knüsel with his mother, Florence. flew the C-141 cargo planes as a co-pilot. The Vietnam Conflict was then raging and involved us making many flights to Vietnam over a four year period. But during this time, because of a series of events that I thought were signs of a call to the Priesthood by God; and after a period of prayerful discernment, I finally decided to seek this vocation. Upon finishing my commitment to the military on December 8, 1968, I became a seminarian at Mt. Angel Seminary for the Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon. At the Seminary there was a Russian Catholic Rite Chapel and I would attend the Divine Liturgy there at every opportunity; I was very impressed with the Liturgy, but little did I realize that later in life I would become very involved with the Byzantine Rite. I did not continue on the road of Byzantine Spirituality, because I was so impressed by the hospitality not only of the seminarians present from Mexico, but also the many Spanish speaking families that lived near the seminary that I decided to work in the Spanishspeaking Apostolate and learn the Spanish Language. (Throughout my almost 43 years of Priesthood I have, and now still celebrate a regularly scheduled Spanish Mass near Portland.) I was ordained for the Archdiocese of Portland by the Most Rev Robert Dwyer in my home parish of St. Wenceslaus on May 12, From 1978 to 1987 I was put in charge of the Spanish speaking Apostolate for the Archdiocese. Eventually I became the parish administrator for St. Patrick s Church and it was there, because of my previous interest of the Byzantine Liturgy, that I asked Fr. Joseph M. Stanichar, pastor of St John Chrysostom Parish in Seattle, to start a Byzantine Outreach. The first Liturgy was held on June 29, 1988, with Fr. Joseph as the celebrant and the Deacon was then (now Bishop) Kurt Burnett. Fr. Joseph then taught me the Byzantine Rite. I continue joyfully to help out with the Liturgy especially after the Byzantine Mission moved to its own Continued on Page 9 Autobiography 7

8 With sadness and joy this article follows the article from our last issue about Very Rev Michael Mondik, who fell asleep in the Lord on Wednesday, March 3, 2016 at Honor Health (formerly John C. Lincoln Hospital) in Phoenix, AZ. The Eparchy of Passaic has lost a great priest and our community a great friend. Having been blessed to have met Fr. Michael and work with him over the last nine months, I would like to add a bit about the human side of this man which you may not know... His knowledge of the culinary arts and appreciation of fine food was superb. Coming from New Jersey to Phoenix it took him about 3 months to find the best bakery in Scottsdale, and he would bring us goodies at lunchtime to prove it. He loved to dine out as well as generously entertain colleagues at his home, including from his collection of fine wines. With Both Sadness and Joy submitted by the Editor of Light of the West He loved homemade ice cream and knew the best bread for French toast. He loved doing needlepoint and wearing Hawaiian shirts from his collection he bought on his cruises.. Did you know he made his own vestments? Have you ever had one of his homemade Mince meat pies? Did you know he collected art and icons, which he displayed over every inch of the walls of his home. Socializing with family and friends revitalized him even as his cancer drained his health. Visits from his brother and friends back east put the smile back on his face even as he sipped his protein drinks. He loved socializing at the St Stephen fish fries and after Sunday Liturgies, and it was there that many parishioners got to know the man who was the retired priest from back east. For me, my favorite memory of Fr Michael will always be the comforting tone in which he spoke when he came up to my desk after lunch and with heartfelt sincerity would thank me for some simple thing, like the grapefruit I brought him or the ice cream I made for dessert that day. His illness may have stolen the sound of his voice, but it remains loud and clear in my heart. Eternal Memory! Eagle Scout in Albuquerque, NM Receives Rare Honor Thomas Donlin of Boy is serving as Troop 395 s Leave No Scout Troop 395 has Trace Trainer. Donlin is a Brotherhood achieved a rare honor member of Lodge Yah-Tah-Hey-Siin scouting. He has earned Kess, the Order of the Arrow, scouting s all the Merit Badges in Boy National Honor Society. He has received Scouting. Donlin has earned the Medal of Merit for Life Saving; Merit badges, including Eagle Palms, The World Conservation digital technology and Award; The National Medal of Outdoor animation. Since 1910, only Achievement; all Catholic Religious 270 boys have earned all merit emblems and numerous awards and badges. recognitions. Donlin is an Eagle Scout Donlin was recognized for this rare with the troop, chartered honor at Troop 395 s Court of Honor with the Shrine of St. on January 27, 2016 He is a faithful Bernadette, Sandia District, altar server at Our Lady of Perpetual Great Southwest Council. Help Byzantine Catholic Church in He has been an active scout Albuquerque, NM where Fr. Artur for 12 years. He currently Bubnevych is the pastor. 8 Christ is Risen!

9 Continued from Page 7 Autobiography location and became the parish of St. Irene the Great Martyr. Under the leadership of Fr. Kurt who was the parish administrator, the parish in the year 2000 moved to its bigger and present location. However, Fr. Kurt soon asked me to take his place for two years, so that he could continue his study of Canon Law in Rome. The parish was entrusted to my care on August 16, 2004 and now almost 12 years later I am still pastor of St. Irene s!! My parents always accompanied me at my Liturgies, and enjoyed meeting the people as I still do. My mother always insisted on being hospitable to all, and also instilled in me the trait of seeing every one as one s equal; these are traits the consequences of which, I strive to attain in my parochial practice. I may not be the most eloquent in preaching and very organized when it comes to administrative details, but I always strive to teach by example, and inspire parishioners to do the same. It is truly a wonderful spiritual experience to celebrate the Divine Liturgy with the parishioners, and I always like to say, that if one starts the celebration in belief or not, by the time the Liturgy is complete, one will be a believer. It seems that the Presence of God is more one might say palpable in our Byzantine ritual. Religion and Politics... On Tuesday, February 2nd, the Catholic Bishops of the State of Arizona went to the State Capitol to visit with some of the elected members of the State House of Representatives and the State Senate. Pictured (l. to r.) Bishop Gerald N. Dino of the Holy Protection of Mary Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Phoenix; Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted, Bishop of Phoenix; the Honorable David Gowan, Arizona State House Speaker; Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas, Bishop of Tucson; Bishop James S. Wall, Bishop of Gallup, NM (whose Diocese encompasses some of the northeastern counties of the State of Arizona); Bishop Eduardo A. Nevares, Auxiliary Bishop of Phoenix; and Mr. Ron Johnson, Director of the Arizona Catholic Conference. Catholic Sun Meets Light of the West L to R: Father Diodoro Mendoza standing with Mr. Tony Gutierrez and Bishop Gerald Dino. March - April 2016 Mr. Tony Gutierrez, Editor of the Catholic Sun, Diocesan newspaper for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix, AZ visited Bishop Gerald Dino, President of the Light of the West newsletter, created by the Holy Protection of Mary Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Phoenix for its readers worldwide. Bishop showed Tony around our complex, including the Cathedral, and afterward they enjoyed lunch together. 9

10 Easter in the Eparchy Continued from page 3 O U R Blessing of Fire. Acolyte William St. George, Archimandrite Francis Vivona and Acolyte David Vonderhoe. Blessing of Palms. L A D Y of W I S D O M L a s V e g a s, NV The Resurrection Icon is opened by Ron Huntingdon, Mark Kelso and David Vonderhoe; final proclamation of Our Lord s Resurrection. Claire Lynott venerates Jesus after placing the crown on the Chalice. Archmandrite Vivona and in background, Ron Huntington S A I N T A N N E - San Luis Obispo. CA Continued on page Christ is Risen!

11 O U R L A D Y of Resurrectional Matins Procession Artos Bread in front of Resurrectional Icon P E R P E T U A L H E L P - Albuquerque, NM Blessing of Baskets Blessing of Baskets S A I N T A N N E - San Luis Obispo. CA A mother guiding her child to the eggs. March - April 2016 Procession during Resurrectional Matins Continued on page 16 Children looking for the eggs. 11

12 Lebanon, Land of St Charbel Submitted by Paul Antonios My family and I flew to Lebanon last Christmas. It had been about 2 years since my last visit. We all had an amazing time despite the political mess. We were able to see everyone in my family: my grandma, my aunts, cousins, some I knew and some I hadn t met before. Christmas is a beautiful time and opportunity to see family members again. They come to Lebanon from all over the world! I saw many interesting places too! The people of Lebanon love socializing and are so friendly that you would never think there was a war next door! They are fun loving people and the restaurants are always full. Of course, there are few places everyone knows to avoid. However, other than that, people live their lives comfortably day-to-day just as we do in America. One of my most fascinating experiences was my visit to the cavern of Jeita (Aramaic for gushing water). Jeita is a 5.5 mile long cavern north of Beirut with a flowing underground river that was discovered by an American missionary in It houses the longest stalactite in the world (27ft) and its highest ceiling peaks at 390 ft. The Antonios family are parishioners of St. Thomas the Apostle Byzantine Catholic Church in Gilbert, AZ. Vince is the publisher of the Light of the West. St Charbel is the most famous of all of Lebanon's 4 saints. He was born in 1828, died in 1898, was canonized in His body remained intact until Miracles attributed to his St. Charbel s mattress at the monastery. intervention continue to this day. 12 Christ is Risen!

13 I also visited a beautiful old Byzantine church in Jounieh an old city north of Beirut, built in the late 19th century. Paul and sister Natalie, having lunch with friends and relatives. Janice and Vince Antonios celebrating Christmas in Lebanon. Byblos, north of Beirut, known to be the oldest inhabited city in the world, since 7000 BC March - April

14 News From the Pews Annunciation Holy Rollers bake up a storm in the parish kitchen. Along with attending the Lenten Services in preparation for Pascha, we also prepare the various Easter bake items that will help us celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord. Annunciation Byzantine Catholic Church is located in Anaheim, Ca Annunciation Byzantine Catholic Church in Anaheim, CA celebrates Easter Sunday. Eastern Catholic Pastoral Association met on March 10 at Annunciation Parish in Anaheim, California. The priests are from the Armenian Catholic, Maronite Catholic, Melkite Catholic, Ukrainian Catholic, Syrian Catholic, Romanian Catholic, Chaldean Assyrian Catholic, Malabar Catholic, Coptic Catholic, Roman Catholic and our Byzantine Catholic Church. The churches are from central California to San Diego. The meeting began with the chanting of the Sixth Hour and the parishioners of Annunciation provided a lenten luncheon in the parish hall. The purpose of the meeting was to update and approve for publication the booklet, The One Church and the Communion of Churches. This booklet summarizes the development of all the Catholic churches in communion with one another that manifest the same oneness that existed at the time of the Apostles through their common bond with the Successor of Peter. It is hoped that through this outline the reader will be able to view the splendor of the One Church shining forth through its multifaceted expressions within the communion of churches. The final date for publication will be announced. Fr. Francois Beyrouti was the photographer of the group picture. 14 Christ is Risen!

15 Continued from Page 2 - Izer Salesian High School in Richmond, CA. He was ordained to the Priesthood for the Salesian Order on May 17th, 1977 at St. Hilary Roman Catholic Church in Pico Rivera, CA. After ordination, he was assigned to St. John Bosco High School in Bellflower, CA from He held the positions of Assistant Principal, Dean of Resident Students and was a part-time teacher. To the end of his life, Father Wes constantly talked of his fondness for the years he spent at the High School. He loved the students and they loved him. In fact, the first person to enter St. Stephen s Cathedral after his casket was brought into the church was one of his former students who had travelled from California to pay his respects to his former teacher. Father Wes first experience with Eastern Christianity came at the age of 5 or 6 when he was watching television and was mesmerized by the beautiful service of the Greek Orthodox Hierarchical Divine Liturgy on Easter Sunday. I fell in love and was hooked from that early age on. Then while studying for his BA Degree at Don Bosco College in Newton, NJ, Father Wes met several Byzantine Catholic seminarians from the Eparchy of Passaic, NJ who also were students at the college. This reignited what was to become a life-long interest in Eastern Christianity. While at the college, he became the Founder and the President of the Eastern Churches Study Club. It wasn t until 1979, when he first met Father George Kuzma, that he became intimately involved with the Byzantine Catholic Church. He became the weekend Associate for Father Kuzma at Annunciation Byzantine Catholic Church in Anaheim, CA. Eventually he became the Administrator of the parish and several other Byzantine Catholic Churches in California. Finally, in 1991 the Salesian Order released Father Wes for assignments in the Eparchy. Father George Kuzma, Father Wes long-time mentor, spiritual father, March - April 2016 friend and confidant had been ordained the Auxiliary Bishop of the Eparchy of Passaic, NJ in In 1990 Bishop George was appointed the Bishop of the Eparchy of Van Nuys (now known as the Holy Protection of Mary Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Phoenix). One of Bishop George s first appointments was to name Father Wes as the Administrative Assistant to the Bishop. For the rest of his life, Father Wes was to dedicate his entire priestly endeavors to building up the eparchy, which he came to love with his whole heart and soul. He worked tirelessly for the Eparchy to the very day before he died. For his dedication Bishop George conferred on Father Wes in 1997 the Eparchial honor and title Right Rev. Archimandrite. That same year Father Wes formally transferred from the Roman Rite to the Byzantine Rite of the Catholic Church. Finally in 2008, he transferred from the Salesian Order of priests and was enrolled into the Eparchy of Phoenix. It is interesting how the Feast of the Resurrection of Christ played such a prominent role in the life of Father Wes. He was baptized in the Church of the Resurrection in Los Angeles. He was first introduced to Eastern Christianity by watching a Greek Orthodox Hierarchical Divine Liturgy on the Feast of the Resurrection on television, and his funeral was a Hierarchical Liturgy on the Wednesday of Bright Week when the entire Funeral Liturgy of our Byzantine Catholic Church changes with the singing of Christ is Risen from the dead over and over again reminding us that as Christ resurrected from the dead, so we will follow in His footsteps. 15

16 Easter in the Eparchy Continued from Page 11 St Anne Byzantine Catholic Church in San Luis Obispo, CA celebrated 2 baptisms, and confirmations the week before Easter Sunday. A Reminder For the August Pilgrimage in Washington State Listed below we have included a pledge form for those who did not receive one in the mail. Please cut off and give to your parish office for inclusion in this year s Bishop Appeal I Pledge: $ 10,000 $ 5,000 $ 1,000 $ 500 $ 200 Other: $ Bishop s Appeal Pledge As a sign of my love for God and my continual commitment to His Church, I have enclosed my/our gift so that God s Work will continue in the Eparchy of Phoenix. Please Print Name: Address: City: State: Zip: Phone: Cell: * Please make your checks payable to your parish. * Return this form with your check to your parish. Bishop s Appeal ends on May 31st. FOR PARISH OFFICE USE ONLY PASTORS: Please return this form when pledges are in full. Pledge Amount: $ 1st payment: ($ ) = Balance $ 2nd payment: ($ ) = Balance $ 3rd payment: ($ ) = Balance $ 4th payment: ($ ) = Balance $ 5th payment: ($ ) = Balance $ 6th payment: ($ ) = Balance $ 7th payment: ($ ) = Balance $ 8th payment: ($ ) = Balance $ Final Payment ($ ) = Balance $ 16 Christ is Risen!

17 Iconography Workshop & Iconography Club During the last two weekends of January, St. Basil Byzantine Catholic Church in Los Gatos, CA held its second iconography workshop, once again with Mr. Raymond Vincent, our fellow Byzantine Catholic from Sacramento, as our instructor. We had 8 students this time, five of whom are members of St. Basil's parish. Also, four students were returning students from the first workshop. Students painted a copy of the Theotokos of Vladimir, and had the choice between a close-up version of the icon and a more complete version. Even though the Theotokos of Vladimir is a more difficult icon to paint than the icon of Christ Immanuel, which was done for the first workshop, the returning students found that painting an icon was an easier experience the second time. During the first weekend of the workshop we were also blessed by the visit of Bishop Nicholas Samra of the Melkite Eparchy of Newton. Sayedna Nicholas was the guest that weekend of Fr. Sebastian Carnazzo, pastor of St. Elias Melkite Church in San Jose. Bishop Nicholas was pleased by the work of the students and of our instructor, and we were glad we could share what we were doing with him. Some of the students want to form an iconography club at St. Basil to practice their skills. Father Anthony Hernandez is Pastor of St. Basil Parish Submitted by Ted Chan. Ascend! Let us Ascend! Lenten Day of Reflection On Saturday, March 5, St. Basil Byzantine Catholic Parish, Los Gatos, CA, sponsored a Lenten Day of Recollection. The theme of the Day was "Ascend! Let us ascend!" The day retreat began with the Divine Liturgy at 9:00am. After Liturgy, a light breakfast was served in the parish hall. With 24 people in attendance, Fr. Anthony talked about images of ascent used in Scripture and Saints to describe progress in the spiritual life. Reference was made to The Ladder of Divine Ascent by St. John Climacus, as well as to the teaching of saints of both the Eastern and Western traditions of the Church. After lunch, a discussion continued on the theme of the day. Time was provided for Confessions, and the day ended with Great Vespers in the church. Special thanks to Ted Chan for preparing the meals and the setting up of the room and printed materials. March - April

18 Eparchy of Phoenix Appointments Father Diodoro Mendoza has been appointed the Chancellor of the Eparchy of Phoenix. The appointment became effective April 5, Father Diodoro has also been appointed to membership in the College of Eparchial Consultors and will thus have the title Very Reverend. Deacon Michael Bezruchka has been appointed the Vice Chancellor of the Eparchy of Phoenix. Deacon Michael will be assisting Very Rev Diodoro, the Chancellor of the Eparchy. This appointment became effective April 5, Also, Deacon Michael Bezruchka is scheduled to be ordained to the presbyterate on June 18, 2016 in Seattle, Wa. Deacon Michael Melnick has been appointed the new Eparchial Finance Officer. The appointment took effect Tuesday, April 5, 2016 Subdeacon Adam Lowe has been appointed as the Assistant Treasurer of the Eparchy of Phoenix assisting newly appointed Finance Officer Deacon Michael Melnick. The appointment took effect on April 7, Also, Subdeacon Adam is scheduled to be ordained to the Diaconate on May 15, 2016, in Albuquerque, NM. Subdeacon Ryan Balke will be ordained to the Diaconate on June 12, 2016, in Denver, CO. Joel Barstad will receive his Minor Orders and Subdiaconate on June 12, 2016 in Denver, CO. Brother Andrew of Duchovny Dom Monastery will receive his Life Profession in the Presence of His Grace Bishop Gerald Dino, on June 22, 2016 in Duchovny Dom Monastery, in Weston, OR. 18 Christ is Risen!

19 ALASKA Anchorage Saint Nicholas of Myra 2200 Arctic Blvd. Anchorage, AK Rev. Michael Sidun (907) Sun. Liturgy: Vigil 6pm; 10am Wasilla Bl. Theodore Romzha Mission, Sacred Heart RC Church 1201 Bogard Rd. Wasilla, AK Rev. Michael Sidun (907) Sun. Liturgy: 3pm; Summer 5pm ARIZONA Gilbert Saint Thomas the Apostle 19 W. Bruce Ave. Gilbert, AZ Very Rev. Diodoro Mendoza (480) Sun. Liturgy: Vigil 5pm; Phoenix Saint Stephen Cathedral 8141 N 16th St. FRNT Phoenix, AZ Very Rev Joe Hutsko (602) Sun. Liturgy: Vigil: 5pm; 8am; 10am Tucson Saint Melany 1212 N Sahuara Ave. Tucson, AZ Rev. Robert Rankin (520) Sun. LiturgyVigil 5pm 10am Oro Valley Outreach Saint Mark RC Church, 2727 W Tangerine Rd, Oro Valley, AZ Sun 5 pm Upcoming Events Eparchy of Phoenx Clergy Conference June 6-10, 2016 St Stephen Cathedral Hall Phoenix, AZ Alive in Christ Camp July Camp Brotherhood, Mount Vernon, WA March - April 2016 Eparchy of Phoenix Serving 13 Western States. 19 Churches. 1 Mission, 6 Outreaches. CALIFORNIA Anaheim Annunciation Byzantine 995 N. West St. Anaheim, CA Rt. Rev. Stephen Washko (714) Sun. Liturgy : 10am Fontana Saint Nicholas of Myra 9112 Oleander Ave. Fontana, CA Rev Matthew Alejo (909) Sun. Liturgy: 10am Hanford Outreach Saint Brigid Catholic Church 200 East Florida Street, Hanford, CA Rev. Milan Kasperek ((805) Every Sunday Liturgy: 5pm Los Gatos Saint Basil the Great Mulberry Drive Los Gatos, CA Rev. Anthony Hernandez (408) Sun Liturgy: 11am St. Albert the Great Church 1095 Channing Ave Palo Alto, CA Sacramento Saint Philip the Apostle th St. Sacramento, CA Rev. Francis Murin (916) Sun. Liturgy: Vigil: 5pm; 10am Myrrh-Bearers Women s Retreat June 24-26, 2016 Franciscan Renewal Center. Scottsdale, AZ San Diego Holy Angels 2235 Galahad Road San Diego, CA Rev Brian Escobedo (858) Sat. Vespers: 5pm Sun. Matins: 8am Sun. Liturgy: 9am San Luis Obispo Saint Anne 222 E. Foothill Blvd. San Luis Obispo, CA Rev. Milan Kasperek (805) Sun. Liturgy: 10am Sherman Oaks Proto-Cathedral of Saint Mary 5329 Sepulveda Blvd. Sherman Oaks, CA Very Rev. Mel Rybarczyk, CR (818) Sun. Liturgy: 9:30am Walnut Creek Outreach East Bay Outreach Liturgies at St. Mary RC Church 2039 Mt. Diablo Blvd Walnut Creek, CA Rev. Anthony Hernandez nd Saturday vigil: 6:15 pm Byzanteen Youth Rally July Cleveland, OH Pilgrimage to Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Aug 19-21, 2016 Olympia, WA Fort Collins Outreach Saint John XXIII University Parish 1220 University Ave, Fort Collins, CO Very Rev. Michael O Loughlin (303) Sun. Liturgy 3pm MONTANA Missoula Outreach Spirit of Christ RC Church 5475 Farm Lane Lolo, Montana Rev. William O Brien (509) Sun. Liturgy 2nd & 4th Sundays 6pm NEVADA Las Vegas Our Lady of Wisdom 2120 Lindell Road Las Vegas, NV, Rt. Rev. Francis Vivona, JCL (702) Sun. Liturgy: Vigil: 5pm; 10am Las Vegas Saint Gabriel the Archangel 2250 E Maule Ave Las Vegas, NV Very Rev. Marcus Gomori (702) Sun. Liturgy Vigil: 4pm:10am NEW MEXICO Albuquerque COLORADO Our Lady of Perpetual Help Denver 1837 Alvarado Dr. NE Albuquerque, NM Holy Protection Rev. Artur Bubnevych 1201 South Elizabeth (505) Denver, CO Sun. Liturgy: 10am Very Rev. Michael O Loughlin OREGON (303) Sun. Liturgy: 8 am -10:30amPortland Saint Irene 4630 N Maryland Ave. Portland, OR Rev. Frank Knusel (503) Sun. Liturgy: 10am Our Lady of Mount Carmel Novena July Las Vegas, NV Pilgrimage to Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Sept 3-4, 2016 Uniontown, PA WASHINGTON Burlington Outreach Skagit County Outreach St. Charles RC Church 935 Peterson Road Burlington, WA Rev Michael Mandelas (206) Sun. Liturgy: 5:30pm Olympia Saint George 9730 Yelm Hwy. Olympia, WA Rev. Vasyl Mutka (360) Sun. Liturgy: 10:30 am Seattle Saint John Chrysostom 1305 South Lander St. Seattle, WA Rev Michael Mandelas (206) Sun. Liturgy: Vigil 5pm; 10:00 am Matins 8am Spokane Valley Saints Cyril & Methodius 4315 N. Evergreen Rd. Spokane Valley, WA Rev. William O Brien (509) Sun. Liturgy: Vigil: 5pm; 10am 19

20 Byzantine Catholic Bishop of Van Nuys Holy Protection of Mary Eparchy of Phoenix LIGHT OF THE WEST 8105 North 16th Street Phoenix, Arizona NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID PHOENIX, AZ PERMIT NO ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED FORWARDING AND RETURN POSTAGE GUARANTEED In This Issue + Father Wes Izer 2 LA Religious Ed Congress 4 Visitation to Sherman Oaks 5 San Diego Makes Prosphora 6 Autobiography of Fr Frank Knüsel 7 Eagle Scout Tomas Donlin 8 Memory of Fr Michael Mondik 8 Easter in the Eparchy Lebanon, Land of St Charbel 12 News from the Pews 14 Appointments Christ is Risen!