January - February 2018

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1 Light of the West Blessing the Rio Grande. Story and more pictures on Page 10 January - February 2018 Volume XXVI No. 1 January - February

2 Save the Date The combined eparchies within the Archeparchy of Pittsburgh will be having their Youth Rally on July 5-8, at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA. Please consider signing up for this event as the youth of our churches meet in PA. More details will follow. You can also go to to get more info on spirituality, fun, good food, and socializing that will be on the agenda. ByzanTEEN Youth Rally 2018 July 5-8, 2018 Who is My Neighbor? St. Vincent College Latrobe, PA 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) Protosyncellus Building (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. John S. Pazak, President Ms. Kathleen Slonka, Editor us at: lightofthewest@cox.net 2 Glory to Jesus Christ

3 Eastern Catholic Pastoral Association Met with Bishop Vann Feb 5, Monday--Bishop Kevin Vann met with the Eastern Catholic Clergy of Orange County, CA and Los Angeles. The priests shown are from our Byzantine Catholic Church, the Melkite Church, the Maronite Church and Fr. John Monastero, Bishop Vann's appointed representative from the Orange County Roman Catholic Diocese to the Eastern Catholic Pastoral Association. The meeting was about: immigration problems, Eastern Catholic children attending Roman Catholic Schools, unfriendly groups to the Catholic Church using parish halls and churches, Sacraments and Catholic Unity. After the meeting there was a lunch at Lucia's Restaurant and a tour on the new campus of the Orange County Diocese (formerly the campus of the Reverend Bob Schuler s Crystal Cathedral). Bishop Kevin also plans a follow up meeting with the priests. Phoenix Parish Sings Happy 100th Birthday January seemed to be a very busy month for the Byzantine Catholic Cathedral of St. Stephen in Phoenix, AZ. One of the happiest days was the celebration of the 100th birthday of Helen Wirt, a parishioner of the Cathedral. Helen was a resident of one of the apartments on the property, but has since had to move to an assisted living facility. Helen is truly a special person who always had the time to say hi to everyone she met. January - February

4 So Long, Farewell, Auf Wiedersehen, Adieu It is with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to Sister Christopher Malcovsky OSBM. Here at St. Stephen Byzantine Catholic Cathedral, as well as the Eparchy of Phoenix, Sister has been known to be the one who spent many hours on the phone, calling the older parishioners, the infirmed as well as the homebound parishioners to see how they were doing and wish them well. Sending bulletins to some of those who weren t in church added to her activities. She maintained the occupancy of the apartments, and kept the waiting list current. For 24 years she had taken care of the Eparchial Bishop s Appeal and served as secretary for the Cathedral. Sister will now be residing in Uniontown, PA, at Mount Macrina Monastery, living with the other sisters of the Order. If anyone is interested in sending her a card, you can send it to: Sr. Christopher Malcovsky 500 W Main Street Box 878 Uniontown, PA May God grant to His faithful servant, Sr. Christopher Malcovsky many happy and blessed years. Sister Ruth Plante OSBM, came to Phoenix to accompany Sr. Christopher on her journey back to the Motherhouse, in Uniontown, PA. 4 Glory to Jesus Christ

5 Second Annual Forgiveness Friday in Anchorage, AK Parish written by Joseph Pearson, Cantor With the blessing of the Archbishop of Anchorage, Most Reverend Paul Etienne, D.D., S.T.L., Saint Nicholas of Myra Byzantine Catholic Church in Anchorage, Alaska held its second-annual Forgiveness Friday Vespers for clergy at 1pm on 9 February Seven priests from the Archdiocese of Anchorage including one from Magadan, Russia; one sister from Poland; two cantors and seven hospitality helpers from Saint Nicholas parish and Blessed Theodore mission joyfully responded to the invitation from Reverend Father Mykhaylo Sidun, pastor of Saint Nicholas parish and Blessed Theodore Romzha mission, to begin the Great Fast (Lent) on a firm footing of forgiveness. Very Reverend Father Thomas Lilly, Archdiocese of Anchorage Vicar General and Pastor of Saint Benedict parish; Reverend Father Luz Flores of Holy Spirit Center; Reverend Father Michael Shields of Archdiocese of Anchorage s mission to Magadan Russia; Reverend Father Steven Maekawa, O.P., Pastor of Holy Family Cathedral; Reverend Father Andrew Lee, KMS, Pastor of Holy Cross parish; Reverend Father Michael Kim, KMS, Parochial Vicar of Holy Cross parish; Reverend Father Arthur Roraff, Parochial Vicar of Saint Andrew parish in Eagle River; and Sister Rose visiting from Poland; Cantor Joseph Pearson from Blessed Theodore Romzha mission in Wasilla; Cantor Sherry Whah from Saint Nicholas parish; and photographer Sofia Sidun participated in the Forgiveness Friday Vespers Liturgy that was a moving experience for all. Traditionally the Vespers of Forgiveness on Cheesefare Sunday begins Great Lent, and includes the prayer of Saint Ephrem with prostrations: Lord and Master of my Life, spare me from the Spirit of indifference, despair, lust for power and idle chatter. (Prostration) Instead, bestow on me, your servant the spirit of humility, integrity, patience and love. (Prostration) Yes, O Lord and King, let me to see my own sins and not judge my brothers and sisters; for you are blessed forever and ever. Amen. (Prostration) Saint Nicholas parish conducts Forgiveness Vespers for Clergy on the Friday before Cheesefare Sunday because clergy are busy tending their own flocks on Sundays and therefore can t otherwise participate. Since the sins of any member of the body of Christ injure every other member and Christ our Head, Forgiveness Vespers concludes with forgiveness being requested by each participant from every other participant in turn: Forgive me a sinner and received from every other participant May God forgive you as they kiss each other s cheeks three times with the kiss of our Lord Jesus Christ to replace the Judas kiss of our sins. Interestingly, one of the attendees at last year s Forgiveness Friday Vespers is now the new Bishop of Juneau, Most Reverend Bishop Andrew Bellisario, C.M., who helped then Most Reverend Archbishop of Anchorage, now Emeritus Roger Schweitz, O.M.I. and several other clergy to celebrate our inaugural Forgiveness Friday Vespers on 3 February We pray that God grants many, blessed years in health and happiness to all altar brothers and all our brothers and sisters in Christ, and that our annual Saint Nicholas of Myra Byzantine Catholic church Forgiveness Friday Vespers for clergy brings healthy healing of Christ s body, the Church and spiritual fruit for ages to come. --Joseph Pearson, Cantor (Pictures to follow on Page 15) January - February

6 Contact: David H. Dix Telephone: Cell Phone: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Byzantine Catholic Seminary of Ss. Cyril and Methodius hosts Come and See Weekend of Discovery Sixteen young men from across the country representing Ruthenian and Ukrainian Byzantine jurisdictions gathered from the 3rd through the 5th of November at the Byzantine Catholic Seminary of Ss. Cyril and Methodius in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania as its seminarians hosted their annual Come and See Weekend of Discovery. Invited to this retreat were men, ages 18 to 35, single or married, who are considering a vocation to the priesthood in the Byzantine Catholic Church. The atmosphere throughout the weekend was prayerful, positive, and fraternal. The retreat afforded young men considering a vocation to the priesthood to connect and be together. It included sharing liturgical services and meals with the Seminary community, an introduction to the Seminary formation program, a tour of the Seminary, gatherings with the seminarians, individual mentoring, talks, a panel discussion, and visits to the parishes where seminarians serve on Sunday. An ice cream social and evening recreation contributed to the friendly atmosphere. Added to this year s program was a presentation by a married priest. One of the participants, Michael Huddas of the Eparchy of Parma (Ruthenian) noted that this talk was extremely helpful to me because I myself am married. He stressed that without the love, support, and sacrifice of their wives they would not be able to follow their vocation in the Seminary. So not only does the seminarian have a vocation but so does the wife as two became one flesh. Founded in 1950, Ss. Cyril and Methodius is a free-standing, English speaking theological seminary, welcoming all those seeking the knowledge possessed by the Eastern Ecclesial Traditions. The Seminary is authorized to grant graduate degrees by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and accredited by the Association of Theological Schools. It operates as a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization incorporated in Pennsylvania, and is governed by a Board of Directors under the leadership of the Metropolitan Archbishop of Pittsburgh. Social Hour. Participants from the Eparchy of Passaic. Compline 6 Glory to Jesus Christ

7 Forgive Me - a Homily Written by Fr. Artur Bubnevych THE WAY OF FORGIVENESS How can I make it up to you? Isn t that what we say when we have done wrong to someone? You know how the saying goes: To err is human; to forgive is divine. There is another version of this saying I came across recently that rings a bell for me. To err is human. To forgive is darned near impossible! For those of us who have been wronged, experience suggests that there must be limits to patience with misbehavior. To those of us who have done wrong and want to make up for it, we wonder what must people do to make up for sin and misbehavior? As we talk about reconciliation, the question comes to us, What do you do when someone has hurt you deeply? What do you do when someone continually hurts you? Today s Gospel from St. Matthew moves us to consider one of the most difficult practices of Christian discipleship forgiveness. Forgiveness is a hard road to walk, but it is the way to life and life abundant. Forgiveness is the way of Jesus, the way of the cross. While at first glance revenge may seem much easier and more desirable, in fact it leads to bondage and death. From the place of death, vengeance, and coercive violence from the cross Jesus spoke words of forgiveness, pointing to the way that leads to life. At the heart of discipleship lies the painful and challenging practice of forgiveness. Matthew tells us that Peter came and said to Jesus, Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times? (Matthew 18:21). Jesus said to him, I do not say to you up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven (v. 22). I cherish this answer very much. Jesus gives clear instructions about the importance of forgiveness as a way of life in the kingdom. Perhaps sensing that Peter hasn t quite gotten the point, he tells a story. In the parable Jesus deftly describes our propensity to seek vengeance, to demand a righting of the scales of justice January - February 2018 in a manner that we believe balances our accounts with others. A man experiences undeserved mercy and compassion from one to whom he owes a significant debt. Instead of shaping and defining his dealings with others by the mercy he has undeservedly received, he immediately turns to one who owes him a much smaller debt and demands the account to be paid and the debt settled. Upon hearing what he has done, his master, who had extended him mercy, now calls him to account and hands him over for punishment. The man is in bondage to his own greed, his misguided sense of justice. He, who had been set free for life, chose the way that leads to bondage and torture. He chose not to forgive. Sadly, so many of us do the same. In relating this story Jesus holds up a mirror for us to see our tendency to withhold the very mercy and forgiveness we have received. The only righteous judge, Jesus, says from the cross, Forgive them. We, from our positions of self-righteousness, cry out, Pay me what you owe. What a tragedy that we forfeit the gift of freedom because we are unable to allow the spirit of love to form us into a people who practice the abundant economy of forgiveness rather than the bankrupt market of vengeance, getting even, and settling the score. I know forgiveness is a hard road. It may take months, years, countless tears, and endless prayer to say, I forgive you. But Jesus was clear: grace is costly and forgiveness involves the way of the cross. True life is found only on the other side of Golgotha. Let s be very clear about what we are talking about. Forgiveness is a practice, a discipline made possible by the grace of God, not some heroic act of the will. It is something that we practice again and again, on a daily basis, until it becomes a part of who we are. Forgiveness is not forgetting. One cannot forgive that which is forgotten. Forgiveness involves telling each other the painful truth, not to hold something over the other person but to find a way forward that breaks the cycle of eye-for-an-eye violence in which we so often find ourselves trapped. Forgiveness is not about becoming a doormat and relishing the role of victim. Forgiveness is about being victorious, freed from the horrible things others might Continued on Page 8 7

8 Continued from page 7 have done to us. Likewise, forgiveness is not a strategy for turning our enemies into our friends; it is instead a grateful response to what God has done for us. We forgive others as a way of saying thank you to God, who in Christ has graciously forgiven us. Finally, practicing forgiveness does not deny the possibility or the necessity of justice. Rather, it redefines justice, and ensures that it is God s peculiar brand of justice we are practicing and not the retribution and retaliation that often masquerade as justice. In calling us to forgive, Jesus offers us a different kind of justice that holds open the possibility of a new future, a way through the hurt and pain that can lead to resurrection and new life. Forgiveness is about having our lives defined by the justice of God s kingdom rather than the justice of the kingdoms of this world. Today it might be good for us to ask, How does one follow Jesus and practice forgiveness in such a time? I have to be perfectly honest and say that I m not entirely certain how to answer that question except to say that maybe Jesus knew there would be times such as these. One day on a hill by a lake, he gathered his disciples and told them to pray like this: Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who have sinned against us.... Perhaps that is where we begin How can we make it up to each other? To be honest, sometimes we can t make it up the sin has left its stain, the debt is too big to repay but through the grace and love of Jesus Christ, we forgive, just as we have been forgiven. Amen. Seminarian Vanderohe Gives a Spiritual Reflection Phoenix, AZ Seminarian David Vanderohe gave a Lenten Spiritual Reflection to parishioners of St. Stephen s Byzantine Catholic Cathedral based on the theme: every-where present and filling all things a passage taken from the Hymn to the Holy Spirit. He emphasized how God is present to us especially in the Sacraments of the Church, in our prayers, in the holy Icons that we venerate and in other people. He mentioned how WE have to make God present to others by witnessing to them by the example of holy lives. Wherever God is present, He fills all things with Blessings and Life. He comes and dwells within us, cleanses us of our sins and saves our souls. See the article on page 16 for more information on Seminarian David. Before this pleasant talk was started, homemade Lenten cabbage soup was made by Fr. Diodoro with many kinds of bread to go with it. It truly was a pleasant soup to enjoy. 8 Glory to Jesus Christ

9 Wednesday, January 24, a Service of Prayer was celebrated at St. Stephen Byzantine Catholic Cathedral in Phoenix, AZ. It included pastors, ministers, bishops and priests from around the Phoenix area, in association with the Arizona Faith Network. From the booklet used... The resources for this year s Week of Prayer for Christian Unity have been prepared by the churches of the Caribbean. The history of Christianity in that region contains a paradox. On one hand, the Bible was used by colonizers as justification for the subjugation of the original inhabitants of these lands, and on the other hand, the Bible became a source of consolation and liberation for many who suffered at the hands of the colonizers. During the event the Greeting and Introduction to the theme was handled by the Rev. Dr. Lowell G. Almen. Arizona Faith Network Week of Prayer for Christian Unity Invocation of the Holy Spirit - Dr. Jannah Scott. Prayers of Reconciliation - The Right Rev. Kirk S. Smith. January - February

10 Albuquerque Parish Is On The Move Trying to find the shortest path to the Rio Grande Father is blessing the crowd with the green branches he collected. Article written by Fr. Artur Bubnevych Celebrating one of the The river moves along, ever greatest feasts of our changing, ever seeking the Liturgical year, the path it will naturally follow to Feast of Theophany, Christ s its destination, an analogy for Baptism in the Jordan river, Our us that nothing in life is static Lady of Perpetual Help parish especially our spiritual journey. family with its Pastor, Fr Artur At the beginning of the new Bubnevych went in procession year the priest comes and blesses to bless the local Rio Grande. the homes of the parishioners. On this day the River Jordan This is the invocative blessing, changes its course and starts performed by incensation, flowing backwards in the same priests prayer and sprinkling of way our lives turn toward our the Theophany water. In this true godly origins when Christ way the church invokes God s enters into our lives. protection upon the home and When we blessed water in Rio those living in it. Grande after the liturgy that Our Parish welcomes Theophany day, we participated in our Blessings with a great desire and Lord s healing of all reality, for joy being mindful that unless holy water is a sign that every God protects and blesses our dimension of creation is to be home, we labor in vain. (Ps sanctified, to become holy by 127:1) the fulfillment of God s original purposes for it. Father seems to be asking the guy next to him Don t let me fall in < Candles are lit, water is on the table, and Father dips the troika in the water to bless it. < > Day is done as we walk back to the road. A quiet end to the Rio Grande day as Father blesses the river > 10 Glory to Jesus Christ

11 Pro Life March: Sanctity of Life Awareness and Unity Day in Santa Fe, NM Article written by Fr. Artur Bubnevych This year marked the 45th anniversary of the Supreme Court s decision, Roe v. Wade legalizing abortion in the US. In this regard Our Lady of Perpetual Help parish Family, as it became already a good and pious tradition, joined three Dioceses of New Mexico prayerfully in the Pro Life March celebrating and witnessing a Sanctity of Life Awareness and Unity Day on Wednesday, January 17, 2018 in Santa Fe. The day turned out to be really beautiful, warm and sunny, unusual for this time of year in N.M. The day included a Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis in Santa Fe, a prayer procession and rally at the Roundhouse and visiting legislators. The March began with the Mass. The three Bishops of New Mexico, Inside the Basilica of St. Francis Archbishop John C. Wester (Archdiocese of Santa Fe), Bishop Oscar Cantú (Diocese of Las Cruces) and Bishop James S. Wall (Diocese of Gallup) concelebrated the Mass. Immediately following the Mass a prayerful Procession to the Roundhouse took place. The rally and visit with legislators was led by Allen Sanchez, the Director of the New Mexico Conference of Catholic Bishops. It was a great blessing for OLPH and LIFE - Respect it, protect it. Explorers to be a part of this event. As usual the icon of Our Lady Helper of Mothers was the center of attention among the March participants imploring the Most Holy Theotokos for her Motherly Protection and intercession to end abortions in New Mexico and in US. We finished the March with the Prayer of the Holy Rosary in front of the Round House. Father Artur carrying the oversized icon in the March for Life This little guy has the right idea. January - February 2018 Walking one way, looking another. (Next Albuquerque activity is on the next page.) 11

12 (Continued from Page 11) The boys seem to be slightly ahead in the race of the day. < The group s Chief is showing an explorer s signal. The leader is showing the skilled professional where to drill the hole. Not sure what game this is, but boy does this guy look happy Over, under, around and through.a new version of the 3-legged race. I think this is when the hot dogs & marshmallows come out! A new explorer is getting her badge. Explorer s Goals and Aims By José Salazar, Group Chief of the Sangre de Cristo FNE Group at OLPH Parish in Albuquerque, New Mexico If this is the first time hearing about the Federation of North American Explorers, other than from a Light of the West article almost a year ago, then you are likely not alone. The Federation of North American Explorers, FNE, is a relatively young organization. In North America, it only goes back to It is even younger in the Eparchy at merely 2 years old with the Sangre de Cristo FNE Group at Our Lady of Perpetual Help, in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Yet, the FNE has a pedagogy that is far older and vastly profound. It is united to the methods adapted in 1920 by Venerable Father Jacques Sevin, SJ. who is commonly known as the Founder of Catholic Scouting. The FNE is a member of an organization that is recognized by the Vatican as an International Association of the Faithful of Pontifical Right. It is a single gendered leaders and youth program, other than occasionally the youngest The girls are taking a break from their activities. youth level, ages 5-7. It has 4 different age level sections of increasing challenge and formation. It is a uniformed movement that can have a profound positive impact on youth for the rest of their lives. Its goal is to form good Christians and good citizens. Many youth organizations have similar aims to one extent or another, however, the FNE goes much deeper in the faith than a typical extracurricular sports activity or civic club. It also seeks to develop the basic health and physical needs of a youth much further than a typical summer bible camp. This is not to say that those activities are without merit. Many provide a specialized focus that fills the needs of many youth. What is different about the FNE is that it focuses on developing the whole person, body and soul, to the Catholic understanding of the universal vocation to holiness. The Catholic faith permeates the FNE from every activity at the local level, to the foundational documents, and conferences at the international level. The FNE in turn seeks to pass on this blessed Catholic faith to the whole person of every youth. 12 Glory to Jesus Christ

13 One of the ways the FNE does this is through the Five Aims. The Five Aims are the goals the FNE hopes to address in every activity from a regular youth night to a summer camp. They include Health and Physical Development, Sense of Concrete Realities, Character Development, Service, and God. 1) Health and Physical Development address the basic needs of each child. Development of these foundational needs sets the ability for the other aims. If a child has poor sleeping habits he may lack the ability to learn about the deeper truths of our faith. If a child has poor eating habits he may not physically grow in strength to serve others to his fullest potential. 2) Sense of Concrete Realities builds upon the first aim. It encourages a youth to go beyond tuning out the real world and living exclusively in a virtual world. To put down the cell phone, so to speak, and not only look at a forest around him but also to actively be a steward of it, caring for it, and using it in a prudent way at the service of humanity and for the glory of God. 3 and 4) Character Development and Service build upon and are balanced on the two aims already discussed. If one focuses on earning every badge or building every talent while neglecting his call to serve others with these gifts, then there is the risk of narcissism or unhealthy self-pride to develop. If one focuses on Service while neglecting Character Development, not only is there a risk of not being equipped with the right tools to serve others further, but he also runs the risk of a type of slavery with constant work and no hope of developing the self as God may call. 5) God is the final aim. All service and learning are directed to Him. God is the reason for every action. Prayer is integral to every activity. By God s Grace, we will join Him in heaven. FNE encourages each member to grow in knowledge, service, and love of Christ at every chance. The Five Aims are just the beginning of the pedagogy the FNE has been gifted with and so much more could be said about each aim! To see more about the Sangre de Cristo FNE group like us on Facebook! facebook.com/sangredecristofne/. There is also the National website with much more information about the movement: Finally, if there is not a FNE group near you, prayerfully consider starting one. That is what OLPH did! It can be work at times but the rewards go beyond this world! January - February 2018 The holy protection of Father Artur with his little ones. 13

14 "The subdeacon washes the bishop s hands before the Great Entrance. So much has happened since I washed Bp. Gerald s hands after my ordination to the subdiaconate, including a year of studies at Byzantine Catholic Seminary in Pittsburgh. I m grateful for every day I spent there under the patronage of Sts. Cyril and Methodius." News From the Pews Diaconate Ordination held in Denver, CO On Wednesday, February 7th, Subdeacon Joel Barstad, who has been a member of the Holy Protection of the Mother of God Byzantine Catholic Church in Denver, CO for the past 20 years, was ordained to the Diaconate by Bishop John Pazak. The ordination ceremony took place in the chapel of St. John Vianney Roman Catholic Theological Seminary, where Joel has been a Professor and Academic Dean for the past 15 years. For the Spring and Fall semesters of 2017, Joel took a sabbatical from St. John s Seminary in order to attend SS. Cyril and Methodius Byzantine Catholic Seminary in Pittsburgh, PA to hone his knowledge of the Byzantine Catholic Liturgy. Deacon Joel earned a Doctorate of Philosophy from the University of Notre Dame in Deacon Joel is married to Leslie (Clark). They have seven children. All quotes on the pictures are comments from Deacon Barstad. Joel is standing amid the seminarians from the St. John Vianney Seminary where Joel has been a Professor and Academic Dean for the past 15 years. "Subdeacon Joel reading from the Acts of the Apostles. I ve always loved to chant the readings; all the more so, surrounded by so many family, friends, students, colleagues, and fellow parishioners." Laying on of Hands. Making a deacon. "Here are my children and grandchildren. Although the calendar said February 7, we commemorated the saints for February 8 and, during the litanies for the deceased, remembered my son Gregory who was born on that day 31 years ago, and my father-in-law David who died last year on that day. The bishop didn t know about these associations when he suggested the date, so we accepted it as an extra gift from above." (CONTINUED ON PAGE 17) 14 Glory to Jesus Christ

15 (Continued from Page 5) Altar Brothers, Sister and Cantors outside the Royal Doors Altar Brothers, and Sister Forgiveness Altar Brothers, after reception in Artim Hall Happy Helpers Hospitality after forgiveness. January - February

16 From the desk of Bishop John Pazak Glory to Jesus Christ! As we journey toward Pascha - Easter Sunday - let us keep our eyes fixed on the Lord in all of our Lenten sacrifices. Whatever we do let us do it with love and know that the Lord will reward us in totally unexpected ways. Count on it! I, along with some of Arizona s Catholic Bishops, had the opportunity to visit with Governor Doug Ducey at the State capitol in Phoenix. It was a fruitful visit for me to hear about the Legislature s pro life record ( the best in the country) and to be briefed on the efforts to help tuition for Catholic elementary and secondary schools in Arizona. Just before the Lenten fast in Denver Sub-deacon Joel Barstad was ordained to the diaconate in St. John Vianney Seminary s, Christ the King Chapel where he serves as the Dean. We were graced to have a large contingent of seminarians who attended the evening ordination. Finally, let the first part of the Prayer of St. Ephrem sustain us in our Lenten pilgrimage. O Lord and Master of my life, keep from me the spirit of indifference and discouragement, lust of power and idle chatter. Seminarian Starts His Second Semester In Phoenix, AZ Seminarian David Vonderohe, from Our Lady of Wisdom Italo-Greek Byzantine Catholic Church in Las Vegas, Nevada, will be spending the Spring semester at St. Stephen Byzantine Catholic Cathedral. He will be taking part in Spiritual and Pastoral formation before he enters the Byzantine Catholic Seminary of Ss. Cyril and Methodius this Fall. Seminarian David spent the previous Fall semester at Our Lady of Perpetual Help parish in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Please keep Seminarian David in your prayers! Official APPOINTMENT Effective 17 January 2018 Bishop John S. Pazak, C.Ss.R., appointed Monsignor Kevin W. McAuliffe, J.C.L., the Judicial Vicar for the Holy Protection of Mary Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Phoenix. Msgr. McAuliffe, who received his Licentiate in Canon Law (J.C.L.) from St. Thomas Aquinas Pontifical University in Rome in 1996, succeeds the Right Reverend Archimandrite Francis M. Vivona, J.C.L., who fell asleep in the Lord on 21 December The Tribunal Office, out of which the Judicial Vicar works, and previously located in Las Vegas, Nevada where Father Vivona was also pastor of Our Lady of Wisdom Italo- Greek Byzantine Catholic Church, is currently being moved to the Eparchy s Pastoral Center in Phoenix, Arizona. The Tribunal Office assists the Bishop in all affairs concerning Canon Law (the laws of the Church by which it governs itself) and also serves as a resource for pastors in their parish work. Msgr. Kevin is also heads the Human Resource Office of the Eparchy. 16 Glory to Jesus Christ

17 (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14) First Litany Here I am on my way to ambon to offer the first of, I hope, many litanies during my diaconate. I think I look happy. Bishop John Blessing the crowd Bishop John Kissing the altar while the ordination troparia were sung. This may have been my favorite moment of the evening: slowly circling and venerating the altar and the bishop, pledging and consecrating myself to the service of the Christ and Church they make present. "Holy Communion Another favorite moment." January - February

18 Presentation of Science Theory After Lenten Soup With a theological presentation, "How the Scientific Account of Creation Proves the Existence of God", Michael Crow, a parishioner of St. John Chrysostom parish in Seattle, WA (the father of Deacon Benjamin Crow) took the time to explain his theories on the Scientific approach of why God does exist. From atoms to molecules to degrees Celcius and everything in between, he made us see why there must be a God. The presentation was given to the parishioners of St. Stephen Byzantine Catholic Cathedral in Phoenix, AZ. Join us at: St. Stephen s Byzantine Catholic Cathedral Hall 8141 N 16 th St. Phoenix, AZ Contact us at: Glory to Jesus Christ

19 ALASKA Anchorage Saint Nicholas of Myra 2200 Arctic Blvd. Anchorage, AK Rev. Michael Sidun (907) Sat. Liturgy: Vigil 5pm; Sunday: Divine Liturgy 10am Phoenix Saint Stephen Cathedral 8141 N 16th St. FRNT Phoenix, AZ Very Rev. Diodoro Mendoza rectorss@eparchyofphoenix.org Very Rev Joe Hutsko (602) Sun. Liturgy: Vigil: 4pm; 9 am Tucson Saint Melany 1212 N Sahuara Ave. Tucson, AZ Rev. Robert Rankin (520) Sun. LiturgyVigil 5pm; 10am Upcoming Events LA Congress March 16-18, 2018 Anaheim Convention Center Anaheim, CA January - February 2018 Eparchy of Phoenix Serving 13 Western States. 19 Churches. 1 Mission, 5 Outreaches. CALIFORNIA Anaheim Annunciation BC Church 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. Stephen Casmus (909) Sun Liturgy: 10 am secasmus@yahoo.com Los Gatos Wasilla Bl. Theodore Romzha Mission, Sacred Heart RC Church 1201 Bogard Rd. Wasilla, AK Rev. Michael Sidun (907) Sun. Divine Liturgy: 4pm; ARIZONA Gilbert Saint Thomas the Apostle saint.thomas.pastor@ gmail.com 19 W. Bruce Ave. Gilbert, AZ Rev. Michael Bezruchka (480) Sacramento Sun. Liturgy: Vigil 5pm; 10am Oro Valley Outreach Saint Mark RC Church, 2727 W Tangerine Rd, Oro Valley, AZ Sunday: Divine Liturgy 5 pm; 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 Saint Philip the Apostle th St. Sacramento, CA Rev. Francis Murin (916) Sun. Liturgy: Vigil: 5pm; 10am San Diego Holy Angels 2235 Galahad Road San Diego, CA Rev Brian Escobedo (858) Sat. Vespers: 5pm Sun. Matins: 8am Sun. Liturgy: 9am ALIVE IN CHRIST July Palomar Christian Conference Center Palomar Mountian, CA San Luis Obispo Saint Anne 222 E. Foothill Blvd. San Luis Obispo, CA Rev. Milan Kasperek (805) Sun. Liturgy: 10am stanneslo@gmail.cim 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 Myyrbearing Women Retreat More info to follow 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 COLORADO Albuquerque Denver Our Lady of Perpetual Help 1837 Alvarado Dr. NE Holy Protection Albuquerque, NM South Elizabeth Rev. Artur Bubnevych Denver, CO (505) Very Rev. Michael Sun. Liturgy: 10am O Loughlin (303) OREGON Sun. Liturgy: 8 am -10:30am Portland Fort Collins Outreach Saint Irene 4630 N Maryland Ave. Saint John XXIII University Portland, OR Parish Rev. Frank Knusel 1220 University Ave, (503) Fort Collins, CO Sun. Liturgy: 10am Very Rev. Michael O Loughlin (303) Sun. Liturgy 3pm WASHINGTON Burlington Outreach Skagit County Outreach St. Charles RC Church 935 Peterson Road Burlington, WA Rev Michael Mandelas (206) Sun. Liturgy: 4:30pm 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 Tad s Corner Before his death, Tad Kasper was a resident of the apartment complex of St. Stephen Cathedral in Phoenix, AZ and willed his cartoons and sayings to the Light of the West. 20 Glory to Jesus Christ