Light of the West. Vol. XXIV, No. 3 May - June

Transcription

1 Light of the West Vol. XXIV, No. 3 May - June May - June

2 New Bishop Announced For Eparchy of Phoenix PHOENIX Pope Francis has appointed Bishop John Stephen Pazak as the fifth bishop of the Holy Protection of Mary Byzantine Eparchy of Phoenix, and accepted the resignation of Bishop Gerald N. Dino, 76, according to a May 7 announcement from the USCCB. Bishop Pazak currently leads the Byzantine Eparchy of Sts. Cyril and Methodius of Toronto, Canada. Bishop Dino has served the eparchy since his episcopal ordination eight years ago. Bishop Dino was born Jan. 11, 1940, in Binghamton, New York. He was ordained a priest for the Eparchy of Passaic, New Jersey March 21, He served in various parishes throughout Pennsylvania, New York and New Jersey prior to his episcopal appointment. He was ordained bishop March 27, Bishop Dino said he is looking forward to retiring and plans to stay in the Phoenix area. I d rather stay in Phoenix than go back to the Northeast and spend my golden years shoveling snow, he said. If the new bishop needs me in any way, I m right here. Bishop Pazak was born Aug. 13, 1946, in Gary, Indiana. He was professed a member of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer (Redemptorists) Aug. 13, 1965, and was ordained a priest Aug. 27, He was named Bishop of Saints Cyril and Methodius Eparchy of Toronto, Canada, in 2000, and ordained bishop Feb. 14, Bishop Pazak spent most of his priesthood in Canada and is a dual citizen. He will also continue as the Toronto eparchy s apostolic administrator until a successor is appointed. Bishop Pazak s brother and sister-in-law are parishioners at the eparchy s St. Stephen Cathedral in North Phoenix, and the Bishop has visited and celebrated the Divine Liturgy there on several occasions. I m looking forward to coming to Phoenix, said Bishop Pazak. I m looking forward to working with the other bishops in Arizona and New Mexico. Referring to the geographical spread of the parishes in his new eparchy, Bishop Pazak said the challenge is to continue to build up the parishes, especially in this Year of Mercy and spur evangelization through our Byzantine spirituality. Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted of the Diocese of Phoenix said he welcomes Bishop Pazak s appointment We have been grateful for the close friendship and collaboration with this Byzantine Eparchy and its retiring ordinary, Bishop Gerald Dino, and look forward to continuing that legacy of lively faith and charity in the years ahead. I extend to Bishop Pazak a warm and fraternal welcome, he said. Pope Francis also accepted the resignations of Bishop Bishop - Continued on page 13 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 Glory to Jesus Christ

3 Bishop Ordains Deacon at Albuquerque Parish Bishop Gerald Dino and Deacon Adam Lowe with the clergy and servers and Deacon Adam s family, Joyanna, Grace, Amanda, and baby Eléisa. Albuquerque, NM - On Pentecost Sunday, May 15th, Bishop Gerald Dino ordained the Subdeacon Adam Lowe to the order of Deacon in Our Lady of Perpetual Help Byzantine Catholic Church in Albuquerqe, New Mexico. The following is the reflection of Deacon Adam on becoming a Deacon: The words of ordination are extremely comforting: Divine Grace always heals what is infirm and supplies what is lacking. Notice the always! That is a very good thing. Knowing this is a great encouragement to serve - which is what being a deacon is all about.i had the privilege of being ordained on the Feast of Pentecost in my wife Amanda s home parish of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Albuquerque, (the church in which we were also married on Pentecost 8 years ago!) The green vestments we wear for this feast symbolise new life and vitality and growth in the Holy Spirit. Given how long it has taken for the fruit of Holy Orders to grow in my own life, it really made me pause in wonder to hear the bishop praying for me Fill with all faith, love, power, and holiness this your servant. What better fruit could there be to keep on praying for? There really is an inspired and timeless psychological wisdom to the Byzantine Rite...witness the three-fold procession around the Holy Table for ordination! As I was being led around the sanctuary the first time, I realised I would have another two whole journey s around the altar ahead of me, in which to perhaps finally appreciate that this was all indeed really happening to me, and to savour the moment! St Seraphim of Sarov said that the Holy Spirit fills with joy whatever he touches and I put this verse on my ordination card. The more I reflect on the role of deacon, the more I am convinced that joy is one of the integral dimensions of it - just as joy is one of the important parts of any Christian life (Gal 5:22). When the deacon consumes the Holy Gifts at the end of the Divine Liturgy, he receives a special blessing from the celebrant who prays that Christ will fill our hearts with joy and gladness. I remember a priest telling me how much he had really enjoyed being a deacon, and so far, glory to God, I am really enjoying it too! May - June 2016 More pictures on Page 4 3

4 The moments of Joy on the day of my ordination were many, but an especial gift was the presence of Fr Robert Pipta who was the first Byzantine Catholic Priest I ever met. The OLPH choir too deserves a special mention and thank you - they learned several hymns just for the occasion including a hymn to the Holy Spirit which was sung at my reception into the Catholic Church back when I was 18. To Bishop Gerald, Fathers Artur, Chris and Robert, Deacons Michael Bezruchka, Michael Melnick and Jim Danovich, To Pam, Andrea, the choir and everyone at OLPH and everyone else who was involved in any way, a huge thank you! When the wonderful and unexpected tap on my shoulder came, and Bishop Gerald asked if I would like to be ordained, he told me I should consider it a gift from the late Fr Wes. So a very big thanks to you Fr Wes, too! Subdeacon Adam, during his walk around the altar, kisses Bishop s hand. The Bishop making the sign of the cross on Subdeacon Adam s head Bishop Gerald Dino blessing the new domes of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, in a too high Cherry Picker What an eventful weekend. A baptism started the weekend and ended with a beautiful ordination, and anniversary blessing. Bishop Gerald Dino blesses Helen Blain, carrying bread and salt, and Tom Plut presenting the keys to the church. Amanda & Adam Lowe stand before the sanctuary while Bishop Gerald gives a blessing on the occaion of their 8th wedding anniversary. 4 Glory to Jesus Christ

5 Bishop Ordains Two in Denver, CO Parish In the beginning of the second century, Ignatius of Antioch instructed his fellow Christians to take care to do all things in harmony with God, with the bishop presiding in the place of God, and with the presbyters in the place of the council of the apostles, and with the deacons, who are most dear to me, entrusted with the business of Jesus Christ Holy Protection church in Denver, CO was pleased to receive from God and the Church a new deacon and subdeacon at the hands of Bishop Gerald. On Sunday, June 12th, the Ft. Collins Outreach joined the parishioners of Holy Protection Church to witness, celebrate and receive Deacon Basil (Ryan) Balke and Subdeacon Joel Barstad. Deacon Basil will serve Holy Protection parish as a deacon, while Subdeacon Joel continues his formation for the Holy Priesthood. The communities met in the St. John Vianney seminary chapel, the seminary where Dr. Joel Barstad is the Academic Dean. The Divine Liturgy was followed by a social in the seminary refectory where Deacon Basil received the gift of a new Kamilavka (liturgical hat) from the parish children. Holy Protection is very excited about it s new ordinands and is looking forward to experiencing them work and pray in the parish. Deacon Basil with his wife Brittany May - June 2016 Deacon Basil explains... I have been asked a number of times over the last couple of weeks: do you feel different now that you are ordained? For me, at the moment of ordination I felt no different, but rather the event felt very human, Bishop Gerald s hand on my head, and the sound of the choir off in the distance. For me this was very reassuring, because I realized how every day the spiritual life can be. For example, we receive the most holy Body and Blood of Christ in what tastes and looks like regular bread and wine. Why would I have expected that an ordination would be so different? Father Michael O Loughlin leading Subdeacon Basil to ordination as a Deacon. Bishop and the laying on of hands for Deacon Basil The children wait in anticipation for Deacon Basil to open his gift. More pictures on Page 6 5

6 Subdeacon Joel explains... My first recollection of my vocation is as a seven-year-old Lutheran boy telling my pastor that I wanted to be a minister when I grew up. It might have been a straightforward path from there to ordination in the Lutheran church twenty years later and twenty years ago. But it wasn't. The sense of being called to the ministry never left me, but the path twisted and turned and sometimes disappeared altogether. So as I approached my ordination to the subdiaconate it was with the expectation of taking my first steps on a path I had been searching for, preparing for, waiting for, for nearly five decades. One might imagine my satisfaction at finally achieving such a longed-for goal. But that wasn't my experience at all! There was no achievement, only gift. I stood there and Bishop Gerald put his hands on me. It did not feel like a gesture of power and authority imposing a task. It felt like a paternal blessing and embrace. At the end of the day, I was left with the secure feeling of having been received and welcomed. I was as happy as any seven-year-old could be. The clergy and altar servers surround Bishop Gerald. Bishop Gerald listens, with eyes closed, to the Epistle being read by Subdeacon Joel Barstad The new vestments to be worn by the 2 candidates as they are ordained 6 Glory to Jesus Christ

7 Gilbert, AZ Parish Supports Maggie s Place St. Thomas the Apostle Hosts Mothers' Day Tea to Support Maggie's Place Friends together for the Mother s Day Tea. Tea served in bone china tea services, flowers, scones, live strings music and women's fellowship. That was the scene on Saturday, May 7 when St. Thomas the Apostle in Gilbert hosted a Mothers' Day Tea to support Hannah House, Maggie's Place newest home in Mesa. Thirty-five women, spanning three generations, shared stories of joy and sorrow, hopes and dreams, while sipping tea and tasting cucumber sandwiches and an array of desserts. The fabulous array of china tea service sets were generously donated by Martha Coonrod. She was assisted in cleaning and arranging the services and the folding of napkins into roses by Liz Zackowski. Guests were captivated by the talents of the Small Strings Orchestra from Gilbert High School under the direction of Conductor Laura Reed, playing tunes which included excerpts from musicals such as "Exodus" and even Katy Perry's "Firework." Paprazzi-style photos were taken by Joe Joplin who owns Groovy Joe's Photography and made the guests feel like celebrities. Representing Maggie's Place, Josefina ("Josie") Danovich explained the inception of Maggie's Place which her husband Deacon Jim has served on the Board for 11 of the 15 years of existence. The four homes provide a community of hospitality for expectant women who wish to achieve their goals in a dignified and welcoming atmosphere. Four of the Moms at Hannah House gave birth in April and will transition over the next six months to living independent, successful lives with their babies. The Tea guests brought items from Hannah House's needs list as well as gift cards for gas and local stores, resulting in a carload of much-needed items being delivered to Hannah House. The guests expressed the hope that they could host another Tea in the Autumn and details will be forthcoming. All women will be welcome to attend. Some of the participants of the Mother s Day Tea May - June

8 Albuquerque Parish Formalizes Perpetual Helpers For the first time in the history of this little parish, the women of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Albuquerque agreed it was time to formalize a group of Perpetual Helpers, women committed to recognizing Christ in each other and each activity, to serve as Christ serves, to build shared interest in Eastern Catholic traditions, to connect Vatican doctrines and dogmas with the Eastern Rite, and to raise their conscious awareness of others needs and step up to help. The diversity of age and interests of the women is not an obstacle, and unity of social, service and formation activities are now flourishing. Under a large group encompassing all of the women of the parish, smaller groups have adopted specific interests.all are invited to participate in the various activities as the Spirit moves them, so to speak. With many young families in the parish, the mother s group is very active. They plan baby showers and support opportunities for families to nurture their children in the Byzantine Catholic faith. The book club studies the lives of the saints; the social group sponsors Sunday Reaching out and reaching up socials (the best!) afternoon teas and special holiday/ Holy Day activities; the spiritual friendship group meets regularly to share a dinner; Catholic video workshops are sponsored seasonally.the pro-life group participates in pro-life activities and keeps parishioners informed of events which promote Catholic teachings on life issues; the cleaning and beautification group goes where no cleaning crew would dare to go (like the kitchen cabinets and stoves!). One of the Perpetual Helpers service projects is the Shut-ins Outreach. On the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month the group spends a good part of the day visiting parishioners who either can't come to church at all or can only come periodically. Father Artur often comes with us bringing communion to some and blessings to all. The group visits hospitals, rehab centers, nursing facilities and private homes. Their goal is to provide love and laughter. The motto is "Yours may be the only Face of Christ someone sees that day." Once-a-year the women s enrichment weekend group organize: a (can t say retreat) weekend for spiritual reflection off-site and away from day-to-day responsibilities; and the Prayer Tree is always at hand for circumstances beyond human resolution. The Perpetual Helpers also adopted the flowerbeds near the entrance of the church and keep them filled with fragrant, colorful flowers and herbs. The Perpetual Helpers are a dynamic blessing to each other, the parish, and the community. May God grant them continued good work and many blessed years! Article was prepared by Pam Pettit and Rafael Plutt The Perpetual Helpers at their monthly meeting. The Perpetual Helpers are always helping where needed. 8 Glory to Jesus Christ

9 Bishop Ordains Priest in Seattle, WA Parish On June 18, 2016, Bishop Gerald Dino, through the power and action of the Holy Spirit, ordained me a priest of Our Lord Jesus Christ! This miracle of joy and grace was the end point of two decades of discerning and exploring different career paths, that included horticulture, landscape architecture and music. It was a time of wonder and sensing God's power working in and through me. While Fr. Michael Mandelas, my pastor and seminary classmate, guided me around the altar three times, New Vestments laid out before the start of Liturgy. I felt connected to the holy martyrs and saints whom the people were commemorating while singing their troparia hymns. When Bishop Gerald placed his hands upon me and proclaimed the prayer of ordination, I knew I was becoming a different person: the same man but with an internal change of a priest. A man becomes a changed person after ordination, just as every Christian is permanently different after being baptized into the Holy Trinity. The Liturgy of Thanksgiving May - June 2016 on June 19, the day after my ordination, was my first time celebrating the entire Divine Liturgy as a priest. This day almost felt more special than the ordination itself as Jesus consecrated the bread and wine into His body and blood through my hands and the hands of the concelebrating priests. Being ordained in my home parish where I grew up, St John Chrysostom Byzantine Catholic Church in Seattle, WA, was a very special place for this incredible Holy Mystery (Sacrament). My parents, Fr. Michael Mandelas, and fellow parishioners did a great job of preparing the church and receptions. The gathering of old friends and family from far and near, and parishioners that have known me for more than 20 years, reminded me of a fantastic wedding reception. So many have demonstrated a lot of love and support in walking with me on my discernment journey. Thank you to everyone who helped make this weekend special, and all who have prayed and supported me through the challenges of this discernment journey! Please keep me in your prayers as I embark upon a new and very different chapter of my life serving as a priest. Father Michael asks the people receiving communion to Approach with the fear of God. Father Michael with his parents, Stephen Bezruchka and Mary Lynn Cihak. Father Michael blesses the humble Bishop Gerald as the first person to be blessed by the newly ordained priest. More pictures on Page 10 9

10 The altar servers, along with all the worthy clergy surround Bishop Gerald and Father Michael on the Day of Thanksgiving Liturgy, Father Michael Bezruchka s first cousin, Bishop Gary Gordon from Canada, also concelebrated the Liturgy. The Deacon Michael Bezruchka chanting the litanies. The Deacon Michael Bezruchka leaving all behind as he approaches the altar. Father Michael Bezruchka 10 Glory to Jesus Christ

11 May - June 2016 Hegumen gives Brother Final Profession in Duchovny Dom Monastery Our Holy Father and Great Saint John Paul II recognized, In the East, monasticism [is] seen as a reference point for all the baptized; it [is] presented as a symbolic synthesis of Christianity. (Oriental Lumen, 1995) Each of us is learning to follow Christ with our actions. Following Christ is the Mystery of Monasticism. In this fresco, this world s passions or chief vices (sometimes called the seven deadly sins PALEGAS: pride, anger, lust, envy, gluttony, avarice and sloth) are depicted as arrows assaulting the monk. It is only through following Christ onto the Cross that the genuine monk (and the genuine Christian layman) dies to the world and takes on a battle with his passions and his thoughts until his last breath. Sounds simple; Hmmmm. simple, yet not easy. That could be the mystery of Monasticism. We are all called to be monastics in the sense of following Christ - through our actions, until our last breath. St John Chrysostom, Patriarch of Constantinople and brilliant Doctor of the Church, referring to the great labor toward salvation of both monastics and laymen said, The only difference between a layman and a monk is that the first is married and the other is not. My journey toward Monasticism began as Michael Joseph Griffith in Mount Vernon, Washington, without ever hearing of Monasticism. My father and mother, John and Ruthie Griffith, my grandparents George and Beverly Griffith, my brothers George and John The Mystery of Monasticism, the Mystery of Mercy by Brother Andrew, Stavrophore Monk of the Lesser Schema, Duchovny Dom, Weston, Oregon, Paul and my sisters Amanda, Danielle and Ruthie Ann nurtured me and my faith with rough and tumble family life, and I lived some of the wide range of experiences the Pacific Northwest offers. My response to faith and goodness, sometimes receptive, sometimes repulsive, ebbed and flowed during my youth. In my early 20 s my grandfather (of blessed memory) with mysterious insight and authentic love, gently encouraged me to consider the priesthood. Discouraged with thoughts of rigorous studies, crushing debt and personal unworthiness, I rebuffed his generous encouragement and went another way. Turns out the Mystery of Monasticism was already at work. God s Mercy worked through my grandfather. It was my grandfather George who found the Mount Vernon Byzantine Catholic Outreach from Seattle. It was my grandfather George who met and introduced Father Joseph Stanichar to our family. It was my grandfather George who began attending weekly Divine Liturgy, learning the faith and encouraging the rest of us. While living a different superficial life in Montana, hunting, hiking, camping, working industrial inspections and socializing, my grandfather George s life, his 2007 death and many, many prayers moved me. I encountered the love of God through personal experiences, dreams and what I believe were mystical visits of my late grandfather. His love surrounded me. His presence, his faithfulness encouraged me. Like the prodigal son, I was now open to the Father. God had my attention. I was willing to return, and I did. I learned about Monasticism from Father Joseph. I served at the altar, read beautiful, challenging books, and prayed, prayed, prayed. In 2012 I moved into the Continued on Page 12 11

12 Parish rectory in Seattle, to practice living the monastic life, and I continued contemplating becoming a monk. On June 15, 2013, I was tonsured with a new name, Brother Andrew, after the first-called apostle of Our Lord, by Bishop Gerald at St John Chrysostom Parish in Seattle. Soon, I moved with Father Joseph after he retired as Seattle Parish Pastor to the beautiful Blue mountains of Weston Oregon. With God s Mercy, we worked together with Bishop Gerald to establish the first Byzantine Catholic Men s Monastic Community of the Pacific Northwest. In 2014 on the Feast of Exaltation of the Holy Cross, Bishop Gerald planted the cross and blessed our monastic efforts. Since then, we continue our life of prayer and work : the various construction projects of our home, our guest houses, the Cathedra Church Shrine all while proceeding with the official canonical process of establishing and growing Duchovny Dom Byzantine Catholic Mens Monastery. These spring and summer days, as I prepare for the Feast of Our Lady of Vladimir (June 23, 2016) and to profess my life vows at her Vigil Vespers Liturgy, I contemplate my next step in the Mystery of Monasticism - becoming a Stavrophore Monk of the Lesser Schema. Today I can say, I now do know some of the Mystery of the Monasticism. By no means can I say I know it all. The Mystery of Monasticism, the Mystery of God s Mercy remains, embraces me, encourages me, inspires me. My daily life is filled with prayers, clearing land, prayers, felling timber, prayers, splitting logs, prayers, farming of sheep, goats, gardens, prayers, cooking, prayers, spiritual reading, prayers, hospitality, prayers, errands, prayers. My days are full, my heart is full. I am loved. Lord, Jesus Christ, I am following You. Our Holy Father and Great Saint John Paul was right, Monasticism is Christianity s reference point. Monasticism is my reference point. Thank you for your prayers for us. We continue to pray for you. Father Andrew s spiritual family Left: Bishop asks Br. Andrew, three times, to take the scissors and then Top: Br Andrew is tonsured. Clothed in the fabric of a Stavrophore Monk, Fr. Andrew and Fr Josef stand in the front of the sanctuary. On the journey from the earthly world to the world of a monastic. Father Andrew s earthly family. 12 Glory to Jesus Christ

13 Bishop - Continued from page 2 John Kudrick of the Byzantine Eparchy of Parma, Ohio, and of Bishop Sarhad Y. Jammo, 75, from the the Chaldean Catholic Eparchy of St. Peter the Apostle, San Diego, California, which includes two parishes in Scottsdale and one in Gilbert. Both sees will remain vacant until a successor is appointed. Archbishop William Skurla of the Byzantine Archeparchy of Pittsburg, will serve as apostolic administrator of Parma eparchy. Archbishop Skurla had also served as bishop of the now Phoenix-based eparchy from Chaldean Bishop Shlemon Warduni, auxiliary bishop of the Patriarchate of Babylon, will serve as the apostolic administrator for the Chaldean eparchy. The appointments were announced in Washington by Msgr. Walter Erbi, charge d affaires of the Vatican nunciature in Washington. Bishop Dino said he expects Bishop Pazak s enthronement to take place July 20th. The Holy Protection of Mary Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Phoenix includes 2,706 persons and embraces all Byzantine-Ruthenian Rite Catholics in California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, Wyoming, Montana, Colorado, New Mexico, Alaska and Hawaii. Two parishes are located within the geographical boundaries of the Diocese of Phoenix St. Stephen Cathedral in Phoenix and St. Thomas the Apostle Parish in Gilbert. Tenth Annual Roman Catholic, Eastern Catholic And Orthodox Christian Ecumenical Service of Prayer This event was held at St. Pope Kerollos VI Coptic Orthodox Church in Westminster, California May 13, (OCTOC.org) Participating churches: Annunciation Byzantine Catholic (Anaheim), St. Pauls Greek Orthodox (Irvine), St. John Neumann Roman Catholic (Irvine), Archangel Michael Coptic Orthodox (Santa Ana), Our Lady Queen of Angels Roman Catholic (Newport Beach), St. Luke Antiochia Orthodox (Garden Grove), Christ Cathedral, Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange, St. Paul Assyrian of the East (Anaheim), St. Nicholas Roman Catholic (Laguna Hills), Holy Cross Melkite Catholic (Placentia), St. Catherine of Siena Roman Catholic (Laguna Beach), St. Mary & St. Verena Coptic Orthodox (Anaheim), St. Cecilia Roman Catholic (Tustin) & St. Columban Roman Catholic (Garden Grove). May - June 2016 Father Stephen Washko and Mr Robert Pipta (to Father s left) are seated with the choir members of the Annunciation Byzantine Catholic Church in Anaheim. 13

14 News From the Pews Visitors make a stop to St. John Chrysostom Byzantine Catholic Parish, Seattle, WA as part of their Year of Mercy pilgrimage: On April 7th, 2016 two Roman Catholic parishes made their visit through the Doors of Mercy at St. James Roman Catholic Cathedral in Seattle, WA. These parishes were St. John Bosco and St. Francis Cabrini both from Lakewood, WA, about 1 hour and 20 minute drive from St. John s. Following their morning visit at the Cathedral they journeyed to St. John Chrysostom Parish for a lunch hosted by St. John s. Afterwards, all went up into the Temple for a presentation given by Fr. Michael Mandelas, pastor of St. John Chrsystom Church, covering topics on the history of the Byzantine Catholic Church, a tour of the Temple and how it is used in worship, as well Our Lady of Wisdom Parish, Las Vegas, NV, Receives God s Love as other areas of emphasis that are particular to the byzantine tradition in her worship and spirituality. Many good questions were asked and discussed as part of the presentation. In all there were nearly 70 people who attended together with Fr. Peter, who is pastor of these two parishes. They left with items from the gift shop as well as a handout on the Communion of Churches and a Holy Card of the Feast of Holy Protection. It certainly can be said, that after this experience they will have something different to talk about to their family and friends. And God shined on them from above for their faith and love of the Father. ECF Graduates from Our Lady of Wisdom Byzantine Catholic Church in Las Vegas, NV 14 Glory to Jesus Christ

15 When you have a Cinco de Mayo feast, you really need at least one sombrero All the fun! Annunciation Byzantine Catholic Church in Anaheim, CA hosted a fiesta luncheon in the church hall. For those of you outside of the Southwest, you may think these are Pysanki on a stick, but they are really maracas. More Pascha Memories Holy Angels, San Diego Holy Angels, San Diego Congratulations Our Lady of Wisdom, Las Vegas May - June 2016 St Stephen Cathedral had graduates on all college and high school levels. L to R: John C Danovich, Ryan Grimes, Peyton Bechtold, Bishop Gerald, Greg Montalvo and Basil Paul Rabayda. 15

16 Clergy Conference Was a Huge Success in Phoenix Fr. Diodoro discussing many items for the conference. Our humble Bishop Gerald, introducing everyone who gave a presentation. Bob Way, our first contributor, talking about wills, probates and other issues Fr. Michael Mandelas, talking about vocations and the Alive in Christ Camp Maureen O Connell discussing her role at Holy Redeemer Cemetery. The annual Clergy Conference for the Eparchy of Phoenix was held June 6 to June 10, 2016, at St Stephen Byzantine Cathedral, Phoenix, Arizona. The Conference, expertly moderated this year by Fr. Michael Bezruchka, boasted an impressive attendance. Braving 115 degree heat, which did not suppress their enthusiam, priests, deacons, and others from the entire Eparchy arrived to share their progress and their needs with each other. Starting at 8 am with Divine Liturgy each day, the participants went into the hall and enjoyed a bountiful breakfast before launching into the day's activities. Presentations as varied as the upcoming enthronement of Bishop John, Safe Environment, the Eparchy Facebook page, burial pre-planning and proper preparation of a will, and the Bishop's Appeal were among those items. Fr. Francis Vivona of Las Vegas gave an important overview of the new norms for marriage annulment cases for clergy understanding. Short informational sessions after each presentation made for lively discussion by the pastors. The clergy attending were informed that at the 2017 Religious Ed Conference in Anaheim, CA, Fr. Michael O'Loughlin of our Denver parish will present live podcasts on "The Catholic Stuff You Should Know." Visitors to the Religious Ed Conference will be able to see first-hand how this is done. Also, Subdeacon Basil of Denver gave a talk on the progress of their online classes. The Conference was closed by Bishop Gerald, who complimented the attendees on their fervor and openness, and prayed for the spiritual and practical success of all the participants' concerns. Fr. Mel Rybarczyk, talking about his favorite place, Sherman Oaks Fr. Frank Knusel, explaining why Portland is his base. 16 Glory to Jesus Christ Fr. Milan Kasperek, always helping out when asked.

17 Social Hour starts off all Conferences, to make sure those who haven t met before are getting acquainted with those who have. Some clergy are here for the first time and have since been ordained. Fr. Michael O Loughlin, explaining his role in Catholic Stuff You Should Know. Fr. Matthew Alejo shares reasons for hope with the clergy. 40th Anniversary of Bi-Ritual Priest in Los Gatos, CA On the Feast of Pentecost, May 15, parishioners of St. Basil Byzantine Catholic parish in Los Gatos, CA, sponsored a celebration of the 40th Anniversary of the priestly ordination of Father Michael Pintacura (May 8), a priest with bi-ritual faculties. St Basil parishioners appreciate the kind ministry rendered by Fr. Michael every Sunday at St. Basil Church, especially in the sacramental Mystery of Repentance (Confession) and concelebrating Divine Liturgy with Fr. Anthony and Deacon Craig Anderson. Fr Michael is a Roman Catholic priest of the Diocese of Stockton, and offers liturgical services at Our Lady of Peace Church and Shrine in Sanata Clara, and often at monasteries of contemplative nuns in the Bay Area. He also serves as Vice Postulator for the cause of the canonization of Blessed Anna Maria Tiagi. To Father Michael may the Lord grant many blessed years!. The Faithful surrounding the clergy. Dean Berri gives a presentation on insurance. Fr. Francis Vivona JCL, provides updates into canonical procedure dealing with marriage annullments. Deacon Craig Anderson, Fr Michael, and Fr. Anthony surrounded by altar servers May - June 2016 Father Anthony giving Icon of Archangel Michael to Fr. Michael. Father Michael showing his new Icon of appreciation. 17

18 Gilbert, AZ Parish Helps The Needy submitted by Tracy Aguayo On Friday, May 27, parishioners from St. Thomas Byzantine Catholic Church in Gilbert, AZ came together to pack meals for the poorest of the poor. We arrived at the packing site of Feed My Starving Children, a Christian organization founded by a missionary in 1987 to answer the call of God. If you see my children starving, feed them. FMSC s mission is to prevent starvation and malnourishment in children and families worldwide and they currently serve the poor in nearly 70 countries. As part of our outreach ministry, Father Diodoro, pastor of St. Thomas, and St. Thomas parishioners of all ages donned hairnets, joined other volunteers, and spent the next hour and a half assembling rice, soy freeze dried veggies and vitamins into plastic bags. These Manna Packs were then sealed and placed into large boxes destined for the hungry in North Korea. At the end of our packaging event, Father Diodoro blessed the boxes and prayed for the needy recipients. We were delighted to learn that we helped pack 69 boxes containing 14,904 meals. This blessed food will keep 40 children fed for a whole year! As Byzantine Catholics, we were privileged that evening and answer His call, For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat. Matt.25:35. We are looking forward to volunteering again soon to help fulfill FGMSC s mission to continue until, all are fed. Retirement Fund for Religious Dear Bishop Dino, Sincere thanks for your diocesan check for $15, in support of the 2015 appeal for the Retirement Fund for Religious (RFR). Over the last 28 years, parishioners in your diocese have donated a total of $191, to this collection. Words cannot adequately express our gratitude for this generous and prayerful support of our nations s senior sisters, brothers, and religious priests. (And in Sister Janice Bader, CPPS handwritten form) Thank you so much in your continued support. We are delighted to see the increase of +$5,000. The largest amount ever from your eparchy. While we have shown you 4 ordinations and a monastic final profession from the Eparchy of Phoenix in this issue, we are excited to say we will have 2 more ordinations to the priesthood featured in the next issue: that of Father Stephen Casmus and Father Joseph Wargacki 18 Glory to Jesus Christ

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; 10am 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 Byzanteen Youth Rally July 7-10, 2016 Cleveland, OH Pilgrimage to Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Sept 3-4, 2016 Uniontown, PA May - June 2016 Eparchy of Phoenix Serving 13 Western States. 19 Churches. 1 Mission, 6 Outreaches. CALIFORNIA Anaheim Annunciation Byzantine Catholic 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 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 Our Lady of Mount Carmel Novena July 8-16, 2016 Las Vegas, NV 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 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 Alive in Christ Camp July 14-17, 2016 Camp Brotherhood, Mount Vernon, 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 Pilgrimage to Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Aug 19-21, 2016 Olympia, WA Religious Ed Congress Feb 24-26, 2017 Theme : Embrace Trust Anaheim, CA 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 The tall and short of it 1 Bishop John elevated during Enthronement 2 Adam Lowe Ordination 3-4 Denver - 2 ordinations Mother s day Tea - 7 Perpetual Helpers - 8 Michael Bezruchka Ordination 9-10 Final Profession of Fr Andrew Ecumenical Services in Anaheim - 13 From The Pews -14 More Pascha - 15 Cathedral Graduates - 15 Clergy Conference Los Gatos - 17 Feed My Starving Children - 18 Parishes in the Eparchy Glory to Jesus Christ