Light of the West. The Journey Continues. Page 8 starts the Part II story of the Tucson Converts

Transcription

1 Light of the West Vol. XXV, No. 2 March-April, The Journey Continues. Page 8 starts the Part II story of the Tucson Converts March - April,

2 Bishop John s Easter Message Christ is Risen! Indeed He is Risen! As the beautiful Easter season is upon us, we are filled with immense joy, new found inner strength and a sense of all around renewal as we relive and recall that on the Great Day of Easter Our Lord Jesus Christ rose from the dead. Our feelings of well being are further enhanced by the beauty of nature around us whether it be desert or in colder areas where the dull grey of winter is transformed into the vibrant green of spring as all creation sings praises to this beauty by God. The Easter season is God s gift to all humanity. As we pray in our Resurrection Matins to lay aside our petty grievances and quarrels with our family and neighbors, we replace those sinful tendencies with the Resurrection grace to be like the myrrh-bearing women who announced to the apostles and all of us the Great News that Christ is Risen! So my Easter prayer for all of us in our Eparchy is that we be: enlightened by the Feast of Feasts and let us embrace one another. Let us call brethren even those who hate us and in the Resurrection forgive everyone as we sing our Easter Anthem: Christ is risen from the dead! By death He trampled death and to those in the tombs He granted Life. Sincerely yours in the Risen Lord, Bishop John S. Pazak, C.Ss.R. Press Release The Third Annual Young Adult Retreat will be sponsored by the Sisters of St. Basil at Mount St. Macrina House of Prayer, June 23-25, The weekend retreat begins with registration at 7pm Friday and concludes at 11am Sunday. Sister Barbara Jean, OSBM and a team of young adults are preparing the program with the theme "An Invitation to Happiness: Finding the Courage to Be the Best Version of Yourself." Each participant will receive the book Resisting Happiness. All Christians, ages are invited. The offering is $105. and the deadline for registration is June , <hpmsm@verizon.net> Light of the West Holy Protection of Mary Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Phoenix (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 Christ is Risen!

3 Religious Education Congress, Anaheim, CA Photos By Bishop Gerald Dino Our Byzantine Family, L to R: Mrs. Robert Weil, Steve Kopko, Jonathan Deane and Fr. Diodoro Mendoza Catholic Stuff You Should Know broadcasting live. Frs. Michael and Nathan seem to be very popular with the Millenials. For those who have experienced the International Congress for Religious Education, sponsored by the Office of Religious Education of the LA Archdiocese annually, know the excitement of meeting Clergy, Religious, Catechists and thousands of dedicated laity from throughout the world. It has now been seven years since our Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Phoenix has joined them. Truly it has been a wondrous journey of witnessing the zeal and enthusiasm of those participating. It is contagious! Initially questions that were primarily asked from those visiting our booths included, Are you really Catholic? What is Byzantine? Are Byzantine Catholics in union with the Church of Rome? And now the most frequent questions asked are, Where are there Byzantine Catholic Churches close to the area in which I live? When will the next Byzantine Catholic Divine Liturgy be celebrated again at this Congress? The levels of awareness and appreciation of the Eastern Catholic Churches in America have risen immensely. A delightful addition to our booths this year was a live podcast featuring Very Rev. Michael O Loughlin, pastor of Holy Protection Byzantine Church in Denver, CA, and Rev. Nathan Goebel, a priest of the Archidiocese in Denver from the podcast Catholic Stuff You Should Know. Their podcast attracts 20,000 people every week. It was amazing to see the younger generation of Catechists gather with such eagerness to listen. One of the reviews that was recently posted on their website described adequately the tenor of their podcasts. For those who think Catholic priests are superhuman and sanctimonious, you should listen as these men whose humanity and humor (the two really go well together) and admitted shortcomings make them a joy to listen to It s certainly a refreshing break from all the sniping and negative energy you see in other social networks. Give it a try! For those who have not yet had the opportunity to participate in the LA Catechetical Congress, I challenge you to give it a try. The dates for the next Congress are March 16-18, Fr. Michael O Loughlin speaking to some of his supporters of the podcast - Catholic Stuff You Should Know Fr. Michael O Loughlin and Fr. Stephen Washko March - April,

4 Fr. Diodoro tells Fr Bob his feeling of raising the awareness of the Byzantine Presence with the Roman Catholics. Fr. Diodoro (back to camera) is manning the table of religious gifts. March & April Clergy Birthday & Ordination dates March 3 Julian Gnall - BD 8 James Lane - BD 15 Michael Sullivan - BD 21 Bishop Gerald Dino - ORD 27 Bishop Gerald Dino - ORD (Bishop) 31 Michael Mandelas - BD April 4 Fr. Mel Rybarczyk - BD 7 Fr. Robert Pipta - BD 10 Deacon Michael Hanafin - BD 12 Fr. Mel Rybarczyk - ORD 21 Fr. Robert Pipta - ORD 26 Fr. James Barrand - ORD 26 Bishop Kurt Burnette - ORD (priest) 28 Fr. James Lane - ORD I thank my God in all my remembrance of you Phillippians 1:3 God grant you many blessed years! Steve Kopko explaining a few critical points for the visitors. 4 Christ is Risen!

5 Anaheim Liturgy After LA Congress On Sunday, after the LA Clergy Congress in Anaheim, CA, all were invited to the Divine Liturgy at Annunciation Byzantine Catholic Church in Anaheim, CA. There was a brunch immediately following made by the ladies of the parish. I have heard nothing but good things about the food they prepare for all their events. Sherrill Franklin reading the Epistle during the Divine Liturgy. The Annunciation luncheon wuth Bishop John and Frs. Stephen Washko, George Vida and Diodoro Mendoza. Religious who participated in the Congress were well fed by the ladies of the parich March - April, 2017 The nave of Annunciation Church in Anaheim 5

6 Family Game Night at San Diego Parish - Building Community The philosopher Plato is famous for saying: You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation. He also states, Life must be lived as play. To that end Holy Angels Byzantine Catholic Church in San Diego, CA hosts a quarterly family game night which is one of our go to events in the parish. There is something for everyone: old/young; male/female; skilled/ unskilled. A large variety of games are available with one important restriction: we use no computerized games of any kind. Examples of popular games include: Catholic Trivia; Candyland; Stratego; Operation; Twister; Scrabble; Yahtzee; Pandemic; Outburst; and Scattergories. A myriad of card games are also very popular such as Uno, Rummy, Crazy 8 s, War, etc. This event has become so enjoyable that we are exploring having an option for completing a craft as one of the activities such as decorating a stepping stone for the parish garden or making a Christmas ornament. The evening begins inside the Church with a Moleben and then everyone goes to the Hall for games, drinks, pizza, and other snacks. The game participants can become very noisy with the winners shouting out in joy and the others loudly bemoaning their losses. Everyone has a great time and the occasional victory of a child over their parent is a cause for great celebration. The greatest review of family game night came from a six-year old parishioner who asked: Can we come back next week? Candyland. Yes, it s a close finish. Look at all the intense concentration. Pani Janet ensuring that all are fed and happy. Twister. Always popular particularly among the young who really CAN twist their bodies around. More pictures on Page 7 6 Christ is Risen!

7 Visitors Love to Visit Our Church in Anaheim, CA On Thursday March 9 eighth grade Students, their teacher, Brother Joseph FSP, and their parents from St. Joseph Catholic School in Placentia, California visited Annunciation to learn about the Byzantine Catholic Church and its place in the Catholic Church. Fr. Stephen Washko, the pastor of Annunciation, gave a presentation describing the architecture and the Byzantine Liturgy. After the presentation, the students were able to visit the parish hall where the parish bakers were baking the special Easter Nut Horns. The students were able to sample the exquisite pastries and watch the bakers working on the bake goods. Continued from Page 6 Scrabble. Definitely for the gifted of the parish. Why are there only women playing? Pandemic. Yes, it s a worldwide health crisis. This game is not for the fainthearted. March - April, 2017 Game Night? Perhaps, but school work still exists. 7

8 The Journey - PART II - Initiation Sacraments Are Received By Pascha of this year 2017, 13 newly Baptized and another 4 newly Chrismated, young adults along with their Protestant pastor were brought into full communion with the Byzantine Catholic Church through their new parish, Saint Melany in Tucson, AZ. Their spiritual journey and the story of their conversion, detailed in our last newsletter, began with their Assembly of God Pentecostal pastor discovering the writings of the early Fathers and his search for truth. Eventually, ongoing conversations with the local Byzantine Catholic priest, led pastor Josh Mangels and many of his flock to embrace a year long study of the Catholic Faith with the desire of being received into full communion on Holy Saturday night. In his recent interview with the popular radio program, Catholic Answers, Josh described how he and his flock experienced their first Great Fast and first Great Holy Week. As he said, "As fundamentalist protestants we didn't have a Liturgical Life so everything this year from the beginning of the new Liturgical year in September to Resurrection Matins has been a mind blowing experience. We've attended the Holiday Vesper Vigils that begin in semi-darkness and learned to join in the singing of 'O Joyful Light' as the church is illumined for the reading of the word of God. We experienced what it was like to hold off Christmas celebrations till after the Pre-Nativity fast - attending every Wednesday Josh and wife, Theresa receive their first gift from Father Bob, an icon of the Blessed Mother. the beautiful Emmanuel Moleben - listening to the writings of the prophets predicting the coming of a Messiah. After the Theophany season we experienced the building anticipation of the 'Triodion, - those four Sundays leading up to the great Fast, with its amazing emphasis on the Mercy of God. As biblically oriented Christians we were well schooled in salvation as a gift of God's grace, and the Eastern Catholic emphasis on this truth along with the admonition against self-righteousness was something that really resonated with all of us who were in formation to become Catholics of the Eastern tradition. Then before you knew it the Great Fast was upon us. The fact that the whole Church was entering into this period of fast in order to renew their own Baptismal walk and in order to secure the conversion of all those about to be newly enlightened around the world impressed me and the other converts deeply. a key part of our deepening heartfelt conversion came by attending the Pre-sanctified Liturgies on Wednesdays and Fridays, as well as, the scrutinies that were celebrated beginning with the Rite of Election on the third Sunday of Lent where before the enthroned cross we wrote our names in the gospel book. Every Sunday after that our pastor prayed one of the pre-baptismal exorcism prayers over all of us. When we at last arrived at Holy Week our souls were bursting with anticipation and desire to receive Christ in his Eucharistic fullness. Catholics take many things for granted, and while some Protestant Churches ape Catholic liturgical practice, coming from our background, none of us had ever experienced the jubilation of a Palm Sunday, the foot washing of a Holy Thursday, the pathos of Good Friday with its solemn 8 Christ is Risen!

9 veneration of the Shroud. We all really felt as if we had slipped time and were reliving the events of that first Holy Week. We sat at table with Jesus as he instituted the priesthood and gave us his body and blood and experienced the humility of our God as the second person of the Blessed Trinity washed the feet of his own creation. We wept along with the other members of the congregation as we saw the horrible consequences of human sin in the wounds of the shroud icon and, at the same time, gave thanks for our salvation brought about by an obedience unto death - those seven last words from the cross sinking deep into our hearts. We sang along with the haunting laments of the Jerusalem Matins of Holy Saturday morning. Finally, it was Holy Saturday evening, and I am not being overly dramatic or exaggerating when I say, 'the whole earth seemed to stand still, even the neighborhood around the church was strangely quiet, not even a bird chirping, as if all creation was awaiting the resurrection of its creator'. As I said before, we had become accustom to the Vesper Vigil Liturgy format but Holy Saturday was different. Eight Old Testament readings were read with Baptismal preparation celebrated in between: the blessing of the water, the blessing of the oil, the finally exorcism, the final profession of faith, then before you knew it the Baptism, the Chrismation the triumphal Procession and we re now ready to receive our first holy communion and belong in fullness to Christ and the Church he founded on the teaching of the Apostles. When the moment of Communion came, after the beautiful anaphora of Saint Basil, many simply fell to their knees to keep from trembling, tears of gratitude streaming down their faces. THEY HAD SEEN THE TRUE LIGHT, THEY HAD RECEIVED THE HEAVENLY SPIRIT, THEY HAD FOUND THE TRUE FAITH and could look forward to one day joining the angels in a perpetual adoration of an infinite glory. Look forward to Part III - The journey continues into service. Theresa Mangels reads the creed expressing her new Catholic Faith. God Grant you many years... Cover picture is of Joshua Mangels receiving the Sacrament of Chrismation. As Father Bob pours water on the heads of the newly baptized He Baptizes them in the name... March - April, 2017 Another group shot on page 14 9

10 Catholic Near East Welfare Association (CNEWA) Visits Holy Angels, San Diego, CA Parish The Catholic Near East Welfare Association (CNEWA) has been a lifeline for the poor and persecuted throughout the Middle East, Northeast Africa, India and Eastern Europe for more than 90 years. Holy Angel Byzantine Catholic Church s pastor, Fr. Brian Escobedo, has had a long-term affiliation with CNEWA and has supported them for many years. When CNEWA offered to come and present a seminar on the West Coast, Fr. Brian immediately accepted. On the last weekend of Oct 2016, Holy Angels was honored to host Deacon Gregg Kandra and Debra Stonitch from CNEWA (New York Office). During the weekend, they gave well-attended, informative, and touching presentations on the suffering of our Christian brothers and sisters in the Middle East. Holy Angels parishioners, St. Jacob s parishioners (Melkite), Roman Catholic faithful, and students from San Diego State University were among those in the audience. Deacon Gregg, who also spoke at the Divine Liturgy, described, in simple but straightforward terms, the severe persecution and genocide of the Christian Churches in Iraq and Syria. A slide show illustrated their plight and the need for immediate support. It s not surprising Deacon Gregg s presentation was so powerful he spent 24 years as a writer and producer for CBS News. Over the years, his work has appeared on "CBS Evening News," "48 Hours," "Sunday Morning," and "60 Minutes II," among other programs. In addition to his work with the News division, from Kandra worked as writer and producer for the highly-rated "Survivor" finale and reunion shows, hosted by Bryant Gumbel, Rosie O'Donnell and Jeff Probst. Despite his major career achievements, Deacon Gregg reframes the focus of his success on being an instrument of Jesus Christ to spotlight the plight of Christians worldwide in the midst of intense persecution. As an example, Deacon Gregg chronicled that although persecuted Christian refugees remain the focus of world aid, persecution continues and relatively few Christian refugees even make it to the refugee camps to receive this aid. The Christian churches in Lebanon and Jordan, as well as the remaining churches in Syria and Iraq, do what they can with their meager resources, but the situation remains critical and has received relatively little coverage in the mainstream news channels. At the end of the weekend CNEWA made a most touching presentation to Fr. Brian in the form of a pencil sketch done by one of the refugees during his time in the refugee camp after narrowly escaping his death at the hands of militant Islamic extremists. To learn more about what you can do to support this cause please see the website: Deacon Greg Kandra Students from San Diego University Audience listening to speaker Kandra 10 Christ is Risen!

11 Deacon Kandra, behind Fr Brian Escobedo, and to the right is Fr. James Babcock of the Ukrainian Catholic Church Closeup of a pencil sketch done by one of the refugees during his time in the refugee camp after narrowly escaping his death at the hands of militant Islamic extremists. Deacon Kandra presenting Fr Brian Escobedo the hand drawn picture of St Francis Social intermingling during one of the breaks at the conference. March - April, 2017 The audience carefully listening to the talk of Deacon Kandra 11

12 Bishop Baptizes Olympia, WA Priest s Son During the first weekend of April, Bishop Gerald flew to Olympia, WA to administer the Sacraments of Initiation, i.e. Baptism, Chrismation, and the Eucharist, to the newly born Benjamin Mutka, the child of Rev. Vasyl Mutka and his wife, Oresta. In the Ukraine, it is the custom for the Bishop to administer the Sacraments of Initiation to the new born children of priests. Those priests who have come from the Ukraine to the United States to do pastoral work, have expressed the wish to continue the practice here. The Godparents for the baptism were Yuriy Tupychak, New York cousin of Fr. Vasyl, and Pani Liubov Sidun wife of Fr Mykhaylo Sidun of St. Nicholas of Myra Byzantine Catholic Church, Anchorage, Alaska. Pictured above are Oresta Mutka, Father Vasyl Mutka, Bishop Gerald, and godparents Yuriy Tupychak and Pani Liubov Sidun and of course, Benjamin Godparents Yuriy Tupychak and Pani Liubov Sidun were thrilled to be there with Benjamin. Benjamin Mutka bundled nice and warm Benjamin Mutka receives the Sacrament of Baptism. Benjamin is receiving the Sacrament of Chrismation 12 Christ is Risen!

13 EPARCHY OF PHOENIX DEPARTMENT OF EVANGELIZATION AND RELIGIOUS EDUCATION SPRING 2017 ONLINE ADULT EDUCATION CLASSES How it Works: All adult education classes are taught by the Clergy of the Eparchy of Phoenix, for free though the Fuze online platform. Fuze is an online webinar system which allows for video and audio sharing on Windows, Mac or ISO devices, or calling in through a toll-free phone. Classes are from 7:00-8:00pm Pacific Time (8:00-9:00 Mountain). All Classes Are Free Tuesday Night Ongoing : Iconography 5/9-5/30 Deacon Benjamin Crow Thursday Night Stand Alones: Preparing for Ascension 4/27 Subdeacon Joel Barstad Reflections on Marriage from Byzantine Sources 5/11 Deacon Candidate J. Andrew Deane Ascension and Pentecost 5/25 Deacon John Montalvo III For more information or to register visit: Dcn. Basil Ryan Balke with questions or to register at dcnbasil@eparchyofphoenix.org April Is Child Abuse Prevention Month During Child Abuse Prevention Month, we are reminded of the call to be instruments of justice, working for the common good of all, which includes the protection of children, youth and vulnerable adults. As Jesus entrusts to Peter the care of the flock, we are reminded that this responsibility belongs to everyone as a matter of charity and justice. Child Abuse Prevention Month should lead to heightened awareness of the need to be vigilant about providing a safe and sacred environment for all within the Church and for our communities. Throughout the Gospel, Christ calls upon his followers to care for the most vulnerable among us, especially children. Our faith also calls for us to uphold the value of human life and the dignity of the human person. The protection of children, youth and vulnerable adults is the responsibility of the entire Church, including the faithful. (USCCB, Office of Child and Youth Protection) PROMISE to Protect 195 U.S. dioceses/ eparchies have a victim assistance coordinator to obtain assistance and provide support for those abused. 100% of U.S. dioceses/eparchies require allegations of sexual abuse to be reported to public authorities. We train everyone to prevent and report abuse. We provide outreach to those abused. We require background checks. We report all allegations. We work with law enforcement. Pledge to HEAL 2,400,627 adults trained 4,484,609 children trained 2,390,956 background checks for clerics, employees and volunteers Copyright 2015, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Washington, DC. All rights reserved. March - April,

14 News From the Pews Fort Collins (Colorado) Byzantine Catholic Outreach parishioners Rebecca O Loughlin (mom), Annie (8), Gabriel (7) and Bernadette (5) ran the local St. Patricks s 5K race. Bernadette received a loudspeaker congratulations for being an amazing 5 year old. Annie (Troitsa-bearer at the Outreach) and Gabriel (an altar server) both qualified for one of the Bolder Boulder 30 waves. Rebecca, 5 1/2 months pregnant with her 5th child (and likely the youngest participant), was simply happy to have participated. These joyful runners are the sister-in-law, nieces and nephew of their pastor Father Michael O Loughlin. Above: Those in red choir robes only received the Sacrament of Chrismation. Left: Father Bob Rankin is surrounded with his Labor of Love (5 people were missing from the photo) 14 Christ is Risen!

15 Cathedral Eight Grade Parishioner Receives Christian Science Award On March 3, 2017, the Diocese of Phoenix selected 34 recipients of those attending Catholic Schools in the Valley to receive Scholarships for Sponsored by generous individuals and families who have established funds with the foundation, these competitive scholarships are awarded to eighth-grade students from public or Catholic elementary schools, in recognition of their extraordinary volunteer service to parish, school and community. Each scholarship will assist these students in attending a Catholic high school in the Diocese of Phoenix. Grace Marion Rimmer, a parishioner of St Stephen Byzantine Catholic Cathedral, received the Phyllis Anderson Award. Grace currently attends North Phoenix Preparatory and will be going to Xavier College Preparatory. According to the Headmaster of North Phoenix Preparatory, Grace has completed more than 100 hours of community service in the last two years. Much of that has been through school, mentoring younger elementary students in the neighboring school... she finds fulfillment in doing the right thing for the benefit of those around her. Among the other award winners were two who received the Fr. Wesley Izer Award. They were Zoe Annika Barton and John Charles Scheller. Those students both attend St. Thomas Aquinas Roman L to R: Sr Jean Marie Cihota, OSBM; Bishop Gerald Dino, Bishop Emeritus of the Eparchy of Phoenix; Grace Rimmer, Phyllis Anderson Award winner and Bishop Thomas Olmsted, Bishop of the Diocese of Phoenix. Catholic School. The award was given to honor the memory of Father Wesley Izer, the former Rector of St. Stephen Byzantine Catholic Cathedral who died on Palm Sunday The award was donated by Mr. & Mrs Joel Weisheit St Stephen Cathedral Parish congratulates all 34 recipients of these awards. Bishop Thomas Olmsted witnesses Grace s acknowledgement of receiving the award. March - April, 2017 L to R: Sr Jean Marie Cihota, OSBM; Annika Barton; Bishop Gerald Dino, Bishop Emeritus; and Grace Rimmer 15

16 Looking for honest news?? Our newsletter is engaging to all ages! One of our younger parishioners in Seattle, WA is shown reading Light of the West. No fake news here! Priest s Mother Reposes in the Lord Alicia Casmus, mother of Fr. Stephen Casmus, was born Alicia Gallagher on August 14, 1932 in Savannah, Georgia. She was active in, and nourished by the Sacramental Life of St. Paul Catholic Church, and many religious organizations including the Legion of Mary, the Serra Club of the Bay Area and the St. Vincent de Paul Society. Alicia listed her Employer as God and her profession as Full Time Volunteer. On March 3, 2017 she retired to Heaven where she joins her parents, James R and Alice C (McCabe) Gallagher, her brother, John Henry, her husband, Mark Anthony Casmus and a daughter in law Karen Casmus. She will be missed by her five sons, James Mark; Anthony Morgan and his wife, Carol; Father Stephen Edward; John Damian and his wife, Laura; and Paul Andrew; five grandchildren, Morgan and her husband, Ken Costigan, Jenny Casmus, Jonathan Casmus, Katy and her husband, Joe Hostman, Jacob Casmus; and three great grandsons, Daniel, Mark and Andrew Costigan. Fr. Stephen is currently pastor of St. Nicholas of Myra Byzantine Catholic Church in Fontana, CA. ECA Group Meets in St. Louis, MO Pictured Left to Right front row: Maronite Bishop Elias Zaiden; Rumanian Bishop John Michael Botean; Ukrainian Archbishop Stefan Soroka; Syro-Malabar Bishop Jacob Angadiath; Ruthenian Bishop Emeritus Gerald Dino; Ukrainian Bishop Bohdan Danylo; Ruthenian Bishop Kurt Burnette; Syro Malankara Bishop Thomas Eusibius; Syriac Catholic Yousif Habash; Back Row: Ruthenian Archbishop William Skurla; Ruthenian Bishop John Pazak; Ukrainian Catholic Bishop Paul Chomnycky; Ukrainian Aux-Bishop John Bura; Syro Malabar Aux-Bishop Joy Alappat; Armenian Bishop Mikael Mouradian; Maronite Bishop Gregory Mansour 16 Christ is Risen!

17 Archbishop Skurla Sends Message To Our Eparchy s Families 2018 Synod of Bishops on Young People, The Faith and Vocational Discernment from Archbishop William C. Skurla When I have visited our parishes across the country and met with bishops, clergy, and the people of our Byzantine Catholic Church in the Unitred States, the number one concern shared is the addressing of the need to reach out to our children, youth and young adults in our churches. We are not alone in this concern. At meetings for the Catholic and other Christian churches, all churches mention looking for ways to speak to and teach the next generation. The October 2018 Synod of Bishops will focus upon the topic Young People, the Faith and Vocational Discernment. Cardinal Lorenzo Baldisseri has presented the document which includes the questions that will be considered, the procedures which will guide the process of preparation, and the ways in which the Synod will proceed. The Ruthenian Byzantine Catholic Church will participate and be represented at the 2018 Synod of Bishops. All Roman Catholic Episcopal Conferences and all Eastern Catholic Churches, and other ecclesial institutions throughout the world are required to respond to the questions in order to prepare for this 2018 Ordinary Synod in Rome. The problem of gathering information from over a billion people, discussing it for a month, and then coming up with an action plan is more than a little complicated. We are asking you what you think. Instead of mailing paper copies of your answers to me, we will collect the information through the websites of the Byzantine Catholic Archeparchy and our three Eparchies in the United States. Your responses will be read by me and sorted into categories. You can be anonymous or give your name if you wish. I personally read several thousand of the responses from the past two Synods which were sent to me from all of our churches in the United States. The responses came from Florida to Alaska, conservative to progressive, old to young, and from faithful to less active members. There were amazing responses. Your actual responses were used as part of my presentations to the Holy Fathers and members of the Synod of Bishops. Some people and even I ask the question What difference will my response make? The answer is that one Byzantine Catholic person s comment to find a way to pass on the faith to our young people was the focus of mine and several other presentation at the Synod of the Family. The response of a few has contributed to redirecting the entire Catholic Churches worldwide to turn toward the need of our youth. What we need now is information on what is working in your family and in parish programs which bring the faith and encourage vocations. If nothing is happening in your parish, what do you think could help bring the faith to the next generation of Byzantine Catholics? Your comments and ideas will be heard and presented to Pope Francis and the Synod Fathers. The voices of the youth are especially powerful. In addition to providing guidance to the Synod, your ideas and successful programs will be shared with the parishes of the Byzantine Catholic Church. I thank you for your cooperation and for taking the time to respond to the questionnaire when it appears on your eparchial website. Note: The questionaire is on our Website - Eparchyofphoenix.org and the website - Archpitt.org March - April,

18 SAVE THE DATES Attention Myrrh-Bearers: Please note that on Friday, June 23, 2017, a Vigil Divine Liturgy will be celebrated at 5pm in the Main Chapel of the Franciscan Renewal Center. This will be our Opening Prayer to usher in the Feast of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist. Celebrating this Divine Liturgy will be the Most Rev. Bishop John S. Pazak. Dinner will follow at 6:15pm. From the Office of National Collections Bishop Pazak received a Thank You note from the Office of National Collections, thanking him for our Eparchy s participation in the 2016 Collections. Fron Executive Director Mary Mencarini Campbell: Let me assure you that faith communities and people in vulnerable situations have benefitted greatly through the generosity of your parishioners to these national appeals. Catholic Home Mission Appeal received from the Eparchy of Phoenix $ Peter s Pence Collection received from the Eparchy of Phoenix $ Christ is Risen!

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 Very Rev Joe Hutsko (602) Sun. Liturgy: Vigil: Tucson Saint Melany 1212 N Sahuara Ave. Tucson, AZ Rev. Robert Rankin (520) Sun. LiturgyVigil 5pm 10am Upcoming Events Conference Clergy Conference June 19-23, 2017 Cathedral Hall Phoenix, AZ Alive in Christ July 6-9, 2017 Prescott Pines Christian Camp Prescot, AZ Eparchy of Phoenix Serving 13 Western States. 19 Churches. 1 Mission, 5 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. Stephen Casmus (909) Sun Liturgy: 10 am Wasilla Bl. Theodore Romzha Mission, Sacred Heart RC Church 1201 Bogard Rd. Wasilla, AK Rev. Michael Sidun (907) Sun. Divine Liturgy: Los Gatos 4pm; ARIZONA Gilbert Saint Thomas the Apostle 19 W. Bruce Ave. Gilbert, AZ Rev. Michael Bezruchka (480) Sun. Liturgy: Vigil 5pm; 10am Sacramento 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 Myrrh Bearers Retreat June 23-25, 2017 Franciscan Renewal Center- Phoenix, AZ 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 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 LA Congress March 16-18, 2018 Anaheim Convention Center Prescot, AZ 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 March - April,

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 Bishop s Appeal Form If you are still waiting to receive your Bishop s Appeal form, or you simply want to contribute to the Eparchy of Phoenix Bishop s Appeal, please feel free to cut out this pledge form and follow the instructions listed. Holy Protection of Mary Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Phoenix Annual StewardAppeal 2017 Please Print Full Name: Address: * Please make your checks payable to your parish. * Return this form with your check to your parish. City: State: Zip: If mailing directly to the chanphone: Cell: Parish: Donation: Full payment enclosed: Yes No: 20 cery, please make your check payable to Eparchy of Phoenix. Send to 8105 N 16th St, Phoenix, AZ Per family request is $ Christ is Risen!