Українські єпископи США на COVID-19

Звернення єпископів Української Католицької Церкви у Сполучених Штатах Америки з приводу пандемії вірусу COVID-19

“Усе що ви зробили зробили одному з Моїх братів найменших – ви Мені зробили”. (Мт. 25,40)

Дорогі священнослужителі, монахи і монахині та вірні!

У зв’язку з пандемією вірусу COVID-19, який блискавично поширюється нашою планетою, ми, єпископи Української Католицької Церкви у Сполучених Штатах Америки, дбаючи про духовне і тілесне здоров’я наших вірних, бажаємо разом звернутися до Вас і запевнити Вас у нашій спільній молитві та солідарній дії. У соборний спосіб бажаємо донести до Вас інформацію про запровадження певних норм і практик, що мають на меті скріпити нас усіх у вірі і правді, захистити всіх членів наших спільнот, зокрема найбільш вразливих, та запобігти поширенню недуги.

Пам’ятаючи про крихкість життя та зі смиренням усвідомлюючи обмеженість людського розуму і ресурсів, ми все ж покликані робити те, що в наших силах, щоб допомогти урядам і державам, органам місцевого самоврядування та медикам боротися з поширенням вірусу.

Медики та науковці одноголосно попереджають, що боротьба буде затяжною і вимагатиме солідарності всіх мешканців земної кулі. Швидкість транспорту та глобалізованість сучасного світу сприяє поширенню вірусу, але якість стосунків і солідарність — а їх нам дає Христос — здатні призупинити хід недуги, що забирає все нові і нові життя. Досвід країн, які першими зіткнулися з наслідками вірусу і змогли швидко та рішуче організуватися, показує, що це можливо.

«Любіть ближнього свого!» Цей час вимагає від нас віри в Бога, довіри одне до одного, зосередженості, солідарності та злагоджених дій. Зазвичай, ми розуміємо любов як близькість. За нинішніх обставин, саме належна дистанція може бути властивим виявом автентичної любові до ближнього та громадянської відповідальності. Тому Церква підтримує цивільні норми та медичні приписи, які видає уряд та місцеві органи влади у зв’язку з епідемією. Закликаємо Вас, дорогі вірні, слідувати порадам Центру з контролю та профілактики захворювань, дбати про особистий захист та гігієну.

Joshua J. Brezicki fell asleep in the Lord

Joshua J. Brezicki, 31, fell asleep in the Lord on Saturday, March 7, 2020, as a result of injuries sustained in a car accident. He was a parishioner of St. Michael’s where he also served at the altar.

The funeral services:

Visiting hours will be Friday, March 13 from 4:00 to 8:00pm at the North Haven Funeral Home with the Panachyda service at 6:00pm.
The Funeral Liturgy on Saturday, March 14, at 10:00am at St. Michael’s Ukrainian Catholic Church

Joshua’s obituary may be read here.

Let us pray for the peaceful repose of Joshua’s soul, for beloved wife, Tiffany and son Joshua J. Brezicki, Jr., and his family.

May Our Lady, the Holy Theotokos and all the saints assist Joshua before the Throne of Mercy.

May Joshua’s memory be eternal.

Parish announcements this week

Christ is among us!

This week vigil light is offered to God by by Katia and Andrew Bamber in memory of +Orest Dubno.

Liturgy of Pre-sanctified Gifts will be celebrated on Friday, March 6 at 7:00 PM. Please come and join in this beautiful tradition of our Church.

The next meeting of Knights of Columbus Blessed Metropolitan Andrey Sheptytsky Ukrainian Council will be held on Wednesday, March 4 at 7:00 p.m. in the Holy Name Room. All men of the parish are invited to attend.

Sestrechi will resume their monthly meetings, beginning next week on Sunday, March 8, in Classroom 1 after the 9:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy.

Pysanky Lecture on Sunday, March 15, 2 p.m. at The Knights of Columbus Museum in New Haven, Fr. Paul Luniw will present a lecture on Pysanky – Ukrainian Easter Eggs. He will explain the history of Pysanky and the process by which they are created. Come and see as he shares examples of his magnificent artwork.

Ukrainian Easter Egg Workshop (Pysanka) will be held on Sunday, March 29, in the church hall from 1:00 to 3:30 p.m. It is open to youth and adults, but children must be accompanied by an adult. Bring your children and grandchildren to learn their beautiful heritage. Free to parish youth and Ridna Shkola students. Charge for class is $10.00 to others. See flyer for details or call Gloria Horbaty (203)-269-5909 for information. Sponsored by: UNWLA-Branch 108, the Heritage Center and the CT Ukrainian American Historical Society.

EPARCHIAL SOBOR 2020 will take place on March 28, at Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Stamford, 161 Glenbrook Rd., Stamford, CT. The theme for the upcoming VII Session of the Patriarchal Sobor of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church to held this summer is”Immigration/Migration, Settlements and Unity”. Each parish will send three lay parish delegates in representing parish community. For more information call rectory office.

Sorokousty will be celebrated on All Souls’ Saturdays, March 7th, March 14th, March 21st, May 30th. Please take a book found in the entrance of the church, fill it out, place it in envelope, and drop it in the collection basket. Let us remember all our loved ones who have gone to their heavenly reward. Eternal Memory!

William C. Celentano, Jr fell asleep in the Lord

The family of William Celentano announce the death of their dear husband, father, and grandfather who fell asleep in the Lord with his family by his side.

Please remember William and the family in your prayers.

All are invited to pay their respects Sunday from 3-7 at the family funeral home which has cared for the greater New Haven community for over 90 years.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Bernadette Church Monday at 10:00. Interment will follow in St. Lawrence Cemetery.

Father Iura will be concelebrating the funeral liturgy.

As you know, William and the Celentano Family have been a good friend to the Parish.

May Our Lady, the Holy Theotokos, embrace William and lead him the Lord.

May William’s memory be eternal.

Parish announcements

Christ is among us!

Fr. Iura Godenciuc will be away for short vacation. In case of emergency, you may call Fr. Paul Luniw (860) 583-7588 or Fr. Stepan Yanovski

This week’s vigil light is offered to God’s glory by Larissa and Svitlana in memory of Anya Rohmer-Hanson (Mykytey).

The February meeting of Knights of Columbus Blessed Metropolitan Andrey Sheptytsky Ukrainian Council has been cancelled. The next regularly scheduled meeting will resume in March.

Thank you to the Ukrainian National Women’s League of America, Branch 108, for the wonderful Prosphora they provided for our parish. The event was truly outstanding and special thanks go to all those who helped to make the event a success.

The yearly Hall Roof Repair report for 2019 is now in the vestibule of our church. Please take a copy and review the 2019 updates. Thank you.

Sorokousty —All Souls Saturdays will be celebrated on February 15th, March 7th, March 14th, March 21st, and May 30th. Please take a book found in the entrance of the church, fill it out, place it in envelope, and drop it in the collection basket. Eternal memory.

Плекання духовної єдності Христової Церкви та сприяння єдності всіх християн (екуменізм) Із Пастирського листа Блаженнішого Святослава…

ПЛЕКАННЯ І СЛУЖІННЯ ЄДНОСТІ

Діяння святих апостолів показують глибоку єдність, яка існувала між члена- ми першої спільноти Христових учнів: «Громада вірних мала одне серце й одну душу, і ні один не називав своїм щось з того, що кому належало, але все в них було спільне» (4, 32). Цей духовний стан першої християнської спільноти можна виразити словом «сопричастя/кінонія», що вказує на єдність, згоду та співжиття. Бути Церквою – це перебувати в сопричасті Святого Духа, в благодаті Господа Ісуса і в любові Бога-Отця. Єдність Церкви є, такими чином, іконою єдності осіб Пресвятої Трійці. Ця єдність проявляється на різних рівнях: на рівні Вселенської і помісної Церкви, єпархії та окремої парафії. Трапляється, що через нашу неміч і гріховність ми не віддзеркалюємо цієї єдності. Будучи свідомими цього, всі ми маємо цінувати і плекати її, зберігаючи повне сопричастя з наступником апостола Петра – Святішим Отцем, з ієрархією нашої Церкви, з місцевими

Parish announcements

Christ is among us!

This week’s vigil light is offered to God’s glory by Dionizia Brochinsky in memory of Dmyto Palazij.

The Ukrainian National Women’s League of America Branch 108 New Haven and St. Michael Parish will be preparing a Prosphora, a traditional Ukrainian Christmas meal, TODAY. We will have only one (1) bi-lingual Divine Liturgy at 10:30 a.m. Tickets are $20.00 for adults, free for students Ridna Shkola and altar boys. We will be running a raffle. Please donate items for raffle and cakes for desert. You can buy tickets after each Divine Liturgy in the church hall or contact Anna Salemme 203-934-6520, or purchase tickets at SUMA credit Union.

House Blessings began on January 8th. If anyone would like to have their homes blessed, please fill out the form already provided and either drop it in the collection basket or return it to Fr. Iura or call the rectory. Thank you.

The next Financial Committee meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 21, at 6:00 p.m. in the Holy Name Room. All Financial Committee members and interested parishioners are invited.

The Knights of Columbus offers congratulations to all those members who participated in the second “Exemplification of Charity, Unity and Fraternity”  3rd. Degree Ceremony at the KofC Museum, last Monday evening.

Sorokousty —All Souls Saturdays will be celebrated on February 15th, March 7th, March 14th, March 21st, and May 30th. Please take a book found in the entrance of the church, fill it out, place it in envelope, and drop it in the collection basket. Eternal memory.

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity: January 18-25, 2020 is the annual observance to pray for unity among Christians. The theme chosen for 2020 is “They Showed Us Unusual Kindness”(cf. Acts 28:2). Throughout 2020, join Christians everywhere in praying “that they may all be one” joining our prayer with that of the Lord Jesus Christ. Let us pray for Christian unity today, and in the days to come. For more information go to: www.geii.org

Dear Parishioners, as you can see, the Roof Repair Fund now totals $37,975.00. Thanks to your generosity, we are steadily nearing our goal of $40,000.00. Please continue with your generous donations to this restricted fund. A complete report will be issued shortly.

Adult Faith Formation

Jesus asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?” He replied, “Lord, please let me see.” Jesus told him, “Receive your sight; your faith has healed you.”

(Luke 18: 41-42)

GREGORY THE THEOLOGIAN

Our father among the saints Gregory the Theologian was a great father and teacher of the Church. With Sts. Basil the Great and John Chrysostom, he is numbered among the Three Holy Hierarchs. St. Gregory is also known as one of the Cappadocian Fathers.

Into the Deep Lenten mini-retreat

Join Dan Burke for an Into the Deep Lenten mini-retreat to discover the depths of prayer.

All are welcome at St. Francis Catholic Church (1755 Stanley Street, New Britain, CT 06053) from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM on Saturday, March 21st. Mass will begin at 8:00 AM and registration is at 8:30 AM. Light breakfast and snacks provided.

Register:
Avila-Institute.org/events for the $20 early bird special! Register after March 1, 2020 and the cost is $25 per ticket or $30 at the door.

Here is the active online registration link: https://avila-institute.org/product/into-the-deep-new-britain-ct-march-21-2020/

St Nina – equal to the apostles

Today we celebrate St Nina, equal to the apostles.

One night the Virgin Mary appeared to Nina and said “Go to Iberia and tell there the Good Tidings of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and you will find favor before the Lord; and I will be for you a shield against all visible and invisible enemies. By the strength of this cross, you will erect in that land the saving banner of faith in My beloved Son and Lord.” When St. Nina awoke and saw in her hands the miraculous cross, she kissed it with tears of joy. Then, tying it in her hair, she went to see her uncle the patriarch. When the blessed patriarch heard that the Mother of God had appeared to St. Nina and had commanded her to go to Iberia to preach the Gospel of eternal salvation, he saw in this a clear expression of the will of God and did not hesitate to give the girl his blessing. When the time arrived for her departure, the patriarch led Nina into the church and up to the holy altar, and placing his hand on her head, he prayed in the following words:

“Lord God, our Savior! As I let this young girl depart to preach Your Divinity, I commit her into Your hands: Condescend, O Christ God, to be her Companion and Teacher everywhere that she proclaims Your Good Tidings, and give her words such force and wisdom that no one will be able to oppose or refute them. And You, most Holy Virgin Mother of God, Helper and Intercessor for all Christians, clothe with Your strength against all enemies, visible and invisible, this girl whom You have chosen to preach the Gospel of Your Son and our God among the pagan nations. Be always for her a shield and an invincible protection, and do not deprive her of Your favor until she has fulfilled Your holy will!”

Holy Apostle Nina pray for us!

(biography: In Communion)

Parish announcements this week

Christ is among us!

This week’s vigil light is offered to God’s glory by Katia and Andrew Bamber in memory of Zenon Luciw.

Bernadette Aitro (Gawron) fell asleep in the Lord. Please remember her in your prayers. ETERNAL MEMORY!

Thank you! Dear Parishioners, as you can see, the Roof Repair Fund now totals $37,975.00. Thanks to your generosity, we are steadily nearing our goal of $40,000.00. Please continue with your generous donations to this restricted fund. A complete report will be issued shortly.

HOUSE BLESSINGS: Began on January 8th. If anyone would like to have their homes blessed, please fill out the form already provided and either drop it in the collection basket or return it to Fr. Iura. Thank you.

The Ukrainian National Women’s League of America Branch 108 New Haven and St. Michael Parish will be preparing a Prosphora, a traditional Ukrainian Christmas meal, on Sunday, January 19, after the only one (1) Divine Liturgy at 10:30 a.m. Tickets are $20.00 for adults, free for students Ridna Shkola and altar boys. We will be running a raffle. Please donate items for raffle and cakes for desert. You can buy tickets after each Divine Liturgy in the church hall or contact Anna Salemme 203-934-6520, or purchase tickets at SUMA credit Union.

Sorokousty —All Souls Saturdays will be celebrated on February 15th, March 7th, March 14th, March 21st, and May 30th. Please take a book found in the entrance of the church, fill it out, place it in envelope, and drop it in the collection basket.

Adult Faith Formation

“Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29)

Blessing of the Water and the Sanctification of Homes

Your manifestation in the world is made today, and Your light is seen shining upon us. We fully realize who You are and therefore we sing to You: “You are the Inaccessible Light, and You have made Yourself known to us.” (Kondak, Feast of the Theophany of Our Lord)

Among the various petitions mentioned in the ceremony during the blessing of the water is the sanctification of homes. With this the Church imposes a duty and obligation upon the priests to bless the homes of the faithful entrusted to their pastoral care at the beginning of the New Year. Theologically speaking, the blessing of homes constitutes an invocative blessing, meaning that by his prayer and by the sprinkling of Holy Water, the priest invokes God’s protection upon the home and those living in it. As our souls, so also our homes become tainted by the sins of those living in them and, consequently, lose God’s protective power. Every year, then, at the Feast of Theophany, they should be blessed again to secure for them God’s blessings and protection. Just as the faithful cleanse their soul of sin at least ONCE A YEAR, and the church is blessed with the newly blessed water every year, so should the homes of the faithful be yearly blessed to invoke God’s blessings and protection on it and its inhabitants. As we renew the insurance on our home every year, so we should renew our insurance of God’s protection and his blessings, which is of greater importance and more effective. As we welcome our priest during the holy season of Theophany to bless our homes, let us be mindful that he is bringing to us the “blessing of Jordan,” and that unless God protects and blesses our home, we “labor in vain.” (Ps. 127:1)