Divine Liturgy for the coming week

Glory to Jesus Christ

Sunday, 6/03/18 2nd Sunday after Pentecost —The Holy Martyr Lucillianus and Those with Him

9:00 a.m. For people of the parish
and the Moleben to Jesus Christ

10:30 a.m. God’s blessing and health for Brandon and Andrue Aponte requested by the Czabala Family
and Moleben to Jesus Christ

Epistle: Romans 2:10-16
Gospel: Matthew 4:18-23, Tone 1

Monday, 6/04/18 Our Holy Father Metrophanes, Patriarch of Constantinople

Tuesday, 6/05/18 The Holy Priest-Martyr Dorotheus, Bishop of Tyre

Wednesday, 6/06/18 Our Venerable Father Bessarion the Wonderworker and the Venerable Father Hilarion the New

Thursday, 6/07/18 The Holy Priest-Martyr Theodotus of Ancyra

Friday, 6/08/18 The Transfer of the Holy Relics of the Holy Great Martyr Theodore Tyro

Saturday, 6/09/18 Our Holy Father Cyril, Archbishop of Alexandria

Sunday, 6/10/18 3rd Sunday after Pentecost —The Holy Priest-Martyr Timothy, Bishop of Prussa

9:00 a.m. For people of the parish
and the Moleben to Jesus Christ

10:30 a.m. Special Intention
and Moleben to Jesus Christ

Epistle: Romans 5:1-10
Gospel: Matthew 6:22-33, Tone 2

Second Sunday after Pentecost

What does it mean to be a saint? Our Lord said, “I am the way, the truth and the life”  (John 14:6). To be a saint, then, means to follow Jesus the Way, the true path to union with God and holiness. To be a saint is not a luxury for the few, but the necessity for all of us who want to know the truth, to live in Christ. In today’s Gospel, Jesus calls Peter and Andrew and John and James, and they IMMEDIATELY follow him. This call is given to us all. We have been meditating on Pope Francis’ Apostolic Exhortation, Gaudete et Exsultate – Rejoice and Exalt! 

Today we begin the proclamation of the Gospel of St. Matthew, which we read until the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross. This period begins by summoning us to always “keep our eyes fixed on Jesus.” Today we are Simon and Andrew and James and John, hearing the voice of Jesus, “Come, follow me.” Today we hear the Lord calling us calling us to a life like his of caring for others and proclaiming the gospel, if not by words, by our actions and lives. We cannot ignore this call.

Milan Lach as Bishop of Parma Ruthenians

Pope names Bishop Milan Lach, SJ, as the Bishop of Ruthenian Eparchy of Parma

WASHINGTON—Pope Francis has appointed as Bishop of the Ruthenian Eparchy of Parma, the Most Reverend Milan Lach, SJ, who up until now served as apostolic administrator of the Eparchy.

The Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Parma is the Catholic eparchy governing most Ruthenian Catholics in the mid-western United States. It is headquartered in Parma, Ohio.

The appointment was publicized in Washington, DC, June 1, 2018 by Archbishop Christophe Pierre, apostolic nuncio to the United States.

Bishop Lach, 44, was born in Kežmarok, Slovakia in 1973. In 1992, he was admitted to the Greek-catholic seminary in Prešov and in 1995 entered the novitiate of the Society of Jesus in Trnava, Slovakia. He continued his studies at Trnava University and also studied at the Pontifical Oriental Institute in Rome, where he obtained a master’s degree from the Eastern Church Sciences and later, a doctorate degree. In 2009, he began working at the Center of Spirituality East – West of Michal Lacko in Košice, Slovakia.

He was ordained a deacon of the Society of Jesus on November 11, 2000 and was ordained a priest on July 1, 2001. He was appointed auxiliary bishop of Prešov and titular bishop of Ostracine on April 19, 2013. He was ordained as auxiliary bishop of Prešov and titular bishop of Ostracine, June 1, 2013. On June 24, 2017, Pope Francis named Bishop Lach as apostolic administrator of the sede vacante (vacant see) of the Epharcy of Parma for the Ruthenians.

The Eparchy of Parma for the Ruthenians was erected February 21, 1969. Currently, the Eparchy of Parma encompasses the geographical area of Ohio (except the eastern border counties), Indiana, Michigan, Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Missouri, Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota. Byzantine Catholics living in those states are members of the local Church of Parma.

Cf. Horizons

Sunday of All Saints

Over the last fifty-some days, we have celebrated the Paschal mystery – the central mystery of our faith, from our Lord’s crucifixion, resurrection, ascension to his sending the Holy Spirit on his followers. This Sunday, after all that has been proclaimed, we add a great “Amen!” “So be it!” This “Amen” will be great only if we make it more than just words but also actions. The Holy Spirit came upon the disciples that they might be witnesses to the Paschal mystery – our Lord’s death and resurrection, and the Greek word for “witness” is “martyr.”

This Sunday was originally called the Sunday of All Martyrs —because those who witnessed to Christ had to be ready to give their lives for him. Many Christians did and still do. This is what it means to be a saint – the readiness to give our lives for the Lord. Therefore the Lord says in today’s Gospel, “Everyone who acknowledges me before others I will acknowledge before my heavenly Father” (Matthew 10:32).

We should not seek to be killed for the gospel, but our priorities should be: 1) God; 2) God’s people, the “others” in our lives and 3) ourselves. Being human, and living in an individualistic society, we often reverse these priorities: 1) ourselves, no. 1; 2) others and 3) God, and putting God third is a practical atheism. We often have the misconception that to be a “saint” means only a life of misery and self-denial, but people who put their own pleasure and comfort first usually end up all “messed up.” A saint is really someone who has their life in the right order, and so is full of the joy of the Spirit: “a spirit of wisdom and of understanding, a spirit of counsel and of strength, a spirit of knowledge and of fear of the Lord” (Isaiah 11:2).

Meditation by Archpriest David Petras

Ostap Yednak to speak at Parish

The St. Michael the Archangel Ukrainian Church community in New Haven welcomes Ostap Yednak, member of the Ukrainian Parliament (Verxovna Rada), who will speak on the current political, economic and security situation in Ukraine as well as the Presidential campaign currently underway.

The conversation will be bilingual and will take place on Sunday, 27 May at 12:00 noon at St. Michael’s church hall, 569 George Street, New Haven.

All are welcome to participate.

Pentecost

Pentecost is the fiftieth day, “the last and greatest day of the feast.” In the New Testament, this story is told only in the Acts of the Holy Apostles (Acts 2:1-12). On this day, the Holy Spirit came upon the disciples in the form, “as of fire” and they were filled with the Holy Spirit. (Acts 2:3) From this event, some observations can be made:

-This fulfills the promise made by the risen Jesus in the Gospel of Luke, “And[behold I am sending the promise of my Father upon you; but stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.” (Luke 24:49)

-This was in the upper room, where the risen Lord came to the disciples through locked doors.

-There were twelve apostles, Matthias having been elected to replace the traitor Judas, as “a witness to [Jesus’] resurrection (Acts 1:22).”

-There were about one-hundred and twenty people present. Perhaps this was a symbolic number, for ten people were needed for a prayer group, hence, twelve apostles plus ten people for each apostle. The Spirit comes upon this gathering of communities.

-“As of fire,” the fire indicates the light of faith and the warmth of love.

-By the power of the Holy Spirit, the apostles are transformed from frightened followers to fearless witnesses. To be a Christian means to be a witness to life, to the Resurrection, this can be done only by the grace of God.

-Bystanders from every nation heard the apostles in their own language. The scripture does not tell us that the apostles spoke simultaneously in a variety of languages, but that the listeners heard them in their own language. What we appropriate, then, is the witness of the apostles to the resurrection and faith in Jesus. This is the wellspring of our faith, which we profess always in “one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church.”

-Can we accept this witness in our lives without fear.

-Today is seen as the birth of the Church, and the East sees it also as the beginning of ordination.

-Mary, the Mother of the Church, is present.

“We have seen the true light, we have found the true faith, and we worship the undivided Trinity, for the Trinity has saved us.”

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Parish announcements this week

Christ is risen!

WELCOME NEW PARISHIONERS! New parishioners are always welcomed in our parish. If someone wants to register with our parish please contact Father Iura Godenciuc at (203) 865-0388 or our financial secretary Natalia Chermak.

VIGIL LIGHT: This week vigil light is offered to God’s glory by Dionizia Brochinsky in memory of +Evdokia Palazij.

AFTER DIVINE LITURGY: Dear parishioners and guests, after each Divine Liturgy, coffee and hard rolls are available in the church hall.

Our next Pyrohy Project Saturday will be June 16. Please place an order, and come and help. We have great fun. Let others know about our delicious Pyrohy. Call your order in by Tuesday: Larissa Swartwout 203-248-9767; Anna Smigelski 860-302-2176; Anya Rohmer-Hanson 475-655-2141. You may also email your Pyrohy (pierogi) order: orderpyrohynh@gmail.com Please include your name, phone number and quantity of Pyrohy.

Ostap Volovymyrovych Yednak unaffiliated member of Parliament (Verkhovna Rada) invites you to an open discussion on current events in Ukraine. Mr. Yednak’s bilingual presentation will be held on Sunday May 27 at 12:00 noon in our church hall.

Revived Soldiers Ukraine presents Charitable concert on June 2, 2018 at 6:00 p.m. Place: Ukrainian Catholic Seminary 195 Glenbrook Rd., Stamford, CT 06902. Special Guest: Oksana Mukha. All funds collected will go to support Ukrainian wounded serviceman medical needs. Tickets $30.00 at the door or on website:wwwrsukarine.org/events. Coffee and pastry will be provided.

We have frozen Pyrohy for sale while supplies last. More information can be read here: https://stmichaelukrainian.org/pierogies/

KOVBASA: The Knights of Columbus Parish Council have Fresh ¾ kovbasa with 1 + (one) pound of fresh cooked cabbage with a vegetable mix. A good meal for two people. Also just vegetable for $7.00. The meals will cost $10.00. Please pre-order to ensure that we make enough for everyone. Please call 203-789-9554 only and leave a message with your order.

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS: The Knights of Columbus Blessed Metropolitan Andrey Sheptytsky Ukrainian Council will hold its next regular meeting on Monday, June 4, at 7:00 p.m. in the church hall. All men of parish are invited to attend to see what the Knights are all about and what they do and what you can do with them for your parish.

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Divine Liturgy for the coming week

Christ is risen!

Sunday, 5/20/18 Pentecost Sunday
9:00 a.m. For the people of the parish
Moleben to the Mother of God

10:30 a.m. +Wasylyna Yukash (40 days, Pan.) requested by the Family
Moleben to the Mother of God

Epistle: Acts 2:1-11
Gospel: John 7:37-52; 8:12, Tone 7

Monday, 5/21/18 Pentecost Monday
9:00 Special Intention

Tuesday, 5/22/18 Holy Constantine and Helen

Wednesday, 5/23/18 Our Venerable Father Michael

Thursday, 5/24/18 Our Venerable Fathers Simeon and Nicetas

Friday, 5/25/18 The Third finding of the Head of John
9:00 a.m. + Eugenia Dobczasky (Pan.) requested by the Melnyk Family

Saturday, 5/26/18 Holy Apostle Carpus

Sunday, 5/27/18 First Sunday after Pentecost
9:00 a.m. For the people of the parish
Moleben to the Mother of God

10:30 a.m. +Halyna Choma requested by Ihor Mandicz and Crystyna MandiczCentore
Moleben to the Mother of God

Epistle: Hebrew 11:32-12:2a
Gospel: Matthew 10:32-33; 37-38 and 19:27-30, Tone 8

On the Lord’s Resurrection and Ascension

The Resurrection and the Ascension are two separate concepts. This was known by the Gospel writers, particularly St. Luke. St. John also distinguishes the two, when Mary Magdalene meets the Risen Lord. Jesus says to her, “Stop holding [traditional: “do not cling to me”] on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father” (John 20:17). The Resurrection is the restoration to life of his human body, the Ascension is the glorification of Jesus, both God and man, at the right hand of the Father: “… the angels marveled at the sight of a human being more exalted than themselves. Today, the Father receives again in his bosom the one who was in him from eternity” (First sticheron at Psalm 140, Feast of Ascension).

The Ascension is the completion of the Paschal Mystery, the descent in humility, the exaltation again into glory. This serves as the model for every human life. It was necessary that in Christ the full glorification of the human nature be already fulfilled. Jesus did not continue to live among us in a historical sense, for our sanctification lies in accepting the Paschal Mystery of death and resurrection in faith, as our Lord told Thomas, “Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed. (John 20:29)” This, again, is the divine oikonomia. [Paraclete comes]. Jesus is already “King of kings and Lord of lords” (1 Timothy 6:15; Revelation 17:14, 19:16), and reigns at the right hand of the Father.

St. Athanasius gives the fundamental Christian interpretation of the Ascension, “Since, then, the Word was an image of God and was immortal, he assumed the form of a slave and underwent death in our behalf as a man in his own flesh, so that through this death he might, on our account, bring himself home to the Father. For this reason he is also said as a man to have been exalted on our account, and for our sake, so that, just as by his death we have all died in Christ, so conversely in Christ we may be exalted, roused from the dead and going up to the heavens, ‘where Christ entered as our forerunner’ (Hebrews 6:20); Against the Arians 1:37-43 in ACD (Ancient Christian Doctrine) 3, 163).

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Sunday of the First Ecumenical Council

“Holy Father, keep them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one just as we are” (John 17:11).

This Sunday commemorates the first ecumenical council (council of the whole Church), held in the city of Nicea, near Constantinople, in the year 325. The Gospel read on this Sunday is the final part of Jesus’ last teaching discourse to his disciples, just before he was arrested, as recorded by John. This gospel tells us about the whole divine plan for our glory and salvation.

Jesus first tells his disciples that he must leave them. Leaving them, however, does not mean abandoning them. Jesus says, “I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you. In a little while the world will no longer see me, but you will see me, because I live and you will live. (John 14:18-19)” First, Jesus is going because he is the way, the truth and the life. (John 14:6). Second, “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back again and take you to myself, so that where I am you also may be” (John 14:3). Jesus tells us, “It is better for you that I go. For if I do not go, the Advocate will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you” (John 16:7). Why? Because “when he comes, the Spirit of truth, he will guide you to all truth” (John 16:13).

The climax of everything is that we will become like God, one in the Holy Trinity, “now I will no longer be in the world, but they are in the world, while I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one just as we are” (John 17:11).

This is the glory of God, to bring all together in unity, for God is one. This does not mean that we will all be the same, for God has created us in a wonderous diversity, but we will all be united because there is only one truth, and we must live in the one truth. This is why the Council formulated the one truth about the one God, in the Holy Trinity. Each and every one of us must glorify God in the one truth, in “one mind and one heart” (Anaphora).

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