Sunday
9:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy in English
10:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy in Ukrainian
Weekday Mornings
9:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy
The Divine Liturgy is served both in English and Ukrainian.
Confessions
The Sacrament of Penance is heard one-half hour prior to the Divine Liturgy.
Mysteries
For the Mysteries (the Sacraments) of Baptism, Chrismation, Holy Eucharist (all three done at once), the Holy Anointing of the Sick, and Crowning (Marriage), please speak with Father Iura.
Visiting our Elders
Kindly notify the rectory office about parishioners who are confined to home, hospital, or convalescent home, so that Father Iura may visit them with the sacraments. Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick brings healing to the infirmities of both body and soul, as God sees fit, through the anointing of holy oil and prayer.
In the Byzantine Tradition, we have Twelve Great Feasts:
The Nativity of the Theotokos, 8 September
The Exaltation of the Cross, 14 September
The Presentation of the Theotokos in the Temple, 21 November
The Nativity of Christ/Christmas, 25 December
The Baptism of Jesus — Theophany, 6 January
The Presentation of Jesus at the Temple, 2 February
The Annunciation to Mary, 25 March
The Sunday before Pascha (Easter) — the Entry into Jerusalem
Forty Days after Pascha (Easter) — the Ascension of Christ
Fifty Days after Pascha (Easter) — Pentecost
The Transfiguration of the Lord, 6 August
The Dormition (Falling Asleep) of the Theotokos, 15 August
Note that Pascha stands alone, as it is the “Feast of Feasts”.
The key feast are prepared for by a time of fasting and prayer.
Philip’s Fast (Pylypivka)
This fasting period is a time of more intense prayer and works of charity; this time of fasting is a pre-Christmas preparation. The Parish holds various liturgical services in preparation for the Nativity of Our Lord. The Philip’s Fast begins on November 15, the day after the feast of St. Philip and ends at Evening Prayer (Vespers) on December 24.
Apostles’ Fast (Petriwka)
This is the preparation for the feast of the holy apostles Peter and Paul celebrated on June 29. The Apostles’ Fast begins on the Monday following the Sunday of All Saints (check the date because yearly because it is known in relation to Pentecost) and ending on June 28.
Dormition Fast (Spasivka)
This period of preparation for the great feast of the Falling Asleep of Mary begins on August 1 and lasts until the eve of August 14, inclusively. The Dormition of the Blessed Virgin Mary is celebrated on August 15.
Great and Holy Fast (Lent)
The Great and Holy Fast is a 40 day preparation for the glorious feast of Pascha (Easter) beginning on Clean Monday and ending on the day before Lazarus Saturday. It is the most ancient fast. We fast from sin and foods “Because we did not fast we were banished from paradise. So then let us fast so as to return back to paradise” (St. Basil, On Fasting I).
The Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts is served each Friday evening at 7:00 p.m. There are times when Father Iura will also serve this Liturgy on Wednesday.
Sorokousty (All Souls Days)
During Lent and the Easter season the Church prays for our beloved dead. We pray for our dead on a series of days. Father Iura yearly announces the dates for the Sorokousty (All Souls Days) on which special prayers are offered in remembrance of those who have died. In comparison, the Latin Catholic Church designates November as the Month of All Souls with a special Mass on November 2.
Let us remember all our loved ones who have gone to their heavenly reward. Eternal Memory!
The word Ukrainian word “Sorokousty” means “forty mouths” (sorok = forty; ust = mouth). Originally, this was a prayer service offered by forty mouths or by forty priests. Historically, families would honor their deceased by holding services for them in the cathedrals on the 3rd, 9th and 40th day after their death —with 40 priests celebrating the services. Today, Sorokousty is the service that honors the deceased and is offered during Lent and after Easter.