Christ is Risen! Indeed He is Risen!
Christos Voskrese! Voistinnu Voskrese!
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came to be through him, and without him nothing came to be. What came to be through him was life, and this life was the light of the human race; the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (John 1: 1-5)
“For I am already being poured out like a libation, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith. From now on the crown of righteousness awaits me, which the Lord, the just judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me, but to all who have longed for his appearance.” (II Timothy 6-8)
Glory to Jesus Christ!
As we begin the season of the Great Fast, the images and memories of the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia are fresh in our minds. In a world of over six billion people, only the best athletes from the ends of the earth gather to compete for the prizes of bronze, silver, or gold. Many have prepared their whole lives through training and endless exercises to strengthen the arms and legs to ski, skate, or slide to be faster or better than anyone else. Everything that they eat builds their muscles and helps to reach and maintain the perfect weight. Years of competition sharpen their minds and senses to see opportunities and avoid obstacles in their paths. Their life of preparation pays off in giving them the edge to succeed.
O man, know then that God becomes flesh
And where did this incarnation take place?
The body of a Holy Virgin!
Let us, too, burst forth with voice of joy.
Let us celebrate the mystery of the Salvation of the whole world,
The birthday of mankind.
Today the blame of Adam is revoked.
No longer: “You are dust, and to dust you will return”;
But, closely united to the celestial world,
You will be lifted even into Heaven.
No longer: in pain will you bear sons;
But, blessed is the one who has borne Emmanuel
And blessed is the womb that nourished Him.
— St. Basil the Great (d. 379) Homily on the Generation of Christ
Christ is Born!
Glorify Him!
We extend our prayers in Christmas Greeting to all the clergy, religious, and people of the Archeparchy of Pittsburgh. 2013 has been a year filled with celebrations, programs, births, and the passing of friends within our churches. As we gather during the Christmas holydays, we sing in honor of Christ’s birth in Bethlehem and we lift up everyone in our prayers to the Lord.
Christ is Risen! Indeed He is Risen!
Christos Voskrese! Voistinnu Voskrese!
This Lenten Season has been filled with awesome events. All were surprised by the retirement of Benedict XVI. After weeks of speculation and the gathering of the cardinals, there was the sight of white smoke announcing the election of the new pope. When it was announced to the half million people gathered in the square and to billions running to their televisions that the Holy Spirit guided them to elect Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, most were surprised. There was rejoicing which has grown as we learn more of our new Holy Father Francis.
His son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you; I no longer deserve to be called your son.’ But his father ordered his servants, ‘Quickly bring the finest robe and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Take the fattened calf and slaughter it. Then let us celebrate with a feast, because this son of mine was dead, and has come to life again; he was lost, and has been found.’ Then the celebration began. (Luke 10:21-24)
Glory to Jesus Christ!
Glory forever!
Slava Isusu Christu!
Slava na V’iki!
February 10, 2013
Dear Faithful of the Archeparchy of Pittsburgh,
During the Year of Faith, we reflect upon our baptismal commitment to faith, hope, and love. As we enter the Season of the Great Lenten Fast, the Lenten Message of our Holy Father Benedict XVI asks us to focus on the relationship of love to our faith in Jesus Christ. Our faith and our love of God allow the Holy Spirit to flow into our lives.
Christmas Eve will find me
December 25, 2012
Christ is Born! Glorify Him!Dear clergy, religious, and people,
The popular song I’ll be home for Christmas, first recorded in 1943 by Bing Crosby, is heard each year during the celebration of the holy season of Christmas. Its melody and lyrics have become one of those Christmas songs which haunt us on the radio or via many other recordings. Some years, we hear the message at home, and we feel reassured in being where we belong – with family and friends. Other years, we are away from home waiting to return. And some years, we are away with no way to return home to celebrate Christmas, except in our dreams.
