Succeeds Bishop Gerald Dino as Fifth Bishop of the Eparchy of Phoenix

During the solemn celebration of the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy Wednesday July 20, 2016, Metropolitan
Archbishop William C. Skurla, in the presence Apostolic Nuncio to the U.S. Archbishop Christophe Pierre, enthroned Most Reverend John S. Pazak as the fifth bishop of the Holy Protection of Mary Byzantine Catholic (Ruthenian) Eparchy of Phoenix.

A former bishop of the Eparchy of Phoenix, Metropolitan William recited the prayers of enthronement, culminating with a robust chorus of “Axios!” (He is worthy!), echoed by the clergy, religious and faithful in attendance. The enthronement was celebrated at St. Helen Roman Catholic Church in Glendale, Ariz. due to space considerations.

Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted of the Diocese of Phoenix and Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas of the Diocese of Tucson were among those attending the enthronement, along with many brother bishops including Bishop Kurt Burnette of the Eparchy of Passaic. After Archbishop Pierre read the official bulla, Metropolitan William, who also is the Apostolic Administrator of the Eparchy of Parma, offered the prayers of enthronement and presented the newly enthroned bishop with his pastoral staff. Continue reading →

Seven States and Washington, DC on 3-week Schedule The Orientale Lumen Foundation announces that a third Seminary Concert Tour is scheduled to take place September 11 through October 2 at Byzantine Catholic parishes and other sites throughout the Northeastern United … Continue reading →

Pastor of Canonsburg Parish honored at Farewell Socials On Saturday and Sunday, May 7 and 8 in their church hall, the parishioners of St. Michael Byzantine Catholic Church in Canonsburg, Pa. bid “farewell” to their pastor of 48 years – … Continue reading →

Travel by bus with the Archieparchial Choir and join Metropolitan Archbishop William Sunday August 14 at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon for the Byzantine Divine Liturgy in celebration of the Feast of the Dormition of the Holy … Continue reading →

Call to Lead 2016 Pilgrimage Services It is now summer, and the year-round planning process continues for the 82nd Annual Pilgrimage to Our Lady of Perpetual Help at Mount Saint Macrina in Uniontown, Pennsylvania. As singing is an inseparable component … Continue reading →

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] 2016 Deacon Formation Program from the Office of the Deacon Formation Program “I am not only trying to listen better, but I realize that I am hearing in a new way … I find that I am much more … Continue reading →

Serving readers for over 60 years In an effort to keep The BCW affordable for both subscribers and the publisher, Archbishop William, President of the Byzantine Catholic Press Associates, had made the decision to adopt a monthly publication schedule for … Continue reading →

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Byzantine Serra Club stages long-overdue day of sincere appreciation [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]by Kathe Kress [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]The Year of Consecrated Life – declared by Pope Francis to commence on November 30, 2014 – closed in 2016 on February 2, the World … Continue reading →

From the Office of the Metropolitan Glory to Jesus Christ! Dear Clergy, Religious, and Faithful of the Archeparchy, June is usually a time of better weather and the beginning of the season of vacations. Ironically, while many are on vacation, … Continue reading →

Sisters of St. Basil extend welcome

UNIONTOWN, PA — The 82nd Annual Pilgrimage in honor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help will be held at Mount St. Macrina, Sept. 3-4, 2016. “This year’s theme is ‘Theotokos: An Inexhaustible Fountain of Mercy’ in honor of Pope Francis’ declaration of an extraordinary Holy Year of Mercy,” stated Sister Ruth Plante OSBM, provincial.

In March of this year, Metropolitan Archbishop William Skurla dedicated the door to the Shrine of Our Lady of Perpetual Help as a Holy Door of Mercy. Thus, pilgrims will have the added blessing of passing through the Holy Door when they enter the Shrine to pray. The very well-attended Anointing of the Sick services will be scheduled for both Saturday and Sunday afternoons rather than two on Sunday. In addition to the Enrichment Sessions usually offered, a Festal Icon Walk is planned for Saturday afternoon.

This service will be comprised of various prayers taken from the Feast represented by the respective icon. As in previous years, the Sisters of St. Basil will welcome all those pilgrims who come from all over the country. Limited accommodations on the Mount and camping on the racetrack will be available as in the past. Light fare will be available at the Lunch Stand starting on Friday evening.

For those arriving early, Compline will be held at the Shrine Altar on Friday evening. Divine Liturgy will be celebrated on Monday morning, Sept. 5 (Labor Day) for those who stay overnight. Other plans for the weekend include many opportunities for participation in the Divine Liturgy of the Byzantine Catholic Church. Also scheduled are Matins, Vespers, Mystery of Reconciliation, activities for teens and children, and other services in honor of the Mother of God. The Pilgrimage holds the distinction of being the oldest and the largest Byzantine Catholic Pilgrimage in the country. Continue reading →