The Byzantine Catholic Church of the Resurrection in Monroeville, Pa. celebrated their annual Holy Supper Dec. 22. The day began with Divine Liturgy. Father Don Bolls, pastor, began his homily with a greeting in Slovak — which he
did very well, noting he is still learning the language.

After the service, the congregation moved to the church hall. The kitchen staff put together a lovely table with baked cod as the main course and a variety of dishes prepared by the participants. Included in the spread were
potato and rice casseroles, salads and several desserts — all made with neither meat nor dairy products.

Of course, no celebration would be complete without a visit by St. Nicholas! The dear patron arrived dressed in full regalia and spoke to a group of listening children. He told the kids that, although they may receive many presents for Christmas, “the best gift is Jesus.” Afterward, he handed out “brown bag” treats to each child.

Throughout the event, Christmas carols were sung and parishioners and guests caught up with each other with well wishes. All left in good spirits, ready to celebrate the birth of our Lord. Continue reading →

The Sisters of St. Basil of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Province are planning a yearlong celebration to commemorate a Century of Ministry in the Byzantine Catholic Church in America.

Founded on Jan. 19, 1921, the years of the Province closely parallel the years of our Church and its people. Very Rev. Gabriel Martyak, Apostolic Administrator, invited Mother Macrina Melnychuk, who was Superior in Philadelphia at that time, to form a second branch of the Order to serve the people of Ruthenian descent. Mother Macrina and two other Sisters accepted this invitation to begin a new foundation for this purpose.

The initial help for the new foundation came from Father Joseph Hanulya, pastor of Holy Ghost Church in Cleveland, Ohio. Father provided a 10-room house which became the first formal novitiate. As did the others who came to this new land, they immediately went to work. Initially, the small community began caring for orphan children; later including teaching and catechesis.

The Greek Catholic Union played a significant part in the lives of the Sisters and the Greek Catholic faithful. In order to care for the many orphans, the GCU built St. Nicholas Orphanage in Elmhurst, Pa. The Sisters responded to the call of the GCU to staff this institution. Continue reading →

”In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that the whole world should be enrolled. This was the first enrollment, when Quirinius was governor of Syria. So all went to be enrolled, each to his own town. And Joseph too went up from Galilee from the town of Nazareth to Judea, to the city of David that is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. While they were there, the time came for her to have her child, and she gave birth to her firstborn son.

She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Now there were shepherds in that region living in the fields and keeping the night watch over their flock. The angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were struck with great fear. The angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord.” Gospel of Saint Luke 2:1-11

Christ is Born!
Glorify Him! Continue reading →