Students Caroling for Archbishop Stefan

Students from St. Josaphat Ukrainian Catholic School went caroling for Metropolitan- Archbishop Stefan Soroka on December 22, 2010 at the Archbishop's Residence.

(click on photos to enlarge)

Attached is a video.

Archbishop Stefan Soroka's Christmas Greeting

Archbishop Stefan's Christmas Greeting in English and Ukrainian

St Nicholas visited the Cathedral!

St. Nicholas visited the Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception on December 5, 2010. After the Liturgy, the children went to the Ortynsky Spirituality Center and performed a concert for St. Nicholas.

Video




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Special Assembly for the Middle East

Attached are some materials relating to the Special Assembly for the Middle East of the Synod of Bishops at the Vatican on October 10 - 24, 2010. (Cardinal Lubomyr Husar and Bishop Bohdan Dzyurakh, C.SS.R. were two of the Members for this Special Assembly.)

PDF documents (click on document to open)

Cover Letter
01_ Synod Roma Zvit
02 Blazhennishyj Intervento
03 Bohdan Intervento it originale
04 Bohdan Intervento ua
05 Synod Roma Nuntio
06 Synod Roma Propositionis
07 Bohdan Interview

Visit the link below for information found on the vatican.va website to read Bishop Bohdan Dzyurak, CSSR, speech.
http://www.ukrarcheparchy.us/way/dzyurakh from vatican website.pdf

RELIGIOUS LEADERS VOICE

RELIGIOUS LEADERS VOICE
Shared Commitment To protect Marriage

WASHINGTON—Leaders of some of the largest religious communities in the United States have come together to express their commitment toward the protection of marriage as the union of one man and one woman. In an open letter released today, entitled “The Protection of Marriage: A Shared Commitment,” leaders from Anglican, Baptist, Catholic, Evangelical, Jewish, Lutheran, Mormon, Orthodox, Pentecostal and Sikh communities in the United States affirmed the importance of preserving marriage’s unique meaning.

“The broad consensus reflected in this letter—across great religious divides—is clear: The law of marriage is not about imposing the religion of anyone, but about protecting the common good of everyone,” said Archbishop Timothy Dolan of New York, newly elected president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) and one of the letter’s signers. “People of any faith or no faith at all can recognize that when the law defines marriage as between one man and one woman, it legally binds a mother and a father to each other and their children, reinforcing the foundational cell of human society.”

The release of this letter comes the same morning that oral arguments on the Proposition 8 case are set to begin. In August, Judge Vaughn Walker had ruled California’s Proposition 8 to be unconstitutional, based in part on the claim that defining marriage as between a man and a woman lacked any rational basis at all, and instead reflected nothing but religion-based hostility to homosexual persons. This ruling has been appealed and its hearing is scheduled for today, December 6.

“Today is the moment to stand for marriage and its unchangeable meaning. We hope this letter will encourage just that,” Archbishop Dolan said. “The Protection of Marriage: A Shared Commitment” is being circulated nationwide. Downloadable PDF versions of the letter can be found at www.usccb.org/defenseofmarriage/shared-commitment.shtml . A backgrounder on the statement can be found at http://www.usccb.org/comm/backgrounders/shared-commitment.shtml

Frackville event - December 5th

ST. MICHAEL’S UKRAINIAN CATHOLIC CHURCH, FRACKVILLE TO PRESENT CHRISTMAS CANDLELIGHT PROCESSIONAL SUN., DEC. 5 AT 4 P.M;
PROGRAM TO INCLUDE BRASS ENSEMBLE, REENACTMENT OF THE NATIVITY STORY AND AUDIENCE CAROL SING-A-LONG


FRACKVILLE, PA.--: St. Michael’s Church extends its annual holiday invitation to one and all to attend A Christmas Candlelight Processional Pageant, which will be held Sunday, December 5 at 4 p.m. in St. Michael’s Ukrainian Catholic Church, West Oak Street, Frackville. “This is our annual Christmas gift to the community,” is the way Rev. Archpriest John M. Fields characterized this pageant, which was first presented by the parish children in 2004.

The program will include the story of the Birth of Christ, with Scripture reading, a reenactment of the Nativity scene by the children of the parish, and an audience carol sing-a-long with many of the traditional Christmas carols, including Ukrainian carols.

A brass ensemble will perform before the program and also provide accompaniment during the presentation.

The pageant will include the participation of children portraying Joseph, Mary, the three wise men, angels, shepherds, and villagers.

The audience will sing along as traditional carols are interspersed with the narration of the Gospel accounts of the Nativity of the Christ Child.

After the program, the outdoor Christmas tree lighting will take place.

Then all are invited to enjoy a covered dish which will be served in the parish hall and St. Nicholas will make his annual visit. The feast of St. Nicholas is December 6.

There is no admission and the program is open to the public.
For additional information or directions, please call the parish rectory: (570) 874-1101.

Theatrical Play to benefit church in Whippany, NJ

THEATRICAL PLAY
"Evening of Kozak Glory"

Assumption Parish - School Auditorium
684 Alta Vista Place, Perth Amboy, NJ 08861
Sunday, December 12 at 5:00 p.m.

Join us for this unique fundraising event, which will benefit the St. John Ukrainian Catholic Church in Whippany, NJ! St. John’s parish is in the process of building a new church and all proceeds from the Theatrical Play will go into their Church Building Fund.

The evening will include: a special presentation of Ukrainian Kozak life, music, and singing. The play will be in Ukrainian but you will enjoy the singing and beautiful Ukrainian costumes.

Tickets are $10 for Adults
For tickets call Oksana at (201) 213-4321.
Tickets will also be sold at the door.
All are Welcome!

St. Patrick's Cathedral - November 20, 2010

The now annual national observance to commemorate Ukraine's Genocide of 1932-1933 will take place at St. Patrick's Cathedral (51 Street and 5th Avenue) in New York City on Saturday, November 20, 2010 at 2PM.

This year marks the 77th anniversary of one of the worst cases of man's inhumanity towards man, and perhaps the most extreme example of the use of food as a weapon, and we urge the Ukrainian American community to attend the ecumenical service and honor the millions of innocent victims who perished as a result of the Soviet policy of forced collectivization.

Guest Speakers: Senator Charles Schumer, Anatoli Hrytsenko, Ukraine's Former Minister of Defense and Presidential Candidate

For more information, please contact the UCCA National Office either by email at ucca@ucca.org or by phone at (212) 228-6840.

h2onews Video - Cardinal Husar and Bishop Losten

Cardinal Husar and Bishop Losten are seen in the crowd in this video on the "h20news.org" website.

Here is the link:

http://www.h2onews.org/english/53-the-pope/224447213-benedict-xvi-renew-interest-in-ecumenical-dialogue.html

Rome Reports Video - Bishop Losten

Bishop-Emeritus Basil Losten is in the crowd in this video from "romereports.com"

Here is the link to the video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pDVCewu-4kU

Cardinal Husar Interview

Cardinal Husar was interviewed on the television program "Where God Weeps" of the Catholic Radio and Television Network (CRTN) in cooperation with Aid to the Church in Need.

Read the interview article on "Zenit" website at:

http://www.zenit.org/article-30970?l=english

Watch a video of the Interview on "Where God Weeps" website at:

www.wheregodweeps.org/the-mediator-the-greek-catholic-church-in-ukraine/

Advent Pastoral Message

Нещодавне пастирське послання митрополита Стефана Сороки, опубліковане в “Шляху”, було поміщене на веб-сторінці Української Греко-Католицької Церкви:
www.ugcc.org.ua

The recent ‘PYLYPIVKA’ Advent Pastoral Message by Metropolitan Stefan Soroka, published in “The Way” was referenced on the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church website at www.ugcc.org.ua

http://www.ugcc.org.ua/news_single.0.html?&tx_ttnews[pointer]=2&tx_ttnews[tt_news]=4005&tx_ttnews[backPid]=2&cHash=625f1e53b9

A Veterans Day Article

A Veteran's Day article referencing Pete Lynn formerly of (Assumption BVM Ukrainian Catholic Church) of Centralia was published on November 11, 2010 on "newsitem.com"

Here is the link to the article:

http://newsitem.com/news/omaha-beach-sand-serves-as-reminder-of-brothers-wwii-service-1.1062320

Hillside, NJ event on December 5th

Sunday December 5, 2010: Hillside , NJ.

You, your family & friends are invited to visit with St. Nicholas at 12:30pm in the church hall of Immaculate Conception Ukrainian Catholic Church located at the intersection of Liberty Ave & Bloy St.

Hillside is located in Union County , NJ . The parish children will present an informal bi-lingual entertainment program. Odarka Polanskyj-Stockert will also perform several holiday pieces on the harp.

Complimentary refreshments will be served. For those attending the Sunday Divine Liturgy at 10:45am, a light lunch will be provided after the Liturgy. If you would like to attend for the luncheon, please contact Mike at 908-289-0127, Maria at 973-599-9381 or email the parish at ICUkrainianCatholic@yahoo.com .

Additional information and directions to the parish may be found at the parish website www.byzcath.org/ImmaculateConception

Happy Birthday to the Metropolitan!

Metropolitan-Archbishop Stefan Soroka celebrated his 59th Birthday with the Chancery Staff a couple days early of his November 13th Birthday.


He enjoyed a birthday kielbasa for lunch, a delicious torte baked by Mrs. Bunik, and sampled a beautiful fruit flower arrangement given by the Sisters of the Order of Saint Basil the Great.

The Chancery Staff wishes Metropolitan Stefan a very Happy Birthday, Mnohaya Lita!



(click photos to enlarge)

Photos from Passaic Centennial

Archbishop Stefan Soroka attended the 100th anniversary celebration for St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church, Passaic, NJ, on October 24, 2010. Photos by Russell Cooke.

Synodus Episcoporum Bulletin

Read about news from the Synod of Bishops in the "Synodus Episcoporum Bulletin" in the following link on the http://www.vatican.va/ website.

http://www.vatican.va/news_services/press/sinodo/documents/bollettino_24_speciale-medio-oriente-2010/bollettino_24_speciale-medio-oriente-2010_index_en.html

Archeparchial Wedding Anniversary Celebration

The Archeparchial Wedding Anniversary Celebration was held on October 17, 2010 at the Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Philadelphia, PA. The reception was held at the Archbishop's Residence. Congratulations and Many Happy Years to the Jubilarians!

View two pages of photos at http://www.ukrarcheparchy.us/index.php?categoryid=63&p17_sectionid=7

Videos











If you were at the Archeparchial Wedding Anniversary Celebration and you would like to share a memory with us, please click the "comment" link at the bottom of this post. Thank you.

Fox Chase Pilgrimage - October 3, 2010

The Sisters of the Order of Saint Basil the Great held their 79th Annual Pilgrimage, under the Protection of the Mother of God on October 2-3, 2010 in Fox Chase Manor, PA.

Below are photos and videos from October 3rd. For more information about the Sisters please visit their website at http://www.stbasils.com/


Photos (click photo to enlarge image)

Metropolitan-Archbishop Stefan Soroka

Combined Choir: Annunciation BVM (Melrose Park, PA) & Cathedral Choir (Philadelphia, PA)

Holy Trinity Chapel

Seminarian Walter Pasicznyk spoke about the Shroud of Turin Replica.

VIDEOS

Video 1 : Highlights of Liturgy

Video 2: Gospel Reading





Video 3: Homily




Video 4: Procession

If you would like to share a comment with us, please click on the "Comment" link at the bottom of this post. Thank you.

Clergy Retreat - Hershey, PA

Metropolitan Province Clergy Retreat

(click on photo to enlarge image)

Group photo from the Clergy Retreat that was held September 20 - 23rd, 2010 in Hershey, PA.

BISHOP SVIATOSLAV SHEVCHUK (Retreat speaker)

LUC Convention is CANCELLED.

"The Way" was just informed that the 72nd LUC Convention was cancelled...


Between discussions with the Convention Committee and the National Board President, a decision was made to CANCEL the 72nd Annual National Convention of the League of Ukrainian Catholics which was scheduled for October 8, 9, 10, 2010. Unfortunately due to circumstances beyond control, it was necessary to cancel plans for this annual event.

Pilgrimage in Fox Chase

Pilgrimage to the Mother of God
Sisters of the Order of St. Basil the Great

This year’s seventy-ninth annual pilgrimage honoring the Mother of God on the grounds of the Motherhouse of the Sisters of St. Basil the Great in Fox Chase has as its theme “Let it be done to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38). On Saturday October 2, 2010 this theme will be developed during the Akathist to the Mother of God celebrated at the Shrine of Our Lady of Pochaiv. The homilist will be Rev. Father Robert Hitchens, Rector of the Ukrainian Catholic Seminary in Washington, DC in his homily he will urge us to be open to God’s call.

On Sunday, October 3, 2010 during the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, celebrated by Archbishop Stefan Soroka, the Very Rev. Paul Chomnycky, OSBM, Eparch of Stamford, CT will speak on what it means to live out God’s call. This theme will be further enhanced at the Moleben to the Mother of God as Archbishop Stefan speaks to us about Mystical changes in our lives as we open ourselves to God’s word.

The Mystery of Reconciliation (Confession) will be available both days. Traditional Ukrainian food will be served on Sunday. A special feature of the weekend will be an opportunity to venerate the replica of the Shroud of Turin in the Holy Trinity Chapel of the Sisters of St. Basil the Great. This is one of nine replicas that was touched by the actual Shroud of Turin and blessed by the Holy Father.

For further information go to the website of the Sisters www.stbasils.com.



(Click on Flyers to enlarge schedule)

LUC Convention

LUC Convention – October 8, 9, 10, 2010

Looking for something to do on the Columbus Day weekend? Why not take a drive to Suffern, New York, and check out the happenings at the 72nd Convention of the League of Ukrainian Catholics, especially the activities on Saturday, October 9, 2010.

The League is sponsoring a new and exciting program entitled, Generations of Faith, newly introduced to parishes in the Metropolia. Sr. Ann Lazok, one of the originators of the program, will be coordinating a fascinating hands on, interactive session focused on the Philip’s Fast (Pylypiwka); the forty day fast preceding the Nativity. By looking to the Old and New Testament Saints, participants will learn how to pray, fast and give alms as they prepare for the Nativity of Jesus Christ. Also, participants will discover ways that they can help all people experience God is with us – Znamy Boh!

The program is open to all, and advanced registration is required. The fee is $25.00 and includes lunch. Information has been sent to all parishes. If you have not heard about this and would like to participate, please contact Marion C. Hrubec (201) 843-3960 or email mc.hrubec@att.net. Registration is open through September 20, 2010. Gather a group from your parish and join us as we learn how to prepare our families and ourselves for the Nativity of Our Lord.

Flea Market in Scranton, PA on September 18th

St. Vladimir Parish Annual Flea Market and Basket Raffle

To benefit the Children’s Religious Education Class

Saturday, September 18, 2010 – 8:30am to 2:30pm

St. Vladimir Parish Center – 429 North Seventh Avenue, Scranton, PA 18503

Lunch available including Ukrainian ethnic foods

For additional information contact Daria at 570 963-1580

Articles about Lviv

Here are some articles about Lviv 2010.

http://www.risu.org.ua/en/index/exclusive/reportage/37197

http://www.credo-ua.org/2010/08/32150/

http://www.credo-ua.org/2010/08/31999/redem2/

http://www.ugcc.lviv.ua/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1967&Itemid=97

http://www.risu.org.ua/ua/index/exclusive/reportage/37197/

Holy Dormition Pilgrimage - Sloatsburg, NY

Sisters Servants of Mary Immaculate's Holy Dormition Pilgrimage in Sloatsburg, NY was held August 13 - 15, 2010. For more information about the Sisters Servants of Mary Immaculate, please visit their website at http://ssmi-us.org/ .


Video: Procession & Opening Remarks at the 10:00 Liturgy on August 15th




Video: Bishop Paul's Homily




Video: "I Believe"




Video: Communion




Video: Moleben Homily




Video: Moleben




Did you attend the pilgrimage? Share a comment by clicking the "Comment" link at the bottom of this post.

USCCB article by Sister Mary Ann Walsh

*The law is a ass.*
By Sister Mary Ann Walsh

So spoke Mr. Bumble in Charles Dickens* Oliver Twist. The
sometimes humorous jab at lawyers hit home August 4, when Federal Judge Vaughn Walker overturned California*s Proposition 8 that had defined
marriage as a union of one man and one woman.

The decision called California citizens* decision to define
marriage as *irrational,* which suggests that their decision was
absurd and beyond the pale. What*s really irrational is the judge*s
dismissal of marriage between a man and a woman * the basic bedrock of
our society * as if it were some kookie idea. What*s irrational is
his ignoring the will of the people with real life experience of
marriage, who have voted down gay marriage not only in California, but
throughout the United States whenever legalization of gay marriage has
been put to a vote. These votes did not take place in pockets of
conservatism. Fourteen years ago, the U.S. House of Representatives
voted 342-67, and the Senate voted 85-14, to accept the traditional
definition of marriage in the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA).

What is even more irrational is the judge*s dismissal of the
U.S. Constitution*s First Amendment and Freedom of Religion with these
damning words: *Religious beliefs that gay and lesbian relationships
are sinful or inferior to heterosexual relationships harm gays and
lesbians.*

The judge*s placing religion and government at odds amounts to
Constitutional irrationality. It is no small irony that his
anti-religious position is enshrined in a ruling deemed to oppose
bigotry. The U.S. Constitution guarantees citizens freedom for religion.
That precludes government from weighing in on the *acceptability* of
religious beliefs.

Judge Walker, in his decision, backed his bigotry with errors,
including the misstatement that the *Catholic Church views
homosexuality as sinful.* The fact is, the Catholic Church sees
homosexuality as a condition, an inclination in a person, something not
intrinsically sinful. The church calls for pastoral support, not
condemnation, for people with this inclination. The Catholic Church
makes clear that it is homosexual activities it deems sinful, because it
holds that all sexual activity belongs within marriage between a man and
a woman. At the same time the Catholic Church opposes all unjust
discrimination against gays and lesbians and abhors violence against
them.

The Catholic Church also holds that marriage is a unique institution
with a privileged place because it is foundational to the good of
society. The church is not alone in holding that a family headed by a
mother and a father is the optimal place in which to raise a child.
Judge Walker begs to differ, however, and says with grand aplomb that
research that supports the contrary view *is accepted beyond serious
debate in the field of developmental psychology.* If there*s ever
been a statement open to debate it*s that one.

Judge Walker devoted three pages of his decision to make his
case for the bigotry of religion, an insult to the tens of millions of
religious people in the nation. This is not to deny that some people act
despicably and portray their bigotry against gays as religious
expression. So too do those who spew anti-immigrant, anti-woman, and
anti-whatever sentiments. They*re an unfortunate result of our human
condition that lets the morally weak, even morally decrepit, walk among
us. Bigoted people are an unfortunate result but not a reason to upend
the U.S. Constitution.

Archbishop Joseph Kurtz, chairman of the U.S. bishops* Ad Hoc
Committee for the Defense of Marriage, was spot on when he declared that
*marriage is more fundamental and essential to the well being of
society than perhaps any other institution. It is simply unimaginable
that the court could claim a conflict between marriage and the
Constitution.*

On August 4, 2010, Judge Walker proved Dickens was right. The law is a
ass.
---

Sister Mary Ann Walsh is director of media relations for the United
States Conference of Catholic Bishops.



Sister Mary Ann Walsh
Director of Media Relations
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
3211 4th St., NE
Washington, DC 20017-1194
Ph 202-541-3201
Fx 202-541-3173
mwalsh@usccb.org

Blessing of Iconography - Warrington, PA

Metropolitan Stefan blessed the Iconostas and Iconography at St. Anne's Ukrainian Catholic Church in Warrington, PA on July 24, 2010.

3 Videos - Homily, Communion, Icon Blessing









Photos (click photo to enlarge)


Metropolitan-Archbishop Stefan Soroka

Christina Dochwat - Iconographer

(Photos and Video by Teresa Siwak, "The Way")

Ukrainian Seminary Day Pictures

The 76th Annual Ukrainian Seminary Day was held at St. Nicholas Picnic Grove, Minersville/Schuylkill County on July 25, 2010. Metropolitan-Archbishop Stefan Soroka and the clergy of the South Anthracite Deanery celebrated the Divine Liturgy.


Photos by John E. Usalis, a Staff Writer for the "Republican Herald"




Deacon Paul Spotts - Gospel

Fr. Paul Makar- Homily

Fr. John Fields



Group photo with Metropolitan Stefan

Procession after Liturgy

Making Bleenies

"Kazka" - Basket Dance

Photos: John E. Usalis

Ukrainian Festival in Shamokin, PA

Transfiguration of Our Lord Parish in Shamokin, PA., will hold the Annual Ukrainian Festival on August 7th & 8th. Delicious food, exiting games, lottery, live music performed by two bands, dancing, vendors and a lot of fun for kids and adults. For more information please call 570-648-5932.

(click flyer to enlarge)

Ukrainian Cultural Festival at Soyuzivka

Ukrainian Cultural Festival at Soyuzivka will be held on July16-18, 2010. Visit www.soyuzivka.com for more information.

Click on flyers to Enlarge

Ukrainian Independence Day - Tryzub

Sunday, August 22, 2010, at 12:00 Noon: The Ukrainian American Sport Center Tryzub (County Line and Lower State Rds., Horsham, PA.) invites you to attend the NINETEENTH ANNUAL UKRAINIAN FOLK FESTIVAL, celebrating Ukraine’s Independence Day. Enjoy Ukrainian Folk and Modern Dancing, Music and Song, featuring: Syzokryli Ukrainian Folk Dance Ensemble from New York; Voloshky Ukrainian Dance Ensemble (Philadelphia), violinist Innesa Tymychko Dekajlo (Lviv, Ukraine); The Svitanok Band from New York and The Svitanya Eastern European Women’s Vocal Ensemble (Philadelphia). A Ukrainian Public Dance (Zabava) to the tunes of The Svitanok Dance Band will follow the stage show. Ukrainian ethnic foods, baked goods, standard picnic fare and cool refreshments will be plentiful. 267-664-3857; website: http://www.tryzub.org/

(click flyers to enlarge image)

Неділя, 22-ого серпня, о год.12-ій в полудне, на посілості "Тризубівки" (County Line and Lower State Roads, Horsham, PA) - УСО Тризуб запрошує Вас на ФЕСТИВАЛЬ У 19-ТУ РІЧНИЦЮ НЕЗАЛЕЖНОСТИ УКРАЇНИ. У мистецькій частині програми, яка має розпочатися о 1:30 годині по полудні, візьмуть участь Танцювальний Ансамбль СИЗОКРИЛІ (New York); Скрипалька ІНEСА ТИMОЧКО ДЕКАЙЛО; Танцювальний Ансамбль “ВОЛОШКИ” (Philadelphia); Ансамбль/Оркестра СВІТАНОК (New York); та Співочий Ансамбль СВІТАННЯ (Philadelphia). Після мистецької частини відбудеться Забава під звуки оркестри СВІТАНОК. Відвідувачі зможуть перекусити смачними українськими стравами та солотким, пікніковими стравами й напоями. 215.343.5412; website: http://www.tryzub.org/

Liturgy in Wildwood, NJ

When you are away on your vacation, you’re not away from your obligation to attend Sunday Liturgy. Remember to take Jesus along! If you’re vacationing at Wildwood, Rev. Ruslan Romanyuk and the Ukrainian community welcomes you to participate at The Divine Liturgy in Ukrainian Catholic Church, starting from July 4th. The Divine Liturgy will be celebrated every Sunday at 6:30 p.m. in The Christ Community Church, located at the corner of Crocus Road and Pacific Avenue. For more information, please call: 856-482-0938.

Shroud Exhibition Closing - June 29, 2010

Shroud of Turin Exhibition Closing at the Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Philadelphia, PA, was held on June 29, 2010 on the Feast of Ss. Peter and Paul. The Shroud will continue to be at the Cathedral and also take part in several pilgrimages.

Video 1 = Metropolitan-Archbishop Stefan Soroka speaks of the closing of the Exhibition

Video 2 = Faithful venerate the Cross and the Shroud

Video 3 = Shroud is covered

Photos

-the end

If you were at the Shroud Exhibition Closing and want to share a comment with us, please click the "Comment" link at the bottom of this post.