Caroling for the Metropolitan

Members of CYM (Ukrainian American Youth Association) Philadelphia Branch caroled for Metropolitan-Archbishop Stefan Soroka at his Residence on December 27, 2012 on the Feast of St. Stephen.

Thank you to all the groups who caroled to Metropolitan Stefan this holiday season!



http://youtu.be/vQgRP0hlYgk

Christmas 2012 at Cathedral in Philadelphia

Here are the videos from Christmas 2012 at the Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Philadelphia, PA with Metropolitan-Archbishop Stefan Soroka.


http://youtu.be/rTdAqI9BIXs


 
http://youtu.be/5863d01lt6I


 
http://youtu.be/xxqZy-YNFPA

Video by: The Way

Christmas Liturgy Schedules

Here are some the Christmas Liturgy Schedules for some of the parishes in the Archeparchy of Philadelphia.

http://www.ukrarcheparchy.us/way/SCHEDULEFORCHRISTMAS.pdf

Parish Schedules of Liturgical Services for the Feast of the Nativity of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ

As you come home for Christmas, you are invited to celebrate with us the birth of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, For some, our church may be the home of your youth; for others our church welcomes you to join with us as we greet the newborn King and experience the joy of Our Eternal God being with us. The following Christmas liturgy schedules are those that were shared by many of our churches inviting you to join with their parish families this Christmas season.

May you have a Holy and Blessed Christmas and a Healthy and Happy New Year.

Christ Is Born! Glorify Him!





Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Monday, Christmas Eve December 24

9:00 PM-- Great Compline followed by Hierarchical Divine Liturgy (Ukr/Eng).

Tuesday, Christmas Day, December 25

9:00 AM-- Hierarchical Divine Liturgy (Ukr.)

11:00 AM Divine Liturgy(Eng.)

Wednesday, December 26 Synaxis of the Mother of God

9:00 AM—Divine Liturgy (Ukr/Eng).

Thursday, December 27 Feast of St. Stephen

9:00 AM—Divine Liturgy (Ukr/Eng).



St. Michael the Archangel Church

Baltimore, Maryland

Monday, Christmas Eve December 24

10:00 PM-- Great Compline followed by Divine Liturgy

Tuesday, Christmas Day, December 25

10:30 AM-- Divine Liturgy

Wednesday, December 26 Synaxis of the Mother of God

10:30 PM—Divine Liturgy

Thursday, December 27 Feast of St. Stephen

10:30 AM—Divine Liturgy


Ss. Peter and Paul Church

Curtis Bay, Maryland

Monday, Christmas Eve December 24

8:00 PM-- Great Compline followed by Divine Liturgy

Tuesday, Christmas Day, December 25

9:00 AM-- Divine Liturgy

Wednesday, December 26 Synaxis of the Mother of God

9:00 AM—Divine Liturgy

Thursday, December 27 Feast of St. Stephen

9:00 AM—Divine Liturgy



Assumption of the B.V.M. Church

Bayonne, New Jersey

Tuesday, Christmas Day, December 25, 2012

8:30 AM - Great Compline

9:00 AM - Divine Liturgy



St. Mary’s Church

Carteret, New Jersey

Monday, Christmas Eve December 24

9:00 AM Great Compline and Divine Liturgy

Tuesday, Christmas Day, December 25

10:30 AM. Divine Liturgy


Saint Vladimir Church

Elizabeth, New Jersey

Monday, Christmas Eve December 24

8:30 PM-- Great Compline (Children’s Procession) Divine Liturgy (Eng.)

Tuesday, Christmas Day, December 25

10:30 AM Divine Liturgy (Ukr.)

Wednesday, December 26 Synaxis of the Mother of God

9:00 AM Divine Liturgy (Ukr.)

Thursday, December 27 Feast of St. Stephen

9:00 AM Divine Liturgy (Ukr.)



St. Nicholas Church

Great Meadows, New Jersey

Monday, Christmas Eve December 24

6:00 PM-- Divine Liturgy

Tuesday, Christmas Day, December 25

9:00 AM-- Divine Liturgy

Wednesday, December 26 Synaxis of the Mother of God

9:00 AM—Divine Liturgy

Thursday, December 27 Feast of St. Stephen

9:00 AM—Divine Liturgy



St. Michael the Archangel Church

Hillsborough, New Jersey

Monday, Christmas Eve December 24

9:00 PM-- Great Compline (Ukr.)

10:00 PM-- Christmas Divine Liturgy (Eng.)

Tuesday, Christmas Day, December 25

1100AM-- Christmas Divine Liturgy (Ukr.)

Wednesday, December 26 Synaxis of the Mother of God

8:30 AM—Divine Liturgy (Ukr.)

Thursday, December 27 Feast of St. Stephen

8:30 AM—Divine Liturgy (Ukr.)



Immaculate Conception Church

Hillside, New Jersey

Monday, Christmas Eve December 24

4:00 PM-- Great Compline (Children’s Procession) Divine Liturgy (Eng.)

Tuesday, Christmas Day, December 25

8:45 AM-- Divine Liturgy (Eng.)



Saints Peter and Paul Church

Jersey City, New Jersey

Monday, Christmas Eve December 24

10:00 PM-- Great Compline

10:30 PM-- Divine Liturgy

Tuesday, Christmas Day, December 25

11:00 AM-- Christmas Divine Liturgy



St. Nicholas Church

Millville, New Jersey

Monday, Christmas Eve December 24

3:30 PM-- Great Compline

4:00 PM—Divine Liturgy (Ukr./Eng.)



St. John the Baptist Church

Newark, New Jersey

Monday, Christmas Eve December 24

5:00 PM Divine Liturgy (Еng.)

10:00 PM Great Compline Christmas Caroling, Confessions

11:00PM Divine Liturgy (Ukr.)

Tuesday, Christmas Day, December 25

9:00 AM Divine Liturgy (Ukr./Eng.)

7:00 PM Divine Liturgy (Ukr.)

Wednesday, December 26 Synaxis of the Mother of God

9:00 AM Divine Liturgy (Ukr.)

7:00 PM Divine Liturgy (Ukr.)

Thursday, December 27 Feast of St. Stephen

9:00 AM Divine Liturgy (Ukr.)



Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church

New Brunswick, New Jersey

Tuesday, Christmas Day, December 25

7:45 AM—Great Compline (Ukr.)

8:30 AM-- Divine Liturgy (Ukr.)

Wednesday, December 26 Synaxis of the Mother of God

10:30 AM—Divine Liturgy (Ukr.)

Thursday, December 27 Feast of St. Stephen

10:30 AM—Divine Liturgy (Ukr.)



St. Nicholas Church

Passaic, New Jersey

Monday, Christmas Eve December 24

10:00 PM-- Great Compline

10:30 PM--. Divine Liturgy

Tuesday Christmas Day December 25

8:30 AM. Divine Liturgy (Eng.)

10:30 AM. Divine Liturgy (Ukr.)

Wednesday December 26 Synaxis of the Mother of God

9:00 AM Divine Liturgy

Thursday December 27, 2012 Feast of St. Stephen

9:00 AM. Divine Liturgy



Assumption of the BVM Church

Perth Amboy, New Jersey

Monday, Christmas Eve December 24

4:00 PM—Divine Liturgy (Eng.)

9:30 PM-- Great Compline (Eng.)

10:00 PM-- Divine Liturgy (Eng.)

Tuesday, Christmas Day, December 25

9:00 AM-- Divine Liturgy (Ukr.)

11:30 AM-- Divine Liturgy (Eng.)

Wednesday, December 26 Synaxis of the Mother of God

9:00 AM—Divine Liturgy (Ukr/Eng)

Thursday, December 27 Feast of St. Stephen

9:00 AM—Divine Liturgy (Ukr/Eng)



Saint Paul Church

Ramsey, New Jersey

Tuesday Christmas Day December 25

10:00 AM Divine Liturgy



St. Stephen Church

Toms River, New Jersey

Tuesday, Christmas Day, December 25

9:00 AM-- Divine Liturgy (Eng.)

10:00 AM -- Divine Liturgy (Ukr.)

Wednesday, December 26 Synaxis of the Mother of God

9:00 AM—Divine Liturgy (Ukr./Eng.)

Thursday, December 27 Feast of St. Stephen

9:00 AM—Divine Liturgy (Ukr./Eng.)



Saint Josaphat Church

Trenton, New Jersey

Monday, Christmas Eve December 24

9:00 PM-- Great Compline

10:00 PM-- Divine Liturgy

Tuesday, Christmas Day, December 25

10:00 AM Divine Liturgy

Wednesday, December 26 Synaxis of the Mother of God

9:00 AM Divine Liturgy

7:00 PM –Divine Liturgy

Thursday, December 27 Feast of St. Stephen

9:00 AM—Divine Liturgy



Saint John the Baptist Church

Whippany, New Jersey

Monday, Christmas Eve, December 24

9:00 PM - Great Compline

10:00 PM - Divine Liturgy (Ukr.)

Tuesday, Christmas Day, December 25, 2012

10:00 AM - Divine Liturgy

Wednesday December 26 Synaxis of the Mother of God

9:00 AM - Divine Liturgy

7:00 PM - Divine Liturgy

Thursday December 27, 2012 Feast of St. Stephen

9:00 AM - Divine Liturgy



Assumption of the B.V.M. Church

Centralia, Pennsylvania

Tuesday, Christmas Day, December 25

10:00 AM-- Divine Liturgy

Wednesday, December 26 Synaxis of the Mother of God

9:00 AM—Divine Liturgy

Thursday, December 27 Feast of St. Stephen

9:00 AM—Divine Liturgy





Holy Ghost Church

Chester, Pennsylvania

Tuesday, Christmas Day, December 25

9:00 AM-- Divine Liturgy

Wednesday, December 26 Synaxis of the Mother of God

10:00 AM—Divine Liturgy



Saints Peter and Paul Church

Clifton Heights, Pennsylvania

Monday, Christmas Eve December 24

4:00 PM-- Divine Liturgy

Thursday, December 27 Feast of St. Stephen

10:00 AM—Divine Liturgy



Ss. Peter and Paul Church

Mt. Carmel, Pennsylvania

Monday, Christmas Eve December 24

8:00 PM-- Great Compline followed by Traditional Christmas Caroling

9:00 PM-- Divine Liturgy

Tuesday, Christmas Day, December 25

8:00 AM-- Divine Liturgy

Wednesday, December 26 Synaxis of the Mother of God

6:00 PM—Divine Liturgy

Thursday, December 27 Feast of St. Stephen

6:00 PM—Divine Liturgy



Ss. Peter and Paul Church

Phoenixville, Pennsylvania

Monday, Christmas Eve December 24

5:00 PM-- Great Compline followed by l Christmas Divine Liturgy

Tuesday, Christmas Day, December 25

10:00 AM-- Christmas Divine Liturgy

Wednesday, December 26 Synaxis of the Mother of God

9:00 AM—Divine Liturgy

Thursday, December 27 Feast of St. Stephen

9:00 AM—Divine Liturgy



Holy Ghost Church

West Easton, Pennsylvania

Monday, Christmas Eve December 24

8:30 PM-- Great Compline and Divine Liturgy

Tuesday, Christmas Day, December 25

1100 AM-- Divine Liturgy

Wednesday, December 26 Synaxis of the Mother of God

11:00 AM—Divine Liturgy

Thursday, December 27 Feast of St. Stephen

11:00 AM—Divine Liturgy

Metropolitan Stefan's Christmas Greeting Video

Metropolitan-Archbishop Stefan Soroka recorded a Christmas Greeting in both Ukrainian and English languages.

1.  Metropolitan Stefan's Greeting in Ukrainian


http://youtu.be/HGlfOOBNSy0


2.  Metropolitan Stefan's Greeting in English



http://youtu.be/CacSfX9-mro


Video by "The Way."

Reflection Letter in Ukrainian - Tragedy in Sandy Hook

Роздуми перед лицем трагедії в містечку
Сенді Хук

Митрополит Стефан Сорока

Наші серця й думки сповнені душевного хвилювання, що супроводжує трагічні події в початковій школі містечка Сенді Хук, де двадцять дітей та шестеро дорослих були позбавлені життя. Ми, як і громада містечка, шоковані тим, як таке страхіття могло взагалі статися. Зворушує звернення до молитви людей, які прагнуть утішити зболених важкою втратою. Засоби інформації постійно показують, як багато людей, збираючись громадами в своїх Церквах, звертаються в молитві до Бога, щоб підтримати один одного.

Назадовго ми проголосимо, що з нами Бог у Різдві! Бог є з нами в безмірній опіці й переживаннях за людей, яким було завдано болю. Бог є з нами в щирих молитвах за родини. Бог є з нами в засвідченні захоплення й вдячності тим вчителям та працівникам школи, які в критичний момент виявили неабияку відвагу. Бог є з нами через тих професіоналів, які покликані помогти подолати наслідки трагедії, і які залишаються з родинами і громадою. Бог є з нами у спільному горі й стражданні всього народу.

Бог є з нами в надихаючому прикладі такої людини як директор школи, яка пожертвувала своїм життям. Це вона щодня нагадувала своїм учням, що потрібно бути добрими до інших. Це свідчить про те, ким вона була. Її порада є живим свідченням про неї і закликом до зрозуміння й доброти, які треба спільно шанувати кожного дня. Репортери повідомляють як багато людей розповідало, що прийшовши додому, під впливом почутого про трагедію, зайвий раз обняли своїх дітей і близьких. Вони говорять про свої прагнення проявити свою любов до дітей і до тих, хто віддано служить в школі та в громаді. З’явилося так багато закликів: «Обніми сьогодні вчителя!»

З нами Бог, мої брати і сестри в Христі! Бог говорить до нас через гарячий вибух почуттів, сердечне виявлення подяки і мудрість поради – дорожити кожною хвилиною життя з найближчими й тими, кого Бог посилає нам на життєвій дорозі. Найкращим захистом, який ви і я можемо протиставити життєвим трагедіям, - це досягати повноти життя, випромінювати доброту, вдячність та любов. Так долається зло. Так приборкується гнів. Це допомагає відвернути подібні страхіття в майбутньому. Бог помагає нам переживати такі трагедії і не допускати їх повторення. Бог є з нами, щоб вислухати нас в горі. Він дає нам сили для взаємної підтримки та любові. Він заохочує нас вибирати повноту життя з тими, кого Він посилає нам для любові й опіки.

Засоби інформації розповідають про те, як люди в Сенді Хук намагаються не дати трагедії заступити їм святкування народження Ісуса. Навпаки – останні події перетворюються в надзвичайне запрошення бути з Ісусом і з близькими, яких вони люблять, у святкуванні Різдва. Вони показують нам, як перетворити трагедію в нагоду прислухатися до того, що Бог шепоче їм, вам та мені. Вони обирають прислухатися в Божій присутності. З нами Бог! Поєднаймося з ними у побожній молитві. Оберімо також свято на бенкеті життя – багатство життя в Ісусі Христі в нашому святкуванні Різдва.

Оберіть повноту життя в святкуванні Різдва в своїй святій церкві. Оберіть висловити свою вдячність за дар життя і дар любові, посланий Богом вам і мені в Ісусі, і за дар життя та любові розділений з нашими близькими. Благословенного вам Різдва!

Reflection Letter in English -- Tragedy in Sandy Hook

A REFLECTION AMIDST THE TRAGEDY IN THE COMMUNITY OF SANDY HOOK

Metropolitan Stefan Soroka

Our hearts and minds are filled with emotions surrounding the tragic events at the Sandy Hook Elementary School where twenty children and six staff lost their lives. We, like that community, are in shock at how such an awful thing could occur. It is heartwarming to see many turn to prayer in their desire to seek comfort for those who were painfully struck by loss. The media have consistently shown how many people have turned to God in prayer, and have gathered in their various Churches in the community to offer mutual support.

We will shortly proclaim that God is with us at Christmas! God is with us through the immense care and concern being shown to the many people who are hurting. God is with us through the heartfelt prayers offered for the families. God is with us through the testimony of admiration and appreciation being shown for the teachers and staff who showed such bravery in a very difficult time. God is with us through the many professional people who have been involved throughout the time of dealing with the tragedy, and who will continue to journey with the families and with the community. God is with us in the sharing of grief and anguish on a national scale.

God is with us through the inspiring example given to us by people such as the school principal who lost her life. She offered daily reminders to the children of her school to express kindness to others. This speaks loudly of who she was. Her words of advice are a living testimony of her and a call for our understanding and goodness to be celebrated with others daily. Reporters shared how many people spoke of going home and giving extra special hugs to their children and to their loved ones upon hearing of the tragedy. They spoke of their intentions to express their love for their children and for others who serve with dedication in the schools and in the community. So many signs of “hug a teacher today”.

God is with us, my brothers and sisters in Christ. God is speaking to us through the vivid expression of feelings, the heartfelt expression of gratitude, and the wisdom of advising everyone to cherish every minute of life with loved ones and with others God grants us to journey with throughout life. The best testimony you and I can give to the lives so tragically lost is to live fully, expressing kindness, gratitude, and love. It conquers evil. It overcomes anger. It helps to prevent more such sadness in life. God helps us to deal with such tragedies and to do our part in helping to prevent other such tragedies. God is with us to listen to our grief. He enables us to offer mutual support and love. He encourages us to choose to live more fully with others He gives us to love and to care for in life.

The media reports shared how the people of Sandy Hook are committed to not let the tragedy take away from their celebration of Jesus’ birth. It has become an even more special invitation to be with Jesus and to be with others whom they love, to celebrate Christmas together. They are showing us how to turn a tragedy into an opportunity to listen to the whispers of God to them, to you and to me. They are choosing to listen and to realize God’s presence. God is with us! Let us join with them in holy prayer. Let us also choose to celebrate at the banquet of life – the abundant life in Jesus Christ in our celebration of Christmas.

Choose to live life fully in celebrating Christmas in your holy Church. Choose to express your appreciation for the gift of life, the gift of love shared by God with you and with me in Jesus, and the gift of life and love shared with our loved ones. A Blessed Christmas!

Prayer Petitions for the Victims of the Newtown, Conn. School Shooting

Special Petitions for the Victims of Newtown, Conn. Massacre


These may be taken in the ektenia after the Gospel


For all those called home to the Lord from the senseless act of violence against the children and teachers in Connecticut, may they be granted rest in the bosom of Abraham and numbered among the saints and may their grieving loved ones be comforted by Your divine grace, we pray You, hear us and have mercy.

Lord, have mercy! (3 x)



We also pray for Your healing compassion and seek Your understanding, as we mourn the victims, weep with their parents and families and pray for all those whose lives have been shattered by this act of evil, we pray You, here us and have mercy.

Lord, have mercy! (3 x)



We also pray for an end to the violence and senseless killings that have ravaged our nation, that all of us, as a people may be inspired to respect all human life, and that You may bless our nation and our troubled hearts with Your peace, we pray You, here us and have mercy.

Lord, have mercy! (3 x)

Cathedral's Feast Day Celebration - 50th (Philadelphia, PA)

The Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Philadelphia, PA, held a Feast Day Celebration on December 9, 2012 (the Feast of the Conception of St. Ann.) This was a celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Announcement of building of this Cathedral.


Choir "Dzvin" led the responses to the Liturgy.


See pictures from the Liturgy on our Facebook page.


Here are videos from the Liturgy. 



http://youtu.be/8GMV0M_1j2s


http://youtu.be/fCYW9TgSUs8





http://youtu.be/jbZD23j3ZXw




http://youtu.be/xzN2xrzAmn0

Videos by T. Siwak from "The Way"

Ceremony of Enthronement of Bishop Borys Gudziak Held in Paris

02-12-2012

The ceremony of enthronement of Bishop Borys Gudziak as Apostolic Exarch for Ukrainian Greek Catholics in France, Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg and Switzerland was held on 2 December at the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris.

Source RISU

http://risu.org.ua/en/index/all_news/catholics/ugcc/50435/