Videos from Christmas at the Cathedral in Philadelphia

1.  Video Clips from Christmas




2. Metropolitan Stefan's Homily

Metropolitan Stefan's Christmas Greeting.

 

http://youtu.be/H3fnLFVZUyY

Video of Pope John Paul II on the Parkway 1979

Visit the Channel 6 website for a video of Pope John Paul II Mass on the Parkway from 1979.

http://6abc.com/religion/video-pope-john-paul-ii-visits-philadelphia-in-1979/398555/

Symposium to be held November 9, 2014 at Cathedral in Philadelphia

Symposium Honoring the 25th Anniversary of the Legalization of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church - Sun., Nov. 9, 2014 at Philadelphia Ukrainian CatholicCathedral

A special symposium, commemorating the 25th anniversary of the legalization of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church in Ukraine will be held Sunday, November 9, 2014 at the Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 833 North Franklin Street, Philadelphia, Pa. The theme is “Blessed are the Peacemakers”:  Life in the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church in the Underground.  Divine Liturgies will be celebrated in Ukrainian at 9 a.m., and in English at 11 a.m.  Symposium talks in Ukrainian will begin at 11:30 a.m. and in English at 1:30 p.m.  Each talk will be followed by a discussion session.  All are invited and encouraged to attend.

Симпозіум з нагоди відзначення 25-ліття легалізації Української Греко-Католицької Церкви - Неділя, 9 листопада 2014 року, Українська Католицька Катедра в Філадельфії

Симпозіум присвячений 25-літтю легалізації Української Греко-Католицької Церкви пройде в неділю, 9 листопада 2014 року, в Українській Католицькій Катедрі Непорочного Зачаття, 833 North Franklin Street, Philadelphia, PA.  Темою є: «Блаженні миротворці»:  Життя Української Греко-Католицької Церкви в підпіллі.  Божественна літургія українською мовою буде відправлена о 9 год. ранку, англійською об 11 год. ранку.  Бесіди  на  симпозіумі  українською  мовою відбудуться об 11:30 ранку, англійською о 1:30 дня. Опісля кожної бесіди пройде дискусійна сесія. Запрошуємо до участі всіх бажаючих.

Bazaar in Perth Amboy, NJ

Christmas Bazaar at Assumption Catholic School, Perth Amboy, NJ on Sunday November 9, 2014 from 11am to 5pm.

Taras Shevchenko Film at the Cultural Center in Jenkintown, PA

On the occasion of the 200^th Anniversary of the life of Taras Shevchenko, all are welcome to view the film “Taras Shevchenko” (created in 1926; directed by Petro Chardynin) at the Library of the Ukrainian Educational and Cultural Center on Sunday November 16, 2014 at 2:00 pm.  This is the first movie ever based on Shevchenko’s biography, in which Ambrose Buchma plays the main role.  The Ukrainian Educational and Cultural Center is located at 700 Cedar Road, Jenkintown, PA 19046.  This showing is organized by the Ukrainian Film Club of Columbia University along with the Ukrainian Community Foundation of Philadelphia.

З нагоди відзначення 200-літнього ювілею від дня народження Тараса Шевченка Українська бібліотека Українського Освітньо-Культурного Центру (УОКЦ) запрошує на показ першого біографічного фільму “Тарас Шевченко“ (1926 рік, реж. Петро Чардинін) з геніальним Амвросієм Бучмою в головній ролі.  Презентація відбуватиметься 16 листопада о 2-ій годині по полудні в приміщенні (УОКЦ) за адресою: 700 Cedar Road, Jenkintown, PA 19046. Показ зорганізовано спільно з Українським КіноКлубом Колумбійського Університету за підтримки Української Громадської Фундації Філадельфії.

Icon of Blessed Josaphata visiting Olyphant, PA

THE ICON OF THE BLESSED JOSAPHATA IN OLYPHANT, PA FOR ONE DAY ONLY!!! 

The Icon of the Blessed Josaphata will be at SS. Cyril and Methodius Ukrainian Catholic Church, 135 River Street, Olyphant, PA. on Sunday, November 9, 2014. One Day Only. The Divine Liturgy will start at 9:00 a.m to 10:15 a.m, and sung by the Church Choir in  Church Slavonic. The Icon will be on display during and  after each Divine Liturgy.(Mass) The 2nd Divine Liturgy in English starts at 11:30 a.m.to 12:30 p.m. followed by adoration of the icon throughout the evening.  All are invited to attend the Divine Liturgy's and adoration of the icon.

 

An Icon of Blessed Josaphata Hordasheveska, Foundress of the Sister Servants of Mary Immaculate, was commissioned in celebration  of the 125th Anniversary of the founding of the Congregation. 

 

The Icon, imbedded  with a relic, will be visiting countries throughout the world.  Blessed Josaphata was beatified by  (Pope) St. John Paul II in 2001, during his visit to Ukraine.  The Icon of Blessed Josaphata arrived in the United States in October 2014, and will be visiting Ss. Cyril and Methodius Ukrainian Catholic Church in Olyphant, PA on Sunday, Nov. 9, 2014.  from 9:00 a.m. until  7:00 p.m. 

 

ALL ARE INVITED to come, honor this holy woman and saint of the 20th Century. Learn about her life and pray for her intercession and pray for her canonization. 

 

Schedule for November 2014

Sobor Liturgy Videos

Three videos from the Sobor Liturgy from October 25, 2014 are posted on our YouTube Channel. The theme of the Sobor was "I am the Light of the World." This theme was chosen in reflection to Major-Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk's "Vibrant Parish" Pastoral Letter. Before the Liturgy, everyone in the Cathedral was given a candle. The Gospel reading and the Homily that Metropolitan-Archbishop Stefan Soroka offered reflected the Light of the World theme. At the conclusion of the Liturgy, Metropolitan Stefan held the first light candle and passed the flame of his candle to kindle the candles of the priests of the Archeparchy of Philadelphia. In turn, the priests went to the pews and light the candles of the Faithful who attended the Liturgy. The Cathedral was illuminated by candlelight as everyone read a "Prayer for Vibrant Parishes" in both English and Ukrainian languages. The final hymn sung at the Liturgy was "Vitae mish namu" / "Come now, to us, O Christ." In the words of the hymn is the phrase, "You are the light of life, joy and happiness. Come to us now, O Christ, each of us bless."


Video 1



http://youtu.be/O8Xn3RCCLQk



Video 2


http://youtu.be/tjT1ZOmpPzs


Video 3


http://youtu.be/ot_RMGzUTT0


Pictures will be posted on our Facebook page.

Wedding Anniversary Celebration 2014

The Archeparchial Wedding Anniversary Celebration was held at the Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Philadelphia, PA on Sunday October 19, 2014. Metropolitan-Archbishop Stefan Soroka offered the Homily. Towards the end of the Liturgy, Metropolitan Stefan led the Couples in Renewing their Marriage Vows. Mnohaya Lita, Many Happy Years to all the Wedding Anniversary Jubilarians!

Video (Vows begin at the 6:45 mark of the video)

http://youtu.be/f9XtPLXDBZo

Metropolitan Stefan's entire Homily is posted on our YouTube page.

http://youtu.be/IFKImgja9bg

Pictures are posted on our Facebook page.

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.757683457618390.1073741847.197564070297001&type=1

I am the Light of the World

"I am the Light of the World" Announced as the Theme for the

2014 Archieparchial Sobor to be Held Saturday, October 25

 

 

Philadelphia, Pa.--Metropolitan Stefan Soroka recently announced that "I am the Light of the World" (Jn 8:12) is the theme of the 2014 Archieparchial Sobor which will be held here Saturday, October 25, 2014 in the Cathedral Social Hall on North Franklin Street.

 

The sobor is an archieparchial assembly of laity, clergy and religious convened by the archbishop to assist the "eparchial bishop in those things which regard the special needs or advantage of the eparchy" according to the Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches.

 

In the morning session, Metropolitan Soroka will present a summary from the recent surveys on youth, women and evangelization of families.  This will be followed by short personal reflections from lay, religious and clergy delegates on Encountering the Light of Christ through: The Word of God and Catechesis, Liturgy and Prayer, Service to our Neighbor, Leadership / Stewardship, Communion / Unity, and Missionary Spirit.

 

The afternoon session will include small discussion groups on the topics: How will we live the Gospel message and foster vibrant parishes? How will we invite others (former parishioners, family members, neighbors) and welcome them into our parish families?

 

The sobor will conclude with the celebration of the Divine Liturgy in the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception by Metropolitan Stefan and the clergy of the archeparchy.  The theme of the homily will be “You are the Light of the World”(Mt 5: 13-14).

 

The observations and recommendations from this Archieparchial Sobor will be shared in a Sobor of the Ukrainian Catholic Church which will be held in Ukraine in 2015.

Pilgrimage at Fox Chase Manor, PA on October 5, 2014

Here are Five Videos from the October 5, 2014 Pilgrimage at the Sisters of the Order of St. Basil the Great, Fox Chase Manor, PA. The theme of the Sisters of the Order of Saint Basil the Great Eighty-third Annual Pilgrimage was “Call to Holiness” The Life of Metropolitan Andrew Sheptytsky on the 70th Anniversary of his Death.  Celebrants of the Liturgy included Metropolitan-Archbishop Stefan Soroka, Bishop-emeritus Basil Losten, Bishop-elect Bohdan Danylo, Reverend Philip Sandrick, OSBM, Deacon Michael Waak, and Homilist Very Rev. Archpriest Ivan Kaszczak. The choir is from Ukrainian Catholic National Shrine of the Holy Family in Washington, DC.


Video 1 (Beginning of Liturgy)

 http://youtu.be/JUbNjQN4QpQ


Video 2 (Excerpts from Homily offered by Very Rev. Archpriest Ivan Kaszczak)

 
http://youtu.be/XqcmpwyAPIs


Video 3 (Liturgy after the Homily & Our Father Prayer)

 
 http://youtu.be/A7ZGbEnmj2o


Video 4 (Communion & Sr. Dorothy Ann, OSBM speech)

 
http://youtu.be/sY7WQevTKFg



Video 5 (Metropolitan Soroka's speech & Conclusion of Liturgy)

 
http://youtu.be/4rD5APR_opo



Pictures from the Pilgrimage are on our Archeparchy Facebook page  
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.751867764866626.1073741846.197564070297001&type=1

"Why I Come to Church" DVD

Faithful Receive New DVD “Why I Come to Church” during the Divine Liturgies on September 27-28, 2014.

http://youtu.be/zR7e-6M4Chs

The Philadelphia Archeparchy has produced a new DVD entitled “Why I Come to Church.” It very simply and vividly expresses the thoughts and views of many different people as to the importance and value in their life of coming to Church. It invites people to think about their own reasons to come to church.

Metropolitan-Archbishop Stefan Soroka has implemented this evangelization initiative in the Philadelphia Archeparchy “to bring greater vibrancy to the expression of our faith in our parishes.”

In commenting on the importance of this evangelization initiative, Metropolitan Stefan stated, “All of our parishes have experienced the loss of good souls over the past decades for many reasons, most of which are unknown to us.  You and I share a mission to give special and renewed vigor to searching for those who have found themselves lost or at a distance from our Church for whatever reason. . . . We hope this DVD will become an instrument for those who have been lost to reflect on the importance of coming to Church and thereby inviting them to return.”

He continued, “I ask all of our faithful to become missionaries in actively distributing this DVD to their family members, neighbors and friends.  I am hopeful that this will stir the hearts of some to consider returning home to their parish.   I encourage our faithful to take extra free copies of the DVD and distribute them to others, while extending a warm invitation to come to church.”

This DVD, along with the previous ones, is available on the various social media sites: Archeparchy Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Vimeo and Instagram.  The faithful are also encouraged to seek out these sites and to share the DVD electronically with all of their internet contacts.  

World Meeting of Families videos in Ukrainian and English

Information Videos about the World Meeting of Families 2015,Philadelphia

1. Video in Ukrainian. http://youtu.be/DKzozDvlyqY



2. Video in English. http://youtu.be/uFVo3ybRPnU
   

A Historical Video of Major-Archbishop Myroslav Ivan Lubachivsky

http://youtu.be/6x9UyoTGVvs



A Historical Video of the UGCC first years of ministry of Major-Archbishop Myroslav Ivan Lubachivsky on his return to Ukraine

This video from the archives of TV studio "Cathedral."

This year 2014 marks the 100 anniversary of his birth.

Some background....

Most Reverend Myroslav Ivan Lubachivsky assumed position of Major Archbishop of Lviw: September 7, 1984.

Elevated to the rank of Cardinal of the Catholic Church: May 25, 1985.

Arrived in Ukraine to govern from the Metropolitan See in Lviw: March 31, 1991.
Died: December 14, 2000.


--------------------------------------------------------

З історії УГКЦ: Перші роки служіння Блаженнішого Мирослава Івана (Любачівського) в Україні

24 червня минає 100 років від дня народження Блаженнішого Мирослава Івана (Любачівського), Глави УГКЦ у 1984 - 2000 роках.

Медіаресурс УГКЦ пропонує переглянути відеосюжет з архіву телестудії «Собор», про перші роки служіння Патріарха Мирослава Івана після повернення до України.
Див. також: Документальний фільм «Вітаю тебе, український народе»

У відеоматеріалі можна побачити історичні кадри приїзду Блаженнішого до Львова у березні 1991 року, перший Синод Єпископів УГКЦ, зустрічі Глави Церкви з представниками Святішого Отця та закордонними делегаціями. Почути роздуми Блаженнішого Мирослава Івана про завдання і місію УГКЦ.

Відео 1994 року з архіву телестудії УГКЦ «Собор». Опубліковано в червні 2014 року з нагоди 100-ліття від дня народження Блаженнішого Мирослава Івана (Любачівського).

Департамент інформації УГКЦ

http://ugcc.tv/ua/media/70850.html

Dormition of the Theotokos

Rev. Joseph Szupa blessed flowers at the Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Philadelphia, PA, today on the Feast of the Dormition (Falling Asleep) of the Theotokos.

During the Homily, Rev. Joseph Szupa talked about the icon of the Dormition on the Cathedral's Iconostas.

Video

http://youtu.be/3ydtZNAXJVk

Pictures

Bishop-elect Rev. Bohdan Danylo Interview

Listen to an Interview with Bishop-elect Rev. Bohdan Danylo on the Radio Vatican website.

http://en.radiovaticana.va/news/2014/08/12/new_us_ukrainian_bishop_makes_community_a_priority/1104388



-----------------------------------

Biography

Curriculum Vitae of Bishop-elect Bohdan J. Danylo

Bohdan J. Danylo, 43, was born May 22, 1971 in Gizycko, Poland, the son of Miroslaw and Olga Danylo (nee Gajocha). He is the older of two children. His sister Maria with her husband Bogdan Fedirko live in Chicago, Illinois.

Bishop-elect grew up in Przemysl (Peremyshl), where he attended grade school and high school.  After graduating from II Liceum in 1990, he entered seminary formation at the Metropolitan Seminary in Lublin, and studied philosophy at the John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin. In 1992, he immigrated with his family to the United States of America where he continued his theological studies at the Catholic University of America while residing at St. Josaphat’s Ukrainian Catholic Seminary in Washington, DC.

In 1996, he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Sacred Theology.

Bishop-elect has a connection to the Eparchy of Parma, inasmuch as his paternal grandfather, John Danylo was born in Pittsburgh, PA in 1909 and left America for Eastern Europe before outset of World War I.

On October 1, 1996, Bishop-elect Danylo was ordained a priest for the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Stamford by Bishop Basil H. Losten at St. Basil Seminary chapel in Stamford, CT.  For a year following his ordination he served as an assistant pastor at St. Michael’s Ukrainian Catholic Church in Hartford, CT.  In 1997 he was assigned as the Dean of Men and Procurator of St. Basil College Seminary.  In 2001, he was appointed the Vice Rector of St. Basil College Seminary and served in this position until 2004. 

In 2004/05, Bishop-elect resided at the Casa Santa Maria in Rome, where he earned a Licentiate in Sacred Theology at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas.

Upon returning to the Eparchy of Stamford in September 2005, he was appointed Rector/President of St. Basil Ukrainian Catholic Seminary in Stamford, CT.

On August 12, 2007, Bishop Paul Chomnycky, OSBM, Eparch of Stamford bestowed on Father Danylo the title of Very Reverend Archpriest.

In his eparchial assignments Bishop-elect Danylo served as Vocations Director and Youth Director for the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Stamford, as secretary of the Presbyteral Council, as board member of the Eparchial Priests’ Benevolence Plan, and as executive secretary of the Pastoral Council. 

In addition Bishop–elect Danylo serves as secretary of the Patriarchal Commission for Clergy in the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, and is a member of the Working Group for the Development of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church.

Bishop-elect Danylo also serves as Board Director of the Providence Association of Ukrainian Catholics in America, and is a member of the League of Ukrainian Catholics of America. 

On August 7, 2014, Pope Francis appointed him the Eparch of the Ukrainian Catholic

Eparchy of St. Josaphat in Parma, OH.

Holy Dormition Pilgrimage in Sloatsburg NY

See pictures from the Holy Dormition Pilgrimage in Sloatsburg, NY from August 9-10, 2014 on the Sisters Servants of Mary Immaculate Website. http://ssmi-us.org/azcms/gallery.php?gazpart=show&gazgal=151

Photo: Sisters Servants of Mary Immaculate website 

Blessing Fruit on the Feast of Transfiguration

Rev. Joseph Szupa blessed fruit on the Feast of the Transfiguration at the Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Philadelphia, PA on August 6, 2014.

http://youtu.be/ok9jN8-vZ6w

Ukrainians React to Plane Disaster

Here are links to various articles on reaction from Ukrainians on the Plane Disaster.    Some articles are from the local Philadelphia area and some are abroad.

http://news.ugcc.ua/en/documents/condolence_letter_of_the_ugcc_head_to_the_ambassadors_of_foreign_countries_whose_citizens_suffered_tragic_loss_of_lives_due_to_alleged_terrorist_attack_on_jul17_2014_71057.html


http://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2014/07/20/prayers-and-reflection-at-philadelphia-ukrainian-church/


http://chicago.cbslocal.com/video/10386310-chicagoans-gather-at-ukrainian-church-to-pray-for-victims-of-crash/

http://www.nhregister.com/general-news/20140720/ukrainian-church-in-new-haven-holds-memorial-service-for-plane-crash-victims

http://risu.org.ua/en/index/all_news/community/religion_and_society/57079/

http://risu.org.ua/en/index/all_news/community/young_people/57089/

http://www.illawarramercury.com.au/story/2429422/wollongong-ukrainian-church-holds-sunday-prayer-for-mh17-victims/?cs=12


 http://www.clickondetroit.com/news/local-ukrainians-pray-for-peace/27049886
http://catholicukes.org.au/2014/07/ukrainians-australia-prayed-victims-malaysia-airlines-crashed-ukraine/

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-07-19/malaysia-flight-mh17-victims-remembered-at-memorial-service-at-/5609114

http://6abc.com/news/local-ukrainian-russian-communities-react-to-plane-crash/195774/

http://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/video/#!/news/local/Locals-Anger-Against-Russia-Grows/267816081

http://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/video/#!/news/local/Local-Russians--Ukrainians-React-to-Plane-Crash/267838961

http://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/video/#!/news/local/Local-Ukrainians-Outraged-Over-Accusations/267802331

http://www.sydneycatholic.org/news/latest_news/2014/2014718_1846.shtml


http://www.myfoxphilly.com/story/26058416/vigil-held-in-philly-for-flight-mh17-victims

http://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/video/#!/news/local/Local-Ukrainians-Gather-to-Remember-Crash-Victims/267748661

http://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2014/07/18/vigil-held-in-philadelphia-to-mourn-victims-of-malaysia-airlines-flight-17/

http://www.philly.com/philly/news/20140719_Supporters_of_Ukraine_turn_out_to_mourn_victims_of_downed_jetliner.html

http://wnep.com/2014/07/18/ukrainians-from-our-area-react-to-plane-tragedy/

http://6abc.com/news/local-ukrainians-rally-against-plane-disaster/199056/

Ascension Manor Celebrates Independence Day

http://youtu.be/uDMT-WjSvV4

 

July 2, 2014

Ascension Manor  Residents Celebrate Independence Day with Flag Ceremony and Barbeque;

23 Nationalities are Represented in this North Philadelphia Residential Apartment Complex

PHILADELPHIA, PA—On Wednesday, July 2, the date in 1776 when the resolution for independence from Great Britain was actually approved, the residents of Ascension Manor on North Seventh Street in North Philadelphia celebrated Independence Day with a flag ceremony followed by a barbeque social.

At twelve noon, 23 flags, representing the 23 nationalities of the residents were displayed on the manor’s grounds.  The community consists of residents representing the following nations:  Albania, Central African Republic, China, Columbia, Cuba, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Germany, Haiti, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Liberia, Mexico, Mongolia, Philippines, Poland, Puerto Rico, Republic of Peru, Russia, South Africa, Ukraine, and the United States of America.

Ascension Manor, consisting of two towers with 279 apartments and presently home to 307 residents, is sponsored by the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia.

Metropolitan Archbishop Stefan Soroka believes the diversity of the population of Ascension Manor truly represents the America story. “Every day our residents, representing 23 nations, live the greatness and uniqueness of the United States.  They are living the story of the United States “e pluribus unum”—“from the many, one.”

July 2, 1776 is the date that the Second Continental Congress meeting in Philadelphia, in what would become known as Independence Hall, voted to approve a resolution for independence from Britain.

On that same day, the Pennsylvania Evening Post published this headline: “This day the Continental Congress declared the United Colonies Free and Independent States.”

John Adams, who would eventually serve as the second president of the United States, on July 3, 1776 wrote a letter to his beloved wife Abigail with this prediction:“the Second of July, 1776, will be the most memorable Epocha, in the History of America. I am apt to believe it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival.”

This year is the 238^th anniversary of those historic days in Philadelphia in July, 1776, days that gave birth to a new nation, the United States of America.

Last Liturgy in Williamstown, NJ

Last Liturgy in Williamstown, NJ

On Sunday, June 29, 2014, Saints Peter and Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church in Williamstown, NJ, held its' final Liturgy.  Metropolitan-Archbishop Stefan Soroka was the main celebrant and homilist at the Closing Divine Liturgy.  Msgr. Peter Waslo concelebrated the Liturgy and proclaimed the Gospel.

Over 30 faithful attended the final Liturgy in Williamstown. Some of the faithful explained how they traveled great distances to witness the closing Liturgy. One of the faithful explained  how she used to have family in the area who she would visit and she described she felt as though the Closing Divine Liturgy was an end of a complete cycle.  She was present on the happy occasion when the parish first opened, and explained how she wanted to come back and witness the end of the parish, a day filled with much sadness.

During the homily, Metropolitan-Archbishop Stefan Soroka spoke about Saints Peter and Paul whose Feast Day it was that day.   Metropolitan Stefan explained that the parish was closing due to lack of attendance and much needed repairs of the building.  Metropolitan-Archbishop encouraged the parishioners to attend St. Michael Ukrainian Catholic Church in Cherry Hill, NJ or other Ukrainian Catholic Churches.  Metropolitan Stefan also explained how the various icons in the church will live on in other Ukrainian Catholic parishes such as the church being built in Toms River, NJ.  Other items from the church will be put on display at the Treasury of Faith Museum in Philadelphia as well.

At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy a special Closing Prayer Service was offered by Metropolitan Stefan followed by an anointing of the faithful with myrovania oil.  The last hymn sung by the parishioners of Saints Peter and Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church was "O Spomahay Nas."


-Teresa Siwak


Video http://youtu.be/GWP_j10kmo0

Pictures

Icon of Saints Peter and Paul on the Tetrapod.

The last bulletin in Williamstown.

Msgr Peter Waslo proclaimed the Gospel.

Metropolitan-Archbishop Stefan Soroka's homily.

The Closing Prayer Service.

The final prayers.

After the Liturgy, a few climbed up in the choir loft and rang the bell of the church.  They are posing with the string that is connected to the bell in the bell tower.

Video Rev. Walter Pasicznyk Ordination

Videos of Rev. Walter Pasicznyk's Ordination to the Priesthood on June 22, 2014 at the Cathedral in Philadelphia, PA.



  http://youtu.be/y9zEVjKEhuQ



http://youtu.be/te0vlTWgWTw


http://youtu.be/sjBDtfwe3bc


http://youtu.be/N0kj8oxlTOU

http://youtu.be/WUIp4diVfTs

Fortnight for Freedom across the State

Fortnight for Freedom across the State





Please read the article on Fortnight for Freedom posted on the Pennsylvania Catholic  Conference website in the link above.

Actor-turned-priest uses theatrical training to entertain, enlighten

Here is a link to an article about Fr. Edward Evanko.  On June 1, 2014, Fr. Edward Evanko acted the story of "Damien" at a Youth Gathering for the NJ Ukrainian Catholic Deanery Meeting.

(click the link below to read the article)

Actor-turned-priest uses theatrical training to entertain, enlighten

A new Youth Ministry blog in Canada

There is a new Youth Ministry blog in Canada called "Not Just Baba's Church".

This is the link to the blog:

https://notjustbabaschurch.wordpress.com/


We also put the link to the blog on the right sidebar.

Ss. Peter and Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church in Williamstown, NJ is Closing!

It was announced on May 24, 2014 by Msgr. Peter Waslo that Saints Peter and Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church, Williamstown, NJ, is closing at the end of June 2014 due to financial reasons.

The last Liturgy for Saints Peter and Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church, Williamstown, will be held on the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul on Sunday, June 29, 2014 at 9am.
Msgr. Waslo encouraged the parishioners of Saints Peter and Paul to attend St. Michael's Ukrainian Catholic Church, 675 Cooper Landing Road, Cherry Hill, NJ or St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church, 824 Carmel Road, Millville, NJ after Saints Peter and Paul, Williamstown, closes at the end of June.

View from the Choir Loft.

Photo from the Liturgy on Saturday, May 24, 2014 at 3pm.

UGCC article link

A link to an article in Ukrainian.

A conference was held at LaSalle University sponsored by St. Sophia Society regarding the topic of the underground church.

http://news.ugcc.org.ua/news/u_f%D1%96ladelf%D1%96i_v%D1%96dbulas_m%D1%96zhnarodna_naukova_konferents%D1%96ya_katakombna_tserkva_v_20mu_stol%D1%96tt%D1%96_70341.html

Golden Jubilee Celebration Sr. Ann, OSBM and Sr. Monica, OSBM

Congratulations to Sr. Ann Laszok, OSBM and Sr. Monica Lesnick, OSBM on their Golden Jubilee Celebration as a Sister of the Order of St. Basil the Great.  A Liturgy was held on May 17, 2014 at Holy Trinity Chapel, Fox Chase Manor, PA.

Rev. Daniel Troyan offered a Homily based on Vocations.  Metropolitan-Archbishop Stefan Soroka congratulated the Jubilarians at the end of the Liturgy.

Mnohaya Lita Sr. Ann and Sr. Monica!

Sr. Monica and Sr. Ann

Video

http://youtu.be/jBA_IfA8_Ps

Photos and video by "The Way"

To find out more about the Sisters of the Order of St. Basil the Great please visit their website at www.stbasils.com

Archbishop Paglia visits Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral in Philadelphia

Photo by Teresa Siwak from The Way

World Meeting of Families to be Held in Philadelphia in 2015;

Expectations are High that Pope Francis will Attend

Philadelphia, Pa.—September 22-27, 2015, the City of Brotherly Love will host the World Meeting of Families, which is expected to draw one million people and will be viewed around the world.  The World Meeting of Families organized by the Pontifical Council for the Family, headed by Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia, president of the council, is held every three years. 

His Holiness, Pope Francis has been invited to the 2105 meeting and hopes are high that he will be able to attend.  The last papal trip to Philadelphia was that of St. John Paul II in October, 1979, which included a visit to  the Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.

The theme of the 2015 meeting was announced at a press conference held Tuesday, May 13 on the veranda at the Independence Visitor Center at the site of the Liberty Bell..  With Archbishop Paglia, Archbishop Charles J. Chaput of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Philadelphia, joined by Metropolitan Stefan Soroka, of the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia, Governor of Pennsylvania Tom Corbett and Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter announced that the theme is “Love Is Our Mission: The Family Fully Alive.”

Archbishop Paglia commented that  "I would like that this event would be an international event, an ecumenical event, and an interreligious event. . . I think it is really important that the next World Meeting of Families will be held in Philadelphia.   The city, the nation and the world would celebrate the importance of family . . . for all people."

During his brief three day visit to Philadelphia, Archbishop Paglia visited religious and historical sites in Philadelphia as possible locations for events during the 2015 meeting and for an expected papal visit.

Included in his itinerary was a visit to the Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception on Franklin Street in North Philadelphia. Archbishop Paglia offered prayers for peace in Ukraine, joined by his delegation and members of the chancery staff.  He greeted all with the Paschal greeting Христос воскрес! Khrystos Voskres!

Some of the other sites he visited included the Cathedral Basilica of Ss. Peter and Paul, the Shrine of St. John Neumann, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art, where on the steps he struck the iconic Rocky pose.

After leaving Philadelphia, his travels took him to New York City to visit the United Nations.

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Video by Teresa Siwak from "The Way"

http://youtu.be/1g47WkxKKYU

After Pope Francis and Pope-emeritus Benedict XVI embrace during the beginning of the Holy Mass for the Canonization of Blessed John XXIII and John Paul II in St. Peter's Square on April 27, 2014, you can see Metropolitan-Archbishop Stefan Soroka standing among the Cardinals and Bishops in the center of the photo. Look between the two Popes heads around the 32 second mark in the attached CNS video.

Post by Catholic News Service.

Another video from Easter 2014 at the Cathedral in Philadelphia.

A video from Easter 2014 at the Cathedral.

http://youtu.be/xvlH5D8ZVZU

Photos from Pope John Paul II visit to Ukraine

Saint John Paul II visit to Ukraine (photos)

27-04-2014
Source RISU


http://risu.org.ua/en/index/all_news/catholics/vatikan/56213/

Archives of "The Way" from Pope John Paul II visit to the Cathedral

Attached is a pdf containing a few articles from "The Way" from 1979 from Pope John Paul II visit to the Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Philadelphia, PA on October 4, 1979.

http://www.ukrarcheparchy.us/way/POPE1979THEWAY.pdf

Video clips of Pope John Paul II visit to Philadelphia

1.  A link from phillymag.   http://www.phillymag.com/news/2014/04/25/video-pope-john-paul-ii-arrives-in-philadelphia-1979/


2.  A link courtesy of Broadcast Pioneers website and WPVI.  (Note we found it best to view this video via Internet Explorer.)    http://www.broadcastpioneers.com/newsletter/6-13/sperka.wax

Metropolitan Stefan will be attending the Canonization Ceremony in Rome

Here are a few links/articles about Metropolitan Stefan attending the Canonization Ceremony in Rome.

1.  An article on philly.com

http://www.philly.com/philly/news/20140425_Popes_to_saints__Philly_folks_will_be_there.html#g1jO7Duzjibs7gJD.99

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2.  Read an article we posted on our Archeparchy of Philadelphia website.

Ukrainian Metropolitan-Archbishop Stefan Soroka of Philadelphia will attend Canonization Ceremonies of St. John XXIII and St. John Paul II in Rome

PHILADELPHIA, PA.--On Sunday, April 27, Metropolitan Archbishop Stefan Soroka, of the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia will be at the Vatican as two former Popes will be formally canonized Saints of the Church by His Holiness, Pope Francis. After a consistory with cardinals on September 30^th last year, Pope Francis decided to canonize his two predecessors to the See of Peter, John Paul II (1978-2005) and John XXIII (1958-1963).

Both of these new saints, not only had a significant influence on the Catholic Church during their pontificates, but they were friends of the Ukrainian Catholic Church and their actions had a lasting impact on the largest Eastern Catholic Church in union with Rome.

“Not only is this an historic event, but these two new saints have a special place in the hearts of Ukrainian Catholic faithful throughout the world,” Archbishop Soroka stated. 

As a seminarian, Metropolitan Soroka was present in the Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral in Philadelphia on October 4, 1979 when  Pope John Paul II made his visit to Philadelphia.   He was appointed auxiliary bishop of Winnipeg in 1996 and Archbishop of Philadelphia in 2000 by Pope John Paul II after election by the Synod of Bishops.  He attended his papal visit to Ukraine in June 2001 and his funeral April 8, 2005 in St. Peter’s Square.

In 1963, Pope John XXIII, with the assistance of President John K. Kennedy, secured the release of Patriarch Josef Slipyj after eighteen years of Soviet imprisonment.  On February 10, 1963, the head of the underground Ukrainian Catholic Church at that time, met his liberator, Pope John XXIII at the Apostolic Place at the Vatican.

The first Slavic Pope, Pope John Paul II, early in his pontificate made a visit to the United States.  When he visited the city of Philadelphia on October 3 and 4, 1979, he made a visit to the Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception on Franklin Street, the mother church of the Ukrainian Catholic Church in the United States.

His cooperation with President Ronald Reagan and Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher of Great Britain, is credited with the eventual collapse of the Soviet Union and the liberation of the so-called captive nations, including Ukraine at the close of the twentieth century.

In the twilight years of his papacy, in frail health, ,Pope John Paul II made a historic visit to Ukraine, June 23-27, 2001, and celebrated liturgies in both Kyiv and Lviv, which were attended by millions, in spite of inclement weather.

When he first arrived on Ukrainian soil, his first words were “I come as your friend.”

These holy men, who as successors of Peter were Servants of Servants of God, will now be known as Saint John XXIII and Saint John Paul II, and will take their place in the constellation of declared saints of the Church.   

                                  

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

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3.  An article on KYW website
http://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2014/04/24/philadelphia-archbishop-soroka-has-fond-memories-of-pope-john-paul-ii/

Metropolitan Soroka's Homily on Easter 2014

Metropolitan-Archbishop Stefan Soroka's Homily on Easter April 20, 2014 at the Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Philadelphia, PA.

http://youtu.be/96GxwEuu2iU