2011 Events

Archived Events: 2010, 2009

REGULAR SUNDAYS in 2011:
7:30 am – Matins in English, plainchant
9:00 am – Old Church Slavonic and Ukrainian Divine Liturgy sung by choir; homilies mostly in Ukrainian, but sometimes in English, or in both languages.
9:30 to 10:45 am – E.C.F. classes   
                (September 19, 2010 thru April 17, 2011)
11:30 am – English plainchant Divine Liturgy        
                with English homily
 
COMMUNITY SUNDAYS in 2011:
March 6, May 1, and June 26:
No Matins
No 9:00 AM Ukrainian Choral Divine Liturgy
No E.C.F. classes
10:00 AM - Divine Liturgy in three languages; sung by choir; Liturgical propers and homily in English
 
GENERATIONS OF FAITH SUNDAY in 2011
March 20:
No Matins
No 9:00 AM Ukrainian Choral Divine Liturgy
GOF and E.C.F. classes occur together at 10:00 AM
11:00 AM - Divine Liturgy sung in plainchant with Liturgical propers and homily in English
12:45-1:10 pm: Lunch in lower church hall
1:10-1:30 pm: Conclusion and dismissal
 
Every year the new church calendar year
begins on September 1 and ends on August 31.
 
THE MAJOR FEAST DAYS ARE:
 
THE FEAST ABOVE ALL FEASTS
Pascha (Passover) of our Lord from death to Life:
3:00 pm to 5:30 pm on April 23, 2011, or
8:00 am to 11:15 am on April 24, 2011
Parish Easter Breakfast: 12:00 NOON on May 1, 2011
 
THE TWELVE MAJOR FEAST DAYS ARE:

1.  Nativity of the Mother of God:
                 11:00 am on September 8, 2011

2.  Exaltation of the Holy Cross of our Lord:
                 11:00 am on September 14, 2011
 

 3.  Entrance of the Mother of God
                 11:00 am on November 21, 2011

 4.  Nativity of our Lord:
                 9:00 pm on December 24, 2011, or
                 10:00 am on December 25, 2011

5. Theophany of the Trinity at the Baptism of our Lord:
                 7:00 pm on January 5, 2011, or
                 11:00 am on January 6, 2011

6. Encounter of our Lord:
                 11:00 am on February 2, 2011

7.  Annunciation to the Mother of God:
                 7:00 PM on March 25, 2011

8. Entrance of our Lord:
                 5:00 pm on April 16, 2011, or
                 9:00 am on April 17, 2011, or
                 11:30 am on April 17, 2011

9. Ascension Thursday:
                 7:00 pm on June 1, 2011, or
                 11:00 am on June 2, 2011

10. Pentecost Sunday:
                 5:00 pm on June 11, 2011, or
                 9:00 am on June 12, 2011, or
                 11:30 am on June 12, 2011

11. Transfiguration of our Lord Blessing of Fruits:
                 9:00 am on August 6, 2011

12. Dormition of the Mother of God:  Blessing of Flowers and Herbs
                 7:00 pm on August 14, 2011, or
                 11:00 am on August 15, 2011
 

HOLY DAYS OF OBLIGATION:
(A)   Pascha (Easter),
(B)   Every Sunday (which is a “little Pascha”),
(C)     # 4, 5, 7, 9, 10 and 12, above, and
(D)     Sts. Peter and Paul:
               7:00 pm on June 28, 2011, or
               11:00 am on June 29, 2011
 
If it is to expected that we will have less than 20 people at a service then chances are good that the service will be served in OUR CHAPEL with its entrance off of East Carson Street
- across from our parking lot - which is dedicated to the Mother of God in the Feast of her Protection (which is celebrated every year on October 1).

 
OUR PARISH PATRONAL FEAST DAY IS:
Nativity of St. John the Baptizer:
        Great Vespers: 7:00 pm on June 23, 2011
        Divine Liturgy:  11:00 am on June 24, 2011
        Annual Patronal Social Event: June 26, 2011
 
LITURGIES DURING the GREAT FAST    
also known as the 40 days’ Lent
 
CHEESEFARE SUNDAY: Luncheon at 12:00 NOON; Vespers at 1:30 pm – Byzantines give forgiveness as a way of beginning the Great Lent.  The Latins begin 2.5 days later and give ashes.
 
CONFESSIONS DURING LENT: please call one of the priests at any time to make an appointment.
 
All SOULS DAYS in 2011:
      PARASTAS LITURGY: 6:00 PM on February 25, March 18, April 1, June 10.
      DIVINE LITURGY: 9:00 AM on February 26, March 19, April 2, June 11.
 
  His Grace Bishop John (Bura), if he so wishes, may re­lease a priest from this duty, but only due to hardship.  So, normally THE PRESANCTIFIED LIT­UR­GY may be cel­e­brat­ed on any weekday of Lent, but it must be cel­e­brat­ed on: the First Monday evening of the Great Fast, and on every Wednesday and Friday of Lent.  Last year in our parish this was at 7:00 PM, but some have ask­ed that – for sake of young families and child­ren, - it be moved, so that we can gather right from work.  At 5:00-5:30 pm, some very simple lenten soup, salad and bread in the church hall prepared by families on a rotating basis, then Presanctified at 6:30 pm, and go home by 8:00 pm.  Do you agree?  Call, or e-mail, Fr. Ivan to voice your opinion.
  Latin-Roman Rite devotions, such as Stations of the Cross, have no public and/or communal place in our Byzan­tine Church’s theology, spirituality or liturgy.  Of course, one may pray this personally on their own, but sooner or later it begs the question: if dogs do not rebel against God because God made them so that they must bark, rather than meow, then why do Byzantines rebel against God, when they are told that God made their Church in such a way that it’s wrong for Byzantines to replace the Presanc­ti­fied Liturgy with the Latin Sta­tions of the Cross?
  If it cannot be arranged that a cantor or choir direc­tor leads the singing, the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts may be offered in simple recto tono chant. 
  The revised Old Church Slavonic editions of the liturgical books (published in Rome) are to be used (or translations ap­prov­ed by the Synod of Bishops).  Any other service, such as a Funeral Parastas or Funeral Liturgy, that would make the Pre­sanct­i­fied Liturgy im­poss­ible to schedule and serve at its proper place and time, is strictly for­bidden.
  The Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, being a joy­ful celebration of the Resurrection, is not to be cele­brat­ed on the weekdays of the Great Fast, since it is theolo­gi­cally and thematically opposed to the preparatory per­i­od of penitential prayer and almsgiving, fasting and re­pent­ance, which has assumed a preeminent position in the 40 day Great Fast period of the Constantinopol­i­tan tra­dition.  This obligation binds all of the priests of any given parish in solidum.
  The only exception to this rule occurs when the Typi­kon-Ordo-Ustav gives directions for adding the St John Chry­sostom’s Divine Liturgy to the Lenten Vespers, as a way of breaking that weekday’s lenten fasting by “ce­le­brat­ing” for a few hours in a joyful resurrectional fashion the im­­port­ance of a feast worthy of such paschal joy, for example for the feasts that occur on February 24, March 9, and March 25.
 
Between March 7, 2011 and April 23, 2011, the SAT­UR­DAY AND SUNDAY DIVINE LITURGIES will be “lent­en”, as far as fasting and abstinence are con­cern­ed, but they are “non-lenten”, as far as the joyful celebration of the Lord’s Res­ur­rec­tion (i.e. consecration of holy gifts) is concerned.  This is why ideally Bright Vestments are worn on both of these days: Saturdays and Sundays.  In some places more emphasis is given to the commemorations of the departed than to the actual theme of the Lenten Saturday, and so dark vestments are used on that day.  But, as a rule, dark vestments are never worn on Sundays (Feasts of the Cross of our Lord being an exception).
 
HOLY and GREAT WEEK (April 18-22, 2011) is not part of the Great Fast (Lent); for, it is a sep­a­rate lit­ur­gi­cal season of increased vigilance with the Pre­sanct­i­fied Liturgy being served on the first three days and Anoint­ing of the Sick also available to everyone on Holy and Great Wednesday.
 
HOLY MYSTERY OF CONFESSION
Saturdays: 4:00 PM and by request
Lenten Weekdays: before or after services
 
HOLY MYSTERY OF ANOINTING OF THE SICK
If requested, it can occur on a Saturday after the 5:00 pm Divine Liturgy, or at another time agreed upon between the recipient and the priest.  In cases of emergency, it may be administered by the priest wherever the recipient is: at home, at a hospital, at a nursing home, etc.
 
 
JANUARY 5 and 9, 2011 - Eastern Christian Formation Classes to RESUME AFTER CHRISTMAS BREAK
Our E.C.F. classes last met on December 12, 2010, but parents and children should plan on attending the services on January 5, 2011 for the Feast of Theophany (a holy day of obligation) and regular classes will resume on January 9, 2011 at  9:30-10:45AM

JANUARY 10, 2011 - PYROHY MAKING AND SALES RESUME AFTER CHRISTMAS BREAK
Our pyrohy making stopped as of December 7, 2010 but beginning on January 10, 2011, we will be up and running again.  Have a blessed Christmas and Theophany and a healthy, happy New Year.

DECEMBER 26, 2010 and JANUARY 2, 2011 UKRAINIAN CULTURAL TRUST CHOIR
The Ukrainian Cultural Trust Choir of Western PA is pleased to present its 19th ANNUAL “Concerts for Christmas”.  The First concert was held at Sts. Peter and Paul Ukrainian Orthodox Church, corner of Arbor Street and Evergreen Drive, Lyndora/Butler on Sunday, December 26, 2010, 3:00 PM.  The Second concert will be held at St. Demetrius Ukrainian Catholic Church, 1015 Gaskill Avenue, in Jeanette, on Sunday, January 2, 2011, 3:00 PM.  Come and listen to the sounds of Ukrainian Christmas and Generous Eve Carols (koliady and shchedreevki), sung in traditional Ukrainian and Old Church Slavonic.  It will bring back memories of carols, perhaps long for­got­ten, but always treasured.  The choir is directed by Dorothy Waslo.  There is no Admission Fee but a free will offering will be accepted.  For more in­for­mation contact Dorothy Waslo.

JANUARY 5, 2011 – “SHCHEDRIY VECHEER-GENEROUS or BOUNTIFUL  EVE” DINNER
AND FIRST LITURGY FOR FEAST OF THEOPHANY
On Wednesday, January 5, 2010, at 5:00-6:30 pm, we would like to meet together as a parish family to share a special meal in celebration of the Theophany (Epiphany) of Our Lord, the second holiest feast of the year after Pascha (Easter).  We are asking people to bring a covered dish from the items listed below.  It is very important that you tell us ahead of time what you will be bringing so that we can properly plan.  Since this is a Afast day@, items must be prepared accordingly.  If you cannot cook, we are asking for a $10.00 donation if you plan to attend.  Here’s a list of items which we need.
1 dozen holubtsi (stuffed cabbage) made with kasha (buckwheat) or rice B just no meat        
1 quart of mushroom gravy
1 quart of mushroom soup
2 gallon of borshch B no meat
1 quart of cabbage-kapusta (your specially prepared sauerkraut dish)
2 gallon mashed potatoes B homemade B not instant
1 dozen pampushki B prune filled baked buns
2 gallon fresh fruit cocktail
dried fruit
2 gallon red wine
One 12 inch nut, or poppy seed, roll
Kutya (flummery) - recipe with about 1/2 pound of wheat in it
Braided bread centerpiece with 4 garlic heads and a candle
2 bags of ice cubes
chocolate
cookies
Our church will provide the pyrohy, prosphora, honey, garlic, holy water and tea.
   Please contact Margie Klimko by January 3, 2010 to tell us if you will be attending and what you will be bringing.
   Vespers with First Divine Liturgy and First Solemn Water Blessing for the feast will follow after the meal at 7:00 pm.

JANUARY 15, 2011 - Malanka – Melanie’s Eve Dinner / Dance
Our community's 21st annual “Old Style” or “Julian Calendar” Malanka will be held on Saturday, January 15, 2011, at the Ukrain­i­an—Amer­i­can Citizens’ Club, on the corner of Mansfield Boulevard & Walnut Street in Carnegie, PA.  Please contact the Ukrainian Selfreliance of West. Pa. Federal Credit Union, 95 South Seventh Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15203, (412) 481-1865, for more information, or visit them at http://www.samopomich.com/

SUNDAY, JANUARY 23 – DEADLINE FOR Diaper Drive for women and their children
To provide real, concrete help to women and their children in the face of the Roe. v. Wade anniversary on January 22, our parishioner, Jerry Nora has arranged for our parishioners to be able to help by hosting a diaper drive for the Women's Choice Network (http://www.mypregnancycenter.org/), which has multiple centers helping women who wish to keep their children find the support to do so. They need, in particular, diapers in sizes Newborn Size and size 3, 4, 5, and 6 only.  (Sizes 1-2 are well-stocked already.)  If you are interested in doing so, please leave your donations in special boxes that will soon be designated for this purpose and will be located in the narthex.  We expect a pickup date sometime after Sunday, January 23.  For any questions, please contact Jerry Nora at gjnst3@pitt.edu
Saturday, FEBRUARY 5, 2010 – INTERCESSORY PRAYER GROUP, especially PARENTS and GRANDPARENTS
Inspired by the spiritual biography of Saint Nonna in the August 5, 2007 church bulletin, a number of men and women have created a special prayer group for satisfying the need to intercede in prayer for the welfare of our children and grandchildren.  Whenever he can, Father Ivan facilitates this prayer gathering for us.  Currently we use the Akathist Hymn to the Moth­er of God in her miraculous icon, known as Vospitanie – Воспитание – Vi­ko­khuvatel’ka Deetey – Ви­ко­ху­вателька Дітей – Nur­tur­er of Children (ven­e­rat­ed on March 5) and then add spontaneous prayers, if necessary.  If you are interested, then please contact Irene Bo­ro­dycia.  For the time being, it has been decided that we will meet IN THE CHAPEL on first Saturday of each month, at 10:00 am.

MARCH 20, 2011 - GENERATIONS OF FAITH SUNDAY:
In November, 2010, His Grace Bishop John (Bura) mandated that all parishes in our Eparchy should strive to implement the GOF program as soon as possible.  At our St John’s parish we have been doing this for a few years now.  For example, for this catechetical school year of 2010-2011, the theme of all the sessions of the GENERATIONS OF FAITH PROGRAM at our parish are centering upon how Our Lord and His Body-the Church invite us to “growth in life, in faith, and in spiritual understanding” through some of the FEASTS OF THE MOTHER OF GOD.
Our parish “Marian year” sessions:
September 26, 2010: DORMITION;
October 31, 2010: PROTECTION;
NOVEMBER 21, 2010: ENTRANCE;
March 20, 2011: ANNUNCIATION. 
There will be no Matins on this Sunday and no 9:00 AM Ukrainian Choral Divine Liturgy.  The GOF and E.C.F. classes will overlap together starting at 10:00 AM.  At 11:00 AM, the Divine Liturgy will be sung as part of the Generations of Faith Program in congregational-samoilka plainchant with Liturgical Propers and homily in English.  The GOF will continue in the Lower church hall with a luncheon from 12:45-1:10 pm.  From 1:10-1:30 pm, the conclusion and dismissal will follow.
 
AUGUST 24, 2011 - Pittsburgh Ukrainian Independence Day Committee
August 24, 2011 will mark the 20th anniversary of Ukrainian independence, a most auspicious moment in our beloved Ukraine's illustrious history. Given the gravity and magnitude of this historic event, the Members of the Pittsburgh Ukrainian Independence Day Committee have already begun planning the 2011 celebration - a celebration which will reflect the significance and splendor of this momentous occasion. The 20th anniversary celebration will begin with the presentation of a proclamation by city and county officials at the City-County Building in downtown Pittsburgh on August 24, 2011. The presentation will be attended by members of the Ukrainian clergy, representatives of numerous Ukrainian organizations, and members of the Ukrainian community at-large. The celebration will continue on Sunday, August 28, with festivities at the Alpine Club in Bridgeville.  Ukrainian Independence would not have been possible were it not for the sanctifying grace of God. In this regard, the celebration of Ukraine's independence is a celebration of Ukraine's Christian heritage. It is the hope of the Committee that you, as a steward of Ukraine's Christian heritage, will encourage each of your parishioners to join us in celebrating the glorious triumph of our Mother Church. To this end, the Committee respectfully requests that every effort is made to avoid scheduling events which would in any way conflict with or detract from our celebration of the 20th anniversary of Ukrainian Independence.