centennial jubilee of the ukrainian catholic church of the...

VOL. LXIX - No. 20 NOVEMBER 23, 2008 ENGLISH VERSION

Official Publication of the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia

Centennial Jubilee of the Ukrainian Catholic Church of theAssumption, Perth Amboy, NJ

Perth Amboy, NJ —October 9, 2008, Thecentennial jubilee year ofthe Ukrainian CatholicChurch of the Assumption(1908-2008) closes with agala banquet and theordination of parishionerPaul J. Makar to thesubdiaconate. .

A gala jubilee banquet, withsome 360 personsattending, was held on Sept.21 in the parish school hall.The guest of honor wasMetropolitan ArchbishopStefan Soroka of theUkrainian Cathol icArcheparchy ofPhiladelphia who earlierhad presided over a solemnDivine Liturgy along withtwo other bishops, formerpastor Archbishop EmeritusStephen Sulyk and BishopJohn Bura. .

Mayor Wilda Diaz andCounci lman FernandoGonzales welcomed theguests to Perth Amboy andcongratulated PastorRoman Dubitsky and theparish on this majormilestone. “One hundredyears of service in this city,

what a fantast icachievement that PerthAmboy can be proud of,”said Mayor Diaz. .

Msgr. Leon Mosko, whowas raised in the parish,concluded his remarks atthe banquet, saying,“Ukrainian immigrants cameto what the Ukrainian poetTaras Shevchenkoadmiringly called “the landof Washington:” poor,almost without exception,

unski l led, unlet tered,unschooled; migrantswithout friendly faces towelcome them; without ahome to go to or a table atwhich to eat, withoutguaranteed employment,forced to labor in the mostmenial of jobs; without lawsto protect their rights orsocial services to aid them.Because of them, whosehumble bir th, peasantdress, and manners cloakeda nobility to which we can

only aspire, because ofthem, we celebrate today.”

On Nov. 2, parishioner PaulJ. Makar, who is currentlystudying for the priesthoodat Catholic University ofAmerica in Washington,DC, will be ordained in hisparish church to the orderof subdiaconate. The order

Traditional greeting for Archbishop Stefan Soroka in the church before Divine Liturgy.

(continued on next page)

Happy Thanksgiving Day!Â³òàºìî ç Äíåì Ïîäÿêè!

2November 23, 2008

of subdeacon immediatelyprecedes the Cathol icorders of deacon andpriest. Paul, 36, has adegree in Mari t imeEngineering from SUNYand spent five years in theUS Navy. He was releasedfrom active duty in 1999with the rank of lieutenantand worked as an engineerand served in the NavyReserves. In 2004 he felta calling to the priesthoodand entered St. JosaphatUkrainian Cathol icSeminary in Washington,DC. “His father Paul, amarried deacon who serveshere, his mother andfamily, and the rest of theparish couldn’t be prouder,”said Pastor Dubitsky, “Whata way to cap off the jubileeyear!” .

”The parish challenged itselfto make 2008 a specialyear. Beginning last fall, ithad an opening Liturgy withluncheon, a breakfast Teadedicated to St . Ann,dedication of a beautifuljubilee icon, three guestlectures, two dinnerdances, a parish schoolreunion, two concerts, apicnic, and a pilgrimage tripto Ukraine. The parish alsohas an ambitious historybook due out inDecember,” noted thepastor for 27 years, FatherRoman Dubitsky, “This is anamazing parish. They doanything I ask of them; andalways better than Iimagine.”


(Continued from previous page)

Founded in 1908,parishioners f i rs tworshipped in the currentPortuguese Catholic churchon Wayne St . , PerthAmboy. The present churchbuilding on Alta Vista Placewas completed in 1952along with a convent; andin the 1970s a rectory wascompleted. In the late-1970s and again in 2007,the church underwentmajor exterior and interiorbeaut i f icat ion andrenovation. The churchcontains genuine artmasterpieces for the gloryof God including extensivemosaic iconography and arare painted biblical muraliconography by theinternationally acclaimedartist Jacques Hnizdovsky.

The Assumption parishserves the UkrainianByzant ine Cathol iccommunity in theM i d d l e s e x / N o r t h e r nMonmouth County, NJarea. Assumption parishmost ly comprisesdescendants from the 1880to 1914 immigration andfrom the post-WWIIimmigration. Since about1990, after the dissolutionof the Soviet Union, theparish has welcomed a newwave of immigrants fromUkraine. Since the 1880sUkrainians have come tothe United States in searchof a better l i fe, whi lekeeping their heritage alive.

Mayor Diaz greets visitors – left to right – ArchbishopEmeritus Stephen Sulyk, Mayor Wilda Diaz, MetropolitanArchbishop Stefan Soroka, Bishop John Bura, Pastor RomanDubitsky, Deacon Michael Waak, and Msgr. Leon Mosko.

Seminarian Paul Makar – Seminarian Paul Makar ordainedsubdeacon on November 2.

Ukrainian folk dancing at the banquet by the parish’s newly-formed Nadiya Dance Ensemble.(continued on next page)

3November 23, 2008

The parish also has familiesof various ethnicities thatenjoy Eastern Christianspirituality and traditions.

The parish has run thesuccessful AssumptionCatholic School (ACS) since1963. The parish has activechurch groups that performcharitable activities whilenurturing social as well as


(Continued from previous page)spiritual needs. The parish’sfine Choir “Boyan,” foundedin 1908, still sings traditionala-cappel la four-partharmony responses inUkrainian at Divine Liturgyevery Sunday at 9 AM.

The parish belongs to theByzantine Catholic Church,an Eastern Catholic Churchthat has its own rite, thatis, liturgical traditions. Alongwith the Roman CatholicChurch, the Byzant ineChurch is in full communionwith Rome and is under thespiritual leadership of thePope of Rome. The parishbelongs to the UkrainianCatholic Archeparchy ofPhi ladelphia. .

Photography by CharlesPatulak with permissiongranted to publish.

Note: “subdeacon” and“subdiaconate” areecclesiast ical terms.

Gala banquet in the school hall with 360 in attendance.

Banquet co-chairpersonJoyce Adamshick andMayor Diaz.

Address:Ukrainian Catholic Church of the AssumptionCorner of Meredith St. and Alta Vista PlacePerth Amboy, NJ 08861

Contact:Reverend Roman Dubitsky

732-826-0767

Websites:Church - www.assumptioncatholicchurch.netSchool - www.assumptioncatholicschool.net

Sunday Catechism Class atthe Cathedral

Sunday Catechism class from the Cathedral of theImmaculate Conception, Philadelphia, PA on 11/2/08.

Tatianna Bilyj, Caroline Novak, Zenia Nasevich andRebecca Mezei learned about the Joyful Mysteries andhow to recite the prayers of the rosary: Our Father, HailMary and the Creed. Teacher: Sister Timothea, MSMG.

4November 23, 2008

The week of September 15 – 18 the priests and deacons of theArcheparchy of Philadelphia gathered at St. Alphonso RetreatHouse, Long Branch , NJ for their annual clergy retreat. It is along established principle that to reach full potential an individualmust develop and nurture physical, spiritual and mental health.It is not difficult for anyone to find a wealth of information aboutphysical and mental health issues in today’s world. Informationabout spiritual health is less evident but many great sources arealso available. However, it is much more difficult to find materialthat specifically addresses issues about spiritual health of priestswhen in fact this a matter of prime importance for the overallgood of the Church and certainly for the well being of individualparishes.

It is with this in mind that the Archeparchy of Philadelphia setsaside a time each year when priests and deacons gather to pray and reflect on their spiritual life together with aretreat director appropriately chosen from the ranks of the clergy. This year’s retreat director was Bishop KenNowakowski of the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of New Westminster, Canada. Bishop Ken brought with him agreat deal of wisdom and knowledge from his many and varied life experiences both before and after hisordinations as priest and bishop. This he readily shared with the priests and bishops in attendance and beautifullyrelated the message of the gospel, the words of Jesus, to his personal experiences as well as to the experiences ofall priests. Bishop Ken explored at length the meaning of several discourses of Jesus from the gospel and relatedthem to the everyday life of a priest and, in particular, to the very complex situations that every priest faces in amodern parish. One can easily appreciate the practicality of that kind of approach which ultimately helps a priestdeepen his commitment to Christ and to the priesthood of Jesus Christ, a commitment without which a priest hasno real hope of success.

The retreat also presents an important opportunity to share experiences and, in general, to socialize with brotherpriests, bishops and deacons in a relaxed atmosphere. For a priesthood scattered widely geographically, this is anoccasion which presents itself only once or twice a year and yet is essential for good morale in the Archeparchy.The retreat was concluded with special prayers offered for those among the presbyterate who fell asleep in theLord this year: Bishop Walter Paska and Mitred Archpriest John Bilanych.

-Rev. John Seniw

Clergy Retreat in Long Branch, NJ, September 15-18, 2008

Bishop Ken Nowakowski

During the Retreat

5November 23, 2008

In St. Luke’s Gospel (12: 40, 42, among others) we findparables about “being prepared” for the coming of the Lord.November 14/27 is dedicated to the Apostle Philip, and on thisday we begin the Christmas or Philip’s Fast (Pylypivka), forty daysof preparation for the glorious feast of the Nativity of our Lord,God and Savior Jesus Christ (December 25/January 7). OurChurch has relaxed the rules on fasting, or better abstinence, forthis period. Christmas Eve (December 24/January 6) is still meatless.Instead, our Church calls on us to fast or abstain voluntarily fromcertain foods or activities we like. There is merit in this, rather thanjust being forced.

This is a good time to prepare. We all need to stop, or atleast slow down, and take time out from all of our busy-ness. Youcannot appreciate Christmas if you do not take the time to at least think about the meaningof it. When we do this, we recall the Birth of our Lord with affection and devotion.

The two Sundays prior to Christmas, the Sunday of the Holy Forefathers and the Sundayof the Holy Fathers, present vividly the Old Testament preparation for Jesus’ birth. Of this timethe prophets spoke time and time again, of this moment the Patriarchs dreamt, and for thismoment the priests and pharisees hoped. And yet, when the moment came, none of them sawthe event. A simple couple, Mary and Joseph, did; so did the poor shepherds and wise menhumble enough to search and bend the knee. And the majestic choir of the angelic hostpraised God and sang: “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whomHis favor rests” (Luke 2:14).

For this world-shattering event, we have to prepare and then we can celebrate. Wehave to celebrate because the festivities of Christmas are characterized by joy, gift-giving,merry-making, family reunion and peace. For the Supreme Being, God Himself, has deignedto identify with us frail human beings. “Yes, God loved the world so much that He gave Hisonly Son, so that everyone who believes in Him may not be lost, but may have eternal life”(John 3:16)

In one of the old movies, the children sang “Happy Birthday” to Jesus to the amazementof the priest and nuns. This whole marvelous event is a happy one, but more so for us becauseit is God’s gift to us. How happy we should be! We will be happy if during this Christmas feastwe have prepared ourselves properly, spiritually. If we have tried to the best of our ability tolive a God-centered Christian life. If we have intensified our prayer life, have done penance,have loved one another. Then we can truly rejoice at the Great Mystery of Jesus’ Birth - HisGift to us.

THOUGHTS FOR PYLYPIVKA

- Most Reverend John Bura

6November 23, 2008

He went down with them and stood on a level place. A large crowd of his disciples was there and a greatnumber of people from all over Judea, from Jerusalem, and from the coast of Tyre and Sidon, who hadcome to hear him and to be healed of their diseases. Those troubled by evil spirits were cured, and thepeople all tried to touch him, because power was coming from him and healing them all. Looking at hisdisciples, he said:”Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you whohunger now, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh.Blessed are youwhen men hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of theSon of Man.” Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven.

Gospel for the Feast of St. Nicholas -December 6(Luke 6, 17-23)

This saint, famedthroughout the entireworld today, was the onlyson of his eminent andwealthy parents,Theophanes and Nona,citizens of Patara in Lycia.They dedicated to Godthe only son He gave them.St. Nicholas was instructedin the spiritual life by hisuncle Nicholas, Bishop ofPatara, and became amonk at ‘New Sion’, amonastery founded by hisuncle. On the dealth ofhis parents, Nicholasdistributed all the propertyhe inherited to the poorand kept nothing back forhimself. As a priest inPatara, he was known forhis charitable works,fulfilling the Lord’s words:‘Let not thy left hand knowwhat thy right hand doeth’(Mt. 6:3) . When heembraced a life of solitudeand silence, thinking to livein that way until his death,a voice from on high cameto him: ‘Nicholas, set aboutyour work among the

St. Nicholas the Wonderworker

Archbishop of Myra in Lycia

people if you desire toreceive a crown from Me.’Immediately after that, byGod’s wondrousprovidence, he waschosen as archbishop ofthe city of Myra in Lycia.Merciful, wise and fearless,Nicholas was a trueshepherd to his flock. Hewas cast into prison duringthe persecut ions ofDiocletian and Maximian,but even there continuedto instruct the people inthe Law of God. He waspresent at the FirstEcumenical Council inNicaea in 325, and, in hiszeal, struck Arius with hishand. For this act, he wasremoved from the Counciland from his episcopalduties, until some of thechief hierarchs had a visionof our Lord Christ and Hismost holy Mother showingtheir sympathy withNicholas.

This wonderful saint wasa defender of the truth ofGod, and was ever a

spirited champion of justiceamong the people. Ontwo occasions, he savedthree men fromundeserved sentences ofdeath. Merciful, trustworthyand loving right, he walkedamong the people like anangel of God. Peopleconsidered him a sainteven during his lifetime,and invoked his aid whenin torment or distress. Hewould appear both indreams and in reality tothose who called upon himfor help, respondingspeedily to them, whetherclose at hand or far away.

His face would shine withl ight as Moses’ didaforetime, and his merepresence among peoplewould bring solace, peaceand goodwill. In old age,he sickened of a slightillness, and went to his restin the Lord after a life fullof labor and fruitful toil.He now enjoys eternalhappiness in the Kingdomof heaven, continuing tohelp the faithful on earthby his miracles, and tospread the glory of God.He entered into rest onDecember 6th, 343.

Ask Fr. Yaroslav

7November 23, 2008

People talk a lotabout angels. Areangels important toour Tradition?

At every Divine Liturgy wepray “For an angel ofpeace, a faithful guide, aguardian of our souls andbodies, let us beseech theLord.” Then respond:“GRANT THIS, O LORD!”What are angels about?

Angels are referred to inthe Bible more than 300times and, in each case,they are sent by God toperform a service. Angelshave a tremendousauthority; however, it islimited to doing only thewill of God. They neverdeviate from God’smessage, never dilute Hismessage or change Hisplan. Throughout theages, they have glorifiedonly Him, neverthemselves.

Perhaps the most widelyrecognized angels areMichael the Archangel

(Nov. 8) and Gabriel theMessenger of God. It isMichael who leads thearmy of angels in battleagainst the forces of eviland Satan. His symbol isthat of a warrior with spearthrust into the dragon,indicating the triumph ofgood over evil. He isdepicted on icons in thisway.

Gabriel, on the otherhand, is the angel who wasgiven the task of invitingthe young maiden, Mary,to become the mother ofthe Messiah (Luke 1:26).It was also Gabriel, whoidenti f ied himself toZechariarh andannounced the birth ofJohn the Baptist (Luke1:19).

The Bible tells us and theUkrainian Church teachesthat there are variousranks of angels in termsof authority and glory.Those are: seraphs,cherubim, thrones,dominions, princedoms,powers, vir tues,archangels, and angels.We sing the CherubimHymn at each liturgy; “Letus who mystically representthe Cherubim.” We maywell feel ourselvesinadequate to “mysticallyrepresent: an angel whois near the top in angelichonor. During baptism wehear reference to thronesand dominions.

We know that Michael isan Archangel, and wehave Biblical grounds forbelieving that Lucifer was,before his fal l , anarchangel, equal orperhaps superior toMichael.

The seraphim’s ministry isthat of praise to God inheaven. We know fromHoly Scripture (Isaiah 6:2)that they are indescribablybeautiful “with two (wings)he covered his face, andwith two he covered hisfeet, and with two he didfly.” The cherubim dwellbeside the throne of God(2 Kings 19:15) and actas guards to the most holyplace. This is our reasonto “represent theCherubim” during theDivine Li turgy. TheCherubim guarded theTree of Life in Eden (Gen3:24) and the Tabernaclein the wilderness (1 Sam4:4).

Angels are present aroundus at all times whether weare aware of them or not.“O Angel of God, my holyguardian, given to me forprotection by God inheaven...” They are givento us to help us in ourearthly struggles and, atthe time of death, anangel will be there tocomfort us, and to give uspeace and joy in thatcritical hour.

We know that an angelappeared to Josephtell ing him to acceptMary’s accountconcerning the births ofthe Messiah, and againlater telling him to takeMary and the Child awayto escape Herod’s soldiers.Angels announced thebirth of Jesus to shepherdsand, after Jesus’ death,angels were at the tombwhen the women came toanoint the Body. Angelsare found throughout theHoly Scriptures and wemight believe that theywere something thathappened only in ancienttimes, but that is far fromso.

Angels are nearer than youthink. God has given “Hisangels charge of you, toguard you in all your ways.On their hands they willbear you up, lest you dashyour foot against a stone.”(Psalm 91:11,12).

St. Michael,the Archangel

St. Gabriel,the Archangel

8November 23, 2008

Archbishop Stefan Soroka attends Religious Leaders Councilof Greater Philadelphia meeting on November 5, 2008.

Founded in the spring of 2006, theReligious Leaders Council of GreaterPhiladelphia is dedicated to buildingrelationships of mutual support andto offering a moral and spiritual voicein the region. The Council is comprisedof top religious leaders of theChrist ian, Muslim and Jewishcommunities of Philadelphia.

http://www.interfaithcenterpa.org/programs/rlc.html

„ Z a r v a n y t s k aMother of God” is one ofthe oldest miraculousicons of Ukraine. Annuallytens of thousands ofpi lgr ims go to themiraculous oasis ofPodillya in Ukraine. Thisblessed by God regionbecame unique like theHoly Land of Ukraine.Zarvanytsya becamefamous in the whole worldby the graces bestowedupon people in prayers tothe miraculous icon. Sheraised the great numbersof sick from the beds ofsuffering, wiped tears ofmany crying and infusedinto in their aching heartsthe balm of comfort.

But Zarvanytsya inUkraine...is far away. Wedo not need to travel far,because we have a copyof the miraculous icon ofZarvanytska Mother of

Zarvanytska Mother of GodGod in Philadelphia, in thechurch of Christ the King.

Annually, from thebeginning of its foundation,the Pi lgr image toZarvanytska Mother of Godis held in the church ofChrist the King, and in 1974the Apostolic See grantedthe church of Christ theKing a right to administerthe full absolution of sinsto the faithful.

With the purpose ofupl i f t ing cul tural andspiritual life and increasingthe prayer to ZarvanitskaMother of God, with theblessing of His GraceMetropol i tan StefanSoroka, beginning from themonth of October this year,the first Wednesday ofthe month is dedicated toZarvanytska Mother of Godin the parish.

Services areconducted at9:00 am and

7:00 pm.This day:

Confession,the Divine

Liturgy andAkafist to

ZarvanytskaMother of

God.

OurUkrainian peoplecomposed awonderful song tothe Blessed Mother of God:„We place ourselves underyour protect ion”. . .Therefore let us comeconstant ly, whether ingladness, whether insorrow to the BlessedMother of God, come withour troubles, with ourrequests, and i t : Yetunheard of never, that shedid not help”...

Address of thechurch:

1629 W. Cayuga St.,Philadelphia, PA

19140.

Rev. Yaroslav Kurpel,Pastor of Christ the King

Parish, Philadelphia

9November 23, 2008

Three Cheers for Catholic EducationBy A. B. Hill

Gimme an “A”…gimme a “C”…gimme an “E.” What’s that spell? Advocates for Catholic Education – a newlyenergized network of cheerleaders and fans for Catholic education in Pennsylvania.

In the past, the Pennsylvania Catholic Conference (PCC) coordinated a statewide group of school-choice advocates.Although school choice is not completely a reality in Pennsylvania yet, the advocates were extremely successful inpassing the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program. The new and improved Advocates for CatholicEducation in Pennsylvania (ACE-PA) will be an extensive network of concerned parents, educators and taxpayerswho will advocate for Catholic education issues, and inform and enlighten all Pennsylvania Catholics.

The skyrocketing costs of education have a profound impact on individual families who choose to send theirchildren to Catholic schools. Currently 180,000 students are enrolled in Catholic school, which is the largeststudent population of any of the Commonwealth’s nonpublic and private schools. But, just in the last nine yearsCatholic schools lost over 25% of their total student population. This puts a strain on those who wish to keepCatholic schools open for their children. Furthermore, for the last three years Catholic schools did not receive thetechnology funding from the Commonwealth that all public schools did.

“We have to do something,” says Sean P. McAleer, Director of Education for the PCC. “If we do not speak up onbehalf of Catholic school students, we will continue to be left out of key education programs. Together we willmake a difference and put Catholic education as a top priority in the minds of all legislators. By joining togetherand taking action, we can and will make a difference for our children. “

The PCC is seeking volunteers to get involved. Anyone can help regardless of time constraints; a computer andan email address is all that is needed. Volunteer advocates should contact their diocesan ACE-PA coordinator orSean McAleer at [email protected] or 717-238-9613.

ACE-PA members will be updated on important news about Catholic education and on occasion will be invited tocontact their state legislators about a number of education issues.

The PCC has an important education agenda for the 2009-2010 legislative session. To be successful, as manyconcerned advocates as possible must speak up about these key issues.

On the agenda:

· Monitor and promote passage of a state budget with appropriate increases for existing transportation,auxiliary services, and textbook programs.

· Support and promote proportionate technology funding.· Support and promote increase in EITC.· Support and promote religious childcare legislation.· Monitor legislation that would be harmful to Catholic schools and students.· Support and promote special education funding legislation.· Assist in developing and promoting federal tax credit legislation for individuals and businesses to promote

parental choice in education.· Monitor and oppose proposals harmful to Catholic Schools regarding the Pennsylvania Interscholastic

Athletic Association (PIAA).

The energy, enthusiasm and Catholic school spirit of sincerely concerned parents, educators and taxpayers is thekey to advancing Catholic education for our children now and in the future. Please sign up ACE-PA today.

Hill is Communications Director of the Pennsylvania Catholic Conference – the public affairs arm of Pennsylvania’sCatholic bishops and the Catholic dioceses of Pennsylvania.

1 0November 23, 2008

Ascension Manor celebrated it’s 40th Anniversary witha Breakfast on November 3, 2008 for the residents.John Siwak, General Manager, welcomed residents tothe celebration and encouraged all who attended toenjoy the breakfast and to watch the slideshow ofmemories from Ascension Manor over the past 40 years.

Ascension Manor is located one block away from theCathedral in Philadelphia, PA. Ascension Manor is anon-profit senior citizen apartment complex for people62 and older and is under the direction of the UkrainianCatholic Archdiocese of Philadelphia. For moreinformation about Ascension Manor please call them at215-922-1116.

Ascension Manor Celebrates 40th Anniversary!

Applications are available for

ASCENSION MANOR I APARTMENTS911 N. Franklin Street, Philadelphia, PA 19123 and

ASCENSION MANOR II APARTMENTS970 N. Seventh Street, Philadelphia, PA 19123

MONDAY-FRIDAY –9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Subsidized apartment facilities for low-income elderly.Efficiency and one-bedroom units.

Residents pay 30% of monthly income for rent.

Office location:ASCENSION MANOR, INC.

911 N. Franklin StreetPhiladelphia, PA 19123

Tel.: (215) 922-1116

John Siwak, General Manager of Ascension Manor.

Watch a video clip from thecelebration on our blog at

www.thewayukrainian.blogspot.com

EQUAL HOUSINGOPPORTUNITY

Maria Wikarchuk, Tessie Bury, and Rosalie Senick.


PERSONNELArchbishop: 1Retired Archbishop: 1Auxiliary Bishop: 1Priests: Archeparchial Active in Archeparchy: 33Priests: Retired, Sick or Absent: 8Number of Archeparchial Priests: 41Religious Priests in Archeparchy: 4Total Priests in Archeparchy: 45Extern Priests in Archeparchy: 8Permanent Deacons in Archeparchy: 5

PARISHESParishes: 66With Resident Pastor: 42Resident Archeparchial Priests: 42Resident Religious Priests: 2Without Resident Priest: 22

Professional Ministry Personnel:Sisters: 33Lay Persons: 2

WELFAREHomes for the Aged: 2Total Assisted: 240Day Care Center: 1Total Assisted: 60

EDUCATIONALSeminary: 1Students the Archeparchy: 2Students from Other Eparchies: 11

(Stamford: 2; Chicago: 4; Parma: 6)Total Seminarians: 13Colleges and Universities: 1Total Students: 958High School, Private: 1Total Students: 411Elementary Schools, Parish: 5Total Students: 709Religious Education:High School Students: 74Elementary School Students: 424Total Students in Catholic Education: 2,589

METROPOLITAN ARCHEPARCHY OFPHILADELPHIA STATISTICS – 2008

EDUCATIONAL (continued)TeachersPriests: 2Sisters: 22Lay Teachers: 172

STATISTICS OF THE MYSTERIESReceptions into the ChurchInfant Baptisms: 186Minor Baptisms: 6Adult Baptisms: 7Received into Full Communion: 38First Communions: 113First Reconciliations: 27Chrismations: 213Marriages: 74Catholic: 55Interfaith: 19

Deaths: 492

Total Population: 16,738

From the Ukrainian CatholicArcheparchy of Philadelphia

Assistance for those affected by the sexualmisconduct of a priest, deacon, or other minister,employee, or volunteer of the MetropolitanArcheparchy of Philadelphia is available.

For assistance or information, please contactthe Assistance Coordinator at:

[email protected]

or 215.873.6162

Chancery Holiday Schedule

The Chancery will be closed for the Holidays onthe following days: November 27, November28, December 24, December 25, December 26,December 31, January 1, January 2, andJanuary 6.


Photo from St. Patrick's Cathedral (from left to right): Most Reverend Basil Losten, Bishop Emeritus;Andrij Futey, Executive Vice President - Ukrainian Congress Committee of America; Rep. Maurice Hinchey(D-NY); Most Reverend John Bura, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archeparchy of Philadelphia; ArchbishopAntony, Eastern Eparchy of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA; Tamara Olexy, President -Ukrainian Congress Committee of America; Most Reverend Stefan Soroka, Metropolitan of the UkrainianCatholic Church in the USA; Most Reverend Paul Chomnycky, OSBM, Bishop of the Eparchy ofStamford; Michael Sawkiw, Jr., Chairman – National Committee to Commemorate the 75th Anniversaryof the Ukrainian Genocide of 1932-1933; Ambassador Yuri Serheyev, Permanent Representative ofUkraine to the United Nations; and, Ambassador Oleh Shamshur, Ukraine’s ambassador to the UnitedStates.

The National Commemoration of the 75th Anniversary of theFamine-Genocide in Ukraine was held on Saturday, November15, 2008 at St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York, NY.

Ukrainian Genocide Memorial Groundbreaking Ceremony tobe held in Washington, DC on Tuesday, December 2, 2008 at11:00 am.The memorial will be located in the intersection of North Capitol Street, Massachusetts Avenue, and FStreet, NW, five blocks north of the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, DC.

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The Way is published bi-weekly by the Apostolate, Inc.,827 N. Franklin St., Philadelphia, PA.

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CALENDAR OF EVENTSNovember 22 & 23, 2008: Annual Holiday Bazaar.Ukrainian Catholic National Shrine of the Holy Family, 4250Harewood Road, NE, Washington, DC 20017. (Saturday 10AM to 4PM, Sunday Noon to 4PM.) (Washington, DC)

November 23, 2008: Cathedral Christmas Bazaar. Franklin& Brown Streets (Philadelphia, PA)

December 3, 2008: "Zarvanytska Mother of God" Servicesare conducted the first Wednesday of the month at 9:00amand 7:00pm. Christ the King Parish, 1629 W. Cayuga St.,Philadelphia, PA 19140. (Philadelphia, PA)

December 6 & 7, 2008: Christmas Bazaar. Annunciationof the Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church, 1204Valley Road, Melrose Park, PA 19027. (Melrose Park, PA)

December 7, 2008: Annual Christmas CandlelightProcessional Pageant. St. Michael's Ukrainian Catholic Church,45 South Second Street, Frackville, PA 17931 at 4:00 PM.For more information call the parish rectory 570-874-1101.(Frackville, PA)

December 14, 2008: Slavic Christmas Luncheon. Ss. Peter& Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church, 100 South Penn Street,Clifton Heights, PA at noon. Please call Kathy at 610-328-4731 before December 10th to reserve your seat. (CliftonHeights, PA)

March 28, 2009: Annual Archeparchial Women's Day. "FromGrief to Grace" speaker Dr. Kimberly Hashin. Watch for moreinformation in your Church Bulletin.

ST. MICHAEL'S UKRAINIAN CATHOLIC CHURCH, FRACKVILLE TO PRESENT CHRISTMAS CANDLELIGHT PROCESSIONALSUN., DEC. 7 AT 4 P.M; PROGRAM TO INCLUDE BRASS ENSEMBLE, REENACTMENT OF THE NATIVITY STORY ANDAUDIENCE CAROL SING-A-LONG

FRACKVILLE, PA.: The annual Christmas Candlelight Processional Pageant will be held Sunday, December 7 at 4 p.m. in St.Michael's Ukrainian Catholic Church, 45 South Second Street, Frackville, PA 17931.

The program will include the story of the Birth of Christ, with Scripture reading, a reenactment of the Nativity scene by thechildren of the parish, and an audience carol sing-a-long with many of the traditional Christmas carols. A brass ensemble,from the Schuylkill Haven area, will perform before the program and also provide accompaniment during the presentation.The pageant will include the participation of over twenty children portraying Joseph, Mary, the three wise men, angels,shepherds, and villagers. After the program, the outdoor Christmas tree lighting ceremony will take place, followed by acovered dish served in the parish hall with the annual visit of St. Nicholas.

There is no admission and the public is invited to attend. For more information call the parish rectory: 570-874-1101.

St. Michael's Ukrainian Catholic Church, Frackville, PA,presents Christmas Candlelight Processional, December 7th

On Sunday, December 14, 2008, Ss. Peter & Paul UkrainianCatholic Church, 100 South Penn Street, in Clifton Heights,will hold a traditional Slavic Christmas Luncheon. Lunchwill be served at noon - immediately after the normal11:00 am. Sunday English Divine Liturgy. We welcomeall who wish to enjoy traditional Slavic Christmas culinarydelights such as; Holubchy (stuffed cabbage), Pierogies,Kielbasa, and Ham. Due to the popularity of this annualevent, seating is limited and tickets are going fast. Pleasecall Kathy at (610) 328-4731 before Wednesday, December10th, to reserve your seat for this special event. A nominaldonation of $15.00 adults and $7.00 for children 6 to 12years of age is requested. Children under 6 years of ageare free!

Slavic Christmas Luncheon at SS.Peter & Paul Ukrainian Catholic

Church, Clifton Heights, PA,December 14, 2008.

centennial jubilee of the ukrainian catholic church of the...

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