Author Archives: Fr. Michael

April 16, 2023 Bulletin

        LITURGICAL SCHEDULE

Sat. 15: 6:00 pm @ Infant Jesus

          Bright Saturday

          +Marion Dzurnak from

          Robert Democko       

Sun. 16: 9:00 am @ Infant Jesus

          Thomas Sunday

         +Leonard Slemons from

         George & Joyce Jonda

Mon.17: NO LITURGY

Tues. 18: NO LITURGY

Wed. 19: NO LITURGY

Thurs. 20: NO LITURGY

Fri. 21: NO LITURGY

Sat. 22: 6:00 pm @ Infant Jesus

          +Anna Mamone from William

          Stefania Schollaert

Sun. 23: 9:00 am @ Infant Jesus

          Sunday of the Myrrh-Bearers

          George Great-Martyr

          Baptism/Chrismation of Eliza

          Noelle Schuler

         Health & happiness of Eliza

         Noelle Schuler from

         Grandparents Nancy & Mark

         Stanko

Collection Report

Week of 04/09/2023

$                2351.00    Offertory

$                 170.00     Palm Sunday

$               3480.00     Easter

$                 135.00     Holy Day

$                 350.00     Resurrection Matins

$                 242.00     Great Thursday

$                 350.00     Great Friday

$                   63.00     Votive Candles

$                     5.00     Easter Flowers

$                   15.00     Easter Candles

$                 129.75     Utility Offerings

$                 285.00     Maintenance Fund

$               7630.75     TOTAL

Attendance from last week’s Liturgies:

Holy Thursday: 34

Great Friday: 64

Resurrection Matins: 48

Sunday: 125

ON LINE: 10

PLEASE PRAY FOR THE HEALTH AND WELL-BEING OF OUR PARISHIONERS:

Richard Kuty, Pearl Tablack, Nina Zavatsky, Bernie Litwin & Joe Mistovich all at home. Dolores Schurko & Louise Macabobby at Hampton Wood and the rest of our parishioners who are in nursing homes.  May God grant to all the sick of our parish many blessed, happy and healthier years.

ATTENTION:

If any parishioner or family member is ill & would like to be on the pray list, or receive get-well wishes, call Karen or Kathy Kollar @330-272-1857.

ANNIVERSARY BOOKS:

Our 50th Anniversary are available to purchase for $15-please see Fr. Michael to purchase.  Those who generously donated and receive a free book, please see Fr. Michael or Paula Slemons.

SYMPATHY:

Our sympathy, prayers, and thoughts to Tillie and Elaine Chachko and Margaret Seansigner on the passing of Tillie and Margaret’s brother, Clement Smerk. Blessed repose to his servant Clement.

ROSARY:

The Altar & Rosary Society will be praying the rosary on Sunday, May 7th at 8:30 am. Everyone is welcomed.

RUMMAGE SALE:

St. Michael Byzantine Catholic Church, 2140 Highland Road, Hermitage is having a Rummage & Bake Sale. The event will be held on Thursday, May 4th from 4:00pm-7:00 pm; Friday, May 5th from 9:00 am-2:00 pm and Saturday, May 6th from 9:00 am-1:00 pm. Household items, clothing, toys, books, furniture and more are available.

THANK YOU:

Thank you for your generosity this Easter season. Your continuous support of our parish is greatly appreciated. May God bless all of you!

SANCTUARY CANDLES:

The Sanctuary candles will be lit for the entire week for your intentions.

For the week of April 16-22 the right sanctuary candle is for the special intentions of Tillie Chachko. There is no request for the left sanctuary candle.

CHRIST IS RISEN!

INDEED HE IS RISEN!

CHRSITOS VOSKRESE!

VOISTINU VOSKRESE!

The marks of the nails.

Theodoret of Cyr: And so, the reason why the Lord stood in the midst of the disciples, even though the doors were closed, after the passion but not before it, was that you might know that your body was sown as a physical body but raised as a spiritual body.” But in order that you might not think that what rises is something different, when Thomas did not believe in the resurrection, he shows him the marks of the nails. He shows him the scars of the wounds” He who healed everybody even before the resurrection could have healed him- self—especially after the resurrection, could he not? Yes, but through the marks of the nails that he shows he teaches that it is this [body], while through the closed doors by which he enters, he reveals that it is not such a [body as it was]. It was this [body], in order that he might fulfill the goal of the divine plan by raising that which had died, but it was such a body [as it was], in order that it might not lapse into corruption again and not be subject to death again. Dialogue 2.56.

April 9, 2023 Bulletin

LITURGICAL SCHEDULE

 Sat. 8: 7:00 pm @ Infant Jesus

          Holy Saturday

          Resurrection Matins followed by

          Blessings of Easter Baskets

Sun. 9: 9:00 am @ Infant Jesus

         Resurrection of Our Lord-Pascha

         +Mary Rotunno from Jerry &

         Mary Novak

Mon.10: 10:00 am @ St. Nicholas

           Bright Monday

           For the parishioners

Tues. 11: 6:00 pm @ Infant Jesus

          Bright Tuesday

          For the parishioners

Wed. 12: NO LITURGY

Thurs. 13 NO LITURGY

Fri. 14: 9:00 am @ Infant Jesus

           Bright Friday

           For the Living & Deceased

           Members of the Sacred Heart

           Society of St. Nicholas

Sat. 15: 6:00 pm @ Infant Jesus

          Bright Saturday

          +Marion Dzurnak from Robert

          Democko

Sun. 16: 9:00 am @ Infant Jesus

          Thomas Sunday

         +Leonard Slemons from George

         & Joyce Jonda

Collection Report

Week of 04/02/2023

$                 680.00     Offertory

$               2003.00     Palm Sunday

$                 100.00     Easter

$                   48.00     Candles

$                   30.00     Holy Day

$                   20.00     BCW

$                   95.00     Resurrection Matins

$                   10.00     Great Thursday

$                   10.00     Great Friday

$                   10.00     Bright Monday

$                   22.00     Easter Candles

$                 250.00     Maintenance Fund

$               3278.00     TOTAL

Attendance from last week’s Liturgies:

Saturday:40

Sunday: 92

ON LINE: 6

PLEASE PRAY FOR THE HEALTH AND WELL-BEING OF OUR PARISHIONERS:

Richard Kuty, Pearl Tablack, Nina Zavatsky, Bernie Litwin & Joe Mistovich all at home. Dolores Schurko & Louise Macabobby at Hampton Wood and the rest of our parishioners who are in nursing homes.  May God grant to all the sick of our parish many blessed, happy and healthier years.

ATTENTION:

If any parishioner or family member is ill & would like to be on the pray list, or receive get-well wishes, call Karen or Kathy Kollar @330-272-1857.

ANNIVERSARY BOOKS:

Our 50th Anniversary are available to purchase for $15-please see Fr. Michael to purchase.  Those who generously donated and receive a free book, please see Fr. Michael or Paula Slemons.

ROSARY:

The Altar & Rosary Society will be praying the rosary on Sunday, May 7th at 8:30 am. Everyone is welcomed.

CHILDREN’S EASTER EGG HUNT:

Thank you to Elaine Chachko, Karen Kollar, Kathy Kollar, Gene & Sharon Mulichak, Mary Beth Hayer and all who made the Easter Egg Hunt last week such a wonderful time. A special thank you to the Easter Bunny (Emma Boughner) for making the morning so special. The children all enjoyed.

HAPPY EASTER:

Father Michael, Maryna, Andriy, Emma and Nica wish all parishioners, families and friends a Happy and Blessed Easter and are thankful for all your personal card and greetings!

THANK YOU:

Thank you to all parishioners who donated towards Easter flowers. There is a list of the memorial request on the bulletin board in the vestibule.

Also, our gratitude to all who help prepare our church for Easter.

May God bless all of you for your continued time, talent and generosity to our parish.

DONATION BOX:

The donation boxes have been removed from Infant Jesus of Prague because of Boardman Zoning Department request. We thank all of you who donated items. God bless you for your kindness

SANCTUARY CANDLES:

The Sanctuary candles will be lit for the entire week for your intentions.

For the week of April 9-15 the left sanctuary candle is for the health & well-being of Janice & David Hartzell on their 40th wedding anniversary and the right sanctuary candle is in memory of +Mary Hayer. Both candles are given by Mary Beth Hayer.

PASCHA:

(From the Resurrection Homily of Saint Gregory Nazianzus)

This is the Day of the Resurrection. Let us then keep the Festival with splendor, and I let us embrace one another. Let, us say Brethren, even to those who hate us; much more to those who have suffered out of love for us. Let us forgive all offences for the resurrection’s sake. Let I us give one another’s pardon, for the noble tyranny which I have suffered; and you who exercised it, if you had cause to blame my tardiness; for perhaps this tardiness may be more; precious in God’s sight than the haste of others. Yesterday, I was crucified with Him, today, I am glorified with Him. Yesterday, I died with Him, today, I am quickened with Him. Yesterday, I was buried with Him, today, I rise with Him. But let us offer to Him, who suffered and rose again for us, not the mere material of earth, which remains here below and is, for the most part, always possessed by bad men, slaves of the world and of the Prince of the world. Let us offer ourselves – the possession most precious to God, and most fitting. Let us give back to the Image what is made after the Image. Let us recognize our Dignity; let us honor our Archetype; let us know the power of the Mystery, and for whom Christ died. Let us give all, offer all, to Him Who gave Himself a Ransom and a Reconciliation for us. But one can give nothing like oneself, understanding the Mystery, and becoming for His sake all that He became for ours.”

CHRIST IS RISEN!

INDEED HE IS RISEN!

CHRSITOS VOSKRESE!VOISTINU VOSKRESE!

April 2, 2023 Bulletin

LITURGICAL SCHEDULE

 Sat. 1: 6:00 pm @ Infant Jesus

          Saturday of Lazarus

          +Andrew Swantek from

          family

Sun. 2: 9:00 am @ Infant Jesus

          Palm Sunday

          Living & Deceased Members

          Of the Altar & Rosary Society

Mon.3: 6:00 pm @ Infant Jesus

           Holy Monday

           Lenten Hours

Tues. 4: 6:00 pm @ St. Michael

          Holy Tuesday

          Pre-Sanctified Liturgy

          Followed by confession

Wed.5: 6:00 pm @ Infant Jesus

         Holy Wednesday

         Pre-Sanctified Liturgy

         Followed by Anointing with Holy

         Oil

Thurs. 6: 6:00 pm @ Infant Jesus

          Holy Thursday

          Divine Liturgy with Vespers

Fri. 7: 6:00 pm @ Infant Jesus

         Good Friday

         Vespers with Procession of the

         Holy Shroud

 Sat. 8: 7:00 pm @ Infant Jesus

          Holy Saturday

          Resurrection Matins followed by

          Blessings of Easter Baskets

Sun. 9: 9:00 am @ Infant Jesus

         Resurrection of Our Lord-Pascha

         +Mary Rotunno from Jerry &

         Mary Novak

        Blessings of Easter Baskets   

Collection Report

Week of 03/26/2023

$               1870.00     Offertory

$                 305.00     Holy Day

$                 263.00     Easter Candles

$                   60.00     Maintenance Fund

$               2498.00     TOTAL

Attendance from last week’s Liturgies:

Saturday:40

Sunday: 70

ON LINE: 7

PLEASE PRAY FOR THE HEALTH AND WELL-BEING OF OUR PARISHIONERS:

Richard Kuty, Pearl Tablack, Nina Zavatsky, Bernie Litwin & Joe Mistovich all at home. Dolores Schurko & Louise Macabobby at Hampton Wood and the rest of our parishioners who are in nursing homes.  May God grant to all the sick of our parish many blessed, happy and healthier years.

ATTENTION:

If any parishioner or family member is ill & would like to be on the pray list, or receive get-well wishes, call Karen or Kathy Kollar @330-272-1857.

ANNIVERSARY BOOKS:

Our 50th Anniversary are available to purchase for $15-please see Fr. Michael to purchase.  Those who generously donated and receive a free book, please see Fr. Michael or Paula Slemons.

ROSARY:

The Altar & Rosary Society will be praying the rosary THIS Sunday, April 2nd at 8:30 am. Everyone is welcomed.

CHILDREN’S EASTER EGG HUNT:

This Sunday is the Children’s Easter Egg Hunt for all children of the parish.

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS:

The Knights of Columbus are selling charity (raffle) tickets. Tickets are $5.00/ticket with total winnings over $108,000. 100% of all profits will be used for their council’s charities. Please see Fr. Michael for tickets.

SPAGHETTI DINNER:

St. Michael Byzantine Catholic Church, 405 Robinson Road in Campbell, is having a Dine-In or Take-Out Spaghetti Dinner this Sunday, Palm Sunday, April 2, 2023 from 12:00 (noon)-2:30 pm. Tickets are $12.00 per dinner and children under 10 are $6.00.  Walk-ins are also available.

SANCTUARY CANDLES:

The Sanctuary candles will be lit for the entire week for your intentions.

For the week of April 2-8 the left & right sanctuary candle is in memory of +Janice Salcedo from the Jonda and Slemons families.

PALM SUNDAY:

By St. Andrew of Crete

Let us go together to meet Christ on the Mount of Olives. Today he returns from Bethany and proceeds of his own free will toward his holy and blessed passion, to consummate the mystery of our salvation. He who came down from heaven to raise us from the depths of sin, to raise us with himself, we are told in Scripture, above every sovereignty, authority and power, and every other name that can be named, now comes of his own free will to make his journey to Jerusalem. He comes without pomp or ostentation. As the psalmist says: He will not dispute or raise his voice to make it heard in the streets. He will be meek and humble, and he will make his entry in simplicity. Let us run to accompany him as he hastens toward his passion, and imitate those who met him then, not by covering his path with garments, olive branches or palms, but by doing all we can to prostrate ourselves before him by being humble and by trying to live as he would wish. Then we shall be able to receive the Word at his coming, and God, who no limits can contain, will be within us. In his humility Christ entered the dark regions of our fallen world and he is glad that he became so humble for our sake, glad that he came and lived among us and shared in our nature in order to raise us up again to himself.

March 26, 2023 Bulletin

      LITURGICAL SCHEDULE

Sat. 25: 6:00 pm @ Infant Jesus

           Annunciation of the Theotokos

           +Mary Lynn Smerchansky

           From family

Sun. 26: 9:00 am @ Infant Jesus

           5th Sunday of the Great Fast

           Synaxis of the Archangel

           Gabriel

           +Mary Lou Kasper from

           Karen & Kathy Kollar

Mon. 27: NO LITURGY

Tues. 28: NO LITURGY

Wed. 29: 6:00 pm @ Infant Jesus

           Pre-Sanctified Liturgy

           Lenten Education Class to

           Follow

Thurs. 30: NO LITURGY

Fri. 31: 4:00 pm @ St. Nicholas           

Pre-Sanctified Liturgy

 Sat. 1: 6:00 pm @ Infant Jesus

           Saturday of Lazarus

           +Andrew Swantek from

           family

Sun. 2: 9:00 am @ Infant Jesus

           Palm Sunday

           Living & Deceased Members

           Of the Altar & Rosary Society

Collection Report

Week of 03/19/2023

$               1326.00     Offertory

$                   50.00     Easter Candles

$                   15.00     Maintenance Fund

$               1300.00     Easter

$                   20.00     Holiday Flowers

$                   41.00     Candles

$               2752.00     TOTAL

Attendance from last week’s Liturgies:

Saturday:31

Sunday: 60

ON LINE: 6

PLEASE PRAY FOR THE HEALTH AND WELL-BEING OF OUR PARISHIONERS:

Richard Kuty, Pearl Tablack, Nina Zavatsky, Bernie Litwin & Joe Mistovich all at home. Dolores Schurko & Louise Macabobby at Hampton Wood and the rest of our parishioners who are in nursing homes.  May God grant to all the sick of our parish many blessed, happy and healthier years.

ATTENTION:

If any parishioner or family member is ill & would like to be on the pray list, or receive get-well wishes, call Karen or Kathy Kollar @330-272-1857.

ANNIVERSARY BOOKS:

Our 50th Anniversary are available to purchase for $15-please see Fr. Michael to purchase.  Those who generously donated and receive a free book, please see Fr. Michael or Paula Slemons.

ROSARY:

The Altar & Rosary Society will be praying the rosary NEXT Sunday, April 2nd at 8:30 am. Everyone is welcomed.

CHILDREN’S EASTER EGG HUNT:

On April 2nd, Palm Sunday, the Altar and Rosary Society is sponsoring the children’s Easter Egg Hunt following 9:00 am Liturgy. All children 14 and under are welcomed to participate. Please sign up on the sheet in the vestibule.

DONATION BOX:

There is a yellow donation box in the parking lot by the pavilion for new/slightly used coats, clothing and shoes. These donations will be sent to the Ukraine to those affected by the war. Your donations are truly appreciated.

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS:

The Knights of Columbus are selling charity (raffle) tickets. Tickets are $5.00/ticket with total winnings over $108,000. 100% of all profits will be used for their council’s charities. Please see Fr. Michael for tickets.

SPAGHETTI DINNER:

St. Michael Byzantine Catholic Church, 405 Robinson Road in Campbell, is having a Dine-In or Take-Out Spaghetti Dinner on Palm Sunday, April 2, 2023 from 12:00 (noon)-2:30 pm. Tickets are $12.00 per dinner and children under 10 are $6.00. Please call (330) 770-9213 for guaranteed dinner tickets, walk-ins are also available.

HOLY WEEK LITURGICAL SCHEDULE:

Holy Monday: 6:00 pm-@ Infant Jesus-Lenten hours

Holy Tuesday: 6:00 pm @ St. Michael

In Campbell: Pre-Sanctified Liturgy followed by Confessions & Social in church hall.

Holy Wednesday-6:00pm @ Infant Jesus-Pre-Sanctified Liturgy followed by followed by Anointing with Holy oil

Holy Thursday: 6:00 pm @ InfantJesus. Divine Liturgy with Vespers

Holy Friday: 4:00 pm @St. Nicholas

                       6:00 pm @ Infant Jesus

Vespers with position of the Shroud

Holy Saturday: 4:00 pm @ St. Nicholas

                           7:00 pm @ Infant Jesus

Resurrection Matins follow by Blessings of the Easter Baskets

Resurrection of Our Lord (Pascha):

Easter Divine Liturgy

                          9:00 am @ Infant Jesus

                          11:00 am @ St. Nicholas                     

SANCTUARY CANDLES:

The Sanctuary candles will be lit for the entire week for your intentions.

For the week of March 26-April 1 the left & right sanctuary candle is in memory of +Paulette Kloes from the Jonda and Slemons families.

THE MISTAKEN PREMISE OF THEIR REQUEST.

CHRYSOSTOM: They were expecting him to enter into [the kingdom], but not to go to the cross and death. Even though they had heard it ten thousand times, they could not clearly understand. Since they had not gotten a clear and certain knowledge of his teachings, they thought that he was going to this visible kingdom and would rule in Jerusalem. So the sons of Zebedee caught up with him on the road. They thought they had found the opportune moment. They put their request to him. They had broken away from the throng of the disciples and, just as if the whole situation had turned out exactly as they wanted, they asked about the privilege of the first seats and about being first among the others. They asked for this because they assumed that everything was finished and the whole business was over and done with. They made their request because they thought that now was the time for crowns and rewards. ON THE INCOMPREHENSIBLE NATURE OF GOD 8.31.

March 19, 2023 Bulletin

LITURGICAL SCHEDULE

Sat. 18: 6:00 pm @ Infant Jesus

           4th All Souls Saturday

            +Paul Edward Swantek

            From Lori Swantek

Sun. 19: 9:00 am @ Infant Jesus

           4th Sunday of the Great Fast

           St. John Climacus

           + Leonard Slemons from

            Marge & Mike Secora

Mon. 20: NO LITURGY

Tues. 21: NO LITURGY

Wed. 22: 6:00 pm @ Infant Jesus

           Pre-Sanctified Liturgy

           Lenten Education Class to

           Follow

Thurs. 23: 10AM at Infant Jesus

Canon of Andrew of Crete

Fri. 24: 6:00 pm @ Infant Jesus

Eve of Annuciation of the Theotokos

H&W of Joe Sinowski and Family

 Sat. 25: 6:00 pm @ Infant Jesus

           Annunciation of the Theotokos

           +Mary Lynn Smerchansky

           From family

Sun. 26: 9:00 am @ Infant Jesus

           5th Sunday of the Great Fast

           Synaxis of the Archangel

           Gabriel

           +Mary Lou Kasper from

           Karen & Kathy Kollar

Collection Report

Week of 03/12/2023

$               2068.00     Offertory

$                   15.00     BCW

$                   25.00     Maintenance Fund

$                   20.00     Holiday Flowers

$                   46.00     Candles

$               2174.00    TOTAL

Attendance from last week’s Liturgies:

Saturday:31

Sunday: 50

ON LINE: 7

PLEASE PRAY FOR THE HEALTH AND WELL-BEING OF OUR PARISHIONERS:

Richard Kuty, Pearl Tablack, Nina Zavatsky, Bernie Litwin & Joe Mistovich all at home. Dolores Schurko & Louise Macabobby at Hampton Wood and the rest of our parishioners who are in nursing homes.  May God grant to all the sick of our parish many blessed, happy and healthier years.

ATTENTION:

If any parishioner or family member is ill & would like to be on the pray list, or receive get-well wishes, call Karen or Kathy Kollar @330-272-1857.

ROSARY:

The Altar & Rosary Society will be praying the rosary on Sunday, April 2nd at 8:30 am. Everyone is welcomed.

CHILDREN’S EASTER EGG HUNT:

On April 2nd, Palm Sunday, the Altar and Rosary Society is sponsoring the children’s Easter Egg Hunt following 9:00 am Liturgy. All children 14 and under are welcomed to participate. Please sign up on the sheet in the vestibule.

LENTEN EDUCATION CLASS:

This year, following all Wednesday Pre-Sanctified liturgies there will be again, a Lenten adult education class. All parishioners, family and friends are welcomed to learn about our Byzantine faith.

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS:

The Knights of Columbus are selling charity (raffle) tickets. Tickets are $5.00/ticket with total winnings over $108,000. 100% of all profits will be used for their council’s charities. Please see Fr. Michael for tickets.

SPAGHETTI DINNER:

St. Michael Byzantine Catholic Church, 405 Robinson Road in Campbell, is having a Dine-In or Take-Out Spaghetti Dinner on Palm Sunday, April 2, 2023 from 12:00 (noon)-2:30 pm. Tickets are $12.00 per dinner and children under 10 are $6.00. Please call (330) 770-9213 for guaranteed dinner tickets, walk-ins are also available.

SANCTUARY CANDLES:

The Sanctuary candles will be lit for the entire week for your intentions.

For the week of March 19-25, the left sanctuary candle is in memory of +Robert & +Donna Vrabel from son Robert. There is no request for the right sanctuary candle.

FOURTH SUNDAY OF GREAT LENT

Collegeville Bible Commentary

9:14-29 “I do believe! Help my unbelief!” The healing of the possessed boy is one of the longest miracle stories in Mark’s Gospel (only the expulsion of the demons in 5:1-20 is longer). It is also one of the more detailed stories, becoming a bit complicated in the repetition of some of those details (e.g., in v. 22 the father of the boy tells Jesus what he has already told him in v. 18; the crowd gathers twice within the same story in vv. 15 and 25). Despite its length and detail, there is a very clear and simple message that Mark wishes to convey: Anything is possible to one who trusts (v. 23), and trust is deepened by prayer (v. 29)! Although Jesus is the one who heals the boy (vv. 25-27), it is the father’s profession of faith that Mark holds up for his readers to imitate. Even in the most desperate moments, when prayer and trust seem useless, Jesus invites his followers to go one step further and pray like the boy’s father: “I do believe! Help my unbelief!” (v. 24). Perhaps the alert reader of the Gospel will hear the echoes of Jesus’ message all along (e.g., “Do not be afraid; just have faith” in 5:36; “Please, Lord, even the dogs under the table eat the children’s scraps” in 7:28), calling for a persistent and ever more radical trust in him. The same theme will carry over into the following passages, in which the total trust of little children becomes the model of what is needed to take part in the kingdom of God (9:35-37 and 10:13-16).

March 12, 2023 Bulletin

      LITURGICAL SCHEDULE

Sat. 11: 6:00 pm @ Infant Jesus

             3rd All Souls Saturday

              +Anna Mamone from Alan

             & Helen Mock

Sun. 12: 9:00 am @ Infant Jesus

             3rd Sunday of the Great Fast

             Veneration of the Cross

             + Joseph Kollar from Karen

             & Kathy Kollar

Mon. 13: NO LITURGY

Tues. 14: NO LITURGY

Wed. 15: 6:00 pm @ Infant Jesus

             Pre-Sanctified Liturgy

             Lenten Education Class to

             Follow

Thurs. 16: NO LITURGY

Fri. 17: 4:00 pm @ St. Nicholas

             Pre-Sanctified Liturgy

 Sat. 18: 6:00 pm @ Infant Jesus

             4th All Souls Saturday

              +Paul Edward Swantek

             From Lori Swantek

Sun. 19: 9:00 am @ Infant Jesus

             4th Sunday of the Great Fast

             St. John Climacus

             + Leonard Slemons from

             Marge & Mike Secora

Collection Report

Week of 03/05/2023

$               1768.00     Offertory

$                     5.00     Holy Day

$                 102.00     BCW

$                 417.00     Maintenance Fund

$                   30.00     Easter Candles

$                 259.29     Utility Offerings

$                 115.00     Holiday Flowers

$                   26.00     Candles

$               2717.29    TOTAL

Attendance from last week’s Liturgies:

Saturday:32

Sunday: 70

ON LINE: 8

PLEASE PRAY FOR THE HEALTH AND WELL-BEING OF OUR PARISHIONERS:

Richard Kuty, Pearl Tablack, Nina Zavatsky, Bernie Litwin & Joe Mistovich all at home. Dolores Schurko & Louise Macabobby at Hampton Wood and the rest of our parishioners who are in nursing homes.  May God grant to all the sick of our parish many blessed, happy and healthier years.

ATTENTION:

If any parishioner or family member is ill & would like to be on the pray list, or receive get-well wishes, call Karen or Kathy Kollar @330-272-1857.

ANNIVERSARY BOOKS:

Our 50th Anniversary are available to purchase for $15-please see Fr. Michael to purchase.  Those who generously donated and receive a free book, please see Fr. Michael or Paula Slemons.

SANCTUARY CANDLE:

The 2023 Sanctuary request sheet is available on the vestibule table.

CHILDREN’S EASTER EGG HUNT:

On April 2nd, Palm Sunday, the Altar and Rosary Society is sponsoring the children’s Easter Egg Hunt following 9:00 am Liturgy. All children 14 and under are welcomed to participate. Please sign up on the sheet in the vestibule.

LENTEN EDUCATION CLASS:

This year, following all Wednesday Pre-Sanctified liturgies there will be again, a Lenten adult education class. All parishioners, family and friends are welcomed to learn about our Byzantine faith.

DONATION BOX:

There is a yellow donation box in the parking lot by the pavilion for new/slightly used coats, clothing and shoes. These donations will be sent to the Ukraine to those affected by the war. Your donations are truly appreciated.

ROSARY:

The Altar & Rosary Society will be praying the rosary on Sunday, April 2nd at 8:30 am. Everyone is welcomed.

PARISHIONER NEWS:

Our beloved and long-time parishioner Mary Rotunno passed away this week. Private Funeral Service is planned for Monday. Our deepest sympathy to Mary’s family and friends. Blessed repose to his servant Mary.

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS:

The Knights of Columbus are selling charity (raffle) tickets. Tickets are $5.00/ticket with total winnings over $108,000. 100% of all profits will be used for their council’s charities. Please see Fr. Michael for tickets.

SANCTUARY CANDLES:

The Sanctuary candles will be lit for the entire week for your intentions.

For the week of March 12-18, the left sanctuary candle is in memory of +Joseph Kollar from Karen & Kathy Kollar. The right sanctuary candle is for the special intentions of Tillie Chachko.

The Foolish Cross is the Power of God

Every action of Christ glorifies the Church, but the cross is the glory above all glory. Paul understood that well when he said: ‘I will glory in nothing else but the cross of Christ.’ [cf. Gal. 6:14] That a blind man should have been able to regain his sight by the pool of Siloam is certainly a marvelous fact. But what does this single episode add up to, when you think of the blind all over the world? The resurrection of Lazarus who had already been dead four days was a miraculous event, overcoming all the forces of nature. But this favor granted to him alone could not be any comfort to all those who had died through their own sin. It was a miracle to feed the five thousand with five loaves. But what use could that be for all the ignorant people starved of truth? The glory of the cross, by contrast, has enlightened all those who were blinded by ignorance. It has set free all those who were slaves of sin. It has redeemed the whole human race. Let us glory in the cross of the Savior. ‘The word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.’ [1 Cor. 1:18]

By St. Cyril of Jerusalem – Catecheses, 13, 1ff. (PG 33, 772)

March 5, 2023 Bulletin

      LITURGICAL SCHEDULE

Sat. 4: 6:00 pm @ Infant Jesus

             2nd All Souls Saturday

              +Marian Dzurnak from

             Rosalie Krivan

Sun. 5: 9:00 am @ Infant Jesus

             2nd Sunday of the Great Fast

             Living & Deceased

             Members of the Altar &

             Rosary Society

Mon. 6: NO LITURGY

Tues. 7: NO LITURGY

Wed. 8: 6:00 pm @ Infant Jesus

             Pre-Sanctified Liturgy

             Lenten Education Class to

             Follow

Thurs. 9: NO LITURGY

Fri. 10: 4:00 pm @ St. Nicholas

            Pre-Sanctified Liturgy

 Sat. 11: 6:00 pm @ Infant Jesus

             3rd All Souls Saturday

              +Anna Mamone from Alan

             & Helen Mock

Sun. 12: 9:00 am @ Infant Jesus

             3rd Sunday of the Great Fast

             Veneration of the Cross

             + Joseph Kollar from Karen

             & Kathy Kollar

Collection Report

Week of 02/26/2023

$               2899.00     Offertory

$                 101.53     Utility Offerings

$                 255.00     Holiday Flowers

$                   31.00     Candles

$               3286.53    TOTAL

Attendance from last week’s Liturgies:

Saturday: 32

Sunday: 60

ON LINE: 8

PLEASE PRAY FOR THE HEALTH AND WELL-BEING OF OUR PARISHIONERS:

Richard Kuty, Pearl Tablack, & Nina Zavatsky & Bernie Litwin all at home. Mary Rotunno at Assumption, Dolores Schurko & Louise Macabobby at Hampton Wood and the rest of our parishioners who are in nursing homes.  May God grant to all the sick of our parish many blessed, happy and healthier years.

ATTENTION:

If any parishioner or family member is ill & would like to be on the pray list, or receive get-well wishes, call Karen or Kathy Kollar @330-272-1857.

ANNIVERSARY BOOKS:

Our 50th Anniversary are available to purchase for $15-please see Fr. Michael to purchase.  Those who generously donated and receive a free book, please see Fr. Michael or Paula Slemons.

SANCTUARY CANDLE:

The 2023 Sanctuary request sheet is available on the vestibule table.

CHILDREN’S EASTER EGG HUNT:

On April 2nd, Palm Sunday, the Altar and Rosary Society is sponsoring the children’s Easter Egg Hunt following 9:00 am Liturgy. All children 14 and under are welcomed to participate. Please sign up on the sheet in the vestibule.

LENTEN EDUCATION CLASS:

This year, following all Wednesday Pre-Sanctified liturgies there will be again, a Lenten adult education class. All parishioners, family and friends are welcomed to learn about our Byzantine faith.

DONATION BOX:

There is a yellow donation box in the parking lot by the pavilion for new/slightly used coats, clothing and shoes. These donations will be sent to the Ukraine to those affected by the war. Your donations are truly appreciated.

2022 FINANCIAL REPORT:

The 2022 financial reports are available on the vestibule table. As of 12/31/2022:

SAVINGS: $ 754,965.97

CHECKING: $ 47,237.29

We thank all parishioners for their continued support of our parish. May God bless all of our generous parishioners. .

Any questions, please see Fr. Michael or Greg Slemons.

PARISHIONER NEWS:

Congratulations to Francine and Adam Schuler on the birth of their daughter, Eliza Noelle, born on Tuesday February 28th.

Congratulations to Liam Buttry, son of Terry and Paula Buttry, who received his baptism/chrismation this Sunday.

May God bless both Eliza, Liam and their wonderful families with health, happiness and many blessed years!

ROSARY:

The Altar & Rosary Society will be praying the rosary THIS Sunday, March 5th at 8:30 am. Everyone is welcomed.

KNIGHT OF COLUMBUS CHARITY TICKET

Super Cash Bonanza. Total winnings over $108,000. Price for a ticket is $5

100% of the profits from these sales is used for our council’s charitable donations.

SANCTUARY CANDLES:

The Sanctuary candles will be lit for the entire week for your intentions.

For the week of March 5-11, there are no request for the sanctuary candles.

Four Virtues as four friends who helped paralytic

St. Bede

There are four virtues, by which a man is through an assured heart exalted so that he merits safety; which virtues some call prudence, fortitude, temperance, and justice. Again, they desire to bring the palsied man to Christ, but they are impeded on every side by the crowd which is between them, because often the soul desires to be renewed by the medicine of Divine grace, but through the sluggishness of the groveling body is held back by the hindrance of old custom. Oftentimes amidst the very sweetnesses of secret prayer, and, as it may be called, the pleasant converse with God, a crowd of thoughts, cutting off the clear vision of the mind, shuts out Christ from its sight. Let us not then remain in the lowest ground, where the crowds are bustling, but aim at the roof of the house, that is, the sublimity of the Holy Scripture, and meditate on the law of the Lord.

February 26, 2023 Bulletin

      LITURGICAL SCHEDULE

Sat. 25: 6:00 pm @ Infant Jesus

             Commemoration of the
              Miracle of the Great-Martyr

              Theodor

              +Paul Edward Swantek

             From Ann Vanyo

Sun. 26: 9:00 am @ Infant Jesus

             1st Sunday of the Great Fast

            +Michael Hritz Jr. from

            Mary & John Basista

Mon. 27: NO LITURGY

Tues. 28: NO LITURGY

Wed. 1: 6:00 pm @ Infant Jesus

             Pre-Sanctified Liturgy

             Lenten Education Class to

             Follow

Thurs. 2: NO LITURGY

Fri. 3: 4:00 pm @ St. Nicholas

            Pre-Sanctified Liturgy

            For increase in religious

            Vocations from Sacred Heart

            Society

Sat. 4: 6:00 pm @ Infant Jesus

             2nd All Souls Saturday

              +Marian Dzurnak from

             Rosalie Krivan

Sun. 5: 9:00 am @ Infant Jesus

             2nd Sunday of the Great Fast

             Living & Deceased

             Members of the Altar &

             Rosary Society

Collection Report

Week of 02/19/2023

$               1433.00     Offertory

$                     5.00     Holy Day

$                   90.00     Holiday Flowers

$                   67.00     Candles

$               1595.00     TOTAL

Attendance from last week’s Liturgies:

Saturday:28

Sunday: 70

ON LINE: 7

PLEASE PRAY FOR THE HEALTH AND WELL-BEING OF OUR PARISHIONERS:

Richard Kuty, Pearl Tablack, & Nina Zavatsky & Bernie Litwin all at home. Mary Rotunno at Assumption, Dolores Schurko & Louise Macabobby at Hampton Wood and the rest of our parishioners who are in nursing homes.  May God grant to all the sick of our parish many blessed, happy and healthier years.

ATTENTION:

If any parishioner or family member is ill & would like to be on the pray list, or receive get-well wishes, call Karen or Kathy Kollar @330-272-1857.

ANNIVERSARY BOOKS:

Our 50th Anniversary are available to purchase for $15-please see Fr. Michael to purchase.  Those who generously donated and receive a free book, please see Fr. Michael or Paula Slemons.

SANCTUARY CANDLE:

The 2023 Sanctuary request sheet is available on the vestibule table.

ROSARY:

The Altar & Rosary Society will again be praying the rosary NEXT Sunday, March 5th at 8:30 am. Everyone is welcomed.

LENTEN EDUCATION CLASS:

This year, following all Wednesday Pre-Sanctified liturgies there will be again, a Lenten adult education class. All parishioners, family and friends are welcomed to learn about our Byzantine faith.

DONATION BOX:

There is a yellow donation box in the parking lot by the pavilion for new/slightly used coats, clothing and shoes. These donations will be sent to the Ukraine to those affected by the war. Your donations are truly appreciated.

MAINTENANCE UPDATE:

The following is a report on how your maintenance contributions are being utilized. New commodes were installed this past week in both the women and men’s restrooms. Two new vacuum cleaners were purchased for our cleaning volunteers of the church. A new meter was installed at the gas well after the old one failed.  An evaluation was completed by a structural engineer firm on the church roof in order for us to move forward on a possible replacement/repair of the dome. We truly appreciate your continued contributions to our maintenance fund.

2022 FINANCILA REPORT:

The 2022 financial reports are available on the vestibule table. As of 12/31/2022:

We thank all parishioners for their continued support of our parish. May God bless all of you with health, happiness and many blessed years.

Any questions, please see Fr. Michael or Greg Slemons.

LENTEN ETHNIC FOOD SALE:

St. Michael Byzantine Catholic Church,

2140 Highland Road in Hermitage is holding Lenten Ethnic Food Sale on Wednesday, March 8th from 3:00pm-5:00pm. PRE-ORDERS ONLY! All food is homemade which includes frozen potato-cheese, sauerkraut or prune pierohi for $9.00/dozen and 1 quart fresh halushki-also $9.00. Call Bill @ 724-962-4618 or Christine @ 724-866-0058 to place an order.

SANCTUARY CANDLES:

The Sanctuary candles will be lit for the entire week for your intentions.

For the week of February 26-March 4, there are request for the sanctuary candles.

Is the Veneration of Images Justified?

St John Damascene

Some people reprove us for honoring images of the Savior, of the Mother of God and other holy servants of Christ. But let them think for a moment. In the beginning God created humanity in his own image. Why ever should we have such respect for one another, if not because we are made in the image of God? In Basil’s words, ‘the honor paid to the image is in reality paid to its prototype,’ that is to say, to what the image represents. Thus, the Jewish people revered the Tabernacle because that, much more than the rest of creation, was an image of God. The making and the veneration of images are not a novelty. They are based on a very ancient tradition. God made the first human being as an image of himself. Abraham, Moses, Isaiah and all the prophets saw God, not in his true being, but in his image. The burning bush was an image of the Mother of God. When Moses wanted to approach, God said to him: ‘Put off your shoes from your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.’ [Exod. 3:5] If the ground on which Moses saw the image of the Mother of God was holy, how much more holy will the image itself be!

February 19, 2023 Bulletin

      LITURGICAL SCHEDULE

Sat. 18: 6:00 pm @ Infant Jesus

             +Tom &Kay Urdea from

             family

Sun. 19: 9:00 am @ Infant Jesus

             Sunday of Cheese-Fare

             +Patricia Flaherty from

             Tillie & Elaine Chachko

Mon. 20:6:00 pm @ Infant Jesus

             First Day of the Great Fast

             Service for the beginning of

             The Great Lent

Tues. 21: NO LITURGY

Wed. 22: 6:00 pm @ Infant Jesus

             Pre-Sanctified Liturgy

             Lenten Education Class to

             Follow

Thurs. 23: NO LITURGY

Fri. 24: 4:00 pm @ St. Nicholas

              Pre-Sanctified Liturgy

Sat. 25: 6:00 pm @ Infant Jesus

             Commemoration of the
              Miracle of the Great-Martyr

              Theodor

              +Paul Edward Swantek

             From Ann Vanyo

Sun. 26: 9:00 am @ Infant Jesus

             1st Sunday of the Great Fast

            +Michael Hritz Jr. from

            Mary & John Basista

Collection Report

Week of 02/12/2023

$               1221.00     Offertory

$                   10.00     Holy Day

$                   25.00     Maintenance Fund

$                   31.00     Candles

$               1287.00    TOTAL

Attendance from last week’s Liturgies:

Saturday:27

Sunday: 50

ON LINE: 6

PLEASE PRAY FOR THE HEALTH AND WELL-BEING OF OUR PARISHIONERS:

Richard Kuty, Pearl Tablack, & Nina Zavatsky & Bernie Litwin all at home. Mary Rotunno at Assumption, Dolores Schurko & Louise Macabobby at Hampton Wood and the rest of our parishioners who are in nursing homes.  May God grant to all the sick of our parish many blessed, happy and healthier years.

ATTENTION:

If any parishioner or family member is ill & would like to be on the pray list, or receive get-well wishes, call Karen or Kathy Kollar @330-272-1857.

ANNIVERSARY BOOKS:

Our 50th Anniversary are available to purchase for $15-please see Fr. Michael to purchase.  Those who generously donated and receive a free book, please see Fr. Michael or Paula Slemons.

SANCTUARY CANDLE:

The 2023 Sanctuary request sheet is available on the vestibule table.

ROSARY:

The Altar & Rosary Society will again be praying the rosary Sunday, March 5th at 8:30 am. Everyone is welcomed.

BIRTHDAY & ANNIVERSARIES:

We are updating our records and if you would like to have your birthday or anniversary in the bulletin, please fill out the forms in the vestibule and drop in the collection basket.

REGULATIONS FOR THE GREAT FAST:

The Great Lent begins THIS MONDAY February 20th, the following are Lenten restrictions.

STRICT ABSTINENCE: (fast) is toobserved on Pure Monday, February 20th-the 1st day of the Great Fast & on Great & Holy Friday, April 7th. This includes no use or consumption of all meats, eggs and dairy products.

SIMPLE ABSTINENCE: Thisforbids the use of meat on all Wednesdays & Fridays during the Great fast but allows eggs and dairy products.

LENTEN EDUCATION CLASS:

This year, following all Wednesday Pre-Sanctified liturgies there will be again, a Lenten adult education class. All parishioners, family and friends are welcomed to learn about our Byzantine faith. Classes begin this Wednesday, February 22.

DONATION BOX:

There is a yellow donation box in the parking lot by the pavilion for new/slightly used coats, clothing and shoes. These donations will be sent to the Ukraine to those affected by the war. Your donations are truly appreciated.

MAINTENANCE UPDATE:

The following is a report on how your maintenance contributions are being utilized. New commodes were installed this past week in both the women and men’s restrooms. Two new vacuum cleaners were purchased for our cleaning volunteers of the church. A new meter was installed at the gas well after the old one failed.  An evaluation was completed by a structural engineer firm on the church roof in order for us to move forward on a possible replacement/repair of the dome. We truly appreciate your continued contributions to our maintenance fund.

LENTEN ETHNIC FOOD SALE:

St. Michael Byzantine Catholic Church,

2140 Highland Road in Hermitage is holding Lenten Ethnic Food Sale on Wednesday, March 8th from 3:00pm-5:00pm. PRE-ORDERS ONLY! All food is homemade which includes frozen potato-cheese, sauerkraut or prune pierohi for $9.00/dozen and 1 quart fresh halushki-also $9.00. Call Bill @ 724-962-4618 or Christine @ 724-866-0058 to place an order.

SANCTUARY CANDLES:

The Sanctuary candles will be lit for the entire week for your intentions.

For the week of February 19-25, the right and the left sanctuary candles are for the health & well-being of Paulette Kloes from the Jonda and Slemons families.

CHEESEFARE:

Why We Should Fast

By St. Isaac the Syrian

If the lawyer Himself fasts, how can any of those who have to obey the Law, be exempt from fasting? This is why the human race knew no victory before fasting, and the devil was never defeated by our nature as it is: but this weapon has indeed deprived the devil of strength from the outset. As soon as the devil sees someone possessed of this weapon, fear straightway falls on this adversary and tormentor of ours, who remembers and thinks of his defeat by the Savior in the wilderness; his strength is at once destroyed and the sight of the weapon, given us by the Supreme Leader, burns him up. A man armed with the weapon of fasting is always afire with zeal. He who remains therein, keeps his mind steadfast and ready to meet and repel all violent passions.

February 12, 2023 Bulletin

LITURGICAL SCHEDULE

Sat. 11: 6:00 pm @ Infant Jesus

             1st All Souls Saturday

            +Marion Dzurnak from

            Anonymous

Sun. 12: 9:00 am @ Infant Jesus

             Sunday of Meat-Fare

             +Mary Lou Kasper from

             Joseph & Mary Sinowski

Mon. 13: NO LITURGY

Tues. 14: NO LITURGY

Wed. 15: NO LITURGY

Thurs. 16: NO LITURGY

Fri. 17: NO LITURGY

Sat. 18: 6:00 pm @ Infant Jesus

             +Tom &Kay Urdea from

             family

Sun. 19: 9:00 am @ Infant Jesus

             Sunday ofCheese-Fare

             +Patricia Flaherty from

             Tillie & Elaine Chachko

Collection Report

Week of 02/5/2023

$               1932.00     Offertory

$                 289.00     Holy Day

$                 525.00     Maintenance Fund

$                 319.84     Utility offerings

$                     7.00     BWC refund

$                   30.00     Easter flowers

$                   10.00     Initial Offering

$                   98.00     Candles

$               3210.84    TOTAL

Attendance from last week’s Liturgies:

Saturday:23

Sunday: 67

ON LINE: 9

PLEASE PRAY FOR THE HEALTH AND WELL-BEING OF OUR PARISHIONERS:

Richard Kuty, Pearl Tablack, & Nina Zavatsky & Bernie Litwin all at home. Mary Rotunno at Assumption, Dolores Schurko & Louise Macabobby at Hampton Wood and the rest of our parishioners who are in nursing homes.  May God grant to all the sick of our parish many blessed, happy and healthier years.

ATTENTION:

If any parishioner or family member is ill & would like to be on the pray list, or receive get-well wishes, call Karen or Kathy Kollar @330-272-1857.

ANNIVERSARY BOOKS:

Our 50th Anniversary are available to purchase for $15-please see Fr. Michael to purchase.  Those who generously donated and receive a free book, please see Fr. Michael or Paula Slemons.

SANCTUARY CANDLE:

The 2023 Sanctuary request sheet is available on the vestibule table.

ROSARY:

The Altar & Rosary Society will again be praying the rosary Sunday, March 5th at 8:30 am. Everyone is welcomed.

BIRTHDAY & ANNIVERSARIES:

We are updating our records and if you would like to have your birthday or anniversary in the bulletin, please fill out the forms in the vestibule and drop in the collection basket.

REGULATIONS FOR THE GREAT FAST:

The Great Lent begins on February 20th, the following are Lenten restrictions.

STRICT ABSTINENCE: (fast) is toobserved on Pure Monday, February 20th-the 1st day of the Great Fast & on Great & Holy Friday, April 7th. This includes no use or consumption of all meats, eggs and dairy products.

SIMPLE ABSTINENCE: Thisforbids the use of meat on all Wednesdays & Fridays during the Great fast but allows eggs and dairy products.

LENTEN EDUCATION CLASS:

This year, following all Wednesday Pre-Sanctified liturgies there will be again, a Lenten adult education class. All parishioners, family and friends are welcomed to learn about our Byzantine faith. Classes begin this Wednesday, February 22.

DONATION BOX:

There is a yellow donation box in the parking lot by the pavilion for new/slightly used coats, clothing and shoes. These donations will be sent to the Ukraine to those affected by the war. Your donations are truly appreciated.

ECF CLASSES:

ECF classes for children of our parish have resumed on Sundays following 9:00 am liturgy. 

LENTEN ETHNIC FOOD SALE:

St. Michael Byzantine Catholic Church,

2140 Highland Road in Hermitage is holding Lenten Ethnic Food Sale on Wednesday, March 8th from 3:00pm-5:00pm. PRE-ORDERS ONLY! All food is homemade which includes frozen potato-cheese, sauerkraut or prune pierohi for $9.00/dozen and 1 quart fresh halushki-also $9.00. Call Bill @ 724-962-4618 or Christine @ 724-866-0058 to place an order.

SAVE THE DATE:

The Tenth Annual Women’s Retreat will be held on February 24-26, 2023 @ Our Lady of the Pines Retreat Center in Freemont, Ohio. Contact Joan Washburn for further information @ 865-696-7809.

The Second Annual Men’s Retreat will be on March 10-12, 2023 at the same place. Contact Ken Busam for further information @ 419-626-6811.

Save the Date Cards are on the vestibule table and both events are sponsored by St. Mary Byzantine Catholic Church in Marblehead. Ohio.

SANCTUARY CANDLES:

The Sanctuary candles will be lit for the entire week for your intentions.

For the week of February 12-18, the   right sanctuary candle is in memory of +Matt Kloes from the Jonda and Slemons families. The left sanctuary candle is for the health and well-being of Paulette Kloes from Bob & Millie Jonda.

And your Clothing will be Pure Wool

By St. Cyril of Jerusalem – Catecheses, 15, 24ff. (PG 33, 904)

Jesus said: ‘When the Son of man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. Before him will be gathered all the nations . . . ‘ [Matt. 25:31-32] The entire human race will be there. Think only of those who have lived down the centuries from Adam till today: an immense crowd. Besides them, the angels will be there too. It is impossible not to feel awestruck. And aside from the punishment to which we may be condemned, the idea that God will judge us in front of so many witnesses is frightening. Jesus goes on to say: ‘The Son of man will separate them one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.’ [Matt. 25:32] How will he set about separating them? Will he leaf through some sort of register? No. He will judge on the basis of what he sees. Wool characterizes sheep: a shaggy wrinkled skin marks goat by contrast. You, if you have been cleansed from your sins, will put on clothing woven from your holy deeds, and that clothing will be pure wool.

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