Infant Jesus of Prague Byzantine Catholic Church

      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

           5^th 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 50^th 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 2^nd, 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.

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

           4^th 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

           5^th 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 2^nd, 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).

      LITURGICAL SCHEDULE

Sat. 11: 6:00 pm @ Infant Jesus

             3^rd All Souls Saturday

              +Anna Mamone from Alan

             & Helen Mock

Sun. 12: 9:00 am @ Infant Jesus

             3^rd 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

             4^th 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 50^th 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 2^nd, 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)

      LITURGICAL SCHEDULE

Sat. 4: 6:00 pm @ Infant Jesus

             2^nd All Souls Saturday

              +Marian Dzurnak from

             Rosalie Krivan

Sun. 5: 9:00 am @ Infant Jesus

             2^nd 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

             3^rd All Souls Saturday

              +Anna Mamone from Alan

             & Helen Mock

Sun. 12: 9:00 am @ Infant Jesus

             3^rd 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 50^th 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 2^nd, 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 28^th.

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 5^th 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.

      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

             1^st 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

             2^nd All Souls Saturday

              +Marian Dzurnak from

             Rosalie Krivan

Sun. 5: 9:00 am @ Infant Jesus

             2^nd 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 50^th 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 5^th 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 8^th 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!

      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

             1^st 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 50^th 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 5^th 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 20^th, the following are Lenten restrictions.

STRICT ABSTINENCE: (fast) is toobserved on Pure Monday, February 20^th-the 1^st day of the Great Fast & on Great & Holy Friday, April 7^th. 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 8^th 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.

LITURGICAL SCHEDULE

Sat. 11: 6:00 pm @ Infant Jesus

             1^st 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 50^th 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 5^th 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 20^th, the following are Lenten restrictions.

STRICT ABSTINENCE: (fast) is toobserved on Pure Monday, February 20^th-the 1^st day of the Great Fast & on Great & Holy Friday, April 7^th. 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 8^th 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.

      LITURGICAL SCHEDULE

Sat. 4: 6:00 pm @ Infant Jesus

            +Anna Mamone from Bob &

            Stephanie Sheely

Sun. 5: 9:00 am @ Infant Jesus

             Sunday of the Prodigal Son

             Living & Deceased

             Members of the Altar &

             Rosary Society

Mon. 6: NO LITURGY

Tues. 7: NO LITURGY

Wed. 8: NO LITURGY

Thurs. 9: NO LITURGY

Fri. 10: NO LITURGY

Sat. 11: 6:00 pm @ Infant Jesus

             1^st 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

Collection Report

Week of 01/29/2023

$               1564.00     Offertory

$                 115.00     Holy Day

$                     9.00     Maintenance Fund

$                     3.00     Initial Offering

$                   31.00     Candles

$               1722.00     TOTAL

Attendance from last week’s Liturgies:

Saturday: 36

Sunday: 51

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 50^th 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.

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.

HRAMOTY:

First All-Souls Saturday is February 11^th, please submit your Hramoty intentions by THIS SUNDAY, February 5^th.

LITURGICAL CALENDARS:

The liturgical calendars for 2023 are available in the vestibule. If you would like a calendar for your home, please take one.

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.

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 CANDLE:

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

ROSARY:

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

ECF CLASSES:

ECF classes for children of our parish will resume on THIS SUNDAY February 5^th following 9:00 am liturgy. 

END OF YEAR STATEMENTS:

If any parishioners would like their end of year financial statements, there is a sign-up sheet in the vestibule or call Paula @ (330)799-5983.  Your statements will be available the following week.

SANCTUARY CANDLES:

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

For the week of February 5th-11th, the   right sanctuary candle is for the Pankewiez family from the Lenyk family.. There are no requests for the left sanctuary candle.

THE FATHER WELCOMES THE PRODIGAL TO THE DIVINE FEAST AS A SON.

ATHANASIUS, FESTAL LETER 7:

Then he shall get up, come to his father, and confess to him, “I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me like one of your hired servants.”

When he confesses like chat, he will be considered worthy of more than that for which he prayed. His father neither takes him in like a hired servant nor treats him like a stranger. Oh no, he kisses him as a son. He accepts him as a dead man come back to life again. He counts him worthy of the divine feast and gives him the precious garment he once wore,

Now there is singing and joy in the father’s home. What happened is the result of the Father’s grace and loving kindness. Not only does he bring his son back from death, but also through the Spirit he clearly shows his grace. To replace corruption, he clothes him with an in-corruptible robe. To satisfy hunger, he kills the fatted calf. The Father provides shoes for his feet so that he will not travel far away again. Most wonderful of all, he puts a divine signet ring upon his hand. By all these things, he begets him anew in the image of the glory of Christ. FESTAL LETER 7.

      LITURGICAL SCHEDULE

Sat. 28: 6:00 pm @ Infant Jesus

            +Paul Edward Swantek

            From family

Sun. 29: 9:00 am @ Infant Jesus

             Sunday of Publican and

             Pharisee

             +Joseph Hritz from

             Byzantine Social Club

Mon. 30: 6:00 pm @ Infant Jesus

             Three Holy Hierarchs

             For the parishioners

Wed. Feb. 1 6:00 pm @ Infant Jesus

              Meeting of Our Lord with

              Simeon and Anna

        BLESSING OF CANDLES

              +Anthony “Randy”

              Krispinsky from David &

              Tammy Demiduk

Fri. 3: 9:00 am @ Infant Jesus

              Synaxis of the holy

              Prophets Simeon and Anna

              For the Living & Deceased

              Members of the Sacred

              Heart Society 

Sat. 4: 6:00 pm @ Infant Jesus

            +Anna Mamone from Bob &

            Stephanie Sheely

Sun. 5: 9:00 am @ Infant Jesus

             Sunday of the Prodigal Son

             Living & Deceased

             Members of the Altar &

             Rosary Society

Collection Report

Week of 01/22/2023

$               1318.00     Offertory

$                   15.00     Maintenance Fund

$                   10.00     Initial Offering

$                   41.00     Candles

$               1384.00     TOTAL

Attendance from last week’s Liturgies:

Saturday: 23

Sunday: 64

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 50^th 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, February 5^th at 8:30 am. Everyone is welcomed.

HRAMOTY:

First All-Souls Saturday is February 11^th, please submit your Hramoty intentions by February 5^th.

LITURGICAL CALENDARS:

The liturgical calendars for 2023 are available in the vestibule. If you would like a calendar for your home, please take one.

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.

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.

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.

ST. MARY’S SUPER BINGO

Saturday March 4, 2023 at St. Mary’s Social Hall will be a Super Bingo. Tickets are $45 for 24card + 1 special. Door are open at 3pm, start at 5pm.

For info call 330-793-8163

ECF CLASSES:

ECF classes for children of our parish will resume on February 5^th following 9:00 am liturgy. 

END OF YEAR STATEMENTS:

If any parishioners would like their end of year financial statements, there is a sign-up sheet in the vestibule or call Paula @ (330)799-5983.  Your statements will be available the following week.

SANCTUARY CANDLES:

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

For the week of January 29-Feb. 4, the   right sanctuary candle is the special intentions of Tillie Chachko. There are no requests for the left sanctuary candle.

PUBLICAN AND PHARISEE SUNDAY

By St. Gregory Palamas

THE unseen patron of evil is full of evil ingenuity. Right at the beginning he can drag away, by means of hopelessness and lack of faith, the foundations of virtue already laid in the soul. Again, by means of indifference and laziness, he can make an attempt on the walls of virtue’s house just when they are being built up. Or he can bring down the roof of good works after its construction, by means of pride and madness. But stand firm, do not he alarmed, for a diligent man is even more ingenious in good things, and virtue has superior forces to deploy against evil. It has at its disposal supplies and support in battle from Him Who is all-powerful, Who in His goodness strengthens all lovers of virtue. So not only can virtue remain unshaken by the various wicked devices prepared by the enemy, but it can also lift up and restore those fallen into the depths of evil, and easily lead them to God by repentance and humility.

 LITURGICAL SCHEDULE

Sat. 21: 6:00 pm @ Infant Jesus

            +Thomas & Kay Urdea

            From family

Sun. 22: 9:00 am @ Infant Jesus

             Sunday of Zaccheus

            +Leonard Slemons from

             Byzantine Social Club

Mon. 23: NO LITURGY

Tues. 24: NO LITURGY

Wed. 25: NO LITURGY

Thurs. 26: NO LITURGY

Fri. 27: NO LITURGY

Sat. 28: 6:00 pm @ Infant Jesus

            +Paul Edward Swantek

            From family

Sun. 29: 9:00 am @ Infant Jesus

             Sunday of Publican and

             Pharisee

             +Joseph Hritz from

             Byzantine Social Club

Collection Report

Week of 01/15/2023

$               1438.00     Offertory

$                   40.00     Holy Day

$                   85.00     Maintenance Fund

$                   38.00     Initial Offering

$                   60.00     Candles

$               1661.00     TOTAL

Attendance from last week’s Liturgies:

Saturday: 24

Sunday: 60

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 50^th 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 on Sunday, February 5^th at 8:30 am. Everyone is welcomed.

HRAMOTY:

First All-Souls Saturday is February 11^th, please submit your Hramoty intentions by February 5^th.

LITURGICAL CALENDARS:

The liturgical calendars for 2023 are available in the vestibule. If you would  like a calendar for your home, please take one.

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.

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.

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.

THANK YOU:

Thank you to all who stayed last Sunday and took down our Christmas decorations. As always, your time and help are greatly appreciated. God bless all of our wonderful parishioners.

END OF YEAR STATEMENTS:

If any parishioners would like their end of year financial statements, there is a sign-up sheet in the vestibule or call Paula @ (330)799-5983.  Your statements will be available the following week.

SANCTUARY CANDLES:

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

For the week of January 22-28, the   left sanctuary candle is in memory of +Helen Hrosar and the right sanctuary candle is in memory of +Stephen Jonda both from Bob & Millie Jonda.

To See Christ.

Cyril of Alexandria: Come and let us see what was the method of Zacchaeus’s conversion. He desired to see Jesus and therefore climbed into a sycamore tree, and so a seed of salvation sprouted within him. Christ saw this with the eyes of deity. Looking up, he also saw Zacchaeus with the eyes of humanity, and since it was his purpose for all to be saved, he extends his gentleness to him. To encourage him, he says, “Come down quickly.” Zacchaeus searched to see Christ, but the multitude prevented him, not so much that of the people but of his sins. He was short of stature, not merely in a bodily point of view but also spiritually. He could not see him unless he were raised up from the earth and climbed into the sycamore, by which Christ was about to pass. The story contains a puzzle. In no other way can a person see Christ and believe in him except by climbing up into the sycamore, by making foolish his earthly members of fornication, uncleanness, etc. commentary on Luke, homily 127.