LITURGICAL SCHEDULE

Sat. 8: 6:00 pm @ Infant Jesus

For the parishioners

Sun. 9:9:00 am @ Infant Jesus

11^th Sunday after Pentecost

+Msgr. Alexis Mihalik from

Paul & Mary Kasper

Mon. 10: 9:00 am @ Infant Jesus

Special Intentions

Tues. 11: 9:00 am @ Infant Jesus

Special Intentions

Wed. 12: NO LITURGY

Thurs. 13: 9:00 am @ Infant Jesus

Special Intentions

Fri. 14:6:00 pm @ Infant Jesus

Vigil of The Dormition of the Holy Theotokos

Blessing of Flowers

Sat. 15: 6:00 pm @ Infant Jesus

+Sharon Mulichak from Gene,

Matt & family

Sun. 16:9:00 am @ Infant Jesus

12^th Sunday after Pentecost

+Bernadette Litwin from Ken

Litwin

Collection Report

Week of 08/2/2026

$ 1832.00 Sunday Offering

$ 75.00 Holy Day

$ 435.00 Maintenance Fund

$ 130.00 Candles________

$ 2472.00 TOTAL

Attendance from last week’s Liturgies:

Saturday: 44

Sunday: 65

On –Line: 1

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

Terrence Terleck Jr. at Continuing Healthcare of Boardman, Nina Zavatsky at home, and the rest of our parishioners who are ill or 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, please notify Fr. Michael or Paula.

ROSARY:

The Altar & Rosary Society will be praying the rosaryAGAIN on SUNDAY September 6th at8:30 am. Everyone is welcomed.

YOUNG ADULT PILGRIMAGE:

On September 26, 2026, there will be a Young Adult Pilgrimage sponsored by our Archeparchy at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon, in North Jackson. Single or married, ages 18-39, are all welcomed. The day begins at 9:15 am with confessions followed by Divine Liturgy at 10:00 am with Archbishop William. Full schedule will be announced as date gets closer.

ECG CLASSES:

ECF classes will be resuming for all school aged children (pre-school-high school). There is a sign-up sheet in the vestibule. Please sign up your children so our teachers will have a count. Thank you and looking forward to another wonderful year!!

CORN ROAST:

Mark your calendars, we will be having a Corn Roast on September 13^th at 3:00 pm in the church pavilion. There is a sign-up sheet in the vestibule. More information will be coming. We hope everyone can attend to help close the summer season!!!

PILGRIMAGES:

The 61^st Annual Feast of the Assumption will be held NEXT WEEK August 13^th -15^th at The Basilica & national Shrine of Our lady of Lebanon in North Jackson. Please see their website for further details.

The 92^nd Annual Pilgrimage in Honor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help will be held at Mount St. Macrina in Uniontown on September 4-7, 2026.This event is hosted by our Sisters of St. Basil the Great. Please see their website or the BCW for more information.

BLESSING OF STUDENTS & TEACHERS:

As the new school year is about to begin, Father Michael will be blessing all students and teachers next weekend (August 15^th & 16^th) following all liturgies.

CANDLES:

The Sanctuary candles will belit for the entire week for your intentions.

For the week of August 9-15, 2026, there are no requests for the sanctuary candles.

“Forgive Us Our Trespasses”

By St Cyprian of Carthage

On the Lord’s Prayer

How necessary, how providential, how salutary that we are reminded that we are sinners, since we have to beg for forgiveness, and while we ask for God’s pardon, we are reminded of our own consciousness of guilt! Just in case anyone should think himself innocent and, by thus exalting himself, should more utterly perish, he is taught and instructed that he sins every day, since he is commanded to pray daily for forgiveness.

This is what John warns us in his epistle: If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us; but if we confess our sins, the Lord is faithful and just and will forgive us. In his epistle he combines two things, first, that we ought to beg for mercy because of our sins and second, that we will receive forgiveness when we ask for it. This is why he says that the Lord is faithful to forgive sins, keeping faith with what he promised; because he who taught us to pray for our debts and sins has promised that his fatherly mercy and pardon will follow.

LITURGICAL SCHEDULE

Sat. 1: 6:00 pm @ Infant Jesus

+Clara Hritz from Ron

Hamrock

Sun. 2:9:00 am @ Infant Jesus

10^th Sunday after Pentecost

Living & Deceased members

Of the Altar & Rosary Society

Mon. 3: 9:00 am @ Infant Jesus

Special Intentions

Tues. 4: 9:00 am @ Infant Jesus

Special Intentions

Wed. 5: NO LITURGY

Thurs. 6: 6:00 pm @ Infant Jesus

Transfiguration of Our Lord

For the parishioners

Blessing of fruit

Fri. 7: 9:00 am @ Infant Jesus

Special Intentions

Sat. 8: 6:00 pm @ Infant Jesus

For the parishioners

Mirovanie – Anointing

Sun. 9:9:00 am @ Infant Jesus

11^th Sunday after Pentecost

+Msgr. Alexis Mihalik from

Paul & Mary Kasper

Mirovanie – Anointing

Collection Report

Week of 07/26/2026

$ 2023.00 Sunday Offering

$ 140.00 Holy Day

$ 300.00 Maintenance Fund

$ 54.00 Candles________

$ 2514.00 TOTAL

Attendance from last week’s Liturgies:

Saturday: 52

Sunday: 81

On –Line: 1

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

Terrence Terleck Jr. at Continuing Healthcare of Boardman, Nina Zavatsky at home, and the rest of our parishioners who are ill or 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, please notify Fr. Michael or Paula.

ROSARY:

The Altar & Rosary Society will be praying the rosaryAGAIN NEXT SUNDAYSeptember 6th at8:30 am. Everyone is welcomed.

YOUNG ADULT PILGRIMAGE:

On September 26, 2026, there will be a Young Adult Pilgrimage sponsored by our Archeparchy at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon, in North Jackson. Single or married, ages 18-39, are all welcomed. The day begins at 9:15 am with confessions followed by Divine Liturgy at 10:00 am with Archbishop William. Full schedule will be announced as date gets closer.

ECG CLASSES:

ECF classes will be resuming in for all school aged children (pre-school-high school). There is a sign-up sheet in the vestibule. Please sign up your children so our teachers will have a count. Thank you and looking forward to another wonderful year!!

PILGRIMAGES:

The 61^st Annual Feast of the Assumption will be held August 13^th -15^th at The Basilica & national Shrine of Our lady of Lebanon in North Jackson. Please see their website for further details.

The 92^nd Annual Pilgrimage in Honor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help will be held at Mount St. Macrina in Uniontown on September 4-7, 2026.This event is hosted by our Sisters of St. Basil the Great. Please see their website or the BCW for more information.

CANDLES:

The Sanctuary candles will belit for the entire week for your intentions.

For the week of August 2-8, 2026, the left sanctuary candle is for the special intentions of Michael Terleck. The right sanctuary candle is in memory of Matilda (Tillie) Chachko from her family.

Say To this Mountain; Move.

St. John Chrysostom:

The disciples seem to me to be in anxiety and fear that they had lost the grace with which they had been entrusted. For they had received power over unclean demons. So they approached him in private and asked him the question, not out of shame (for if the matter had got out and they were criticised, it would have been superfluous for the future to have been ashamed of admitting it in their words) but because what they were going to ask him was secret and of great moment.

What, then, does Christ say? “Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith as a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to you.” But if you say “Where did they move a mountain?” I will say that they did things much greater than that in raising up innumerable dead. For moving a mountain and moving death from a body are not at all comparable. After them other saints, far inferior to the disciples, are said to have moved mountains when necessity demanded. It is clear that the disciples also would have done so had necessity demanded. But if there was never need at that time, do not find fault with them. The gospel of Matthew, homily 57.4.

LITURGICAL SCHEDULE

Sat. 18: 6:00 pm @ Infant Jesus

+Msgr. Alexis Mihalik from

Mary & Jerry Novak

Blessing of vehicles

Sun. 19: 9:00 am @Infant Jesus

Sunday of the Fathers of the

Six Ecumenical Councils

+Bernadette Litwin from Ken

Litwin

Blessing of vehicles

Mon. 20: 6:00 pm @ Infant Jesus

Elijah the Prophet

For the parishioners

Tues. 21: 9:00 am @ Infant Jesus

Special Intentions

Wed. 22: NO LITURGY

Thurs. 23: 9:00 am @ Infant Jesus

Special Intentions

Fri. 24: 9:00 am @ Infant Jesus

Special Intentions

Sat. 25: 6:00 pm @ Infant Jesus

Dormition of Anna

+Janice Salcedo from Family

Sun. 26:9:00 am @ Infant Jesus

9^th Sunday after Pentecost

+Dolores Schurko from

Family

Collection Report

Week of 07/12/2026

$ 2071.00 Sunday Offering

$ 4.00 Holy Day

$ 24.00 Maintenance Fund

$ 64.00 Candles________

$ 2163.00 TOTAL

Attendance from last week’s Liturgies:

Saturday: 55

Sunday: 65

On –Line: 1

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

Nina Zavatsky at home, and the rest of our parishioners who are ill or 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, please notify Fr. Michael or Paula.

ROSARY:

The Altar & Rosary Society will be praying the rosaryAGAIN SUNDAYAugust 2nd at8:30 am. Everyone is welcomed.

CELEBRATION OF MARRIAGE:

The Archdiocese of Pittsburgh will again be honouring the couples who are celebrating significant year anniversaries of their marriage this year on Sunday, September 20, 2026, at St. Elias Church in Pittsburgh. Couples who are celebrating 10, 15,20,25,30, 35, 40, 45, 50 or additional years that are multiples are five during this year of 2026 will be honoured. If unable to attend, certificates will be sent to the couples. Please notify Paula Slemons @ (330) 799-5983 by NEXT SUNDAY, July 26th so the information can be given to the Chancery

CHURCH PICNIC:

REMINDER: –CHURCH PICNIC IS TODAY SUNDAY, JULY 19^{th at} 3:00 pm in the church pavilion.

PARISHIONER NEWS:

Congratulations to our parishioners, Britney & Joseph Craycraft on the birth of their son, Ronnie Reid on July 9^th. Ronnie is the grandson of Mark & Annamarie Jonda and great-grandson of Mildred Jonda. May God grant Ronnie and his beautiful family health, happiness and many blessed years!

PILGRIM OF THE VIRGIN STATUE OF OUR LADY OF FATIMA:

The Statue of our Blessed Mother will be at St. Mary’s Byzantine Church on belle Vista from 3:30-4:15 followed by Divine Liturgy at 4:30. Guest speaker will be Catherine Moran. The Forgotten and abandoned Request-the First Saturdays of reparation-100th anniversary

CANDLES:

The Sanctuary candles will belit for the entire week for your intentions.

For the week of July 19-25, 2026, the left sanctuary candle is in memory of +Lora Opsitnik from Sheely Family. The right sanctuary candle is in memory of +Fredrick +Helen Brill from family.

St. Nicholas Banquet Hall Surplus Sale!

Commercial Kitchen • Banquet Supplies • Bingo Supplies •  Glassware, China, Silverware • Holiday Décor & More!

As part of our renovation project to transform our small hall into a beautiful chapel, we are reducing our stored inventory and offering a variety of surplus items for sale.

Sale Dates:

• Saturday, July 25 | 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
• Saturday, August 1 | 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Items include:

• Banquet supplies
• Restaurant equipment
• Glassware, Dishes, Silverware
• Appliances
• Bingo Supplies
• Tools
• Christmas decorations
• Kitchen items
• miscellaneous treasures

Cash Only

Please note: We are renovating our facility and no longer have storage space for these surplus items. This is a great opportunity to find useful items while supporting our parish and its ongoing improvements.

If you can volunteer to help with set-up on Friday, July 24 (10 a.m. until 2 p.m.) or at either day of the sale,

please contact JoAnn Stock at 330-519-0395 or at 330=782-6388.  We are also in need of boxes and newspaper to wrap any fragile items.

Thank you!

Mt. 14;13-14 Jesus Has Compassion on the Throng

To a lonely place apart. Chrysostom: We see him on many occasions “departing.” We see this when John was imprisoned’ and killed and when the Jews heard that he was making more disciples. For it was his will to live his life in an ordinary rhythm of interaction and solitude. The time had not yet come for him to reveal his divine glory plainly. This is why Jesus told his disciples to “tell no one that he is the Christ. “His will was that this should be better known after his resurrection. During this time he was not very severe with those who were obstinate in their unbelief. Rather, he was prone to be indulgent with them.

On retiring, he departs not into a city but into a wilderness. He leaves in a boat so that no one would follow him.

But note how the disciples of John had by now become more attached to Jesus. For it was they who told him of the event. They in fact had left everything and taken refuge in John. In their calamity Jesus makes provision for them, and in doing so he does them no small benevolence.

But why did he not withdraw before they brought the news to him? Didn’t Jesus know the fact of John’s death even before they reported it to him? He did not want to make his identity known at this point. The divine economy did not require it. For it was not by his appearance only but by his actions that Jesus would have his identity confirmed. He knew the devil’s craft and that he would leavenothing undone to destroy Christ’s revelation.

This is why Jesus withdrew. But the crowds do not withdraw from him. They try to follow him, as if riveted to him. Not even John’s tragic end diverted or frightened them. So great a thing is earnest desire, so great a thing is love, that it overcomes and dispels all dangers. The Gospel of Matthew, homily 49.

LITURGICAL SCHEDULE

Sat. 11: 6:00 pm @ Infant Jesus

+Michael & +Helen Volsko

From Michael & Debbie

Volsko

Sun. 12:9:00 am @ Infant Jesus

7th Sunday after Pentecost

+Sharon Mulichak from Bri

&Joe Winiecki

Mon. 13: 9:00 am @ Infant Jesus

Special Intentions

Tues. 14: 9:00 am @ Infant Jesus

Special Intentions

Wed. 15: 9:00 am @ Infant Jesus

Special Intentions

Thurs. 16: NO LITURGY

Fri. 17: 9:00 am @ Infant Jesus

Special Intentions

Sat. 18: 6:00 pm @ Infant Jesus

+Msgr. Alexis Mihalik from

Mary & Jerry Novak

Sun. 19:9:00 am @ Infant Jesus

Sunday of the fathers of the

Six Ecumenical Councils

+Bernadette Litwin from Ken

Litwin

Collection Report

Week of 07/04/2026

$ 2134.00 Sunday Offering

$ 345.00 Holy Day

$ 50.00 Maintenance Fund

$ 102.75 Candles________

$ 2631.75 TOTAL

Attendance from last week’s Liturgies:

Saturday: 26

Sunday: 64

On –Line: 3

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

Nina Zavatsky at home, and the rest of our parishioners who are ill or 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, please notify Fr. Michael or Paula.

ROSARY:

The Altar & Rosary Society will be praying the rosaryAGAIN SUNDAYAugust 2nd at8:30 am. Everyone is welcomed.

CELEBRATION OF MARRIAGE:

The Archdiocese of Pittsburgh will again be honouring the couples who are celebrating significant year anniversaries of their marriage this year on Sunday, September 20, 2026, at St. Elias Church in Pittsburgh. Couples who are celebrating 10, 15,20,25,30, 35, 40, 45, 50 or additional years that are multiples are five during this year of 2026 will be honoured. If unable to attend, certificates will be sent to the couples. Please notify Paula Slemons @ (330) 799-5983 by July 26th so the information can be given to the Chancery

CHURCH PICNIC:

Please mark your calendars for the-CHURCH PICNIC NEXT SUNDAY, JULY 19^{th at} 3:00 pm in the church pavilion. Hot dogs, hamburgers, condiments and beverages will be provided. We ask that everyone please their favorite side dish or dessert. We are planning on having corn hole tournaments, kids games and activities with prizes for the winners. There will be a small Chinese auction, guessing game and 50/50. We are also hoping to have a bounce house for the children. There is a sign-up sheet in the vestibule. We hope to see you all there!!

CONDOLENCES:

Our long-time and beloved parishioner Tillie Chachko passed away on July 4^th. Her services were this past Friday. Our deepest sympathy and prayers to Tillie’s family and friends. She will be missed. Blessed repose to his servant +Tillie.

Pilgrim Virgin Statue of Our Lady of Fatima

Saturday August 1st 3:30-4:15 Divine Liturgy at 4:30 at St. Mary’s Byzantine Church on Bel Vista Ave.

The statue of our Blessed Mother Mary will be at St. Mary Church (in the church)

Guest speaker Catherine Moran

The Forgotten and abandoned Request – the 5 first Saturdays of reparation – One hundredth anniversary

CANDLES:

The Sanctuary candles will belit for the entire week for your intentions.

For the week of July 12-18, 2026, +Monsignor Alexis Mihalick – Right candle, +Matilda “Tillie” Chachko – Left Candle

9:32 A Demoniac Brought to Jesus

Chrysostom: For the condition was not a natural one but was the scheme of a demon. It is also for this reason that the man needs others to lead him to Jesus. For he could not make a request by himself, because he was unable to speak; and he also could not petition others, because the demon had bound his tongue and along with his tongue had shackled his soul. Because of this Jesus did not even demand faith from him but immediately corrected the man’s disorder. For it says, “After the demon had been cast out, the mute person spoke.”

“And the crowds were amazed, saying, It has never been seen this way in Israel.’ ” This statement especially bothered the Pharisees, because the crowds placed Jesus before everyone else— not merely before people who lived at that time but even before all who had ever lived. And they put him first, not because he was healing people but because he healed easily; he healed quickly;

he healed countless cases of disease; he healed diseases that were incurable. Hence the people reacted in this way. The gospel of Matthew, homily 32.I.

LITURGICAL SCHEDULE

Sat. 4: 6:00 pm @ Infant Jesus

Independence Day

For the parishioners

Sun. 5:9:00 am @ Infant Jesus

6th Sunday after Pentecost

Living & Deceased Members

Of the Altar & Rosary Society

Mon. 6: NO LITURGY

Tues. 7: 9:00 am @ Infant Jesus

H&W of Rocco Melia

Wed. 8: 9:00 am @ Infant Jesus

H&W of Rocco Melia

Thurs. 9: 9:00 am @ Infant Jesus

H&W of Terry Terleck

Fri. 10:10:00 am @ Infant Jesus

H&W of Soccorsi Family

Sat. 11: 6:00 pm @ Infant Jesus

+Michael & +Helen Volsko

From Debbie & Michael

Volsko

Sun. 12:9:00 am @ Infant Jesus

7th Sunday after Pentecost

+Sharon Mulichak from Bri

& Joe Winiecki

Collection Report

Week of 06/28/2026

$ 2134.00 Sunday Offering

$ 345.00 Holy Day

$ 50.00 Maintenance Fund

$ 102.75 Candles________

$ 2631.75 TOTAL

Attendance from last week’s Liturgies:

Saturday: 38

Sunday: 58

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

Nina Zavatsky at home, Tillie Chachko at Aventura at Assumption Village, David Hritz at Windsor House in Canfield and the rest of our parishioners who are ill or 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, please notify Fr. Michael or Paula.

ROSARY:

The Altar & Rosary Society will be praying the rosaryAGAIN SUNDAYAugust 2nd at8:30 am. Everyone is welcomed.

CELEBRATION OF MARRIAGE:

The Archdiocese of Pittsburgh will again be honouring the couples who are celebrating significant year anniversaries of their marriage this year on Sunday, September 20, 2026 at St. Elias Church in Pittsburgh. Couples who are celebrating 10, 15,20,25,30, 35, 40, 45, 50 or additional years that are multiples are five during this year of 2026 will be honoured. If unable to attend, certificates will be sent to the couples. Please notify Paula Slemons @ (330) 799-5983 by July 26th so the information can be given to the Chancery

CHURCH PICNIC:

Please mark your calendars for the-CHURCH PICNIC on SUNDAY, JULY 19^{th at} 3:00 pm in the church pavilion. Hot dogs, hamburgers, condiments and beverages will be provided. We ask that everyone please their favorite side dish or dessert. We are planning on having corn hole tournaments, kids games and activities with prizes for the winners. There will be a small Chinese auction, guessing game and 50/50. We are also hoping to have a bounce house for the children. There is a sign-up sheet in the vestibule. We hope to see you all there!!

THANK YOU:

A sincere appreciation to Ken Litwin, Paul Kasper, Joe Rudinec and Bob Sheely who repaired our church sign in this hot weather. It looks beautiful.

Also, thank you to Jerry & Mary Novak who donated storage shelves for our party supplies.

May God bless all of them for their hard work, time, talent and continued support to our parish!

INDEPENDENCE DAY:

We wish all parishioners, families and friends a Happy 4^th of July weekend. As we celebrate 250 years of the USA, may God bless our beautiful country!

CANDLES:

The Sanctuary candles will belit for the entire week for your intentions.

For the week of July 5-11, 2026 there are no requests for the sanctuary candle.

July 4 th

A Prayer for the USA on Independence Day:

Heavenly Father and Creator of the universe, in a country of diverse voices, help us find unity in your wisdom. Grant our leaders the insight to make decisions that uphold the values that make our nation great. As citizens, guide us in our conversations and interactions that we may engage each other in respect and understanding. Celebrating the anniversary of our independence, let your wisdom shine through as we navigate challenges and opportunities now and in the future.

For you are holy, now and ever and forever. Amen!

       LITURGICAL SCHEDULE

Sat. 27: 6:00 pm @ Infant Jesus

         Mike Virostek Sr. from Mike

         Virostek Jr. & Phyllis Virostek

Sun. 28: 9:00 am @ Infant Jesus

          5th Sunday after Pentecost

          +Sharon Mulichak from

          Tammy Cardarell

Mon. 29: 6:00 pm @ Infant Jesus

          Peter & Paul Prime Apostles

          Holy Day of Obligation

          For the parishioners

Tues. 30: 12:00 pm @ Infant Jesus

           Funeral for Clara Hritz

Wed. 1: NO LITURGY

Thurs. 2: 9:00 am @ Infant Jesus

Fri. 3:10:00 am @ Infant Jesus

          Divine Liturgy for 250 years

          Of the USA

Sat. 4: 6:00 pm @ Infant Jesus

          Independence Day

          For the parishioners

Sun. 5: 9:00 am @ Infant Jesus

          6th Sunday after Pentecost

          Living & Deceased Members

          Of the Altar & Rosary Society

Collection Report

Week of 06/21/2026

$          1832.00   Sunday Offering

$              50.00   Holy Day

$              77.00   Candles________

$         1959.00    TOTAL

Attendance from last week’s Liturgies:

Saturday: 40

Sunday: 64

On –Line: 1

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

 Nina Zavatsky at home, Tillie Chachko at Aventura at Assumption Village and the rest of our parishioners who are ill or 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, please notify Fr. Michael or Paula.

ROSARY:

The Altar & Rosary Society will be praying the rosary AGAIN NEXT SUNDAYJULY 5^th at 8:30 am. Everyone is welcomed.

MAINTENANCE UPDATE:

The following improvements have been done to the church and rectory.

The side walk was replaced on the right side of the church for a cost of $6, 256.00.

Father Michael, his father-in-law Taras and Andrij torn down and rebuilt the deck in the back of rectory. A roof will next be installed and the final cost of supplies for will be given at that time.

We thank all parishioners for their continued support and generosity to our maintenance fund.

CHURCH PICNIC:

Please mark your calendars for the-CHURCH PICNIC on SUNDAY, JULY 19^{th at} 3:00 pm in the church pavilion. Hot dogs, hamburgers, condiments and beverages will be provided. We ask that everyone please their favorite side dish or dessert. We are planning a corn hole tournament and kids activities. More information will be forthcoming on the activities. There is a sign-up sheet in the vestibule. We hope to see you all there!!

CELEBRATION OF MARRIAGE:

The Archdiocese of Pittsburgh will again be honouring the couples who are celebrating significant year anniversaries of their marriage this year on Sunday, September 20, 2026 at St. Elias Church in Pittsburgh. Couples who are celebrating 10, 15,20,25,30, 35, 40, 45, 50 or additional years that are multiples are five during this year of 2026 will be honoured. If unable to attend, certificates will be sent to the couples. Please notify Paula Slemons @ (330) 799-5983 by July 26th so the information can be given to the Chancery

PARISHIONER NEWS:

Our long time parishioner Clara Hritz passed away this week. Calling hours are Tuesday, June 30^th at Fox Funeral Home from 10:00 am-11:15 am and Divine Liturgy is at 12:00 pm at Infant Jesus. Our deepest sympathy to her family and friends. Blessed repose to his servant Clara.

SIMPLY SLAVIC FEASTIVAL:

The annual Simply Slavic Heritage Festival will be held THIS Saturday , June 27 (12:00 noon-midnight) and NEW Sunday, June 28^th (11:00 am -5:00 pm) at Youngstown Foundation Amphitheatre near W. Front Street in Downtown Youngstown.  Homemade ethnic food, folk dance performances, live ethnic & polka music and more. Admission is $5.00, children 12 and under are free.

CANDLES:

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

For the week of June 28-July 4, 2026 the left sanctuary candle is in memory of +Helen & +Louis Hayer from Mary Beth Hayer and Janice & David Hartzell. The right sanctuary candle is in memory of +William & +Violet Novak from Bill Novak & Dan Magulick.

5^th Sunday After Pentecost

Mt. 8:28-34. Two Demoniacs at Gadara. Told in greatly abbreviated form (cf. Mark 5:1-20), this tale of the demons being driven out of a man—here 2 men, in keeping with Matt.’s tendency to double the figures—and into a herd of swine lays emphasis on 3 factors: (a) the demons’ recognition of Jesus’ power over them; (b) the authority of Jesus’ word (Go!); (c) the rejection by the people, who ask him to leave their vicinity. The vivid detail of Mark has been eliminated in order to bring out these points.

ST. JOHN CHRYSOSTOM; Or; Luke and Mark chose to speak of one who was more grievously afflicted; whence also they add a further description of his calamity; Luke saying that he broke his bonds and was driven into the desert; Mark telling that he often cut himself with stones. But they neither of them say that there was only one, which would be to contradict Matthew. What is added respecting them that they came from among the tombs, alludes to a mischievous opinion, that the souls of the dead become demons. Thus many soothsayers use to kill children, that they may have their souls to cooperate with them; and demoniacs also often cry out, I am the spirit of such an one. But it is not the soul of the dead man that then cries out, the demon assumes his voice to deceive the hearers. For if the soul of a dead man has power to enter the body of another, much more might it enter its own. And it is more unreasonable to suppose that a soul that has suffered cruelty should cooperate with him that injured it, or that a man should have power to change an incorporeal being into a different kind of substance, such as a human soul into the substance of a demon. For even in material body, this is beyond human power; as, for example, no man can change the body of a man into that of an ass. And it is not reasonable to think that a disembodied spirit should wander to and fro on the earth. The souls of the righteous are in the hand of God, therefore those of young children must be so, seeing they are not evil. And the souls of sinners are at once conveyed away from hence, as is clear from Lazarus, and the rich man. Because none dared to bring them to Christ because of their fierceness therefore Christ goes to them. This fierceness is intimated when it is added, Exceeding fierce, so that no man might pass that way. So they who hindered all others from passing that way, found one now standing in their way. For they were tortured in an unseen manner, suffering intolerable things from the mere presence of Christ. And, lo they cried out, saying, What have we to do with you, Jesus, you son of David?

       LITURGICAL SCHEDULE

Sat. 20: 6:00 pm @ Infant Jesus

         +Janice Salcedo from family

Sun. 21: 9:00 am @ Infant Jesus

          4th Sunday after Pentecost

          Father’s Day

          +Bernadette Litwin from her

          Husband Ken Litwin

Mon. 22: 9:00 am @ Infant Jesus

Tues. 23: 9:00 am @ Infant Jesus

Wed. 24: 6:00 m @ Infant Jesus

           Birth of John the Baptist

           For the parishioners

Thurs. 25: 9:00 am @ Infant Jesus

Fri. 26: NO LITURGY

Sat. 27: 6:00 pm @ Infant Jesus

         Mike Virostek Sr. from Mike

         Virostek Jr. & Phyllis Virostek

Sun. 21: 9:00 am @ Infant Jesus

          5th Sunday after Pentecost

          +Sharon Mulichak from

          Tammy Cardarell

Happy Birthday: Terry Buttry-June 11^th, Michele Straub-June 14^th, Karen Kollar-June 22, Ralph Rivera-June 23^rd.

Happy Anniversary: John A. & Mary Ann Basista –June 1^st, Gary & Christine Valko-June 19^th.

If any parishioner would like their birthday or anniversary added to the bulletin, please contact Paula Slemons @ (330) 799-5983.

Collection Report

Week of 06/14/2026

$          2532.00   Sunday Offering

$            279.00   Maintenance Fund

$              10.00   Holy Day

$            147.15   Utility Offering

$              93.00   Candles________

$          3061.15  TOTAL

Attendance from last week’s Liturgies:

Saturday: 50

Sunday: 48

On –Line: 1

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

 Nina Zavatsky at home, Tillie Chachko at Aventura at Assumption Village and the rest of our parishioners who are ill or 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, please notify Fr. Michael or Paula.

ROSARY:

The Altar & Rosary Society will be praying the rosary AGAIN on SUNDAYJULY 5^th at 8:30 am. Everyone is welcomed.

BYZANTINE SOCIAL CLUB:

The Byzantine Social Club invites ALL parishioners to join. Dues is $10/person. The social club meets on the last Wednesday of every month (attendance is optionally) for socialization and plan events for our church like picnics, etc. It is a wonderful way to meet our parishioners.

CHURCH PICNIC:

Please mark your calendars for the-CHURCH PICNIC on SUNDAY, JULY 19^{th at} 3:00 pm in the church pavilion. Hot dogs, hamburgers, condiments and beverages will be provided. We ask that everyone please their favorite side dish or dessert. We are planning a corn hole tournament and kids activities. More information will be forthcoming on the activities. There is a sign-up sheet in the vestibule. We hope to see you all there!!

CELEBRATION OF MARRIAGE:

The Archdiocese of Pittsburgh will again be honouring the couples who are celebrating significant year anniversaries of their marriage this year on Sunday, September 20, 2026 at St. Elias Church in Pittsburgh. Couples who are celebrating 10, 15,20,25,30, 35, 40, 45, 50 or additional years that are multiples are five during this year of 2026 will be honoured. If unable to attend, certificates will be sent to the couples. Please notify Paula Slemons @ (330) 799-5983 by July 26th so the information can be given to the Chancery

SIMPLY SLAVIC FEASTIVAL:

The annual Simply Slavic Heritage Festival will be held NEXT Friday, June 26 (5:00 pm-11:00 pm), Saturday , June 27 (12:00 noon-midnight) and NEW Sunday, June 28^th (11:00 am -5:00 pm) at Youngstown Foundation Amphitheatre near W. Front Street in Downtown Youngstown.  Homemade ethnic food, folk dance performances, live ethnic & polka music and more. Admission is $5.00, children 12 and under are free.

FATHER’S DAY:

We wish all fathers, grandfathers, godfathers, father-in-law’s a very Happy Father’s Day. May God bless all with a wonderful day, heath happiness and many blessed years.

After liturgy, we are giving flowers to all fathers.

CANDLES:

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

For the week of June 21-27, 2026 the left sanctuary candle is in memory of +Richard Kuty Sr. from Barbara Kuty. There is no request for the right sanctuary candle.

Mt. 8:5 A Centurion Beseeches Jesus

The centurion expected THE healing.

Chrysostom: Some argue that the centurion, by his description, implied the reason why he had not brought his servant to Jesus, saying, “Lord, my servant is lying paralyzed at home, in terrible distress,” as though he was at his last gasp, or even, as Luke said, he was “at the point of death.” In my opinion, however, the reason he had not brought him in was itself a signofhis great faith, even much greater than those who let the patient down through the roof.Because the centurion knew for certain that even a mere command was enough for raising the servant up, he thought it unnecessaryto bring him. the gospel of Matthew, Homily 26.1

       LITURGICAL SCHEDULE

Sat. 13: 6:00 pm @ Infant Jesus

          For the parishioners

Sun. 14: 9:00 am @ Infant Jesus

          3^rd Sunday after Pentecost

          +Msgr. Alexis Mihalik from

            Family

Mon. 15: NO LITURGY

Tues. 16: NO LITURGY

Wed. 17: NO LITURGY

Thurs. 18: NO LITURGY

Fri. 19: NO LITURGY

Sat. 20: 6:00 pm @ Infant Jesus

         +Janice Salcedo from family

Sun. 21: 9:00 am @ Infant Jesus

          4th Sunday after Pentecost

          Father’s Day

          +Bernadette Litwin from her

          Husband Ken Litwin

Collection Report

Week of 06/07/2026

$          1715.00   Sunday Offering

$            580.00   Maintenance Fund

$              50.00   Holy Day

$              95.00   Peter’s Pence

$              53.00   Candles________

$          2493.00   TOTAL

Attendance from last week’s Liturgies:

Saturday: 42

Sunday: 64

On –Line: 3

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

 Nina Zavatsky at home, Tillie Chachko at Aventura at Assumption Village and the rest of our parishioners who are ill or 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, please notify Fr. Michael or Paula.

ROSARY:

The Altar & Rosary Society will be praying the rosary AGAIN on SUNDAY JULY 5^th at 8:30 am. Everyone is welcomed.

BYZANTINE SOCIAL CLUB:

The Byzantine Social Club invites ALL parishioners to join. Dues is $10/person. The social club meets on the last Wednesday of every month (attendance is optionally) for socialization and plan events for our church like picnics, etc. It is a wonderful way to meet our parishioners. Please note, parishioners can join at any time of the year.

CHURCH PICNIC:

Please mark your calendars for the-CHURCH PICNIC on SUNDAY, JULY 19^{th at} 3:00 pm in the church pavilion. Hot dogs, hamburgers, condiments and beverages will be provided. We ask that everyone please their favorite side dish or dessert. We are planning a corn hole tournament and kids activities. More information will be forthcoming on the activities. There is a sign-up sheet in the vestibule. We hope to see you all there!!

CELEBRATION OF MARRIAGE:

The Archdiocese of Pittsburgh will again be honouring the couples who are celebrating significant year anniversaries of their marriage this year on Sunday, September 20, 2026 at St. Elias Church in Pittsburgh. Couples who are celebrating 10, 15,20,25,30, 35, 40, 45, 50 or additional years that are multiples are five during this year of 2026 will be honoured. If unable to attend, certificates will be sent to the couples. Please notify Paula Slemons @ (330) 799-5983 by July 26th so the information can be given to the Chancery

ANNOUNCEMENT:

Father Michael will be out of town June 14^th-19^th. Any emergency, please contact Father Michael on his cell phone.

SIMPLY SLAVIC FEASTIVAL:

The annual Simply Slavic Heritage Festival will be held on Friday, June 26 (5:00 pm-11:00 pm), Saturday , June 27 (12:00 noon-midnight) and NEW Sunday, June 28^th (11:00 am -5:00 pm) at Youngstown Foundation Amphitheatre near W. Front Street in Downtown Youngstown.  Homemade ethnic food, folk dance performances, live ethnic & polka music and more. Admission is $5.00, children 12 and under are free.

FATHER’S DAY:

Next Sunday is Father’s Day, and all fathers, grandfathers, godfathers will be receiving flowers following liturgy next weekend.

CANDLES:

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

For the week of June 14-20, 2026 there are no requests for the sanctuary candles.

ENDS AND MEANS. AUGUSTINE: At first, Jesus makes it abundantly clear that these things are not to be sought as if they were for us the kind of blessings for the sake of which we ought to make all our actions good actions but that they are necessities, nevertheless. Then Jesus says, “Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things shall be yours as well.” In this sentence he clearly shows the difference between a good that ought to be sought as an end and a value that ought to be seen as a means. Our final good is therefore the kingdom of God and his justice. We ought to seek this good and fix our aim upon it. Let us perform all our actions for the sake of it. Yet, since we are waging war in this life in order to be able to reach that kingdom and since this life cannot be maintained unless those necessities are supplied, he says, “These things shall be given you besides, but seek you first the kingdom of God and his justice.” SERMON ON THE MOUNT 2.I6.53.

       LITURGICAL SCHEDULE

Sat. 6: 6:00 pm @ Infant Jesus

          +Anna Marie Bednar from

          Joe Rudinec

Sun. 7: 9:00 am @ Infant Jesus

          2^nd Sunday after Pentecost

          Living & Deceased Members

          Of the Altar & Rosary Society

Mon. 8: 9:00 am @ Infant Jesus

          Special Intention

Tues. 9: 9:00 am @ Infant Jesus

          Special Intention

Wed. 10: NO LITURGY

Thurs. 11:9:00 am @ Infant Jesus

          Special Intention          

Fri. 12: 9:00 am @ Infant Jesus

          Special Intention

Sat. 13: 6:00 pm @ Infant Jesus

          For the parishioners

Sun. 14: 9:00 am @ Infant Jesus

          3^rd Sunday after Pentecost

          +Msgr. Alexis Mihalik from

            Family

Collection Report

Week of 05/31/2026

$          1538.00   Sunday Offering-Pentecost

$            140.00   Maintenance Fund

$              60.00   Holy Day

$              20.00   Peter’s Pence

$            250.00   Seminary Collection

$              59.00   Candles________

$          2067.00   TOTAL

Attendance from last week’s Liturgies:

Saturday: 49

Sunday: 61

On –Line: 2

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

 Nina Zavatsky at home, Tillie Chachko at Greenbrier in Boardman and the rest of our parishioners who are ill or 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, please notify Fr. Michael or Paula.

ROSARY:

The Altar & Rosary Society will be praying the rosary AGAIN on SUNDAY JULY 5^th at 8:30 am. Everyone is welcomed.

BYZANTINE SOCIAL CLUB:

The Byzantine Social Club invites ALL parishioners to join. Dues is $10/person. The social club meets on the last Wednesday of every month (attendance is optionally) for socialization and plan events for our church like picnics, etc. It is a wonderful way to meet our parishioners.

CHURCH PICNIC:

Please mark your calendars for the-CHURCH PICNIC on SUNDAY, JULY 19^{th at} 3:00 pm in the church pavilion. Hot dogs, hamburgers, condiments and beverages will be provided. We ask that everyone please their favorite side dish or dessert. We are planning a corn hole tournament and kids activities. More information will be forthcoming on the activities. There is a sign-up sheet in the vestibule. We hope to see you all there!!

CELEBRATION OF MARRIAGE:

The Archdiocese of Pittsburgh will again be honouring the couples who are celebrating significant year anniversaries of their marriage this year on Sunday, September 20, 2026 at St. Elias Church in Pittsburgh. Couples who are celebrating 10, 15,20,25,30, 35, 40, 45, 50 or additional years that are multiples are five during this year of 2026 will be honoured. If unable to attend, certificates will be sent to the couples. Please notify Paula Slemons @ (330) 799-5983 by July 26th so the information can be given to the Chancery

ANNOUNCEMENT:

Father Michael will be out of town June 14^th-19^th. Sunday liturgy will still be at 9:00 am on June 14^th with Father Lambert. Any emergency, please contact Father Michael on his cell phone.

SIMPLY SLAVIC FEASTIVAL:

The annual Simply Slavic Heritage Festival will be held on Friday, June 26 (5:00 pm-11:00 pm), Saturday, June 27 (12:00 noon-midnight) and NEW Sunday, June 28^th (11:00 am -5:00 pm) at Youngstown Foundation Amphitheatre near W. Front Street in Downtown Youngstown.  Homemade ethnic food, folk dance performances, live ethnic & polka music and more. Admission is $5.00, children 12 and under are free.

GRADUATES:

If there are any parishioners who have graduated from high school or college, please notified Fr. Michael or Paula, we would love to acknowledge your accomplishments.

THANK YOU:

Thank you to Paul Kasper, Ken Litwin and Bob Sheely who made a new grill rack and cover for our grill in the pavilion. God bless you for tour time, talent and continued support of our parish.

CANDLES:

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

For the week of June 7-13, 2026 there are no requests for the sanctuary candles.

2^nd SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

Commentary: by Basil of Seleucia

Spurred on by the testimony of John the Baptist, the glorious apostle Andrew left his teacher and ran to the one pointed out by him. John’s words were his signal, and, moving more swiftly than John could speak, he approached the master with obvious longing, his companion, John the Evangelist running beside him. Both had left the lamp to come to the sun.

Andrew was the first to become an apostle. It was he who opened the gates of Christ’s teaching. He was the first to gather the fruits cultivated by the prophets, and he surpassed the hopes of all by being the first to embrace the one awaited by all. He was the first to show that the precepts of the law were in force only for a limited time. He was the first to embrace the one awaited by all. He was the first to show that the precepts of the law were in force only for a limited time. He was the first to restrain the tongue of Moses, for he would not allow it to speak after Christ had come. Yet he was not rebuked for this, because he did not dishonor the teacher of the Jews, but honored more the sender than the one sent. In fact Andrew was seen to be the first to honor Moses, because he was the first to recognize the one he foretold when he said: The Lord God will raise up for you from among your kindred a prophet like myself. Listen to him. Andrew set the law aside in obedience to the law. He listened to Moses who said: Listen to him. He listened to John who cried out: Behold the Lamb of God, and of his own accord went to the one pointed out to him.

Having recognized the prophet foretold by the prophets, Andrew led his brother to the one he had found. To Peter, who was still in ignorance, he revealed the treasure: We have found the Messiah for whom we were longing. How many sleepless nights we spent beside the waters of the Jordan, and now we have found the one for whom we longed! Nor was Peter slow when he heard these words, for he was Andrew’s brother. He listened attentively, then hastened with great eagerness.

Taking Peter with him, Andrew brought his brother to the Lord, thus making him his fellow-disciple. This was Andrew’s first achievement: he increased the number of the apostles by bringing Peter to Christ, so that Christ might find in him the disciples’ leader. When later on Peter won approval, it was thanks to the seed sown by Andrew. But the commendation given to the one rebounded to the other, for the virtues of each belonged to both, and each was proud of the other’s merits. Indeed, when Peter promptly answered the master’s question, how much joy he gave to all the disciples by breaking their embarrassed silence! Peter alone acted as the mouthpiece of those to whom the question was addressed. As though all spoke through him, he replied clearly on their behalf: You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.  In one sentence he acknowledged both the Savior and his saving plan.

Notice how these words echo Andrew’s. By prompting Peter the Father endorsed from above the words Andrew used when he led Peter to Christ. Andrew had said: We have found the Messiah. The Father said, prompting Peter: You are the Christ, the Son of the living God, almost forcing these words on Peter. “Peter”, he said, “when you are questioned, use Andrew’s words in reply. Show yourself very prompt in answering your master. Andrew did not lie to you when he said: We have found the Messiah. Turn the Hebrew words into Greek and cry out: You are the Christ, the Son of the living God!” (Exhortatory Sermon 3-4: PG 28, 1104-06)

       LITURGICAL SCHEDULE

Sat. 30: 6:00 pm @ Infant Jesus

          +Irene Kollar from Karen &

          Kathy Kollar

Sun. 31: 9:00 am @ Infant Jesus

         Sunday of All Saints

         +Paul Jonda from Family

Mon. 1: 9:00 am @ Infant Jesus

          Special Intention

Tues. 2: 9:00 am @ Infant Jesus

          Special Intention

Wed. 3: NO LITURGY

Thurs. 4:9:00 am @ Infant Jesus

          Special Intention          

Fri. 5: 9:00 am @ Infant Jesus

          Special Intention

Sat. 6: 6:00 pm @ Infant Jesus

          +Anna Marie Bednar from

          Joe Rudinec

Sun. 7: 9:00 am @ Infant Jesus

          2^nd Sunday after Pentecost

          Living & Deceased Members

          Of the Altar & Rosary Society

Collection Report

Week of 05/24/2026

$          1745.00   Sunday Offering-Pentecost

$              50.00   Maintenance Fund

$            175.00   Holy Day

$            225.00   Peter’s Pence

$              10.00   Seminary Collection

$              98.00   Candles________

$          2303.00   TOTAL

Attendance from last week’s Liturgies:

Saturday: 45

Sunday: 65

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

 Nina Zavatsky at home, Tillie Chachko at Greenbrier in Boardman and the rest of our parishioners who are ill or 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, please notify Fr. Michael or Paula.

ROSARY:

The Altar & Rosary Society will be praying the rosary NEXT SUNDAY June 7^th at 8:30 am. Everyone is welcomed.

BYZANTINE SOCIAL CLUB:

The Byzantine Social Club invites ALL parishioners to join. Dues is $10/person. The social club meets on the last Wednesday of every month (attendance is optionally) for socialization and plan events for our church like picnics, etc. It is a wonderful way to meet our parishioners.

PICNIC:

Thank you, all parishioners and families who came out, last Wednesday and brought/made delicious food for the picnic. Also, a sincere appreciation to Group B of the Byzantine Social Club and all members of the club who organized the event. It was a wonderful evening.

Please mark your calendars for the next event-CHURCH PICNIC SUNDAY, JULY 19^th. More information will be forthcoming in a few weeks along with a sign-up sheet.

CELEBRATION OF MARRIAGE:

The Archdiocese of Pittsburgh will again be honouring the couples who are celebrating significant year anniversaries of their marriage this year on Sunday, September 20, 2026 at St. Elias Church in Pittsburgh. Couples who are celebrating 10, 15,20,25,30, 35, 40, 45, 50 or additional years that are multiples are five during this year of 2026 will be honoured. If unable to attend, certificates will be sent to the couples. Please notify Paula Slemons @ (330) 799-5983 by July 26th so the information can be given to the Chancery

SIMPLY SLAVIC FEASTIVAL:

The annual Simply Slavic Heritage Festival will be held on Friday, June 26 (5:00 pm-11:00 pm), Saturday , June 27 (12:00 noon-midnight) and NEW Sunday, June 28^th (11:00 am -5:00 pm) at Youngstown Foundation Amphitheatre near W. Front Street in Downtown Youngstown.  Homemade ethnic food, folk dance performances, live ethnic & polka music and more. Admission is $5.00, children 12 and under are free.

CANDLES:

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

For the week of May 31-June 6, 2026 the left sanctuary candle is in memory of +Paul Jonda from his wife Millie and family. The right sanctuary candle is in memory of +Margaret Swansiger from the Chachko family.

The Concept of Theosis

The ultimate goal of the saint is to imitate God and live the life of deification (theosis). St. Maximos the Confessor (seventh century) writes that the saints are men who have reached theosis; they have avoided unnatural development of the soul, that is, sin, and tried to live the natural way of life (i.e., living according to created nature), turning and looking always towards God, thus achieving total unity with God through the Holy Spirit (On Theology, 7.73).

It may be stated here that the Saints are first of all “friends” of God. Secondly, through their genuine piety and absolute obedience to God, they pleased Him and have therefore been “sanctified” both in soul and body and subsequently glorified in this world. Third, they have been accepted in God’s bosom after their passing from the world into eternal life. Fourth, many of them have been given special “grace” or “favor” to perform miracles either before their departure from this world or after. Fifth, they have been granted the special gift to pray and intercede for those still living in this world and fighting the “good fight” for the glory of God and their own perfection in Christ. This intercession springs from the fact that they also are part of the “Communion of Saints”. They share prayers and good works with Christians on earth and there is a constant interaction and unity between the glorified saints in Heaven and Christians who still live in the world.