Light of the West - Eparchy of Phoenix

Light of the West
Holy Protection of Mary
Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Phoenix
(formerly known as the Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Van Nuys)
Pastoral Center 8105 N. 16th Street Phoenix, AZ 85020
Phone: (602)-861-9778
Fax: (602)-861-9796
www.eparchyofphoenix.org
CHRIST IS BORN !
Vol. XXII, No. 6
GLORIFY HIM !
November - December 2014
Bishop Gerald’s Christmas Message
I
n the Letter to the Hebrews we read: “In times past,
God spoke…to our fathers through the prophets;
in this, the final age, he has spoken to us through
his Son…” (Heb. 1: 1-2)
God speaks to us human beings in many varied ways.
For example in the Book of Genesis we read (Gen 1:
1), “In the beginning God created the Heavens and the
earth…” This created order speaks to us of the majesty and power of God. But man sees this world only
as though he was looking at a painting. He admires
it, but he does not get to know the Painter personally.
After creation, God spoke to us through the Prophets.
Moses descended the Mountain with the 10 Commandments from God. The people trembled for now
they heard from God through another person what the
Lord required of them. But, God Himself seemed very
impersonal. The
contact was indirect. There was no friendly warmth
that you get from a “face-to-face” encounter.
Man longed for a God to touch Him in a personal way. Humans were not made to be impersonal. A
human heart longs for the warmth of another human
heart. Well, God got very personal on that first Christmas day! He had told us human beings that he loved
everyone before, but on that first Christmas he came
down to earth to tell us IN PERSON.And when that
Baby became a Man, he told this to everyone he met.
He talked, he healed, he listened, he even cried. He
called people by their first names and permitted them
to call him by his first name. He shared eternal truths
with a Samaritan woman at a well; a lawyer sat by a
candlelight talking with Jesus on how anyone could be
“born again”; a Publican, perched in a tree, was called
down for a supper so that Jesus could dine and chat
NOVEMBER - DECEMBER - 2014
with him. In these many ways, people were hearing
God personally tell them, “I love you”.
God was not afraid to say it – like so many
people today are. Husbands and wives to each other
and to their children, and children to their parents are
so hesitant to say “I love you”!
A letter was received by a priest from a couple
who came back home to attend a funeral of a close relative. The letter said in part:
“We have seen the height of Christian love and
kindness in so many of your parishioners during our visit.
They did so much to fill the void left by the loss of our
relative…. Upon arriving home…we looked again at an
almost closed chapter in our lives – our spiritual lives.
Needless to say there will be some changes made in our
pattern of life to revive our Faith….”
A couple who had fallen away from the practice of
their Faith was being called back to God because of
some good people who were personally living the words
of God “I love you”.
When Jesus prayed the high priestly prayer that is
recorded in the Gospel of St. John (Jn. 17: 23), He
said, “…so that the world will understand that you love
them as you love me…” These words should make all
of us feel good. God loves us just as much as He loves
His Son, Jesus.
Maybe this Christmas is the time to do what God does.
Someone is waiting for you to say it…go
on, say it: “I love you”!
1
Region XV Eastern Catholic Bishops attending the Fall USCCB meeting in Baltimore, Maryland. Seated l to r: Most Rev. Jacob Angadiath,
Bishop of the Syro-Malabar Eparchy of Chicago, IL; Most Rev. John Bura, Auxiliary Bishop of the Ukrainian Archeparchy of Philadelphia, PA;
Most Rev. Basil Losten, Bishop-emeritus of the Ukrainian Eparchy of Stamford, CT; Most Rev. John Kudrick, Bishop of the Ruthenian
Eparchy of Parma, OH; Most Rev. John Michael Botean, Bishop of the Romanian Eparchy of St. George in Canton, OH; Most Rev. Stefan
Soroko, Archbishop of the Ukrainian Archeparchy of Philadelphia, PA; Most Rev. William Skurla, Archbishop of the Archeparchy of Pittsburgh,
PA; and Most Rev. Yousif Habash, Bishop of the Syriac Eparchy of Newark, NJ . Standing l to r: Most Rev. Nicholas Samra, Bishop of the
Melkite Eparchy of Newton, MA; Most Rev. Gregory Mansour, Bishop of the Maronite Eparchy of Brooklyn, NY; Most Rev. Frank Kalabat,
Bishop of the Chaldean Eparchy of St. Thomas, Detroit, MI; Most Rev. Kurt Burnette, Bishop of the Ruthenian Eparchy of Passaic, NJ; Most
Rev. Bawai Soro, of the Chaldean Eparchy of St. Peter in El Cajon, CA; Most Rev. Bohdan Danylo, Bishop of the Ukrainian Eparchy of Parma,
OH; Most Rev. Paul Chomnycky, Bishop of the Ukrainian Eparchy of Stamford, CT; Most Rev. Richard Seminack, Bishop of the Ukrainian
Eparchy of Chicago, IL; Most Rev. Gerald Dino, Bishop of the Ruthenian Eparchy of Phoenix, AZ; Most Rev. Elias Zaidan, Bishop of the
Maronite Eparchy of Los Angeles, CA; Most Rev. Joy Alappat, Auxiliary Bishop of the Syro-Malabar Eparchy of Chicago, IL; and Most Rev.
Mikael Mouradian, Bishop of the Armenian Eparchy of Our Lady of Nareg in the USA and Canada. of the Armenian Eparchy of Our Lady of
Nareg in the USA and Canada.
CORRECTION: In the last issue of Light Of The West, page 14... “American Byzantine Catholic Beatified”, the last sentence should have read “Her beatification was noteworthy because it was the first ever beatification to take place on American soil”.
Light of the West
Holy Protection of Mary Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Phoenix
Pastoral Center 8105 N. 16th Street Phoenix, AZ 85020
Phone: (602)-861-9778 Fax: (602)-861-9796
www.eparchyofphoenix.org
(USPS PERMIT #1750) Postage paid at Phoenix, AZ
Official Publication of the Byzantine Catholic Bishop of Van Nuys.
Subscription rate: $12.00 per year
Published 6 times a year by the Holy Protection of Mary Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Phoenix,
8105 North 16th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85020. Phone: (602) 861-9778. Fax: (602) 861-9796.
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Light of the West,
8105 North 16th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85020.
Most Rev. Gerald N. Dino, President
Ms. Kathleen Slonka, Editor
E-Mail us at: lightofthewest@cox.net
2
CHRIST IS BORN
From Our Dedicated Staff in Phoenix, AZ
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NOVEMBER - DECEMBER - 2014
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Sr. Christopher Malcovsky, OSBM
3
Albuquerque, NM
Parish Celebrates 40th Anniversary
Article and pictures submitted by Pani Janet Escobedo
Karen holds the candle during the service.
F
orty
years
ago,
Our Lady
of Perpetual
Help
Byzantine
Catholic
Church
emerged
from its
humble
roots in
the gangridden “war
zone” of
Albuquerque
to become a prominent landmark in the
Bishop Gerald blesses the parishioners who presented him with the bread, salt
dominant Catholic landscape within the state
and keys to the church.
of New Mexico. On November 2, 2014 the
parish commemorated its 40th anniversary
volunteered extra time for practices. In his homily,
with a hierarchical liturgy celebrated by Bishop Gerald Bishop Gerald chronicled the different priests who
Dino. Liturgy concelebrants included Fr. Brian
served as pastor in its 40 years. He described the grit
Escobedo, Fr. Christopher Zugger, Fr. Daniel Marie
and determination of the parish pulling together in
Williamson, CFR (Franciscan Friars for the Renewal), the mid-1990’s and spending two years of weekends
and Monsignor Bennett J. Voorhies of the Archdiocese enlarging the church building to more than double its
of Santa Fe.
size. The new church building was dedicated in 1997.
This celebration was truly a team effort with
His Grace mentioned that the year 40 held a special
the entire parish readying itself for this historic mileBiblical significance as the year when a person reached
stone. The choir held extra rehearsals; altar servers
full maturity. As evidence of the church “coming of
age”, Bishop Gerald made
note that vocations from
our parish have been
flourishing with Fr. Michael O’Loughlin ordained
to the priesthood in 2005
and Fr. Brian Escobedo
becoming the first married
man from the Eparchy to
be ordained to the Presbyterite in 2013. The Bishop
Father Brian Escobedo presenting the chalice to Bishop Gerald after the Great Entrance.
4
CHRIST IS BORN
Before the Liturgy, Bishop Gerald
is standing with servers Edgar and Thomas
also highlighted the significant growth and impact that
the Catholic Apologetics and Evangelization (CAFÉ)
students at the University of New Mexico are having on
the secular collegiate environment as they fearlessly and
passionately share their Catholic faith.
Following the hierarchical liturgy, the celebration
continued with a luncheon and a beautiful slide show
put together by a parish Eagle Scout. A nearby Roman
Catholic Church, Our Lady of Fatima, donated the use
of their large hall for the afternoon luncheon. Parishioners from Our Lady of Fatima were outstanding hosts,
providing students from their confirmation class to serve
the meal and several devoted volunteers from their parish coordinated kitchen operations. A talented parishioner created scrapbooks documenting the 40-year history
in photos.
During dessert Fr. Brian thanked the Bishop on
behalf of the parish for joining us in our celebration and
presented him with a special gift—a one of a kind pot crafted by a Native American artist from the Acoma Pueblo whose community is more
than 800 years old, making it the oldest, continually inhabited community in the United States…a sign of longevity, stability, and a unique
culture which is deeply rooted in Catholic tradition, hopefully a symbol
of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish.
Clergy and Altar Servers gathered after the
Liturgy.
Andrea and daughter Madeline
are enjoying the evening
Shirttails out,
Shoes off at the
party!
Still practicing, right until the start of
the Liturgy
You look so sad, my friend. Did your
table not get picked first to eat?
NOVEMBER - DECEMBER - 2014
5
Denver, CO Parish Celebrates Their 40th Anniversary
O
n the weekend of November 15 – 16, the Holy Protection of the Mother
of God Byzantine Catholic parish in Denver, Colorado celebrated 40
years of existence. A formal dinner was held on the evening of Saturday,
November 15th at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Denver. During the dinner,
slides of the parish history were shown on a large screen. Music was also provided
for dancing by the parish DJ , Ben .
On Sunday, November 16th, Bishop Gerald celebrated a Hierarchical Divine Liturgy. The concelebrants were: Very Rev. Michael O’Loughlin, Pastor of the parish,
and Rt. Rev. Stephen Washko, Protosyncellus of the Eparchy and former Pastor
of Holy Protection parish. Serving as Deacon was the Rev. Mr. James Danovich, a
deacon at St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Phoenix, AZ and a former parishioner of Holy
Protection Church when he was college student studying in
Denver.
During his homily, Bishop Gerald stated “In the Old Testament 40 years
represented a Generation, the age of full maturity….So, according to the calculations of the Old Testament,this parish has now reached
the age of full maturity….You have suffered numerous
hardships during those 40 years, but emerged fruitful
and healthy. You have a bright future.”
Holy Protection Church is the third attempt
at establishing a Byzantine Catholic Community in
Colorado. The first Byzantine Catholics (then called
Greek Catholics) began moving into the Denver
area 116 years ago (1898). They had a young priest
administering the parish, but he died when he was 39
Bishop Gerald blesses the parishioners who
years old, and lacking a replacement, the parish became
presented him with the bread, salt and keys to
Orthodox. In the 1920’s a Byzantine Catholic Monastery
the church.
was established which provided Liturgies for Byzantine
Catholics in the State of Colorado, but
it closed after 9 years. It wasn’t until 45
years later that Bishop Emil Mihalik of
the Eparchy of Parma established Holy
Protection Parish and sent its first pastor.
The parish purchased its present church in
1976. With the tremendous growth over
the last few years of many young families,
the future of the parish is very bright, and
an Outreach has been established in Fort
Collins, CO to accommodate parishioners
who were travelling from Northern
Colorado and southern Wyoming.
The young girl
patiently holds the
candles during the
service.
Bishop Gerald stands with the concelebrants, and servers after the Liturgy
6
CHRIST IS BORN
Even the children are enjoying themselves.
Deacon James proclaims the Gospel
The Fedorko family
at the banquet.
Bishop Gerald begins the liturgy with the prayer “O Lord...look
down from Heaven... and visit this vineyard...”.
John Chabin, cantor for almost
four decades at Holy Protection
Church, is shown dancing a lively
polka with his wife, Dorothy. Both
are 80 years old.
NOVEMBER - DECEMBER - 2014
The Chabin, Rock, and Martin families enjoyed the banquet.
7
Live Nativity, Choirs
And Bells...Oh My
Submitted by Tanya Bartlett
“B
Julie, enjoying the birthday songs being
sung in Polish to her on her 93rd birthday
from Our Lady of Czestochowa choir
Three wise men, kicking back on a warm
Christmas night
ehold a new and wondrous mystery. My ears
resound to the Shepherd’s song, piping no soft
melody, but chanting full forth a heavenly hymn.
The Angels sing. The Archangels blend their voice in harmony. The
Cherubim hymn their joyful praise. The Seraphim exalt His glory. All
join to praise this holy feast, beholding the Godhead here on earth, and
man in heaven. He Who is above, now for our redemption dwells here
below; and he that was lowly is by divine mercy raised.”
(Excerpt from St. John Chrysostom’s Christmas Homily)
St. John Chrysostom would have gladly participated in the
joyous Live Nativity produced by St. Stephen Cathedral, Phoenix,
AZ and the several choirs joining the Cathedral parish from around
the valley. Most Holy Trinity’s choirs delighted listeners with carols
played on bells while the choirs from Notre Dame Prep and Brophy
College Prep praised God with their voices. The choir from Our Lady
of Czestochowa regaled the audience with carols in Polish, bringing
a traditional flair to the evening and St. Stephen’s own Maire Grimes
brought the evening to an end with her melodious renditions of several
Christmas songs. Of course, the Live Nativity would not be complete
without children chasing the sheep and goats (the donkey happily
staying on the sidelines) and begging to take one home as a pet. Once
again, Sr. Jean Marie, OSBM created a festive evening for the parish
family and its neighbors, ushering in the Christmas season.
First shift for the manger set.
8
CHRIST IS BORN
Our Lady of Czestochowa
Notre Dame Prep
Brophy College Prep School
Most Holy Trinity
Father Artur said he knew Saint Nicholas when they
were kids playing together.
NOVEMBER - DECEMBER - 2014
Bishop Gerald watching all the choirs that
joined us for the Live Nativity night.
9
Vatican Lifts Ban on Ordination to The Priesthood
Of Eastern Catholic Married Men
VATICAN CITY - Pope Francis, in a newly published
Decree “Pontificia Praecepta de Clero Uxorato
Orientali”, has conceded to Eastern Catholic Bishops
in the United States, Canada and Australia the right to
ordain Eastern Catholic married men to the priesthood.
Cardinal Leonardo Sandri, Prefect of the
Congregation for the Eastern Churches, signed the
decree on June 14 of this year. It was published in the
“Acta Apostolicae Sedis”, the official periodical through
which Vatican decrees are published.
The history of the ban was given by the Decree
stating, “the problem of the ministry of married priests
outside the traditional Eastern territories goes back to
the final decades of the19th century...when thousands
of Ruthenian Catholics emigrated from the SubCarpathian regions, as well as West Ukraine, to the
United States of America. The presence of the respective
married ministers aroused the protest of the Latin
bishops according to whom such a presence would have
provoked...most grave scandal among the Latin faithful.
Therefore the Congregation Propaganda Fide with
the decree of October 1, 1890 prohibited a married
Ruthenian clergy to reside in the USA.” The prohibition
was extended to Canada in 1913. It was reiterated in
what the Ruthenian clergy came to call the “infamous”
“Cum data Fuerit” of March 1, 1929. The prohibition
had to be reiterated in “Qua Sollerti” of December 23,
1929 and again in “Graeci/Rutheni” of May 24, 1930.
The new Decree goes on to state “Deprived
of ministers of their own Rite, a number estimated
at around 200,000 Ruthenian faithful passed to
Orthodoxy.”
The Decree states “The plenary Session of the
Congregation for the Eastern Churches, held from
the 19th to the 22nd of November 2013...treated
the question fully and subsequently presented to the
Holy Father the request to concede to the respective
Church Authorities the faculty to allow pastoral service
of Eastern Married clergy also outside the traditional
Eastern territory. The Holy Father...December 23, 2013
approved the request.”
Statement of the Most Rev. Gerald N. Dino, Bishop of the Holy
Protection of Mary Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Phoenix, on the
lifting of the ban for the ordination of married Eastern Catholic
men to the priesthood.
T
he entire Eastern Catholic Church in the United
States is overjoyed at the announcement of the
Congregation of the Eastern Churches that
Pope Francis has lifted the ban on the ordination of
Eastern Catholic married men to the priesthood. He
has corrected an injustice that was imposed upon the
Eastern Catholic Churches living in the United States
at the end of the 19th century and reiterated in 1929
with the Decree “Cum Data Fuerit”.
Hundreds of thousands of Eastern Catholics left
the Catholic Church because of these regulations.
Families were torn apart, including my own family.
The members of my Mother’s family went Orthodox,
while the members on my Father’s side remained
Catholic. Luckily there was no animosity between the
10
two sides of my family, however, that was not always
true in other families. Unfortunately, the Dicasteries at
the Vatican did not seem to care about the lose of souls
from the Catholic Church. What seems to have been
more important to them was a man-made law – clerical
celibacy. By reversing “Cum Data Fuerit”, Pope
Francis has shown that people are more important than
man-made laws – God Bless Him!!!
This new decree of Pope Francis is an indication
given our Orthodox brethren that the Vatican will
no longer attempt to impose Latin traditions on
the Eastern Churches. This hopefully will create
an atmosphere in which reconciliation between the
Catholic Church and the Orthodox Church will
become possible.
CHRIST IS BORN
Byzantine Online
to offer
credit courses in 2015
“This is really the next
step in bringing the
Seminary
to the
wider
Eastern
Christian
world.” Betty
Shovlin,
Byzantine
Catholic
Seminary
Board
Credit-earning courses begin January 19, 2015
Offerings include:
• Foundations of Spirituality 1 (2-credits)
• Introduction to Sacred Scripture (3-credits)
Asynchronous 14-week courses begin Monday, January 19, 2015. The cost is $410
per credit or $310 per credit to audit (except for books and supplies).
For more information, visit online.bcs.edu or email
scollins@bcs.edu or call 412-321-8383, ext. 23
NOVEMBER - DECEMBER - 2014
11
Our Lady of Czestochowa Icon is Displayed
at Los Gatos, CA and Anaheim, CA
A
copy of the revered icon of Our Lady of Czestochowa (also
known as the Black Madonna of Jasna Gora, Poland) has
traveled to parts of Europe, Canada, the U.S. Midwest and
West Coast, in the late Summer. While in the San Francisco Bay Area,
St. Basil’s parish (Los Gatos), sponsored the icon’s visit at Our Lady of
Peace Shrine in Santa Clara, CA (in July), and Annunciation Church
in Anaheim, CA sponsored a visit in August. The icon pilgrimage
had as its primary intention the defense of the unborn, while at the
same time a means to reach out to all God’s people entrusted to the
intercession of the Mother of God.
The revered icon ofOur Lady of Czestochowa is on
display at the Annunciation Byzantine Catholic
Church in Anaheim.
Servers and Banner Carriers of St. Basil Parish enter Our Lady of Peace Shrine in
Santa Clara, CA
On The Path of Our Lord
S
aturday November 15, 2014: St. Anne Roman Catholic
Church, Gilbert, AZ, celebrates its 70th anniversary this
year. This celebration included a Eucharistic Procession
with our Lord through the streets of Gilbert, AZ from the
current location of St. Anne parish to St. Thomas the Apostle
Byzantine Catholic Church, a former site for St. Anne parish. The Eucharistic Procession was nearly ¼-mile long and contained
many faithful, religious and clergy. The procession stopped and
entered St. Thomas for some prayers and a benediction blessing
with the Monstrance before returning back to St. Anne Church. There was a great sense of joy from all the participants from both
the Roman Catholic parish and the Byzantine Catholic parish,
especially during the picnic and festivities that followed the
Eucharistic Procession at a nearby, public park. The Church is
truly breathing with both lungs in Gilbert!
12
Procession of the Matachines for
Our Lady of Guadalupe
(more pictures on page 13)
CHRIST IS BORN
Annunciation Parish in Anaheim, CA Sponsors Craft
S
eptember 27th
saw the beautiful
tranquil plaza
& parish hall of
Annunciation, Anaheim
turn into a bustling Arts
and Craft Fair with 47
vendors and hundreds
of people doing their
Beautiful Glass Art
The fall and early Christmas
shopping. The brain
Craft Fair took place on the Plaza in front of Anchild of Nicole Perlman
and Nina Erickson,
the Arts & Craft fair brought together the talents
of local artists & clever parishioners from all over
Orange County to celebrate God’s gifts of beauty
and creativity. Parishioners maintained booths selling
homemade sweets, and the ladies offered up Slavonic
and American food! Fr. James Barrand gave tours
of the magnificent Church throughout the day to
the delight of many visitors from the neighborhood
who had desired for a long time to see the interior
and ask questions. “Many of our neighbors had
felt intimidated to visit the church before because
they didn’t know they would be welcomed or if
we were even a Catholic Church. The tour was an
excellent way of allowing people to wander in and
Carol Petyo (L), with friends, running the Gift Store booth
ask questions.”
The altar of St. Thomas the Apostle Byzantine Catholic Church
holds the Monstrance of our Lord in the center.
NOVEMBER - DECEMBER - 2014
The procession from St. Anne to St. Thomas.
13
News From the Pews
Who teaches all these children the HOKEY POKEY? Why the adults of St.
As part of its philanthropic outreach, St. Basil Byzantine Catholic
Parish (Los Gatos, CA) sponsored a Back to School backpacks
drive. Parishioners obtained 13 backpacks and filled them with
useful school supplies. They were given to two Catholic schools to be
distributed to children in need.
Thomas the Apostles, Gilbert, AZ of course. They were gathered for
the Oktoberfest Event.
At Our Lady of Wisdom Italo Greek Catholic Church, Las Vegas, NV, the children acted out the book of Revelation
Chapter 12, for the Feast of Saint Michael the Archangel From left to right First Angel-Diego, second angel Betty Kelso,
Third angel Magnolia Morris, Forth Angel Mary Camacho, fift angel Anastasia Hastings, St. Michael Jared Comacho,
Lucifer David Morris Seventh Angel Aiden Marshner; Saint John the Evangelist is John Hastings-Papas.
14
CHRIST IS BORN
San Luis Obispo, CA Parish Joins in the Walk For Life
T
he Walk For Life was preceded
by a Divine Liturgy at the San
Luis Obispo Mission celebrated
by His Excellency, the Most Reverend
Richard Garcia, Bishop of Monterey and
concelebrated by our own Father Milan
Kasperek. About 15 parishioners of St.
Anne’s Byzantine Catholic Church, in
San Luis Obispo, CA were among the
hundreds of people who participated in
this year’s Central Coast Walk for Life
through the streets of San Luis Obispo,
California on September 13, 2014. The
Walk was organized by local Catholics, and
was led by Bishop Richard Garcia. St.
Anne’s parishioners carried a large icon
of Our Lady of Perpetual Help during
the Walk. One of our parishioners, John
Bradley (17), was engaged as the Bishop’s
bodyguard because of his extensive
police and military training. The Walk
proceeded through some of the main
downtown streets of San Luis Obispo, and
ended at the San Luis Obispo Cemetery
where a recently installed monument
in honor of the unborn was blessed
by Bishop Garcia. It was a peaceful,
prayerful, and successful event which
publicly demonstrated our commitment to
the sanctity of human life!
Well thought out expression for the banner of the Walk of Life
NOVEMBER - DECEMBER - 2014
Our Lady of Perpetual
Help Icon is being carried
by a St. Anne parishioner
Crowds of people watched the parade
Father Milan Kasperek(L), Pastor of St. Anne Byzantine
Catholic Church and Bishop Richard Garcia, Bishop of
Monterey County, Concelebrate the Mass.
15
Icon Workshop Was A Success
The students who enrolled in the ICON workshop,
instructed by Fr. Elias Rafaj, Pastor of St. John
Chrysostom Parish in Houston Texas were so proud of
their icons by day three, that picture taking was a must.
16
The effort they made was tremendous and they made
the corrections that Father Elias suggested as to how to
complete the icon. This workshop was sponsored by St.
Stephen Byzantine Catholic Cathedral in Phoenix, AZ
CHRIST IS BORN
Hanford Outreach in CA Celebrates Fall
E
very year, hundreds of people gather at
Hanford, California for the annual Family
Conference. This is included in the Fall
Family Festival. People come from all over the State
of California for this religious event. On Sunday,
October 19, at 3:00 P.M. at St. Bridget Church
Hanford, Father Milan Kasperek, Administrator of
Saint Anne Byzantine Catholic Church in San Luis
Obispo, California, together with Rev. Gregory
Zubacz and Subdeacon Sebastian Carnazzo held
a presentation on the Eastern Catholic Churches.
Approximately 50 people attended this Conference.
After the Conference Fr. Milan Kasperek celebrated
the Divine Liturgy, along with Fr. Gregory Zubacz,
Deacon John Bradley and Subdeacon Sebastian
Carnazzo. Some of the Catholics of the Latin Rite
present had never participated in a Divine Liturgy of
an Eastern Catholic Rite. Speaking with some of them
afterwards, they shared how touching, reverend and
inspiring they found the Divine Liturgy.
Rev. Gregory Zubacz and Subdeacon Sebastian Carnazzo gave
the presentation to the Conference participitants.
Family Day Celebrated in
Sherman Oaks, CA Parish
O
n a beautiful Sunday in September,
St. Mary’s Byzantine Catholic ProtoCathedral celebrated its annual “Family
Day.” This celebration brings together the parish
families, from far and wide, to honor its Patroness,
the Theotokos, whose feast is officially observed on
October 1st, the Holy Protection (Patronage). St.
Mary’s Romanian Catholic Mission also joined the
Proto-Cathedral in the celebration. After the Divine
Liturgy, a Bar-B-Q/pot-luck luncheon was held on the
patio. Hot dogs, hamburgers and Italian sausages, all
freshly grilled, provided by the parishes, were served
along with an array of foods and desserts provided by
the parishioners. A “jumper castle” was set up for the
children, young and old, to enjoy. They did!
NOVEMBER - DECEMBER - 2014
The people listen intently to the information on the Eastern
Churches presented to them
Father John
Kovach, a retired
priest of the
Eparchy of Parma
who lives on St.
Mary’s Property,
is shown talking
with a parishioner
17
ECED Meeting Held in Phoenix, Az
L
ate in October members of ECED, the publishing arm of ECA (the Eastern Catholic bishops
in the United States), met at the Pastoral Center
of the Holy Protection Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of
Phoenix.
Before any business began, the directors of
religious education departments from across the
country attended a Divine Liturgy at St Stephen’s
Cathedral, celebrated by His Grace, Bishop Gerald
(Dino). In his homily Bishop Gerald emphasized the
importance of the work of the committee and the
virtue of perseverance in continuing the mission to
provide suitable material for instructing the faithful of
every age in search of salvation.
Following was a two-day program of reports,
deliberations, presentations and decisions in a detailed
agenda designed to evaluate the status of the inventory
of books, maps, pamphlets, DVDs and other catechetical aids produced by God With Us Publications. Additionally, the committee explored options for furthering
the group’s ever-expanding response to the needs of the
digital age. Suggestions were also presented on adding
the titles of books to the inventory of God With Us
Publications.
For more than forty years our bishops have collaborated with one another and relied upon the ECED
to provide accurate and attractive books, VHS tapes,
CDs and posters for every age and grade level—preK through high school and beyond in adult ongoing
education programs. Check out http://godwithuspublications.com for available products.
ECED was instrumental in the four ENCOUNTER sessions held over the past two years. To
function on a broader scope, the group has purchased
equipment that can be shared by each eparchy to be
able to present live-streamed Internet broadcast of
special events. Part of the meeting was devoted to a
“hands on” activity involving the camera and computer
system.
All this is in response to frequent requests from
the faithful “when will our churches have resources
for us to learn about Eastern Catholic teachings and
traditions?” Attention must be directed to the various
eparchial newspapers, web sites and the God With
Us Publication site where the information has been
available—yet perhaps not accessed by all who might
be looking for it. Networking of parish-level catechists
was seen as a possible solution to the perceived lack of
material.
The meeting was adjourned, and attendees
went home with a task list—in preparation for the next
meeting.
[L-R] Sr Jean Marie Cihota, OSBM, Fr Anthony
Hernandez (both of Holy Protection Eparchy)
and Sr Ann Laszok, OSBM, (Eparchy of St
Josaphat in Parma) listen to a point of discussion.
[L-R] Sr Marion Dobos, OSB (Archeparchy of Pittsburgh), Fr
John Lucas (Eparchy of St Nicholas in Chicago), Fr Stephan
Bilyk (Archeparchy of Philadelphia), Mitered Archpriest John
Kachuba (Eparchy of Parma) and chairman Very Rev Gregory
Noga (Eparchy of Passaic) watch a power point presentation by
Deacon Sabatino Carnazzo (Eparchy of Newton).
18
Bishop Gerald (Dino) inspired ECED members to continue in their efforts in this ministry
of education.
CHRIST IS BORN
Official Appointments
Most Reverend Gerald N. Dino has made the following appointments within the Eparchy of Phoenix.
Reverend Matthew Alejo has been released as Temporary Administrator of Holy Angels
Byzantine Catholic Church in San Diego, CA and appointed as the Administrator of
St. Nicholas of Myra Byzantine Catholic Church in Fontana, CA. This appointment
becomes effective on Friday, January 9, 2015.
Reverend Artur Bubnevych has been appointed the Pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual
Help Byzantine Catholic Church in Albuquerque, NM. This appointment becomes
effective on Friday, January 9th, 2015.
Reverend Brian Escobedo has been released as the Administrator of Our Lady of
Perpetual Help Byzantine Catholic Church in Albuquerque, NM and appointed
the Pastor of Holy Angels Byzantine Catholic Church in San Diego, CA. This
appointment becomes effective Friday, January 9th, 2015.
Very Reverend Joseph Hutsko is released as the Pastor of St. Nicholas of Myra Byzantine Catholic Church in Fontana, CA and is assigned to the Pastoral Center with
residence in the Cathedral Apartment Complex in Phoenix, AZ.
Reverend James Lane has been released as the Pastor of St. George Byzantine Catjolic
Church and as Director of the Eparchial Shrine of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in
Olympia, WA. Fr. James will be joining the bi-ritual community of the Contemplatives
of St. Joseph in South San Francisco, CA. The release becomes effective on Tuesday,
December 30th, 2014.
Reverend Vasyl Mutka has been appointed Administrator of St. George Byzantine
Catholic Church in Olympia, WA and the Director of the Eparchial Shrine of Our
Lady of Perpetual Help, which is located on the property of St. George Parish. The effective date of this appointment is Tuesday, December 30th, 2014.
Reverend Milan Kasperek has been raised to the rank of Pastor of St. Anne Byzantine
Catholic Church in San Luis Obispo, CA.. This appointment becomes official immediately.
Reverend Michael Mandelas has been raised to the rank of Pastor of St. John Chrysostom Byzantine Catholic Church in Seattle, WA. This appointment becomes official
immediately.
Reverend Mykhaylo Sidun has been raised to the rank of Pastor of St. JNcholas of
Myra Byzantine Catholic Church in Anchorage, AK and Blessed Theodore Romzha
Mission in Wasilla, AK. This appointment becomes official immediately.
NOVEMBER - DECEMBER - 2014
Right Reverend Wesley W. Izer
Chancellor of the Eparchy of Phoenix
19
Byzantine Catholic Bishop of Van Nuys
 Holy Protection of Mary Eparchy of Phoenix 
NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
PHOENIX, AZ
PERMIT NO. 1750
LIGHT OF THE WEST
8105 North 16th Street
Phoenix, Arizona 85020
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
FORWARDING AND RETURN POSTAGE GUARANTEED
Upcoming Events
Los Angeles
Religious Education Congress
Anaheim Convention Center,
Anaheim, CA
March 13 - 15, 2015
Divine Liturgy on Saturday, March 14
5:15pm Marriott Grand Ballroom
Salon A
Eparchy of Phoenix
Myrrh Bearer’s Retreat for Women
July 26 - 28, 2015
Franciscan RenewAL Center,
Scottsdale, AZ
Serving 13 Western States. 19 Churches. 1 Mission. 5 Outreaches.
www.eparchyofphoenix.org
ALASKA
Anchorage
Saint Nicholas of Myra
2200 Arctic Blvd.
Anchorage, AK 99503
Rev. Michael Sidun
(907) 277-6731
Sun. Liturgy: Vigil 6pm;
10am
Wasilla
Bl. Theodore Romzha
Mission
1201 Bogard Rd.
Wasilla, AK
Rev. Michael Sidun
(907) 277-6731
Sun. Liturgy: 3pm;
Summer 5pm
CALIFORNIA
Church of the Annunciation
995 N. West St.
Anaheim, CA 92801
Rev. James Barrand
(714) 533-6292
Sun. Liturgy : 10am
Las Vegas
Our Lady of Wisdom
2120 Lindell Road
Las Vegas, NV, 89146
Rt. Rev. Francis Vivona, JCL
(702) 873-5101
Sun. Liturgy: Vigil: 5pm; 10am
Fontana
Saint Nicholas of Myra
9112 Oleander Ave.
Fontana, CA 92335
Very Rev. Joseph Hutsko
(909) 822-9917
Sun. Liturgy: 10am
Las Vegas
San Diego
Holy Angels
2235 Galahad Road
San Diego, CA 92123
Hanford Outreach
Rev. Matthew Alejo(858)
Saint Brigid Catholic Church 277-2511
ARIZONA
200 East Florida Street,
Sat. Vespers: 5pm
Gilbert
Hanford, CA 93230
Sun. Matins: 8am
Saint Thomas the Apostle Rev. Milan Kasperek
19 W. Bruce Ave.
((805) 543-8883
San Luis Obispo
Gilbert, AZ 85233
Every Sunday
Saint Anne
Rev. Diodoro Mendoza
Liturgy: 5pm
222 E. Foothill Blvd.
(480) 497-6726
Los Gatos
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
Sun. Liturgy: Vigil 6pm; 10am Saint Basil the Great
Rev. Milan Kasperek
14263 Mulberry Drive
Phoenix
(805) 543-8883
Los Gatos, CA 95032
Saint Stephen Cathedral
Rev. Anthony Hernandez Sun. Liturgy: 10am
8141 N 16th St. FRNT
(408) 871-0919
Sherman Oaks
Phoenix, AZ 85020
Sun. Liturgy: 10am
Proto-Cathedral of Saint Mary
Rt. Rev. Stephen G. Washko Sun Liturgy: 11am
5329 Sepulveda Blvd.
(602) 943-5379
St. Albert the Great Church Sherman Oaks, CA 91411
Sun. Liturgy: Vigil: 5pm;
1095 Channing Ave
Very Rev. Mel Rybarczyk, CR
8am; 10am
(818) 907-5511
Sacramento
Sun. Liturgy: 9:30am
Saint Philip the Apostle
Tucson
3866 65th St.
Saint Melany
Sacramento, CA 95820
Walnut Creek Outreach
1212 N Sahuara Ave.
Rev. Francis Murin
East Bay Outreach
Tucson, AZ 85712
(916) 452-1888
Liturgies at St. Mary RC Church
Rev. Robert Rankin
Sun. Liturgy: Vigil: 5pm; 2039 Mt. Diablo Blvd
(520) 886-4225
10am
Walnut Creek, CA
Sun. Liturgy: Vigil 5pm
408-871-0919
10am;
2nd Saturday vigil: 6:15 pm
20
WASHINGTON
Burlington
Anaheim
COLORADO
Denver
Holy Protection
1201 South Elizabeth
Denver, CO 80210
Rev. Michael O’Loughlin
(303) 778-8283
Sun. Liturgy: 10am
Saint Gabriel the Archangel
2250 E Maule Ave
Las Vegas, NV 89119
Rev. Marcus Gomori
(702) 361-2431
Sun. Liturgy Vigil: 4pm:10am
MONTANA
Missoula Outreach
Spirit of Christ
5475 Farm Lane
Lolo, Montana
Rev. William O’Brien
(509) 922-4527
Fort Collins Outreach Sun. Liturgy 2nd & 4th
Blessed John XXIII University Sundays 6pm
Parish
NEW MEXICO
1220 University Ave,
Fort Collins, CO 80521
Albuquerque
Rev. Michael O’Loughlin
Our Lady of Perpetual Help
(303) 778-8283
1837 Alvarado Dr. NE
Sun. Liturgy 3pm
Albuquerque, NM 87110
Rev Brian Escobedo
NEVADA
(505) 256-1539
Las Vegas
Sun. Liturgy: 10am
Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Outreach
OREGON
8530 Robertson Road
Portland
Las Vegas, NV
Saint Irene
Rt. Rev. Francis Vivona, JCL
4630 N Maryland Ave.
(702) 873-5101
Portland, OR
Sun. Liturgy: 5pm
Rev. Frank Knusel
(503) 281-6744
Sun. Liturgy: 10am
Skagit County Outreach
St, Charles Roman Catholic
Church
935 Peterson Road
Burlington, WA 98233
Rev Michael Mandelas
(206) 329-9219
Sun. Liturgy: 5:30pm
Olympia
Saint George
9730 Yelm Hwy.
Olympia, WA 98513
Rev. James Lane
(360) 413-5651
Sun. Liturgy: 10:30 am
Seattle
Saint John Chrysostom
1305 South Lander St.
Seattle, WA 98144
Rev Michael Mandelas
(206) 329-9219
Sun. Liturgy: Vigil 5pm; 10:00 am
Matins 8am
Spokane Valley
Saints Cyril & Methodius
4315 N. Evergreen Rd.
Spokane Valley, WA 99215
Rev. William O’Brien
(509) 922-4527
Sun. Liturgy: Vigil: 5pm; 10am
CHRIST IS BORN