Metropolitan Mykhayil's Blog

Vladyka Mykhayil Celebrates Divine Liturgy in Chortkiv Region

2009-02-28T19:45:00.002-05:00

Click on each picture below to see an enlarged version.

On Sunday, October 26, 2008, while in Ukraine, I had the opportunity to celebrate the Sacred Liturgy in our parish of St. George the Great-Martyr just outside of Chortkiv in the Ternopil Oblast. The pastor, Protopresbyter Volodymyr Svarychevskyj and his family and parishioners were most gracious hosts.

The people in the Chortkiv region are not only kind and welcoming, but also truthful and without pretension. They have been so wonderful to me each time that I've been there. In fact, I have become so comfortable with the place, that I call it my "home in Ukraine."

Chortkiv, like much of Ukraine, has a long and interesting history. It lies in the heart of historic Galicia (Halychyna) and was long an important and pivotal location for the Kozak movement.

Metropolitan Mykhayil Visits Eparchy of Mukachevo

2009-02-28T19:38:00.000-05:00

After many years of anticipation and several visits to Ukraine, I had the opportunity to visit the cities of Uzhorod and Mukachevo, in the Transcarpathian Oblast. This beautiful area has so much meaning to me, not only because it is the area where my grandparents were born and from which they came to the United States with their parents, over 100 years ago, but because it is the seat of the historical Eparchy of Mukachevo.

The Mukachevo Eparchy is believed by some, to have its origins in the ministry of SS. Cyril and Methodius. History first records a Bishop Ivan of the ancient St. Nicholas Monastery on Cherchna Hora (Monk's Hill), as Bishop of Mukachevo in 1491.

Be that as it may, the faith certainly took deep root in the region, in the period of Kyivan-Rus. Bishops administered the eparchy from their residence at the St. Nicholas Monastery. In 1780, Bishop Andriy Bachinskyj moved the headquarters of the eparchy to nearby Uzhorod, and obtained the present cathedral church for use by Bishops of Mukachevo. This he accomplished with the help of Hapsburgian Empress Maria Theresa, a rather good friend to church during the long period of Hungarian rule in the area of Subcarpathian-Ukraine.

A special meeting at the city limits of Mukachevo took place with Fr. Taras Lovska, the rector of the Uzhorod seminary. He and several students were traveling from Uzhorod to Ivanivtsi for a liturgy, as our car was passing through. Fr. Taras, whom I had met a month earlier in New Jersey, during the seminary concert tour, was kind enough to take the time to stop and visit for awhile with us.

I was blessed to have my good friend, Fr. Ivan Shemet, vice-rector of the seminary in Uzhorod to guide me to the historic sites. I know Fr. Ivan from his time doing pastoral internships in the United States during his summer breaks from seminary studies in Rome. He showed us around the newly-built seminary, dedicated to the memory of Bishop Feodor Romzha, which, with the help of donations from the US and elsewhere, is progressing according to the most modern of educational standards. There as the opportunity to reacquaint with some of the students I had met during their US visit.

Father Shemet then took our party to the Cathedral of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. The cathedral is a striking structure with its neo-Greek columned facade and two imposing towers. It stands on a hill, above the Uzh river and is visible from almost every vantage point in the city. Unfortunately, the current Bishop of Mukachevo, Vladyka Milan Sashik was out of the country at the time of our visit and could not meet with us.

Inside, the church furnishings, altar and iconostasis are of the Ukrainian baroque style, very similar to the Church of St. Andrew the First-Called in Kyiv (the patriarchal cathedral of the UAOC).

To be in the Uzhorod cathedral was a heart-moving experience. This was the church of which I had only heard about and seen pictures of for my entire life. I did not rush through the visit, but much time in prayer, thought and meditation.

Perhaps the most moving of all opportunities, was to pray before the relics of the Blessed Bishop-Martyr Feodor Romzha, located beneath an altar on the left side of the cathedral. He was the last bishop of Mukachevo, before the Soviet liquidation of the eparchy and its subsequent takeover by the Russian Orthodox Church. Bishop Romzha was martyred - poisoned in a Mukachevo hospital by order of the NKVD, after an unsuccessful attempt to take his life in an orchestrated roadside "accident." I felt the spirit of the holy bishop in the cathedral that day, guiding as he would, the revival of the Ukrainian Church in Zakarpattya. I certainly prayed for his intercession for the work of our church in the Diaspora.

Fr. Ivan introduced me to a priest of the cathedral, Fr. Andriy, who was preparing to celebrate an afternoon Divine Liturgy. Together, they took me on a special private visit to the cathedral crypt.

There, in the catacombs beneath the church, are buried many of the former bishops of Mukachevo and other important clerics and nobility. Disgracefully, the Russian Orthodox disturbed much of the crypt and scattered the remains, when they were forced to vacate the premises after the independence of Ukraine. DNA research, with the assistance of samples from living relatives in the United States, positively identified the remains of Bishop Romzha. The work is continuing today for many of the others interred there.

An inspection of the exterior premises of the cathedral showed the restoration work being done on adjacent building of the chancery and consistory offices and bishop's residence. During the totalitarian regime, they had served as a library, and other uses convenient for Soviet needs. Now, having been restored to the eparchy, they are in need of much repair, before they can be occupied once again.

Fr. Ivan also showed our party (which included my friends from Chortkiv and my cousin Mariana from Snyatyn), to the historic "zamok" or Castle of Uzhorod, which stands just a few blocks from the cathedral. Dating from the 12th century, the castle has gone through many renovations. In 1646, it was the site of the signing of the Union of Uzhorod. Later, in 1648, it was host to a large delegation of Kozaks, escorting an emissary of Bohdan Khmelnytsky to the Transylvanian Prince Rakotsi. For many years, it was the seminary of the Eparchy of Mukachevo, right up to the time of the Soviet liquidation of the church. Today it is a historical museum of Ukrainian culture and folklore.

Later that evening, upon our return to Mukachevo, we stopped at the ancient St. Nicholas Monastery. Amazingly, it looked just like pictures I had seen for years. The wall along the approach to the compound, the church building, all seemed quite familiar. What was not familiar was the atmosphere that dominates the location.

Unfortunately, the monastery on Chernecha Hora is one which has not yet been returned to the church and remains a convent for Russian Orthodox nuns. Vespers was just about to begin upon our arrival. As with other visits I have made to monasteries that are under the jurisdiction of the Moscow Patriarchate, (Pochaiv, Percheska Lavra, etc), the experience tends to be more militaristic than spiritual. While the services are certainly celebrated with compunction, it is not without its disadvantages. The watchful eye of a nun carrying large candle-lighting instrument made sure no one was out of order. We can only pray for the day that this beautiful and historically important religious gem is once again in the hands of the native church.

That day ended with a return to the Mukachevo city-center and an evening meal and stay at the apartment of relatives. We were all happy to be together. For me, I had so much to reflect on and many memories to treasure, from this visit to the heart of my religious heritage.

My personal thanks to Father Ivan and Father Taras for their gracious hospitality. Our prayers are with all those in the Eparchy of Mukachevo, as they continue the process of the restoration of the church in Zakarpattya in a free and independent Ukraine.

+Vladyka Mykhayil

Click on each image to view a larger version.

A visit with Father Taras Lovska and seminarians at the city-limits of Mukachevo

In front of the main entrance to the Blessed Feodor Romzha Theological Academy in Uzhorod

Father Ivan and myself by the icon of Blessed Bishop-Martyr Feodor in the seminary foyer

One of the students is completing the iconographic mural on the wall of the seminary refectory

The interior of the new seminary church. It stands separate from the main facility and is still uncompleted.

The main doors of the seminary church

Mosaic icons grace the beautiful facade of the Cathedral of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross

The majestic classical iconostasis of the Uzhorod Cathedral

Standing before the holy table within the cathedral altar

The "high place" with the bishop's throne and icon of the Resurrection of Christ

Above the gates to the cathedral crypt are the words, "We will arise, in old Church Slavonic orthography

Above the steps leading down to the crypt is an icon of the Resurrection of Lazarus with the Gospel passage, "The one who believes in me, even though he should die, will live(John 11:25). Below the icon is quoted the prokeimenon of the liturgy for the departed, "Their souls shall dwell with the blessed."

The resting places of various bishops of Mukachevo, canons of the Uzhorod cathedral and others, still under restoration after desecration by the Russian Orthodox

A plaque marks the place where Bishop Romzha was originally entombed

After his martyrdom, Bishop Romzha was buried in this vault. After the Soviet takeover, no one was allowed to visit the spot for many decades.

A granite memorial to Bishop Romzha was placed near the original burial spot, before the transfer of his relics to the main body of the cathedral. Candles are still often light there.

With Father Andriy in the cathedral crypt

A larger view of the original vault of Bishop Romzha

The tomb of Bishop Andriy Bachinskyj, who led the church during a period of great progress and organization of eparchial life

Father Ivan Shemet and I in front of an altar in the crypt used for memorial services

Upon returning to the church interior, another view of the beautiful baroque altar and baldichino

The sanctuary walls are covered with beautiful frescos. The altar table and baldachino, liturgically proper and typical of the Ukrainian baroque style, is similar to that in St. Andrew Church, Kyiv and many others.

The relics of the Blessed Bishop-Martyr Feodor Romzha, beneath an altar on the left side of the cathedral.

The episcopal throne of the bishops of Mukachevo

Matching the bishop's throne is the ornate pulpit, with an icon of St. John Chrysostom, known among the church fathers for his preaching.

A discussion on the cathedral steps draws attention to a plaque honoring Bishop Bachinskyj, who acquired the Uzhorod cathedral for the eparchy.

The historic 12th. century Castle of Uzhorod

With Father Ivan Shemet at the Castle of Uzhorod

The St. Nicholas Monastery on Chernecha Hora in Mukachevo

ABOUT THE USE OF BLESSED WATER

2009-02-02T00:02:00.004-05:00

Water sanctified on the feast of Yordan is still available in many Orthodox churches. It will usually remain for at least several more weeks. The feast of the Theophany (also known as Epiphany or simply, Yordan), is, along with Pascha and Pentecost, one of the most important festivals of the church calendar.

Every year, in the weeks following the feast, it the custom of our church to make this special water very available and accessible to the people. Thus, although the feast has past, the water remains as a reminder of its significance and importance in our spiritual lives. The church wishes that the faithful “embrace and partake of the water with great joy” as the hymn sung following the blessing service states.

Water is blessed by the church at other times of the year, such as during pilgrimages and on the patronal feast of a temple. This is referred to as the “small blessing of water” and the service does not possess the same sense of urgency of intention as does the “great blessing of water" celebrated on the Theophany. The prayer used on this feast day envisions the mystical repetition of Christ’s baptism in the Jordan River, through the liturgical actions, the references to biblical events and the prayerful remembrance of God’s activity of salvation in the history of the created world.

Unlike other blessed water, the church calls this water, “Jordan Water,” and the prayers ask that the “blessing of Jordan” may descend upon it - the same blessing which effected the waters, as Christ descended into the river to be baptized. Many Orthodox liturgical theologians interpret the water blessed on the feast of the Theophany as “another sacrament” and teach that the “Jordan Water” indeed possesses a “sacramental presence” of the Holy Spirit - the same Spirit who, in the form of a dove, confirmed God’s benediction upon the ministry of Jesus, at the time of his baptism.

The water is blessed with the invocation of the Holy Spirit, to “dispel all evil powers, visible and invisible.” It is our custom to drink the water in times of illness or distress and to sprinkle it in the home during any occasion of spiritual disturbance, unease or anxiety. The people should take as much water home with them as they may need and also, bring some to those who are homebound or in a sanatorium.

Make use of this water, dear friends. For us, it is a comfort in our daily tasks and challenges, a spiritual remedy for the despair brought on by our faults, a source of confirmation upon our good intentions and our efforts towards doing what is right and a living sign of God’s presence with us, in each and every moment.
+Vladyka Mykhayil

UZHOROD SEMINARIANS VISIT THE UNITED STATES

2008-10-06T20:14:00.007-04:00

On Sunday, October 5, seminarians from the city of Uzhorod in the Transcarpathian Region of Ukraine offered a concert of sacred and liturgical music at the auditorium of the Cathedral of St. Michael the Archangel in Passaic, NJ. Some pictures of the event are below

Click on this link to read the entire article at uaoc.org news.

The concert in the cathedral auditorium was well attended.

Metropolitan Mykhayil, Archpriest Taras Lovska and seminarians.

The redecorated auditorium with its excellent acoustics was a good setting in which to hold a concert of sacred music.

The icon of St. Michael the Archangel, patron of the cathedral, on the iconostasis, erected by Bishop Stephen J. Kocisko in 1965.

The Metropolitan with Reader Jack Figel of Epiphany of Our Lord Church in Annandale, Virginia.

The seminarians were happy to pose with Vladyka Mykhayil and Fr. Lovska. Many were gathered around, outside of the camera's view.

The Metropolitan stands before the cathedral iconostasis which was fully completed in the 1980s.

Bishop William Skurla, Eparch of Passaic, shown here with Metropolitan Mykhayil, welcomed the seminarians and audience at the conclusion of the concert.

Protodeacon Roger Medina in front of the icon of Christ the Teacher on the cathedral iconostasis.

Vladyka Mykhayil inspects the many beautiful additions to the cathedral church that have been accomplished since his last visit.

THE LUKAN JUMP - THE PERIOD AFTER THE FEAST OF THE CROSS

2008-10-05T02:15:00.003-04:00

The typikon (ukaz) directs that the continuous reading of the Gospel of St. Luke (18th. Week after Pentecost) begins on the Monday after the Sunday after the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. The Apostolic readings (or Epistles) remain on the same continuous schedule as they have been and there is no skip forward associated with these.

Therefore, in most years, during the period of St. Luke, the Gospel and Epistle readings follow different schedules and are each taken from a different week after Pentecost. The Sundays from this point forward are actually referred to by two names - for example - on October 5 of this year, we observe the 16th. Sunday After Pentecost and the First Sunday After the Cross.

Various interpretations have been given for this sudden interruption in the reading of Matthew’s Gospel and the switchover to the beginning of Luke. The most often cited is the celebration of the feast of the Conception of St. John the Baptist on September 23 (October 6 civil date). Because of its proximity to the beginning of the ecclesiastical new year and the church’s desire to remember the events of salvation history in order during the course of the year, it was sensible to begin reading from Luke’s Gospel, since only in Luke is the story of the Baptizer’s conception and birth recounted.

As time went on, newer feasts were added to the church calendar, including the Nativity of the Mother of God on September 8/21 (5th-6th centuries). This resulted in lesser attention given to the original intent of the sudden changeover to the Lukan cycle.

One final point of interest is that while Greek and Arabic calendars and those based on them (including many Ukrainian ustavs) have always observed the “Lukan or September jump,” Russian usage mostly ignored it. Only in the 20th century, through the influence of the noted liturgical scholar N.D. Uspensky, has the Moscow Church begun to restore the proper beginning of the Lukan cycle and today most Russian-based calendars reflect its role in the Orthodox typikon. +Vladyka Mykhayil

CANONICAL VISITATION TO BROOKLYN PARISH

2008-09-23T17:21:00.012-04:00

Read related news article on uaoc.org news.

The Brooklyn Bridge, a popular landmark in New York, was the very first thoroughfare to connect the boroughs of Manhattan and Brooklyn, 125 years ago. Here the majestic towers are seen on the morning of September 21, 2008.

Father Kasyanov carries the Gospel Book during the Small Entrance procession.

The Metropolitan blesses the entrance and venerates the Gospel Book.

The clergy stand at the "high place" during the prokeimenon.

Vladyka Mykhayil chants the lesson from the Holy Gospel.

The Metropolitan commemorates the living and the deceased while the cherubic hymn is completed.

At the Great Entrance, His Eminence commemorates His Beatitude MEFODIY, Predstoyatel of the UAOC, the other bishops of our church, the clergy, religious and the intentions of all the faithful.

The Great Entrance.

The Symbol of Faith

"Let us lift up our hearts . . . "

Fr. Kasyanov assists the Metropolitan in putting on the small omophorion.

The faithful come forward to receive the bread of life and the cup of salvation.

"I will take the chalice of salvation and call upon the name of the Lord. Alleluia."

Metropolitan Mykhayil pronounces the dismissal of the Liturgy.

Father Kasyanov offers words of welcome to the Metropolitan.

While Fr. Yuriy speaks, Vladyka Mykhayil is seated at the throne behind the altar.

The beautiful "medovnyk" decorated with an icon of the Mother of God.

The "medovnyk" is blessed with a special prayer.

A group of the parish council gather with the Metropolitan and the pastor for a photo.

Metropolitan Mykhayil on the banks of the East River, with the Brooklyn and Manhattan bridges in the background. Also visible is one of the artistic waterfalls that have graced lower New York during this past months.

The Statue of Liberty, symbol of the freedom, hospitality and justice for which the United States stands, is seen glistening in the sun of that late summer day, September 21, 2008.

Peekskill Diversity Project

2008-09-17T18:14:00.052-04:00

Read article on uaoc.org news.

Interfaith Dinner Hosted by American Muslim Women's Association

2008-09-17T18:14:00.051-04:00

Read related article on uaoc.org news.

Dr. Kareem Adeeb, Imam at the American Islamic Institution for Islamic and Arabic Studies gives the keynote address.

High School Student Nabeed Hassan speaks on the meaning of fasting.

Student Sabia Munshi tells the audience what fasting means to her.

A partial view of those in attendance.

Vladyka Mykhayil with other guests at the table.

Metropolitan Mykhayil joins members and guests for a photo.

The Metropolitan with American Muslim Women's Association president Fozia Khan and other officers.

SEPTEMBER 11TH IS DAY OF REMEMBRANCE AND REFLECTION

2008-09-17T18:14:00.049-04:00

Read related article on uaoc.org news.

At 8:30 a.m. on September 11, 2008, Mayor Mary Foster and the City of Peekskill held a memorial service at the Riverfront Green Park.
Members of the Fire Department serve as color guard. A bagpiper plays nearby.

The Rev. Jeanette Phillips of the Park Street AME Zion Church offers remarks.

Metropolitan Mykhayil addresses the crowd on the day's theme.

Metropolitan Mykhayil addresses the crowd on the day's theme. High school students stand at a distance, ready to play "taps."

Metropolitan Mykhayil addresses the crowd on the day's theme.

Metropolitan Mykhayil addresses the crowd on the day's theme.

The representation from the Peekskill Area Pastors Association - the Rev. Jeanette Phillips; Metropolitan Mykhayil, vice-president; Rabbi Lee Paskind, of the First Hebrew Congregation and the Rev. Dr. Mark Ioset, of the Peekskill Presbyterian Church, treasurer.

The PAPA members pause by the September 11 monument at Riverfront Green Park.

Vladyka Mykhayil speaks during the Rotary Club memorial service at 12:00 p.m.

Vladyka Mykhayil speaks during the Rotary Club memorial service at 12:00 p.m.

The Metropolitan speaks with Rotary Club president and member, Thomas Smith.

Diversity Task Force meets regularly to promote acceptance

2008-09-17T18:14:00.047-04:00

Read article on uaoc.org news.

His Eminence, Metropolitan Mykhayil joins other members of the Cortlandt Diversity Taskforce for a photo with Town Supervisor Linda Puglisi (third from right), during a recent meeting. At the far left is task force chairperson, W. Garrison Jackson.

Vladyka Mykhayil serves on the committee as a representative of the Peekskill Area Pastors Association, an "ex-oficio" position. The Town of Cortlandt formed the task force to combat bias and acts of hate, and promote acceptance and diversity throughout the area.

Annual Blessing of Students

2008-09-17T18:14:00.043-04:00

Read article at uaoc.org news.

The small entrance of the Divine Liturgy

A Panakhyda is celebrated for the 16th. anniversary of the repose of Fr. Alejilat's sister.

Metropolitan Mykhayil reads the prayer for the beginning of the school year.

The students are sprinkled with blessed water.

A festive cake was prepared to celebrate Pani Matka Rania's birthday.

Following liturgy, the students enjoyed a visit to the popular Beach Shopping Center.

Each student was presented with an icon-pendent of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, brought by the Metropolitan from the pilgrimage in Uniontown.

The young people show their medals of the Mother of God.

UNIONTOWN PILGRIMAGE A TIME OF ANNUAL SPIRITUAL RENEWAL

2008-09-17T18:14:00.042-04:00

See article at uaoc.org news

The Icon of Our Lady of Perpetual Help calls Pilgrims to Mt. St. Macrina each year.

Vladyka Mykhayil with iconographer and ecclesiastical artist, Sr. Theodosia Alishofski, OSBM

Metropolitan Mykhayil visits with good friend, Sr. Isidore, OSBM, who directs the ecclesiastical sewing department.

Sister Isidore with the Metropolitan in the vestment studio. Born in Ukraine, Sister came to Trenton, NJ as a young girl.

Vladyka Mykhayil and Sister Isidore showing some of her exquisitely made vestments.

A Parastas was offered in Calvary Cemetery at the Mount, for all deceased hierarchy, clergy and faithful.

Many historical personages of the church in the USA are interred at Mt. Macrina Cemetery.

The candlelight procession from the cemetery to the shrine altar.

The candlelight procession from the cemetery to the shrine altar.

The Sunday morning Divine Liturgy in Church Slavonic is always a popular service with the pilgrims.

Vladyka Mykhayil visits with Ukrainian pilgrims from the East Coast.

His Eminence, Metropolitan Mykhayil with Ukrainian pilgrims from New York & New Jersey.

At the beginning of the pilgrimage, the "small blessing of water" takes place at the Lourdes Grotto.

A period mural in the Old Motherhouse shrine room.

The beautiful processional cross in the Old Motherhouse chapel was once carried by the nuns in processions during the pilgrimages.

Vladyka Mykhayil with former Basilian Superior General and childhood acquaintance, Sr. Alphonsa, OSBM.

Sister Vladimir Chabala, OSBM is a relative of parishioners from the Peekskill parish.

The beautiful iconostasis in the monastery chapel.

Before the icon of the Mother of God of Perpetual Help, Vladyka Mykhayil writes prayer intentions for the Sisters to remember in their daily Divine Liturgies and services.

Sister Sylvestra, OSBM once cared for the seminarians in Pittsburgh. Now, she is a resident at Mt. Macrina Manor, still encouraging people with her charm and prayerful heart.

Metropolitan Mykhayil and Fr. Jack Custer, professor at the Pittsburgh seminary.

With clergy friends.

Fr. Michael Wytish makes vestments for many hierarchs and priests.

Vladyka with very close friends, John and Dorothy Voloshyn of Perryopolis, PA.

Decorated crosses, in the Ukrainian tradition, lead the procession to the Pontifical altar.

The Metropolitan with Professor Andrew Huzinec of Perryopolis.

The processional crosses also contain banners identifying the parish which they represent.

The popular candlelight procession is the highlight of Sunday on the Mount.

The popular candlelight procession is the highlight of Sunday on the Mount.

The popular candlelight procession is the highlight of Sunday on the Mount.

The popular candlelight procession is the highlight of Sunday on the Mount.

The popular candlelight procession is the highlight of Sunday on the Mount.

The Metropolitan with his sister Edwina, brother-in-law Richard and cousin Laura Yafcak.

With Fr. John Mihalco, Prof. Huzinec, and cantor from Linden, NJ.

Vladyka with long time seminary friends Fr. Richard Whetstone and Fr. John Mihalco. Missing is Fr. David A. Hannes, who is recuperating from a heart attack.

With Myron, a pilgrim from New Jersey, who immigrated to the US from Mukachevo, Ukraine

Metropolitan Mykhayil with Protopresbyter Bryan R. Eyman of Ohio.

SEPT 11 – ANOTHER YEAR PASSES

2008-09-10T12:59:00.005-04:00

This week already marks the 7th anniversary of the terrorist attacks of 2001. It’s hard to believe all that has happened since then. For many in the United States, an awareness of the experience has long drifted into the halls of history. For some, particularly many New Yorkers, memories continue to be triggered, even as the World Trade Center site is constantly in flux, the reconstruction process bringing our City into a new era with a new purpose.

An often overlooked chapter of the 9-11 story concerns those who hurried to Ground 0 in the aftermath of the attacks and spent weeks, months or more, in rescue and recovery work. These people include firefighters, police officers, construction workers, clergy, emergency personnel, relief agency workers and many others. Having made the effort to respond to the many and varied needs of that unprecedented occasion, many now suffer both physical and emotional disabilities. A great number find themselves without adequate health care, in financial distress and on the fringes of a society that claims gratitude for their effort.

Only in recent times has the public awareness begun to acknowledge and respond to their very critical needs. These members of the 9-11 community need our prayers and our voices, so that the burdens they experience can be lightened justly.

As Ground 0 has changed, so has our world. It is a consequence of life, never to be stagnant, but to be continually on the move towards the future. While we cannot control the passing of time, we do have a choice as to how we spend it. As horrible as were the effects of September 11, 2001, and as concerning as they very much remain, the unity of heart, of purpose and of resolve that characterized this city and country in their aftermath are worth revisiting.

For the sake of the lives lost on that sunny Tuesday morning and in recognition of the many who are still suffering from the aftermath of the attacks, we as survivors should strengthen our will to take action, to fight all that is is wrong in our world and make secure, not only our personal interests, but all that which is right, truthful and just.

+Vladyka Mykhayil

THE THRID SPAS - THE NUT-TREE SALVATION

2008-08-29T16:58:00.006-04:00

On the Feast of the Icon of the Savior, "Not Made by Hands," church tradition observes the final "spas" of the harvest season, when nuts are blessed.

Legend tells that when the Lord was spreading his teaching in the world, in the Syrian city of Edessa, there lived and ruled a certain man who "was full of leprosy." When he heard of the great miracles the Lord worked, he immediately believed in him as the Son of God. The man wrote Jesus a letter, asking him to come and heal him. He gave the letter to a painter and sent him to Palestine, so that he would paint a portrait of Christ.

The painter came to Jerusalem and saw the Lord surrounded by people. There were so many of htem that he could not approach Christ. So he climbed on top of a big stone and tried to paint a picture of the Lord from a distance. However, he was unable to do so.

The Savior saw him and after he had finished preaching, Jesus asked the painter to come near him, called the man by name and gave him a letter for the ruler in which he promised to send his disciple to heal the ruler's leprosy and gave him instructions for salvation. Then the Lord asked for some water and a piece of cloth. Jesus washed his face and wiped it clean with the cloth. All were surprised to see his face imprinted on it.

The painter brought the Savior's letter and cloth to Edessa. When leprosy "departed from the ruler." he adorned the "Image not made by Hand" and installed it on top of the city's gates.

In 944 CE, the Savior's image was taken to Constantinople. This day, the "transfer of Salvation," is celebrated on August 16/29.

The Third Salvation is often called the Savior of the Canvas or Canvasses, first of all because of the piece of cloth on which the image of Christ was imprinted and also because on this day peasants traded in canvasses.

It is my prayer that this period of the "Savior" has been one which has brought us closer to mercy and kindness of Jesus, as experienced by the man in the story above.

As we prepare to begin a new church year, let us thank God for his many blessings, especially those of a fruitful harvest. God's harvest blessings pertain not only to actual agricultural crops, but to all of the provisions for life's needs, however they are given to us. God is in all and around all and from him, comes every thing that is good.

Vladyka Mykhayil
_____________________________________________________

On Apple Salvation Day people pick ripe apples and have them sanctified.

On the First Salvation they stand on the water, on the Second Salvation they eat apples, on the Third Salvation they sell canvasses on green hills.

By the Third Salvation nuts have ripened. The Third Salvation yields good crops.
(Old Ukrainian Proverb)

Traditional harvest season blessings observed at summer's-end holidays

2008-08-29T15:55:00.006-04:00

These are scenes from the festal Divine Liturgy for the Feast of the Transfiguration of Our Lord which was followed by the blessing of fruit; and the blessing of herbs and plants on the Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos. His Eminence, Metropolitan Mykhayil is joined by the Very Rev. Archpriest Samir Alejilat.

Originally reported by uaoc.org

Metropolitan Receives Visitors from Ohio

2008-08-29T14:39:00.013-04:00

Here are a selection of pictures from the visit of Evelyn and Sigmund Kobus to Metropolitan Mykhayil in New York. The original article is available at uaoc.org

Director of Yale Center for Faith and Culture sends Conference follow-up letter

2008-08-25T00:35:00.004-04:00

NEW HAVEN, CT: Professor Dr. Miroslav Volf, founding director of the Yale Center for Faith and Culture and Henry B. Wright Professor of Theology, Yale Divinity School, sent a letter of gratitude to all participants in the July 28-31 conference, "Loving God and Neighbor in Word and Deed: Implications for Christians and Muslims."

In his communique, Dr. Volf said in part,

«The most important thing that I have taken away from the conference—from scholarly contributions, from learned panel presentations, from formal and informal discussions, from the exchange of experiences during meals and breaks—is a deepened sense of the immense potential that the Common Word presents for mending relationships between Muslims and Christians. Devotion to the one God (rather than to any worldly cause) and love of all neighbors (rather than the pursuit of our own interests or even our own rights) is the key to peace between those who, while different, inhabit the same space. If this is true, then our most important task is to make the commitment to love God and neighbor as widespread, as deep, and as intelligent as possible in each of our communities. Armed with such a commitment, we can together tackle many difficult issues that beset our mutual relations and our common world. To do this, I believe, is one historic task facing our communities as we seek to live together in one world while remaining faithful witnesses to the faith as we have received it.»

CLICK HERE TO READ REMAINDER OF ARTICLE, INCLUDING VLADYKA MYKHAYIL'S OBSERVATIONS . . .

UKRAINIAN INDEPENDENCE DAY

2008-08-24T02:34:00.005-04:00

Today marks the 17th. Anniversary of the declaration of an independent Ukraine. Many of us in the Diaspora were overjoyed to finally see the day we thought might never come. Our relatives in Ukraine were liberated from decades of totalitarianism and centuries of government by others than ourselves.

17 years later, it is more important than ever, that we pray for Ukraine to be a place of continued independence, furtherance in the struggle for self-reliance, justice and equal opportunities for every person and the preservation of peace.

As Ukraine moves towards the future, we must be proud of the accomplishments of these past years, strong in our prayers and in our voices, to support a Ukraine that is open, able to set its own destiny and dedicated to our rich and unique Ukrainian heritage.

As members of the Ukrainian Church, we say yes to autocephaly and no to subjugation, allowing our Church to take its rightful place among the churches. On behalf of our entire UAOC in the Americas, I congratulate His Beatitude, our Predstoyatel, the Metropolitan of Kyiv & All Ukraine, Mefodiy, all of our God-loving Ukrainian bishops and our beloved clergy and faithful in Ukraine on this important Day of Independence.

Многая і благая літа!

+Mykhayil
Metropolitan of New York
Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church

TRANSFIGURATION — THE FULL MYSTERY OF CHRIST

2008-08-24T02:30:00.002-04:00

10TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
EXPLORING ТHE GOSPEL
MATTHEW 17 :14-23

“After six days” - the words bind the haunting vision of the transfiguration to the preceding event of Peter’s confession and Jesus’ prediction of his fate in Jerusalem. Each of these episodes concentrates of the identity of Jesus and its implication for the disciples.

As Jesus and his disciples descend the mountain, the gloom of opposition & impending death appears. The disciples have been able to absorb this warning of Jesus (v. 13) but their faith remains weak. Their “little faith” (v. 20) once again prevents them from carrying out the mission of life entrusted to them. Earlier, Peter had allowed fear and “little faith” to stifle his power over the chaos of the sea (cf. 14:30). The same things happen again. The “little faith” of the disciples has stopped them from curing a young man seized with the spirit of lunacy. But if a disciple allows the power of God to work through him, “nothing will be impossible” (v. 20).

Jesus gathers his disciples together like a commander rallying his troops before a battle. A second time, he predicts the death and victory that await him in Jerusalem. The transfiguration confronts us with the full mystery of Christ: Jesus en route to his death, but the glory of his triumphant resurrection already putting that death into new perspective. - Donald Senior, CP -

MORE FROM THE 9TH. SUNDAY - THE POWER OF FAITH AND OF FEAR

2008-08-23T17:02:00.004-04:00

EXPLORING ТHE SCRIPTURES
Matthew 14: 22-34

For last Sunday's Gospel reading, I offer the following reflection from scripture scholar, Donald Senior.

The second miracle in this sequence of the Gospel is one of Matthew’s most effective passages. The basic details about Jesus’ miraculous walking on the water over an angry sea and his mysterious encounter with the disciples and their battered boat are all borrowed from Mark (6: 45-52). Both Gospels make a profound assertion about the divine power of Jesus who, like God depicted in the Hebrew Scriptures, treads upon the crests of the sea (Job 9:8) and whose majestic words to the disciples, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid,” echo the revelatory words of the God of Israel *cf. Isa 4:1-4; 10; 43:25, etc.).

But Matthew enriches the story with material not found in Mark. Peter, the consistent spokesman for the disciples in this Gospel, asks to duplicate Jesus’ own dominance over the chaos of the sea (14:28). True to the Gospel’s assertion, the disciple is able to do the same as Jesus (cf. 10:1). But, as he will do throughout the Gospel, Matthew likes to pair the disciples’ glory with their flaws. Peter experiences the power of the chaos, and fear begins to drag him down. His response is the best instinctive response of the believer, “Lord, save me!” Jesus instantly rescues Peter and, when all are in the boat, the awed disciples worship Jesus with the fullness of Christian faith: “Truly, you are the Son of God’ (v. 33).

Mark’s version of the story does not include the Peter incident and his portrait of the disciples presents them as completely lacking in understanding or faith. But for Matthew that boat crew images his own church: buffered, frightened, but clinging to belief, a community “of little faith” (cf. 6:30).

The chapter closes with the boat at shore and the Gospel’s repeated testimony to the healing power of Jesus (14:36).

The Gospel stresses the inclusion of the disciples in Jesus’ power to feed and to heal. Only fear stands in the way of their ability to carry out their mission. Does our own story of Christian discipleship have any parallels to the experiences of Peter and the Twelve? - Donald Senior, CP -

9TH. SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST - BUILDING THE FOUNDATION OF FAITH

2008-08-17T23:47:00.008-04:00

EXPLORING THE SCRIPTURES
1 Corinthians 3: 9-17

Even though it is already Saturday, I felt it worthy to speak of last week's readings in this entry and the one to follow.

At the liturgy this past Sunday, the "9th. After Pentecost," we had the opportunity to hear some familiar but thought provoking scripture passages. On a candid note, I remember these readings very well, because they were on the well-known and now historic recording (c. 1957 - then on LP vinyl), of the "Divine Liturgy in English" celebrated by Archpriest Eugene Chromoga with the beautiful choir of St. Mary Church in Van Nuys, California. It was among the very first recordings of the Liturgy in English and I can still here the voices of Msgr. Cromoga and the reader, chanting these readings in the translation that was used at that time.

Much has changed in the church in America since that breakthrough recording. However, the lessons of the scriptures remain quite relevant and even piercing for us.

The first reading is taken from the Apostle Paul's first Letter to the Corinthians. Paul speaks about the founding days of the early church and how he has been building the primitive communities of faith. In claiming that he has laid the foundation for the church at Corinth, he acknowledges that others are building upon it.

St. Paul advises much caution for those who work for what he calls "God's building." There can be no foundation other than "the one that is there, namely, Jesus Christ" (1 Cor. 3:11). "The work of each person will be made manifest" (v. 13). "The "Day," he says, (referring to the day of the "parousia" or of Christ's return to judge the world), "will disclose it" and "fire will test the quality of each one's work" (v. 13). People will either receive recompense, if their work stands or suffer loss, should it burn, and be saved only as one fleeing through fire (vv. 14-15).

The lesson for us in our day, is much the same as for the Corinthians. Many people try to build the Christian community - the church - in different ways and for different reasons. We may belong to the community in a variety of ways - hopefully beginning with communion in God through participation in the Divine Mysteries.

Many other motives for belonging to the church exist. They include - deepening our prayer life, increasing our knowledge of the scriptures and of the faith, receiving the spiritual support of our brothers and sisters, spreading the love that God has shown to us, feeling a part of the group, participating in various activities and social functions. These all have a positive value in their own right. An underlying factor that should always be present in each, is the desire to build up our faith in God and acknowledge our total reliance on God. This is the foundation that is in Jesus Christ.

In a different manner, sometimes people "build up the church" out negative or selfish motivation. How many times have we heard people say, "this is my church" or "they could never get along without me here" or even "I AM the church!" Often, there are those in the Christian community who purposely "take possession" of the church and discourage others who try to share their gifts, talents and personalities. Their motivation may not come from "evil intent" per say, but their lack of self-confidence and fear of others renders whatever good efforts they may have attempted to offer, void of good, welcoming to other, evil overtones and certainly, without merit. It is of these that St. Paul speaks of as those who will be saved only "as one fleeing through fire (v. 15).

This latter foundation is not built of the "rock" that is Christ, but on our own interests and self-promotions. The fact is, that Christ is the eternal cornerstone of the church and whoever strives to build their efforts upon him - the foundation of their efforts will stand. Faith is both the unifying factor of believers and the test of how strong their work for the Lord will stand, when the "Day of Judgment" will ultimately disclose all things.
+Vladyka Mykhayil

THE SECOND SPAS — THE TRANSFIGURATION OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST

2008-08-17T14:34:00.006-04:00

As August continues, the church calendar brings to our attention another “spas,” another opportunity to experience the “energies” of God that lead us to salvation.

The feast of the Transfiguration has a particularly theological nature, and has been used by Byzantine theologians to illustrate the divine essence that is present in the historic Jesus. St. Gregory Palamas, St. Simeon the New Theologian and others of the late-Byzantine period, would ultimately conclude that because Jesus was able, in his earthly, human state, to display the light of his divine glory, so too, all humankind can strive to “clothe themselves in the light of God” (divinization). This is done by living lives worthy of God’s presence — lives which make use of God’s energies that are constantly made available to us.

Palamas made a distinction between God's "uncreated energy" and "created energies." The "uncreated energy" - refers to God's pre-eternal essence which is the "very life of God" and belongs solely to God. The believer, whose ultimate desire is to become "one with God" (theosis), experiences the uncreated energy of God especially through the enlightenment which comes from participation in the sacraments (mysteries) of the church.

The "created energies" - those many times and ways in which God "breaks through" to humanity, channeling grace to the individual are experienced in many different forms. They are those inspiring and often life-altering moments when we hear God's voice as he speaks to us.

This latter form of "created energy" is often referred to in Western thought as "actual grace" while the former (uncreated energy) is called "sanctifying grace."

Quite often, God's created energies are channeled through others, who may offer us a healing word or be a blessing to us in some way, when we need it most. God's inspiring energies might also come from our experience of the beauty of nature or of the discoveries of science. They can come from the church's liturgy and through prayer, in our dialogue with the Savior through which there is an outpouring of his energy.

Being recipients of God's energies, we have an obligation to be channels of them to those whom God places in our lives. All things happen for a reason. The opportunities God gives to us - the possibilities for personal spiritual growth, the ability to make changes in the name of justice and truth and the attainment of a higher level of self-fulfillment - these are ways in which we can release God's energy into the world around us. If we do so, God will deem us to be good stewards of the graces he so freely bestows upon his people.

As a reminder of these opportunities and the need to put them to good use, the liturgy uses blessings and ceremonies. They keep before our minds, the need to use all that is good for the good and all that is holy for holy purposes. Therefore, on the Feast of the Transfiguration, the church sanctifies apples and other fruits, in thanks for the rich harvest – the many good energies, spiritual and material, that the Savior gives to us. Truly, our world can be transfigured by the energy of God.
+Vladyka Mykhayil

AYUNO DE LA DORMICIÓN (SPASIVKA) Y LAS 3 SALVACIONES (SPAS)

2008-08-15T16:40:00.004-04:00

El mes de Agosto nos trae al inicio del periodo de la cosecha en el calendario de la iglesia. Es también un tiempo de ayuno y penitencia, al prepararnos para la gran Fiesta de la Dormición de la Teotokos (Uspinnya).

Desde tiempos antiguos, nuestra gente diseñó una ingeniosa serie de fiestas y bendiciones, para agradecer a Dios por la abundancia de la cosecha y para pedir su bendición sobre los frutos del año. Diseñaron tres "salvaciones" (spas), centradas en tres diferentes fiestas del Salvador, en gratitud por los varios artículos que fueron esenciales en aquel tiempo y que y que aún lo son en la actualidad. También, nos preparan espiritualmente para el comienzo del nuevo año de la iglesia en Sep 1/14.

La primera o Salvación de Miel en Ago 1/14 conmemora la Fiesta de la Procesión de la Santa y Dadora de Vida Cruz y nos recuerda los signos dados por los íconos del Salvador y la Theotokos durante la batalla del Príncipe Andriy Boholyubsky contra los Búlgaros del Volga en 1164. La fiesta lleva el nombre de "Salvación de Miel" porque en este día, a los estrictos adherentes a las costumbres populares y al ayuno les está permitido comer miel, después de haber sido santificada en la iglesia.

Durante el periodo de la Spasivka, dos mas "salvaciones" tienen lugar, la segunda o "Salvación de Manzana" en Ago 6/19, la Fiesta de la Transfiguración, cuando manzanas y otras frutas son bendecidas y la tercera o "Salvación de Avellano" en Ago 16/29, el día en que honra el Ícono de nuestro Señor, "hecho no por manos."

Exploraremos estos temas en las siguientes semanas. Lo que es más importante es que tomemos este tiempo, al menguar el verano y el otoño aparece en el horizonte, para enfocar nuestra vida espiritual, especialmente a través de una mayor participación en los servicios litúrgicos de la iglesia y del recibimiento de los sacramentos de la confesión y la comunión.

+Vladyka Mykhayil

THE DORMITION FAST (SPASIVKA) AND THE 3 SALVATIONS (SPAS)

2008-08-11T15:13:00.004-04:00

Тhe month of August brings us to the beginning of the harvest period of the church calendar. It also is a time of fasting and penance, as we prepare for the great Holyday of the Dormition of the Theotokos (Uspinnya).

From ancient times, our people devised an ingenious series of feasts and blessings, to thank God for the bounty of the harvest and to ask his blessing upon the produce of the year. They designed three “salvations” (spas), centered around three different feasts of the Savior, in gratitude for various commodities that were essential at that time and still now. Also, they prepare us spiritually for the beginning of the new church year on Sep 1/14.

The first or Honey Salvation on Aug 1/14 commemorates the Feast of the Procession of the Holy and Life-Giving Cross remembers the signs given by the icons of the Savior and the Theotokos during Prince Andriy Boholyubsky’s battle against the Volga Bulgars in 1164. The holiday has the name of the “Honey Salvation” because on this day, strict adherents of popular customs and fasting are allowed to eat honey, after its sanctification in the church.

During the Spasivka period, two more “salvations” take place—the second or “Apple Salvation” on Aug 6/19, the Feast of the Transfiguration, when apples and other fruits are blessed and the third or “Nut-Tree Salvation” on Aug 16/29, the day honoring the Icon of Our Lord, “not made by hands.”

We will explore these themes in the next weeks. What is most important is that we take this time, as summer wanes and autumn is on the horizon, to bring our spiritual lives into focus, especially through greater participation in liturgical services of the church and reception of the sacraments of confession and communion. +Vladyka Mykhayil

LOVING GOD AND NEIGHBOR IN WORD AND DEED

2008-08-11T14:58:00.003-04:00

From July 28-31, I had the opportunity to be a participant in an historic conference at Yale University in New Haven, CT, that had the above theme. It brought together over 150 Christian and Muslim scholars from around the globe. The discussions centered around the words above and their implications for Christians and Muslims—Love of God and Love of Neighbor.
As a response to the document, A Common Word Between Us & You published last year by 138 Islamic scholars and addressed to all leaders of the Christian world, the Reconciliation Program at Yale aims to promote dialog among leaders, scholars and people of faith from both traditions, in order to discover common ground for working together within the global community.

The intention is not at all to promote a blending or conglomeration of the two religions, but rather to use the commonalities that they share to attain an atmosphere of co-abiding in peace and love between both peoples. For the sake of the good estate world and of each other, we conducted deliberations which sought to touch the root of the situations, listen to concerns and conduct a conversation which can lead to improved and more enlightened understandings between all.

My prayer is that the good work and the friendships that were forged at the conference will continue and grow into streams that nourish and lead to the progress of peoples and the safety of our world. It is more important now than ever that we work together towards this goal now. +Vladyka Mykhayil

Click here for more information and conference pictures.