ANNUAL LUC CONVENTION
Convention Overview
The LUC business meeting at this year's Convention in Somerset,
NJ was a historic occasion in our organization. Not only was a new Constitution
adopted, but this was done after a dedicated and sober discussion of alternatives
that sets an example for the US Congress to aim for. The exhibit room contained
exciting evidence of the liveliness of our religious: sacred music tapes,
the push for sainthood of Met. Sheptytsky and Sr. Bohachewsky, the Spirituality
Center in Philadelphia, the plans for a nunnery in Kiyiw. The evening entertainment
theme was "International Night," with a tongue-in-cheek quiz contest
between the champions of various tables (countries), and an "international"
sing-a-long.
The next day, Saturday, was marked by Divine Liturgy at
Manville in the morning with lecture workshops in the afternoon. Joseph
Gough, a financial planner, spoke about investments and inheritance issues.
Most of us have children or grandchildren to whom we would like to leave
our monetary estate after our deaths. We can minimize the tax bite by using
expert planners. I strongly urge those of you who have not gotten estate
planning advice to contact a lawyer, CPA or financial planner - you may
need more than one of these experts - and make sure your money is working
for you; you may even be able to use an LUC member in your area. Sr. Helena
Paskevich spoke on the Mother of God as a role model for women, centering
around the theme of true "beauty." The afternoon concluded with
some surprising announcements on the future of our Ukrainian Church, given
by Msgr. Leon Mosko and Deacon Michael Waak. Our long-range project is to
follow the instruction given by the Holy Father in Orientale Lumen
and go back to our roots. This means following the liturgical and sacramental
practice current in the Orthodox Church today, and jettisoning much of the
Latin accretions that we have become used to, such as the Rosary, Stations
of the Cross, and First Holy Communion (as opposed to receiving Chrismation
and Holy Communion at Baptism). Msgr. Mosko clarified that these reforms
would be introduced gradually and that we will still be allowed to use the
Rosary (but it will not be a formal part of a novena or a Ukrainian Church
function. There is discussion about whether the Eastern rites will combine
(note that this is also under discussion by the various Orthodox daughter
churches in the United States, and that the Carpatho-Rusyn Catholic bishops
in Europe appear to favor a melting of their jurisdiction into our Church).
Saturday evening was marked by a banquet and dance where
several young people showed their prowess at folk dancing and the oldsters
showed off their ballroom style. Sunday morning was spent in the well-ornamented
church in Perth Amboy. The valedictory brunch gave me a few moments to share
my thoughts about the Sobor in Lviv.
Sobor. The morning sessions
of the Sobor consisted of speeches from designated eparchies and questions
from the audience. My own speech at the Sobor noted that canon law divided
organizations into public (Church-controlled) and private. I opined that
we should have one overarching public organization to which all laity should
belong, to coordinate lay efforts throughout the Ukrainian Church, and to
also be responsible for producing uniform catechetical materials (one of
the great concerns of Sobor participants was that of continuing religious
education throughout adulthood). Private organizations should be encouraged
as this is how many of the famous orders, such as the Franciscans, began.
I also suggested that each parish in Ukraine/Poland/Asia be paired with
a parish in the diaspora, for mutual assistance.
The truly great aspect of the Sobor was that all of the
afternoons were devoted to discussions of the dayís issues in small
groups, with the purpose of eliciting comments from the laity. Laypersons
and clerics from Ukraine and other European countries, as well as from the
USA, Canada, Latin America, Australia, and even from Kazakhstan, presented
problems and suggested solutions in a heartfelt and sincerely helpful manner.
Everyone listened to the others, no one minimized others because of where
they were from- we all felt as brothers and sisters, Ukrainians all.
Hilary Andrew Kinal
Business Meeting
Convention delegates and members were welcomed to the business
meeting of the 60th annual convention of the League of Ukrainian Catholics
on Friday, Oct. 2, 1998, by the president of National Board, Hilary A. Kinal.
Paul Hancher of South Anthracite Council reported that nine burse awards
of $500 each were to be presented. Two organizations did not have candidates
for priestly or religious education. Therefore, it was decided at the convention
to make these awards to eparchies of the Metropolia. The Burse awards were
made to: the Missionary Sisters of the Mother of God, Order of the Fathers
of St. Basil the Great, Order of the Sisters of St. Basil the Great, Holy
Transfiguration Monastery (Mt. Tabor), Sisters Servants of Mary Immaculate,
the eparchies of Stamford, Chicago and Parma and the Philadelphia archeparchy.
The proposed new constitution was reviewed article by article
and accepted after some minor revisions.
President Kinal reported on his attendance and participation
in the 1998 Sobor of the Ukrainian Catholic Church held in Lviv, Ukraine
in August.
Convention in 2000. The Executive Board was asked to work
out a location. North Anthracite Council is considering hosting it. Another
suggestion was to co-event it with the Millennium Celebration Committee
in Philadelphia. (Ed. note: North Anthracite will host Convention 2000.)
Annual Dues. An increase to $5 per person was accepted.
Vice-President Ted Stecko spoke on future outreach to youth
and financial growth.
Sr. Marina Bochnewich, OSBM, National Religious Director,
spoke on Sheptytsky Beatification and Ukrainian spirituality.
Nickolas C. Kotow
Convention Highlights
Thursday: saw the arrival of
a few members, anxious for the week-end, along with the Convention committee
members.
The committee responsible for the Display / Exhibits was
anxious to set up their room, however there was a glitch - the Ambrose room
would not be ready until after 9:00 PM. (It was thought that we could set
up the room after lunch) Here we were with Sr. Bernarda waiting to set up
the display on the life of Metropolitan Andrew Sheptytsky; Sr. Michele waiting
to set up the display on the life and works of Sr. Josaphata (Venerable),
and Vera & Marie Glowa waiting to put up their "Celebrating With
Icons" display. Eventually, all was well and the Exhibit room was set
up,
Friday: While the committee
members set up the registration, the Hospitality committee set out to get
the Hospitality room ready for the arrival of "hospitable", hungry
conventioneers. The transportation committee was also quite busy, providing
transportation for a few guests to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
- Maggie & Frank Lorence and Steve & Joanne Kopko (all the way from
Topeka, Kansas) enjoyed their day with Joe Biozes (transportation dept.).
With the arrival of the buses from North Anthracite, Niagara
Frontier and Pittsburgh and individuals from Connecticut, New Jersey, New
York, and Pennsylvania the activities began.
The convention business sessions took place in the early
afternoon. Those members not assigned as delegates and guests, who had some
free time, took advantage of the discount tickets for the Crafts Festival
held at the Garden State Convention and Exhibit Center across the street.
The Friday evening Welcome Party was an event that prepared
the group for a most enjoyable week-end. The theme of "International
Night", was set by the committee. Silver helium balloons with individual
Countries named adorned the tables. The cocktail buffet had foods of various
countries served. The band provided music that took everyone away to distant
lands. When the group singing took place, each table had to sing a song
representative of their tableís assigned country. "Waltzing
Matilda" came from Australia, "Yankee Doodle Dandy" from
the USA, "0 Sole Mio" from Italy, "Tip Toe Through the Tulips"
from Holland, etc.
The crowning event of the evening was "Jeopardy".
Contestants from "distant countries" vied for the winning position
by "tooting" their tooters when they knew the correct "answers".
Teams of three from the surrounding "countries" took their places
in front of three judges - Jeanette Kohut, Mike Rusinko and Marie Glowa.
The emcee - Vera Glowa presented the "difficult" questions while
the Sheriff (Mary Ann Dutko) stood by to see that all was fair. The winners
from each round, were each given prizes, by the "Toot Fairy".
The top three winners - Paul T. Hancher, Maria Slabik and Hilary Kinal "tooted"
it out for the top prize. After the judges tallied the scores, the winner
was announced - Maria Slabik.
Saturday: Saturday began with
Liturgy, celebrated at St. Michael's Ukrainian Catholic Church, Manville.
Fr. Marijan Procyk, Spiritual Director from the Niagara Frontier Council
celebrated the Liturgy, with Deacon Michael Waak. Pastor, Fr. Paul Labinsky
was available to assist the visiting clergy. The Liturgy was celebrated
for the deceased of the League, followed by a Panachyda.
Breakfast was served immediately following, in the parish
hall. Fr. Alexander Ganzy, the newly appointed National Spiritual Director,
was scheduled to speak, however we were informed that he and his wife were
in an automobile accident earlier, and was unable to attend. After touring
the facilities of both St. Michael's and the neighboring Byzantine parish,
the members got back on the bus and returned to the hotel for the workshops.
The evening banquet and ball was well attended. We were
fortunate to have as our guest speaker, Most Rev. Edward Hughes, Bishop
of Metuchen (retired). He spoke of the power of the Holy Spirit within us,
the power of prayer.
Towards the end of the evening, the committee held a raffle,
the result of ticket sales made available only during the weekend. The Convention
Committee had decided that the profits from the raffle would be donated
to a charity and selected the Ukrainian Catholic National Shrine of the
Holy Family, Washington, DC. The raffle brought in $560. We thank everyone
who donated the gifts and those who participated by purchasing tickets.
Sunday: The morning was cool
as everyone boarded the buses for the trip to the Assumption of the Blessed
Virgin Mary parish, Perth Amboy. Liturgy was con-celebrated by Rev. Roman
Dubitsky, Rev. Marijan Procyk, and Deacon Paul Makar. The parish choir sang
the responses beautifully. Everyone returned to the hotel for the Communion
Breakfast and closing business and remarks.
Workshop Briefs
The afternoon session devoted to Workshops was opened by
Marion Hrubec. She welcomed everyone and read a reflection as an opening
prayer. Each speaker was introduced by Marion.
"On behalf of the 1998 Convention Committee, I wish
to welcome everyone and thank each of you for your attendance.
Let us begin with the following reflection:
Taken from 1 Corinthians 12:4-11:"
There are different gifts but the same Spirit;
There are different ministries but the same Lord;
There are different works but the same God who accomplishes
all of them in everyone.
To each person the manifestation of the Spirit is given
for the common good.
To one the Spirit gives wisdom in discourse, to another
the another the power to express knowledge.
Through the Spirit one receives faith; by the same Spirit
another is given the gift of healing, and still another miraculous powers.
Prophecy is given to one; to another power to distinguish
one spirit from another.
One receives the gift of tongues.
But it is one and the same Spirit who produces all these
gifts, distributing them to each as He wills.
I especially want to welcome our guest speakers and to
thank each for accepting our invitation to present the workshops. As the
opening prayer states, there are different ministries, different works and
through the Spirit each person is given these gifts - wisdom in discourse,
the power to express knowledge. These talented individuals have been given
these gifts and are here to share them with each of us.
Investment Planning, Charitable Giving and the IRS -Tax
Benefits /Savings.
Mr. Joseph Gough, Vice President,
Financial Consultant at Merrill Lynch.
Mr. Gough in his presentation, outlined the methods to
protect your individual assets and how best to keep the bulk of your savings
in your estate. Initially, he made it clear that one should have a Will
and that your financial advisor and your attorney should be included in
your planning, so that your wishes are carried out.
He also touched on how individuals can make charitable
contributions of appreciated property and receive tax benefits as well as
make use of the IRS Gift-Tax provisions. Issues of capital gain, sale of
property (principal residence) and the exclusions, were discussed.
Orientale Lumen - Light of the East.
Msgr. Leon Mosko. Msgr. Mosko
has had many important assignments in our church and received such honors
as Papal Chaplain (1978) and Prelate of Honor (1992). Some of his current
responsibilities include: Editor of The Sower, Consultor, Chancellor,
Translator of Liturgical Books.
Msgr. Leon provided insight into this important Apostolic
Letter of Pope Paul II issued May 2, 1995. The document is a directive to
the Roman Catholics to become more aware of the Eastern Rite.
He spoke about the tradition of monasticism and the tradition
of prayer in the Eastern Church. As stated in the Apostolic Letter, Monasticism
is discussed as a model of baptismal life.
Vatican Instruction to Eastern Churches and its Implications
for the Laity of the Church.
Deacon Michael Waak. Deacon
Waak has a Masters Degree in Social Work and an Advanced Clinical Certificate
in Therapy and Counseling. He has directed choirs and served as Cantor in
various parishes; taught Church chant classes in Pennsylvania and California;
wrote the " Samoilka English Chant Pew Booklet"; taught adult
catechism series. He is currently assistant to Fr. Nestor Iwaciw at St.
Wolodymirís in Marlboro, NJ. He was ordained to the Deaconate on
June 24, 1989.
This presentation highlighted the "Liturgical Instruction"
for our church as issued by the Congregation for Oriental Churches".
These instructions will serve as a guide for each Church in the preparation
of its own Liturgical Instruction. As noted by Deacon Waak, these instructions,
which include changes in the way we now celebrate Liturgy and the manner
in which we celebrate the Sacraments, will not be implemented immediately.
They will take time to be put into practice. The Eastern tradition and practices
that were "Latinized" over the years are to be returned to their
original interpretation, expression and application. The "Instructions"
were issued January 6, 1996 and are a binding document. Our Hierarchy are
required to follow these instructions and implement the changes.
The Mother of God - Model of Hope. Especially for Women
Answering their Call to Beauty
Sr. Helena Paskevich, SSMI. Sr.
Helena is well known in LUC circles through her presentations and participation
in our activities. She is editor of "Awakening to Our Treasures"
which will begin its third year of publication. Sr. Helena is also Principal
of St. Nicholas Parochial School in Minersville, Pa.
Sr. Helenaís presentation centered on t he
icon known as "The Virgin of Tenderness." It is one of the most
venerated of all icons. It was painted by an anonymous Greek artist at the
beginning of the 12th century. Around the year 1183 it was brought from
Constantinople to Kiev, and about 20 years later from Kiev to Vladimir where
it stayed until 1395. Although the icon has been in Moscow for the past
six centuries, it is still called "The Virgin of Vladimir." This
sacred treasure has miraculously escaped many fires and plunderers. It has
undergone several restorations, yet the faces of the mother and child are
still those of the original Byzantine masterpiece.
Sr. Helena described in detail the eyes and gaze of Mary
and important features of the infant Jesus and makes a point that Jesus
presents all His divine wisdom to the "Mother of Humanity." The
icon calls us to consider our role in the Church, in our world. In the Christian
East the Mother of God is the Great Example, not the Great Exception as
she is considered in the West. As the Great Example she becomes the model
and the measure of our faith, our hope and our love.
Sister described what it means to be called woman - woman
is a call to beauty; not the kind of beauty that is exploited by our materialistic
society, but the kind of beauty that comes from goodness. The task given
to woman is to be that kind of presence and inspiration through which others
can find their way to the Father. The following are a few examples of this
kind of beauty described by Sister.
Beautiful is the woman:
who knows how to cry with others, to grieve with the sorrowful;
who excels in showing mercy, who can be compassionate with
those who have strayed, with those who lack understanding, with those hold
a different vision;
who leads others to understanding;
who is a peacemaker, a woman of peace;
Who is woman? What is she? She is Godís call to
Beauty.
"Father, You who created us and called us to be woman,
increase in us your love, made for everything small and everything great.
Grant that we may continue the joy, the praise of Mary - Woman above all
woman."
EXHIBITS / DISPLAYS
Sisters Servants of Mary Immaculate:
--Information of St. Joseph's Home for the Aged
--Information on St. Mary's Villa Spiritual & Educational
Center
--Display of the works of the Sisters
--Dormition Pilgrimage
--Vocations
--Display on Life and Works of Sr. Josaphata - now Venerable
Sisters of St. Basil:
--Information on Manor Junior College
--Information on Spirituality Center
--Information on the Sisters of St. Basil the Great
--Vocation information
Sr. Mary Bernarda - Promoter
for the Beatification Cause.
--Picture display on Metropolitan Andrew Sheptytsky
--Books, pamphlets, prayer cards
Sr. Bernarda spent Friday and Saturday in the Exhibit area
and was available to discuss her work and further promote Metropolitan Andrew.
Deacon Paul Makar:
--Exhibit on the Deaconate program in the Eparchy with
hand out materials available.
Garden State Exhibit: Vera
& Marie Glowa provided an exhibit titled "Celebrating with Icons".
Icons of Holy days and Holidays were displayed with the traditions associated
with each celebration explained and depicted. (i.e. Feast of Assumption
- Blessing of Flowers, Feast of Transfiguration - Blessing of Fruit, etc.)
Feasts: Epiphany, Presentation of Our Lord, Annunciation,
Palm Sunday, Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday, Easter Sunday, Ascension
Thursday, Pentecost, Ss. Peter & Paul, Transfiguration, Dormition (Assumption)
of the BVM, Nativity of the Mother of God, Exaltation of the Holy Cross,
St. Nicholas, Immaculate Conception, Nativity of Christ.
("Convention Highlights" were provided by Marion
Hrubec.)
Special Thanks. On behalf of
LeeAnn and my self, I wish to thank all the delegates, members and guests
who took the time to sign the Healing Mass Enrollment card for us and for
the other notes and cards we received after the Convention. Missing the
annual LUC convention left a big void in our lives. It is very gratifying
to know we were missed.
Harry Makar
1999 LUC Convention. October
8-10, 1999, Sheraton Buffalo East Hotel, Cheektowaga (Buffalo), NY.
COUNCIL NEWS
Connecticut
The July meeting was held at SS. Peter & Paul where
members began with recitation of the Rosary. Helen Labinsky opened the business
meeting with a prayer.
Helen tried to reach the Ukrainian Shrine in Washington,
DC by phone and letter but got no response. Another attempt was to be made.
The Council has been accumulating funds for a donation to the Shrine.
Other discussions included the recent Convention in Somerset,
NJ; a pot-luck dinner in the Fall; the annual Day of Recollection; and a
yearly calendar of events which Dave Dziadik volunteered to do.
Dorothy Brenia, Recording
Secretary
Garden State
See Convention Highlights".
Niagara Frontier
The council held a meeting on Christ the King Sunday, Oct.
25th, at St. John the Baptist, in Kenmore, beginning with Divine Liturgy
at 10:30. Beautiful Ukrainian singing was provided by the Boyan Choir, which
was founded in 1915 and believed to be the oldest existing choir. Afterwards
there was an enjoyable dinner and fun afternoon at Johnís Flaming
Hearth in Niagara Falls. About 60 people attended.
We were especially privileged and honored to have as guest
speaker John Fedkiw, Editor of the Newsletter for the Ukrainian National
Shrine of the Holy Family in Washington, DC. He spoke on the progress of
the Shrine and donations needed.
We were deeply saddened by the deaths of our active members
Merrill Nowosiadly and John Nowadly (charter member). May God grant them
eternal rest - Vichnaya Pamyat. They surely will be greatly missed by all.
A memorial Divine Liturgy was held at St Nicholas on Nov. 23rd. This was
followed by the November Council meeting.
Also, our sincerest and heartfelt sympathy to John Godzuk,
our LUC travel agent and Master of Ceremonies on the sudden death (heart
attack) of his son, Robert M. age 35, in Laurel. MD. May God grant him eternal
rest - Vichnaya Pamyat. A memorial Divine Liturgy was scheduled for Dec.
14th with the December Council meeting to follow.
Hope to see you all in Buffalo - 1999 Convention - Oct.
8-10.
God is with us - yesterday - today - tomorrow.
Catherine Eckhart, Publicity
North Anthracite
On August 23, 1998, the Council held its Annual Family
Picnic in Berwick, Pa at the Ezzykís farm. Guests from South Anthracite
Council included Marie, Paul, and Paul T. Hancher. The event was sponsored
by the Berwick Chapter of SS. Cyril & Methodius Ukrainian Catholic Church.
On November 15, 1998, the Council held its regular meeting
in Scranton, Pa. Members were deeply saddened by the death of Msgr. Raymond
Revak, STL who passed away on Nov. 10,1998.
Msgr. was always active in the League and held office in
the Council when the League was the Ukrainian Catholic Youth League. About
1952 he left to enter St. Basilís Seminary in Stamford, CT.
After his ordination he held many important chancery assignments
for the Philadelphia Archdiocese, was elevated to Prelate of Honor by Pope
John Paul II , a fourth-degree Knights of Columbus, served as Spiritual
Director for St. Pius X Council when he was pastor at St. Maryís
in Bristol, PA, and, when he was assigned to St. Vladimerís in Scranton,
he again was very supportive and active in the Council. He attended almost
all of the meetings in the past 10 years. May his memory be eternal VICHNAYA
PAMYAT.
Meeting Highlights. Minutes and officerís reports
were given and delegates gave a full report on the Convention.
Dorothy Jamula spoke to Sr. Marina at the Convention who
said she would be happy to put on a retreat at the Council. A date will
be set up.
Marie Kaneski is trying to contact Fr. John Ciurpita, Chairman
of the Millennium Committee for the Philadelphia Archdiocese, to arrange
participation with the Committee.
Fr. Paul Guthrie, current administrator to St. Vladimerís
in Scranton, suggested that the Council purchase one of the LUC coverlets
being promoted by the National Board. This would be raffled off as a fund
raiser. Members unanimously approved the suggestion.
Members approved a motion to host the Convention in 2000.
A Convention Committee is already being set up.
St. Christopher
As a follow-up to the Niagara Frontier meeting (see above),
John Fedkiw contacted Harry Makar, President of St. Christopher (Baltimore
Chapter), regarding a possible joint project with the Ukrainian Catholic
National Shrine. Details are not yet worked out, but the intent is to make
this a League-wide effort. Councils are already supporting the Shrine and
a coordinated effort could give the League broader visibility and opportunity
for increasing membership. A letter has been sent to President Kinal for
National Board discussion.
St. Pius X
The Council mourns the loss of Joanne Pawluk, former National
Board officer, who passed away on November 24, 1998. She was the daughter
of Mary Gulski. May her memory be eternal. VICHNAYA PAMYAT.
Western PA
The Council held its third annual Thanksgiving Moleben
at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 22, 1998, at St. Georgeís Ukrainian Catholic
Church in Brighton Heights, Pittsburgh, PA. Members and other laity were
welcomed by the pastor, Msgr. George Appleyard and Council Spiritual Director,
Rev. Michael Polosky. The homilist was Rev. Deacon Michael Levy. Attendees
were asked to bring a canned or dry food item. The collected food items
were donated by St. Georgeís to a local food pantry. Following the
Moleben, council members addressed Christmas cards to shut-ins and those
who are hospitalized.
Election of officers for the 1999-2000 term will be held
at a dinner meeting planned for January.
The tenth annual Bishopís Charity Ball was held
on Sunday, Oct. 25, 1998, in Pittsburgh. The Ball was sponsored by the Diocesan
Resource Committee(DRC), Parma Diocese. Guests included Bishop Robert Moskal,
Metropolitan-Archbishop Judson Procyk of the Byzantine Catholic Archdiocese
of Pittsburgh and Chairman of the Allegheny County Commissioners, Michael
Dawida and his wife. Council members who played a role in this event included
Nickolas C. Kotow who, as chairman of the DRC, welcomed the more than 300
guests: Peter and Luba Hlutkowsky, co-chairs of the Ball organizing subcommittee;
and Dave Hodowanetz, vice-chairman of the DRC who introduced the papal service
awardees from previous years.
Papal awards presented this year:
The Cross Pro Ecclesia Et Pontifice papal award:
David Hodowanetz of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Latrobe, PA.
Dorothy S. Sigmund of St. John the Baptist, Mckeesport,
PA.
The Benemerenti papal award was presented to Esther Grimm
of St. John the Baptist in Pittsburgh, PA.
Msgr. George Appleyard acted as Master of Ceremonies for
these presentations.
***
Congratulations to Michael Drahusz who was married in October
in Pittsburgh. Michael was the previous National Convention Procedures Director.
Nickolas C. Kotow
ACTION DONATIONS
No. Anthracite Council- $100
Vicki & Theresa Taras (Akron, OH)- $30
Mary Gulski- $25
(St. Pius X -in memory of daughter Joanne Pawluk)
Niagara Frontier $25
John & Natalka Pawlow (Garden State)- $10
Many thanks for this support.
LUC COVERLET
A beautiful coverlet has been commissioned by National
Board which captures the history and spirit of the LUC. It measures 48x68
inches, made of 100% cotton, 2 layers, Jacquard woven in the US, preshrunk,
colorfast and machine-washable. It is fringed on all four sides. The Ukrainian
Catholic Cathedrals in the US are depicted and color scheme is sky blue
background; cathedrals, figures, logo and border are shades of Medium Gold,
Carolina Blue, Natural, Williamsburg Blue and Berry. Some councils are ordering
it as a fund raiser and individuals are ordering as a valuable keepsake
and reminder of their affiliation with the LUC. Others are ordering them
as gifts.
The cost is $50.00 each plus $4.00 shipping. Make checks
payable to League of Ukrainian Catholics and mail to Mary Ann Grimm, P.O.
Box 1870, LaPlata, MD 20646. Please give your address and phone number when
ordering.
WEBSITE UPDATE
http://ukrainian.faithweb.com/
(Webmaster NOTE: LUC Site has moved to the above location)
Our site has had some more visitors on the "Guestbook"
since the last ACTION. These include Steve Hoskowicz, Melbourne, FL; Robert
and Norma Whitehead, Madison, AL; Arlene Keryk Walter, Monticello, IL; Tracey
Griffith, Reading, PA; and "Rob" , Melbourne, Australia (a convert
to the Ukrainian Catholic Church). Those who have access to the internet
are encouraged to visit our site. Some have questions that are of interest
and may find answers among our members out there.
St. Vladimir Institute
On Oct. 3, 1998, Bishop Robert Moskal blessed the building
for the St. Vladimir Institute in Arnold, PA. It will serve as a training
home for the permanent diaconate of the Parma Diocese, as a workshop and
home for the training of choir directors, and as an educational and cultural
center for the Ukrainian American community. Rev. Dr. John Ropke is pastor
of St. Vladimirís church in Arnold and director of the institute.
EDITORIAL
Eastern Spirituality. There
has been an increasing amount of attention being given to the subject of
Eastern Spirituality. Convention workshops by Msgr. Mosko and Rev. Deacon
Waak addressed two important documents on the subject, Orientale Lumen and
Liturgical Instruction. Sr. Helena gave a very insightful way to venerate
an icon, the Virgin of Vladimir.
The Ukrainian Catholic press has covered various related
subjects as has the Latin-Rite press. The Holy Father has emphasized the
need for us to be faithful to our Eastern Catholic tradition. There are
long-range implications too, because the Holy Father sees the Eastern-Rite
Churches serving as bridges between Catholic and Orthodox Churches.
Part of the process to increase our faithfulness to our
Eastern Catholic tradition is evangelization. The evangelization I refer
to here is not missionary activity as such. Rather I refer to that which
requires that we inform ourselves about our Eastern Spirituality. There
are various resources to help us. There is the Ukrainian Catholic press,
of course. The Sisters of St. Basil are developing an Eastern Spirituality
Center that promises to be an excellent resource. The convention
workshops this year and in prior years has been very helpful.
Various retreats sponsored by the League have provided new and interactive
dialogue. Retreats offered by Sr. Marina to the Councils are another excellent
way to get better informed. A recent new source that I became aware of is
the Bookstore Catalogue of The Monks of Mt. Tabor. I received their first
issue and it has many excellent books. A few examples include the Jesus
Prayer, Meaning of Icons, Mystical Theology of the Eastern Church, Eastern
Monasticism and the Future of the Church, Pray for Godís Wisdom:
The Mystical Sophiology of Met. Andrey Sheptytsky. Contact:
HolyTransfiguration Monastery
PO Box 217
Redwood Valley, CA 95470
Phone: (707) 485-1122
E-mail: mttabor@pacific.net
There are many other resources I'm sure, so don't deny
yourself. Get more informed about our Eastern Spirituality.
HVM | 
