QUESTION OF THE MONTH #96 (December 2008)

Question:

When was St. Nicholas' feast first celebrated in Ukraine? (S.D, Montclair, NJ)

Answer:

It is believed that Prince Vsevolod Yaroslavych introduced St. Nicholas' feast to Ukraine during the time of Pope Urban II (1088-1099).

St. Nicholas lived during the 4th Century. In 1087, his relics were carried by Italian merchants to Bari, Italy after the Moslem invasion of Asia Minor. A perfumed oil still flows from his holy relics.

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QUESTION OF THE MONTH #95 (November 2008)

Question:

Why does the priest wave a veil over the Holy Gifts during the Nicean Creed? (T.M. Linden, NJ)

Answer:

The priest gently waves the veil over the Holy Gifts during the Nicean Creed to help remind us that the Holy Spirit is working in us.

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QUESTION OF THE MONTH #94 (October 2008)

Question:

Does Christ and Messiah mean the same thing? (N.S., Hillside, NJ)

Answer:

"Christ" is derived from the Greek word Christos which means "annointed one". "Messiah" is from the Hebrew word Mashiah which means "The annointed one".

Christians believe that Jesus Christ was the Messiah -- the Son of God. In the Jewish religion, followers recognize Jesus as a Jewish teacher -- but not the Son of God. Jews are still waiting for the Messiah to come -- while Christians believe that Jesus was the Messiah and already came.

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QUESTION OF THE MONTH #93 (September 2008)

Question:

What are Psalms and where did they come from? (D.M., Morris Plains, NJ)

Answer:

The word Psalm means holy song or poem. King David wrote some of the Psalms approximately 1000 years before Christ. Some Psalms are joyful and some Psalms are sorrowful. You can find the Psalms in the Old Testament, Book of Psalms.

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QUESTION OF THE MONTH #92 (August 2008)

Question:

During the Liturgy I hear the word "Oblation" used. What does this mean? (J.D., Elizabeth, NJ)

Answer:

During the Anaphora, which means "The Holy Offering" and is the most important part of the Liturgy, the priest or deacon says the words "Let us stand with dignity, let us stand in awe, let us be attentive to offer the holy oblation in peace." Oblation means "offering". Essentially, man offers spiritual sacrifices which are acceptable to God.

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QUESTION OF THE MONTH #91 (July 2008)

Question:

After the Great Schism of 1054, what year did the Ukrainian Catholic Church become reunitied with the See of Rome? (N.S., Hillside, NJ)

Answer:

In 1595, the Ukrainian Catholic Church restored its union with the See of Rome. The Ukrainian Catholic Church is in full union with the Church of Rome and accepts the leadership of the Holy Father, Bishop of Rome.

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QUESTION OF THE MONTH #90 (June 2008)

Question:

What is a Sacrament? (S.K., Westfield, NJ)

Answer:

A Sacrament is an outward sign instituted by Jesus to give grace.

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QUESTION OF THE MONTH #89 (May 2008)

Question:

Which days of the week does the Pope usually greet the faithful at St. Peter's Square in Rome? (S.B., NY, NY)

Answer:

Pope Benedict XVI, like many of the recent Popes, typically greets the faithful at St. Peter's Square after his Sunday noon Angelus (i.e. the devotional prayer at morning, noon and night that commemorates the Annunciation) and Wednesday morning during his general audience.

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QUESTION OF THE MONTH #88 (April 2008)

Question:

Are there certain Sacraments that I can only recieve once? (H.K., Westfield, NJ)

Answer:

You may only receive the following Sacraments once: Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Orders. These particular sacraments imprint a "character in the soul" -- i.e. imprinting a spiritual mark in the soul that lasts forever.

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QUESTION OF THE MONTH #87 (March 2008)

Question:

I am a Roman Catholic who is very drawn to the Ukrainian Catholic Church. I am not, however, Ukrainian in ethnic origin. My question is this: can a non-Ukrainian become a regular parishoner at a Ukrainian Catholic Church? (T.M., New York City)

Answer:

You may become a parishioner of a Ukrainian Catholic Church without any difficulty as we both share the same Church and doctrinal beliefs, though our rites differ. If you plan to join any one of our parishes simply speak to the pastor and he will direct you in the proper manner.

As the late Pope John Paul II once stated concerning the Catholic Church at large, the (Universal) Church breathes with two lungs (one is the Western Church and the other is the Eastern Church).

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QUESTION OF THE MONTH #86 (February 2008)

Question:

Why are there birds in the icon of the Presentation of Our Lord in the Temple? (C.K., Westfield, NJ)

Answer:

The birds in the icon of the Presentation of Our Lord in the Temple (Stritennia in Ukrainian), are a pair of turtle doves. I will explain the significance below.

Under the law of Moses, every woman who gave birth to a male child was excluded from temple for 40 days. Those 40 days were a period of "purification" for the woman. After the 40 days, the mother would go to the temple and offer a year old lamb and a young pigeon or turtle dove. If the mother was very poor, she would offer up a pair of pigeons or a pair of turtle doves as a sacrifice.

As a sign of her humility, the Blessed Mother went to the temple after 40 days and offered up a pair of turtle doves as an offering. Thus, you see the pair of turtle doves in the icon.

For greater understanding of the Feast of the Presentation of Our Lord, please see our February 2003 Question of the Month (i.e. in our archived section via the link above).

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QUESTION OF THE MONTH #85 (January 2008)

Question:

I recently attended a Ukrainian Catholic Wedding. Can you tell me what the significance of the crowns that the bride and groom wears during the ceremony? (S.A, Wayne, NJ)

Answer:

The crowns (or wreaths) that a bride and groom wear during the most solemn and reverent part of the wedding ceremony symbolize the glory and honor with which God crowns the couple. They are crowned as king and queen of their home.

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QUESTION OF THE MONTH #84 (December 2007)

Question:

I have heard some people say that the Bread and Wine in Communion symbolizes the Body and Blood of Christ. Other people say that the Bread and Wine actually become the Body and Blood of Christ. Which is correct? (D.M., Morris Plains, NJ)

Answer:

Definitely the latter. As Catholics, we firmly believe that the gifts of Bread and Wine become the actual Body and Blood of Jesus during the Liturgy. The Eucharist is not just a symbol but actually becomes the Body and Blood of Jesus. The Holy Spirit brings about this change. This is a very important belief of our faith.

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QUESTION OF THE MONTH #83 (November 2007)

Question:

What is the purpose of the Homily? (N.S., Hillside, NJ)

Answer:

The purpose of the Homily is to explain how to apply Christ's message to our daily life.

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QUESTION OF THE MONTH #82 (October 2007)

Question:

I attended the 50th anniversary celebration of your church in Hillside, N.J. You introduced a guest priest. Did I hear correctly that the priest had a wife? I didn’t think priests could marry? (B.V., Linden, NJ)

Answer:

Yes, you heard correctly. Any man who wants to become a married ordained Ukrainian Catholic priest anywhere in the world, including the USA, can do so now. Our hierarchy some years ago reinstated the Eastern tradition of ordaining married men. Obviously, a man must be married first in order to receive the grace of Holy Priesthood. Once a man is ordained a priest, he can never marry. This is the current ruling on this matter.

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QUESTION OF THE MONTH #81 (September 2007)

Question:

What does Incarnation refer to?(D.M., Morris Plains, NJ)

Answer:

Incarnation literally means "the action of taking on the flesh". In our Christian religion, Incarnation ocurred when Jesus was miraculously conceived in the Blessed Mother's womb. Hence, Jesus became man and thus has both a divine and human nature.

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QUESTION OF THE MONTH #80 (August 2007)

Question:

I have heard people refer to the Poetical Books of the Bible. Which are those books?(S.B., New York City, NY)

Answer:

The Poetical Books of the Bible are as follows:

• Job
• Psalms
• Proverbs
• Ecclesiastes
• Song of Solomon
• Wisdom
• Sirach

QUESTION OF THE MONTH #79 (July 2007)

Question:

What is prayer?(A.S., Whippany, NJ)

Answer:

St. John Damascene describes prayer as "....Raising of one's mind and heart to God or the requesting of good things from God." Essentially, this is how we communicate with God.

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QUESTION OF THE MONTH #78 (June 2007)

Question:

Can an individual receive the Annointing of the Sick sacrament more than once?(A.B., Cedar Knolls, NJ)

Answer:

Yes, a Christian can receive the Annointing of the Sick each time that they fall seriously ill. Additionally, a Christian may receive the sacrament again if his or her condition worsens with the same illness.

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QUESTION OF THE MONTH #77 (May 2007)

Question:

Why is Ukraine said to be under the "Protection of the Mother of God"?(D.M., Morris Plains, NJ)

Answer:

In 1037, Yaroslav the Wise, ruler of Kievan Rus', placed his nation under the special protection of the Mother of God. This was the first time a nation in Europe was dedicated in such a manner. Kievan Rus' is the ancient name for Ukraine.

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QUESTION OF THE MONTH #76 (April 2007)

Question:

Do Ukrainian Catholics believe in Purgatory?(P.S., Fanwood, NJ)

Answer:

Ukrainian Catholics do believe in purgatory since we ascribe to the articles of Faith of the Church. According to the Official Catechism of the Catholic Church, purgatory is defined as follows from number 1030 in the Catechism:

“All who die in God’s grace and friendship, but still imperfectly purified, are indeed assured of their eternal salvation; but after death they undergo purification, so as to achieve the holiness necessary to enter the joy of heaven.”

This implies the spiritual state of the soul and not in any way understood as a material place or space since eternity and the soul are immaterial in nature. One's soul undergoes a full cleansing of all sins and defilement so to be perfected to enter into God’s kingdom.

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QUESTION OF THE MONTH #75 (March 2007)

Question:

If a person has already been baptised and chrismated (confirmed) in the Orthodox Church does he/she have to be re-confirmed in the Catholic Church?(J.R., Columbus, Georgia)

Answer:

Concerning this matter of the Sacraments (Mysteries) of Initiation, no child, once chrismated (confirmed) in the Faith can ever be re-confirmed even if the person was chrismated in the Orthodox Church. The sacraments in both Churches are full sacraments and are accepted as such. The person may have to state the Confession of Faith as a testimony of accepting the teachings of the Catholic Church but never ever receive this Sacrament again.

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QUESTION OF THE MONTH #74 (February 2007)

Question:

Why is the Fish used as a symbol of Christianity? (S.B., New York City)

Answer:

The early Christians used the Fish as a symbol of Christ. The Greek word for fish is "icthus" which was an abbreviation for "Iesus Christos THeou Uios Soter" (Jesus Christ, the Son of God, Savior).

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QUESTION OF THE MONTH #73 (January 2007)

Question:

How many Ukrainian Catholics are there in the USA? (T.P. Fair Haven, NJ)

Answer:

At latest count, there are approximately 105,000 Ukrainian Catholics in the United States.

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QUESTION OF THE MONTH #72 (December 2006)

Question:

What is a "Stole"? (H.K., Westfield, NJ)

Answer:

A stole, also known as an Epitrachelion, is a vestment that a priest places around his neck as a symbol of his priestly office.

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QUESTION OF THE MONTH #71 (November 2006)

Question:

What does the word "Amen" mean? (T.F., Springfield, NJ)

Answer:

Amen is a Hebrew word which means "So May It Be". Amen is used to confirm (or affirm) a promise or truth of God. Typically, it ends most prayers.

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QUESTION OF THE MONTH #70 (October 2006)

Question:

Who are Ascetics? I hear our priest mention this term after the Consecration of the Holy Eucharist. (S.K., Westfield, NJ)

Answer:

Ascetics are people who spent their lives in intense prayer and fasting.

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QUESTION OF THE MONTH #69 (September 2006)

Question:

I have recently been interested in joining the Byzantine Church. I was baptized in another religion entirely outside of Catholicism. In order for me to take part in confession and communion, must I now be baptized in the Byzantine Church? (L.E., Freeland, PA)

Answer:

In general, anyone baptized in a Christian faith does not need to be baptized again.

However, since you were baptized in the Jehovah's Witness faith, you would need to be baptized in the Catholic faith. If you plan to become Byzantine Catholic, then it would be more practical to receive the Mysteries of Initiation, namely, entering into full communion in the Faith. This involves preparing for receiving and ultimately receiving the Mysteries of Baptism, Chrismation (also known as Confirmation) and Holy Communion all in one.

The pastor of your given parish most probably will give you some type of instruction concerning these Mysteries or Sacraments. Due to the complexities of being baptized in the Jehovah’s Witness faith, this is quite involved theologically and would be better explained through the pre-baptismal preparation instructions.

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QUESTION OF THE MONTH #68 (August 2006)

Question:

What does the word "Catholic" mean? (N.S., Hillside, NJ)

Answer:

The word "Catholic" means "universal" (e.g. "in keeping with the whole").

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QUESTION OF THE MONTH #67 (July 2006)

Question:

What is the significance of the following parable: "It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle, than it is for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God"? (M.S.M., Clearwater, FL)

Answer:

In reference to the New Testament passage, Mark 10:25, where Jesus said, "It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.", please reflect on the following:

At first, when one reads this passage, it appears that the wealthy could never be able to enter into heaven since, logically speaking, nothing as big as a camel or human, can enter into the eye of any needle, except perhaps a thread or something as small and thin. If one were to take this passage and read it literally, then of course, no wealthy person would be able to enter into heaven. However, Christ was speaking allegorically this time. Much of how he taught and spoke was using symbolism and allegories.

Christ was making reference to one of the smallest gates or entrances that was used to enter into the walled city of Jerusalem. During the time of Christ, various entrance ways or gates existed to enter into the city of Jerusalem. This is no different than in today’s time. As an example, let us consider New York City. Various roads lead into the city like the Lincoln Tunnel, the George Washington Bridge, the Hudson Tunnel, the Brooklyn Bridge, etc. There was a very small gate in Jesus’ time which was more like a passage and less a gate than a single door -- just large enough for a man to walk through, but too small to afford a breach to a hostile army. It was called "Needle's Eye".

The Eye of the Needle was too small for a camel to walk through -- particularly if that camel was laden with worldly goods. If the other gates were closed, however, it could be managed. First, everything had to be taken off of the camel. Then the beast would be made to kneel, almost to crawl, to duck through the tiny gate. And then, on the other side, it could again stand up and everything could be put back on the camel.

Christ is basically saying that it is much more difficult for the wealthy to enter into heaven but not impossible. He implies that when someone is so obsessed with the riches of the world then one can lose sight of God’s eternal riches and Life with Him in eternity. He tells us to be careful of abounding in earthly riches rather to abound in His riches of grace and goodness. True wealth is found in God; ultimate poverty is found in one’s sole reliance of oneself and one’s goods while leaving God out totally from one’s life.

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QUESTION OF THE MONTH #66 (June 2006)

Question:

Let's say that you belong to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church and for some reason went to confession at a Roman Catholic Church. Than you attended mass at the UOC, can you receive Holy Communion? Or can you go to confession at a R/C church if you are UO? Of course the question goes the other way too. If you are R/C and go to confession at a UOC for some reason and then attend your own church can you receive communion? (M.P., West Orange, NJ)

Answer:

In reference to your question about receiving the Sacraments of Confession and Holy Communion in the Orthodox or Roman Catholic Church interchangeably yet being a baptized - faithful member of one of these Sister Churches, I make this response and offer: First of all, it is the wish of all God-loving Christians regardless of what Church he/she may belong to that TOTAL unity exist among all Christians and not have Church division! I surely hope and pray that as loving Christians we truly work towards unity as we are called to do because of our Baptism.

The sacraments (Mysteries) mentioned above are mutually considered by both Churches as one and true because the theological integrity of these sacraments is properly understood and maintained by both of these Churches. Theologically speaking, these Mysteries are essentially the same grace of Forgiveness and Communion, though administered & celebrated differently in each given Church. Essentially these Sacrament are One and True.

Practically speaking, however, another issue comes into play when speaking about receiving the Sacraments. When one receives Holy Communion in either of the sister Churches, one automatically professes his/her allegiance and membership to that given Church alone. In other words, for example, if a Roman Catholic receives Communion in the Orthodox Church he is publicly making it known that his loyalty and allegiance is to the Orthodox Church alone and also the same can be said in an incident vice versa. By taking Communion in the Sister Church NOT of your Baptism, you are saying that all that the Sister Church professes and believes you profess and believe. In a way you are acting as if you are a member of the other Church, namely the Church you were not baptized in.

Because of the lack of total unity between these Churches (mind you – the differences are not many and are few), we are called to receive the Sacraments in the Church of our Baptism now. Even though these two Churches profess much of the same FAITH and same Sacraments, but because of the disunity, one is to stay within his/her Church. It is unfortunate that such division exists but perhaps this same tension in wanting to be ONE CHURCH will prompt us and activate us towards making that unity happen. Unity is to be worked at – this is a great task to realize, as personal feelings and emotions are easily wrapped up in our Faith and religion.

If and when the great day of Total Unity between the Churches come – then all of these issues would be worked out and not even exist. These issues would then not even be of issue – may God bless us with this! I hope this is clear for you and that it has been of assistance to you. God bless you.

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QUESTION OF THE MONTH #65 (May 2006)

Question:

What is meant by the "The New Commandment"? (S.K., Westfield, NJ)

Answer:

By reading John 13:34, you will learn that Jesus spoke of the New Commandment during the Last Supper. He said, "A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another."

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QUESTION OF THE MONTH #64 (April 2006)

Question:

What does it mean to have the "Fear of God"? (J.S., Whippany, NJ)

Answer:

When it is said that you have the "Fear of God", it is meant that you are in awe of the greatness of God and you will live your life as God wants you to.

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QUESTION OF THE MONTH #63 (March 2006)

Question:

What is the Gift of Discernment? (N.S., Hillside, NJ)

Answer:

Discernment is a special gift of the Holy Spirit granted to certain individuals. Essentially, these chosen individuals have the ability to sense the truth and know people's problems without being told about it. People who have this gift have the ability to help others by giving proper guidance.

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QUESTION OF THE MONTH #62 (February 2006)

Question:

How many Pope Benedicts have there been? (H.K., Westfield, NJ)

Answer:

The current Holy Father, formerly known as Joseph Ratzinger, is Pope Benedict XVI. Thus, there were 15 pope Benedicts prior to Pope Benedict XVI.

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QUESTION OF THE MONTH #61 (January 2006)

Question:

What is the difference between a Martyr and a Confessor? (H.K. Westfield, NJ)

Answer:

A Martyr is someone who died for their faith in Christ. A Confessor is someone who suffered for faith but did not lose their life.

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QUESTION OF THE MONTH #60 (December 2005)

Question:

What is a Tetrapod? (K.E., Hillside, NJ)

Answer:

Tetrapod literally means "four legged". In Eastern Rite Churches, a tetrapod is a table placed in the church's main aisle, before the iconostas, on which you will typically find an icon and a cross.

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QUESTION OF THE MONTH #59 (November 2005)

Question:

Who chose the Writings in the Bible? (H.K., Westfield, NJ)

Answer:

The writings in the Bible were chosen by Christian theologians in 325 A.D. at the Council of Nicaea.

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QUESTION OF THE MONTH #58 (October 2005)

Question:

What are the steps to becoming a Saint in the Catholic Church? (P.S. Fanwood, NJ)

Answer:

Canonization, the process of becoming a Saint in the Catholic Church, is a very long process - sometimes taking decades or centuries to complete. Usually, canonization can not begin until 5 years after the death of the candidate. However, Pope John Paul II waived the 5 year rule in 1999 in the case of Mother Theresa.

The following occurs during the process of canonization:

1. A local bishop reviews the candidate's life and writings and then forwards the findings to the Vatican.
2. A panel of cardinals of The Congregation for Cause of Saints and theologians reviews the information.
3. Upon approval of the panel, the Pope will declare the candidate "venerable" -- i.e. a role model of Catholic virtues.
4. If it can be shown that the candidate was responsible for a miracle after his/her death, then the candidate can be beatified (i.e. worthy of public veneration in a particular region or congregation). Martyrs can be beatified without a miracle having been attributed to them.
5. If there is evidence of a second miractle after his/her death, then the candidate can be declared a Saint (i.e. canonized). Saints are recommended for veneration by the entire Catholic Church.

QUESTION OF THE MONTH #57 (September 2005)

Question:

Why are there no musical instruments used during liturgical services in our Ukrainian Catholic Church? (D.K., Scotch Plains, NJ)

Answer:

The most obvious reason why in the Ukrainian Catholic Church no musical instruments are used during liturgical services is because it is thought man’s voice – an instrument made by the hands of God Himself and not by human hands, should be used to give Him praise and glory. Each organ and part of the human body was created to play a particular and specific role within a person’s life. Our human body is the “temple of God,” as St. Paul tells us in his epistles. We are especially called to praise and worship God and show Him our gratitude and thankfulness not only intellectually and/or interiorly (i.e. within the heart and mind) but also through the use of our body.

Since the human voice is God created and is a musical instrument why not praise Him as such? It is also stated that to sing hymns to God is to pray two times. Not only is the prayer said & spoken through the lips, but rather sung, i.e. the whole body is involved in praising God (notably from one's diaphragm/stomach) and not just our mouth and lips. In other words we give Him all of ourselves when we praise Him.

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QUESTION OF THE MONTH #56 (August 2005)

Question:

Who is the Patron Saint of Cancer Patients? (M.S., Hanover, NJ)

Answer:

St. Peregrine Laziosi is the Patron Saint of Cancer Patients. St. Peregrine was born into a wealthy family at Forli, Italy in 1260. During his early years, Peregrine was a member of the anti-papal party. He was a troubled youth. In one incident, he struck St. Philip Benizi (who was a representative of the Pope) in the face during a political event. When St. Philip offered his other cheek to Peregrine, Peregrine was so moved that he immediately conveted to Catholicism.

In his later years, St. Peregrine contracted cancer of the foot. He was told that his foot would need to be amputated. However, the night before the operation, St. Peregrine prayed fervently. He was completely cured the following morning.

St. Peregrine died in 1345 at the age of 85. He was canonized in 1726 by Pope Benedict XIII.

The following is a prayer that can be said to St. Peregrine:

"Dear St. Peregrine, I am in need of your help. I feel so uncertain of my life right now. This serious illness makes me long for a sign of God's love. Help me to imitate your enduring faith when you faced the challenge of cancer.

Allow me to trust the Lord the way you did in this moment of distress. I want to be cured, but right now I ask God for the strength to beat the crosses in my life.

I seek the power to proclaim God's presence in my life despite the hardship, anguish and fear I now experience.

O glorious St. Peregrine, be an inspiration to me and all those who suffer from the disease of cancer. Be for us the petitioner of these needed graces from God our loving Father. Amen."

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QUESTION OF THE MONTH #55 (July 2005)

Question:

What are the verses that are read before the Epistle? (J.S., Whippany, NJ)

Answer:

The verse that is read or sung before the Epistle reading is known as the "Prokimen". The Prokimen verse is from the psalms. The Prokimen is actually a Greek word that means "that which goes before".

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QUESTION OF THE MONTH #54 (June 2005)

Question:

Why do people in your church bow rather than genuflect like I do in the Roman Catholic Church? (J.A., Springfield, NJ)

Answer:

A bow has always been considered as a sign of respect in the Eastern territories. For example, when in an emperor's court, you would bow if you were in the East and you would genuflect if you were in the West. In the Eastern Catholic Churches, the bow is known as a metania and is often accompanied with making the sign of the cross.

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QUESTION OF THE MONTH #53 (May 2005)

Question:

Why are there green tree branches in our church today (i.e. on Pentecost)?(J.R.S., Whippany, NJ)

Answer:

Pentecost is a very special holyday which commemorates the Holy Spirit descending upon the 12 apostles. This holyday is celebrated each year on the 50th day after Easter.

Pentecost is also known as Zeleni Sviata (i.e. "The Green Holyday"). Our Ukrainian Catholic churches are decorated with green branches which symbolizes eternal life and reminds us of the Holy Spirit descending upon the apostles and also to each of us through the sacraments of baptism and chrismation.

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QUESTION OF THE MONTH #52 (April 2005)

Question:

I have been asked to be a godmother, and I am told that I must procure a "chryzhma" (never used cloth). What is it and where do I get it and what is the significance of it?(N.S., Vienna, Austria)

Answer:

“Chryzhma” is a white cloth that is used to cover and clothe the child immediately after it has been baptized in holy water during the Baptism service. It is to be white in color and preferably a cloth that will later be stored away as a momento for the child later on in life. Usually, it is a fine cloth – but never used. It can be of any material but of better quality and white in color.

This white cloth symbolizes the cleaning waters of Baptism that clean the child’s soul of all spiritual debris and sin. Also the very act of clothing the child with this cloth right after being baptized means that the child “has clothed him/herself with Christ.” The old person (the child before Baptism), who had sin, exists no more; now a new person has arrived, namely this one totally cleansed of all human sin and fallenness.

The chryzhma cloth in a certain way symbolizes Christ Himself who is the Life and Light – and wraps Himself around the child and makes the child His own; we believe this in our Faith that we no longer belong to ourselves, rather we are God’s – we belong to Him solely. This St. Paul expounds about in his epistles and writings.

It is the custom and tradition that the godparents bring the “chryzhma” with themselves to present to the priest who then later clothes the child with this cloth. The godparents have this role because they symbolize the baby's spiritual parents, the ones who see to it that the child grows in the Faith, whereas the natural parents are the child’s physical parents. (Mind you, they too must see that the child is brought up in the Christian Faith as well.)

The “chryzhma” also instructs the one being baptized that later on in life he/she must strive to maintain that goodness and spiritual wholeness and cleanliness through his/her life.

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QUESTION OF THE MONTH #51 (March 2005)

Question:

Is there any significance to the order of the 10 Commandments?(N.S., Hillside, NJ)

Answer:

The first 3 commandments instruct us how to love and respect God. The remaining 7 commandments tell us how to love and respect our neighbor. The 10 commandments are listed below.

1) I am the Lord your God; you shall not have other gods before me.
2) You shall not take the Name of the Lord, your God, in vain.
3) Remember to keep holy the Sabbath day.
4) Honor your father and mother.
5) You shall not kill.
6) You shall not commit adultery.
7) You shall not steal.
8) You shall not bear false witness.
9) You shall not covet your neighbor's wife.
10)You shall not covet anything that belongs to your neighbor.

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QUESTION OF THE MONTH #50 (February 2005)

Question:

Is there a Pre-Lenten period that should prepare us for the Great Lent?(J.K., Barnegat, NJ)

Answer:

The pre-Lenten period includes the 4 Sundays prior to Lent. The Sunday Gospel messages during this period are designed to prepare us for Lent. The Gospel messages are as follows:

1) Sunday of the Publican and Pharisee - This Gospel reading focuses on the two men, one prideful and one humble, who went into the temple to pray. We are called to be truly humble in confessing our sins to God.
2) Sunday of the Prodigal Son - This Gospel reading focuses on forgiveness and that we will be welcomed back if we are sorry for our sins. God is merciful and willing to forgive if we are sincere.
3) Sunday of the Last Judgement (a.k.a Sunday of Meatfare) - This Gospel reading reflects on how Jesus will separate the good from the evil (e.g. sheep from the goats). We are called upon to visit the sick, feed the hungry and do other good deeds.
4) Sunday of Cheesefare - This Gospel reading teaches us that we must forgive others if we wish God to forgive us.

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QUESTION OF THE MONTH #49 (January 2005)

Question:

What is the significance of the "3-Bar" Cross vs. the Roman Catholic Latin Cross?(D.K., Scotch Plains, NJ)

Answer:

The Latin Cross (†) is formed in the image of the Cross of Golgotha. This tradition (i.e. the Latin cross being the image of the Cross of Golgotha) was upheld by St. Augustine.

The "three-bar" cross was adopted by the Slavic converts to the Constantinopolitan Church -- including the Ukrainians. This style of cross (i.e. the "3-bar" cross) is popular among Eastern Catholic and Orthodox churches. It should be emphasised that the "3-bar" cross is not reserved for a particular church or denomination. Many people mistakenly associate the "3-bar" cross only as being "Orthodox".

The symbolism of the "3-bar" cross is very special. The upper arm represents the inscription over Jesus' head, and the lower arm represents His footrest. When the lower arm is slanted, the slant is always in the same direction. The bar points up on the right side since the good thief on Jesus' right was going to heaven because he repented. The bar points down on the left because the thief on the left of Jesus cursed Him and he was damned. It should be noted that on many "3-bar" crosses, the bar is straight rather than slanted.
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