Each month, a "Question of the Month" and its corresponding answer will be posted below. We encourage you to submit any suggested "Questions of the Month" to us via our email address ICUkrainianCatholic@yahoo.com .

One question will be chosen each month to be posted with its corresponding answer.

We hope that you revisit our site at least once a month to review the new "Question of the Month". More importantly, we hope that your understanding of your faith increases from this experience.

Thank you for your participation.


INDEX

December 2012 - Re: St. Patrick
November 2012 - Re: Mysteries
October 2012 - Re: Pentateuch
September 2012 - Re: Baptismal Register
August 2012 - Re: Relics
July 2012 - Re: Vichnaya Pamyat
June 2012 - Re: St. Mary Magdalene
May 2012 - Re: Peter's Pence
April 2012 - Re: Cassock
March 2012 - Re: Timing of Lent
February 2012 - Re: Mother Helena Emilia Langevych, OSBM
January 2012 - Re: Miriam

December 2011 - Re: Filioque origin
November 2011 - Re: Protestant Reform Movements
October 2011 - Re: New Translation of the Mass for Roman Catholics
September 2011 - Re: Last non-Italian Pope prior to Pope John Paul II
August 2011 -- Re: The Blue Army Shrine in Washington, NJ
July 2011 -- Re: Processions in Church
June 2011 -- Re: St. Peter and Paul
May 2011 -- Re: Leader of the Ukrainian Catholic Church
April 2011 -- Re: Good Friday Procession
March 2011 -- Re: Nun's primary role
February 2011 - Re: Nun vs. Sister
January 2011 - Re: Our Lady of Fatima

December 2010 - Re: Returning to church after a woman gives birth
November 2010 - Re: Historical significance of December 25th
October 2010 - Re: Narthex vs. Nave
September 2010 - Re: Death of St. John the Baptist
August 2010 - Re: Feast of the Transfiguration
July 2010 - Re: Good Confession
June 2010 - Re: Purgatory
May 2010 - Re: Beatitude
April 2010 - Re: Lenten Prostration
March 2010 - Re: Largest banned Church in the world
February 2010 - Re: Names of the Original 12 Apostles
January 2010 - Re: 3 Kings / Wise Men

December 2009 - Re: 1st American born saint
November 2009 - Re: Sisters Servants of Mary Immaculate
October 2009 - Re: Exaltation of the Holy Cross
September 2009 - Re: 1st Ukrainian Catholic Bishop in the USA
August 2009 - Re: 1st Pope buried in St. Peter's Basilica in Rome
July 2009 - Re: Ascetic
June 2009 - Re: Incarnation
May 2009 - Re: Vestment Colors
April 2009 - Re: Abstinence vs. Fasting
March 2009 - Re: The origin of the word "Sorokousty"
February 2009 - Re: Sunday of Orthodoxy
January 2009 - Re: Caroling during Advent / Pylypivka

ARCHIVED QUESTIONS OF THE MONTH 2001, 2002, 2003 & 2004

ARCHIVED QUESTIONS OF THE MONTH 2005, 2006,2007 & 2008



QUESTION OF THE MONTH #144 (December 2012)

Question:

What years did St. Patrick live? (C.M., Edison, NJ)

Answer:

St. Patrick was born in 385 and died in 461. He was of Roman / British ancestry but spent many years as Bishop in Ireland. He is the patron of Ireland.

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QUESTION OF THE MONTH #143 (November 2012)

Question:

In the Ukrainian Catholic Church I hear often about the 7 Mysteries. What does that mean? (J.P. Union, NJ)

Answer:

In the Eastern Catholic Churches (e.g. Ukrainian Catholic Church), the term "Mystery" is used instead of "Sacraments". Thus, the 7 Mysteries are the 7 Sacraments.

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QUESTION OF THE MONTH #142 (October 2012)

Question:

What is the Pentateuch? (L.H. Randolph, NJ)

Answer:

The Pentateuch is the first 5 books of the Old Testament: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers & Deuteronomy.

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QUESTION OF THE MONTH #141 (September 2012)

Question:

It has been over 40 years since I have been in the church that I was baptized in. Would my records still be there? (T.C. Rumson, NJ)

Answer:

Yes, each parish has a permanent record of everyone who was baptized in that church. The information (e.g. baptized person's name, date of birth, parents' and godparents' names, date of Baptism and priest's name) is kept in a book called the Baptismal Register.

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QUESTION OF THE MONTH #140 (August 2012)

Question:

What is a relic? (J.G., Cedar Knolls, NJ)

Answer:

Relics are the remains of holy people. A relic could either be a part of their body (first class relic) or of their clothing or possessions (second class relic).

Relics are venerated similar to icons.

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QUESTION OF THE MONTH #139 (July 2012)

Question:

I recently attended a funeral in a Ukrainian Catholic Church. At the end of the service, the priest and congregation sang a very somber song in Ukrainian. Can you tell me what the words meant? (K.M., Scotch Plains, NJ)

Answer:

At the end of the funeral service, you are most likely referring to the song "Vichnaya Pamyat". In English, this song means "Eternal memory. May his (her) memory be eternal."


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QUESTION OF THE MONTH #138 (June 2012)

Question:

Can you tell me about Mary Magdalene? (J.S., Whippany, NJ)

Answer:

St. Mary Magdalene's feast day is celebrated on July 22nd. Jesus expelled seven demons from Mary Magdalene. Later, she financially supported Jesus' ministry. Most people remember Mary Magdalene for her role standing at the foot of Jesus' Cross with the Blessed Mother. Mary Magdalene was the first to inform the Apostles of Jesus' Resurrection -- hence sometimes referred to as the "Apostle to the Apostles".


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QUESTION OF THE MONTH #137 (May 2012)

Question:

Where did the term Peter's Pence originate from? (S.B., NY, NY)

Answer:

Peter's Pence currently refers to collections taken to support the Holy Father. Originally, Peter's Pence was an annual tax of one penny for every house in England paid to the Vatican.


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QUESTION OF THE MONTH #136 (April 2012)

Question:

What is a Cassock? (A.S., Whippany, NJ)

Answer:

A Cassock is the long black garment which is the regular dress of priests and clerics.


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QUESTION OF THE MONTH #135 (March 2012)

Question:

Is the timing of Lent the same for Ukrainian Catholics and Roman Catholics? (W.I., Hopatcong, NJ)

Answer:

No, the timing of Lent is different for Ukrainian Catholics and Roman Catholics. For Ukrainian Catholics, Lent begins on the Monday before Ash Wednesday and ends on Lazurus Saturday which is the day before Palm Sunday.


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QUESTION OF THE MONTH #134 (February 2012)

Question:

Who was Mother Helena Langevych? (T.P., Newark, NJ)

Answer:

Mother Helena Emilia Langevych, OSBM was the founder of the Sisters of St. Basil the Great in the USA. She was born on January 24, 1881 in Zhovkva, Ukraine. In 1911, Mother Helena arrived at Ellis Island in New York City. She died in 1916.


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QUESTION OF THE MONTH #133 (January 2012)

Question:

Who was Miriam? (C.S. Florham Park, NJ)

Answer:

Miriam was the sister of Moses and Aaron. She is best remembered for her singing and dancing due to the deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt.


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QUESTION OF THE MONTH #132 (December 2011)

Question:

When did the Roman Catholic Church first use the Filioque wording in the Nicene Creed? (L.B. Livingston, NJ)

Answer:

The Filioque (which means "and the Son" in Latin) clause was first used by the Roman Catholic Church at the Council of Toledo in 589. The Eastern Churches use the original Nicene Creed language "The Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father" --- while -- the Western (i.e. Roman Catholic Church) uses the filioque clause "The Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father and the Son".


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QUESTION OF THE MONTH #131 (November 2011)

Question:

What were the main Protestant Reform Movements and which churches evolved from them? (J.P., Union, NJ)

Answer:

There were 4 main Protestant Reform Movements:
1) Lutheranism (1517), led by Martin Luther of Germany
- Lutheran Churches

2) Calvinism (1521), led by John Calvin of Switzerland
- Calvinism, Presbyterians, French Huguenots, Reformed Church (John Knox)

3) Anglicanism (1534), led by King Henry VIII of Great Britain
- Church of England (Anglican Church), Episcopal Church (USA), Methodists (Wesleyans), Salvation Army

4) Evangelicalism (1520), led by the Anabaptists of Germany & the Netherlands
- Baptists (USA), Mennonites, Amish, Quakers



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QUESTION OF THE MONTH #130 (October 2011)

Question:

Why are the Roman Catholics changing the translation of their Mass? (S.G., Whippany, NJ)

Answer:

Roman Catholic parishes will begin using a new English translation of the The Roman Missal on the First Sunday of Advent - November 27, 2011.

When the Mass was translated into English over 40 years ago, the plan was to assess and revise the translation from time to time. Pope John Paul II stated that the original 1960s translation from Latin to English could have been done more thoroughly. By comparison, this new translation took nearly 10 years to produce and it is a more pure translation from the original Latin.

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QUESTION OF THE MONTH #129 (September 2011)

Question:

Who was the last non-Italian Pope prior to Pope John Paul II? (C.B. Hoboken, NJ)

Answer:

The last non-Italian Pope prior to Pope John Paul II was..........Pope Adrian VI. Pope Adrian VI was Dutch and was Pope from 1522-1523.

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QUESTION OF THE MONTH #128 (August 2011)

Question:

I have heard about a shrine in Washington, NJ. Can you tell me about it? (M.C., Springfield, NJ)

Answer:

The Blue Army, which is headquarted in the Shrine of the Immaculate Heart of Mary in Washington, NJ, is the World Center for the Apostolate of Fatima. The Blue Army propogates the message and mission of Fatima.

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QUESTION OF THE MONTH #127 (July 2011)

Question:

Why do we take part in Processions in church? (N.S. Westfield, NJ)

Answer:

Processions are a way to demonstrate devotion and faith. For example, May processions are a way Catholics honor the Blessed Mother.

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QUESTION OF THE MONTH #126 (June 2011)

Question:

Why is the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul celebrated on the same day? (R.K., Vineland, NJ)

Answer:

The Feast of Saints Peter and Paul is celebrated on June 29th and is a Holyday of Obligation in the Ukrainian Catholic Rite. Their feasts are celebrated on the same day since they both had a very pivotal role in the foundation of the early church. Accordingly, they are also known as the "Leaders of the Apostles".

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QUESTION OF THE MONTH #125 (May 2011)

Question:

Who is the leader of the Ukrainian Catholic Church worldwide? (P.S., Fanwood, NJ)

Answer:

The Major Archbishop of the Ukrainian (Greek) Catholic Church is Sviatoslav Shevchuk. He was elected during the March 21 to March 24, 2011 Electoral Synod of Bishops -- at which 40 Ukrainian Catholic bishops voted. He was 40 years old when elected to lead the Ukrainian Catholic Church -- which is the largest Eastern Rite church in full communion with the Holy See. He replaced Cardinal Lubomyr Husar as the leader of the Ukrainian Catholic Church. Major Archbishop Shevchuk was born in Striy, Ukraine on May 5, 1970 and was previously the Apostolic Administrator of the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy in Argentina.

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QUESTION OF THE MONTH #124 (April 2011)

Question:

What does the procession on Good Friday signify? (K.S., Wilmington, DE)

Answer:

The procession on Good Friday with the Plaschanytsia (i.e. the Holy Shroud) symbolizes Jesus' journey from the Crucifiction on Calvary to the tomb. On Good Friday, the entire church congregation processes three times around the church with the Plaschanytsia.

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QUESTION OF THE MONTH #123 (March 2011)

Question:

What does a nun primarily do? (N.S., Westfield, NJ)

Answer:

A nun's primary focus is to praise God. Another key focus of a nun is to pray for people. As a nun recently told our parish "With the numerous monasteries around the world, there is someone praising God every second of every day."

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QUESTION OF THE MONTH #122 (February 2011)

Question:

Is there a difference between a nun and a sister? (C.D. Clark, NJ)

Answer:

Although the terms are often used interchangeably by laity, there is a distinct difference between a Catholic nun and a Catholic sister. A Catholic nun is a woman who lives in a monastery -- which is usually cloistered. Thus, a nun is typically separated from the "outside world". A Catholic sister is a woman who lives, prays and provides ministry "out in the world". It should be noted that both nuns and sisters are addressed as "Sister".

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QUESTION OF THE MONTH #121 (January 2011)

Question:

When did the Blessed Mother first appear at Fatima? (L.H. Hillside, NJ)

Answer:

The Blessed Mother first appeared in Fatima, Portugal, to three children, who were tending sheep during 1917. The Blessed Mother identified herself as "Our Lady of the Rosary" and implored the faithful to pray, especially the rosary, for the conversion of sinners and the consecration of Russia to her Immaculate Heart.

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QUESTION OF THE MONTH #120 (December 2010)

Question:

Are women, after delivery of their babies, allowed to immediately attend Liturgy in church -- according to the Greek Catholic tradition? Or, are women not allowed to come to church until 40 days after they give birth -- as a sign of "cleansing"? Can you clarify? (H.V., Salt Lake City, UT)

Answer:

The question you ask actually centers around a tradition handed down through the ages from the Old Testament (OT) found in Chapter 12 in the Book of Leviticus on “Cleansing after Childbirth”.

In verses 1-4 we read the following: ‘ Then the Lord said to Moses, “Speak to the children of Israel, saying: 'If a woman has conceived, and borne a male child, then she shall be unclean seven days; as in the days of her customary impurity she shall be unclean. The Jews thought that a woman was unclean for seven days after the birth of a male. And on the eighth day the flesh of his foreskin shall be circumcised. She shall then continue in the blood of her purification thirty-three days. She shall not touch any hallowed thing, nor come into the sanctuary until the days of her purification are fulfilled.'" This law commanded the Jews to circumcise every male child on the eighth day, with the ceremonial uncleanness lasting an additional 33 days, for a total of 40 days of ceremonial impurity after giving birth to a male child. Also she shall not touch any hallowed thing: The commanded time of ceremonial impurity should not be regarded as a negative attitude towards birth or child-bearing on God's part. God commands child bearing, in that man is commanded to be fruitful and multiply (Genesis 1:28), children are regarded as a gift from God (Psalm 127:3), and a woman with many kids is considered blessed (Psalm 128:3).

Then we see that verse 5 states the following: “But if she bears a female child, then she shall be unclean two weeks, as in her customary impurity, and she shall continue in the blood of her purification sixty-six days.” The Jews thought that a woman was unclean double the time with a baby girl in comparison to a baby boy. For the birth of a daughter, a woman was unclean for 14 days followed by 66 days. She shall continue in the blood of her purification sixty-six days: The longer period of ceremonial uncleanness for the birth of a daughter should not be understood as a penalty. Instead, it is linked to the idea stated in the previous verses - that the time of impurity is for the symbolic responsibility of bringing other sinners into the world. When giving birth to a female, a mother brings a sinner into the world who will bring still other sinners into the world.

The key to understanding this ceremony is to understand the idea of original sin. As wonderful as a new baby is, God wanted it to be remembered that with every birth another sinner was brought into the world, and the woman was here symbolically responsible for bringing a new sinner into the world. Perhaps just as importantly, the time of ceremonial impurity gave the new mother a time of rest and seclusion that would she no doubt welcomed.

The purification rite for cleansing after childbirth took place at the completion of the period of uncleanness and the woman, whether for a son or a daughter, would bring to the priest a lamb of the first year as a burnt offering, and a young pigeon or a turtledove as a sin offering, to the door of the tabernacle of meeting. Then he shall offer it before the Lord, and make atonement for her. And she shall be clean from the flow of her blood. This was a fairly standard sacrifice for atonement, holding the woman symbolically responsible for bringing another sinner into this world.

Our church does not adhere to any strict observance of this practice and is a choice one makes – it has become customary though to baptize a child after forty days of birth which reflects this ancient OT custom. Overall, this is not a law of the Church but more often now a personal preference and choice and often is ignored and unnecessary.

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QUESTION OF THE MONTH #119 (November 2010)

Question:

How do we know that Jesus was born on December 25th? (K.G., Cedar Knolls, NJ)

Answer:

December 25th is celebrated as the birthday of Jesus -- according to the Gregorian calendar. Note: For those Christians following the Julian calendar, January 7th is celebrated as the birthday of Jesus.

The church of Rome was the first to celebrate our Lord's birth on December 25th -- most likely in the middle of the 4th century. Some believe that December 25th was chosen to replace the feast of the god Mithra which many Asians, especially the Persians, considered as an invincible sun god. Another theory ties December 25 as the date that the Roman pagans honored the victory of the sun. It is near this day that the sun overcomes darkness by each day becoming longer and longer.

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QUESTION OF THE MONTH #118 (October 2010)

Question:

What is the difference between a Narthex and a Nave? (J.P., Union, NJ)

Answer:

A Narthex is the small room where people enter the church. Its purpose is to prepare us to spend time with God.

A Nave is the section of the church where the people gather to praise God and participate in the Divine Liturgy. This is the section which contains the pews and many icons.

The Sanctuary is the holiest part of the church and is where the priest celebrates the Divine Liturgy.

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QUESTION OF THE MONTH #117 (September 2010)

Question:

How did St. John the Baptist die? (A.S., Whippany, NJ)

Answer:

St. John the Baptist was beheaded. King Herod had St. John imprisoned because St. John denounced Herod's marriage to Herodias -- who was Herod's brother's wife. At a party, Herod was so impressed by Herodias' daughter's dancing, that Herod told the daughter that he would give her anything that she wanted. The daughter (acting on the request of her mother) told him "Give me the head of John the Baptist, here and now, on a dish."

In many ways, St. John's death has parallels to Jesus' death. Both died silently, in a cruel fashion and as a result of revenge.

The holyday commemorating the Beheading of St. John the Baptist is celebrated on August 29th.

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QUESTION OF THE MONTH #116 (August 2010)

Question:

What is special about the Feast of the Transfiguration? (S.G., Cedar Knolls, NJ)

Answer:

The Feast of the Transfiguration is celebrated on August 6th and commemorates when Jesus took 3 Apostles -- Peter, James and John --- to the top of Mount Tabor. There Jesus was surrounded by light and God said "This is my beloved Son". This was an extraordinary revelation. In the Ukrainian Catholic Church, the priest blesses fruits on this feastday.

It is significant to note that August 6th is 40 days before September 14th -- the latter date being the feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. It is believed that the Transfiguration occured 40 days before Jesus' death -- so that the Apostles would have the strength and faith to accept Jesus' death. Since the feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross commemorates St Helen finding Jesus' cross, these two feasts are linked by 40 days.

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QUESTION OF THE MONTH #115 (July 2010)

Question:

What do I need to do to make a good confession? (A.S. Whippany, NJ)

Answer:

In order to make a good confession, an individual should do the following:
1. Examine your conscience.
2. Be sorry for your sins
3. Commit to not sin again
4. Confess your sins to a priest
5. Make a good act of contrition and say your penance.

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QUESTION OF THE MONTH #114 (June 2010)

Question:

As I was watching the TV show "Lost", I wondered what Purgatory is. Can you explain Purgatory? (J.S. Hillside, NJ)

Answer:

Purgatory is a place where good souls do penance for their sins until they are ready for heaven. We can assist these souls in purgatory by praying for them and having Liturgies celebrated for their intention.

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QUESTION OF THE MONTH #113 (May 2010)

Question:

What does Beatitude mean? (S.B. New York, NY)

Answer:

Beatitude means "perfect blessedness or happiness". The Beatitudes is the name given to the beginning of the Sermon on the Mount.

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QUESTION OF THE MONTH #112 (April 2010)

Question:

I noticed that during one of the Sundays of Lent a special verse was sung while the priest and congregration prostrated before the holy cross. What were those words? (M.O. Westfield, NJ)

Answer:

You are most likely referring to the 3rd Sunday of Lent which is known as the "Sunday of the Adoration of the Cross". On this Sunday, the following verse is sung instead of the Trisagion.......

Khrestu Tvoyemu poklonyayemsya, Vladyko, i svyate Voskresinnya Tvoye slavymo.

We bow in worship to Your Holy Cross, o Master, and we glorify Your Holy Resurrection.

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QUESTION OF THE MONTH #111 (March 2010)

Question:

I heard someone say that the Ukrainian Catholic Church was the "largest banned Church in the world". Is that true and when did that occur? (D.S., Randolph, NJ)

Answer:

Yes, from 1946 to 1989, the Ukrainian Catholic Church was the largest banned Church in the world. The USSR government seized all Ukrainian Catholic premises in March of 1946 and transferred them to the Russian Orthodox Church. During June of 1945, the USSR government arrested the Ukrainian Catholic bishops and the appointed administrators of the eparchies.

After the Ukrainian Catholic Church was liberated in 1989, the Holy See in Rome officially recognized ten new Ukrainian Catholic bishops. At the same time, Pope John Paul II installed Roman Catholic bishops in Ukraine which were associated with Roman Catholic dioceses. By God's grace, Pope John Paul II visited Ukraine in June 2001.

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QUESTION OF THE MONTH #110 (February 2010)

Question:

What were the names of the original 12 Apostles? (J.P. Union, NJ)

Answer:

The names of the original 12 Apostles are:

  • Peter (a.k.a. Simon Peter)
  • Andrew (brother of Peter)
  • Bartholomew
  • James, the son of Zebedee
  • Judas Iscariot (who was later replaced by Matthias)
  • John the Theologian
  • Thomas
  • James, the son of Alphaeus
  • Philip
  • Matthew
  • Simon the Canaanite
  • Jude

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    QUESTION OF THE MONTH #109 (January 2010)

    Question:

    What were the names of the 3 Kings / Wisemen? (J.S., Whippany, NJ)

    Answer:

    The names of the 3 Wisemen (a.k.a. the 3 Kings, Magi) are as follows: Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar. They followed the star above Bethlehem to find baby Jesus. The 3 Wisemen reached Jesus on January 6th -- which is the feast of Epiphany.

    In certain cultures (e.g. in Latin America), the feast of the Epiphany is when children receive their gifts -- in honor of the Wisemen finding baby Jesus. In the Ukrainian Catholic Church, Epiphany is also celebrated on January 6th but the holyday commemorates the baptism of Jesus in the river Jordan.

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    QUESTION OF THE MONTH #108 (December 2009)

    Question:

    Who was the first American born saint? (S.B. New York City, NY)

    Answer:

    Elizabeth Ann Seton was the first American born saint. She was born in 1774 and died in 1821. She was born into a prominent Episcopalian family but converted to Catholicism in 1805. Elizabeth was married and had five children. She became a widow in 1803.

    Mother Seton opened the first American Catholic school in Baltimore in 1808. She is known as the "foundress of the Catholic school system in the USA". She also established the Sisters of Charity in Emmitsburg, Maryland in 1809. The Sisters of Charity opened numerous schools and orphanages.

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    QUESTION OF THE MONTH #107 (November 2009)

    Question:

    I am Roman Catholic and I remember attending a Ukrainian Catholic pilgrimage in Sloatsburg, NY during the summer. Which order of Sisters ran that pilgrimage? (J.C., Newark, NJ)

    Answer:

    The Sisters Servants of Mary Immaculate have hosted the Holy Dormition Pilgrimage at St. Mary's Villa in Sloatsburg, NY since August 14, 1955. On that day over 3,000 pilgrims took part in the devotion to the Blessed Mother. Each August since then, thousands of faithful continue to gather for a Pontifical Divine Liturgy, confessions, prayer services, youth discussions and reflections at the Our Lady of Lourdes grotto and the outdoor Way of the Cross.

    Being Roman Catholic, you will recognize the Dormition of the Mother of God holyday as the feast of the Assumption.

    The order of the Sisters Servants of Mary Immaculate was founded by Sister Josaphata Hordashevska in Zhuzhel,Halychyna (Galicia), western Ukraine on August 27, 1892 which was the feast of the Dormition of the Mother of God.

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    QUESTION OF THE MONTH #106 (October 2009)

    Question:

    What are the words sung during the celebration of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross? (D.M., Morris Plains, NJ)

    Answer:

    The priest and the congregation sing the following words (in Ukrainian & English) on the Holyday of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross:

    Khrestu Tvoyemu poklonyayemsya, Vladyko, i svyate Voskresinnya Tvoye slavymo.
    We bow in worship to Your Holy Cross, o Master, and we glorify Your Holy Resurrection.

    This Holyday commemorates when St. Helena found the true cross that Christ died on. St. Macarius held the cross up for all the people to see.

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    QUESTION OF THE MONTH #105 (September 2009)

    Question:

    Who was the first Ukrainian Catholic Bishop in the USA? (P.S., Fanwood, NJ)

    Answer:

    The Ukrainian Catholics and Rusyn Catholics (a.k.a. Ruthenian Catholics, a.k.a. Byzantine Catholics) were given their own bishop in the USA in 1907 -- Bishop Soter Ortynsky, OSBM. He died on March 24, 1916.

    The bishop position was vacant until 1924. At that point, the exarchate was divided into two: The Ukrainian Catholic exarchate of Philadelphia, PA, led by Bishop Constantine Bohachevsky,.........and.......... the Rusyn (a.k.a. Ruthenian or Byzantine) Catholic exarchate of Pittsburgh, PA., led by Bishop Basil Takach.

    It is interesting to note that the Ukrainian Catholic Church and the Rusyn Catholic (a.k.a. Ruthenian Catholic, a.k.a. Byzantine Catholic) Church in the USA were united from 1907 to 1924 -- before the 2 separate exarchates were created.

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    QUESTION OF THE MONTH #104 (August 2009)

    Question:

    Who was the first pope buried at St. Peter's Basilica in Rome? (A.S. Whippany, NJ)

    Answer:

    Pope Leo the Great, in the year 461, was the first pope to buried at St. Peter's Basilica in Rome.

    It is interesting to note that Pope Leo the Great is known for his stance on papal primacy. At that time, some of the Eastern churches argued that their patriarchs had equal authority to that of the bishop of Rome. However, Pope Leo the Great reaffirmed the primacy of the bishop of Rome based on Jesus' words (Matthew 16:18)...."And so I tell you: you are a rock, Peter, and on this rock foundation I will build my church...."

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    QUESTION OF THE MONTH #103 (July 2009)

    Question:

    What is an ascetic? (S.K., Westfield, NJ)

    Answer:

    An "ascetic" is a person who leads a pious and austere life. Typically, the person renounces material comforts as an act of spiritual devotion.

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    QUESTION OF THE MONTH #102 (June 2009)

    Question:

    What does Incarnation mean?(S.T. New Haven, CT)

    Answer:

    Incarnation, which literally means "embodied in flesh", is God's becoming human as Jesus Christ. Thus, the divine nature of the Son of God was perfectly united with the human nature in one divine Person.

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    QUESTION OF THE MONTH #101 (May 2009)

    Question:

    What are the different colors of the vestments that a priest wears? When are they used and what is the symbolism of the colors? Are the altarboys vestments always the same color of the priest's vestments?(D.S. Westfield, NJ)

    Answer:

    The usage of various colors for priestly vestments (and for that matter even of the altar linens) during the liturgical year reflects the “seasons” of the liturgical year. Altarboys’ vestments should also be the same as the priest’s. The colors that are used are telling in that they are a concrete sign of what season of the liturgical year one finds himself in.

    What do I mean by this? For example, consider the vestment colors used in the season of the Great Fast (Lent). The prominent colors used are shades like deep red, similar to a burgundy color, purple and even in some places black. These shades are strong and very severe emphasizing the spirit of the season of Lent – a time of intense prayer, fasting and almsgiving. It tells us how we as faithful Christians are to be severe with ourselves in becoming more Christ-like by making Lent a time of intense reflection and strict personal scrutiny so that at the end of the season, namely reaching Pascha (Resurrection or Easter Sunday), the way we live and conduct ourselves is closer to the heart of Christ. This season allows us the time and opportunity to reflect on our lives and on those areas of of our lives that need healing and improving. These same shades are used in the time of St. Philip’s Fast (Advent) since it also is a time of fasting and preparation for the Birth of our Savior on Christmas Day, though black is not used. The Christmas Fast, known also as the Winter Fast is less severe in spirit than Lent, known as the Spring Fast. The Church will utilize these colors to impress on us that we are in a special time or season of the liturgical year.

    The season of Easter, which extends from Easter Sunday through Ascension Thursday, is considered a time of great and glorious celebration; this spirit is reflected in the colors used which are bright and brilliant, namely, bright white, light gold and even silvers. Because Pascha is the very heart and foundation of our Faith as life eternal and Paradise is granted to us, though we are sinners, we celebrate by vesting in such colors. A spirit of lightness is displayed in the usage of such colors and then the constant sings of the Resurrection Hymn, “Christ is risen...” adds to this triumphant atmosphere.

    The season of Pentecost, which begins on Pentecost Sunday and lasts for several weeks afterwards, is noted as the time of the Holy Spirit, who is life-giving and life-restoring. This notion of how invigorating the Spirit is us to us Christians is reflected by using the color green, as green implies a newness of life, something refreshing and full of life. Fabrics that are flowery also can be used as Pentecost implies the “fullness of life” that the Spirit endows us with. The Holy Spirit fills us up with life and warmth and a newness that only God can give – a newness that is lasting. Pentecost Sunday, among Ukrainians is even called the “Green Feast” (Zelenij Sviata).

    Colors such as shades of blue are commonly used in the months of May and October, which implies the honor given to Mary, the Mother of God. This practice of using blue is most common in North America.

    The other times of the calendar year, the color most used are darker shades of gold, as gold implies also a notion of celebration, especially on the Sundays throughout the year, since every Sunday is considered a “little Easter.” Sunday is the Lord’s Day on which Christians still reflect on God’s saving plan, which was fulfilled and accomplished on Easter Sunday.

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    QUESTION OF THE MONTH #100 (April 2009)

    Question:

    What is the difference between Abstinence vs. Fasting?(P.S. Fanwood, NJ)

    Answer:

    The difference between fasting and abstinence is actually a subtle one, as it is understood today. Generally speaking, the Church prescribes for the period of the Great Fast (Lent) and even St. Philip’s Fast (Advent), both forty day periods, forty days of fasting, i.e. no eating of flesh meats (all meats and poultry) and dairy products (butter, cheese, eggs, milk) and any other products that are cooked or prepared with these food items. In the very strict sense, during these two periods plus a few others during the year (such as St. Peter’s Fast, before the feast of SS. Peter and Paul, the Spasiwka Fast, before the feast of our Lord’s Transfiguration and the Assumption Fast before our Lady’s Holy Dormition) are times when we SHOULD also fast from these foods. Why forty days? This is simply taken from Jesus’ fasting after his Baptism when he fasted 40 days and nights in the desert before He began his earthly ministry among the peoples.

    Technically and strictly speaking, all the periods of fasting in the Church are times when no meats and dairy goods are to be consumed. However, in time these regulations have been lessened because of various circumstances, especially evident in the Western world. Because of this and other reasons, the differentiation between the terms fasting and abstinence developed. I will try to explain this as simply as possible.

    In today's time, the BLACK FAST, which means total fasting of all meats and dairy products, has been allotted for the first day of Lent, namely on the Monday after Cheesefare Sunday (in the Eastern Churches) and Ash Wednesday (in the Western Church) and Good Friday in both Churches. What once was known as fasting (in the strictest sense of no meats and dairy products AT ALL) has now come to be understood as the BLACK FAST, which is now obligatory on the two days mentioned above.

    Abstinence, which is a lesser form of strict fasting, now means no consumption of meat products ONLY, and dairy products are allowed to be eaten. All Fridays in the year, in the Eastern Churches, are days of abstinence from meats and it is encouraged and recommended to do the same on every Wednesday of Lent too, though this is not obligatory.

    Also what else has developed is simple abstinence which is a lesser form of abstinence, which involves abstaining from a certain meal in a given day, e.g. not eating breakfast or lunch on a given day like Wednesdays in Lent or eating a very light dinner.

    What once was very simple (fasting from meats and dairy products all throughout Lent or Advent) has developed into a rather elaborate and more complex way of making these sacrifices in Lent and Advent. The main overarching aim for any of these periods of fasting is that do the sacrifices we make bring us closer to living a life of Christ; Are we more like Him and God? These practices are seen as vehicles to strengthen one's resolve to be able to say “NO” to essential moral issues that may lead us into sin. By being able to strengthen oneself through physical discipline, one develops the wherewithal to conquer the spiritual illnesses and dilemmas of the heart, mind and spirit. The discipline of being able to curtail our dietary appetites can lead one to be stronger in saying “NO” to sin. This is most important to any faithful Christian.

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    QUESTION OF THE MONTH #99 (March 2009)

    Question:

    Where does the word "Sorokousty" come from?(O.S. Hillside, NJ)

    Answer:

    The word "Sorokousty" literally means "forty mouths" (sorok = forty; ust = mouth). Originally, this was a prayer service offered by forty mouths or by forty priests. Historically, families would honor their deceased by holding services for them in the cathedrals on the 3rd, 9th and 40th day after their death -- with 40 priests celebrating the services. Today, Sorokousty is the service that honors the deceased and is offered during Lent.

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    QUESTION OF THE MONTH #98 (February 2009)

    Question:

    What is the Sunday of Orthodoxy? Is that only for the Orthodox to celebrate?(J.S. Whippany, NJ)

    Answer:

    As Ukrainian Catholics, we celebrate the Sunday of Orthodoxy. On this day, which occurs on the first Sunday of Lent, we thank God for all of the beautiful icons that we have in our churches. In some churches, people bring their own icons to church and process with them.

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    QUESTION OF THE MONTH #97 (January 2009)

    Question:

    Is it proper to sing English Christmas carols in the church before Christmas? Or Ukrainian carols during the month of December before the 24th? (C.H., Winnipeg, Manitoba)

    Answer:

    Please read the article below which was written by Archpriest Charles Mezzomo and his reflections on topics similar to the question given on the subject of the Christmas fast (Pylypivka). Personally, some restraint in partying and celebrating should be taken – though I think little bit of socializing and caroling would be fine especially in the diverse society we live in here in the West (e.g. Caroling at a children's St. Nicholas Party in early December). Please note that Carols should not be sung during Liturgy until Christmas Eve services. Remember that Pylypivka is a time to spiritually prepare for Christmas, which implies the great celebration begins the day of and following the feast day.

    PREPARE THE WAY OF THE LORD!

    Since 15 November, we have been observing Christmas Lent. In Ukrainian, we call it Pylypivka because it begins the day after St. Philip’s day, 14 November. It lasts for 40 days, until Christmas Eve. The western Church calls it Advent, the season of the coming of the Lord. It is a time of intense spiritual preparation for the feasts of the Nativity (Christmas) and Theophany (the Baptism of our Lord.) We observe it by fasting and a good Confession and Communion.

    The western Church’s Advent is very rich liturgically. Each and every day has its own texts for the Mass and Divine Liturgy. There are 2 sets of hymns (early and late Advent) and a rich selection of scripture and patristic readings. Our Church, in this one instance, has a less abundant liturgical tradition for this season. When other churches have 4 (Roman) or 6 (Syriac and Ambrosian) Sundays, we have just 2: the Forefathers and the Genealogy. As regards weekday services, there are basically just the ones for the Great Vigil of Christmas (20-24 December.)

    How can we “prepare the way of the Lord” within our own Byzantine-Ukrainian tradition?

    Here are a few suggestions:

    · Keep the fast at least on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and of course on Christmas Eve.
    · Prepare well for a good, holy and worthy Confession and Holy Communion.
    · Aid the poor and needy with gifts of kindness, perhaps donating to a local food bank.
    · Don’t observe the Christmas festivities before Christmas. Parties with abundant eating and drinking belong in the post-feast, not in the fast.
    · Pray intensely and do some good spiritual reading: perhaps the books of Ruth and Micah in the Old Testament. Another good book would be The Day Christ Was Born by Jim Bishop. It’s short, easy reading and very informative.

    Good preparation will insure good celebration. If we observe Christmas Lent in the proper way, we will properly “prepare the way of the Lord.” (Is. 40:3.)

    Archpriest Charles Mezzomo

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