Lent is a time for prayer and penance so that, forgetful of ourselves, we can concentrate on what is essential in life and keep our eyes fixed on the Lord Jesus.

Let us resolve this Lent to do some particular acts of penance and charity, asking God's help to keep our resolution.

"Because we did not fast we were banished from paradise. So then, let us fast so as to return back to paradise."

(St. Basil, on Fasting)

The Holy Season of the Great Fast

Tomorrow, Monday, February 4 th is the first day of the Great Lenten season. It is a day of strict fast and abstinence; no meat or dairy produces are permitted. Great Lent is a summons to penitential living. The example of Jesus in the desert for forty days - - time which He fasted and prayed - is imitated by each of us. So, during Lent, the expectation is to examine our lives and, through the practice of prayer, fasting, and works of charity, we to confirm our lives to Christ's.

We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith...

1 Thess 1:13

And let's remember this:

The gifts which you place in the Offertory of St. Michael's is a blessing. In order to properly record your sacrificial gifts, please be sure to mark or indicate by number the amount which you include in your Offertory envelope. A little check mark is important!

Welcome Bishop William!

The Enthronement this past Tuesday of Bishop William C. Skurla was an impressive, majestic ceremony reflecting the beauty and splendor of our Byzantine Catholic Church. The Cathedral Church abound with distinguished clergy and faithful, resounded with jubilant song of praise and worship to Our Lord for the blessing of a new Shepherd of our Eparchy! To the good people of St. Michael's, our golden volunteers and associated work for this historical event: my brotherly and profound gratitude for the blessing which you are!

Bring on the Pirohi!

The good Pirohi Pinchers of our Parish are already geared-up to provide for you the very best potato and cabbage pirohi made in our very own kitchen! Fresh, home-made Pirohi may be picked up NEXT SATURDAY (via the Green Door which leads to the Cathedral Kitchen). That's Saturday, February 9 th, usually around 11:00 am. To order, please call Theresa Barna, 201-935-3395 (day) or 973-471-7536 (evening) - - or Dolores Galik 973-239-6007.

Sunday, February 3, 2008

Today's Divine Liturgy Intentions

5:00 pm (Chapel) + Edward Petrasek by Wife, Ann
7:00 am We pray for our Parishioners and Benefactors!
9:00 am + John Vasel by Son, Bob
11:00 am Deceased of the Kutsup and Smerecki Family by John and Anna Kutsup

The Divine Liturgy Schedule for this week

Monday, February 4, 2008 + The first day of the Great Fast
A day of strict fast and abstinence: NO MEAT OR DAIRY PRODUCTS TODAY!
12:00 pm Noon - Lenten Devotions and Reception of Holy Eucharist

Tuesday, February 5, 2008
8:00 am Morning Lenten prayers; Reception of Holy Eucharist

Wednesday, February 6, 2008
7:00 pm Liturgy of Presanctified Gifts

Thursday, February 7, 2008
8:00 am Morning Lenten Prayers; Reception of Holy Eucharist

Friday, February 8, 2008
12:00 pm Lenten Devotions; Reception of Holy Eucharist

Saturday, February 9, 2008
8:00 am Divine Liturgy: + Lladislav Kusnir by Daughter, Olga Kandravy
11:00 am [Chapel]: Divine Liturgy for +Timothy Chabra by his Family

+++Next Sunday, February 3, 2008 +++

5:00 pm (Vigil Liturgy of Sunday on Saturday Evening at Chapel)

We ask for God's Blessing on our entire Parish Family!

7:00 am + Michael Motichka by Brother, Alexander and Mary Motichka

9:00 am Health/God's Blessing for Anna and Edward Hostak by Nephew, Christopher Milliman

11:00 am (Chapel) Health & God's Blessings for John & Ann Paulich on the Happy Occasion of their 50 th Wedding Anniversary!