ByzyPriest

Moving - last time - honest!

2010-08-27T18:03:00.000-04:00

The new (and final) url is www.byzypriest.com.

Please update your bookmarks.

Rouse Me, Give Me Energy and Tears

2010-08-26T09:54:00.001-04:00

Stretch forth, O Lord, Your hand to me who lie in the dust and help me. For I want to get up, but cannot. The burden of sin has crushed me; evil habits hold me chained to the earth, and I am altogether like the paralytic. I vow to change my ways and I fast, but everything remains the same. I am zealous to glorify You with my lips, but I have no zeal to please You with deeds.

How dare I ask forgiveness of my former sins when I have made no attempt to abandon my former love of sin? Or how shall I shed the old man, when I have not cut off my desire for sinful seductions?

O Lord, raise up me, a paralytic; rouse me who sleep; resurrect me, deadened by sin! Save my miserable soul from death, O Lord who has authority over life and death!

Before the end comes, exterminate all sin in me; and grant, O Lover of mankind, that I might shed heartfelt tears for the cleansing of the stains of my soul all through my short life, that then I might be saved under the shelter of Your omnipotent hand, when every souls shudders before Your awesome glory.

O Master, hearken unto me and accept the supplication of Your sinful and unworthy servant. Save me freely, according to Your grace, for You are a kind-hearted and man-befriending God, and to You do we send up glory, thanks and adoration, to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

St. Ephraim the Syrian, A Spiritual Psalter or Reflections on God. St. John of Kronstadt Press, Liberty, TN, 2004. p. 68.

Studite monk appointed as new bishop coadjutor in Lviv Archdiocese

2010-08-03T20:12:00.002-04:00

The Synod of bishops of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church appointed the hieromonk Benedict (Valeriy Aleksiychuk) from Dormition Univ Lavra (monastery) as bishop coadjutor of Lviv eparchy.

Pope Benedict XVI affirmed the choice and the hirotony (ordination) will be held on 5^th of September. Future bishop receives the Titular See of Germaniciana.

Newly appointed bishop was born in 1968 in Rivne region. He finished medical school and worked in ambulance team. In 1990 entered the seminary in Drogobych (Western Ukraine). After ordination, entered the Studite monastery. Fr. Benedict served as a priest in Belarus, later in Canada and in 1999 was elected as hegumen at Univ Lavra (reelected twice). Fr. Benedict is the doctor of theology and engaged in different ministries in Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church.

Source: RISU

More Roma 2

2010-06-09T15:55:00.001-04:00

Santa Maria Maggiore (St. Mary Major) is an incredible church not far from St. Peter's Basilica. It is a fifth century basilica that stands over a pagan temple dedicated to Cybelus. The mosaics throughout of the church building are also from the fifth century. They are truly inspiring and breathtaking. Given that there have been earthquakes and major wars throughout the last 1600 years, I am astonished that these iconographic mosaics have lasted this long and still retain such beauty, and ability to help one be present and yet even transcend the present moment.

Under the main altar is the Nativity Crypt in which is buried St Jerome (Vulgate Bible) and Gianlorenzo Bernini (the famed artist whose works are throughout Rome). When I went down into the crypt via the stairs right in front of the altar (very much like St Peter's altar), I found that there seemed to be always a group of people praying or tourists gaping.

There is a huge statue of Pope Pius IX kneeling toward the Crypt (built to resemble the cave of the Nativity of our Lord). In the Crypt are the relics of St. Jerome.

Once you stand at the narthex of the church looking toward the altar, you realize how the architecture helps one to pray. The immensity of building itself and the lines of the building that draw your gaze forward and upward help one to raise their hearts up to the Lord. In the East, as we use incense to reveal that our prayers rise to the Lord God, so lines of the architecture tend to reveal the same. Wonderful!

More Roma

2010-06-08T16:32:00.002-04:00

I am already back in Ottawa fighting jet lag. I have awoken at 4:30 am every morning since Sunday - my mind tells me that it is much too early to arise, my body thinks differently. And so it is one of these early mornings on which I write more of my travels and experiences in Rome.

On the second day of my pilgrimage I concelebrated the Liturgy with the Oblate Fathers in the chapel of their General House - in Italian. This was the second time that I had found myself in such a situation. The first was in 1997 when I accompanied a small group of fine young adults to World Youth Day in Paris. We had first gone to Lourdes as part of our trip and on the last Sunday there, I was able to concelebrate the Liturgy - in Italian - at the altar over the spring in the Lourdes Grotto. Back to Rome - after the Liturgy, I was able to greet one of my former rectors, Fr. Eugene King, who has been living in Rome for some years now. He is of Irish blood and a most excellent preacher and storyteller. I still have the letters he wrote to me on the occasions of my diaconate and presbyteral ordinations.

Once we had removed our vestments, Fr Ted and I quickly walked to St Peter's Square for the Sunday Angelus with Pope Benedict. (The Oblate General House is very close to the Vatican. You can see on this map how close!) We stood by the Obelisk and when the Holy Father came to the window, everyone began to cheer. He began to wave to us (I swear he waved at me!) and then welcomed us on Trinity Sunday (Latin Catholic calendar).

Today, Trinity Sunday "which in a certain sense recapitulates the revelation of God in the Paschal mysteries", the liturgy returns to "ordinary time". However, said the Holy Father in his remarks before praying the Angelus, "this does not mean that the commitment of Christians must diminish; quite the contrary, having entered divine life through the Sacraments, we are now called to remain open to the action of Grace in order to grow in love towards God and neighbour".

"The human mind and human language are inadequate to explain the relation that exists between Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Nonetheless the Fathers of the Church sought to explain the mystery of the One and Triune God by putting it into practice with profound faith in their own lives", the Pope told the faithful and pilgrims gathered in St. Peter's Square.

"The Blessed Trinity comes to dwell in us on the day of Baptism", Benedict XVI explained. "And each time we make the sign of the cross we remember the name of God in which we were baptised. ... The sign of the cross and the name of the living God contain, then, the announcement that generates faith and inspires prayer. And what Jesus promises the Apostles in the Gospel ('when the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth'), comes about in the Sunday liturgy when, week after week, priests dispense the bread of the Word and the Eucharist".

The Holy Father concluded his remarks by quoting a prayer of St. Hilary of Poitiers: "Keep, I pray, this my pious faith undefiled, and even till my spirit departs, grant that this may be the utterance of my convictions: so that I may ever hold fast that which I professed in the creed of my regeneration, when I was baptised in the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit". (Source)

The Holy Father also greeted some of the groups that were present that day in their native tongue. He spoke in Italian, Polish, English, and... Spanish. The Spanish were loud. Fr. Ted said that the Spanish were always the loudest. He continued saying that there could be three Spanish people in the crowd and when they cheered it sounded like there was thirty thousand. We returned for lunch at the General House. There is always wine at the table. I am beginning to enjoy my meals a little more (grin). I spent the rest of the day learning about the Italian siesta and reading a few books (Playing for Pizza and Switch). On the third floor there is a wonderful balcony that remains somewhat cool even in the warm afternoon sun.

The view from my room

The third-floor balcony

View from third-floor balcony

On Monday morning, I returned to St. Peter's Basilica to pray and to visit. As I walked into the absolutely immense church, I found that I was little overwhelmed. It has always been a dream of mine to come to Rome and specifically to the four main basilicas to pray (although I often denied this when asked by others). My hands were shaking a little and slightly moist. I approached the Main Altar and touched the railing. The Eucharist has been served here by the Vicar of Christ for centuries - Awesome! - this is the thought that ran through my head.

I approached many of the side altars and found the tombs of St Gregory the Great, St Gregory of Nazianzus, and St Josaphat and even Pope Alexander VII (it is hard to miss!).

Pope Alexander VII commissioned Bernini to create the wonderful colonnade that encompasses St Peter's Square. Did you know that the colonnade's oval size is identical in size to the Colosseum? It is true! A Vatican official told me. The lives of those Christians who were martyred in the grounds of the Colosseum are remembered liturgically in Christ within the grounds of the colonnade of St Peter's Square.

Photos from Rome

2010-06-04T06:44:00.005-04:00

Roma - Day One

2010-05-30T15:56:00.000-04:00

Honeysuckle. Gentle wafting of honeysuckle. This is my first impression of Rome. The airport shuttle bus had just dropped me off across the street from via Aurelia, 290 – the home of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate where I will be staying for the week – it was rush hour (it should be called congestion hour because the vehicles are always rushing no matter what time of day) and there was hardly a chance to get across the street. Finally a break came and I ran across with my two suitcases in tow. As I walked toward the door the scent of honeysuckle almost overwhelmed me. I had to almost fall on my knees as I passed the luscious flowers that were drooping over the ten foot wall. One ring of the bell and I was through the gate. As it shut, the sound of the rushing and congested Rome virtually disappeared and a lush garden was before me. I walked up a gentle hill to the Oblate General House and the door opened before me. I was greeted by Alexandra who is, for lack of better words, the porter of the house. She showed me to my room, where I can find all that I would need during my visit with them, and left me alone in a room on the third floor. I closed the door and turned to the window. Directly in front of me, about 800 m away was the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica. I sat for a few minutes. It was hard to believe that I was in Rome! Someone pinch me! Ach – I pinched myself.

My host and friend, Fr Ted Nowak, omi had not returned from his work at the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples. Fr. Ted and I had met in graduate studies at Saint Paul University in a class on the Prophecy of Isaiah taught by Fr. Andrew Onuferko. After his doctoral program residency, he moved to St. Augustine Seminary in Toronto and was an adjunct professor, and eventually acting rector while the rector had a small sabbatical. In the Autumn of 2009, Fr. Ted was named as a member of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples and moved to Rome in January 2010. We have been able to communicate through Skype and one time he threw out an invitation. Given that I had to go to Germany for a meeting of the Patriarchal Commission of Priestly Formation, I figured that I was too close to Rome to miss this opportunity. It is very kind of Fr. Ted and the Oblate community to put me up for a week – and to put up with me!

As I consider this trip to Rome more of a pilgrimage than a tourist visit (in the words of my good friend, Fr. Andrew Wach – I want to be consumed by Rome rather than try to consume Rome myself), I have not been rushing to get from one place to the other. Catherine Doherty’s words come to my mind: Little — be always little! Be simple, poor, childlike. Part of the childlike-ness is to be prudently slow in order not to miss all or any that the Lord has in store for you. As a result, my mornings are not rushed; time is taken for prayer and meditation of the Scriptures – I end up moving onto the streets of Rome around 9:30 am.

My first trip was to the Vatican to see St. Peter’s Basilica. As it is literally down the road from the Oblate General House, I walked. Entering St. Peter’s square was astounding. It is much bigger than I ever imagined. It is simple and majestic all in one breath. The sun was just starting to reach its zenith and I could feel the skin on my arms and face begin to heat up. I walked over to the obelisk in the centre of the square.

The Obelisk from Egypt was brought to Rome by Emperor Caligula in 37 AD. It originally stood in his circus on a spot to the south of the basilica, close to the present Sacristy.

Sixtus V had Domenico Fontana move it in 1586 to the center of St. Peter's Square

It is also a sun dial, its shadows mark noon over the signs of the zodiac in the white marble disks in the paving of the square. The obelisk rests upon four couchant lions, each with two bodies whose tails intertwine. (source)

The stones of the square are charcoal grey with some concentric circles in red and green stones, and of course some fine Italian marble to highlight certain sections. The stones are polished smooth by the hundreds of thousands of pilgrims each year. I suppose that when it rains, they become quite slippery.

In order to enter in to the Basilica, you must go through security. The Italians do this very quickly. The dress code is quite strict although some people returned to their less-than-desirable fashion once inside the church building. I entered the line for what I thought was the Basilica. The stairs to the Basilica are also very smooth from the wear and tear of pilgrims' feet. While in line, I was able to see the Jubilee Year Door (2000) that John Paul II had opened. And I also saw the commemoration of the meetings between Pope Paul VI and Patriarch Anthenagoras and Pope John Paul II and Patriarch Demetrios.

After waiting some 45 minutes, I realized that I was in the line for the cupoloa, something I really didn't want to see. Looking at the time and wanting to keep my appointment with Fr Ted, I headed out of the Vatican to Octtaviano Metro station to board the subway to Spagna station. I was to meet Fr Ted at the Spanish stairs. He had told me to look for statue of the Virgin. I climbed the Spanish stairs and waited. I watched people sitting of the stairs resting in the afternoon sun. There were artists at the top of the stairs that would sketch your protract or sketch a caricature of you for almost next to nothing. I was tempted to have another cariacture drawn - my last one was when I went to World Youth Day in Paris in 1997. After some twenty minutes of waiting, I traveled down the stairs and there was the statue of the Virgin, and I had missed Fr Ted. An answer to this missed appointment immediately entered my head in this heat - but and east gelato! Lemon! Man, was it good! I headed back to the General House, and got myself lost for about 30 minutes.

Dinner is not served until much later in Italy. In Canada, we are accustomed to start dinner around 5 or 6 pm. In Italy, 7 to 8 pm is the start. That gave Fr Ted and I enough time to return to the St Peter's Basilica. He has a Vatican card which got him (and I as his guest) into places regular joes like me cannot go. Entering into the Basilica is simply wondrous. At least 10,000 people can be in there at one time. We walked past the guards right to the rail around the High Altar - we wanted to go to Vespers - however, there was a Mass that had started for the Sunday of the Trinity. so we walked into the confession area and right to the holy relics of St Josaphat. There I prayed for our Church throughout the world, especially in Ukraine with the changing political environment, and in Canada with a de-Christianized and secular society, that we would shine like the pearl beyond price, and be an influence in our societies.

We then went quickly to the tombs of the Popes before they closed for the evening. There we prayed before the tomb of the Venerable Pope John Paul II. Five years after his death there are still lots of people praying there. He is sure to be moved upstairs when he is beatified. Fr Ted said that they are already preparing a place for him in St. Peter's Basilica.

We made it back in time for supper at 7:30 pm - lasagna. Simply the best I have ever had!

Ukrainian Catholic Patriarchal Commission for Clergy Formation meets in Eichstätt, Germany 25-28 May

2010-05-30T09:49:00.002-04:00

Eichstätt, Germany 29 May 2010: The Ukrainian Catholic Patriarchal Commission for Clergy Formation in Seminaries of the Ukrainian Catholic Church held its annual meeting this year at the Oriental College-Seminary in Eichstätt, Germany. The Commission is chaired by Most Rev. Ken (Nowakowski) Bishop of New Westminster (Canada) and its members consist of rectors and vice rectors of the seminaries and houses of priestly formation of the Ukrainian Catholic Church. The theme of this year's Commission meeting was "Seminarian formation and preparation for the joy of priestly service, a life dedicated to salvation." The sixteen Commission members representing seminaries and houses of priestly formation from Ukraine, Rome, Germany, Brasil, The United States of America and Canada participated in discussions that resulted from the presentations by two guest keynote speakers: Rev. Dr. Professor Ludwig Mödl (Munich) on the topic "The joy of priestly vocations and service in our modern society." and from Rev. Mitred Archpriest Dr. Andreas A. Thiermeyer also of Germany and former rector of the Oriental College in Eichstätt on the topic "The Liturgy as a way of life and the source of joy in priestly ministry."

Bishop Ken said "There are more than 700 men in our seminaries and houses of formation throughout the world. HIs Beatitude Lubomyr, our Patriarch and the Synod of Ukrainian Catholic Bishops have placed the formation of our future clergy as a priority. Two years ago the Ukrainian Catholic Church declared 2009 as the Year dedicated to Priestly Vocations and this year has been declared as a year dedicated to vocations in Monastic, Religious and Consecrated life. The members of the faithful of the Church have been encouraged to pray for those already in ordained ministry and those in formation as well as fostering vocations to the priesthood and religious life in their homes, communities and parishes." Bishop Ken explained that "In order to have good, healthy and joyful priests in the Church, seminaries must provide the candidate with formation that will place an emphasis on academic, human, spiritual and pastoral growth. In order to help our formation teams throughout the world, our Commission has produced a guideline for the seminary staff, called a Program for Priestly Formation as well as a pastoral letter to our seminarians to encourage them to develop a healthy sense of Evangelization for their future ministry."

The Commission participants were hosted and warmly welcomed by the Oriental College's Rector, Rev. Paul Schmidt and Vice Rector Olexandre Petrynko and the international seminarians at the College. During their stay in Eichstätt, the Commission members also held meetings in Munich with the Ukrainian Catholic Bishop for Ukrainian Catholics in Germany, Most Rev. Petro Kryk as well as with the president of Catholic University in Eichstätt Dr. Andreas Lob Hüdlepohl and members of the Theological Faculty. Catholic University in Germany and is where the seminarians residing at the Oriental College attend classes. The Oriental College-Seminary welcomes seminarians from the Eastern Catholic and Orthodox Churches and was established by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Eichstätt, in 1998.

More photos are found here.

Meeting of the Patriarchal Commission on Priestly Formation in Seminaries of the UGCC

2010-05-29T05:04:00.001-04:00

I learned something recently - that as Rector of a Ukrainian Catholic Seminary, I am a member of the Patriarchal Commission on Priestly Formation in Seminaries. This Commission is lead by Kyr Ken (Nowakowski) of the New Wesminster Eparchy in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. We met this past week at the Collegium Oreintale in Eichstätt, Bavaria (Germany). We were welcomed warmly by the Rector of the Collegium, Fr. Paul Schimdt, and by the Vice-Rector, Fr. Oleksander Petrynko, and were treated to incredible hospitality by the staff and seminarians studying at the College.

We discussed the idea of vocations in light of the Program of Priestly Formation for the UGCC that was issued in 2009. We were also able to discuss further some ideas and questions presented in the Program for Evangelisation and Missionary Formation for Candidates to the Priesthood in UGCC Seminaries, also issued in 2009. We heard to lectures from outstanding priests and professors at the Collegium and the Catholic University of Eichstätt: Rev. Prof. Ludwig Mödl, Professor-emeritus of the University who gave a lecture entitled, "Joy of priestly Vocation in Our Times;" and Very Rev. Mitrat Dr. Andreas A. Theirmeyer who presented a lecture утешедувб ЄLiturgy as a Way of Life and a Source of Joy in the Priesthood."

Our liturgical life followed the life of the Collegium - Vespers in the evenings, and Divine Liturgy in the mornings. Interestingly, as there are many students from all over the world and from many different Churches (I met men from the Ukrainian Catholic, Russian Orthodox, Georgian, and Syro-Malankara Churches - there were more!), all the services were in the common language of the Collegium and University - German. Of course, we priests sang in whatever language in which we were comfortable for those parts assigned to us by Bishop Ken.

The chapel is very beautiful. Below are thre three photos from the website of the Collegium (permission is assumed):

I look forward to our next encounter scheduled for 2011 in Brazil. I will have an opportunity to welcome this Commission in 2012 when we meet in Ottawa. Blessed be God!

Light of the East - Part 2

2010-05-23T10:28:00.001-04:00

Salt and Light Television will be airing Light of the East - Part 2 on Wednesday, May 26, 2010 at 7:05 ET.

The Light of the East Part 2: Understanding the Eastern Catholic Churches. Mary Rose visits the Metropolitan Andrey Sheptytsky Institute of Eastern Christian Studies in Ottawa. She speaks with Institute Director Fr. Stephen Wojcichowsky and Fr. Peter Galadza and others on staff about how this institute spreads knowledge of the Christian East. She also highlights the faith journeys of Eastern Catholics.

Pentecost - Pilgrimage

2010-05-23T09:10:00.003-04:00

Come, all you nations of the world,
let us adore God in three holy Persons, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, Three in One.
From all eternity, the Father begets the Son,
equal to Him in eternity and majesty,
equal also to the Holy Spirit,
glorified with the Son in the Father,
three Persons, and yet a single power and essence and Godhead.
In deep adoration, let us cry out to God:
Holy is God who made all things through the Son
with the cooperation of the Holy Spirit.
Holy the Mighty One through whom the Father was revealed to us,
and through whom the Holy Spirit came to the world!
Holy the Immortal One, the Spirit, the Counsellor,
who proceeds from the Father and reposes in the Son.
All-holy Trinity, glory to You!

* * * * *

I have a deep love of Blessed (soon to be Saint) Andre of Mount Royal. His relics are within the very Oratory that he built in Montreal. As you approach Montreal from Ottawa, you can see the massive Church from miles away - even when there is a humidity fog or even smog, the Church shines as a lighthouse beacon to all. I have been visiting and asking Blessed Andre to pray since 1988 when I first went to the Oratory as an adult (I think we were there once as children). I had travelled with Jose Bettencourt, Daniel Paquin and Ken Murphy and Renaldo Ronquillo one Saturday during our first year of seminary studies. I had asked Blessed Andre to pray for my vocation to the priesthood in the same manner and with the same virtues as St Joseph over our Lord Jesus. Turns out that Blessed Andre is a good intercessor!

My trip tom Montreal yesterday morning had a special intent - I am travelling to Germany and Italy over the next two weeks. I asked Blessed Andre for his prayers for a successful conference of the Rectors of Ukrainian Catholic Seminaries throughout the world (we are meeting in Eischatt, Germany at the Oriental College), and for a fruitful pilgrimage (eight days!) to Rome especially during this Year of the Priest.

I hope to be able to write a few thoughts down each day throughout the two weeks - but that all depends on access to the web (which I asked, of course, Blessed Andre for his intercession). In Rome, I will be staying with my friend, Fr Ted Nowak, omi whom I met while in graduate studies at the Sheptytsky Institute at Saint Paul University (2003-2005). There are some major churches in which I wish to pray, and some not so well known (as my friend, Fr. Andrew Onuferko, has pointed out to me). I am really hoping to see the Holy Father, Pope Benedict, and perhaps even shake his hand, and/or receive his papal blessing. And I will be at the tomb of the Great John Paul and will offer prayers for my family and my many friends dear to my heart - and especially for my seminarians.

Pascha 2010 Byzantine Singing in St. Peter's Square

2010-04-06T17:05:00.002-04:00

Christ is risen! And now a little treat - Danylo Galadza, son of the one and only Fr. Peter Galadza of the Metropolitan Sheptytsky Institute of Eastern Christian Studies at Saint Paul University in Ottawa, leads a group in Byzantine Chant in St. Peter's Square on Pascha before the Holy Father Benedict XVI.

Christ is risen! And back to Normal Life!

2010-04-06T16:52:00.001-04:00

What a glorious day! My face still hurts from so much smiling! Christ is risen! Truly, He is risen! What joy I have experienced with the men at the seminary and all the guests over the last three days. Truly, Pascha is the foundation and the summit of our life.

Throughout the forty days of the Fast and the days of Great and Holy Week, we have opened ourselves to the movement of the Spirit within our souls, that synergistically with the grace of God we have tried to allow our lives to be transformed, purified, tried, tested, etc. And now that we celebrating this glorious Light-bearing Life-giving Third Day, we may be tempted to return to "normal life." But what is normal life? Is it that which we have left for the duration of the Fast? Or is it that to which we have become aware and live now at Pascha, and into which we continually grow? Fr. Vladimir Berzonsky in 1968 wrote a little sermon drawing attention to this. He reminds us of the words of St. Paul:

If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things that are above, not on things on earth. (Colossians 3:1)

Certainly what is normative for the Christian is the lifting of the heart, the centre of who we are, to gaze upon He who is raised, and ascended, and the One who is to return - upon the Alpha and the Omega - upon He who is the finish line. All else is seen within this gaze.

In everyday life I suppose this means that if we have weaned ourselves off of particular television programs over the last 40 days because we realized that we were enslaved to them, then we do not return to watching these shows. If we have managed to kick habitual drinking or drug use, or corrosive behaviour to which we had been enslaved, then let us not return to that enslavement, but remain free in the risen Christ.

I can't help but recall another part of the Little Mandate of Catherine Doherty that seems to be the natural course after the 40 day Fast and the celebration of the glorious Resurrection - "Preach the Gospel with your life — without compromise! Listen to the Spirit. He will lead you." Be a walking, talking, emoting book of the Good News. If we are truly Resurrection people, then every aspect of that life will shine in our day to day lives - if we let it - if we continue to toil synergistically with the Spirit.

And with that thought, I can't help but to continue to smile, and rejoice. My cheeks are still hurting and Christ is risen!

The Annunciation and Yes Men

2010-03-24T20:49:00.005-04:00

We have begun the Feast of the Annunciation. Many people think that the feast of the Incaranation of Lord is celebrated at Christmas. They are somewhat mistaken. Christmas is when that Incarnation is revealed. But today, in the womb of the Theotokos, the God-Man is conceived. It is a mystery too wonderful to understand. Even Mary had a hard time understanding how it would be possible for God to become human. From the Vespers texts tonight, a meditation on Mary's part in this mystery:

The blameless Maiden said to the captain of the heavenly hosts: You appear to me as a mortal, and your words go beyond human thought. You have said that God is with me, and that He shall take up abode in my womb. Tell me then, how am I to become a holy temple for the Infinite One, the Lord Who rides on the Cherubim? Do not mislead me with deceit, for I have known no pleasure and have not approached wedlock. Therefore, how shall I give birth to a child?

As Fr. Bob put it tonight in his small homily, the Mother of God is having it out with an archangel. She is challenging him not to ridicule him or elevate herself; rather, she challenges in a most humble manner so as to understand. And even for her, the all-holy one, it is a mystery too wonderful to understand. However, as we learn from the Mother of God, it is a mystery that we can behold! And behold we must.

* * *

We had just returned from the Liturgy of the Presanctifed Gifts at the local parish. The men were warming up the vegetarian dinner. A brother priest had decided to drop for the feast. I announced to the men that as it was a special feast, we would have wine with our supper. Cheers abounded. After the grace, as we began to eat, one of the men raised his glass and said, "Well..." We all raised our glasses - silent - waiting for someone to offer a toast. Then the youngest of the men said, "Thank you Mary for saying 'yes!'" We all agreed and clinked our glasses and drank our cheer. "Truly," I said, "we all must be yes-men."

Rules for a Pious Life

2010-03-15T23:14:00.004-04:00

By Platon, Archbishop of Kostroma
Editor: Abbot Alexander (Mileant)
from http://www.fatheralexander.org/booklets/english/ch_life.htm

FORCE YOURSELF to get up early and on a set schedule. As soon as you wake up, turn your mind to God: make the Sign of the Cross, and thank Him for the night that has passed and for all His mercies towards you. Ask Him to guide all your thoughts, feelings and desires, so that everything you say or do will be pleasing to Him.

As you dress, recollect the presence of the Lord and of your Guardian Angel. Ask the Lord Jesus Christ to put on you the robe of salvation.

After washing yourself, get down to morning prayers. Pray kneeling, with concentration, and with reverence and meekness, as is proper before the eyes of the Almighty. Ask Him to give you faith, hope, and charity, as well as calm strength to accept all that the coming day may bring to you - its hardships and troubles. Ask Him to bless your labors. Ask for help: to accomplish some particular task that you face; to steer clear of some particular sin.

If you can, read something from the Bible, especially from the New Testament and the Psalms. Read with intent to receive some spiritual enlightenment, inclining your heart to compunction. Having read a little, pause and reflect on what you read, and then proceed further, listening to what the Lord suggests to your heart.

Try to devote at least fifteen minutes to spiritually contemplate the teachings of the Faith and the profit to your soul in what you have read.

Always thank the Lord that He did not leave you to perish in your sins, but cares for you and in every possible way leads you to the Heavenly Kingdom.

Start every morning as if you had just decided to become a Christian and to live according to God's commandments.

As you enter upon your duties, strive to do everything towards the glory of God. Start nothing without prayer, because whatever we do without prayer later turns out to be futile or harmful. The words of the Lord are true: "Without me, you can do nothing."

Imitate our Saviour, Who labored helping Joseph and His most pure Mother. While working, keep a good spirit, relying always on the Lord's help. It is a good thing to repeat unceasingly the prayer: "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner."

If your labors are successful, give thanks to the Lord; and if they are not, place yourself in His will, for He takes care of us and directs everything towards the better. Accept all hardships as a penance for your sins - in the spirit of obedience and humility.

Before every meal, pray that God will bless the food and drink; and after the meal give thanks to Him and ask Him not to deprive you of spiritual blessings. It is good to leave the table feeling a bit hungry. In everything, avoid excess. Following the example of Christians of old, fast on Wednesdays and Fridays.

Do not be greedy. Be content having food and clothing, imitating Christ Who became impoverished for our sake.

Strive to please the Lord in everything, so that you will not be reproached by your own conscience.

Remember God always sees you, and so be carefully vigilant concerning the feelings, thoughts and desires of your heart.

Avoid even the smallest sins, lest you fall into greater ones. Drive away from your heart each and every thought or design that moves you away from the Lord. Strive especially against unclean desire; drive it out of your heart like a burning spark fallen on your coat. If you do not want to be troubled by evil desires, meekly accept humiliation from others.

Do not say too much, remember that for every spoken word we will give account before God. It is better to listen than to talk: in verbosity it is impossible to avoid sin. Do not be curious to hear the news, which only entertains and distracts the spirit. Condemn no one, but consider yourself to be worse than everyone else. The one who condemns another is taking another's sins onto himself; it is better to grieve about the sinner, and pray that God will correct him in His own way. If someone does not listen to your advice, do not dispute with him. But if his deeds are a temptation to others, take appropriate measures, because their good, being many, must carry more weight than his, being only one.

Never argue or make excuses. Be gentle, quiet and humble; endure everything, according to the example of Jesus. He will not burden you with a cross that exceeds your strength. He will also help you carry the Cross that you have.

Ask the Lord to give you the grace to fulfill His holy Commandments as well as you can, even if they seem too difficult to keep. Having done a good deed, do not expect gratitude, but temptation: for love towards God is tested by obstacles. Do not hope to acquire any virtues without suffering sorrows. In the midst of temptations do not despair, but address God with short prayers: "Lord, help... Teach me to... Do not leave... Protect me... " The Lord allows temptations and trials; He also gives the strength to overcome them.

Ask God to take away from you every thing that feeds your pride, even if it will be bitter. Avoid being harsh, gloomy, nagging, mistrustful, suspicious or hypocritical, and avoid rivalry. Be sincere and simple in your attitude. Humbly accept the admonitions of others, even if you are more wise and experienced.

What you do not want done to you, do not do to others. Rather, do for them what you wish to be done for you. If anyone visits you, be tender towards him, be modest, wise, and, sometimes, depending on the circumstances, be also blind and deaf.

When you feel slack, or a certain coolness, do not leave off the usual order of prayer and pious practices which you have established. Everything that you do in the name of the Lord Jesus, even the small and imperfect things, becomes an act of piety.

If you desire to find peace, commit yourself completely onto God. You will find no peace until you calm down in God, loving Him alone.

From time to time seclude yourself, following the example of Jesus, for prayer and contemplation of God. Contemplate the infinite love of our Lord Jesus Christ, His sufferings and death, His Resurrection, His Second Coming and the Last Judgment.

Visit the church as often as possible. Confess more often and receive the Holy Mysteries. Doing so you will abide in God, and this is the highest blessing. During Confession, repent and confess frankly and with contrition all your sins; for the unrepented sin leads to death.

Devote Sundays to works of charity and mercy; for example, visit someone who is sick, console someone who is in sorrow, save one who is lost. If anyone will help the lost one turn towards God he will receive a great reward in this life and in the age to come. Encourage your friends to read Christian spiritual literature and to participate in discussing spiritual matters.

Let the Lord Jesus Christ be your teacher in everything. Constantly address Him by turning your mind to Him; ask yourself: what would He do in similar circumstances?

Before you go to sleep, pray frankly and with all your heart, look searchingly at your sins during the past day.

You should always compel yourself to repent with a contrite heart, with suffering and tears, lest you repeat past sins. As you go to bed, make the Sign of the Cross, kiss the cross, and entrust yourself to the Lord God, who is your Good Shepherd. Consider that perhaps this night you will have to appear before Him.

Remember the Lord's love towards you and love Him with all your heart, your soul and your mind.

Acting in this way, you will reach the blessed life in the Kingdom of Eternal Light.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.

What is the Merciful Heart?

2010-03-15T00:01:00.000-04:00

The following is a description of the merciful heart by St. Isaac the Syrian. It was brought to my attention in one of my graduate theology classes by Rev. Dr. Andriy Chirovsky, an incredibly gifted and holy priest and founder of the Metropolitan Andrey Sheptytsky Institite of Eastern Christian Studies at Saint Paul University in Ottawa.

And what is the merciful heart? It is the heart’s burning for the sake of the entire creation, for men, for birds, for animals, for demons, and for every created thing: and by the recollection and sight of them the eyes of a merciful man pour forth abundant tears. From the strong and vehement mercy which grips his heart and from his great compassion, his heart is humbled and he cannot bear to hear or to see any injury or slight sorrow in creation. For this reason he offers up tearful prayer continually even for irrational beasts, for the enemies of the truth, and for those who harm him, that they be protected and receive mercy. And in like manner he even prays for the family of reptiles because of the great compassion that burns without measure in his heart in the likeness of God.

St. Isaac the Syrian, Homily 71

Tro-lo-lo-lo-lo-lo-lo-lo-lo-lo-lo!

2010-03-14T23:12:00.004-04:00

This is just creepy! Contagious, but creepy!

2010 National March for Life

2010-03-14T13:58:00.001-04:00

Only two months until the National March for Life. Plan to be there!

Touching the Wounds of Christ

2010-03-14T00:01:00.088-05:00

Today we hosted a meeting of various formation communities in Ottawa. All of our formation students are studying at Saint Paul University. We gathered for a shared formation seminar on Social Justice. The purpose was "to raise awareness of the connections between faith and social justice; that justice is not an add-on to Christian life but is an integral part of discipleship; to reflect on a deeper understanding of a Christian vision of citizenship." Two men shared their experiences of working and dedicating their lives in the area of social justice: Benoit Fortin, a priest of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Gatineau, Quebec; and, Paul Soucie, a deacon of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Ottawa. Carolyn Sharp, a professor at Saint Paul University whose research is mainly in Feminist theology and ethics, Religion and public space, Contextual theologies, the Catholic Church in Québec and in Canada.

Benoit shared about his over 30 years in living and working with the poor. He spoke about son conversion des pieds, how when he lived with the poor a compassion was awoken in him; and when he noted that the poor were impoverished how this awoke in him a desire for justice; and when he noted that the poor were not only impoverished, that they were in fact oppressed, how a desire for their liberation was born in him. Benoit is involved in over 20 different social housing administrations in Gatineau (e.g. Mon chez nous, inc.)

Paul spoke of his work with the Shepherds of Good Hope in Ottawa. He and Sheila Burnett (my brother's mother-in-law) run the day to day business of compassion at Shepherds. He is hopelessly in love with this service to the poor and consider it a great privilege to have been called to this ministry.

The day reminded me of when I worked for Shepherds in 1987-1988. I had finished my chemical engineering degree and had made application to the Archdiocese of Ottawa as a seminarian (I was a Latin catholic at that time). For reasons not known to me, my application was rejected. Not knowing what to do, I went to volunteer at Shepherds one day with my mother. After some prayer in the chapel, a morning of preparing a meal, serving the meal, and another time of prayer in the chapel, Sheila asked to come up to her office. I followed her - I had developed a very good respect for this woman - she greeted EVERY man, woman and child that came to eat at lunch. And we are not talking about just a handshake, we are talking about an honest welcome to each person, from the depths of her heart, I saw it in her eyes. I wanted to know what made her tick - so I followed her to her office. Once inside, she sat me down and simply asked, "Why are you here?" I replied without hesitation that I simply wanted to volunteer some time to the poor. She shook her head and asked again, "Why are you here?" I paused, looked at her and responded after still some more silence, "I don't know." She then told me that it was obvious that the Lord was in charge and that it was still all the more obvious that the Lord wanted me to work with the poor. She hired me on the spot and told me that I was to report the next day to so-and-so who would give me the necessary training.

God-incidently - I don't believe in coincidences - I was trying to apprehend Catherine Doherty's Little Mandate, followed and lived by the members of Madonna House. The very first statement of this Mandate touched me in a special way:

"Arise — go! Sell all you possess. Give it directly, personally to the poor. Take up My cross (their cross) and follow Me, going to the poor, being poor, being one with them, one with Me."

How was one to be "one with them" - with the poor? That was my question, my prayer at the time. And the Lord answered through Sheila. (Thanks, Sheila!)

After sometime in the soup kitchen and the men's shelter, I was asked to dedicate my time to Hope Outreach. It was located on the little "island" that was formed by King Edward Avenue, Murray Street and St. Patrick Street (see map) - the spot has since been re-developed. There we served the hard-to-serve clientele. If a person was barred from all shelters and de-tox centres in the area, we would take them in. We were literally the last hope in all of Ottawa and Hull (now Gatineau).

It was here that I touched the wounds of Christ. I wasn't really looking for His wounds. I just happened across them.

Linda was a woman who was deeply hurt. She had been raped by her father, and several uncles all on separate occasions and repeatedly. The pain and all associated with it she hid for a long time until it started to surface as a deep rage and a confused sense of self and others. She had cut herself repeatedly and made many attempts to kill herself. She once stood in front of a tpeeding transport truck and ended up losing one leg above the knee. She had a particularly vulgar mouth and was proud that it bothered so many others.

One night, Linda went on a verbal rampage. Every vulgar, swear, and evil word seemed to flow out of her. And her attacks became personal. My spiritual father had warned me at that time to ignore such things and to keep my eyes and heart upon our Lord - to seek our Lord in the midst of such things. I tried. I was reading at the time a book entitled, Jesus, our eucharistic love. I just continued to read. After some hours, Linda seemed to quiet down. Around 3:00 am or so, she came to the kitchen door, and asked about the book I was reading. I told her the title. She asked, "What is love?"

We ended up talking for about 4 hours about love. I learned a lot about love from Linda about her pain, about her desires for love, and the emptiness she felt, and how she just wanted to feel full inside.

It was on the bus ride home that I realized that I had just touched the wounds of Christ that night. I had put my fingers in the holes in his hands, and my hand in his side. And I could do was weep and say, "My Lord, my God!" I felt so small in light of this encounter.

The Lord began to answer my prayer through Linda. (Thanks, Linda!)

Blessed be God forever!

Isaiah: The Fifth Gospel

2010-03-13T06:00:00.003-05:00

In Winter of 2004, I followed a graduate course on Eastern Christian Hermeneutics and Exegesis in the Prophecy of Isaiah. It was taught by an excellent man and professor, Fr. Andrew Onuferko. At the time he was also the Acting Director of the Metropolitan Andrey Sheptytsky Institute of Eastern Christian Studies at Saint Paul University, Ottawa. One section of the course highlighted the early Church and their use of the only Scriptures they knew of at the time – what we Christians now call the Old Testament. The author, John Sawyer in his excellent book, The Fifth Gospel: Isaiah in the History of Christianity, notes that the early Christians used Isaiah extensively in their evangelizing efforts, even informally creating a ‘Gospel narrative’ – something very much akin to what we now know as the Four Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Sawyer proposes such a Gospel narrative in a collection of verses of Isaiah woven together. I have reproduced it below for your marvelling!

Behold a virgin shall conceive and bring forth a son (7:14 LXX, Vg), a rod out of the stem of Jesse (11:1). His name shall be called ‘Immanuel’ (7:14), ‘Wonderful counsellor, the mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace’ (9:6), Key of David (22:22), the Christ (45:1 LXX, Vg). To us a child is born (9:6). The ox knows its owner and the ass its master’s crib (1:3). The gentiles will come to your light and the kings to your rising … they shall bring gold and incense (60:6). The idols of Egypt shall be moved at his presence (19:1). Behold my servant … in whom my soul delights (42:1). The spirit of the Lord will rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding … (11:2). By the way of the sea, beyond Jordan and Galilee of the nations (9:1), the Lord has anointed me to preach good news to the poor… (61:1). Surely he has taken our infirmities and borne our sicknesses (53:4). Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened … then shall the lame man leap like a hart (35:5-6). The glory of the Lord is risen upon you (60:1). He shall be a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation (28:16), but also a stone of offence and a rock of stumbling to both the houses of Israel (8:14). He said, ‘Go and tell this people, Hear indeed, but understand not …’ (6:9).

I will weep bitterly … because of the destruction of the daughter of my people (that is, Jerusalem 22:4). Say to the daughter of Zion, Your saviour comes (62:11 LXX, Vg). My house will be called a house of prayer for all people (56:7). My servants shall eat but you shall be hungry, my servants shall drink but you shall be thirsty … (65:13). Ho everyone that thirsts, come to the waters … (55:1). He was brought as a lamb to the slaughter (53:7). The government (that is, the cross bearing the inscription ‘King of the Jews’ on it) shall be upon his shoulder (9:6), and there shall come up briars and thorns (5:6). I gave my back to the smiters and my cheeks to those that pluck out the hair; I hid not my face from shame and spitting (50:6). He was wounded for our transgressions, and bruised for our iniquities (53:5). From the sole of the foot even to the head there is no soundness, but bruises and sores and bleeding wounds (1:6). He was numbered between the transgressors … and made intercession for the transgressors (53:12). They made his grave … with a rich man (53:9). His tomb will be glorious (11:10 Vg). Now I will arise, says the Lord, now I will lift myself up, now I will be exalted (33:10). Then shall your light break forth like the dawn (58:8). Seek the Lord while he may be found (55:6). Behold my servant shall understand, he shall be exalted and lifted up (52:13 LXX, Vg); he shall be high and lifted up (6:1). I will set a sign among them … I will send survivors to the nations, to the sea, to Africa and Lydia, to Italy and Greece, to islands afar off, to those who have not heard about me and have not seen my glory; and they will proclaim my glory to the nations (66:19).

John F. A. Sawyer. The Fifth Gospel: Isaiah in the History of Christianity. (New York: Cambridge University Press, 1996), 49-50.

It's Not About Me!

2010-03-12T19:12:00.000-05:00

As any pastor will tell you, there is usually some sort of small competition among parishioners wanting to invite you over to their home for the festive meal. There are plenty of times for me to visit with parish families through the year; in order to prevent a perception of favouritism, I usually visit with personal friends for Pascha and Christmas – unless there is a pastoral necessity to visit a parish family. On Pascha 2008 I had to visit with one particular parishioner – Michael D.

Michael was a long time parishioner at Holy Eucharist Parish in Winnipeg. He had sung in the choir at the Ukrainian Divine Liturgy on Sunday for decades. And he offered his gift of reading the Epistle regularly. He had a strong, clear voice having no need for a microphone. He always seemed to have a good sense of not only what he read aloud in Church but the meaning of what he read. Through my encounters with him and his dear, loving wife I realized that this was a result of a life of pious and humble prayer.

Then one Sunday near Christmas 2007 it happened. Michael was proclaiming the Epistle from the church balcony and his voice seemed so tired. And then came the crack of his voice, a pause, a look of frustration and worry on his face, and then submission that he could not continue. Another gentleman finished the reading.

I went to visit Michael later that week and found out that cancer had returned to him for a second bout. Over the months between Christmas and Pascha, Michael’s health deteriorated to a point that he was hospitalized a few weeks before Pascha. I went each week to the hospital to prayer with him and to offer him the Holy Mysteries.

Due to the medications that were administered to him to help him with the pain, he was often asleep when I came to visit. I would shake him gently, his eyes would open, and a smile moved across his face. We would chat for a bit, move to praying together and then I would give him the Holy Mysteries. Just that small encounter of no more than ten minutes would exhaust him. I would give him a final blessing, and begin to walk away. Each time, I looked back and saw his head fall back into the pillow with his eyes closed, ready to sleep again – with a smile across his face.

On Pascha 2008, I had served the glorious Matins service, greeted each parishioner present with the kiss of peace, read the Paschal Homily of St. John Chrysostom, and served the Divine Liturgy. Oh, how I love Pascha! As I was putting my vestments away after the Liturgy, my thoughts turned to Michael in the hospital. I had reserved a particle of the Holy Mysteries for him at the Liturgy. As I travelled to the hospital, I asked the Lord to prepare Michael for the reception of Holy Communion – something I always did on the way to the hospital. I walked into his room and as usual Michael was sleeping. Rather than gently shaking him, I began to sing quietly Христос Воскрес – Christ is risen and bit by bit I raised the volume; half way through the second time I sang the Paschal Troparion, Michael awoke. He was a little slower this time, but a smile came to his face. And then he said, “Ah, the Divine Physician has come. You, Father Michael, are a true physician come to heal me.” We chatted a bit, we prayed together again the Paschal Troparion and I offered him the Holy Mysteries from the Paschal Liturgy. But this time, he would remain lying on the bed. With every, and I mean every, bit of strength, he raised himself to a seated position. He prayed the customary prayers before Communion and reverently received our Lord into his mouth. His strength gave out and he fell back into the bed. I helped to make him comfortable as he consumed the Eucharist. Seeing that he was so tired, I prayed the thanksgiving prayers and gave him a blessing. He thanked me for coming to bring him Communion and called me a true physician again. We sang the Paschal Troparion and I said goodbye. I looked back – he was falling asleep – smiling.

The next morning, Michael’s daughter went to visit him. They sang the Paschal Troparion together. It was a short visit. Michael reposed in the Lord later that Bright Monday.

November 16 is the Feast of St. Matthew. On that day we read the following from the Gospels:

As Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax office; and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he rose and followed him. And as he sat at table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat down with Jesus and his disciples. And when the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” But when he heard it, he said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Go and learn what this means, ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.” (Matthew 9:9-13 RSV)

I couldn’t help but think of Michael D. today as I prepared my homily for the seminarians. that day I shared with them a little about Michael’s last days and the effect it had on me as a priest. Christ is the Divine Physician – He is the one who heals. And He does this through the everyday ministry of priests. I believe that every priest – and every man who is studying toward priestly ordination – needs to accept and begin to understand this (it is ultimately a mystery). Should he, in the name of humility, not accept this, he runs the risk of withholding the healing of the Divine Physician. It’s not about me – it’s about He who is in me.

I often pray for Michael D. and his eternal repose. I know that Michael was not a tax collector – but he would be the first to say that he was a sinner and in need of the Divine Physician. I thank the Lord for his selfless offering of his gifts to the mission of the Church, and for the lesson I learned on Pascha 2008. He is asleep now – I pray he is smiling.