Our Byzantine Faith & Services
Divine Liturgy is served both in English and Ukrainian. Saturday 4:00 p.m. Divine Liturgy in English / Sunday 10:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy in Ukrainian.
Confessions
The Sacrament of Penance is heard one-half hour prior to the Divine Liturgy.
Mysteries
For the Mysteries (the Sacraments) of Baptism, Chrismation, Holy Eucharist (all three done at once),
Crowning (Marriage) and the Holy Anointing of the Sick, please speak with Father Vasyl.
Visiting our Elders
Parishioners who are confined to home, hospital, or convalescent home, please notify Father Vasyl so he may visit them with the sacraments.
Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick brings healing to the infirmities of both body and soul, as God sees fit, through the anointing of holy oil and prayer.
Twelve Great Feasts
In the Byzantine Tradition - the key feast are prepared for by a time of fasting and prayer.
The Nativity of the Theotokos, 8 September
The Exaltation of the Cross, 14 September
The Presentation of the Theotokos, 21 November
The Nativity of Christ/Christmas, 25 December
The Baptism of Christ — Theophany, 6 January
The Presentation of Jesus at the Temple, 2 February
The Annunciation, 25 March
The Sunday before Pascha (Easter) — the Entry into Jerusalem
Forty Days after Pascha (Easter) — the Ascension of Christ
Fifty Days after Pascha (Easter) — Pentecost
The Transfiguration, 6 August
The Dormition (Falling Asleep) of the Theotokos, 15 August
Note that Pascha stands alone, as it is the “Feast of Feasts”.
Philip’s Fast (Pylypivka)
This fasting period is a time of more intense prayer and works of charity; this time of fasting is a pre-Christmas preparation.
The Parish holds various liturgical services in preparation for the Nativity of Our Lord.
The Philip’s Fast begins on November 15, the day after the feast of St. Philip.
Apostles’ Fast (Petriwka)
This is the preparation for the feast of the holy apostles Peter and Paul celebrated on June 29.
The Apostles’ Fast begins on the Monday following the Sunday of All Saints (check the date because yearly because it is known in relation to Pentecost).
Dormition Fast (Spasivka)
This period of preparation for the great feast of the Falling Asleep of Mary begins on August 1 and lasts until the eve of August 14, inclusively.
The Dormition of the Blessed Virgin Mary is celebrated on August 15.
Great and Holy Fast (Lent)
The Great and Holy Fast is a 40 day preparation for the glorious feast of Pascha (Easter) beginning on Clean Monday
and ending on the day before Lazarus Saturday. It is the most ancient fast.
We fast from sin and foods “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 I).
The Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts is served each Friday evening at 6:00 p.m.
Sorokousty (All Souls’s Days)
During Lent and the Easter season the Church prays for our beloved dead.
Father Vasyl yearly announces the dates for the Sorokousty (All Souls Days) on which special prayers are offered in remembrance of those who have died. Let us remember all our loved ones who have gone to their heavenly reward. Eternal Memory ~ Vichnaya Pamyat!
The Ukrainian word “Sorokousty” 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.