From Matins

I shall open my mouth and the Spirit will inspire it, and I shall utter the words of my song to the Queen and Mother: I shall be seen radiantly keeping feast and joyfully praising her Dormition.

From Mother Mary and Archimandrite Kallistos Ware, The Festal Menaion, St. Tikhon’s Seminary Press

Twelfth Sunday After Pentecost, August 20:

Chrysostom on Matthew 19:16-26

The desire for great possessions was the reason for his sorrow and his disobedience; since it was impossible for him to follow Christ, he went away wounded.

Blessed Theophylact on Matthew 19:16-26

He who has few possessions is not similarly restrained by them, for the bond of many possessions is tyrannical.

From Blessed Theophylact, The Explanation of the Holy Gospel According to Matthew, Chrysostom Press, 2007

1 Corinthians 15:1-11

For I delivered unto you first of all, which I also received: how that Christ died for our sins, according to the scriptures: And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day, according to the scriptures….

Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost, August 27:

Chrysostom on Matthew 21:33-42

The stone which the builders, the Jews, rejected, the same is become the cornerstone, to join and unite two walls which before were separate. This refers to Christ, our reconciliation, Who joined together what had been separated and made the two to be as one. He was placed at the head of the corner, meaning that He became the Head of the Church, uniting Jews and Gentiles in one faith.

From John Chrysostom, The Gospel Commentary, translated from Slavonic into English by Abbot German Ciuba (Church of the Nativity of Christ, Old Rite, Erie, Pa.)

Blessed Theophylact on Matthew 21:33-42

…the Lord of the vineyard is God the Father Who sent his Son Who was slain by them.

From Blessed Theophylact, The Explanation of the Holy Gospel According to Matthew, Chrysostom Press, 2007

1 Corinthians 16:13-24

Let all your things be done in charity.  

Religious Education Office Announces Formation Programs for Catechists:

The Religious Education Office announces two formation programs for catechists on Zoom for the fall.

Dr. Dan Schneider of Liber Christo, author of the recently published The Liber Christo Method: A Field Manual for Spiritual Combat from Tan, will speak about how catechesis can be used at the parish level in teaching spiritual combat and as armor against the demonic. He will talk on Monday, September 25.

Dr. Matthew Minerd of Byzantine Catholic Seminary, author of the recently published book Made By God, Made For God: Catholic Morality Explained, will speak about Catholic morality and catechesis on Tuesday, December 5.

Both talks will be from 7-8 p.m. on Zoom. Each speaker will talk for 25-30 minutes and then take questions.

Catechists will receive a link for the program on the morning it is offered.

Plans for winter and spring programs are underway.

2023 UGCC Liturgical Music Convention Announced:

Saint Michael the Archangel Ukrainian Catholic Church in Welland, Ontario, Canada will host the liturgical music conference UGCC SingCon 2023 September 28-October 1.  You can learn more about the convention on the Eparchy’s website.

Upcoming–Fall Youth Retreat:

The Fall Youth Retreat will be held October 6-7 at All Saints Camp, 110 All Saints Rd., Emlenton, Pennsylvania. Information is available on the Eparchy’s website.

We Walk In Christ Youth Catechism:

From Theme 1, Divine Revelation

From the fullness of his love, God the Creator calls forth the whole world into being. The beauty of the sunrise and the starry sky, the order and organization of the universe, the wonderful harmony of being — all this testifies to the incomprehensible greatness of God himself, to his wisdom, and to the indescribable beauty of his plan.

Everything that has arisen, the Creator called forth into being through his Word — the Son of God….God reveals himself in the created world….