The Akathistos is the most beautiful hymn by which the Byzantine Church celebrates the divine motherhood of the Blessed Virgin Mary, solemnly proclaimed at the Council of Ephesus in 431 A.D. (cf. Byzantine Leaflet Series 1983, No. 27). It celebrates the Virgin ‘s role in the mystery of the Incarnation. Continue reading
Building the Kingdom Of God
The 50th-anniversary celebration of the Byzantine Catholic Metropolitan Archeparchy of Pittsburgh June 23 at St. John the Baptist Cathedral in Munhall, Pa. brought together clergy, sisters, faithful and esteemed guest Leonardo Cardinal Sandri, Prefect of the Congregation for the Eastern Churches at the Vatican in Rome.
Metropolitan Archbishop William Skurla offered some perspective on the momentous occasion during his comments at the banquet following the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy. He thanked all religious and faithful who attended, some who traveled from “one coast to the other” to be at the celebration. “It is through their dedication and generosity to our parishes across the United States that we have all of you building up our little portion of the Kingdom of God, which He has entrusted to us.”
The Byzantine Catholic Metropolitan Church in the United States was formed by Pope Paul VI, who issued a decree on Feb. 21, 1969, entitled Quando Quidem Christus. By virtue of this decree, the Holy Father officially created the Byzantine Catholic Metropolitan Church. The Eparchy of Munhall thus was elevated to Archeparchy, and the Eparchy of Passaic was Continue reading
“God Speaks: Do We Listen?”
Annual day of reflection for women held May 11 in Munhall, Pa The 16th annual Day of Reflection for Women, sponsored by the Office of Religious Education, was held May 11 at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in … Continue reading
“Breathing Unity”
Rev. Brian E. Daley, S.J., Catherine F. Huisking Professor of Theology at the University of Notre Dame, as well as an accomplished priest, decorated author, and scholar was the keynote speaker at the 19th annual SS. Cyril and Methodius Lecture … Continue reading
Learning to listen, listening to learn
In June we observed the 75th anniversary of D-Day, the massive invasion in N o r m a n d y, France, that led to the Allied victory in World War II. Extensive media coverage allowed us to participate in … Continue reading
“East, West & Beyond”
In yet another display of academic excellence and theological dialogue within the sphere of ecumenism, the Byzantine Catholic Seminary of SS. Cyril and Methodius in Pittsburgh, Pa. hosted a most successful liturgy symposium on its campus May 21 to 23. … Continue reading
WORLD NEWS (Catholic News Service)
Read the latest world news as reported by Catholic News Service. With headquarters in Washington, offices in New York and Rome, and correspondents around the world, CNS provides the most comprehensive coverage of the church today.
- Worn marble steps of Holy Stairs to be uncovered for public to climb
- At memorial Mass, CRS remembers four employees who died in plane crash
- Update: After attacks, New Zealand bishops tell Muslims: 'We hold you in prayer'
- Researcher: Difference between 'considering leaving' and 'leaving' church
- Head of African youth network: Listen to young people on ecology
- Update: Amid call for boycott of Lenten appeals, some see harm to poor, needy
- South Carolina Catholic school given national award for 'full inclusion'
- For Lent, Irish Catholics urged to abandon 'weapons of mass distraction'
- Update: Judge sentences Cardinal Pell to six years in prison on abuse charges
- CLINIC says South Sudan TPS extension should have included new arrivals
- Encore: USCCB publishes revised translation of rite for blessing holy oils
- Actress calls her deafness 'a gift'; remembers Catholic school as 'family'
- Update: Four CRS staffers, humanitarian workers aboard Ethiopian jet that crashed
- Benedictine abbot leads pope, curial officials in Lenten retreat
- Pope meets top leaders of Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
- Group's immigrant solidarity project 'not about politics,' organizers say
