Author Archives: Editor

“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 →

“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 →

Becoming a “name brand”

Byzantine Catholic seminary expands its mission In recent years, the Byzantine Catholic Seminary of SS. Cyril and Methodius in Pittsburgh, Pa. has expanded its mission to serve Ruthenian, Melkite, Romanian, and Ukrainian eparchies, in addition to the majority of its … Continue reading →

Prayerful Preparation

The Church is constantly working to enable us to understand more deeply the Sacramentality of marriage and to achieve it. In our Byzantine Catholic Tradition, we refer to marriage as a “Mystery” and crown couples to remind them of the sacrificial love they must have for each other. A heavenly marriage requires earthly work.

To help couples prepare for this life commitment, the Office of Religious Education has been sponsoring a Pre-Cana Program since 1999 at various locations. This year the program took place March 30 and April 6 at the Byzantine Catholic Seminary of SS. Cyril and Methodius in Pittsburgh, Pa.

This new location offered an opportunity for the seminarians to attend the presentations along with the 12 couples registered and experience a demonstration of the Crowning Ceremony. Topics were presented were: “Communication, Forgiveness & Intimacy” by Father Thom Dansak; “Finances & Budgeting” by Sandee and Mark Collins; “The Crowning Ceremony” by Father Will Rupp; “Elements of a Healthy Marriage” by Chris and Amanda Singel; “Why a Church Wedding” and “Theology of Marriage” by Deacon Dennis Prestash; and “Marriage & Sexuality” by Dr. Matthew Minerd. Continue reading →

The tradition continues

Paska baking is an all-ages affair at St. Mary in Weirton, W. VA. For decades, volunteers have gathered in the church hall at St. Mary in Weirton, W. Va. on Lazarus Saturday to prepare dozens of delicious loaves of paska … Continue reading →

“God Speaks: Do We Listen?”

The 16th annual Women’s Day of Reflection will be held 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. May 11 at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, 210 Greentree Road, Munhall, Pa.

A dedicated committee meets throughout the year to plan and coordinate the day, working with a theme of interest to women to help them grow in their spirituality. The springtime event features a schedule of three speakers who focus on the chosen theme of the day; luncheon; vendors and a bountiful basket auction with proceeds donated to local women’s shelters.

This year’s theme is “God Speaks: Do We Listen?” Presenters include:

Lillian Leonardi (“My Spiritual Homecoming”). Lillian Leonardi served from 1998 to 2010 in the FBI, Pittsburgh Division, as its Community Outreach Specialist. On Sept. 11, 2001, within three hours after the crash of Flight 93 in Shanksville, Pa, she was at the site, where she spent the next 12 days. She has written a book about her experience entitled “In the Shadow of a Badge: A Memoir About Flight 93, a Field of Angels, and My Spiritual Homecoming.” Post-9/11, Leonardi represented the FBI in collaboration on three projects relating to Flight 93. Prior to her FBI career, Leonardi was appointed in 1984 to serve as the first female police officer in the city of Arnold, Pa., where she specialized in crime prevention and investigations of crimes against children. After her 25-year career of service in law enforcement, Lillie Leonardi is pursuing her lifelong passion for writing.

Jennifer Miele (“God Speaks to All Generations”. Continue reading →