Arise and spread God’s word: Bishop Stephen to youth

The Arise teen rally, which took place at the end of June, marks a new chapter in the history of the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Toronto and Eastern Canada. This gathering of  youth from various parts of our eparchy is the inaugural event of our new Eparchial Youth Ministry Office.

As our eparchy renews its focus on the role of local youth, we also celebrate the start of a new era in our broader Church community. In March, Sviatoslav Shevchuk was inaugurated as Major Archbishop (Patriarch) of Kiev-Halych and head of our Church.

Born in 1970 to pious parents in Stryj, in western Ukraine, Patriarch Sviatoslav practised his faith with his family secretly under the Soviet regime. Upon reaching adulthood, he witnessed the opening of the border and rebirth of our long-persecuted Church. He also had a chance to study in the West, in Italy, to travel abroad, and serve as a bishop in Argentina. These experiences undoubtedly shaped his character profoundly, and he now represents a generation of forward-thinking and optimistic Ukrainians with fresh ideas and attitudes.

In a recent Kyiv Post newspaper interview, Patriarch Sviatoslav said one of his priorities is to reach out to young people in the manner of the newly beatified Pope John Paul II, who drew millions worldwide to youth jamborees. “These meetings should always stimulate some common action,” Shevchuk said. “…These were meetings to say – do it!”

I heartily encourage you, the Awake rally participants, as well as all the young people in our parishes, to consider this important call to action.

You are being called to be evangelists, both among your peers in schools and social groups and among your elders. Like Patriarch Sviatoslav, with your youthful enthusiasm, you have the power to
re-ignite the fire of Jesus Christ in the hearts of many. May the Lord bless you, attendees, Father Andrij Figol and other organizers in your work at Arise 2011 and in years to come!

† Stephen

Bishop Stephen Chmilar

Eparch of Toronto and Eastern Canada

Perfection of masculinity is in fatherhood

Being a biological father is easy; fathering a child is challenging.

There has been a decline in the holy vocation of fatherhood in past decades. As a result, Fathers’ Day celebrations, for many, can be bittersweet.

Watching only a few hours of television demonstrates how gravely the image of fatherhood has been defiled. Fathers are portrayed as lazy, wimpy and ignorant. As respect for them declines, they are also being rendered dispensable through reproductive technology and as disposable in broken marriages.

A father’s absence (physical or emotional) has a devastating effect on families. It leads to higher delinquency rates, lower self-esteem, and an increased risk of early sexual involvement. A father’s presence, even if his involvement is minimal, provides children stability and security. 

Fatherhood also involves spiritual nurturing. A child first experiences God through his relationship with his parents. God’s attributes represented by the father are different than those by the mother. Both are needed for the healthy development of the child’s relationship with God.  Furthermore, research shows that a father’s commitment to church worship has a vastly greater effect on the child’s churchgoing in adulthood than does the mother’s. 

Restoring the dignity of earthly fatherhood requires an understanding of Divine Fatherhood. Even before God was Creator, He was Father.  From this divine Fatherhood is generated the eternally begotten Son. This revealed truth has wonderful implications for earthly fathers. While both men and women are created in the image of God, the male, in his masculinity, is the icon of divine fatherhood on earth.

In this profound representational role, men can find their identity and mission as fathers. Emulating God’s fatherhood, they can embrace its eternal aspect by being a lifelong presence for their children– imitating God in their total gift of self, providing for their material and spiritual needs, protecting them, and loving them unconditionally.

“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” – Epistle of St. Paul to the Romans (Romans, 12:21)

The Ascension informs of Jesus’ second coming

The Feast of The Ascension is celebrated on the 40th day after Jesus’ Resurrection.  This Holy Day, which this year falls on June 2, commemorates an important historic event –Jesus’ departure from earth.  More significantly, it is a reminder of God’s plan for our salvation and Jesus’ role in its fulfilment.

The Ascension is documented in various Biblical texts. The Acts of the Apostles recounts that Jesus taught for 40 days after His Resurrection. At a gathering near the Mount of Olives, near Bethany, Jesus told the apostles they will receive the power of the Holy Spirit and commanded them to spread His message about the Kingdom of God to the world. Then, Jesus was taken up and received by a cloud. 

Two angels appeared and announced that Jesus will return in the same manner as he was taken. While the Gospel of Mark says Bethany was the site of The Ascension, it also says that Jesus "was taken up into heaven,” and that He then “sat down at the right hand of God" (Mk. 16:19).

Thus, The Ascension fulfilled the covenant made with David in the Old Testament. David was promised that one of his descendants will permanently reign at God’s side, and Jesus’ lineage traces back to David.

Having entered Heaven, Jesus intercedes for us as the mediator who assures us of the permanent outpouring of the Holy Spirit. 

The events of The Ascension inform us of the second coming and reveal that when the risen Lord returns again to Earth, God’s will for mankind will 
be fulfilled.

Lessons of the first witnesses of Jesus’ Resurrection

On the third Sunday of the Easter season (May 8 this year), our Church commemorates the first witnesses of Jesus’ Resurrection -- the women who came to His tomb with myrrh to anoint His body. The men who buried Jesus, St. Joseph of Arimathea and St. Nicodemus, are also honoured on this Sunday.

Jesus Christ was crucified on Friday. He was hastily anointed, wrapped in linen and buried by Sts. Joseph and Nicodemus that same day because the next day was the Sabbath, when it was unlawful to work. When the Sabbath was officially over, in the morning’s early hours, a small group of faithful women who wanted to anoint Jesus’ body properly, set off for the tomb with myrrh and expensive fragrant oils.

The group, according to the Gospel of Mark (16:1-8), included Mary Magdalene, another Mary (referred to as the mother of James), and Salome. They said “Who will roll away the stone from the door of the tomb for us?” but found the heavy stone had already been rolled away.  An angel nearby said to them: “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He is risen! He is not here! …Go, tell His disciples – and Peter – that He is going before you into Galilee...”

The Gospel of John (20:14) recounts that Mary Magdalene, crying at the tomb, saw the Resurrected Jesus, but did not recognize Him until He called her by name. From this incident, we are reminded that knowing and recognizing God is a spiritual experience and that the soul has primacy over the outer physical body.

All women called to spiritual motherhood

This year, Mothers’ Day coincides with the Sunday of the Myrrh Bearing Women emphasizing the two aspects of motherhood – biological and spiritual.

God, in creating woman, bestowed on her the gift of motherhood. Inherent in every woman is the ability to bring new life into the world and a sensitivity that lends itself to spiritually nurturing others.

For ages, motherhood was the basis of the formation of a new generation. Girls were raised with an understanding of this responsibility and the sacrifice it demanded. Children were welcomed as gifts to the family, even in times of hardship.

Various secular movements, especially in recent decades, have brought about a dramatic change of attitude. Children, once great gifts, have come to be seen by many as burdens that interfere with careers and lifestyles.

What would have happened if Mary had rejected the invitation to become the Mother of God? Our salvation was dependant on her willingness to trust God and to accept His gift.Christian women today can look to Mary for the strength to resist the culture that sneers at women who bear more than one or two children and to overcome the fear of the unknown – to trust in God’s providence, embrace motherhood and restore it to its original dignity.

Mary was biological mother to only one child, Jesus, but she is a spiritual mother to many. Not every woman will become a biological mother, but all women are called to be spiritual mothers. The Desert Mothers of Early Christianity and numerous subsequent saints are excellent examples of spiritual motherhood. Prayer and God’s grace gave them the insight to guide others in their spiritual journeys and the courage to speak the unpopular truth on moral issues.

Such spiritual motherhood is desperately needed today, to defend the teaching of the Church, especially on issues that have been damaging to family and marriage (abortion, contraception, cohabitation) and to be true witnesses of Christian life.

The challenge for Christian women today is to embrace the gift of motherhood, be it biological or spiritual, with joy and confidence in God’s help.

Easter focus: Christ the Paschal Lamb, not “Paschal ham”

The daily liturgical services of Holy Week (the six-day period preceding Easter called Pascha in the Byzantine tradition) offer us the opportunity to immerse ourselves in the drama of Christ’s crucifixion and death so that we may experience more fully the great joy of His Resurrection.

Holy Thursday: The Vesperal Divine Liturgy of St. Basil the Great commemorates the meal at which Jesus instituted the Holy Eucharist. During a second service, The Matins of the Passion, the 12 Gospels are read describing the final events in His life.

Holy Friday: This day’s services recall our Lord’s Crucifixion and Burial. Royal Hours may be served in the morning. Later, Vespers of Entombment is served, concluding with elders carrying the Burial Shroud in procession. The Shroud is placed in a “tomb” for veneration by the faithful. In the evening (or the next morning), Jerusalem Matins is served at which the Dirges (mournful hymns) are sung.

Holy Saturday: This day Jesus rests in the tomb. At the Vesperal Divine Liturgy of St. Basil, the Resurrection is first announced in the Gospel reading.

The Resurrection: Services begin in the dark, at midnight or at dawn outside the church doors. The Shroud is taken from the Tomb and placed on the Altar. Then a light is passed from the Altar to people holding candles, and clergy lead a procession around the church. At the main doors, the priest, for the first time, proclaims: "Christ is Risen!" The people respond: "Truly He is Risen!" The priest knocks thrice on the doors, enters the church and everyone follow for Resurrection Matins and Divine Liturgy.

And, some may ask, “What about the blessing of baskets with food? This may take place on Holy Saturday; but traditionally, food is blessed after the Divine Liturgy. Blessing food is a beautiful cultural practice, but let’s not forget to focus on Jesus, the Paschal Lamb, not the “Paschal ham.”

Take a spiritual challenge before Lent ends

We applaud those who “give it their all” to reach their goals. And, we are proud to achieve our personal best at work, in the gym and at school. Why, then, in our spiritual life, do we often aim to do only the minimum?

Our mind-set might account for this “minimalism.” If we view spiritual challenges, such as those prescribed for Lent — fasting, increased prayer, and almsgiving — merely as acts of self-denial and rules imposed externally by the Church, we diminish our motivation to take them on. More importantly, we miss out on positive benefits.

Spiritual challenges build up our spiritual wellness. This is particularly so when we view them as an opportunity for developing self-mastery. When self-imposed, they can help us mature spiritually, grow closer to God and our neighbours and live our faith more fully. They become an expression of our love for God.

Spiritual strength can bring resilience, better decision-making, improved relationships, and a peace of mind. To achieve these, many turn to therapy, self-help books, courses and many other fixes.

Why not try the spiritual challenge! Lent, when we are called to take stock of our lives, is a good time to start. Start by making a spiritual plan. It can’t be done all at once. Wherever you are in your spiritual development, aim to go just a little bit further. Fast and pray more, both at home and by attending services more frequently, and be more charitable.

Do I really need to go to confession?

“If I am sorry for my sins, must I confess in the presence of a priest?” The answer is yes, if you are seeking both spiritual growth and healing and a true reconciliation with God.

Confession is one of the Seven Holy Sacraments* of the Church. In confession, the priest represents Christ.

Christ told His Apostles, “Whose sins you shall forgive, they are forgiven them; and whose sins you retain, they are retained” (John 20:22-23). He clearly endows His Apostles with the power of absolution, which has been passed down to their successors, priests. This is a great gift to people and a grave responsibility for priests. Though they are sinners like us, the grace they receive in Holy Orders, enables them to offer words of spiritual healing and forgiveness.

The roots of oral confession are found throughout the Bible beginning with the story of Adam and Eve. After they ate the forbidden fruit, God asked them what happened. Though He was aware of their misdeed, God knew it was necessary for them to express their sin aloud in order to be fully aware of its destructive effect on their relationship with God and each other.

Holy Confession consists of:

1. An examination of conscience, coupled with prayer. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you recall the sins committed since your last confession and reveal to you the attitudes which are the cause of your sinfulness. Our Church teaches that all sins are damaging to our relationships
and to our spiritual health. Serious (mortal) sins should be confessed as soon as possible, and the less serious ones should not be ignored, as their accumulated effects can be just as damaging.

2. Repentance, contrition.

3. Confession, absolution.

A good confession results in inexpressible joy. Just as tune-ups keep your car running well, Holy Confession, your "spiritual tune-up," helps maintain a healthy soul by providing an opportunity for introspection and restoration of Divine forgiveness.

*Seven Holy Sacraments: Baptism, Chrismation, Confession, Eucharist, Marriage, Holy Orders, Anointing of the Sick.

Read More About Confession:
Tips for a Good Confession
Confession & Communion Q&A
How to Make a Good Confession
Why Go to Confession?
Confession of Sin to a Priest

Even if a room is closed, it is necessary to dust it after a week.” St. Pio of Pietrelcina (Padre Pio) on Confession

Spring feast reminds us that life begins at conception

The Annunciation (Blahovishchenya meaning “good news”) is observed on Mar. 25/Apr. 7. This feast commemorates Archangel Gabriel’s visit to Mary nine months before Jesus’ birth.

The angel said to Mary: “Rejoice! The Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women…you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name ‘Jesus’ (Luke 1:26-38).

Puzzled, Mary asked, “How can this be, seeing I am a virgin?” Gabriel replied, “The Holy Spirit will come on you...for with God, nothing will be impossible.” Mary answered: “Let it be to me according to Your word.”

Though Mary could have refused God’s plan for her, she immediately accepted it. Her response is exemplary, as we all have a decision to make when we discern God’s plan for us.

Blahovischenya marks the start of Jesus’ life in the flesh. In the Tropar (hymn) for this Feast we sing: “Today is the beginning of our salvation, and the revelation of the eternal mystery!” These words confirm that life begins at conception and are very important for us to remember in the midst of the current moral confusion surrounding abortion and euthanasia.

So significant is Blahovishchenya that even if it falls on Great Friday or Easter Sunday, it is celebrated along with the feast of that day.

In Ukraine, Blahovishchenya is said to be the day when spring decisively vanquishes winter; only after this feast, farmers are permitted, with God’s blessing, to start tilling the soil.