We had another fabulous celebration of our parish’s patronal feast day thanks to the generosity of the Lemley family!

There was great food, jet skis, tubing, shoreline exploration, swimming, more great food, live music, and a piñata to name but a few bits of the fun.

Thanks to all who came out to celebrate St. Sophia and her three martyr daughters. Our patrons have faithfully prayed for us and provided a witness to devotion to Christ we strive to emulate. We look forward to celebrating their feast again next year!

The Church celebrates and rejoices
In the feast of the three daughters: Faith, Hope, and Love
And their Mother, Sophia, so named for her Wisdom;
For in them she gave birth to the three godly virtues.
Now they eternally behold their bridegroom, God the Word.
Let us spiritually rejoice in their memory and cry out:
O, our three heavenly protectors!
Establish, confirm, and strengthen us
In Faith, Hope, and Love!

Many thanks to Roman for the pictures!
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It is a custom of Eastern Christians to have their cars and other modes of transportation blessed both when newly acquired and on or near the feast of the Prophet Elias (or Elijah as he is sometimes called), as the prophet ascended into heaven on a fiery chariot.

2 Kings 2:1 And it came about when the Lord was about to take up Elijah by a whirlwind to heaven, that Elijah went with Elisha from Gilgal. 2 Elijah said to Elisha, “Stay here please, for the Lord has sent me as far as Bethel.” But Elisha said, “As the Lord lives and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So they went down to Bethel. 3 Then the sons of the prophets who were at Bethel came out to Elisha and said to him, “Do you know that the Lord will take away your master from over you today?” And he said, “Yes, I know; be still.”

4 Elijah said to him, “Elisha, please stay here, for the Lord has sent me to Jericho.” But he said, “As the Lord lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So they came to Jericho. 5 The sons of the prophets who were at Jericho approached Elisha and said to him, “Do you know that the Lord will take away your master from over you today?” And he answered, “Yes, I know; be still.” 6 Then Elijah said to him, “Please stay here, for the Lord has sent me to the Jordan.” And he said, “As the Lord lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So the two of them went on.

7 Now fifty men of the sons of the prophets went and stood opposite them at a distance, while the two of them stood by the Jordan. 8 Elijah took his mantle and folded it together and struck the waters, and they were divided here and there, so that the two of them crossed over on dry ground.

9 When they had crossed over, Elijah said to Elisha, “Ask what I shall do for you before I am taken from you.” And Elisha said, “Please, let a double portion of your spirit be upon me.” 10 He said, “You have asked a hard thing. Nevertheless, if you see me when I am taken from you, it shall be so for you; but if not, it shall not be so.” 11 As they were going along and talking, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire and horses of fire which separated the two of them. And Elijah went up by a whirlwind to heaven. 12 Elisha saw it and cried out, “My father, my father, the chariots of Israel and its horsemen!” And he saw Elijah no more. Then he took hold of his own clothes and tore them in two pieces. 13 He also took up the mantle of Elijah that fell from him and returned and stood by the bank of the Jordan. 14 He took the mantle of Elijah that fell from him and struck the waters and said, “Where is the Lord, the God of Elijah?” And when he also had struck the waters, they were divided here and there; and Elisha crossed over.

We were blessed today by a visit from Bishop Richard Stephen (Seminack) of our St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy in Chicago.

His Grace processed in with men of the parish, escorted by the Knights of Columbus from Holy Cross Roman Catholic parish across the street.

Children of the community greeted him with the traditional bread and salt.

The bread represents hospitality, the warmth of Ukrainian hospitality from the rich black fertile soil of Ukraine. The salt symbolizes friendship, an eternal friendship that will never sour because salt is never corrupted by time therefore, never loses its taste. -Excerpted from House of Ukraine

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Bishop Richard asked us to pray especially for the newly elected Pope Francis. He went on to offer a beautiful homily with a theme of service to the Lord. The homily was punctuated by a story about his grandmother. Bishop Richard was the oldest of seven children who comprised a household of 11, including his grandmother.  She could not write and could hardly read and was concerned what she might possibly have to say to the Lord upon her death. Bishop Richard told her that she need not say anything, only show Him her hands. They were a testament to a life of service to God.

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Once again I am happy to be here amongst you during this holy season of the Great Fast. In a few weeks, we will be celebrating the feast of the Resurrection of Our Lord. With great anticipation, we look to Great Week or Holy Week, with its traditional richness and expression of our Byzantine-Ukrainian faith. I am overjoyed at seeing all of you again and to spend a few moments with you while we recollect the purpose of our being here for the celebration of Divine Liturgy and the purpose of our life as Christians, or believers of Christ.

I ask you to think of the words of today’s Gospel that say, “the Son of Man Himself did not come into the world to be served, but to serve.” I think of these words in regards to my own ministry as a priest early in my young adult life. I always wanted to serve Christ and His Church with all my heart and soul and mind and I was always in the presence of good, trustworthy priests as a child and a young man. I was surrounded by men of God who served with faith and courage the Ukrainian Catholic Church in America. Many of our priests were immigrants who came to this country because they were forced away from their own country due to church persecution.

In those early days, back in the ’50s and ’60s, priests had to be men of service. The parishes were small and the duties were overwhelmingly strenuous. The stress and stain upon the lives of the priests in those early days was great. I remember when I was a child helping priests who used to go house to house to bless Easter food on Holy Saturday, and some of them would even begin on Good Friday. Homes would be annually visited by the priests with the Jordan waters. Pastors went long distances to visit the sick. Ukrainian Catholic priesthood was at that time a good indoctrination for those who wanted to serve Christ and the Church. So Fr. Pavlo can reconcile this today with his duties as pastor in your parish. The many difficulties and stresses and strains that he must go through in order to keep this flock of God, this group of sheep, together in the name of the eparchy, in the name of the whole church. 

The times have changed and today’s culture is much different. One factor remains the same: in those earlier days, the faithful made the difference. The laity were a strong body of believers who dedicated their time, talent, and treasure for the good of the church. They were service people. -Excerpt from Bishop Richard’s Homily

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Following Liturgy, the bishop greeted the children of the parish.

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Fr. Michael Holmberg from Holy Cross joined us for a scrumptious luncheon put on by his parish’s Knights of Columbus. One of the Knights, Bob Adkins, took the majority of the pictures you see here and generously shared them with the parish. They cooked an amazing fish fry to give Bishop Richard a taste of southern hospitality. We are very grateful for their presence, support and service.

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Three types of fish were accompanied by potato pierogies, green beans, rolls, salad, and cake. Some of our guests tried pirogies for the first time!

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The Vaselka Ukrainian folk choir sang 5 songs and children from the parish sang and recited poetry to the enjoyment of all. The parish gifted Bishop Richard a basket of Texas-made goods. Father Pavlo warned him to beware the sauces, saying everything is hotter in Texas. Natives Texans don’t think that’s the case, but maybe there’s a reason our Jalapeño-Potato-Cheese pierogies are the best selling variety!

We were blessed by a fruitful visit and we pray for Bishop Richard’s safe travels.

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Father Pavlo and Pani Luba welcomed their third child, Sophia Catherine, on March 6, 2013.

She weighed 7 pounds and 15 ounces and was 19.2 inches long.

Fr. Pavlo said as he was looking at her that he thought to himself, “What a beautiful way to grow the church!”

Sophia joins big brother Nicholas and big sister Nadia.

Mom and baby are doing well.

Welcome Sophia!
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The ruffles, the bows, the skirts that twirl…

the Popovs are welcoming a baby girl!

Bottles and booties
and bibs and more,
let’s shower the family
with gifts galore!

 

Please join us for a
baby shower and luncheon
honoring
Pani Matka Luba Popov
on Sunday
February 24, 2013
11:30 AM – 1:30 PM
at the
St. Sophia Church Hall

 

Hosted by Daria, Luda, and Iryna

 

(Luba Popov is registered at Target and BabiesRUs.)

On Sunday December 9, at 11:30AM, St. Nicholas will be at St. Sophia Ukrainian Catholic Church to visit with the children, and the ones who’ve been good all year will get a gift. Everyone is welcome to attend and to bring their children!

Parents, please note a requested donation of $10 per child, or $25 for families with 3 or more children, would help cover the costs including:

• Each child will receive a pancake and sausage breakfast along with a drink and cupcake
• A picture of your child/children with St. Nicholas will be mailed to their home in a special folder
• A small gift from St. Nicholas (parents please do NOT bring a gift for your child because St. Nicholas will already provide one)

Festivities will begin at 11:30 AM starting with the breakfast for the children. Adults may also have breakfast for $5 per adult.

There will also be Christmas carols sung, art activities for the kids, and an opportunity for children to perform their talents in the spirit of the season.

All are also welcome to attend Divine Liturgy at 10AM-11AM. Fr. Pavlo Popov will present a children’s homily that will pique interest in the younger crowd.

St. Sophia Ukrainian Catholic Church
5600 N. Colony Blvd.
The Colony, TX 75056
(http://www.stsophiaukrainian.cc)

Divine Liturgy: 10:00 AM-11:15 AM
St. Nicholas event: 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM

Please direct any questions to Janet Bogdon (972-618-3852 home, 972-522-9513 cell).

From Ukraine With Love
Friday December 7, 2012 at 7:00 PM
The Courtyard Theater
1509 H Avenue
Plano, TX  75074

Order tickets over the phone: 214-718-0701
Reserve tickets via the web: http://www.tickets.dallastelegraph.com/?p=92
Get tickets in person: At the Allen Montessori Academy, Sunshine International Learning Center, and Russian stores.

People’s Artist of Ukraine Ludmila Kasyanenko is truly a singer, composer, and performer. She was born and raised in the family of old-school Ukrainian musicians. At the concert Ludmila Kasyanenko will perform famous Ukrainian and Russian traditional, and contemporary hits. With the stage name “Ukrainian Madonna” Ludmila Kasyanenko successfully toured many lands. In Ukrainian culture the name “Madonna” still remains a symbol of the Mother and everything holy a women can be.

The Zorya Ukrainian folk dance ensemble based in Dallas,Texas, will bring you colors, spirit and fire of carefully preserved art of traditional Ukrainian dance culture. You will see the original Hopak, Sword’s Dance, and others.

The stage will be decorated as a historically correct window into the Cossack Era of Ukraine. Ludmila Kasyanenko and The Flying Ukrainians of Texas are building a bridge between Cossack culture of Ukraine and cowboy traditions of Texas. Experts agree, the “From Ukraine with Love” show will become a main Slavic event in 2012 for North Texas.

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Ukrainian Christmas Carols
Saturday, December 8, 2012 at 7.30pm
at the Allen Public Library Theater
300 N. Allen Drive, Allen, TX 75013

Tickets: FREE!!

Your favorite Ukrainian folk singing group in DFW, Veselka, will be performing Ukrainian Christmas carols on Saturday, December 8, at 7:30 p.m. at the Allen Public Library Theater, as well there will also be an appearance by Zorya Dance Ensemble of Dallas. Wow, this will be a great family event for the season!

Some of the Carols will be performed a cappella while others will be accompanied with a violin, guitar, accordion and keyboard. Joining Veselka with the chromatic accordion is Allen resident and virtuoso Vladimir Kalizine, who will also perform some Ukrainian Chanukah songs.

To learn more about this event, see the write-up on the Allen Public Library website

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Get ready to celebrate the annual Russian Elka “Wild, Wild West,” a show for the whole family! This year there are 3 shows in Russian and 1 show in English.

Russian New Year Musical Performance
Gourmet Room Restaurant
1144 N. Plano Rd #115
Richardson, TX 75081

English Show: December 23 at 5:00 PM
Russian Shows: December 25 at 11:00 AM, December 29 at 11:00 AM, December 30 at 5:00 PM

Cost: $25 for children (includes a gift), $5 for adults
For questions or reservations: 214-734-4752 or www.happymemories.us

The number of tickets is limited so they request that you please book in advance. This year they accept cash, checks, and electronic payment through Paypal. When using Paypal please provide the following information in the payment comment field: Last Name, First Name, phone number, number of tickets and date.

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ABOUT ENCOUNTER 2012
Every ENCOUNTER presents an opportunity for change.

An encounter is described as a ‘coming together,’ a face to face meeting, an experience, which may be unexpected and sudden.

Consider the unexpected spiritual encounters with God related through Scripture; accounts of Abraham and Sarah, Moses, David, Samuel, Elijah, and Jeremiah; Mary, Joseph, the Apostles, the centurion, the woman at the well, the blind man, the paralytic, the possessed, the adulteress, the myhrr-bearing women, and on and on. Their sudden and unexpected encounters with the living God resulted in each experiencing a personal change, a metanoia, and a call to discipleship; a burning desire, a commitment to spread the good news and good works of their God.

There are so many examples throughout church history and present times of encounters—those face-to-face meetings, sudden or unexpected experiences– with the living God. Contemporary society may refer to these as “Aha!” moments. But, when guided by the Spirit of love and the eyes of our hearts, God is encountered in the poor, the lonely, the hungry, the sick, the dying, the imprisoned, the orphans, the widows, the undereducated, the addicted, the abused, the homeless, the rejected and the persecuted. These encounters result in God’s people experiencing a personal change and the call to discipleship, with the desire, determination and commitment to become God’s eyes and heart, His hands and feet, His love and mercy. By sharing the love we receive from God, we act on our call to ministry. Led by the Spirit, this is spiritual discipleship.

One may ask, “Is a lay person really called to discipleship and to be about God’s work?” Paul guides us with these words, “For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body,…and we were all given to drink of one Spirit.” (1 Cor 12:13). And so by virtue of our baptism we are all called to discipleship, members of the royal priesthood, anointed in the oil of chrismation and sent forth as workers in Christ’s vineyard, not alone, but as co-workers. “All you who have been baptized into Christ, have put on Christ. Alleluia!”

ENCOUNTER 2012 of the Eastern Catholic Churches invites us—each one of us—to be open to our call to spiritual discipleship through the theme “Together in Christ” and with the purpose of exploring “clergy and laity together in the vineyard of Christ” with “Unity in Mission; Diversity in Ministry.” In Romans 12: 4-8, Paul tells us, “For as in one body we have many parts, and all the parts do not have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ and individually parts of one another. Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us exercise them: if prophecy, in proportion to the faith; if ministry, in ministering; if one is a teacher, in teaching; if one exhorts, in exhortation; if one contributes, in generosity; if one is over others, with diligence; if one does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.”

Encountering God, personal metanoia, service through discipleship, co-worker in the vineyard of Christ—this is the promise of ENCOUNTER 2012 of the Eastern Catholic Churches. Many are called, will you be among the chosen? Will you accept the invitation to…ENCOUNTER?

ENCOUNTER 2012: Eastern Catholic Churches “Together in Christ” is a unique Conference embracing the entire Church family, bishops, clergy, religious and laity, who through baptism, share in the priestly, prophetic and royal office of Christ.” The Eastern Catholic Bishops of the U.S.A. invite all seekers to come and experience ENCOUNTER. Choose the most convenient location and date.
 

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CONFERENCE SCHEDULE
Thursday and Friday of the Conference are reserved for clergy due to Liturgical obligations Saturday and Sunday. The Clergy Conference, which begins Thursday with registration from 1 to 2 p.m., includes prayer services, sessions, vendor visits and hospitality. The conference concludes Friday 2 p.m. Topics for the sessions are the same as the main conference.

The Main Conference, for bishops, clergy, religious and laity, begins Friday at 5 p.m. with registration and hospitality. Registration will begin again Saturday at 8:00 a.m, for those arriving. A continental breakfast will be available until time of prayer. The opening prayer service is at 9:45 a.m. The day includes sessions, visits to vendor booths, meals, prayer and hospitality. The topics of the sessions include: Who is Church? Activity of the Royal Priesthood, The ‘How’ and ‘Why’ of Lay Leadership: Action—Put on Christ, and, Blueprint for Church Growth. Sunday begins with Matins, Divine Liturgy and the keynote address at brunch—a charge to ‘Servant Leadership: Be all you can be!” Liturgical services will be according to the sacred-uniqueness of the faith traditions of the various Eastern Churches.
 

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CONFERENCE LOCATIONS
MID-WEST: Cleveland, Ohio
EAST: Hillsborough, New Jersey
WEST: El Segundo, California
 

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HOTEL INFORMATION
MID-WEST September 20-23, 2012
Holiday Inn Cleveland South Independence
6001 Rockside Rd., Independence, OH 44131
Rooms: $89.00/night 216-524-8050

EAST October 11 – 14, 2012
St. Mary Byzantine Catholic Center
1900 Brooks Blvd., Hillsborough, NJ 08844
Rooms: Days Inn (½ mile from St. Mary)
$59.99/night 908-685-9000

WEST November 1-4, 2012
Hacienda Hotel (at LAX Airport)
525 N.Sepulveda Blvd. El Segundo, CA 90245
Rooms: $69.00/night 310-615-0015/800-421-5900

Contact hotel directly for room reservations. Use group name Encounter for special rate.
 

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REGISTER ON-LINE
Conference registration and payment will be accepted on-line at the below links or registration may be by mail with the brochure registration form and payment sent to the regional coordinator at the indicated address. Brochures will be available at all Eparchial parishes, regional coordinator offices and on-line.

MID-WEST
EAST
WEST

Fee for the conference is $75 for individuals; $50 per person in groups of 5 or more. Reservations for hotel rooms are separate at nominal rates (see brochure or website for information).
 

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DOWNLOADS
Encounter 2012 Brochure
Mid-West Conference Schedule
East Conference Schedule
West Conference Schedule

Ukrainian Independence Day Celebration
$10 admission
$6 child under 12

Sunday August 26th at 11:30 a.m.
St. Sophia Church Hall
5600 N. Colony Blvd
The Colony, TX 75056
Directions

UAST’s Ukrainian Independence Day Celebration festivities will start at 11:30am. All are most welcome to attend St. Sophia Ukrainian Catholic Church’s Divine Liturgy at 10 a.m. preceding the celebration.

Admission tickets for the festivities can be purchased at the door. Admission includes a food plate of traditional Ukrainian fare, a report on current affairs in Ukraine, music and performances by Zorya folk dancers and the Veselka Folk Singers. There will also be potato and cheddar pierogies/varenyky for sale and an opportunity to win a raffle.

RSVP by August 19 is appreciated for food preparation count. Janet Bogdon 972-522-9513, or Bill Borozny: 972-632-7412, or Tatyana Neuner: 214-802-5404.

Visit www.uast.org for more info.

Please Note: Tables for vendors are available for $20. Please contact Janet Bogdon: 972-522-9513

On Sunday March 25, we hosted a Tribute to Taras Shevchenko with the Ukrainian American Society of Texas.  There was a drawing contest, a poetry reading contest, performances by the Ukrainian singing ensemble Veselka and the Ukrainian dance ensemble Zorya, and delicious food.

We hope you join us for Shevchenko 2013! You can get in the spirit through the year by reading Ukrainian poetry at Ukrainian Poetica. The website might also have poetry with themes inappropriate for children so caution is advised.

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OF THE EASTERN CATHOLIC CHURCHES
OF THE U.S.A. and CANADA
“TOGETHER IN CHRIST”
Clergy and Laity in the vineyard of Christ….
“DIVERSITY IN MINISTRY; UNITY IN MISSION”

Theme:
SPIRITUALITY OF DISCIPLESHIP:
A CALL TO HOLINESS

Purpose:
EASTERN CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVES FOR THE
PEOPLE OF GOD LIVING THE GOSPEL.
“All you who have been baptized into Christ,
have put on Christ. Alleluia”

ONE CONFERENCE IN THREE LOCATIONS!
ONE THEME! ONE PURPOSE! ONE VOICE!

September 20-23, 2012	Mid-West	Cleveland, OH
October 11-14, 2012	East	Hillsborough, NJ
November 1-4, 2012	West	Los Angeles, CA

Please visit the Eastern Catholic Eparchial Directors of Religious Education of the Eastern Catholic Associates’ webpage (www.eced-eca.org) for more information!

On Sunday March 25, we’re coordinating a Tribute to Taras Shevchenko with the Ukrainian American Society of Texas, complete with food and a poetry contest. More info is available in the attached flyer. Visitors and guests are welcome!

You can see some Ukrainian poetry at Ukrainian Poetica. The website might also have poetry with themes inappropriate for children, so caution is advised.

Please RSVP at shevchenko@uast.org

Pilgrimage for the Restoration of the Cathedral of Saint Sophia in Honor of the 120th Birthday of Patriarch Josaphat Slipyj with Bishop Richard Seminack
October 11-16, 2012 (6 days)

$2,449 from Chicago. $2,349 ($100 less) if booked by May 1, 2012.
Read more details and the daily itinerary on the eparchial website here.

During the Synod of Bishops, held from February 8–9, 2012, in retreat center of the Lviv Archeparchy of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church in Bryukhovychi (near Lviv), began the Year of Remembrance of Patriarch Josyf Slipyj in honor of the 120th anniversary of his birth, which is celebrated on February 17. This is stated in the message of the Synod of Bishops to the faithful on the occasion of the 120th anniversary of Patriarch Josyf Slipyj, which was passed to UNIAN new agency.

In the message the bishops recall Patriarch Slipyj is a “live embodiment of the fate of the Ukrainian Church and our people in the twentieth century – he, like many others, were unlawfully deprived of liberty (18 years imprisonment). He, like millions of Ukrainians, was doomed to torture in the dungeons of the NKVD/KGB and martyrdom in the Gulag. Even if in prison he was a ‘silent witness of the Church,’ later, in the settlements (outside Ukraine), he became the voice of the ‘silent Church’ and its spiritual support, never forgetting his countrymen, who were still being punished in captivity.”

The bishops of the UGCC believe that these words are also spoken to us today. “To those who have to live in conditions of selective justice, increasingly more restrictions on the right to assembly and demonstration, to receive and disseminate accurate information, in a time when the national language and culture is being forced out from public life. In Ukraine, unfortunately, there is no stop to the troublesome tradition of abuse of power and disregard for human dignity, violation of national, cultural and religious rights, neglect by ones own, accompanied by pursuit of honors and thirst for power,” states the document of the Synod.

According to the Synod, Patriarch Slipyj’s views on national unity today “are a guiding light,” since now there is still a lack of unity and it becomes “our national disaster when people are artificially divided by regional, historical, linguistic and cultural characteristics.”

In their message, the bishops stress that thanks to Patriarch Slipyj the Church in the diaspora not only survived but has become a world Church, without which today it is difficult to imagine the landscape of the Catholic Church in the world.

“Today normative for us are the two fundamental principles with which Patriarch Slipyj described the UGCC’s church identity: the first, communion with the Bishop of Rome, and the second, allegiance to the Eastern Byzantine tradition,” said Synod.

Therefore, the bishops encourage the faithful of the Church to pray for the glory of Patriarch Slipyj and participate in festivities planned by the UGCC and the state in this anniversary year, but they say the best way to honor him is “to make Patriarch Slipyj’s ideals ours.”

Source: Feb 19, 2012 The Way

Holy Supper is a tradition of Slavic Christians including those from Ukraine.

It is a traditional lenten meal on the eve of the Nativity of Our Lord (Christmas Eve). Since Christmas is preceded by forty days of fasting, the Holy Supper is the last meal of the fast. The twelve fasting foods usually served are barley, honey, stewed prunes, pierogi, sauerkraut, potatoes, lima beans, garlic, Lenten bread, mushroom soup and salt. The meal begins with the singing of the Christmas troparion (a hymn) and the lighting of a candle placed in the center of the table. The candle symbolizes the star of Bethlehem. The bread is then broken by the father of the house and given to everyone present. This symbolizes Christ at the Last Supper. The foods range from bitter to sweet to remind us of the bitterness of life before Christ was born and the sweetness of life which comes after His birth. The number 12 symbolizes the twelve apostles.

The Holy Supper usually takes place in the home with the father leading the family in the prayer ritual. It begins with the youngest child reading the Nativity account from the gospel of St. Matthew 2:1-12. The father then starts with an opening prayer asking God to bless the bread, wine, and food. He then breaks the bread and passes it out to all present.

Some believers preserve this tradition by eating the Holy Supper with the parish family, having the priest, who is the father of the church family, performing the prayers. Since families no longer live close together and few have the time to cook the necessary dishes, the tradition of the Holy Supper is in danger of being lost if not for those like Ed and Stephanie Beakey who work to preserve it and pass it on. We are grateful for their tireless effort and the delicious food again this year! And also to Chris who thought to snap a few pictures and graciously shared them.

This is being posted on behalf of the Ukrainian American Society of Texas (www.uast.org) who will be holding a Malanka 2012 Ukrainian New Year Celebration on Saturday, January 14, 2012, in Garland, Texas. As always, they say you can expect fine food, great entertainment, dancing, performances by Zorya and Veselka, prizes, a champagne toast and that it will be a wonderful time to be had by all.

Event: Malanka 2012, Ukrainian New Year Celebration
Host: Ukrainian American Society of Texas
Date: January 14, 2012, starting at 6:00PM (Cocktail hour will be from 6:00 – 7:00. A sit down dinner will be served at 7:00PM)

Where: Hyatt Place Dallas/Garland.
5101 North President George Bush Highway,
Garland, TX 75040
(Map and directions can be found at http://www.uast.org/)

NOTE: The hotel is also offering Malanka guests room rates for a January 14 stay-over, starting at $79 and dropping to $69 dollars if more than 20 rooms are reserved by Malanka attendees. Reservations can be made directly with the hotel by explaining that you will be attending Malanka, or you can contact Sandy Kloberdanz (214-802-4034, sandydandy4@gmail.com).

* Free Parking

* Ticket Prices:
o Non-UAST members $50.00 per person, *Children 12 and under $20.00
o UAST members $40.00 per person, *Children 12 and under $15.00
o The above prices apply if purchased by January 4 2012.
o Ticket purchases includes a chance for the door prize drawing.
o After January 4, 2012 the Adult ticket price increases by $10.00 and the child ticket price increases by $5.00.

* Information about UAST Membership can be found at: http://www.uast.org/Membership.htm

* A printable flyer for ‘Malanka 2012 Ukrainian New Year Celebration’ can be found at http://www.uast.org/2012/Malanka2012.pdf

* To order your Malanka tickets, please send them your check with the following information:
***********************************************************************************************
o Name:________________________________
o Number of persons attending: # Adults__________ #Children__________
o We will try to accommodate your request for group seating, please submit your request early.
Request to be seated with:_____________________________________
o Total amount enclosed:______________________ Check#_______________
o Make check payable to UAST
o Mail check to: UAST c/o Rudy Zupanic, 1815 Forest Hills, McKinney 75070
***********************************************************************************************
For more information or to make a telephone reservation, contact Sandy Kloberdanz 214-802-4034 (Sandy Kloberdanz sandydandy4@gmail.com) or send an e-mail to malanka@uast.org.

We had a children’s homily in Liturgy, which was followed by a yummy lunch, music, and a visit from St. Nicholas!

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In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

In his book The Attitude Of Gratitude, James Merritt reflected on 1 Thes 5:18 with a story about the famous and successful author Rudyard Kipling:

A newspaper reporter came up to him once and said, “Mr. Kipling, I just read that somebody calculated that the money you make from your writings amounts to over $100 a word.” Mr. Kipling raised his eyebrows and said, “Really, I certainly wasn’t aware of that.” The reporter cynically reached into his pocket and pulled out a $100 bill and gave it to Kipling and said, “Here’s a $100 bill Mr. Kipling. Now you give me one of your $100 words.”

Rudyard Kipling looked at that $100 bill for a moment, took it and folded it up and put it in his pocket and said, “Thanks.”

Well the word “thanks” is certainly a $100 word. In fact, I would say it is more like a million dollar word. That is one word that is too seldom heard, too rarely spoken, and too often forgotten.

Thanks.
It might only have six letters, but it gets across a point that very few other words are capable of achieving. It’s a word that selflessly conveys appreciation for what one person in a relationship has done for the other. As we reflect upon this simple word, gratitude should arise out of our relationship with God because He has given us so much. He cares for us, provides for us, and protects us. We have food on the table, good homes, good times, love, and health. We have tasted the pleasures and joys of life because he is our heavenly Father who loves us and has mercy on us.

Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow. In the exercise of His will He brought us forth by the word of truth, so that we would be a kind of first fruits among His creatures (James 1:17-18).

If, for some reasons, you do not consider yourself to be among the fortunate or lucky or blessed, then just turn on the news and see what is happening in the world. Violence, shootings, riots, injustice…. Haitians who lost everything in a Tuesday earthquake borrowed clothes to be able to go to church on Sunday where they offered thanks to God. After priests and bishops were martyred in front of their churches, Iraqi Christians continued to show up each Sunday and feast day to offer their thanks to God. And if you still are not convinced about God’s blessings in your life for which you can be grateful, then go to any hospital and walk through the units where you will see suffering and grief and misery in its fullness. We have much to be thankful for.

It is often easier to be thankful when everything is perfect and well. A question that rises now in my mind is will we still be thankful even in times:
• when we experience sickness and continuing ill health?
• when we have to lay to rest a loved one whom we will miss very much?
• when we have to face the indignity and the worry of unemployment?
• when we are overwhelmed with worry and are depressed about the way life is turning out?

My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him (James 1:2-5).

Today as we celebrate Thanksgiving here in the United States, I encourage you to join me in giving thanks to God for his love, forgiveness, and the gift of eternal life. As we move on with our day, let us all recognize and remember that God is always at work in our lives, giving us in abundance what we need from day to day; it is only up to us to recognize this and convey our appreciation to him. Today we say, “Thanks.”

I praise You, O God of our fathers, I hymn You, I bless You,
I give thanks to You for your great and tender mercy.
To You I flee, O merciful and mighty God.
Shine into my heart with the True Sun of your righteousness.
Enlighten my mind and guard all my senses,
that from this time on I may walk uprightly and keep Your commandments,
and finally may attain unto all fullness of life, found only in You,
who are the source of life and the light of all.
For You are my God, and to You, O Father, Son and Holy Spirit,
be ascribed glory, now and forever and ever. Amen.

I give thanks on this day for all of you who support me and assist me in ministering to our faithful at St. Sophia. I am very proud and happy to serve you as your priest. Please remember in the midst of your celebrations to take a moment and offer your own prayer of thanksgiving to Almighty God.

I wish every one of you a joyous and peaceful Thanksgiving Feast,
Fr. Pavlo

Thanksgiving
by Ralph Waldo Emerson
For each new morning with its light,
For rest and shelter of the night,
For health and food,
For love and friends,
For everything Thy goodness sends.

The parish picnic was a great success! A few of the activities we had were face painting, temporary tattoos, a hula hoop contest, bean bag toss, cake walk, a lollipop pull, our delicious food, Christmas cards for soldiers, singers, cotton candy, a reptile petting zoo, and our delicious food! And Liz was the lucky winner of a Kindle!

You’ll definitely want to mark your calendars for next year’s picnic! If you have pictures to add, please email them to the webmaster and they’ll be posted!

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The parish picnic is going on right now.

Here are just a few snapshots of what you’re missing if you aren’t there!

It’s a reptile petting zoo!

More to come…

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We had a wonderful pancake breakfast last Sunday!

Many thanks to all who pitched in to make it a yummy success!

We look forward to many more yummy meals together as a community!

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Following the Divine Liturgy which included a children’s homily, we had a fantastic Fall Festival for the children.

After church, they changed into their costumes and made their way through fishing, basketball, pin the tail on the donkey, and a trick or treat parade before they headed out onto the playground to play in the gorgeous weather.

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This weekend, Father celebrated both his birthday and the anniversary of his ordination. A surprise luncheon was arranged with BBQ ham sandwiches, hot dogs, green beans, potato salad, dips and crackers, khrustyky, chocolates, candies and cake.

We are grateful to have the opportunity to celebrate these milestones with you, Father, and pray that you have many more happy and healthy years! Многая літа!