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We Thank You
21st St. Michael’s Annual Flea Market/Ethnic Weekend
Our 2017 annual St. Michael Flea Market Weekend came to a close Sunday, August 6. Whether you were a patron or a volunteer, we at St. Michael’s say THANK YOU !
We appreciate you!
And we sincerely mean that!
Who are the people who made a difference?
Here’s a partial list :
♥ The patrons who come back year after year. Our good neighbors and faithful friends come for the food (yes, it’s that good) and to shop. You are a blessing to us. We are moved by your show of support.
♥ The drop-by shoppers/visitors who “take a chance” for the first time to enter our doors and are pleasantly surprised. We can only hope we served your needs satisfactorily and returned the value of your time with us.
♥ The Day One bargain shoppers – the scouters of “good stuff” who willingly wait in that long line for the opening on Saturday. We hope you found the surprise treasure that made your day!
♥ The volunteers who gave up any part of their free time, day or night, or even their precious weekend “off” for their church. May you find some rest in the weeks ahead, knowing you served your church well.
♥ Our food team volunteers who labored for hours in prep and cooking. Where would we be without the great food you create for all to enjoy? You are our success makers!
♥ Our “senior” volunteers (especially those 70 plus) who are willing and able to help even though they deserve to say they’ve done enough; they understand every available volunteer is needed, and respond in kind. Our prayers are with you in every challenge you face.
♥ The people who don’t even belong to St. Michaels, who volunteer … beyond what they are obligated to do! You get a heartfelt hug and our prayers of gratitude. You are a role model for all of us !
♥ Every other role played by volunteers: the bakers, flea market “pricers” and organizers, the errand runners, setup, donors of supplies, and on and on.
We thank everyone.
May God bless you in the role you served.
Because in the end, it’s all about serving others and serving God.
Flea Market Time
If you love scouting flea markets, but not the extra travel driving from place to place
, St. Michael’s Byzantine Catholic Church, Pittston should be on your agenda.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 5 9 AM TO 4 PM
SUNDAY, AUGUST 6 9 AM TO 3 PM
Father Gary and the parishioners of St. Michael’s invite you to visit. Saturday, August 5 and Sunday, August 6 are Flea Market Days and this year you will find an abundant amount of items. A special “treasure” might be waiting for you!
The Flea Market is in the basement hall of the church. Entrance is on Main Street next to the side parking lot. The line forms early Saturday morning outside the church. Arrive early if you must, or any time either day. There will be plenty to explore yet if you visit on Sunday. It’s exciting to be part of the fun! Doors open at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday.
Take a break from hunting for treasure and visit the food bar.
Known for Traditional Ethnic Food
Select something as eat in or take out. St. Michael’s is known for outstanding homemade ethnic food: “Piggies” (stuffed cabbage), pierogis, and halushki (cabbage and noodles). Or try a sampler with a little bit of each! Fast food items such as hot dogs, whimpies, and more.
A ziti dinner with fresh homemade sauce and meatballs, salad and bread will be a featured item. The Ziti Dinner will be Saturday (12pm to 4pm) and Sunday (10am to 3pm). The cost of the Dinner is $10.00 for Adults and $6.00 for Children.
With all these delicious selections there is no need to cook at all.
Don’t forget to pick up something sweet at the Bake Sale: Saturday, August 5th only. You are sure to find something temptingly delicious! Items sell fast. Be sure to stop by early for the best selection.
We Appreciate Our Visitors and Volunteers
Everyone at St. Michael’s thanks all who visit or volunteer in supporting this event each year and look forward to seeing all of our returning and new friends alike. Volunteers: We cannot do it without you. Your hours of time and devotion do not go unnoticed. Visitors: You make a difference with your support and return patronage. God bless each of you.
Byzantine Liturgy at St. Ann Basilica, Scranton, Pennsylvania
CLICK HERE
To view the complete article & photo gallery for:
Divine Liturgy at the Basilica of St. Ann, Scranton
2017 Divine Liturgy at Basilica of St. Ann (Tuesday, July 18 – 4:30 p.m.)
A Byzantine Liturgy is held every year at the Basilica of St. Ann in Scranton, Pennsylvania. This has been a long-standing tradition to provide an opportunity for all Catholics to participate in a Divine Liturgy of the Eastern Rite.
It is most gracious for the Passionist Community of Scranton to host the Byzantine clergy in recognition of the unity of all Catholics in devotion to St. Ann at this historic site and shrine.
The (2017) Liturgy will be held in the upper main church. Right Reverend Archpriest James G. Hayer, Protosyncellus of the Byzantine Ruthenian Eparchy of Passaic, New Jersey, will be the main celebrant. The Liturgy will be concelebrated with other Byzantine area clergy, deacons, and altar servers. The traditional blessing with the relic of St. Ann will follow.
Icon of St. Anne and the Holy Theotokos (in the lower church). The icon was donated by the Byzantine Eparchy of Passaic, NJ to the Basilica, Scranton, Pa.
The Basilica of St. Ann is best known for St. Ann’s Novena held July 17 to July 26 each year that draws thousands of Catholics from near and far to the Shrine and peaceful site. The monastery was dedicated to St. Ann in the early 1900’s by the Passionist priests and is their home community. St. Ann is the patron saint of miners, appropriate to the history of coal mining in the area. Mine subsidence has a history in the region due to the way anthracite coal was mined underground. A miracle occurred at the monastery and church property in the early 1900s. There were two major mine subsidences on the grounds of the monastery and the church itself was threatened as a result. Miraculously, just 2 days after the July Novena in 1913, a subterranean slide of boulders occurred and this unusual event reinforced the foundation of earth under the church in a manner that permanently ended the danger to the church.
Many prayers have been answered since the inception of the public devotion to St. Ann, and faithful in the area and beyond, return unceasingly to St. Ann’s for the Novena. For many familiar with the novena, this special week in July has become a family tradition that continues to be passed along through generations. Saint Pope John Paul II declared St. Ann’s National Shrine to be a Minor Basilica on October 27, 1997.
The preachers for the 2017 novena are Father Melvin Shorter, C.P., and Father Paul Ruttle, C.P.
Daily
(Latin Rite) services include: 8:00 AM – Mass and Novena Service (outdoors, weather permitting)
11:45 AM – Mass and Novena Services (in the Basilica)
3:30 PM – Novena Service only (in the Basilica)
5:30 PM – Mass and Novena Service (outdoors, weather permitting)
7:30 PM – Mass and Novena Service (outdoors, weather permitting)
Confession is available before and after each Mass and Novena Service.
A food stand and dining tent is located on the lower section on the shrine grounds during the annual novena.
In the Spirit Of Pentecost
PLEASE CLICK HERE to go to our website page about PENTECOST.
Or find “Pentecost” under Traditions on the Main Menu.
Pentecost is a major Feast Day that marks the traditional beginning of the Universal Church referred to as One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church. Pentecost was originally celebrated as an ancient Jewish festival known as Shavuot, referred to with other titles such as the “Feast of weeks” or the “day of first fruits”.
It is no coincidence that 50 days after Christ’s resurrection, on the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit came to the apostles and others present in the upper room, just as Jesus foretold. In this act of supernatural presence, the Holy Spirit imparted to each the special gifts needed to declare the Gospel with an urgency and understanding in what they were about to do – risk their very lives to preach the love of God to the world.
In the Eastern Churches, we have a beautifully simple prayer to the Holy Spirit that we pray throughout the year. This is a prayer of petition and acknowledgement of how we rely on God for the graces we have received from the Holy Spirit. We also pray to continue to remain in those graces. As we do so, we remember that the Holy Spirit is the Third Person of the Trinity, and we pray to Him for guidance and to seek comfort and wisdom. And since these are all things we always need, we might wish to say this prayer as often as we can.
Pentecost may be a short period of time on the liturgical calendar. But the Holy Spirit is with us at all times. Our journey forward would be incomplete without putting our trust in the Holy Spirit, who guides us gently and quietly, even in times of difficulty. We should make every effort to be aware of the actions of the Holy Spirit in our lives and always express gratitude for His Presence in the ways we are blessed.
See also on this site: Our Traditions / Pentecost
Prayer to the Holy Spirit
Heavenly King, Comforter, Spirit of Truth
You are everywhere present and fill all things.
Treasury of blessings and Giver of Life,
Come and dwell within us,
Cleanse us of all stain,
And save our souls O Gracious One.
2017 Annual Flea Market
Saturday, August 5 – Sunday, August 6
ST. MICHAEL’S 21st ANNUAL FLEA MARKET
Shoppers arrive early on opening day
FLEA MARKET TIME:
Saturday August 5
9 am to 4 pm &
Sunday August 6
10 am to 3 pm
ZITI DINNER & TAKEOUTS:
Saturday August 5
12 pm to 4 pm &
Sunday August 6
10 am to 3 pm
Cost: $10 Adults; $6 Children
Featured during the Flea Market:
Ethnic food sold at the indoor food bar: Piggies, Pirohi (pierogies), Haluski, Ethnic platter and more! Eat in or take out. A variety of lunch Items and beverages.
We are still accepting items for our Flea Market, if anyone has any items (large or small) they want to donate – Please call Mike – 570-704-6520, Linda – 570-905-7387. No clothing, electronics, computers please. Items should be clean and tested for working condition. Baked goods are also needed. See more information below.
Church Secretary Linda arranges homemade baked goods.
PREPARATIONs are taking place now.
This is a key fundraiser for our parish. We continue to be amazed by the generosity of our parishioners and visitors who patronize and support us. Funds raised help sustain our presence as a Byzantine Catholic Church in the Greater Pittston area.
DONATIONS ARE STILL NEEDED (MONETARY AND FLEA MARKET ITEMS).
Main Street location just north of downtown Pittston
We are still in need of items, but please do not wait too long to drop them off. Anyone can donate. We DO NOT ACCEPT clothing, computers or televisions.
DROP OFF TIMES: Before or after our Liturgies in our church hall & on Wednesdays 6-8 pm.
OUR DISPLAY VOLUNTEERS HAVE A BIG JOB: As a courtesy to our volunteers and shoppers, as much as possible, please clean items and/or package or bundle in way that reduces the time needed to make them presentable for sale. Our volunteer sorters have a tremendously difficult task in arranging and pricing everything and their job is time sensitive. Anything you can do to help them with pre-preparation of items is most appreciated.
If you want to volunteer with sorting and pricing – please stop by on a Wednesday from 6 to 8 pm. Your help is welcome.
One view of indoor flea market in church hall basement
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR EVENT WEEKEND. Parishioners: Please reserve this weekend to help your church. We need every parishioner who is able to be on the St. Michael’s Flea Market team. We ask you to help on Saturday and/or Sunday to serve our many visitors. Sharing the time and work is helping everyone! And serving God!
All hands, feet, and smiles ARE needed!
Homemade baked goods are also needed. Consider baking and freezing ahead of time.
A Flea Market on Wheels
St. Michael’s Church is having a Trunk Sale. Saturday, May 27th. See details below.
It is unique! It is fun! It is a place to Discover! Space still available!
What exactly is a Trunk Sale?
You might call it a Flea Market on wheels. Anyone who has a trunk on their car, truck, SUV, crossover, buggy or bicycle (Well, maybe not the last two) will be selling their own flea market type items directly from their vehicle.
A trunk sale offers an easy way to pack it all up and sell whatever you might sell as a vendor at a flea market. And it offers a unique way for flea market patrons to shop. If you are a vendor and interested in selling, please call the number below because you will need to know the rules and how to register.
If you like to shop Flea Markets, all you need to do is show up on the date/time below.
As for eating … got an appetite? We will have food to purchase also. Great stuff.
So why not join us?
Trunk Sale Details: Saturday, May 27
Place: St. Michael Church Parking Lot
Time: 8:00 am to 3:00 pm Setup Time: 7:00 am
Pre-Registration / payment: REQUIRED
Fee: $10 per space (there will be room alongside your vehicle to put a table, tent, or other display setup.)
Call: 570-905-7387 Spaces are still available. All vendors welcome. Clear out your garage and sell your “stuff” without having strangers at your house.Pack up your “junk”, throw it in the trunk and bring it to St. Michael’s Parking Lot on May 27th, 2017.
Hope to see you there!
Christ is Risen! Indeed He Is Risen!
“It is the day of Resurrection. O People, let us be enlightened by it.
The Passover is the Lord’s Passover, since Christ, our God, has brought us from death to life,
and from earth to heaven.
Therefore we sing the hymn of victory!”
The words above from Ode 1 of the Resurrection Canon summarize what the Resurrection of Jesus Christ accomplished across all measures of time and space for all people. Our hymn of victory is our proclamation that “Christ is Risen” and that He is our God, “the Giver of Life”.
Our Hymn of Victory is made visual each time we see the symbolic letters of IC XC NIKA, shorthand derived from the Greek language meaning JESUS CHRIST CONQUERS! Everytime we see these letters — on icons, on our hymnal books, in stained glass windows, and also imprinted on the prosphora the priest uses for Holy Communion — we are emboldened with strength in knowing that regardless of any hardships we have, that Christ triumphs over darkness.
We turn to Christ as a trusting child, knowing that the victory he has won for us is the answer.
The victory of our Risen Savior is found in another beautiful hymn sung at Resurrection Matins, the Hypakoje, gives a wonderful description of what we read in the New Testament — the discovery of the empty tomb, and along with this, a short command given to the “myrrh-bearing” women to act immediately. A call to action, nonetheless! This is also a command for us to go and be disciples. To joyfully proclaim the same wonderous news to all. When we share the “kerygma” we are following in the footsteps of the women at the tomb who in their discovery were the first to proclaim the revelation of the good news.
“The women with Mary, before the dawn, found the stone rolled away from the tomb – And they, heard the Angel say: ‘Why do you seek among the dead as a mortal , the One who abides in everlasting light? Behold, the linens of burial – Go in haste and proclaim to the world – that having, conquered Death, the Lord is risen for He is the Son of God, the Savior of mankind.”
And as we rejoice and celebrate, we sing with emphasis the words of another refrain:
“All you who been baptized into Christ, have been clothed with Christ! Alleluia!
The church wisely reminds us that we are clothed in Christ as having been initiated into the Body of Christ through the Sacraments. We live in Christ and Christ lives in us. This is such a great gift freely and sacrificially earned for us by our Lord and Savior. Such a victory! Such a gift ! No one can give such a valuable gift as this ! Every time we receive the Sacraments, we renew our life in Christ. Let us be mindful when we approach the Sacraments, such as Holy Communion, who we are receiving and what a sacred privilege to be so closely united with Christ, to be filled with all the graces and love He pours into our soul.
Not inconsequentially — our promise to God in our baptism is to live our Christian beliefs, all that Jesus taught his own disciples. We are pledged and commissioned, just as the angel instructed the women at the empty tomb, to share through action and words, the message and joy of the Gospel.
This is why in the Byzantine Catholic Church we sing repeatedly: “Christ is Risen!” It is just as He foretold. The amazing power of God.
May we strive with unfailing intention, to bring the spirit of that first Easter and evidence of our life in Christ to those we encounter along our life path.
Christ is Risen ! Indeed He IS Risen !
You can find more about these related topics on this website:
Great and Holy Week 2017
Will you be journeying with Christ? Great and Holy Week refers to the final six days before the feast of Easter or “Pascha” as it is called in Eastern Churches. There are many important services during this week. When we take the time to attend some or all, we make the journey with Christ in his Passion to the cross and ultimately to His glorious Resurrection.
Great and Holy Week is a journey of redemption: of forgiveness of sin through sacrificial love given freely to us by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and for all who place their hope and absolute trust in Him.
Attending Holy Week Liturgies and services is a chance to reflect and consider all that Jesus did for us. Our quiet time and walk with God is a real source of grace. It is an opportunity to allow God into our hearts, especially when we are open to His grace amidst all the busyness that so often steals our focus away from Him. We grow closer to God also with reception of the Sacraments and with the spiritual enrichment obtained from increased prayer and reading or hearing Scripture during this most sacred week.
Plan to schedule some time as you also prepare for Pascha. Together, we can fully rejoice all the more as a parish family in triumphant praise on blessed Pascha.
See the calendar below.
Descriptions of Holy Week services can be found on this website.
CLICK ON THESE WORDS TO SEE MORE: Holy Week and Good Friday
Altar Server Earns Eagle Scout Rank
Congratulations to Michael Cherasaro, a young member of St. Michaels on his achievement of being found worthy of the rank of Eagle Scout. Michael is a member of Scout Troop 339 and also volunteers as an altar server at our church of St. Michael the Archangel. Michael and his parents were pleased to learn of the award of the new rank in November 2016 following completion of the process of examination and review by the Scout Review Board.
In honor of this achievement, an Eagle Scout Court of Honor will be held at St. Michael’s Byzantine Catholic Church, Pittston, PA. St. Michaels parishioners are invited to attend this event and details are posted in the church bulletin.
For information on the Project Michael completed in partial requirement for his new rank, click here: Memorial Garden.
RIVER BLESSING 2017
SUNDAY JANUARY 29 , 2017
Time: 2 pm
Nesbitt Park Boat Launch, Kingston, Pa
We welcome everyone in our community to join the Byzantine Catholic Parishes of Wyoming Valley for the 14th Annual Susquehanna River Blessing in Kingston, Pa.
We continue this tradition as part of the Eastern Church tradition of blessing water (“The Great Blessing of Water”) with the feast of Theophany (January 6). Eastern Churches (both Catholic and Orthodox) commemorate the baptism of Jesus Christ in the Jordan River on Theophany (also known as Epiphany). This Christian tradition is practiced in other parts of the world such as Eastern Europe and Middle East .
In union with the significance of this historical event, it is customary for Eastern Christians to bless the waters of nearby local streams or rivers. This is done reverently as a reminder that Christ sanctified the waters of the Jordan and thereby all water in God’s creation. It is through water that all Christians are baptized and enter into the life of Christ in the belief of eternal salvation.
As good stewards of the earth, we respect water as a gift from God and realize our dependence upon this vital natural resource for sustaining all life.
Directions to Nesbitt Park, Kingston
The river commons park is located along the west shore of the Susquehanna River between the Market Street and Veterans Memorial bridges. To reach the park, drive to Pierce Street, Kingston to 1st Avenue (along the left side of Wyoming Valley Motors/Subaru). If coming from Route 11/Wyo. Avenue proceed past Arby’s on the left and turn left onto 1st Avenue.
If coming from River Street Wilkes-Barre, cross the Veterans Memorial bridge and turn right onto 1st Avenue. Follow the road as it curves to the right towards the river and go up and over the dike (it circles around and under the Pierce/Veterans’ Memorial bridge) to the parking area near the Market Street bridge. Parking area is a large paved area.
SPECIAL NOTE: Everyone is invited to a social following the blessing. It will be held at St. Mary’s Social Hall, 522 Madison St. Wilkes-Barre, Pa (St. Mary of the Assumption Byzantine Catholic Church, Wilkes-Barre).
See also page 6 April Eastern Catholic Life for 2015 River Blessing Article:
http://eparchyofpassaic.com/files/ECL-April-2015-WEB.pdf
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St. Michael Church along the Susquehanna River in Pittston, Pennsylvania (photo taken in January 2017)
View of Susquehanna River in Pittston looking south (photo taken September 2015 from the Fort Jenkins bridge)
St. Michael's Byzantine Catholic Church 