St Basil Byzantine Catholic Church

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Here you will find news and general information about the Byzantine Catholic (Greek Cath- olic) and other Eastern Christian Churches.

14 - Feast of the Apostle Philip
21 - Presentation of the Mother of God into the Temple
25 - Thanksgiving Day

Blasts target Iraq Christians; 3 dead, dozens hurt
Praying people out of hell

European Eastern Catholic Bishops to meet in Sofia, 4-7 Nov
Guy Fawkes Day
Orthodox and Greek Catholics Jointly Honour Holodomor

Luke 8:41-56 - And there came a man named Ja'irus, who was a ruler of the synagogue; and falling at Jesus' feet he besought him to come to his house, for he had an only daughter, about twelve years of age, and she was dying. As he went, the people pressed round him. And a woman who had had a flow of blood for twelve years and could not be healed by any one, came up behind him, and touched the fringe of his garment; and immediately her flow of blood ceased. And Jesus said, "Who was it that touched me?" When all denied it, Peter said, "Master, the multitudes surround you and press upon you!" But Jesus said, "Some one touched me; for I perceive that power has gone forth from me." And when the woman saw that she was not hidden, she came trembling, and falling down before him declared in the presence of all the people why she had touched him, and how she had been immediately healed. And he said to her, "Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace." While he was still speaking, a man from the ruler's house came and said, "Your daughter is dead; do not trouble the Teacher any more." But Jesus on hearing this answered him, "Do not fear; only believe, and she shall be well." And when he came to the house, he permitted no one to enter with him, except Peter and John and James, and the father and mother of the child. And all were weeping and bewailing her; but he said, "Do not weep; for she is not dead but sleeping." And they laughed at him, knowing that she was dead. But taking her by the hand he called, saying, "Child, arise." And her spirit returned, and she got up at once; and he directed that something should be given her to eat. And her parents were amazed; but he charged them to tell no one what had happened. (RSV - Gospel for the Sixth Sunday of Luke)
Your faith can make you well When the woman was healed, our Lord said, Who touched me? so that she could profess her healing before everyone. Also, in the case of the little girl, he said, She is sleeping so that the spectators might testify that she was dead, and then seeing her restored to life, these who scorned would be converted into believers. The witness given by them concerning the death of the little girl and her restoration to life performed by the Lord was a witness in anticipation of his death. Those who would see that he was alive again would not deny it. (St. Ephrem the Syrian)

The icon is the Archangel Michael. On November 8th the Church celebrates Feast of the Synaxis of the Archangel Michael and the Other Bodiless Powers.

Patriarch Gregorios Letter Concerning the Islamist Attack on the Syrian Cathedral in Baghdad

The carnage which took place on Sunday, November 1, 2010 in the Syrian Catholic Cathedral of our Lady of Deliverance in Baghdad was of an unprecedented cruelty and barbarity. It was an attack capable of undermining the good will of genuine bridge-builders between cultures, brave heroes of inter-religious dialogue, as well as the optimism of the Special Assembly of the Synod of Bishops for the Middle East.
I offer my sincere condolences and the assurance of my prayers and those of our Church to His Beatitude Patriarch Ignace-Joseph III (Younan), to His Eminence Cardinal Emmanuel III (Delly) and to all those who are broken-hearted at this crime.
We know that this criminal act is not the work of authentic Islam, and cannot be based on it. Despite that, we hold Muslims in Iraq and in all Arab countries to be responsible for Christian security, since they have power, and control the army and police force.
Read more: Patriarch Gregorios Letter Concerning the Islamist Attack on the Syrian Cathedral in Baghdad

Patriarch Gregorios' Letter to Kings and Presidents of Arab Countries

I had the honour of addressing a letter to you (dated 18/06/2010) on the subject of the Special Assembly for the Middle East of the Synod of Bishops entitled The Catholic Church in the Middle East: Communion and Witness.
At the end of this Synod, it is my pleasure to communicate the following reflections to you in this letter:
Read more: Patriarch Gregorios' Letter to Kings and Presidents of Arab Countries

Synaxis of the Archangel Michael and the Other Bodiless Powers

O Commanders of the heavenly armies, we, the unworthy, ever beseech you to surround us by your prayers with the protection of the wings of your angelic glory. Watch over us who bow down and earnestly cry out to you: "Deliver us from all danger, for you are the Princes of the Powers on high!
Troparion for November 8

Encyclical of Archbishop Demetrios for the Feast of the Holy Archangels
Weeks before attack, Baghdad archbishop had cried out against persecution
Pope, Iraqi Catholic leader mourn Baghdad cathedral victims
Baghdad: slain Syrian Catholic priest had prepared for worst
Vatican spokesman issues call for full religious freedom in Middle East
Islamic militants attack Baghdad Catholic parish during Mass; dozens slain

Catholic-Orthodox forum insists on respect for religious, educational freedom

The Divine Services of Holy Week and Pascha are online:

Holy Saturday Vespers and Divine Liturgy
Paschal Matins and Divine Liturgy (from Saturday night)
Paschal Divine Liturgy (from Sunday morning)

Note: Files are large and between 1-2 hours each. Recordings from St. George the Great-Martyr Church, Aliquippa, PA. Right-click to download and save. Files may open a new browser window.

Do not be surprised that you fall every day; do not give up, but stand your ground courageously. And assuredly, the angel who guards you will honor your patience.