Eparchial Newsletter

January-February 2000
 

Vol. IX, No. 1

Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Van Nuys
8131 North 16th Street
Phoenix, Arizona 85020-3999

http://eparchy-of-van-nuys.org/

Voice: (602) 861-9778
Fax:    (602) 861-9796
E-mail: EVNizer@aol. com

Official Announcements

His Grace, Bishop George has made the following appointments

Right Reverend Mitred Archpriest Joseph Stanichar, having completed his term as Eparchial Consultor, was relieved of this responsibility.

Very Reverend Archpriest Michael Moran was appointed Eparchial Consultor for a term of five years as of January 1, 2000.

Right Reverend Archimandrite Wesley Izer, SDB is relieved of his responsibility as Administrator of St. Nicholas Church in Fontana, California.

Reverend Joseph Hutsko is relieved of his responsibilities as Pastor of Holy Protection Church in Denver, Colorado and is appointed Administrator of St. Nicholas Church in Fontana, California.

Reverend Chrysostom Frank, a Byzantine Catholic priest of the Archdiocese of Denver, is appointed Administrator of Holy Protection Church in Denver, Colorado with the permission of his Ordinary.

Lenten Fast Regulations

The Strict Fast forbids the use of meat, eggs and dairy products and is to be observed on the Pure Monday (March 6th) and Good Friday (April 21st).

Abstinence from meat and meat products is to be observed on the Wednesdays and Fridays of Great Lent and on Holy Saturday.

All Byzantine Catholics are to keep the fast. Infants, expectant and nursing mothers and those who are seriously ill are exempt from the Strict Fast.

For a grave and particular reason, pastors and religious superiors may dispense their subjects of the responsibility of observing the Strict Fast, but should replace it with another penitential practice.

Eparchial Calendar

January 31 Commission on Particular Law Pastoral Center- Phoenix

February 10 Pastoral Center Staff Meeting

February 14 Divine Liturgy St. Dominic Savio Church Bellflower, California

Feb.21-25 Priest’s Retreat Picture Rocks Retreat Center Tucson, Arizona

April 1-2 Visitation St. Anne Church San Luis Obispo, CA

Bishop’s Appeal begins March 6th

Support Your Eparchy!

Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Van Nuys

Unaudited Financial Report 1998 - 1999

ASSETS

                                                      Dec.31,1999 Dec.31,1998

Cash and Liquid Investments             $60,419     $65,412

Restricted Accounts:

Notes Receivable                                 $375,660     $279,040

Property, Furniture & Equipment             $425,422 $425,422

TOTAL ASSETS                               $1,768,141 $1,514,766

LIABILITIES

Accounts Payable

Total Liabilities and Propriety Interest $1,768,141 $1,514,766

REVENUE

EXPENSES

Revenue over Expenses             $292,164 $174,727

Around the Eparchy

Pastoral Handbook Reviewed

On Monday, January 31, the Commission for the Implementation of the Particular Law met at the Pastoral Center to review the 1994 edition of the Eparchial Pastoral Handbook. The Pastoral Handbook contains the particular statutes or laws that govern the administration of the Eparchy and parishes as well as specific responsibilities of the clergy, religious and faithful. It also contains general liturgical directives and fasting regulations.

The Commission was appointed by Bishop George to review and update the Eparchial Handbook and to bring it into conformity with the recently promulgated Particular Law of the Metropolia. The Commission met for over 8 hours on Monday and another two hours on Tuesday to make the necessary changes. The revised text must be approved and promulgated by Bishop George before it has the force of law. Members of the Commission are the Rt. Rev. Wesley Izer, SDB, Chairman, Rev. Philip Acquaro, CSB, Very Rev. Michael Moran, and Rt. Rev. Francis Vivona.

Anaheim Site Blessed

Archimandrite Wesley, representing Bishop George, broke and blessed the ground for the new Annunciation Byzantine Catholic Church complex in Anaheim, California on November 19, 1999. Msgr. George Vida, Pastor, and parishioners joined Father Wes in turning ground along with the local civil officials and construction management. The first phase of construction will be the Social Hall followed by the church. Completion of phase one is scheduled for next fall.

Gilbert Hosts Theophany

The Eastern Catholic Clergy of Arizona held a joint worship service on the Feast of Theophany at St. Thomas Byzantine Catholic Church in Gilbert on the vigil of the feast.

Parishioners and pastors from the Eastern Catholic parishes attended the Divine Liturgy and the formal Blessing of Water. They received the blessed water to take home with them.

Concelebrating at the altar were: Rev. Philip Acquaro, CSB, Administrator of the parish; Very Rev. Stephen Washko, Rector of the Pro-Cathedral and representatives from the Ukrainian, Melkite, Chaldean and Ruthenian parishes. Deacon Douglas LeClair served. A social followed in the church hall.

Saint Stephen Reaches Out

In an effort to support the larger Byzantine church St. Stephen Pro-Cathedral recently held two fund-raising events.

A Pancake Breakfast sponsored by the ECF program of the parish was held in late January to provide needed help for the church in Eastern Europe. This netted over $800 to be sent through the Mission Society of the Mother of God of Boronyavo for two orphanages in the Mukachevo diocese.

A Polka Party was held in February, the proceeds of which were marked for the Sisters of St. Basil of the Uniontown Province. The three Sisters serving the parish and the Pastoral Center are from this province. More than half of the Province consists of retired Sisters. Music for the party was provided by two accordianists and a tuba player. The GCU offered to match the funds the parish raised.

Saint Anne’s Church in San Luis Obispo

Saint Anne’s Church in San Luis Obispo purchased a modular home that was placed on church property as the residence of the priest. The Reverend Edmund Idranyi moved into the new rectory in mid January.