6th Sunday after Pentecost
Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory Forever!
6th Sunday After Pentecost
July 5, 2026
St. John the Baptist Byzantine Catholic
105 Kohler Ave
Lyndora PA 16045
Phone724-287-5000
www.stiohnbyzlyn.com
athanasius@zoominternet.net
Sat 7/4/26 4:00pm Vigil Divine Liturgy +Paul and +Helen Macko Michalco by Rebecca Michalco
Sun 7/5/26 9:30am Divine Liturgy +Wasyl Hoszwa by Rick and Irena Reede
Fri 7/10/26 7:00pm Moleben to Mary
Sat 7/11/26 4:00pm Divine Liturgy +Prokopchak Family by Maria and Michael Streitman
Sun 7/12/26 9:30am Divine Liturgy +Frank Dano by Children
Variable Parts: Tone 5 - Pages 146 — 148
Epistle: Rom 12:6-14
Gospel: Matthew 9:1-8
Memorial Candle Request: No Candle Request
Epistle Readers: 4-Jul John Baycura/Mary Motko 5-Jul Liz/John Pocchiari 11-Jul Mary Troyan 12-Jul Amanda Slavish
Please Pray for: Lou Pocchiari, Erik Bergh, Mike Oshlick, Kathy Moyta, Dorothy Moyta, Brian Buchkovich, Lejen Warner, Sharon King, Ole J. Bergh, Liz Moyta, Fr. Michael Huszti, Fr. Laska, Susie Curcio, Teresa Milkovich, Robert Saper, Anna Habil, Mike Dancisin, Diane Sotak, Anna Pocchiari, Larry Hamil, Beverly Jones, Maryann Russin Schyvers, Nick Russin and Ken Konchan
Attendance: 6/24 - 21; 6/27 - 14; 6/28 - 86
Collection: $1,889
Gibsonia Schedule
Sun 7/5/26 11:30am Divine Liturgy 6th Sunday after Pentecost
Sun 7/12/26 11:30am Divine Liturgy 7th Sunday after Pentecost
Upcoming Event Dates:
1. 2026 GCB Byzantine Family Day at Kennywood July 23 /deadline for ordering July 9
2. The Faith & Fun Day for our Altar Servers - Monday, July 27
3. Church Picnic - August 2nd at Connoquenessing Park
4. Ladies Guild Meeting — August 7th at 11:00am in the church.
5. Parish Council Meeting—August 10th at 6:30pm.
6. Church Polka — September 12th at Highfield Hall
Ahead of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, Pope Leo XIV penned a letter marking the historic moment. The letter, dated June 25 and released by the US. Conference of Catholic Bishops on Friday, is reprinted in full below.
I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all Americans on the occasion of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. This semiquincentennial marks that defining moment in the history of the United States of America, July 4, 1776, that gave enduring voice to the ideals of liberty, equality, the pursuit of happiness, justice and democratic self-government.
For two and a half centuries, generations of Americans have worked together to carry these principles forward — through sacrifice, service, innovation and civic participation. This anniversary stands as an invitation not only to celebrate the nation's remarkable journey, but also to reflect upon the responsibilities that the sons and daughters of this country bear to one another, and to the generations who will inherit the nation that is being shaped today.
Among the most cherished of these principles is religious freedom — the right of every person to worship according to conscience and to practice their faith openly, without coercion or fear. In marking this anniversary, it is important to recognize that freedom of religion has long been central to the American promise, protecting both individual dignity and the peaceful coexistence of a diverse people.
This same freedom has permitted the Catholic Church to take root and flourish within the United States, to the advantage not only of her own members, but of the entire nation. As faithful sons and daughters of the Church, Catholics called to imbue every dimension of their existence with the charity of Christ (cf. 2 Cor 5:14), living out the Gospel in the circumstances of daily life. Such a way of living has given rise to the many benefits that the Church has provided over the years to the development of this nation. In particular, I bring to mind her service in areas of education, the preferential care of the poor, healthcare and basic social services, to name a few.
In the Encyclical Sapientiae Christianae, my predecessor Pope Leo XIII wrote that "no better citizen is there... than the Christian who is mindful of his duty" (no. 7). In fact, faith — far from standing in opposition to the responsibilities of citizenship — lends new vigor to the pursuit of justice, peace and the common good, bringing to perfection every natural gift bestowed by the Creator. Saint Paul himself encouraged the early Christians to pray for those in positions of authority in order to live a peaceful life in accord with the will of God (cf. 1 Tim 2:2). In this regard, it is in the faithful fulfilment of duty — to God and country — that Catholics are called to continue to serve the nation, as leaven for the growth of a civilization of love (cf. Mt 13:33).
Also among the principles that have guided the development of this country is the God-given dignity of every human life, each person being endowed with an inherent worth that calls for reverence, protection and care. In this spirit, a full understanding of this dignity leads to recognizing the importance of safeguarding human life from its beginning at conception until natural death, and of building a society in which the vulnerable, the suffering and the forgotten are always met with compassion, solidarity and love.
Defending human life also includes welcoming, protecting and assisting immigrants, whose hopes, sacrifices and contribution have formed part of the history of this country from its very beginning. In every generation, those who have arrived seeking freedom, opportunity and a place to belong have helped to shape the nation's character. To receive them with compassion and generosity is not only an act of charity, but also a recognition of the dignity that belongs to every human person.
In my recent Encyclical Letter, Magnifica Humanitas, I wrote about working together for the common good. "Building a world in which everyone can flourish requires shared responsibility and courage. No one can single-handedly bear the weight of the challenges the world is facing" (no. 13). We need one another, and we need to work together in unity to confront the challenges that the world is facing today. May this milestone renew the shared commitment to the promise of freedom, justice, opportunity and democracy. May Americans honor the courage and vision of those who came before them by strengthening their communities, respecting their differences and working together toward a more perfect union.
Congratulations on this extraordinary national anniversary. May the spirit of 1776 continue to inspire hope and unity as the United States of America moves into the future. In assuring all of you of my prayers in your renewed efforts to strengthen the nation in the principles that guided its Founding Fathers, I entrust you to the intercession of the Immaculate Conception, patroness of this country, that she will continue to watch over America and protect all who dwell therein.
