18thSunday After the Pentecost
Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory Forever!
18th Sunday After the OPentecost
September 27, 2026
St. John the Baptist Byzantine Catholic
105 Kohler Ave
Lyndora PA 16045
Phone 724-287-5000
www.stiohnbyzlyn.com
athanasius@zoominternet.net
Sat 9/26/26 4:00pm Vigil Divine Liturgy Vigil Divine Liturgy +Michael Dancisin by John Baycura
Sun 9/27/26 9:30am Divine Liturgy +Mike Fizer by Fizer Family
Wed 9/23/26 7:00pm Divine Liturgy for the Protection of the Theatokos
Thu 10/1/26 9:30am Divine Liturgy ++Maria Pocchiari (9th Anniversary of Passing) by Pocchiari Family
Fri 10/2/26 7:00pm Moleben to Virgin Mary
Sat 10/3/26 4:00pm Vigil Divine Liturgy +Emma Jean Buchovich by Kevin and Shari Allen
Sun 10/4/26 9:30am Divine Liturgy +John Kavchak by Drew Moniot
Variable Parts: Tone 1- Pgs 125 — 127
Epistle: 2 Cor 9:6-12
Gospel: Lk 5:1-11
Memorial Candle Request: No Candle Request
Epistle Readers 26-Sep John Baycura/Mary Motko 27-Sep Eva Babick 3-Oct Mary Troyan 4-Oct Liz/John Pocchiari
Memorial Candle Request: No Candle Request
Please Pray for: Lucas Benson, Lou Pocchiari, Mike Oshlick, Kathy Moyta, Dorothy Moyta, Brian Buchkovich, Lejen Warner, Sharon King, Liz Moyta, Fr. Michael Huszti, Fr. Laska, Susie Curcio, Teresa Milkovich, Robert Saper, Anna Habil, Diane Sotak, Anna Pocchiari, Larry Hamil, Beverly Jones, Maryann Russin Schyvers, Nick Russin and Ken Konchan
Attendance: 9/19 - 19 9/20 - 75
Collection: 9/19 - 9/20: $2,066.00
Ladies Guild: There is a Ladies Guild meeting on Sunday, October 4 at 11:00am in the church.
Student Food Pantry: The school year is beginning. We are collecting food again for the pantry at a local school. If you would donate any type of soup or canned food, baskets will be in the church. Thank you! - Pam Gagen.
Religious Education: Sunday, September 27 following social coffee will be the Religious Education Kickoff party at Connoquenessing Park. This will include the rescheduled, annual fishing derby and other games! All are invited! Religious Education Classes for grades 1-12 will officially begin on October 4. Please sign up with Amanda Stavish 724-272-2963 or Katie Koch.
Rummage Sale: The Rummage Sale will take place on October 9th and 10th. Donations for the Rummage Sale may be brought to the church beginning the weekend of September 19/20. No clothing. Please make sure your items are clean, usable, and in working condition. We will be needing help setting up at the following times: Monday and Tuesday October 5 & 6 6:00pm — until finished, Wednesday October 7 10:00am — 1:00pm and Thursday October 8 6:00pm - until finished. We will be selling halushki and kielbasa on Friday only. Saturday most items will be half price.
Parish Council: There will be a Parish Council meeting Monday, September 28 and 6:30 pm.
Boscov Coupons: Our church will be selling Boscov coupons for a 25% off all day October 21. Coupons are $5.00. Please see Elizabeth Pocchiar or Fr. Radko to purchase one.
Operation Christmas Child: Please continue to send in your donations for the Operation Christmas Child program by October 25th. Thank you to those who have already generously donated. The box is in the vestibule. Please check out this website for suggestions on what is helpful to donate or ask Amanda Stavish. https: / /wvvw.samaritanspurse.org/operation-christmas-child/ what-goes-in-my-shoebox-suggestions/ If you would prefer to give a cash donation, this is also very welcome! Amanda will purchase needed items with your donation. Thank you!
Helen Jean Mudrick, 90 Born in Butler, passed away peacefully on July 30, 2026. May The Almighty Lord grant her peaceful repose and Eternal Memory. Vicnaja Pamjat
The Feast of the Protection of the Theotokos (celebrated on October 1) holds deep theological, historical, and spiritual meaning. Known in Slavic traditions as the Pokrov (meaning veil, cloak, protection, or intercession) and in Greek as Skepe, this feast commemorates the maternal care, constant intercession, and shield of safety that the Virgin Mary extends over humanity.
Historical Origin: The feast traces back to 10th-century Constantinople (at the Blachernae Church, where several of the Virgin Mary's relics, including her robe and veil, were kept). During an all-night vigil, when the city was facing grave danger from an invading army, St. Andrew the Fool-for-Christ and his disciple Epiphanius beheld a miraculous vision. At around 4:00 AM, they saw the Mother of God step through the air, glowing with heavenly light and surrounded by saints and angels. She knelt and prayed with intense tears for the safety of the world, then removed the radiant veil (omophorion) from her head and spread it out over the entire praying congregation as a physical sign of her protection. The impending doom was averted, and the city was spared.
Core Spiritual Meanings: Mary as Intercessor: The feast highlights the unique role of the Theotokos (Mother of God) as a powerful intercessor before the throne of her Son, Jesus Christ. Byzantine theology emphasizes that while Christ is our ultimate Savior, Mary acts as a loving mother who constantly prays for the human race.
The Shield of God's Grace: The "veil" or pokrov symbolizes a spiritual blanket of grace, safety, and comfort. It reminds the faithful thait they are never defenseless against physical dangers or spiritual evils ("seen and unseen").
Universal Refuge: Though born out of a specific historical crisis in Constantinople, the feast celebrates Mary's protection extended across all time and space to anyone who seeks her prayers.
Cultural meaning: In traditional village life, the Pokrova marked a major turning point in the agricultural and seasonal calendar:
The Threshold of Winter: Slavic folklore says that Pokrova brings the first blanket of frost or snow to "cover" the earth, closing out the harvest season and preparing the land for winter. Farm work in the fields was traditionally expected to be finished by this day.
The Wedding Season: Because the heavy agricultural labor was done, autumn opened up the traditional season for weddings.
Prayers for Marriage: Unmarried young women desiring a faithful spouse would rush to church early on the morning of the feast to pray: "0 Holy Pokrova, cover my head with a veil [i.e., marriage], so I won't remain unwed" (a covered head was a symbol of a married woman)
