Join us for Divine Liturgy / Saturdays 5:00 PM / Sundays 10:00 AM / Day of Week Feast Days 6:30 PM / Weekly Bulletin
Join us for Divine Liturgy
Saturdays 5:00 PM / Sundays 10:00 AM
Day of Week Feast Days 6:30 PM / Weekly Bulletin
Welcome to Saints Peter & Paul
BYZANTINE CATHOLIC CHURCH
Attentive to the Word
Fifthteenth Sunday After Pentecost
Matthew 22: 35-46
Jesus silenced the Sadducees when they taunted him over a hypothetical problem. A woman married the brother of her dead husband, and then when he died, she married another brother, going through seven brothers. Whose wife would she be in heaven? Jesus demolished their argument, based on equating this lifetime with eternity. Surely they should know that heaven is not a continuation of life as we know it. Life in the beyond is not to be compared with this world.
What is religion all about? This is what Jesus is explaining. One theologian quite popular in the last century, Paul Tillich, trying to widen the definition of religion said it is a person's "ultimate concern." The artist's religion is his painting, the composer's his music, the architect's his building. This is using the term religion beyond the boundaries of theology. Jesus makes clear the true meaning of religion: Ultimate love of God, and love for all humanity. And He places them in proper perspective.
You must love God with everything that is within you. St. Augustine wrote, "Love God; then do as you please." If a person does just that and thinks through the implications, he cannot make an error, for he will thereby love everything else that God has created. Some, however, find a way to base their beliefs on God, and then appoint themselves His defense attorney. They make a lifetime of hating what they perceive as variation from their definition of God. The infamous Inquisition of the Middle Ages was such a distortion of faith. We all know the type who has enough religion to hate what God hates, but cannot find it within their hearts to love what He loves.
Another opposite extreme is to reject a deity who would allow suffering on earth. The famous Dostoevsky novel Brothers Karamazov takes up this theme. Ivan is an atheist. He cannot make himself believe in a God who would permit innocent suffering to happen. Why does God permit men to torture others, or to bring agony to children? Such a God is either impotent or unconcerned. Suffering is indeed a deep mystery. Jesus Himself does not offer any explanation other than to share the suffering of mankind on the Cross. Love is always an ongoing challenge. Obstacles arise on the journey through life that cause us to pause at times and measure the love we say we have for others.
The Sadducees based their religion on ritual observances, formulas of prayer and sacrifices they felt pleased the Lord. But David's prayer reminds us: "You do not desire sacrifice, else I would give The Pharisees built their faith on observance of laws. They made a religion of legalism, following rules that they imposed on others, harnessing God's freedom into a system. But Jesus offers a faith that transcends all human limits to His grace and glory.
By Fr. Vladimir Berzonsky
In the Gospel Reading for St. John (17:1-13) we have one of the most intimate sections of his Gospel. It is the prayer of Jesus as He looks back over His ministry. He also used all the opportunities the Lord gives us by always living in the future. “Tomorrow, I will get down to my spiritual life.” “Tomorrow, I will start spending more time with my family.” “Tomorrow, we’ll reconcile.”
This Epistle Reading is a real warning to us to be honest with God and ourselves as well as to constantly make the effort to be active members of the Body of the Christ, the Church!
Churches are not immune from this either. I was assigned to one parish that had 4 cans of coffee opened on a kitchen shelf. When I asked the secretary why was this, she told me, “Fr. Mike – one can is Ladies’ Guild – one can is Men’s Club – one can is Bingo and one can is for the parish.” This blew my mind. How many parishes are operating in this building? Do you see how attitudes towards things surface?
Recently was the anniversary of Elvis Presley’s death. It was all over the news. If you remember after his death in August of 1977, lawyers and accountants were kept busy for months figuring out all of his finances, land holdings, cars and investments. A press conference was called when the final form was released. There was a question/answer period with reporters and a spokesman from the Elvis estate. After going through tons of numbers with lawyers and accountants, one reporter finally asked, “Bottom line – how much did Elvis really leave behind?” The spokesman looked at him squarely in the face and said, “Sir he left it ALL!”
(Matt. 7:20).
(By Fr. John Mack)
April 26, 2026
Sunday of The Paralytic Man
Divine Liturgies
Saturdays: 5:00 PM
Sundays: 10:00 AM
Day of Week Feast Days: 6:30 PM
Worship with Us!
Founded on Christmas Day—January 7, 1925—Saints Peter & Paul Byzantine Catholic Church has been both a witness to and an active participant in the rich history of Warren, Ohio. Many of our parishioners, descended from founding families, and have established deep roots in the community. At the same time, we are blessed to welcome new families from diverse cultural and religious traditions. This growing diversity truly reflects the beauty of the universal Church.
Reconciliation
Confessions are available one hour before all Divine Liturgies. Also, by appointment with Father Miron.
Events Calendar
All the gossip and timely information you need is all here. Our Events Calendar page is updated on a weekly basis. Be sure to check back often.
Resources
Resources for every stage of your spiritual life journey. Discover our Byzantine Catholic Companion App, Spiritual Thought Leaders Podcasts, Parish Retreats, Rule for Life Classes, Icon Kiosk Store & Lending Library, Saints Peter & Paul Cemetery, Facebook, and Catholic related websites from around the world.
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Weekly Bulletin
September 6, 2026
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May 24, 2026: Pentacost Sunday
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Our Mission
Saints Peter & Paul Byzantine Catholic Church is a member of the Byzantine Catholic Metropolitan Church of Pittsburgh who through the Holy Spirit is called to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ. As a community and family, we grow in faith and in the image and likeness of God by dedicating ourselves to welcoming, celebrating and caring for all of God’s people.
Mysteries
Byzantine Rite Mysteries are foundational to our faith. Have questions? A brief overview is provided for each Mystery along with actionable requirements for each.
- The Holy Mystery of Reconciliation (Confession)
- The Holy Eucharist (Communion)
- The Holy Mystery of Baptism (Christening)
- Chrismation The Seal of The Holy Spirit (Confirmation)
- The Holy Mystery of Matrimony (Crowning Ceremony)
- Anointing of The Sick
- Christian Burial According to The Byzantine Rite Tradition
Pastoral Services
Pastoral Services are often time-sensitive concerns. Please contact the office to make an appointment with Father Miron.
- Spiritual Direction
- Parish Membership
- Baptisim (Godparents/Sponsor Letters)
- Reconcilliation (Confession)
- Anointing
- Visitation of the Sick
- Funerals
Rectory Office Hours
We are happy to welcome you and assist you with any parish needs. Lisa Mosko is in the Parish Office from 11:30 am–2:30 pm on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Father Miron is available at other days and times by scheduled appointment.
Rectory Office: 330-372-1875
The Holy Mysteries
Coffee & Donuts!
MAY 16 & 17 – AFTER LITURGY