Welcome to Saints Peter & Paul
BYZANTINE CATHOLIC CHURCH
Attentive to the Word
Ninth Sunday After Pentecost
Matthew 14: 22-34
In the story of creation found in the Book of Genesis, we read where Adam and Eve had partaken of the forbidden fruit, something which had been specifically denied them. Knowing that God is searching for them, they attempt to hide. It is a scene perhaps reminiscent of many of our childhoods when we had done something that we were not supposed to and we literally hid from our searching parents. Finally God finds them, as we know that He will, for, after all, where can we go to hide from God? God asks them why they are hiding. Do you remember the response that Adam gave: "Because, I was afraid."
I think this very poignant story reminds us that fear is so basic to who we are as humans, it goes all the way back to the beginning of time. To be human is to experience fear. There seems to be no limit to our fears. In a Peanuts cartoon strip Charlie Brown goes to Lucy for a nickel’s worth of psychiatric help. She proceeds to pinpoint his particular fear. Perhaps, she says, you have ypengyophobia, which is the fear of responsibility. Charlie Brown says no. Well, perhaps you have ailurophobia, which is the fear of cats. No. No. Exasperated, Lucy says well, maybe you have pantophobia, which is the fear of everything. Yes, says Charlie, that is the one!
Sometimes we feel like we are afraid of everything. We are afraid of ourselves. We are afraid of people. We are afraid of the future. We are afraid of the past. We are afraid of life. We are afraid of death. Every person, every Christian, must fight their own fears. Even Paul, the sturdy Christian warrior, had to do so. Paul had fallen flat on his face in Athens. He did exactly what he intended not to do, and in his own eyes he had failed. He wrote of his arrival in Corinth: "For when we came into Macedonia we had not rest, but we were troubled on every side; without were fightings; within were fears." Paul was full of fears, just like you and me – the fear of inadequacy, the fear of failing.
But perhaps the most surprising fear of many people, and one that we do not like to address is the fear of God. It is the fear that God is not really on our side. It is the fear that God will put us out on a limb and leave us.
It is not a new idea. One of the great fears of the ancient people was that God would fall asleep. Can you imagine such a thing? When the prophets of Baal could not get their Gods to rain down fire on the top of Mt. Carmel, Elijah taunted them: Maybe your God is asleep, he said.
On the other hand, the Jews took great comfort in the fact that the God of Israel neither slumbered nor slept. Over and over again the message of the Bible is fear not. When Abram took his family to the Promised Land he feared that he was turning his back on everything he knew, his security for the unknown. God spoke to him: Fear not Abram, I am your shield and your reward will be great.
When the Jews stood at the Red Sea and could see Pharaoh's chariots coming on the horizon, they cried out that they would all be slaughtered. Moses said to them: Stand still, fear not, and see the salvation of the Lord.
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!
(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
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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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July 26, 2026
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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