Welcome to Saints Peter & Paul
BYZANTINE CATHOLIC CHURCH
Attentive to the Word
Eighth Sunday After Pentecost
Memory of The Fathers at
The First Six Ecumenical Councils
Matthew 14: 14-22 | John 17: 1-13
When this huge crowd gathered, Jesus looked out and saw broken people with broken lives. They had brought their sick and their lame, people with all manner of problems. And Jesus felt compassion for them. That tells us a lot about Jesus Christ, because it says that He is more than just a Person of power. He is One who cares. I'm here to tell you today that Jesus knows what you are going through. Jesus feels your pain. The beauty of the Incarnation is that when God became man, He could feel what we feel. We need a Person like that because we're like sheep. Mark says Jesus had compassion on the people because "they were like sheep without a shepherd." There are three things you need to know about sheep: they are dumb, defenseless, and directionless. It's not flattering, but it's true.
These people were groping for direction. They were defenseless, ripe for plucking. How many times have we been deceived into going to the wrong places, doing the wrong things, thinking the wrong thoughts, hang¬ing out with the wrong people? We are defenseless and directionless. Jesus can do much more than just sympathize with you. His power can overrule your circumstances. His compassion can deal with your situation. He healed the sick that day (Matthew 14:14), and He fed them too.
I don't know what impossible situation you may be facing today, but when you bring Jesus Christ into the equation, you have someone who can surmount the insurmountable.
On the Sunday that falls from the 13th to the 19th of July, our Church remembers the bishops who gathered in collegial assembly under the grace of the Holy Spirit to take common and definitive action for the doctrinal and pastoral good of the Christian faithful. They are called "ecumenical," meaning universal, involving the entire Church. Through the history of the Church, only the first seven Councils are universally recognized and undisputed among Christian Churches. An ecumenical council differs from a general meeting or council of bishops in that a synod is concerned with local or regional issues and does not involve the Church as a whole.
These Councils decided definitively what we are to believe about Christ. Today, these issues seem almost irrelevant in the face of modern-day concerns; however, without the clear teachings of the Fathers, our Faith would be foundationally weakened.
At Matins for this Sunday, our Church proclaims, "When the holy preachers of Christ fully received the light from the Holy Spirit, they spoke with divine insight, with few but deeply meaningful words inspired from above, bringing to the front the evangelical doctrines and traditions of true worship. When these were clearly revealed to them from on high, they were enlightened and thus established the faith received from God."
(Matins at the Praises)
(Matt. 7:20).
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!
(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
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