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
Twelfth Sunday After Pentecost
Matthew 19: 16-26
There was a wealthy British man who decided that he wanted to go to Africa and explore the Nile River. He made all the arrangements for the expedition. He obtained the best accommodations; more than enough supplies and attended to all the details necessary for such a great trip. He hired a driver who also acted as the guide for this small boat and began the journey down the Nile.
He began a very smug conversation with the driver. He asked, “My good man, do you know world economics?” The driver said, “No, I don’t.” There was a pause and the man said, “What a pity!” The conversation continued. He asked the driver, “Do you know how the stock market works?” Again he replied, “Sorry Sir – no I don’t.” Again another pause and he said, “What a pity!” He then proudly boasted, “My good man I am one of England’s leading industrialists and do you know how I got that way?” Again he replied, “Sorry Sir – no I don’t.” At that moment the small boat hit a hidden rock and capsized. Both men were thrown in the Nile. The driver asked the industrialist, “Sir, do you know how to swim?” He answered, “No I don’t.” The driver looked over at the man struggling and said, “What a pity!” With all of this man’s wealth, knowledge of economics and industry, he did not know what was needed at that crucial time.
This is a warning that Jesus gives us in today’s Gospel. We are surrounded by things from morning to night and even through the night. Some things we own. Some things we have access to because of our jobs or positions. The warning in today’s Gospel is that wealth and material things clog our senses and dull our desire for the spiritual things needed for peace and happiness not only here in this world but in the next.
Today ask yourselves these questions. What is my attitude toward money and the material things of this world? Do I control them or do they control me? There is a difference between the two. Our Lord says it best in Luke 12: 15. “Avoid greed and all of its forms. A man may be wealthy but his possessions do not guarantee him life.” The story that follows this one is of the farmer with the great harvest who had so much that he needs larger grain bins. We hear this Gospel on the 26th Sunday after Pentecost. If you remember the rich man said to himself, “You have so many good things stored up for many years, rest, eat, drink, be merry!" But God said to him, 'You fool, this night your life will be demanded of you; and the things you have prepared, to whom will they belong?’” Jesus asks a very sobering question!
I don’t know if it will surprise you or not, but professional marriage counselors and clergy see more married couples in conflict over finances and material things than all other matters combined. By the way, this is on both ends of the spectrum – those who have a lot of material things and those who have little. Why? Because it is essentially a matter of attitude toward the money and material things. I listen for the words they use to describe their financial situation – “MY money – HER money – OUR money.” Is God or the Bible’s concept of stewardship and tithing factored in any of this or not?
I may have used this story before but even if I have I think it illustrates today’s Gospel well.
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!”
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?
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
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.
Email Delivery
Get the Weekly Bulletin delivered to your inbox.
Weekly Bulletin
August 16, 2026
Weekly Bulletin
May 24, 2026: Pentacost Sunday
Archive
Missed a bulletin? Want to look up a Birthday? Go to: Archive
Follow us on Facebook!
Join Us! There is always something going on.
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