It is September again. For some the school year has already begun. For others, classes will soon begin. Whatever the case, Catechetical Sunday is observed in churches across the country.
Since its sanctification in Detroit by Bishop Richard (Seminack) last year, the Jubilee Icon of the Protection of the Mother of God has been in transit, crisscrossing the vast geography of St Nicholas Eparchy.
Anticipation built up at South Side Chicago's St Mi-chael's Parish over a period of weeks. As long ago as St Nicholas Day, 2010, when the icon of the Wonderworker of Myra was highlighted with a garland of pine and holly in keeping with the Deanery's commitment to emphasize the Jubilee Year in each parish, parishiolners began to recite the Jubilee Year Prayer.
The Jubilee Icon traveled from St Mary’s in Madison, Illinois to be venerated by the parishiners of St. Michael's Parish, in Mishawaka, Indiana.
On Sunday, July 24, the Icon was set before the tetrapod in time for the 10 am Divine Liturgy. Following the Liturgy, all were invited to the 11:30 am picnic in the yard.
The Jubilee Icon of the Protection of the Mother of God came to the Chicago Deanery Sunday, July 10, arriving at St Mary's Assumption (Dormition) Parish in St Louis, Missouri. Divine Liturgy was celebrated at 10 am by Fr. Andrew Plishka, parish administrator, and Fr. James Knapp, SJ, parish assistant.
His Grace, Bishop Richard (Seminack) cuts the ribbon opening the new Eparchial Boulevard at the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church in Los Angeles, California. The Boulevard was dedicated this spring celebrating the Eparchy's 50th Anniversary.
As part of the on-going preparation for the visit of the Jubilee Icon in Chicago Deanery parishes, Immaculate Conception Parish in Palatine, Illinois, participated in the celebration of the Akathst to the Protection of the Mother of God.
The Spring meeting of Eastern Catholic educators (ECED) met in Pittsburgh. Gathered at the Byzantine Catholic Seminary of SS Cyril and Methodius, they spent two days studying several projects to revise student texts and teacher's manuals for seventh and eighth grades; evaluate the need to reprint some material; consider promotions through advertising and catalog “specials” sales; update the web site; and develop new product.
On the final trek of its travels, the jubilee icon of "The Protection of the Mother of God" arrived in San Francisco at the Ukrainian Catholic Church of the Immaculate Conception in time for the scheduled celebration on Sunday, April 10th. Several parishioners attended the liturgy at 11:30 a.m., served by Fr. Petro Dyachok, administrator of the parish. After the liturgy Fr. Petro served the Akathist dedicated to the Protection of the Mother of God.
Tucson prays for other parishes and for the sick with Jubilee icon St. Michael Parish in Tucson celebrated a Moleben to the Mother of God during the visit of the Jubilee icon in January, 2011. Every parishioner received the name of a parish, mission or monastery in the Eparchy and was asked to pray for them for at least a week. Some parishioners then sent cards to the parishes in question in order to tell them that they had been praying and thinking of them.
