A Day of Mercy, offering Advent renewal through encounters with God’s mercy, was held Dec. 4 at St. Theresa of the Child Jesus, Hellertown. Nearly 100 of the faithful attended the event, which began with morning Mass and included all-day exposition of the Most Blessed Sacrament and opportunities for confession.
The Day of Mercy culminated with the Holy Mystery of Anointing of the Sick according to the Byzantine Catholic tradition. This Sacrament is celebrated for the healing of spiritual ills of body and the immortal soul, thereby uniting the suffering of the sick to Our Lord’s suffering on the Cross.
Father Dr. John Krivak remarked on the “wonderful opportunity to learn about other religious rites, the validity of these rites, and beautiful graces that flow from these rites.”
Serving as homilist for the Mystery of Anointing was Monsignor Myron Grabowsky, a priest of the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia.
“God gives us what He sees is necessary for each and every one of us,” said Monsignor, “however, we forget to reject, renounce, and rebuke that which holds us back from doing what God wants us to do.”
Monsignor Grabowsky also emphasized that healing presupposes repentance. “We know the need for healing, but it begins with forgiveness. We need to forgive and forget. Tonight [there will be] a conversion of many souls here, if you accept this blessing that will come from God. The prayers bring down so much healing, but again, it comes by forgiving.
“God is our Father and He hasn’t forgotten us. Maybe we forgot Him, but He has never forgotten us. He’s right here with you right now, your Father, our Heavenly Father is with you right now. All He needs is for you to repent and forgive.”
Principal celebrant of the Anointing Service was Father Paul Makar, also of the Archeparchy of Philadelphia. Father Paul began the Holy Service by incensing the sacramental table whereon were placed holy vessels containing the oils to be sanctified and five small bread loaves to be used for the anointing. He was assisted by Father John Hutta, Assistant Pastor of St. Theresa, who led the congregation in chanting the prayers of the Holy Service.
In his reflection on the spiritual conversion called “metanoia,” Father Makar asserted that metanoia is more than saying, “I’m sorry.” It is a complete change of life ordered to obedience to Jesus Christ, whom we are called to emulate in accordance with our baptismal and confirmation promises. Without this complete change of attitude, without participation in the full life of the Church, we cannot hope to fulfill that calling.
“God shows us a way of living, a way of conversion, a way of change,” said Father Makar, “so that He may purify us, strengthen us with the Holy Spirit, and give us the healing we need. Not necessarily what we want, but what we need.”
Near the conclusion of the Holy Service, the people were invited to come forward to be anointed with holy oil. The customary seven priests anointed foreheads and palms of the hands as they prayed, “The servant of God is anointed with the oil of gladness for the forgiveness of sins and the healing of soul and body.”
The day ended with fellowship and refreshments in the parish hall.
Article and Photo by Celeste Behe.
