Yearly Archives: 2022

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” (Ps 91:1)

Dear Basilian Sisters in Ukraine,

Dear Ukrainian Nation,

I am sending you this letter on the sixth day of shocking and unjustified aggression of Russian Federation military forces against Ukraine and Ukrainians. You are facing this trial with great dignity.

On February 12 the entire Order prayed for peace in Ukraine and as we lifted our eyes to the hills we testified together that our “help comes from the Lord” (Ps 121, 2). The Basilian Sisters from around the world continuously turn their eyes to the one who is our refuge and shelter. Every day and every night together with many other men and women of prayer we are creating a prayer shield for those in danger.

Dear Basilian Sisters in Ukraine, I am so grateful that you continue to be prayerful, healing and life-giving presence of God in your country, in all the cities and villages where you live, pray and serve. Thank you for bringing hope, trust in God’s providence, mercy and love to those who need it.

War, hatred and murder are obvious and bold-faced expressions of evil. Evil is a devastating force that destroys life, relationships and the soul. Dear Sisters, let us continue our prayers for peace. This is a time full of terror, blood, tears and cruelty but it is already clear how courage, love, mercy, truth, mutual aid and kindness are manifested as bright lights in the darkness….

Spiritual giants are born in the greatest of trials. Even at this time, the night of Gethsemane, and perhaps Golgotha, the Lord leads us to the resurrection. Therefore, dear Sisters, I entrust you with the care of the physical and spiritual life of all those who ask for help. Let us not allow fear, bitterness, hatred, which will try to block this light to win and destroy you.

In the time when we are about to begin the Great Lent I am finishing my letter by the lines that show what is our destination, the destination where Ukraine is headed. “Let God arise and let his enemies be scattered, and let those who hate him flee from before his face. Christ is risen from the dead, by death trampling death, and to those in the tombs granting life!”

United in prayer,

M. Marcela Runcan, OSBM

General Superior

The oldest living member of the Sisters of St. Basil, Sister Mary Ann entered into eternity on Wednesday, January 5, 2022.  Her long journey of 78 years as a Sister of St. Basil ended as she stepped into new life.

Sister Mary Ann (Elizabeth) Vasilcheck was born in Struthers, Ohio, the daughter of John and Susan (Ondovcin) Vasilchek. She entered the Sisters of St. Basil in Uniontown on May 14, 1944 and made her Final Profession of Vows on April 4, 1954 in the presence of the late Rev. Fr. Bernardine Hvizdos, OFM.

Sister Mary Ann’s years of ministry were largely spent as a home Sister in the various parish missions staffed by the Sisters. She also enjoyed teaching religion to younger children, and several years and many of her summers were taken up with this ministry. In addition, Sister served at the Bishop’s Residence in Pittsburgh and at St. Basil’s Home in Uniontown.

Following her service at St. Basil’s Home, Sister Mary Ann retired to the monastery, where she assisted wherever she could. In addition, from 1997 until 2005, Sister Mary Ann was a faithful volunteer at Mt. Macrina Manor. As her health declined, the Manor then became her home for the remaining years of her life.

While she wanted to be remembered for her deep faith and love of prayer, the Sisters also remember Sister as an enthusiastic sports fan. Although she was from Ohio, her loyalty in sports was transferred to Pittsburgh, and many a prayer was sent for the Pittsburgh Pirates, Steelers or Penguins. When visiting her at the Manor, any mention of sports would cause her eyes to light up! Sister Mary Ann also enjoyed putting together jigsaw puzzles; as another hobby, she spent time re-purposing greeting cards into bookmarks. These found their way into the hands of her many friends and acquaintances.

Sister Mary Ann was the last surviving member of her immediate family. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sisters Mary, Helen, Susan, Delores, Ann, and Eileen, and brothers Michael, John and Edward. In addition to her members in community, she is survived by several devoted nieces and nephews.

The Parastas Service for Sister will be celebrated on Sunday, January 9 at 7:00 pm. The Funeral Divine Liturgy will be celebrated by Metropolitan Archbishop William Skurla on Monday, January 10 at 10:30 am. Interment will follow in the Dormition Section of Mount Macrina Cemetery. Donald R. Crawford Funeral Home in Hopwood is in charge of arrangements.

For the safety of all, masks are required for all those in attendance.