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Why does Christmas resonate with so many people, even non-Christians?  Why are there carols and songs about it, the giving of gifts, and the warm feelings and emotions it evokes at this time of year?  Why Christmas?

Christmas celebrates a vulnerable, homeless child, born of a young, vulnerable, yet faith-filled woman, into a very poor and precarious situation.  Christmas celebrates the faith of the magi that the star they followed would lead them to something special; the faith of the shepherds, who heard the music of the angels and followed; the faith of Mary and Joseph, who trusted in God, and protected their child against forces determined to kill him.

Christmas celebrates the triumph of vulnerability and humility over the forces of evil. Everyone in the story of Christmas is vulnerable, yet through humility and faith, they play their part in the history of our salvation.

Mary, a betrothed yet unwed mother, is vulnerable to the law, her family, and society’s derision. Joseph, who has no idea what is going on but wants to protect Mary from the law, would have divorced her privately, were it not for a dream. This would have left Mary to raise Jesus on her own and with no husband, would have rendered her a homeless beggar.

The magi, who went to Herod when they saw the star and realized they should not return to him, became vulnerable to his wrath.

I think Christmas resonates with us so much because it also taps into our vulnerability and humility. There is a unique joy and kindness at this time of year that is not as obvious at other times of year. I think it’s because Christmas reminds us of just how vulnerable we all are. Thanks to our humility and faith, we recognize that there is One, and only One, so much greater than ourselves, who is Love Incarnate.

The Sisters of St. Basil the Great wish you, from our home at Mt. St. Macrina to your home, a most blessed Christmas Season and a happy and healthy new year.

God is With Us!

Sr. Susan Sisko & the Sisters of St. Basil

Glory to Jesus Christ!

Dear Friends,

Sixty years ago, Julie Andrews strode through the Austrian Alps singing, “The hills are alive with the sound of music.”   Today, we sisters sing: “The Mount is alive with the sound of Pilgrims.”

What an amazing Pilgrimage! Your prayers, presence, and magnificent singing filled Mt. St. Macrina once again and will fuel its engine until Labor Day weekend next year.

You traveled from near and far via plane, car, camper, or perhaps via computer.  However you experienced this year’s Otpust, we hope and pray that you came away from our 90^th Pilgrimage with a renewed heart and spirit and that Our Lord and His Mother, Our Lady of Perpetual Help, give you the comfort and strength needed for the coming year.

Thank you for your participation, your prayers, and your support.  We cannot begin to express what your presence means to the Sisters who call Mt. St. Macrina our home.

As we remove the tents, store the benches, and take stock of everything else, we can’t help but feel the anticipation for the 91^st Pilgrimage, which will be here before we know it. We’ll be waiting for you!

May the Theotokos, Our Mother, walk with you every step of the journey, and may She be your ever-present Intercessor before the throne of her Son.

Gratefully in the Lord,

Sister Susan Sisko, OSBM
Provincial

Reunions are quite common: family reunions, high school class reunions, unexpected meetings with someone from one’s past, college homecoming weekends, and so on.  When we gather at the Shrine of Our Lady of Perpetual Help at Mt. St. Macrina over the Labor Day weekend this year for the 90th Pilgrimage, it can be said that this, too, is a time of reunion.

On the obvious level, many of the people who have come have not seen each other since the last Pilgrimage.  For them it is a time of renewing a friendship or of deepening an acquaintance, a sharing of the happenings in their lives since they last met.  In the very early days of the Pilgrimage, many Pilgrims were immigrants not so long removed from their European homes.  For them it truly was a reunion with family members who had settled in different, even distant, parts of America.  Tears and emotion often were the norm as they prepared to board their buses to return home knowing they would not see each other until the next Pilgrimage.

Today, when technology can keep us together in close contact, there is still the joy and excitement of once again actually spending time with those who are usually only with us at this special event, our Pilgrimage.

Of course, by our prayer and our presence, we can become more reunited too with Our Lord and His Mother in a deeper way.  Receiving the mysteries of Reconciliation and the Eucharist, participating in the prayer of the Divine Liturgies and other services, spending time in private prayer, visiting the Shrine and the other shrines, and even holding a candle while walking in procession or by watching it go by can strengthen and help us to grow in our relationships with them.

Every Pilgrimage is a special event with unique blessings.  That this Pilgrimage this year is the 90th one gives us consideration of the number beyond counting of everyone: Bishops, Priests, Deacons, Religious, and Laity who, over that span of time walked these grounds, prayed, sang, and were blessed to be there united and reunited with each other just as we will be.  Please come to share the blessings that you and your presence bring.

Less than two short months after celebrating her Diamond Jubilee of religious life, Sister Theodosia (Mary) Alishofski entered eternity to celebrate her new life in the Kingdom. Sister had been a resident at Mt. Macrina Manor since 2021. Very early in the morning on July 10, 2024, it was from there that the Lord called her to Himself.

Sister Theodosia was born in Freeland, PA, the daughter of the late William and Mary (Condrick) Alishofski. She entered the community from St. Mary’s Byzantine Catholic Church in Freeland, PA, on September 13, 1949, and made her Final Profession of Vows on August 29, 1954.

In active educational ministry from 1951 through 2005, Sister was a teacher and principal in parish schools in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Ohio, and Connecticut. When St. Mary’s School in Wilkes-Barre closed, she stayed on to serve in parish ministry and in catechesis.

Sister Theodosia was a gifted artist, and her earlier works were scenes of nature. As time passed, Sister became interested in iconography, and she pursued this calling by attending icon workshops and retreats during the summer. Her icons of the Feasts of the Liturgical Year adorn the walls on the way to the Chapel.  In addition, a large icon of the Holy Trinity is fixed on the back wall of the Monastery Chapel. Thus, Sister’s talents continue to bless us.

While a resident at Mt. Macrina Manor, Sister Theodosia was faithful in keeping in touch by mail or phone with family, relatives, former students, and friends. With over sixty years of contact in her ministry, this was no little feat. It brought her as much joy to share this ministry with so many.

Sister Theodosia was preceded in death by her parents and her brothers Joseph, William, and Msgr. Nicholas. In addition to the members of her community, she is survived by several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Relatives and friends will be received at the Monastery on Sunday, July 14, from 3:30 p.m. to the time of the Parastas at 6:30 p.m. The Funeral Divine Liturgy will be celebrated by Very Rev. Andrew Deskevich, Protosyncellus, and Rev. Jerome G. Botsko, Monastery Chaplain, on Monday, July 15, at 10:30 a.m. Interment will follow in the Dormition Section of Mt. Macrina Cemetery. Donald R. Crawford Funeral Home in Hopwood is in charge of arrangements.

This year, the Sisters of St. Basil had a signature celebration on Pentecost Sunday, joyfully commemorating the 75th Jubilee of Sister Theodosia Alishofski, Sister Theresa Bavol, and Sister Petronilla Puhak.

Like many who came before them, Sister Theodosia, Sister Theresa, and Sister Petronilla served as teachers in the parish schools for most of their lives in the community.

Sister Theodosia Alishofski, OSBM

Sister Theodosia came to the community from St. Mary’s in Freeland, Pennsylvania. For over 50 years, she was a teacher and principal in many schools staffed by the Sisters of St. Basil. Because of her many years in ministry, many of those to whom she ministered continue to keep in touch with her. She responds faithfully to those who do.

A talented artist, Sister Theodosia studied iconography, and several of the icons she created adorn the monastery chapel and corridors.

Sister Theodosia most recently served in parish ministry in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, and surrounding parishes. While visiting the sick was the primary focus of this ministry, Sister was also involved in catechetical ministry in the parish.

Sister Theresa Bavol, OSBM

Sister Theresa entered the community from St. Mary’s in Trenton, New Jersey. She also was in the teaching ministry in the parish schools of the Metropolia for over fifty years, mostly teaching the primary and lower elementary grades. She also served in parish ministry in her home parish of St. Mary’s and at St. Therese in St. Petersburg, FL. Sister Theresa also brought her artistic talents to bear in teaching art to her students in Florida. Her unique gifts are always in demand for community celebrations.

Upon arrival at the Monastery, Sr. Theresa quickly used her talents and presence to serve the residents of Mount Macrina Manor through Pastoral Ministry.

Sister Petronilla Puhak, OSBM

Sister Petronilla entered the community from St. John’s in Hazleton, PA. Like those of her group, she was also engaged in the teaching ministry for almost 50 years. Sister Petronilla was especially gifted in teaching in the primary grades, and this age group was the focus of her ministry for most of her teaching experience.

After retiring from teaching, Sister offered her time and energy to those at the opposite end of the age spectrum, the infirm and elderly at Mt. Macrina Manor. In the pastoral ministry department, her thoughtfulness and gentle spirit brought light and joy to those she served.

Each of the Sisters has brought a diversity of gifts and talents to the Province and enriched it in her own unique way. May God grant each of them many more spiritually fruitful years in His service.

Metropolitan Archbishop William Skurla celebrated the Divine Liturgy and joined the community at a festive dinner. Sister Susan Sisko, Provincial, congratulated and thanked the Sisters for their many years of service and dedication.

Eager to complete her life’s journey, Sister Agnes Herbenick (formerly Sister Stephen) was welcomed home by the Lord on Saturday afternoon, March 2, 2024, at Mt. Macrina Manor.   The Manor was the last place of Sister’s active ministry, and it was from there that she took the final steps into God’s Kingdom.  Her passing is felt deeply by all staff and residents alike, to whom she ministered as the pastoral care director for several years with great love and fidelity.

Sister Agnes was born in Lyndora, PA, the daughter of the late John and Mary (Katana) Herbenick. She entered the Sisters of St. Basil from St. John’s Byzantine Catholic Church in Lyndora, PA on October 1, 1958, and made her Final Profession of Vows on August 22, 1964.

As a Sister of St. Basil Sister Agnes devoted 50 years of her life to the education ministry. It was a ministry that she enjoyed, and this was evident in the energy and good humor she brought to her students.

Throughout these 50 years of teaching, Sister Agnes ministered in the eparchies of Pittsburgh, Parma, and Passaic with a joy and bright spirit that was evident.

As it became apparent that the Lord would soon call her home, she had the opportunity to speak with a few family members. To one in particular, whose tears were apparent, she said, “Please don’t cry; this is what I’ve been waiting for my whole life. “Even through the journey of death, Sister Agnes continues to teach all of us, and to model a grace and gentle spirit that was characteristics of her life as a Sister of St. Basil.

Sister Agnes loved to laugh and found humor in the most mundane things. She had a love of life, a love of her community, and a love for her family. As one of fourteen children, she had many nieces and nephews and grandnieces and nephews. She faithfully acknowledged birthdays, holidays, and celebrations throughout the year. She kept in touch with so many, and even as she became weaker, she desired to stay in touch via a greeting card or text. She loved her family very much, and they loved her.

Sister Agnes was preceded in death by her parents and her many siblings: John, Michael, Stephen, William, Joseph, George, Paul, Frank, Mary Stanko, Margaret, Ann, Helen Villani, and Andrew. In addition to the members of her community, she is survived by many devoted nieces, nephews, and their children.

Relatives and friends will be received at the Monastery on Monday, March 4, from 3:30 pm to the time of the Parastas Service at 6:30 pm. Metropolitan Archbishop William Skurla will celebrate the Funeral Divine Liturgy on Tuesday, March 5 at 10:30 am in the Monastery Chapel.

Interment will follow in the Dormition Section of Mount Macrina Cemetery.

Donald R. Crawford Funeral Home in Hopwood is in charge of arrangements.

Celebrities and other folks are interviewed yearly regarding their Christmas memories and are often asked: What does Christmas mean to you?

Almost all will answer that Christmas is about family, getting together, sitting around the Christmas tree, opening gifts, catching up with loved ones, etc.

While all these things are laudable by-products of Christmas, as we know, their comments are missing the mark.

Christmas is not about family, getting together, sharing stories, catching up with loved ones, etc.

Christmas is about one thing, and one thing only:  The Son of God deigned to be born in a cave in Bethlehem for our salvation.  Jesus, Incarnate Word of God, took flesh, so that we might have life eternal.

Why doesn’t anyone ever say that when they are interviewed?   I often wonder this; some speculate it’s because they think faith is a “private” matter that folks don’t want to discuss.  Yet, after a win, how many sports figures are first to thank their Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, for a victory?  There is nothing “private” about the fact that Jesus Christ, Incarnate Son of God, was born of Mary, lived on earth, died, and rose from the dead to save every single person, past, present, and future.  It’s a pretty public thing.

As a nation, are we completely buying into the secularization and commercialization of Christmas?   Are we evolving into the belief (which merchants want us to believe) that the Christmas Season actually ends on Christmas Day because they then turn their sites to Valentine’s Day, another lucrative date on their calendar, rather than the reality that the Christmas Season begins on Christmas Day and is celebrated throughout January?

I challenge you this upcoming Christmas Season to remind yourselves, and all those around you, of what Christmas really means, to embrace and celebrate this joyous Season and proclaim it loud and proud by your words and actions.

God is With Us!  S’nami Boh!

Sister Susan Sisko, OSBM
Provincial
Sisters of St. Basil the Great

Patiently waiting for the Lord Jesus to call her home, Sister Josetta (Angela) Kriss quietly fell asleep in the Lord on Saturday morning, November 18, 2023, at Mt. Macrina Manor. She awoke from her life’s journey to be welcomed to her new home in the Kingdom.

Sister Josetta was born in Canonsburg, PA, the daughter of the late Charles and Susan (Hoady) Kriss. She entered the community from St. Michael’s Byzantine Catholic Church in Canonsburg, PA on September 15, 1956, and made her Final Profession of Vows on August 26, 1962.

From 1960 to 1995, Sister Josetta’s years of ministry were devoted to educating children both as a teacher and principal in the schools of the Archeparchy and of the Eparchies of Passaic and Parma. In 1994, she was elected to the Provincial Council, and in 1996, she was appointed the Province Treasurer.

Upon completion of her term of office, Sister Josetta was reappointed as Province Treasurer, a position

she held until her appointment as manager of the Byzantine Seminary Press. Sister Josetta returned to the monastery in 2010 willingly helping at the Gift Shop or in the Card Shop Ministry. Due to a decline in health, Sister Josetta spent several peaceful years at the Manor. Her gentle spirit and gracious manner marked her time at the Manor to all who cared for her or came to visit.

In her personal file, Sister Josetta noted that she simply wanted to be remembered as a Sister of St. Basil. This simple wish encompasses all Sister Josetta was and all she held dear. Among the gifts she possessed and used as a Sister of St. Basil was her love of music. Sister cherished her heritage of liturgical music from her father who was a cantor for many years.  This became an important aspect of her teaching ministry. In several schools, Sister Josetta established a children’s choir to sing at the Divine Liturgy and other events. In the monastery, she also took her turn as Cantor for the liturgical services.

At her Golden Jubilee celebration, Sister Josetta expressed feelings of being truly blessed for her years as a Sister of St. Basil.  She was quick to express her warmest gratitude and prayers for all those who have loved and supported her along the way.

Sister Josetta was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Carol, and an infant sister Anna Helen. In addition to the members of her community, she is survived by her devoted sister Margaret V. Popp and cousins Donna Szott and Robert Kriss.

Relatives and friends will be received at the Monastery on Friday, November 24, from 3:30 pm to the time of the Parastas Service at 7:00 pm. The Funeral Divine Liturgy will be celebrated by Metropolitan Archbishop William Skurla on Saturday, November 25 at 10:30 am. in the Monastery Chapel

Interment will follow in the Dormition Section of Mount Macrina Cemetery.

Donald R. Crawford Funeral Home in Hopwood is in charge of arrangements.

*  Due to the rise of COVID-19 and flu in the area, masks are suggested for those in attendance.

“Christ plays in ten thousand places, lovely in limbs, and lovely in eyes not his.” This verse from a poem by Gerard Manly Hopkins is a celebration of God’s presence in all things, stating how everything is a reflection of God’s glory. It fittingly describes our quartet of Jubilarians. In their 60 years as Sisters of St. Basil, they have reflected God’s presence to countless people whose lives intersected with theirs.

Our Jubilarians continue to reflect God’s glory as consecrated women being a praying, healing, and life-giving presence wherever they are. Each one is active, enthusiastic, and committed to the ministry and the people she serves.

Father Jerome Botsko, Monastery Chaplain, conveyed this in his homily at the Thanksgiving Divine Liturgy for the Jubilarians. The Gospel reading of the Parable of the Sower in which the seed is the Word of God lent itself to a description of their lives. They represent the good soil in their faithfulness to their vocations. Over the span of their religious lives, they have produced abundant fruit for God’s Kingdom. We congratulate them and give thanks to God for them. Their accomplishments are briefly described below.

Sister Margaret Ann Andrako’s ministry journey has taken her to parish schools, to Religious Education in the Archeparchy and Passaic Eparchy, to organizational work in the Van Nuys (Phoenix) Eparchy, to director of the House of Prayer, as an administrative assistant at Byzantine Catholic Seminary and then at Central Catholic High School in Pittsburgh, Pa. For two different terms, in 1990 and in 2015, she was Assistant Provincial. In 2021, Sister Margaret Ann accepted a position in the Diocese of Erie as the administrative assistant for the Office of Religious and for St. Mark’s Seminary where she currently serves.

Sister Sylvia Burnett’s ministry likewise took her to parish schools, then to retreat work and spiritual direction at Mount St. Macrina, the Jesuit Retreat Center in Clinton, OH, and at Ecclesia Center in Girard, PA. She also worked on research, planning and development for the Community, served as motherhouse director, and Councilor and director of grounds and facilities.  Sister Sylvia continues to unravel the mysteries of broken marriages in her tribunal work for the Erie Diocese where she has served since 2007 as an auditor in the diocesan tribunal.

Sister Susan Harvey devoted 29 years in the parochial elementary schools around the Metropolia serving as teacher and principal. She taught at nearly every grade level from first through eighth. Following her years in the education apostolate, Sister Susan went on to serve in Pastoral Ministry and as assistant director for the Office of Religious Education for the Parma Eparchy. Returning to the education ministry, Sister Susan served on the staff of the newly organized school at St. Gabriel’s Parish in Las Vegas, Nevada.  In 2014, Sister returned to the monastery, where she took on the position of Director of Associates while assisting with the Cemetery Ministry and the Card Shop, and various other ministries at the monastery.

Following her initial ministry as a teacher, Sister Barbara Jean Mihalchick moved on to retreat work and spiritual direction at the Retreat Center.  In 1989, Sister Barbara Jean was elected to the position of Vicar General in the General Administration of the Order in Rome, Italy. During this time, Sister traveled to all parts of the Order, but especially to Eastern Europe where Sisters were re-structuring public religious life and ministries. There Sister offered on-going formation sessions with the young professed Sisters. Sister Barbara Jean returned from Rome in 2001. Following a sabbatical year, she joined the House of Prayer staff at Mount St. Macrina where she currently serves as program director and Vocation Director for the Province. Presently, Sister is in her second term as a member of the Provincial Council.

One gift that is not listed above is the gift of listening. For a combined 240 years of religious life, each Sister has listened, empathized, sympathized or just was present as a “reflection of God’s glory.” That might just be the greatest gift they gave and keep giving to the world.

No Basilian celebration is complete without a special meal. At the festive dinner afterward, Sister Susan Sisko, Provincial, and all the Sisters offered their warm congratulations to the Jubilarians. May God grant them many more happy, blessed, and spiritually fruitful, years!