News & Reflections

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

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.

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.

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.

As we approach the time of the 89^th Pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Perpetual Help at Mt. St. Macrina in Uniontown, preparations there intensify.  This biggest and oldest Pilgrimage of its kind of our Church in America continues to be a phenomenon of God’s grace.

Blessings beyond counting abound here. It is a few days for spiritual refreshment – a time away from the cares, concerns, and responsibilities which can crowd our daily lives.  We have an opportunity to pray, either privately or with others at the soul-stirring liturgical services.  The blessing to receive the mysteries of Eucharist and Reconciliation awaits us.

As we appreciate the exceptional beauty of Our Lady in her Shrine indoors, we also enjoy the outdoor natural loveliness: the grounds, the flowers, and the trees of Mt. St, Macrina.  With the gift of His Mother to us, and with the wonder of this part of our world surrounding us, we gratefully acknowledge the blessings from Our Heavenly Father that are ours.

The perspective that Pilgrimage brings can be an awareness of our Church. With the Pilgrims coming from near and far, we can realize that along with our beloved parish churches, we are blessed to belong to the Archeparchy, an Eparchy or an Exarchate (Toronto, Canada), which together comprise the Byzantine Catholic (Ruthenian) Metropolitan Church of Pittsburgh.

The blessing of gathering with our Archbishop, Bishops, Clergy, Religious, Seminarians, Cantors, and each other can never be minimized.  Here together we meet, pray, sing, talk, share, renew acquaintances, and make new friends.

Another grace that endures is the memory of Pilgrimages past.  Perhaps we hold dear and picture a loved one who came with us and who is no longer here.  Maybe we remember fondly the days when we could participate differently – when walking up the hill was not a chore or what it meant to circle the paths in the candlelight processions.

We are thankful for the blessing of our Archbishop, Bishops, and Priests – without whom there would be no Pilgrimage; the blessing of our deacons, seminarians, and cantors; the blessing of the Sisters who joyfully welcome you; the blessing of their staff and volunteers who graciously worked very hard to get ready for your coming, and who give their hours and effort during the Pilgrimage and afterward;  the blessing of those who sacrifice time and travel to be here; the blessing of those who come every year or when they can;  the blessing of first time Pilgrims; the blessing of parents who bring their families; the blessing of those who come alone; the blessing of babies and young children; the blessing of teens and youth, the blessing of the aged and those of all ages: Great Blessings All!

When you come to the Pilgrimage, you will receive many blessings. But please remember, you too are a blessing to be shared.  We await your coming, your presence, and the blessings you bring.