Brent Kostyniuk

Feb

20

2018

Our Precious Monasteries

Both Lungs

by Brent Kostyniuk When the pioneer settlers came to the Prairies, they brought with them precious possessions that would remind them of the lives they had left behind; keepsakes that would help see them through the challenges and hardships that would be inevitable in the new land. While material goods were essential, they also brought with them a more valuable intangible possession—their faith. Settling on homesteads in the vast wilderness, the pioneers had little to support their efforts to build new homes and raise children. Neighbours were few and far between, stores and doctors often dozens of miles away. Yet…

Jan

18

2018

By Brent Kostyniuk

Sharing Jordan

Both Lungsepiphany, theophany

by Brent Kostyniuk Today the darkness of the world vanishes with the appearance of our God. Today the celestials celebrate with the terrestrials, and the terrestrials commune with the celestials. The Great Service for the Sanctification of the Water Christians both East and West are united in their celebration of feast days, or holy days, which commemorate significant events in our salvation history. Christmas and Easter are universally recognized as momentous events in re-establishing our relationship with God. Perhaps equally significant is the feast celebrated January 6. Although the moment chosen to celebrate differs between East and West as does…

Dec

04

2017

By Brent Kostyniuk

Holodomor

Both Lungs, News

by Brent Kostyniuk During 1932 and 1933, an estimated seven to ten million people starved to death in Soviet controlled Ukraine because of a man-made famine, the Holodomor—death by starvation—even though the country was producing bumper crops of grain. Recently, 340 elementary children at St. Theresa of Calcutta Catholic School in Edmonton gathered for a Memorial Divine Liturgy to honour victims of the Holodomor. The Liturgy was celebrated by Edmonton Eparchial Bishop David Motiuk along with Edmonton Catholic Schools Chaplain, Fr. Julian Bilyj. Bishop David's Words In speaking to the children, Bishop David explained this little known atrocity. “Imagine living…

Nov

13

2017

By Brent Kostyniuk

Obedience

Both LungsFr. Greg Faryna, Obedience, pastoral ministry

The Holy Spirit often calls us to the unexpected. We pray that we’re attentive to the call and respond in faith. by Brent Kostyniuk Most of us like to lead fairly settled lives. We have our homes, our jobs, and the routines which bring us, if not happiness, at least comfort. When life brings us changes, it is usually because we have instigated them; a promotion we have been working towards, time off for a long-sought holiday, or perhaps the birth of a child for which we have been longing. There is, however, a group of people for whom life’s…

Oct

17

2017

By Brent Kostyniuk

Protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Both Lungs

by Brent Kostyniuk The notion of Both Lungs is about understanding each other, sharing, and learning. Although we are distinctly East and West, each with our own expressions of worship and theology, there is far more which unites us than separates us. One area of commonality is feast days and devotions. Many saints are recognized in both the East and West. St. Nicholas immediately comes to mind. Most notably, however, we all show our devotion to the Mother of God. In both East and West, the months of May and October are set aside on her honour. In the West,…

Jul

01

2017

By Brent Kostyniuk

Unity 2017

Both Lungs

by Brent Kostyniuk Most Catholics will be well aware of World Youth Day (WYD), a gathering of young people which takes place in a different country every three years. A much more accessible event, Unity, is sponsored annually by the Ukrainian Catholic Church in Canada. This year, Unity will take place from August 17 to 20 at St. Peter’s Abbey in Muenster Saskatchewan. Sarah Buchko, Youth and Young Adult Minister for the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Saskatoon, explains the significance of Unity 2017 for Ukrainian Catholic young people. “Unity is not only a reunion gathering for young adults who may…

May

19

2017

By Brent Kostyniuk

Breathing Through Both Lungs

Both Lungs

by Brent Kostyniuk On numerous occasions, St. John Paul II exhorted all Catholics, and indeed all Christians, to appreciate that the Church had to breathe through both lungs—East and West. The message was so important to him that the Pontiff issued the Apostolic Letter Orientale Lumen [The Light of the East]. With a sense of the historic, the Letter coincided with the hundredth anniversary of Orientalium Dignitas [On the Churches of the East] issued by Pope Leo XIII in November 1894. Both popes hoped that knowledge would lead to understanding, which in turn, would lead to greater cooperation and even…

Apr

11

2017

By Brent Kostyniuk

The Risen Christ

Both Lungs

by Brent Kostyniuk When our daughter Victoria was quite young, one of her favourite Bible stories was that of Jesus roasting fish by the shore of a lake and calling Peter over to join him. It remains one of my favourite images of the Risen Christ. It is a very comforting image. Jesus has returned through the Resurrection and wants to share a meal with His friend. Although He can enjoy a piece of fresh caught tilapia, He can also pass through walls as if they didn’t exist. Is this what heaven will be like? A very different image of…

Mar

29

2017

By Brent Kostyniuk

Royal Doors

Both Lungs

by Brent Kostyniuk One of the most distinctive features of the interior of a Byzantine church is its iconostasis, a richly decorated icon screen which establishes the altar area. Far from being a wall which isolates the nave from the sanctuary, theologically the iconostasis actually serves to bring the two together. In Byzantine theology, the sanctuary is believed to be heaven placed on earth. It is the Holy of Holies. In this way, events which are part of the spiritual realm are made available to those on earth. This may be likened to the great Temple in Jerusalem. The holiest…

Mar

11

2017

By Brent Kostyniuk

Anointing of the Sick

Both Lungs

by Brent Kostyniuk While Jesus lived on earth, one of His great ministries was healing the sick. The Gospels are filled with accounts of these miracles which teach us of His merciful love and compassion. So often, however, physical healing was linked to spiritual healing. Indeed, His primary concern was the salvation of souls. Jesus’ mission of healing was carried on by the Apostles and remains with us today in the Holy Mystery (Sacrament) of Anointing of the Sick. Like the miracles of Jesus, it can bring both physical and spiritual healing. The Holy Mystery of Anointing may be traced…