The Ark - February 1946 - Number 1 - Pope Pius XII and the East - From Christening to Reunion

Sep 21, 2026

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“The Ark” February 1946 issue (Number 1, Volume I) presents Catholic ecclesiastical and cultural reflections, including a bishop’s letter to the editorial staff and an editorial framing of the Catholic Church as Christ’s “Ark” preserving nations amid persecution. The issue highlights church life surrounding Eastern Rite observances, with a detailed account of the Feast of the Epiphany: fasting traditions, liturgy, hymns, and the blessing of waters, including differences between Gregorian and Julian calendar observance among Byzantine Rite Catholics. It also features coverage connecting Pope Pius XII with Eastern Christianity and historical figures.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryReligion & Spirituality

FormatPDF

Pages16

Reading Time40 min

AccessFree to download

Bishop Constantine Letter to THE ARK

Editorial: # THE ARK

Feast of the Epiphany

Pope Pius XII and the East

CONTENTSFEB61 THE CATHOLIC HISTORICAL REVIEW Pope Pius XII and the East From Christening to Reunion Liturgy Epiphany Activity in Unity Not Latins But Catholics Periodical R.R. Catholic U.of A. FEB 91946 NUMBER 1 JANUARY 1946 VOLUME I Monthly,dedicated to religious and cultural matters. Published by the Missionary Sisters of Mother of God,Stamford,Conn.Subscription:$2.00 per year;25c per copy. Address: THE A RKMissionary Sisters111 West North StreetStamford,Connecticut ishop’s hanrery ①ffire 815 NORTH FRANKLIN STREETPHILADELPHIA 23,PA. No.1936 December 11,1945. To the Editorial StaffTHE ARKStamford,Connecticut We rejoice in the new monthly publication,"The Ark,"whichis dedicated to church and national affairs.For all the Workers,the Pioneers and the Editors we wish God's blessings and endur-ing success.We urge all the Faithful of our Diocese to read thisenlightening and educational organ,"The Ark." God bless you! (Signed)+Constantine,Bishop. # THE ARK Today's world can be likened to the deluge recorded in the Scrip-tures with this difference,that at that time all was submerged in waterwhereas now humanity is immersed in its own blood and tears.Amongthe nations of the world in this condition is Ukraine,whose religiousand cultural gains are being swept along in the waves of ruin. As the living elements were saved from complete annihilation bymeans of Noe's Ark,so in our day is Christ's Ark,the Catholic Church,able to protect mankind from complete destruction.This particularArk has sailed for almost two thousand years and has weatherednumberless deluges,but has always emerged whole and strong becauseChrist Himself has kept vigil over it and continues to protect it fromforces of enmity and evil.Thus,it is that the Catholic Church is thesalvation of all nations,and it can strengthen our nation spirituallyand preserve all that which is dear to us.In it we find our defenseand protection against wicked forces,for Christ Who instituted theChurch assured it that"the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." Though the tempest of today's persecution and tragedy shakesthe entire world,especially the countries of Eastern Europe,we havestrong faith and hope that from this condition all people,observingChrist's principles,will endure this dark era valiantly.This faithgives us the courage with which to launch“The Ark”—a monthlyperiodical devoted to ecclesiastical and cultural affairs,particularlyof Eastern Rites,so that in these trying times all may share thebenefits and riches of the holy and precious treasures which the Cath-olic Church has preserved and continues to preserve. Keeping in mind those many bishops,clergy,religious and number-less laity of Byzantine Rite,who in recent times and at this hourhave proved and are proving their loyalty to the Catholic Church bymartyrdom,we dedicate this first issue of"The Ark"to them. —Editorial Staff. # Feast of the Epiphany According to old custom,strictfast is observed on the eve of theEpiphany.The evening meal is a spe-cial one called“Schedriy Vechir”inwhich twelve courses are served incommemoration of the twelve Apos-tles.In the Church Services theImperial Hours are read and the Lit-urgy of St.Basil the Great is cele-brated instead of the Liturgy of St.John Chrysostom.The evening serv-ice consists of the Grand Compline,"Velyke Povecherye."During theCompline the congregation chants aspecial hymn,“z namy Boh.” “0 Lord,at Thy baptism in the Jordan,the mystery of the Trinity was revealed!”(Tropar.) At this feast,there are two bless-ings of water:the first,on the evein Church;the second,on the dayof the feast after the Divine Liturgyunder the open sky at rivers,lakes,pools,and wells.In ancient timesthe first blessing of water was in-tended for the Catechumens whowere then baptized.The second wasinstituted later in imitation of thecustom of the Christians in Jerusa-lem in memory of the consecrationof the waters of the Jordan at the

FAQs

What is the central idea presented in the editorial for “The Ark”?

The editorial likens the Catholic Church to Christ’s Ark, arguing it protects humanity through centuries of upheaval and persecution and preserves spiritual strength for nations.

How is the Feast of the Epiphany observed in Eastern Rite tradition according to the issue?

It includes strict fasting on the eve, an evening meal called “Schedriy Vechir” with twelve courses, specific church services (Imperial Hours and St. Basil’s Liturgy), and hymns chanted during the Grand Compline.

Why do Byzantine Rite Catholics celebrate the Epiphany on different dates in the United States?

The issue explains that one group follows the Gregorian calendar on January 6, while the majority follow the Julian calendar on January 19.

Sep 21, 2026

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