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“We Implore, Pray, and Entreat You: Send Down Your Holy Spirit Upon Us…”
Christ is Risen!
My beloved brothers and sisters in Christ,
Every Divine Liturgy leads us toward one of the most profound moments in the life of the Church. Standing before the Holy Gifts, the celebrant prays:
“Moreover, we offer You this spiritual and unbloody sacrifice, and we implore, pray, and entreat You: send down Your Holy Spirit upon us and upon these Gifts here offered…”
These sacred words reveal something essential about the Christian life: the Church lives in constant expectation of the Holy Spirit. The entire Paschal season prepares us for this divine outpouring.
On the evening of Pascha, the risen Christ breathes upon His disciples and says: “Receive the Holy Spirit.” Resurrection and Pentecost are inseparable. Pascha opens heaven; Pentecost fills the human heart with the life of heaven.
Each Sunday of the Paschal season prepares us for this gift.
Thomas Sunday teaches that Resurrection faith is born through encounter with the Risen Christ. The Holy Spirit descends upon hearts that seek Him, touch His wounds, and surrender to Him.
The Sunday of the Myrrh-Bearing Women reveals that the Spirit is given to those who love boldly and serve faithfully.
The Sunday of the Paralytic proclaims that Resurrection faith heals what is paralyzed within us and raises us into a community where the wounded are not abandoned and the dead are not forgotten.
At Mid-Pentecost, Christ cries out that He alone can quench humanity’s deepest thirst. The Sunday of the Samaritan Woman continues this mystery at Jacob’s well, where Christ encounters a heart searching for fulfilment. Humanity stands beside the wells of this world thirsting for the living water of the Holy Spirit.
Finally, the Sunday of the Man Born Blind reveals the fruit of illumination. The blind man washes and returns seeing. The Resurrection gives us new eyes. After receiving Holy Communion in the Divine Liturgy, we proclaim:
“We have seen the true Light;
we have received the heavenly Spirit;
we have found the true faith,
and we worship the undivided Trinity,
for the Trinity has saved us.”
These words beautifully summarize the entire Paschal journey: the Resurrection opens our eyes to the presence of the Risen Christ. The Holy Spirit teaches us to recognize Him, to worship Him, and to carry His life into the world.
The great spiritual danger is to lose our thirst for God. The world constantly offers temporary satisfactions, yet the human heart remains restless until it is filled with the living streams of the Holy Spirit. For this reason, the Church continually calls us back to the well: “Send down Your Holy Spirit upon us…”
As we draw near the feast of Pentecost, let us implore the Lord that through the descent of the Holy Spirit our eparchy, our parishes, our families, and our hearts may be transformed into living witnesses of the Risen Christ.
This Sunday, we also joyfully sing praises to our beloved Mothers: “Happy Mother’s Day!”
Dear Mothers, you are entrusted with the precious mission of giving life and forming hearts capable of recognizing Christ. Through sacrifice, tenderness, perseverance, and faith, you become radiant witnesses of Resurrection hope within the family and the world. Christian motherhood is deeply missionary: it teaches children to see the true Light, to thirst for God, and to carry the joy of the Risen Christ into the future.
On this joyful Mother’s Day, I extend my heartfelt gratitude and Paschal greetings to all mothers throughout our Eparchy. Thank you for your faithful witness, your quiet strength, your prayers, and your life-giving love. In countless hidden ways, you proclaim the Resurrection each day.
I entrust each of you to the loving protection of Our Lady, Helper of Mothers, who received the Word into her heart, stood faithfully beneath the Cross, and rejoiced in the light of the Resurrection.
May the Risen Christ bless all mothers abundantly with peace, joy, spiritual strength, and the living fire of the Holy Spirit.
With my episcopal blessing,
✠ Artur
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| Sangre De Cristo FNE Group Celebrates 10th Anniversary | | Ten years ago in April, parishioner Jose Salazar and a handful of dedicated families at Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Albuquerque, New Mexico formed Sangre de Cristo, the first group of the Federation of North American Explorers (FNE) to be established in New Mexico. FNE is a is a Catholic youth movement in the scouting tradition and is formally recognized by the Holy See as a Catholic lay movement. The Sangre de Cristo group in Albuquerque has grown into a living Catholic brotherhood and sisterhood rooted in faith, friendship, service, and adventure. | | Sangre de Cristo founder Jose Salazar with Bishop Artur. | | At the time of the group’s founding, Fr. Artur Bubnevych was appointed as Religious Advisor, and together the families began a beautiful journey. Their desire was simple but powerful: to form boys and girls in an authentic Catholic spirit, to strengthen parish families, and to help young people discover the joy of following Christ through prayer, service, responsibility, and love for God’s creation. | | Early gathering with then-Father Artur, Religious Advisor to the Albuquerque Explorers Group. | | The group was formally installed in April 2016, and ten years later, the Sangre de Cristo Explorers gathered to give thanks for all that God has done. The anniversary was marked with a joyful dinner and dance, where families reflected on the many blessings of the past decade and looked with hope toward the future of this growing group. The celebration was made especially memorable by the presence of Founder and Canadian General Commissioner Paul “Gray Wolf” Ritchi and Bishop Artur “Friendly Shark” Bubnevych. | | Albuquerque Sangre de Cristo Explorers on one of many camping trips. | | The Federation of North American Explorers is part of a larger international Catholic lay apostolate, the UIGSE-FSE, which serves young people and families in 27 countries, including the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Its method of education is rooted in the pedagogy of Venerable Father Jacques Sevin and Lord Baden-Powell, forming the whole person through faith, character, responsibility, friendship, service, and love for the outdoors. As Paul Ritchi, General Commissioner and Founder, beautifully expresses it: “Our mission is a bold one: to help all our members become everyday saints and through them to bring God’s joy and peace to the families and communities of North America. We do this through camping, playing, cooking, the outdoors, helping others along with a deep sense of brotherhood or sisterhood.” | | At the FNE 2024 Summer Camp, Grand Canyon AZ. | | This mission has become alive in Albuquerque. Through camping, hiking, cooking, prayer, games, service projects, and shared parish life, the Sangre de Cristo Explorers have helped young people grow in confidence, virtue, faith, and joyful discipleship. The group also respects the different needs of boys and girls, with women leaders guiding the girls and men leaders guiding the boys. The youngest members begin as Otters, ages 5 - 7, followed by Timberwolves, ages 8–11. The Explorers, ages 12–16, continue the journey with deeper formation and responsibility, while the Wayfarers, ages 17 and older, are invited to mature in leadership and service. Each stage is carefully designed for the needs of that age group, following a proven Catholic method of formation that has been handed down for more than 100 years. | | Our Lady of Perpetual Help parishioner and Explorer Michael Wells leads activities. | | In this Paschal season, as we rejoice in the victory of the Risen Christ, we also give thanks for the gift of this living apostolate in our parish and eparchy. The Sangre de Cristo Explorers remind us that the Christian life is truly an adventure: a journey of faith, courage, brotherhood, sisterhood, and mission. May the Risen Lord continue to bless this group, its leaders, its families, and all the young people who are learning to become “everyday saints” for the life of the Church and the world. | | Celebration of Thomas Sunday at OLPH in Albuquerque | |
To mark the occasion of the Albuquerque Sangre de Cristo anniversary, Bishop Artur enjoyed a homecoming visit to Our Lady of Perpetual Help in order to celebrate with his former parish and Sangre de Cristo. He celebrated the Divine Liturgy on Thomas Sunday, and despite the best efforts of Father Joshua Johnson to rally the parish, Bishop Artur remained undefeated in traditional post-liturgy watergun fights.
In the parish bulletin, Father Joshua did his best to prepare the kids for the fight they knew was coming:
| | Father Joshua and Bishop Artur on Thomas Sunday at Our Lady of Perpetual Help. | The Episcopal Soaker was revealed at the end of liturgy, as was rumored. | | At first, the youngest parishioners scored an early victory, catching Bishop Artur by surprise. | | Their advantage was short-lived, and Bishop Artur remains undefeated in post-liturgical watergun battles. | | ByzanTEEN Rally Deadline Is Almost Here | |
Registration ends on May 15 for next Byzantine Youth Rally on July 9-12, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. If you have an interested teen, click here for details click here for details.
The Byzantine Youth Rally provides Eastern Catholic faith formation and fraternity for all teens (ages 13-18) growing up in the Byzantine Catholic tradition. Together with their peers, youth actively engage in living, growing in, and promoting the Byzantine Catholic tradition.
So far 20-30 teens from across our eparchy are planning on attending.
Please let your parish priest know if you have teens interested in going, financial help is available to those in need of assistance to attend.
| Outreach in Hawaii Receives Two Newest Members | Earlier this past month, Bishop Artur visited the Honomu Byzantine Catholic Outreach on the Big Island in Hawaii. The Outreach is served by Fr. William Tulua and Deacon Jerome Bettencourt, of the Diocese of Honolulu, providing liturgical and other sacraments to the faithful of our Byzantine Catholic Outreach. Among Bishop Artur's liturgical celebrations during his visit was the baptism of the two newest members of the Outreach, Eliana and Jonah. | The servant of God Jonah is churched in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. | | Baby Jonah being is anointed with the oil of gladness before baptism. | | "All you who have been baptized into Christ have been clothed in Christ. Alleluia!" | | "The seal of the gift of the Holy Spirit. Amen" | Jonah receives the Holy Eucharist, joining in the life of the Body of Christ. | Deacon Jerome Bettencourt assists with the Divine Liturgy at the Honomu Outreach. | | Baby Illiana is anointed before her baptism. | | Iliana is baptized into Christ and numbered among His faithful, as Jonah watches on. | | Iliana partakes of the Holy Eucharist and receives the blessing of life everlasting. | | Iliana and Jonah have been clothed in Christ, pictured with family and godparents. | | The Honomu Byzantine Catholic Outreach, with Bishop Artur, Father Tulua, Deacon Jerome, and the faithful. | | Christ the Catechist Retreat July 31 - Aug 2 | | If you are an ECF coordinator or teacher at your parish, save the date for our Christ the Catechist retreat at Saint Stephen Cathedral in Phoenix, AZ. | | |
A weekend of renewal will be offered for all ECF coordinators and teachers in the eparchy, including:
- Fellowship and time for prayer
- Conversations of strengths and challenges
- How to present Bible Study programs
- Catechist Certification Program
- more!
The weekend begins at 5 pm on Friday, July 31 with dinner and concludes with a Hierarchical Divine Liturgy with Bishop Artur on Sunday at 10 am at the Cathedral.
Click here for a schedule and how to register at your parish to attend.
Registrations are due by June 15.
| | Bishop's Appeal Update - Almost There!! | | |
As of May 6, 2026 we are 86% to reaching our goal of $300,000. The Appeal ends on May 31.
Your generosity directly supports the essential work of our eparchy, including:
• Youth and young adult ministry
• Eastern Christian formation and Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
• Communication and evangelization
• Retreats and spiritual renewal
• Seminarian education and fostering new vocations
• Strengthening parishes and supporting the eparchial services that serve them
Read more about the Bishop's Appeal.
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2025 Eparchy of Phoenix Financial Report Released | | |
An introduction from Bishop Artur:
Christ Is Risen! Indeed He is Risen!
I am pleased to announce the release of the 2025 Eparchy of Phoenix Financial Report: A Shared Commitment to Proclaim the Gospel, prepared by the Department of Stewardship and Fiscal Services. This report offers a transparent overview of the financial health, priorities, and stewardship of our missionary eparchy.
This marks an important step in our ongoing commitment to accountability, transparency, and shared responsibility in the life of the Church. The report is presented in a spirit of gratitude for the generosity, sacrifices, prayers, and faithful support of our clergy and people across the Eparchy of Phoenix.
As a missionary eparchy serving a vast territory, we continue to rely upon the partnership of all the faithful as we work together to sanctify, teach, and serve in the name of Christ. We hope this report will foster deeper understanding of the mission entrusted to us and encourage continued trust and collaboration in building up the Church throughout the West.
Please note that this report is distinct from the formal independent third-party audit. The hard copy of the audit report will be distributed to the parishes separately and made available in the coming weeks.
We thank all who continue to support the mission of the Church through prayer, service, stewardship, and love for Christ and His people.
With my episcopal blessing,
| | Saint Nicholas of Myra at Alaska March for Life | | Father Vasyl Mutka, pastor of Saint Nicholas of Myra in Anchorage, AK, led parishioners, fellow Catholics, Christians, and more than a thousand pro-life advocates at the 2026 Alaska March for Life on Saturday, April 25. Despite the cold spring weather (39 degrees!), participants gathered in downtown Anchorage to bear witness to the dignity and sanctity of every human life through prayer, peaceful procession, and public testimony. Clergy, families, and individuals of all ages walked side by side, offering a visible sign of hope and solidarity in the public square. | | Father Vasyl Mutka, right, of Saint Nicholas of Myra with parishioner Brian Ayers. | | The march started at 12 pm and ended with a rally led by pro-life clergy and organizers, with a high of about 50 degrees. | | Father Vasyl holds the icon of the Theotokos Helper of Mothers, pictured with Father James Moore O.P. of Holy Family Roman Catholic Church in Anchorage. | | Surrendering to God When Life Makes No Sense | | |
Bishop Artur and Father Xavier Benavides, S.J. joined author and Catholic Sun reporter Joyce Coronel on "A Seat at the Table" to reflect on the life and quiet suffering of Fr. Walter Ciszek, a Jesuit priest who spent more than 20 years imprisoned in Soviet labor camps and solitary confinement.
Hidden from the world and presumed dead, Father Ciszek’s life was marked not by visible success, but by radical surrender. His quiet perseverance speaks directly to those who feel unseen, exhausted and uncertain about whether their sacrifices matter, and how God’s will is often revealed in daily, intentional faithfulness.
Watch the video.
| | Bishop Artur, Father Xavier, and host Joyce Coronel discuss the life and sacrafice of Father Walter Ciszek. | | Saint Anne Men's Group Meets Every Month | | Every month for the past two-plus years, the men's group at Saint Anne in San Luis Obispo, CA meets for dinner, learning, and fellowship. Their meetings begin with a discussion about an assigned reading that usually takes 30 to 60 minutes before eating dinner. Starting in 2026 they stopped going out to a restaurant and have been having meals in the social hall. Currently, they have been reading the Ladder of Divine Ascent by Saint John Climacus: one step per meeting, with 19 more months to discuss the rest of the book! | | Saint Anne men's group with Fr. Michael Bezruchka after dinner and a lively discussion | | Students Visit Annunciation in Anaheim, CA | | Students from The Good Shepherd Academy from Pomona, CA with Sister Mary Francis and their teachers and parents attended the 9am Divine Liturgy at Annunciation on Tuesday, April 14. Deacon Greg Gath and Sherill Franklin assisted in the liturgy and a Q&A afterwards. The students had many questions about our Byzantine Church and Divine Liturgy, and learned a lot! | Father Stephen Washko and Sherill Franklin from Annunciation in Anaheim, CA with the students of the Good Shepherd Academy. | | Saint Thomas in Gilbert, AZ Featured In Local Paper | | |
Saint Thomas the Apostle in Gilbert, AZ was featured in the Gilbert Sun News last month, highlighting the parish's "gold dome tower and a picturesque interior" in what the clergy and parishioners hope is an opportunity for more exposure in a rapidly-growing downtown location.
Click to read the article.
| | The iconostasis at Saint Thomas was on the front page of the Gilbert Sun News. | | The Mystery of the Ascension - May 14th | |
In Fr. David Petras' article "The Mystery of the Ascension" about the Great Feast we celebrate this Thursday, we learn that in the Ascension, the body of Jesus returns to the place of the Son of God at the Right Hand of the Father. This is the restoration of human nature to the glory that God intended for it from the beginning of creation, and we sing, “let us praise Christ, who is gloriously raised upon the wings of the Cherubim to seat us with him at the right of the Father.
..The ascension of our Lord into glory is the seal on his resurrection. Jesus taught Nicodemus, “No one has gone up to heaven except the one who has come down from heaven, the Son of Man. (John 3:13)” Saint Paul further explains that the ascension is the sign of his victory over the Hades, the kingdom of death, “What does ‘he ascended’ mean except that he also descended into the lower regions of the earth? The one who descended is also the one who ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things. (Ephesians 4:9-10)”...
Read more about the Mystery of the Ascension.
| | Our Lady Helper of Mothers Icon | |
The Theotokos Helper of Mothers has a special place in the Eparchy of Phoenix and at Our Lady of Perpetual Help in particular, and has impacted the life of one of our newest priests in a miraculous way. The icon is used for women who are having difficulty conceiving, or for help in a difficult pregnancy or hard childbirth. Showing just how intimate the connection between parish church and believers should be, this icon is to be taken to the woman who is having troubles giving birth and laid directly on her stomach.
The Helper of Mothers came to our eparchy in a unique way. Father Chris Zugger was buying old icons in New York City for the church expansion. When he had finished at one store, the dealer brought out the Helper of Mothers and said that he had been saving it for Father’s buying trip. Father was hesitant as he had used up the budget, but then suddenly he went back into the store and looked at it again. He felt something strong pulling him to the icon, and so he added it to the order...
Read about the Helper of Mothers and her miracles in our eparchy.
| Advisory: We have observed attempts from scammers to impersonate clergy in email correspondences. If you receive an email from clergy or staff in our eparchy that is unsolicited and asks for vague favors, money, or help, please speak directly to that person and confirm its authenticity, and let us know at media@ephx.org if you receive any questionable emails. Thank you! | |
Office of Communications
Holy Protection of Mary
Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Phoenix
media@ephx.org
(602) 861-9778
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