Fr. Innocenti has the flu and has lost his voice. He plans to get rest and his voice back for Sunday’s Liturgy. I apologize for the last minute notice. See you Sunday at 10 a.m.
Saturday's vigil Divine Liturgy canceled – January 12, 2013Read More
Published by Saint Athanasius the Great Byzantine Catholic Church
Fr. Innocenti has the flu and has lost his voice. He plans to get rest and his voice back for Sunday’s Liturgy. I apologize for the last minute notice. See you Sunday at 10 a.m.
Saturday's vigil Divine Liturgy canceled – January 12, 2013Read More
Published by Saint Athanasius the Great Byzantine Catholic Church
There is so much interest in buying our bake goods for the Christmas season we’ve decided to post signs in the neighborhood to direct our customers to the church. We will be available from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday of the week before Christmas. It would be best for you to call 317-632-4157 to find out if we have your preference in stock. We will only hold an order for 24 hours so get here quick before we run out. We plan to make more kolachy, potica rolls and pumpkin rolls this week. There will be no baking the week of Christmas. Thanks to all our fans that love our baked goods made in the church hall’s kitchen. Thanks also to all the hard work by our volunteers. God grant them many years in peace, health and happiness!
Published by Saint Athanasius the Great Byzantine Catholic Church
Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory Forever!
It is our prayer to identify some donors who can help our parish replace the rectory boiler. 2012 has been a challenge for the parish. We lost our priest, +Reverend Father Sidney Sidor, of blessed memory, in August and also incurred unexpected expenses that have completely drained our savings.
In March 2012 the condensate return system of the rectory boiler failed and was replaced. In the 100+ degree heat in July 2012 we had to replace the broken A/C condenser unit on the hall. Funeral expenses, temporary clergy and moving expenses for our new priest, Fr. Innocenti Rossi, all aided in the depletion of our funds.
We have had some parishioners and the local James J O’Brian council of the Knights of Columbus help with some of the costs.
In mid-November 2012 the boiler in the rectory had a blow-back of flames that scorched plastic components and wiring. The insurance company said that they only cover the repair to those components despite the fact that the boiler, in 3 contractors’ opinions, would not be safe to operate since it has extensive corrosion due to water leakage. Our deductible is higher than the anticipated repair. The source of the leak has not been identified. At this time the status of the flue liner, which could have collapsed, is not known. Therefore we will have to replace the boiler and potentially the flue liner, footing the entire bill.
One of Father Sid’s favorite passages that he taught time and time again is:
Mark 11:24 Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.
The parishioners believe in God’s Word. We have unwavering faith that His Will be done. Thank you Lord for answering our prayers.
In this gift giving time of the year if you could donate money to get the heat back on for our priest’s living quarters and the office area on the first floor of the rectory we will be eternally grateful. Thank you!
This link will take you to our Donate page or you can mail a donation to us:
St. Athanasius Byzantine Catholic Church
1117 Blaine Ave.
Indianapolis IN 46221-1110
May God grant our benefactors peace, health, and happiness for many years!
Published by Saint Athanasius the Great Byzantine Catholic Church
12/21/2014 update: Baked goods (including Christmas cookies) are available for purchase in St. Mary’s Hall from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday December 22nd and 23rd. Then again on Wednesday December 24th from 5:15 p.m. until 8 p.m. Call the church, 317-632-4157, to reserve your baked goods before they’re gone.
Click for post of the December 21, 2013 Christmas Cookie and Bake Sale
The women of the parish have been working hard to make Christmas cookies for your Christmas holiday season. If you need help with you hectic holiday baking we’ve done the work for you. Here’s what’s made: Peanut Butter Blossoms, Santa Whiskers, Chocolate Pillows, Chocolate-dipped Apricots, Haystacks, Kolachy (apricot, walnut, raspberry, lekvar), Spritz candy canes, Oatmeal Raisin, Sugar cookies, Mexican Wedding Cakes, Chocolate Chip Swirl, Chocolate Carmel Buttons, Dutch spice cookies, white chocolate pretzels rings and semi-sweet chocolate pretzel sticks.
The sale officially is being held in St. Mary’s Hall just behind the rectory on 12/16/2012 from noon until 3 p.m. But we will have some trays assembled for sale Sunday, 12/9/2012 at the same time. On the 9th we are hosting the St. Alphonsus Roman Catholic Church confirmation class at the 10 a.m. Divine Liturgy followed by a video presentation on Eastern Catholicism. Then were having a spaghetti dinner with baked goods for sale. You’re invited.
Also the cookies just may show up at the Carmel Winter Market on Saturdays 12/8 and 12/15 from 9 a.m. until noon. The last market before Christmas will be at the Decatur Discovery Academy, 5106 South High School Road, on Tuesday, 12/18 from 4 until 7 p.m. You can still pick up baked goods at the church any day from 9:30 a.m. until 7 p.m. – just call ahead to make sure someone will be here to help you.
We encourage you to pre-order Christmas cookies and baked goods by Wednesday December 12th to be assured your selections aren’t already sold or give us a chance to make more. Call 317-632-4157. Oh, BTW, our other baked goods of nut & poppy seed rolls, kolachy, biscotti, pizzelles and pumpkin rolls will also be available until we run out.
2012 Cookie Sale flyer
Christmas Cookie and Bakery Sale – December 16, 2012Read More
Published by Saint Athanasius the Great Byzantine Catholic Church
The earlier schedule published in the bulletin distributed in church and posted on the website showed the Vigil Divine Liturgy for St. Nicholas of Myra on the evening of the solemn feast. That is not correct. The Vigil Divine Liturgy will be Wednesday, December 5th at 7 p.m. Please forgive me for publishing the incorrect date.
Published by Saint Athanasius the Great Byzantine Catholic Church
The monthly brunch hosted by the parish’s Knights of Columbus James J O’Brian Council 13850 will be held following the 10 a.m. Divine Liturgy. Come meet our new priest, Fr. Innocenti Rossi. We invite all parishioners, friends, neighbors and visitors to attend the Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom and then for the meal in St. Mary’s Hall. Come and enjoy the menu of salad, pirohi (filled dumplings a.k.a. vareniky in Ukrainian) with sauteed onions and sour cream, kielbasa with sauerkraut, eggs, hash browns, baked beans, salsa & chips, coffee, milk, juice and dessert.
Liturgy starts at 10 am. Brunch is from 11:15 am until 12:45 pm. We ask for a free will donation (suggestion is $6 for adults and $3 for children) to help the council cover its expenses and more importantly to provide funds to help the parish in its various ministries.
Published by Saint Athanasius the Great Byzantine Catholic Church
Here are 2 parishioners’ accounts of celebration of St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland. Dave “The King” Wilson, another parishioner, interviewed them on his radio show in March 2012.
Mary Kupec was born & raised in Ireland. Joe Kupec worked in Ireland for 3 years. He met Mary while they both were in the Bootlegger Hiking Club.
Joe’s story of celebrating the feast with a coworker.
Mary tells us about the real tradition of the Irish celebrations and a history of St. Patrick’s life.
Sorry that this post was stuck in the draft status until now. Enjoy the stories!
Published by Saint Athanasius the Great Byzantine Catholic Church
Printable version of Fr Sid’s funeral article with obituary
Reverend Father Jaroslav (Sidney) Sidor, Byzantine Catholic priest, passed away on Tuesday, August 14, 2012 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Father Sidor laid in state at his parish of St. Athanasius the Great Byzantine Catholic Church on the near southwest side of Indianapolis starting on Thursday, August 16. The funeral was preceded by services for a priest on Thursday and Friday evenings. The hierarchical Divine Liturgy & Funeral were celebrated on Saturday, August 18, 2012. Bishop John M Kudrick of the Eparchy of Parma, Ohio was the main celebrant. Most Rev. Christopher J. Coyne, Apostolic Administrator, and other clergy of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Indianapolis, also attended. Concelebrants were Rt. Rev. Mitred Archpriest Dennis Hrubiak, Very Rev. Archpriest Michael Hayduk, Very Revs. Michael Evanick & Thomas J. Loya, Rev. Terrence Farmer, Deacons Michael George and Michael Lee. The guest cantors were Deacon John Evancho, Subdeacon Andrew Summerson and Michael Milnick.
In his sermon Bishop Kudrick said that everyone is on a journey of life made up of continuous struggles and opportunities. Dying was just another step on the journey of life. Four days before the funeral the Dormition feast (also called the Assumption of Mary in the Roman Catholic church) was celebrated. The Theotokos’ job was not done when she left this life. Mary, Mother of God, continues to intercede on our behalf with her Son, Jesus. Likewise Father Sid’s job continues on. As a priest his teachings will help all of those people he touched over the last 8 years. If we continue his healing ministry and seeking God through the power of the Holy Spirit Fr. Sid’s influence will positively impact others. We cannot “sit on our laurels.” Our job is not done. We must let go of anything that holds us back from Theosis (becoming god-like.)
An observance of Rev. Fr. Sidney Sidor’s death is being held Sunday, September 23. It’s the 40th day of the parish mourning his passing. The Divine Liturgy at 10 a.m. will be immediately followed by the Panachida memorial service as we continue to pray for our beloved deceased priest, spiritual director, instructor, mentor and friend.
After the service we will have a meal in St. Mary’s Hall provided by the parish’s James O’Brian council of the Knights of Columbus. For those who weren’t able to come to the funeral you will have a chance to pray with the parish on the 23rd for the repose of his soul. Donations to St. Athanasius Byzantine Catholic Church are being accepted to continue Fr. Sid’s ministry. Fr. Sidney Sidor will be sorely missed – God grant him blessed repose and eternal memory.
Father Sidor was a visionary community spiritual leader and recognized for spiritual guidance, business leadership and as change agent as an appointed Priest of Parma Eparchy of the Byzantine Catholic Church. He was noted for introspective and spiritual guidance serving parishioners within the Eastern Byzantine Church, within the Central Indiana Archdiocese of the Roman Catholic Church, and in the last eight years the only Eastern Byzantine Catholic Priest assigned to a parish at the crossroads of America.
Fr. Sidor was the sounding board for business ideas, investigating complex spiritual phenomena, provided sound advice using years of knowledge in the secular world. Fr. Sidor’s background began as an altar boy in the parish of The Nativity Byzantine Catholic Church in DuBois, Pennsylvania where he served with honor and grace throughout his formative years. Upon entering college, Pennsylvania State University, School of Chemistry and Physics, Fr. Sidor wanted to become a Physical Chemist. Fr. Sidor spent time in the United States Army as an officer prior, during, and after the Korean War, total service 14 years.
Upon leaving active service Fr. Sidor entered the corporate world, serving in multiple administrative and management roles including Industrial Chemical Engineer, Plant Superintendent, Plant Manager (Transmission & Axle Plant), and Director of Engineering. Fr. Sidor’s administrative training continued as Vice President of Operations (on a Divisional Level), Director of Human Resources and Labor Relations, Corporate Labor Relations Arbitrator (presented labor cases against large unions throughout the United States of America), and as Labor Contract Negotiator. Throughout this period, Fr. Sidor knew that his Lord was calling him to do something beyond the ordinary as he ‘walked the walk’ and ‘talked the talk’ among the people, like the Lord.
Following retirement Fr. Sidor’s past moved him to seek another calling – serving His Lord as a Spiritual Administrator. As a widower with four children-1 son, 3 daughters and now ten grandchildren, two great-grandchildren he entered The Sacred Heart School of Theology, Hales Corner, Wisconsin. Fr. Sidor received a Master’s degree in Divinity and was ordained a priest on June 19, 2004. Fr. Sidor was assigned to the Holy Spirit parish as a Parochial Vicar in Parma, Ohio. Shortly thereafter he was assigned to Saint Athanasius the Great Byzantine Catholic Church in Indianapolis, Indiana where God led him to partake in his personal spiritual journey. Fr. Sidor had been embraced by the City of Indianapolis and its community with open arms.
Fr. Sidor held Eastern Catholic Church classes such as: “The Diversity within the Catholic Church”, “The History of the Catholic Church since A.D. 33”, “Healing of the Soul”, and “Personal Journey through Life – Depression”. For a couple years Fr. Sidor celebrated the Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom at St Elizabeth Ann Seaton Roman Catholic Church, Carmel, Indiana in addition to his own parish of St. Athanasius the Great Byzantine Catholic Church, Indianapolis, IN.
Fr. Sidor was called upon to speak and hear confessions at the Catholic Men’s Conference (Oct. 2009); Young Catholic Adult Group Conferences (July 2006-2011); Knights of Columbus (Sept. 2009); and Women’s Conferences (2004-2011). Fr. Sidor spoke to the Indianapolis Business Exchange on “Prosperity” (2010), at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church, Zionsville, Indiana on “Introduction to Eastern Catholicism” (2005-2011), and the same topic to visitors from St. Thomas Apostle, Fortville, Indiana (2011). Fr. Sidor’s last presentation out of state was at St. Mary Magdalene, Fairview Park, Ohio on “Spirituality” (2012).
Fr. Sidor is credited for starting a Healing Ministry at St. Athanasius the Great Byzantine Catholic Church. He grew the monthly healing service to two services a month. It is still one of a few Catholic Healing service locations in the entire state of Indiana. The ministry has received numerous testimonials from people healed.
Fr. Sidor touched the lives of celebrants and believers in central Indiana belonging to Anglican, Armenian, Bulgarian, Greek, Lutheran, Roman Catholic and Ukrainian Churches.
Fr. Sid Sidor's funeral article, obituary and 40th day observance on September 23rdRead More
Published by Saint Athanasius the Great Byzantine Catholic Church
Thursday August 16 | 3-9 p.m. Visitation at St. Athanasius Church, 1117 Blaine Ave, Indpls, IN 46221. Services for a priest part 1 at 7 p.m. |
Friday August 17 | 3-9 p.m. Visitation at St. Athanasius Church, 1117 Blaine Ave, Indpls, IN 46221. Services for a priest part 2 at 7 p.m. |
Saturday August 18 | 11 a.m. Funeral with Hierarchical Divine Liturgy at St. Athanasius Church, 1117 Blaine Ave, Indpls, IN 46221. The funeral liturgy will be followed by a meal in St. Mary’s Hall. |
Monday, August 20 | Father Sid’s body will be transported back to Pittsburgh for internment at Queen of Heaven cemetery, McMurry, PA. |
In lieu of flowers you can choose to send donations to the church to assist us in continuing +Father Sid’s ministry of healing the soul, mind and body.
God grant your servant, +Father Jaroslav, blessed repose and eternal memory.
Funeral schedule for +Father Jaroslav (Sidney) SidorRead More
Published by Saint Athanasius the Great Byzantine Catholic Church
The Dormition of the Theotokos is Wednesday, August 15, 2012. The Holy Day of obligation Divine Liturgy will be celebrated at 6 p.m. by Bishop John Kudrick. Please tell anyone in the Indianapolis metro area that they can experience the grandeur of the Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom being celebrated by an Eastern Catholic Rite bishop. The service will fulfill their holy day obligation for Catholics regardless of which of the 5 western rites and 22 eastern rites of the Catholic church of which they may be members.
Encourage them to bring sweet-smelling flowers (typically red) and/or medicinal herbs and seeds. Here’s why.
Dormition Liturgy – Celebrant will be Bishop John KudrickRead More