Bishop Irynej Bilyk, OSBM

CELEBRATION OF THE ASSUMPTION OF THE MOST HOLY MOTHER OF GOD IN ROME

According to the Gregorian Calendar the Assumption of the Most Holy Mother of God falls on August 15. All over Italy people have days off, which are known as �Ferragosto�: �feriae Augustales� � �holidays of Augustus�. Historians trace the tradition of �Ferragosto� to the ancient Roman times. The emperor of the Ancient Rome Octavian Augustus used to come back from the wars to Rome, though in different years, celebrating triumphs related to his conquests. At that time Egypt was dominated by the Roman power and the civil war was also finished. Having understood that these events were prophetic signs of the future glory of the Roman Empire, senators officially named this beautiful month �August� in the honor of the Emperor. And in 18 BC the Emperor himself ordered to establish annual holidays for the Roman citizens. As they fell on this summer month they were traditionally named �feriae Augustales�. Times have changed, epochs and customs are gone, but the tradition of �Ferragosto� became the integral part of the Italian life mode and is accurately preserved.

GREETINGS

On the occasion of the 19^th anniversary of bishop�s ordination Clergy and believers of the Buchach Diocese send their sincere greetings to the first Ordinary of Buchach - Bishop Iryney Bilyk, OBSM and wish him to live all his life under the protection of Holy Virgin of Ulashkiv, lots of Lord�s kindness and blessing for the determined work in the Christ�s vineyard.

ANNOUNCEMENT

11.08.2008 year of God

ANNOUNCEMENT

On the numerous oral and written requests of bishops, priests and believers of the UGCC according the recent events in Pidgirtsi, Lviv region, Ukraine and publications of the priests from Pidgirtsi, I declare that I have no connection to this affair.

With Archiereyal Blessing

�Bishop Iryney Bilyk, OBSM
Papal Basilica of St. Mary Major,
Rome-Vatican

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