Photo by Christian Romero-Berumen
Veronica Novotny
Assistant Editor
For the first time in recent memory, a Byzantine Divine Liturgy was celebrated at Franciscan University of Steubenville in Finnegan Fieldhouse Sunday at 2 p.m.
The Rev. Vasyl Symon, pastor of St. Mary’s Byzantine Church in Weirton, celebrated Divine Liturgy for the congregation of over 200 and was assisted by the Rev. Anthony Ariniello, CB, a bi-ritual priest who was visiting campus with his mission team.
Two members of St. Mary’s served as cantors for the liturgy.
During his homily, Symon preached on the necessity of following God’s law in order to become more like him.
“We are an icon. We are (the) image and likeness of God,” Symon said.
Because of sin, man must cooperate with God’s grace to restore his image and likeness, Symon said. Symon emphasized the need to follow Church teaching regarding abortion, marriage and other moral issues.
A small icon wall was assembled using icons of Christ Pantocrator and Mary Theotokos.
The last time Divine Liturgy was celebrated on campus was in April 2014 in Christ the King Chapel.
Symon was hosted by FUS Byzantine Club, and the next Byzantine Divine Liturgy will be celebrated by Symon at 2 p.m. on Nov. 8.