Called East

09/08/2026

“Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises!”
Psalm 98:4

Today the Church celebrates the Nativity of our Most Holy Lady, the Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary.

In the birth of the Mother of God, the Church sees the beginning of the fulfillment of God’s promise of salvation. From her would come Christ, the Savior of the world.

As we celebrate her Nativity, may we also remember that each of us is called by God to a life of holiness and service. Like the Theotokos, may we hear His call and respond with faith.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us!

09/07/2026

Great read from +Sviatoslav on vocations!
https://docs.ugcc.ua/1902/

09/05/2026

“The sacrifice acceptable to God is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.”
Psalm 51:17

Every vocation begins with a heart open to God.

Before we can ask, “What am I called to do?” we must first be willing to say, “Lord, my life belongs to You.”

Prayer, sacrifice, and a humble heart create the space in which we can hear His call. Whether He calls you to the priesthood, monastic life, marriage, or another path of service, the first step is the same: offer yourself to Him.

Pray. Listen. Be willing to answer.

09/02/2026

What is Byzantine Catholicism? What is the Byzantine Rite, and how ...

08/28/2026

There are moments in the Divine Liturgy when the deacon raises his orarion and calls the faithful to attention - reminding us that what we are about to hear and pray demands our whole heart.

“Wisdom! Let us be attentive!”

A simple gesture, but a powerful reminder: Pay attention. Listen. God is speaking.

Are you paying attention?
Are you listening?
Is God speaking to you about a vocation?

08/27/2026

AXIOS!

His Excellency Most Reverend Bohdan J. Danylo announced the ordination of Daniel Garland to the Order of Deacon for the service of People of God. The diaconal ordination of Daniel Garland is scheduled for the Feast of the Protection of the Mother of God on October 1, 2026, at Saint Josaphat Ukrainia...

08/26/2026

This past summer, men from different backgrounds, communities, and walks of life gathered in Garner, North Carolina, for the Holy Apostles Institute’s Diaconate Formation Residency. Though each arrived with a different s...

08/22/2026

The Deacon: Bringing the Word of God to the People of God

One of the most beautiful images of the diaconate happens every Divine Liturgy.

The deacon takes the Holy Gospel from the altar and literally carries the Word of God into the midst of the People of God.

He does not carry his own message. He does not proclaim his own ideas. He carries Christ and His Gospel to the Church.

Then he stands before the faithful and proclaims the Good News.

This is at the heart of the vocation of a deacon: to be a servant of the Word, the altar, and the people - to receive the Gospel from the Church, proclaim it faithfully, and then live that Gospel through a life of service.

The Church needs men willing to carry Christ into the world.

Could He be calling you to the diaconate?

Learn more at CalledEast.org

08/22/2026

The Deacon: Bringing the Word of God to the People of God

One of the most beautiful images of the diaconate happens every Divine Liturgy.

The deacon takes the Holy Gospel from the altar and literally carries the Word of God into the midst of the People of God.

He does not carry his own message. He does not proclaim his own ideas. He carries Christ and His Gospel to the Church.

Then he stands before the faithful and proclaims the Good News.

This is at the heart of the vocation of a deacon: to be a servant of the Word, the altar, and the people—to receive the Gospel from the Church, proclaim it faithfully, and then live that Gospel through a life of service.

The Church needs men willing to carry Christ into the world.

Could He be calling you to the diaconate?

Learn more at CalledEast.org

08/09/2026

We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Archpriest Father Mark Shuey.

Father Mark was one of the architects and pillars of the Holy Apostles Institute Diaconate Program and a tireless advocate for the Byzantine diaconate. His dedication to the formation of deacons and his faithful service to the Church have left a tremendous legacy that will continue for generations to come.

We give thanks to God for Father Mark’s life, priesthood, and ministry, and we ask for prayers especially for his family, his parishioners, and all those who had the privilege of knowing and learning from this truly great priest.

May the Lord grant rest to His servant, the Archpriest Mark, in a place of light, a place of green pasture, and a place of refreshment, where all sickness, sorrow, and sighing have fled away.

Eternal memory! Вічная пам’ять!