HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

 

Mortality Skulls: 

As Christians, we know death is not the end, but it is still a sobering reality.

People have kept reminders of their mortality nearby for generations.

In the Christian context, this is motivational, not a threat. While we are called to always repent of our sins and prepare for Eternity, we do not need to fear Death as a concept.

Christ trampled Death by His death and resurrection. 

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The design found on the yard signs is based on a skull found at Mt. Athos. 

Note, these are not perfect translations.

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Greek

"What I am, you will be. What you are, I was myself."

Old Slavonic 

(the old liturgical language of the Ruthenians)
"Remember your death."

Latin

"Remember you will die."

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Catholics and Halloween

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For Roman Catholics, Halloween on Oct. 31 precedes the Feast of All Saints on Nov. 1. It is the "Eve of all the Holy (Hallowed) Ones." November 2 is "All Souls' Day," for all those who have died. Celebration of the Church Triumphant (those in Heaven) and prayer for those we hope are in Heaven, naturally remind us of our own mortality, the end times, and more.

The modern cultural celebration of Halloween was influenced by Western European autumn practices and folklore. Because of this, Halloween did not develop the same way in the Christian East, though many still celebrate!

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Eastern Catholics celebrate the Feast of All Saints on the Sunday after Pentecost, which commemorates the founding of the Church by the descent of the Holy Spirit. All Souls' Day actually occurs 6 Saturdays a year, usually during Lent. 

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Celebration of the Saints and commemoration of the dead on an individual basis is common across the Church. There are often multiple saints remembered on any given day of the calendar, and there are many traditions involving prayers for the dead. For Ruthenian Catholics, these involve prayers before burial, and special intentions made on the 40th day after death, as well as the anniversaries.

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The Hieromartyr Theodore Romzha

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For Ruthenian Catholics in particular, October 31 is the feast day of the bishop martyr Theodore Romzha. This pious leader was martyred by the Soviet Union for his refusal to bend to a corrupt puppet "church." He is beloved by Slavic communities who remember the persecutions of this time.

He was declared "Blessed" in 2001 and many continue to pray for his canonization.

He is often remembered alongside other pious bishops: Blessed Basil Hopko, Blessed Pavel Peter Gojdic, and the Confessor Alexander Chira.

A more detailed biography can be found here. 

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