Interview with His Beatitude Sviatoslav of the UGCC

I am in the process of re-focusing on original video content, but this interview with the head of the Ukrainian Greek-Catholic Church was too huge not to post.

Culture experts say there is no question more difficult than the question of identity. Greek Catholics hear many definitions of their church, for example, that we are Eastern rite Catholics, or Eastern Catholics, or Orthodox in communion with Rome, or maybe even other formulations. Which wording do you think is the most accurate? 

Read the patriarch's response to that and numerous other questions Mariana Karapinka & Anatolii Babynskyi asked him in their article "His Beatitude Sviatoslav (Shevchuk): 'I Will Continue to Build the Patriarchate'"

Chaldean Memorial of the Faithful Deceased

Subdeacon Anthony gave me permission to post the full content of his below post, which he wrote for his church's newsletter. Please visit his blog and thank him!

The Memorial of the Faithful Deceased
By aboriente

O Christ King, give rest to your servants’ spirits in peace among all your saints, where suffering does not reign, nor grief or distress, but the promised eternal life. – Mawtwa

On Friday, March 4th, the last Friday of the Season of the Epiphany, St. Mary’s parish celebrated the Memorial of the Faithful Deceased.  This commemoration is the Chaldean equivalent to that of All Soul’s in the Roman liturgical calendar, or the Saturday of the Dead in the Byzantine liturgical calendars.  In these Eastern rites, the date is the eight Sunday before Easter, and two before Lent, but on that day, the members of those churches traditionally began to abstain from meat.  But in our Chaldean (Church of the East) practice, this date marks the last Friday before entry into Lent itself.

This day is a day that our people recognize by tradition.  The names of dead friends and relatives are presented to the priest and are then read aloud during the service.  This is due to the apostolic {and Old Testament} belief that prayers for the dead avail them.  In his Mystagogical Orations, St. Cyril of Jerusalem, a doctor of the Catholic Church whose writings are greatly appreciated by our rite, talks of petitions “[on behalf also of all] who in past years have fallen asleep among us, believing that it will be a very great benefit to the souls, for whom the supplication is put up, while that holy and most awful sacrifice is set forth.”

Apologists will readily recognize that quote as one used to defend the doctrine of Purgatory, which explains theologically what the Church has practiced and believed from Her beginning.  We pray that they may be forgiven their sins, and that their oblation may be accepted with that of the saints.  We pray that at the resurrection they will be able to stand before Him and sing His glory with the hosts above.

The timing of this feast, at the gates of the onset of Lent, is not an accident.  We remember, in the season of Epiphany, that Christ revealed to us Truth, the Trinity, and hence enlightened our minds that we may be saved from the darkness of ignorance.   As we get ready to enter into contest with Evil with the ascetic labor, we remember those who have finished their struggles and race in this life.  We pray to Christ that when He reveals Himself again in glory, in His mercy He will forgive them.

Let us enter into Lent hopeful, remembering also of the communion of saints, knowing that we pray for those who have gone on before us, just as they will pray for us before the throne of the Compassionate One, our Lord and King, our God.  Let us now labor, awaiting His second dawning.

From the silence his day dawns, and his saints are all awake, and all those who labored, wearied and prepared are lighting their lamps.
 – Morning Hymn of Mar Ephrem 

Social Saturdays bring you homilies, lectures, interviews, and biographies related to funerals, memorials, and prayers for the dead. Do you have a prayer request you'd like to add? Please put it in the comment box any time this week so we can pray with you.

Social Saturdays (3/12/11)

It's Saturday! That means we're chatting with the living and praying for the dead.
Prayer Requests:

• For the souls of the reposed, especially for Metropolitan Nicholas and for D. 
• For those suffering because of the recent earthquake and tsunami and their aftereffects, particularly those missing or hurt and their families.
• For A, that he be restored to peace and health.
• For Eden and Selah as they face surgery tomorrow.
• For C, that all making decisions on his behalf bring glory to God.
• For Christians in Ethiopia, Europe, Egypt, Somalia, China, the Middle East, and around the world who are persecuted for their faith. 

Continuing Prayer Requests:

• For the souls of the reposed, especially Kaye, Tim L., Mother Nadia Baranik, Fr. Constantine Brown, Elaine Dorko, Helen Boytim, and George Michael Ritchey. 
• For an abused woman and mother, A, who is in desperate straits and in need of many prayers, especially this Tuesday. 
• For Kat's family, including their current and future children, that they be restored to health and guided in discernment and finances in their next adoption. (Kat has other prayer requests at the link.) 
• For Francisco and his mother who are surrounded by violence that the Lord protect them and give them hope and peace as well as guide them to jobs that allow them to provide for their needs and glorify Him. 
• For all of our clergy, religious, and monastics that they be directed in strength, courage, patience, and fortitude to radically live God's will for their lives. 
• For mothers, that they not abort their offspring; for infants in danger of being put to death in the womb; for a change of heart of providers of abortions and of their collaborators; for human victims of stem cell research, genetic manipulation, cloning, and euthanasia; and for all entrusted with the government of peoples, that they may promote the "Culture of Life" so as to put an end to the "culture of death." 
• For Your Word From The Wise and all who are connected to it, that it may bring glory to God. 
• For the intentions of those who are praying. 

Do you have a prayer request you'd like to add? Please put it in the comment box any time this week so we can pray with you.

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What's going on at Your Word From The Wise?

• I followed up on the interviews that are out. 
• I sent out an interview request.
• I coordinated and conducted a new interview. It will hopefully be posted soon!
• I added the Link Within widget to the blog which automatically pulls 5 related posts and places links to them at the bottom of every post. It says the recommendations it makes will get better with time.

Win a free icon! Read more here...

Your Word From The Wise is bringing you three opportunities to be entered into a drawing for this beautiful Deisis icon! 

With a gold and silver background, the 6 ¾" x 8 ¼" icon on wood depicts Christ Pantocrator--Christ in His majesty--with the Mother of God and John the Baptist flanking him, their heads bowed and arms raised in prayerful supplication to Christ on the behalf of mankind. It's approximately a $30 USD value, which one Your Word From The Wise reader will receive free of charge directly from The Byzantine Seminary Press!

• Publicly "follow" Your Word From The Wise and you'll be entered once. 
• "Like" the Your Word From The Wise Facebook page and you'll be entered once. 
• Share this link with at least 10 other people through e-mail, your Facebook wall, YouTube, your website, and/or another online venue and let me know that you've done so and you'll be entered once. 

How to enter up to three times:

1. To be entered for following the blog, click the "Follow" button near the top of the right hand column of the blog (under "Be a Lover of Truth") and follow the instructions. All those who show as public followers on March 1, 2011 will be entered into the drawing once. (http://yourwordfromthewise.blogspot.com/)
2. To be entered for liking the Facebook page, click the thumbs-up "like" button at the top of the Your Word From The Wise facebook page. All those who show as fans on March 1, 2011 will be entered into the drawing once. (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Your-Word-From-The-Wise/182039235158170)
3. To be entered for sharing the drawing with others, first share this page about the drawing with at least 10 others online and then contact me one time through a PM, post or comment on Facebook, by commenting to this blog post, or by emailing me. Tell me that you shared this page and would like to be entered in the drawing. I will respond with a confirmation that it was received. If you don't receive a timely response, please write me once more and note that it is a second correspondence. All those whom I send a confirmation to by March 1, 2011 will be entered into the drawing once. (http://www.facebook.com/Catherine.Alexander.on.FB)

That's it! Three easy ways to have this magnificent icon in your home by Easter!

**Edited to clarify** If you're already following the blog or Facebook page, you do not need to unsubscribe and resubscribe. You will be entered as long as you show up in the list of fans/followers on March 1; it doesn't matter when you signed up. If you do not want to be entered, you can write me an email or you can forego the icon should you win.

Social Saturdays (2/05/11)

It's Saturday! That means we're chatting with the living and praying for the dead. 

Prayer Requests: 

• For Jim F., whose diabetes is swinging to extremes requiring emergency attention, that his doctors are able to restore him to health. Also for his wife K that the Holy Spirit guide and direct her in peace and contentment.
• In thanksgiving that Father Deacon Stan is stable and home and for his continued restoration of health.
• For all those traveling this weekend, that they return home safely.
• For Australians affected by cyclones and flooding, that they be protected as they begin the rebuilding process.
• For Christians in Europe, Egypt, Somalia, China, the Middle East, and around the world who are persecuted for their faith.

Continuing Prayer Requests: 

• For the souls of the reposed, especially of Kaye, Tim L., Mother Nadia Baranik, Fr. Constantine Brown, Elaine Dorko, Helen Boytim, and George Michael Ritchey.
• For the infant Gregory, and his parents and doctors, that he be restored to the fullness of health.
• For an abused woman and mother, A, who is in desperate straits and in need of many prayers.
• For Kat's family, including their current and future children, that they be restored to health and guided in discernment and finances in their next adoption. (Kat has other prayer requests at the link.)
• For Francisco and his mother who are surrounded by violence that the Lord protect them and give them hope and peace as well as guide them to jobs that allow them to provide for their needs and glorify Him.
• For all of our clergy, religious, and monastics that they be directed in strength, courage, patience, and fortitude to radically live God's will for their lives.
• For mothers, that they not abort their offspring; for infants in danger of being put to death in the womb; for a change of heart of providers of abortions and of their collaborators; for human victims of stem cell research, genetic manipulation, cloning, and euthanasia; and for all entrusted with the government of peoples, that they may promote the "Culture of Life" so as to put an end to the "culture of death."
• For Your Word From The Wise and all who are connected to it, that it may bring glory to God.
• For the intentions of those who are praying.

Do you have a prayer request you'd like to add? Please put it in the comment box any time this week so we can pray with you.

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What's going on at Your Word From The Wise?

• I followed up on the interviews that are out.
• I researched several upcoming blog posts.
• I got my first unsolicited email! It's a short book. The cover letter was 12 pages long! From what I gleaned from my skimming, it is a Protestant-inspired personal revelation which might have gnostic leanings. I feel so official now.
• I've been having trouble with Facebook. The posts show on the Your Word From the Wise page wall, but don't show in my feed. Some friends see it in their feed while others don't. I think it is a Facebook issue and not something I can affect. Please check the blog or the fan page directly while Facebook works out the kinks.

Praying for the Dead in the Syro-Malabar Church

The commemoration of the dead was also given special importance. When a person died, his body was washed, dressed and anointed with perfumed oil before it was exposed before the community to pay due homage. Usually, the dead body was placed facing the East. Till the purification of the house after the burial, no food was prepared or eaten in the house. After the burial service, the members of the family would gather in the house in the presence of the parish priest and say special prayers for fhe dead and sprinkle holy water to purify the house. There were also special observances for the commemoration of the dead on the 7th, 16th, 28th, and 41st day after the demise. The annual ceremony to commemorate the dead is known as sradham or chattam. Till the commemoration on the 41st day only vegetarian meals were served in the house.

The above is an excerpt from an article on the catechetical heritage of the Syro-Malabar Church on the Archdiocese of Ernakulam-Angamaly's webpage for the Department of Catechesis and Bible Apostolate.

Social Saturdays feature homilies, lectures, interviews, and biographies related to funerals, memorials, and prayers for the dead. Do thou thyself, Lord, give them rest there in the land of the living, in thy kingdom, in the delight of Paradise.

Social Saturdays (1/29/11)

It's Saturday! That means we're chatting with the living and praying for the dead.

Prayer Requests:

• For Father Deacon Stan to be restored to full health so that he may more fully serve the Lord.
• For the infant Gregory, and his parents and doctors, that he be restored to the fullness of health.
• For a special intention, that the Lord bring healing and peace and His will be done in all things.
• For Debra, that she be restored to full health.
• In thanksgiving for the Walk for Life and all who safely and prayerfully participated.
• For Christians in Egypt, Somalia, China, the Middle East, and around the world who are persecuted for their faith.

Continuing Prayer Requests:

• For the souls of the reposed, especially of Kaye, Tim L., Mother Nadia Baranik, Fr. Constantine Brown, Elaine Dorko, Helen Boytim, and George Michael Ritchey.
• For an abused woman and mother, A, who is in desperate straits and in need of many prayers.
• For Kat's family, including their current and future children, that they be restored to health and guided in discernment and finances in their next adoption. (Kat has other prayer requests at the link.)
• For Francisco and his mother who are surrounded by violence that the Lord protect them and give them hope and peace as well as guide them to jobs that allow them to provide for their needs and glorify Him.
• For all of our clergy, religious, and monastics that they be directed in strength, courage, patience, and fortitude to radically live God's will for their lives.
• For mothers, that they not abort their offspring; for infants in danger of being put to death in the womb; for a change of heart of providers of abortions and of their collaborators; for human victims of stem cell research, genetic manipulation, cloning, and euthanasia; and for all entrusted with the government of peoples, that they may promote the "Culture of Life" so as to put an end to the "culture of death."
• For Your Word From The Wise and all who are connected to it, that it may bring glory to God.
• For the intentions of those who are praying.

Do you have a prayer request you'd like to add? Please put it in the comment box any time this week so we can pray with you.

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What's going on at Your Word From The Wise?

• I left the project in God's hands as we faced a family medical emergency. He hasn't told me what He accomplished, but I assume it was pleasing to Him so I'm cool with whatever He did.
• We're establishing a new norm at home and are getting back to work to bring you more Eastern Catholic wisdom straight from the horse's mouth!

Social Saturdays (1/22/11)

It's Saturday! That means we're chatting with the living and praying for the dead. 

Prayer Requests: 

• For the soul of Kaye, who unexpectedly died this week, and the comfort of her family.
• For the soul of Tim L., who passed away this week with the benefit of the Mysteries, and for the comfort of his family.
• For the soul of Mother Nadia Baranik of the UGCC's Missionary Sisters of the Mother of God, who passed away yesterday, and for the comfort of those who will grieve her absence.
• For all women who have had an abortion, that they find comfort, support, and repentance.
• For all fathers, siblings, children, grandparents and others who suffered the loss of a loved one through abortion or euthanasia, that they be comforted in their grief.
• For all who encourage, assist with, or perform abortions or euthanasia that they turn from the culture of death and begin to promote life.
• For all judges, that their decisions respect God's law as well as their nation's.
• For our seminarians, deacons, priests, bishops, religious, and catechists that they be a constant witness to the culture of life.
• For all doctors and scientists, that their research and work always respect and protect life.
• For all couples who are infertile and desire children, that their sadness be healed and transformed into a passion for life.
• For Christians in Somalia, China, the Middle East, and around the world who are persecuted for their faith. 

Continuing Prayer Requests: 

• For those attending the Walk for Life events scheduled across the United States today that they be a prayerful witness to the dignity of all human life and be protected in their travels. 
• For the United States and its leaders, especially those in politics, media, and business, that they seek in word and action to do God's will with the authority they hold. 
• For an abused woman and mother, A, who is in desperate straits and in need of many prayers.
• For Kat's family, including their current and future children, that they be guided in discernment and finances in their next adoption. (Kat has other prayer requests at the link.)
• For all of our clergy, religious, and monastics that they be directed in strength, courage, patience, and fortitude to radically live God's will for their lives. 
• For mothers, that they not abort their offspring; for infants in danger of being put to death in the womb; for a change of heart of providers of abortions and of their collaborators; for human victims of stem cell research, genetic manipulation, cloning, and euthanasia; and for all entrusted with the government of peoples, that they may promote the "Culture of Life" so as to put an end to the "culture of death."
• For Your Word From The Wise and all who are connected to it, that it may bring glory to God.
• For the intentions of those who are praying.

Do you have a prayer request you'd like to add? Please put it in the comment box any time this week so we can pray with you.

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What's going on at Your Word From The Wise?

• I wrote and sent an interview which is being answered this weekend, God willing. The plan is to post it next week. Yay!
• I have three interview topics that I'm in the planning stages on, in addition to those out already. I want to make sure I'm in a place to give them the attention they each deserve before pitching them.
• With two family emergencies this week, I was happy to get posts up every day. I don't remember what else I accomplished. I am thankful that this venture does not rely on my expertise but is accomplished only through God's grace and for His glory. I'm also very grateful for the community of people I've met through it who prayed for us. Thank you!
• Want to join this great group of people? Friend me on Facebook. The downside is you get me, but the upside is the great group of people who are also there!

Social Saturdays (1/15/11)

It's Saturday! That means we're chatting with the living and praying for the dead. 

Prayer Requests: 

• For Clyde--the father of Deacon Daniel of the UGCC--who is hospitalized, that the physician of our souls and bodies restore him to full health. 
• For Francisco and his mother who are surrounded by violence that the Lord protect them and give them hope and peace as well as guide them to jobs that allow them to provide for their needs and glorify Him. 
• For A, who is facing numerous assaults, that the Lord shelter and protect her and her family, restoring them to the fullness of physical, emotional, and social health. 
• For Bishop Jia Zhiguo of the underground church and all Christians in China, the Middle East, and around the world who are persecuted for their faith. 
• For the parish of St. John the Baptist Romanian Catholic Mission in Tustin, CA who are celebrating their patronal feast tomorrow (Jan 16, 2011). May the Lord bless them with many more years! 
• For those attending the Walk for Life events scheduled across the United States next Saturday (Jan 22) that they be a prayerful witness to the dignity of all human life and be protected in their travels. 
• For the soul of Archbishop Elias Zoghby of the Melkite Church who passed away three years ago this week (Jan 16, 2008).
• For those who are planning the beatification ceremonies of Pope John Paul II (May 1 in Rome) and Sr. Marie de Mandat-Grancey (Jan 21 in Kansas City, Missouri) as well as those traveling to participate that the Holy Spirit grant them grace and peace. 
• For the homeless and severely impoverished who are without heat or electricity, running water, or sufficient housing or clothes, that they be protected during the winter months. For those who are in positions to help that they do so without greed, malice, or expectation of return. 
• For those who have addictions that they overcome them and are able to seek their consolation from the Lord. 
• For marriage. That the institution of marriage be preserved and protected within our society. That those who are married be blessed with faith, perseverance, kindness, and fidelity as they seek God through their vocation. That those who are discerning marriage be guided to God's will for their lives. That those who are struggling in their marriages find support and hope. 
• For the United States and its leaders, especially those in politics, media, and business, that they seek in word and action to do God's will with the authority they hold. 

Continuing Prayer Requests: 

• Please continue to pray for an abused woman and mother, A (a different A than the one above), who is in desperate straits and in need of many prayers.
• For Kat's family, including their current and future children, that they be guided in discernment and finances in their next adoption. (Kat has other prayer requests at the link.)
• For all those affected by the continued Australian flooding, that the Lord provide for their needs.
• For all of our clergy, religious, and monastics that they be directed in strength, courage, patience, and fortitude to radically live God's will for their lives. 
• For mothers, that they not abort their offspring; for infants in danger of being put to death in the womb; for a change of heart of providers of abortions and of their collaborators; for human victims of stem cell research, genetic manipulation, cloning, and euthanasia; and for all entrusted with the government of peoples, that they may promote the "Culture of Life" so as to put an end to the "culture of death."
• For Your Word From The Wise and all who are connected to it, that it may bring glory to God.
• For the intentions of those who are praying.

Do you have a prayer request you'd like to add? Please put it in the comment box any time this week so we can pray with you.

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What's going on at Your Word From The Wise?

• I worked much more on the Universal Map project, updating locations, detail info, parish names, etc as well as collecting more locations to add. I had a helper send me the links to numerous Churches' Australian websites to get Oceania well-covered on the map. Thank you! (Want your area accurately covered? Send me some info and I'll get it on the map.)
• I'm working on a blog button/image/logo for an Eastern and Oriental Catholicism web ring for the Links page. It's obvious that I'm not a graphic artist. If you know someone who is who would like to come up with an image of 150x225ish pixels then I'd use it instead of my amateur attempts. 
• I was unable to make the follow-up phone calls I hoped to make last week. My husband--my biggest helper--will be home on Monday so I'll be able to lock the bedroom door and hide in the master bathroom and make the needed phone calls without any interruptions! :) 
• I sent out one more interview request which was accepted. WOOHOO! I'll hopefully get it written this weekend. (It's a topic several asked me to cover.)
• I continued researching for an accepted interview that is scheduled for late Feb/early March. I love it and can't wait to share with you!
• I got the blog redesigned to be easier on the eyes. Blogger keeps adding random html to my posts. It turns a chunk of text white or adds numerous line breaks, despite my going in to the html source code and removing it. I save, refresh, and it adds it twice more! A helper pointed out a couple places it had done so and suggested some work-arounds, which I'm very grateful for because that was a little disconcerting. I still haven't figured out how to remove the extra line breaks on the Origen post. It lets me have none or two. I even started over with no formatting, adding it line by line. Hmmm... :/
• I received a response from the 1-question survey I sent out. If a few more come in, I'll post them. The responder is working on some neat Eastern Catholic catechetical tools I can't wait to see, too. 
• I got blog syndication setup to post to the Facebook wall and think I got the kinks worked out thanks to a helper.

Social Saturdays (1/8/11)

It's Saturday! That means we're chatting with the living and praying for the dead.

Prayer Requests:

• For the family of Gianna Caeli Henninger, an infant who died this week from complications due to Trisomy 18. She leaves behind her parents and seven siblings, among numerous other extended family. She joins 4 siblings who preceded her in death.
• For an abused woman and mother, A, who is in desperate straits and in need of many prayers this week as she navigates police, courts, severe depression, and more.
• For the souls and families of Elaine Dorko and Helen Boytim who died this week, as well as their parish family at St. Mary Byzantine Catholic Church in Marblehead, Ohio.
• For the soul and family of George Michael Ritchey, as well as his parish family at St. George Melkite Church in Birmingham, Alabama.
• For the soul and family of Father Constantine Brown of the Byzantine Catholic Church.
• For Msgr. Sharbel Maroun who celebrated his birthday this week, that he may be blessed with many more years.
• For Kat's family, including their current and future children, that they be guided in discernment and finances in their next adoption. (Kat has other prayer requests at the link.)
• For all those affected by the Australian flooding, that the Lord provide for their needs.
• For all who are persecuted for their faith, especially those in the Middle East. 
• For Congresswoman Giffords and all who were hurt in an Arizona shooting rampage, that their physicians' hands be guided so that they may be restored to full health. For the souls of those who perished that the Lord may welcome them into His kingdom and for their families that the Holy Spirit bring them comfort and hope in their grief.
• For all of our clergy, religious, and monastics that they be directed in strength, courage, patience, and fortitude to radically live God's will for their lives. 
• For mothers, that they not abort their offspring; for infants in danger of being put to death in the womb; for a change of heart of providers of abortions and of their collaborators; for human victims of stem cell research, genetic manipulation, cloning, and euthanasia; and for all entrusted with the government of peoples, that they may promote the "Culture of Life" so as to put an end to the "culture of death."
• For Your Word From The Wise and all who are connected to it, that it may bring glory to God.
• For the intentions of those who are praying.

Do you have a prayer request you'd like to add? Please put it in the comment box any time this week so we can pray with you.

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What's going on at Your Word From The Wise?

• I added a new comment feature which allows commenting from multiple account types and not just Google accounts. It says it is installed and working, but it isn't showing up. Troubleshooting will be forthcoming.
• I sent out a 1-question email request to a handful of people hoping for an easy aggregate post. No responses yet.
• I updated the About page to include a schedule for posts, defining the focus of this project and giving names to each day which reflect the type of content that will be covered. Tuesday was a hard one to come up with! As promised, they are appropriately kitschy.
• I sent interview requests to a handful of people, offering to tailor interviews to their areas of knowledge and interest. I heard back from one who is going to talk with me in a couple weeks. I will follow-up this week with phone calls to the others.
• I heard from several people about topics or people they'd like me to cover. I was already able to incorporate two of those requests into interviews I was writing. (Do you have suggestions? I'd be grateful to hear them!)
• I researched and wrote three interviews. I had a "little birdie" offer some much-appreciated musical knowledge to the research, for which I am very grateful. (5-10 minutes of information sharing made a huge difference. Do you have knowledge you could take 5-10 minutes to share?)
• My hard drive suddenly and irretrievably crashed while I was working on the interviews. The last time that happened was when I was working on Your Word From The Wise videos. I thankfully had learned my lesson and was regularly making back-ups so I only lost a week's worth of work.
• I re-wrote and sent out the three interviews.
• I heard back on the two most involved interviews with positive results and am now coordinating those interviews. I'm excited! I think you will be, too!