Priests of the Archeparchy Participate in the Clergy Conference of the Ukrainian Catholic Church in the USA
On Monday, October 13, the clergy conference of the Philadelphia Metropolia began in Chicago. The gathering brought together priests from the four eparchies of the Ukrainian Catholic Church in the United States — the Philadelphia Archeparchy, the Stamford Eparchy, the St. Nicholas Eparchy in Chicago, and the St. Josaphat Eparchy in Parma.
Metropolitan Borys Gudziak addressed the participants with words of welcome. He emphasized the joy of the priestly vocation and the unity with Christ.
“I hope that each of us will experience these days not as days of duty, but as days of identity in Christ, who unites us with the Father in the Holy Spirit,” said Metropolitan Borys.
He noted that every priest faces personal, family, and social challenges in priestly ministry in the 21 st century, yet also enjoys a great privilege — to proclaim the Good News and bring the Holy Mysteries into people’s lives.
“We have an incredible privilege — to be priests, to proclaim the Good News, to bring the Mysteries into people’s lives so that they may dwell more fully in God’s Mystery,” Metropolitan Borys Gudziak concluded.
“We are small, but we can be great in our love. In today’s world, the witness of love, sacrifice, and readiness to step out of one’s comfort zone is what touches hearts,” the Metropolitan added.
On Tuesday, October 14, the participants visited St. Nicholas Parish in Chicago and prayed together during the Divine Liturgy celebrated by Metropolitan Borys.
