Conference in Philadelphia Marks the 110th Anniversary of Cardinal Myroslav Ivan Lubachivsky’s Birth and 40 Years Since the Start of His Patriarchal Ministry
On November 25–26, 2024, a conference honoring Cardinal Myroslav Ivan Lubachivsky, an eminent spiritual leader of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church (UGCC), was held at the residence of Metropolitan Borys Gudziak in Philadelphia. The event commemorated the 110th anniversary of Cardinal Lubachivsky’s birth and the 40th anniversary of the start of his patriarchal ministry, offering a platform to reflect on his historical significance, spiritual contributions, and enduring legacy.
The conference brought together historians, theologians, bishops, priests, and laity who had collaborated with Patriarch Myroslav Ivan at various stages of his ministry. Through presentations, discussions, and communal prayer, participants highlighted the multifaceted nature of his personality and the profound impact of his work on the growth of the UGCC.
The event began on November 25 with Vespers at the chapel of the Missionary Sisters of Mother of God. The evening program featured several presentations: Dr. Andriy Sorokowski examined the geopolitical, social, and ecclesiastical contexts of Cardinal Lubachivsky’s ministry. Fr. Dr. Ivan Kaschak focused on Lubachivsky’s work in America, emphasizing his connection to the Ukrainian diaspora. Mitred Archpriest Petro Waslo shared memories of the seminary in Stamford (1977–1979), recalling how Fr. Lubachivsky, as spiritual director, helped him—a fourth-generation Ukrainian American—improve his Ukrainian language skills. Fr. Dr. Ronald Popivchak reflected on the metropolitan ministry of Lubachivsky in Philadelphia (1979–1980).
The next day began with a Divine Liturgy at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, the place of Cardinal Lubachivsky’s brief but impactful metropolitan ministry. Following the Liturgy, conference sessions resumed.
Mitred Archpriest Dr. Ivan Dacko delved into Lubachivsky’s patriarchal ministry (1984–2000), outlining key developments in the UGCC under his leadership. Bishop Kenneth Nowakowski spoke about the Church’s structural growth after the patriarch’s return to Ukraine, emphasizing the challenges and achievements during that period. He highlighted the patriarch’s ability to trust and delegate responsibilities, which strengthened his leadership team.
Fr. Dr. Anibal Sotus analyzed the canonical aspects of the UGCC’s territorial expansion, focusing on pivotal decisions made in the early 1990s that later helped to relocate the patriarchal see to Kyiv. Sonya Sotus delivered a presentation on UGCC communications during Patriarch Myroslav Ivan’s leadership, explaining how the Church used media to reach the faithful during times of societal and political upheaval. She noted that despite his modesty and discomfort with the media, the patriarch humbly engaged with the press, recognizing its importance.
Bishop Hlib Lonchyna and Fr. Dr. Andriy Onuferko addressed themes related to liturgical publications and official documents issued by the patriarch. Metropolitan Borys Gudziak and Mitred Archpriest Dr. Mykhailo Dymyd shared their perspectives on his patriarchal ministry.
At the end of the conference Archbishop Borys Gudziak offered his remarks, emphasizing Patriarch’s pivotal role during a turbulent period in the Ukrainian Catholic Church's history.
Archbishop Borys highlighted Lubachivsky’s character, calling him “a man of peace and a man of prayer.” He underscored the need for a deeper spiritual analysis of Lubachivsky’s life and work, saying, “There should be a spiritual analysis of how the Lord worked in his life.”
Despite these challenges, Lubachivsky emerged as a unifying figure. “Patriarch Myroslav Ivan was the person who helped keep all of that together,” Archbishop Borys emphasized, underscoring the Patriarch’s ability to bridge divides and lead the Church through a transformative period in its history.
The conference served not only as an opportunity to honor Cardinal Myroslav Ivan Lubachivsky’s memory but also as a forum to deepen the understanding of his contributions to the UGCC. This year’s gathering held special significance as it coincided with the 45th anniversary of his appointment as Metropolitan of Philadelphia and his episcopal ordination
