The Legacy of the Barbareum: Vienna Commemorates the 250th Anniversary of the First Seminary for Eastern Catholics
Events marking the 250th anniversary of the founding of the Barbareum Seminary, the first Greek Catholic educational institution, took place in Vienna, Austria, from May 20 to 22. As part of the celebrations, a Conference of Rectors of Greek Catholic Seminaries in Eastern Europe was convened, including rectors from seminaries of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church.
The Barbareum was founded by Empress Maria Theresa on October 7, 1775, with the aim of training priests for the Eastern Catholic eparchies of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The institution became the alma mater of many seminaries in what are now Ukraine, Hungary, Slovakia, Romania, and Croatia.
Among those participating in the celebrations were bishops including Bishop Bohdan Danylo of the Eparchy of Saint Josaphat in Parma (USA), Bishop Milan Stipić of the Eparchy of Križevci (Croatia), and Bishop Virgil Bercea of the Eparchy of Oradea (Romania).
As previously reported, from May 17 to 20, the annual meeting of the Patriarchal Commission on the Clergy of the UGCC, chaired by Bishop Bohdan Danylo, was held at the seminary to address challenges in the formation and education of seminarians in today’s world. Participants in the Vienna event were warmly welcomed by Cardinal Emeritus Christoph Schönborn.
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A Meeting of the Patriarchal Commission on Clergy of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church Commences in Vienna
20 травня в церкві Святої Варвари відбулася вечірня, яку очолив владика Богдан Данило. На Богослужінні був присутній також кардинал Христоф Шенборн, ординарій для греко-католиків в Австрії.
On May 20, Vespers was led by Bishop Bohdan Danylo at St. Barbara’s Church. Cardinal Christoph Schönborn, Ordinary for Greek Catholics in Austria, was also present at the service.
As a token of gratitude for the invitation, the rectors of Ukrainian seminaries presented Archbishop Christoph Schönborn with a photograph of the Barbareum bearing the coats of arms of all UGCC seminaries in Ukraine, signed by the rectors.
On May 21, the conference opened with academic presentations focusing on the history of the Greek Catholic Church in the Austro-Hungarian Empire during the reign of Maria Theresa and the role of the Barbareum in the education of Greek Catholic clergy across various nations.
Representatives from Slovak, Croatian, Hungarian, and Romanian seminaries delivered presentations. The Ukrainian tradition was represented by Fr. Ihor Boyko, rector of the Holy Spirit Seminary in Lviv.
At the close of the first day, a Divine Liturgy of the Byzantine Rite was celebrated in St. Stephen’s Cathedral, with Bishop Milan Stipić presiding.
The final day of the anniversary events began with a joint prayer in St. Stephen’s Cathedral, followed by a panel discussion titled “The Future of the Common Identity of Greek Catholic Churches in Europe.” Participants reflected on priestly formation in the light of the Barbareum and discussed its continuing significance in shaping a shared identity today.
The celebrations will continue in September 2025 with a planned meeting of Greek Catholic bishops of Eastern Europe, marking the second part of the 250th anniversary commemoration of the Barbareum.
