Click
on the following links to go to the specific statements of
the Archbishop:
• Statement of Metropolitan Basil on the appointment of Bishop David A. Zubik as Bishop of Pittsburgh
July 18 , 2007
• Statement of Metropolitan Basil on the Falling Asleep in the Lord of Bishop Michael J. Dudick, Retired Bishop of Passaic
May 30 , 2007
• Statement of Metropolitan Basil on the appointment of Bishop Donald Wuerl as Archbishop-Designate of Washington,
D.C.
May 16 , 2006
• Statement of Metropolitan Basil on the victims of Hurricane Katrina
August 30 , 2005
• Statement of Metropolitan Basil on the election of Pope Benedict XVI
April 19, 2005
• Statement of Metropolitan Basil on the death of Pope John Paul II
April 2, 2005
•
Statement and appeal by Metropolitan Basil
for support of victims of tsunami
January 5, 2005
•
Statement of Metropolitan Basil on the War
with Iraq
March 23, 2003
•
Statement of Metropolitan Basil on the loss of the Columbia
Space Shuttle Crew
January 26, 2003
•
Statement of Metropolitan Basil on
Appointment as Metropolitan Archbishop
May 2002
Statement of Metropolitan Basil on the appointment of
Bishop David A. Zubik
as
Bishop of Pittsburgh
July 18, 2007
“The Byzantine Catholic Archeparchy of Pittsburgh: clergy, monastics and laity, congratulate Bishop David A. Zubik on his appointment as the twelfth bishop of the Latin Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh. We are confident that Bishop Zubik will bring and use all of his gifts, energy and dedication in his new role as Bishop of Pittsburgh.
“Our prayers and good wishes are extended to him, confident that his ministry as bishop of Pittsburgh will continue to bring great blessings to all the clergy, religious and laity whom he will shepherd.
“Personally, I welcome Bishop Zubik home and look forward to collaborating with him to continue building up the Kingdom of God in Southwestern Pennsylvania.
“May God grant to Bishop David, health, happiness and many blessed years.”
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Statement of Metropolitan Basil on the Falling Asleep in the Lord of Bishop Michael J. Dudick, Retired Bishop of Passaic
May 30, 2007
“It can truly be said of Bishop Michael that ‘He fought the good fight.’ His life was one of dedication to God, his priesthood, and to the Byzantine Catholic Church and its faithful. He fulfilled every promise of his vocation, and he was thorough in accomplishing the tasks that were associated with his extensive responsibilities.
“He was a priest for 62 years and a bishop for 27 years, and above all he was an exemplary leader. Though Bishop Michael had a special love and interest for the tradition and history of our Byzantine Catholic Church, he was a builder, an innovator, a founder, and an initiator. With foresight for the Eparchy of Passaic, he created new parishes and missions, a place for monasteries, the spiritual and recreational center that is Carpathian Village, an eparchial center, and a heritage institute and library. Everything he strived to establish was for the glory of God and for the spiritual good and growth of the people he so faithfully shepherded.
“He was well respected among all of the Catholic Bishops of America and the countries of Eastern Europe, and of the hierarchs of other jurisdictions as well. He served many national and international committees and causes, and he had special concern and generosity for the eparchies of Prešov and Mukachevo.
“We are most grateful for his long and blessed life, for his legacy of building God’s Kingdom here on earth, and for the remembrance of his gentle presence among us. His years of retirement were peaceful, and he bore his illness with patience and the courage that reflected they way he approached the challenges that he overcame during the years of ministry to which he was called, and to which he responded with such admirable and memorable commitment and dedication.
“We thank God for Bishop Michael’s time with us, and we ask that his memory be eternal.”
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Statement of Metropolitan Basil on the appointment of Bishop Donald Wuerl as Archbishop-Designate of Washington, D.C.
May 16, 2006
“We of the Byzantine Catholic Church of Pittsburgh sincerely congratulate Bishop Wuerl on this honor and appointment.
“Although he will be missed for his energetic and fruitful leadership, we know that he will bring that he will bring to the faithful in Washington all of his energy and dedication for the increase of the Kingdom of God.
“We will always remember his friendship and the kindnesses he has shown to us and to our Church.
“Our prayers and good wishes go with him with confidence, knowing that his ministry as archbishop will continue to bring great blessings to all whom he shepherds as Archbishop of Washington.
“May God grant Archbishop-designate Donald health, happiness, and many blessed years.”
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Statement of Metropolitan Basil on the Victims of Hurricane Katrina
August 30 , 2005
"The news reports of the devastation left in the wake of hurricane Katrina direct our thoughts and prayers to all those who are suffering in our southern states.
We cannot even begin to comprehend the monumental loss and damage to homes and properties. Nor can we fully realize the pain, anguish and fear of those people who have been displaced and are now without electricity, water, or the familiar comforts of their homes.
Along with friends and relatives who may live in the area, we Byzantine Catholics of the Archeparchy of Pittsburgh have the personal connection of our mission parish of St. Nicholas in New Orleans , Louisiana. Founded in 1976, its only pastor has been Father Ellis De Priest, S.M. Several years ago, they were able to move into their own church building.
With most sincere prayers, let us remember them as well as all people whose lives have been so greatly interrupted by the winds, flooding, and subsequent danger that this storm has ravaged upon them. They who are there have undoubtedly been changed forever. May our pleas to God on their behalf help them through this unfathomable distress and through all the days ahead."
Donations for St. Nicholas Mission parish and parishioners may be sent to the Chancery, 66 Riverview Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15214. Checks should be made to the Archeparchy of Pittsburgh with the notation "Hurricane Katrina."
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Statement of Metropolitan Archbishop Basil on the election of Pope Benedict XVI
April 19, 2005
“It is with great joy and gratitude that we learned of the election of the new Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI. It is a momentous occasion in the Catholic Church, which has been guided by the Holy Spirit through the College of Cardinals. The Universal Catholic Church, Eastern and Latin, rejoices on the election of a new Holy Father as Bishop of Rome. He is the successor of Saint Peter and is called to lead the Church in the new millennium with its myriad challenges and blessings.
“Pope Benedict XVI was elected on the eve of the Feast of Mid-Pentecost in the Byzantine Catholic Church. As we sing on that day: ‘When the feast was half completed, you cried out in the middle of the temple: All who thirst, come to me and drink, for whoever shall drink from this divine river shall receive the streams of my teaching from my side. Whoever sees me as the one sent by the divine Father shall be glorified with me. Therefore, we cry out to you: Glory to You, O Christ our God, for you have poured out on your servants the rich streams of your love for all.’
“Indeed, Christ our God has poured out on his servant, Pope Benedict XVI, the rich streams of God’s love for all. For this we are grateful.
“On behalf of the Byzantine Catholic Metropolitan Church sui iuris of Pittsburgh, we offer our esteem, good wishes and prayers that the Good Lord will give to Pope Benedict XVI good health, wisdom and holiness as he begins his Petrine ministry. ‘Many Blessed Years!’”
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Statement of Metropolitan Archbishop Basil on the death of Pope John Paul II
April 2, 2005
“It is with great sadness that we learn of the ‘falling asleep in the Lord’ of our beloved Holy Father Pope John Paul II. His death is a great loss to the Catholic Church and indeed to the whole world.
“We remember fondly his great concern and love for the Eastern Churches, both Catholic and Orthodox, and in particular his solicitous concern for the Byzantine Catholic Church in the United States. He encouraged all Christians to breathe with both lungs – East and West.
“He is mourned by all peoples throughout the world – Christian, non-Christian, and by all other faiths. The Lord sent him as a gift to the Church, and this gift was shared with the entire world.
“On a personal level, I cherish my many private audiences with the Holy Father, both as Bishop of Parma and as the Metropolitan Archbishop of Pittsburgh.
“Grant, O Lord, eternal rest to your servant, Pope John Paul II. Eternal Memory! Christ is Risen!”
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Statement
and appeal by Metropolitan Basil for support of victims of
tsunami
January
5, 2005
"As
we continue to hear news of the worst natural disaster in
modern times, our prayers and thoughts are with the survivors
and the families of the victims. The whole world is
numb as we come to understand the human tragedy in the countries
of Sri Lanka, India, Indonesia, Thailand, Bangladesh, Burma
and Malaysia caused by the tsunami in the Indian Ocean Basin.
"It
is painful to observe the peoples of these countries who already
know more than their share of poverty and who now must endure
even greater suffering. Of particular distress is that
over a third of the victims found so far have been children,
and many children who have survived must do so now without
parents and family members.
"Our
brothers and sisters of various Eastern Churches live in this
area of the world and many have suffered tremendous losses.
Also, some members of the families of the parishes
of our Archeparchy live and work in the affected countries.
They need our help.
"The
faithful of the Archeparchy of Pittsburgh, joining with the
whole world, are desirous to offer assistance to the victims
of this disaster - assistance that is greatly needed.
St. John Chrysostom encourages us by saying that 'feeding
the hungry is a greater work than raising the dead.'
"We
appeal to all our parishes and institutions to take a collection
during the Divine Liturgies on the weekend of January 15-16
for those in need. These funds will then be dispersed
through the office of the Archbishop. Confident that
our clergy, religious and laity will be most generous in response
to this appeal, we thank all who participate in any manner."
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Statement
of Metropolitan Basil on the War with Iraq
March 23, 2002
“Our
country is now at war. Though we hoped and prayed that
this conflict could be avoided, the reality is that our troops
and the people of Iraq are now suffering the horror, pain,
destruction and death that war brings.
“We
must now continue to be united in our prayers and in our support
for everyone involved in the war – the men and women
of our armed forces, their families and loved ones, and the
people of Iraq, especially our brothers and sisters of the
Eastern Churches.
“We
are obliged to turn to God and to pray that all leaders make
just and moral decisions, that peace is attained quickly,
and that humanitarian resolutions emerge which will benefit
all of the people of the mid-East and indeed of all the world.
”At
times like this we turn to God and ask for wisdom and perseverance,
courage and compassion, faith and hope. We are called
to be ‘sentinels of peace,’ as the Holy Father
reminds us.
“We
join with him in urging all our clergy, monastics and laity
to dedicate the remainder of this Great Fast to prayer, fasting
and almsgiving that the trials and tragedy of war will soon
be replaced by a just and lasting peace.”
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Statement
Of Metropolitan Basil on the loss of the Columbia Space Shuttle
Crew
January 26, 2003
“The
tragic explosion of the space shuttle Columbia on Saturday
touches all hearts with sadness as we remember the dedication
of its crew, who willingly risked and sacrificed their lives
to help advance all humankind.
“On
behalf of the clergy, monastics and laity of the Metropolitan
Archeparchy of Pittsburgh, I offer sincere condolences to
the families of the Columbia crew.
“Likewise,
we remember with compassion the entire NASA team as they struggle
with the untimely loss of coworkers and friends under such
difficult and painful circumstances.
“We
join our prayers with those of the world community, asking
God to give rest now to his servants in that place of Light,
where there is no pain, sorrow, nor mourning, but life everlasting.
“We
pray, too, that their families and friends find comfort in
the blessed memories of their loved ones and the heartfelt
sympathies of those who forever honor their devotion.”
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Statement
of Metropolitan Basil on Appointment as Metropolitan Archbishop
May 2002
“It
is in the spirit of humility and obedience that I accepted
the appointment as Metropolitan Archbishop of Pittsburgh by
Pope John Paul II. I am deeply appreciative of the trust
and confidence placed in me.
“With
the prayers, support and encouragement of the bishops, clergy,
religious and laity of our Metropolitan Church, and in particular
the Archeparchy of Pittsburgh, we will walk together in faith,
hope and love.
“Difficult
as the journey can be at times in this new millennium, we
place our faith in Jesus Christ and ask for the protection
of his mother, the Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary.
“Sadness
fills my heart as I take leave of the Eparchy of Parma.
The clergy, religious and laity are outstanding in their love
of the Church. I am indebted to them for their support
and inspiration given to me during the time I was called to
minister as their bishop. I am counting on their prayers
and support as I continue my journey ‘in the name of
the Lord!’
“We
are thankful to the Holy Father in the appointment of a new
Chief Shepherd to the Eparchy of Parma in the person of Archpriest
John Kudrick, until now the administrator of the Archeparchy
of Pittsburgh. Confident that the clergy, religious and laity
of the eparchy will receive him in joy and love, I pray that
the Lord direct his steps and grant him many blessed years!”
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