A call for unity

 

Bishop Theodor Matsapula of the Eparchy of Mukachevo, Ukraine
visits United States for first time

 

By David Mayernik Jr., Editor

Bishop Theodor Matsapula of the Eparchy of Mukachevo, Ukraine, the Mother Church of the Byzantine Ruthenian Catholic Church in the United States, called for unity during his homily Jan. 23 at St. John the Baptist Cathedral in Munhall, Pa.

Bishop Theodor, in his first visit to the United States, was ordained bishop July 16, 2024 at Holy Cross Greek Catholic Cathedral in Uzhorod.

The Gospel reading from the Book of Mark, read by Very Rev. Andrew Deskevich, Cathedral rector, told the story of the young man who could not give up his possessions to the poor and follow Jesus.

“Today’s gospel story is an example of God offering unity to this young, wealthy man but, unfortunately, he rejected it,” said Bishop Theodor. Very Rev. Vasyl Polyak, pastor at SS. Peter and Paul in Tarentum, Pa. translated his homily.

“But he got the same invitation as the apostles.”

Bishop Theodor said the man was not willing to leave the things he was addicted to and follow Jesus.

“This story is a nice warning to all of us.”

He said there is a danger that services and religious activities will be only the “physical entertainment of theater without the personal commitment to God.”

“(The rich man) was sure he was holy and following God but his heart was not in it,” he said.

“God constantly is calling for unity and personal commitment.”

According to the Mukachevo Greek Catholic Diocese web site, Bishop Teodor was born on Aug. 21, 1981 in Krylos, Ivano-Frankivsk region. He was ordained a priest on Feb. 10, 2008. Since 2017, he had been a syncel for monastic affairs of the Mukachevo Greek Catholic Diocese. On May 8, 2024, Pope Francis appointed Theodor as the ordinary bishop for the Mukachevo Greek Catholic Diocese.

Bishop Theodor also celebrated the Divine Liturgy Jan. 24 at the monastery at Mount St. Macrina in Uniontown, Pa.

During his homily, Bishop Theodor thanked Metropolitan Archbishop William C. Skurla for support and being present at his consecration last year.

“This visitation is a sign of giving thanks because your Archeparchy many times was a help and support to the Diocese of Mukachevo,” he said.

“Even though we have different languages we are able to get along pretty easy…Our Byzantine Catholic churches show we are able to communicate between each other.
“Not only communication between the churches is needed but communication among all of us.”

“We welcome Bishop Theodor here to the Cathedral. The last time we were there in Uzhhorod, it was over 100 degrees. So we return the favor and give you bad weather,” Archbishop William said, with a laugh.

Pittsburgh, Pa. has experienced days of snowy, below-freezing temperatures.
Bishop Theodor said he was also looking forward to visiting with priests of the Archeparchy of Pittsburgh who are originally from the Eparchy of Mukachevo.

Bishop Theodor accompanied Archbishop William to Anaheim, Calif. Jan. 26 for the ordination of Bishop Artur Bubnevych of the Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of the Holy Protection of Mary of Phoenix.

“Please greet this visitation as a voice from the whole Ukrainian nation. As you know, our Ukrainian nation suffers from the horrible war,” Bishop Theodor said.

People are always asking him how the Ukrainian people feel during this time of war.

“We are all tired after all those years of war,” he said.

“Our nation keeps fighting and with your prayers and support with which we’ve blessed for many years.”

Following the Divine Liturgy, Bishop Theodor invited all to attend the May 3 beatification celebration of Father Petro Paolo Oros in Mukachevo, Ukraine.

“Not all of us are able to make it physically but I would like to ask you to be by praying, present.”

“Thank you very much,” he said in English.

A priest from the Greek Catholic Eparchy of Mukachevo, Ukraine, Father Petro was killed on Aug. 28, 1953 in the Soviet Union.

Pope Francis recognized the martyrdom of Father Petro on Aug. 5, 2022 but a beatification has been delayed due to the worldwide pandemic.