PITTSBURGH — Sixteen exceptional young men from around the country representing Ruthenian and Melkite jurisdictions gathered 14-16 October 2016 as the Byzantine Catholic Seminary of SS. Cyril and Methodius hosted its annual “Come and See” Weekend of Discovery. Invited to this retreat were men ages 18 to 35, single or married, who are considering a vocation to the priesthood in the Byzantine Catholic Church. The atmosphere throughout the weekend was prayerful, positive, and fraternal, and provided an opportunity for the discerning young men to connect.
“Come and See” is an annual retreat weekend hosted by the Byzantine Catholic Seminary in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This year’s retreat included sharing liturgical services and meals with the Seminary community, an introduction to the Seminary formation program, a tour of the Seminary, gatherings with the seminarians, talks, visits to the parishes where seminarians serve on Sunday, and a panel discussion.
An ice cream social and bowling contributed to the friendly atmosphere. One attendee wrote in his evaluation of the weekend, “I felt very welcomed by the seminarians and staff. I enjoyed being included in the parish assignment and being included in the recreation activities and fellowship.” Founded by God’s grace in 1950, the Byzantine Catholic Seminary of SS. Cyril and Methodius is the official seminary of the Byzantine Catholic Metropolitan Church of Pittsburgh, is open to all the North American Eastern Catholic Eparchies, and welcomes all those seeking and furthering knowledge of Eastern ecclesial traditions.
As a school of theology, the Byzantine Catholic Seminary is authorized by the Pennsylvania Department of Education and accredited by the Association of Theological Schools. The Seminary operates as a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, incorporated in Pennsylvania, and governed by the Board of Directors under the leadership of the Metropolitan of the Archeparchy of Pittsburgh.
As an Eastern Christian Center of Learning, the Seminary will continue to prepare men for priestly ministry, and serve as a center for all others from the general public interested in theology, spirituality, liturgy, and scripture.
