COMMEMORATIVE EDITION

Official Publication of the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia VOL. 81 - No. 1 JANUARY 12, 2020 ENGLISH VERSION HONORING -EMERITUS ON HIS RETIREMENT

A Moleben to the Mother of God was offered on December 4, 2019 at the Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Philadelphia, PA as part of a celebration honoring Bishop-Emeritus John Bura on his retirement. Archeparchy News Biography of Bishop-emeritus John Bura of the Archeparchy of Philadelphia

Bishop-emeritus John Catholic University of was the archdeacon Bura was born on June America in Washington, at the ceremonies. 12, 1944 in Wegeleben, D.C., where he received Concelebrating with Germany, in the family of the humane bachelor Metropolitan Ambrose Gregory and Mary Bura. and theological bachelor was Msgr. Myroslav After emigration to the degrees. Charyna and Stephen United State the family Sulyk. Fathers Ronald became parishioners of Archbishop Amrose Popivchak and Richard the Ukrainian Catholic Senyshyn conferred the Seminack were the Church of St. Peter and rites of Minor Orders deacons. Attending Paul in Jersey City. In and Sub-Diaconate upon the Archbishop as 1959 after graduating John Bura on May 26, chaplains were Msgrs. from middle school 1969 during a Pontifical Basil Losten and Michael John Bura entered Saint Liturgy at 10 a.m. in Fedorowich. Rev. Basil Minor Seminary the Cathedral of the Raymond Revak was the Photo from May in Stamford, CT. In Immaculate Conception, Master of Ceremonies. 26, 1969 of John 1965-1970 he entered Philadelphia. Msgr. Msgr. , Bura (now Bishop- St. Josaphat Ukrainian Basil Makuch , Rector of pastor of Assumption emeritus John Catholic Seminary and St. Josaphat’s Seminary Bura) (Photo: Meva) studied theology at the in Washington, DC, (continued on next page)

Photo from May 26, 1969 when John Bura (now Bishop-emeritus John Bura) was ordained into the Sub-Diaconate. He is pictured left of Archbishop Senyshyn. (Photo: Meva) JANUARY 12, 2020 2 Archeparchy News Biography of Bishop-emeritus John Bura Auxiliary bishop of the Archeparchy of Philadelphia (continued from previous page) Church, Perth Amboy Bura a priest. He served preached in English; there in 1971. His Grace, Very Rev. Anton Borsa, Metropolitan Ambrose pastor of SS. Peter and Senyshyn celebrated Paul Church, Jersey City the Episcopal Divine delivered the Ukrainian Liturgy, at which time homily. he ordained Deacon John Bura a priest. Co- On December 6, 1970 celebrants for the Liturgy Rev. Mr. John Bura was were Msgr. Michael ordained deacon by Fedorowich, Chancellor, Archbishop Ambrose and Msgr. Basil Makuch, Senyshyn. Recgtor of St. Josaphat’s Seminary. Fathers Martin On February 14, 1971 Canavan and Ronald in the Cathedral of Popivchak served as Immaculate Conception deacons. Arch-Episcopal in Philadelphia Chaplains were Msgr. Metropolitan Ambrose Basil Losten and Father Senyshyn ordained John David Clooney. Mr.

Photo from May 26, 1969 when Archbishop ordained John Bura (now Bishop-emeritus John Bura) into the Sub- Diaconate. Also pictured are Msgr. Michael Fedorowich, Msgr. Basil Makuch, and Bishop (then Deacon). (Photo: Meva)

Osyp Lupan conducted there also. He served the Cathedral Choir in also as Vice-Rector of the choral responses. this Seminary. Msgr. Basil Makuch delivered a sermon in Other appointments: the Ukrainian language. 1975-1976 – Administrator of the From 1971 till 1972 St. Josaphat Church he taught religion in in Trenton; 1976-1980 the Saint Basil Minor – Administrator of the Seminary in Stamford, in Photo from May 26, 1969 (Photo: Meva) 1972-1975 – he taught Ukrainian language (continued on next page) JANUARY 12, 2020 3 Archeparchy News Biography of Bishop-emeritus John Bura Auxiliary bishop of the Archeparchy of Philadelphia (continued from previous page)

St. Nicholas Church of Holy Ghost Church in in Mahanoy (second Chester and St. Nicholas time in 1983); 1976- Church in Millville. 1987 – Administrator From 2001 – Pastor of of St. Michael Church in St. Nicholas Church in Shenandoah. In 1987- Wilmington. 1997 he was Rector of St. Josaphat Ukrainian On June 12, 1991 Holy Catholic Seminary in Father John Paul II Washington, D.C. From 1997 till 2002 – pastor (continued on next page) February 21, 2006 - Episcopal Ordination of Most Rev. John Bura

Bishop-emeritus John Bura (then Msgr. John Bura) pictured right was the rector of St. Josaphat Seminary when Metropolitan Stephen Sulyk ordained to the order of deacon the late Fr. Joseph Szupa and to subdeacon Fr. Robert Hitchens at Holy Ghost parish in Chester, PA on February 24, 1992. JANUARY 12, 2020 4 Archeparchy News Biography of Bishop-emeritus John Bura Auxiliary bishop of the Archeparchy of Philadelphia (continued from previous page)

Synod of Ukrainian Greek Catholic - 2008 named Father John Bura XVI blessed the decision of Philadelphia for in Philadelphia, PA. The - Monsignor. of the Synod of the Ukrainians. Episcopal principal consecrator Bishops of the Ukrainian Ordination of Most was His Beatitude On January 3, 2006 Greek-Catholic Reverend John Bura took Lubomyr Cardinal the Congregation for Church and appointed place on February 21, Husar, co-consecrators the Eastern Churches Monsignor John Bura 2006 in the Ukrainian – Most Reverend announced that the the Auxiliary bishop Catholic Cathedral of Archbishop Stefan Holy Father Benedict for the Metropolitan Immaculate Conception Soroka, Metropolitan of Philadelphia and Most Reverend , CSs.R.

On July 29, 2009, the Holy Father nominated Bishop John as the Apostolic Administrator, sede vacante, of the Ukrainian Catholic of St. Josaphat in Parma. and he served in that capacity until 2014.

On November 4, 2014, in the Cathedral of Saint Josaphat in accepted Parma, Ohio, His Beatitude presided over the Bishop John Bura’s consecration and enthronement of Bishop , whose resignation on November co-consecrators during the ordination were Bishop 15, 2019. and Bishop John Bura. Bishop John Bura was Apostolic Administrator in Parma from 2009 to 2014. (Photo from St Josaphat Eparchy YouTube)

JANUARY 12, 2020 5 Archeparchy News Bishop John Bura offered the homily when he became Auxiliary Bishop on February 21, 2006

Consecration of Msgr. John Bura to Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia on February 21, 2006. His Beatitude Lubomyr Cardinal Husar presenting the crozier to Bishop John Bura at the Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Philadelphia, PA.

Below is the text of cooperation and your I am extremely grateful Josaphat in Washington, the homily offered friendship. for the support of our DC, assisting at the by Bishop John Bura. priests. This support Liturgy today. It is extra I greet the Most Reverend obviously is very meaningful because it is We are privileged to Metropolitan Archbishop important and greatly mid-term week and they have His Eminence Justin Basil Schott and the predated. had to rearrange exam Cardinal Rigali and Bishops of the Byzantine schedules to be here His Eminence Cardinal Ruthenian Metropolitan Our venerable sisters today. I thank you for Anthony Bevilaqua, Province and our own have always played your participation and emeritus, with us today. Metropolitan Emeritus a vital ministry in our sacrifice. Stephen Sulyk and all our church. I thank them for Thank you for your Bishops of the Ukrainian their prayers and best I am grateful to all of you friendship and your . It is wishes. I know our work for your participation respect for our Church. always good for us to together will continue for in today's celebrations. It's a great honor, thank get together. the good of our Church I am glad to see the you very much. We are and people. children and the young honored by the presence Also a sincere welcome people here. of His Eminence to all the Roman I welcome all our Archbishop Antonij of Catholic Archbishops Seminarians. We have I would especially the Ukrainian Orthodox and Bishops! You honor the students of St. Basil's like to acknowledge Church. Thank you us. Thank you for your in Stamford, CT and we for your participation, participation. have our students from St. (continued on next page) JANUARY 12, 2020 6 Archeparchy News Bishop John Bura offered the homily when he became Auxiliary Bishop on February 21, 2006 (continued from previous page) my parishioners of St. as you may know I have Considering everything ourselves, to become Nicholas in Wilmington, been a priest for 35 that had happened, I better persons. St. Basil in Chesapeake years. It is amazing how thought I was doing ok, City. My former quickly these years have and said so. I said "I'm Everyday God comes and parishioners of Holy gone by. These were going on, I am surviving..." reminds us, sometimes Ghost, Chester and St. or are important years, Right then and there I very gently, sometimes in Nicholas, Milville, NJ, St. important for various was challenged to be a, more shattering way Michael, Shenandoah, reasons, but primarily more than ok, not just to to live, to change, to go St. Nicholas in Mahanoy for the people we come survive, but to live! beyond the limits we set City, St. Josaphat, to serve, to know and for ourselves. Trenton, NJ and my first love, and the events we There are times we have assignment here in this experience that shape to be reminded, even The office of Bishop Cathedral. I would like our lives. though we may believe is a great dignity, a to acknowledge also the To know that we are we are doing well, high honor, but more parishioners of my home loved by God and called following faithfully the importantly an awesome parish SS. Peter and Paul to share that love by teachings of Jesus, we responsibility. I could not in Jersey City, NJ. You others with what we do have to be, reminded to see - myself as a bishop. know by virtue of one in life is one of the most do more, be better. Besides, I was perfectly Baptism we have chosen fulfilling experiences satisfied doing what I to act as God's children, known to us. We think we are doing was doing. I had my sharing his vision of life, ok, but we have to two parishes; I had the his values, his strength. After the fire in be reminded that our Shenandoah, I was Christian vocation calls It has been mentioned or asked how I was doing. us to always improve (continued on next page)

Group picture after the Consecration of Msgr. John Bura to Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia on February 21, 2006. JANUARY 12, 2020 7 Archeparchy News Bishop John Bura offered the homily when he became Auxiliary Bishop on February 21, 2006 (continued from previous page)

Providence Association, several committees - assignments. I was perfectly satisfied.

And here again a challenge: "Satisfaction is not enough!" give more, do more! I would be safer; I would be more comfortable doing what I was doing.

But...our purpose and our direction is to live according to the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ. God reminds us to be open... Bishop John Bura offering the homily on February 21, 2006 open to the words of the Holy Spirit. God has sent help I will always try to Many people offered ever Virgin Mary help his Spirit to empower me fulfill my duties. I pray their prayers for me. and protect all of you to do what we cannot and continue to depend Please do not stop now. now and always! do by ourselves. on our Lord Jesus Christ You are always in my to help me and when prayers. May our Most I pledge that with God's necessary to carry me. Holy Mother of God and

Coat of Arms of Bishop John Bura

Bishop John Bura chose the motto “Prepare the way of the Lord.” This is taken from the Sacred Scripture account which describes the ministry of St. John the Baptist. The staff and the cross are placed within the coat of arms. The staff is that of John the Baptist and the water is that of the Jordan River.

The three stars depicted are from the iconography of the mantle (omophor) of the Mother of God to whose protection the Archeparchy is placed.

JANUARY 12, 2020 8 Archeparchy News “God Carries You Through.” In 2007 Iryna Ivankovych-Bloshchynska, “The Way” editor, interviewed Most Rev. John Bura on the occasion of the First Anniversary of his Episcopal Ordination.

Iryna Ivankovych- am still very overwhelmed Church in America? I. I.-B.: - When you go Bloshchynska: -Most by its responsibility. I back to the earlier years Reverend Bishop, as think it's an awesome Bishop John B: - of your life, were you a you are celebrating the calling, it is the fullness of A priest tries to be leader among your peers, first anniversary of your priesthood. I had to think prepared, but I don't both in administrative Episcopal ordination, and pray about it for know if you are ever fully and spiritual aspects? please accept our prayers some time. Since it was prepared. At the same and wishes to serve God confidential, I could only time, I am grateful for Bishop John B.: - and His people for many discuss it with my spiritual the various experiences, Moses was stunned to years to come. Do you director. Under the even the difficult ones, be a leader. I never recall your feelings at idea of obedience, you those that mold you the considered myself the moment when the accept, and you humbly most. How many times a leader, but God news came from the trust that God will carry people pray, "O Lord, provides, you face the Vatican about your you through these duties take this away from me," challenge, you pray, and appointment as Auxiliary and obligations. and yet, these are the you go on. Bishop of the Ukrainian challenges that mold Catholic Archeparchy of I. I.-B.: - How did the your character spiritually. I. I.-B.: - How did you Philadelphia? 35-year-experience of You are ordained a master yourself in priesthood prepare you priest, assigned to spirituality and prayer? Bishop John Bura: - I for one of the leading different ministries, etc. was very surprised, and I roles in the life of our God carries you through. (continued on next page)

Holy Thursday 1997 (photo at left): Msgr. John Bura, rector of St. Josaphat’s Seminary, (now Bishop-emeritus); Archbishop Stephen Sulyk (now Archbishop-emeritus) and Deacon Paul Makar

JANUARY 12, 2020 9 Archeparchy News “God Carries You Through.” (continued from previous page) Did your family help I. I.-B.: - For years you that the most difficult time, their outlook you in defining your were an educator to part is teaching religion on many things may vocation? younger generations, and language. And that's be different, it's their serving as an Instructor what I ended up doing. generation as opposed Bishop John B.: - This of Religion at St. Basil to mine). There were is the whole spiritual Preparatory School I. I.-B.: - For ten years different approaches maturing process: in Stamford and an you served as Rector of to the formation when entering the seminary, Instructor of Ukrainian St. Josaphat Ukrainian I was a student, then a becoming a priest, your at St. Basil College in Catholic Seminary in Rector, and even now. various ministries, visiting Stamford. What were Washington, DC. What In a long run, it was the sick, I'm amazed the most rewarding and were the major challenges challenging work. I think how their spirituality enriching aspects of your of this assignment? that a key to successful impacts you. My family teaching career? How were your student cooperation between the was always supportive years different from the teacher and the students with what I wanted to Bishop John B.: - I times when you yourself is to respect each other. do. I always thought think in teaching both ministered to the priests- You have to see what the of becoming a priest. in Stamford and then in to-be young men as an thirst (for knowledge, for There are several priests Washington, the most instructor, teacher and spirituality) of the student and nuns who were very rewarding part is to see counselor? is in order to satisfy it. influential in my vocation. the fruit of your mission, I am very grateful for to see your students Bishop John B.: - I their example, prayers getting ordained. think there are some and support. Someone once told me differences (different (continued on next page)

November 13, 2016 celebrating the 75th Anniversary of St. Josaphat Ukrainian Catholic Seminary, Washington, DC JANUARY 12, 2020 10 Archeparchy News “God Carries You Through.” (continued from previous page) I. I.-B.: - On top of your of our times. Hopefully, Bishop John B.: - I of the Holy Spirit in your pastoral assignments, you we are trying to do this. think continuing to be daily life. This is the basis are presently President open to the revelations to everything. of the Providence I. I.-B.: - How difficult Association for Ukrainian is it to maintain your Catholics in America. spiritual growth amidst What major goals do the numerous duties you set for yourself you have to fulfill? Do and the Providence for you have a recipe for the next years of your successful life of prayer? Presidency? Bishop John B.: - You Bishop John B.: - always need time to Providence is a very pray, to reflect. You have important organization to constantly evaluate of our Church here, in yourself, what you are USA. Bishop Ortynsky, doing. Otherwise you fail, whose 100-anniversary you do not progress. Our of arrival to the USA we Church, our Liturgical are celebrating this year, cycle, provides all the had a specific reason necessary opportunities for establishing this to do this. You just have organization. At the time to take advantage of such an organization them. No exuses. was deeply needed. For years it finances many of I. I.-B.:- What would you our church buildings, and like to pray for on the buildings related to the first anniversary of your church, such as school, Episcopal ordination? rectories etc. We live in What virtues would you a changing world, and like to master in the our goal in Providence is future? to address the changes

Photos from October 2012 of the 100th Anniversary of The Providence Association JANUARY 12, 2020 11 Archeparchy News Pope Francis Accepts the Resignation of Auxiliary Bishop John Bura

Philadelphia, Pa.--The our archeparchy. Our Bishop Bura was born to he served in various Holy Father Pope Francis prayers are that the Hryhoriy and Maria Bura administrative positions on Friday, November Lord will grant him good on June 12, 1944 in including teacher 15, 2019 accepted health and longevity in Wegeleben, Germany. of religion and the the resignation from retirement as he begins His parents were Ukrainian language the office of auxiliary this new chapter in his refugees on the move and Vice-Rector of St. bishop of the Ukrainian life." from Ukraine, who like Basil Minor Seminary, Catholic Archeparchy of hundreds of thousands Stamford, Ct. and rector Philadelphia, presented Bishop John was of their countrymen of St. Josaphat Seminary by Bishop John Bura. nominated on January where caught between in Washington, DC. 3, 2006 auxiliary the genocidal policies of Bishop Bura, who bishop of the Ukrainian the Nazis and Soviets. Some of his pastoral reached the canonical Catholic Archeparchy They were forced from assignments included retirement age of seventy- of Philadelphia by Pope their home in the midst St. Michael's Church, five in June, submitted Benedict XVI upon the of World War II. Bishop Shenandoah, Pa., Holy his resignation pursuant recommendation of John's childhood was Ghost Church, Chester, to the provisions of the Ukrainian Catholic marked by devastation Pa. and St. Nicholas Canon 210 of the Code Synod of Bishops. and displacement. Yet, Church, Wilmington, De. of Canons of the Eastern throughout his life he Churches. He was ordained a was a man of serenity. In While he was serving as bishop by His Beatitude 1950, his family moved pastor in Shenandoah, Archbishop Borys Lubomyr Cardinal Husar to the United States and Pa., home of the first Gudziak, of the Ukrainian on February 21, 2006 in settled in Jersey City, NJ. Ukrainian Catholic Catholic Archeparchy the Ukrainian Catholic parish in the United of Philadelphia and Cathedral of the After completing States, on Easter Metropolitan of Ukrainian Immaculate Conception elementary and middle Monday April 7, 1980 Catholics in the United in Philadelphia. The school, he entered the landmark church and States commented that principal co-consecrators St.Basil Minor Seminary adjacent rectory were "Bishop John is a kind were Archbishop Stefan in Stamford, Ct. completely destroyed and noble man who has Soroka of Philadelphia by a devastating fire. As served God, the Church and Bishop Michael From 1965 to 1970 he a young priest, Bishop and the community-at- Kuchmiak, C.Ss.R. of studied theology at The John provided the large with dedication, Great Britain. Catholic University of fatherly compassion to both as a priest and as America and resided at guide the parish family a bishop. Throughout a Bishop John was St. Josaphat Seminary through this tragedy and life that began in great named the Apostolic in Washington, DC. He provided the leadership danger and hardship Administrator of the was ordained to the for the rebuilding task. he remained faithful. Eparchy of Saint priesthood on February On November 27, In my first months of Josaphat in Parma 14, 1971 for the Ukrainian 1983, the blessing of service Bishop John has on July 29, 2009 and Catholic Archeparchy the cornerstone and first been for me a most served in that capacity of Philadelphia by Divine Liturgy were held valuable and reliable until 2014, when Bishop Metropolitan Ambrose in the newly constructed guide for understanding Bohdan Danylo was Senyshyn, OSBM. church. the pastoral history named bishop of that and current issues of eparchy. Following ordination JANUARY 12, 2020 12 Archeparchy News

On December 4, 2019 a celebration in honor of Bishop John Bura was held at the Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Philadelphia, PA.

The next few pages of “The Way” provide coverage of the December 4, 2019 event.

A Moleben to the Mother of God was celebrated at the Cathedral with a homily offered by Metropolitan-Archbishop followed by a reception in the Cathedral Hall with reflections by Fr. Nestor Iwasiw, Fr. Robert Hitchens, Fr. John Fields, and Bishop . Words of gratitude were then offered by Bishop John Bura.

Archbishop Borys Gudziak’s Reflection at the Retirement Celebration of Bishop-emeritus John Bura

December 4, 2019 in great humility and at the Ukrainian already she is magnifying Catholic Cathedral the Lord in joy during of the Immaculate her pregnancy. And Conception, Elizabeth her cousin, Philadelphia, PA the mother of John the Baptist, the Lord’s Слава Ісусу Христу! Forerunner, is sharing in it. It’s an encounter Our dearest Bishop John, between God and humanity and it’s an Bishop Basil, Bishop encounter between us Paul, Bishop Andriy, human beings. That’s where it happens; our Archbishop Borys Gudziak at the Moleben Our dear fathers, sisters, joy; but also our suffering. to the Mother of God on December 4, 2019 at the Cathedral in Philadelphia, PA Dear family members Seventy-five years and and dear friends of six months ago on the (He’s never yelled at life; to thank God Bishop John Bura, way, before World War me, yet.) He’s a man of for the encounter of II was over, in the middle kindness. There’s nobility your parents; for the We read a joyful Gospel of the bombing of Nazi in his spirit. He’s a quiet intrusion of God into today; it’s a Gospel of Germany; our dear man. And he is riding your family life; for the fulfillment. It’s a Gospel Bishop John was born. quietly off to the sunset way the Mother of God of the fruits of the He’s been thru his life a in a characteristic way. protected you from the encounter of a human man of tranquility. Most bombs, from the fires, person with God. Mary of you know him better But through Him we’re from the pestilence; from heard the prophecy. She than I, but I have never here, Bishop John, to accepted the challenge seen Bishop John yell. thank God for your (continued on next page) JANUARY 12, 2020 13 Archeparchy News Archbishop Borys Gudziak’s Reflection at the Retirement Celebration of Bishop-emeritus John Bura (continued from previous page) the diseases; from all that you served, in preaching the Gospel. But with God’s help he that hatred in the midst parishes that you come revived that community; in which you were born; from. There was a The presence of a priest he rebuilt the church and for the inspiration of beautiful salvific routine; is so needed; a good with the help of others, the Holy Spirit that led the sacraments of priest; a faithful priest; with the help of the you to the priesthood prayer; of listening to the priest that runs the Archeparchy, with the into a half-century of people; trying to calm course. Some of that help of the faithful. service to the people of down the hot-heads; experience was dramatic. God. lift up the depressed; When as pastor Fr. He was called to be prepare for Baptism; for John had to witness the rector of the Seminary. Fr. John Bura was the Holy Communion, for devastating fire of the And then he was called pastor in parishes that Marriage; pick up the oldest of our churches in you know, in parishes pieces of broken lives; America in Shenandoah. (continued on next page)

Moleben to the Mother of God on December 4, 2019 at the Cathedral in Philadelphia, PA JANUARY 12, 2020 14 Archeparchy News Archbishop Borys Gudziak’s Reflection at the Retirement Celebration of Bishop-emeritus John Bura (continued from previous page) to be bishop. that was struggling, became the eparchy that I am very grateful for helped because you can Bishop John’s service in help in many different all the different vocations ways. Bishop John that he filled. But in a and the Parma eparchy special way I am grateful became a channel of for what he did in his communication for some rather short time during of the most needy parts of his tenure in Parma. our church to speak with Bishop John came to different foundations. an eparchy that was a These are very practical million dollars in debt. things that changed the It was not able to meet lives of thousands of its payment to the center people. of our church. There don’t think that’s widely by your example; your were a lot of issues, a I think I can speak in recognized in our church humility; your faithfulness; lot of confusion; there the name of Bishop what Bishop John did. your kindness and your were difficult times in Bohdan Danylo. Bishop nobility. the beginning of the John prepared the So, Bishop John as 21st century to serve as Parma eparchy for his we thank God for Let us thank God bishop; unprecedented successor to succeed. your life, your service, together; all of us. In the challenges. Bishop John It’s very important. It’s your priesthood, your name of all those who did everything to keep his very important for all forming other priests, could not be here whom eparchy free of scandal. of us to pass on well your episcopacy; we Bishop John served. Let He righted the financial that in which we have want to make sure us pray for Bishop John’s quotas; he calmed the been entrusted; whether that what you did and health and his peace of presbyterate; he made as pastors; whether as what you suffered thru mind and joy in his soul the eparchy transparent. bishops; whether as is recognized. Not to that God grant him many people on the job.; for glorify you on this earth, many happy years. He reconnected the people to be inspired because your glory, eparchy in a new way with when they arrive; seeing our glory; the one we Amen! the church in Ukraine by the responsibility, the hope for and pray for is helping out. The poorest competence and hard in heaven. But so that Слава Ісусу Христу! eparchy, the eparchy work of predecessors. I we could be inspired

Watch a video from the Retirement Celebration on our YouTube Channel

https://www.youtube.com/user/thewayukrainian

JANUARY 12, 2020 15 Archeparchy News Bishop-emeritus John Bura honored at Reception

years.

Bishop Andriy Rabiy then continued at the reception to introduce Fr. Nestor Iwasiw and Fr. Robert Hitchens to talk about Bishop John when they were seminarians. A third priest who graduated when Bishop John Bura was rector of the Seminary was the late +Fr. Joseph Szupa.

Following the speeches by Fr. Nestor and Fr. Robert, Fr. John Fields a longtime friend and fellow priest offered a reflection about Bishop Bishop Andriy Rabiy was Michael’s in Shenadoah, and attend meetings with John Bura. the Master of Ceremony PA, Holy Ghost parish members of Congress at the Reception held in Chester, PA and St. and the Embassy of The faithful in attendance at the Cathedral Hall Nicholas in Wilmington, Ukraine in Washington, then sang Mnohaya in Philadelphia, PA on DE. Bishop Bura was DC. Bishop John had Lita to Bishop Bura as December 4, 2019 then appointed as rector a special mission to he cut the cake. Gifts honoring Bishop- of St. Josaphat Seminary represent our church were then presented to emeritus John Bura in Washington, DC. In and represent Ukraine in Bishop John Bura from on the occasion of his 2006 he was consecrated all the events happening retirement. as bishop and served in Washington over the (continued on next page) as Auxillary Bishop. In After a prayer offered 2009, he continued as by Bishop-emeritus Apostolic Administrator John Bura, the program in our neighboring began with Bishop eparchy in Parma, Ohio Andriy Rabiy recalling a for five years. Then brief biography of Bishop Bishop Bura came John Bura. Bishop back to Philadelphia John was ordained on and received a unique February 14, 1971 and is appointment to be an celebrating his 48th year Ambassador of our of priesthood this year. Ukrainian Church in Bishop Bura served as a Washington, DC. Bishop pastor at various parishes Rabiy said how great in the Archeparchy of it was that a bishop, Philadelphia including St. Bishop Bura, could come Gift from Chancery Staff JANUARY 12, 2020 16 Archeparchy News Bishop-emeritus John Bura is honored at Reception (continued from previous page) the Chancery Staff in Philadelphia and the Providence Association.

Bishop Andriy Rabiy offered a reflection to close the program offering much gratitude to Bishop John Bura and told Bishop-emeritus John Bura how he is still a part of our family, our Archeparchy, and how much we love him.

Bishop Bura then offered a reflection and thanked all those who came to celebrate with him.

The program ended with all in attendance singing Gift from Providence Association Mnohaya Lita to Bishop- emeritus John Bura!

Fr. Nestor Iwasiw Offers Greetings to Bishop John Bura Fr. Nestor Iwasiw spoke when he was a deacon, at the reception on the deacons had the December 4th recalling opportunity to travel how in 1987 he met with Bishop John down Bishop John, then Msgr. to St. Basil’s Church in John, when he went from Chesapeake City. That St. Basils College down was something the to St. Josaphat Seminary. deacons really looked Fr. Nestor said, “I learned forward to because they so much from him. All got to travel outside of his instructions; how he the seminary. Fr. Nestor taught us rubrics and remembered how it was how to celebrate the a very nice experience Divine Liturgy properly; I going and being in a am very grateful to him parish and experiencing Fr. Nestor Iwasiw for that.” parish life a little as a seminarian. saying, “We thank Bishop that God bless him and Fr. Nestor shared a John for everything he reward him with all His memory about how Fr. Nestor concluded by has done for us and ask blessings.” JANUARY 12, 2020 17 Archeparchy News Fr. Robert Hitchens Offers Greetings to Bishop John Bura

Family and Friends of ministry was when St. our Bishop John: Michael’s in Shenandoah, Pennsylvania, our first We have come this church in these United day to salute and show States, was destroyed by our great admiration fire on Easter Monday and love for a humble April 7, 1980, just 4 and modest man. This years shy of the parish’s February 14th, always centennial anniversary. the Feast of St. Cyril, In only 3 years though, apostle to the Slavs, and Bishop, then Father not, as Bishop John often Bura would lead his reminded me, merely St. people and build a Valentine’s Day, he will new St. Michael’s, the mark 49 years of having third church for this faith Fr. Robert Hitchens answered the call of the community of “Greek” Lord by being ordained Ukrainian Catholics (the our ministries have been of life, is what he tried a priest at the hands pioneers of this parish connected since that to impart to all of his of Archbishop Ambrose referred to themselves as time. Once, as a young seminarians and future Senyshyn. Later, again, Greek Catholics as most seminarian, while driving priests of our Church he would answer arrived to the USA from him to Shenandoah here in the United States. the call of the Lord, the Austro-Hungarian for the 25th Wedding We were to be: men marking 14 years as a Empire). In 1984, our Anniversary of Albert of prayer; men of our bishop of our Ukrainian entire church was able and Alice Breznik, then American culture and Catholic Church, being to celebrate being in the Father John, upon our men of our Ukrainian consecrated on February United States for 100 departure said something culture; men committed 21st. years in a new beautiful to the effect of, “My son, to practicing our Eastern church thanks to the someday this might all be Christian spirituality, Throughout his ministry, efforts of our Bishop yours.” Little did I know liturgy, and faith – we Bishop John always went John. He would not be how much a prophet, were to be faithful dutifully to wherever long in serving in the new much like his namesake, followers of the Lord and he was sent. Whether church and new rectory St. John the Baptist, his priests carrying out it was as an assistant as Archbishop Stephen our Bishop John is. In the sacred duty of caring priest, pastor, seminary Sulyk would send him to October 1997, it all did for every soul entrusted formator, auxiliary St. Josaphat Seminary, become mine, and I to us. bishop, apostolic as it’s rector from June have avoided Bishop’s administrator, and of 1987 until June of prophesying ever since. When someone is most recently now joins 1997. blessed to attain 75 years the other millions of During these 31 years of age, this milestone is Americans who are It was during this time that I have known Bishop often referred to as the employed by our federal that that I would come John, worked with him, diamond jubilee year. In government receiving to know Bishop John, and even now, live with a sense, Bishop John is their monthly social beginning in January him, he has always been much like a diamond, a security checks. of 1988, and would be and is the epitome of a true gem of many facets. with him as a seminarian “Christian Gentleman”. He is as comfortable Perhaps the most trying until I was ordained in Becoming “Christian period of his history and 1994. I have to say that Gentlemen”, this way (continued on next page) JANUARY 12, 2020 18 Archeparchy News Fr. Robert Hitchens Offers Greetings to Bishop John Bura (continued from previous page) listening to a CD of when we finished. become the souls that support over these many Pikkardiyska Tertsiya are entrusted to our years and congratulate as he is listening to the We entered his office, care. you as you move into a Beatles. He can move in now my office, and sat new aspect of ministry and out of English and down. As we were Whether a parishioner and still being a spiritual Ukrainian, knowingly talking, my mother asked is a 3 year old or 95 father in your retirement. reciting something from about being able to year old, each calls I suppose in a sense, William Shakespeare come home and visit for us “Father”. Thus, we you are now a spiritual or Taras Shevchenko. birthdays and weekends “Fathers” are by the very grandfather, still able He really loves T-birds, to which Father John nature of our ordination to minister and serve the cars, not the cheap Bura said, “Seminarians mystically “hardwired” to as you like, but as any bum’s wine, but today are only permitted to be provide for our spiritual grandparent, able to drives a Buick. He can absent from the seminary families. This above go home and hand the seem so very serious, for serious reasons and all means that we put spiritual family over to but really has a great during official breaks.” ourselves, NOT before the sons that you have sense of humor. He any of our spiritual helped train and have loves the United States, I thought to myself, what children, but always given spiritual life to. but is as loyal and did I get myself in? I FIRST, see to it that our supporting of a free and suppose my mother spiritual children are Bishop John, God bless independent Ukraine, thought it was as if I was nurtured and fed with you in your retirement as someone born being shipped off to war, the saving love of Jesus and thank you for there. He is meticulous and she would never see Christ. Over those six your soon to be 49 in the celebration me again. Well, that years in the seminary with years of faithful service of the Divine Liturgy really was not the case, him, and during these 31 to our Church, but and fastidious in the and my mother sees me years of knowing him, most importantly, your appointing of churches more than she sees any he has and still teaches dedication to the people and sanctuaries. He is of my married brothers. this, and has taught it to of God whom you have always thoughtful and many others. served diligently and deliberative. Moreover, Overtime, I came to unselfishly, through your I have never known him understand that he Bishop John, I thank you unwavering love of Jesus to be unkind to anyone. was not being mean for your guidance and Christ. Bishop John genuinely is or insensitive, but as a fine and decent human always the teacher and being, a true “Christian mentor, he would share Gentleman”. his love of the priesthood with me, and others, by I would like to leave instilling in us that this you with this memory. I vocation to be a priest is arrived at St. Josaphat truly a gift from God and Seminary in January is serious and sacred. 1988, with my father and mother. Father John We priests will always be Bura greeted us, showed from a family and have me my room, and then a family. But, we are left us to unpack, asking formed and learn that St. Josaphat Ukrainian Catholic Seminary, us to stop by his office as priests, our families Washington, DC JANUARY 12, 2020 19 Archeparchy News Fr. John Fields Offers Greetings to Bishop John Bura December 4, 2019 - Immaculate Conception States, St. Michael’s in in Mt. Carmel and told Very Rev. Archpriest by Metropolitan Ambrose Shenandoah, Pa. him, if he talked with John M. Fields Senyshyn. Father Bura, tell him I While he was serving as will help him in any way I was reminded years At that Divine Liturgy, pastor in Shenandoah, I can. later, the first time I Deacon John Bura on Easter Monday met John Bura was would be ordained to April 7, 1980 the After a few days, I got in Philadelphia on the Priesthood. landmark church and a call from Father Bura Valentine’s Day, adjacent rectory were and he said he could February 14, 1971. Several years later completely destroyed by use all the help he in 1976, as a young a devastating fire. can get. And we met— My cousin David Chabin priest, Father Bura was and to paraphrase was receiving the order assigned to the first As a practicing lawyer, I Humphrey Bogart to of sub-diaconate at Ukrainian Catholic parish called by cousin Father the Cathedral of the established in the United Chabin, who was serving (continued on next page)

Photo from September 1980 after the Shenandoah church fire. John Fields (now Very Rev. Archpriest) parish legal advisor is pictured to the right of Father John Bura (now Bishop- emeritus) JANUARY 12, 2020 20 Archeparchy News Fr. John Fields Offers Greetings to Bishop John Bura (continued from previous page)

Claude Rains at the end raised the question of film Casablanca, "this whether the archeparchy was the beginning of a had the properties beautiful friendship." underinsured which could impact the amount Concerning the fire. of the settlement. Father Bura prepared the second floor of By the end of July, the the original church for insurance company services. He also had was offering around to purchase a home $875,000 to settle the to use as a temporary claim. On the weekend rectory. He also had of Ukrainian Day, to comfort and console Sunday, July 27, 1980, shocked and saddened Archbishop Lubachivsky parishioners who lost met with Father Bura in their heaven on earth. the Maizeville rectory and suggested he take He also had to prepare the offer. a complete inventory of loss to submit to the After thinking about it, In April 1980 St. Michael’s Ukrainian Catholic insurance company— Father Bura felt it was Church in Shenandoah was completely windows, religious items, not sufficient—which destroyed by a fire. Fr. John Bura (now etc. He also had to meant more work for Bishop-emeritus) was pastor of St. Michael’s prepare a proof of him in preparing and from September 1976 - June 1987. loss for all his personal submitting the proof of property that he lost in loss. He reviewed all with Charlie Prior, the Archeparchy said the the rectory fire. Aetna, of his documentation insurance adjustor from parish would not receive the insurance company, and had to negotiate Reading hired by Aetna. the money until the deed was signed over to the Because of his extra Archeparchy. work, near the end of August, the offer was When the check came, upped to $1,125,000, it was neatly folded and an increase of $250,000. carried in my wallet until Father Bura accepted it. the property was in the name of the Archbishop However, there was a as trustee for the parish. problem. The church property was titled in the A draft letter to the trustees of the parish. trustees was composed Shenandoah was known and forwarded to the for a strong committee Chancery. That letter system that controlled was then sent by certified the parish and tried to Fr. John Fields control the priest. The (continued on next page) JANUARY 12, 2020 21 Archeparchy News Fr. John Fields Offers Greetings to Bishop John Bura (continued from previous page) mail from the Archbishop majority approved the and rectory complex. church. to the parish trustees transfer. There was not much informing them of the land and no parking at During this time, I demand of Archbishop The next day, the folded the site of the fire. The witnessed firsthand Father Lubachivsky to sign over check was deposited in question was raised, Do Bura's ability to deal with the property. the bank and T Bills in we build in the same stress, disappointment, the sum of $1,125,000 location or move out of authority, frustration. I A parish meeting has were purchased from town? The consensus- also witnessed the held in the original church the PSFS (Philadelphia same location. fatherly compassion he with representatives from Savings Fund Society provided in guiding the the archeparchy present. at an interested rate of The architect was finally parish family through this The letter was read 17.2%. selected and designs tragedy and the empathy and all the parishioners and drawings were he demonstrated to heal were informed of the While all this was going prepared. and unite a community archbishop's conditions. on, Father Bura was as he led the rebuilding After discussion, there interviewing architects But Father Bura task. was a vote and a to design a new church needed approval from Philadelphia to proceed. While Father Bura was And another change coping with the rebuilding happened. In March, project during these three 1981 Metropolitan years, my cousin Father Lubachivsky was Chabin was diagnosed succeeded by my with Hodgkins Disease in former Frackville pastor, the spring of 1981 and Stephen Sulyk. was hospitalized in the Hershey Medical Center. 1982 - After much back and forth He was on death’s Rev. John between Shenandoah doorstep. Bura at and Philadelphia, the Cross eventually plans were From the chemotherapy, Raising approved. However, I he lost his hair, dropped for the new still remember seeing the significant weight and Shenandoah drawings returned from was left with a weakened Church that the chancery with the body, was built top section of the domes after the fire and the three bar crosses Almost every afternoon, destroyed crossed off. After getting for several weeks, Father the former bids and approvals, Bura and I would make church. the progress enabled the trek from Schuylkill the groundbreaking to County south on be held in 1982. On interstate 81 to Hershey November 27, 1983, the to visit Father Dave. His cornerstone was blessed physician, Dr. Eyster, a and the first Divine woman of the Lutheran Liturgy was celebrated in the newly constructed (continued on next page) JANUARY 12, 2020 22 Archeparchy News Fr. John Fields Offers Greetings to Bishop John Bura (continued from previous page) faith was wonderful and Father David were his As an aside, during church and rectory. tried to provide hope to parents and Father the Divine Liturgy, after But then the subject of everyone. Father Dave’s Bura. There were to be Father Troyan and Father conversation changed. parents, my aunt Helen no interruptions from Seniw were ordained, a I told Father Bura that and Uncle Mickey were doctors, nurses or visitors. seminarian from Canada during these last three there everyday until Father Bura prepared served as the deacon years we've been very visiting hours ended. the bedside serving tray for the remainder of honest with each other. On many occasions as the altar. I, like the the Divine Liturgy. His I said, almost in tears, I we privately discussed centurion, stood guard, name Steve Soroka, have to share something funeral plans. outside the hospital room who would be ordained with you. Taking a deep door to prevent access to the priesthood four breath, I said, in a halting Another priest from by anyone. weeks later on June 13, voice, “I really believe Philadelphia, Msgr. 1982 in Winnipeg. I want to leave my law Raymond Revak, It is a Divine Liturgy I will practice and enter the econome and pastor of always remember. During that summer, seminary to study for the our Bristol parish, would Subdeacon Hutsko was priesthood.” visit several times a week During Father Chabin’s assigned to the Mt. driving back and forth illness, I witnessed Carmel parish to assist To this day, I remember from Philadelphia. He Father Bura’s selfless Father Chabin who was your comment, “Once would never tell Father care, concern and still recuperating from you put your hand on Bura or me how many compassion for one of his bout with cancer. the doorknob, you must speeding tickets he got his brother priests, an Michael Hutsko, a cousin open the door and find or explain how he made experience that has had of mine and I became out. Otherwise you will the trip from Philadelphia a life long impact on me. good friends and never know and always to Hershey in such a had many interesting wonder what if.” short time. Finally, one last vignette. conversations. At one On May 16, 1982 point, he asked me at a Bishop John, all of us During Father's Dave's ordinations would be Pizza Hut, “Did you ever gathered here today ordeal, that hospital held at the Cathedral. think about becoming a thank you for a lifetime room became the site of priest?” I did not give of service to our church one of the most emotional Two deacons would him an answer. and the people of God Divine Liturgies I have be ordained to the in the vineyard of Jesus ever experienced. priesthood—Deacon Several weeks later, I did Christ. Daniel Troyan and answer his question while As Father David Deacon John Seniw. we were driving from St. And I thank you for regained some strength These would be the first Clair to Frackville, but he showing me by your from his chemotherapy, priestly ordinations of had to promise he would example the life of a Father Bura asked Archbishop Sulyk. Two not share that answer truly humble, dedicated Archbishop Sulyk for seminarians would also with anyone. and faithful servant permission for Father be ordained to the of the Lord. Thank Chabin to celebrate subdiaconate Michael Later that summer in you for encouraging the Divine Liturgy. The Hutsko and Stephen August, 1982, I was me to “turn the knob permission was granted Hutnick. in the rectory with and open the door.” I with conditions. The Father Bura. We were am forever grateful. only people allowed Father Bura and I conversing about the Congratulations. to be in the room with attended the ordinations. progress on the new JANUARY 12, 2020 23 Archeparchy News Bishop Andriy Rabiy Offers Greetings to Bishop John Bura

Bishop Andriy Rabiy example to us - always offered a reflection of stays in my memory,” gratitude to Bishop- stated Bishop Andriy. emeritus John Bura to close the program on Bishop Andriy also said December 4, 2019. how Bishop John always remained an excellent Bishop Andriy spoke of example to younger when he was entering priests even when he was the priesthood with assigned to parishes and others in his class of how then elected a bishop. Bishop John’s door was Bishop Rabiy said, “I am always open to them. very grateful to you for Bishop Andriy Rabiy Bishop Andriy said that because that is what how Bishop John was we priests actually need; for your prayers, for parishioners who came always kind to them, a good example. You your consideration, for to him, for consoling was always available, certainly were one of your patience, for your those who needed it, for and helped them learn them and I am grateful perseverance, for your baptizing hundreds of English and learn music I got a chance to meet wonderful example,” said children in parishes, for in class. “Your kindness, you and I am always Bishop Andriy Rabiy. performing weddings. your faithfulness, the praying for you!” Bishop Andriy Rabiy said, way you celebrated the Bishop Andriy thanked “You have really done Liturgy, the way you “I would like to express Bishop John for all what Christ is calling us were always a good an immense gratitude the advice he gave to to do, to be there with people, to serve Him and you certainly did that for all this time.”

In conclusion, Bishop Andriy again thanked Bishop John and said this reception is by no means to be considered the last time they will meet. He said we are still going to be asking for help. “You are still a part of our family, our Archeparchy. Please know how much I appreciate you and also of how much we love you! I am really grateful 2019 - Ukrainian Catholic Bishops in the USA to you personally as well! Photo (left to right): Bishop Benedict Aleksiychuk; Bishop Andriy Rabiy; Thank you!” exclaimed Metropolitan Archbishop Borys Gudziak; Bishop Paul Chomnycky, Bishop Andriy Rabiy. O.S.B.M; Bishop Bohdan Danylo; and Bishop John Bura

JANUARY 12, 2020 24 Archeparchy News Bishop-emeritus John Bura Offers Words of Gratitude

At the conclusion of the reception on December 4, 2019, Bishop-emeritus John Bura said a few words of thanks to all who attended the celebration.

The text of his speech is as follows.

In a few weeks we’ll be celebrating Christmas. Our Lord Jesus Christ came to us, to live with us, to teach us righteous living, to love one unbelievably rewarding. was happening. He was today, considering the another, to help one prepared for his journey short notice and dubious another. Jesus gave My dear friends, I thank to the Father. His family weather. Thank you to us correct signs on the God for my priesthood. was in awe and we the priests and sisters, road of our life’s journey I cannot believe how all prayed together. Bishops Paul, Basil, to our heavenly Father. quickly the years have This in my ministry has Andriy. For this He founded His gone by. They have happened several times. One, Holy, Catholic and been years of joy, and How mighty is our God! I especially thank His Apostolic Church, Jesus in life we also experience Grace Metropolitan chose and ordained His unexpected sorrows. As I said I could recount Borys for proposing and Apostles, empowered Our faith helps us to many other experiences initiating this celebration. by the Holy Spirit, to encounter all challenges. and in all of these it is the For all those who helped: minister and lead His mighty hand of our Lord. Bishop Andriy, Olia and church. Bishops and I have many found He is always there. But the Chancery staff, for priests are called to memories. I have you have to be prepared Halia for the wonderful continue to proclaim enough to fill the rest of to receive Him. You cuisine, and for the the “Good News” of the day and even more. have to be open to our participants, speakers, in our Lord Jesus Christ, One of these happened Lord’s wondrous work. the program. to teach our faithful the here in Philadelphia. I spirituality, the liturgical was just ordained a I would like to thank In Jeremiah the Prophet, practice and piety. This couple of months. I was my parents, my family, Chapter 29, verse 11, is a special vocation. called to the hospital to friends and former it says “For I know the No priest deserves it, no anoint a dying man. He parishioners for their plans I have for you, priest can explain it, and was unconscious. The help and support in my declares the Lord, plans yet our Lord calls them family sad and crying ministry. I am grateful to for your welfare, not for and gives them this great surrounded the bed. As all the priests, religious woe! plans to give you gift and special grace. soon as I started the and teachers for their a future full of hope.” The priestly life is an anointing prayers, the guidance and inspiration. (29:11) unspeakable blessing, man opened his eyes ministering to people and started to bless I thank all of you for Thank you. God bless is a satisfaction that is himself. He knew what celebrating with me you! JANUARY 12, 2020 25 Archeparchy News On the Retirement of Bishop John Bura John F. Kurey, Esq. MBA

December 4, 2019 assistance to him in his get the Eparchy off the What happened? ministry. “blacklist” of the United On June 4, 2019, the States Conference of Financial Ukrainian Catholic Bishop John rode off Catholic Bishops; bring a transparency. Bishop Church in America into the sunset in his new openness to helping John hired an outside welcomed with joy usual understated way. institutions in Ukraine; accounting firm to audit Borys Gudziak as But his time in Parma and lay the foundation the finances of the its new Metropolitan was anything but quiet; for his successor to Eparchy, and then posted Archbishop. Archbishop indeed, during the five succeed. the results on the Internet. Borys brings great hope years he served as By showing people what for the future of the Apostolic Administrator In 2011, the Eparchy of the Eparchy was doing Church in America. of the Eparchy – like Saint Josaphat was $1 with their donations, he a “temporary Bishop” million in debt, a year gave them a newfound Eight days later, on June – he implemented far- behind on paying its confidence that their gifts 12, a much quieter event reaching reforms, making bills, two years behind would be put to good took place: Bishop John him one of the most on paying its dues to the use. Bishop John wrote: Bura turned 75, which is consequential Ukrainian Patriarch, and running “You entrust the Eparchy the mandatory retirement Catholic Bishops in North an annual deficit. There with your financial gifts, age for Catholic America in recent years. was no hope in sight. By and the Eparchy must Bishops. Bishop John 2014, the Eparchy had be a good steward of has served the Church What did Bishop paid off half of its debt, those gifts! We also in many capacities John do? Nothing caught up on all of its need to be accountable since his ordination to less than this: Save current bills, was ahead to you and show you the priesthood in 1971: an Eparchy from on paying its dues to what your hard-earned Pastor at several parishes financial bankruptcy; the Patriarch, and was make the Eparchy running a financial in the Archeparchy of (continued on next page) Philadelphia including financially transparent; surplus. Shenandoah, Wilmington and other locations; Rector of Saint Josaphat Seminary in Washington, D.C.; President of the Providence Association of Ukrainian Catholics; Auxiliary Bishop of the Archeparchy of Philadelphia; and Apostolic Administrator of the Eparchy of Saint Josaphat in Parma from 2009 to 2014. It was in Financial Transparency - Bishop John Bura helped save this last context that I got St. Josaphat Eparchy from financial bankruptcy. The Eparchy’s to know to Bishop John, financial statements have been posted on the Internet with a and had the privilege letter from the Bishop and a detailed explanation. of providing some small JANUARY 12, 2020 26 Archeparchy News On the Retirement of Bishop John Bura John F. Kurey, Esq. MBA (continued from previous page) savings were spent on.” and certified as being Redemptorist Priests, manager, and a leader. The Eparchy’s financial in compliance. In 2013, the Redemptorist Sisters, Sometimes Bishop statements have been the Eparchy passed the multiple and John’s actions met with posted on the Internet audit for the first time in Archeparchies like those skepticism or resistance, each year ever since, many years, and it has in Sokal, Lviv and Kyiv; or even attacks; but with a letter from the passed every year since. and even the Eparchy he stayed the course, Bishop and a detailed of Saint Vladimir the and the whole Church explanation from the Stewardship. Every Great in Paris. Although benefitted as a result. Eparchy’s Financial single Roman Catholic the Eparchy of Saint Officer of the changes diocese in America has Josaphat had limited Finally, and perhaps from year to year. a Stewardship Office to resources, whenever a most importantly, he help the diocese with its Bishop asked Bishop laid the foundation for Getting off the finances, but very few John for help, he said his successor’s success. blacklist. In 2002, in Eastern Catholic dioceses “Yes”. In addition to doing the wake of the child have such an office. In everything already abuse scandal, all of the 2012, Bishop John Bishop John did a lot mentioned, before Catholic Bishops in the started a Stewardship of other good things. Bishop John left office, United States pledged to Office, which continues He instituted regular he wrote to foundations build a safe environment to help the Eparchy to clergy conferences and and major donors that for young people and this day. retreats for the priests, supported the Eparchy, committed, as a sign so that they could be and told them: “My of their sincerity, that Helping Ukraine. refreshed spiritually and goal for the two months every diocese would Bishop John brought improve their ministry. left to me as Apostolic be audited annually by a new openness to He modernized the Administrator is to put an outside company to helping the Church in methods by which the the Eparchy in as good ensure that they were Ukraine, a refreshing Eparchy communicated a position as possible following the rules they approach of “How can with the clergy. He for Bishop Bohdan and had set for themselves. we be as helpful as oversaw the most active for the future. I have But for several years, possible to institutions Ukrainian Catholic Youth directed my priests and the Eparchy of Saint in Ukraine asking us for Ministry program in the the few part-time staff Josaphat was one of just help?” The result was country. He invested persons who help me to a handful of Catholic that the Eparchy of Saint the retirement fund for do everything possible dioceses that refused Josaphat – the smallest priests for the first time to accomplish this goal. to be audited, year and poorest Ukrainian in the Eparchy’s history, Bishop Bohdan is a after year. Although Catholic Eparchy in so that the clergy will fine priest, but there the Eparchy’s wide America – became a be cared for in their are still many pressing geographic area (11 center for sending funds senior years. He laid needs in the Eparchy. states), and use of two to the Church in Ukraine. the groundwork for He will need your help. languages (English and Institutions that were significant savings in the I encourage you to Ukrainian) made passing helped over the years Eparchy’s and parishes’ support the Eparchy and the audit more difficult include the Patriarch, the property insurance costs. Bishop Bohdan and to than for the normal Latin Patriarchal Curia, the He removed problem build a strong foundation diocese, Bishop John Sheptytsky Foundation, priests from ministry for the future. I know was committed to the the Ukrainian Catholic when necessary. He was Eparchy being audited University, the a prudent and thoughtful (continued on next page) JANUARY 12, 2020 27 On the Retirement of Bishop John Bura (continued from previous page) you will do so, because Bishop comes into an As Bishop John says hardest part of leaving I know how important Eparchy and tries to goodbye to active the Eparchy is saying your Church is to you.” start everything over; ministry as a Bishop, I goodbye to you. I will but Bishop Bohdan took am sure he has feelings miss the friends I made To his credit, Bishop what Bishop John began similar to those he over the past five years, Bohdan Danylo has built and built on it; and the expressed in his last but I will pray for you upon and expanded result is that the Eparchy letter to the faithful of the every day, wherever I the things Bishop John has reached even Parma Eparchy in 2014, am.” began. Often, a new greater successes. when he wrote: “The Thank you, Bishop John, for your sacrifices and service to the Church and faithful, during your 48 years as a priest, the last 15 years of which were as a Bishop. Your quiet contributions were not so quiet, and they will benefit Ukrainian Catholics in America and Ukraine for generations to come. Mnohaya i blahaya lita!

The Most Reverend John Bura

Born - June 12, 1944 in Wegeleben, Germany Ordained a Priest - February 14, 1971 Ordained a Bishop - February 21, 2006 Apostolic Administrator of Eparchy of St. Josaphat in Parma 2009 - 2014 Appointed Ambassador in Washington, DC 2014 Retired - November 15, 2019

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