Metropolitan Andrey Sheptytsky and the Life of Father Roman Lobodych

A priest’s life and ministry largely depend on his bishop. This is a unique relationship that blends obedience, responsibility, trust, and friendship. The formal foundation of this relationship often comes through documents the bishop signs, entrusting the priest with his mission. These documents frequently shape a priest’s path, as was the case with Father Roman Lobodych. 

The first document signed by Metropolitan Andrey Sheptytsky for Father Roman was a decree of ordination, issued on October 24, 1917. Bishop Andrey had only recently returned from Russian captivity in September of that year and quickly resumed conferring the sacrament of priesthood to those who awaited ordination during his absence. By signing this decree, Metropolitan Andrey blessed Fr. Roman’s service, trusting him in his work as a priest. From 1917 to 1944, Fr. Roman remained loyal to the Metropolitan and his Church across various roles. He served as a chaplain during World War I and was captured on the Italian front. Later, he became a catechist and inspector of religious education for schools in the Stanislav eparchy. He ministered as a pastor in Zalukva near Halych, at the Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ in Stanislaviv, and at the Cathedral of St. George in Lviv. He also headed the Biblios publishing house in Lviv, served as a member of the Polish Sejm, and was a chaplain in the Halychyna division. Clearly, Father Roman was deeply trusted by the Metropolitan, fulfilling his ministry in a multitude of ways. 

The second document, issued on March 27, 1944, granted Fr. Roman permission to leave Lviv during the war. By then, the Metropolitan was quite ill, and his signature was trembling. This document further reflects the bishop’s trust in his priest to represent him faithfully during the upheavals of war and migration. It enabled Fr. Roman to escape Soviet authorities and eventually reach America, where he continued to serve the Church. He founded the Parish of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Los Angeles, became the first rector of our seminary in Washington, DC, and served as the spiritual director of the Orphanage of the Basilian Sisters in Philadelphia for many years. He also wrote for various Ukrainian publications in America and was a member of the Shevchenko Scientific Society. 

Metropolitan Andrey Sheptytsky had a profound influence not only on the life of our Church in Ukraine and abroad but also on the lives of his faithful and priests, including Father Roman Lobodych (1893–1969). We invite you to pray for his intercession for our Church during this time of war and great challenges.