February is filled with dates marking the life of Patriarch Josyf Slipyj (1892-1984). This week, we reflect on pivotal moments such as his return from exile, his heartfelt meetings with Pope John XXIII and Metropolitan Ambrose Senyshyn, as well as prayerfully commemorate his birthday on February 17.
- Metropolitan Slipyj arrived in Rome by train on the night of February 9, 1963.
- On Sunday, February 10, Secretary of State Cardinal Amleto Cicognani and Secretary of the Congregation for the Eastern Churches Gustavo Testa visited Slipyj and accompanied him to the private residence of Pope John XXIII. The first thing they did together was to go to the chapel and thank God for freeing Metropolitan Josyf from captivity. Later, the Pope and Metropolitan Slipyj had a private conversation.
- Metropolitan Ambrose Senyshyn was the first of the Ukrainian bishops to arrive in Rome and met with Metropolitan Slipyj on February 15. The Philadelphia archbishop recalled this meeting: "In a conversation with me, Metropolitan Kyr Josyf did not complain about his plight in prison. He did not complain about anyone. He was not afraid of danger, although he was close to death many times. Metropolitan Josyf could write many books about the way of the cross of our Church and people over the last 18 years, especially the last 24 years since 1939, but he will not do so to avoid exposing innocent people who are still alive there. The Metropolitan is deeply convinced that those difficulties are transitory and that the gates of hell will not defeat Christ's Church."
- On February 17, we will celebrate the birthday of Patriarch Josyf, who returned from captivity at the age of 71 and spent another 21 years building, developing, and uniting our church, which was scattered across the world.
We are sharing photos from Josyf Slipyj's first meetings with Pope John XXIII, Cardinals Cicognani and Testa, and Metropolitan Senyshyn.
Please keep Patriarch Josyf in your prayers and pray for our Church in Ukraine and around the world.