Patriarch Josyf Slipyj's Visit to Philadelphia in July 1968

The first summer visit of Cardinal Josyf Slipyj to Philadelphia took place in July 1968. From July 20 to 26, his presence became a significant and memorable event for the local faithful and for the life of the Church. The visit strengthened the spiritual bonds between the hierarch and the Ukrainian Catholic community and marked an important moment in the history of the Archeparchy.

Patriarch Josyf arrived in Philadelphia by plane from Montreal on July 20. All Ukrainian Canadian bishops also arrived with him - Metropolitan Maksym Hermaniuk, Bishops Isydor Boretsky, Nil Savaryn, and Andrew Roboretsky. At the Philadelphia airport, he was met by about 3,000 faithful and all the Ukrainian bishops of America - Metropolitan Ambrose Senyshyn and Bishops Joseph Shmondiuk and Yaroslav Gabro. While still at the airport, His Beatitude Josyf addressed the faithful with a speech, which he delivered in two languages, Ukrainian and English. In the evening of the same day, a banquet was held in honor of the patriarch at the Sheraton Hotel, which was attended by about a thousand faithful. 

The culmination of His Beatitude Josyf's visit was the liturgy at the Spectrum Stadium on Sunday, July 21, which was prayed together by all our bishops from North America, more than 100 priests, and about 8,000 faithful. 

Over the following days, Patriarch Josyf held private audiences with the faithful and visited the Basilian Sisters in Fox Chase and in Philadelphia. In addition to the new cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, he also prayed in the old cathedral and in the parish of Christ the King. 

This visit of Patriarch Josyf Slipyj to Philadelphia and the USA was a significant event in the life of our Church in America. Perhaps you were also present at some of these events or have photos from them in your home archives. Please share them in the comments.