Metropolitan Emeritus Stefan Soroka celebrated his 73rd birthday
November 13, 2024 — Metropolitan Emeritus Stefan Soroka celebrates his 73rd birthday.
We extend our congratulations and remember with gratitude his 17 years of service to the Philadelphia Archeparchy.
Originally from Canada, Metropolitan Stefan received much of his early formation there. However, he pursued his seminary training and theological education at St. Josaphat Seminary and The Catholic University of America in Washington, DC. His episcopal ministry began in 1996 as an auxiliary bishop for the Metropolitan of Winnipeg. Five years later, on February 27, 2001, he was enthroned by His Beatitude Lubomyr Husar as Metropolitan of Philadelphia at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.
During his 17 years of service in Philadelphia, Metropolitan Stefan organized and initiated numerous impactful events. We would like to remind you of several of them:
- Women’s Day: Seminars focused on the role of women in the Church and the world. Since 2006, seven such seminars have been held.
- Hosting the Synod of the UGCC in Philadelphia in 2007, along with the celebration of the 100th anniversary of Bishop Soter Ortynsky’s service as the first bishop in the United States.
- Establishment of the Treasury of Faith Museum, under the care of the Missionary Sisters of the Mother of God.
- Inauguration of the Annual Carol Festival at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, held every January since 2007.
- Renewal of Marital Vows Day: A special day for couples to renew their marriage vows, especially those celebrating milestone anniversaries.
- Obtaining an authentic copy of the Shroud of Turin in 2010 from the Vatican, allowing the faithful in the United States to venerate this sacred relic.
- Organizing three archieparchial sobors where clergy, religious, and laity gathered to discuss and plan the future of the Archeparchy.
These events reflect Metropolitan Stefan Soroka’s dedicated ministry, marked by daily care for the faithful, parish visitations, and strengthening parish life throughout the Archeparchy.
We extend our sincere congratulations to Metropolitan Emeritus Stefan and wish him God’s abundant blessings and the protection of the Mother of God!
