Metropolitan Borys Gudziak presided over the funeral service of Osip Roshka
On October 10, 2025, Metropolitan Borys Gudziak presided over the funeral service of Osip Roshka — a devoted member of the Ukrainian Youth Association (SUM), numerous Ukrainian community institutions in the United States, and former editor of the magazines America and Avangard (Ukrainian Youth Association).
The Divine Liturgy and funeral service were celebrated at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Philadelphia, with Rev. Roman Pitula concelebrating.
In his homily, Archbishop Borys reflected on the meaning of farewell and remembrance, emphasizing that every funeral is both a parting and a message left to the living. “It is our farewell to the departed — and the final word of the departed to us. Most of those present knew Osip Roshka much better than I did, yet through the decades I saw in him the seed of what Jesus speaks of in the Gospel of Matthew: ‘Unless you become like children, you will not enter the Kingdom.’ I felt that Osip Roshka was a sincere and profoundly devoted man.”
Family, friends, community leaders, and colleagues gathered to honor the memory of Osip Roshka, giving thanks for his life of service, faith, and dedication to the Ukrainian community.
Following the funeral rites, he was laid to rest at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Fox Chase.
