Metropolitan Borys Visits His Hometown, Syracuse, NY
November 6–7, 2025, Metropolitan Archbishop Borys Gudziak returned to his hometown of Syracuse for a brief visit marked by prayer, remembrance, and time with the local community.
The visit began on Thursday, November 6, with stops at places connected to the Archbishop’s early life. He then visited the Ukrainian Greek-Catholic cemetery in Syracuse, where he paused in prayer and remembered those buried there.
Later that evening, Metropolitan Borys took part in a charitable reception supporting the Gudziak Endowed Faculty Fund at the Ukrainian Catholic University (UCU). The reception was hosted by Drs. Lida and Borys Buniak and gathered supporters, parishioners, and friends committed to strengthening Catholic education and leadership formation.
During the reception, organizers presented Metropolitan Borys with an official proclamation from Ben Walsh, Mayor of the City of Syracuse, declaring November 7, 2025, as Archbishop Gudziak Day in the City of Syracuse.
The proclamation recognizes Archbishop Gudziak as a distinguished native son whose life exemplifies service, academic and ecclesiastical leadership, steadfast advocacy for human dignity, support for Ukraine, and his pivotal role in founding the Ukrainian Catholic University.
In collaboration with the Ukrainian Youth Association (SUM), Metropolitan Borys Gudziak blessed children’s backpacks that had been collected and prepared for shipment to Ukraine. The initiative reflects the community’s ongoing commitment to supporting young students and families affected by the war, offering both practical assistance and a message of solidarity and care.
On Friday, November 7, the visit continued with Divine Liturgy at the Archbishop’s home parish in Syracuse. He prayed together with parishioners and clergy, recalling the parish community that shaped his early years of faith.
What is life in Christ calling us to? Today, we heard how Jesus sent out the first group of apostles, even before the Resurrection. They did not yet fully understand who He was. But He tells them: go there, bring peace, and remain there. We, too, are called to remain where we are placed. To stay present in the place we are called to be. And that is a great challenge — it is not easy. Yet our spiritual life happens here and now. It is here and now that we are called to live in peace and to have Christ’s peace in our hearts. Here in Syracuse, in our homes. His peace is a gift — a gift He desires to give to you.
After the Liturgy, Metropolitan Borys shared the history of this parish.
Ukrainian immigrants first arrived in Syracuse in the 1890s, seeking better opportunities after leaving Western Ukraine. Since there was no Ukrainian Catholic church at that time, they initially attended local Latin Rite parishes. In 1897, a group of dedicated parishioners purchased a small building on Wilbur and Tompkins Streets and soon began worshiping according to the Ukrainian Rite.
By 1913, during the pastorate of Rev. Alexander Prystay, construction began on the current church building. It was blessed in 1914 by Bishop Soter Ortynsky, the first Ukrainian Catholic bishop in the United States.
The parish grew especially after World War II, when many new Ukrainian immigrants settled in Syracuse. Throughout the 20th century, the parish continued to expand, building a school, convent, and rectory, and becoming a spiritual home for generations of Ukrainian faithful.
Today, this parish stands as a testament to the faith, sacrifice, and perseverance of the Ukrainian community that built and sustained it.
After the historical reflection at the parish, Metropolitan Archbishop Borys visited the Ukrainian Federal Credit Union in Fairmount, where he was welcomed by Oleg Lebedenko. On behalf of the Credit Union, Mr. Lebedenko presented a contribution to support the UCU Gudziak Endowed Faculty Fund.
The Archbishop then visited a SU Catholic Center, where he spent time in prayer.
The visit concluded at his alma mater, Syracuse University, where Metropolitan Borys met with the University Chancellor, Kent Syverud.
