July 29 Marks the Birthday of Metropolitan Andrei Sheptytsky

Metropolitan Andrei Sheptytsky visited Ukrainian Catholic communities in the United States on two occasions. In 1910, he came to support the newly appointed Bishop Soter Ortynsky. He returned in 1921 to offer spiritual guidance to communities that were in particular need of support following World War I.

During his first visit, Metropolitan Andrei traveled to Ukrainian parishes, including those in Olyphant and Jersey City. On September 28, 1910, together with Bishop Soter Ortynsky, he blessed the cornerstone of the minor seminary in Yorktown, Virginia. He also laid the cornerstone of the old Ukrainian Catholic church on Van Buren Street in Passaic, New Jersey.

In 1921, Metropolitan Sheptytsky undertook a two-month journey across the United States. Before visiting the parish in Passaic, he was received by President Warren G. Harding and members of the U.S. Cabinet, to whom he appealed for support on behalf of his people. During the same journey, he also visited Ukrainian communities in Newark, Jersey City, and Perth Amboy. The Ukrainian community of Perth Amboy gave Metropolitan Andrei a solemn welcome. He presided over a church service, addressed the faithful, attended a concert performed by Ukrainian schoolchildren, and received a donation from the parish committee to support the care of orphans.

We prayerfully remember Metropolitan Andrei Sheptytsky, a shepherd who cared deeply for the spiritual and human well-being of his people and sought support for them far beyond Ukraine.