Metropolitan Borys Gudziak Attends 65th Anniversary Celebration of St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy in Chicago

On Saturday, October 24, 2026, Metropolitan Borys Gudziak, Archbishop of Philadelphia, attended the celebration of the 65th anniversary of the establishment of the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of St. Nicholas in Chicago, led by Bishop Benedict Aleksiychuk.

The anniversary celebrations began with a Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, bringing together clergy and faithful in prayer and thanksgiving for 65 years of the Eparchy's life and ministry.

Reflecting on the significance of the anniversary, Bishop Benedict Aleksiychuk stated: "This event is an important milestone in the spiritual life of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic community in the United States, symbolizing unity in faith, gratitude for the journey traveled and prayerful turning to God as the Eparchy enters a new chapter in its life."

In a separate comment on the anniversary celebrations, Metropolitan Borys Gudziak described the occasion as an opportunity to thank God for His divine graces and the faithful generosity of thousands across 28 states and three generations.

"The days of prayer and festivities manifested a new maturity of the Chicago Eparchy, the quality of its unified presbyterate and the communion of its faithful of different social and ethnic backgrounds," Metropolitan Borys said.

He also highlighted the leadership of Bishop Benedict and the co-responsibility of priests and laity, which, he said, "inspire great hope for the future dynamic and life-giving proclamation of the Gospel of our Lord in the Eparchy and from the Eparchy."

Reflecting on his personal experience, Metropolitan Borys added: "It was, for me personally, very good to be with Bishop Benedict, the priests and the faithful in Chicago. I had an experience of the Kingdom of God in our midst."

Established in 1961, the Eparchy of St. Nicholas has become a spiritual home for generations of Ukrainians and Americans, serving as a center for preserving the faith, Ukrainian language, culture and national identity.

The anniversary celebrations also included a festive banquet and fundraising initiative in support of the Eparchy's Seminary Fund. The initiative aims to support the formation of future priests and foster new vocations to the priesthood.

^{Photo credit: St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy}