Seven Years — Seven Gifts

On June 4, 2019, in the blessed time between the Ascension and the Pentecost, when the Church is gathered in prayer and anticipation of the Holy Spirit, Bishop Borys Gudziak was installed as Metropolitan of Philadelphia at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. June 4, 2026, marks the seventh anniversary of the installation of Metropolitan Borys Gudziak.

In the Holy Scripture, seven is the number of fullness: seven days of creation, seven last words of Christ on the cross, seven churches and seven seals in the Book of Revelation. And the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, bestowed upon the Church on the day of Pentecost: wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of God.

On this anniversary, we share several quotes from Metropolitan Borys himself — may they be a source of inspiration and encouragement:

"Dignity frees us from fear."

"The essence of Christian, spiritual, and ecclesial life is to be with God. Our spiritual practices — prayer, works of mercy, fasting… all of Church life — are directed toward helping us be with God."

"The Lord is at work today no less than in ages past, and it is precisely today that we are called to respond to God's action."

"Be ready for eternity at every moment. Then every moment of life will be sacred"

"Wisdom is knowledge born of a love that serves. It is humble knowledge — not proud, not condescending — that brings comfort, peace, and tranquility to your heart and to the heart of your neighbor."

"One must be strong and good, one who protects the innocent, yet is also capable of offering firm resistance — while never allowing hatred to take hold of one's heart."

"…we must walk together, fearlessly, with dignity, and — what is so very important — speak clearly and act with sacrifice and responsibility."

Dear Metropolitan Borys, may the Lord grant you many blessed years! Mnohaya lita!