Today 129 years ago Patriarch Josyf Slipyj was born

Before my eyes is uncovered another neighbour daughter Church, in the land which greets immigrants with a monument, the symbol of liberty, and the home of the city of “Brotherly Love”. There also was born the first daughter of the Ukrainian Mother Church – beyond the ocean. I call upon you with the Lord’s voice: Christ gave you “the key of the House of David”, A symbol of strength and authority (cf. Is. xxii, 22, Rev. iii, 7), “The keys of death and of the hell.” (Rev. i, 18) I know your works, and all know that I have loved you. If you maintain my words “I will also keep thee from the hour of the temptation, which shall come upon the whole world.” (Rev. iii, 10) Do not be tempted therefore, but be the defender of the imprisoned and suffering members of your Mother Church! Be a living example of Brotherly love!    

Spiritual Testament of His Beatitude Patriarch Josyf

(translated by Rev. Myroslaw Tataryn)