Ukrainian Bishop Named Administrator of Philadelphia-based Church Operations
PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Pope Francis has named an auxiliary bishop to serve as administrator of the Ukrainian Catholic Church operations based in Philadelphia.
Bishop Andriy Rabiy had been serving in a parish in Reading as well as the chancery office for the Ukrainian church here in Philadelphia.
Now, he is taking on additional duties after Archbishop Stefan Soroka tendered his resignation for health reasons.
“I do not see any big challenges,” Rabiy says. “Perhaps the only challenge would be is actually to continue on our operations as they are and address whatever issues that might be coming up. Meanwhile, until the permanent archbishop will be named for our archeparchy.”
Rabiy, who is from the Ukraine and completed his seminary training here in the United States, was consecrated a bishop only last September.
He could be among the candidates considered for the permanent position.
He says a synod of Ukrainian bishops will meet in September to select three candidates to submit to Pope Francis, who will have the ultimate decision on the appointment.
