New metropolitan's remarks at luncheon reception (03/11/01)

New metropolitan's remarks at luncheon reception

Following are excerpts of remarks by Bishop Stefan Soroka at the luncheon preceding his enthronement.

... We are all familiar with the words of Jesus in the Gospel of St. Matthew, where he says "For I was a stranger and you welcomed me." And, "whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine you did it for me." ...

For reasons beyond our limited human understanding, God directs me to come to Philadelphia, the City of Brotherly Love, to celebrate that brotherly love amidst His faithful here. I come as a stranger to a different environment, unaccustomed to your massive freeways, much larger population and cities, a Ukrainian Catholic Church with more history and more successive generations of developed Ukrainian American identity, and a much larger Church. I come with a slightly different accent, the well-known Canadian "eh?" in my dialogue, and being a first-generation Ukrainian Canadian.

I have had opportunity to visit in advance of my move to Philadelphia, to get acquainted with the Philadelphia Archeparchy with the kind assistance of the retiring Metropolitan-Archbishop Stephen Sulyk and his auxiliary, Bishop Walter Paska, and the Chancery priests, religious and staff. I have had opportunity to meet with the members of the planning committee preparing this magnificent installation and celebration, and with various people who are to take an active part in the liturgy. Their enthusiasm and their dedication have touched my heart, and are very admirable and much appreciated. ...

I particularly want to thank the nuncio, Archbishop Gabriel Montalvo, for his gracious hospitality during my recent visit, and for your presence and participation today. Thank you, Metropolitan Stephen Sulyk for your prayerful invocation and gracious passing of the reins of the metropolia you love and have served so well. ...

The presence and participation of our Major Archbishop and Cardinal Lubomyr Husar, who incidentally celebrated his birthday yesterday - your participation is particularly heart-warming and expresses our solidarity with one another, our mutual caring and support as brother bishops of our Ukrainian Catholic Church. Mnohaya Lita, Vladyko Lubomyre, on the occasion of your birthday!

Thank you also to all my brother Ukrainian Catholic bishops, particularly my brother bishops in the U.S.A. - Bishop Basil Losten of the Eparchy of Stamford, Bishop Robert Moskal of the Eparchy of Parma, and the administrator of the Chicago Eparchy, Bishop Michael Wiwchar, for your presence and tremendous support.

A special gratitude to my former boss, Metropolitan-Archbishop Michael Bzdel of Canada for your tremendous support, instruction and guidance while I served as your auxiliary bishop. I know that we will share a close fraternity as brother metropolitans. ...

Thank you, Bishop Vsevolod, for your brotherly sign of affection and greetings. I so look forward to our close association together in this great land for the service of our Ukrainian people. ...

You have all opened your hearts and the goodness of who you are to me, your new metropolitan and archbishop. I am confident that you will receive the blessings of our Lord Jesus, for "whatever you did for the least of these brothers of Jesus, you did it for Jesus Himself."

... having been the recipient of so many blessings by God through so many of you, then truly I am no longer a stranger amidst you - but your new brother in Christ, your new chief shepherd to walk with you in the way of the Lord, and to rejoice with you. ...

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