Welcome

 In the mountainous region of Carpatho-Rus, known also as Carpatho-Ruthenia, situated between present day Slovakia and Ukraine, there is a group of Eastern Christians. Evangelized in the ninth century by those equals-to-the-apostles, Saints Cyril and Methodius, this group received the Holy Gospel and Sacred Mysteries (Sacraments) from the Byzantine Church of Constantinople. Although Cyril and his brother, Methodius, were Greek (from Thessalonika), they promoted the use of the ancient Slavonic language in worship. This language, later known as Old Church Slavonic, would become the liturgical language of the Carpatho-Rusyns and all Slavonic Christians, both Orthodox and Catholic. In time, Cyril and Methodius brought their liturgical books to Rome to receive the blessings of Pope Hadrian, and he in turn blessed their mission of establishing the Greek (Byzantine) Catholic religion in the Carpathian mountains of Central Europe.

Over time, a rift grew between East and West; and, in 1054, estrangement was realized with the Great Schism of Constantinople and Rome. Being an Eastern Church, the Carpatho-Rusyns were eventually drawn into by this unfortunate break and became members of the Orthodox Church. This ecclesia sui iuris (self-governing church) of Mukachevo-Uzhorod in time sought reunion with the Church of Rome, re-establishing its Catholic faith while maintaining the spirituality, ceremonies, and discipline of the Eastern Church. On April 24, 1646, in Saint George Castle Garden in Uzhorod, a number of priests and faithful proclaimed vocally their reunion with the Catholic Church, re-establishing the unity that Christ so ardently prayed for. From this nucleus would grow a reborn church which the Empress Maria Theresa of Austro-Hungary would later call "The Greek Catholic Church" -- "Greek" in its ritual, theology and art; "Catholic" in union with the Bishop of Rome. In time, the reunion would spread to other areas of Europe, and new eparchies (dioceses) would be created in such places as Presov (Slovakia), Krizevci (Croatia), Hajdudorog and Miskolc (Hungary). 

• The Mission of the Eparchy of Passaic
  The Eparchy of Passaic, a Byzantine Catholic jurisdiction of the Ruthenian tradition, is committed to proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ and fostering the spiritual growth of the faithful entrusted to its care. As a Church in full communion with the Holy See of Rome and an integral part of the Byzantine Metropolitan Church sui iuris of Pittsburgh, USA, the Eparchy embraces the universality of the Catholic Church while preserving its rich Eastern liturgical, theological, and cultural heritage.
  In fidelity to the teachings of the Church, the Eparchy of Passaic is dedicated to:
  
  • Celebrating the Holy Mysteries with reverence and beauty, preserving the distinctive traditions of Byzantine liturgy and spirituality.
  • Forming disciples of Jesus Christ by providing faith formation that deepens understanding and nurtures a life of prayer and service.
  • Supporting vibrant parish communities that witness to Christ’s love through acts of charity, hospitality, and evangelization.
  • Promoting and preserving Ruthenian cultural and religious traditions to enrich the faith experience of future generations.