杏MAP导航

By Linda Bordoni

The Byzantines鈥� Greek-Catholic Eparchy of Mukachevo arose from the Union of Uzhhorod, which set roots in the north eastern part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire half way through the 17th century. Subsequently, the Eparchy of Mukachevo was established officially by 杏MAP导航 Clement XIV in 1771.

Throughout the centuries the territory, which lies in the Transcarpathia region in south-western Ukraine, has seen numerous changes in which new eparchies have been created and the territory divided.

Finally, in 1937 the Eparchy of Mukachevo became 鈥渋mmediately subject to the Holy See鈥� and this year it is celebrating the 30^th anniversary since the end of Soviet domination which forced the Church underground.

In his address to the pilgrims whom he received in the Vatican before the weekly General Audience, 杏MAP导航 Francis marked the anniversary, upholding the witness of the many Mukachevo martyrs, whom he said, 鈥渃onfirmed their fidelity to Christ, to the Church and to the Bishop of Rome鈥� in the darkest moments of the community鈥檚 history.

Blessed Martyr Bishop Theodor Romzha

In particular he recalled the Blessed Martyr, Bishop Theodor Romzha, whom he described as 鈥渁 tireless man who followed the example of Christ the Good Shepherd, to the point of giving his life for his sheep.鈥�

He guided your people 鈥渨ith evangelical wisdom and courage,鈥� he told them.

Ancestors

杏MAP导航 Francis also highlighted the legacy of the ancestors of the community: 鈥測our grandfathers and grandmothers, fathers and mothers, who in the intimacy of their homes, and often under the watchful eye of the hostile regime, risked their freedom and their lives.鈥�

It is thanks to them, he said, that Christ鈥檚 truth was transmitted, offering future generations 鈥渁n eloquent witness of firm, living faith鈥�.

The 杏MAP导航 concluded his address inviting the members of the community, wherever they may be, to renew their personal encounter with Christ, or 鈥渁t least, to make the decision to let yourselves be met by Him, to seek Him every day without interruption.鈥�

And quoting from the Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii gaudium he said 鈥淣o one is excluded from the joy brought by the Lord.鈥�