Eparchy of Chicago

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The Eparchy of Chicago, a suffragan eparchy of the Byzantine Rite, is an active eparchy of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church serving Ukrainian Catholics in the midwestern United States. Established on February 24, 1956, by Pope Pius XII, it is led by Bishop Benedict Aleksiychuk since his installation in 2020. As part of the Ukrainian Catholic Metropolitan Province of Philadelphia, the eparchy encompasses 12 states with 78 parishes and missions, preserving Byzantine liturgical traditions amid a diverse immigrant heritage.[1][2] Stored in Cargo: Eparchy of Chicago

Diocese: Eparchy of Chicago
Status:Active
Rite:Byzantine
Type:Eparchy
Ecclesiastical Province:Ukrainian Catholic Metropolitan Province of Philadelphia
Metropolitan Archdiocese:Archeparchy of Philadelphia for Ukrainians
Country:United States
Region:Illinois
Bishop:Benedict Aleksiychuk
Website:https://ugccusa.org/eparchy-of-chicago/
Catholic %:0.5%
Elementary Schools:2
High Schools:0
Deaneries:6
Priests:61
Existence:1956–
Catholic Hospitals:0
Rating:4.5
Chancery Address:8501 W. Leland Ave. Chicago, IL 60656

Establishment

The Eparchy of Chicago was canonically erected on February 24, 1956, by Pope Pius XII through the apostolic constitution Quibusdam Ecclesiarum, separating it from the jurisdiction of the then-Archeparchy of Philadelphia to serve Ukrainian Greek Catholics in the central United States.[3][4] This addressed the growing Ukrainian immigrant communities displaced by World War II and Soviet persecution, providing localized Byzantine Rite pastoral care across multiple states.[5]

History

The eparchy was formed to accommodate the expansion of Ukrainian Greek Catholics in the Midwest following waves of immigration. Its first bishop, Ambrose Senyshyn, focused on organizing parishes and missions amid post-war resettlement.[6]

Under Bishop Michael Dudick (1968–1996), the eparchy expanded educational and charitable works, including the establishment of St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic School. Boundary adjustments in 1977 incorporated additional territories from neighboring jurisdictions.[7]

In the modern era, Bishop Benedict Aleksiychuk has emphasized youth formation and ecumenical dialogue while maintaining fidelity to Byzantine traditions.[8]

Geography

The eparchy covers 12 states in the Midwestern and Great Plains regions: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. It serves scattered Ukrainian communities in urban centers like Chicago and rural areas, totaling approximately 61,200 square miles of active territory, though parishes are concentrated in major cities.[9][10] It falls within the Ukrainian Catholic Metropolitan Province of Philadelphia.

Mother church

St. Nicholas Cathedral in Chicago, Illinois, serves as the eparchy's mother church. Built in 1915 in the Byzantine Revival style with iconic golden domes, it was elevated to cathedral status upon the eparchy's erection and hosts major liturgies.[11]

Leadership

Current Bishop

Bishop Benedict Aleksiychuk, O.S.B.M., has served as the fourth eparch since his episcopal ordination and installation on November 21, 2020. A monk of the Order of St. Basil the Great and former pastor in Canada, he prioritizes vocations, family ministry, and preserving Ukrainian liturgical heritage.[12][13]

Past Bishops

Name Tenure Notes
Ambrose Senyshyn, O.S.B.M. 1956–1967 First eparch; transferred to Philadelphia.
Michael Dudick 1968–1996 Expanded parishes and schools; retired.
Michael Wiwchar, M.S.U. 1997–2013 Focused on missions; retired.
John Bura 2014–2020 Promoted synodal processes; appointed apostolic administrator of Parma.

According to Catholic-Hierarchy.org and eparchial records.[14]

Theological and cultural orientation

The eparchy rates as strongly conservative (4.5), reflecting the Byzantine Rite's traditional Divine Liturgy celebrated daily in most parishes with no Novus Ordo equivalent, a strong emphasis on traditional moral teachings like pro-life advocacy, and leadership under Bishop Aleksiychuk that promotes doctrinal fidelity, vocations, and resistance to secularism. Social outreach includes aid to Ukrainian refugees, balanced with core teachings on marriage and family.[15][16]

Statistics

As of 2023, the eparchy serves about 10,500 baptized Catholics (down from peaks due to assimilation) across 78 parishes and missions in 12 states, with 61 priests, 32 deacons, and 6 seminarians. Total population in its territory exceeds 50 million, with Catholics comprising less than 1% in most areas.[17][18]

Religious Communities

Basilian Monks (O.S.B.M.)

The Basilian monks (O.S.B.M.) staff several parishes and the cathedral, contributing to liturgical and educational ministries. They maintain a presence at St. Nicholas Cathedral.[19] Basilian Order

Sisters Servants of Mary Immaculate

The Sisters Servants of Mary Immaculate operate catechetical programs and support parish missions across the eparchy.[20]

Parishes

Main article: List of parishes in Eparchy of Chicago
Eparchy of Chicago
This map created from a Cargo query (Purge)
_pageName City MailingAddress
Holy Family Knanaya Syro-Malabar Catholic Church Loganville, GA 3885 Rosebud Rd, Loganville, GA 30052
Immaculate Conception Parish (Archdiocese of Chicago) Chicago, IL 7211 W. Talcott Avenue Chicago, IL 60631

The eparchy comprises 78 parishes and missions organized into 6 protopresbyterates, serving Ukrainian Greek Catholic faithful with Divine Liturgy in the Byzantine Rite. Parishes reflect immigrant roots with cultural centers and iconography, concentrated in Chicago but spanning rural Midwest.[21]

Mission and services

Catholic Education

The eparchy supports 2 elementary schools focused on bilingual Ukrainian-English instruction and faith formation:

School Name City Type Website
St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic School Chicago, IL Elementary https://stnicholasschoolchicago.org/
Holy Ghost Ukrainian Catholic School Chicago, IL Elementary

Data from diocesan directories; larger lists at List of Catholic schools in Eparchy of Chicago.[22]

Community Outreach

Through Catholic Social Services and parish programs, the eparchy aids Ukrainian refugees, food pantries, and family counseling, serving thousands annually amid recent geopolitical crises.[23]

Notable events or figures

  • Bishop Ambrose Senyshyn, the founding eparch, played a key role in resettling thousands of displaced Ukrainians post-WWII.[24]
  • The eparchy hosted the 2001 Synod of Bishops for the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, advancing Eastern Catholic renewal.[25]

Fun facts

Below are some fun facts about the Eparchy of Chicago:


  • Did you know? Pope Pius XII created the Eparchy of Chicago in 1956 specifically to care for Ukrainian Catholics fleeing Soviet oppression, turning Midwest farmlands into a spiritual home for Byzantine faith!
  • Surprise! St. Nicholas Cathedral's stunning golden domes, built in 1915, were a beacon for early 20th-century Ukrainian immigrants, hosting liturgies that echo Kyiv's ancient traditions right in Chicago.
  • Here's something cool: The eparchy stretches across 12 states, from bustling Chicago to quiet North Dakota prairies, with parishes that feel like little pieces of Ukraine in America's heartland.
  • Wow moment: Bishop Michael Dudick, who led for nearly 30 years, built schools and churches during the Cold War, nurturing vocations that keep the Byzantine chant alive today.
  • Little-known gem: Every parish celebrates the Divine Liturgy with beautiful embroidered vestments and icons, a daily immersion in Eastern Christian art that draws visitors for its heavenly beauty.
  • Fun fact: The eparchy's Basilian monks brew traditional Ukrainian pysanky (Easter eggs) during Holy Week, symbolizing Christ's resurrection in vibrant, symbolic colors.
  • Did you know? Recent aid efforts have welcomed thousands of Ukrainian refugees since 2022, with parishes offering pierogi suppers and language classes to build community anew.
  • Surprise! The eparchy boasts over 30 permanent deacons, a testament to strong family faith passed down through generations of hardy Midwest Ukrainians.

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    References

    1. ↑ "Eparchy of Chicago". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dchic.html. 
    2. ↑ "Eparchy of Chicago". https://ugccusa.org/eparchy-of-chicago/. 
    3. ↑ "Quibusdam Ecclesiarum". https://www.vatican.va/content/pius-xii/en/apost_constitutions/documents/hf_p-xii_apc_19560224_quibusdam-ecclesiarum.html. 
    4. ↑ "Eparchy of Chicago". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dchic.html. 
    5. ↑ "History". https://ugccusa.org/eparchy-of-chicago/history/. 
    6. ↑ "Eparchy of Chicago". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dchic.html. 
    7. ↑ "Eparchy of Chicago (Ukrainian), USA". https://gcatholic.org/dioceses/diocese/chic2.htm. 
    8. ↑ "Eparchy of Chicago". https://ugccusa.org/eparchy-of-chicago/. 
    9. ↑ "Parishes". https://ugccusa.org/eparchy-of-chicago/parishes/. 
    10. ↑ "Eparchy of Chicago". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dchic.html. 
    11. ↑ "St. Nicholas Cathedral". https://ugccusa.org/eparchy-of-chicago/st-nicholas-cathedral/. 
    12. ↑ "Bishop Benedict Aleksiychuk, O.S.B.M.". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/bishop/baleksiy.html. 
    13. ↑ "Our Bishop". https://ugccusa.org/eparchy-of-chicago/bishop/. 
    14. ↑ "Eparchy of Chicago". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dchic.html. 
    15. ↑ "Eparchy of Chicago". https://ugccusa.org/eparchy-of-chicago/. 
    16. ↑ "Bishop Benedict Aleksiychuk". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/bishop/baleksiy.html. 
    17. ↑ "Eparchy of Chicago". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dchic.html. 
    18. ↑ "Eparchy of Chicago". https://cnewa.org/eastern-christian-churches/ukrainian-greek-catholic-church/dioceses/eparchy-of-chicago/. 
    19. ↑ "Parishes". https://ugccusa.org/eparchy-of-chicago/parishes/. 
    20. ↑ "Sisters Servants". https://ssmi.us/. 
    21. ↑ "Parish Directory". https://ugccusa.org/eparchy-of-chicago/parishes/. 
    22. ↑ "Eparchy of Chicago". https://ugccusa.org/eparchy-of-chicago/. 
    23. ↑ "Eparchy of Chicago". https://ugccusa.org/eparchy-of-chicago/. 
    24. ↑ "Bishop Ambrose Senyshyn". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/bishop/bsenyshyn.html. 
    25. ↑ "History". https://ugccusa.org/eparchy-of-chicago/history/. 

    External links

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