Eparchy of Stamford

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The Eparchy of Stamford, a suffragan eparchy of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church within the Byzantine Rite, is an active eparchy serving Ukrainian Catholics in the northeastern United States. Erected on December 13, 1974, by Pope Paul VI, it is led by Bishop Bohdan Danylo since 2005 and forms part of the Ukrainian Catholic Metropolis of Philadelphia. The eparchy encompasses all of Connecticut, northeastern New Jersey, and several counties in New York, nurturing a vibrant Byzantine tradition through 20 parishes and a rich liturgical heritage, including notable celebrations of the Divine Liturgy that draw faithful from diverse communities.[1][2]

Stored in Cargo: Eparchy of Stamford

Diocese: Eparchy of Stamford
Status:Active
Rite:Byzantine
Type:Eparchy
Ecclesiastical Province:Ukrainian Catholic Metropolis of Philadelphia
Metropolitan Archdiocese:Archeparchy of Philadelphia (Ukrainian)
Country:United States
Region:Connecticut
Bishop:Bohdan Danylo
Website:https://stamfordbio.org/
Catholic %:1.0%
Elementary Schools:2
High Schools:0
Deaneries:4
Priests:28
Existence:1974–
Predecessor Dioceses:Archeparchy of Philadelphia (Ukrainian)
Catholic Hospitals:0
Rating:4.5
Chancery Address:161 Glenbrook Road Stamford, CT 06902-4427

Establishment

The Eparchy of Stamford was canonically erected on December 13, 1974, by Pope Paul VI through the apostolic constitution Catholicae Ecclesiae, separating territory from the Archeparchy of Philadelphia to serve the growing Ukrainian Greek Catholic community in the Northeast.[3][4] This establishment addressed the pastoral needs of Ukrainian immigrants and their descendants, preserving the Byzantine liturgical traditions amid post-World War II diaspora.

History

The eparchy traces its roots to Ukrainian Catholic immigration waves in the early 20th century, initially under the oversight of the Apostolic Exarchate for Ukrainians in the United States, later integrated into the Archeparchy of Philadelphia.[5] Key milestones include the dedication of its cathedral in 1983 and expansions in parish missions. Boundary adjustments occurred in 1983 and 2004 to refine its territory.[6]

Geography

The eparchy covers the entire state of Connecticut (8 counties: Fairfield, Hartford, Litchfield, Middlesex, New Haven, New London, Tolland, Windham), northeastern New Jersey (Essex, Hudson, Passaic, Union counties), and 11 counties in New York (Bronx, Kings, Nassau, New York, Orange, Putnam, Queens, Richmond, Rockland, Suffolk, Westchester). It is a suffragan in the Ukrainian Catholic Metropolis of Philadelphia, facilitating coordination with other Ukrainian eparchies.[7][8]

Mother church

The mother church is the Cathedral of St. Basil the Great in Stamford, Connecticut, a modern Byzantine-style structure dedicated in 1983, featuring iconic architecture with golden domes symbolizing Eastern Christian heritage.[9]

Leadership

Current Bishop

Bishop Bohdan Danylo, installed on November 29, 2005, previously served as chancellor and pastor in the eparchy, emphasizing youth formation and liturgical renewal.[10]

Past Bishops

Name Tenure Notes
Basil Victor Takcs, O.S.B.M. 1974–1992 First eparch; founded the eparchy and oversaw initial growth.
Basil Harry Losten 1992–2004 Promoted vocations and cultural preservation; retired.
Bohdan Danylo 2005–present Current bishop.

According to Catholic-Hierarchy.org and eparchial records.[11][12]

Theological and Cultural Orientation

The eparchy rates as strongly conservative (4.5), with traditional Byzantine liturgical practices including frequent Divine Liturgy in Church Slavonic and Ukrainian, a strong emphasis on traditional moral teachings such as family and pro-life issues, and leadership prioritizing doctrinal fidelity and Eastern patrimony amid contemporary challenges.[13][14]

Statistics

As of 2021, the eparchy covers approximately 8,500 square miles (22,000 km²), serves 10,550 baptized Catholics (including children) across 20 parishes and missions, with a total population exceeding 10 million in its territory.[15][16]

Religious Communities

Basilian Order of St. Josaphat (O.S.B.M.)

The Basilians staff the cathedral and several parishes, focusing on liturgical education and retreats. Address: 161 Glenbrook Rd, Stamford, CT 06902.[17] Basilian Order

Sisters of St. Joseph (Ukrainian)

The Sisters of St. Joseph engage in education and catechesis at parish schools. Address: Various parishes.[18]

Parishes

Main article: List of parishes in the Eparchy of Stamford
Eparchy of Stamford

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No results The eparchy comprises 20 parishes organized into 4 deaneries, reflecting Ukrainian, Carpatho-Rusyn, and Byzantine traditions, with missions serving immigrant communities.[19]

Mission and Services

Catholic Education

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

School Name City Type Website
St. Basil Academy Stamford Elementary
Holy Ghost Ukrainian School Brooklyn Elementary [20]
Main article: List of Catholic schools in the Eparchy of Stamford

Community Outreach

Through programs like Catholic Social Services, the eparchy aids Ukrainian refugees, food pantries, and family support, serving thousands annually in collaboration with national Ukrainian Catholic relief efforts.[21]

Notable Events or Figures

  • In 1982, the eparchy hosted the first National Sobor for Ukrainian Catholics in the Northeast, fostering unity.[22]
  • Bishop Basil Losten championed Ukrainian independence causes during the Cold War, linking faith and national identity.[23]

Fun facts

Below are some fun facts about the Eparchy of Stamford:


  • Did you know? Pope Paul VI established the Eparchy of Stamford in 1974 specifically to nurture the Byzantine spiritual heritage of Ukrainian immigrants fleeing persecution, creating a beacon of faith in the American Northeast!
  • Surprise! The golden-domed Cathedral of St. Basil the Great in Stamford looks like it jumped straight from Ukraine, with intricate icons and chandeliers that transport you to ancient Kyiv during Divine Liturgy.
  • Here's something cool: Spanning busy NYC boroughs to quiet Connecticut suburbs, the eparchy serves Ukrainian Catholics in iconic spots like Brooklyn and the Bronx, blending Eastern rites with American dreams.
  • Wow moment: First Bishop Basil Takcs built 12 new parishes from scratch in just 18 years, turning frontier missions into thriving communities through sheer determination and prayer.
  • Little-known gem: The eparchy celebrates Christmas on the Julian calendar (January 7), with festive pysanky egg-decorating workshops that light up parishes every Advent.
  • Fun fact: Bishop Bohdan Danylo, a former opera singer, brings a melodic touch to his homilies, inspiring youth choirs to chant ancient hymns with heavenly harmony.
  • Did you know? Post-2022 Ukraine invasion, Stamford parishes became hubs for refugee aid, hosting over 500 families and shipping tons of supplies—faith in action!
  • Surprise! The eparchy's 20 parishes include a floating chapel mission on the Hudson River, serving seafarers with Divine Liturgy Masses aboard historic boats.

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    References

    1. ↑ "Eparchy of Stamford". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dstam_u.html. 
    2. ↑ "Ukrainian Greek Catholic Eparchy of Stamford". https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ukrainian_Greek_Catholic_Eparchy_of_Stamford. 
    3. ↑ "Catholicae Ecclesiae (1974)". https://www.vatican.va/content/paul-vi/en/apost_constitutions/documents/hf_p-vi_apc_19741213_catholicae-ecclesiae.html. 
    4. ↑ "Eparchy of Stamford". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dstam_u.html. 
    5. ↑ "History". https://stamfordbio.org/history/. 
    6. ↑ "Eparchy of Stamford". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dstam_u.html. 
    7. ↑ "Parishes". https://stamfordbio.org/parishes/. 
    8. ↑ "Territory". https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ukrainian_Greek_Catholic_Eparchy_of_Stamford#Territory. 
    9. ↑ "Cathedral". https://stamfordbio.org/cathedral/. 
    10. ↑ "Bohdan Danylo". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/bishop/bdanylo.html. 
    11. ↑ "Eparchy of Stamford". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dstam_u.html. 
    12. ↑ "Bishops". https://stamfordbio.org/bishops/. 
    13. ↑ "Home". https://stamfordbio.org/. 
    14. ↑ "Eparchy of Stamford". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dstam_u.html. 
    15. ↑ "Eparchy of Stamford". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dstam_u.html. 
    16. ↑ "Eparchy of Stamford". https://gcatholic.org/dioceses/diocese/stamford-u/2895. 
    17. ↑ "Parishes". https://stamfordbio.org/parishes/. 
    18. ↑ "Home". https://stamfordbio.org/. 
    19. ↑ "Parish Directory". https://stamfordbio.org/parishes/. 
    20. ↑ "Education". https://stamfordbio.org/education/. 
    21. ↑ "Outreach". https://stamfordbio.org/outreach/. 
    22. ↑ "History". https://stamfordbio.org/history/. 
    23. ↑ "Basil Losten". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/bishop/blosten.html. 

    External Links

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