Pope Leo XIV says "Through your liturgical celebrations, prayerful reflection and fraternal dialogue, you will surely renew your faithful witness to Christ..." to Byzantines in the USA - FULL TEXT

MESSAGE OF THE HOLY FATHER LEO XIV
TO THE PARTICIPANTS IN THE THIRD METROPOLITAN ASSEMBLY
OF THE BYZANTINE CATHOLIC ARCHEPARCHY OF PITTSBURGH
[16-20 July 2025]
__________

I extend heartfelt greetings to all of you gathered for the Third Assembly of the Byzantine Catholic Church of Pittsburgh, convoked by Metropolitan Archbishop William Skurla and the Council of Hierarchs, taking place at the Church of Saint Mary in Whiting, Indiana.

Your Assembly, held under the theme Come, let us worship and bow before Christ, offers a precious opportunity to grow in unity and to reaffirm your commitment to the Lord. Through your liturgical celebrations, prayerful reflection and fraternal dialogue, you will surely renew your faithful witness to Christ and deepen your proclamation of the Gospel in the rich tradition of the Byzantine Catholic Churches.

The participation of clergy, religious, and lay faithful, along with representatives from the Exarchate of Toronto and the Dicastery for the Eastern Churches, offers a visible sign of communion in the Church.

I give thanks for the witness of your forebears, who built vibrant Byzantine communities in North America amidst various challenges and uncertainty. Their legacy continues in your courageous embrace of pastoral renewal, which is rooted in fidelity to your heritage.

I assure you of my spiritual closeness and entrust your gathering to the intercession of Mary the Mother of God. To all participating in the Assembly, I gladly impart my Apostolic Blessing, which I extend to all in the Archeparchy as a pledge of wisdom, joy and peace in the Lord.

From the Vatican, 12 July 2025

LEO PP. XIV
Source: https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/bollettino/pubblico/2025/07/19/250719b.html
ABOUT: The Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Parma 3rd Metropolitan Assembly, taking place July 16-20, 2025, at St. Mary Byzantine Catholic Church in Whiting, Indiana. This bi-annual gathering serves as a cornerstone for unity, reflection, and
spiritual renewal, bringing together clergy and laity from across the Metropolitan Church of Pittsburgh.The Metropolitan Assembly is a bi-annual gathering uniting clergy and laity across the Metropolitan Church of Pittsburgh to deepen faith, strengthen community ties, and engage in discussions shaping the Church’s future.
Appreciation of History and Culture: Increase the appreciation of the Byzantine Ruthenian Church’s history and Byzantine Ruthenian art and culture, both in the "Old Country" and the United States.
Sharing Best Practices: Learn about the best practices occurring in our parishes today that are contributing to the growth of our communities, with the hope that attendees will incorporate this information into their parish activities.

Ensuring Future Growth: Develop concrete steps to ensure the future and growth of our Church, as revealed by the synodal meetings to be the most important topics to those participating.

In addition to this spiritual nourishment, attendees can look forward to exploring Whiting's quaint downtown area, enjoying the scenic Whiting Lakefront Park, attending inspiring presentations in historic landmarks, and immersing themselves in the local culture through various events and attractions. And just a short drive away in Dolton, Illinois, you’ll find the childhood home of Pope Leo XIV, the first U.S.-born pontiff. You may also want to to stop by his favorite local pizzeria! This Assembly is a heartfelt gathering of the church, open to everyone in our community, to celebrate and deepen our faith together.

Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to connect, reflect, and grow in faith!

https://byzantineassembly.org/about-us