Who We Are
A vision of unity across traditions.
The Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church represented here is an independent Eastern Christian jurisdiction, shaped by Byzantine worship and a commitment to bring people closer to Christ.
Our prayer draws on the Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, sacred icons, chant, and the shared life of the Church. We welcome those who wish to learn about this tradition and take part in its spiritual life.
We are a separate jurisdiction and are not in communion with the Roman Catholic Church. Our work for understanding between Eastern and Western Christians begins with clarity, respect, and friendship.
History
Working toward unity, East and West.
The church traces its beginnings to Josyf Cardinal Slipyj and a vision of bringing Ukrainian Catholics and Ukrainian Orthodox together in sacramental life. In the church's account, this led to the formation of an independent, self-governing Orthodox Catholic jurisdiction, described by the church as autocephalous and sui iuris.
According to the same account, Cardinal Slipyj consecrated Father William Moran as coadjutor Archbishop Amvrosij (Ambrose) to lead the jurisdiction in the Americas. The church remembers their shared ministry as part of its continuing commitment to worship, communion, and pastoral care.
Josyf Cardinal Slipyj consecrated Archbishop Ambrose and made him co-adjutor to the sui juris autocephelous jurisdiction.
Church-supplied photograph identified as Cardinal Slipyj (right) and Archbishop Ambrose (left). The photograph does not document a particular sacrament.
This founding narrative and the identification of the people in the photographs are provided by the church; independent documentation has not been supplied for this page.
Unity
We pray for a Church in which Christians can know one another more deeply and seek reconciliation in truth and charity.
Inspired by our church's account of Josyf Cardinal Slipyj's efforts to bring Ukrainian Catholics and Ukrainian Orthodox together, we seek conversation, shared learning, and friendship across divided communities. We recognize that lasting ecclesial communion depends on the churches involved and cannot be declared by one community alone.
John Paul II spoke of the Church breathing with "two lungs," East and West, and called Christians to ecumenical dialogue in Ut Unum Sint. His words encourage us to learn the treasures of both traditions and to approach their differences with honesty and humility.
One of our bishops is married. His experience as a husband, father, and pastor may contribute to conversations about family life and Christian ministry. We offer that perspective for respectful dialogue, mindful that Catholic and Orthodox churches maintain their own episcopal disciplines. Our hope is to serve the work of unity through prayer, pastoral care, and patient relationships.
John Paul II: Redemptoris Mater, 34 · Ut Unum Sint. These writings inspire our mission; they do not imply Holy See endorsement of our jurisdiction.
Succession
From Archbishop Ambrose to Metropolitan Michael.
Archbishop Amvrosij guided the jurisdiction in the Americas. Following his death in 2026, His Beatitude Michael Wiest assumed leadership as Archbishop Metropolitan.
Archbishop Amvrosij
A legacy of Eastern Christian pastoral leadership from Josyf Cardinal Slipyj to Archbishop Ambrose.
His Beatitude Michael Wiest
Serving today as Archbishop Metropolitan. His Beatitude was consecrated by Archbishop MICHAEL Kirkland and several bishops. He was also enthroned as Metropolitan Archbishop.
The Enthronement of His Beatitude MICHAEL Wiest as Archbishop Metropolitan by Archbishop MICHAEL Kirkland (center) as the main consecrator and Bishop Anthony Leonardo was also consecrated as an auxiliary bishop. There were several co-consecrators.
Our life together grows through worship, learning, and service.
Divine Liturgy
Encounter the prayers, chant, icons, and sacramental life of the Byzantine tradition.
Eastern spirituality
Explore a rich heritage of Scripture, the Church Fathers, fasting, feasts, and prayer.
Pastoral care
Bring the compassion of the Gospel to people and families through every season of life.