Soter Ortynsky

Biography

Ordained for the Ruthenian Church and called to shepherd immigrants from his native Galicia, Soter Ortynsky became the first bishop of the Ukrainian Catholic faithful in the United States, establishing his see in Philadelphia and laying the foundations for parishes, schools, and a vibrant liturgical life.

He navigated the challenges of culture and language, nurturing clergy and laity alike until his death in 1916, and his work permitted generations to keep their Eastern rite traditions rooted in America.