Invest in Vocations

Birth and Early Life: Born on April 14, 1911, in Velykyi Bychkiv, Austria-Hungary (now Ukraine), Theodore Romzha was raised in a devout Ruthenian Greek Catholic family. His early education was steeped in religious study, setting the foundation for his future vocation.

Education and Priesthood: Romzha attended the seminary in Uzhhorod before continuing his studies at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome. He was ordained a priest in 1936. Known for his piety, intelligence, and pastoral      dedication, Romzha quickly gained respect among his peers and superiors. In the fall of 1939, Father Romzha was   appointed Spiritual Director and Professor of Philosophy at the Eparchial Seminary in Uzhorod. One of his students later recalled: "He was strict and demanding as a Professor, but as a Spiritual Director he was fatherly and kind. He knew how to inspire us and to bring out the best in us. Staying in close contact with us, his students, he was able to transplant into our hearts the main features of his strong priestly character: his dedication, genuine piety and generosity of heart." 

Episcopal Appointment: At the young age of 33,  Theodore Romzha was appointed Bishop of Mukachevo in 1944. His tenure coincided with the tumultuous period of World War II and the subsequent Soviet occupation of Transcarpathia, where the Greek Catholic Church faced increasing persecution.

Persecution and Martyrdom: Bishop Romzha became a staunch defender of his faith against the Soviet regime's attempts to force the Greek Catholic Church into the Orthodox church which was more amenable to state control. His outspoken stance made him a target for Soviet authorities. In October 1947, after surviving an initial assassination attempt disguised as a traffic accident, Romzha was poisoned under KGB orders while recovering in a hospital. He died on November 1, 1947.

Legacy and Canonization: Bishop Theodore Romzha is remembered as a symbol of resistance against  religious persecution. His martyrdom highlighted the brutal tactics of the Soviet regime against the Church and underscored his steadfast commitment to his faith. He was beatified by Pope John Paul II in 2001 as a martyr of the faith, recognizing his courage and ultimate sacrifice.

The mission of the Society of Blessed Hieromartyr Theodore Romzha is to  inspire, support, and nurture vocations in the spirit of Bishop Theodore Romzha’s unwavering faith and courage. Rooted in his legacy of steadfast devotion to God and his people, the Society is dedicated to fostering a new generation of faith  leaders who embody his virtues of strength, resilience, and self-sacrifice. By providing essential resources, and financial support, we empower those discerning a call to service to fully embrace their vocation without hesitation or burden. In honoring Theodore Romzha’s ultimate sacrifice for his faith, we commit ourselves to ensuring that his spirit lives on through the vocations we help to flourish, nurturing a vibrant future for our Church and its communities.

Why?

By joining the Society of Blessed Hieromartyr Theodore Romzha, you become a vital part of a mission to cultivate and sustain the  future of our Church through the support of new vocations. Your generosity impacts the lives of those called to serve, breaking down financial barriers and providing the resources they need to grow in faith and leadership. As a donor, you are not just   giving money; you are investing in a lasting legacy of faith, courage, and spiritual renewal inspired by Theodore Romzha’s martyrdom. Together, we can ensure that his spirit of dedication and sacrifice continues to inspire generations to come.

How?

With an accumulative contribution of $500 or more, you can become a valued member of the Society and directly support vocations. The Eparchy will face a significant financial burden in covering its portion of the costs for the formation of seminarians and deacon students. Your support will help alleviate this strain and ensure that these dedicated men receive the education and spiritual formation they need to serve our Church. 

• Recognition in Society Publications: Donors may be acknowledged in our annual reports, newsletters, and/or special publications, celebrating their role in sustaining the future of our Church.
• Exclusive Invitations to Events: Special access to Society events, which may include a yearly virtual gathering where donors can meet and interact with the seminarians, deacon students, priests, and  community members whose lives they are helping to shape. 
  
  

Holy Orders are the sacrament through which the mission entrusted by Christ to his apostles continues in the Church. It includes three degrees: episcopate (bishops), presbyterate (priests), and diaconate (deacons).

If you perceive a call to ordained ministry in the Byzantine Catholic Church or if you simply have further questions regarding the ordained life, prerequisites, formation, or finances, feel free to contact the Eparchial Vocations Director: Rev. John R.P. Russell at [email protected].

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