Perhaps you’ve pondered the roots of faith in Canada. The Exarchate of Saints Cyril and Methodius of Toronto stands as a testament to this history. It serves the Slovak Greek Catholic Church.
The Exarchate of Saints Cyril and Methodius began its journey in 1980. Pope John Paul II established it. Saints Cyril and Methodius are its patron saints. Initially, the cathedral was the Cathedral of the Transfiguration in Markham.
Let’s delve into the story of Eastern Catholics in Canada. In the late 19th century, various Eastern Catholic groups arrived. This included Slavs of the Byzantine Rite. Among them were Byzantine Catholics from Slovakia. They sought their own episcopal leader. In 1964, Michael Rusnak was appointed as auxiliary bishop. He had jurisdiction over Slovak parishes.
The Saints Cyril and Methodius Exarchate’s story is one of transitions. In 2022, Pope Francis made a significant change. He transferred the Saints Cyril and Methodius Exarchate’s jurisdiction. It moved from the Slovak Greek Catholic Church to the Ruthenian Greek Catholic Church. It became part of the Metropolis of Pittsburgh.
The Cathedral of the Nativity of the Mother of God became the cathedral church around 2016. It is in Toronto. As of March 2022, Kurt Burnette was reappointed. He became Apostolic Administrator.
The Saints Cyril and Methodius Exarchate has seen several leaders. Michael Rusnak was the eparch from 1980 to 1996. John Stephen Pazak followed him in 2000. Marián Andrej Pacák was named bishop in 2018. Kurt Richard Burnette became apostolic administrator in 2020.
Consider the dedication of those who built this community. They sought to maintain their faith and culture. The Saints Cyril and Methodius Exarchate stands as a symbol of their enduring spirit. It has grown and evolved. It reflects the changing face of Catholicism in Canada. The Saints Cyril and Methodius Exarchate continues to serve its community. It provides a place of worship and spiritual guidance.