This week, we learned that an old friend and partner of CNEWA, Bishop Milan Sasik., C.M., has entered eternal life.
The bishop, responsible for the Carpatho-Rusyn Greek Catholics in southwestern Ukraine, led the Eparchy of Mukachevo in Transcarpathia. The bishop suffered an aneurysm the evening of 14 July. He was 68.
Among the projects CNEWA has supported in his eparchy is the local seminary — which produced abundant vocations under his leadership.
In 2015, he was profiled in the pages of ONE:
“If you want to become rich in this world, please enroll in a business school,” Bishop Milan warns his priests and seminarians. “If you are truly called by God, then get ready to be poor in this world and to face difficulties. This is the first condition that you must take into consideration.”
…For his guidance through countless difficulties, Bishop Milan has earned a reputation among lay people and priests alike for legendary, seemingly boundless energy and passion — perhaps the universal character trait required for any vocation.
Despite his achievements, however, the bishop remains modest.
“My role is that of being a middleman. I see no merit here. The almighty God showed his love toward this eparchy,” he says.
“I see God’s blessing and grace toward our church. Many people have lost their lives for this church, for the survival of this church and its resurrection.”
May his memory be eternal.