Bishop Losten marks 25 years as Stamford eparch (12/29/02)

Bishop Losten marks 25 years as Stamford eparch

STAMFORD, Conn. - Marking an event that took place 25 years ago on December 7, 32 hierarchs, clergy and hundreds of faithful and friends gathered in Stamford, Conn., to fete Bishop Basil H. Losten on his silver anniversary as the third bishop of Stamford.

Following months of preparations and celebrations in each of the deaneries of the Stamford Eparchy - Auburn, Buffalo, New York City, Syracuse, and Watervliet; Hartford and Boston - churchmen, faithful and friends gathered on a sunny but cold Saturday morning to honor Bishop Losten and to offer sentiments of love and gratitude for his service.

The day's activities began with an 11 a.m. divine liturgy in St. Basil College Seminary Chapel on Glenbrook Road, and ended with a dinner and tribute at the Italian Center on Newfield Avenue.

More than 300 people crowded the seminary chapel, where Bishop Losten had been installed on this day in 1977, to attend a pontifical liturgy of thanksgiving. Present at the liturgy were 32 concelebrating Catholic bishops; Cardinal Edward Egan of New York; Cardinal James Hickey (retired) of Washington, William Cardinal Keeler of Baltimore, Archbishop Gabriel Montalvo, apostolic nuncio to the United States. Archbishop Daniel Cronin of Hartford preached the homily.

Also present at the liturgy were Archbishop Antony of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the U.S.A. and representatives of the Orthodox Church of America. In his homily Archbishop Cronin observed that Bishop Losten, an American-born Ukrainian, proud of his heritage, has worked untiringly for the growth of the Ukrainian Church in the United States and in Ukraine.

In the homily he also reflected on the role of a bishop and how Bishop Losten strove to meet its demands and live it out to the fullest.

Bridgeport Roman Catholic Diocese Bishop William Lori said in the benediction he delivered at the afternoon reception at the Italian Center, "In the midst of extending yourself to us, and in the midst of serving your diocese, you inspire us all."

More than 300 guests heard remarks from Askold Lozynskyj, president of the Ukrainian World Congress, Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal, a longtime friend; Lubow Wolynetz, speaking on behalf of the laity; Father Philip Weiner, who extended greetings on behalf of the priests of the diocese; Provincial Superior Sister Michele Yakymovitch of the Sisters Servants of Mary Immaculate who spoke on behalf of the religious of the Stamford Eparchy.

Father Jonathan Morse of the diocese's Family Life Bureau presented the bishop with a spiritual bouquet from the faithful of the diocese.

In his acknowledgments, Bishop Losten said the day's activities touched him deeply. "I'm very edified that so many people came out today, especially on a Saturday," the bishop said. "They tell me that 25 years is a milestone in itself, because rarely does a bishop serve one diocese for 25 years."

Bishop Losten said he has had several opportunities to serve the Ukrainian Catholic Church elsewhere but has always respectfully asked to remain with his flock in the Eparchy of Stamford.

"My heart has always been in Stamford," he said. "This is the town in which I began my seminary education and the diocese in which I hope to conclude my service to the church."

The article above is reprinted with permission from The Sower, the newspaper of the Stamford Eparchy of the Ukrainian Catholic Church.

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