August 16 marks the 10th anniversary of the repose of Bishop Richard Stephen Seminack, Bishop of the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Saint Nicholas in Chicago.
Bishop Richard Seminack was born on March 3, 1942, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. After studying at St. Basil’s Minor Seminary in Stamford, Connecticut, and at St. Josaphat Ukrainian Catholic Seminary in Washington, D.C., he was ordained a priest on May 25, 1967, by Metropolitan Ambrose Senyshyn.
Following his priestly ordination, he continued his studies at the Pontifical Oriental Institute in Rome, where he earned a degree in Eastern Canon Law. Beginning in 1969, he served pastorally in various parishes throughout the United States and also carried out numerous diocesan responsibilities.
On October 5, 1984, Pope John Paul II bestowed upon Fr. Richard Seminack the title of Papal Chaplain.
On March 25, 2003, the Holy Father Pope John Paul II appointed him Bishop of the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Saint Nicholas in Chicago. His episcopal consecration took place on June 4, 2003. The principal consecrator was His Beatitude Lubomyr Husar, with Bishop Stefan Soroka and Bishop Robert Michael Moskal serving as co-consecrators.
Throughout his life, Bishop Richard faithfully served God, the Church, and the people. His many years of priestly and episcopal ministry left a lasting mark on the history of the Ukrainian Catholic Church in the United States.
On August 16, 2016, Bishop Richard Seminack fell asleep in the Lord at the age of 74.
On the 10th anniversary of his repose, we prayerfully remember Bishop Richard and ask the Lord to receive his soul into His eternal Kingdom.
With the saints give rest, O Christ, to the soul of Your servant, Bishop Richard, where there is neither pain, nor sorrow, nor sighing, but life everlasting.
Eternal Memory!