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Michael Dudick Obituary

Bishop Michael J. Dudick, 91, retired Bishop of the Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Passaic, fell asleep in the Lord on Wednesday at Rest Haven nursing home, Schuylkill Haven. He had previously been in residence at Holy Annunciation Monastery, Sugarloaf. Prior to his retirement in 1995, he had been the Bishop of the Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Passaic for 27 years.

Born in Saint Clair, Feb. 24, 1916, he was a son of the late John and Mary Jurick Dudick. He completed his elementary and secondary education in local schools. In 1939, he entered St. Procpius College, Lisle, Ill., to begin his studies for the priesthood. After successfully completing these studies, he was ordained to the priesthood of Jesus Christ on Nov. 13, 1945, by Bishop Basil Takach of the Byzantine Catholic Exarchate of Munhall.

After only six weeks as pastor of Ss. Peter & Paul Church, Struthers, Ohio, he was appointed Vice Chancellor of the Exarchate of Munhall, a position he held from March 1, 1946 to Jan. 15, 1955. During his tenure as vice-chancellor, he also served various parishes in western Pennsylvania and Ohio including parishes in Wall, Herminia, Tarentum, Pittsburg, Avella and Toronto.

From 1955 to 1963, he served in parishes in Old Forge and Freeland. Then with the establishment of the Eparchy of Passaic in July 1963, he was named Chancellor of the new Eparchy and appointed pastor of St. George Church, Newark, N.J. During this time, he also served as an Eparchial Consultor and secretary to the Board of Trustees.

He held these positions until Aug. 21, 1965, when Pope Paul VI appointed him to be second Bishop of the Eparchy of Passaic. The ordination to the episcopacy took place on Oct. 24, 1968, at the Cathedral of St. Michael the Archangel, Passaic. Bishop Dudick held this position until his retirement on Nov. 21, 1995.

During the twenty-seven years that he had been Bishop of Passaic, 32 new parish missions had been established and numerous men had been ordained to the priesthood and diaconate. New Monasteries had been established, including the Monastery of the Basilian Fathers of Mariapoch in Matawan, N.J., and a monastery for Carmelite nuns in Sugarloaf. He was also the moving force behind the establishment of the renewal and retreat center, the Capathian Village, and St. Nicholas Shrine in the Poconos.

A prolific writer, Bishop Dudick wrote a weekly reflection for a Sunday bulletin series as well as a column entitled, "Thoughts for Our Times," published regularly in the eparchial newspaper the "Eastern Catholic Life."

His interest in the origins and history of the Carpatho-Rusyn people led him to found the Heritage Institute, which houses a collection of religious and secular paintings, ecclesiastical art, vestments, national dress, embroideries, folk art and other memorabilia. The Institute also houses a large library, which holds books on a variety of subjects as well as a collection of rare Slovanic books and manuscripts.

In addition to his other accomplishments, Bishop Dudick relocated the eparchial offices from downtown Passaic to a new facility in suburban West Paterson, N.J. The new Eparchial Center, dedicated in 1987, provides office space and meeting rooms for the various departments of the eparchy, as well as a residence for the Bishop, the Heritage Institute and library and a chapel.

Bishop Dudick has also contributed to the good of the church by his work on the following commissions or committees: two five year terms as member of the Sacred Congregation for the Eastern Catholic Churchs, Rome; Consultor of the codification for Canon Law of the Eastern Catholic Churchs; three two-year terms on a visiting cCommittee for the Board of Overseers of Harvard University, Cambridge, Mass.

He served as a member of the Inter-Rite Committee of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops, a Consultor for the Ecumenical and Inter-Faith committee of the NCCB, a member of the seven-bishop committee of the NCCB in dialogue with the Standing Conference of Orthodox Bishops; a member of the Board of Regents of Seton Hall University, former secretary, treasurer and vice president of the Coalition of Religious Leaders of New Jersey; president of the Eastern Catholic Bishops Associations, two year terms as chairman of NCCB Region III (PA and NJ); member of the Committee for the Revision of Eastern Canon Law and a member of the policy committee of the Catholic Bishops of New Jersey.

In recognition for his exemplary work, several honorary degrees were conferred upon Bishop Dudick including a Doctorate of Humanities, honoris causa, from Kings College, Wilkes-Barre, and a doctorate of divinity degree from Scranton University, Scranton, as well as a master's degree from Maryknoll Univeristy.

Bishop Dudick was preceded in death by two brothers, George and Joseph; two sisters, Irene Giemza and Anna Tizekker.

Surviving are a brother, John Jr., Saint Clair; three sisters, Mary O'Brien and her husband, Vincent, Saint Clair, Elizabeth Gursky, Saint Clair, and Dorothy Keffer, Harrisburg; nieces and nephews.

Friends and relatives may pay their respects from 1 to 7 p.m. Friday at Holy Annunciation Monastery, West County Road, Sugarloaf. Viewing will also be from 2 to 7 p.m. Sunday and Monday at St. Michael the Archangel Cathedral, 96 First St., Passaic. Divine Liturgy with Office of Christian Burial for a priest will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday in the cathedral. Interment will be at 1 p.m. in Mount Macrine Cemetery, Uniontown. Frank J. Bonin Funeral Home Inc., 542-544 N. Wyoming St., Hazleton, is in charge of arrangements.

May his memory be eternal.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Republican & Herald on May 31, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael Dudick

Not sure what to say?





Peter, Mary & Nicholas Snell

June 9, 2007

Dear family of the late Bishop Dudick:
please accept our deepest condolences in your time of sorrow.
Although I did not know him personally, I so enjoyed his quiet demeanor, friendliness and above all, his piousness and his devotion to the church and to his flock. He was an inspiration to all who met him.
When the news of his falling asleep reached us, some of our church members spoke about him with great love. Again, they did not know him personally however they had the pleasure of listening to him and praying with him at Uniontown.
Vicnaja jemu pamjat.

Father Gregory, Obl. OSB

June 8, 2007

+May God rest his pious soul among the Saints in Paradise and overlook all his sins!

His Excellency, Bishop MICHAEL was a true gentleman, a man of kindess and manners...may the Lord send us more such bishops for the good of His Church and for the salvation of souls!

In His great mercy,
Father Gregory

Christine Scserbak

June 7, 2007

As A parishioner of Saint Michael's Cathedral I have so many beautiful memories of Bishop Michael. On Sunday through the tears of seeing Bishop's remains being carried up the steps of the cathedral--I smiled for it was Sunday of All Saints and on the back of the bulletin was printed, "Precious in the Eyes of the Lord is the Death of His Saints."
Pray for us your people 'Vladyka.'

Richard Baldi, PsyD, LCSW-C

June 7, 2007

May the Almighty and Compassionate Christ grant him a place of honor in Heaven!

Olga (nee Stegura) Pirone

June 7, 2007

Blessed repose in the Lord's embrace. I have nothing but fond memories from St. George's, Newark.

Robert Grip

June 6, 2007

Year after year in Uniontown, pilgrims would flock to Bishop MIchael whenever they would see him. He will be missed. May he rest in peace.

Bogdan Horbal

June 6, 2007

Vichnaia pamiat Vladyko.
It was a privilege to know you and to work in the Heritage Institute and Library that you created for the benefit of Carpatho-Rusyns.

Dominic Riccio

June 6, 2007

Eternal rest for thy good and
faithful servant Michael.
May he receive the reward of his
labor.
Father Dominic Riccio

Fr.Archimandrite Januarius Izzo, O.F.M.

June 6, 2007

Eternal Memory!

Fr Joseph [Irenaios] Thomas, BSO

June 5, 2007

Vladika, you were a great Bishop, though your quietness, simplicity, and humility caused you to be vastly under-rated. +May your Memory be Eternal!

Rev. Dn. Joseph Pasquella

June 5, 2007

May His Memory be Eternal.
Lord Jesus, send anew the Comforter, the Holy Spirit that will bring healing and comfort to this family, and to the friends of His Grace, Bishop Michael Dudick.

Prof./Cav. Philip J DiNovo

June 4, 2007

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Rev. Archdeacon John DeMeis

June 4, 2007

I was ordained deacon by Bishop Michael in 1993. His memory will always be in my heart. I visited the Cathedral yesterday an prayed at his side. Eternal Memory.

Dorothy Crowley

June 4, 2007

Be Still

Be still like the grass on a melancholy summer day
Be still like desert shrub.

Be calm and you will hear your loved one speak, in the stillness, in the calm, their love resounds.

If you are still this promise I make, you will hear the voice of your loved one helping you along your way.

Gloria Katsur Brissette

June 3, 2007

Eternal memory! Vichnaja Pam'jat!
One of your lambs from Holy Spirit Byzantine Catholic Church when you were there at Atwood and Bates in Pittsburgh.

The students of St. Michael's Cathedral ECF program

June 3, 2007

Blessed repose and eternal memory. You will be missed. We always enjoyed your kindness at the annual end of the year gathering at the Carpathian Village.

MARIE GRAY

June 3, 2007

YOU HAVE ALWAYS BEEN A GOOD AND GENTLE BISHOP AND YOU ALWAYS WILL BE OUR BISHOP. SADLY MISSED

William Komnath Jr

June 2, 2007

Eternal memory! Vichnaja Pam'jat!

Rev. Jan W. VanArsdale

June 2, 2007

Bless you, Your Grace, for your friendship in troubled times. My own ministry in Newark and beyond was enriched by your many kind thoughts and actions. You touched me the day you became a Bishop and you touch me still.

Diocese of Pittsburgh and Christian Asssociates of S.W. Pa.

June 2, 2007

The loss of someone so close is difficult to bear. We share your grief.

Helene and Stephen Rimar

June 1, 2007

We had the honour of meeting with
Bishop Michael when he visited our
now defunct parish (Holy Apostles in Lake Worth Fl) He was a great help to us always smiling and praising our people. Eternal Memory
Helene & Steve Rimar

Andrew Chismar

June 1, 2007

May his soul through the mercy of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ rest in peace.Amen.

Kenneth, Alexandra, Nikolas, Jakob & Kyra Alexo

June 1, 2007

Blessed repose and eternal memory!

Neil Foley

June 1, 2007

I had the honor to meet Vladyka Michael on several occasions. He was a blessing to his Church and the Eastern Catholic community and will be missed. May his memory be eternal and thrice-blessed.

Patricia & Dennis Ditzig and family

May 31, 2007

Vicnaja pamjat Your kindness will be missed.

John N. Surmay

May 31, 2007

Bishop Michael was the right bishop for the right time in the growth of the Passaic Eparchy. He was our Spiritual Shephard, but more importantly our friend. He grew up outside Minersville, PA. and was a friend of my brother-in law's family since he was a young man. God Grant unto him Eternal Memory! Pray for us as we pray for you in your place where is no more pain, sorrow or mourning.

Christopher Gombos

May 31, 2007

Blessed Repose and eternal memory vladika.

Joseph Ferenchick

May 31, 2007

Eternal Memory!

Marilyn Varsho Hertenstein

May 31, 2007

Eternal memory Dear Bishop Dudick. I belonged to Sts. Peter and Paul Church in Struthers Ohio when I lived there, and you are in my prayers.

Richard Custer

May 31, 2007

It was my privilege to spend time with Bishop Michael on several occasions at the Diocesan Center & Heritage Institute in West Paterson before his retirement. He was a devoted shepherd, a kind and decent man, and a true father to his flock.

His love and respect for his Carpatho-Rusyn roots and the Rusyn people will live on as we remain inspired by his most worthy example.

Blazennyj pokoj, vicnaja Vam pamjat', dobryj archijereju Michaile! Blessed repose and eternal memory to you, good archpriest Michael!

Joan Haug

May 31, 2007

You will always be in my heart and prayers. God grant you Eternal Memory and a Blessed Repose.

Anne Marie Mistishen

May 31, 2007

While a resident at Rest Haven Bishop Michael was a pleasure to care for.He was always pleasant and co-operative.A day never went by that he did not have a smile on his face.His family will miss him dearly.

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