What is the Macedonian Greek Catholic Church?

The Macedonian Greek Catholic Church is an Eastern Catholic church that is *sui juris*, meaning it has its own distinct governance under canon law, and it is in full communion with the wider Catholic Church. It utilizes the Macedonian language in its liturgical services.

What is the primary liturgical rite and language used by the Macedonian Greek Catholic Church?

The church follows the Byzantine Rite and uses the Macedonian language for its liturgical practices.

What is the administrative structure of the Macedonian Greek Catholic Church?

The church is structured as an eparchy, specifically the Macedonian Catholic Eparchy of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Strumica-Skopje.

Where is the headquarters of the Macedonian Greek Catholic Church located?

The headquarters of the Macedonian Greek Catholic Church is situated in Strumica, North Macedonia, at the Assumption of Mary Cathedral.

When was the Macedonian Greek Catholic Church established as a distinct entity?

The Macedonian Greek Catholic Church was established as a separate Apostolic Exarchate of Macedonia in January 2001.

Who is recognized as the founder of the Macedonian Greek Catholic Church?

Pope John Paul II is recognized as the founder of the Macedonian Greek Catholic Church.

From which church did the Macedonian Greek Catholic Church separate?

The Macedonian Greek Catholic Church separated from the Macedonian Orthodox Church.

Who is the current bishop overseeing the Macedonian Greek Catholic Church?

Kiro Stojanov currently serves as the bishop for the Macedonian Greek Catholic Church.

What was the historical predecessor to the current Macedonian Greek Catholic Church in the region?

Prior to 2001, the area was served by an apostolic exarch for the Bulgarian Catholic Apostolic Vicariate of Macedonia, which existed from 1883 until 1922 or 1924. After World War I and the formation of Yugoslavia, this vicariate was integrated into the Eparchy of Križevci.

Who was appointed as the first Apostolic Exarch of Macedonia?

The Latin bishop of Skopje was appointed as the first Apostolic Exarch of Macedonia on January 11, 2001.

What were the estimated membership numbers for the Macedonian Greek Catholic Church as of 2017?

As of 2017, the church's membership was estimated to be approximately 11,374 faithful.

Besides members, what other statistics were provided for the church as of 2017?

As of 2017, the church had one bishop, 8 parishes, 16 priests, and 18 religious sisters.

How did the number of members reported for the Macedonian Greek Catholic Church change between 2001 and 2002?

The reported number of members increased significantly from 6,320 in 2001 to 11,000 in 2002.

What was the number of priests serving the Macedonian Greek Catholic Church in 2000 compared to 2010?

In 2000, there were 10 priests, and by 2010, the number had increased to 11 priests.

How many parishes were associated with the Macedonian Greek Catholic Church in 2000 and 2016?

In 2000, there were 8 parishes, and in 2016, the number of parishes was also reported as 8.

Who served as an Apostolic Exarch from 1883 to 1895?

Lazar Mladenov served as an Apostolic Exarch from 1883 to 1895, holding the title of Titular bishop of Satala.

Who was the Apostolic Exarch appointed after Lazar Mladenov, and for how long did they serve?

Epiphany Shanov succeeded Lazar Mladenov, serving as Apostolic Exarch from 1895 until 1922 or 1924. He held the title of Titular bishop of Livias.

What was the role of Joakim Herbut in relation to the Macedonian Greek Catholic Church?

Joakim Herbut served as the Apostolic Exarch from 2001 to 2005. He was also the Latin Church bishop of Skopje during this period.

When did Kiro Stojanov transition from Apostolic Exarch to Eparch of Strumica?

Kiro Stojanov served as Apostolic Exarch from 2005 to 2018 and then became the Eparch of Strumica from 2018 to the present.

What is the full name of the eparchy that constitutes the Macedonian Greek Catholic Church?

The full name of the eparchy is the Macedonian Catholic Eparchy of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Strumica-Skopje.

What is the significance of the image caption provided in the article?

The image caption identifies the building as the Cathedral of the Assumption of Blessed Virgin Mary in Strumica, North Macedonia, which serves as the cathedral for the Macedonian Greek Catholic Church.

What does the term *sui juris* mean in the context of the Macedonian Greek Catholic Church?

The term *sui juris* signifies that the church possesses its own distinct governance and legal standing within the Catholic Church, indicating a degree of autonomy while remaining in full communion with the Pope.

What is the classification of the Macedonian Greek Catholic Church within the broader Catholic structure?

It is classified as an Eastern Catholic church, which means it follows the traditions and rites of Eastern Christianity while maintaining full communion with the Pope and the Catholic Church.

What is the polity of the Macedonian Greek Catholic Church?

The church follows an Episcopal polity, meaning its governance is structured around bishops who hold authority within its hierarchy.

What papal name is listed in the infobox for the current Pope?

The infobox lists Pope Leo XIV.

What is the official name of the church in Latin, as noted in the article?

The official name of the church in Latin is *Ecclesiae Graecae Catholico Macedonica*.

What is the official name of the church in Macedonian, as noted in the article?

The official name of the church in Macedonian is *Makedonska grčka katolička crkva*.

What is the significance of the "See also" section in relation to the Macedonian Greek Catholic Church?

The "See also" section provides links to related topics, such as the Catholicism portal, the North Macedonia portal, and the broader article on the Catholic Church in North Macedonia, helping readers explore further context.

What information is available in the "External links" section?

The external links section provides direct links to the Eparchy of Križevci, the Apostolic Exarchate of Macedonia on Catholic Hierarchy, and an article about Greek Catholics in former Yugoslavia from the Catholic Near East Welfare Association (CNEWA).

What does the table of statistics illustrate about the church's growth or changes?

The table illustrates the fluctuations in membership, number of priests, and parishes over the years from 2000 to 2017, showing periods of growth and decline in these metrics.

What is the relationship between the Macedonian Greek Catholic Church and the Eparchy of Križevci?

Historically, after World War I, the Apostolic Vicariate of Macedonia was absorbed into the Eparchy of Križevci. Later, in 2001, the separate Apostolic Exarchate of Macedonia was formed, being directly subject to the Holy See rather than part of the Eparchy of Križevci.

What does the presence of both a Latin cross and a Byzantine patriarchal cross in a sidebar signify?

The presence of both crosses signifies the diversity within the Catholic Church, particularly highlighting the Eastern Catholic traditions (represented by the patriarchal cross) alongside the Latin tradition, and indicating that the article is part of a series on particular churches *sui iuris*.

What is the role of the Macedonian language in the church's identity?

The Macedonian language is used in the liturgy, signifying a key aspect of the church's cultural and national identity.

What does the term "Eastern Catholic" imply about the church's practices?

Being "Eastern Catholic" implies that the church follows the traditions, rites, and liturgical practices of Eastern Christianity while remaining in full communion with the Pope and the Catholic Church.

Who was the Apostolic Exarch appointed in 2005, and what was their prior role?

Kiro Stojanov was appointed Apostolic Exarch in 2005. Prior to this, he served as the Latin Church bishop of Skopje.

What is the significance of the "Founder" field in the infobox?

The "Founder" field indicates that Pope John Paul II was instrumental in the establishment of the Macedonian Greek Catholic Church as a distinct entity in 2001.

How many congregations are mentioned for the Macedonian Greek Catholic Church?

The church comprises 7 congregations.

What is the "Orientation" of the Macedonian Greek Catholic Church?

Its orientation is Greek Catholic, which refers to its adherence to the Byzantine Rite and traditions.

What does the term "Episcopal polity" mean for the church's governance?

An episcopal polity means that the church is governed by bishops, who hold authority within its hierarchical structure.

What specific eparchy constitutes the Macedonian Greek Catholic Church?

The church is constituted by the Macedonian Catholic Eparchy of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Strumica-Skopje.

What historical period saw the existence of the Bulgarian Catholic Apostolic Vicariate of Macedonia?

The Bulgarian Catholic Apostolic Vicariate of Macedonia existed from 1883 until 1922 or 1924.

What is the relationship between the Macedonian Greek Catholic Church and the Pope?

The Macedonian Greek Catholic Church is in full union with the Catholic Church and is directly subject to the Holy See, acknowledging the Pope's authority.

What does the "shortdescription nomobile noexcerpt noprint searchaux" div at the beginning of the article indicate?

This indicates that the article is categorized as an "Eastern Catholic church" and is intended for quick reference, without a detailed excerpt visible in search results or mobile views.

What is the purpose of the sidebar templates included in the article?

The sidebar templates provide navigational context, linking to related topics such as the ethnic Macedonians, particular churches *sui iuris* within the Catholic Church, and general information about North Macedonia.

What does the inclusion of "Macedonian" in the eparchy's name signify?

It signifies the church's specific geographic and ethnic focus within North Macedonia, distinguishing it from other Byzantine-rite churches.

What papal name is listed in the infobox for the current Pope?

The infobox lists Pope Leo XIV.

What is the significance of the citation [a] next to the church's name in the introduction?

The citation [a] refers to a note that provides the official Latin and Macedonian names for the church, clarifying its identity.

What does the table of statistics reveal about the number of parishes between 2001 and 2008?

The number of parishes remained stable at 5 from 2001 to 2007, then increased to 6 in 2008.

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Ecclesiastical Overview

Classification & Orientation

The Macedonian Greek Catholic Church is recognized as an Eastern Catholic church, specifically adhering to the Greek Catholic orientation. This signifies its adherence to Eastern Christian traditions while remaining in full communion with the Pope and the universal Catholic Church.

Polity & Structure

The church follows an Episcopal polity. Its ecclesiastical structure is organized as a single Eparchy, the Eparchy of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Strumica-Skopje, indicating a bishop's direct jurisdiction over a defined territory.

Geographical & Liturgical Context

Primarily serving the faithful in North Macedonia, the church utilizes the Macedonian language in its liturgical practices. The rite employed is the Byzantine Rite, a common liturgical tradition among Eastern Catholic churches.

Leadership & Foundation

The current Pontiff is Pope Leo XIV. The church is overseen by Bishop Kiro Stojanov. Its establishment as a distinct entity traces back to 2001, with Pope John Paul II playing a foundational role in its formal recognition.

Affiliation & Origin

This church emerged from a separation from the Macedonian Orthodox Church. Its headquarters are located at the Assumption of Mary Cathedral in Strumica, North Macedonia. The church is also known by its formal designation: Macedonian Greek Catholic Eparchy of the Blessed Virgin Mary Assumed in Strumica-Skopje.

Historical Trajectory

Early Vicariate and Integration

The roots of the Macedonian Greek Catholic Church can be traced back to 1883 with the appointment of an apostolic exarch for the Bulgarian Catholic Apostolic Vicariate of Macedonia. This vicariate, operating until approximately 1922-1924, was part of the broader Bulgarian Greek Catholic Church. Following World War I and the formation of Yugoslavia, this ecclesiastical territory was integrated into the Eparchy of Križevci.

Formal Establishment

A significant development occurred in January 2001 when the Holy See established a separate Greek Catholic Apostolic Exarchate of Macedonia. This new entity was created for Byzantine Rite Eastern Catholics within North Macedonia. It was constituted as an ecclesiastical jurisdiction directly subject to the Holy See, having been separated from the Eparchy of Križevci. On the same day, the Bishop of Skopje (under the Latin Rite) was appointed as the inaugural Apostolic Exarch for North Macedonia.

Statistical Overview

Membership and Clergy Data

As of recent estimates (around 2017), the Macedonian Greek Catholic Church comprises approximately 11,374 faithful. The church is served by one bishop, 16 priests, and 18 religious sisters, ministering across 8 parishes.

The following table illustrates the growth and fluctuations in membership and clergy over selected years:

Year	Members	Priests	Parishes
2000	10,000	10	8
2001	6,320	9	5
2002	11,000	8	5
2003	11,367	8	5
2004	11,367	9	5
2005	11,398	9	5
2006	11,483	8	5
2007	11,491	8	5
2008	15,175	10	6
2009	15,041	11	7
2010	15,037	11	7
2016	11,336	16	8
2017	11,374	16	8

Episcopal Leadership

Apostolic Exarchs

The role of Apostolic Exarchs has been pivotal in the church's history:

Lazar Mladenov (1883–1895), Titular Bishop of Satala
Epiphany Shanov (1895–1922 or 1924), Titular Bishop of Livias
Joakim Herbut (2001–2005), Bishop of Skopje (Latin Rite)
Kiro Stojanov (2005–2018), Bishop of Skopje (Latin Rite)

Eparchs of Strumica

Following the establishment of the Eparchy of Strumica, the leadership transitioned:

Kiro Stojanov (2018–present), Bishop of Skopje (Latin Rite)

These leaders have guided the church through its formative years and ongoing development.

Further Exploration

Sources

Reference List

The following section is dynamically populated with references derived from the source data.

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References

Acta Apostolicae Sedis, 93 (2001), p. 339.

Acta Apostolicae Sedis, 94 (2002), p. 152.

A full list of references for this article are available at the Macedonian Greek Catholic Church Wikipedia page

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Important Notice

This page has been generated by an AI and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on publicly available data and may not be entirely comprehensive, up-to-date, or free from interpretation.

This is not professional advice. The information provided herein is not a substitute for consultation with qualified religious scholars, historians, or ecclesiastical authorities. Always seek the advice of appropriate professionals for specific inquiries related to religious history, doctrine, or practice.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided.

The Macedonian Byzantine Catholic Church

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Ecclesiastical Overview ℹ️

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Historical Trajectory 📜

⏳ Early Vicariate and Integration

✨ Formal Establishment

Statistical Overview 📊

🔢 Membership and Clergy Data

Episcopal Leadership 👑

📜 Apostolic Exarchs

📍 Eparchs of Strumica

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Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Ecclesiastical Overview

Classification & Orientation

Polity & Structure

Geographical & Liturgical Context

Leadership & Foundation

Affiliation & Origin

Historical Trajectory

Early Vicariate and Integration

Formal Establishment

Statistical Overview

Membership and Clergy Data

Episcopal Leadership

Apostolic Exarchs

Eparchs of Strumica

Further Exploration

Related Topics

Sources

Reference List

Teacher's Corner

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Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice