Constantine of Irinoupolis facts for kids

Metropolitan Constantine (born Theodore Stanislavovich Buggan) was an important leader in the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA. He served as the Primate, which means he was the main leader of the church in the United States. This church is part of the larger Ecumenical Patriarchate, a major branch of Orthodox Christianity. His main church was in Parma, Ohio, and the church's offices were in South Bound Brook, New Jersey. He was born on July 29, 1936, and passed away on May 21, 2012.

Constantine's Early Life and Education

Theodore Stanislavovich Buggan was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. His family was Ukrainian. After finishing high school, he went to the College of St. Andrew in Winnipeg, Canada. He graduated from there in 1959. He also studied at Saint Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary in New York. Later, he earned a special degree called a doctorate in philosophy from Duquesne University.

Becoming a Church Leader

Theodore Buggan began his journey in the church in 1967. On April 23, he became a deacon in South Bound Brook, New Jersey. A deacon helps the priest during church services. Later that year, on July 23, he became a priest in Pittsburgh. As a priest, he worked at St. Vladimir Cathedral in Chicago, Illinois, and at St Nicholas Church in Troy, New York.

In 1971, he became a monk and was given the name Constantine. This was a big step in his religious life. The next year, in 1972, he became a bishop for the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in America. A bishop is a high-ranking church official who oversees many churches. He was in charge of the Chicago area.

Rising Through the Ranks

Constantine continued to rise in the church. In 1977, he was made an archbishop. This is an even higher rank than a bishop. Then, in 1992, he became a metropolitan. A metropolitan is a very senior bishop, often in charge of a large region or group of dioceses.

After the death of Patriarch Mstyslav in 1993, Metropolitan Constantine became the Primate of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in America. This meant he was the main leader. In 1994, he also became the Primate of the Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church in the Diaspora.

From 1995 to 1996, the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in America joined with the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople. This was an important connection for the church. Metropolitan Constantine was then given the special title of Metropolitan of Irinoupolis.

Constantine's Passing

Metropolitan Constantine passed away on May 21, 2012. He was 75 years old. He died in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, from a heart condition.