The life and work of Stefan Pankovych, the Bishop of the Greek Catholic Eparchy of Mukachevo

When Bishop Stefan Pankovych (1866–1874), who succeeded Vasyl Popovych (died in 1864) was inaugurated, he almost unknown to the Rusin clergy of Greek Catholic Eparchy Mukachevo. The new bishop maintained good relations with members Hungarian political elite and actively supported policy government. This manifested on several levels. He promoted high ecclesiastical positions those did not support Adolf Dobriansky, a Russophile considered most significant leader. Following Austro-Hungarian Compromise 1867, leaders had opportunity hold various offices, mainly trust government In 1871, his followers removed Dobriansky Ivan Rakovsky from leadership St. Basil Great Society, which led gradual decline trend movement. Russian camp supporters also confronted because attempt introduce Gregorian calendar Latin alphabet Mukachevo Diocese. Even more moderate were divided such issues, these concepts important for identity. However, Pankovich’s unexpected death August 29, 1874, temporarily froze debates