Eastern Diocese of the Polish National Catholic Church
Our Organizer
His Early Life
Click Here for a biographical presentation on Bishop Hodur
- Francis Hodur was born near Cracow, Poland. One of seven children in a poor family.
- While preparing for the priesthood at the Jagiellonian Univesity, he was an exceptional student.
- He emigrated to the U.S. in 1893. That same year, he was ordained as a preist.
- On the 14th of March 1897, Father Hodur became pastor of St. Stanislaus Cathedral, Scranton, PA.
- On Sept 29, 1907, Father Hodur was consecrated bishop by Old Catholic Bishops in Utretcht, Holland.
His Beliefs
- Father Hodur was devoted to Christianity, and believed that Christ’s ideals should be lived by everyone. He sought to promote the human dignity of the Polish people.
- Love for the Polish people led him to encourage their unity in God and loyalty to America while maintaining deep respect for Poland.
Accomplishments as Church Leader
- Composed the “Confession of Faith” and “The Eleven Great Principles”
- Published the first church newspaper, Straz, in 1897.
- Visit Poland 18 times to teach the beliefs of the Polish National Catholic Church.
- Organized the Polish National Union, Spojnia (A Christian Fraternal Organization) .
- Created a home for the aged and a camp for the children and youth.
- Published the current Church newspaper, “God’s Field” (Rola Boza), in 1923.
