The Greek Catholic Church’s Life Saving Activities between 1939 and 1945, on the Example of OSBM Bishop of Prešov Pavel Peter Gojdič.

It was not of their own record that the Greek Catholics and the Jews found themselves discriminated against between 1939 and 1945 by the regime of the so-called Slovak State: they had been exposed to unjust anti-Semitic and anti-national minority policies. The austerity measures did not equally affect the two communities, but their consequences had been tragic for the Jews. The Christian faith, resistance to the anti-Semitic policies of the ruling regime and particularly the open positions and concrete actions of the Bishop of Prešov Pavel Peter Gojdič (1888–1960) encouraged many Greek Catholics to provide help to people discriminated against on the basis of race. This paper provides a comprehensive picture on the 27 Jewish people saved by Bishop Gojdič and on the wide range of the Bishop´s activities aimed at rescuing Jews.

Peter Borza    281.94-051(437.6)

The Greek Catholic Church’s Life Saving Activities between 1939         323.12(=411.16)”1939/1945”

and 1945, on the Example of OSBM Bishop of Prešov Pavel Peter Gojdič.        94(437.6)”1939/1945”

Keywords: Rescue of Jews, Greek Catholic Church in Eperjes (Prešov), baptisms, baptismal certificates, harbouring children