We have a new Bratislava eparchial bishop, Milan Lach, and he sends us a message: Be on the journey together, pray – give – walk together
Bratislava On March 21, the ceremonial enthronement of Bishop Milan Lach SJ took place in the Cathedral of the Exaltation of the Precious and Life-Giving Cross in Bratislava. The ceremony, by which he was officially appointed eparchial bishop of the Bratislava Eparchy, took place on Akathist Saturday.
The Holy Father Leo XIV accepted the resignation of Bishop Peter Rusnák from the pastoral leadership of the Bratislava Eparchy and on March 6, 2026 appointed Bishop Milan Lach SJ, Titular Bishop of Ostracín, previous Auxiliary Bishop of the Bratislava Eparchy and Visitor for Slovak Greek Catholics in Western Europe, as the new Bratislava Eparchy Bishop.
In his address after the appointment, Bishop Milan Lach said: “I want to be with you, to walk with you, to be your shepherd... I want to meet with you, with the priests, with the faithful and listen to how we can do things better... You are in my heart and I pray for you, even for those who can no longer go to church, even for those who are far away and have not gone to church for many years. I rely on you. You are still ours and I am also interested in you. Everyone in the team is important.”
“Do not be afraid, little flock. Even though we are few, our task here is to be a prayer, a beauty of our liturgical tradition and a service of proclaiming the word of God,”
Milan Lach concluded by asking the faithful for prayer and encouraging them to rejoice in their faith. “I ask for your prayers. I thank all people of good will and I want to encourage you to have joy in your faith and hope in Slovakia. Let us not be afraid – God is with us. I look forward to our meetings and future cooperation,” added Bishop Milan Lach.