Un prete ortodosso diventato vescovo greco-cattolico di Oradea: Meletie Covaci (1748-1775)
An Orthodox Priest becoming Greek-Catholic Bishop of Oradea: Meletie Covaci (1748-1775)

Summary/Abstract: When talking about the union of the Romanians with the Church of Rome (1697-1701), frequently, it is only those events that preceded the Union in the parts of Transylvania that is mentioned. We need to clarify that the Union of the Romanians with the Church of Rome first took place in Partium. Often the fact is neglected that the Romanians from Sătmar, Bihor, Ung, Bereg, Ugocea, or even from parts of Maramureș, were previously united, along with the Ruthenians, in circumstances different than those from Transylvania. The purpose of current article is to illustrate the beginnings of the Union in one of these regions, in Bihor, under the Orthodox priest Meletie Covaci, who became bishop of Greek rite under the authority of the roman-catholic bishop of Oradea (suffraganei graeci ritus episcopi). In the middle of many difficulties and much oppression, from both Orthodox as well as Catholics, he fought for the autonomy of his Church, dedicating all of his energy and life to extend and consolidate the Union of the Romanians with the Church of Rome in Partium.

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