Methodius Terleckyj or Metodije Terlecki (died 1649) was the main supervisor of the Sacred Congregation for the Propagation of the Faith for publishing of the Slavic language liturgical books.[1] Terleckyj was Ruthenian, i.e. Ukrainian[2] from Belz Voivodeship[3] and bishop of the Bishopric of Chelm (Orthodox bishopric which entered communion with the see of Rome).[2]
Early life
Before 1626 Terlecki became an Eastern Catholic priest of the Byzantine Rite.[3] In 1626 he studied logic in Vienna and in 1627-28 he studied theology.[3] In 1628 Josyf Veliamyn Rutsky appointed Terlecki as bishop of the Bishopric of Chelm and expected his return from Vienna to Chelm after he first travel to Rome to submit a report about Rusyn Greek-Catholic church.[3]
Mission to convert Orthodox Serbs
Terlecki participated in efforts to convert Orthodox Serbs in Croatia and Slavonia.[4] Terlecki interested Josyf Veliamyn Rutsky in conversion of Orthodox Serbs of Slavonia and Croatia into Eastern Catholicism.[5] Before he accepted appointment for this mission, Terlecki insisted that Rutsky should first give his approval.[6] That is why Pope wrote to Rutsky and asked his permission for Terleckyj's mission, emphasizing that souls of 60,000 people would be saved in this mission.[6]
In period between 1628 and 1644 Terlecki travelled many times to Slavonia and Croatia, actively working on the religious conversion of its Orthodox population under jurisdiction of the Bishopric of Marča.[7] His activities were supported by Toma Hren, bishop of the Bishopric of Ljubljana.[8] In 1628 Propaganda Fide sent him to visit Serbs living in the region of Žumberak.[9] Upon his return Terlecki wrote a report which pleased the emperor and the Propaganda fide.[10]
Based on the explicit instructions given directly by the Pope, Terlecki collaborated with Rafael Levaković.[11]