St. Athanasius Byzantine Catholic Outreach of Tulsa

08/23/2025

Come find us at the Tulsa Discipleship Conference!

Diocese of Tulsa and Eastern Oklahoma

06/25/2025

We are so grateful for Dr Joshua Papsdorf and the Ge**er Institute for Catholic Studies for hosting “Fire in the Hole: a Byzantine Catholic Retreat” this weekend and to Newman University in allowing the use of the Alumni center and facilities. It was a holy retreat and we learned a lot about the unique liturgy, hymnody, and iconography of Eastern Christian spirituality, a medicinal remedy for our anxious, frenetic and wounded world. We even had visitors from Kansas City, Tulsa, Oklahoma City, Austin, St Louis, and Denver! Also a huge thanks to Fr Thomas Loya, our retreat master. Glory to Jesus Christ! ☦️ 🔥

05/14/2025

04/29/2025

Most Rev. David A. Konderla, Bishop of Tulsa and Eastern Oklahoma, continues to recover in the aftermath of a viral infection that dramatically impacted his breathing and ability to speak.

The illness, over a period of weeks, prevented him from attending many scheduled events during the month of April. Now, as he embarks on a previously planned two-week vacation period until May 12, the Bishop will have time to continue his recovery before resuming public appearances.

“A month ago, when this all began, I had a viral infection,” stated Bishop Konderla in a recent health update addressed to Diocesan staff. “What sometimes happens after such an illness, and seems to have happened with me, was that the nerve structure that surrounds the vocal cords and that triggers them to close when needed to protect the windpipe becomes overstimulated and is now telling my brain to close the vocal cords even when there is no need to close them.”

Bishop Konderla explained that the condition resulted in some difficulty breathing at times and required the need for therapy to regain his vocal capacity. “I am working with a speech therapist who is an expert in upper respiratory issues of the voice box,” said Bishop Konderla. “The process is underway, and I look forward to fully recovering soon.”

Father Gary Kastl, Vicar General of the diocese, encouraged the faithful to continue to pray for Bishop Konderla as he continues his treatment. “As you can see, it has been a journey, but there is good news for him as he now has a plan towards full recovery,” said Fr. Kastl. “Please continue to pray for his recovery and offer patience as he builds back towards full recovery and engagement.”