# Clergy Study Days of the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of New Westminster

- Link: https://nweparchy.ca/2025/10/clergy-study-days-of-the-ukrainian-catholic-eparchy-of-new-westminster/
- Published: 2025-10-11T11:30:51-07:00
- Author: Website

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From October 6–9, 2025, the clergy of the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of New Westminster
gathered at the Bishop Jerome Eparchial Centre for their annual _Clergy Study Days_—
a time of prayer, reflection, and renewal in fraternal unity.

The meeting opened with a **_Moleben_ to the [Pratulin Martyrs](https://www.holyspiritseminary.org/2016/01/26/blessed-martyrs-of-pratulin/)**
led by Protosyncellus **Fr. Mykhailo Ozorovych**, followed by a welcoming evening
at the Bishop’s residence.

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Each day began with the **Divine Liturgy** at Holy Eucharist Cathedral. **Bishop
Michael Kwiatkowski **greeted the clergy, encouraging them to open their hearts 
to the grace of the Holy Spirit and to “do the good we can in our parishes … striving
for holiness always bears fruit.”

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On Tuesday, Chancellor **Fr. Yuriy Vyshnevskyi** preached on the dignity of being
God’s children, reminding everyone that true ministry flows from love for Christ.**
Fr. Yuriy Sakvuk** then led a ‘Lectio Divina’ spiritual reflection on the Gospel
of the vineyard: the Lord has already prepared His vineyard — He now awaits our 
fruits.

The clergy also shared parish updates and pastoral plans of their respective parishes.**
Fr. Yuriy Vyshnevskyi**, Dean of the [Costal Deanery](https://abbotsford.nweparchy.ca/2025/05/two-new-deaneries-created-two-new-deans-appointed/)
and the Eparchial Representative to the [Canadian Federation of Presbyteral Councils](https://cfpccanada.ca/),
spoke about the implementation of new liturgical books and best pastoral practices.

On Wednesday, during the Divine Liturgy, **Fr. Andriy Chornensky**, [Dean of the Interior](https://abbotsford.nweparchy.ca/2025/05/two-new-deaneries-created-two-new-deans-appointed/),
reflected in his homily that “man does not live by bread alone, but by every word
that comes from God.”

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The day continued with a workshop led by **Fr. Yuriy Sakvuk** on the Synodal Pastoral
Letter _“Patient in Hope, Strong in Love”_, and on the purpose and process of canonical
visitations, together with Eparchial Accountant **Ms. Alla Eismont**.

They also presented the **Parish Pastoral Council Guidelines** and offered a **financial
update**, followed by discussions on preparations for the **2026 Eparchial Sobor**(
aka Eparchial Assembly, see canons below…**\***)

On the final day, **Bishop Michael** encouraged everyone to return home and share
the Good News — the news of love, healing, and service.

“Pray for your priests,” he reminded those gathered, “for they are called to nourish
you with spiritual food.”

The concluding morning included summary discussions, planning of canonical visitations,
and a **Prayer of Thanksgiving** before departure.

The clergy also reflected on how to strengthen and renew the Eparchy — both spiritually
and materially. In this latter vein, everyone was encouraged to enthusiastically
promote and participate on the two major eparchial fundraising events coming up 
in November. Both are being billed as the **Annual Bishop’s Fundraising Gala**. 
However, this year, one will take place in the Okanagan Valley at **[Holy Dormition Parish in Kelowna on November 15th](https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/bishops-fundraising-dinner-tickets-1670387416729)**.
The “Lower Mainland” event will take place at **[Holy Eucharist Cathedral in New Westminster on November 8th](https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/annual-eparchial-gala-dinner-rooted-in-faith-growing-in-hope-tickets-1790736203189)**.

Before parting ways, as has been the custom, all prayed together the Sixth Hour,
after which Bishop Michael gave his blessing for the journey, sending everyone forth
in peace and renewed zeal for their ministry. Before setting off on their journeys,
a common lunch was shared in the Bishop’s refectory.

These days of prayer, dialogue, and shared vision deepened the bond of brotherhood
among the clergy and renewed their commitment to serve God’s people with patience,
faith, and love.

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**\* **Some Church canons (CCEO) that provide the basis for an Eparchial Assembly….

**Art. I.  The Eparchial Assembly**

Canon 235 - The eparchial assembly assists the eparchial bishop in providing for
the needs of the Eparchy.

Canon 237 - §1. The eparchial bishop convenes the eparchial assembly and chairs 
it

Canon 238 - §1. Provides that some individuals MUST be invited by law, such as….
Protosyncellus (Vicar General), syncelli (Vicars), eparchial finance officer; the
eparchial consultors; the Deans, a priest from each district, Deacons, Monastic 
community representatives. But One third of the participants should be the laity.

 §2. Other Catholic delegates who are not members of the Eparchy can also be invited,
§
3. Observers from non-Catholic Churches can also be invited

Canon 240 - §1. Although the Bishop determines the topics to be discussed,  all 
members of the Eparchy may propose topics and themes in advance.

 §2. commissions are appointed to prepare the discussion materials

 §4. Once the themes and topics are determined, they must be open to a free discussion
by all the Assembly participants

Canon 241 – The deliberations and decisions of the Assembly form the basis of any
laws or decrees that the Bishop promulgates either immediately or subsequent to 
the Assembly

Canon 242 – Any laws, declarations and decrees emanating from the eparchial assembly
are shared with the Metropolitan and the Head of the UGCC.

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