У третій четвер травня український народ та друзі, які підтримують нас по всьому світу, намагаються одягати вишиванку як свідчення багатства нашої культури та підтвердження нашої ідентичності й гордості за те, ким ми є. Українська вишивка разом з українськими великодніми писанками легко впізнаються в усьому світі як одні з найпрекрасніших шедеврів української культури. Кожен вишиваний твір, простий чи складний, має глибоке значення. Як каже український вислів: «Кожен стібок — мов зернятко в полі: з любов’ю посієш, красою пожнеш».
Носіння вишивки завжди є певним свідченням та вираженням внутрішньої постави людини. Це радісна практика, в якій кожен із задоволенням бере участь. Кілька років тому українські греко-католицькі єпископи під час Синоду Єпископів в Україні також прониклися духом Дня вишиванки та сфотографувалися у різноманітних вишиванках.
Цей щорічний день розпочався як студентський рух в університетському місті Чернівці та швидко набув популярності й поширився по всьому світу. Частково це пояснюється тим, що одягання дивовижно оздобленого одягу є не стільки протестом проти несправедливості чи агресії, хоча інколи й це необхідно, скільки радісним і позитивним виявом гордості, єдності та духовної сили народу.
На мою скромну думку, це є жестом надії — незалежно від того, чи маєте ви змогу взяти участь у заході, присвяченому українській вишивці, чи просто вирішите носити її протягом дня у своїй парафії, школі, на роботі або під час щоденних справ. Також пропоную не втратити нагоди побачити у цьому можливість зустрітися та подякувати нашому Господу.
Яскравий і радісний вишитий одяг може нагадувати нам про «ризу спасіння», отриману під час Святого Хрещення, а також про дивовижне нове народження, дароване українському народові через Володимирове Хрещення Руси-України 988 року.
Одягання у яскраві сорочки та оздоблений одяг може також пригадати нам момент зі Святого Письма, коли Йосиф отримав від свого батька різнобарвний плащ як знак батьківської любові (Буття 37:3), благословення та призначення до великої місії для свого народу і для світу. Це яскраве вбрання стало для Йосифа джерелом радості, але водночас і причиною страждань через заздрість оточуючих. Однак Господь оберіг Йосифа від трагічної долі та дав йому можливість процвітати і, своєю чергою, допомагати навіть тим, хто хотів його відкинути чи знищити.
Яскраві райдужні кольори Йосифового одягу, так само як і заворожлива українська вишивка, можуть нагадувати нам про завіт благодаті, який Господь установлює зі Своїм улюбленим народом. Бувають часи темряви та невизначеності. Однак нам потрібно лише залишатися вірними Господу, в Ім’я Якого ми були охрещені понад тисячу років тому. Він знову проведе нас крізь глузування, зраду та покинутість до світлих днів надії та нового життя.
Сьогодні ж приєднаймося до нашого українського народу, який уже вступив у друге тисячоліття свого християнського буття, та носімо нашу вишиванку з гордістю, надією, вірою та впевненістю, що наш люблячий Господь — навіть якщо дозволить нам пройти через пустелі, близькі до відчаю — винагородить нашу вірність і стійкість радістю та світлом Своєї вічної любові.
Владика Михайло Квятковський Єпископ Нью-Вестмінстерської Єпархії
День вишиванки — 21 травня 2026 року
VYSHYVANKA DAY 2026
On the third Thursday of May, Ukrainian people and supportive friends throughout the world try to wear some embroidery as a testimony to the richness of our culture and as an affirmation of our identity and pride in who we are. Ukrainian Embroidery, together with Ukrainian Easter eggs – “pysanky” – are readily recognized throughout the world as among the most uplifting splendours of Ukrainian culture. Every work of embroidery, be it simple or elaborate, has profound meaning. As a Ukrainian proverb states, “Each stitch is like a grain in the field: sow with love, reap with beauty.”* Wearing it is always a statement of one kind or another. It is a joyful practice in which everyone enjoys participating. [A few years back, Ukrainian Catholic Bishops at a synod meeting in Ukraine got into the spirit of Vyshyvanka Day and posed in a variety of shirts.]
The actual annual day started as a students’ movement in the university town of Chernivtsi and caught on and spread quickly. Part of the reason being, because wearing amazingly decorated clothing is not so much a protest against injustice or aggression (which is also admirable when required), but a joyful and positive manifestation of pride and unity.
In my humble opinion, I believe it is a gesture of hope - whether you are able to participate in an event where Ukrainian embroidery will be celebrated or if you just decide to wear it throughout the day at your parish or at school or place of work or shopping. I also suggest that we be sure not to miss the opportunity to see this as an opportunity to encounter and thank our Lord.
The bright joyful embroidered clothing can remind us of the “robe of justice” received at our Baptism and, perhaps amazing new birth granted to the Ukrainian nation through the Volodymyran Baptism of 988.
Wearing brightly coloured shirts and jackets can remind us of the moment in the Sacred Scriptures when Joseph received the many-coloured coat from his father as a sign of the father’s favour (Genesis 37:3 ff) and as a blessing and designation for a great mission for his own people and for the world. The bright attire is a source of joy to Joseph, but also of suffering, because of the jealousy of those around him/ However, the Lord spares Joseph from a tragic fate and grants him an opportunity to flourish and in turn to help those who would have dismissed or destroyed him.
The bright rainbow-like colours of Joseph’s garment as with mesmerizing Ukrainian embroidery, can remind us of the covenant of grace that the Lord establishes with His beloved people. There may be times of darkness and uncertainty. Yet we need only remain faithful to our Lord into Whom we were baptised over a thousand years ago. He will bring us through ridicule, betrayal and abandonment into bright days again.
Today let us join our Ukrainian nation, well into our second millennium as a Christian people, and wear our vyshyvanka in pride, and hope and in faith and with the certainty that our loving Lord – even if He allows us to pass through deserts of near despair - He will reward our faithfulness and steadfastness with the joy and brightness of His eternal love.
Most Rev. Michael Kwiatkowski,
Bishop, Eparchy of New Westminster
Vyshyvanka Day - 21 May 2026
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* "Кожен стібок — мов зернятко в полі: з любов’ю посієш, красою пожнеш."
As we continue our Decade of Mission 2026 on our journey toward Pentecost, today we reflect on the importance of truly knowing God as the foundation of strong married and family life.
In today’s Gospel, Jesus speaks about a tragic spiritual paradox: “The time is coming when whoever kills you will think he is offering service to God” (John 16:2).
Christ explains the reason for this confusion very clearly: “because they have not known the Father, nor me” (John 16:3).
Today’s reflection is offered by Fr. Andrzej Wasylinko, who reminds us that knowing God is the beginning of understanding ourselves, others, and the true meaning of life.
When people lose a living relationship with God, they slowly begin to rely only on personal opinions, emotions, or convenience. Gradually, truth becomes relative, and people may become convinced they are doing what is right while unknowingly causing harm to themselves and to those around them.
This reality deeply affects marriage and family life. Many conflicts, resentments, and divisions arise not simply from weakness, but from forgetting to see family life through God’s truth and wisdom.
Without God: • selfishness can appear as “self-fulfillment,” • criticism can be mistaken for “honesty,” • and indifference can be excused as “being tired” or “too busy.”
Christ reminds us today that God Himself is the Creator of marriage and family. Only through a living relationship with Him can families remain strong, loving, and faithful.
To truly know God means more than simply believing He exists. It means allowing His presence to shape our thoughts, decisions, relationships, and daily life.
This relationship with God grows: • through family prayer, • through reading Sacred Scripture, • through participation in the Holy Mysteries, • and through living according to the Gospel each day.
Bishop Michael Kwiatkowski continues to encourage all faithful of our Eparchy to deepen their relationship with Christ during these Mission Days and to build their homes upon the truth, wisdom, and love of God.
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Tuesday, May 19 “Knowing God as the Foundation of Strong Married and Family Life” John 16:2–13 Reflection by Fr. Andrzej Wasylinko
📺 No video today.
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Missionary Tasks for Today:
Personal level: Ask the Lord to enlighten your heart and mind, so that you may honestly see your own faults, avoid self-deception, and recognize God’s truth in your life.
Parish level: Ask your priest how you can participate in communal Scripture reading and grow together in God’s Word as a parish family.
Mission level: Support a family struggling with resentment, addictions, or spiritual distance from God through prayer, encouragement, and personal witness.
May God enlighten our hearts with His truth. May our families be built not on pride or convenience, but on the wisdom and love of the Gospel. And may the Holy Spirit guide us to live in unity, humility, and faithfulness to Christ.
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Tuesday, May 19
“Knowing God as the Foundation of Strong Married and Family Life” John 16:2–13 — Fr. Andrzej Wasylinko
In today’s Word of God, the Lord speaks about one of the most dangerous paradoxes of human life. It consists in this: a person may be convinced that they are serving God by their actions, while in reality opposing Him: “The time is coming when whoever kills you will think he is offering service to God” (John 16:2). Christ explains the reason for such a tragic mistake very simply: “because they have not known the Father, nor me” (John 16:3).
Knowing God is the starting point for a correct understanding of oneself, others, and all of life. When a person loses a living connection with God, they gradually lose the ability to clearly distinguish between good and evil. They begin to build life based only on their own ideas, feelings, or convenience. Here lies a great danger: a person becomes their own measure of truth. Good and evil become relative, and truth depends on mood, emotion, or personal benefit. The greatest tragedy is not even that a person does evil, but that they often do not realize it, because they live without God.
How relevant this is in the context of marriage and family life. How many conflicts, resentments, and misunderstandings arise because people are absolutely convinced of their own rightness, yet fail to see their own faults. In family life, it is easy to replace God’s truth with personal interpretations: calling selfishness “self-realization,” constant criticism “standing for truth,” or indifference “fatigue” or “lack of time.”
Thus arises the very paradox Christ speaks of: people may think they are doing what is right and even caring for the good of the family, while in reality gradually destroying it. This happens when a person stops truly knowing God. Without Him, we begin to see not only the world, but also our own marriage and family in a distorted way. Yet we must remember: God is the Creator of marriage, and His plan is the best foundation for family life.
What does it mean to “know God”? In the biblical sense, it is not simply knowing information about Him, calling oneself a believer, or performing certain religious practices. It means having a living relationship with God that shapes our thinking, influences our decisions, and gradually determines our way of life. In the family, this relationship is built through common prayer, reading Sacred Scripture, and full participation in the life of the Church.
Let us ask the Lord today to enlighten our hearts with the truth about Himself and our family life, to free us from self-deception, and to teach us to see others with His eyes. May God help us build our families not on pride or stubbornness, but on the truth, love, and wisdom of the Gospel.
Missionary Tasks:
Personal level: Ask the Lord to enlighten your heart and mind, so that you may honestly see your own faults, avoid self-deception, and distinguish God’s truth from what only appears to be truth.
Parish level: Ask your priest how you can concretely participate in organizing communal Scripture reading in the parish, to grow together in God’s Word and learn to live it daily.
Mission level: With love, support a family struggling with resentment, addictions, or spiritual distance from God—through prayer, a kind word, and personal witness—helping them rediscover God’s truth and the path back to Him.
“May the Lord from Zion bless him, and may he see the good fortune of Jerusalem all the days of his life.” (from the ordination ceremony)
On the Sunday of the Holy Fathers of the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea, 17 May 2026, a wonderful event took place at our parish church in Richmond. Subdeacon Christopher Chiu was ordained to the diaconate at a Divine Liturgy and ceremony which was anticipated by considerable preparation.
Deacon Christopher was ordained to minor orders just over a year ago at the Eparchial Cathedral of the Holy Eucharist in New Westminster. Since then, he continued his program of studies and preparation until he, together with his parish priest, Fr. Richard Soo, SJ, decided upon this date for ordination and to begin the diaconal ministry in his parish.
The Dormition of the Mother of God Parish in Richmond, British Columbia, known throughout the lower mainland as the Eastern Catholic Church, is truly as stated on the parish website, “a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural, & multi-generational congregation, rejoicing in the fullness of Christian faith & worship”. An example of this is that the Epistle was read in English as well as Mandarin and Cantonese. The joy and family spirit of the parish was experienced by all throughout the liturgical services and the reception that followed in the parish centre.
To lead the responses and propers the well-trained singers and readers of the parish were joined by some singers and servers from other parishes in the area for an inspiring full hierarchical Divine Liturgy and ordination ceremony at which the congregation joyfully shouted “Aksios!” for Deacon Chris. The reception that followed included an all-you-could-possibly-eat buffet of excellent Chinese food, Ukrainian cakes and warm fellowship.
Among the congregation were, of course, Deacon Christopher’s wife Joyee and three daughters, several family members who came for this special occasion, as well as Sisters Angelica and Janice of the Sisters Servants of Mary Immaculate and friends. The vast majority of the capacity crowd, were, of course, the parishioners who were thrilled and grateful that one of their own was called and agreed to serve Christ’s Church in the diaconal ministry.
Most Reverend Michael Kwiatkowski, the bishop of the Eparchy of New Westminster, expressed his joy at having the opportunity to pray with the vibrant parish community and to ordain Deacon Christopher. In his homily he spoke extensively about vocations to clerical ministry and consecrated life. He invited all present to pray for vocations, but also to look into their own hearts and ask if the Lord might not be calling some of them. He said that he hoped that every parish would one day have at least one deacon to enhance the pastoral life and liturgical prayer.
Among the clergy were Father Joe Ostopowich, Fr. Alan Wizinsky and Subdeacons Ryan Bjorgaard and Adrian Kopystynski. The parish priest, Fr. Richard Soo, oversaw the preparations and served as the Archdeacon for the ordination rite. Father Richard will soon also receive a recognition for his many years of dedicated and ongoing priestly ministry when elevated to Archimandrite later this month.
The whole eparchy joins with those gathered at Richmond in exclaiming Axios! Please keep Deacon Christopher in your prayer as he begins this new important service of diaconal ministry!
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P.S. A UNIQUE CROSS. The parish has a special place in its heart for the people of China and Hong Kong in particular as they pray at every liturgy for peace and justice in Hong Kong and for the freedom of several activists in particular. The hand cross presented to Bishop Michael when he entered the church and which he used for most of the service, is extremely special. As one parishioner from Singapore explained: it is the cross that was used at the St. Francis Chapel on the square during the “Umbrella Movement” protests in Hong Kong (nine months after the “Maidan” movement in Ukraine) and on the back of the Cross is the Umbrella logo and the Chinese text that reads, “we want general universal suffrage” that signifies that they want to vote for candidates of the people’s choosing, not the authority’s choosing. It was given to parish pastor Fr. Richard to bring back to Canada as the parish was already so involved in uniting many people in praying for peace and justice.
As we continue our Decade of Mission 2026 on our journey toward Pentecost, today we reflect on Christ as the true Vine, the source of life, strength, and fruitfulness for every Christian family.
In today’s Gospel, Jesus reveals the profound image of the vine and the branches, teaching His disciples that they can bear fruit only if they remain united with Him: “I am the vine, you are the branches” (John 15:5).
Today’s reflection is offered by Fr. Yuriy Sakvuk, who reminds us that the true strength of marriage and family life does not come simply from human effort, emotions, or material stability, but from a living union with God.
In today’s world, many families try to build happiness relying only on human resources and personal strength. Yet over time, even the strongest intentions can weaken under the weight of difficulties, exhaustion, and uncertainty. Christ teaches us that no family is self-sufficient. Like branches connected to the vine, every marriage and family receives life, strength, and endurance only through remaining united with Him.
A fruitful Christian family is built:
through prayer together,
through listening to the Word of God,
through participation in the Holy Mysteries,
and through raising children in faith and love for God.
Christ also reminds us that even fruitful branches are pruned so that they may bear even greater fruit. Trials and hardships do not mean God has abandoned a family. Often, they become moments of purification, growth, and deeper trust in Him.
The true secret of a strong family is not perfect circumstances, but remaining faithful to Christ through every joy and every trial.
Bishop Michael Kwiatkowski continues to encourage all faithful of our Eparchy to deepen their relationship with Christ during these Mission Days and to strengthen family life through prayer, faith, and participation in the life of the Church.
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Monday, May 18 “The Vine and the Branches: The Secret of a Living and Fruitful Family” John 14:27–15:7 Reflection by Fr. Yuriy Sakvuk
📺 Please find today’s video reflection below: https://youtu.be/J_hBWd_J2Qw
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Missionary Tasks for Today:
Personal level: Ask yourself: Am I truly living in unity with Christ? How is this expressed concretely in my life?
Parish level: As a family, commit to regular participation in parish services and the Holy Mysteries, building your life on a living relationship with God.
Mission level: Support a family going through difficulties—through words, prayer, or concrete help—witnessing that even in trials, life with Christ bears fruit.
May Christ, the true Vine, keep our families united in faith and love. May our homes bear the lasting fruits of peace, sacrifice, and holiness. And may the Holy Spirit strengthen every family to remain firmly rooted in God.
As we continue our Decade of Mission 2026 on this Sunday journey toward Pentecost, today we reflect on Christ’s prayer for His disciples and for every family called to live in God’s truth and unity.
In today’s Gospel, Jesus offers His High Priestly Prayer to the Father: “I pray for them; I do not pray for the world, but for those whom You have given Me” (John 17:9).
These words remind us that Christ continually intercedes for those who open their hearts to God and strive to remain faithful to His word.
Today’s reflection is offered by Fr. Stepan Vytvytskyi, who reflects on the Christian family as a “domestic church” — a place where God lives and acts through prayer, love, unity, and service.
In a world often distracted from God, Christian families are called to become living witnesses of faith. The strength of a family is not found only in human affection, but in daily life rooted in God’s presence.
A family becomes a true domestic church:
through shared prayer,
through reading Sacred Scripture,
through participation in the Holy Mysteries,
and through living love with patience, forgiveness, and sacrifice.
The home is also the first school of faith, where children first encounter God through the example and witness of their parents.
A domestic church is not closed in on itself, but open to others:
through hospitality,
through helping those in need,
and through sharing God’s love with neighbors and the wider community.
Bishop Michael Kwiatkowski continues to invite all faithful of our Eparchy to use these Mission Days as a time of renewal for our homes, families, and parish communities.
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Sunday, May 17 “The family is called to be among those for whom Christ prays” John 17:1–13 Reflection by Fr. Stepan Vytvytskyi
📺 Please find today’s video reflection below: https://youtu.be/toqSmrt4PHc ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
Missionary Tasks for Today:
Personal level: Take a few minutes for personal prayer and ask God to help your family become a true domestic church.
Parish level: Support the work of your priest in educating children by living your faith at home.
Mission level: Show hospitality or help another family through support, attention, or a good deed — so that through you, others may feel God’s love.
May our homes become places where Christ is welcomed daily. May our families grow in prayer, unity, patience, and love. And may we become living witnesses of God’s presence in the world.
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Sunday, May 17
“The family is called to be among those for whom Christ prays” (John 17:1–13) — Fr. Stepan Vytvytskyi
The Scripture passage assigned for today is the beginning of the so-called High Priestly Prayer of Jesus in the Gospel of John. In a way, it is a theological summary of Christ’s life and mission before His Passion.
A special feature of this prayer is that much of it is devoted to His disciples: “I pray for them; I do not pray for the world, but for those whom You have given Me, for they are Yours” (John 17:9).
These words reveal Jesus’ unique intercession for those who believe in Him. When He says “I do not pray for the world,” it does not mean God does not love the world. In John’s Gospel, “the world” often refers to a reality closed to God.
Thus, Jesus prays especially for those who have opened themselves to God’s word — that they may remain in truth and unity with the Father.
How important it is today that every Christian family be not part of a world closed to God, but among those for whom Christ prays.
According to God’s plan, the family is called to be a “domestic church” — a place where God’s presence lives. The strength of a family is not in human feelings alone, but in living by God’s word and belonging to the community of believers.
What does it mean in practice to be a “domestic church”?
to make everyday life a place of encounter with God
through shared prayer
through reading Scripture
through participation in the Sacraments
The family is also the first school of faith, where a child first comes to know God through the living witness of parents.
Without this, even the best teaching can remain only theory. But when a family lives the faith, even simple words bear fruit.
To be a domestic church also means to become a place of real love — not perfect, but alive. This love should follow Christ’s example:
sacrificial
faithful
patient
forgiving
serving
Here true unity is born — a unity that reflects the unity for which Christ prays.
Finally, the domestic church is not closed in on itself but open to others — through hospitality, sharing, and helping those in need. In this way, the family becomes a living witness of God’s love in the world.
So let us open our families to God’s word and make them true “domestic churches,” living in prayer, love, and unity, and becoming those for whom Christ prays.
Mission tasks
Personal level: Take a few minutes for personal prayer and ask God to help your family become a true domestic church.
Parish level: Support the work of your priest in educating children by living your faith at home.
Mission level: Show hospitality or help another family through support, attention, or a good deed — so that through you, others may feel God’s love.
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