# ELEVATION OF ARCHIMADRITE RICHARD SOO: A JOYOUS DAY

- Link: https://nweparchy.ca/2026/06/elevation-of-archimadrite-richard-soo-a-joyous-day/
- Published: 2026-06-06T14:22:37-07:00
- Author: Website

On May 27, Holy Eucharist Cathedral in New Westminster was the site of a very rare
and special event for the Church. By decree of the Father and Head of the Ukrainian
Greek Catholic Church, His Beatitude [**Sviatoslav**](https://ugcc.ua/en/head/biography/),
and with due consent of his monastic superiors, Father Richard Soo, SJ was elevate
to the status of “Archimandrite” in the presence of clergy, religious and many faithful
who all came out to exclaim their heartfelt “Aksios!”.

Father Richard, a priest of the [**Society of Jesus**](https://www.jesuits.global/),
has dedicatedly served the Ukrainian Catholic Church in various eparchies – including:
a pastor, chancellor, vicar general, syncellus and retreat master, etc. - for many
years. His service is always marked with excellence, kindness and a great sense 
of humour. Aside from his ecclesial work, he is well known for his successful Evangelical
outreach to the Chinese community and beyond. Wherever he has served, his love for
the Eastern Catholic churches and prayer is extended to everyone. His present ministry
in Richmond is a typical example – his services are attended by grateful Ukrainian
newcomers, enthusiastic members of the Chinese community, and members of Iranian,
Egyptian and other backgrounds. All are welcome. Fr. Richard has also been outspoken
regarding human rights abuses in China - notably his standing with the people in
relation to the [**Umbrella Movement**](https://www.rfa.org/english/news/china/hong-kong-umbrella-protest-anniversary-china-occupy-central-09252024155635.html)
of **Hong Kong**, and his continuous prayer and public manifestations for an end
to the [**war in Ukraine**](https://www.gaudiumpress.ca/a-disgrace-for-humanity-ugcc-major-archbishop-sviatoslav-shevchuk-reflects-on-ukraines-fourth-year-of-war/).

Bishop [**Michael Kwiatkowski**](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Kwiatkowski_(bishop)),
of the Eparchy of New Westminster, led the ceremony with the assistance many others.
The ancient Akathist prayer service in praise of the Theotokos, was led by Vicar
General, Fr. [**Mykhailo Ozorovych**](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L5SOSdb8fPw)
and was concelebrated by several other priests, deacons and subdeacons. A mixed 
group of singers from the Cathedral parish and Fr. Richard’s [‘Eastern Catholic’ parish of the Dormition of the Theotokos](https://easternchurch.wordpress.com/)
led the responses. When the time for the elevation ceremony came, the Rt. Reverend
Archpriest Fr. [**Joe Ostopowich**](https://nweparchy.ca/2024/06/rt-rev-joe-ostopowich-named-archpriest/)
functioned as the Archdeacon who presented Fr. Richard. The Vice-Chancellor from
the Eparchy of Toronto, V. Rev. [**Roman Lobay**](https://ucet.ca/team/fr-roman-lobay/)
read His Beatitude’s Decree as well as a greeting from the Bishop of Toronto, Bishop
[**Bryan Bayda**](https://ucet.ca/team/bishop-bryan-bayda/), C.Ss.R. Deacon [**Christopher Chiu**](https://nweparchy.ca/2026/05/ordination-of-deacon-christopher-chiu/),
who was recently ordained to the Diaconate in Fr. Richard’s parish, assisted by 
the subdeacons **Adrian** and **Ryan **and seminarian **Juan**, presented the insignia
of Archimandrite Richard’s new status.

As the congregation responded with an enthusiastic “Aksios!” (i.e. “he is worthy
of this honour and responsibility!”), Bishop Michael presented to Archimandrite 
Richard… the [**epigonation**](https://grokipedia.com/page/epigonation) _(“strap
on your **sword**… mighty in your splendour and goodness…. your right hand will 
lead you to victory…”)_… the pectoral **cross **_(“protect me Lord, Jesus Christ
by the sign of Your holy Cross…)_… and the **mitre **_(“… helmet of salvation…”)_.
Later, Fr. Richard received the **mantia** (cape) of an Archimandrite and a **staff**(
crozier), at which the Bishop said, _“Accept the crozier so that, supported by it,
you may tend your flock, for you will have to give an account for it to our God 
on the day of judgement”_.

It was a joyful occasion for the Eparchy and for the whole Church as not only a 
worthy priest was acknowledged for his years of service and continued ministry, 
but the faithful also gained a unique leader in the fulfilment of the mission of
Christ’s Church upon the Earth.

A wonderful reception was held just down the street at the **Bishop Jerome Eparchial
Centre**.

_(photos: Mary Jean Kwiatkowski, Volodymyr Mykhalyshyn)_

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