# BISHOPS GATHER IN EDMONTON FOR ANNUAL SEMINARY MEETINGS

- Link: https://nweparchy.ca/2026/11/bishops-gather-in-edmonton-for-annual-seminary-meetings/
- Published: 2026-11-01T21:14:05-07:00
- Author: Website

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The Ukrainian Catholic Bishops of Canada met for their annual meeting about our 
seminary in Canada. The seminary meeting was combined with a regular gathering of
the bishops to discuss pastoral and administrative matters of the Ukrainian Catholic
Metropolia in Canada. Those attending were Bishop **David Motiuk** of Edmonton, 
Bishop **Bryan Bayda**, CSsR of Toronto, Bishop **Michael Smolinski**, CSsR of Saskatoon,
Bishop **Andriy Rabiy** of Winnipeg and Bishop **Michael Kwiatkowski** of New Westminster-
Metropolitan-elect of Winnipeg.

[**Holy Spirit Seminary**](https://www.holyspiritseminary.org/about/) was established
in the nation’s capital Ottawa in 1981 and made its home in the former scholasticate
of the Basilian Fathers and then, as the number of seminarians grew, to a former
Augustinian monastery. In 2018, the whole seminary program moved across the country
to Edmonton, Alberta and took up residence at the former House of Studies of the
Basilian Fathers under a rental agreement. Since then, the Bishops, or rather the
Seminary Foundation, have decided to purchase the facilities, giving the seminary
a more rooted location.

At this meeting for seminary matters, seminary staff prepare and provide reports
on a variety of matters – formation program, including academic, financial status
and special projects. The Rector of the seminary, Fr. **Julian Bilyj** reported 
on much of the information, while Bishop David Motiuk provided detailed financial
reports. The Director of Spiritual Formation, Fr. **Mark Bayrock**, gave a detailed
report all the activity and goals associated with spiritual formation.

The Bishops had ample opportunity to meet with the seminarians at mealtimes, in 
the beautiful chapel for Liturgy and vespers as well as large liturgical events 
outside the seminary. One major event was the inauguration of a special program 
of [**Eastern Christian Theology Courses**](https://newman.edu/eastern-christian-theology-programming/)
at Newman Theological College. The highlight of the three events was an amazing 
hierarchical Divine Liturgy, presided over by local Bishop David Motiuk, at St. 
Basil the Great Ukrainian Catholic church. The bishops were joined by priests and
clergy and a special 70-person choir – including the seminarians – directed by Dr.
Melanie Turgeon.

The seminarians also sang the Vespers at St. Josaphat Cathedral on Saturday evening
and the Divine Liturgy the following Sunday morning. Metropolitan-elect Michael 
Kwiatkowski was the main celebrant and was joined by Bishop David Motiuk and Bishop
Michael Smolinski. In his homily Bishop Kwiatkowski spoke about the witness and 
courage of Metropolitan [**Andrew Sheptytsky**](https://ugcc.ua/en/church/history/metropolitan-andrey-sheptytsky/)
and Blessed Hieromartyr [**Theodore Romzha**](https://www.ncregister.com/cna/the-faithful-servant-of-christ-and-the-church-who-was-assassinated-by-soviet-communists)–
two heroes of the Church in Ukraine in the last century.

It was a pleasure to observe that the two seminarians from New Westminster Eparchy,
Alexander and Juan were very involved with the life of the Seminary – in particular
the liturgical life.

Please pray for the seminarians, pray for the development of the seminary and pray
for many more vocations – i.e. men who would have the insight and courage to explore
if the Lord is calling them to serve as priests in His Church.   

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