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, 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, 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 of Hong Kong, and his continuous prayer and public manifestations for an end to the war in Ukraine.
Bishop Michael Kwiatkowski, 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 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 led the responses. When the time for the elevation ceremony came, the Rt. Reverend Archpriest Fr. Joe Ostopowich functioned as the Archdeacon who presented Fr. Richard. The Vice-Chancellor from the Eparchy of Toronto, V. Rev. Roman Lobay read His Beatitude’s Decree as well as a greeting from the Bishop of Toronto, Bishop Bryan Bayda, C.Ss.R. 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 (“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)
