The people you run into when checking out the new coffee place in New Westminster’s ‘uptown’. After concelebrating the Divine Liturgy at Holy Eucharist Cathedral, Bishop Michael, Chancellor Yuriy Sakvukand cantor Volodymyr Mykhalyshyn decided to go for a morning coffee somewhere nearby. Volodymyr heard about a new JJBean Coffee Roasters coffee house that opened at the new 29-story residential building on 6th Street. Just an extra block further down.
Well, there at an outdoor patio table was New Westminster Mayor Patrick Johnstone, who recognized this Ukrainian Catholic group from attending Ukrainian events. When inside making our order of cappuccinos and pastries, who walks in? The Member of Parliament for this little piece of Canada - Jake Sawatzky with some staff. With both these civic leaders, We chatted a bit about the upcoming New West Fest ’26 which is hosted by our Cathedral where a special announcement may be made about the Ukrainian city of Ivano-Frankivsk and our city of New Westminster!
The VIP run-ins weren’t over. When we returned to the chancery offices, who was there? The now famous “Fluffy” - the, well, fluffy, corgi of the above-mentioned Volodymyr who lives up in the guestrooms. Fluffy has become a big hit with the children that are participating in the summer day-camp being hosted here at our Bishop Jerome Eparchial Centre.
