The warm lower hall of Holy Eucharist Cathedral in New Westminster was the setting for the Second Annual Bishop’s Fundraising Gala for the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of New Westminster. Although some attention was given to Bishop Michael as it was his name day (Archangel Michael) and his anniversary of episcopal consecration (2023), the main goal this year was to raise funds for youth and children’s programs and projects. The main project being an extended, two-week (or more), Saint Volodymyr Summer Camp.
This year’s gala was a bit more streamlined than last year. However, it still included a refreshment reception, a gourmet dinner, musical performances, a “living sacred art” experience and, of course, Saturday evening vespers.
Holy Eucharist Cathedral’s Director of Development, Iryna Dzobko, spearheaded the organization of the event. The amazing hors d'oeuvres for the wine reception and the truly gourmet dinner were prepared by Tetyana Korobanova. The meal was served by the very elegantly dressed members of the Eparchial Youth who volunteered as a support for their eparchy!
Amazing music was provided by two very talented young musicians – pianist Lev Panchenko and Liubomyr Prysyazhnyi on the saxophone. The Master of Ceremonies was Chancellor Rev. Dr. Yuriy Sakvuk, assisted by his wife, Dobrodiyka Maria Sakvuk.
One of the unique highlights of the evening was what was promoted as a “living sacred art” experience. Artist Serhii Kolodka, made a painting of Christ as the Sower in the Parable (Luke 8:5-15). In the painting Christ is holding up a single seed and is about to plant it. Serhii explained that the seeds are us, and the Lord regards each and every seed as very special and worthy of His attention and loving care. Well, the painting was not finished. Besides some additions to the overall composition, there was a text that was not really visible to the eye. But it was there. The text was prepared to receive gold leaf so that, when the gold was applied, the text would be visible and shine for all to see. Guests were invited to come forward, if they liked, to help complete the painting. For a donation of their choosing they could come forward, and brush-on some gold leaf onto the pre-glued (?) lettering… a few letters at a time. Slowly the text became clear. This way, the donors contributed, in real time, toward the completion of this painting that would be placed in a church for generations to come.
Some special presentations were made by a few organizations – one by the President Olga Prodan of the Ukrainian Canadian Advocacy Group, by Olga Zarudina of the Vancouver Branch of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress and by State Deputy Edgar Nacar of the Knights of Columbus of British Columbia and the Yukon. Elvira Mruchkovska, former UCC-Vancouver president also made a presentation on behalf of her family.
Bishop Michael Kwiatkowski thanked everyone for coming out to support the Eparchy of New Westminster. He explained that their generosity this year would go toward Children’s programs, such as catechesis and other educational efforts, but especially toward the summer program of the Eparchial Saint Volodymyr Children’s Camp which the Eparchy intends to revise and enhance to make it even more fun, safe and educational.
Everyone was invited to join Bishop Michael for the Saturday evening vespers upstairs in the Cathedral Church and/or stay as long as they pleased. Everyone enjoyed the warm and welcoming atmosphere of the evening that was also interspersed with some very inspirational videos about children’s events and Bishop Michael’s second anniversary as the Bishop of New Westminster.
This Gala is one of two Gala events planned this year! So that people in the interior of British Columbia can also participate, a second Gala is being held at the Dormition of the Mother of God Parish Centre in Kelowna on Saturday 15 November 2025. Bishop’s Fundraising Dinner. TICKETS STILL AVAILABLE! All are invited to attend!
